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Bonnie Hobbs

Stories by Bonnie

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Happy and Lighthearted with Fun, Catchy Songs

Westfield Summer Stage presents ‘High School Musical.’

Westfield Summer Stage presents ‘High School Musical.’

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‘Hilarious Comedy for the Entire Family’

Chantilly High’s children’s show, ‘Space Princess Wars.’

Chantilly High’s children’s show, ‘Space Princess Wars.’

If Something Doesn’t Seem Right …

How people may protect themselves from financial crimes.

Financial crimes

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‘Thank You; It Means a Lot when We’re Recognized’ in Chantilly

Weand is named Sully’s Officer of the Quarter.

Officer of the qtr

‘It’s Bad to Allow Residential Development under a Runway.”

Two public meetings set for county’s airport noise policy

Airport noise

‘It’s about Getting Seen and Knowing that You Matter’

Westfield High presents timely play, ‘Anon(ymous)’

Westfield High’s play, “Anon(ymous),” brings the immigrant experience home by focusing on what happens after a mother and daughter coming to the U.S. are separated when their boat capsizes at sea. Neither knows if the other survived, but they never lose hope.

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Puppets, Petting Zoo, Music, Food Trucks in Chantilly

Springfest comes to Sully Historic Site

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Music and Fun at Irish Festival

Irish music

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Pioneering Change For Autism

University of Virginia seminar studies tension between “The Science & Lived Experience of Autism.”

Despite a recent surge in attention and research over the past decade about autism, controversy exists.

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Fairfax: What’s on the City’s Horizon

Multifamily homes and redevelopment

Planned are two, four-story buildings containing 80 condos. Sixteen of the units will be one-bedroom; 48, two-bedroom; and 16, three-bedroom. IDI-RJL Development LLC is building a residential development called The Enclave at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road. The site’s zoned commercial planned development, so both office and condo uses may exist on it.

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Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed

Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.

After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.

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Fairfax: Holidays Come to City Concerts, Plays, Santa and S’mores

City of Fairfax ushers in the holiday season.

Christmas in the City of Fairfax is always special. And a full slate of activities from Dec. 3-19 is sure to make holiday spirits bright.

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Fairfax: Getting into Holiday Spirit with Encore

Musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Undercover,’ takes the stage.

“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feel to it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynor van der Merwe. “There’s a strong storyline that sets up beautiful vocal and dance numbers that further tell the story. It’s a very entertaining show for the whole family. For two hours, the youngest to the oldest will be transported to a different world.”

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First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton

Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'

Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.

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Relay For Life to Help Find Cure for Cancer

Local Relay For Life event is June 11.

On the surface, walking around a track over and over may not seem too productive. But when done during the Relay for Life, it can make a world of difference to people battling cancer.

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ServiceSource Helps People with Disabilities

Nonprofit ServiceSource helps people with disabilities.

In one section of the ServiceSource Chantilly Center, music therapist Myra Goodrich leads a group of budding musicians playing a cheerful song.

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John Guevara: “Grow the Economy Through Business.”

Candidates Pursue Sully District Supervisor Seat

When asked why he’s running for Sully District supervisor, Fair Oaks resident John Guevara says his entire life has been one of service.

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Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games

A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”

Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax

The first residents move into Kate’s Place.

Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.

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Herndon Teen Dances in ‘A Christmas Carol’

Holiday classic offers dinner and a play.

A holiday classic comes to life in an intimate, dinner-theater setting when the City of Fairfax Theatre Co. and Truro Anglican Church present “A Christmas Carol.”

Take Precautions against Rabies

Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.

Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.

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Oak Hill Resident in ‘Shrek the Musical’

A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”

Apartments, Retail Planned: Kamp Washington Triangle

Fairfax City Council concerned about density, affordability.

It’s still a work in progress, but Novus Fairfax Gateway LLC hopes to transform part of the Kamp Washington triangle between Fairfax Boulevard and Lee Highway into a modern, community-serving, mixed-use project.

Born to Run Memorial 5K Race Is June 14

Fundraiser for deceased teacher’s two daughters.

In November 2013, Franklin Middle School teacher Jannine Parisi, 47, was the victim of a tragedy which left her two teenage daughters without parents.

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‘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.

‘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.

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‘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.

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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.

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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.”

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.

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Sacred Threads: Quilt Exhibit with Meaning

Besides being beautiful to look at, handmade quilts can convey powerful messages. Such are the quilts that will be on display during Sacred Threads 2013.

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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.

Former Teacher Convicted of Child Porn Charges

A former special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary has been convicted in federal court of two child-pornography charges.

Federal Porn Charges for Former Teacher

In June, Fairfax County police charged a special education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He was immediately suspended without pay, and the school system assured parents that no images of students were found on his computer and school computers were not used.

Helping Those in Need

Local teen collects items for the poor and homeless.

“It was a rewarding feeling to know I helped people stay clothed and keep warm.” -Oak Hill resident Nick O’Connell

‘Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Stream’

‘Sound of Music’ at Lord of Life.

The Lord of Life Lutheran Church will be alive with “The Sound of Music” when its Lord of Life Players perform the classic show of the same name.

‘I Was Born to Be an Educator’

Franklin band director retires after 28 years.

Lawrence Walker was at Franklin Middle when it opened in 1984.

‘Born to Be an Educator’

Franklin band director retires after 28 years.

Lawrence Walker was at Franklin Middle when it opened in 1984. But now, after 30 years with Fairfax County Public Schools — 28 of them at Franklin — the school’s band director has retired.

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Making Beautiful Music

Students participate in Franklin’s Band and Orchestra Camp.

Take 710 students, 35 teachers and musical instruments of every size and shape and you get Franklin Middle School’s Band and Orchestra Camp.

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‘76 Trombones Lead the Big Parade’…

Floris UMC presents ‘The Music Man.’

Professor Harold Hill is coming to town, and River City will never be the same.

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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."

Herndon Teacher Charged: Possession of Child Pornography

Fairfax County police have charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He is Robert C. Fenn, 26, of 3031 Emerald Chase Drive in Herndon.

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South Lakes Wins Two Cappie Awards

South Lakes High won two starry statuettes at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It received the honors for Female Vocalist for its production of "West Side Story," plus the new category of Marketing & Publicity.

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‘Glimmer of Hope for the Future’

Local Man in May 5 VisionWalk.

Centreville’s John McKeown has never seen his children’s faces and he always pictures his wife as being 28. That’s because retinitis pigmentosa (RP) – a genetic condition causing degeneration of the retina and eventual vision loss – caused him to go blind.

Raising Money, Awareness of Kidney Disease

Local resident, TV reporter in 2012 Kidney Walk.

Chantilly resident Jummy Olabanji has the distinction of being an on-air reporter with WJLA, the local ABC TV affiliate; and in 2002, she was part of the first class to graduate from Westfield High.

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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.

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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.