Fairfax High Band Students Shine
Fairfax High band members made their school proud at the recent, All-District Band auditions, March 6, at West Springfield High. Fairfax had the most students selected of any high school in the district. Some 36 FHS band students were chosen and another nine were named alternates.
Fairfax Man’s Relative Who Died in 1863 Is Reburied
James Davis died in 1863, but he was just buried last Monday in the Oakton Baptist Church Cemetery in Chantilly.
Fairfax City Manager Presents Proposed New Budget
Would raise tax rates, fund employee merit raises.
The thing to remember about the proposed City of Fairfax budget for FY 2016 is that it’s still a work in progress. City Manager Bob Sisson presented it last Tuesday, March 3, to the City Council, but there will be work sessions and public hearings before it’s finally adopted on April 29.
Guilty or Innocent? What’s the Truth?
City of Fairfax Theatre Company presents ‘Doubt: A Parable.’
Uncertainty about whether a priest committed a crime is at the heart of “Doubt: A Parable,” the upcoming play by the City of Fairfax Theatre Company.
Kamp Washington Triangle Redevelopment Approved for City of Fairfax
Residential/retail project will include 24 affordable units.
It is not a perfect project and not everyone got what they wanted. But it will be a vast improvement over what’s there now, and it includes some much-needed affordable housing.
Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax
The first residents move into Kate’s Place.
Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.
Oak Knolls Project Makes Big Changes in Fairfax
New proposal swaps apartments for condos.
There’s a plan afoot to redevelop the Oak Knolls Apartments. But the proposal has changed significantly since it was presented last spring to the Fairfax City Council.
Big Changes Planned for Lotte Market in Fairfax
New façade, better parking, less big trucks and traffic.
For many years, the Lotte market in Fairfax has been a popular grocery store, especially with its Asian customers. But its exterior has been an eyesore to the public.
Team Members Teach Children with Autism
Besides participating in robotics competitions, team Robowiz also did community outreach via the START (Spreading Technology And Robotics Together) program. It partnered with the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) to encourage children with autism to develop an interest in robotics.
‘You Start with a Box of Metal’
Local robotics team heads to two state championships.
It’s a big deal when a team, academic or athletic, reaches the state championships. But it’s even more impressive when that team does it in two, different states. Meet team Robowiz – 10 local students who’ve reached that level in both Virginia and Maryland. The eight boys and two girls live in Centreville, Chantilly and Fairfax and are in grades eight through 10.
‘The Sidewalk Will Increase Safety’
City Council Votes to Improve Section of Roberts Road in Fairfax
Pending receipt of the necessary funds, the west side of Roberts Road in Fairfax – between Main Street and Sager Avenue – will be getting a new sidewalk, curb and gutter. The Fairfax City Council approved this action at its Jan. 13 meeting. Not all the residents are happy about it and not all the Council members are in agreement. But in the end, it’s believed that the project will make the city more walkable and this portion of Roberts Road safer.
Meals for Young Minds
The Chocolate Lovers Festival Committee is again supporting the Fairfax Kiwanis Meals for Young Minds Program with multiple, food drop-off locations during the festival. This program provides meals to local, elementary-school students who don’t have food to eat on the weekends.
Chocolate Cookbook and Valentine
It’s always fun to bring home souvenirs from the Chocolate Festival, and two of them are the official, Chocolate Lovers Festival Cookbook and the annual, commemorative Valentine.
‘It’s Such a Good Fit’
Naomi Project joins Our Daily Bread to help struggling mothers.
For the past 19 years, the nonprofit Naomi Project of Northern Virginia has worked with high-risk, pregnant women and new mothers to help them have healthy pregnancies and babies. It’s now become a program of the nonprofit Our Daily Bread (ODB) and, on Jan. 22, the two groups celebrated their union. “It’s a natural offshoot of what we’re already doing with moms,” said ODB spokeswoman Heather Webb. “This is another way that we can help them build families and get on a better financial footing.”
Pancakes, Candy, Fudge, Ice Cream and More
Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival is Feb. 7-8.
Get your sweet tooth ready – the 23rd annual City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival is this weekend, Feb. 7-8. Featuring delicious, chocolate fun for both children and adults, the event includes a Taste of Chocolate, a Chocolate Challenge, musical performances, a chocolate movie – “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” – fairy tales, a fire-safety puppet show, face-painting, a Chocolate Caper mock trial, cupcake-decorating, magic, juggling and open houses in historic buildings.
Fairfax’s Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival Feb. 7-8
Heaven for chocolate aficionados – that’s the City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival. And this year’s 23rd annual extravaganza is set for Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 7-8. The scrumptious and fun-filled weekend features everything from a competition to see who can make the most beautiful and creative chocolate sculptures, cakes and cupcakes to a chocolate-themed movie and a luscious sampling of chocolate treats from area vendors. It’s also a chance to buy mouthwatering presents for Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate Festival Event Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 7
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive Join the Kiwanis Club of Fairfax for its Chocolate Lovers Pancake Breakfast. The menu features pancakes (regular and chocolate chip) and sausage. Coffee, juice and milk also will be served.
A Children’s Classic Comes to Life
Fairfax Academy student has lead role in “Beauty and the Beast.”
A beloved children’s story comes to life when Centreville High presents the Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” And playing one of the lead roles is senior Nick Ingargiola, who attends the Fairfax Academy for musical theater. “The actors have just blown me away,” said Director Mike Hudson. “We had a preaudition last May, and we had no idea we’d get this level of talent. About half the kids are choral students, but we’re also blessed with theater students who can sing.”
Open Houses, Exhibits during Festival
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., This building was constructed in 1873 with bricks made at the Farr property across Main Street. The oldest brick, two-story, school building remaining in Fairfax cost just $2,750 to build. Stop in for chocolate treats while learning about the City’s colorful history; free admission.
Computers, Radios, Vehicles, Firearms Center Renovation
Pardiny makes his pitch for budget funds.
Everyone wants a piece of the City of Fairfax budget pie, including the Police Department. Below are some of the items its leader requested during a Dec. 2 joint work session of the City Council and Planning Commission. The first thing on Police Chief Carl Pardiny’s FY 2016 CIP list was money for information technology. “We’re replacing the department’s 22 servers and office computers, plus the mobile laptops used by the officers in their cruisers,” he said.
Bleachers, HVACs, Tile, Paving, Walls and Roofs
Noonan explains the City schools’ needs.
At the recent, joint meeting of the Fairfax City Council and Planning Commission, Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan detailed the City Schools’ five-year CIP. “We have outstanding students and teachers and world-class facilities,” he said. Yet several needs still exist, including the following:
Phony Stamps in Fairfax: Two Years Probation
A local businessman has been sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay tens of thousands of dollars in restitution to the U.S. Postal Service. He is Brian Kim, 38, of Fairfax.
Equipment Replacement and ADA-Compliancy
Parks and Recreation and Historic Resources offer CIP proposals.
With an eye on the upcoming City of Fairfax budget decisions, various department heads recently presently their FY 2016 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) wish lists to a joint work session of the City Council and Planning Commission.
Fire Department Presents Planned Capital Projects
They include fire station, training-center needs, plus traffic preemption.
During a Dec. 2 joint work session of the Fairfax City Council and Planning Commission, Fire Chief Dave Rohr presented his department’s proposed FY 2016 CIP (Capital Improvement Program). He said the funds are needed for three projects.
Was Downtown Traffic Switch Successful?
City Council hears results of professional study.
To create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown area, in August 2006, the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way. Now, though, the City Council wants to know whether it was a good decision or if it’s been detrimental to the Old Town area.
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.