Fairfax Teenager Wins Writing Contest
Peter Hwang is only in the seventh grade, but he recently won the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) writing contest. He wrote an essay answering the question, “What would you say to the Founding Fathers?”
Fairfax Assault Victim Dies of Injuries
City of Fairfax police say a 63-year-old city resident, William Hays O’Brien, has succumbed to injuries sustained April 16 when he was assaulted in a shopping-center parking lot.
Hot Exhaust Causes $231,500 House Fire
A house fire April 10 in the Fairfax Center area caused an estimated $231,500 worth of damage. Fairfax County fire officials say it began accidentally when the hot exhaust of a riding lawn tractor ignited nearby dry ground cover. Flames then quickly spread, catching the home’s siding on fire, as well.
‘A Sweet Story From a Simpler Time’
Fairfax High presents musical, “Hello, Dolly.”
Rousing music and a tender romance in turn-of-the-century New York—Fairfax High’s FX Players bring it all to life in the musical, “Hello, Dolly.”
‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’
“Hairspray” takes the stage at Robinson Secondary.
Robinson Secondary’s Cappies production is “Hairspray,” and Director Chip Rome is more excited about this show than he’s been about any show in “quite some time.”
‘A Fantastic Piece of Escapism’
Woodson High presents Tolkien’s classic, “The Hobbit.”
Welcome to Middle Earth, as envisioned by J.R.R. Tolkien in Woodson High’s production of “The Hobbit.” It’s the adventure of a peaceful homebody persuaded by a wizard to help a group of militant dwarves reclaim their treasure from a marauding dragon. “One of our biggest challenges was building a huge, dragon puppet,” said Director Terri Hobson. “There’ll be lots of caves, rocky hills and earth tones. And we actually have five girls who are being trees.”
Enjoying Frozen Treats to Help Fairfax Girl
Rita’s Italian Ice raises money for Tara Sankner.
Standing on a crate behind the counter of Rita’s Italian Ice, 8-year-old Tara Sankner of Fairfax scooped the cool, frosty treat into cups for customers. Some came there Monday evening because the weather was warm and they enjoy Rita’s offerings. Many others came because the Fairfax location was holding a fundraiser for Tara, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.
‘Familiar Fairytale With a Talented Cast’
Paul VI presents “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Colorful costumes, an elaborate set, songs, dances and a classic musical comedy—they’re all part of Paul VI’s upcoming production of “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Fundraiser for Fairfax Girl, Age 8
Tara Sankner, an 8-year-old Fairfax resident, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and the local community is rallying ’round to show its support. She and a fundraising and support team called “Pray for Tara” wore special, pink T-shirts and participated in last Saturday’s, March 23, Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. Tara ran and walked in both events and also had a donation table there.
Fashions, Music and Silent Auction
Fairfax Salvation Army fundraiser set for the Waterford
The latest looks for spring, live entertainment, luncheon and a silent auction are all in store for those attending the 33rd annual fashion show benefiting the Fairfax Salvation Army. It’ll be held Friday, April 12, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall), but reservations must be made by March 27.
Between a Rock And a Hard Place
Plain talk about proposed county, FCPS budgets.
In the presentation of the Fairfax County Executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget, there’s a slide titled, “Turned over Every Rock” – and that about sums up the county’s current financial picture. After cutting back as much as it can and looking everywhere possible for extra funding, it still doesn’t have enough money to do everything on everyone’s wish list.
‘At Some Time, Everyone Needs a Helping Hand’
Wounded veteran talks about the value of serving others.
Two years ago, Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Justin Constantine shared his personal story with Mountain View High students. Severely injured during the War in Iraq, he had a long road to recovery and now helps other wounded veterans.
Father Runs Marathon in His Son’s Honor
Fairfax teen is in remission from leukemia.
This Saturday, March 16, Glen Goold is running in the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon in Washington, D.C., to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. And fueling his every footstep will be the knowledge that his son Spencer is now in remission from this disease.
Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K Races
* The Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K are slated for Saturday, March 23, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. Participants may walk or run a USATF-certified 5K course at 8:30 a.m., or participate in a 1K kids’ fun run at 8 a.m.
Fairfax Residents Star in New Production
Clifton Dinner Theater presents “Murder Me Always.”
Mystery, intrigue and laughs are all on the menu when the Clifton Dinner Theater presents its new show, “Murder Me Always.” And two Fairfax residents have starring roles. Performances are slated for March 14-16, at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road in the Town of Clifton. Shirley’s Catering of Clifton is providing the dinner, all three nights, and wine and beer will be available.
Why a Change Is Needed for School
Fairfax High has a building capacity of 2,412 students and a current enrollment of 2,659—meaning a 110-percent building utilization. But if nothing changes, it’s projected to have 3,011 student bodies by the 2017-18 school year and a 125-percent building utilization. Lanier’s capacity is 1,307 students, and it presently has a 1,239 student population using 95 percent of its building. But if left as is, it’s projected to have an enrollment of 1,421 by 2017-18 for a 109-percent building utilization.
‘It’s All about Our Children’
Parents discuss three school-boundary scenarios.
The goal of the Fairfax High/Lanier Middle School boundary study is to remove 300 students from Fairfax and 150 from Lanier and send them elsewhere to relieve overcrowding at those two schools. But how best to do it has not yet been decided. So more than 200 people came to Lanier’s cafeteria last Wednesday, Feb. 20, to learn more about the three boundary scenarios proposed and express their opinions about them. Centreville and Chantilly residents also attended, because the changes will affect many of their children, too.
Following in His Dad’s Footsteps
Ben Sisson is county’s Volunteer Rookie Firefighter of the Year.
Ben Sisson is just 20, but he’s just been honored as Fairfax County’s 2012 Volunteer Rookie Firefighter of the Year. He received the recognition and a plaque last Tuesday, Feb. 12, along with other volunteer firefighters, during a ceremony before the Board of Supervisors.
A Ticket to Hollywood
Fairfax Academy student Maddie Assel is on American Idol.
Fairfax Academy student Maddie Assel is a bubbly, outgoing, 17-year-old. She’s busy with school, friends, college visits and—oh, yes, she’s also a contestant on American Idol.
‘Peanuts’ Comic Strip Comes Alive
Fairfax High presents, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder—the whole “Peanuts” gang—shows up for Fairfax High’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Sharing People’s Stories Is Filmmaker’s Passion
Local grad Monica Zinn working on second movie.
Monica Zinn is an independent documentary filmmaker. This Burke resident already has one successful film under her belt and is hard at work on another. She graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School in 2011, but attended the Fairfax Academy from 2009-11, and that’s where her talent began to blossom.
Politicians Get an Earful
Residents tell LeMunyon, Petersen what’s important to them.
Transportation, guns in schools and Medicaid were among the top issues discussed last week at a town hall meeting in Chantilly. Prior to the Jan. 9 start of the Virginia General Assembly session, Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67th) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th) met with some 65 constituents.
Should There Be Guns in Schools?
“If we don’t pay for the fixes now, we’ll pay for it later with the lives of our children.” —Joe Samaha, father of Virginia Tech victim Reema Samaha.
Robinson Grad Is in Sully’s Comedy Show
Sully’s Restaurant is the place to be on Friday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m., when Robinson Secondary grad Matt Mero joins headlining comedian Rob Maher in an evening of comedy. Sully’s is at 14511 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly; cover charge is $5.
Making Spirits Bright
FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.
No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime.
Ballet Arts Ensemble Presents ‘Nutcracker’
Kailey Leinz of Burke to star in the "Nutcracker in a Nutshell."
The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax will perform “Nutcracker in a Nutshell,” a condensed version of the classic holiday ballet, on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall at the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus, at 3001 North Beauregard St.
‘The Food Was Fabulous’
Fairfax student’s team wins culinary challenge.
Five stars are given to America’s top restaurants, and at a recent culinary competition, a student team from The Chantilly Academy captured the top prize, the Five Star Award.
Parent Perspective on Boundary Changes
After Monday’s boundary-change meeting, some parents discussed their own concerns with the potential changes.
‘All I Want for Christmas’
Encore dancers present annual holiday show.
A great way to kick off the holiday season is by seeing Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, “All I Want for Christmas.” This song-and-dance extravaganza aims to delight audiences of all ages.
Seeking Relief for Fairfax and Lanier
Parents discuss school boundary changes.
School boundary changes are never easy and, no matter how they end up, somebody’s always unhappy. But when schools are projected to be at 125 percent and 109 percent of their building capacities in just a few more years, something has to be done in advance to prevent it.
‘The Funniest Farce Ever Written’
Fairfax High presents the comedy, “Noises Off.”
Featuring a cast and crew of 25, Fairfax High presents the play, “Noises Off.” Show times are Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.fxplayers.org and $15 at the door.
Building Tomorrow’s Cyber Defenders
Local students participate in cybersecurity camp.
“I discovered I really like this and, when I go to GMU, I’ll change my major from chemistry to computers.” -Fairfax High senior Jessica Miers
British Murder Mystery at Robinson Secondary
Theater students present “Night Must Fall.”
A British murder mystery, “Night Must Fall,” is Robinson Secondary’s upcoming play. It’s slated for Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 15, 16, 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.robinsondrama.org and $12 at the door.
Satire, Comedy and Beautiful Costumes
Paul VI Presents ‘Tom Jones.’
Featuring a cast and crew of about 65, Paul VI presents the comedy, “Tom Jones.”
‘It’s a Fast-paced, Hilarious Show’
Woodson High presents “Bye Bye Birdie.”
A slice of Americana wrapped in music and dancing—that’s Woodson High’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” The curtain rises Friday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 3, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Visiting the Local Fire Station
As part of national Fire Prevention Week, Fair Oaks Fire Station 21 held an open house.
19th Annual Goblin Gallop is Oct. 28
Benefits families of children with cancer.
As Halloween draws near, it’s time for autumn leaves, pumpkins and the Goblin Gallop. And this year’s 19th annual event is Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.
A Word With Fairfax City Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan
Superintendent Meets "Top-Notch" Principals
Since coming to Fairfax County Public Schools in July 2001, Clifton resident Peter Noonan has been on an upward trajectory. He went from being an assistant principal to a principal to a school system assistant superintendent. But he left it all in July, on the move upward, as he became the superintendent of the City of Fairfax Schools.
Jail Plus Restitution for Fairfax Woman
Fairfax resident Erin Cullen was sentenced Friday, Sept. 21 to 30 days in jail for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was also ordered to pay her share of the more than $700,000 lost by financial institutions because of her role in a $1.5 million mortgage-fraud scheme. Authorities said she and others joined together to defraud financial institutions into making fraudulent mortgage loans. The players included a mortgage broker, an unqualified straw buyer, an executive from a title company and several intermediaries who prepared and approved fraudulent loan documents.
Giving Back to Task Force One
Firehouse Subs gives firefighters $10,000 toward search tool.
When disasters nearly anywhere in the world trap people in buildings and under rubble, Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team is often called to find and rescue them. Now, thanks to a new piece of equipment called a telehandler, the team will be even better prepared for the task. “It looks like a forklift on steroids,” said Battalion Chief Chris Schaff, program manager for the team, called Virginia Task Force One (VA-TF1). “It gives you the ability to pick up stuff and also be able to boom out and reach out over a rubble pile while training.”
Eight Months Prison for Fairfax Man
Fairfax resident Peter Kim has been sentenced to eight months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay his share of the more than $700,000 lost by financial institutions because of his part in a $1.5 million mortgage-fraud scheme.
Willow Springs Parents Hoping for a Traffic Signal
Parents describe transportation troubles.
It’s not a done deal, yet. But if the traffic volume at the intersection of Braddock Road and Willow Springs School Road warrants it, a traffic signal will someday be installed there. And it can’t come soon enough for Willow Springs Elementary parents and schoolbus drivers. In the meanwhile, the Wink-o-matic flashing lights on Braddock—telling drivers nearing that intersection to slow from 45 to 25 mph—have been reinstated after having been removed during the summer.
Restaurant Fund-Raiser Benefits Best Buddies
Event scheduled for Sept. 16.
Piero’s Corner Italian Restaurant will host a Best Buddies fund-raiser Sunday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. for its busboy, Eric Latcheran of Chantilly, and his friend Ryan Gutkowski of Clifton. The restaurant is at 9959 Main St. in Fairfax.
Paul VI Runfest 5K Sept. 16 in Fairfax
After a two-year hiatus, the Paul VI Catholic High School (PVI) Runfest 5K will return Sunday, Sept. 16, at 8 a.m., to the City of Fairfax. Previously run over 10 consecutive years, it was last held in fall 2009.
Clifton Car Show on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2012
Featuring street rods, custom and antique cars, muscle and classic cars, and motorcycles, the 13th Annual Labor Day Car Show is Monday, Sept. 3, 2012 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in Clifton.
Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Engineering
Philip Everard is only eight, but says he’s been building with LEGOs ever since he was born.
Hands-On Fun while Learning
Children attend LEGO camp in Clifton
Sure, LEGOs are child’s play—but they’re also much more. And Clifton’s Cam Meyer, 15, recently shared his knowledge of what these colorful building pieces can do during a LEGO camp held in the town’s meeting hall.
Check One off the Bucket List
Local woman to compete in Ironman World Championship.
Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford has participated in two Ironman competitions in Lake Placid, N.Y., and in several half-Ironman events. But for her, being accepted into the upcoming Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, is the top of the mountain.
Suspended Prison Sentence for Former Band Director
Former Robinson band director must register as sex offender.
When Michael Keith Cook was sentenced last week for computer solicitation of a child under age 15, he didn’t lose his freedom. But even before he set foot in the courtroom, he’d already lost something precious to him – his career as a school band director.