Stories for October 2015

Stories for October 2015

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Friday, October 30

SoberRide for Halloween

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will provide free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Halloween evening, this Saturday, Oct. 31.

Thursday, October 29

Editorial: Vote Nov. 3

Read Election coverage at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com.

If you live in a district with a hotly contested race, you definitely know from the contents of your mailbox that there is an Election coming up.

Fairfax County: School Bond Referendum Tops $300 Million

The Nov. 3 election ballot will include a Fairfax County Public Schools bond referendum, featuring school improvement projects totaling $350,000,000.

Fairfax County Public Schools To Relocate 500 Staff

Fairfax County Public Schools has signed a 13-year lease at the Willow Oaks Corporate Center in Merrifield to relocated 500 support staff from the Fairfax Ridge Administration Center, where its lease it set to expire in March 2016.

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Every Vote Matters in District 86, Herndon

Republicans pour nearly half a million dollars into the race.

In the last week before Election Day, Danny Vargas (R) got one more huge infusion of cash from Virginia Republicans.

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Herrity: Fairfax County Board Made Decisions Not to Disclose Geer Information

Springfield supervisor speaks up on transparency at first committee meeting to review 140+ recommendations from ad hoc police commission.

While Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh was held up as one source of stalling the release information regarding the 2013 shooting death of Springfield man John Geer by then-Fairfax County police officer Adam Torres, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) offered that “decisions we made” on the Board of Supervisors, on the counsel of the Fairfax County attorney, were also responsible for Torres’ name, discrepancies in the investigation and other details of the incident being withheld from the public and Geer’s family until a lawsuit finally forced the police department to release everything.

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Chantilly Snapshot: ‘Glo-Coming’

Chantilly High School ended its homecoming week on Saturday, Oct. 10, with a homecoming dance. This year the theme was "Glo-Coming."

Letter: Hatred and Ignorance

Letter to the Editor

Ahmed Mohamed, the 14-year- old Muslim student who was arrested for building a clock, is now moving to Qatar with his family.

Tom Wilson: “It takes creativity and hard work.”

Candidates Compete for School Board Seat

Tom Wilson of Oakton believes he stands for the will of the people and is the best person to speak for them as Sully District’s representative on the Fairfax County School Board.

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Karen Keys-Gamarra: ‘I’ve been focusing on children’s needs.’

Candidates Compete for School Board Seat

Karen Keys-Gamarra believes she’s the best person to represent Sully District on the Fairfax County School Board. After all, she’s been looking out for children’s best interests for years.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Sully: Kathy Smith (D)

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Letter: An Important Election

Letter to the Editor

The election on Nov. 3 is important; funding for our schools, transportation improvements and services will all be decided by the newly-elected Board of Supervisors.

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Local Student in Woodson Musical

Juliet Strom, 7, acts in “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

A slice of Americana and a glimpse at a kinder, gentler time – that’s the musical comedy, “Meet Me in St. Louis.”

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Sully: John Guevara (R)

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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Mollie Loeffler (I)

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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Penelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)

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School Board-Mason: Sandy Evans

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Fairfax County: School Board Promotes Dyslexia Awareness

And adopts two-hour delay for March Primary.

Nine-year-old Maxwell Gebharts stood confidently on a step-stool to address the Fairfax County School Board Oct. 22. “My old school didn’t know I was dyslexic,” he said. “I was very sad and felt like I wasn’t keeping up with everybody.”

Wednesday, October 28

Classified Advertising October 28 , 2015

Read the lastest ads here!

State Senate-District 39: Joe Murray (R)

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State Senate-District 39: George Lincoln Barker (D)

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State Senate-District 37: Dave Marsden (D)

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State Senate-District 37: Dave Bergman (R)

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State Senate-District 36: Scott A. Surovell (D)

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State Senate-District 36: Gerald “Jerry” Foreman (R)

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State Senate-District 35: Terrence Modglin (I)

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State Senate-District 34: J.C. “Chap” Petersen (D)

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Centre View and Fairfax: Halloween Fun at Goblin Gallop

The 22nd annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 25, in Fairfax Corner.

State Senate-District 33: Jennifer Wexton (D)

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State Senate-District 32: Janet Howell (D)

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State Senate-District 31: George V. Forakis (R)

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State Senate-District 30: Adam P. Ebbin (D)

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Tuesday, October 27

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Helping Homeless Build New Lives

Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage donate $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.

Cardinal Bank (NASDAQ: CFNL) announced that the Cardinal Community Fund and George Mason Mortgage, LLC, have awarded $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.

Monday, October 26

School Board-Fairfax County Sully: Tom Wilson

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School Board-Fairfax County Sully: Karen Keys-Gamarra

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School Board-Fairfax County Providence: Dalia Palchik

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School Board-Fairfax County Providence: Patty Reed

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School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Anthony Stacy

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School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Karen Corbett Sanders

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School Board-Fairfax County Lee District: Tamara Derenak Kaufax

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School Board-Fairfax County Hunter Mill: Mark Wilkinson

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School Board-Fairfax County Hunter Mill: Pat Hynes

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School Board-Fairfax County Dranesville: Pete Kurzenhauser

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School Board-Fairfax County Braddock: Megan O. McLaughlin

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Ryan McElveen

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Jeanette Hough

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Dr. R. E. ”Bob” Copeland

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Theodore J. “Ted” Velkoff

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School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Ilryong Moon

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School Board-Fairfax County At-Large: Burnette G. Scarboro

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School Board-Fairfax County At-Large: Omar Fateh

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School Board-Fairfax County At-Large: Manar Jean-Jacques

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House of Delegates-District 53: Marcus B. Simon (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 48: Rip Sullivan (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 47: Patrick A. Hope (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 46: Charniele L. Herring (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 43: Anna Urman (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 42: David Albo (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 41: Eileen Filler-Corn (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 40: Timothy D. Hugo (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 37: David Bulova (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 34: Kathleen Murphy (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates-District 34: Craig A. Parisot (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 43: Mark Sickles (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 43: Paul J. McIlvaine (I)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 44: Paul Krizek (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 46: Sean Lenehan (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 49: Alfonso Lopez (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 67: Jim LeMunyon (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 86: Danny Vargas (R)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 36: Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 86: Jennifer Boysko (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

House of Delegates–District 39: Vivian Watts (D)

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A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A

Friday, October 23

State Senate–District 31: Barbara Favola (D)

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State Senate–District 35: Richard “Dick” Saslaw (D)

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Board of Supervisors–Chairman: Arthur Purves (R)

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Board of Supervisors–Chairman: Glenda Gail Parker (IG)

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Board of Supervisors–Chairman: Sharon Bulova (D)

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Letter: Tainted Endorsement?

A national group designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-muslim and anti-gay hate group has been involved in Fairfax County Public Schools politics since April, and now has endorsed a slate of candidates for School Board.

Thursday, October 22

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Centreville: SYA 10U Mets Tournament Champions

The SYA Mets 10U Travel Baseball team won the Santa Maria Voyage 2015 tournament in Georgetown, Del., over the Columbus Day weekend.

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Clifton: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Remodeler's Charity Home Tour set for Nov. 7. Proceeds will be used to rebuild deck and wheelchair ramp.

Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. In which case, it may be no surprise to learn that long-term Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help Dixie Dawson, 54, whose family has lived in the town for several generations.

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Fairfax County: League of Women Voters hosts Forum for Board of Supervisors Chairman and At-Large School Board

Chairman Candidates Debate Economy, Police, Schools

Continuing their series of meet the candidates events, the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax area gave citizens another opportunity at James Madison High School in Vienna to ask questions and visit with hopefuls for both Board of Supervisors chairman and Fairfax County School Board at-large member.

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Fairfax County: Board of Supervisors Accepts Final Report from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission

Civilian Oversight Board Proposed, Debated

Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission chairman Michael Hershman was clear about what his group was, and was not tasked to do.

Wednesday, October 21

Classified Advertising October 21 , 2015

Read the latest ads here!

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It's Time to Sign Up For the Goblin Gallop

Benefits families of children with cancer.

Halloween will soon be here, and that means it’s time for the 22nd annual Goblin Gallop. It’s set for Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.

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John Guevara: “Grow the Economy Through Business.”

Candidates Pursue Sully District Supervisor Seat

When asked why he’s running for Sully District supervisor, Fair Oaks resident John Guevara says his entire life has been one of service.

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Kathy Smith: “A Proven Record of Leadership.”

Candidates Pursue Sully District Supervisor Seat

After serving nearly 13 years on Fairfax County’s School Board, Democrat Kathy Smith is vying for Sully District supervisor. And she and many others believe she’s the best person for the job.

Monday, October 19

School Board–Dranesville District: Pete Kurzenhauser

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School Board Candidate for Dranesville District

School Board–Dranesville District: Janie Strauss

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Janie Strauss is a candidate for the Dranesville School Board.

Friday, October 16

Chantilly Home Sales: September, 2015

In September, 2015, 32 homes sold between $890,000-$62,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: September, 2015

Centreville Home Sales: September, 2015

In September, 2015, 73 Centreville homes sold between $781,500-$167,000.

Centreville Home Sales: September, 2015

Thursday, October 15

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Fairfax Station: First Decoding Dyslexia 5K Held at Burke Lake

Raising awareness, advocating for more services in schools

When Fairfax resident Calvin Rizek was in first grade, he remembers not being able to read along with the class, but “just flipping pages, like everyone else.”

Fairfax County: Sexual Violence Task Force Presents Recommendations

A Fairfax County task force established in March to review the state of sexual violence education and awareness presented a set of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at their Sept. 29 meeting.

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Fairfax County: School Board To Discuss Delay for Presidential Primary

To alleviate congestion and chaos at 165 of the 196 Fairfax County schools and centers that double as polling places, the Fairfax County Board of Elections requested the School Board look at delaying school two hours on March 1, 2016 for the presidential primary.

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Fairfax County: Police Commission Calls for Auditor, Civilian Review Board

Unanimous recommendations head to supervisors in wake of John Geer shooting, transparency missteps.

After six months of meetings, the Ad Hoc commission created by Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova to review police practices has concluded its primary work. Chair of the commission’s Independent Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Jack Johnson presented that group’s final recommendations to the full commission on Oct. 8.

Editorial: Closer Look at School Spending

Report: Local schools spend less to educate more challenging students.

Since Fiscal Year 2009, Alexandria Public Schools has reduced per pupil spending by 13.3 percent, adjusted for inflation.

Wednesday, October 14

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Chairman Candidates Offer Stark Differences

Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be. “I believe in local government. It’s where the rubber hits the road, and where you’re closest to your constituents,” said Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the top elected official in Fairfax County.

Classified Advertising October 14 , 2015

Read the latest ads here!

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Chantilly High Presents ‘Annie, the Musical’

“The sun will come out tomorrow.”

Complete with Daddy Warbucks, Sandy the dog and a certain red-haired orphan, Chantilly High is presenting “Annie, the Musical.” The curtain rises Thursday-Friday, Oct. 22-23, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 via www.chantillyhsdrama.com.

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Fair Oaks Police and Fire Hold Open House

To coincide with National Fire Prevention Week, the Fair Oaks District Police (Station 8) and Fire Station (Company 21) held an open house on Saturday, Oct. 10.

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Stark Differences for Chairman

Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be.

Letter: Full-Time Responsibilities

Letter to the Editor

On Nov. 3, the voters will elect the next Sully District supervisor. I write to endorse Kathy Smith, and ask you to support her.

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Centreville/Chantilly: Faith Groups Work Together for ‘Day to Serve’

From early September through Oct. 11, hundreds of volunteers across the local communities have been uniting to help their neighbors.

Wednesday, October 7

Classified Advertising October 7 , 2015

Read the latest ads here!

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Chantilly High’s Homecoming Court

This is Chantilly High’s Homecoming week, with various activities planned for each day. Monday, Oct. 5, when these Homecoming Court photos were taken, was Mismatched Clothes Day.

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Centreville Brief: Colonial Issues Cleanup Update

In an Oct. 5 update, Colonial Pipeline Company stated that it continues its work with the Fairfax County Fire Department and others in Centreville to ensure public safety and mitigate environmental and other impacts its work there may be causing.

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Centreville Engagement: McMurrer, Gleason To Be Married

Colleen McMurrer and Brady Gleason are pleased to announce their engagement.

Centreville Brief: Entrance Change at Park-and-Ride

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 7, all cars entering the Stringfellow Road Park-and-Ride at 4920 Stringfellow Road, Centreville, will need to use a new entrance located at the intersection of Stringfellow Road and Fair Lakes Boulevard.

Centreville Brief: Park Board To Consider Adding Field Names

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board’s Park Operations Committee has recommended that four park facilities be named in honor of individuals who have made significant contributions to sports in Fairfax County.

Letter: Brings Understanding Of Schools

Letter to the Editor

Kathy Smith has been an advocate for children and families in Sully District for 20 years. First as a PTA president at Poplar Tree Elementary School, Rocky Run Middle School and Chantilly High School and then as the district’s school board member, Kathy has always put children first.

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Centreville Day: Swordsmen, Parade, Music and Tightrope Walker

Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 17.

The leaves are starting to change colors and the weather’s turning cooler. That means it’s time for the 23rd annual Centreville Day celebration.

Tuesday, October 6

More than 800 Compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics

Pickleball closes out two-weeks of Olympic events

With more than 40 events ranging from Scrabble to shotput, the Senior Olympics was conducted across Northern Virginia at two dozen locations ranging from Loudoun Country to Arlington and around Fairfax; 819 Northern Virginia seniors participated in this year’s games.

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Overcoming downsizing decorating dilemmas

Downsizing can present some furnishings and decorating dilemmas? What do we keep? What will work in new spaces? How do I make some rooms multi-functional? And what about all that memorabilia?

Editorial: Vote Now to Avoid the Earthquake

Early voting available for most voters now; vote by Nov. 3.

The news is all about Donald, Hilary, Bernie, Carlie, Joe and Jeb. That’s next year, November 2016. The election in less than a month matters here in Northern Virginia. What are your priorities?

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Reston Town Center Filled with Light to Fund Blood Cancer Research and Cure

Chris Zavadowski’s father Rich was diagnosed with a “rare, aggressive blood disorder” called peripheral T-cell lymphoma, non-specified.

Friday, October 2

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Centreville: Blood and Guts 5K Race on Oct. 24

Runners to face zombie apocalypse.

The fourth-annual Blood and Guts 5K Run will take place Saturday, Oct. 24 at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.

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Centreville Farm Hosts Fall Festival: Hayrides, Baby Animals, Fields of Fear at Cox Farms

The 43rd annual Fall Festival is now opened at Cox Farms in Centreville and promises to be fun for the entire family.

Marsh Leads Fair Oaks District Police Station

Keeping officers happy and the community safe.

The Fair Oaks District Police Station running smoothly, due to its officers as well as the man at the helm, Capt. Chris Marsh.

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‘We Made a Difference’

Girls raise money for animal shelter.

Take two girls, add in compassion, determination and a love for animals, and the result is a successful fundraiser for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

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Chantilly Snapshot: Officer of the Month

PFC Brian Rochefort (on left) receives the Officer of the Month certificate from 1st Lt. Matt Owens.

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Centreville Brief: Leak Cleanup Continues

More than a week after a gasoline leak was reported in Centreville...

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Centreville Snapshot: New Greenhouse Classroom

The Centreville High School PTSA Executive Board, along with Principal Dave Jagels, faculty, staff and students welcome Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new greenhouse classroom sponsored and cared for by the special education students and the Best Buddies Program.

Centreville: Two Receive Kaylor Memorial Scholarship

At the 2015 Centreville High School Senior Awards ceremony, senior Joe Cottone and Trey House were awarded the Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor Memorial Scholarship.

Thursday, October 1

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Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access

Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.

Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.

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146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified

New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting

In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.

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Fairfax County: West Nile Cases Even with Five-Year Average

There have been just three documented cases of West Nile Virus in Fairfax County so far in 2015, equaling the previous five-year average, according to Fairfax County Health Department public safety information officer John Silcox.