Centre View Roundups March 15-22
St. Baldrick’s Day Celebration On Saturday, March 17, Centreville’s eighth annual St. Baldrick’s Day celebration will be held at Fast Eddie’s in the Newgate Shopping Center at Routes 28/29.
Chantilly Students Create Care Packages for Soldiers
Life lessons don’t always come from books. National Honor Society (NHS) students at Chantilly High are learning that firsthand, showing care and compassion by collecting items to send to U.S. soldiers overseas. Students at other Chantilly Pyramid schools are collecting, too, as part of the America's Adopt-A-Soldier program.
A Place for Artists in Clifton
The Art Guild of Clifton is forming.
The members of the Art Guild of Clifton don’t yet have a permanent space or funding, but both are in the works. They’ve got participating artists, talent and enthusiasm and, on Saturday, March 17, they’re having a grand opening in the Town of Clifton.
Shaving Away Childhood Cancer
St. Baldrick’s Fund-Raiser Is March 17
Every year, 160,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer. It also kills more children in Canada and the U.S. than any other disease. So the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has dedicated itself to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers. And a group of determined and enthusiastic local residents is helping.
Chantilly Library: The Renewal Project
“A wonderful place for our community."
Just as the writing of a book begins with an idea, so did the renovations of the Chantilly Regional Library. It started around 2004, when then Branch Manager Bonnie Worcester and her staff first discussed how to improve customer service there.
Chantilly Library Turns a Page
Ribbon-cutting signals start of new chapter.
When the ribbon was cut last week to celebrate the changes at the Chantilly Regional Library, it marked the beginning of a new era there. It was also the culmination of years of planning and work.
Centre View Roundups March 8-14
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, March 8, and March 22, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.
Trophy Time For Westfield
Thespians win VHSL One-Act Play State Championship.
There’s rejoicing at Westfield High. The school’s thespians captured a state championship Saturday, March 3, at the VHSL One-Act Play competition in Charlottesville.
Alliance Theatre’s ‘Laughing Stock’
A comedic look at putting on a show.
Everything that can go wrong does go wrong in The Alliance Theatre’s production of “Laughing Stock.” But that’s the way it’s supposed to be as the local thespians portray members of a theater company putting on three different plays during their summer season.
Hot Music, Cool Vibe at Chantilly
Invitational Jazz Festival is March 16-17.
The sounds of smooth, cool jazz will fill the air during the 32nd annual Chantilly High Invitational Jazz Festival. It’s slated for Friday-Saturday, March 16-17, in the school auditorium.
Examining Causes of Domestic Violence
There have been three homicides in the Sully District since Capt. Purvis Dawson became commander of the Sully District Police Station, in April 2010 — and all three had domestic components.
It’s ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at Franklin Middle School
Featuring a cast and crew of 125, Franklin Middle School presents the musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Show times are Wednesday, March 14, at 2:45 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 15, 16 and 17, at 7 p.m. each night Tickets are $8 at the door and during school lunches.
Examining Causes of Domestic Violence
What it is, the dangers and what to do about it.
There have been three homicides in the Sully District since Capt. Purvis Dawson became commander of the Sully District Police Station, in April 2010 — and all three had domestic components.
It’s ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at Franklin Middle
Featuring a cast and crew of 125, Franklin Middle School presents the musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Show times are Wednesday, March 14, at 2:45 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 15, 16 and 17, at 7 p.m. each night Tickets are $8 at the door and during school lunches.
Centre View Roundups March 1-7
VDOT will re-open the third lane on eastbound Route 50 between Stonecroft Boulevard and Route 28 which closed to traffic last weekend as part of the Route 50 widening project in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The one-mile lane closure has caused lengthy delays on eastbound Route 50 and surrounding roads, this week, during the morning rush. The lane will re-open by March 5, weather permitting.
Fire Ravages Centreville Home
Damage estimated at $750,000
Nine-year-old William Wilson was outside playing football with his dad, Monday evening, in Centreville’s Hunt Chase Estates community, when they saw smoke coming from the house next door and the occupants fleeing.
Man Pleads Guilty: Robbery, Using Gun
Reynard Lazaro Prather, 23, of Oxon Hill, Md., has been convicted for his role in the May 2010 murder of workman Jose Cardona at a Centreville home. Last Wednesday, Feb. 22, in federal court in Alexandria, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and using a firearm in the commission of that crime.
Centreville Man Pleads Guilty to Soliciting
A Centreville man who used to be the band director at Robinson Secondary School was convicted in court Tuesday, Feb. 28, of computer solicitation of a child under age 15. He is Michael Keith Cook, 43 of Climbing Rose Way.
Chantilly Day Plans Marching Along
Community event is slated for spring.
Plans are marching along for the first-ever, Chantilly Day. The celebration is set for Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in the parking lot of the Sully Place Shopping Center in Chantilly.
Bicycle Master Plan Meeting March 6
Area residents can help set the course to make Fairfax County a bicycle-friendly community by attending a public meeting on the countywide Bicycle Transportation Master Plan. It’s slated for Tuesday, March 6, from 6:30-9 p.m., at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. People may drop in anytime, and there’ll be a presentation at 7:30 p.m.
Planning Approves Pohanka Proposal
Honda dealership planned to open in Chantilly.
It’s on to the Board of Supervisors now for Pohanka Automotive Group’s proposal to construct a Honda dealership in Chantilly. It got a green light recently from the Fairfax County Planning Commission.
25 Years Prison for Portillo-Saravilla
He raped girl, 8.
A man who entered the country illegally, raped an 8-year-old Centreville girl and then fled the state was sentenced last week to 25 years in prison. He is 30-year-old Salvador Portillo-Saravia.
Eat Food, See Clothing, Raise Money
Fashion show, luncheon, silent auction slated for Fairfax Salvation Army.
Since 1960, the Fairfax Salvation Army has provided residents with utility and rent assistance, food, clothing and furniture on an emergency basis. It also provides toys and bicycles to needy children during the Christmas holidays. In 2011, it assisted 1,250 families.
Choe Is Sully Police Officer of Year
Korean heritage helpful in his job.
There were smiles all around when PFC Roy Choe was honored Tuesday night as the Sully District Police Station’s 2011 Officer of the Year. He was selected by the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and feted in front of his family and colleagues.There were smiles all around when PFC Roy Choe was honored Tuesday night as the Sully District Police Station’s 2011 Officer of the Year. He was selected by the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and feted in front of his family and colleagues.
Choe Is Surprised, Happy about Honor
Ever since he was a young boy, Roy Choe wanted to be a police officer. “My uncle was a firefighter in Korea and, when I saw his uniform, I thought it was beautiful,” he said.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Entrepreneurship students gain real experience.
Buying and selling merchandise, using skills they learned in class and having a good time doing it, Chantilly Academy entrepreneurship students recently participated in the third annual Entrepreneurship Market Day.
Peeps and Positive Behavior
Candies are part of Franklin’s anti-bullying program.
Marshmallow Peeps are soft, tasty candies popular during holidays throughout the year. They’re also playing a role in Franklin Middle School’s efforts to encourage positive behavior in its students.
Overcoming Hardships to Graduate at Mountain View
At the outset of Mountain View High’s winter graduation last week, Assistant Principal and emcee Gary Morris told students about to receive their diplomas to be strong.
Jagels and Jobs: Words of Wisdom
Principal Dave Jagels began his address to Mountain View’s graduating seniors by relating a story about the Great Blondin, who invented the high-wire act. He said the story spoke to him about the journey that many of them had to take to reach where they are today.
PJammin for a Cause
Schools raise almost $5,000 for childhood-cancer research.
When it comes to raising money for a good cause, even the youngest schoolchildren can help. And last week, students at Centreville High, Liberty Middle and Centreville Elementary raised nearly $5,000 for childhood-cancer research.
Statistics Show Less Crime in Sully, Fair Oaks
When it comes to places to live, the Sully and Fair Oaks districts are among the tops in Fairfax County. And four public-safety officers presented crime statistics to back it up at the Jan. 25 meeting of the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder
‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’
Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri
Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections
The Play’s the Thing
Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.
Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.
Details of the Offense
In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.
Progress Report from Labor Resource Center
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.
‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High
One-act play festival takes the stage.
Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
WHS Presents ‘The Crucible’
Salem Witch Trials come to life on stage.
Featuring a cast and crew of 40 — plus original music created by a student — Westfield High presents Arthur Miller’s powerful drama, "The Crucible." Set in 1692 Salem, Mass., it’s the story of a husband and wife and what happens when the husband’s former lover falsely accuses Salem citizens of being witches.
Campbell Takes a Look Back
Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.
Heading for Huntsville
CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.
The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.
Remembering Harry Heisler
Wife mourns husband of 28 years.
Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.
Fulfilling a Dream
Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.
Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."
‘We’re Really Frustrated’
Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.
Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.
Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace
At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.
SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?
State and gas company disagree over report.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.
Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly
Windows smashed, property damaged.
The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.
Frey Offers A Look Ahead
Discusses what’s on tap for Fairfax County.
It’s a new year and it’s full steam ahead for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. And last week, Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) discussed what’s on the local horizon.
Church To Present ‘High School Musical Jr.’
Centreville Presbyterian presents "High School Musical Jr."
One of the most popular movies in recent years is "High School Musical," and Centreville Presbyterian Church’s community theater is bringing the play to the local stage.
Garrett Is Officer of the Quarter
Honored by Sully District police and citizens.
Receiving praise for her exceptional accomplishments as a Sully District police officer, PFC Lauretta Garrett was honored recently as that station’s Officer of the Quarter.
Three Centreville Schools Holding PJammin Day
Event honors teen, supports childhood-cancer research.
The McCaffreys have only lived in the Centreville/Clifton area for a year, but the local community has already embraced this family with both arms. And on Friday, Feb. 3, three schools are holding PJammin Day in honor of 13-year-old Andrew McCaffrey, who’s currently battling bone cancer.