Thursday, May 31
Need for Police Oversight Continues
Coalition reaffirms effort to establish Police Citizens Oversight Board.
Nicholas Beltrante’s effort to gain the support of the Board of Supervisors to create a Police Citizen Oversight Board would be, if his proposal is accepted, similar to the ones formed in other cities and counties in the U.S.
Let’s Roll
Bob Sussan of Fairfax, vice chairman of the Department of Virginia American Legion Riders, gets ready to participate in the 25th anniversary Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom May 27. More than one million riders participated in the rally from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in honor of American POWs and MIAs.
Fairfax Rotary Honors Teachers of the Year
Robert Williams and Margaret Arnold each received the Teacher of the Year Award from The Fairfax Rotary Club on May 21.
Supporting Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts
Cardinal Bank Community Fund has awarded a $5,000 grant to Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts. Founded in 1985 as a cooperative effort by the City of Fairfax and George Mason University, Spotlight aims to enhance the community’s awareness of the many arts and cultural opportunities offered in Fairfax and the surrounding area.
Daily Patrols Take to the Water
Memorial Day weekend launches boating season.
The warm holiday weekend brought the opening of boating season on the Potomac watershed and Fairfax County’s inland lakes and waterways.
Fairfax Academy: Talent on Display
Creative Works Showcase, awards program to be held June 5.
Signature Projects created by second year Fairfax Academy students will be featured at Fairfax Academy’s annual Creative Works Showcase on Tuesday, June 5, 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the Fairfax HS Commons, followed by the Awards Program, 8 p.m. at the Fairfax HS Auditorium.
Fairfax Honors the Fallen
Memorial Day ceremony held at old Fairfax courthouse.
On Monday, May 28, dozens gathered on the lawn of the old Fairfax courthouse for a ceremony honoring those who have died in battle. The American Legion Post 177 and VFW Post 8469 partnered for the service.
Running for Cure
Michelle Wilds of Fairfax will run in the Race for Cure in memory of her mother Elizabeth.
On her 21st birthday, Michelle Wilds lost her mother. A Fairfax resident and George Mason business student, Michelle had watched her mother, Elizabeth, combat aggressive inflammatory cancer since her diagnosis in 2008.
Fairfax Resident Earns Girl Scout Gold Award
Eleni Antzoulatos of Troop 5462 in Fairfax, was one of 221 Girl Scouts from the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) recently recognized for earning the highest award in Girl Scouting. The annual ceremony, called "In Your Honor" was held at Trinity Washington University and celebrated the accomplishments of young women in the region that reached this extraordinary summit.
City of Fairfax Band presents 'Springtime Pops'
The City of Fairfax Band will present a free show Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Louise Jackson Amphitheater at Northern Virginia Community College, 6901 Sudley Road, Manassas. Parking is free next to the amphitheater. For weather-related cancellations, call 703-530-8298.
Business and Community Partnership Celebrated
Awards Ceremony hosted by George Mason University.
Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) recognized their business and community partners for continued contributions to their community at the Celebrate Partnerships awards ceremonies held on May 21 at the Mason Inn and Conference Center.
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.
Promoting E-ZPass On 495 Express Lanes
495 Express Lanes announced the launch of a three-month car giveaway contest designed to accelerate the adoption of E-ZPass and the new E-ZPass(r) FlexSM among Northern Virginia drivers in anticipation of the Express Lanes opening later this year.
Bruins Baseball Reaches Region Semifinals
Clutch game-winning bunt by O'Connor; solid pitching by Church, Rogers lead Lake Braddock past McLean.
A perfectly executed bases loaded suicide squeeze play by Dylan O'Connor saved the day for the Lake Braddock Secondary baseball team and provided the winning run for the host Bruins in their dramatic 6-5 extra innings victory over McLean in a Northern Region quarterfinals playoff game played on Memorial Day afternoon.
Westfield High to Host Spring Jubilee
State tournaments set to be held in baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and tennis.
Westfield High will host the upcoming Virginia High School League (VHSL) State AAA Spring Sports Jubilee from Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9. The Spring Jubilee will determine state AAA champions in baseball, softball, boys' and girls' tennis, soccer, and lacrosse. Westfield High is located at 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.
Wednesday, May 30
Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny
$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’
Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
Editorial: Surviving through Summer
Helping teens.
It is that time again, the time from proms to graduation, and all the celebrations that come with it. It's lovely to think, from a distance, that this is a happy and uncomplicated time for teens as the school year winds down, many look forward to college in the fall and a summer of internships or other interesting activities.
Martin, Burks Lead Stallions to Semifinals
South County softball beats Robinson in quarterfinal match-up.
Rebecca Martin hurled a one-hit shutout as South County advanced to the region semifinals with a 5-0 victory at Falls Church High School.
Area Students Win Merit Scholarships
Six Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been named winners of Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). T
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Tuesday, May 29
Column: Off Topic, Almost
If only it were that simple. And as much I’d like to turn the cancer switch off, finding that switch has proven to be extremely challenging.
Thursday, May 24
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Rams Defeat Westfield in Rainy Concorde Title Game
Robinson baseball builds 3-0 lead before weather delay; Go on to 4-2 title game victory.
Both the Westfield and Robinson baseball teams, along with competing against one another in Tuesday night’s Concorde District tournament baseball championship game, had to deal with sloppy, rainy weather conditions as well. Ultimately, following a third inning delay due to rain, the Rams of Robinson came away with a 4-2 finals win.
Paul VI Baseball Grabs Another State Title
Panthers battle through illnesses to gain crown in Emerson’s final season.
Fresh off their third Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship in the last six years, the Paul VI High Panthers’ baseball team had one more goal this past week: to win another Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) state title for their departing skipper Billy Emerson.
Workhouse to Host Farmers Market, Mount Vernon Nights
The Workhouse Arts Center has announced two new events taking place throughout the summer on the Workhouse Quad. The Workhouse Farmers Market will begin in May and Mount Vernon Nights at the Workhouse will begin in June.
South County Students Correspond with President
South County Secondary students in Janet Dower’s middle school English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes learned a big lesson about communication, when they wrote a letter to President Obama and received a response from him.
‘Happily Ever After’ at Workhouse
Full of energy with plenty of foolishness to sweeten the life lessons hidden in plain sight, the magical fairy tale "Rapunzel" is given an appealing live production rendition at the Workhouse Studio 3 for Young Audiences.
Wednesday, May 23
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 25-31.
Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.
Week in Fairfax
News in Fairfax.
Fairfax Chamber Receives Community Connector Award
Award recognizes Chamber’s contributions to schools and county.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce received the 2012 Chamber of Commerce Community Connector Award from Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Forum Focuses On Technology
Connolly holds forum on federal government and technology.
Senior representatives of national and local technology companies, including Google and Microsoft, and the new Chief Information Officer of the United States, participated in a congressional forum held by Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly and Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings at the Fairfax Government Center earlier this month.
Mom of Five Dedicated to Teaching Others Emergency Preparedness
According to the American Heart Association, 70 percent of Americans either do not know how to perform CPR or their training is outdated. For this reason, Antonisha "Nisi" Bennett is passionate about training moms and other caregivers in lifesaving skills. She lived in New York during 9/11 and remembers how helpless many people felt as a result of the attacks.
Fairfax Student to Receive Eagle Scout Rank
On June 2, David Luftglass, a junior at W. T. Woodson High School, will receive his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 1533 and community leaders, at Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 Little River Turnpike in Fairfax.
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.
Springfield Days – the Ultimate ‘Staycation’ May 31-June 3
Event features food, fun, entertainment for pets and people.
Everyone has their favorite Springfield Days event, whether it’s the cardboard boat regatta, the amusement rides, the petfest or the farmers market. Whatever it is, the annual community-wide celebration has something fun, entertaining and exciting for everyone.
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.
Iron Dog Champions
All five Fairfax K-9 teams win awards and recognition.
All five of the FCPD K-9 teams that entered the 2012 Virginia Police Canine Association (VPCA) Iron Dog competition won awards and recognition for their top abilities testing strength, stamina and team work.
Governor Signs Voter ID Bills
McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.
Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.
Tuesday, May 22
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
Time to honor, also time to ensure proper care of veterans.
In February, Brig. Gen. Terence J. Hildner, 49, of Fairfax, was the highest ranking military officer to die in the war on terror.
Column: Living Longer, Sort of Prospering
Though my column has appeared in the newspaper as usual the last few weeks, I haven’t felt much like writing. Typically, I’m weeks ahead with my column inventory, having regularly found the time and inclination to put pen to paper and provide the prose you regular readers have come to expect.
Friday, May 18
Joining ‘Voices of Now’
Local schools perform at Arena Stage.
Last week, drama ensembles from five Fairfax County Schools performed at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. as part of a youth drama program called "Voices of Now."
Thursday, May 17
Planning to Vote?
Nearly 200,000 voter registration cards mailed this week.
Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, if you are planning to vote in the June 12 primary elections in Fairfax County, check your new voter registration cards mailed out this week.
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.
Wounded Warriors in Kayak Races
Fairfax-based Project Enduring Pride hosts first annual National Wounded Warrior and Amputee Kayak Race.
For Army Sgt. Jared Lemon, 31, the National Wounded Warrior and Amputee Kayak Race on the Potomac last Saturday, May 12, was less about competing for first-place and more about enjoying a beautiful day in a familiar setting—the open water.
SMILE Carnival Earns Katelyn Sparks her Gold Award
Katelyn Sparks, a South County Secondary School freshman, recently achieved the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for something she does every day - SMILE.
Clifton Residents Kick Up their Heels
Clifton residents celebrated in style, Sunday, May 6, during the Clifton Gala at Trummer’s on Main. Attendees enjoyed dining and dancing while bidding on a wide array of auction items. Providing the music was local deejay Jeff Harper. The event was a fundraiser for the town’s Streetscape Master Project.
Learning and Laughter at Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning
The Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning sits quietly in a corner of the shops of Lorton Valley center giving away little with its typical brick and glass store front look. But just get through those secured main doors, and you enter into a world of color, imagination, learning and lots of hugs.
Art Teachers’ Work on Display
Centreville High art teachers will display their works as Artists of the Month at La Bella Luce in the Town of Clifton. The shop is at 7137 Main St., and their show is titled, "Gli Insegnanti d’arte" (Italian for "the art teachers").
A ‘Perfect’ Mother’s Day
Fairfax moms create gift bags for mothers in homeless shelters.
Every week, Julie Miner and Kristin Wilson Keppler would run into each other at Fairfax Presbyterian Church’s preschool and exchange "mommy" pleasantries.
Oak View Elementary Bikes to School
On May 9, Oak View Elementary School held their Bike to School event. The Principal, Bonnie Glazewski, rode six miles to school and back, joining students along the way on the identified route. Approximately 50 students participated; coordinated by OV parents.
Week in Fairfax
News in Fairfax.
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."
Mulan Comes to Burke
Northern Virginia Players present Disney classic.
Northern Virginia Players will present Disney’s Mulan Jr. beginning Saturday, May 25 at Burke Community Church. The heartwarming tale begins when the Huns have invaded China, and it’s up to misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor. Mulan is a celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit, includes musical favorites such as "Honor to Us All."
Robinson Girls Lax Made Forward Progress This Spring
Rams, under their new head coach, had a good second half to the season.
The Robinson Secondary girls' lacrosse team saw its first season under veteran head coach Liz Case come to an end this past Tuesday night, May 15 when the Rams lost to defending Northern Region champion Madison, 19-13, in a first round game of the 16-team region playoffs. The postseason contest took place at Madison High School in Vienna.
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Wednesday, May 16
Woodson Boys’ Lax Wins Patriot District
Cavaliers avenge losses to Annandale, South County.
The Woodson boys' lacrosse team defeated South County on May 11 to win the Patriot District tournament title.
Woodson Girls’ Lax Wins 3rd Straight Patriot Title
Finnerty’s five goals push Cavaliers past Lake Braddock.
After losing to the Bruins in the regular season, Woodson beat Lake Braddock, 14-11, in the Patriot District girls' lacrosse tournament final on May 11.
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 18-25.
Entertainment in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Events happening in the community.
Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 18-25.
Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Opening Doors for People in Need
FACETS celebrates volunteers, donors at annual benefit breakfast.
Surrounded by nearly 350 business executives, politicians and community leaders in the chandeliered ballroom of the Waterford, Frank Somers - dressed in jeans, sneakers and a denim work shirt - looked a little out of place.
Building Confidence in Ourselves
We face a myriad of challenges today, but perhaps no challenge is greater than overcoming a pervading loss of confidence.
Fairfax County Students Win Technology Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) middle and high school students won first place awards in 19 categories at the 2012 Virginia Technology Student Association (TSA) State Leadership Conference, held last week in Richmond. The three days of competitive events and displays of student work culminated in FCPS winning the Lynn P. Barrier Outstanding School Division Award for middle schools for the third consecutive year.
Families Fight For Northern Virginia Training Center
Center provides care to more than 150 residents with disabilities.
Susan Infeld, a registered nurse, remembers vividly the night she knew she had to get involved with the Northern Virginia Training Center. She was working as a hospice nurse at a local hospital when a patient from NVTC came in suffering from pneumonia in the middle of the night.
Tuesday, May 15
Game On
George Mason University students develop video games aimed at curtailing gang recruitment in Virginia.
Law enforcement officials now have two unlikely weapons in the fight against gang activity in Virginia: video games and college students.
Editorial: Most Endangered?
Potomac River has made great strides, has miles to go to save the Bay.
Unless your home is served by well water, you are almost certainly among the five million people in the Washington Metropolitan area who get their drinking water from the Potomac River.
Column: “Psycho-not-so-matic” Anymore
Whatever I thought was only happening in my head – or not, or was really happening physically – or not, is the muddled description of the thoughts and emotions that this cancer survivor/cancer patient-still-receiving-treatment feels every time I make a 24/7 self assessment (which is often).
Monday, May 14
Friday, May 11
Mother's Day 2012
We asked our readers to submit photos in honor of Mother's Day, which is on May 13.
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Thursday, May 10
Dolce Veloce Opens in Fairfax
Casual, elegant wine bar is located at 10826 Fairfax Boulevard.
When Guiseppe "Joe" Ricciardi and his wife Sharon were dating, they loved going to restaurants that served good wine and small plates of food.
Belle Mode Intimates Opens in Fairfax
Belle Mode Intimates, Fairfax Corner Shopping Center’s newest edition, will be arriving this Mother’s Day weekend and would like to invite you to come celebrate their new store with an evening full of giveaways from businesses in the area, fun gifts for the first 20 people to arrive, personalized fitting consultations, 20 percent off the entire store, food, drinks, and more.
Remembering Nat Bresler
GMU’s Habitat for Humanity holds 5k in honor of founding officer.
On Sunday, May 6, George Mason University’s Habitat for Humanity chapter held their first annual Nat Bresler Memorial 5k on George Mason’s Fairfax campus.
Traps and Mystery Galore as 'Sleuth' Arrives
Providence Players of Fairfax presents 'Sleuth.'
"You’re loving it. You’re in a high state of brilliance and excitement." So says one of the characters in the Providence Players of Fairfax next production, the whodunit "Sleuth."
Better Said Than Done at Epicure Café in Fairfax
Better Said Than Done, a community of professional storytellers, will be presenting "First Encounters – stories of meetings, dates, and the totally alien," at Epicure Cafe, 11213A Lee Highway in Fairfax on Saturday, May 19.
Presidential Visit to Washington-Lee
President Barack Obama made his first visit to Washington-Lee High School on Friday, May 4.
Grassroots Government 101
First Braddock ‘Citizen Governance Conference’ draws future decision-makers.
Sitting in a conference room discussing issues such as land use, aging and transportation may not seem like the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. But the opportunity to have a voice in the future of the Braddock district drew nearly 75 residents to the first Citizen Governance Conference, hosted by Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) at Frost Achievement Finance Park on May 5.
County Launches Project To Combat Lyme Disease
After an unseasonably warm winter, Fairfax County health officials are bracing for a proliferation of tick infestations as well as a potential surge in new cases of Lyme disease.
Robinson Girls Lacrosse Advances to Regionals
Rams win Concorde playoff opener over Chantilly Chargers.
Both teams showcased their scoring prowess last Friday evening, May 4 when Robinson and Chantilly met in a first round Concorde District girls' lacrosse playoff contest at Robinson Secondary. With a Northern Region playoff seeding on the line and a chance to advance to the district semifinals, both teams played with passion and determination. For the winner, it would be the first game of what could be an extended postseason. For the losing team, it would mark the end of the season. In the end, Robinson, the six-team district tournament's No. 4 seed, held off a ferocious late game Chantilly rally and defeated the Chargers, 19-16.
Patriot District Lax Tourneys in Full Throttle
Boys and girls title games set for Friday evening at Lee.
The semifinals rounds of both the girls’ and boys’ Patriot District lacrosse tournaments were scheduled to take place earlier this week at Lee High School in Springfield.
Northern Virginia Bill Signing Puts Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence in Spotlight
A rare moment of bipartisanship between Republican governor and Democratic legislators.
Strangulation will be punished more aggressively to combat violence against women. Campus police will work with other police agencies to crack down on domestic violence of unmarried couples. And the telephone number for a human trafficking hotline will be placed in the restrooms at strip clubs across Virginia.
Wednesday, May 9
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.
Tuesday, May 8
The Best Seats Outside the House
Local designers offer tips for creating a spectacular patio or deck.
Warm weather means more time spent lounging by the pool or grilling on the patio. A winter-worn outdoor space can make popular warm weather pastimes less than appealing. Creating a space that provides both comfort and style can be a daunting undertaking. Local designers are offering suggestions for creating a luxurious retreat fit for relaxing or outdoor entertaining.
Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.
Editorial: Transparency, Technology and Tolls
With E-Z Pass transponder on the windshield, you should know what you're about to pay; whatever it is, it's going up.
Despite the high number of drivers in Northern Virginia who already have an E-Z Pass transponder, when the HOT-Lanes open on the Beltway, there will be pressure for many more drivers to subscribe.
Column: “I’m Fine”
Mostly. All things considered, and as a stage IV (terminal) lung cancer patient, it’s impossible – for me, to not consider all things.
Friday, May 4
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 4-11.
Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Thursday, May 3
Community Champions
Julie Clemente founded Friends of Clemyjontri Inc. in 2006 to raise money for park improvements. In 2011, Clemente organized and headed the effort to create the Friends of Clemyjontri website; worked with CapitalOne to create a credit card with a photo of Clemyjontri on the front to help raise funds for the park, and has created opportunities to raise additional funds.
Displaying Strength and Flexibility
Twenty competitors — 14 amateurs and six professional pole dancers — participated in the Ms. Virginia Pole Dance Fitness Competition held Saturday, April 28 at the Hilton Crystal City.
‘West Side Story’ At South County
Classic update of "Romeo & Juliet."
South County Secondary School Theatre Department is ready to rumble as the popular musical, "West Side Story," hits its stage this month. Set in the mid-1950s, the play tells the story of two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, who fight for the same territory in New York City.
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.
Five NoVA High School Students Honored
Five high school artists from Prince William and Fairfax won awards Saturday in Congressman Gerry Connolly’s annual 11th District Congressional Art Competition. The artwork of the first prize winner – Hope Martin of Battlefield High School in Haymarket – will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year where it will be seen by hundreds of thousands.
Week in Fairfax
Things happening in Fairfax.
Local Safety Net Clinics Seek a Few Good Doctors
Specialty care physicians and other medical professionals needed to serve low income, uninsured patients.
When Marie Markey of Alexandria retired from U.S. Air Force as a physical therapist, she rolled up her sleeves and went to work helping those in need. Markey works as a volunteer twice each week at the Arlington Free Clinic, offering physical therapy to the clinic’s low income and uninsured patients.
Installing Ramp for Neighbor in Need
A much-needed handicap access ramp and minor exterior home repairs were provided to a deserving Fairfax City resident on Saturday, April 28 as part of the Fairfax Rotary Club’s annual Service Above Self Project.
Willis Glenn Wright of Fairfax Dies
Willis Glenn Wright, R.Ph, of Fairfax, formerly of Alexandria, died on April 23, 2012. Beloved husband of 10 years to Ruth J. Montllor. Loving father of William "Addison" Wright (Mala) and Edward H. Wright (Diane). Cherished grandfather of Ashley Carrie, William "Glenn", John Savage "Jay", and Emma Addison Wright.
Hub Theatre Receives Helen Hayes Award
At the 28th Annual Helen Hayes Awards presented on April 23, the 2012 Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play was received by Marc Acito for his "Birds of a Feather." The play recounts the story of two Central Park Zoo penguins, Roy and Silo, who raised a chick together. Inspiration for the play came from the children's book "And Tango Make Three" by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson in which Roy and Silo appeared.
Young Masters to Perform at GMU
Special event to benefit Mason School of Music Scholarships.
Showcasing the talents of four scholarship recipients, George Mason University's School of Music will be presenting The Young Masters Concert on Sunday, May 6 at 7 p.m. "We know our audience will enjoy these terrific performances, and we congratulate and commend these four outstanding students." said Linda Apple Monson, Associate Director for Academic Affairs.
Fairfax Dentists to Donate iPods to Alzheimer’s Patients
Fairfax dentists at Smiles At Fairfax Corner, are helping local Alzheimer patients in the community by launching a "Tuned For Memory" event. The event will run from Tuesday, May 1 through Friday, June 1.
Explosives Ordinance Unit Presented in Fairfax
The robot, unofficially known in the Fairfax EOD unit as "Charlotte," is the most common robotic platform used by police departments in the Unite States and has been used by the Fairfax County Police Department since 2002.
AYPO Welcomes New Conductor of the American Youth String Ensemble
The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO) welcomes its new Conductor of the American Youth String Ensemble (AYSE), Laura Woollen Cahn of Fairfax.
Teens Promote Diversity
Students find creative ways to promote diversity through volunteering.
Joanna Shows remembers what it was like to be held back, just because she was a woman.
Value of Volunteer Hours: $4.5 million
Legacy of Community Service? Priceless.
"Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous sentiment was echoed by numerous community and civic leaders who gathered at the Waterford in Springfield Friday, April 27, to celebrate 118 Fairfax County volunteers during the 20th annual Volunteer Service Awards hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.
Volunteers Honored for Efforts
Four locals receive Community Champions Awards for Health Care and Social Services to the Community.
Four Northern Virginia volunteers were honored for their charitable efforts recently. Edward Shahin of McLean, Marie Markey of Alexandria and Mattie Palmore and Kari Warren of Mt. Vernon received the Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award during a ceremony at the at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax.
Northern Region Sports Notes (May 2-8)
Fairfax Adult Softball signup; Wildcats baseball hosting benefit game; McLean tennis rolling; Langley softball wins.
The Centreville High varsity baseball team will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Washington, D.C. chapter of Operation Homefront during its home game on Tuesday, May 8 against Concorde District rival Oakton.
Robinson Boys' Lacrosse Poised for Big Postseason
Rams finish regular season over .500 at 6-5.
It has been a season of streaks for the Robinson Rams boys' lacrosse team, which has won or lost this spring in bunches. But the Concorde District squad has been playing a good brand of lacrosse of late and appears to be at a good place with the postseason set to begin this Friday night with the start of the six-team district tournament.
Lake Braddock Baseball Versatile in Victory
Bruins beat Woodson with power, pitching and execution.
After falling behind early in Tuesday’s game at Woodson, the Lake Braddock baseball team put on a third-inning display of offensive versatility.
Wednesday, May 2
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Editorial: Reminders to Press Ahead for Housing
Spring discussion on hypothermia shelters could help preparations for winter.
In February, 2007, 59-year-old Robert Bruce Miller was found dead outdoors in Chantilly. Miller was homeless, known to businesses and residents in the area. He died of hypothermia, exposure to the cold.
Welcome Back in City of Fairfax Elections
City of Fairfax elects incumbents, DeMarco for council seats; Silverthorne, longtime council member, elected Mayor.
Cheers, tears, hugs and a standing ovation greeted City of Fairfax Mayor-elect R. Scott Silverthorne as he took the stage at Old Town Hall Tuesday night after winning the seat his father, former Mayor Frederick W. Silverthorne, occupied in 1978.
Volunteer Police Officers Saluted at Ceremony
West Springfield, Franconia volunteers receive awards.
"We need a big golden arch, like McDonald's, and a sign that says more than one million served." Fairfax County Police Chief, Col. David Rohrer, was referring to the milestone achieved by the county’s Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) during a recent ceremony honoring FCPD volunteers.
Celebrating Earth Day
Clean Fairfax Council hosts 2012 celebration.
A fundamental part of the mission of the Clean Fairfax Council is to "encourage environmental stewardship and urban sustainability" in Fairfax County, working in partnership with numerous governmental agencies and volunteer groups. As the organizers of the Fairfax County Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration for more than 10 years, the Council insured that the 2012 event, held on Saturday, April 28 at the Fairfax County Government Center was loaded with educational workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, food and fun.
University Mall Begins $30 Million ‘Transformation’
Fairfax center will double in size and include new Giant Food store.
After five years of planning, shovels will be ready to hit the ground this June for the $30 million top-to-bottom transformation and expansion of the University Mall Shopping Center in Fairfax.
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.
Tuesday, May 1
Column: News That’s Fit To Print
As our Publisher and fellow cancer survivor, Mary Kimm, e-mailed back to me last week: “Who knew ‘stable’ could be so exciting?”