Stories for November 2016

Classified Advertising November 30, 2016

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Column: Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA

The success of early voting in the 2016 Presidential Election reaffirms my conclusion from visiting 12,000 homes last year — Virginia should expand early voting.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit in Annandale

Just the thing to put people into the holiday spirit is “Christmas Undercover.”

Roundups: Centreville and Chantilly

How To Help Our Neighbor’s Child in Centreville

Now in its 25th year, the nonprofit Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) provides financially struggling, local families with new toys and clothes for the holidays.

Murphy Is Officer of the Month in Sully District

PFC Brendan Murphy has been selected as an Officer of the Month for the Sully District Police Station.

Chantilly's Westfield Advances to Regional Final

On Saturday, Nov. 26 the Westfield Bulldogs (10-2) traveled to Norman F. Bradford Stadium to face the Madison Warhawks (11-1) in the quarterfinals of the 6A North playoffs.

Girls on the Run 5k in Chantilly

Girls from three Chantilly schools completed the Girls on the Run 5k presented by Cigna on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Crime Reports from Sully District

The following incidents were reported by the Sully District Police Station.

Facing Addiction, Tools in Fairfax County

The following information was provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

The Surgeon General released the first-ever report on Facing Addiction in America on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Centreville

There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Fairfax County: Commonwealth’s Attorney Begins Review of FCPD Report on Deputy-Involved INOVA Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Fairfax County: Planning Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.

Fairfax: Educational program part of FACETS plan to prevent homelessness

On a weekday afternoon, young Fairfax resident Demetrius Dowling works independently on an extra math word problem. A few rows behind him, George Mason University senior and volunteer Rebecca Curtis spends time on a division problem with Yasir Abuelhassan, also from Dowling’s neighborhood.

Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools

Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.

Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.

Centreville UMC Mission Work Helps the Community

Provides food, household items, diapers, English classes.

Most churches are involved in various missions, and Centreville United Methodist Church (CUMC) is no exception. Describing the church’s congregation as “generous and mission-driven,” its mission director, Michelle Formica, recently discussed several of the church’s missions.

How to Help Our Neighbor's Child Help Others in Centreville

“Anyone in the community who’d like to contribute can do it here,” said ONC founder Kelly Lavin. “And it’s great for the students to see their community’s generosity.”

Helping Centreville Families During Holidays

Our Neighbor’s Child provides toys and clothing.

When Centreville’s Kelly Lavin and some friends got together in 1991 to provide Christmas gifts for some families in need in their community, they did so for 15 children. Fast forward to now, and that number has grown to 1,876 children.

Roundups: Centreville and Chantilly

Editorial: Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally in Chantilly and Centreville

Every day can be “small business day.”

There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Bulldogs Break Stallions in Chantilly

The Westfield Bulldogs and South County Stallions collided for the second time this season and fourth time in two seasons for a second round playoff game in Chantilly on Friday evening, Nov. 18.

NOVEC Collecting For Toys for Tots

The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative's group of employee volunteers, NOVEC HELPS, is collecting new unwrapped toys, gift bags, and wrapping paper for the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots project through Dec. 9.

Chantilly Teacher’s Research on World War II Hero Published

Research completed by Rocky Run Middle School teacher Jamie Sawatzky on World War II hero Major John N. Apperson was published on ABMCeducation.org on Veterans Day.

Help Chantilly Youth Association Deliver Holiday Cheer to Children with Cancer

For the fourth straight year, Chantilly Youth Association (CYA) is looking for would-be Elves and Santa’s Helpers-in-training to help make the season brighter for children fighting cancer and their families.

Thinking Beyond Serving Meals

Experts advise finding age-appropriate ways for children to give back.

During this season of giving thanks, opportunities for expressions of gratitude can seem ubiquitous.

Easing Election Fears

Local therapists say acknowledging, reassuring are keys to easing anxiety.

On the morning after what was possibly the most adversarial election in recent history, psychologist Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D. felt an urge to send a text message to her two teenaged children. 

Chantilly Home Sales: October, 2016

In October, 2016, 17 homes sold between $750,000-$50,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: October, 2016

Centreville Home Sales: October, 2016

In October, 2016, 81 Centreville homes sold between $995,000-$155,000.

Centreville Home Sales: October, 2016

Tysons: Warby Parker to Open First Virginia Eyeglasses Store

Warby Parker, a popular online eyeglasses retailer, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Virginia on Nov. 19 at Tysons Corner Center mall.

Fairfax County: Volunteers compile more than 7,500 pounds in donated food for Lorton Community Action Center and Britepaths.

Wanda Jeter of Lorton has been a volunteer with the Lorton Community Action Center for 20 years. As single mother who’s struggled to provide for herself and four children, she’s also been a client.

Classified Advertising November 16, 2016

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Classified Advertising November 23, 2016

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The Community Helps Out

The Boy Scout food drive to restock Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry was Saturday, Nov. 12

‘A Blessing for All Involved’

WFCM provides families with food for the holidays.

Christmas dinner is always a highlight of the holiday season. But for people who are hungry and have little or no food in their kitchen, it can be devastating.

Fairfax County Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families in Fairfax County are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.

Businesses Navigate County Planning

German grocery looks to Chantilly.

The German Lidl grocery chain offered to proffer $250,000 for athletic fields and recreational facilities in Chantilly.

Perspective: High School Diplomats — An unforgettable experience.

Over the past summer, I participated in a program called High School Diplomats (HSD), which is a cultural exchange program between Japan and the United States held at Princeton University.

Westfield Defeats Woodson in Playoff Game

The Westfield Bulldogs and W.T. Woodson Cavaliers matched up for a first round playoff game on Friday night, Nov. 11, in Chantilly.

Honoring Veterans

Poplar Tree Elementary School students honored veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10 with patriotic songs, speeches, a special slide show, and a parade.

At Meeting in Richmond

Four members of the Centreville-based John Witt Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth Century (NSCDXVIIC), attended the Virginia Society Board of Management meeting in Richmond in October.

Celebrating 30 Years

Celebrating 30 Years at Union Mill Elementary

Learning about Homelessness

Comstock Wins 10th District Race

Hotly-contested seat targeted as a “flip” for Democrats.

From the outset, the race for Virginia’s 10th Congressional seat attracted national attention as a possible “flip” for Democrats in their bid to gain the 30 seats they needed to win back control of the House.

Receiving Good Scout Award

Tyler Schroder, an 8th grader at Rocky Run Middle School, a member of Boy Scout Troop 577 in Clifton and a member of the Order of the Arrow; and Dan Kurtenbach, a committee member of Sully District, Boy Scouts of America, received the honor of being recognized as this year's youth and adult Northern Virginia Good Scout for Sully District.

Success at National Championships

Centreville’s Matt Datta and Kevin Egilmez placed second with their tennis team at the United States Tennis Association USTA League 9.0 National Championships

Setting a holiday table

Local tastemakers offer suggestions for creating festive tablescape. 

As Thanksgiving draws near, thoughts of table settings and holiday décor abound.

Guest-Ready Home for the Holidays

From organizing to decorating, a guide for getting a house ready for visitors. 

Ready or not, the holidays are coming.

Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families in Fairfax County are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.

Decking the Halls, Stuffing Bellies

Local cooking schools offer crash courses in holiday dishes.

Ever since Bernadette Lott can remember, she’s had a sweet tooth as big as a sugar cane field.

Additional Factors Impede Efforts To Quit Smoking

Public encouraged to learn about challenges faced by smokers with mental illness who want to quit.

Despite her mental health challenges, Deneice Valentine quit smoking in part by learning to meditate.

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

Source: http://results.elections.virginia.gov/

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

Northern Virginia: Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.

It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.

Fairfax County: Sayles Receives Environmental Excellence Award

Sayles is a retired Denver police officer, DEA agent, Ad Hoc Police Commission contributor and long-time county resident

A 12-year-old African American boy watched as a city of Denver patrol car with two white police officers drove slowly by his house, where he reported people attempting to break in.

Fairfax County: No to Trump And Meals Tax

Beyer, Connolly re-elected.

With final numbers still coming in from around the country, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carried a strong lead early Wednesday morning over Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton.

Coming: Children’s Centre View 2016

Get creative and send art, poetry and more.

During the last week of each year, Centre View devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.

Scouting for Food for WFCM Pantry

Volunteers still needed for this Saturday.

Many people in Fairfax County are surprised to learn that there are hungry families right in their midst.

Grocery Gift Cards, Sponsors Sought

WFCM to provide holiday food for families in need.

It’ll soon be time for the holidays, and many local families in need will receive Thanksgiving or Christmas food as recipients of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) Holiday Food Program.

Fairies, Magical Spells and Swamp Monsters

Westfield High presents “The Tempest.”

Filled with fantasy, romance and adventure, “The Tempest” is Westfield High’s upcoming play. With a cast and crew of nearly 40, this Shakespeare comedy takes the stage Nov. 18-20.

Westfield Progresses To Playoffs

Westfield and Chantilly collided for a Conference 5 game on Friday night, Oct. 28.

Publishing Milestone

Douglas H. Mahn, D.D.S., a periodontist and resident of Little Rocky Run, has had his 40th article published in a peer-reviewed dental journal.

Comstock Wins 10th District Race

Hotly-contested seat targeted as a ‘flip’ for Democrats.

“She shows up. She even attended my town hall forums on heroin abuse because she knows it matters to her constituents.”

Clinton and Kaine Carry Virginia, Trump Seizes Key Battlegrounds

Comstock, Connolly, Beyer re-elected; meals tax voted down; bonds voted up.

MEALS TAX referendum would have allowed Fairfax County supervisors to enact up to a four percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.

Michelle Li Named Division Finalist

Michelle Li, a Centreville native, will travel to the University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C. in January to compete as a Division Finalist in the Senior String Competition.

Voters Make Their Wishes Known

Local turnout is steady and heavy.

At Greenbriar East Elementary, as at many polling places throughout the country, voters flocked to the polls in droves Tuesday to vote on national, state and local issues.

GOTV Campaign Focuses on Immigrants

Encouraging neighborhoods of naturalized citizens to vote.

Their front doors are decorated with jack-o’-lanterns and spooky ghosts, and sometimes with oil lamps or Rangoli designs from the recent Hindu Festival of Lights.

Fairfax County: Autopsy Report Yet to Come for Deputy-Involved Shooting

Administrative investigation to follow.

Law enforcement officials are still waiting to receive the final autopsy report for Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, who was shot dead by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.

Awards and Reminiscences

Kirby looks back while preparing for the future.

During Pete Kirby’s retirement celebration Saturday night, a video highlighting his career was shown. He then received several awards.

Murder Charge Goes to Grand Jury

Caterer stabbed after E.C. Lawrence Park wedding.

On the surface, an argument over folding chairs after an Aug. 6 wedding at Cabell’s Mill in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park led a woman’s fatal stabbing and a man charged with murder.

Getting into Holiday Spirit

Lord of Life Lutheran Church presents “White Christmas.”

With their former, WWII Army commander in danger of losing his country inn in Vermont, song-and-dance team Bob Wallace and Phil Davis come to the rescue.

Leading Bull Run Elementary

Pensler oversees ethnically diverse school with 832 students, 100-plus staff.

With 17 years in education, Jason Pensler, age 42, was named the new principal of Bull Run Elementary School in Centreville on Aug. 1, replacing Patti Brown, who retired.

To Serve Not Attack

With the election a week away, I want to highlight few Islamic teachings related the elections.

Cappies Review

On Stage: Exploring a Child’s Fantasy

It's a simple question, really — what do you want?