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Making the Holidays Bright for Needy Children
Our Neighbor’s Child collecting toys, clothing.
For many local families, the holiday season isn’t about Christmas carols and pretty decorations. It’s about worrying how they’ll keep their children warm in the coming winter and explain to them why Santa can’t bring them any presents this year. And that’s where the all-volunteer, nonprofit Our Neighbor’s Child comes in, working to make sure that no child in need in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fair Oaks and Fair Lakes goes without holiday gifts.
‘Getting Arrested … a Blessing’
Former gang member reveals what that life is really like.
According to police Capt. Bob Blakley, “Eighty percent of the property crimes in the Sully District are gang-related or done by their affiliates. And even a higher percentage of the violent crimes here are done at the hands of gang members – and that’s a huge problem. This year, we’ve had three, drive-by shootings into occupied dwellings, one in Chantilly and two in Centreville.”
‘Whole Segments of Workers Can’t Live Here’ in City of Fairfax
City of Fairfax discusses affordable housing.
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WFCM Seeks Contributions
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) believes people in the community can provide hope for local families facing financial hardships. Toward that end, it’s launching its annual Bread and Water fundraising campaign.For any four-week period they choose between March and June, businesses, churches and other groups wishing to participate will receive water bottles to fill with coins, cash or checks (made payable to WFCM). Even a small amount of spare change — when added to all the other donations received — can assist WFCM in making a big difference in the lives of those whom it helps.
Growing Their Own Food
Oak Hill Elementary students plant their own garden, learn about healthy eating.
When it comes to hands-on projects, students at Oak Hill Elementary take that idea literally. On a recent, sunny morning, children in all grades took turns preparing the soil and planting vegetables in their outdoor garden.
Building Tomorrow’s Cyber Defenders
Local students participate in cybersecurity camp.
“I discovered I really like this and, when I go to GMU, I’ll change my major from chemistry to computers.” -Fairfax High senior Jessica Miers
‘A Place Where Their Lives Have Purpose’ in Fairfax City
Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates celebrates six years.
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‘Blessed by Kind Donations, Community Sponsors’
Fairfax’s 29 Diner: Feeding hospitals and people in need.
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Schools Take Action Against Bullying
Chantilly, Centreville, Fairfax pyramids join forces in initiative.
Children of all ages get bullied and bully others, themselves. It’s not true of all children, but it’s true of enough of them that Fairfax County Public Schools wants to do something about it.
Chantilly: ‘You Make Friends and Learn a Lot’
Franklin Middle holds 30th annual Band and Orchestra Camp.
Daniel Starykh has been playing trumpet for a year and came to Franklin Middle School’s 30th annual Band and Orchestra Camp so he could improve. Happy with his decision, he said, “My teachers are really nice and they help a lot.”
Training Key In School Safety
FCPS security coordinator addresses citizens committee.
Keeping students safe is Jim McLain’s job. After retiring as a Fairfax County police commander in 2001, he joined Fairfax County Public Schools; and for 12 years now, he’s been one of its two security coordinators.
Chantilly: Pirates and Mermaids and Parrots, Oh, My!
Chantilly High presents funny and swashbuckling children’s play.
An 8-year-old boy’s pirate adventures on the high seas will elicit laughter in Chantilly High’s children’s show, “Pirates! Theodore Thud and the Quest for Weird Beard.”
Settlement in Home Explosion
Gas company is fined and is replacing pipes.
If his children hadn’t insisted on looking at Christmas lights on their way home from dinner, Thuan Nguyen, his wife and their two sons might well have died in the Dec. 19, 2010, gas explosion and fire that demolished their Chantilly home.
McLean High Student Dances with Encore
Performing in upcoming holiday show, ‘Switching Christmas.’
When a precocious, young girl changes places with a playful elf at the North Pole, things are bound to go awry and only Santa can save the day. That’s the premise of Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new holiday show, “Switching Christmas,” and one of the performers is McLean High senior Emma Konnick.
Getting into Holiday Spirit
Lord of Life Lutheran Church presents “White Christmas.”
With their former, WWII Army commander in danger of losing his country inn in Vermont, song-and-dance team Bob Wallace and Phil Davis come to the rescue.
Looking Back and Going Forward
CIF celebrates achievements, past director and future goals.
The Oct. 23 annual meeting of the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) came full circle. Members honored the past year’s accomplishments and the former director of its labor resource center, heard a budget update, installed four board of directors members and planned for the future.