Federal Porn Charges for Former Teacher
In June, Fairfax County police charged a special education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He was immediately suspended without pay, and the school system assured parents that no images of students were found on his computer and school computers were not used.
Order To Release Wolfe Is Stayed
Attorney general intervenes; higher court will decide next step.
Last week, the family of Chantilly High grad Justin Wolfe was hopeful he’d be released from custody after U.S. District Court Judge Raymond Jackson vacated Wolfe’s convictions and sentences for drug distributions and the March 2001 murder of 21-year-old Centreville High grad Danny Petrole.
Theft Yields Unexpected Rewards
Neighbors express appreciation for holiday display.
It’s not nice to steal — and it’s especially not nice to swipe Christmas decorations from an outdoor display that brings pleasure to many people. But that’s what happened recently in a Little Rocky Run neighborhood.
New Elementary and High School Proposed for This Part of County
Many elementary and high schools in the local area are either overcrowded or full to the brim. But relief — although far off — is on the way in the form of a new elementary school and a new high school.
O’Carroll’s Priorities
At the helm of the Sully District Station, police Capt. Ed O’Carroll, 43, has a clear view of his priorities.
Robinson Grad Is in Sully’s Comedy Show
Sully’s Restaurant is the place to be on Friday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m., when Robinson Secondary grad Matt Mero joins headlining comedian Rob Maher in an evening of comedy. Sully’s is at 14511 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly; cover charge is $5.
Giving Gratitude to Those Who Serve
Chantilly High honors America’s veterans.
Each year, Chantilly High honors America’s armed-services personnel with a dinner and an evening of entertainment. The event is always special, and this year’s Veteran’s Day Dinner was no exception.
Westfield Band Is Pasadena Bound
Will march in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Tuesday morning, Jan. 1, Westfield High marching band members and their parents watched the 124th annual Tournament of Roses Parade on a big screen in the school auditorium. Next year, they’ll be in it.
Bite Me Cancer Kickoff Is Jan. 3
While still in high school, Nikki Ferraro was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer.
Focusing on Drinking and Driving
Plans underway to reduce alcohol-related crashes here.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, from 2006-11, Fairfax County had 1,941 alcohol-related crashes involving drivers ages 15-24. Some 54 percent happened between midnight and 3:59 a.m., and 10 percent more occurred in January than in other months.
Now Comes the Fundraising
Now that Westfield’s marching band has been accepted to participate in next year’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, it must get busy raising the money needed for the trip.
Local Venue Serves Up Laughs
Westfield grad is in Sully’s comedy show.
Sully’s Restaurant is the place to be on Friday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m., when Westfield High grad Allison Wruk joins headlining comedian Rob Maher in an evening of comedy.
Artistic Talent on Display
Members of the Art Guild of Clifton, in cooperation with the Clifton Betterment Association, held an art show and sale, Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall.
Helping Those in Need
Local teen collects items for the poor and homeless.
“It was a rewarding feeling to know I helped people stay clothed and keep warm.” -Oak Hill resident Nick O’Connell
Family Services Gives Christmas Presents to Families
Santa’s elves come in several forms; and in the local area, many of them are Northern Virginia Family Services volunteers. And this week, they’ll deliver Christmas presents to 589 families — some 2,100 people — in Fairfax and Prince William counties.
Federal Porn Charges for Former Teacher
In June, Fairfax County police charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He was immediately suspended without pay, and the school system assured parents that no images of students were found on his computer and school computers were not used.
A Time for Giving
FACETS helps children give presents to siblings.
All year ’round, FACETS helps people in poverty in Fairfax County. It works with families living in public-housing communities and having an average income under $20,000 for a family of four. It also aids those who are, or recently were, homeless.
Another Arrested in Handyman’s Death
Victim worked for local business-owner.
In June, Reynard Prather was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. On Dec. 7, Tasheik Champean, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and use of a firearm in a crime of violence causing death.
Fundraiser in Honor Of Ryan Lopynski
Goal is to purchase EKG machines
On April 26, 2009, Ryan Lopynski was a freshman at Virginia Tech with his whole life ahead of him. He’d come home to Clifton’s Hampton Chase community to see his family and look for a summer job. But while showering before going to see his sister’s basketball game, he suffered a fatal heart attack. The specific cause of his death is still unknown, although it was discovered posthumously that Ryan had an enlarged heart.
Making Spirits Bright
FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.
No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime.
Ballet Arts Ensemble Presents ‘Nutcracker’
Kailey Leinz of Burke to star in the "Nutcracker in a Nutshell."
The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax will perform “Nutcracker in a Nutshell,” a condensed version of the classic holiday ballet, on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall at the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus, at 3001 North Beauregard St.
Guilty Plea in Handyman’s Death
Second person convicted in May 2010 Centreville homicide.
Nothing will restore Jose Cardona to life or return him to his family. But his loved ones will at least have a measure of justice now that the second of the three men involved in his death has been convicted. In June, Reynard Prather was sentenced to 30 years in prison. And last Friday, Dec. 7, in federal court, Tasheik Ashanti Champean, 46, of Suitland, Md., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and use of a firearm in a crime of violence causing death.
Making Spirits Bright 12/12/2012
FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.
No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime. So each year, FACETS holds Sibling Shops, enabling children to peruse a variety of toys, games and other items, select gifts for their brothers and sisters and have them wrapped.
Helping Families in Need
Our Neighbor’s Child collecting toys, clothing.
With only a week left until packaging day, the volunteers of Our Neighbor’s Child are working to make sure local children’s Christmas wishes come true.
Our Neighbor’s Child Toy Drives Yield Many Gifts
Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) held toy drives last Saturday, Dec. 1, outside two local Walmarts and both were big successes. Holly Cameron organized the one staffed by Creative Dance Center’s (CDC) competitive dance team at the Dulles Expo Center store, and Phyllis White organized the one at the Fair Lakes store manned by members of Phase Cheer & Dance. And both volunteers were delighted with the results.
Ho-Ho Holiday Show
Westfield High presents annual children’s program.
The Grinch, Charlie Brown, Frosty the Snowman — these characters and more will be onstage to delight children during Westfield High’s 13th annual Ho-Ho Holiday Show. Entirely student-directed by seniors in the theater program, it’ll be presented Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15-16, at 2 p.m. in the school theater. Tickets are $5/person and $12/groups of four.
‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow’
Stone Middle presents iconic musical, “Annie.”
Annie, Daddy Warbucks, even Sandy the dog — they’ll all be on stage when Stone Middle School presents the much-loved musical, “Annie Jr.” Show times are Thursday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door, except for the Dec. 13 show, which is pre-sale only during school lunches, Dec. 10-12.
Joyful Noise at Chantilly High
School presents Holiday Spectacular and Tiny Tots show.
A musical feast for the ears and eyes, Chantilly High’s Holiday Spectacular will take the stage Thursday-Friday, Dec. 13-14, at 7 p.m. in the school theater. Living up to its name, this annual event features more than 300 choral, band, orchestra and theater students joining together to entertain the community.
School Opens Family Center
Bull Run Elementary creates welcoming climate for parents.
On the surface, it’s a beige trailer in a parking lot outside Bull Run Elementary. But inside, it’s both a haven and a source of information for parents. And on Nov. 12, it was officially dedicated as the Bull Run Family Center.
Paying It Forward
Leukemia survivor raises money for hospital that helped him.
When Centreville’s Daniel Shank-Rowe was 9, he was diagnosed with leukemia. But he was successfully treated at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and is now in remission.
Centre View Roundups, Dec. 5, 2012
Roundups: Two Hospital ATMs Skimmed; Chantilly High Craft Fair; Encore’s Christmas Show;; Police Collect Children’s Gifts; CAC: Holiday Safety Tips; Free Carseat Inspections; Centreville Elementary Seeks Grant; Holiday Lighting Safety Tips; Adopt a Shelter Animal; Christmas Tree Fire Safety; Home Child-Care Facilities; WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers; Meals on Wheels Volunteers; and Women's Self Defense Program.
2012 Turkey Trot Yields Success
Just like the Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie, this year’s Virginia Run Turkey Trot is history. But the good it’ll do for others will last a long time into the future.
‘The Food Was Fabulous’
Fairfax student’s team wins culinary challenge.
Five stars are given to America’s top restaurants, and at a recent culinary competition, a student team from The Chantilly Academy captured the top prize, the Five Star Award.
‘All I Want for Christmas’
A great way to kick off the holiday season is by seeing Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, “All I Want for Christmas.” This song-and-dance extravaganza aims to delight audiences of all ages.
Boundary Changes Affect Local Students
Parents learn about what’s planned.
School boundary changes are never easy and, no matter how they end up, somebody’s always unhappy. But when schools are projected to be at 125 percent and 109 percent of their building capacities in just a few more years, something has to be done in advance to prevent it.
Fundraisers Set for Centreville Family
Husband severely injured in accident.
Debbie Harrison is a kindergarten teacher at London Towne Elementary and has taught school for nearly 30 years. She’s also a wife and mother. But in April, her life and that of her husband Frank changed forever.
Making the Holidays Bright for Needy Children
Our Neighbor’s Child collecting toys, clothing.
For many local families, the holiday season isn’t about Christmas carols and pretty decorations. It’s about worrying how they’ll keep their children warm in the coming winter and explain to them why Santa can’t bring them any presents this year. And that’s where the all-volunteer, nonprofit Our Neighbor’s Child comes in, working to make sure that no child in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fair Lakes goes without holiday gifts.
Centre View Roundups, Nov. 29, 2012
Centre View Roundups for Nov. 29, 2012: Sexual Battery Is Charged; Man Charged with Embezzling; Free Carseat Inspections ; Clifton Horse Parade; CLRC Open House Dec. 1; FCPS Superintendent Search; Police Collect Children’s Gifts; Adopt a Shelter Animal; Centreville Elementary Seeks Grant; Christmas Tree Fire Safety; WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers; Meals on Wheels Volunteers; Women's Self Defense Program
Parent Perspective on Boundary Changes
After Monday’s boundary-change meeting, some parents discussed their own concerns with the potential changes.
‘All I Want for Christmas’
Encore dancers present annual holiday show.
A great way to kick off the holiday season is by seeing Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, “All I Want for Christmas.” This song-and-dance extravaganza aims to delight audiences of all ages.
Seeking Relief for Fairfax and Lanier
Parents discuss school boundary changes.
School boundary changes are never easy and, no matter how they end up, somebody’s always unhappy. But when schools are projected to be at 125 percent and 109 percent of their building capacities in just a few more years, something has to be done in advance to prevent it.
Westfield Wins VTA Competition
School’s first victory in statewide acting contest.
The local community knows how talented Westfield High’s theater students are; now, so do people in the rest of the state. The young thespians won the school’s first-ever Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) competition, beating out 44 other schools statewide.
Boy Scout Food Drive Successful
The annual, Boy Scout “Scouting for Food” Drive was Saturday, Nov. 10.
40 Years Prison for Centreville Murder
Man killed his ex-girlfriend’s sister.
Despite the fact that Man Ha Park left his wife and daughter to run off with another woman, they both testified on his behalf before he was sentenced for murdering that woman’s sister. But neither their pleas nor tears could save him from being sentenced to 40 years in prison for a killing so brutal that the prosecutor called the crime scene “a blood bath — worse than in many horror movies.”
Remembering Bonnie Huneke
Virginia Run Turkey Trot to be run in her honor.
Each year, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is run in honor of a community resident who’s died of cancer, and this year’s Thanksgiving Day event is in memory of Bonnie Huneke. She died Oct. 27, 2011 of breast cancer at age 50.
Handling ‘Everything under the Sun’
Animal Control officer talks about his job.
Andy Sanderson has been a police officer for 20 years and an animal control officer for 15, and he recently shared his knowledge and expertise with members of the Sully District Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
Westfield Wins VTA Competition
School’s first victory in statewide acting contest.
The local community knows how talented Westfield High’s theater students are; now, so do people in the rest of the state. The young thespians won the school’s first-ever Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) competition, beating out 44 other schools statewide. The event was held Oct. 26-28 at the Reston Hyatt, and Westfield’s victory propels its actors to sectional competition, March 6-10, in Louisville, Ky. There, they’ll vie against some 30 other first-place winners from across the Southeastern U.S. Westfield performed the one-act play, “The Hothouse,” by Harold Pinter and were onstage 45 minutes. And besides the overall championship, students Mitchell Buckley and Madeleine Bloxam took home All-Star Acting awards. “I’m very proud of the work the students did, especially since it was a student-directed piece,” said Westfield Theater Director Susie Pike. “They tackled difficult material — absurdist theater, which is very mature. So it was a great learning experience, and one of my goals here in the department is to provide as many learning and leadership opportunities as I can.”
Boy Scout Food Drive Successful
The annual, Boy Scout “Scouting for Food” Drive was Saturday, Nov. 10. Locally, Scouts collected food donated by residents, sorted it and brought it to WFCM (Western Fairfax Christian Ministries) for its food pantry. Some 58,691 pounds of food was collected in the Sully District – which is 1,700 pounds more than last year.
Remembering Bonnie Huneke - Virginia Run Turkey Trot To Be Run in Huneke’s Honor
Time doesn’t heal — you just call it the new normal.” - Stephen Huneke, widower
Each year, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is run in honor of a community resident who’s died of cancer, and this year’s Thanksgiving Day event is in memory of Bonnie Huneke. She died Oct. 27, 2011 of breast cancer at age 50. Sixteen-year residents of Centreville’s Virginia Run community, she and her husband Stephen, a government contractor and retired Army major, were married 21 years; their children are Elizabeth, 31, Craig, 26 and Mary, 19. Bonnie’s first husband, Army CWO3 Billy Bolin, preceded her in death. “She was one of those super-friendly people who never met someone she didn’t like,” said Stephen Huneke. “Every day, she’d be out walking our golden retriever and met a lot of neighbors that way.” Bonnie also loved planting flowers and gardening; and as the children grew, she and Stephen enjoyed attending their athletic events in SYA and in high school. She also volunteered at Virginia Run Elementary, Stone Middle and Westfield High and worked at Westfield’s blood drives, too. An active person, she used to be an avid runner until a bone tumor on her right knee, 18 years ago, forced her to have a prosthetic knee. Because of that, several times over the last 15 years, doctors had to remove scar tissue on her knee.
Remembering Bonnie Huneke - Virginia Run Turkey Trot To Be Run in Huneke’s Honor
Time doesn’t heal — you just call it the new normal.” - Stephen Huneke, widower
Each year, the Virginia Run Turkey Trot is run in honor of a community resident who’s died of cancer, and this year’s Thanksgiving Day event is in memory of Bonnie Huneke. She died Oct. 27, 2011 of breast cancer at age 50. Sixteen-year residents of Centreville’s Virginia Run community, she and her husband Stephen, a government contractor and retired Army major, were married 21 years; their children are Elizabeth, 31, Craig, 26 and Mary, 19. Bonnie’s first husband, Army CWO3 Billy Bolin, preceded her in death. “She was one of those super-friendly people who never met someone she didn’t like,” said Stephen Huneke. “Every day, she’d be out walking our golden retriever and met a lot of neighbors that way.” Bonnie also loved planting flowers and gardening; and as the children grew, she and Stephen enjoyed attending their athletic events in SYA and in high school. She also volunteered at Virginia Run Elementary, Stone Middle and Westfield High and worked at Westfield’s blood drives, too. An active person, she used to be an avid runner until a bone tumor on her right knee, 18 years ago, forced her to have a prosthetic knee. Because of that, several times over the last 15 years, doctors had to remove scar tissue on her knee.