Wakefield Run Stream Restoration Project off With a Splash
Charles E. Penn, Sr., the new manager of media/community relations at Dominion Virginia Power, was at Wakefield Run Stream Wednesday, July 24, taking pictures alongside Park Authority officials and Dominion colleagues at a kickoff of a restoration project to improve the tributary that feeds into Accotink Creek and the Chesapeake Bay.
Film Fest Showcases Local Filmmakers
Clifton Film Fest held under the stars at Workhouse Arts Center.
Hundreds of people turned out for the fifth annual Clifton Film Fest under the stars, complete with a “Red Carpet,” at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton Saturday. It’s the only local, community-wide film festival that’s not in D.C.
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.
Focus on Groveton's Founding Families
Author explores history of former farming community.
Longtime Groveton resident Charlotte Brown's book "Groveton" uses both stories and pictures from local residents and business owners to provide readers with a colorful and informative look at the history of the area.
Letter: Let’s Be Open-Minded
To the Editor: It is disappointing and concerning to see some residents of this City, much less our Parks and Recreation Commission (“PRC”), so quickly leap to criticize the sports complex proposed by the St. James Group (“SJG”).
Expo Sunoco Eyes Expansion
Alcoholic beverages sales concern WFCCA.
Sunoco plans to expand its gas station near the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
Cliff Hardison, 60, Dies
Principal of West Potomac High School was dedicated to students.
Cliff Hardison, the principal of West Potomac High School since 2009, died from lung cancer on Tuesday, July 23. He was 60 and did not smoke. “It’s really a sad day and really a shock to everyone,” said Del. Scott A. Surovell (D-44). “Cliff was a real gentleman; his first priority was his students. He loved West Potomac High School and his staff respected him.”
TB Investigation Expands at Lee High School
Health officials say “no reason to restrict activities.”
On Monday, Fairfax County Health Department officials announced they are expanding the tuberculosis (TB) investigation at Robert E. Lee High School, in the wake of reports that as many as 430 students and faculty could have been exposed to the disease.
Meet Elsa and Jessi of Clifton
We have two rottweilers that love attention.
‘Friendly Visitors’
Senior Services of Alexandria
The Hermitage Assisted Living Facility in Alexandria is home for many of Alexandria’s seniors. On July 2, one of its residents celebrated a birthday with lively music, festive foods and of course a special birthday cake. Mrs. Lillian Parker, a long-time resident of the Hermitage, celebrated her special day with her family, including two of her daughters and granddaughter, a room full of friends and special guests.
Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections
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.
Patches Chases the Ball
Our dog Patches is a member of the Delahunty family of Fairfax which includes mom Celeste, dad Steve, and siblings Celia, Ethan and Liam. Patches loves tennis balls and playing fetch.
Springfield, Fairfax Artists Exhibit in Occoquan
The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery in Historic Occoquan is exhibiting work by Sherri Johnson of Fairfax and David and Jane Ernst of Springfield, in "Artistic Impressions."
Continuing to Care for Women of Fairfax City
Recently, the Fairfax City Council passed an ordinance creating a new zoning classification—“medical care facilities.” Under the new ordinance, women’s health centers are now classified in the same zoning category as hospitals, surgical centers, and urgent care units—meaning women’s health centers are now required to receive a "Special Use Permit” in order to operate.
Fort Hunt Federals Celebrate ‘Spirit That’s Still Alive’
Recalling and celebrating Fort Hunt High School.
Though Fort Hunt High School has not operated for over 20 years, hundreds of graduates will reunite this weekend at Fort Hunt Park to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
Rotary Club of Fairfax Honors Rick Schroeder
The Rotary Club of Fairfax recently selected Rick Schroeder to receive the club’s highest honor: the Rotarian of the Year award. This award is given to a member who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to the principles of Rotary, and recognizes a Rotarian’s sustained, outstanding efforts in the Five Avenues of Service.
Alexandria Bulletin
Open Retreat. 8-10:30 a.m. at the Alexandria Police Headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave. The Alexandria Planning Commission offers a retreat to discuss procedural matters, goals and policies and upcoming projects. Open for the public to attend. Call 703-746-4666.
Meet Best Friends of Fairfax
Fairfax City residents Talk About Their Cats, Dogs
When asked about her favorite story about her cat, Moochie, Nancy Riley of Fairfax said, “I would love to tell you about how I came to have Moochie. It was 1997, I was coming out of my friend’s house, and I came out the door and heard what sounded like a squirrel chattering at me. I then looked up and saw this really small black cat looking up at me. Being a cat person, I automatically went to pet him and he shied away. A man then came out of his house next to me and I asked if this cat belonged to anybody. He said, ‘That’s nobody’s cat. That’s a gutter cat.’ A gutter cat. He let me pet him and as I walked down the sidewalk to my car he was doing figure 8s around my feet. I opened the door to get in my car and he jumped right in. I put him on the ground and was really sorry and said, ‘I’m sorry cat but I can’t take you home, I have two large cats at home that would eat you.’ He jumped right back in my car. I decided because of his determination, I could take him home. My two other cats didn’t end up eating him and our other cat, Alfalfa, became really good buddies with Moochie. He gets his name, Moochie, because he would always steal food from the table and my daughter called him a mooch.”