Thursday, November 29
‘All I Want for Christmas’
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.
Boundary Changes Affect Local Students
Parents learn about what’s planned.
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.
Fundraisers Set for Centreville Family
Husband severely injured in accident.
Debbie Harrison is a kindergarten teacher at London Towne Elementary and has taught school for nearly 30 years. She’s also a wife and mother. But in April, her life and that of her husband Frank changed forever.
WHS Brass Quintet
The Westfield High School Brass Quintet performed Sunday, Nov. 25 at the Barnes & Noble in Fair Lakes.
WFCM Says Thanks for Giving in November
During Thanksgiving, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries gave baskets of food to families in need in the local area. As with all successful ventures, WFCM did not do it alone. Many churches, businesses, dance teams, local high schools, and many individuals, sponsored one to hundreds of families to provide Thanksgiving food. Now, WFCM is preparing to serve additional families at Christmastime and, once again, it needs the community’s help.
Making the Holidays Bright for Needy Children
Our Neighbor’s Child collecting toys, clothing.
For many local families, the holiday season isn’t about Christmas carols and pretty decorations. It’s about worrying how they’ll keep their children warm in the coming winter and explain to them why Santa can’t bring them any presents this year. And that’s where the all-volunteer, nonprofit Our Neighbor’s Child comes in, working to make sure that no child in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fair Lakes goes without holiday gifts.
Centre View Calendar, Nov. 29, 2012
Email announcements to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos welcome.
Centre View Roundups, Nov. 29, 2012
Centre View Roundups for Nov. 29, 2012: Sexual Battery Is Charged; Man Charged with Embezzling; Free Carseat Inspections ; Clifton Horse Parade; CLRC Open House Dec. 1; FCPS Superintendent Search; Police Collect Children’s Gifts; Adopt a Shelter Animal; Centreville Elementary Seeks Grant; Christmas Tree Fire Safety; WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers; Meals on Wheels Volunteers; Women's Self Defense Program
Letter: Applauds Coverage Of Immigration
Writing as a member of the board of directors of the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF), I applaud your editorial, the op-ed by John Horejsi (SALT), and the opening articles.
Letter: Hopes Nation Comes Together
Regardless of party lines, congratulations are in order for President Obama’s reelection as our 45th president of the United States.
Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response
The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms.
Editorial: Learning in a Global Community
Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages.
This week our ongoing series about immigration in Fairfax County takes a look at county schools, and some of the joys and challenges of having a diverse student body that speaks as many as 160 different languages at home.
Wednesday, November 28
Classified Advertising Nov. 28,2012
Read the latest ads here!
Herndon High Performs ‘Brigadoon’
Theater department puts on annual fall musical.
For many cast members in the Herndon High School Theatre Department, the musical "Brigadoon" wasn’t a familiar title to them. The story of two New Yorkers who stumble upon a mystical disappearing Scottish village features one of the young men, Tommy, who falls in love with one of the town’s residents, only to be confronted by the fact that the town only appears once every hundred years.
Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits
Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.
As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.
Tuesday, November 27
Building a Savings Stockpile on Shoestring Budget
Money experts say it is possible to save, even on a limited income.
Even though Mary Beth Lanvin is employed full-time with a company that offers generous retirement benefits, she can’t afford to contribute to a 401(k).
Avoiding Holiday Debt
Plan now to prevent post-holiday bills.
Festive store displays mean the holiday shopping season is in full swing.
Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving
Financial experts offer suggestions for ensuring one’s donations are well spent.
’Tis the season for giving, and that includes donations to charities.
Brief: Helping Animals Find Homes for the Holidays?
Special adoption promotion to help animals find homes.
Brief: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering a free spay or neuter for the first 100 cats, kittens, dogs or puppies adopted from the shelter through Dec. 31.
We Are the World, at Garfield
Teachers discuss challenges of teaching English as a Second Language.
Garfield Elementary School in Springfield, like all of Fairfax County, has a population that reflects a wide range of backgrounds.
Marshall High is the Face of Fairfax County
Upwards of 90 countries represented by student population.
The schools that feed into George C. Marshall High School are the academic home to children from all over the world.
Brief: History Conference Focuses on Conflict and Courage
Local historians honored.
Brief: The eighth Annual Fairfax County History Conference was held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in the City of Fairfax.
Brief: Community Meetings to Help Search for Superintendent
Brief: On Sept. 22, 2011, Superintendent Jack D. Dale announced his intention to retire from Fairfax County Public Schools effective June 30, 2013.
Uranium Money Spreads Across Virginia in Radioactive Debate
Upcoming General Assembly session to feature effort to lift ban on uranium mining.
The uranium deposits under the farmlands of Pittsylvania County are miles away from Northern Virginia, but the debate about what happens there is shaping up to be one of the hottest issues of the upcoming General Assembly session.
Friday, November 23
Classified Advertising Nov 21, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Thursday, November 22
Westfield Wins VTA Competition
School’s first victory in statewide acting contest.
The local community knows how talented Westfield High’s theater students are; now, so do people in the rest of the state. The young thespians won the school’s first-ever Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) competition, beating out 44 other schools statewide.
‘Serve with Napkins and Ketchup’
Recipes for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving dinner at Colin Powell Elementary
Boy Scout Food Drive Successful
The annual, Boy Scout “Scouting for Food” Drive was Saturday, Nov. 10.
Centre View Roundups: Nov. 21, 2012
What happens in Centre View this week.
40 Years Prison for Centreville Murder
Man killed his ex-girlfriend’s sister.
Despite the fact that Man Ha Park left his wife and daughter to run off with another woman, they both testified on his behalf before he was sentenced for murdering that woman’s sister. But neither their pleas nor tears could save him from being sentenced to 40 years in prison for a killing so brutal that the prosecutor called the crime scene “a blood bath — worse than in many horror movies.”
Remembering Bonnie Huneke
Virginia Run Turkey Trot to be run in her honor.
Each year, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is run in honor of a community resident who’s died of cancer, and this year’s Thanksgiving Day event is in memory of Bonnie Huneke. She died Oct. 27, 2011 of breast cancer at age 50.
Centre View Calendar: Nov. 21, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Centre View Bulletin Board: Nov. 21, 2012
Upcoming events
Brief: Gingerbread Activities at Deer Park Elementary
The Gingerbread Man will help K-2 students at Deer Park Elementary learn about school geography and the staff members when local author Laura Murray comes to share her book, “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School,” Dec. 12, at 9 a.m.
Centre View School Notes: Nov. 21, 2012
school notes
Brief: CVHS Students Named Top Achievers
The following Centreville High School students have been recognized as top achievers in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Editorial: Be Part of Children's Centre View
During the last week of each year, the Centre View devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.
Editorial: Diversity Growing
Tune in to our series on immigration.
This week, Centre View and Connection Newspapers kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population.
Handling ‘Everything under the Sun’
Animal Control officer talks about his job.
Andy Sanderson has been a police officer for 20 years and an animal control officer for 15, and he recently shared his knowledge and expertise with members of the Sully District Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
Wednesday, November 21
Westfield Wins VTA Competition
School’s first victory in statewide acting contest.
The local community knows how talented Westfield High’s theater students are; now, so do people in the rest of the state. The young thespians won the school’s first-ever Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) competition, beating out 44 other schools statewide. The event was held Oct. 26-28 at the Reston Hyatt, and Westfield’s victory propels its actors to sectional competition, March 6-10, in Louisville, Ky. There, they’ll vie against some 30 other first-place winners from across the Southeastern U.S. Westfield performed the one-act play, “The Hothouse,” by Harold Pinter and were onstage 45 minutes. And besides the overall championship, students Mitchell Buckley and Madeleine Bloxam took home All-Star Acting awards. “I’m very proud of the work the students did, especially since it was a student-directed piece,” said Westfield Theater Director Susie Pike. “They tackled difficult material — absurdist theater, which is very mature. So it was a great learning experience, and one of my goals here in the department is to provide as many learning and leadership opportunities as I can.”
‘Serve with Napkins and Ketchup’
Recipes for Thanksgiving
Students in teacher Caryn Lynch’s first-grade class at Colin Powell Elementary tell their favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner and how they’d prepare it. Turkey – “Stuff it with turkey and put it in the oven. Cook it 2 minutes at 1 degree and serve it with chicken-fried rice.”
Boy Scout Food Drive Successful
The annual, Boy Scout “Scouting for Food” Drive was Saturday, Nov. 10. Locally, Scouts collected food donated by residents, sorted it and brought it to WFCM (Western Fairfax Christian Ministries) for its food pantry. Some 58,691 pounds of food was collected in the Sully District – which is 1,700 pounds more than last year.
Boy Scout Food Drive Successful
The annual, Boy Scout “Scouting for Food” Drive was Saturday, Nov. 10. Locally, Scouts collected food donated by residents, sorted it and brought it to WFCM (Western Fairfax Christian Ministries) for its food pantry. Some 58,691 pounds of food was collected in the Sully District – which is 1,700 pounds more than last year.
Roundups
Women's Self Defense Program
The Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department to offer the Women's Self Defense Training program. It’s based on the SAFE program formerly provided by the Police Department, but now being taught by C&J Security Corp.
Roundups
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Fairfax County needs Meals on Wheels drivers in Chantilly and group Meals on Wheels coordinators in both Chantilly and Fairfax. Contact Volunteer Solutions at 703-324-5406, TTY 711, VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm.
Roundups
WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry urgently needs donations of oil (48 oz. or smaller); flour (2-5 lb. bag); sugar (2-5 lb. bag); rice; canned meats; salad dressing, jelly; jam; peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Ramen Noodles, canned fruit; canned beets and collard greens; canned soup and beans; dry pasta and beans; ketchup, mustard, pancake mix and syrup; hot and cold cereal and coffee. In addition, the Food Pantry would appreciate fresh produce, such as tomatoes, from local gardens.
Roundups
Centreville Elementary Seeks Grant
Centreville Elementary has been nominated by its PTA for a $50,000Clorox Bright Futures Grant. If awarded, the grant will be used to support the school's healthy movement initiative. The school will install a running/walking track for the students and community. This is a nationwide competition, and the entity with the most votes will win.
Roundups
ONC Needs Community’s Help
Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) is preparing for its 21st holiday season providing new toys and clothing for children of families in financial crisis in Centreville, Chantilly and Western Fairfax. But it’s a volunteer organization and it can only carry out its mission with the support of local churches, schools, businesses and individuals. And this year, in the face of a difficult economy, ONC needs help more than ever from groups or individuals willing to furnish clothing for local children in need. The number of requests for winter coats, jackets and other warm clothing is high again this year. Specific information (sizes, etc.) will be available before Thanksgiving.
Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Nov. 29, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed
Roundups
Sully District Council Meeting
The Sully District Council of Citizens Associations and its Land-Use Committee will meet Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m., in the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. The topic is Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Services in the Sully District. Call Jeff Parnes, evenings, at 703-904-0131.
Roundups
Fair Oaks CAC to Meet
The Citizens Advisory Council of the Fair Oaks District Police Station will meet Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m., in the roll-call room of the police station. It’s at 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly.
Roundups
Advanced Academics Meeting
Fairfax County Public Schools will hold community meetings next week to gather public input about the timing of expanding advanced academic services to all pyramids within the school system. The goal is to make sure all students have access to advanced academic programs (AAP). Locally, the meeting is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 7-9 p.m., in the Westfield High cafeteria for Clusters 6, 7 and 8.
Roundups
Donate Blood, Save Lives
Total Framing, at 9528 Main St. in Fairfax, will hold its second annual blood drive in honor of Owen Wicks (the son of a Clifton Elementary alumnus) and Ryan Dillon (whose father was a former Clifton Elementary P.E. teacher). Both lost their battles with Osteosarcoma earlier this year, but this blood drive is to honor their memories and help others batting cancer and other diseases and conditions requiring transfusions.
Roundups
Donate Blood, Save Lives
Total Framing, at 9528 Main St. in Fairfax, will hold its second annual blood drive in honor of Owen Wicks (the son of a Clifton Elementary alumnus) and Ryan Dillon (whose father was a former Clifton Elementary P.E. teacher). Both lost their battles with Osteosarcoma earlier this year, but this blood drive is to honor their memories and help others batting cancer and other diseases and conditions requiring transfusions.
Roundups
Parkway Overpass Now Open
As of Thursday, Nov. 15, VDOT shifted traffic onto the new Fairfax County Parkway bridge over the Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive. The new bridge spans from south of Fair Lakes Parkway to north of Monument Drive. With the new overpass, motorists won’t encounter a traffic signal for the five-mile stretch between Popes Head Road and Route 50. The work is part of a $69.7 million interchange project set for completion next spring. It’s being built to ease traffic congestion at the intersection of these two, heavily traveled thoroughfares.
40 Years Prison for Centreville Murder
Man killed his ex-girlfriend’s sister.
Despite the fact that Man Ha Park left his wife and daughter to run off with another woman, they both testified on his behalf before he was sentenced for murdering that woman’s sister. But neither their pleas nor tears could save him from being sentenced to 40 years in prison for a killing so brutal that the prosecutor called the crime scene “a blood bath — worse than in many horror movies.” The offense occurred June 6, 2011 and was actually a triple stabbing. The murder victim was Centreville resident Mihwa Kim, 49. During Park’s preliminary hearing, Sept. 7, 2011, the ex-girlfriend, Shanna Kim, 52, testified that Park stabbed both her and her sister and then tried killing himself, as well. She said he was armed with two long knives — a kitchen knife and a sushi knife. The tragedy happened inside the Elms of Centreville apartment complex, across Braddock Road from the Old Centreville Crossing Shopping Center. Shanna Kim had known Park four years and he’d lived with her and her sister in that apartment — where Mihwa’s husband and 14-year-old daughter also lived — until Park moved out, May 29, 2011.
Remembering Bonnie Huneke - Virginia Run Turkey Trot To Be Run in Huneke’s Honor
Time doesn’t heal — you just call it the new normal.” - Stephen Huneke, widower
Each year, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is run in honor of a community resident who’s died of cancer, and this year’s Thanksgiving Day event is in memory of Bonnie Huneke. She died Oct. 27, 2011 of breast cancer at age 50. Sixteen-year residents of Centreville’s Virginia Run community, she and her husband Stephen, a government contractor and retired Army major, were married 21 years; their children are Elizabeth, 31, Craig, 26 and Mary, 19. Bonnie’s first husband, Army CWO3 Billy Bolin, preceded her in death. “She was one of those super-friendly people who never met someone she didn’t like,” said Stephen Huneke. “Every day, she’d be out walking our golden retriever and met a lot of neighbors that way.” Bonnie also loved planting flowers and gardening; and as the children grew, she and Stephen enjoyed attending their athletic events in SYA and in high school. She also volunteered at Virginia Run Elementary, Stone Middle and Westfield High and worked at Westfield’s blood drives, too. An active person, she used to be an avid runner until a bone tumor on her right knee, 18 years ago, forced her to have a prosthetic knee. Because of that, several times over the last 15 years, doctors had to remove scar tissue on her knee.
Remembering Bonnie Huneke - Virginia Run Turkey Trot To Be Run in Huneke’s Honor
Time doesn’t heal — you just call it the new normal.” - Stephen Huneke, widower
Each year, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is run in honor of a community resident who’s died of cancer, and this year’s Thanksgiving Day event is in memory of Bonnie Huneke. She died Oct. 27, 2011 of breast cancer at age 50. Sixteen-year residents of Centreville’s Virginia Run community, she and her husband Stephen, a government contractor and retired Army major, were married 21 years; their children are Elizabeth, 31, Craig, 26 and Mary, 19. Bonnie’s first husband, Army CWO3 Billy Bolin, preceded her in death. “She was one of those super-friendly people who never met someone she didn’t like,” said Stephen Huneke. “Every day, she’d be out walking our golden retriever and met a lot of neighbors that way.” Bonnie also loved planting flowers and gardening; and as the children grew, she and Stephen enjoyed attending their athletic events in SYA and in high school. She also volunteered at Virginia Run Elementary, Stone Middle and Westfield High and worked at Westfield’s blood drives, too. An active person, she used to be an avid runner until a bone tumor on her right knee, 18 years ago, forced her to have a prosthetic knee. Because of that, several times over the last 15 years, doctors had to remove scar tissue on her knee.
Entertainment
Nov. 21 through Jan. 6, 2013 Bull Run Festival of Lights. This event features more than two miles of holiday light displays, food, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, carnival rides, hay rides and Santa's Enchanted Lights. The light show is open Monday through Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday and holidays, 5:30-10 p.m. Admission is $15 per car Monday through Thursday; $20 per car Friday through Sunday and holidays. At Bull Run Regional Park located at 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Visitwww.bullrunfestivaloflights.com or call 703-359-4633.
ASL Signing Santa and Mrs. Claus
BOX
In celebration of the Ice Age: Continental Drift Blu-ray featuring first-time sign-language interpretation of a feature film, Fair Oaks will host ASL Signing Santa Day on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 10-11 a.m. Special-guest children who are deaf and/or hard-of-hearing will be welcomed for a walk through the multi-sensory Ice Palace, Ice Age treats and souvenirs, signed dance performances by Hulala, performances by members of the Washington, D.C. deaf community, a visit with Signing Santa and Signing Mrs. Claus and complimentary Santa photos. The event will be signed by a guest interpreter.
Ice Palace
Fair Oaks Enchanted Ice Palace Holiday Tradition
Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Chantilly
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9, 2012 Dulles Expo Center 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA 20151 Show Hours: -Friday, December 7: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -Saturday, December 8: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -Sunday, December 9: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission (valid all three days): -Adults $8 online; $10 at the door -Children under 12 free
Festival of Lights
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is open Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Jan. 6. Featuring more than two and a half miles of holiday light displays, the Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park has drawn thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away.
Festival of Lights
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is open Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Jan. 6. Featuring more than two and a half miles of holiday light displays, the Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park has drawn thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away.
Santa Paws’ at Fair Oaks Mall
Fair Oaks Mall will offer guests five opportunities during the holidays to have their pets’ pictures taken with Santa at the Ice Palace, locally presented by Cox Communications. The annual Fair Oaks Mall “Santa Paws” will be offered on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 8-9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2 from 7:30-9 a.m. and 8-9 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 8-9:30 p.m. Set against the enchanted Ice Palace, the 1,200-square foot centerpiece of the Fair Oaks Mall holiday celebrations, dogs and cats with their owners and families will have the opportunity to pose for commemorative professional photos with Santa.
Centreville Home Sales: October, 2012
In October 2012, 70 Centreville homes sold between $935,000-$132,500.
Centreville Home Sales in October, 2012
Bulletin Board
The Chantilly Academy Auto Technology and Auto Collision Repair classes are looking for used cars as donations to the program. Contact Ann Booker at 703-227-3041 or Kenny Brown at 703-222-7466. Northern Virginia Neighbors Club. A non-profit organization offering an opportunity to meet new friends. Activities include book clubs, card games, crafts, fitness, gardening, mah jong, needleworks, rummoli, theater and more. Meet members at one of the monthly luncheons, coffees or mixers. Email nvn156@yahoo.com.
Chantilly Home Sales: October, 2012
In October 2012, 13 homes sold between $700,000-$65,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales in October, 2012
Gingerbread Activities at Deer Park Elementary
The Gingerbread Man will help K-2 students at Deer Park Elementary learn about school geography and the staff members when local author Laura Murray comes to share her book, “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School,” Dec. 12, at 9 a.m.
School Notes
Wednesday/Nov. 28 CVHS Safe Teen Driving Seminars. Registration will begin at 6:15 p.m. and doors will be locked at 7 p.m. No one will be admitted after the doors are locked. All parents and students need to attend one of these sessions before the student will be issued a driver's license. It is preferred that your student attend during the quarter they have Driver's Education with Ferrick. Thursday/Nov. 29 ”Paying for College." 7 p.m. The "Paying for College" presentation that was cancelled on Oct. 29 has been rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29. The program will begin in the Centreville high School theater. This overview of how to pay for a college education is for families of students from Middle School through High School who are looking to educate themselves about all sources of funding including the Federal Student Loan and Work study Programs, college/university merit aid including scholarships and grants, state tuition assistance programs, private scholarships and much more. Contact Leftwich at caleftwich@fcps.edu. Centreville High School Wind Ensemble was awarded a State Level Recognition by the Foundation for Music Education in the “Mark of Excellence/National Wind Band Honors Project.” The award is based on the Wind Ensemble’s playing at the 2012 Performance Assessment, which was held in March. The performance was considered to be of high quality and worthy of recognition. Nationwide, 184 bands, orchestras and choirs entered their performances this year so it is a true honor for CVHS Wind Ensemble to be recognized. Amanda Karstetter, from Centreville, will join the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Ambassador Program. Students are selected to join the team each spring through a competitive application process. Karstetter, a junior majoring in humanities, science and enviornment and English in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, volunteers with a faculty member for a minimum of two hours a week and volunteers for other various events hosted by the college. Ambassadors work closely with faculty, staff, parents, and alumni to expand the college’s outreach. Walter Ambrose III, of Centreville, recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Ambrose earned a BFA degree in Film.
CVHS Students Named Top Achievers
CVHS Students Named Top Achievers
The following Centreville High School students have been recognized as top achievers in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Be Part of Children's Centre View
During the last week of each year, the Centre View devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families. We publish artwork, poetry, essays, creative writing, opinion pieces, short stories, photography, photos of sculpture or gardens or other creative efforts. We ask that all submissions be digital so they can be sent through email or delivered on CD or flash drive. Writing should be submitted in rich text format (.rtf). Artwork should be photographed or scanned and provided in jpeg format. Identify each piece of writing or art, including the student's full name, age, grade and town of residence, plus the name of the school, name of teacher and town of school location. Please provide the submissions by Monday, Dec. 3.
Diversity Growing
Tune in to our series on immigration.
More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents. Consider Yesuf Beshir from Ethiopia, who two years ago settled in Springfield and now works for a government contractor. In May, he became an American citizen. “The main thing here is democracy, the right to vote,” Beshir said. These residents include nearly 20,000 who are self-employed business owners, truly job creators, large and small. One of these is Shami Walia who emigrated from India in 1982, and now owns Burke Cigar Shop, a popular cigar lounge that's become a neighborhood fixture. One part of our series will look at the business impacts of the foreign-born population.
Handling ‘Everything under the Sun’
Animal Control officer talks about his job.
Although Fairfax County is a bustling, suburban area with lots businesses, homes and concrete, it still has its share of animals — many of them wild. And both they and people’s pets keeps the police department’s animal control officers busy. Andy Sanderson has been a police officer for 20 years and an animal control officer for 15, and he recently shared his knowledge and expertise with members of the Sully District Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee. He said residents may call 703-691-2131 to report an incident and that animal-control officers are on call from 6-12:30 a.m. for emergencies.
Tuesday, November 20
Buy Now, Pay Later
Meaning: If I’m terminal, why deprive myself because of cost? If, in fact, I’m only living once – as the old saying goes, and somewhat less of a life than I had anticipated, shouldn’t I, at the very least, “Pull my pants down and slide on the ice,” as prescribed by Dr. Sidney Freedman in an episode of M*A*S*H, way back when?
Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity
If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.
Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture
So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.
Editorial: Diversity Growing
Tune in to our series on immigration.
This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.
Friday, November 16
Giving Thanks in Style
Area tastemakers offer ideas and inspiration for Thanksgiving table settings.
There’s more to an elegant Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Local design experts say that with a little planning and a few natural elements, it is possible to set a Thanksgiving table that is as tantalizing as the food it holds.
Thursday, November 15
Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally
Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
‘Thank You for Risking Your Lives’
Colin Powell Elementary honors veterans.
America officially celebrated Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 12, and so did the students, teachers and staff of Colin Powell Elementary. They invited local veterans to the school, plus fire and police personnel, for their eighth annual Veterans Day Celebration.
It’s Time for Turkey Trot
Raises money for Life with Cancer.
Each year around this time, many people’s thoughts turn to turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie — and the Virginia Run Turkey Trot. This year’s 24th annual 5K run and 2K walk will be held Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, at 8 a.m. at the Virginia Run Community Center in Centreville.
Centre View Roundups: Nov. 14, 2012
This week's roundups
ONC Questions and Answers
ONC’s Founder and Executive Director, Kelly Lavin, has put together a list of answers to some frequently asked questions:
Gearing Up for Holidays
Our Neighbor’s Child needs community’s help.
Now in its 21st year, the all-volunteer, nonprofit group has already started on its massive mission of providing holiday happiness for people in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fair Lakes.
Looking Back and Going Forward
CIF celebrates achievements, past director and future goals.
The Oct. 23 annual meeting of the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) came full circle. Members honored the past year’s accomplishments and the former director of its labor resource center, heard a budget update, installed four board of directors members and planned for the future.
Help Available at CLRC
Workers at the Centreville Labor Resource Center are ready to help residents clean up damage and debris from rain, wind or any other weather event.
Drug-Dealing Conspiracy Yields Prison Sentences
Pain clinic’s Boccone given 15 years; Brown gets five.
Before Paul Boccone was sentenced last week to 15 years in prison for crimes including distributing narcotics out of the Chantilly Pain Clinic, his attorney John Iweanoge tried rewriting history.
Chantilly Pain Clinic: The Case’s Background
Oxycodone distribution, healthcare, tax fraud.
On Aug. 3, the owner and president of a pain clinic in Chantilly was convicted in Federal Court of conspiring to distribute and actually distributing oxycodone, a controlled drug.
Chantilly Wins First Boys’ XC State Championship
Sean McGorty wins individual title, sets course record.
The Chantilly cross country program had a big day at the VHSL state meet on Nov. 10 at Great Meadow.
Wednesday, November 14
Classified Advertising Nov. 14, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Friday, November 9
Column: Weight For It
This reference is not about pounds, per se. It is about the two largest tumors in my lungs, inoperable in that they are located between the two halves which make up the whole lung.
Help Provide Holiday Food Baskets
WFCM serves those in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fairfax Station. And with so many people struggling financially in these tough, economic times, more and more families are coming to WFCM for help.
Community Turns Out to Vote
Economy, jobs, health care important issues.
Tuesday’s weather was cold, but sunny, and people in the local community turned out in droves to vote in the presidential election. At Colin Powell Elementary, the line to vote was steady.
Search and Rescue Team Returns Home
Virginia Task Force One (VATF-1), Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, returned home Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 6, after deploying to New Jersey and New York.
Centre View Roundups: Nov. 7, 2012
This week's roundups.
‘This Play Is Satirical and Hilarious’
Rocky Run to perform “The Election.”
Anyone accusing this election’s candidates of acting like schoolchildren would be right. That’s because the characters in Rocky Run Middle School’s play, “The Election,” are high-school students.
‘Things … Work Out in the End’
Westfield High presents “Laughing Stock.”
When The Moose River Playhouse in New Hampshire schedules “Dracula,” “Hamlet” and “Charley's Aunt” for its summer-stock season, something’s bound to go wrong — and it does, hilariously. That’s the premise of Westfield High’s new play, “Laughing Stock,” a comic farce and affectionate glimpse into the world of theater.
Lee Kaiser Is Honored
Named Elementary School Counselor of the Year.
A boyhood tragedy and its aftermath helped shape Lee Kaiser’s life. It influenced him to become a school counselor, and he’s held that job at Centreville Elementary for eight years. He also does it quite well and was recently named Fairfax County Public Schools’ Elementary School Counselor of the Year for 2011-12.
The Daily Life of a School Counselor
It’s not easy being an elementary-school counselor — especially in an ever-changing world — but Centreville Elementary’s Lee Kaiser relishes every challenge.
Centre View School Notes: Nov. 7, 2012
School notes
Stopping Bullying
Students at Greenbriar West participated in teacher-led discussions about how they can work together to help stop bullying.
Letter: Growing Cost Of Government
I want to commend the Centre View for covering the candidate's forum at Chantilly High School. The questions from the students and teachers were excellent and well informed, and it was my privilege to represent the Romney campaign. I would like to correct a statement in which I was misquoted about the U.S. economy in response to a question about unemployment being 7.8 percent.
Centre View Calendar: Nov. 7, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Centre View Bulletin Board: Nov. 7, 2012
Upcoming events
Long Lines on Election Day ‘Unacceptable’
Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.
While voter turnout in Fairfax County on Election Day was at an all-time high--80.5 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, compared to 78.7 percent in 2008--some voters faced long lines and endured hours of waiting in the cold to cast their ballots.
Thursday, November 8
Classified Advertising Nov. 7, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
West Potomac to Face Centreville in Football Playoffs
Wolverines lose regular season finale against TC in OT.
The West Potomac football team will travel to face Centreville in the opening round of the playoffs.
Westfield Field Hockey Ends Season in State Quarterfinals
Winesett cousins led Bulldogs past West Springfield for state berth.
The Westfield field hockey team won Concorde District and Northern Region championships this season.
McGorty PRs, Chantilly Boys’ XC Qualifies for States
Cowne leads Chantilly girls’ team to state berth.
The Chantilly boys' and girls' cross country teams qualified for states on Nov. 2.
Wednesday, November 7
Locals Join All-Star Line-up at Metro Cooking Show
Area specialty food entrepreneurs among the attractions at the 2012 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.
When celebrity chefs and Food Network stars were in Washington last weekend for what has become a Super Bowl for foodies (Giada De Laurentiis, Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and The Chew’s Michael Symon and Carla Hall were just some of the famous faces), some area culinary enthusiasts joined them as well.
Fairfax Republicans Come Together for Election
What started as a night of hope for the Fairfax County Republican Committee ended on something of a sour note, as Republican presidential, senate and congressional candidates were not able to oust incumbents.
Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents
President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.
In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.
Friday, November 2
Column: Hands of Time
On the one hand, I want to take note every month on the 27th as yet one more notch on my living-with-cancer belt. On the other hand, maybe I don’t need a belt to be notching but rather a life to be living. Perhaps it’s time, nearly 44 months post-diagnosis – at press time, to stop counting backwards and try more living forwards.
‘A Win-Win for Everyone’
Traffic signal for Willow Springs Elementary.
The evening of Sept. 6, a group of parents, politicians, a Fairfax County School Board representative, a police captain and two VDOT representatives gathered in Willow Springs Elementary’s cafeteria.
Centre View Roundups: Oct. 31, 2012
Roundups
Students Also Question Candidates’ Representatives
Chantilly High students and administration also got to question the presidential candidates’ representatives last week.
Hearing All Sides Of the Election
Campaign representatives come to Chantilly High.
The presidential election came to Chantilly High last week when representatives of the Obama and Romney campaigns, plus the Libertarian and Virginia Constitution Party, spoke at the school.
Centre View Calendar: Oct. 31, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
Centre View School Notes: Oct. 31, 2012
school notes
Letter: ‘Our Military Kids’
All you have to do is give me a call (703-999-5812) or drop an e-mail to: Santa@bobnelsonteam.com to let him know which child/family from the Christmas Gift Wish List (see www.bobnelsonteam.com) that you would like to adopt this Christmas.
Editorial: As Sandy Rolls In, Still Plan to Vote
Variety of choices in political landscape.
Hurricane Sandy means that the week preceding the election will not be what we were expecting. This editorial is being written Sunday night, Oct. 28, as forecasters predict five inches of rain and 65-mile-per-hour winds over the next two days.
A Motivation For Giving
I encourage businesses everywhere to take up a cause, to embrace a model for volunteerism that conforms to their particular service or product and thereby stand in support of a better Northern Virginia.
Centre View Bulletin Board: Oct. 31, 2012
Upcoming events
Brief: ‘Clash of the Cats’ To Collect Canned Food
Centreville and Oakton high school’s SGA programs are sponsoring “The First Annual Clash of the Cats Canned Food Drive.” The drive will take place on Nov. 2 along with the football game between the Centreville Wildcats and the Oakton Cougars.
‘Come to the Cabaret’
Centreville High presents hit Broadway musical.
Show times are Nov 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov 11 at 3 p.m., in the school theater.
Thursday, November 1
After the Storm
Thousands of county residents without power as clean-up efforts continue.
Hurricane Sandy battered the region Monday night, Oct. 29, shutting down Fairfax County schools, governments, roads and voting precincts. The mammoth storm made landfall near Atlantic City around 8 p.m., according to the National Hurricane Center, with maximum sustained winds of about 80 miles per-hour.
Chantilly Boys’ XC Wins First Concorde District Title
Westfield boys’, Chantilly, Centreville girls’ qualify for regionals.
The Chantilly boys' cross country team on Oct. 24 produced the best score in the 19-year history of the Concorde District championships.