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Sweet History Tour of Historic Fairfax

New this year is a Sweet History Walking Tour of Old Town Fairfax’s Historic District. It’s slated for Friday, Jan. 31, from 4:30-6 p.m., and allows participants to step back in time for a peek at Fairfax’s past. The tour begins at the Ratcliffe-Allison House, 10209 Main St. The City’s oldest standing house, it was built in 1812. Furnished with period pieces, this home depicts the lives of everyday residents in 19th-century Fairfax.

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Murder Mystery Marks Annual Meeting

Burke Historical Society presents 1918 murder of Eva Roy.

The Burke Historical Society marked its annual meeting on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, with the unsolved murder of 14-year-old resident Eva Roy in 1918. Speaker Cindy Bennett became interested in the Eva Roy case while going through a list of people supposedly killed by the Bunny Man, an urban legend figure which gained prominence in Fairfax County in the 1970s.

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Reboot for Youth

Local high school students provide computers to families in need.

Technology plays a prominent role in classrooms throughout Fairfax County, but the reality is that many students are still unable to afford personal computers of their own to use for basic things like homework. But a team of students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) has made it their goal to eradicate cost as a barrier to technology for low-income families.

Rodney V. Colbert Named Deputy Fire Chief

Fire Chief Richie Bowers has selected Battalion Chief Rodney V. Colbert for promotion to deputy fire chief, effective Jan. 24. Chief Colbert will be assigned as the Chief Training Officer. Since July of 2011 he has been assigned as a field battalion chief in the Operations Bureau.

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Fairfax’s Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival Feb. 7-8

Heaven for chocolate aficionados – that’s the City of Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival. And this year’s 23rd annual extravaganza is set for Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 7-8. The scrumptious and fun-filled weekend features everything from a competition to see who can make the most beautiful and creative chocolate sculptures, cakes and cupcakes to a chocolate-themed movie and a luscious sampling of chocolate treats from area vendors. It’s also a chance to buy mouthwatering presents for Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate Festival Event Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 7

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive Join the Kiwanis Club of Fairfax for its Chocolate Lovers Pancake Breakfast. The menu features pancakes (regular and chocolate chip) and sausage. Coffee, juice and milk also will be served.

A Children’s Classic Comes to Life

Fairfax Academy student has lead role in “Beauty and the Beast.”

A beloved children’s story comes to life when Centreville High presents the Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” And playing one of the lead roles is senior Nick Ingargiola, who attends the Fairfax Academy for musical theater. “The actors have just blown me away,” said Director Mike Hudson. “We had a preaudition last May, and we had no idea we’d get this level of talent. About half the kids are choral students, but we’re also blessed with theater students who can sing.”

Open Houses, Exhibits during Festival

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, 10209 Main St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., This building was constructed in 1873 with bricks made at the Farr property across Main Street. The oldest brick, two-story, school building remaining in Fairfax cost just $2,750 to build. Stop in for chocolate treats while learning about the City’s colorful history; free admission.

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New Health Club in Alexandria/Mount Vernon Offers ‘Judgment Free Zone’

“Biggest Loser” finalist attends ribbon-cutting.

Planet Fitness, the health club franchise known for its “judgement free zone,” opened its second club in in December. Located at 5960 Richmond Highway, the club celebrated with a ribbon-cutting party on Jan. 14. Special guest, “The Biggest Loser” finalist, David Brown, was available to talk about fitness tips, and his own fitness philosophy.

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New Health Club in Alexandria/Mount Vernon Offers ‘Judgment Free Zone’ delete

“Biggest Loser” finalist attends ribbon-cutting.

Planet Fitness, the health club franchise known for its “judgement free zone,” opened its second club in in December. Located at 5960 Richmond Highway, the club celebrated with a ribbon-cutting party on Jan. 14. Special guest, “The Biggest Loser” finalist, David Brown, was available to talk about fitness tips, and his own fitness philosophy.

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Growing a Ministry in Chantilly

With 25 years of experience, Lynn Miller leads King of Kings.

Lynn Miller, 51, of Chantilly is the new senior pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church, a congregation with 220 worshipping members off Route 50 in Chantilly. Miller was a parish pastor for 20 years with three calls in Pennsylvania and one call in North Carolina.

‘It’ll Be Another Challenging Year’ in Fairfax County

Frey discusses the state of the Sully District.

Money — and the lack of enough of it to do everything needing to be done — is at the heart of Fairfax County’s problems. And Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) doesn’t expect the situation to change anytime soon.

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And Now in Arlington …

Cherry Blow Dry Bar to open Friday.

Until now, a mediocre blow dry would cost $40. A good one, $55 and up. And if one’s hair was unruly, some salons wanted $75. It was time to have the blow dry bar concept in town.

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Army Force Reduction Coming: Fort Belvoir community voices concerns

Members of the Fort Belvoir community —civilians, active duty, retirees of each military branch — gathered Jan. 23 to learn about the future of the garrison. The listening session titled “Army Force Structure and Stationing” was one stop on a 30-installation tour to gather community input for the Army senior leadership as it prepares to further reduce the size of the force.

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The Changing Face Of Mount Vernon

Land use (re)development highlights.

A look at land use changes and proposals targeting the Mount Vernon area.