Christmas Comes to the Hanley Shelter
Police officers from the Fair Oaks District Station, plus students from Chantilly and Centreville high schools, helped bring Christmas to the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. On Dec. 19, they brought new, unwrapped toys to the Fairfax shelter, which serves mothers and young children.
Fairfax Academy Students Create Own Horror Films
All three levels of the Professional Television Production classes at the Fairfax Academy recently presented original horror films they created based on only two sentences given to them by their teacher, Matthew Balthrop, a new addition this year to the Fairfax Academy family.
Four Plays to Offer Drama and Comedy
Fairfax High presents Winter One-Act Festival.
Both comedy and drama will take the stage when Fairfax High presents its student-directed, Winter One-Act Festival. The curtain rises Thursday-Friday, Jan. 8-9, at 7:30 p.m. Four plays are offered; tickets are $5 at the door.
‘Children Are Going to Love These Books’
Scout donates original works to Hanley Shelter.
Eagle Scout projects are all about helping people, and Garrett Anderson’s project certainly fits the bill. Thanks to his efforts, children staying at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter now have 11 new and original books to read and enjoy.
Protecting Dogs in the City of Fairfax
City Council passes one-hour maximum tethering ordinance.
When the Fairfax City Council last week passed one of the most stringent tethering laws in the state, it pleased many residents and animal advocates. “It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of work,” said Fairfax resident Tim Parmly, who directs an equine-welfare group. “It’s an ordinance much-needed to protect the dogs in this City.”
Holiday Mischief at the North Pole
Encore presents musical show, “3 Days ’til Christmas!”
Reindeer, elves and dancing snowflakes are all part of the holiday joy in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s upcoming musical extravaganza, called “3 Days ’til Christmas!” it’ll be presented at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.
‘Every Storm Has its Challenges’
City of Fairfax prepares in advance for snow removal.
Because last winter was so severe, the City of Fairfax had to remove a larger amount of snow and ice than it had anticipated. Staff cleared nearly 40 inches of snow, costing $502,000 and causing a drain on city resources.
Christmas Cookies, Carols and Crafts
Children enjoyed lunch with Santa, Christmas music and holiday crafts, Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax.
‘Dream Come True’ for Lamb Center
City Council paves way for move to new site and building.
Since 1992, The Lamb Center in Fairfax has served as a place of refuge for the poor and homeless. It’s a daytime, drop-in shelter providing hot meals, showers, laundry services, and recovery and employment counseling.
Fairfax City Council Supports Lamb Center Project
During the Nov. 18 public hearing on The Lamb Center’s request to move to a new building in a different part of Fairfax City, people spoke on both sides of the issue.
Patient First Facility Heading to Fairfax
Will also provide inter-parcel access to shopping center.
Patient First is opening a walk-in medical facility in the City of Fairfax. It got the go-ahead last Tuesday, Nov. 18, from the Fairfax City Council, following a public hearing.
A Holiday Classic Comes to Life in Fairfax
“A Christmas Carol” offers dinner and a play.
A holiday classic comes to life in an intimate, dinner-theater setting when the City of Fairfax Theatre Co. and Truro Anglican Church present “A Christmas Carol.” Guided by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Ebenezer Scrooge will take a journey leading to his transformation and redemption.
City of Fairfax to Tackle Affordable Housing
Basically, the City of Fairfax’s affordable-housing policy is a work in progress. The City does have a policy but, as its leaders are finding out, it could use some tweaking. It has a flexible policy that between 5 and 12 percent of the total units built should be designated as affordable. But it makes a difference whether these homes are earmarked for those making 80 percent of the City’s median income of $107,000, or 60 percent.
'Not Guilty’ Pleas in Fairfax Crimes
Jesse Matthew slated for March 2015 trial.
On Oct. 20, a Fairfax County grand jury indicted Jesse L. Matthew Jr. in connection with a 2005 attack on a 26-year-old City of Fairfax woman. Last week, he officially entered his pleas in Circuit Court, and now the case against him is moving forward in the judicial system.
Fairfax City Residents, Businesses Ask for More Affordable Housing
There was standing room only last week when residents and elected officials poured into Fairfax Baptist Church’s fellowship hall to discuss affordable housing in the City of Fairfax. And that church’s pastor, the Rev. Henry Brinton, got right to the point.
Paul VI Presents ‘The Miracle Worker’
Based on the true story of Helen Keller, Paul VI High presents “The Miracle Worker.” It features a cast and crew of 60 and is the school’s Cappies play.
Woodson High Ushers in the Holidays with “White Christmas.”
Ringing in the holiday season is Woodson High’s production of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” It features a cast and crew of 65, plus a 25-person pit orchestra, and Director Terri Hobson says it’s spectacular.
Haunted House and Carnival in Chantilly
Screams and laughter were both part of Westfield High’s Haunted House and Carnival
Screams and laughter were both part of Westfield High’s Haunted House and Carnival, Oct. 29-30.
‘It’s a Privilege and an Honor’
Hosted by local church, Guatemalans visit Fairfax preschool.
For the past 10 years, the women of Fairfax Presbyterian Church have made a mission trip/cultural exchange to Guatemala. And in mid-October, some of the Guatemalan women they met came here to visit.
Steady Voter Turnout at Fairfax's Greenbriar East
More than a third of those registered there voted Tuesday.
Most voters at Greenbriar East Elementary (GBE) didn’t want to reveal specifics about which candidates they voted for on Tuesday, but they did share their reasons for casting their ballots, in general.
WWII History and a Mystery Unveiled
Fairfax volunteer’s book, “South Pacific Cauldron,” is published.
To patrons of the Fairfax Regional Library, Alan Rems is a familiar face. A 10-year volunteer there, he’s in the Virginia Room every Tuesday, helping people with genealogy matters. And last year, he received a pin for putting in 1,000 volunteer hours.
Proposal to Swap Offices for Condos
Part of a plan to redevelop Mantua Professional Center.
Nearly four acres of the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road are available for development, and the IDI Group Cos. hopes to build 80 condos there off Silver King Court. Details of the plan were presented during the Oct. 7 work session of the Fairfax City Council.
Colorful Costumes at Goblin Gallop
The 21st annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 26, at Fairfax Corner.
Colorful Costumes at Goblin Gallop
The 21st annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 26, at Fairfax Corner.
The 21st annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 26, at Fairfax Corner.
It’s ‘Like a Dream Come True’
Fairfax Police Chief Carl Pardiny eager to groom future leaders.
Col. Carl Pardiny was born and raised in Pittsburgh, but has spent nearly his entire, adult life with the City of Fairfax Police Department. He started its K-9 and Bike Patrol programs and was twice selected as the Department’s Officer of the Year.
City of Fairfax is Virginia’s eCity
The City of Fairfax was named last week by Google Corp. as the eCity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was selected for inclusion on a list of “digital capitals of America” for 2014.
‘We Owed that to the Victim’
Police charge Jesse Matthew with 2005 Fairfax crimes.
The wheels of justice may turn slowly – but, apparently, they keep on turning. And now, nine years after a young Fairfax woman was attacked in her own neighborhood by an unknown assailant, a suspect has been charged with the crime.
21st Annual Goblin Gallop is Oct. 26
Benefits families of children with cancer.
When the leaves turn colors and the weather becomes crisp, Halloween soon follows. And that means it’s time for the Goblin Gallop. This year’s event, the 21st annual, is slated for Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.
CureSearch Walk at Fairfax Corner
Fairfax’s Tara Sankner is a friendly, softball-playing 9-year-old. She also has an astrocytoma, a treatable but inoperable form of brain cancer.
Children Have Fun at Safety Day
The City of Fairfax Police Department held Kids’ Safety Day on Saturday morning, Sept. 20, outside police headquarters.
‘I Realized I Could Conquer This’
Fairfax fire captain is Honored Hero in Light the Night Walk.
City of Fairfax Fire Capt. Joe Schumacher beat cancer not once, but twice. And he’ll soon serve as an Honored Hero for this year’s Light the Night Walks in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
It’s Officially Fire Prevention Week
The City of Fairfax officially proclaims Oct. 5-11 “Fire Prevention Week.”
Fairfax Fall Festival Means Family Fun
Children’s rides, crafts, food and entertainment.
When it comes to family fun, it’s hard to beat the Fairfax Fall Festival. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 11 (rain date, Oct. 12), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and features a cornucopia of entertainment, including Journey and Bruce Springsteen tribute bands, a lumberjack competition, food, crafts and carnival rides.
Community Mourns Local Girl, 16
Missing since Sunday, Cara Golias was found dead in a park.
Just a month before her 17th birthday, friends, family members and classmates from Chantilly, Centreville and Fairfax are mourning the loss of a local girl. The body of Cara Lynn Golias, 16, of the City of Fairfax, was found Monday afternoon in Hemlock Overlook Regional Park in Clifton.
City Approves Money for Charrette
Focus will be on Fairfax’s downtown development.
It’s full speed ahead for a planning workshop, or charrette, the City of Fairfax will hold in November. It’ll do so along with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and the focus will be on the downtown area. It’s a hands-on, design-oriented event and will involve both professionals and residents.
Crafts, Festivals and Dancing
A sampling of local, fun events this fall.
Below is a partial listing of some fun and exciting autumn events happening in the local area:
It’s Almost Time for Fairfax Fall Festival
Crafts, food, music, children’s rides and lumberjacks.
There’s something for everyone at the Fairfax Fall Festival. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, Oct. 11 (rain date, Oct. 12), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers everything from crafts to food, music, children’s activities, rides, four stages of entertainment and lumberjacks.
Help Feed Local People
Complete the Circle FoodRaiser is Nov. 9 at Fairfax High.
September is Hunger Action Month, and Our Daily Bread (ODB) and Food for Others are trying to help. They’re seeking community members to form teams, gather food items and come to the Complete the Circle FoodRaiser on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1-2:30 p.m., on Fairfax High’s practice field.
‘You Just Have to Believe’
Local girl competes in national solo ice dancing championship.
Just 15, Paul VI sophomore LaDan Nemati has a full plate. From November-February, she skates with a synchronized skating team in Delaware; and during the spring, summer and early fall, she does solo ice dancing.
A New Face at Laurel Ridge
Tonya Cox takes the helm as principal.
Born in Norfolk and raised in the Alexandria part of Fairfax County, Tonya Cox figured she’d either go into education like her mother or ministry like her father. Then, while in college, she substituted for her mother, during spring and summers, and was hooked.
Attending Classes in a Foreign Country
Fairfax Academy student will spend school year in Korea.
Normally, Serena Gregory would have just begun her last year at Chantilly High, caught up in the excitement of new classes, old friends and the thrill of being a senior.
What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax
On the horizon for local residents are some mixed-use projects, school-boundary changes, potential traffic shifts and the reopening of a historic and much-loved eating place.
‘It’s Nice to Shop Outdoors’
Farmers Market at Government Center is a hit with the customers.
Whether customers are looking for juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, coconut cupcakes or homemade ice cream, they’ll find all those things and more at the farmers market at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Getting Drenched to Help Others
The Ice Bucket Challenge has a simple premise, but it’s doing a great deal of good. To raise money to fight ALS, people all over the country have been making videos of themselves getting buckets of ice water dumped on their heads.
One-Way or Two-Way?
City Council mulls traffic changes.
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.
Man Guilty of Creating Phony Postage Stamps
Fairfax resident defrauded U.S. of $76,000 revenue.
A local man pleaded guilty last week in federal court to defrauding the U.S. Postal Service. He is Brian Kim, 38, of Fairfax.
City to Participate in Charrette
Will discuss plans for downtown development.
In collaboration with the Northern Virginia regional Commission (NVRC), the Fairfax City Council will hold a planning workshop, or charrette, about the downtown area in early November.
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
Chinese Get Glimpse of American Schools
Group visits Lanier Middle and Fairfax High.
In mid-July, an envoy from China visited the United States – but the trip had nothing to do with politics. Instead, a group of teenage students, plus some parents and teachers, visited Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High to see firsthand what schools are like in the U.S. They were here via a program sponsored by the City of Fairfax and the American Assn. of School Administrators (AASA).
City Council Mulls Traffic Changes
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.