Chantilly Student Wins Heroes Essay Contest
Teachers can have lifelong impacts on their students and, in Briana Neuberger’s case, memories of an elementary-school teacher helped her win first prize in an essay contest. She also won a $1,000 scholarship.
Remembrance Cabaret for Reema is May 26
When many of her friends and relatives recall Reema Samaha, they picture her on a stage performing. She acted in Westfield High theatrical productions, but was especially known for her beautiful and graceful dancing.
Pramstaller Leaving Chantilly High
Chantilly High choral teacher Sarah Pramstaller is the lead choreographer for Jazz & Pizzazz, aided by Glenn Cockrell, Drew Ross and Assistant Band Director Chris Singleton. And while she’ll love watching the students perform the dances she choreographed for them, she’ll also have mixed feelings.
Chantilly High Presents 26th Annual Jazz & Pizzazz
When it comes to rousing, high-octane, simply dazzling entertainment, it’s hard to beat Chantilly High’s annual Jazz & Pizzazz show. Starring the Touch of Class Show Choir, Chantilly Jazz Band and Chantilly Combo, it’s a colorful kaleidoscope of music, costumes, lights and sound.
Column: End of Session Report 2012
The Virginia House of Delegates adjourned the 2012 legislative session on March 10. We returned to Richmond briefly in late March and April to consider the state budget and more than 130 bills that the Governor sought to amend or veto. Nine bills that I authored on your behalf became law. Here are some highlights.
Letter: Come to the Cabaret
To the Editor: We would like to invite your readership to the Remembrance Cabaret for Reema to be held this year on Saturday, May 26 at Westfield High School, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Silent Auction and Bake Sale; the program will begin at 7 p.m. Although the event is free, donations are welcome and will benefit the Reema J. Samaha Memorial Scholarships and Angel Fund.
Volunteering on ‘Red Day’
The agents of Keller Williams Realty of Chantilly/Centreville put on their work gloves Thursday, May 10 to help remove invasive garlic mustard plants from Eleanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly. Their efforts were part of the company’s “Red Day” when agents take a day off and volunteer in their communities.
Police Unity Tour
U.S. Treasury Agent Kevin Whalen of Centreville points to the cheering crowd lining Route 29 at the intersection with Route 28 on Saturday, May 12 as the Region IV Police Unity Tour riders make the last leg of their 3-day journey through Centerville from Richmond to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington D.C. In its 16th year, the Tour has the goal of raising awareness of fallen police officers and raising money for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund. This is the second year that Chapter IV has had a team on the ride.
Centreville High Raising Funds for Artificial-turf Fields
Brick by brick, Centreville High is raising money to install two, artificial-turf, athletic fields to replace the school’s existing grassy ones. It’s nearing its goal, but still needs more funds to bring its plan to fruition.
LTA Cast Bids Adieu to “Witness for the Prosecution”
More than a few tears were shed as The Little Theatre of Alexandria continued its long tradition of hosting a closing night wrap party following the final performance of “Witness for the Prosecution.”
Alert on Housing Discrimination
Officials step up efforts to reach immigrant communities about “fair housing” rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, Realtors, community groups and other interested parties.
At the Sherwood Regional Library May 19-30
Saturday/May 19 Practice Your English. 11 a.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Conversation group for adults learning English. 703-765-3645.
Hearing from Living History
Tuskegee Airman William T. Fauntroy, Jr., age 86, gave a talk recently to Boy Scout Troop 1509 at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Fort Hunt. After World War II, Fauntroy went on to become the first African American civil engineer hired by the National Capital Transportation Agency — the predecessor to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority.
Mount Vernon Yacht Club Launches Season
Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland knows where he will likely spend the first Sunday in May each year, and plans to drop by the Mount Vernon Yacht Club at the end of Tarpon Lane to meet and greet members and guests at the launch of the annual boating season gala.
Church Celebrates 50 Years
Heritage Presbyterian Church celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 22. Pastor Emeritus Larry Glassco led the worship service which included a children's skit and a special music program. Several charter members, former pastors and representatives from the National Capital Presbytery and PC(USA) General Assembly were in attendance. Del. Scott Surovell presented the Rev. William C. Teng with a framed copy of a Resolution approved by the Virginia House of Delegates recognizing Heritage's faithful service to its members and the Mount Vernon community. The celebration culminated in a Jubilee banquet luncheon.
Letter: Verify Claim Of Organization
To the Editor: Finally, the big day is here. Tonight (May 17) beginning at 8:15 p.m., the Planning Commission is conducting a public hearing to determine whether the proposed interim use off-leash dog area (OLDA) at Westgrove Park complies with the comprehensive plan. Interested persons may testify in person at the County's Board of Supervisors' Boardroom or at a satellite location at the South County Center on Richmond Highway.
Letter: Help Make A Difference
To the Editor: On behalf of the Board of Directors of Alice’s Kids, a new charitable organization that provides direct assistance to needy children in Mount Vernon, I would like to thank the Riverside Estates community for participating in our “Fun Run” on Saturday, May 5. I especially wanted to thank 11-year-old Beth Pyles who was the inspiration for this event.
Letter: Protect Stables
To the Editor: The following open letter is addressed to Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland.
Remembering Gilbert S. McCutcheon
Family, friends and neighbors of Gil McCutcheon gathered on the hilltop of Lamond Community Park on Saturday, May 12 for a ceremony to rename the park for the late Gilbert S. McCutcheon. McCutcheon was a key player in negotiations and acquisition of the 18-acre site off Fort Hunt Road. He also ensured that the home on the property would be preserved.
Column: Movie Star Tax Credits, a Gay Judge and Session Ends
Well, it’s over. The 2012 General Assembly ended on May 15 at 2 a.m. after a 13-hour House of Delegates’ session involving 117 of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s amendments and the election of 40 judges. It was a fitting end to a very contentious session.