GAINSWave Therapy in McNair, VA

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Local ClassifiedAnnouncement

Siobhan McNair, Neighbor

Nestled in the heart of Centreville, Virginia, Sequoia Farms Park offers a serene and picturesque retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its sprawling green spaces, scenic trails, and abundant recreational amenities, this park is a hidden gem that invites visitors of all ages to embrace the beauty of the natural world. Let's explore the wonders that await at Sequoia Farms Park.

A Natural Oasis

Sequoia Farms Park is a true sanctuary amidst the bustling city life of Centreville. Spanning over 13 acres, the park boasts lush greenery, mature trees, and open fields, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation. The well-maintained landscape offers visitors ample opportunities to immerse themselves in nature's embrace, whether it's taking a leisurely stroll, having a picnic, or engaging in outdoor activities.

Tranquil Trails and Scenic Views

The park features a network of picturesque trails that wind through its wooded areas, offering visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. As you walk along the trails, you'll encounter breathtaking views, charming bridges, and tranquil streams that add to the park's allure. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a fitness enthusiast, or simply seeking some peaceful moments, Sequoia Farms Park's trails are sure to captivate your senses and rejuvenate your spirit.

Recreational Amenities

Sequoia Farms Park caters to a wide range of recreational interests. The park provides various amenities, including well-maintained playgrounds for children to unleash their energy and engage in imaginative play. The open fields invite visitors to indulge in a game of frisbee, soccer, or a picnic with friends and family. Additionally, the park offers basketball courts and tennis courts for those seeking a more active experience. Whether you're looking for a leisurely afternoon or a dynamic outdoor adventure, Sequoia Farms Park has something to offer everyone.

Nature Education and Environmental Awareness

Sequoia Farms Park also serves as an educational resource, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for nature. The park's natural setting provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about local flora and fauna. Interpretive signs along the trails offer insights into the ecosystem and encourage visitors to develop a deeper understanding of the environment. The park's commitment to environmental education fosters a sense of stewardship and encourages visitors to actively participate in preserving the natural heritage of the area.

Community Engagement and Events

Sequoia Farms Park plays an integral role in community engagement in Centreville, Virginia. The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and community gatherings. These events bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among residents. Sequoia Farms Park serves as a social hub where families, friends, and neighbors can connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Accessibility and Amenities

Sequoia Farms Park strives to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors. The park offers ample parking spaces and well-maintained pathways to ensure easy access for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. Clean restroom facilities are also available on-site for the convenience of visitors. Additionally, the park provides picnic areas with tables and benches, perfect for enjoying a meal or simply taking a moment to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Sequoia Farms Park in Centreville, Virginia, is a true gem that offers a tranquil escape and a variety of recreational opportunities. With its beautiful landscapes, scenic trails, engaging amenities, and community-oriented events, this park provides a haven for nature lovers and a gathering place for the local community. Experience the wonders of nature at Sequoia Farms Park and discover the serenity it has to offer.

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HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – The owner of a welding training school is accused of running a scheme to deceive the Department of Veterans, according to court documents.

54-year-old Wilbert McNair Jr. is facing wire fraud and making a false tax return charges.

News 3 first told you about this case back in early September.

A Suffolk man, Kent Chillous, pleaded guilty of conspiring to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs. The 55-year-old is accused of working with the owners of the Hampton Roads Skills Center, a welding training school in Newport News.

Records state Chillous is a veteran who utilized his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the school from June 2016-July 2017. It’s alleged that he "did not receive instruction or attend courses and did receive a monthly housing stipend from the VA."

Chillous is accused of recruiting veterans to attend HRSC. Federal prosecutors accuse him of assisting the potential students with determining their eligibility to receive tuition assistance and helping them fill out the paperwork.

The school then got money for each student the defendant recruited, according to court documents. Federal prosecutors allege that Chillous would get a fee for each student recruited.

Now McNair Jr. is accused of his alleged role in the scheme.

“Specifically, the defendant received approximately 8% of the tuition payments from the VA under the Post-911 GI Bill made on behalf of each student he recruited," they stated.

Records indicate the Hampton Roads Skills Center is located in Newport News, however, a sign on the door said they relocated to Portsmouth.

No one from the school was charged.

Legal Analyst Sonny Stallings said he fears there are more people trying to scheme the VA by getting fraudulent education benefits because of the all the non-traditional education institutions that have popped up in recent years. He said fraud hurts the entire system.

"We see more and more of these scams where the VA is being scammed. The VA needs to do a better job of looking into these schools before they start sending checks," said Stallings. "We need to take care of our veterans, but when you get someone scamming the government who is a veteran, you really shouldn't have any sympathy for them."

News 3 went to an address listed for the suspect. A man came to the door and peered out the window but did not answer.

Chillous is scheduled to be sentenced in January.

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In the summer of 2011, McNair Evans took a train from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he’d been visiting his girlfriend, to Richmond, Virginia, for a friend’s wedding. The experience was a transformative one.

“I felt in love at the time, so the romance of this short ride really swept me away. We passed the backs of manufacturing facilities, Little League Baseball games, and tobacco fields where individuals worked with traditional hoes and rakes. I was drawn to the passengers on that route that not surprisingly mirrored the surroundings. They were very receptive to my camera,” he said.

After that, Evans decided to take a three-week, round-trip train ride from his home in San Francisco to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he’d discovered that a rail car belonging to his late grandfather was on display at the city’s newly remodeled historic train station. This cross-country journey was to be the first of many. For more than three years, Evans has taken biannual two-week-long Amtrak trips, beginning and ending in California, photographing the people and places he’s encountered along the way. His photographs are on display in the exhibition, “In Search of Great Men,” at San Francisco’s City Hall until Nov. 18.

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Amtrak only has a handful of routes across the country originating from the West, which Evans pairs with various North–South routes to keep his trips fresh and interesting.* Invariably, however, he reaches familiar track at some point during the second half of any trip. Still, the scenery and passengers are constantly rotating, and he sometimes photographs up to 16 to 18 hours per day to capture it all. Passengers can catch Evans’ attention for a variety of reasons. It could be “the color of their pants, the meal they are eating, or they way they laugh,” he said, or an emotional aura. In addition to photographing them, he asks them to write narratives about their lives and their travels. These, too, are on display in the exhibit.

“It provides a safe place for them to share their story and a rich source for me to explore each person’s emotional nuances through his writing. The idea of a single perspective project felt self-indulgent, distant, and one-dimensional,” he said.

Train travel is by no means the most popular way to traverse long distances today, but it’s still the preferred option of many Americans, including those who have physical or psychological aversions to flight. Some choose the train because it’s a cheaper way to transport large amounts of baggage. Others are simply train fanatics who love the system’s history and mechanics. Evans, meanwhile, chooses it for the human interactions it promises.

“I’m there because I love people, observing them, learning from them, and finding common ground between our lives. For a romantic humanist like me, it’s a wonderful way to travel,” he said.

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Correction, May 25, 2016: This post originally misstated that Amtrak has three East-West routes. It has four East-West routes that originate from the West Coast. In addition, a photo caption in this post misidentified the location of the town that the Southwest Chief train was passing through. It was in Trinidad, Colorado, not New Mexico.

Located in the heart of Centreville, Virginia, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church stands as a welcoming and vibrant spiritual home for individuals and families. With a rich history rooted in the Lutheran tradition, this community of faith fosters a warm and inclusive environment where people can grow spiritually, forge meaningful connections, and make a positive impact on the world around them. Let's explore the unique aspects that make Saint Andrew Lutheran Church a cherished institution in Centreville.

A Place of Worship and Spiritual Growth in Centreville

Saint Andrew Lutheran Church serves as a place of worship, offering regular Sunday services, sacraments, and prayer opportunities. The church embraces the Lutheran tradition, providing a space for individuals to deepen their relationship with God and nurture their faith. Through inspiring sermons, engaging Bible studies, and thoughtful discussions, members of the congregation are encouraged to explore and grow in their spiritual journey. Saint Andrew Lutheran Church believes in creating an atmosphere that welcomes questions, doubts, and diverse perspectives, fostering a genuine and authentic spiritual growth for all.

A Caring Community

At the heart of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church is a close-knit and caring community. The church embraces a culture of love, acceptance, and support, providing a place where individuals can find solace, encouragement, and companionship. The church's caring ministries offer pastoral care, visitations to the sick and homebound, and support during times of joy and sorrow. Additionally, small groups and fellowship opportunities provide spaces for members to connect, build relationships, and share in each other's joys and challenges. The sense of belonging and genuine care within the Saint Andrew community creates a nurturing environment for spiritual growth and personal well-being.

Engaging Worship and Music in Centreville

Saint Andrew Lutheran Church places great importance on uplifting worship experiences. Through inspiring music, heartfelt prayers, and engaging liturgy, worship services create a space for members to connect with God and one another. The church's talented choir, musicians, and worship leaders offer a diverse repertoire of hymns, contemporary worship songs, and traditional music, catering to a variety of worship preferences. The worship experiences at Saint Andrew seek to engage the senses, stir the spirit, and invite active participation, creating an atmosphere of reverence, joy, and celebration.

Centreville’s Center for Education and Spiritual Formation

Saint Andrew Lutheran Church is committed to lifelong learning and spiritual formation. The church offers a range of educational programs and opportunities for individuals of all ages. Sunday School classes provide children and youth with a solid foundation in Christian teachings and values. Adult education programs, such as Bible studies, theological discussions, and guest speakers, offer opportunities for deeper exploration of faith-related topics. By investing in education and spiritual formation, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church equips its members with the knowledge, understanding, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the world while staying rooted in their faith.

Centreville, Virginia Outreach and Service

Saint Andrew Lutheran Church is dedicated to making a positive impact in the local Centreville, Virginia community and beyond. The church actively engages in outreach and service initiatives, partnering with local organizations and participating in mission trips to address various social issues. From food drives and clothing donations to community clean-ups and support for vulnerable populations, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church embodies its commitment to compassion, justice, and service. By living out their faith in action, the congregation of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

Saint Andrew Lutheran Church stands as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and service in Centreville, Virginia. Through its commitment to spiritual growth, caring community, engaging worship, and outreach endeavors, the church creates an environment where individuals and families can deepen their relationship with God, find a sense of belonging, and positively impact the world around them. As a cherished institution in Centreville, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church continues to inspire and uplift its members, fostering a community of faith that transforms lives and radiates God's love.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Local ClassifiedAnnouncement

Siobhan McNair, Neighbor

Nestled in the heart of Centreville, Virginia, Jireh Bakery Cafe is a hidden gem that has quickly become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike. With its delectable pastries, freshly brewed coffee, and inviting ambiance, this charming cafe has carved a niche for itself as a gastronomic delight for the senses. From its artisanal creations to its warm hospitality, let's explore what makes Jireh Bakery Cafe a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.

A Home for Artisanal Pastries and Baked Goods in Centreville, Virginia

At the heart of Jireh Bakery Cafe's allure lies its mouthwatering selection of artisanal pastries and baked goods. Drawing inspiration from both traditional and contemporary baking techniques, the cafe's talented bakers craft an array of delights that cater to diverse tastes.

The cafe's flaky and buttery croissants are a true masterpiece, evoking the essence of a Parisian bakery. From classic plain croissants to creative variations like almond and chocolate-filled, each bite is an indulgence worth savoring.

Jireh Bakery Cafe takes cake baking to new heights with its scrumptious offerings. From rich chocolate cakes to fruit-laden tarts, each creation showcases the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For those seeking wholesome options, the cafe's selection of freshly baked bread is a treat for the health-conscious. From whole grain to sourdough, these loaves boast a delightful crust and a soft, chewy interior.

Jireh Bakery Cafe's colorful macarons are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the taste buds. With a rainbow of flavors, these delicate confections add a touch of elegance to any visit.

Centreville’s Coffee Lover's Haven

Jireh Bakery Cafe's commitment to excellence extends beyond its pastries, as it prides itself on serving some of the finest coffee in Centreville. From meticulously selected beans to skilled baristas, every detail of the coffee-making process is thoughtfully considered.

The cafe offers an impressive selection of specialty coffee blends, sourced from renowned coffee regions around the world. From bold espresso-based drinks to smooth pour-overs, coffee enthusiasts are sure to find their perfect cup.

The baristas at Jireh Bakery Cafe are true artists, skillfully crafting latte art masterpieces that elevate the coffee-drinking experience. Each cup of coffee is adorned with intricate designs, adding a touch of beauty to every sip.

Embracing the changing seasons, the cafe introduces limited-edition coffee creations that incorporate seasonal flavors and ingredients. These offerings provide a delightful surprise for regular patrons, enticing them to return time and again.

An Inviting Ambiance and Warm Hospitality in Centreville, Virginia

The moment one steps inside Jireh Bakery Cafe in Centreville, Virginia, they are greeted by a warm and welcoming ambiance that invites guests to linger and savor the experience. The cozy interior, adorned with rustic accents and comfortable seating, creates an inviting atmosphere where patrons can relax and enjoy their treats.

The attentive and friendly staff at Jireh Bakery Cafe play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether it's offering recommendations, engaging in cheerful conversations, or accommodating special requests, their genuine hospitality leaves a lasting impression on every guest.

A Community Gathering Place:

Beyond being a haven for food and coffee enthusiasts, Jireh Bakery Cafe has become a beloved community gathering place. The cafe's commitment to fostering a sense of community is evident in its regular events, such as live music nights, open mic sessions, and pop-up markets featuring local artisans.

The cafe's inviting atmosphere encourages patrons to connect with friends, family, and even strangers over delightful pastries and aromatic coffee. It has become a hub for meaningful conversations and a place where relationships are nurtured.

Jireh Bakery Cafe in Centreville, Virginia, is a delightful oasis where culinary artistry and warm hospitality converge. With its artisanal pastries, expertly brewed coffee, and inviting ambiance, the cafe captures the hearts of food enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.