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.
‘It Was Definitely Humbling’
Chinese and Fairfax High students share impressions of each other.
The teenagers played soccer, ate ice cream, joked with their friends and walked with their heads down, eyes on their Smart phones and tablets. In short, they looked just like their American counterparts – except these students live in China.
Residents Honored for Their Homes’ Yards
The City of Fairfax’s Community Appearance Committee has honored three homes with Residential Appearance Awards. Committee Chairman Kirk Holley presented them to the winning homeowners at the July 22 City Council meeting.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Robinson grad performs in “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.” And right there with them will be Robinson Secondary graduate Spencer Boyd.
The End of an Era
After 33 years, Robinson’s Chip Rome retires.
It’s the end of an era at Robinson Secondary: Legendary Theater Director Chip Rome has retired. In 1981, he became the fourth drama teacher the school hired that year, and he more than provided stability. He spent all 33 years of his FCPS career there.
Tax and Wire Fraud: Three Years Prison
Fair Oaks tax preparer filed false returns with the IRS.
Although she received a sentence below the state guidelines, a former Fair Oaks tax preparer will be spending the next three years in prison. She is Thuy Tien Le, 40, who learned her punishment last Friday, July 18, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.
Helping Out and Giving Back
Paul VI grad tutors Hispanic children.
Born in Colombia, Laura Quiñones came to the U.S. with her parents at age 7. She knew English words, but needed practice talking conversationally.
Affordable Housing Lack Can Lead to Hunger
ODB director beseeches Fairfax City Council to take action.
During the June 24 swearing-in ceremony of the Fairfax City Council members and mayor, Councilman Jeff Greenfield decried the fact that so many children in the City are hungry. He then promised to create a task force to attack the problem.
GMU Honors Fairfax Mayor Silverthorne
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne capped off his Fourth of July by enjoying the fireworks at Fairfax High. But he began his day by receiving an award from GMU. It was presented by GMU President Angel Cabrera during a Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce breakfast reception at Red, Hot & Blue before the City’s Independence Day parade.
Junior Buffalo Soldiers
The Junior Buffalo Soldiers Drill Team participate in the City of Fairfax's Fourth of July parade.
No More Parking in Old Town Square
As of Monday, July 7, parking lots within the Old Town Square project area of Fairfax are closed for construction. This area is the northern portion of the block bounded by University Drive, North Street, Main Street and Old Lee Hwy/East Street.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
‘Pippi Longstocking’ to be presented in Fairfax.
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”
Robinson, Woodson Students Performing in Hit Musical
They’re in “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.”
Students from Robinson Secondary and Woodson High play prominent roles in Westfield Summer Stage’s upcoming musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.” Featuring a cast and crew of 85, all performances are at Westfield High, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly.
‘Thank You for Your Time and Dedication’
City bids farewell to Councilmen Drummond and Stombres.
The City of Fairfax bid farewell last week to outgoing City Councilmen Dan Drummond and Steve Stombres in a special ceremony on the City Hall lawn. Each has served for six years, and the June 24 event included Boy Scouts, the City of Fairfax band, and the City Police and Fire Department Joint Honor Guard.
Fairfax Prepares to Celebrate the 4th
Parade, music, fireworks and fun.
The City of Fairfax will celebrate the Fourth of July, this Friday, starting with a 10 a.m. parade that travels through the downtown Fairfax Historic District. It’ll go on, rain or shine, starting at the Massey Building at 4100 Chain Bridge Road. Participants will march in a loop past the old courthouse, along Main Street and University Drive and past the reviewing stand in front of City Hall on Armstrong Street.
Council, School Board Look to the Future
Swearing-in ceremony at Veterans Amphitheater.
Before friends, family, colleagues and guests, City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne and members of the City Council and School Board were sworn in last Tuesday, June 24, in the Veterans Amphitheater outside City Hall.
National Championship for Fairfax High School
Robotics team captures first place in Mini-Urban Challenge.
Fairfax High School is a national champion. On June 14, at the Emerald Coast Conference Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., its robotics team won a national competition called the Mini-Urban Challenge.
Marching Bands, Music, Fireworks and a Parade
City of Fairfax plans rip-roarin,’ rousing Fourth of July celebration.
For fun, music, fireworks and a rousing parade, the City of Fairfax is the place to spend the Fourth of July. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a parade through the downtown Fairfax Historic District, continue with open houses and a firefighters’ competition and culminate with rock music and colorful fireworks at Fairfax High.
City Council Honors PVI Hoops Teams
The Fairfax City Council recently recognized Paul VI’s boys and girls basketball teams for winning both the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and Virginia Division 1 titles. It was only the second time in WCAC history that both the boys and girls teams won the conference title in the same year.
‘A World-Class Place to Live, Work, Dine’
Fairfax Circle Plaza will be redeveloped.
The Fairfax City Council has taken the first step toward revitalizing the Fairfax Circle Plaza. At its May 27 meeting, the Council approved a huge, new, mixed-use project there, entailing a grocery store, retail businesses and multifamily housing.
Chief Rick Rappoport: Taking a Look Back
Led City of Fairfax police more than 13 years.
Rick Rappoport finished one job and began another without missing a beat.
‘People Can Identify with Characters’ Humanity’
Local woman writes book, ‘A Season’s Assemblage.’
A new author has emerged on the literary scene with an anthology of short stories called "A Season’s Assemblage." Her name is Cleo Magwaro, and she’s a resident of Fair Oaks’s Penderbrook community.
Passport to Global Music and Dance
Fairfax High student in Encore’s ‘The World at your Feet.’
A Broadway-style, musical adventure is on tap in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, "The World at Your Feet." It’ll be presented Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 15, at 3 and 6 p.m., at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Tickets are $22, adults; $18, students and senior citizens, at www.encore-tap.org.
‘This’ll Really Put Us on the Map’
Fairfax City Council OKs $4 million Old Town Square project.
The Fairfax City Council has green-lighted the long-anticipated, Old Town Square project and awarded a $4 million contract to F.H. Paschen Techtonics Corp. to make it a reality. But for awhile, it was touch-and-go.
Robinson Receives Six Cappie Nominations
Honored for its production of ‘Curtains.’
In the realm of high-school theater, the annual Cappie awards are akin to professional theater’s Tony awards. And Robinson Secondary School received six Cappie nominations for its production of the musical comedy, "Curtains." The winners will be announced June 8 at the 15th annual Cappies Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Robinson’s nominations are as follows:
Fairfax High’s Musical: 13 Cappie Nominations
‘9 to 5’ is in the running for Best Musical.
The 2014 Cappie nominations were unveiled last Monday, May 19, and Fairfax High’s production of ‘9 to 5’ received a whopping 13 nods – a school record – including Best Musical.
Singing and Acting Nods for Paul VI
Paul VI High has received two of the top Cappie nominations for its production of “Guys and Dolls.” Jacob Rozmajzl is nominated for Male Vocalist, and his younger sister Abby is up for Lead Actress in a Musical. And Director Katherine Miller is delighted that they’re being recognized.
‘Look Around and See the Smiles’
Special-ed students enjoy Day Prom at the Waterford.
Last Thursday, May 8, some 400 students got all dressed up and went to their prom at the Waterford in Fair Oaks.
Once Cramped, Outdated; Now Modern, Efficient
When the Fairfax County Animal Shelter was built in the early 1970s, it was intended to be a dog pound to handle stray and homeless dogs. Renovated in the mid-1980s, it increased the number of kennels from 48 to 72 to better care for dogs in isolation and quarantine.
Honoring the County’s Devotion to Animals
Shelter’s renovation and expansion are celebrated.
Residents, politicians and even four-footed alumni flocked to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter on Saturday, May 17, to celebrate completion of its renovation and expansion. It was a long time in coming, so it made the event even sweeter. “We’re making history today for the animal shelter, Animal Services division, police department and county,” said shelter Director Tawny Hammond. “Fairfax is a national role model and leader, and it’s a very exciting day.”
2012 Woodson Grad Wins Scholarship
Cochlear implants help him overcome deafness, find success.
Fairfax’s Will Andes lost his hearing as a newborn. A preemie, he developed an infection, and a high bilirubin level plus treatment with the antibiotic gentamicin caused a profound hearing loss. But he didn’t let it hamper his desire to accomplish to lead as normal a life as possible and accomplish worthwhile things. And now, he’s one of just five students in North America to receive a Graeme Clark Scholarship from Cochlear Americas.
New Life Proposed for Old Apartments
Modern, multifamily homes, townhouses planned in the City.
When Oak Knolls Realty Corp. acquired the Oak Knolls Apartments a year ago, more than 30 of the units weren’t habitable. “There was water damage and they hadn’t been maintained property,” said land-use attorney Lynne Strobel, representing the new owner. “Now they’ve undergone extensive renovations and 100 percent of the units are habitable.”
City Council Approves Spending $8.1 Million
It’s full speed ahead for some major projects in the City of Fairfax. On April 22, the City Council approved spending $8.1 million to develop and improve City-owned downtown properties and to renovate and expand the Police Department’s Firearms Training Center.
City of Fairfax Adopts Budget
Real-estate tax rate is lowered by two cents.
The Fairfax City Council adopted the City’s FY 2014-15 budget last week, lowered the existing real-estate tax rate by two cents and gave raises to the city employees. In a special meeting, last Wednesday, April 30, the Council set City residents’ new real-estate tax rate at $1.04 per $100 assessed value, effective Jan. 1, 2015.
22 Years in Prison For Child’s Death
A Fair Lakes woman has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for murdering an 11-month-old boy in Vienna, nearly three years ago. She is Carol Nadine Lutsky, 22, of Summit Manor Court.