Good News for City of Fairfax
Less unemployment; Lowe’s and ALDI planning moves here.
There’s good news for the City of Fairfax: its unemployment rate is one of the lowest in Virginia and two new businesses are interested in locating here.
In the City of Fairfax, Appearance Matters
Four properties are honored for design, landscape.
Part of what makes a city a nice place to live in is the way it looks. And the City of Fairfax recently honored four properties with Commercial Appearance Awards for 2013. They are the Joshua Gunnell/BBG building, Chick-fil-A center, Fairfax Regional Library plantings and the Community Garden at City Hall. The Community Appearance Committee (CAC) received nominations from the community, and then professional judges considered them and decided on the winners.
Walk, Candlelight Vigil Honors Crime Victims
The free event to kick off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12.
Fairfax County remembers local people who’ve been victims of crimes. And on Sunday, April 6, at Fairfax Corner, they’ll be honored via the second annual 5K Walk and Candlelight Vigil.
Fairfax Apartment Fire: $2 Million in Damage
A two-alarm fire Monday afternoon at a Fairfax apartment building displaced some 25 residents and caused an estimated $2 million damage. Roughly 80 City of Fairfax firefighters raced to 4311 Bob Court, March 24, around 3:45 p.m., after a report of a fire with people trapped in the building.
‘The Taklimakan Desert Is in Which Country?’
Fairfax boy, 10, to compete in state Geography Bee.
Rohil Bhinge is one, smart boy. A fifth-grader at Mosby Woods Elementary, he’ll represent his school, April 4, in Farmville, at the state Geography Bee.
Walk, Candlelight Vigil Honors Crime Victims
Fairfax County remembers local people who’ve been victims of crimes. And on Sunday, April 6, at Fairfax Corner, they’ll be honored via the second annual 5K Walk and Candlelight Vigil. The free event, in front of the movie theater at 4100 Monument Corner Drive in the Fairfax Corner shopping center, kicks off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12. Each April, law-enforcement agencies, along with organizations and communities, join together to observe this week. The goal is to promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims and the people who work advocating on their behalf.
‘Goal Is To Spot Kids in Crisis’
Police, others take suicide prevention training.
Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.
Our Daily Bread Receives Grant
Our Daily Bread (ODB) is always helping people in need; now it’s receiving a helping hand to continue carrying on its work. The Fairfax nonprofit has just been awarded a $25,000 grant by the United Way of the National Capital Area (NCA). The money will expand ODB’s ability to provide grocery cards via its Food Bridge Program. These cards are given to Fairfax County residents participating in ODB’s supplemental delivered-food program, as well as to people referred to the organization for emergency food assistance.
Baking a Difference for Children
Icing Smiles to be featured at cake show in Fairfax.
Icing Smiles, an organization that provides custom cakes for critically ill children, will be highlighted at The National Capital Area Cake Show at Fairfax High School.
Drummond Is ‘Hitting the Pause Button’
Fairfax Councilman not running for re-election.
It wasn’t a conclusion he reached easily. But after much consideration, Dan Drummond’s decided not to run for re-election to the Fairfax City Council.
Mayor Silverthorne Kicks Off Re-election Campaign
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne kicked off his re-election campaign Sunday afternoon, March 9, at Red Hot & Blue. Attendees included Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th), Del. David Bulova (D-37th) and former Fairfax mayors, John Mason and Rob Lederer.
‘I Have to Protect Society from You’
Requejo sentenced to five years in prison.
Even if Eduardo Requejo was sexually molested himself, as a child, that didn’t give him the right to do it to anyone else. That was the message Judge Brett Kassabian gave him last Friday in Fairfax County Circuit Court. He then sentenced Requejo, 23, of Fairfax, to five years in prison for sexually molesting an 8-year-old girl.
Work Beginning on Ashby Pond Trail
It’s full speed ahead for the construction of the Ashby Pond Park Trail. Work was set to begin Monday, March 3, with construction expected to last approximately 90 days, until May 31. The park will be closed during construction and, weather permitting, should be open again in June.
Fairfax City Budget Proposal Unveiled
Includes no increase in property-tax rate.
The City of Fairfax is on firm financial footing and the real-estate tax rate is not proposed to increase in the coming fiscal year. That was the message City Manager Bob Sisson brought to the City Council last Tuesday, Feb. 25, when he unveiled his proposed FY 2015 budget.
Trying to Stay Strong Through the Grief
Woodson High community mourns two students.
Tears, sad faces, hugs, stunned silences, churning emotions and unanswered questions – all are part of the reaction of the Woodson High students in the wake of last week’s tragedies: Two of their classmates have died.
Professionals Offer Theater Workshops
Broadway actress and audio/visual tech coming to Fairfax High.
Broadway comes to Fairfax with the arrival of actress Candi Boyd, currently appearing on Broadway in the play, “Jersey Boys.” On Sunday, March 9, she’ll present a musical-theater workshop, “Broadway: Behind the Curtain,” at Fairfax High – and it’s open to all area high-school students.
Locals Receive Governor’s 2013 Fire Service Awards
Stilwell, Hollingsworth, Wais and Rosenthal are honored.
Four local people were among those honored last Saturday, Feb. 22, with Governor’s Fire Service Awards for 2013. They were feted during the Virginia Fire and Rescue Conference at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This year marked the 12th anniversary of these awards, which formally recognize excellence in Virginia’s Fire Services. Award recipients included Renee Stilwell, Capt. George Hollingsworth, Hassibullah Wais and Philip Rosenthal. Below are the details of why they were honored:
Theater Workshops Offered from the Professionals
Broadway comes to Fairfax with the arrival of actress Candi Boyd, currently appearing on Broadway in the play, “Jersey Boys.” On Sunday, March 9, she’ll present a musical-theater workshop, “Broadway: Behind the Curtain,” at Fairfax High – and it’s open to all area high-school students. It’ll run from noon-4:30 p.m. in the auditorium, with a limited number of spots available. Tickets range from $10-$40, depending on level of participation. The event’s a fundraiser for Fairfax High’s theater program, and school Theater Director Erich DiCenzo hopes to make it an annual tradition. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to have exposure to professional and talented artists,” he said. “Anyone with any interest in this field is welcome. Attendees don’t have to be theater students.”
‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’
Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.
There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.
‘Zipping Along and Flying on the Ice’
Two local teens competing in synchronized skating Nationals.
Emily Dillard and LaDan Nemati attend two different high schools; but on the ice rink, they’re teammates. Dillard’s a freshman at Fairfax High and Nemati’s a freshman at Paul VI. And on Feb. 27, they and Team Ashburn will compete in the Synchronized Skating National Competition in Colorado Springs.
Fairfax Council Takes Care of Business
Deals with broken gas line, transportation issues.
Transportation and a gas-line replacement were among the items dealt with by the Fairfax City Council at its Jan. 28 meeting. A leaking gas line at the City property yard was discovered in early November 2013. As it turned out, the 40-year-old gas line had burst between the gas meter by the fleet garage and the sign-and-signal building.
New Grocery Store Opens in Fair Lakes
Features organic and all-natural products.
A new grocery store, aimed at customers interested in buying natural and organic foods, has opened for business in Fair Lakes.
Local Man Charged with Setting Fires
Occupants were home asleep at the time.
Culminating months of work, investigators from the Fairfax County Fire Marshal’s Office have charged a Fairfax man with two felonies for allegedly setting fires in homes while their occupants were asleep. He is Mergen Battulga, 37, of Fair Oaks.
Will Terms Go from Two Years to Four?
City ponders change to how long officials may serve.
The Fairfax City Council is pondering whether the terms of office for the mayor, council members and members of the School Board should be changed from two to four years. And during last week’s Council meeting, they voted to place the matter on a Nov. 4 advisory referendum.
Councilman Stombres Not Seeking Another Term
Time for ‘new energy and a fresh perspective.’
While enjoying his time as a member of the Fairfax City Council, Steven Stombres will not be running for re-election. He made the announcement last Tuesday, Jan. 28, during the Council’s regular meeting.
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Fairfax Man
Accused of producing child pornography.
A 46-year-old Fairfax man is facing more than a decade in prison after being indicted last week by a Federal grand jury in Alexandria. He is Padraic Collins, and he was indicted Thursday, Jan. 23, on a charge of production of child pornography.
Fairfax City Treasurer Given Fond Farewell
Moloney honored for three decades of service.
It’s always tough starting a new job. But when Steve Moloney became the City of Fairfax Treasurer, 31 years ago, things were far from ideal.
‘I Made It a Reliable Office’
Moloney reflects on his 31-year career.
Before Steve Moloney started college, his dad advised him to take business and accounting — something he could use in a future career. “I think he wanted me to spend his college money well,” joked Moloney.
A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Fairfax’s annual festival is Feb. 1-2.
Chocolate — candy, cake, sauce, pancakes, fudge, ice cream and even a chocolate fountain or three — they’re all part of the City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival. And this year’s event, the 22nd annual, is Saturday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 2.
‘Family-Friendly, Magical and Heartwarming’
Robinson presents children’s play, “The Snow Queen.”
Based on the same Hans Christian Anderson tale as the Disney movie, “Frozen,” Robinson Secondary presents the children’s play, “The Snow Queen.”
‘Mr. Mac’ Nominated for Grammy Award
Glen McCarthy vying for first-ever music-educator honor.
Glen McCarthy played trumpet in high school; but when his parents gave him a guitar for graduation, it changed the trajectory of his life. He’s played guitar in bands ever since then – yet what’s defined him most, he says, is being a guitar teacher.
Wrapping up Joy for Christmas
Students, Scouts, police brighten holiday at Hanley Shelter.
The children living in the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter may not have many possessions; but on Christmas Day, they had presents. The gifts were donated by a variety of groups, including the Fair Oaks District Police Station and Chantilly High’s photography students.
DiCenzo Has Bright Vision for Fairfax
Getting to know the high school’s new theater director.
As theater teacher and director at Fairfax High, Erich DiCenzo is exactly where he wants to be. "I have a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater and dance and was a professional actor for eight years, so this is a second career," he said. "I knew I wanted to perform forever, but not make it my living."
Encore Dancers Present ‘Switching Christmas’
Fairfax High student is in new, holiday show.
When a precocious, young girl changes places with a playful elf at the North Pole, things are bound to go awry and only Santa can save the day.
‘It’s Not OK to Turn a Blind Eye to Bullying’
Fairfax High students pledge to stand by each other.
Children of all ages get bullied and bully others, themselves. It’s not true of all children, but it’s true of enough of them that Fairfax County and City of Fairfax schools want to do something about it.
Fairfax High’s Musicians Perform at VMEA Event
For the first time in Fairfax High’s history, the school band’s Wind Ensemble was chosen to perform at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) convention. This year’s event was held Friday, Nov. 22, at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va.
It’s Time to Celebrate Christmas in Clifton
Parade, homes tour to be held on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Twinkling lights, the sound of caroling, a parade on horseback and beautifully decorated houses in a storybook setting – all that and more means Christmas in Clifton. And the public’s invited to join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Musical with a Message
Journey ‘Into the Woods’ with Woodson High.
Fairytale characters come to life, but in different and unexpected ways in Woodson High’s upcoming musical, "Into the Woods."
‘It’s a Slapstick Comedy – It’s Going to be Hilarious’
Paul VI performs ‘Christmas Carol: Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts.’
Sure, Paul VI is performing "A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts."
Cuccinelli Visits Old Stomping Grounds
Virginia Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ken Cuccinelli came home to the Centreville/Clifton area Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, visiting some local precincts on Election Day.
‘Legend of the Bunnyman’
Music from rock musical being performed locally.
The Bunnyman has been a mysterious figure in local lore for more than 40 years, and now Clifton’s Jim Waters has written a rock musical about him called "Legend of the Bunnyman."
‘It’s a Really Fun Horror Story’
Robinson presents ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’
Horror, romance, music – and a hungry, man-eating plant – they’re all in Robinson Secondary’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors."
Donating From the Heart
Redskin, pizza-chain owner team up to help local girl.
“Somebody helped me, so I’m happy to have the opportunity to help someone else and continue the cycle.” —Washington Redskin Pierre Garçon
Halloween Fun at Goblin Gallop
The 20th annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 27, at Fairfax Corner.
Robinson Student Stars in Children’s Show
The Alliance Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Ariel, Prince Eric, Flounder, Sebastian the crab and all the other characters from the popular story and movie are in The Alliance Theatre’s production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” And a Robinson Secondary student has one of the starring roles. Performances are Nov. 9-24 (see box for details) at Mountain View High School, 5775 Spindle Court (behind Glory Days Grill) in Centreville. The musical features 10 adults and 35 students in grades three through 12, and Director Maggie Swan says they’re all really talented.
‘As Long As I’m Able to Run … ’
Telford preps for Marine Corps Marathon and “Over the Edge.”
BethAnn Telford has a brain tumor, but it doesn’t have her. Through the pain, the medication, the bad days and the setbacks, she not only keeps on going, she rises above it all and shines.
Fairfax Marching Rebels Win Band Competitions
The school year has barely started and already Fairfax High’s Marching Rebels band is winning top honors for its musicianship and showmanship in competitions against other schools.
20th Annual Goblin Gallop Is Oct. 27
Benefits families of children with cancer.
Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pie and colorful leaves signal that Halloween will soon be here. And that means it’s time for the Goblin Gallop. This year’s event is the 20th annual and it’s set for Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.
Visiting the Local Fire Station
Local residents visited Fair Oaks Fire Station 21 during its open house, Saturday, Oct. 12.