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County Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

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U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 2 STD PRSRT Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection by Mercia Hobson/The Photo April 28 - May 4, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News Photos courtesy of NextStop Theatre News County Dems Cancel April 23 Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

(HD-36) Candidates Debate Supervisors respond Davis added that Fairfax County already had common sense police re- to a new era form underway, but it would be a con- Incumbent perplexed as stant conversation. Davis said reform of policing. is something done for police officers, not to them. “It makes you better. It challenger ‘is stepping Alex de Bard performing the Taylor Witt performing the By Mercia Hobson earns you a better relationship with role of Casey in NextStop role of Aaron in NextStop The Connection the community,” he said. back’ from campaign. Theatre streaming produc- Theatre streaming produc- Davis said he looked forward to the tion of “First Date.” tion of “First Date.” By Mercia Hobson oming out of a closed-door ses- journey. It would be an opportunity to The Connection sion on Friday, April 23, the Fair- work with the community, residents, fax County Board of Supervisors elected officials, and community lead- prepared, as Supervisor Penny ers in the agency. he Fairfax County Democratic NextStop Theatre C Gross (D- Mason) said, “to select one of the Committee canceled its Fri- most important hires it undertakes.” AMONG HIS ACKNOWLEDGE- day, April 23, 7- 8 p.m. pub- to Stream Musical “I am pleased to move the appointment MENTS, Davis thanked the Board for Tlic debate to be held virtually of Kevin Davis, as the next police chief, ef- their trust in him, County Executive between incumbent Kenneth “Ken” Plum The debate that didn’t happen. fective May 3, 2021, with an annual salary Bryan Hill for his continued lead- and challenger Mary K. “Red” Barthel- ‘First Date’ of $215,000,” Gross said. The motion unan- ership, interim Chief of the Fairfax son. They are candidates in the 2021 state primary Plum said he thought the debate should have been imously carried. Davis is a Maryland native. County Police Department, David M. for the Virginia House of Delegates District 36. FCDC held as scheduled. If his opponent chose not to attend “After thorough interviews, the entire Rohrer, and his predecessor Fairfax planned the free virtual event open to the public to “after apparently agreeing to participate, there could By David Siegel Where and board is confident that Kevin will continue Kevin Davis calls in to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting following the County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler allow the candidates an opportunity to describe their be the empty chair.” “That is not uncommon [in] de- The Connection Fairfax’s work on police reform, build on the Board’s unanimous vote of approval to appoint him the next Fairfax County police Jr. for his leadership. Roessler stepped experiences, share their visions for the District, and bates when one candidate refuses to participate,” he When deep community involvement and relation- chief effective May 3, 2021. down in January 2021. answer voter questions. Early voting for June 8, 2021, said. extStop returns the- NextStop Theatre presents the ships with stakeholders, and improve mo- According to World Atlas, the Fair- primary election began on April 23, the same day as Plum said he contacted people who signed up to ater to area audiences musical “First Date.” This pro- rale within the police department,” said Jef- Biography fax County Police Department, which the scheduled debate. ask questions and apologized to them. “(I) assured Nafter more than a year duction is a filmed musical that frey McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Kevin Davis is fourth-generation public safe- has roughly 1,400 full-time sworn- will be available for streaming According to Plum, he was given two explanations them that I had nothing to do with the cancellation. dealing with the consequences Board of Supervisors, in a statement. ty, born and raised in College Park, Md. Most in officers, is Virginia’s largest police virtually, April 30 to May 16, by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee for the I encouraged them to contact me at kenplum@aol. of the pandemic. “We are be- Davis called in to the Fairfax County Board recently, Davis worked as Director of Consult- department and ranked 33 in the top last-minute debate cancellation. Referencing a string com,” he said. Reached for comment April 24, the day 2021. Fridays and Saturdays ing Services at GardaWorld. Davis served as yond excited to be producing at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. of Supervisors’ meeting. He heard as McKay largest police departments in the Unit- of emails Plum provided to the Connection between after the scheduled debate, Barthelson wrote in an City of Baltimore’s 39th police commissioner a full-scale production again!” Tickets: $25 General admission, officially welcomed him in his new capacity ed States in August 2020. himself and Jack Kiraly, Executive Director, FCDC, email, “I have not withdrawn.” from 2015 to 2018 after the in-custody death said Evan Hoffmann, artistic di- one per household. For tickets to Fairfax County, saying that they were de- of Freddie Gray and the riots that followed. Plum said one explanation was that his opponent, Barthelson added she had to “step back from active- rector, NextStop Theatre. and information go to www. lighted to have him on board after the “long According to a Fairfax County press release, Barthelson, was “stepping back from her campaign ly campaigning to deal with a personal matter.” She “One of the most painful nextstoptheatre.org. Box Office: exhaustive process.” McKay added that the he established a Department of Justice Com- “No one hates a bad 703-481- 5930. “First Date” is and was not doing events at this time.” Plum added, “I said that while she had hoped to be back and engaged things about the pandemic for Board looked forward to working with him pliance and Accountability Division and a fully Co-Sponsored by Northwest implemented body-worn camera program do not know what that means; is she quitting the race in the debate, she could not. “I notified FCDC Thurs- artists has been feeling like on this new journey. cop more than a good for good or just temporarily?” day. I was uncertain of if or when I would be back to Federal Credit Union & Griffin during Davis’s tenure at the Baltimore Police our ability to create art was Owens Insurance The second explanation provided to Plum at the campaigning.” Department. Davis worked to build trust with almost completely destroyed. DAVIS spoke directly to the supervisors. “This the community and foster transparency, pro- cop (does). You have “As of me writing this now (April 24), I expect to be time he said was that his opponent was not available. Obviously, so many creative NextStop production of “First is a humbling moment for me. I take it very viding information about internal policies and “The debate had been scheduled for weeks. If she back in the next week,” Barthelson said. workarounds have been devel- Date” has been reimagined for seriously, and I promise not to let you down,” all police-involved shootings. He expanded my word that those needed to be away, the debate was going to be virtual The primary winner will face Republican Matthew oped over the past year,” said a film/theater hybrid. It is a he said. “I look very much forward to working the Department’s police chaplains’ program, which trained more than 100 faith commu- and could be accessed from wherever,” said Plum. Lang in the November general election. Hoffmann. “But for everyone production to put “a smile on with the women and the men of the Fairfax accountability systems nity leaders to serve as ambassadors in the working on this project, actual- your face and we all need more County Police Department and several em- community. ly going back into a real theater, of that these days…the show ployee groups. You guys are a great agency; I Before that, Davis served as Anne Arundel Photo contributed will be in place.” — Kevin Davis, Plum Barthelson developing characters, and tell- features two people having din- want to say that loudly and clearly.” County police chief from 2013 to 2014 and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as assistant police chief of the Prince George’s Retired, education Early years in Fairfax ing a complete story has been ner in a restaurant and having Questioning if there was room for im- appointed former Baltimore Police Com- New Fairfax County Chief of Police County, Maryland police department, 1992 administration Fairfax County. Holds master’s so incredible.” an intimate conversation with provement in the Fairfax County Police missioner Kevin Davis as the new police County Public Schools degree in systems engi- “First Date” is the musical someone outside of their bub- Department, Davis said absolutely. He ac- to 2013. He is a graduate of the FBI Nation- Braddock District Supervisor James al Academy and the FBI National Executive chief effective on May 3, 2021. 1966-1996; currently neering - George Mason tale of Casey [played by Alex ble’. What could possibly sound knowledged change is sometimes hard and R. Walkinshaw issued the following the longest-serving University. Work- Data Institute. Davis holds a master’s degree in De Bard] and Aaron [played more appealing right now!” challenging. statement regarding the Board of Su- member of the House Analyst and Systems En- Management from Johns Hopkins University of Delegates., 40 years gineer, Employed at M.C. by Taylor Witt], two young sin- added Hoffmann. “But if you didn’t know you were in a dif- and a bachelor’s degree in English from Tow- pervisors’ selection of Kevin Davis as of service, (1978- Dean focused on opera- gles who are set up on a blind The NextStop technical team ficult position, you wouldn’t be here. So, we son University. Chief of Police. 1980) (1982-present). tions research. Listed as date by friends and family. They includes Nicole Maneffa in have to seize this moment and continue to “Many law enforcement leaders have Comments: My vision an agent-PPE 4 NOVA might be seeking something the newly created position as get better,” he said. Davis added he looks learned to talk the talk of police and for my district and for Photo contributed LLC. Actions:Plans to that will last, yet they seemingly Covid-19 Compliance Officer forward to working with the diverse com- criminal justice reform, but very few the Commonwealth of Virginia House Demo- create education and have little in common. With the as well as Charles Belt who is munities in Fairfax County. have actually done it. In Kevin Davis, we Virginia is a community job opportunities for influence and unsolicited ad- Director of Photography cap- where all persons are cratic challenger Mary low-income families As his first step, Davis said, the Depart- have selected someone with a proven free from discrimina- K. “Red” Barthelson for by reducing barriers vice of their friends and family turing the live staged produc- ment must establish legitimacy to earn trust, track record of implementing meaning- tion and have access to District 36, 27, of Reston. to workforce entry; fo- (that the characters play out in tion on film that will then be which takes hard work. “It takes showing up ful reforms in the face of fierce resistance. educational programs Screenshot cused on green initia- their imagination), along with streamed virtually. every day and doing the work, and we have That’s why the Open Society Foundation through which they Virginia House Demo- tives; pledged not to take money from (Richmond-based) a matchmaking waiter, and, of “Audiences will be able to feel to pay keen attention to vulnerable com- -- an organization working to develop can achieve their full cratic incumbent Kenneth Dominion Energy. Comments: My education and work course, social media at their this show through the screen,” munities, underserved communities, and policing systems that treat everyone potential; have access experience as an engineer has prepared me to serve the “Ken” Plum (D-36), 79, of fingertips, their first date might said Alex de Bard. “We perform- to healthy food and community...To fight for those who are most vulnerable communities of color. We have to meet you equally -- asked him to write the book health services, hous- Reston. has always been a cornerstone of my personal beliefs…I be right out of the Washington ers definitely crave a physical where you are. We have to be better listen- on consent decrees and police reform. ing, and safe neighborhoods; and where the challenges would never allow anyone to go without a voice. I envi- Post’s “Date Lab.” Will there be audience as much as the audi- ers. We have to be less defensive, and we With Chief Kevin Davis, Fairfax County of climate change are addressed and the water and air sion a future for my community where this is a reality, destiny or doom? ences crave a live show. We re- have to, quite frankly, see you. … You have is poised to build on the accountability are pure. |Membership & Affiliation Highlights: United not talking points…discarded by politicians the next day. The musical ”First Date” has ally put our hearts into this one my word that I am committed to doing that measures already in place here and lead Christian Parish of Reston, Virginia Literacy Foundation Membership & Affiliation Highlights: Former FIRST Ro- nearly twenty musical numbers as if there was really a live audi- on behalf of Fairfax County.” the nation in ensuring that the law is em- (charter board member), Retired Teachers’ Association, botics mentor. https://twitter.com/Barthelson4va performed by its six member ence there with us, and viewers As for accountability, Davis said he would ployed as an instrument of justice.” and Dulles Corridor Rail Association (chairman) https://www.facebook.com/barthelson4va https://www.kenplum.com https://barthelsonforvirginia.com/?page_id=8 cast. Paige Rammelkamp is the will be able to see that. This is call “balls and strikes.” Jeffrey C. McKay, chairman of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors Appoints Kev- https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.plum [email protected] NextStop music director. the safest and closest thing to a “No one hates a bad cop more than a good Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) intro- County Board of Supervisors, calls the in Davis as Fairfax County’s New Chief https://twitter.com/KenPlum1 Hoffmann indicated the live performance right now.” cop (does). You have my word that those ac- duces the motion to appoint Kevin Davis vote on the appointment of Kevin Davis of Police. - YouTube can be found on- Contact [email protected] countability systems will be in place,” he said. as the next Fairfax County police chief. as the next Fairfax County police chief. line https://youtu.be/Ii020GkUzvM 2 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v April 28 - May 4, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

Supervisors respond Davis added that Fairfax County already had common sense police re- to a new era form underway, but it would be a con- stant conversation. Davis said reform of policing. is something done for police officers, not to them. “It makes you better. It By Mercia Hobson earns you a better relationship with The Connection the community,” he said. Davis said he looked forward to the oming out of a closed-door ses- journey. It would be an opportunity to sion on Friday, April 23, the Fair- work with the community, residents, fax County Board of Supervisors elected officials, and community lead- Cprepared, as Supervisor Penny ers in the agency. Gross (D- Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.” AMONG HIS ACKNOWLEDGE- “I am pleased to move the appointment MENTS, Davis thanked the Board for of Kevin Davis, as the next police chief, ef- their trust in him, County Executive fective May 3, 2021, with an annual salary Bryan Hill for his continued lead- of $215,000,” Gross said. The motion unan- ership, interim Chief of the Fairfax imously carried. Davis is a Maryland native. County Police Department, David M. “After thorough interviews, the entire Rohrer, and his predecessor Fairfax board is confident that Kevin will continue Kevin Davis calls in to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting following the County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Fairfax’s work on police reform, build on the Board’s unanimous vote of approval to appoint him the next Fairfax County police Jr. for his leadership. Roessler stepped deep community involvement and relation- chief effective May 3, 2021. down in January 2021. ships with stakeholders, and improve mo- According to World Atlas, the Fair- rale within the police department,” said Jef- Biography fax County Police Department, which frey McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Kevin Davis is fourth-generation public safe- has roughly 1,400 full-time sworn- Board of Supervisors, in a statement. ty, born and raised in College Park, Md. Most in officers, is Virginia’s largest police Davis called in to the Fairfax County Board recently, Davis worked as Director of Consult- department and ranked 33 in the top ing Services at GardaWorld. Davis served as of Supervisors’ meeting. He heard as McKay City of Baltimore’s 39th police commissioner largest police departments in the Unit- officially welcomed him in his new capacity from 2015 to 2018 after the in-custody death ed States in August 2020. to Fairfax County, saying that they were de- of Freddie Gray and the riots that followed. lighted to have him on board after the “long According to a Fairfax County press release, exhaustive process.” McKay added that the he established a Department of Justice Com- “No one hates a bad Board looked forward to working with him pliance and Accountability Division and a fully implemented body-worn camera program cop more than a good on this new journey. during Davis’s tenure at the Baltimore Police Department. Davis worked to build trust with DAVIS spoke directly to the supervisors. “This the community and foster transparency, pro- cop (does). You have is a humbling moment for me. I take it very viding information about internal policies and seriously, and I promise not to let you down,” all police-involved shootings. He expanded my word that those he said. “I look very much forward to working the Department’s police chaplains’ program, which trained more than 100 faith commu- with the women and the men of the Fairfax accountability systems nity leaders to serve as ambassadors in the County Police Department and several em- community. ployee groups. You guys are a great agency; I Before that, Davis served as Anne Arundel Photo contributed will be in place.” — Kevin Davis, want to say that loudly and clearly.” County police chief from 2013 to 2014 and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as assistant police chief of the Prince George’s Questioning if there was room for im- appointed former Baltimore Police Com- New Fairfax County Chief of Police County, Maryland police department, 1992 provement in the Fairfax County Police missioner Kevin Davis as the new police Department, Davis said absolutely. He ac- to 2013. He is a graduate of the FBI Nation- Braddock District Supervisor James al Academy and the FBI National Executive chief effective on May 3, 2021. knowledged change is sometimes hard and Institute. Davis holds a master’s degree in R. Walkinshaw issued the following challenging. Management from Johns Hopkins University statement regarding the Board of Su- “But if you didn’t know you were in a dif- and a bachelor’s degree in English from Tow- pervisors’ selection of Kevin Davis as ficult position, you wouldn’t be here. So, we son University. Chief of Police. have to seize this moment and continue to “Many law enforcement leaders have get better,” he said. Davis added he looks learned to talk the talk of police and forward to working with the diverse com- criminal justice reform, but very few munities in Fairfax County. have actually done it. In Kevin Davis, we As his first step, Davis said, the Depart- have selected someone with a proven ment must establish legitimacy to earn trust, track record of implementing meaning- which takes hard work. “It takes showing up ful reforms in the face of fierce resistance. every day and doing the work, and we have That’s why the Open Society Foundation to pay keen attention to vulnerable com- -- an organization working to develop munities, underserved communities, and policing systems that treat everyone communities of color. We have to meet you equally -- asked him to write the book where you are. We have to be better listen- on consent decrees and police reform. ers. We have to be less defensive, and we With Chief Kevin Davis, Fairfax County have to, quite frankly, see you. … You have is poised to build on the accountability my word that I am committed to doing that measures already in place here and lead on behalf of Fairfax County.” the nation in ensuring that the law is em- As for accountability, Davis said he would ployed as an instrument of justice.” call “balls and strikes.” Jeffrey C. McKay, chairman of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors Appoints Kev- “No one hates a bad cop more than a good Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) intro- County Board of Supervisors, calls the in Davis as Fairfax County’s New Chief cop (does). You have my word that those ac- duces the motion to appoint Kevin Davis vote on the appointment of Kevin Davis of Police. - YouTube can be found on- countability systems will be in place,” he said. as the next Fairfax County police chief. as the next Fairfax County police chief. line https://youtu.be/Ii020GkUzvM www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v April 28 - May 4, 2021 v 3 News ‘Creative, Funny Show Flips Disney on its Head’

“Beauty and the Beast” and said most of in today’s age of social media, it’s important Centreville High the princesses sing one song each, plus par- to not copy anyone else, but to love and be ticipate in group numbers. Belle’s song is yourself, instead” presents musical, called, “Insane,” and, said Reeves, “She’s Puckett said audiences will enjoy “seeing talking about how Disney changed her sto- Disney flipped on its head. The princesses ‘Disenchanted.’ ry to make her seem crazy. She went from [dispel] society’s expectations about them a character in classic literature to someone and show that’s not the way they really are.” By Bonnie Hobbs who talks to inanimate objects and falls in Sophomore Evan Williams is in the en- The Connection love with a beast.” semble, dancing and playing various roles, Reeves loves that song because “It’s a such as a prince who falls off a boat and has f the Disney princesses could tell peo- full-cast number, the music is lively and the to swim offstage. “It’s enjoyable because of ple what they really thought about their choreography energetic. This show is cre- the community here and the way the cast lives, what would they say? That’s the ative and funny; and especially at this time, members support each other,” he said. “And Ipremise of Centreville High’s musical, people will enjoy seeing a show again, even we improve with each rehearsal.” streaming May 7-8, at 7 p.m., and May 9, at virtually. We’ve all enjoyed acting again.” 2 p.m. For ticket information and the show Portraying Snow White is senior Caroline PORTRAYING CINDERELLA is sophomore link, go to www.theatrecentreville.com. Jareb. “She’s a mature leader, controlling Katie Wood. “She’s a vibrant soul,” explained Since it’ll be shown online, the students’ and confident in who she is, as an individ- Wood. “But she’s so consumed by the ‘Prin- performances are being filmed and edited, Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection ual,” said Jareb. “She’s finding herself after cess Complex’ that she feels she needs to be and the sound layered on, just like a movie (From left) Disney princesses Josie Puck- being a Disney princess. She and the others perfect. Inside, she knows that’s not who – which is way more work than an in-per- ett, Caroline Jareb and Katie Wood strike have learned that being a princess isn’t as she is, but Disney put her in the spotlight so son show. They’re also working with a new a “Charlie’s Angels” pose for Centreville enchanted as it seems – it’s more disenchant- much that she’s trapped. In the song, ‘All I director, Christie Blewett, who replaced the High’s musical, “Disenchanted.” ed.” Want to Do is Eat,’ retired Mike Hudson and is the school’s “It’s fun playing her,” she continued. “And I sing about Cinderella being so pressured first-ever female theater director. But she THERE’S A CAST AND CREW OF 25, and audiences will like the show’s comedy, sing- to be thin that she can’t enjoy eating. and they are up to the task. scenery for the musical vignettes was filmed ing and entertaining dance numbers.” I’m ecstatic to play her; I love characters “We’ve never done this before – there’s no at various locations. “They’ve come up with Sophomore Josie Puckett plays Sleeping breaking out of their shells and not being guidebook,” said Director Christie Blewett. all these creative solutions, and I’m really Beauty. “She’s spunky and loud and doesn’t stereotyped.” “And yet, you can’t stop these kids. They’re proud of them,” said Blewett. “Audiences want to follow the norm for a princess,” said “Theater’s my passion, so I’m excited to be fearless in their creativity and bold in fac- will love seeing a new version of their favor- Puckett. “She’s had to meet expectations back onstage,” added Wood. “Audiences will ing any challenge. And their camaraderie ite, Disney tales, with a message they didn’t of perfection but, when she sings the song, like how honest this show is, plus the heart offstage became a catalyst for helping them realize they needed to know.” ‘Perfect,’ she learns she’s perfect as she is. and dedication we’ve put into it, in such a shine onstage.” Senior Brianna Reeves plays Belle from She can make mistakes and be herself. And hard time.” ‘Audiences Will Come Along With Us on the Adventure’

Chantilly High’s new children’s show is PLAYING SMART GIRL, an island tour- ist, is sophomore Lucy Sherrier. “She’s ‘Judy Moody & Stink.’ nicknamed ‘Smart Girl’ because she wears glasses and looks smart,” said By Bonnie Hobbs perform this one as a live play. And it lets Sherrier. “She and her brother compete The Connection families enjoy a fun evening at the theater against Judy and Stink to find 16 gold in a safe environment.” pieces and bring them to Scurvy Sam, ffering both virtual and in-per- She said making realistic blocking choic- the pirate. And Smart Girl’s a little smug son shows, Chantilly High pres- es while maintaining social distance chal- because she and her brother have done Oents the children’s show, “Judy lenged the in-person cast. And the online this treasure hunt before.” Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, cast must maintain its energy and enthu- Sherrier likes playing supporting roles Mad Treasure Hunt.” Tickets are $8 at siasm without hearing a live audience’s and “know-it-all, confident characters.” www.chantillyhsdrama.com, as is the link laughter. But, said Spicer, “I’m extremely She also said children will identify with to the online version. proud of them being underclassmen and the characters who, in the first scene, Live-streamed shows will be May 7, having such dedication to our theater de- don’t want to get out of bed and go to at 7 p.m., and May 8, at 2 p.m. In-per- partment. It’s really admirable; and after Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection school. And throughout the play, she son shows will be May 8, at 7 p.m., and teaching 20 years, it makes me remember The Moody family in Chantilly High’s chil- said, “We act over-the-top to make them May 9, at 2 p.m. The auditorium will be why I do it.” dren’s show: (From left) are Grace Drost laugh.” 30-percent capacity, and actors, crew and (Mom), Alex Lesnik (Stink), McKenzy Hop- Sophomore Alex Lesnik plays Stink. the audience will wear masks. PORTRAYING JUDY is freshman McKen- kins (Judy) and Samantha Massi (Mama). “He’s impulsive and clueless and can’t The story’s about third-grader Judy zy Hopkins. “She’s funny, sassy, outspoken pick up on social cues very well,” she Moody and her younger brother, Stink, and energetic,” said Hopkins. “But she wants Freshman Grace Drost plays Mom, one of said. “He’s also curious and likes to ex- whose moms take them on vacation to things to stay the same as in second grade the family’s two mothers. “She wants what’s plore. Stink just wants to have fun and be an island where they find mysteries, sur- and not change. I like playing her because she best for her kids and makes sure they do their happy. I enjoy this role because it’s slight- prises and adventure. There’s a cast and has two sides. When talking to her brother homework and get to school on time,” said ly out of my comfort zone, since he’s very crew of 35, and the actors will wear see- and classmates, she doesn’t care what anyone Drost. “I draw inspiration from my own mom open and doesn’t hold back. He’ll some- through masks so the audience can see thinks. But when addressing the audience, and recognize some of the things she’d say.” times embarrass himself accidentally, but their expressions. she’s softer and shows her true feelings.” In a children’s show, she said, “You make all these things make him fun to play.” “I’m so happy to be back working with Excited to play the lead, Hopkins hopes big, animated motions so the kids under- Lesnik said both children and adults my kids because they’re taking small to someday act professionally. So, she said, stand it and are entertained. It might even will enjoy the show’s jokes and “out- steps back to normalcy doing something “Getting this role’s responsibility is a great get them involved in theater. It’s a fun, pirate there” costumes. “People who know this they love,” said Director Shannon Spicer. opportunity. Audiences will like coming adventure with brightly colored costumes, book series will want to see how we do “A lot of them grew up reading Judy along with us on the adventure and will en- and people will be able to see themselves in it,” she said. “And for kids unfamiliar with Moody books, so it’s special for them to joy laughing with us.” the characters.” it, it’ll be something new and fun.”

4 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v April 28 - May 4, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Cappies Review PRINT AND DIGITAL OPTIONS TO REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET Email Blasts Print Digital Billboards Sponsored Content Exclusive Front Page Shoutout Social Media

Photo contributed Zoe Brennan as Jane in Westfield High School’s production of ‘4 A.M.’ More Connected than We Think Westfield High School’s production

of ‘4 A.M.’ represented the Newspapers & Online unspoken stories realized in the For Advertising: Call 703.778.9431 midst of the night. or email [email protected] By Keya Umesh show that just so happened to save Langley High School Jane’s life. At the same time, liter- ally, two friends, Monica and Anne hings seem different at 4 encountered tests to their friend- A.M., don’t they? Some ship during their virtual sleepover. Same Company, Same Employees, have the motivation A modern day Romeo and Juliet Tto exercise whilst oth- pondered the question “to call or Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! ers have philosophical thoughts. not to call”, while Sleeper Kid fi- The nighttime silence brings out nally confronted the monsters un- the best, and worst, in people, der her bed. Among several other and their inner monologues shine teenagers, this play focused on TWO POOR TEACHERS through the darkness. The play “4 the questions and answers sought A.M.,” written by Jonathan Dorf, while the world was silent. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling emphasizes these themes and All actors in this production gave highlights the nuances of this mag- extremely authentic performances ical hour. that made it seem as if one was Westfield High School’s produc- recording their actual thoughts at tion of this play represented the 4 in the morning. Though filmed unspoken stories realized in the virtually, the chemistry displayed midst of the night. Frankie, a ra- by all actors created the illusion dio DJ with an audience of close of watching a genuine FaceTime to none, would dedicate his ear- ly hours of the day to his radio See Cappies, Page 7

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Engineer 3, Prodct Dvlpmt Engin — Comcast Cable Communica- tions, LLC, Reston, VA. Delivr plat- frms that allow subscrbrs to use & interact w/ prodcts. Reqs Bach in CS, Engin or rltd; & 2 yrs exp ad- min Linux systms; deploy & maintn apps in public (AWS) & 1 of these private clouds: Openstack, VM- Ware ESX, or CloudFoundry; tune apps; perfrm IP NWing, incl TCP/IP packet analys, DNS, DHCP, NAT, & SNMP; use Ansible, Perl, & Python; use Kafka, RabbitMQ, & Redis to suppt messag tech platfrms; & suppt NoSQL DBs on Cassandra & Couchbase. In lieu of Bach degree, emp will accept add’l 2 yrs exp in above. Apply to: John_Moran2@ comcast.com. Ref Job ID #0327

6 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v April 28 - May 4, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar “My Thoughts to Business Your Thoughts” NOW THRU JUNE 26 good for one stream per household. Visit Ken Britz, Artist of the Year. At VAS Gallery in the www.NextStopTheatre.org. “First Date” tick- Village Green, 513 Maple Ave. W, Vienna. The ets are $25 per household/stream. Visit for By KENNETH B. LOURIE Vienna Arts Society is thrilled to present a more information and to book: https://www. Directory collection of “Favored Subjects”, artworks by nextstoptheatre.org/shows/first-date. You know the expression: Can’t walk and Artist of the Year Ken Britz. The exhibition is WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM chew gum at the same time;” a disparaging open April 12 through June 26, Mon. - Sat., FRIDAY/APRIL 30 characterization of a person, company or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover more about Ken on Old Firehouse Friday Night Trip -- Top Golf. 4-10 Call 703-549-0004 municipality unable to multi-task or even tasl at the website: www.ViennaArtsSociety.org p.m. Come eat, drink and golf like a pro! for advertising information all? Fortunately, I’ve not had much interaction Experience a new state-of-the-art Angry Birds in any of these categories (myself included). I WEDNESDAY/APRIL 28 golf game. Golf, food and a free Top Golf do however, have a similar description of yours (The) Unruly Theatre Project’s Virtual Improv membership is included. Come have fun and truly: I can’t write a column and eat at the same Show. Virtual. Sponsored by the Alden. 7 p.m. perfect your golf swing with us. For more ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL time. I can drink (not alcohol) and write. And Join them for (the) Unruly Theatre Project’s information or to register, visit: www.oldfire- back in college - in the 70s, while writing a virtual spring improv shows from the comfort house.org or call 703-448-TEEN (8336). weekly column for “the diamondback” (the col- of your couch. You can register for one show lege newspaper) at The university of Maryland, I or as many as you like, but participants need FRIDAY/APRIL 30 could partake, recreationally, and still write my to register at least two hours in advance of a Father-Daughter Silent Disco Dance. 7–8:30 p.m. column. In fact, I still remember what I thought show to see it. A Zoom link and password for Join MCC for a socially distanced, outdoor, was one of the funniest lines in a column I wrote the show will be emailed to registrants. For Father-Daughter Silent Disco Dance with DJ about my inability to use tools (while under said more information or to register, visit: www. BigCourt. We will transform the MCC parking influence) : “The only power tool I ever used was aldentheatre.org. lot into a dance floor with each father-daugh- a hammer.” Ah, the good old daze. ter group having its own space. Price includes Fast forward and I mean fast, to 2021, WEDNESDAY/APRIL 28 the use of headphones with the option of one approximately 45 years, since I was a weekly Topics in Astronomy Webinar: Stargazing. 7:30- of three family friendly music genres, snack LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING columnist for the campus newspaper. Time 8:30 p.m. Virtual Program. Grab your binoc- bags and glow products to add to the fun. hasn’t merely flown by, it has broken all former ulars and pull up a seat for April’s “Topics in Get outside, get moving and spend some time land speed records. In fictional fact, it hasn’t Astronomy Webinar.” These monthly webinars with your little princess. For more informa- been mach, it has been at “warp” speed, for explore everything from space missions to tion, visit www.mcleancenter.org or call 703- those of you regular readers who are still trying 790-0123, TTY: 711. planets, stars and galaxies. See how much to “Live long and prosper” while watching cable can be seen in the night sky, even if you don’t channel “H&I” Sunday through Friday, off and have a telescope. These presentations are APRIL 30-MAY 14 on between 8pm and 1am. For us “Star Trek” for the general public and do not require Art as Life Vale Arts. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than fans, these five hours of nightly programming fill any specific knowledge of astronomy. This 160 works of fine art will be on exhibit in a void that no replicator can match. virtual program will be hosted in an online the virtual “Art as Life” ValeArts show April Summer Cleanup... Spock could certainly multi-task. How else Zoom meeting by staff and volunteers of the 30-May 14, 2021. Normally held at the Vale could he master three-dimensional chess? Analemma Society. The cost is $8 per person. Schoolhouse in Oakton, the online show will Perhaps some of his skill set had its origins in Call Colvin Run Mill at 703-759-2771. show all types of abstract, representation- al, and impressionist art. Guest Artists Deb the “Vulcan mind-meld” which enabled him to Keirce and Andrea Cybyk join the core Vale- read other’s thoughts and gain unique insights APRIL 30 TO MAY 16 into previously unshared experiences. As I ”First Date”. NextStop Theatre Company Artists Laura Barringer, Linda Bullen, Lorrie think back over the years of previous “Star Trek” announces the premiere of the Broadway Herman, Kim Richards, Diana Eichler and viewing (and my current re-infatuation), I can’t musical comedy, “First Date,” streaming Jenna klimchak. Visit www.valearts.com through ShowTix4U.com. Filmed at NextStop recall ever seeing Spock eat, or even drink for Theatre and around downtown Herndon, MAY 1 AND MAY 2 that matter. Maybe he couldn’t eat and be First this light-hearted musical romantic comedy ”Twelfth Night.” 5-7 p.m. At Arts Herndon Officer/second in command at the same time? tells the story of Casey and Aaron, two young Lawn, 750 Center Street, Herndon. Herndon Not that I’m equating myself with Spock, he was singles set up on a blind date by friends and Community Arts Lab, in association with Arts way more intelligent and accomplished than me. family, even though they seemingly have Herndon and Dark Horse Theatre on Arts But maybe we did share a common affliction: an absolutely nothing in common. Performances Herndon Lawn Stage, starts Friday at 7 p.m. Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage inability to eat and simultaneously perform other will have scheduled start times on Friday and Pay what you can (but reserve ‘Bubble’) Sat- tasks? Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 urday, May 1, Sunday, May 2 - all at 5 p.m. And though Spock never seemed any the p.m. from April 30 to May 16, 2021. Tickets Book tickets now www.darkhorseva.com. worse for the wear and tear he endured while are $25 each (plus processing fees) and are Cost: $50 per 4 person Bubble, $15 Single. rarely eating, I, as a red-blooded human, need to eat. I just can’t eat while I’m writing. It seems to Cappies Review take away from my focus and blunt the creative From Page 5 process. Maybe if I were able to “narrow the as though the time was actually 4 A.M., and confinement beam,” I could put more of my call or viewing an actual conversation be- the visual editing utilized clipart images, an- thoughts down on paper before they’re lost in tween two people. The technical elements, imation, and the work of Neil to create the my head. Thoughts which occasionally are fleet- from the lighting to the editing, created a illusion of paranormal beings flying around ing, but usually are pertinent to the column I’m Sleeper Kid’s room. writing. Unlike Spock however, my thoughts are cohesive and engaging play, and the passion not always logical and though I try to embrace poured into this production from the cast Although the world may seem distant his Vulcan philosophy: “The needs of the many and crew was clearly evident. and far away these days, tales like “4 A.M.” outweigh the needs of the few,” I think I’m too Even through a screen, Frankie’s (Brian remind us that the world is more connect- needy to do so. (My nephew bought me Star Purtell) excitement towards his radio show ed than we think. From strangers to close Trek pajamas for Christmas. It didn’t exactly fill was apparent while Jane’s (Zoe Brennan) friends, someone is always out there. Maybe a need but it sure has made me happy to wear them. If you’re at all curious they are Spock’s stay up past your bedtimeR to find out who. H more somber yet grateful approach to his rank and color: blue top with black pants, with show displayed the intricate depths and dark proper Star Trek insignia.) sides to her character. Monica and Anne, As is the case with my weekly column. I de- played by Payton Kuhlman and Rachel Neil Oak Hill & Herndon prive myself of nourishment in order to write in respectively, had extremely contrasting char- a semi-coherent way. Sometimes I fail (perhaps acters that utilized their history together to the proof is right here in the words which you are reading), but it’s never because I ate while create discernable chemistry. Monica’s ex- www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com I wrote, it’s because the “inertial dampeners” hausted energy complemented Anne’s hyper (whatever they are) were not functioning within personality to create a yin and yang duo. @RestonConnect @HerndonConnect normal parameters. I just have to hope that my The editing, sets, and lighting, executed communicator doesn’t malfunction or that an by Rachel Neil and Krishna Purohit, enabled An independent, locally owned weekly An independent, locally owned weekly ion storm doesn’t develop locally and knocks out newspaper delivered newspaper delivered a well-balanced narrative with no dead air. the power to my house. I don’t have a “Scotty” to homes and businesses. to homes and businesses. around to transfer power from one system to FaceTime calls looked like FaceTime calls. Published by Published by another. All I have is that hammer. And I know The clean editing between scenes pulled the Local Media Connection LLC Local Media Connection LLC from limited experience, that a hammer is not story together, through the use of zooming in going to solve my problem. I need a whole crew and out of windows to view separate scenes 1606 King Street 1606 King Street with all their own tools. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Alexandria, Virginia 22314 and monologues. The sound effects and mu- sic scores that were used complemented the Free digital edition delivered to Free digital edition delivered to your email box. Go to your email box. Go to drama unraveling onscreen. When a charac- Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for ter had an epiphany, the music would reflect connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. that tone. The lighting made each room look www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v April 28 - May 4, 2021 v 7 NEWS DEPARTMENT: NEWS DEPARTMENT: [email protected] [email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 [email protected] [email protected]

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Managing Editor Managing Editor Kemal Kurspahic Kemal Kurspahic Art/Design: Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Ali Khaligh Ali Khaligh Production Manager: Production Manager: Geovani Flores Geovani Flores

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Earth Daze 2021, presented by Responsible Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company, Herndon location. Leadership

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum Photos by Mercia Hobson/ State Delegate (D-36) The Connection he highlight of last week along with Earth TDay was the announce- Mother Nature and Beer at ment by President Joe Biden that the United States is return- ing to the Paris Climate Agree- ment. The Agreement that was Earth Daze in Herndon adopted by nearly 200 nations of the world came into being in 2016. President Barack Obama Clean Fairfax and Aslin led the United States in joining the Agreement that united the Beer Company, Herndon world’s nations for the first time in a single understanding location celebrate the 51st on global warming and cutting by human activity to the same greenhouse gas emissions. levels that trees, soil and water Anniversary of Earth Day. The only other example of can naturally absorb. Each something like this agreement country sets its own emis- By Mercia Hobson previously was the Montreal sion-reduction targets that are The Connection Protocol in which 197 coun- reviewed every five years. The tries agreed in 1987 to ban Agreement has richer nations ooking to better the environment and cele- chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). helping poorer countries with brate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, Clean Scientists had discovered that financing to switch to renew- Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company hosted Earth CFC was causing a hole in able energy. LDaze on April 24 at the Elden Street Herndon the ozone layer which if not While the United States left brewery. The one-day event promoted sustainability stopped would lead to disas- the Agreement for a short time in a fun and interactive environment, laid out in the trous health results. All nations under the previous president fenced-in beer garden. Proceeds from the event allow banned CFC as a result. The the announcement by Presi- Clean Fairfax to continue leading its charge on all United States estimates that dent Biden restores the United things green and sustainable in Fairfax County. High- because of the ban by the year States to its rightful role of lights of the event included 15 to 20 vendors invited 2065 more than 6.3 million being a leader in ending cli- by Clean Fairfax. Families honor Mother Earth at the one-day Clean skin cancer deaths would have mate change. Many states and Guests enjoyed the build-your-own garden and Fairfax event to promote sustainability in a fun been avoided and between cities had pledged to seek these bourbon barrel kits, bike safety demos, locally sourced and interactive environment, enjoying vendors, 1985 and the year 2100 Amer- goals even when the country food, vendors, and exhibits. The all-day celebration workshops, and opportunities to learn at Earth icans avoiding suffering from for a short time seemed not helped spread awareness of the steps people could Daze; a Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company cataracts would number 22 willing to. After all, the United take to live a more comfortable, sustainable life, all Celebration in Herndon. million. States is the largest contributor while grabbing beers from the Aslin taproom and sau- With the Montreal Protocol to greenhouse gases exceed- sages and fries from Eugene’s Food Truck. the leaders of the world re- ed only by China. Beyond Representative Don Cammarata, business manager sponded to scientific findings, re-joining the Agreement, the at Covanta Fairfax, Inc., shared how the company pro- prevented a huge amount of President is committing the vides the community an alternative to landfilling by human suffering, and saved United States to more aggres- taking municipal waste to Covanta as Fairfax County trillions of dollars in health- sive actions to cut emissions does. care costs. On the subject of by 2030 rather than 2050 that “We turn that into power which provides enough climate change and global scientists now say is necessary electricity to supply about 67,000 to 70,000 homes warming there are those who if we are to avoid the worst every day,” he said. want to continue to debate effects of climate change. According to Cammarata, the other important as- scientific findings and ignore Just as nations came togeth- pect of the process is, it avoids taking waste to the the evidence that is becoming er to rid the world of CFC and landfill where it generates methane gas, a “big climate even more apparent that the prevent major health horrors, I greenhouse gas issue. earth is heating up and the believe that nations can come “As a result of processing as Fairfax County does, we consequences are going to be together to provide responsible reduce greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere,” Cam- devastating if action is not leadership and actions to stop marata said. taken right away. climate change. It will cost In the fenced-in beer garden, children played, and The Paris Climate Agreement money to do so, but the savings dogs lounged under their owners’ tables. In the tap- commits nations of the world to the planet will be inestima- room, manager Graham James said that to help the to take action to keep global ble. We will end fossil fuel use, environment, they removed all kinds of plastic cups at temperature well below the control carbon release, and the Herndon location. pre-industrial level of 2.0C adopt more alternative and “We’re serving only in cans and, of course, glass- or 3.6F and endeavor to limit resilient ways of living and ware. We’ve planted trees and fresh plants around the temperature rise to 1.5C. The doing things. Our country can beer garden. In the next couple of weeks we are invit- A shopper pauses at a vendor table during the Agreement limits the amount and will be a leader in these ing local vendors out. We also have the bazaar market Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company Celebra- of greenhouse gases emitted planet-saving changes! times every other Sunday,” James said. tion of the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day. 8 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v April 28 - May 4, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com