Seeing the Childhood Of an Iconic Character
Woodson High presents “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Woodson High presents “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
City Manager Unveils Proposed FY18 Budget
Recommends real-estate tax rate stay the same
There’s good news for homeowners in the City of Fairfax: City Manager Bob Sisson’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018 is calling for no increase in the real-estate tax rate.
Up Where the Air is Rare
City’s fire-protection rating is among the nation’s highest.
When John O’Neal came to the City of Fairfax a year ago to become its new fire chief, one of his objectives was to improve the City’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire-protection rating.
Building Obstacles Fosters Learning
Daniels Run students make “American Ninja Warrior” creations.
Inspiration can come from many places and, for Daniels Run Elementary teacher Vicky Novak, it was spurred by a conversation between two of her first-grade students.
A Glimpse at Some Fairfax City CIP Requests
Department heads present their wish lists.
Next Tuesday, Feb. 28, City Manager Bob Sisson will present his proposed FY ’18 budget for the City of Fairfax. Among other things, it will include funds for some of the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) requested by various City entities.
'I Felt 'At Least I'm Somebody"
Centreville woman meets birth father after 45 years.
Tina Diep Carmichael and Joe Nguyen reunited.
Mmm, Mmm, Chocolate … and Then Some in Fairfax
The 25th annual Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival was Feb. 4-5.
The 25th annual Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival was Feb. 4-5.
David Meyer is Elected Mayor
The voting is over, the ballots have been tallied and David Meyer is the new mayor of the City of Fairfax.
A Weekend Full of Chocolate Fun in Fairfax City
City’s tastiest festival is Feb. 4-5.
The Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival is a dream-come-true for chocolate aficionados, and the 2017 extravaganza is this Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 5, from noon-4 p.m.
'Its Sadly Still Very Relevant'
Westfield High presents “The Laramie Project.”
In October 1998 in a prairie outside Laramie, Wy., college student Matthew Shepard, 21, was tied to a fence and beaten because he was gay.
Peanuts Characters Come to Life
CVHS presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Centreville High’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” will resonate with children and adults alike.
University Drive Extension Project Advances Slightly
Council votes to bring it to 30-percent design.
The Fairfax City Council has not completely approved the controversial University Drive extension...But the project inched forward slightly Tuesday night when the members voted to advance it to the 30-percent design stage.
Fairfax City Council Mulls Location of Community Center
Three or more sites are under consideration.
For more than a year, a committee has been researching potential sites for a community center in the City of Fairfax.
From City Council to Mayor: Candidates express their views on the issues facing Fairfax.
It was standing-room-only Monday night, Jan. 9, as some 140 residents packed a meeting room and spilled into the hall to hear the views of their candidates for Fairfax City mayor.
Fairfax Mayoral Candidates Tackle the Tough Questions
Forum held Monday night at City library.
Fairfax City Council members Michael DeMarco, David Meyer and Ellie Schmidt each hope to become the new mayor on Feb. 7.
Fairfax: What’s on the City’s Horizon
Multifamily homes and redevelopment
Planned are two, four-story buildings containing 80 condos. Sixteen of the units will be one-bedroom; 48, two-bedroom; and 16, three-bedroom. IDI-RJL Development LLC is building a residential development called The Enclave at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road. The site’s zoned commercial planned development, so both office and condo uses may exist on it.
Fairfax: ‘Just Pause and Don’t Do It’
Residents debate University Drive extension
The City’s proposal to extend University Drive has sparked strong feelings in Fairfax residents. They spoke both for and against it at the Nov. 1 community outreach meeting and before the Nov. 8 City Council meeting. But most of the speakers during Tuesday night’s public hearing were firmly opposed.
Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed
Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.
After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.
Fairfax City: >Red-Light Cameras for Three More Locations
The goal is to increase driver and pedestrian safety.
City Council has given Police Chief Carl Pardiny the go-ahead to have red-light cameras installed at three more City intersections.
Fairfax: Three Council Members Are Vying for Mayor
Politics
Three members of the Fairfax City Council have tossed their hats in the ring to become the City’s next mayor. Vying in the Feb. 7, 2017 special election will be Council members Michael DeMarco, David Meyer and Ellie Schmidt.
Fairfax: Holidays Come to City Concerts, Plays, Santa and S’mores
City of Fairfax ushers in the holiday season.
Christmas in the City of Fairfax is always special. And a full slate of activities from Dec. 3-19 is sure to make holiday spirits bright.
Fairfax: Getting into Holiday Spirit with Encore
Musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Undercover,’ takes the stage.
“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feel to it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynor van der Merwe. “There’s a strong storyline that sets up beautiful vocal and dance numbers that further tell the story. It’s a very entertaining show for the whole family. For two hours, the youngest to the oldest will be transported to a different world.”
Fairfax: Good Battles Evil in Magical World
CFTC presents ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’
It’s WWII in England when four siblings make their way to a world called Narnia through a magic wardrobe. There, they have all kinds of adventures, including defeating the White Witch, the self-proclaimed ruler of Narnia. That’s the premise of the City of Fairfax Theatre Co.’s upcoming production, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It’ll be presented Dec. 1-4 at Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main St. in Fairfax.
Fairfax: ‘More about Giving, than Receiving’
Britepaths seeks community’s holiday help for neighbors in need.
“We anticipate serving about 2,000 families, as opposed to 1,500 last year,” said Britepaths Executive Director Lisa Whetzel. “Normally, we share them with our other nonprofit partners. But what is concerning is that, this year, our partners are scaling back – so we’re in desperate need for people who want to become sponsors.”
Fairfax: Remembering America’s Veterans
OLLI holds annual event in their honor.
Drafted in 1944, Pelzner was trained as a diesel mechanic and assigned to the USS Alchiba supply ship. “We took supplies from the U.S. to the Mariana, Marshall and Caroline Islands and to the Philippines,” he said.
Fairfax: Taste of Fall Nets $80,000 for FACETS
Some 300 people participated in the 17th annual “A Taste of Fall with FACETS,” Nov. 5, at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax. And by evening’s end, they’d contributed more than $80,000.
Council gives go-ahead to Rust Curve project.
Rust Curve Project Gets ‘Green Light’
The Rust Curve proposal is controversial, with residents on both sides of the issue. But, believing in the many benefits it’ll bring, the Fairfax City Council has given it a green light. The project entails building a continuous brick sidewalk on the west side of Route 123/Chain Bridge Road between Old Town Fairfax and Rust Hill Place. It also replaces the drainage ditch and deteriorating sidewalk along Chain Bridge Road with a new, at-grade curb, gutter and sidewalk.
Fairfax: Paul VI Presents ‘Don’t Go Near the Water’
In an American embassy somewhere behind the Iron Curtain. The ambassador’s son, a bumbler, is running the embassy when three American tourists – parents and their 23-year-old daughter – run inside. They’re being chased by secret police who accuse them of spying and picture-taking. So they seek asylum and make plans to escape. Featuring a cast and crew of 50, Paul VI High presents the rollicking comedy, “Don’t Go Near the Water.” It takes the stage Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 17-20, in the school theater.
Attracting New Businesses, Improving the Economy
City of Fairfax establishes Technology Zone
The City Council has now established a citywide Technology Zone. Board Co-Chair Fred Cornett said, “Most cities of our size in Northern Virginia have Technology Zones – there are 40 total in the commonwealth. So to level the playing field, it would be beneficial to us to have a Technology Zone Ordinance to at least have what everybody else has in their tool kit.”
Fairfax Rotary Club Celebrates 85 Years
Serves people at home and abroad
“It’s about the Rotary motto, ‘Service above Self,’” explained Tuininga. “We also donate financially to the Boys and Girls Scouts programs and to the Fairfax Police Youth scholarship.” The Rotary Club of Fairfax had just 16 members when it was chartered in 1931 by local businessmen and community leaders. Today, it’s 75 members strong, has a long history of service to the City and just celebrated its 85th anniversary.
Having Adventures, Finding Family
Fairfax students are in ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’
When 10-year-old James loses his parents, he has to live with his two mean aunts. But things get better when he discovers a magic potion that grows a gigantic peach. Alliance Theatre’s upcoming musical, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” is about courage and self-discovery.
Fairfax: Four People Share Their Own Stories
They tell how the Lamb Center changed their lives.
During the Lamb Center’s banquet last week, the center’s assistant director, Patti Brown, said the guests inspire her every day. Four of them then shared their stories with those attending the event.
Fairfax: ‘A Place Where Hope Is Restored’
Community celebrates the Lamb Center’s blessings.
Each year, the Lamb Center in Fairfax holds a celebration banquet to acknowledge and appreciate its many blessings. This year, more than ever, it has a great deal to celebrate, and it did so last Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks.
Fairfax: ‘It’s a Place that Feels Like Home’
Cobbdale Assisted Living opens in Fairfax.
Cobbdale Assisted Living opened Sept. 1 in the City of Fairfax. But instead of being in an industrial-looking facility, it’s in a renovated home in a quiet, established, residential neighborhood.
Fairfax: Three Properties Are Recognized
Homeowners receive Residential Appearance Awards.
When it comes to homes, looks count – and three properties in the City of Fairfax were recently honored with Residential Appearance Awards. They were presented during the Sept. 13 City Council meeting by Kirk Holley, chairman of the Community Appearance Committee.
Fairfax Fall Festival is Saturday, Oct. 8
Promises entertainment and fun for all ages.
The City of Fairfax is the place to be this Saturday, Oct. 8, for the 40th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. (Rain date, Oct. 9). Admission is free and the live music will continue after dark. Vendors will be there from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the carnival runs until 8 p.m. and musicians will jam in Old Town Square until 8:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Honors Skeins
Names basketball court in Ratcliffe Park in his memory.
Harold Skeins was 78, but he was a fixture at Ratcliffe Park, happy to play basketball there as often as he could. His three-point shot was legendary, and he could hold his own with players young enough to be his grandchildren.
Fairfax: Music, Food, Crafts, Carnival and Fun
Fairfax Fall Festival is Saturday, Oct. 8.
Autumn is on its way and so is the 40th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 8, in downtown Fairfax and admission is free. Vendors will be there from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with the carnival running until 8 p.m. and musicians performing in Old Town Square until 8:30 p.m. (Rain date, Oct. 9).
First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton
Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'
Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.
Fairfax: Federal Funds Coming to Fire Department
Money is earmarked for training and staffing.
Two, good-sized chunks of money are coming to the City of Fairfax and its Fire Department, courtesy of the federal government. The funds are to be used for staffing and training.
Paul VI Site Challenge: Striking Right Balance
One plan preserves part of school; other creates a replica.
Since Paul VI High School will leave the City of Fairfax in 2020, plans are underway to redevelop its 18.5-acre site along Fairfax Boulevard. And last Tuesday, Sept. 6, developer IDI Group Cos. presented two possible design concepts to a joint work session of the Fairfax City Council and Planning Commission.
Popular Car Show Comes to Fairfax
Will be held on Labor Day on University Drive.
Labor Day in the City of Fairfax will be anything but ordinary. That’s because, for the first time ever, the hugely popular Clifton Lions Club Labor Day Car Show has moved to the City.
Fairfax: Looking Toward the Future
Multifamily homes and redevelopment.
Several development projects are either proposed or in the works in the City of Fairfax and its environs. Below are details about some of them:
Fairfax: Stombres Takes the Reins – For Now
Appointed interim mayor until after a February 2017 special election.
Before an overflow crowd Tuesday night, the Fairfax City Council named former City Councilman Steve Stombres to serve as interim mayor.
Fairfax: Remembering Harold Skeins
Family, community remember Harold Skeins.
Some 60 people gathered Sunday night on the basketball court in Fairfax’s Ratcliffe Park for a candlelight vigil in memory of Harold Skeins.
Fairfax: City Residents Have Their Say
Surprise, sadness in aftermath of Silverthorne’s arrest.
Scott Silverthorne was front and center at every City of Fairfax ribbon-cutting, new business opening, fundraiser and just plain fun event like Rock the Block or Fido Fest.
Fairfax: Small City, Big Scandal
Mayor arrested in sex-for-meth police sting.
If someone tossed a live, hand grenade in the middle of Fairfax, it potentially wouldn’t have caused as much damage or such utter shock and amazement as the news that Mayor Scott Silverthorne was arrested. And not for a traffic infringement, but for a felony involving group sex with men in exchange for drugs.