‘It’s a Slapstick Comedy – It’s Going to be Hilarious’
Paul VI performs ‘Christmas Carol: Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts.’
Sure, Paul VI is performing "A Dickens Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts."
‘It’s a Really Fun Horror Story’
Robinson presents ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’
Horror, romance, music – and a hungry, man-eating plant – they’re all in Robinson Secondary’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors."
Halloween Fun at Goblin Gallop
The 20th annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 27, at Fairfax Corner.
Robinson Student Stars in Children’s Show
The Alliance Theatre presents “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Ariel, Prince Eric, Flounder, Sebastian the crab and all the other characters from the popular story and movie are in The Alliance Theatre’s production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” And a Robinson Secondary student has one of the starring roles. Performances are Nov. 9-24 (see box for details) at Mountain View High School, 5775 Spindle Court (behind Glory Days Grill) in Centreville. The musical features 10 adults and 35 students in grades three through 12, and Director Maggie Swan says they’re all really talented.
Woodson Cavaliers March Along
Woodson High’s homecoming parade was Friday, Oct. 4.
On the Job and Hot on the Trail
Finding people is fun for new, police bloodhound pups.
“We’ll get them out here and acclimate them to the noises — gunfire, [vehicle] brakes and birds,” said Masood. They’ll also be exposed to airplanes, wind, rain, heat, car horns honking, plus obstacles such as fences. And they’ll learn how it feels on their paws to walk in the woods, through brush, on cement, carpet, tile floors, etc. That way, said Clarke, “When they get out on the street, when they’re almost a year old, they’ll be ready.”
Crafts, Plays, Dance: Fun Events for Fall
Below is a partial listing of some autumn events happening in the local area: Oct. 12—The Fairfax Fall Festival, held throughout the streets of downtown Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There’ll be crafts galore, plus food, music and fun for children.
‘Finished on Time, Within Budget’
End of the road for parkway interchange project.
It’s been a long time coming, but the Fair Lakes interchange is just about done. And last Thursday, Sept. 12, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell joined local officials here to cut the ribbon on a project improving travel for drivers on the Fair Lakes and Fairfax County parkways, plus Monument Drive. “It’s great to celebrate these achievements,” he said. “The Fairfax County Parkway has been a lifeline of this county for so long. This was a marvelous story of VDOT and our private-sector construction teams working together, and it will benefit this county for a long time.”
Guarding Against Identity Theft and Fraud
Police advise residents on how to protect themselves.
With identity theft and fraud being such a major concern these days, police investigator Tom Polhemus and Det. Mike Deane recently presented some ways local residents can protect themselves from becoming victims.
New County Police Chief Named
Supervisors appoint Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr.
Effective Tuesday morning Aug. 6, a Centreville resident, Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., became Fairfax County’s new chief of police. He was appointed July 30 by the county Board of Supervisors.
Quilt Show Displays ‘Sacred Threads’
Some 231 handmade quilts exploring themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration, peace/brotherhood, grief and healing were displayed during the biennial Sacred Threads exhibition, July 10-28, at Floris United Methodist Church in Oak Hill. Linda T. Cooper of Burke had one quilt in the show.
Police Corral Wayward Cow From Fairfax
Fairfax County Animal Control officers are used to dealing with dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons and other critters. But it’s not every day they’re called upon to capture a cow on the run.
New Leader at Robinson’s Helm
Matt Eline is named school’s principal; will retain Meier as football coach.
There’s a new person at the helm of Robinson Secondary School—one well equipped for the job. He’s Matt Eline, who was an assistant principal at Fairfax High for four years and principal of Rocky Run Middle School the past three years.
Meier: ‘A Supporter, Leader and Listener’
Although Danny Meier’s now retired as Robinson’s principal, he left his mark on the school and his colleagues say he led it well. “He’s a great leader because he’s quick at evaluating situations and has the background to make logical decisions,” said school administrative assistant Sue Henderson. “It’s also a great loss because I’ll miss him as a friend.”
Local Schools Win Seven Cappie Awards
Robinson captures five, including Best Musical.
Not only did Robinson Secondary win five of the eight Cappies awards for which it was nominated, but it took home the prize for Best Musical for its production of “Hairspray.” It was honored Sunday night, June 9, at the 14th annual Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Adam’s Angels Hosts 5K Fundraiser
Raises money for scholarships and heart research.
With his life stretched out before him, this would have been the spring Adam Seymour graduated from Lynchburg College. Instead, it’s time for an annual 5K race in his memory—but one whose proceeds may help save other lives.
A Time of Remembrance
Memorial Day ceremony held at Ox Hill Battlefield Park.
The Battle of Ox Hill was fought Sept. 1, 1862 in a torrential thunderstorm. When it ended, two key Union generals were dead and more than 1,500 soldiers had been killed or wounded.
Robinson Student Receives Scholarship
Maritza Villarroel honored by Hispanic Leadership Alliance.
Just 18, Robinson Secondary senior Maritza Villarroel plans to go to college and someday become a nurse. And thanks to a scholarship from the Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA), she’ll soon start her journey.
It’s on to The Kennedy Center
Robinson’s musical, “Hairspray,” nominated for eight Cappies.
Each year, the Cappies program honors the best in high-school theater, and Robinson Secondary’s high-octane musical, “Hairspray,” has been nominated for eight awards.
Police Charge Local Man With Burglary
Fairfax County police have charged a Fairfax man with burglary and destruction of property. He is Monte Tobias Moyer, 27, of Aristotle Drive. Police responded to a home in the 11300 block of Aristotle Drive on Tuesday, April 30, shortly before 9 a.m., for a report of a break-in there.
Clifton Homeowners Welcome Visitors
It’s time for the 41st annual Spring Homes Tour.
An English garden, 18th-century furnishings and a pool with waterfalls are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 41st annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the fun includes a marketplace and silent auction at the Paradise Springs Winery.
‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’
“Hairspray” takes the stage at Robinson Secondary.
Robinson Secondary’s Cappies production is “Hairspray,” and Director Chip Rome is more excited about this show than he’s been about any show in “quite some time.”
‘A Fantastic Piece of Escapism’
Woodson High presents Tolkien’s classic, “The Hobbit.”
Welcome to Middle Earth, as envisioned by J.R.R. Tolkien in Woodson High’s production of “The Hobbit.” It’s the adventure of a peaceful homebody persuaded by a wizard to help a group of militant dwarves reclaim their treasure from a marauding dragon. “One of our biggest challenges was building a huge, dragon puppet,” said Director Terri Hobson. “There’ll be lots of caves, rocky hills and earth tones. And we actually have five girls who are being trees.”
Sharing People’s Stories Is Filmmaker’s Passion
Local grad Monica Zinn working on second movie.
Monica Zinn is an independent documentary filmmaker. This Burke resident already has one successful film under her belt and is hard at work on another. She graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School in 2011, but attended the Fairfax Academy from 2009-11, and that’s where her talent began to blossom.
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.
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.
British Murder Mystery at Robinson Secondary
Theater students present “Night Must Fall.”
A British murder mystery, “Night Must Fall,” is Robinson Secondary’s upcoming play. It’s slated for Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 15, 16, 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.robinsondrama.org and $12 at the door.
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.
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."
Robinson Wins Cappie for Best Ensemble
Robinson Secondary School won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
‘Whatever I Do Will Only Make Me Stronger’
Robinson student wins Hispanic Leadership Alliance scholarship.
Born in Bolivia, Lucia Maldonado came to the U.S. at age 7 with her mother and younger sister. Now 18, she’s about to graduate from Robinson Secondary School and is the recipient of a Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship.
Planning for the Future
Robinson’s Latin American Student Association is growing.
To encourage leadership among Robinson Secondary School’s Hispanic population, Ruth Azimi and Enrique Fernandez co-sponsor LASA, the Latin American Students Association. It’s helping the students’ parents, as well.
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.
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.
Student at Paul VI Wins Poetry Contest
The school community at Paul VI High knows Sean Pugerude as an outstanding actress and singer who dazzled audiences last month in the lead role of the musical, "Hello Dolly."
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
‘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."
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