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.
Children Enjoy Big Vehicles Up Close
Some 2,800 people attended the recent Touch-A-Truck event at the Chantilly Regional Library.
Residents Comment on Maple Avenue Corridor
Tell Town Council the pros and cons of what’s proposed.
At the July 7 public hearing for Vienna’s proposed Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) zoning district, people spoke both for and against the project.
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.
Plan to Enhance Maple Avenue
Public hearing held on proposed, new zoning district.
On July 7, the Town Council held part one of a two-part public hearing on the proposed, new district for commercial property along Maple Avenue. Part two is set for Aug. 18.
Helping Out and Giving Back
Paul VI grad tutors Hispanic children.
Born in Colombia, Laura Quiñones came to the U.S. with her parents at age 7. She knew English words, but needed practice talking conversationally.
Affordable Housing Lack Can Lead to Hunger
ODB director beseeches Fairfax City Council to take action.
During the June 24 swearing-in ceremony of the Fairfax City Council members and mayor, Councilman Jeff Greenfield decried the fact that so many children in the City are hungry. He then promised to create a task force to attack the problem.
GMU Honors Fairfax Mayor Silverthorne
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne capped off his Fourth of July by enjoying the fireworks at Fairfax High. But he began his day by receiving an award from GMU. It was presented by GMU President Angel Cabrera during a Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce breakfast reception at Red, Hot & Blue before the City’s Independence Day parade.
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.”
‘Really Fun and a Great Experience’
Local students enjoy summer computer camp.
In the morning, Bijoy Thomas taught seven students, ages 12-14, how to make DS, or hand-held, video games. And in the afternoon, he taught them about BattleBots and Raspberry Pi.
Neighbors Object to Follin Lane Project
They say it’ll result in a ‘clear and present danger.’
The $2 million road project consists of reconstructing Follin, widening it and installing sidewalks, storm drains, curbs and gutters.
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
Train Station Parking Will Be Expanded
Two easements should help Vienna businesses, trail users.
After much discussion and public comment, The Town of Vienna has granted conservation and parking easements to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
No More Parking in Old Town Square
As of Monday, July 7, parking lots within the Old Town Square project area of Fairfax are closed for construction. This area is the northern portion of the block bounded by University Drive, North Street, Main Street and Old Lee Hwy/East Street.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
‘Pippi Longstocking’ to be presented in Fairfax.
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”
Robinson, Woodson Students Performing in Hit Musical
They’re in “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.”
Students from Robinson Secondary and Woodson High play prominent roles in Westfield Summer Stage’s upcoming musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.” Featuring a cast and crew of 85, all performances are at Westfield High, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly.
Oakton’s Lourdes Navarro in ‘Pippi Longstocking’
Plays the title character’s girlfriend in children’s show.
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”
‘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.
‘Thank You for Your Time and Dedication’
City bids farewell to Councilmen Drummond and Stombres.
The City of Fairfax bid farewell last week to outgoing City Councilmen Dan Drummond and Steve Stombres in a special ceremony on the City Hall lawn. Each has served for six years, and the June 24 event included Boy Scouts, the City of Fairfax band, and the City Police and Fire Department Joint Honor Guard.
Fairfax Prepares to Celebrate the 4th
Parade, music, fireworks and fun.
The City of Fairfax will celebrate the Fourth of July, this Friday, starting with a 10 a.m. parade that travels through the downtown Fairfax Historic District. It’ll go on, rain or shine, starting at the Massey Building at 4100 Chain Bridge Road. Participants will march in a loop past the old courthouse, along Main Street and University Drive and past the reviewing stand in front of City Hall on Armstrong Street.
Council, School Board Look to the Future
Swearing-in ceremony at Veterans Amphitheater.
Before friends, family, colleagues and guests, City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne and members of the City Council and School Board were sworn in last Tuesday, June 24, in the Veterans Amphitheater outside City Hall.
Council Mulls Memorial to Mayor Jane Seeman
May form committee to decide what type would be best.
After serving on the Vienna Town Council, M. Jane Seeman was Vienna’s mayor for 14 years until her death from lung cancer on Feb. 23.
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.
Vienna Police Are in Annual Torch Run
Several members of the Vienna Police Department participated June 5 in the 29th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Virginia Special Olympics.
‘Go into the World Fearlessly’
Madison High graduates 496 students on June 18.
Turning their tassels and tossing their caps into the air, nearly 500 Madison High students graduated last Wednesday, June 18, in Robinson Secondary School’s field house.
New Vienna Officer Academy Graduate
Vienna Police Officer Andrew Slebonick graduated May 5 from the 61st Session of the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.
National Championship for Fairfax High School
Robotics team captures first place in Mini-Urban Challenge.
Fairfax High School is a national champion. On June 14, at the Emerald Coast Conference Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., its robotics team won a national competition called the Mini-Urban Challenge.
Marching Bands, Music, Fireworks and a Parade
City of Fairfax plans rip-roarin,’ rousing Fourth of July celebration.
For fun, music, fireworks and a rousing parade, the City of Fairfax is the place to spend the Fourth of July. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a parade through the downtown Fairfax Historic District, continue with open houses and a firefighters’ competition and culminate with rock music and colorful fireworks at Fairfax High.
‘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.
City Council Honors PVI Hoops Teams
The Fairfax City Council recently recognized Paul VI’s boys and girls basketball teams for winning both the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and Virginia Division 1 titles. It was only the second time in WCAC history that both the boys and girls teams won the conference title in the same year.