‘I’m Going To Miss Everything’ Grimm To Leave CVHS
Centreville High’s principal leaving to helm Hayfield Secondary.
Martin Grimm never intended to leave Centreville High after serving just two years as its principal. But then the principal of Hayfield Secondary School died, and that changed everything.
Crafts, Festivals and Dancing
A sampling of local, fun events this fall.
A highlight of every autumn is the fall festival at Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Road, just off Pleasant Valley Road, in Centreville. It runs daily from Sept. 27-Nov. 4, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
First Glimpse at Centreville Day
Nominees sought for Centreville Day Citizen of the Year awards.
Centreville Day 2014 is just a few weeks away. The 22nd annual community celebration is set for Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park, 5714 Mount Gilead Road.
Residents Have Their Say
Assisted-Living facility could pose traffic, drainage, noise problems.
As the number of senior citizens in Fairfax County continues to grow, so does the need for an assisted-living facility for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Cox Farms Ready To Host Visitors
Fall Festival for families, Fields of Fear for teens.
Whether area residents are in the mood for giant slides, rope swings, hayrides, baby animals, apple-cider doughnuts or a pumpkin slingshot, they’ll find all these things and more at Cox Farms.
‘[This] Will Change Our Lives’
Community, Paisano’s unite to purchase an accessible van.
Last Friday, Sept. 12, was a night when dreams came true. On Centreville High’s football field, the Wildcats trounced West Potomac, 54-0. And on the sidelines at halftime, Centreville senior Juwaan Espinal, 17, was presented with an accessible van.
Attending Classes in Korea
Fairfax Academy student will spend school year there.
Normally, Serena Gregory would have just begun her last year at Chantilly High, caught up in the excitement of new classes, old friends and the thrill of being a senior. She’d also be playing volleyball, basketball and lacrosse for the Chargers. Instead, the former Korean-language student at the Fairfax Academy is now in another part of the world, spending the school year in Korea.
Remembering America’s Fallen Heroes
Each year, the firefighters of West Centreville Station 38 honor the firefighters who died in the 9/11 tragedy in New York by placing flags outside their station.
In Solemn Remembrance
Local bugler plays ‘Taps’ in honor of the Sept. 11 victims.
Throughout Virginia and the U.S., people commemorated last Thursday’s 13th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Locally, Theodore Smith, an 83-year old volunteer with Bugles Across America, did it in his own, special way.
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
A Cheerful Haven for Children
Boy Scout creates a playroom in a police station.
A police station can be a scary place for a child. But thanks to a local teen and his Eagle Scout project, the Sully District Station just got a whole lot friendlier for children.
‘The Future’s Bright’ For Worker Center
CIF celebrates its independent nonprofit status.
American Independence Day is July 4; but as far as the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) is concerned, Independence Day was last Friday, Aug. 1. That’s when it became a full-fledged nonprofit, no longer under the auspices of Virginia Organizing.
Hosting Safetypalooza
Boy Scouts, professionals teach children how to avoid trouble.
Thanks to 15-year-old Boy Scout Alex Battani, several local children know more about bike, bus and fire safety, as well as avoiding strangers. A rising junior at Westfield High, he put on a Safetypalooza at the Sully District Police Station. Also participating was police Crime Prevention Specialist Tara Gerhard, with that station, plus firefighters from the Springfield District Station and members of the Blue Suit Pacers Cycling Team.
Creative Dance Center, Pat Mitchell Unite
Spotlight Theater Camp starts Aug. 4.
There’s a new, local theater program with a familiar face at the helm. Westfield High grad and theater alumnus Pat Mitchell is partnering with Creative Dance Center (CDC) to put on Spotlight Theater Camp. The camp will run Aug. 4-8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at CDC, 14155-E Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly. For more information and to register, go to www.cdctheater.com. Mitchell’s excited about it and is hoping for a good turnout.
‘Brothers, Neighbors, Friends’
Chantilly resident installed as officer with The Knights of Columbus.
Eric Latcheran, 27, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, has Down syndrome. Yet his intellectual disabilities don’t stop him from leading a full life.
Community’s Help Needed for Immigrant Children
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) is collecting donations for the 70 immigrant children and 15 young mothers.
Behind the Scenes at ‘Shrek the Musical.’
When audiences enjoy The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars show, “Shrek the Musical,” it won’t just be because of the acting and storyline, but also because of all the work that goes on behind the scenes.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Alliance Summer Stars presents “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wise-cracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
‘Thanks for Exemplary Community Service’
Ted and Tami Troscianecki receive McDonnell Award.
Each year, the West Fairfax County Citizens Association (WFCCA) presents the James D. McDonnell Award to honor a local resident’s outstanding service to the community. Monday night, July 21, it was given jointly, for the first time.
‘You’re Fortunate You Didn’t Kill Anyone’
Centreville man is sentenced for committing arson.
Convicted of arson, a 25-year-old Centreville man could well have been sentenced to many years in prison. Instead, Giancarlo Deleon received a suspended sentence and will receive the mental-health treatment he needs.
Tax and Wire Fraud: Three Years Prison
Fair Oaks tax preparer filed false returns with the IRS.
Although she received a sentence below the state guidelines, a former Fair Oaks tax preparer will be spending the next three years in prison. She is Thuy Tien Le, 40, who learned her punishment last Friday, July 18, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.
Update on Local Road Projects
Reviewing Stringfellow, Route 50 and two bridges.
When Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations on June 25, he also provided an update on local road projects. A Fairfax County transportation bond was discussed, as well. “There will be a transportation bond this year, probably for $100 million,” he said. “About 15 or 16 million will be for roadway projects and 84 or 85 million will be for pedestrian and walkway projects. That includes bike lanes and bike-way improvements, and that’s a huge shift. We used to do these bonds for roads and Metro.”
Talking Transportation, County Revenue
Frey addresses Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
Transportation and Fairfax County revenue ideas were the top topics when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) spoke recently before the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations. “It’s an interesting time to be in the county,” he said during the group’s June 25 meeting. “It’s undergoing a tremendous transformation.”
Westfield Summer Stage Presents Hit Musical
New show is ‘How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.’
Featuring a cast and crew of 85, the musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” is ready to burst upon the stage. A production of Westfield Summer Stage, all performances are at Westfield High. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 and July 25-26, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15, at the door. Seating is reserved; buy tickets at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
Local students acting in musical “Pippi Longstocking.”
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.” It’ll be held at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax.
Junior Buffalo Soldiers
The Junior Buffalo Soldiers Drill Team participate in the City of Fairfax's Fourth of July parade.
WFCM Reaches Out for Help
Group is collecting 2,000 new backpacks for local students.
“It is incredible to think that 50,000 students in Fairfax County Public Schools receive free or reduced-price meals.” — Jennie Bush, WFCM community outreach manager
‘Thank You to Everyone Who Believed in Me’
Mountain View High holds spring graduation
At the start of Mountain View High’s June 17 graduation ceremony at Centreville High, Principal Dave Jagels told his students how honored and privileged he felt “to be the principal of one of the best schools in Fairfax County.”
Memorial to a K-9 Hero
Thor, a Fair Oaks firefighters’ search-and-rescue dog, is honored.
When the Fair Oaks District police and fire station renovations were dedicated June 14, part of the ceremony was for a dog named Thor and service dogs like him. A memorial to Thor now stands outside the entrance to the police station.
Colleagues Mourn GBW Instructional Assistant
After four decades there, Agnes Gordon dies at age 79.
After 43 years at Greenbriar West Elementary (GBW), instructional assistant Agnes Gordon decided she’d retire after school ended in June. So her friends and colleagues were prepared to say goodbye to her.
Roundups: Host a WFCM Food Drive
WFCM needs the community’s help over the summer months when it has a critical shortage of food.
Roundups: Farmers Market on Thursdays
Each Thursday, from 3-7 p.m., the Fairfax County Government Center hosts a farmers market in its parking lot.
Roundups: July 4th Safe Rides
WRAP will provide safe rides home during the Fourth of July holiday.
Roundups: Burglary in Centreville
Fairfax County police are also looking for a man who recently burglarized a Centreville home while the occupants were in it.
Roundups: Police Seek Robbers
Fairfax County police are seeking the group of teens who assaulted two other teens and robbed one of them.
Jagels: ‘Go Lead a Life of Inspiration’
Principal offers words of wisdom to the graduates.
When students first come to Mountain View, they often tell Principal Dave Jagels that they “hope” to graduate. But hoping, alone, won’t make it happen. Hope, he told his school’s almost-graduates, is a function of struggle.
CTB OKs Funding for Roundabout
Residents opposing it say they’ll keep on fighting.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has greenlighted a plan to build a controversial roundabout to improve traffic flow at the Braddock/Pleasant Valley roads intersection by Cox Farms in Centreville. Last Wednesday, June 18, the CTB awarded a $4.178 million contract to Fort Myer Construction Corp. to do the work. Furthermore, VDOT revealed it had found surplus money to complete the necessary funding for the project whose cost has escalated from its originally anticipated $2.6 million to $5.82 million.
‘Thanks for Making This Vision Happen’
Expansion, renovation of Fair Oaks District Police Station celebrated.
When the Fair Oaks District Police Station was built in 1982, it met the needs of the employees. It opened in 1983 with some 65-70 police officers and a handful of civilians.
‘Your Character Will Lead You to Success’
Westfield High graduates nearly 700 students on June 18.
Turning their tassels and tossing their caps into the air, nearly 700 Westfield High students graduated on Wednesday, June 18, in GMU’s Patriot Center.
‘I Want to Make a Difference’
Centreville High senior receives scholarships from Harvard and HLA.
He’ll graduate from Centreville High on Friday, and, this fall, he’ll enter Harvard University on a scholarship.
Chantilly Students Win National Art Medals
Diana Tsoy honored for photography, Jason Ly for printmaking.
Senior Diana Tsoy won a silver medal for her photography portfolio and classmate Jason Ly won a silver medal for printmaking.
'He's A Shining Star Amongst Our Staff'
PFC Rick Cline is Sully District Station's Officer of the Month.
PFC Richard J. “Rick” Cline is the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee’s Officer of the Month for May. He was honored at the CAC’s May 14 meeting following a report written about him by his supervisor, Lt. Brooke Wright.
Trophies and Cookies
CHS wins its eighth economic state championship
Sure, a school might win the state championship in economics one or two times — but Chantilly High recently won it for the eighth time.
Mixed-Used Development Proposed for Chantilly
Multifamily homes, retail, restaurants in Westfields Corporate Center.
The Westfields Corporate Center has attracted top-quality firms — including the federal government — to its business park in Chantilly. So it’s not surprising then that Akridge wants to join them.
Mom’s Quest for an Accessible Van
Ibis Espinal needs an accessible van — not for her, but for her 17-year-old son, Juwaan. A junior at Centreville High, he’s wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy.
‘He’s Not Special-Needs, But a Special Person’
Born with cerebral palsy and wheelchair-bound, Juwaan Espinal, 17, is unable to speak. But he literally squealed with delight and had a smile that wouldn’t quit, last week, when he got the surprise of his life.
Singing, Dancing and Silent Auction
Certainly, 2006 Westfield High grad Reema Samaha is known as one of the people who lost their lives in the Virginia Tech tragedy. But she was much more — a daughter, sister, friend and a talented dancer with a dazzling smile.
Passport to Global Music and Dance
Encore presents “The World at Your Feet.”
A Broadway-style, musical adventure is on tap in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, “The World at Your Feet.”
Show Tunes and Dancing On Tap
Centreville High presents ‘Broadway Pops’ concert.
The Centreville High School Choral Department will present its summer concert, “Broadway Pops,” this Thursday and Friday, June 5-6, at 7:30 p.m. in the school theater.
Once Cramped, Outdated; Now Modern, Efficient
When the Fairfax County Animal Shelter was built in the early 1970s, it was intended to be a dog pound to handle stray and homeless dogs. Renovated in the mid-1980s, it increased the number of kennels from 48 to 72 to better care for dogs in isolation and quarantine.