Stories for May 2013

Stories for May 2013

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Thursday, May 30

Centre View Crime Report

The following incidents were reported from the Sully District Station:

Military Notes

Military notes on Centre View area natives.

Centre View Entertainment Calendar

Information on entertainment events going on in the Centre View area.

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Bite Me Cancer Fundraiser

Fun activities planned for children and adults.

When she was 17, Chantilly’s Nikki Ferraro was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer. It wasn’t what she’d planned, but she attacked it head-on and continued fighting for others battling the same disease.

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A Time of Remembrance

Memorial Day ceremony held at Ox Hill Battlefield Park.

The Battle of Ox Hill was fought Sept. 1, 1862 in a torrential thunderstorm. When it ended, two key Union generals were dead and more than 1,500 soldiers had been killed or wounded. It’s the only major Civil War battle that occurred in Fairfax County.

Roundups

News from the Centre View area.

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Bus-Transfer Building and Project Details

Part of the Stringfellow Road park-and-ride lot expansion will be the construction of a 1,345-square-foot bus-transfer building. Architect John Wirth, of Ritter Architects, talked about it during last week’s public meeting.

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‘We’re Making All the Sacrifices’

Residents say Stringfellow Road park-and-ride expansion will worsen traffic troubles.

At first glance, Fairfax County’s plan to expand the park-and-ride lot at Stringfellow Road and Fair Lakes Boulevard in Chantilly doesn’t seem controversial. The idea is to add more parking spaces, three new bus bays and a small, transit-center building.

Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing

Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.

In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.

Wednesday, May 29

Classified Advertising May 29, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

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Summer Fun in Fairfax

The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.

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School Notes

Westfield High School junior Nick O'Connell has been accepted at Stanford University's Summer College, where he will be studying computer programming and electrical engineering this summer.

Obituary

Henry Mielo

Long-time Greenbriar resident Henry (Hank) Mielo died Friday, May 17, 2013, at the age of 76, from complications of diabetes. Attending the New Jersey Institute of Technology, George Washington University, and the Department of Defense War College, he earned degrees in engineering and management. After retiring from the Department of the Navy (at NavSea) Hank was a substitute teacher at Chantilly High School, Rocky Run Intermediate, and both Greenbriar elementary schools before joining Pender Veterinary Clinic as a bookkeeper.

Transportation Pie

To the Editor: A recent breakfast gathering of the transportation cognoscenti of the region and hosted by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance posed this question: How will our various Northern Virginia jurisdictions split up the pie of new transportation money? County leaders or their representatives from Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington and Loudoun comprised the panel of presenters. Perhaps the most interesting information, however, came from the discussion sheets provided to the audience.

Business Notes

Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm, is pleased to announce that William Allen, PE, has joined the firm as a vice president and will focus on business development. He previously worked as director of project development, large projects group for Skanska USA Civil, Inc. Allen has 40 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, primarily through the management of large engineering and construction organizations. He has a proven record of success in marketing and in the acquisition of major projects and has built profitable engineering and construction business lines. Allen has extensive expertise in creating and implementing public-private partnership projects. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, he is a registered professional engineer in eight states, including Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. He is involved with many organizations, including ACEC, ASCE, AASHTO, APWA, SAME, the Design-Build Institute of America, and the American Underground Construction Association. He also served on the board of directors of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

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Buuletin Board

Through June 12 Independent Living Project. Fairfax County is offering this free six-week program that includes a gentle exercise program to improve strength and balance, presentations on county services, a healthy cooking demonstration, advice on how to manage health care and prescriptions, and more. Led by professional social workers, the group meets weekly at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/independent.htm or call 703-324-7210, TTY 711.

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The Battle of Ox Hill

The Battle of Ox Hill, the Confederate name for what the Union Army called the Battle of Chantilly, took place on the afternoon of Sept. 1, 1862. The fighting occurred during a fierce storm that field reports described as so thunderous it drowned out the cries and clamor of the battle. Dry ammunition became scarce, and the fighting degenerated into a brawl of bayonets and musket clubs. The chaotic conflict lasted a little more than two hours and ended at dark as a stalemate. Two Union divisions under the command of Gen. Isaac Stevens and Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny engaged Confederate troops at Ox Hill and both commanders were killed.

Column: Airing on the Side of Caution

I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.

Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer

As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.

Don’t Be Among the Missing

Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.

In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote. That is to say that 1.7 million voters went missing in the Commonwealth.

Unconventional Camp Ideas

Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities

Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”

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100 New Citizens Sworn In

Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.

The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.

Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

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Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter

Each year, the nonprofit Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FFCAS) raises money to pay for things the shelter can’t afford. And in June, it holds a wine-tasting and invites the public to participate. In past years, it’s been at a beverage store. “But this time, we’re doing something totally different,” said FFCAS President Evelyn Grieve. “We’re having it at Paradise Springs Winery. And besides the wine-tasting, there’ll be appetizers, desserts and a raffle.”

Tuesday, May 28

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Summer Fun in Herndon

Herndon Festival, new concert series highlight summer events.

Whether it’s downtown or the surrounding areas, there’s plenty of summer fun to be had in Herndon. Though it takes place a few weeks before the official start of summer, this weekend’s Herndon festival marks the start of the season for many.

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Herndon Pays Tribute to the Fallen on Memorial Day

Annual Memorial Day ceremony held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Herndon residents gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day. The annual ceremony featured members of the American Legion, Herndon High School Naval JROTC and guest speaker Dr. Duane C. Young, a retired Army major.

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Underdog Marshall Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals

Statesmen one win shy of states after 0-7 start.

The Marshall baseball team will face Lake Braddock in the regional semifinals.

Thursday, May 23

The Power of Persistence

New laws will deal with mental health, campus safety.

In a little over a month, two new bills dealing with mental health and college safety will take effect in Virginia. And both are a result of the work of two members of the Angel Fund board and a small group of politicians.

Learning about Middle Ages

Representatives from the London Brass Rubbings Center visited Virginia Run Elementary School in April to present the history, people, and lifestyles of the Middle Ages.

School Notes

Peter Hawes, a 2012 graduate of the University of Mary Washington, has received a U.S. Fulbright grant for 2013-2014.

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From the Performers’ Point of View

Singers, musicians talk about Chantilly’s upcoming show.

Performing in Chantilly High’s annual Jazz & Pizzazz show is more than being a student entertaining the community; it’s also about carrying on a tradition for more than a quarter of a century.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day

The sacrifices of those who died in war.

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.

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Centreville, Westfield Garner Cappies Nods

‘Cabaret’ and ‘Flowers for Algernon’ are honored.

When the winners are announced during the 14th annual Cappies Gala, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., students from Centreville and Westfield high schools will be there, eager for the results.

Poem: This is NOT America’s Next Top Model

Do you know what I hate? Ketchup

Poem: Insomnia

Charlie Flynn

Homework finished, TV watched, dinner eaten, it’s 10 O’clock.

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Family and Friends Mourn Trish Stach

Centreville woman dies on Mother’s Day.

It’s bad enough to lose a wife and mother; having her die on Mother’s Day only makes it worse. But on Sunday, May 12, Centreville’s Trish Stach lost her battle with breast cancer at age 59. She’d fought the disease for 15 years and ultimately died of complications from it.

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Rocky Run Honors Poetry Slam Winners

Rocky Run Middle School held a Poetry Slam on May 8, and eighth-grader Charlie Flynn won first place in the humorous category. Classmate Marc Manaloto came in first in the dramatic category.

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Tea Party Ticket

Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.

Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.

Wednesday, May 22

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Residents Meet Police Officers And K-9s

Local residents attending a recent meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee learned about the work done by the K-9 officers and their dogs. Officers Matthew Kunstel and Marshal Thielen talked to the crowd and children enjoyed petting their dogs.

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Singers, Dancers, Musicians Galore

Chantilly’s annual Jazz & Pizzazz is May 29-June 1.

Chantilly High’s Jazz & Pizzazz isn’t just any musical-entertainment show. It’s a high-octane, raise-the-roof extravaganza featuring award-winning singers and dancers in colorful and energetic spectacle. This year’s event, the 27th annual, runs Wednesday-Saturday, May 29, 30 and 31 and June 1, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.ChantillyChoral.org. They’re also available at the door, but Friday and Saturday nights usually sell out, so advance purchases are recommended for those shows.

Calendar-CV

Ongoing The Airbus IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, is showing movies including “Hubble,” “Fighter Pilot,” “Space Junk,” “Air Racers”, “The Dream is Alive” and ”Star Trek: Into the Darkness”. Visit http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/ or call 703-572-4118 for the movie schedule.

CES’s 7th Annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance

The girls from Centreville Elementary School danced the night away at the Black and White Ball in April, with their fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles and in one case, an older brother. Since its beginning seven years ago, the dance has grown and this year had the biggest turnout of attendees in the dance’s history. This year’s theme was a Black and White Ball and the girls and their dates came decked out in true princess fashion. DJ Patrick Fitzgerald from BossHogg Entertainment kept the girls and their dates dancing well into the night. The girls also took home a souvenir photo courtesy of YanzEvents Photo Booths. CES noted the support of local businesses: Chipotle, Virginia Tire and Auto, Guapos, Manhattan Bagel, Baskin Robbins, Brick’s Pizza, Centreville Tire and Auto, Domino’s Pizza, Centreville Dance, and Amanda Lauser with Lia Sophia.

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Racing in the Clifton Caboose Twilight Run

The 15th annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run included a 1-mile fun run/walk at 6 p.m., and the 5K at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.

School Notes

Aun Kei Hong of Centreville graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in computer engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering in the winter 2012-13 quarter. Thoa Jennifer M. Tran, of Centreville, received the Dr. Clyde S. & Pauline F. Stine Scholarship from Millersville University. Daniel Deskin Nicoll graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in history. A graduate of Bishop Ireton High School, he is the son of Scott and Colleen Nicoll of Centreville.

School Notes

Christine Quetsch from Chantilly High School is a recipient of a 2013 Celebrate Fairfax Community Spirit Scholarship. Andrew Criminski, the son of Scott and Charmain Criminski of Oak Hill, and Therese Criminski of San Diego, has been named to Randolph-Macon Academy's dean's list for the third quarter of the 2012-13 school year. Andrew is a senior at Randolph-Macon.

Buisness Notes

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics formerly the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. The study is celebrating its 20th year. Four more retailers have opened their doors at Fair Oaks Mall. The Art of Shaving, Clarks, Sports Zone Elite and Zumiez are joining the expanding lineup at the area’s premier shopping destination.

Bulletin Board-cv

Through June 12 Independent Living Project. Fairfax County is offering this free six-week program that includes a gentle exercise program to improve strength and balance, presentations on county services, a healthy cooking demonstration, advice on how to manage health care and prescriptions, and more. Led by professional social workers, the group meets weekly at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/independent.htm or call 703-324-7210, TTY 711.

Friday, May 17

Classified Advertising May 22, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Centreville Home Sales: April, 2013

In April 2013, 93 Centreville homes sold between $880,000-$128,300.

Centreville Home Sales: April, 2013

Chantilly Home Sales: April, 2013

In April 2013, 15 homes sold between $575,000-$70,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: April, 2013

Thursday, May 16

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Chantilly Boys’ Lax Captures Concorde Championship

Chargers senior Unterkofler scores game-high four goals.

The Chantilly boys' lacrosse team will host Yorktown in the Northern Region quarterfinals.

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O’Sullivan’s 7 Goals Lead Westfield Girls’ Lax to Concorde Title

Bulldogs beat defending champion Oakton in overtime.

The Westfield girls' lacrosse team will host Stone Bridge tonight in the Northern Region quarterfinals.

Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue

Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.

Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.

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Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes

Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.

In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.

Classified Advertising May 15, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Wednesday, May 15

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Celebrating Chantilly Day

The second annual Chantilly Day celebration was Saturday, May 4, in the Sully Place Shopping Center.

Walker Meets Conviction After 2012 Murder

He killed Centreville woman in January 2012

Right from the start, Benjamin Luke Walker admitted he’d done wrong. He took the life of a 22-year-old Centreville woman and, for that, he was sentenced to nearly a half-century behind bars.

Telford Receives Spirit Award

Fair Lakes resident honored at Race for Hope.

The annual Race for Hope in Washington, D.C., raises money for brain-tumor research and, for 10 years now, the Rabbi Joseph P. Weinberg Triumph of Spirit Award has been given at that event to a deserving recipient. This year, the award was presented May 5 at the race’s starting line to Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford. Although battling brain cancer, herself, she created her own fundraising organization, Team BT, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.

Animal Shelter Seeks Foster Parents

Kathleen Cornell, Foster Care coordinator, wants to expand the Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s foster program. So a foster information session is slated for Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m., at the shelter, 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax.

STEM Scholarships Presented

Systems Furniture Gallery sponsored the education awards given during the Saturday, May 4, Chantilly Day celebration. Owner Bob Kessler presented three, $1,000 STEM scholarships (science, technology, engineering and math) to local, graduating seniors.

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Chantilly Seniors Visit Greenbriar West on ‘College Day’

Greenbriar West Elementary School staff and students celebrated “College Day” on April 26. This pyramid-wide event was created to encourage all students to set their sights on being career and college ready. Teachers wore their college t-shirts and engaged students in conversations about college stories and the career path that led them to become educators.

Centre View Calendar May 15

Information on entertainment events going on in the Centre View area.

Roundups

Pathway to U.S. Citizenship Information about becoming a U.S. citizen will be presented this Thursday, May 16, from 7-9 p.m., at the Centreville Regional Library. Korean-language speakers will be there and all are welcome. Learn about the citizenship process from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services staff. Sign up by e-mailing washington.communityrelations@dhs.gov. Topics will include the naturalization process and test, plus the rights and responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship. Childcare provided for children 4-12.

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PUT Riders Return Home

The annual Police Unity Tour bike ride was May 10-12, from Richmond to Charlottesville, Warrenton and Centreville and on to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. It raised money and awareness for the Memorial fund and National Law Enforcement Museum honoring federal, state and local law enforcement officers who’ve died in the line of duty.

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Music, Food and Entertainment

Israel Street Festival this Sunday at Fairfax Corner.

The Fairfax Corner shopping center is the place to be this Sunday, May 19, from noon-5 p.m., when the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia holds its 2013 Israel Street Festival. Music, food, children’s activities and a martial-arts demonstration are among the highlights.

Responding to Explosive Situation

An example of a case in which the bomb squad is called.

The Centreville homeowner had been making homemade fireworks for several years. But when a July 15, 2007 explosion blew a hole in his roof — and the resulting fire caused $200,000 damage to his house – his hobby came to the attention of Fairfax County fire officials.

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Kicking up Their Heels

Students enjoy Day Prom at The Waterford.

At last week’s Day Prom at The Waterford in Fair Oaks, it didn’t matter if some of the students attending couldn’t walk or talk. For a few hours, they were just like all the other students in their high schools — they were at their school prom.

Centre View School Notes May 15

School notes for Centre View area students.

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Students Share Perspective on Author’s Visits

“Keep on reading.”

Wednesday, April 17: The students of Rocky Run Middle School were given the opportunity to meet a well-known author, Priscilla Cummings. She has written several picture books, as well as many young adult novels, including “Red Kayak.” Cummings gave an informational presentation on her journey to become a writer and the sources of her inspirations. Later, students had the opportunity to interact with her in a personal and direct way.

Lessons for writers

Seventh graders at Rocky Run Middle School were in for a treat earlier this month. After reading the book “Red Kayak,” they were visited by the award-winning author, Priscilla Cummings.

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Students To Receive Presidential Recognition

Twenty-six high school students in their senior year enrolled in Chantilly Academy’s Cosmetology program have been awarded the Gold Volunteer Service Award by the President of the United States.

Column: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue

Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention

Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia.

Centre View Business Notes

News and notes on Centre View area businesses.

Board OKs Boundary Changes

Split-feeder assignments eliminated at two schools.

The Fairfax County School Board voted last Thursday night, May 9, to approve adjustments to school attendance areas in an effort to alleviate overcrowding at Fairfax High and Lanier Middle School.

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Police Officers, Robots and K-9s

CAC learns about the bomb squad’s work.

Each month, members of the Sully District Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee learn about a different facet of the work done by the station’s police officers. In April, the topic was the bomb squad.

Monday, May 13

Centreville Entertainment Calendar

Events, gatherings, and galas in the Centreville/Chantilly Era.

Tara Sankner: Princess for an Evening

Tara Sankner, 8, a second-grader at Lees Corner Elementary, is battling brain cancer. But for awhile last week, she got to feel like a princess. Family and friends — especially Tattoo Tom Mitchell of StillBrave Childhood Cancer Foundation — staged a flash mob for her.

Bicycling 230 Miles In Remembrance: Police Unity Tour Raises Awareness and Funds

Police Unity Tour is this weekend.

Centreville’s Kevin Whalen has bicycled in five Police Unity Tour (PUT) rides, but this year was going to be different. Then tragedy struck and changed his mind. He’s a federal agent with the Treasury Department, and his partner there, Tammy Anzenberger, is married to a Prince William County police officer. And that’s how Whalen learned about Chris Yung, who died in the line of duty on Dec. 31, 2012 — and in whose honor Whalen will ride this weekend.

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Welcome to the World of Imaginary Friends

Chantilly High debuts new children’s play.

A little boy with a big imagination takes playgoers on a funny and exciting journey in Chantilly High’s new children’s show, “Imagine If.”

Reflecting On Mother's Day

Letters to the Editor

As a Muslim woman and a mother of two young children, one of the things I have always appreciated about my faith is the high status and great honor that women are given in Islam, particularly mothers.

Letters to the Editor

On Friday, May 17, the Barnes & Nobles at Fair Lakes will host a Bookfair to raise funds for the Mountain View High School Scholarship Foundation. From 5-9 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, storytelling, bookmark making, musical performances and an art display while purchasing books for graduations, birthdays or personal enjoyment.

Hollander, Czarniak Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hollander of Clifton, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Aimee Michelle Hollander, to Andrew Joseph Czarniak.

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Clifton Spring Homes Tour

An English garden, 18th-century furnishings and a pool with waterfalls are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 41st annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the fun includes a marketplace and silent auction at the Paradise Springs Winery. The silent auction ends at 5 p.m., but the marketplace goes until 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 on tour day; single-home admission is $10.

Friday, May 10

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Local Real Estate: March 2013 Top Sales

Local Real Estate: March 2013 Top Sales

Thursday, May 9

Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure

Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.

Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.

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Special Olympics Athletes Compete, Students Volunteer at George Mason Swim Meet

More than 130 swimmers, parents and friends of the Potomac Marlins USA Swimming year-round swim team volunteered April 28 to host the Northern Virginia Special Olympics Swim Meet held at George Mason. They came from all over the county for the Marlins' 17th year hosting this meet which brings together athletes throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

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Honoring Jeffrey; Helping Others

Angel Kisses 5K/2K is this Sunday.

Jeffrey Virostek was 2 when he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). He went into remission after aggressive treatment and a bone-marrow transplant; and for nine months, he was able to just be a little boy again, playing with friends and enjoying his family.

Wednesday, May 8

Classified Advertising May 8, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries

Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.

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Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’

Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.

“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams

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Women Mean Business

In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.

Tuesday, May 7

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Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters

In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.

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Oakton Boys’ Soccer Finishes Regular Season Undefeated

Cougars beat Westfield on senior night.

The Oakton boys' soccer team finished the regular season with an 11-0-2 record.

Friday, May 3

Classified Advertising May 1, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Wednesday, May 1

Chantilly High has a new, state-champion team — and it’s not in athletics, but academics. On April 17, the economics team defeated 11 other top-ranked teams to win the Virginia championship in economi

Chantilly High wins state economics championship.

Chantilly High has a new, state-champion team — and it’s not in athletics, but academics. On April 17, the economics team defeated 11 other top-ranked teams to win the Virginia championship in economics for the school’s seventh time.

Fundraiser Yields $2,500

Event benefits Police Unity Tour

From May 10-12, Centreville’s Kevin Whalen will bicycle 230 miles in the Police Unity Tour (PUT) Virginia ride. It raises money and awareness for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial fund and the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., honoring and remembering officers who’ve died in the line of duty.

Calendar

Ongoing The Airbus IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, is showing movies including “Hubble,” “Fighter Pilot,” “Space Junk,” “Air Racers”, “The Dream is Alive” and “Oblivion” through May 23. Visit http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/ or call 703-572-4118 for the movie schedule.

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Chantilly Comeback Falls Short Against Oakton

Chargers leave bases loaded in bottom of seventh inning.

The Oakton baseball team improved to 13-3 with Tuesday's victory over Chantilly.

Bulletin Board

Thursday/May 2 Preview Book Sale. 6-9 p.m. at Centreville Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive. Members of the library can browse thousands of books, CDs, DVDs and more. Memberships available for $15. Special incentives will be given to those who purchase a membership. Visit friendsofcentrevillelibrary.blogspot.com or 703-830-2223.

Close Shave at Lees Corner

When second grader Tara Sankner was diagnosed with brain cancer, the staff and faculty at Lees Corner Elementary School got ready to help her through her journey. The first milestone was the day she came into school with a shaved head. Some younger students were confused about the changes Sankner was going through and made some comments and observations that were inadvertently hurtful. Tara’s mom Tammy Sankner, Principal Robert D’Amato and Tara’s teacher Vicki McGorty felt the best way to help Tara was to share her story with the students at Lees Corner Elementary School during the morning news program.

Get Ready for Chantilly Day

Second annual celebration is this Saturday, Ma

A family-friendly event full of entertainment, music, children’s activities, food and fun — that’s the second annual Chantilly Day. And it’s happening this Saturday, May 4, at the Sully Place Shopping Center, off Route 50 West in Chantilly.

Is Traffic Relief On the Way?

Residents examine designs to fix the I-66/Route 28 interchange.

As things are now, rush hour traffic on Route 28 in Centreville is more than the traffic signals at Braddock/Walney roads, the entrance to E.C. Lawrence Park and the ramp to I-66 East can handle. This situation results in traffic backups, delays and safety hazards.

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Warner Named Officer of Month

PFC Jared Warner is the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Month. He was honored at the April 10 meeting of the station’s Citizens Advisory committee.

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Centreville Student Art Sparkles

Centreville High’s Pyramid Art Show was held April 25.

Centre View School Notes May 1

School notes for Centreville and Chantilly natives.

Letter to the Editor: The Other Easter

Orthodox Christians in the U.S., Russia, Greece, Egypt, Ethiopia and throughout the Middle East, will be celebrating Easter on May 5. Why the difference? Why would Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter more than a month after Roman Catholics and Protestants?

Letter to the Editor: New Battle Of Manassas

I am opposed to the North/South corridor as I believe it is an ill-conceived transportation project.

Rocky Run Student Wins Writing Contest

Peter Hwang is only in the seventh grade at Rocky Run Middle School, but he recently won the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) writing contest. He wrote an essay answering the question, “What would you say to the Founding Fathers?”

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Lees Corner Sixth-Graders Help Stop Hunger Now

Children at Lees Corner Elementary are taking a bite out of world hunger. They raised money to purchase food and, last Wednesday, April 24, students in teacher Jeffrey Houser’s sixth-grade class packaged enough meals to feed 103,200 people.