Packaging Food for Stop Hunger Now
Churches, community unite to feed hungry children.
When members of a community join together for a common purpose, there’s virtually no limit to what they can accomplish. And when residents from throughout Vienna and Oakton gathered to package meals for the world’s hungriest people, they definitely made an impact.
Pausing to Remember America’s Fallen
Memorial Day ceremony at Oakton’s Flint Hill Cemetery.
Residents and dignitaries alike paid their respects to America’s fallen heroes during American Legion Post 180’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Attanasi Appointed To Town Council
Vienna also adopts minimum tree-canopy coverage rules.
There’s a new member on the Vienna Town Council, but this one didn’t have to be elected. Instead, Emil Attanasi was appointed to fill new Mayor Laurie DiRocco’s unexpired term on the Council.
‘Look Around and See the Smiles’
Special-ed students enjoy Day Prom at the Waterford.
Last Thursday, May 8, some 400 students got all dressed up and went to their prom at the Waterford in Fair Oaks. Once there, they had professional photos taken, ate pizza, sang karaoke, laughed and hung out with their friends. And when the music played their favorite songs, they filled the dance floor and showed off their coolest moves.
Helping the Earth and Having Fun
Visitors flock to Vienna’s sixth annual Green Expo.
The Vienna Community Center recently hosted the sixth annual Green Expo, in which some three dozen, earth-friendly exhibitors showed those attending how to achieve a green lifestyle. There were spiffy cars that use alternative fuel, plus people providing information about everything from water conservation to ways to protect the environment, how to recycle and even opportunities to go on eco-adventures.
Vienna Man Going to Federal Prison
Given nearly seven years for McLean teen’s death.
Kyle Alifom, 20, of Vienna was sentenced last Friday to nearly seven years in federal prison in connection with the death of a 16-year-old McLean girl. The victim was Emylee Lonczak, a McLean High student whose body he hid after she overdosed on heroin. Charged with tampering with evidence, Alifom was convicted of that offense Feb. 10 in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. A statement of facts filed with his plea made it clear that – not only did he try to prevent anyone from finding Lonczak – he also did nothing to obtain medical help for her while she was still alive.
Hilarious Comedy in 19th-Century England
Oakton High presents ‘The Pirates of Penzance.’
Ahoy, mateys! There are pirates on the horizon – but this bunch sings, dances and makes people laugh. And they’re all in Oakton High’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” It’s a satiric operetta about a group of inept pirates off the shore of Cornwall, England in the 1880s. And they’ll commandeer the stage, this Thursday-Saturday, May 15-17, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Local Man Going to Prison Again
27 months incarceration for cheating government.
True, Henry Washington Yeh’s parents helped him file a fraudulent tax return. But it was his fault, in the first place, for involving them in his illegal activities. And last week in federal court, he was the only one of the three Vienna residents sentenced to prison – 27 months. For Yeh, it wasn’t the first time a family member ended up in legal trouble because of him. And when he goes to prison, that won’t be for the first time, either. In Philadelphia in October 2009, Yeh was convicted of drug distribution and later sentenced to 15 months behind bars.
Vienna Parents, Son Sentenced in Court
Defrauded IRS on income-tax return.
It’s not every day that a judge sentences a son and his parents together – but that’s what happened Friday in federal court to a Vienna family. Ultimately, two family members received probation and the third was sentenced to prison.
22 Years in Prison for Child’s Death
A Fair Lakes woman has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for murdering an 11-month-old boy in Vienna, nearly three years ago. She is Carol Nadine Lutsky, 22, of Summit Manor Court. The tragedy occurred Oct. 5, 2011. Town of Vienna police officers were called to the 1100 block of Lakewood Drive S.W. regarding a baby who was reported to be unresponsive. But before they arrived, the caretaker, Lutsky, then 20, transported the infant to his biological mother who was in Reston at the time. The baby was then rushed to Reston Hospital, from where – because of his critical and deteriorating condition – he was Medevaced to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The boy, Nehemiah Williams, died the next day, on Oct. 6.
‘Victims’ Rights Are a Necessity’
Honoring crime victims with walk, words and candlelight vigil.
Siobhan Russell was just 19 when her ex-boyfriend killed her. Ron Kirby, a noted regional transportation planner, was murdered in his Alexandria home in November by an unknown assailant.
Bringing LOVE to Vienna for 2015
sh>Resident proposes a life-sized work of art for the town.
The state slogan is "Virginia is for Lovers" and, as far as Suzanne Zolldan is concerned, "LOVE" is exactly what the Town of Vienna needs. Specifically, she’d like to see the word spelled out in letters somewhere in town. Toward that end, she addressed the Vienna Town Council at its March 17 meeting and explained her idea.
‘The Best High-School Musicians in Virginia’
Three Madison students to play in All-State Band.
Three Madison High students will be performing this weekend in Blacksburg with the Virginia All-State Band. The talented musicians are senior Go Eun Jeong, junior Daniel Schwartz and sophomore Mike Niebergall. Only the top musicians in their district bands got to audition for All-State Band. Auditions were held Feb. 22 at JMU, with hundreds of students from across Virginia vying for a spot. Each had to play various scales, plus an excerpt from a song written solely for that audition. They also had to sight-read new music and play it on the spot.
‘We Felt Like We Deserved It’
Vienna teen competed in synchronized ice skating Nationals.
Since age 5, ice skating has been a huge part of Brynn Thomas’s life – and the Madison High freshman wouldn’t have it any other way. She does synchronized skating and, she said, “The thought of going on slippery ice on tiny, thin blades is thrilling to me.” In synchronized skating, team members skate to music in unison while demonstrating their teamwork, speed and ability to perform intricate formations and challenging step sequences. And Thomas and her teammates on the Arlington-based Capitol Steps competed recently in the Synchronized Skating National Competition in Colorado Springs.
Creek Restoration Project Honored
The Community Appearance Alliance of Northern Virginia (CAA) last week honored the Wolftrap Creek restoration project. Town of Vienna and Fairfax County representatives accepted an award recognizing the two entities’ partnership that transformed a section of Wolftrap Creek in Vienna’s Wildwood Park. Because of it, the creek was changed from a deeply incised channel with eroding banks to an environmental benefit for people and animals. The work restored more than 2,500 feet of the Creek by reshaping the stream banks to a gentle slope and planting vegetation.
‘Goal Is To Spot Kids in Crisis’
Police, others take suicide prevention training.
Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.
Vienna Town Manager Unveils Budget Plan
Proposal keeps real-estate tax rate the same.
Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton has unveiled his proposed budget for FY 2014-15. What happens to it next is up to the Town Council and the residents.
Federal Convictions for Vienna Man, Parents
Filed false tax returns to conceal drug-dealing proceeds.
Many families enjoy doing things together. However, the Yeh family of Vienna chose to do something illegal – defraud the federal government.
Motion, Distance, Flame Retardants and More
Students participate in Madison High’s science fair.
Madison High’s Feb. 5 science fair brought out the curiosity and creativity in the students participating in it. Below, some of them explain their projects:
Oakton Fire Causes $20,000 Damage
Fire officials say improperly discarded smoking materials caused an accidental fire in an Oakton home. Damage was estimated at $20,000. The incident occurred Monday, Feb. 10, at 2615 Hunter Mill Road.
‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’
Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.
There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.
Vienna Seeks Feedback from Town Residents
Will conduct a survey on its programs and services.
The Town of Vienna wants to see how well it’s doing, so it’s going to survey some of its residents to find out. Toward that end, it contracted this month with ETC Institute to do the deed.
‘I Like Gliding Across the Ice’
Vienna teen competing in synchronized ice skating Nationals.
Vienna’s Ceci Picard isn’t an Olympian, but she is an accomplished ice skater. And on Feb. 27, she and her teammates will compete in the Synchronized Skating National Competition in Colorado Springs.
Vienna Man Guilty in Teen’s Death
McLean girl, 16, died after using heroin.
Kyle Alifom, 20, of Vienna pleaded guilty last Monday, Feb. 10, in federal court in connection with the death of a 16-year-old McLean girl.
Vienna Road Projects Take Step Forward
County Supervisors approve six-year transportation funds.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week approved $1.4 billion to fund transportation projects for FY 2015 to FY 2020. Among them were two road projects in Vienna, plus one transit project in the local area. In fall 2012, Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) staff held nine public meetings countywide regarding county residents’ transportation needs. It also conducted an online survey.
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.
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.”
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.
Madison Wins Best Play at Cappies
Local high school receives three awards.
Madison High’s “Lend Me a Tenor” won the award for Best Play at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Robinson Secondary captured the Best Musical honor for “Hairspray.” Madison also received awards for Comic Actor in a Play and Costumes. And presenting the starry statuette for Best Play was Karen Garza, recently named superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards
McLean, Langley, Madeira honored.
Local schools brought home half a dozen awards among them at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. McLean High won three; Langley, two; and Madeira, one. Robinson Secondary captured the Best Musical honor for “Hairspray,” and Madison won the Best Play award for “Lend Me a Tenor.”
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."
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
Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections
The Play’s the Thing
Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.
Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.
Details of the Offense
In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.
Progress Report from Labor Resource Center
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.
‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High
One-act play festival takes the stage.
Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Campbell Takes a Look Back
Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.
Heading for Huntsville
CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.
The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.
Brookfield Explosion: A Year Later
Questions still remain; SCC finds probable gas-company violations.
One minute, Thuan Nguyen and his family lived in a two-story house in Chantilly’s Brookfield community. The next minute, it was gone — blown sky high in a gas explosion and burned to the ground.
Remembering Harry Heisler
Wife mourns husband of 28 years.
Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.
Fulfilling a Dream
Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.
Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."
‘We’re Really Frustrated’
Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.
Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.
Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace
At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.
SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?
State and gas company disagree over report.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.
Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly
Windows smashed, property damaged.
The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.
Preston Mulford Is Mourned
Local family patriarch dies at 82.
Well-known in the local area, the Mulfords have lived and operated the Mulford School here for decades. But on Jan. 6, the family’s patriarch, Preston Mulford, died at age 82.
Getting Help for Teen Substance-Abusers
If teens want to obtain drugs or alcohol in the local area, it’s fairly easy for them to do so. But it’s also just as easy to get them help for their addictions.