Satire, Comedy and Beautiful Costumes
Paul VI Presents ‘Tom Jones.’
Featuring a cast and crew of about 65, Paul VI presents the comedy, “Tom Jones.”
Are You Ready to Be Scared?
Frights abound along the Clifton Haunted Trail.
Screams pierce the night in the middle of a dark and spooky forest, while scary creatures frighten all those brave enough to enter. “It’s only eight acres—w hat could possibly happen to you?” That’s the slogan of the Clifton Haunted Trail, and the bloody mayhem is once again ready to be unleashed.
Get Ready for Clifton Day
45th annual festival is Sunday, Oct. 7.
Live bands, moonbounces, handmade crafts, Civil War re-enactors, food galore, pony rides and a unicyclist — all these things and more will be part of the 45th annual Clifton Day. The festival is slated for Sunday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Rain date is Oct. 14.)
Kid Fest in Clifton
Food, fun, music and games in the park.
Music, games, food and an all-around good time—that’s what’s in store for those attending Kid Fest in Clifton. It’s slated for this Saturday, Sept. 15, from noon-5 p.m., in the town park.
Clifton Car Show on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2012
Featuring street rods, custom and antique cars, muscle and classic cars, and motorcycles, the 13th Annual Labor Day Car Show is Monday, Sept. 3, 2012 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in Clifton.
Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Engineering
Philip Everard is only eight, but says he’s been building with LEGOs ever since he was born.
Hands-On Fun while Learning
Children attend LEGO camp in Clifton
Sure, LEGOs are child’s play—but they’re also much more. And Clifton’s Cam Meyer, 15, recently shared his knowledge of what these colorful building pieces can do during a LEGO camp held in the town’s meeting hall.
Suspended Prison Sentence for Former Band Director
Former Robinson band director must register as sex offender.
When Michael Keith Cook was sentenced last week for computer solicitation of a child under age 15, he didn’t lose his freedom. But even before he set foot in the courtroom, he’d already lost something precious to him – his career as a school band director.
President Comes to the Area
Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.
Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.
Herrity, Hugo Respond to Obama’s Visit
Both Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) held a joint press conference Saturday afternoon, speaking to local Romney supporters prior to President Obama’s campaign rally at Centreville High. Said Herrity: "It was nice to see so many people from Little Rocky Run stop by and pick up Romney signs and stand with us."
Clifton’s Old-Fashioned Fourth
The Town of Clifton celebrated the Fourth of July with a parade, flag ceremony and a potluck picnic in the park with moonbounces, tug-of-war, pie-eating and egg-toss competitions.
Practicing What They Preach
Local theater teachers perform ‘Into the Woods.’
Six drama teachers headline the cast of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s summer production of "Into the Woods." They include Fairfax High’s Wendy Knight and Paul Rubenstein and Woodson High’s Terri Hobson.
A Story of Courage and Survival
Fairfax mother, son overcome life-threatening illnesses.
Natanael Justiniano is just 11 years old, yet he’s beaten leukemia twice and just celebrated his one-year anniversary of a lifesaving blood transplant.
Robinson, South County Win One Cappie Each
Robinson and South County secondary schools won one Cappie each at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Student Talent on Display
Fairfax Academy holds annual Creative Works Showcase.
Students in the Fairfax Academy displayed their signature projects last Tuesday, June 5, during the annual Creative Works Showcase. They sang, danced, played music, showed films they’d made and displayed their graphic-art, fashion, foreign language and photography skills.
Kicking Up Their Heels
Encore presents ‘Dancin’ Fool’ at NOVA.
Premiering their new show here before taking it to Greece this summer are the singers and dancers of Encore Theatrical Art Project. They’ll perform "Dancin’ Fool" on Saturday, June 9, at 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 10, at 1 and 4 p.m.
Woodson, Fairfax Shows Receive Cappie Nods
Both Woodson and Fairfax High have received Cappie nominations for their spring, theatrical productions. The winners will be revealed during the June 10 Cappies Gala at The Kennedy Center.
Spotlight on High-School Theater
Paul VI receives nine Cappie nominations.
The Cappie nominations for outstanding high-school theater were just announced and, all together, Robinson, Woodson, Paul VI and Fairfax received 29 nominations. The awards to the winners will be presented Sunday, June 10, at the annual Cappies Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Recognition is Given for Play’s Premiere
Robinson receives 10 Cappie nominations.
In November 2011, Robinson Secondary had the honor of performing the world premiere of an original play, Ken Ludwig’s "Midsummer/Jersey." And now, that play has received 10 Cappie nominations for excellence in high-school theater.
Clifton Caboose 5K Successful; Raises $10,000
The Town of Clifton’s 15th annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run was a huge success, raising an estimated $10,000. It was held Saturday, May 12, and 581 people participated – 474 in the 5K and 107 in the 1-mile fun run/walk.
Clifton Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
It’s the 40th annual Spring Homes Tour.
French chandeliers, antique furnishings, original paintings and whimsical collections are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 40th annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and includes a marketplace, silent auction and raffle, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Paradise Springs Winery.
It’s a Race and a Picnic
Clifton Caboose Twilight 5K is May 12
Anyone can hold a 5K race early in the morning, but the Town of Clifton does things differently. Its 15th annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run is Saturday, May 12, with the 1-mile fun run/walk starting at 6 p.m., and the 5K, at 6:30 p.m. It’ll happen rain or shine; and in this competition, not only the winners receive prizes, but the last-place, or caboose, finisher also gets an award.
In Case of Emergency
A look at Fairfax County’s 911 center.
Being a dispatcher in Fairfax County’s state-of-the-art, 911 center sounds like an exciting job. It’s also stressful, tiring, rewarding and, at times, harrowing.
Car Show Slated for April 29
All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.
Besides being a longtime Clifton resident and its former mayor, Jim Chesley is also a classic-car aficionado. He’s president of the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, and the group is putting on a car show to benefit a children’s hospital.
Clifton Celebrates its 110th Birthday
With balloons, two cakes and a bench-dedication, residents gathered Saturday afternoon, April 21, in the town park to celebrate Clifton’s 110th birthday.
Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter
Wine-tasting event is May 5.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a place of refuge for animals needing care. They often arrive ill or injured, and many have been abused, neglected or abandoned.
‘Step Through the Looking Glass’
Woodson presents ‘Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk.’
To say Woodson High’s play, "Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk" is something special would be a huge understatement.
Car Show Slated for April 29
All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.
Besides being a longtime Clifton resident and its former mayor, Jim Chesley is also a classic-car aficionado. He’s president of the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, and the group is putting on a car show to benefit a children’s hospital.
Raising Money to Educate Children
Project LIFE 2K/5K is Sunday, April 22.
Priya Khanna is still in high school, but she’s the chairman and CEO of a nonprofit organization, The Hollow Trunk. Comprising students from Westfield, Chantilly, Fairfax and Thomas Jefferson high schools, plus Robinson Secondary, it raises money for worthy causes.
Back to the Sixties
Robinson presents ‘How to Succeed in Business…’
t’s been a movie, a Broadway play – currently in revival – and now "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" is coming to the Robinson Secondary stage.
Music, Murder and Pie-Making
Fairfax High presents “Sweeney Todd.”
Combine murder, revenge, pies and music, and the result is Fairfax High’s upcoming play, “Sweeney Todd.” The musical thriller takes place in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution and will be performed over two weekends.
Rollicking Musical Comes to Life
Paul VI presents ‘Hello, Dolly!’
The romance of 1880s New York will come to life on stage when Paul VI presents its Cappies play, “Hello Dolly!” It features a cast and crew of 70, plus a full orchestra. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, April 20-21, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, students and senior citizens; at the door or at www.paulvi.net.
‘There’s Always a Void’
Two grieving mothers seek answers here.
Kim Nelson goes to bed at night hoping she’ll someday see her daughter again; Gil Harrington knows she’ll never be able to because her own daughter is gone forever. Saturday, March 31, they were together in Fairfax seeking information about what happened to their girls and doing what they could to prevent similar tragedies from befalling someone else’s child.
Anyone for Bike Riding?
Fairfax County’s creating a Bicycle Transportation Plan.
Besides being fun and good exercise, bicycle riding can also help improve transportation in Fairfax County. So the county’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a series of meetings to further develop a countywide Bicycle Transportation Plan.
Students Shine in Pyramid Art Show
Students from Fairfax High and its feeder schools displayed their portfolios and individual works, March 21, in the Fairfax Pyramid Art Show.
Fairfax Woman Runs Half Marathon
Raised money for LLS in honor of her brother.
Fairfax resident Mary McLaughlin ran the Rock’n’Roll USA Half Marathon with two goals in mind – to raise as much money as she could for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and to honor her brother’s memory. And on March 17 in Washington, D.C., she did both.
Remembering Ryan Dillon
Burke resident dies at age 22.
Life stacked the deck against Ryan Dillon. He was autistic and had bone cancer and just lived to age 22.
Food, Fashion and Fun in Fair Oaks
Salvation Army fund-raiser includes lunch, silent auction.
Food, stylish clothing and fun are on the menu for the Fairfax Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s upcoming fund-raiser. It’s slated for Friday, March 30, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall).
Run a Race, Help Save Lives
5K in honor of two local women.
After surviving breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation, Centreville’s Vanessa Spiller is doing well and hopes to soon receive a clean bill of health from her doctor.
Hot Music, Cool Vibe
Local students performing in Chantilly Invitational Jazz Festival.
The sounds of smooth, cool jazz will fill the air during the 32nd annual Chantilly High Invitational Jazz Festival. It’s slated for Friday-Saturday, March 16-17, in the school auditorium, 4201 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly.
A Meal and a Play at Clifton Dinner Theater
Actors are often advised not to perform with children or animals because they’ll be upstaged.
Chantilly Library: The Renewal Project
“A wonderful place for our community."
Just as the writing of a book begins with an idea, so did the renovations of the Chantilly Regional Library. It started around 2004, when then Branch Manager Bonnie Worcester and her staff first discussed how to improve customer service there.
Chantilly Library Turns a Page
Ribbon-cutting signals start of new chapter.
When the ribbon was cut last week to celebrate the changes at the Chantilly Regional Library, it marked the beginning of a new era there. It was also the culmination of years of planning and work.
Trophy Time For Westfield
Thespians win VHSL One-Act Play State Championship.
There’s rejoicing at Westfield High. The school’s thespians captured a state championship Saturday, March 3, at the VHSL One-Act Play competition in Charlottesville.
A Place for Artists
The Art Guild of Clifton is forming.
The members of the Art Guild of Clifton don’t yet have a permanent space or funding, but both are in the works. They’ve got participating artists, talent and enthusiasm and, on Saturday, March 17, they’re having a grand opening in the Town of Clifton.
‘Coming to America’ at Robinson Middle
It’s one thing to read about history in a textbook, but another thing entirely to experience it "firsthand."
Public Safety in the Local Area
Sheriff’s Office, State Police representatives speak.
Public safety and traffic were among the topics when representatives from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police spoke recently in Centreville. They addressed the Jan. 25 meeting of the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder
‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’
Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri