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.
President Comes to the Area
Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.
Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.
Herrity, Hugo Respond to Obama’s Visit
Both Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) held a joint press conference Saturday afternoon, speaking to local Romney supporters prior to President Obama’s campaign rally at Centreville High. Said Herrity: "It was nice to see so many people from Little Rocky Run stop by and pick up Romney signs and stand with us."
Telford in Contest to Enter Ironman
Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford was diagnosed with a Stage III brain tumor in 2005, and is still fighting for her life. But she works full time and, via her nonprofit fundraising organization, Team BT, she raises money for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).
Practicing What They Preach
Local theater teachers perform ‘Into the Woods.’
Six drama teachers headline the cast of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s summer production of "Into the Woods." They include Fairfax High’s Wendy Knight and Paul Rubenstein and Woodson High’s Terri Hobson.
Dads, Sons Discuss Serious Child’s Play
Besides police and sheriffs, some Fairfax fathers and sons also attended last week’s press conference on replica weapons. The sons hadn’t done anything wrong, but they regularly use these weapons to play a popular game called Airsoft.
When Dangerous Games Turn Deadly
Police warn public about replica firearms.
It was shortly before midnight when City of Fairfax police rushed to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a man there carrying a gun. He’d already pointed his weapon at several people when officers confronted him, had him drop the gun and arrested him.
A Story of Courage and Survival
Fairfax mother, son overcome life-threatening illnesses.
Natanael Justiniano is just 11 years old, yet he’s beaten leukemia twice and just celebrated his one-year anniversary of a lifesaving blood transplant.
Three Fairfax High Students Are Honored
During last week’s graduation ceremony, Fairfax High honored three seniors with special awards. Robbie Ashton received both the Outstanding Senior and Service awards. Shannon Parker was given the Faculty Award, and Jake Snyder, the Fairfax Award.
‘This Is Fairfax; This Is a Family’
High school graduates 587 students.
As the seniors in royal-blue caps and gowns entered Fairfax High’s field house for their graduation, last week, parents eagerly waved and shouted, hoping to catch their children’s eyes, if only for a second. And with 587 students graduating last Thursday, June 14, that wasn’t easy to do.
Student Talent on Display
Fairfax Academy holds annual Creative Works Showcase.
Students in the Fairfax Academy displayed their signature projects last Tuesday, June 5, during the annual Creative Works Showcase. They sang, danced, played music, showed films they’d made and displayed their graphic-art, fashion, foreign language and photography skills.
Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards
Paul VI takes Lead Actress in a Musical honor.
Woodson High won three awards, and Fairfax, Paul VI and Robinson Secondary, one each, at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
‘Whatever I Do Will Only Make Me Stronger’
Robinson student wins Hispanic Leadership Alliance scholarship.
Born in Bolivia, Lucia Maldonado came to the U.S. at age 7 with her mother and younger sister. Now 18, she’s about to graduate from Robinson Secondary School and is the recipient of a Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship.
Planning for the Future
Robinson’s Latin American Student Association is growing.
To encourage leadership among Robinson Secondary School’s Hispanic population, Ruth Azimi and Enrique Fernandez co-sponsor LASA, the Latin American Students Association. It’s helping the students’ parents, as well.
Kicking Up Their Heels
Encore presents ‘Dancin’ Fool’ at NOVA.
Premiering their new show here before taking it to Greece this summer are the singers and dancers of Encore Theatrical Art Project. They’ll perform "Dancin’ Fool" on Saturday, June 9, at 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 10, at 1 and 4 p.m.
Woodson, Fairfax Shows Receive Cappie Nods
Both Woodson and Fairfax High have received Cappie nominations for their spring, theatrical productions. The winners will be revealed during the June 10 Cappies Gala at The Kennedy Center.
Spotlight on High-School Theater
Paul VI receives nine Cappie nominations.
The Cappie nominations for outstanding high-school theater were just announced and, all together, Robinson, Woodson, Paul VI and Fairfax received 29 nominations. The awards to the winners will be presented Sunday, June 10, at the annual Cappies Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Fairfax Pair Convicted in Mortgage-Fraud Scheme
Two Fairfax residents pleaded guilty in federal court last week for their roles in a $1.5 million mortgage-fraud scheme. They are Peter Kim, 39, and Erin Cullen, 32.
Recognition is Given for Play’s Premiere
Robinson receives 10 Cappie nominations.
In November 2011, Robinson Secondary had the honor of performing the world premiere of an original play, Ken Ludwig’s "Midsummer/Jersey." And now, that play has received 10 Cappie nominations for excellence in high-school theater.
Clifton Caboose 5K Successful; Raises $10,000
The Town of Clifton’s 15th annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run was a huge success, raising an estimated $10,000. It was held Saturday, May 12, and 581 people participated – 474 in the 5K and 107 in the 1-mile fun run/walk.
Student at Paul VI Wins Poetry Contest
The school community at Paul VI High knows Sean Pugerude as an outstanding actress and singer who dazzled audiences last month in the lead role of the musical, "Hello Dolly."
Clifton Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
It’s the 40th annual Spring Homes Tour.
French chandeliers, antique furnishings, original paintings and whimsical collections are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 40th annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and includes a marketplace, silent auction and raffle, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Paradise Springs Winery.
It’s a Race and a Picnic
Clifton Caboose Twilight 5K is May 12
Anyone can hold a 5K race early in the morning, but the Town of Clifton does things differently. Its 15th annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run is Saturday, May 12, with the 1-mile fun run/walk starting at 6 p.m., and the 5K, at 6:30 p.m. It’ll happen rain or shine; and in this competition, not only the winners receive prizes, but the last-place, or caboose, finisher also gets an award.
In Case of Emergency
A look at Fairfax County’s 911 center.
Being a dispatcher in Fairfax County’s state-of-the-art, 911 center sounds like an exciting job. It’s also stressful, tiring, rewarding and, at times, harrowing.
Car Show Slated for April 29
All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.
Besides being a longtime Clifton resident and its former mayor, Jim Chesley is also a classic-car aficionado. He’s president of the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, and the group is putting on a car show to benefit a children’s hospital.
Clifton Celebrates its 110th Birthday
With balloons, two cakes and a bench-dedication, residents gathered Saturday afternoon, April 21, in the town park to celebrate Clifton’s 110th birthday.
Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter
Wine-tasting event is May 5.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a place of refuge for animals needing care. They often arrive ill or injured, and many have been abused, neglected or abandoned.
‘Step Through the Looking Glass’
Woodson presents ‘Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk.’
To say Woodson High’s play, "Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk" is something special would be a huge understatement.
Raising Money to Educate Children
Project LIFE 2K/5K is Sunday, April 22.
Priya Khanna is still in high school, but she’s the chairman and CEO of a nonprofit organization, The Hollow Trunk. Comprising students from Westfield, Chantilly, Fairfax and Thomas Jefferson high schools, plus Robinson Secondary, it raises money for worthy causes.
Back to the Sixties
Robinson presents ‘How to Succeed in Business…’
t’s been a movie, a Broadway play – currently in revival – and now "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" is coming to the Robinson Secondary stage.
Music, Murder and Pie-Making
Fairfax High presents “Sweeney Todd.”
Combine murder, revenge, pies and music, and the result is Fairfax High’s upcoming play, “Sweeney Todd.” The musical thriller takes place in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution and will be performed over two weekends.
Rollicking Musical Comes to Life
Paul VI presents ‘Hello, Dolly!’
The romance of 1880s New York will come to life on stage when Paul VI presents its Cappies play, “Hello Dolly!” It features a cast and crew of 70, plus a full orchestra. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, April 20-21, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, students and senior citizens; at the door or at www.paulvi.net.
Local Man Charged: Online Solicitation
Arrested in statewide sting targeting child predators.
Anarug Sharma, 35, of Fairfax, was one of 20 people across Virginia arrested last week as a result of “Operation Phalanx” – an undercover operation targeting alleged child predators. It was a collaborative effort between Virginia's two Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces and the attorney general’s office.
‘There’s Always a Void’
Two grieving mothers seek answers here.
Kim Nelson goes to bed at night hoping she’ll someday see her daughter again; Gil Harrington knows she’ll never be able to because her own daughter is gone forever. Saturday, March 31, they were together in Fairfax seeking information about what happened to their girls and doing what they could to prevent similar tragedies from befalling someone else’s child.
Anyone for Bike Riding?
Fairfax County’s creating a Bicycle Transportation Plan.
Besides being fun and good exercise, bicycle riding can also help improve transportation in Fairfax County. So the county’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a series of meetings to further develop a countywide Bicycle Transportation Plan.
Residents Speak Out about Bike Plan
Fairfax County’s creating a bicycle-transportation network.
With help from Toole Design Group and Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB), Fairfax County is currently developing a bicycle master plan.
Students Shine in Pyramid Art Show
Students from Fairfax High and its feeder schools displayed their portfolios and individual works, March 21, in the Fairfax Pyramid Art Show.
Fairfax Woman Runs Half Marathon
Raised money for LLS in honor of her brother.
Fairfax resident Mary McLaughlin ran the Rock’n’Roll USA Half Marathon with two goals in mind – to raise as much money as she could for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and to honor her brother’s memory. And on March 17 in Washington, D.C., she did both.
Remembering Ryan Dillon
Burke resident dies at age 22.
Life stacked the deck against Ryan Dillon. He was autistic and had bone cancer and just lived to age 22.
Food, Fashion and Fun in Fair Oaks
Salvation Army fund-raiser includes lunch, silent auction.
Food, stylish clothing and fun are on the menu for the Fairfax Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s upcoming fund-raiser. It’s slated for Friday, March 30, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall).
Run a Race, Help Save Lives
5K in honor of two local women.
After surviving breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation, Centreville’s Vanessa Spiller is doing well and hopes to soon receive a clean bill of health from her doctor.