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Bonnie Hobbs

Stories by Bonnie

Fairfax: Looking Out for Children’s Safety

Fairfax City Council adopts bike-helmet ordinance.

Bicycle-riding children in the City of Fairfax will now be a bit safer, thanks to a helmet ordinance just adopted by the Fairfax City Council.

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ServiceSource Helps People with Disabilities

Nonprofit ServiceSource helps people with disabilities.

In one section of the ServiceSource Chantilly Center, music therapist Myra Goodrich leads a group of budding musicians playing a cheerful song.

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Fairfax: Chocolate Treats All Around

The Fairfax Chocolate Festival was Feb. 6-7.

Pictures from the Fairfax Chocolate Festival 2016.

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Fairfax: Bite Me Cancer Gets New Home

Nonprofit now headquartered in AFCEA building in Fair Lakes.

When Nikki Ferraro was just 17, she was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer. Since then, she’s fought it hard while also reaching out to help other teenagers battling the same disease.

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Chocolate Festival Returns Feb. 6-7 in Fairfax

When it comes to chocolate, the City of Fairfax does it up right.

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Fairfax: Improving a Major City Intersection

Work begins on the Kamp Washington project.

The City of Fairfax is making major improvements to the Kamp Washington intersection (Routes 236/Main Street, Route 29/Lee Highway and Route 50/Fairfax Boulevard) and its surroundings.

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Fairfax City Council Considers Future of Green Acres

Leaders also search for community center sites.

The Fairfax City Council is trying to figure out what to do with the Green Acres Center on Sideburn Road.

Fairfax: Full Speed Ahead for City Branding

Fairfax seeks the best way to promote itself.

During a work session last May, Fairfax City Council members discussed the creation of a City “brand” to better promote what Fairfax has to offer.

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Fairfax: Looking into the Future

Several development projects are on the horizon in the City of Fairfax.

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Christmas Comes to Hanley Shelter

Christmas came early at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, courtesy of the third annual Gift of Giving event.

City Council Honors Armistice Turtora

Field at Van Dyck Park is named after her.

For nearly six decades, Armistice Turtora has been actively involved in the City of Fairfax, and whatever she has done has improved it for the better

Fairfax Starts Work on ’FY 17 Budget

Preliminary projections forecast a $2.3 million shortfall.

The City of Fairfax’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget is not scheduled for adoption until April 2016. Yet work is already well underway toward crafting that proposed budget.

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University Drive in Fairfax Going on a Diet

It will have narrower travel lanes, center turn lane and bike lanes.

University Drive is going on a diet, but not the kind involving food. Instead, new markings will narrow the road’s travel lanes to make room for a center turning lane, plus a bike lane on each side.

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Encore Presents ‘Christmas in New York’

Encore Presents ‘Christmas in New York.’

If it is December, it is time for Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s annual holiday show. And this year’s Broadway-style, original musical – celebrating Encore’s 20th anniversary – is called “Christmas in New York.”

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Locals Honored for Attractive Yards

City presents 2015 Residential Appearance Awards.

Each year, the City of Fairfax’s Community Appearance Committee honors local homeowners who have particularly attractive yards.

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Relationships that are True-to-Life

Fairfax High presents the play, ‘Love/Sick.’

Fairfax High is the first high school to debut playwright John Cariani’s play, “Love-Sick.”

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Lunch with Santa, Caroling and Fun

City of Fairfax rings in the holiday season.

For festive fun for the whole family, the City of Fairfax is the place to be.

‘People Near Us Struggle to Eat’

Our Daily Bread needs community’s help for the holidays.

It is tough to be hungry anytime, but especially during the holidays. So Fairfax-based nonprofit Our Daily Bread (ODB) is seeking individuals, families, companies, churches and community groups to sponsor individuals or families for December holiday meals.

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America's Veterans Honored in Fairfax

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Honors America’s Veterans.

Veterans Day is more than a federal holiday. It is a time when people throughout the country remember and honor America’s military veterans and all they have done.

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Laughter, Chaos and Lots of Heart on Stage in Fairfax

CFTC presents ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.’

A hilarious comedy – with or without a meal – that’s the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

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Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne is Battling Cancer

‘This is Curable, so I’m staying positive’

City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne is no stranger to challenges. After all, he served 18 consecutive years on the City Council and is currently in his second, two-year term as mayor – including all the hard work and long hours that job entails.

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Fairfax: Paul VI High Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

It’s not your father’s Shakespeare; instead, it’s Paul VI High’s fresh, lively and modern take on the romantic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It’s the school’s Cappies play and will be performed Nov. 19-22.

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FoodRaiser at Fairfax High

Community helps fill Our Daily Bread’s food pantry.

The power of community was on full display Sunday afternoon as some 1,500 people came together on a Fairfax High athletic field to help Our Daily Bread (ODB) feed local families in need.

Woodson Fire Follow-Up

Garza, school reveal what’s next.

In the aftermath of Friday’s chemical fire at Woodson High, both Superintendent Karen Garza and Principal Scott Poole sent messages Monday to the parents. Stressing that the “safety of students and staff is always the top priority in our schools,” Garza directed the following actions be taken.

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Fire in Woodson High Chemistry Class Injures Six

‘Keep Those Injured in your Prayers’

Five students and a teacher were all injured in a fire last week after a chemical demonstration inside a Woodson High classroom went awry.

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Fairfax's Lamb Center breaks ground for new building.

‘God Had a Plan for Us’

There is nothing like a fresh, new beginning to invigorate the spirit, and that is just what The Lamb Center is getting. On Oct. 20, it broke ground on its future, new home.

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Fairfax: 22nd Annual Goblin Gallop is Oct. 25

Benefits families of children with cancer.

Halloween will soon be here, and that means it’s time for the 22nd annual Goblin Gallop. It’s set for Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.

City of Fairfax Approves Future Pay Raises for Mayor, Council

‘It’s Simply a Matter of Equity’

Everyone likes getting a raise, but the City of Fairfax’s hard-working mayor and City Council members haven’t received one since 1982 – some 33 years ago. So on Sept. 29, they approved a pay hike for the governing body that will succeed them in the May 2016 election.

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‘We Made a Difference’

Girls raise money for animal shelter.

Take two girls, add in compassion, determination and a love for animals, and the result is a successful fundraiser for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

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Helping People to Better their Lives

Lamb Center counts its blessings and celebrates.

Last week’s Lamb Center Celebration Banquet at the Waterford in Fair Oaks was aptly named. That is because this organization that ministers to the poor and the homeless has a great deal to celebrate.

Fairfax: Matthew Sentenced to Three Life Terms in Prison

‘Cruel and Savage Sexual Predator’

It took 10 years, but a former City of Fairfax resident got justice at last when the man who brutally assaulted and nearly killed her a decade ago finally received his punishment.

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Fairfax Reaches ‘A Significant Milestone in the Journey’ to Affordable Housing

City adopts an official affordable-housing policy.

The City of Fairfax welcomes developers wanting to build new homes here, but it also wants lower-income families to have places to live, too.

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Fairfax Fall Festival is This Saturday

Food, crafts, music, lumberjacks and fun.

Food, crafts, music, children’s activities, carnival rides and even a lumberjack show – they’re all part of the upcoming Fairfax Fall Festival. The 39th annual festivities are slated for this Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (rain date, Oct. 11) in downtown City of Fairfax.

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Fairfax Fall Festival on Oct. 10

Come one, come all to the 39th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (rain date, Oct. 11) in downtown City of Fairfax and promises fun for everyone.

Fairfax: Keeping Officers Happy and the Community Safe

Capt. Chris Marsh leads Fair Oaks District Station.

The Fair Oaks District Police Station is humming along smoothly, due to its officers as well as the man at the helm, Capt. Chris Marsh. Altogether, he’s worked nearly 23 years in the Fairfax County Police Department.

Fairfax: Council Hears about Two Road Projects

Both are geared toward future development.

In 2014, Gov. McAuliffe signed House Bill 2 (HB2) into law. It requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to develop a prioritization process for making funding decisions for the statewide Six Year Improvement Program.

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Duck Donuts Opens in the City of Fairfax

At first glance, Duck Donuts seems like a funny name for a doughnut shop. But those familiar with the legendary doughnut store in Duck, N.C. – from which it gets its name – know it’s the real deal.

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Fairfax City Council Approves Project to Build 80 Condos

Although there were problems along the way, the Fairfax City Council last week gave the go-ahead for a residential development called The Enclave to be built at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road.

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Fairfax: Enjoying Music, Relaxation and Fun

Customers create like crazy at Paint Your Own Pottery.

Sporting the slogan, “Create Like Crazy,” Paint Your Own Pottery is proving to be popular with both individuals and groups as a destination for fun. And it’s right in downtown Fairfax.

Fairfax: ‘Privileged to Join the Lanier Family’

Lenart takes reins at middle school.

Erin Lenart, Lanier Middle School’s new principal, always pictured herself as an educator. Raised in Tennessee, her first dream was to become a teacher.

City of Fairfax Fire Chief Dave Rohr Retires

When Dave Rohr says he and his brothers were “always interested in public safety,” it’s definitely an understatement. All three have had long careers with the Fairfax County Fire Department, and now Rohr, 55, just retired as the City of Fairfax’s fire chief.

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Fairfax: Social Painting Can Be an Art

City of Fairfax resident mixes food, drink, art lessons and fun.

When Luc Atangana came to the U.S. from his native Cameroon, Africa, little did he expect to someday make his living as an artist. But that’s exactly what the City of Fairfax resident is doing.

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Fairfax City Council Greenlights Old Lee Highway Survey

Questions about project’s scope still remain.

The results are in and City of Fairfax residents have now given their opinions on how best to improve Old Lee Highway. So the Fairfax City Council has authorized a survey of the entire corridor to obtain more information before going further with the project.

Fairfax City Intends to Rewrite its Comprehensive Plan

The City of Fairfax’s Comprehensive Plan is a blueprint for future development.

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Fairfax: ‘Master Plan Wasn’t Finished Document’

City Council, Planning Commission discuss Fairfax Boulevard’s future.

In April 2012, the City of Fairfax adopted the Master Plan vision for the redevelopment of Fairfax Boulevard. It transformed this 3.5-mile corridor from transportation-oriented to more pedestrian friendly.

Fairfax: New Funding Rules for Road Projects

City must amend its Comprehensive Plan to qualify for state money.

There are now new rules jurisdictions have to follow to get state money for transportation projects. So if the City of Fairfax wants to obtain future funding, it’ll have to make some changes.

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Fairfax Residents Have Concerns about 80-Condo Project

Worried about water runoff, building height and view.

Although IDI-RJL Development LLC hoped the Fairfax City Council would green-light its condo project in June, both the Council members and local residents voiced many concerns.

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Fairfax: Family, Friends Raise Cancer-Research Funds in Jimmy Breslin’s Name

A Fairfax County firefighter for 28 years, Jimmy Breslin died of cancer last year at age 55, but he’s never far from the thoughts of his friends and family. And in tribute to him, they raise money for and participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Lower Water Bills for City of Fairfax Residents

Fairfax Water equalizes rates 18 months earlier than expected.

Usually, as time goes on, people end up paying higher prices for everything. But that’s not the case for residents of the City of Fairfax. From now on, their water bills will be lower.

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City of Fairfax Theatre Company Presents “Hairspray”

Good morning, Baltimore. It’s 1962 and overweight white teen Tracy Turnblad is thrilled when her dancing talent lands her a spot on the Corny Collins TV show.