
Chantilly Snapshot: CSU Shows Customer Appreciation
Computer Services Unlimited (CSU) held a “Customer-Appreciation / Get-To-Know-CSU” private screening of “The Secret Life of Pets” at the newly renovated Centreville Multiplex Theater earlier this month.
‘Getting Arrested … a Blessing’
Former gang member reveals what that life is really like.
According to police Capt. Bob Blakley, “Eighty percent of the property crimes in the Sully District are gang-related or done by their affiliates. And even a higher percentage of the violent crimes here are done at the hands of gang members – and that’s a huge problem. This year, we’ve had three, drive-by shootings into occupied dwellings, one in Chantilly and two in Centreville.”
Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally
Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan
Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.
As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.
Considering a Private School?
Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.
For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

Stars of Summer
Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships
Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.
Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun
Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.
Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.

One Step To ‘One Fairfax’
Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.
Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes
Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.
Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.
Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat
There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.
Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.
Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety
While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.
Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

Centreville Snapshot: 20 Years
Virginia Bagel, at 5621 Stone Road, Centreville, is celebrating 20 years of business. Customers commemorated the store’s anniversary by presenting owners Aziz and Karim Afzal (at right) with a photograph of the restaurant that was signed by many of the patrons. Virginia Bagel has participated in the Centreville community not just as a restaurant, but also by supporting Westfield High School.
Centreville Obituary: SGM (Ret) Daniel T. Benson-McCarthy
SGM (Ret) Daniel T. Benson-McCarthy, age 56, of Centreville, died on July 21, 2016, after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Column: New I-66 Exit Lane for Route 28
Commentary
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will use the overhead, electronic signs on I-66 to implement a dedicated exit lane from westbound I-66 to northbound Route 28 during morning rush hours.

Chantilly Snapshot: Soaring at Dance Nationals
Chantilly-based PowerWorx Dance (PWD) premiered its inaugural, nationally competitive Competition Team at Nexstar National Talent Dance Competition in Orlando, Fla., July 18-23.

Centreville/Chantilly: Building Trust in the Community
Residents, police and firefighters join together during National Night Out.
Hot dogs, ice cream, water games, laughter and fun were all part of last week’s annual National Night Out celebration in the local area. It was held Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, and enabled community residents and public-safety personnel to meet each other, mingle and share some time together in a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

Police Charge Clifton Man with Murder
Caterer dies from stabbing after E.C. Lawrence Park wedding.
Weddings are normally happy affairs that don’t end in tragedy. But an argument over folding chairs after a Saturday wedding in Chantilly’s Ellanor C. Lawrence Park resulted in a woman’s death and a man being charged with murder.
Challenged Brain, Healthy Brain?
Social engagement and mentally challenging jobs might keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay.
Most days of the week, Ana Nelson can be found educating others about Alzheimer’s disease in her role as vice president of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. Her free time is spent touring historical sites in Northern Virginia and staying fit through competitive running and other activities. She’s currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon.
New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity
With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.

Fairfax County Police Receive National Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognized compliance with 484 standards.
In a hearing in Baltimore’s inner harbor on Saturday, July 30, the Fairfax County Police Department received a formal recognition of its national accreditation from the Gainesville, Va.-based Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.