Friday, October 28
Wigging Out at Union Mill
Teachers, staff wear colorful hair in support of Melissa Kees.
Sure, teachers at Union Mill Elementary wear candy-colored wigs on Fridays. But that doesn’t mean they’re not serious about educating their students — it shows they’re standing by a colleague.
From Home-Based to Storefront Business
It began with a cheesecake contest at Greenbriar West Elementary School.
Longtime Fairfax resident Kimberly McDonald is proof that there is more than one way to forge a path toward success.
Roundups
Roundups
Donating Care Bags
Donating Care Bags
New SCA Officers
Poplar Tree Elementary School inducted SCA officers and representatives on Oct. 20.
Local Writers Honor Students
The Writers of Chantilly, a not-for-profit organization of local professional and aspiring writers in Chantilly, honored the winners of the 4th Annual Student Writing Contest.
Police Respond To Fatal Crash
Fair Oaks Police District officers responded to the report of a crash on Sully Road (Route 28) near Lee Jackson Memorial Highway (Route 50), Friday, Oct. 21.
Training Service Dogs
Family opens its home and heart to future assistance dogs.
The Deely family of six, longtime Centreville residents, have been puppy raisers with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) since 2008.
Having Adventures, Finding a Family
Alliance Theatre presents “James and the Giant Peach Jr.”
To Go Show times are: Nov. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., at Mountain View High School, 5775 Spindle Lane (off Braddock Road) in Centreville. For ticket prices and other information, go to www.thealliancetheatre.org.
Thursday, October 27
Fairfax County: Breaking Down the Bonds
County seeks authorization to finance transportation and parks projects, and human services and community development facilities
Fairfax County will try to make the most of voters’ time on election day Nov. 8, having them weigh in not only on the Presidential and Congressional elections, but also proposed Constitutional amendments, a referendum and bond questions.
Fairfax County: Garza FCPS Departure Impacts Stuart Name Change Working Group
Responding to a student-led group petitioning to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, the Fairfax County Public Schools board voted over the summer to create a working group that would consider the community concerns and look into the logistics of a potential name change.
Week in McLean
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Wednesday, October 26
Classified Advertising October 26, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 25
Reject the Meals Tax
“A closer look at school spending shows the intentions of the School Board are to delve into more political correctness and social engineering.”
A “no” vote will send a message to the county Board of Supervisors that higher taxes should not be routine, and that county leaders must focus on better management, and more importantly, the School Board, more efficiency, and greater respect for taxpayers.
Bulova: Vote Yes
A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.
Friday, October 21
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Thursday, October 20
Clifton: At-Risk Youth Teach Sheriff’s Deputies Horsemanship Skills
Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program partners with Alternative House and Sheriff’s Office for pilot program.
Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputies tread carefully as local youth led them around an obstacle course they’d designed, blindfolded. Others were taught horse safety by their young coaches.
Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT
Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains
On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.
Wednesday, October 19
Centreville Letter: Heartfelt Thanks
Letter to the Editor
Given such glorious weather, it was impossible for Centreville Day to be anything other than successful. Centreville Day may not be a huge event, but it has a big heart.
Centreville Letter: Applauds HOME Act
Letter to the Editor
Many Fairfax County homeowners, like me, live in neighborhoods with community associations. We pay fees and assessments to the associations in addition to our county real estate taxes. I’m happy to do this, because the association ensures our community is maintained and property values are protected. It also provides services the county government doesn’t.
Centreville Letter: Support Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
Centreville Letter: Supporting Veterans
Letter to the Editor
The problems with veterans’ health care are well documented.
Chantilly Snapshot: ‘Best Open House’ Award
As part of Saturday’s open house at all Fairfax County Fire and Rescue fire stations, there was a competition among all the fire stations to win the "Best Open House" award. The award is given to a fire station in each of the seven battalions that best highlights this year’s Fire Prevention Week Theme along with being creative and making sure all visitors had a good time. For Battalion Three, Fire Station 15 in Chantilly won the award.
Chantilly Letter: Encouraging Trend
Letter to the Editor
Muslim athlete Rahaf Khatib has just made history by being the first woman in hijab to grace the cover of a U.S. fitness magazine.
Chantilly: That ‘It’ Moment
Mighty Marching Chargers compete at regional competition.
The 170-student strong Mighty Marching Chargers, Chantilly High School’s marching band, competed in the Bands of America Regional Championship at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Twenty-seven marching bands from nine states participated in the competition. The Mighty Marching Chargers placed fourth in their class and tenth in the finals round. They earned the highest score the band has ever earned in 15 years of competing in Band of America events.
Seeing the Childhood of an Iconic Character
Chantilly High presents “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Most people are familiar with the story of “Peter Pan,” but don’t know how he became the boy who never grew up. So Chantilly High is telling his prequel in its upcoming play, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Gathering Against Hunger
They measure, weigh and package food for Stop Hunger Now.
Besides feeding the soul, churches can also feed the body — literally. And on Sunday, Sept. 25, members of Centreville United Methodist Church (CUMC) did just that.
ONC, Kim Recognized at Centreville Day
Each year, the Centreville Day Planning Committee recognizes individuals or organizations making a difference in Centreville. This year’s awards, presented by Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) on Saturday, Oct. 15, went to Yom Chu Kim, Citizen of the Year, and Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC), Nonprofit Citizen of the Year.
Centreville Snapshot: Pirates, Parade, Scouts and Fun
Centreville Day was Saturday, Oct. 15.
Friday, October 14
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Clifton Primitive Baptist Church Re-Opens on Clifton Day
Oldest African American church in Fairfax County had been closed a decade.
Chuck Rusnak of Clifton stood in the middle of the Clifton Primitive Baptist Church, on all-original wooden floors laid in 1871 for an All-African American Church built on land donated by an emancipated slave.
Fairfax County: Lockard Named Interim Superintendent
Dr. Steven Lockard will take over for Dr. Karen Garza as Fairfax County Schools superintendent for the interim period while the School Board searches for her replacement.
Chantilly Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 19 homes sold between $700,000-$241,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: September, 2016
Centreville Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 93 Centreville homes sold between $975,000-$212,000.
Centreville Home Sales: September, 2016
Thursday, October 13
Recital to Support Art Scholarship Fund
Art Guild of Clifton will hold a vocal recital and art exhibit Oct 15 at 3 p.m., at Clifton Presbyterian Church, 12748 Richards Lane, Clifton. Free will donations will benefit the Mary Lee Peterson Art Scholarship fund and are tax deductible. Students are not expected to give donations.
Chantilly Snapshot: Celebrating 30 Years
Lees Corner Elementary celebrated its 30th anniversary on Friday, Sept. 30. Counselors Jenny Anderson and Rachel DiBartolo, music teachers Emily Messier and Leah Kmetz join Principal Bob D'Amato, Assistant Principal VaRonica Sloan and Dr. Frances Ivey, assistant superintendent, Region 5, with Lees Corner elementary students.
Centreville: ‘A Great Resource in our Community’
CIF event celebrates diversity, honors achievement.
The Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) is dedicated to helping local immigrants find work and better their lives. So it was fitting that the theme for its second annual dinner was “Celebrating Our Global Community.”
Come One, Come All to Centreville Day
Fun-filled, community celebration is this Saturday.
A fusion of community camaraderie, history and fun for all ages, the 24th annual Centreville Day celebration is this Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park, 5714 Mount Gilead Road (off Braddock Road, across Route 29 from the IHOP).
Wednesday, October 12
Classified Advertising October 12, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, October 7
From the Beginning to the End
982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.
Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.
Seminars on Downsizing
The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.
Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax
League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer
Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.
Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options
Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.
Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.
Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens
Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.
Thursday, October 6
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.
Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Wednesday, October 5
Chantilly: Boy Scout Golf Classic
Chantilly National Golf and Country Club hosted the 19th annual Sully District Boy Scout Golf Classic on Sept. 19.
Snapshot: Centreville Wildcats on Parade
Centreville High’s Homecoming Parade was Sept. 30 in Little Rocky Run.
See more Centreville High Homecoming Parade photos on Facebook.
Centreville Day: Parade, Pets, Music, Children’s Games
24th annual Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 15.
It’s time for sweaters, autumn leaves, pumpkin-spice lattes — and Centreville Day. This year’s event, the 24th annual, will be Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park, 5714 Mount Gilead Road (off Braddock Road, across Route 29 from the IHOP).
Centreville Day Sponsors
Almost all Centreville Day activities are free, thanks to the support of several vendors and sponsors, including the Korean Central Presbyterian Church, Apple Federal Union Bank, CPA Bryan Hunt, Historic Centreville Society, Centreville-Chantilly Rotary, American Disposal Services, Signarama of Centreville, Alpha Delta Kappa, Post 1995 of the American Legion, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Friends of Historic Centreville.
Centreville Day: Who Is Mrs. Spindle, Anyway?
And why are pirates roaming around at Centreville Day?
Mrs. Spindle has become something of a Centreville Day mascot, but the Friends of Historic Centreville, who organize the event, have no idea who she really is. Her photograph was taken in March of 1862, days after the Confederate Army had left Centreville. The Union Army claimed the town. Travelling with them was photographer George Barnard who worked in Mathew Brady’s studio.