Crafts, Plays, Dance: Fun Events for Fall
Below is a partial listing of some autumn events happening in the local area: Oct. 12—The Fairfax Fall Festival, held throughout the streets of downtown Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There’ll be crafts galore, plus food, music and fun for children.
Cycling for Campus Safety
Gran Fondo to raise funds for VTV Family Outreach Foundation.
Bicyclists ride to promote campus safety
Viva Vets! 5K Comes to Area
Event funds scholarships for military veterans.
A 5K race that helps America’s military veterans further their education is coming to the local area. It’s the Viva Vets! 5K Run/Walk, and it is slated for Sunday, Sept. 29, at 8:30 a.m. at Fairfax Corner.
‘Finished on Time, Within Budget’
End of the road for parkway interchange project.
It’s been a long time coming, but the Fair Lakes interchange is just about done. And last Thursday, Sept. 12, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell joined local officials here to cut the ribbon on a project improving travel for drivers on the Fair Lakes and Fairfax County parkways, plus Monument Drive. “It’s great to celebrate these achievements,” he said. “The Fairfax County Parkway has been a lifeline of this county for so long. This was a marvelous story of VDOT and our private-sector construction teams working together, and it will benefit this county for a long time.”
Two Local Students Feted for Their Writings
Two local girls were among those honored Sunday for their entries in a Grandparents Day writing contest. They are Chantilly High freshman Saru Kalva, who won first place, and Chantilly resident Rashel Bajaj, a Thomas Jefferson High freshman who came in third. The Writers of Chantilly, a local group of professional and aspiring writers, sponsored the competition, which was held over the summer. Students wrote about their grandparents, and the winners were recognized and read their works during a Sept. 8 ceremony at the Chantilly Regional Library. For their efforts, Kalva and Bajaj received certificates and a prize package including a Barnes & Noble gift card. They’ll also have their entries published in an upcoming Writers of Chantilly (WOC) anthology.
‘You Can See the Joy of Learning’
Centreville Elementary’s unconventional summer school.
In one room, students learned about measurement and density by making parfaits. Others were busy reading, some were doing science experiments and others were creating crystals. And in the hallway, a group of children were making roller coasters on the walls. What was happening, July 15-Aug. 2, four hours/day, at Centreville Elementary in no way resembled boring, summer-school programs of the past. These students were having fun while learning things they’d need to succeed in school and in life.
Sunoco Plan Heads To Planning Panel
Alcoholic beverages sales still a concern.
It’s on to the Fairfax County Planning Commission now for Sunoco’s proposed changes to its gas station near the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly. And along the way, two local land-use groups have opposed its intention to sell alcoholic beverages in its associated convenience store. Located at 4475 Daly Drive, by Willard Road, the existing Sunoco station — initially a Mobil station — has been at that site since 1989. But after Sunoco acquired more land, it decided to completely revamp the facility and its offerings.
Eat Pizza To Help Local Girl
Paisano’s holding fundraiser for Tara Sankner.
A fundraiser being held by a local pizza chain won’t cure Tara Sankner’s cancer — but it’ll certainly help her parents pay for her medical bills. Called “Let’s Take Care of Tara,” it began Sept. 3 and will run through Sept. 30 at all Paisano’s and Bella Pizza locations. This is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and Paisano’s owner and founder, Fouad Qreitem — who has children, himself — wants to do all he can to help this local family. “I would love to see Tara get into remission,” he said. “I met Tara and her mother, Tammy, and they didn’t ask for anything. But I could tell they were a family struggling and in need.” Tara, 8, is now a third-grader at Lees Corner Elementary. Her dad Craig is a letter carrier with the U.S. Post Office in Oak Hill and her mom is a medical biller at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. And in February, their only child was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a treatable but inoperable form of brain cancer. “It would be a parent’s worst nightmare,” said Qreitem. “I have two daughters, 8 and 12, and cannot imagine my family being faced with this situation. So I want to help Tara and her family.”
School’s Picnic Brings Family Fun
London Towne welcomes students and parents.
Students at London Towne Elementary eased back into the school year with a back-to-school picnic. The family-friendly event was held the evening of Aug. 29 on the school playground. Among those attending were Emily Horning and sons William and Dimitri, in third and fourth grades, respectively. “We met William’s teacher and she was really nice,” said Horning. “London Towne is family-oriented, always coming up with new activities for the families to do. I’m amazed at how hard the teachers work. Even at this picnic, they were grilling hot dogs.”
Eating Pizza Can Help Local Girl
Paisano’s holding fundraiser for Tara Sankner.
A fundraiser being held by a local pizza chain won’t cure Tara Sankner’s cancer—but it’ll certainly help her parents pay for her medical bills. Called “Let’s Take Care of Tara,” it began Sept. 3 and will run through Sept. 30 at all Paisano’s locations.
South Lakes Student Honored for Writing
A South Lakes High freshman was among those honored Sunday, Sept. 8, for their entries in a Grandparents Day writing contest. She is Anusha Rahman and she received an honorable mention for “The Journey to My Grandparents.”
Cool Cars, Hot Day in Clifton
Crowds braved 90-degree heat to attend the 14th annual Labor Day Car Show, Monday, Sept. 2, in Clifton.
Woodson’s Jacob Nelson Is Starring in Musical
Student has lead role in “High School Musical 2 Jr.”
Woodson High junior Jacob Nelson has the lead role of Troy Bolton in CentreStage Community Theatre’s production of “High School Musical 2 Jr.” Show times are Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 12, 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m., at Centreville Presbyterian Church, 15450 Lee Highway in Centreville.
Guarding Against Identity Theft and Fraud
Police advise residents on how to protect themselves.
With identity theft and fraud being such a major concern these days, police investigator Tom Polhemus and Det. Mike Deane recently presented some ways local residents can protect themselves from becoming victims.
Creating Jobs, Helping Community
CLRC workers learn new skills building garden boxes for sale.
Guided by summer intern Tori Jameson, 13 workers at the Centreville Labor Resource Center have learned how to build raised, garden boxes. The project was part of their continual education learning new skills and is hoped to yield both funds and jobs for the center.
Fine Tuning Songwriting Skills
Chantilly teen attends Grammy Camp in California.
This fall, junior Jason Saitta will be one of the leads in Chantilly High’s musical, “Evita.” But his summer was also none too shabby.
‘Read – A Need You Can Feed’
Church members read with London Towne Elementary students.
London Towne Elementary’s summer reading program was called, “Read — A Need You Can Feed.” And that need was met in two ways. When children came to brush up their reading skills, they were fed literally, getting to enjoy treats such as pizza, hot dogs, chips, juice and pudding. Their minds were also fed, as volunteers from Centreville Presbyterian Church (CPC) came to school and read stories with them.
‘My Crew Chief and Medic Saved Lives’
Vietnam veterans also share their stories.
Each year, Rocky Run Middle School invites veterans to participate in its annual World War II day. This year, it extended an invitation to veterans of more recent wars, as well, and they, too, enjoyed imparting their knowledge and reminiscences to the students.
Veterans Share Their Stories
Rocky Run Middle holds annual WWII Day.
A veteran of three wars, Russell O’Connell helped protect Gen. George Patton. Elmer Smith flew President Roosevelt to the “Big Three” meeting with Stalin and Churchill. And Ruth Erno was a Navy communications officer. They were among the more than 80 veterans who participated in June in Rocky Run Middle School’s annual World War II Day. It’s hosted each year by the seventh-grade class and organized by history teacher Jamie Sawatzky.
New County Police Chief Named
Supervisors appoint Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr.
Effective Tuesday morning Aug. 6, a Centreville resident, Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., became Fairfax County’s new chief of police. He was appointed July 30 by the county Board of Supervisors.
Guarding Against Identity Theft and Fraud
Police advise residents how to protect themselves.
With identity theft and fraud being such a major concern these days, police Investigator Tom Polhemus and Det. Mike Deane recently presented some ways local residents can protect themselves from becoming victims.
Roessler Named Police Chief
Supervisors appoint Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr.
Effective Tuesday morning, a Centreville resident, Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., became Fairfax County’s new chief of police. He was appointed July 30 by the county Board of Supervisors.
Roessler’s Resume with FCPD
Before Lt. Col. Edwin Roessler became acting and then full-fledged chief of police for Fairfax County, he served in every rank as he’s moved up the ladder. Since 2010, he was deputy chief of patrol managing Animal Services, plus crime-fighting efforts across eight district stations.
How to Make a Difference
WFCM needs people to participate in Homeless Walks.
On the surface, it seems as if the residents of Fairfax County are pretty well-off. But the real truth is that more than 1,500 of them are homeless — and they need help from those able to give it.
Four Years Prison for Fairfax Station Man
He planned to have sex with a minor.
A 67-year-old Fairfax Station man was sentenced last week to more than four years in federal prison. The punishment followed George Ronald Marion’s conviction for crossing state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, plus possession of child pornography.
Quilt Show Displays ‘Sacred Threads’
Some 231 handmade quilts exploring themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration, peace/brotherhood, grief and healing were displayed during the biennial Sacred Threads exhibition, July 10-28, at Floris United Methodist Church in Oak Hill. Linda T. Cooper of Burke had one quilt in the show.
Local Students Learn by Doing
Centreville Elementary fourth-graders create living map of Virginia.
It’s one thing to tell children about their state — its shape, geography and crops — and another thing to have them re-create it in an interactive scale model. But that’s what happened at Centreville Elementary.
WFCM Gears up for Backpack Collection
1,682 backpacks needed for local students.
It may seem early to think about returning to school, but Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) is already busy collecting backpacks for local students attending 23 elementary, middle and high schools. “These backpacks are given to students whose parents can’t afford all the school supplies it takes to send a child to school, let alone backpacks,” said Jennie Bush, WFCM’s community outreach manager. “Often, these families must decide between putting food on the table and gasoline in the car.” So WFCM has partnered with Collect for Kids, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Kids are First to help these students. Kids R First provides the school supplies needed at each grade level, and WFCM contributes the new backpacks.
Expo Sunoco Eyes Expansion
Alcoholic beverages sales concern WFCCA.
Sunoco plans to expand its gas station near the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
22 Years Prison for Handyman’s Death
Victim died protecting his boss’s son.
Jose Cardona wasn’t famous and didn’t hold an impressive, white-collar job. He worked as a handyman and gardener for a wealthy businessman in Centreville. But that didn’t make his life any less important than any other human being’s. And when the time came, he more than proved his value as a person by giving up his own life to protect that of his employer’s son.
Former Lorton Resident Is Charged With Rape
Police say deejay’s alleged victims were unconscious.
Believing he took sexual advantage of helpless, unconscious women, Fairfax County police have charged a former Alexandria and Lorton resident with rape and aggravated sexual battery. He is Joseph Michael Rivera, 34, although many in the local area knew him by his professional name of DJ Joey Flash.
Solving a Real-World Problem
Rocky Run students win a national science competition.
A team of three, seventh-grade girls from Rocky Run Middle School just won the national championship in the U.S. Army’s 11th annual eCybermission competition.
Slow Down on Roundabout Plan
WFCCA asks supervisors, Park Authority for public hearings on roundabout.
To VDOT’s way of thinking, a roundabout should be built at the intersection of Braddock and Pleasant Valley roads in Centreville. But a vocal and determined group of local residents wants to put the brakes on this project.
Behind the Scenes at Police Academy
Local residents get a glimpse of weapons and vehicle training.
Police officers firing weapons and forcing a vehicle off the road during a high-speed pursuit — these are some of the things local residents recently got to see as part of a demonstration sponsored by the Sully District Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee at Fairfax County’s police academy in Chantilly.
‘It’s Irreverent … and Entertaining’
Westfield Summer Stage Presents ‘The Producers’
With a cast and crew of more than 100, Westfield Summer Stage presents the musical that won more Tony awards than any other show in Broadway history, “The Producers.” The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 19-20 and July 26-27, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m., at Westfield High, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Seats are reserved; tickets are $12 at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com and $15 at the door.
‘For Service Beyond the Call of Duty’
Police MPO Gubesch is Officer of Month for June.
An 18-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department, MPO Mike Gubesch is the Sully District Station’s Officer of the Month for June. And he was honored recently at a meeting of the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
Helping Teens Bounce Back from Adversity
Look for their strengths and build on them.
It’s not easy being a teenager. And in today’s world — where a fragile psyche can be crushed by thoughtless, callous and hurtful words by an online bully — it’s important to endow teens with the tools they need to have confidence in themselves, shake off the insults and bounce back.
Police Corral Wayward Cow in Centreville
Fairfax County Animal Control Officers are used to dealing with dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons and other critters. But it’s not every day they’re called upon to capture a cow on the run in the streets of Centreville.
Electrical Fire Engulfs Clifton Townhouse
A townhouse fire, early last Wednesday, July 10, caused an estimated $25,000 damage to a townhouse near New Braddock Road in Clifton.
Fairfax Man Charged With Molesting Child
A Fairfax man who worked as a local swimming coach and instructor has been arrested and charged with molesting a 7-year-old girl. He is Eduardo Requejo, 23, of Warwick Avenue. Fairfax County police say the alleged crimes did not happen at his worksite; the child is an acquaintance and was not one of his students.
Police Corral Wayward Cow From Fairfax
Fairfax County Animal Control officers are used to dealing with dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons and other critters. But it’s not every day they’re called upon to capture a cow on the run.
Young Students Tackle Real-World Problems
Rocky Run eighth-graders learn via their science projects.
To the untrained eye, they looked like science-fair projects. But Ileana Rodriguez, eighth-grade science teacher and Science Department chair at Rocky Run Middle School, said her students created experimental-design displays.
Celebrating the Fourth At Chantilly Mosque
Food, fun, politicians and gratitude.
There were hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelons, children’s games, politicians and speeches — a typical, American celebration of the Fourth of July. But this one last Thursday was at the Mubarak Mosque in Chantilly, home of the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Before Going Forward, Taking a Look Back
Centreville High seniors open elementary-school time capsule.
Before a group of Centreville High seniors graduated in June, they returned to their elementary school, Union Mill, to reunite with their classmates and take a trip down memory lane.
Alliance Theatre presents ‘Grease.’
It’s high school 1959, and the students at Rydell High are busy with their classes, music and love lives. And with a rockin’ beat underscoring the story, the audience will see the blossoming romance of tough guy Danny and nice girl Sandy.
Remembering Reema in Song and Dance
The annual Remembrance Cabaret for 2006 Westfield High grad and Virginia Tech victim Reema Samaha was June 15 at Westfield.
Braddock/Pleasant Valley Dilemma
Residents want their say before supervisors vote on design.
While discussing local road projects last week, Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) saved the most controversial one — the Braddock/Pleasant Valley roads intersection — for last. VDOT’s proposing a roundabout, but residents in nearby communities say it’ll benefit Loudoun County commuters, while flooding Braddock and Pleasant Valley roads with so much traffic that it’ll all but imprison them in their neighborhoods.
Road Projects Moving Forward
Frey updates Sully District Council.
Transportation was the topic last week when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations, updating the panel and audience on local road projects. “We have a fair amount of transportation improvements coming in the next two years,” he said last Wednesday, June 26. “And for the first time in awhile, there’s some optimism that we’ll be able to [carry them out] because of the passage of the transportation bill.”
Eline Leaves Rocky Run
He’s named new principal of Robinson Secondary School.
Under Matt Eline’s leadership at Rocky Run Middle School, several teams of math and science students have won state and national championships, and the school, itself, received the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, three years in a row.
New Leader at Robinson’s Helm
Matt Eline is named school’s principal; will retain Meier as football coach.
There’s a new person at the helm of Robinson Secondary School—one well equipped for the job. He’s Matt Eline, who was an assistant principal at Fairfax High for four years and principal of Rocky Run Middle School the past three years.