Wellbeing Page, 6 Follow on Twitter: @SprConnection on Twitter: Follow

Shooting in Springfield Leaves Three Dead News, Page 7 Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, 8 Classifieds,

The police crime scene tape went around several cars at the house as well after a shooting in the Kings Park community in Springfield left three dead. Sports Tourism May Be Drive Thru Dining Next for Northern Gridlocks Backlick News, Page 3 News, Page 8 Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection by Mike Salmon/The Photos March 7-13, 2019 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’S PERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Fountainhead’s mountain bike trail is in the top ten across Virginia. See Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection more about the Sports Tourism Task Force at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ The trail at Fountainhead could be part of a bigger ride. springfield/sports-tourism-task-force Sports Tourism May Be Next for Area sports facilities looked at for tournaments, tax revenue and expansion.

By Mike Salmon biking effort. Another example Rodriguez The Connection noted is the Patapsco Trail Fest in Maryland.

reating an indoor ski slope out of the Lorton Landfill mountain Seeking Sponsorship Cof trash is just one idea that is Sponsorship is one element that is needed part of a larger proposal involv- for funding, and the task force is reaching ing “sports tourism,” that Supervisor Pat out to various organizations. The off-road Herrity (R-Springfield) supports so Fairfax bike magazine “Dirt Rag,” was mentioned County can take advantage of this possible as one possibility for the biking aspect. financial gold mine. “We’re looking to find a long term or me- “We could have ski teams in our schools,” dium-term sponsor,” said Gilbert. “Any com- Herrity said, looking at the bigger question pany that wants to have a positive outdoor surrounding this notion of sports tourism. image would be ideal,” he added. “Why haven’t we looked at this before?” he Any parent that has children in school asked. sports knows that transportation can be a Herrity noted that there are 60 indoor ski problem when shuttling to various events, facilities in the world, but none in North The wooded terrain at Fountainhead is part of the mystique. See more so the “Task Force recommends that where America, so the Lorton Landfill site would about the Sports Tourism Task Force at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ possible sports facilities be clustered.” In be the first if it happens. “It’s got a signifi- springfield/sports-tourism-task-force Lorton for example, there are several ho- cant vertical drop already,” he added. tels and restaurants near the Lorton exit off Herrity is leading a task force to look at The first step for the indoor ski facility is door adventure sports,” type of competition. I-95 and room for additional facilities near the whole sports tourism idea which also “to work towards a negotiated P3 agree- The regional park at Occoquan could be the landfill if needed. includes mountain biking at the Fountain- ment and investigate ways to run the P3 linked to Fountainhead, and then to the They looked at several facilities nation- head Mountain Bike Trails, more sports negotiation concurrently with the zoning track at Wakefield park via the Cross-County wide that are already cashing in on sports fields at Baron Cameron Park in Reston, process,” the report read. Trail. Some of this connections may need tourism, including Prince George’s County more baseball diamonds at Patriot Park the approval of private landowners and Sports and Learning Center in Landover, North and a Field House/Hard Court/In- “we’re seeing if we can get that connection,” Md. and the Maryland SoccerPlex in door Track facility, aquatic sports, ESports On the Task Force he said. Germantown, Md. Fairfax County has had and more. The idea is to leverage private The task force – which consists of repre- The Mountain Bike subcommittee consists some success over the years in developing dollars in public-private partnerships to get sentatives from the parks, schools, Visit of Ernest Rodriguez president of MORE the sports market, the report stated, using these facilities built and then used for tour- Fairfax, and pri- (Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiast) Chap- the World Police and Fire Games in 2015 naments and other larger-scale events vate developers – is looking at the value of ter of the International Mountain Biking for an example. There are many more sports where people will come from all over the potential sports/athletics tourism opportu- Association; Steve DonTigny, Executive Di- tourism opportunities looking to come to country, stay in area hotels, eat in local res- nities and partnerships and outline what rector, MORE; and Christine Morin, chief the county than the County has the facili- taurants and feed the retail and tax base. investments the county may be expected to of staff for Supervisor Dan ties to handle, it stated. The Task Force was formed to better un- make to achieve these goals, the document Storck. The River Rock bike event in Rich- The task force is in need of a consultant derstand the potential economic impact of states. mond “is a good example,” of this type of with experience in facilitating something as the $10 billion and growing sports tourism In South County, there are four of the top activity, said Gilbert. large as this and the advertisement has gone market and how the county could take ad- ten mountain bike courses in Virginia, said River Rock is sponsored by Dominion out to hire someone. “They hope to have vantage of this market to diversify its tax Paul Gilbert, the Director of Nova Regional Energy that incorporates kayaking, climb- someone on board by the end of March,” base and develop facilities for county resi- Parks. He is working on the mountain bike ing, arts, mountain biking and other ex- Herrity said. “There’s really a lot of excit- dents paid for in whole or part by sports part of the plan, which would use several treme-type sports that Gilbert mentioned as ing stuff coming out of this,” he added. tourism generated revenue, according to its of the areas top-rated trails in combination well. The MoCoEpic is a similar event that See more about the Sports Tourism Task interim report. with other existing facilities. Instead of a Rodriguez is involved with, and is part of Force at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ “It makes sense,” Herrity said. race on one trail, he’s picturing “more out- his vision for the Fairfax County mountain springfield/sports-tourism-task-force www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 ❖ 3 Opinion Springfield

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com But this year is supposed to be an improvement. @SprConnect 2019 An independent, locally owned weekly Are you registered to vote? Check here: lot next, here is a guide. newspaper delivered to very year is election year in Virginia. https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/ Virginia has a General Election every year homes and businesses. Published by Add in primaries and special elec- VoterInformation on the Tuesday following the first Monday in Local Media Connection LLC tions, and there are many more elec- November. E ❖ 1606 King Street tions every year, all with conse- Upcoming Elections: Federal offices are elected in even-num- quences. May 7, 2019 - Vienna Town Council bered years. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Control of this year’s Virginia General Assem- June 11, 2019 - Primary Elections ❖ State and Local offices are elected in odd- Free digital edition delivered to bly came down to pulling a name out of bowl Nov. 5, 2019 - General & Special Elections numbered years. your email box. Go to (literally). In 2019, every seat in the House of ❖ Clifton Mayor and Town Council are connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe Delegates and Virginia Senate will be on the 2019 Elections Include: elected in even-number years on the first Tues- ballot. Filing deadline for parties, March 28 day in May. NEWS DEPARTMENT: Editorial While some good things did Primary if held: June 11 ❖ Herndon Mayor and Town Council are [email protected] happen in this year’s session of General Election Nov. 5 elected in even-number years on the Tuesday Kemal Kurspahic the General Assembly, (eviction Virginia Senate (4-year term) following the first Monday in November. Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 protections, foster care reform, step towards House of Delegates (2-year term) ❖ Vienna Mayor and 3 Town Council mem- [email protected] menstrual equity, to name some), other impor- Soil and Water Directors (4-year term) bers are elected in even-numbered years on tant legislation stalled because of party poli- Board of Supervisors the first Tuesday in May. Andrea Worker ❖ Contributing Writer tics and ideology, including reforming fines and School Board 3 Vienna Town Council members are [email protected] effects on drivers licenses; seat belt laws and Counties: 4-year terms: elected in odd-numbered years on the first legislation on distracted driving. ❖ Commonwealth’s Attorney Tuesday in May. Jean Card A huge number of candidates will seek seats ❖ Sheriff ❖ If primaries are called by the political par- Production Editor [email protected] on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and ❖ Commissioner of Revenue ties, they are held on the second Tuesday in School Board as well, with the direction and ❖ Treasurer June. tone of the future hanging in the balance. Vienna Town Council ADVERTISING: Results of 2019 Elections will matter in many — Mary Kimm, For advertising information e-mail: ways. In case you wonder what will be on the bal- [email protected] [email protected] 703-778-9431

Steve Hogan Display Advertising, 703-778-9418 16 Bills on the Governor’s Desk [email protected] By Scott Surovell Commentary tective order proceedings, streamlining no- Debbie Funk State Senator (D-36) National Sales default divorce procedures and filing fee waiv- 703-778-9444 ers for indigent divorcing parties. [email protected] he 2019 Session is now in able, there is now no excuse for My bill to allow parents to recover damages the books. Notwithstand Fairfax County to hold back on for wrongfully killed children who provide fam- David Griffin T Marketing Assistant ing the controversy gen- placing utilities underground on ily support passed unanimously, along with 703-778-9431 erated by our statewide officials, U.S. 1 and I am urging them to legislation to make it easier for LGBT couples [email protected] it was one of the most personally take action immediately. to become parents through surrogate mothers. successful sessions in the 10 years My legislation to facilitate a le- The failure of the House of Delegates to once Classified & Employment Advertising I have served in the General As- gal pathway for undocumented again ratify the Equal Rights Amendment was 703-778-9431 sembly. This column focuses on abandoned, abused and neglected a major disappointment to me and 160 mil- my personal legislative agenda. immigrant children passed the lion American women. Also, the hand’s free First, Governor Northam announced a deal House and Senate nearly unanimously and will (texting while driving) bill died in the House Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm to widen I-95 southbound between VA-123 and help thousands of children escape tragic cir- after passing the Senate. Governor Northam [email protected] the Prince William County Parkway in three cumstances. has a bill on his desk he could amend to achieve @MaryKimm years using no taxpayer funds and no penalty I also passed legislation requiring home- the same result and I am urging him to do so. Executive Vice President payment to Transurban. I have been urging this owner and condo association to publish their My predatory lending reform legislation died Jerry Vernon solution for three years and it will save mil- budgets and capital reserve shortfalls, and lim- in the Senate even after passing last year 38- 703-549-0004 lions of drivers millions of hours per month ited their ability to prohibit homebased 2. Loan sharks rejoiced, but I will be back next [email protected] when implemented. childcare which is a critical need. year. I was also disappointed that my bill to Editor in Chief Sixteen of my bills are on the Governor’s My legislation to create fines for government close a wage withholding loophole for child Steven Mauren desk. The most significant was my bipartisan officials who destroy public records to avoid support deadbeats failed after passing the Sen- Managing Editor bill to address Virginia’s coal ash crisis. The disclosing them in citizen requests passed along ate and making it on to the House Floor, along Kemal Kurspahic legislation we ultimate passed will result in a with a remedy to punish local governments with my bill to create a temporary driver’s privi- Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly, $3 billion plan to cleanup Dominion’s 27 mil- who violate closed meeting rules while their lege card for taxpaying undocumented immi- Ali Khaligh lion cubic yards of coal ash in Virginia in an counsel is present. Sunshine is the best disin- grants. Production Manager: environmentally responsible way and repre- fectant. Next week, I will discuss the state budget. Geovani Flores sents the first time Virginia has exceeded EPA We passed my legislation requiring the Com- The following week I will discuss other major standards on environmental protection. monwealth to create model memorandum of pieces of legislation that passed including re- CIRCULATION Late last week, the House of Delegates passed understanding for school resource officers to districting reforms, early voting, Amazon and Circulation Manager: my legislation giving Fairfax County the abil- be templated across the Commonwealth. Vir- Micron incentives. Ann Oliver ity to pass a $1/mo. utility tax to raise $30 ginia leads the nation in student criminal re- Please email me at [email protected] [email protected] million over 20 years to pay for electrical line ferrals and this will help to stop the School to if you have any feedback. It is an honor to serve undergrounding on U.S. 1 between Woodlawn Prison Pipeline. as your state senator. and Hybla Valley. I also secured Verizon’s com- Elections for Dumfries Town Council will mitment to place their wires underground at now occur in November saving taxpayer dol- Write The Connection welcomes views on any public issue. The deadline for all material is noon no cost if a duct bank is constructed large lars and increasing voter participation. Friday. Send to: enough to handle their wires saving millions. I passed legislation allowing restricted Letters to the Editor Coupled with a $15 million contribution from driver’s licenses for out-of-state drug offenses The Connection 1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314 VDOT and legislation I passed last session to prevent Virginians from losing their jobs Call: 703-917-6444. making two additional funding streams avail- passed, along with better due process for pro- By email: [email protected] 4 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

All these priorities and more must be con- Lusk Wins Straw Vote tinuously addressed with a balanced budget. To the Editor: Experience matters especially when the I live in Lee District and enjoyed the 11th results of hard work are desirable. While Annual Mt Vernon Mardi Gras and Demo- recognizing we still have a lot of work to cratic Straw Vote on Saturday, Feb. 23. We do, we can see our beloved Fairfax County had a great time and saw many neighbors leads the nation in health and wealth from Lee District. We are thankful to have among communities with a population of a good selection of people standing as can- at least one million persons. didates for public office. US News & World Report lists Fairfax With 41.4 percent of the vote, Rodney County as the healthiest community in the Lusk won the first 2019 straw vote in Fairfax nation with a million plus residents and we County by earning 67 of the 162 votes cast. have the highest median household income Rodney Lusk shared his experience work- among communities with at least one mil- ing in economic development bringing jobs lion people. Of 3,142 counties in our na- to Fairfax County; he shared his commit- tion, Fairfax County is one of only 46 coun- ment to public education and creating ef- ties earning the highest AAA credit ratings fective transportation solutions. He spoke from all three major credit rating agencies. about his experience representing Lee Dis- There is a reason Sharon Bulova, the cur- trict on the Planning Commission; experi- rent chairman of Fairfax County Board of ence leading projects to increase access for Supervisors, and her immediate predeces- persons with disabilities, and addressing sor, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, endorse significant human service needs including Rodney Lusk for Lee District Supervisor. homelessness in Fairfax County. They both know and have worked with The Lee District Supervisor represents us Rodney for decades. and serves over 1,148,000 residents of There is a reason former Lee District Su- Fairfax County by working with a board of pervisor Dana Kauffman and former Vir- peers. The significant portfolio of needs they ginia Deputy Secretary of Education David address includes public safety; public edu- Temple endorse Rodney Lusk for Lee Dis- cation; human services; healthcare; clean, trict Supervisor. They both know and have abundant water; affordable housing; eco- worked with Rodney for decades. nomic development; environmental steward- I appreciate all the candidates, especially ship; libraries, recreation centers and parks; persons standing for Lee District Supervisor transportation; land use; managing and believe the choice is clear. Vote June 11. stormwater and preventing soil erosion; safe- guarding the interests of government em- Will Radle ployees and retirees; justice; and tax policy. Franconia

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 ❖ 5 DR. GENE SWEETNAM Wellbeing DR. GRACE CHANG OPTOMETRISTS

• Family & Pediatric Vision Care Photo contributed • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Treatment of Eye Diseases • 21 years Naval Service, 6 years Active Duty • Laser Vision Consultants • Over a thousand frames in stock • We carry all major brands of contact lenses • In-house lab Most Insurances Accepted: Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Care First, Medicare, Tricare In-network Doctor, A new study shows that even after one hour spent on electronic devices each day, Cigna, DavisVision, Vision One Discount, Avesis, Aetna HMO/PPO/POS, PHCS, children and teens may begin to have less emotional stability and a greater inability VSP® Network Doctor, EyeMed Vision Care, United Healthcare, VA Medicaid to finish tasks. WE WELCOME YOUR DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION 5206A Rolling Rd. Burke Professional Center Managing Screen Time Burke, VA 22015 703-425-2000 www.drsweetnam.com • www.sightforvision.com tines more difficult and parents might have an addi- Working collaboratively tional struggle getting their kids to fall asleep,” said child psychologist Adele Schwartz, Ph.D, of McLean, with one’s child can who was not involved in the study. “Kids with ADHD also might be more likely to ignore parental guide- decrease the struggle. lines and I would worry more about them engaging in risky behavior online.” By Marilyn Campbell Helping a child with ADHD transition from playing a video game to doing their homework could require ulia Wires purchased an iPhone for her 12- special handling, advises Sarah Bryant, LCSW. “Instead year-old daughter in part she says, because of telling your child that they have to stop watching Jmany of the girls at her Potomac, Md. school television at six o’clock or that they have five more have smartphones that they bring to cam- minutes on a video game, try telling them that they pus daily. Wires and her husband were initially hesi- have to stop at the next commercial break or at then tant to make the purchase because their daughter end of the round in a video game,” she said. was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Working collaboratively with one’s child will re- Disorder (ADHD) and Anxiety Disorder at the end duce the chance of a power struggle, says Bryant. of 2018. “You and your child can work together to list all of “First , there’s the social pressure the things that need to get done, she feels because all of her friends like homework, time spent outside, have iPhones. Then there’s the is- “... parents should doing sports, chores and other ac- sue of her dad and I being able to tivities and come up with a sched- keep in touch with her now that model the behavior ule,” she said. “Figure out how she has more freedom to go places much time is left for things like on her own,” said Wires. “Both of that they want their video games and television. Hang those [factors] are juxtaposed children to have by the schedule somewhere that’s vis- against the fact that she has ible to both of you. Your child will trouble staying focused and calm- limiting their own see how little time is left for play- ing down when she needs to. That ing video games and since they made the decision tough for us.” screen time.” were part of the process, they’ll feel Too much time spent on gaming, — Adele Schwartz, child like they’re part of a team rather smartphones and watching televi- than a subordinate with no control sion could exacerbate symptoms in psychologist over their life.” children who’ve been diagnosed “Parents of kids with ADHD with ADHD, according to a new study by research- should definitely make use of parental controls on ers at San Diego State University and the University tablets, smart phones and television, especially dur- of Georgia. The report showed that even after one ing school hours or when kids should be doing their hour of screen time, children and teens may begin homework,” added Schwartz. “It’s also important that to have lower self-control, less emotional stability children, especially those with ADHD not use elec- and a greater inability to finish tasks. tronics at least an hour before bedtime. And it al- “Kids with ADHD have trouble keeping track of most goes without saying that parents should model time, so they could spend hours on their tablet with- the behavior that they want their children to have out realizing it. Screen time can make bedtime rou- by limiting their own screen time.”

6 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection

The police crime scene tape went around several cars at the house as On Monday following the shootings that left three dead, the house in well after a shooting in the Kings Park community in Springfield left Kings Park was surrounded with police crime scene tape and two Fairfax three dead. County Police cars were parked out front. Shooting in Springfield Leaves Three Dead

By Mike Salmon adult victims were acquainted with each A nearby resident who was walking her believed to have shot his wife and Cooper The Connection other. dog past the house called it “very, very sad.” before shooting himself, according to po- Police have identified the dead as Santos She had lived here as a child, attended lice. shooting in the Kings Park com- Vladimir Ralda, 45, and his wife, Robinson Secondary School and moved The Kings Park neighborhood is on the munity in Springfield left three Floridalma Youlanda Perez Diaz, 40, both back because of the neighborhood attrac- corner of Rolling Road and Burke Lake Road Adead after an argument at what of Springfield; and Nathanael Owen Coo- tion. “We never have anything like that,” and Braddock Road, and had gained some police called “a gathering held at per, 20, of Culloden, W.Va. Following the she said. attention in previous years for the cut- the home.” shooting, there was crime scene tape Detectives from Major Crimes Bureau are through traffic that had plagued the neigh- There were approximately 10 people around all the vehicles as well, including investigating the shooting. Preliminarily, borhood. To combat the cut-through traf- at the gathering including several chil- a work van marked with “Gravett Ent., detectives believe that there was an argu- fic, the neighborhood streets now have a dren, according to police, and the three Catlett, VA.” ment prior to the shooting. The husband is few traffic circles and speed bumps.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 ❖ 7 Entertainment Photos by Mike Salm

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal- Archaeology Symposium endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. In commemoration of the Photos/artwork encouraged. 400th anniversary of forced migration of the first en-

SATURDAY/MARCH 9 slaved Africans to Virginia’s on/The Connection shores, Exposing A Buried Family Festival and Fun Fair. 10 History: The Archaeology of a.m.-2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Slave Life sheds light on the Preschool, 9350 Braddock Road, Burke. The Fun Fair is geared history of people enslaved in towards young children... games, Virginia from the 17th prizes, moon bounces, affordable through the 19th centuries. Re- lunch, bake sale and raffle baskets. nowned Archaeologists and Volunteer opportunity for teens who speakers from some of Virginia’s most recognizable historic sites share what they need community service hours. Free have learned through archaeological investigation. David Shonyo, staff archaeolo- admission. Email Ashley Bernardi at gist at , will lead the morning with an exploration of Gunston Hall’s During lunch, an employee is out there taking orders. [email protected]. recent discovery of quarters likely assigned to enslaved workers for the house. Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. At Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. Advance tickets are available until 5 p.m. on March 15 and may be purchased SUNDAY/MARCH 10 online at www.gunstonhall.org, and over the phone at 703-550-9220. Tickets will Drive Thru Dining Game Day Fun. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax be available at the door the day of the symposium and are $55 full price ($45 for Station Railroad Museum, 11200 members of Gunston Hall and Friends of Fairfax County Archaeology). Visit Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. www.gunstonhall.org. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum Gridlocks Backlick will host a Game Day for all ages and prizes as well. For the little ones Road, Springfield. Enjoy the Register at tinyurl.com/y9nz9q48 or there will be a Thomas the Tank festivities including giveaways and email [email protected] Engine game. Older children will more. Visit facebook.com/marshalls. or call 703-451-9588. Chick-fil-A at Backlick Shopping have a sticker scavenger hunt bingo NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1- 4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad game and there will even be a game THURSDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 14-17 Center is magnet eatery. for the grownups. Ages 16 and older, Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visit Citrus Fruit Sale. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Road, Fairfax Station. The Northern www.fairfax-station.org or call 703- Blue and While Sales Van in Parking Virginia NTRAK members will hold a By Mike Salmon Lot, 3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. N gauge Model Train Display. Ages well. “Even if you want to go to 425-9225. The Connection Artists Reception: Spring Marches Charity fund raiser selling Valencia 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and Chick-fil-A, you can’t, the park- On. 1-5 p.m. at The Artists’ Oranges and Ruby Red Grapefruit under, free. Visit www.fairfax- ing lot,” she said. Saturdays are Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill Street fresh from Florida. Also buy Virginia station.org, www.facebook.com/ he drive-up window at the worst, they all agreed. in Historic Occoquan. “Spring peanuts, Vermont maple syrup, or FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225. Marches On” features paintings by discounted carwash tickets. Visit Danu. 7 p.m. at GMU Center for the Chick-fil-A in the The line forms right outside fairfaxlions.org or call 703-745-9140. Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, T Jeanne and David Pacheco of Backlick Shopping Taco Bamba and manager Jas- Springfield. Contact the gallery at Fairfax. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an authentic Irish music Center exasperates an area al- mine Orozco realizes Chick-fil- 703-494-0584 or at SATURDAY/MARCH 16 [email protected]. experience the whole family will ready plagued by traffic conges- A has a right to have a drive Remembering “Old Lee Chapel” Chorale Concert. 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s enjoy. Take a musical journey across tion and the other businesses in thru window, but has heard her Church. 6 p.m. at Burke United Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick the Emerald Isle with one of today’s the center are feeling it. Dur- customers complaining. “They Methodist Church, 6200 Burke Road, Springfield. Join the Northern leading traditional Irish ensembles as Centre Parkway, Burke. In addition Virginia Chorale as it performs they perform timeless Celtic works ing lunch or dinner time, or usually get a pretty big line,” to sharing the history of Lee Chapel, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (“Ode to along with fascinating, powerful new anytime on Saturdays, it’s not she said, “all the way to the they will share plans for the future of Joy”), Morten Laudridsen’s O Nata melodies. The award-winning Danú surprising to see a line of cars light sometimes.” Lee Chapel – which includes a small Lux from Lux Auterna and other features lush vocals and poetic lyrics outdoor worship space in the choral works. Adults $20 in advance sung in English and Gaelic and stretching from behind the The traffic complaints have footprint of the old church. The ($25 at the door), students with ID impressive virtuoso playing of stores, past the traffic signal, also reached Supervisor Jeff event includes a free soup and salad $10, Children 12 and under are free. traditional Irish instruments — flute, and out to Backlick Road. McKay (D-Lee) who recognized buffet; history of Lee Chapel and Order tickets online at tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, personal recollections; and vision for www.northernvirginiachorale.org. and bouzouki. $30-$50. A pre- On Saturdays, there is even a the problem, but it is a “by- the future of Lee Chapel. RSVP at St. Paddy’s Social on the Range. 7- performance discussion with a traffic policeman on hand to right,” issue. There was previ- BUMC or email 10 p.m. at Burke Lake Golf Center, member of the company begins 45 keep the traffic moving. ously a bank drive through win- [email protected]. 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. minutes prior to the performance. Celebrate under the stars at the new For tickets, call 703-993-2787. Next door at Spark Nail Spa, dow at that location so the site double-decker driving range at Burke the line is nothing new. “The plans were already in place, but TUESDAY-THURSDAY/MARCH 12-14 Lake Golf Center. Enjoy unlimited MONDAY/MARCH 18 center is blocked,” said manager McKay did bring it up with the Shen Yun. Tuesday and Wednesday at range balls, themed food buffet , soft 7:30 p.m., and Thursday at 2 p.m. At drinks, music, games, prizes and Mother Daughter Sister. 7:30-9 p.m. Nhu Nguyen, while filing Carie Board of Supervisors. “I raised GMU Concert Hall, 4373 Mason drawings and one drink ticket. at Merten Hall 1201, George Mason Millin’s nails. Millin lives in some concerns, a bank drive Pond Drive, Fairfax. This epic Limited to first 50 registered. $30. University, Fairfax. Screening and Washington, D.C. but travels to through is a totally different production immerses you in stories Call 703-323-1641 or visit Q&A with filmmaker Jeanne Hallacy. reaching back to the most distant www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/ Short documentary exposes the Spark because she has gone animal,” he said. He’s been to past. You’ll explore realms even burke-lake/range-social/march2019. Burmese military’s use of rape as a there since she lived in Spring- the shopping center during beyond our visible world. Featuring KODO. 8 p.m. at GMU Center for the weapon of war, through interviews field a few years ago. “This park- meal times and “I’ve never seen one of the world’s oldest art forms— Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, with Kachin and Rohingya women classical Chinese dance—along with Fairfax. Experience the electrifying activists. Free. Email ing lot is horrible,” she said. a situation where internal cir- patented scenographic effects and wall of sound that completely fills the [email protected] or visit Springfield resident Kaitlyn culation is this bad,” he said. all-original orchestral works, Shen hall when the athletic artists of Kodo fams.gmu.edu/events/9099. Sexton was over at the next Yun opens a portal to a civilization of take the stage to perform the ancient Japanese art of taiko drumming. table getting her nails done as See Gridlock, Page 10 enchanting beauty and enlightening FRIDAY/MARCH 22 wisdom. Traditional Chinese culture, Audiences are captivated by the with its profoundly optimistic visually stunning performance, the B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, worldview and deep spiritual roots, astonishingly precise movements of 4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy was displaced by communism in the drummers, and the sheer beauty free coffee, entertaining callers, a China. Tickets are $180, $140, $120, of the sounds created with these friendly atmosphere, $1,000 $100, $90, $80. Visit traditional instruments. A pre- guaranteed jackpot, treasure chest www.cfa.gmu.edu. performance discussion with a progressive raffles, and good food member of the company begins 45 available for purchase. All proceeds minutes prior to the performance. go to purchasing fire and rescue WEDNESDAY/MARCH 13 $30-$50. For tickets, call 703-993- equipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com Photography Club. 7-9 p.m. at Pohick 2787. or call 703-273-3638. Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Join photographers of SUNDAY/MARCH 17 FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 22-24 all levels meeting monthly to share and instruct. Facilitated by Dale Animal Eggstravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at Marvel Universe Live. At EagleBank Scherfling, Teaching Artist at the Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511 Arena, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. First Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Come one Marvel Universe LIVE is performing Topic: You and Your Camera. Free. come all for a spectacular spectacle at EagleBank Arena. $20. Show times Call 703-644-7333 or visit of fun and eggcitement. Meet and Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m., 3 librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/ learn about all different types of p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 24 event/4941315. critters near and far while exploring at 1 p.m., 5 p.m.; Saturday, March 30 the pond and Nature Center. Come to at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and a book reading, come in for a Clara’s Sunday, March 31 at 1 p.m. and 5 At the back of the building is the drive up window, THURSDAY/MARCH 14 Animal Egg Mobile Craft, an animal p.m. Visit with the ramps of the Springfield Interchange as a Grand Opening: Marshalls. 8 a.m.- talk, dance party and take a photo www.marveluniverselive.com/tickets. backdrop. 10 p.m. at Marshalls, 6638 Loisdale with a favorite animal friend. $10.

8 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Same Company, Same Employees, Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! Select your 10% down nothing until the job TWO POOR TEACHERS products from isis completecomplete forfor thethe Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile past 17 years Showroom and Design Center Fully Insured & Class A Licensed Since 1999

Free Estimates 703-214-8384 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

“Loving People to Life” b Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AM Sunday School 10:10 AM b Sun. Evening – Realtime Worship & Youth 6 PM Family Night – Wednesday 7:15 PM To Advertise Your Home Life Groups, College/Young Adult Ministries, and Living Free Support Groups Community of Worship, Visit our Website: jccag.org 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax Bill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170 Call 703-778-9418

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 ❖ 9 News Gridlock at Backlick

From Page 8 Chick-fil-A line behind the stores, der the Fairfax County’s Planning possibly stretching south past the and Zoning Department though, With the other businesses strug- Jiffy Lube, but nothing is planned and VDOT just acts as a reviewer gling in the center, Kimberly Clarke, as of yet. Sexton agreed though, in a situation like this at Backlick President of the Greater Springfield “somehow it needs to be easier to Road, McCord said. Chamber of Commerce, has heard get in and get out,” she said. For Last summer, a plan was ap- of the gridlock but she has not this to happen, the private busi- proved for a new Hampton Inn to heard any resolutions for the situ- nesses in the center would have be built on the corner of Backlick ation. Attempts to contact Chick fil to initiate the action, McKay said. Road and Old Keene Mill Road, a A have been unsuccessful. Up the street, traces of old few blocks north of the Chick-fil-A. Backlick Road are being replaced Currently there is an old strip of SPRINGFIELD CONNECTIV- by new though, in an attempt to stores is at this location that will be ITY STUDY renew the area. On the books, taken out for the hotel, which will Although there has been much there was a Springfield Connectiv- be a six-story hotel with a three- done to central Springfield over ity Study with that part of Backlick story parking garage, according to the last 30 years, that particular Road in it, and there was a second the application. On the tax plans, stretch of Backlick Road hasn’t bridge over Old Keene Mill Road this is called “Springfield Gateway,” changed much. There are still strip being looked at and that bridge is and will have good visibility from mall shopping centers on each side still on the comprehensive plan. I-95 but the access for this new ho- of Backlick, and one traffic light The expense for something like tel could be challenging. at the 7-11 in Backlick Shopping that put it out of reach right now. The Fairfax County Police Depart- Center. About 20 years ago, McKay called it a “major, major ment did confirm a request from Veteran’s Bridge was introduced project.” The few traffic signals the Chick fil A store to provide an just north of the shopping center that are in the corridor are checked officer to direct traffic in and and the four-way stop at Backlick regularly, said VDOT spokesperson around the lot, “at the request of and Old Keene Mill was elimi- Jennifer McCord. “Our signal team Chick fil A,” said Lt. Lieb, a Fairfax nated, but at the same time, busi- regularly reviews and adjusts sig- County Police Department spokes- nesses came and went, houses and nal timings, particularly along person. The department put out the apartments were built and major corridors, to optimize travel assignment, an off-duty officer was progress continued for central times. We have about 1,400 signals dispatched at several different Springfield. Traffic on Backlick in northern Virginia,” which is al- times, but Chick fil A withdrew that Road got more challenging. most half of the signals in the state, request recently, so no officers have Millin suggested routing the McCord said. Ultimately it is un- been assigned lately.

10 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin No Spring in

Submit civic/community announcements at My Future Step ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event. By KENNETH B. LOURIE SOBER-RIDE FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY 0^V\SKU»[ZH`0»TMLLSPUNHU`ZPNUPÄJHU[ - Free Sober Rides. Sunday, March 17, 4 p.m. ZPKLLMMLJ[Z`L[MYVTT`PTT\UV[OLYHW`[YLH[ through Monday, March 18, 4 a.m. Area TLU[I\[PM0»TOHUK^YP[PUN[OLZLJVS\TUZ[V residents, 21 and older, may download Lyft to ILNPU^P[O¶^OPJO0HT0OH]L[VKVZV^OPSL their phones, then enter a code in the app’s OVSKPUNHWLU^P[OHY\IILYNYPWQ\Z[HIV]L[OL “Promo” section to receive a no cost (up to $15) IHSSWVPU[5VSVUNLYHT0HISL[VTHUPW\SH[L safe ride home. WRAP’s St. Patrick’s Day ^P[OV\[[OPZL_[YHHZZPZ[HUJL4`ÄUNLYZZPTWS` SoberRide promo code will be posted at 3 p.m. JHU»[Z\Z[HPU[OLNYPWV[OLY^PZL on March 17 on www.SoberRide.com. 5VY^V\SK0ZH`T`YLHJ[PVU[VT`^PML WINTER SHELTERS +PUH»ZZ\NNLZ[PVUHZ^L^HSRLK[V[OLJHY[OPZ Find homeless and cold weather drop-in TVYUPUN¶HUKSVVRLKHYV\UK¸)LSS`(JYLZ¹ centers and shelters that serve Northern Virginia V\Y[^VHJYLZVMTVZ[S`[YLLZWVZ[^PUKZ[VYT at www.novaregion.org/174/Homeless-Shelter- JVUJLYUPUN^OH[OVTLV^ULYSHUKV^ULY[OPUN Lists. ^LZOV\SKKVPU[OLZWYPUN!WPJR\WZ[PJRZHUK KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION TPZJLSSHULV\ZV[OLYKLIYPZVMM[OLNYV\UK^HZ H[HSSLU[O\ZPHZ[PJ0[^HZX\P[L[OLJVU[YHY`0U Children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. - 30, 2019, are eligible to attend kindergarten. MHJ[0JHU»[[OPURVMHU`[OPUN0»TSLZZWO`ZP Find the correct neighborhood school by JHSS`HISL[VKVNP]LU[OLZPKLLMMLJ[Z0»TZLTP entering your address at boundary.fcps.edu/ L_WLYPLUJPUN! boundary/. Complete a packet of registration Y+\L[V[OLJOLTV[OLYHW`0»]LPUM\ZLK forms found at www.fcps.edu/it/forms/ ¶HUKWPSSLKMVY`LHYZ[OLUL\YVWH[O`PU enroll.pdf or in the school office. Gather T`MLL[THRLZ^HSRPUNHULUK\YPUNJOHSSLUNL supporting documents: proof of residence in the HUKY\UUPUN¶L]LUPUWSHJL[V[HSS`V\[VM[OL school boundary, a certified copy of the child’s X\LZ[PVU9LSH[LK[V[OPZKPMÄJ\S[`^HSRPUNPZ birth certificate, parent/guardian photo ID, and any custody orders. Certificate of physical exam KPMÄJ\S[`THPU[HPUPUNT`IHSHUJLLZWLJPHSS` and immunization will be required before the ^OLU^HSRPUNVUUVUSL]LSNYV\UKSPRL¸)LSS` student may start school, but is not required for (JYLZ¹0»TUV[L_HJ[S`HKHUNLY[VT`ZLSM¶VY registration. Parents who choose to delay V[OLYZI\[PM[OVZL`LSSV^JH\[PVUZPNUZ^LYL enrollment in kindergarten by one year are WSHJLKZ[YH[LNPJHSS`HYV\UKV\YWYVWLY[`[OLYL required to notify the school in writing of their ^V\SKIL`LSSV^L]LY`^OPJO^H``V\SVVRLK intent. Learn more at www.fcps.edu/ Y)LJH\ZL0»TZLTPV]LY^LPNO[HWHY[PHS registration/general-registration-requirements. ZPKLLMMLJ[HUKKLÄUP[LS`V\[VMZOHWLZVY[VMH Union Mill Elementary is currently registering - new students for the 2019-20 school year. Find ZPKLLMMLJ[ILUKPUNV]LYL_HJLYIH[LZ[OLZOVY[ registration forms in the Union Mill Elementary ULZZVMIYLH[OZPKLLMMLJ[0HTTVZ[HZZ\YLKS` office or online at www.fcps.edu/sites/default/ L_WLYPLUJPUN;OLYLMVYLWPJRPUN\WZ[PJRZHUK files/media/forms/enroll_0.pdf. Call 703-322- Z[VULZVMM[OLNYV\UKTH`UV[L_HJ[S`IYLHRHU` 8500 or email [email protected] to make an IVULZI\[[OLUHTLZ0TH`ILJHSSLKMVYILPUN appointment to bring completed registration \UHISL[VWLYMVYT[OPZT\UKHUL[HZR^PSSUV[ forms and supporting documentation to school. O\Y[TLH[HSS0[TPNO[HT\ZLTLHJ[\HSS` Kindergarten Orientation will take place on Y;OLWYLJLKPUN[HZRY\UZKPYLJ[S`PU[V`L[ Monday, April 1, 4-5 p.m. HUV[OLYZPKLLMMLJ[!T\ZJ\SVZRLSL[HSWHPUHUK FRIDAY/MARCH 8 ^LHRULZZ4`IVULZHJOLHSP[[SLHUKT`T\Z- Technology Fridays in March. 10 a.m.-noon at JSLZX\P]LYHSV[ the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, (KK\W[OLKLÄJP[ZHUK`V\NL[[OLMVSSV^- 2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Entrance 1, PUN!0JHU»[^HSR4`IHSHUJLPZPTWHPYLK)LUK- Room 100. Join the Parent Resource Center for PUNV]LYPZL_OH\Z[PUNHUKZOVY[LUZT`IYLH[O this series of technology workshops presented by ^OPJOHSS[VNL[OLYSPTP[ZT`Z[PJRWPJRPUN FCPS Assistive Technology Services. Register for 4VYLV]LYJHYY`PUN[OL^LPNO[0»]LNHPULKPZ one or all of the workshops. Explore a variety of THKLTVYLKPMÄJ\S[I`[OL^LHRULZZHUKWHPU0 technology tools to support student success and independence with reading and writing in the MLLSPUT`IVULZHUKT\ZJSLZ;OPZPZ[OL[YPMLJ[H digital classroom and at home. Register at WS\ZVUL www.fcps.edu/index.php/resources/family- 0JHUKVTHU`[OPUNZHJ[P]P[PLZVMKHPS`SP]- engagement/parent-resource-center. Call 703- PUNL[JI\[[OL[YPMLJ[HWS\ZVUL0JHU»[6[OLY 204-3941 or email [email protected] for more. [OHUHKKPUNHJOHPUZH^¸[OLTVZ[[Y\Z[LK[VVS ❖ March 8 - Exploring Early Childhood AT Home: PU[OLOVTLV^ULY»ZHYZLUHS¹HUKILPUNMVYJLK Assistive Technology for Preschool [V^LHY[OVZLL_[YLTLS`OLH]`TL[HS[VL^VYR ❖ March 15 - Technology Tools to Support IVV[Z[V[OLLX\H[PVU0JHU»[PTHNPULHSLZZLU- Executive Functioning ❖ March 22 - Assistive Technology to Support [PJPUNZWYPUNHJ[P]P[`HZ0NHP[HYV\UKH[[LTW[PUN Communication [VJSLHU\WHUKJHYY`HYV\UKHZLHZVU»Z^VY[O Paving and Restriping Meeting. 6:30 p.m. At VMNYV\UKJS\[[LY Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia /H]PUNZHPKHSS[OH[0[OPUR0KLZLY]LHJLY- Road, Alexandria. The Fairfax County [HPUHTV\U[VMJYLKP[MVYRUV^PUNT`SPTP[H- Department of Transportation is planning to [PVUZ.YHU[LKZ\JOHUHKTPZZPVUPZ\USPRLS` host community meetings in every district of the [VNHYULYHU`H^HYKZVY¸H[[HIV`Z¹OV^L]LY" county this spring with the Virginia Department ^OLUVUL»ZSPMLOHUNZPU[OLIHSHUJLVYSHJR of Transportation to discuss proposed 2019 paving and restriping projects. State and county [OLYLVMRUV^PUN^OH[UV[[VKVTH`ILHZ agencies coordinate restriping efforts to address PTWVY[HU[HZRUV^PUN^OH[[VKV safety issues for motorists, bicyclists and (UK0RUV^^OH[[VKVPUKVVYZ"P[»ZTVYL pedestrians through the creation of bike lanes, V\[KVVYZ[OH[WYLZLU[Z[OLWYVISLT parking lanes, crosswalks and more. Visit 0[ZLLTZ[OH[[OLZPKLLMMLJ[Z0»TILNPUUPUN[V www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/2019- MLLS[OV\NOUV[X\P[LSPMLJOHUNPUNHYLUL]LY- paving-and-restriping. [OLSLZZSPMLHMMLJ[PUN SATURDAY/MARCH 9 )\[0»TVULVM[OLS\JR`VULZ!Z[PSSHSP]LHUK YLHZVUHIS`^LSS0JHUSP]LZ[PSS^VYRZVY[VM Green Breakfast. 8:30 a.m. At Brion’s Grille, 10621 Braddock Road, Fairfax. Breakfast HUKWSH`VJJHZPVUHSS`HUKL]LU^HSR\WYPNO[ - sponsored by Fairfax County Northern Virginia [OV\NOT`WVZ[\YLJV\SK\ZLZVTLZ[YHPNO[LU Soil & Water Conservation District, the program PUN speaker is Brandy Mueller, Environmental :V0OH]LHML^ZPKLLMMLJ[Z^OPJOWYL]LU[ Compliance Coordinator, Fairfax County Land TLMYVTKVPUN[^VHJYLZ^VY[OVMZ[PJR^VYR0 Development Services. Even the most well- JV\SKU»[OH]LWSHUULKP[HU`IL[[LY intentioned conservation efforts can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. A little planning ahead and a general understanding the rules and regulations that are in place and why they exist can help to make your projects great successes. Cost is $10 at the door for the all-you- can-eat buffet. Contact Northern Virginia Soil & Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for Water at The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. [email protected]. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 ❖ 11 12 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com