On Saturday, May 15, Chairman of the Fairfax County A Perfect Day for Board of Supervisors Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-Large) and Su- The Pedal-Happy pervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon News, Page 7 District) gather with others in front of the Reston Commu- nity Center for the first-ever Tour de Hunter Mill. Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Classifieds,
Memorial to Suffragist Women Dedicated Page, 2
News, Page 3
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U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 6 STD PRSRT Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection by Mercia Hobson/The Photo May 19-25, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com Celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Importance emphasized in context of recent discrimination and hate crimes. Photo by Mike Salmon/Connection By Marilyn Campbell The Connection Pit stops like this one from years’ past will not be as social this year.
ducational videos and on- line trivia questions, or- ganized by the school’s Biking and Trail Use EAsian-Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, are giving Montgomery College students an Continues to Grow opportunity for reflection, while food, music and film offer -stu dents at Marymount University in Pit Stop gathering is out, Arlington a glimpse of a different culture. These experiences are in but Bike to Work Day is Still on observance of Asian/Pacific Island- er American Heritage Month, cele- for May 21. brated each May. “It’s a time to reflect and cele- By Mike Salmon brate the contributions of the Asian The Connection Pacific American community who Courtesy of Marymount University Washington Area Bicyclist Asso- shaped and influenced the history Marymount University’s first Cultural Graduation Reception ac- t’s been 20 years since Bike ciation, Bike to Work Day is run and culture of the United States,” knowledges the accomplishments of first-generation college grad- to Work Day began, and it by the Metropolitan Washington said Tait Brooks, Associate Director uates from underrepresented groups in an intimate and inclusive Igrows each year showing that Council of Governments’ Com- of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and environment. Graduate Anna Moon, center, receives her Cultural there is another side to commut- muter Connections program. Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Ma- Graduation certificate alongside Dean Brooke Berry, right, and Asso- ing that uses no gas, has health WABA is part of the steering rymount University. ciate Director Tait Brooks. benefits and is fun, even if it’s committee and manages the The importance of this year’s only one day a year for many. registration process. Although it observances, in em- As with everything else in the was cancelled last year to com- phasized by growing “Educate on Asian covid year of 2021, it’s going to ply with CDC recommendations evidence of discrim- be a little different this year but about gathering, participation has ination and hate American history and a good thing nonetheless. There grown every year. In 2018, about crimes targeting Asian will be tee shirts with the skyline 17,000 people signed up for the Americans. Educators experience and show logo, like years past, but at the event and in 2019, just under are using the month pit stops, it will be a quick stop 20,000 people signed up. This to address and work support to the Asian for the tee shirt, and onto points year is impacted by the pandem- toward solutions to beyond - no convoys, no chit chat ic with offices closed and many some of these current American community by at the pit stop or a local mechan- working from home, although issues. ic checking the brakes as seen in people working from home can “The recent violent standing against racism.” previous years. Since many are still ride up and get a tee shirt. actions are steeped working from home still, it will “We’re expecting 10,000 or so rid- in xenophobia. Edu- — Dae Young Kim, Ph.D., be grab the tee shirt and head ers this year, as many people are cation and learning George Mason University Dae Young Kim back to the home office. The Bike still working from home, and pit their history and its to Work organizers are fine with stop activities have been scaled significance to American history is the solution,” said that, it says on the website. back,” said Browne. Brooks. “Once we know more Asian history, we will community, celebrations this year’s observances are One change is the “pit stop,” understand their plight.” accompanied with fear. name, it’s now called “tee shirt Trail Use and the Pandemic “Schools and universities can pursue inclusive “It is clear that many Asian Americans are feeling pickup point.” At the stops, The Capital Trails Coalition curriculum that fully integrates the experiences and that they are not immune to acts of violence and bias there will be a strict covid pol- looked into trail use, and found contributions of Asian Americans,” added Dae Young and social media is helping to increase awareness of icy, which includes a mask re- that across the nation, trails are Kim, Ph.D., associate professor of Sociology and An- such incidents, which is prompting more conversation quirement, no hanging out and seeing more users than ever be- thropology at George Mason University. His message: and action,” said Kim. “We are feeling fearful of vi- socializing, any food is required fore. According to data provided “Educate on Asian American history and experience olence directed against us. This is what makes this to be pre-packaged and not con- by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and show support to the Asian American community month different from previous years.” sumed on the premises, and no nearly every week in 2020 saw by standing against racism.” In recent weeks, Kim has engaged in dialogue and live raffles. “The emphasis will an increase in trail users com- For Kim O’Connell, author of “Echoes of Little Sai- outreach aimed at helping others understand the ex- be on bicycling for exercise and pared to numbers of the same gon,” a booklet on the Vietnamese immigration to Ar- perience of Asian Americans now. “I’ve participated mental well-being,” the Bike to week in 2019. Several weeks lington, May is a monthlong opportunity to use edu- in a roundtable conversation with Governor [Ralph] Work website said. Cyclists will in March and April even saw as cation as a vehicle for reconciling some of the wounds Northam and Asian American community leaders travel on a one-way path to pick many as 1.5 – 2 times the num- incurred through recent racial turmoil. about hate crimes against Asian Americans,” he said. up the tee shirt and each rider ber of trail users as the year be- “I hope that people will realize that Asian Amer- “I was on a panel organized by Inova … to talk about will be socially distanced. fore. In Arlington at the W&OD icans are as diverse as any other group,” she said. the Asian American experience.” Bon Air Park counter, there was “They can’t be characterized in one simple way and “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contrib- Hitting the Trail a 37 percent increase in bike they definitely should not be subject to the racism that uted to American culture, society and history in im- According to Colin Browne, use, and a 23 percent increase we’ve seen in recent months.” measurable ways and I encourage everyone to learn Communications Director at the in people running and walking. For some in the Asian-American and Pacific Islander more about these contributions,” said O’Connell. 2 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Memorial to Suffragist Women Dedicated Photos by Susan Laume/The Connection To educate, inspire, empower present and future generations.
By Susan Laume The Connection
or more than seven decades, millions of American women sought the right to vote. On May 16, the first monu- Fment in the country to commemorate their struggles, to tell the lengthy story of the suffragist movement, and to celebrate suffragists’ accomplishment - the passing of the 19th Amendment - was dedicated in Lor- ton. Located on the grounds of Occoquan Regional Park, not far from where suffragists were incarcerated and tortured for peaceful- ly picketing on the sidewalk in front of the White House, the Turning Point Suffragists Memorial was dedicated in a small ceremo- ny, live streamed across the country, in ad- vance of its public opening. Jane Barker, Vice Chair/CoFounder of the memorial association, shared the early humble vision, first discussed by League of Women Voters with NOVA Parks staff, to tell Association members, NoVA Parks Board members, State legislators, and County Supervisor cut the Turning Point Suffragist Me- the local story of the suffragists imprisoned morial ribbon in front of the entrance replicating the White House gates where suffragists maintained their “silent sentinel.” at the nearby Occoquan Workhouse. They discussed “a brick wall with a few picture plaques of the women, …on a small brick- paved area that would be called the Turning Point Plaza; the projected cost was $25,000.” They soon real- ized “telling just part of the 72 year long strug- gle wasn’t enough - we needed to create a nation- al memorial that was befitting their sacrifices and - ac complishments.” The nearly $3 mil- lion dollar memo- Re-enactrist Lynne rial, designed by Garvey-Hodges, as Robert E. Beach Mrs. Robert ‘Mimi’ Architects, LLC, is Walker who was the culmination of arrested for picketing that needed rec- and served 60 days at ognition. the Workhouse, poses with the statue of SEVERAL SPEAK- Carrie Chapman Catt, ERS spoke of the a leader in the suf- effort that went frage movement and into making the founder of the League bigger vision of Women Voters. come to com- pletion. The site is seen as an apt location due to its historical setting near where the In period dress attending the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Girl Scout Troop 1600 members Hannah Smith, Katelyn Sulli- horrible treatment of suffragists led to the dedication at Occoquan Regional Park, Dave Williams, Debbie van, Kasey Petrie, and Rory Gilles stand with the statue of Alice important “turning point” in public opinion, Glaser, Julieanne Smith Quinn Jones and Michelle McCall. Paul, author of the Equal Rights Amendment. from which the memorial draws its name. Cate Magennis Wyatt, Chair of the NOVA history and “herstory.” And through inter- Executive Director/CEO of the memorial young women in the skills of the suffragists: Parks Board, said thousands who stroll by national tourism, “for people world-wide to association, Pat Wirth, who oversaw comple- public speaking, political candidacy, social will have the opportunity to learn the sto- aspire to suffrage in their own countries.” tion of the project, spoke of her expectation awareness, civil and equal rights. ry of the right to vote struggle in America NOVA Parks will steward the care and up- that the Turning Point Institute to follow will which is not taught in history books; to learn keep of the memorial on its grounds. inspire girls to leadership roles and train See Memorial, Page 8 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 v 3 Opinion
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Relief Is on the Way! An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum Commentary but now with the understanding that funding to homes and businesses. State Delegate (D-36) Published by will be available to meet these priorities. Local Media Connection LLC The priorities include upgrading state and elief seems to be on the any measure but especially when local health services that were shown to be in- 1606 King Street way for some of the compared with the $3.2 billion adequate during the pandemic. Funding will be Alexandria, Virginia 22314 drastic effects of the from the CARES Act funding last provided in addition to that appropriated in the Free digital edition delivered to COVID-19 pandemic year. The American Rescue Plan last legislative session to help people with the R your email box. Go to with the discovery and manu- provides $4.3 billion to the Com- cost of housing and utilities. The new money connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe facturing of several vaccines and monwealth of Virginia and an ad- will help to fully fund the “Rebuild Virginia” the incredible rate at which the ditional $2.7 billion going direct- small business recovery plan and provide relief vaccines are being administered. ly to counties and cities. dollars for the hardest-hit industries. NEWS DEPARTMENT: There has been some easing of While this huge chunk of mon- The Unemployment Trust Fund will be re- [email protected] regulations of everyday life, but caution is in ey coming to Virginia will go a long way to plenished after the historically high demand for Kemal Kurspahic order to ensure that we do not ease ourselves offset some of the economic losses from the relief by unemployed workers. Technology and Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 back into high rates of incidences. It is safe to pandemic, it also will provide a jump-start to staffing in the Virginia Employment -Commis [email protected] be hopeful, but caution is the smarter way to go. programs that have long been needed but never sion will be upgraded to better meet employ- Over time with continued public encouragement funded or funded at less than a sufficient level. ment demands. Mercia Hobson Community Reporter the hard-core opposition by a small minority to It will not be necessary to wait for the money The pandemic made us aware of the need [email protected] vaccinations will gradually become less. How as it is being immediately distributed by federal to rehabilitate and upgrade existing public much evidence is needed as to the dangers in- agencies. school facilities to make them healthier, safer, Bonnie Hobbs herent in the pandemic and the successes that Last week Governor Ralph Northam and and more conducive to learning. The additional Community Reporter, 703-778-9415 vaccinations are having to change the minds of leadership of the House of Delegates and the money coming to the state will permit the accel- [email protected] the very hard-core remains to be seen. State Senate announced “shared priorities for eration of the ten-year plan to bring broadband On the economic front there is very good re- American Rescue Plan Funding” that will be to all of the cities and rural areas in the Com- Ken Moore lief. President Biden signed into law in March considered in a special legislative session this monwealth. Contributing Writer [email protected] the American Rescue Plan from which Virginia summer to formally allocate the funds. Those If you hear a big sigh of relief coming from will realize nearly seven billion dollars for state priorities read like a wish list for those familiar the direction of the State Capitol in Richmond and local government. That is a lot of money by with the operation of the Virginia government it is because relief is on the way! ADVERTISING: For advertising information [email protected] Area Roundups 703-778-9431 Eligible state, metropolitan city, and county they are solving in our community,” said Brian Treasury Launches governments may now request their allocation Meadows, Partner, Alliance Executive Search, Debbie Funk Display Advertising/National Sales through the Treasury Submission Portal. and PRS Board Member. 703-778-9444 State and Local Covid Along with Alliance and CBRE, nearly 20 [email protected] organizations sponsored the event, including Relief Funds New Charitable Event Cassady & Company, Sage, Intacct, McGriff, In- David Griffin U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim telliBridge, TriNet, SpeedPro Northern Virginia Marketing Assistant Kicked Off Mental 703-778-9431 Kaine applauded the Treasury Department’s and Ridgeline International. Hole sponsors in- [email protected] launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fis- cluded: DPR, OTJ Architects, Hungry, AB, Bog- cal Recovery Funds, established by the Ameri- Health Awareness net, Estatespace, WashREIT, SemiFin, GradFin, Classified & Employment can Rescue Plan Act. Rob Sturm, and the PRS Board of Directors. Advertising “We welcome the $7.2 billion in relief for Vir- Month 703-778-9431 ginia and are pleased the Biden Administration Kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month, has listened to our calls to give states, localities, a new golf tournament hosted by Alliance Ex- How to Keep Editor & Publisher and tribes significant flexibility in determining ecutive Search and CBRE on May 3 raised more Mary Kimm how best to use these emergency funds,” said the than $26,000 to benefit PRS, a leading behav- Children, Teens [email protected] Senators. “These funds will allow the Common- ioral health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia. @MaryKimm wealth and localities to recover from the eco- “In our new normal, it was great to be outside Safe Online Executive Vice President nomic harm of COVID, promote public health, meeting new people and introducing them to With children and teens spending so much Jerry Vernon invest in broadband, make up for lost revenue, PRS. We appreciate Alliance and CBRE’s gen- time online, parents and caregivers need to 703-549-0004 and address many of the other impacts of the erosity in hosting this great tournament that know how to help them be safe from predators. [email protected] pandemic. We will keep working with the Com- benefited those we serve,” said Joseph Getch, So this Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m., the Fairfax monwealth and local governments to ensure Vir- CEO, PRS. “Bringing business executives and County Police Department’s Major Crimes Bu- Managing Editor ginians receive this much-needed relief.” community leaders together to show support reau and the National Center for Missing & Ex- Kemal Kurspahic Art/Design: The Virginia state government will receive for those experiencing mental health issues ploited Children will present the latest trends in Laurence Foong, John Heinly, nearly $4.3 billion from these funds. An addi- was the perfect way to kick off Mental Health online victimization of children and what can be Ali Khaligh tional amount of approximately $2.9 billion Awareness Month.” done to prevent their online exploitation. Join Production Manager: will be allocated to municipalities the following More than 72 golfers participated in the tour- the discussion via https://bit.ly/3vWQQrC. Geovani Flores way for local areas: nament. Held at Westwood Golf Club in Vienna, Alexandria: $59,633,833 the event featured 18 holes, a cocktail recep- CIRCULATION Arlington County: $46,003,782 tion, and speakers, including a PRS client, who Let Us Know Your View [email protected] Fairfax County: $222,894,638 discussed his struggle and recovery. Alliance Send letters Fairfax City: $4,665,409 and CBRE plan to make this an annual event Online www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter By email: [email protected] Falls Church: $2,839,181 that supports PRS. As a nonprofit providing Non-entitlement funds: approximately mental health, crisis intervention and suicide By mail to: Letters to the Editor The Connection $633,000,000 prevention services to thousands across North- 1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314 Allocations for non-entitlement local govern- ern Virginia, PRS and its services are needed You can comment on our ments will soon be released and will provide an more than ever during this period. Facebook page or find us on Twitter additional $633 million in relief to Virginia cit- “Breaking the stigma around mental health www.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers https://twitter.com/alexgazette ies and towns. Tribal governments will receive issues is the way forward. By hosting this https://twitter.com/mtvernongazette their allocation amounts after submitting their tournament, we were able to introduce more https://twitter.com/followfairfax requests for funding to the Treasury. business leaders to PRS and the critical issues 4 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar
NOW THRU JUNE 26 MONDAY/MAY 24 MONDAY/MAY 24 Sully Historic Site run at 11 a.m., 1 This event is designed for participants www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Ken Britz, Artist of the Year. At VAS Artifacts of the Past. At E.C. Lawrence Field Trip for All. At Sully Historic Site, p.m. and 3 p.m. The cost is $40 per age 16 to adult. The cost is $10 per Gallery in the Village Green, 513 Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chan- family. Call 703-437-1794. person. Call 703-323-6600. @RestonConnect Maple Ave. W, Vienna. The Vienna This program is one of the Park tilly. Bring history to life for your Arts Society is thrilled to present Authority’s new “Field Trips for All” elementary school students with a WEDNESDAY/MAY 26 SUNDAY/MAY 30 An independent, locally owned weekly a collection of “Favored Subjects”, that is geared toward specific age private “Field Trip for All” to Sully Partial Lunar Eclipse. 4-6 a.m. At Cowboy and Western Music. 7:30 p.m. newspaper delivered artworks by Artist of the Year Ken levels. Artifacts of the Past takes Historic Site. The Park Authority’s Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Online. Hear authentic, heart- to homes and businesses. Britz. The exhibition is open April prekindergarten children and their Field Trips for All offers parents Fairfax Station. Join the park’s felt singing about the vanishing Published by 12 through June 26, Mon. - Sat., parents on a trip back in time. It a chance to supplement their astronomical naturalist at 4 a.m. American West in a free, online Local Media Connection LLC 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover more offers parents a unique opportunity child’s school lessons with real to view the partial lunar eclipse concert. After the concert, join in about Ken on the website: www. to supplement their child’s learning experiences and the application of before the moon sets. Enjoy a a sing-around with the performers. 1606 King Street ViennaArtsSociety.org with real world experiences. The concepts in the Virginia Standards late-night/early-morning view of Free; Suggested donation: $20 per Alexandria, Virginia 22314 program at Ellanor C. Lawrence of Learning. Sully Historic Site the stars and constellations, too. A listener. (If you feel generous, a NOW THRU MAY 31 Park runs from 10 to 11 a.m., joins in with programs on “Life in limited number of telescopes will higher amount will help support Free digital edition delivered to Dinosaur Drive-Thru Experience. The and the cost is $6 per person. All Historic Virginia” four Mondays be available to use, but it’s also a the performers.) Contact Charlie your email box. Go to Dinosaurs are ready to return from attendees, parents and children, in May. On Monday, May 24, the good idea to bring binoculars along Baum, [email protected]. Register connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe extinction. The drive-thru dinosaur must register to control group size. field trip topic will be Textiles in to get the most out of this viewing at https://www.fsgw.org/Concerts, exhibit is the first of its kind at the Call 703-631-0013. 1794. The 45-minute programs at experience. to get the concert link. Bull Run Events Center in Centre- NEWS DEPARTMENT: ville. The Museum quality exhibit, [email protected] with more than 75+ animatronic and static dinosaurs, runs May 14 Kemal Kurspahic through May 31. Tours are avail- Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 able Wednesday through Sunday, [email protected] 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Visit www. drivethrudinos.com or call 800- Mercia Hobson 830-3976. Community Reporter [email protected] SATURDAY/MAY 22 Art Walk on Main. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bonnie Hobbs Main Street, Fairfax. A hyper-casu- al event on Main Street to reclaim Community Reporter, 703-778-9415 our sense of community post-pan- @connectionnewspapers.com bhobbs demic. Artists demos and instal- lation art on view. This is a no Ken Moore sale/no fee event meaning visitors Contributing Writer will not be charged admission and [email protected] artists will not have works for sale. We hope everyone will support our local shops instead by enjoying the ADVERTISING: various foods, beverages and items For advertising information they have to offer. Please support [email protected] our local shops instead. Visit the 703-778-9431 website: www.debrawrightstudio. com Debbie Funk Display Advertising/National Sales SATURDAY/MAY 22 703-778-9444 The Quander Family. 1:30-3 p.m. Ro- [email protected] hulamin Quander speaks about the Quanders of Fairfax County, one of David Griffin the oldest and most notable Afri- Marketing Assistant can-American families in the coun- 703-778-9431 try. This Burke Historical Society [email protected] sponsored talk will be presented online by Pohick Regional Library. Classified & Employment Registration required. Visit the Advertising website: https://librarycalendar. 703-778-9431 fairfaxcounty.gov/event/777952
SUNDAY/MAY 23 Editor & Publisher Life After Breath. 2-4 p.m. Online. At Mary Kimm the age of three, Jacob contracted [email protected] a dangerous disease which caused @MaryKimm him to suffocate and leave his body. Jacob will shed light on his Executive Vice President experienced from the other side Jerry Vernon and share lessons learned during 703-549-0004 his NDE. Cost is $10. Visit the [email protected] website: https://www.meetup. com/IANDS-Northern-Virginia/ Managing Editor events/278022887/ Kemal Kurspahic Art/Design: SUNDAY/MAY 23 Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Milling Class. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. At Ali Khaligh Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Production Manager: Road, Great Falls. The “Run of the Geovani Flores Mill Class” at Colvin Run Mill is anything but run of the mill. This unique class offers family groups a CIRCULATION firsthand look at the old-fashioned [email protected] process of milling grain from be- ginning to end. Colvin Run’s hands- on program teaches you how grain is sifted using antique equipment and what it takes to clean the mill. You even get to take home a sample of the grain that is ground during the program. Classes run from 11 a.m. to noon and from 3 to 4 p.m. The cost is $60 per family group of up to nine people, age 6 to adult. Call 703-759-2771.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 v 5 News ‘Do the Right Things for the Right Reasons’
and many senior master police officers that Meet Capt. Jason Allegra: Sully District police commander. help steer this station.” “They really provide great By Bonnie Hobbs the criminals to justice and support and guidance to the The Connection trying to recover those items.” younger officers and are- im He did that job for five portant to the success of this ttending Old Dominion Universi- years, from 2009-14. “There station,” continued Allegra. ty, Jason Allegra followed in his were a lot of serial burglar- “We’re also extremely lucky brother’s footsteps by majoring in ies during that time, mostly here to have the community’s Acriminal justice. And those cours- involving jewelry,” he said. support and trust. And I plan es led him to a career with the Fairfax Coun- “So we did many operations to build off of it and contin- ty Police Department and his new position where we were proactive in ue that relationship between as commander of the Sully District Station. catching the burglars in prog- the community, its businesses “Once I started the classes, I became inter- ress. And we incorporated and the police.” ested in it,” he said. “While in college, I did our Neighborhood Patrol Unit The station has 109 sworn ride-alongs with the Chesapeake police, and in it. I needed the entire sta- officers, eight auxiliary- of that’s when I decided this is what I wanted tion, and CIS, to do my job. ficers, plus civilian staff to to do.” And that’s my role now, too – cover 70 square miles. Gen- Graduating in 1994, Allegra was hired by making sure the Sully District erally, larcenies from vehicles Fairfax County in 1995, attended the Crimi- Station functions well.” are the most prevalent crimes nal Justice Academy and has now been with Promoted to first lieutenant here. The officers also - fo the FCPD for more than 26 years. He began in 2014, Allegra then became cus on DWIs and preventing at the McLean District Station, serving on the police liaison commander Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection crashes, especially along the the Neighborhood Patrol Unit (Bike Team). at the Dispatch Center, acting Police Capt. Jason Allegra at his desk at the Sully District Station. Routes 28/29 Corridor. “Due “It was a joy,” he said. “I absolutely loved as the link between dispatch to COVID-19, we had lots of fighting crime and arresting bad guys while, and patrol units. He assisted the duty officer Intelligence Unit. “As you move through the virtual meetings,” said Allegra. “But more at the same time, helping their victims.” He by getting the resources the patrol officers Police Department, you learn something than 70 percent of the Police Department is was promoted to sergeant in 2003 and be- required, such as Major Crimes detectives, every step of the way and become a more vaccinated now, so we’re moving along.” came patrol supervisor at the Mason District a helicopter, crime-scene detectives and/or well-rounded commander,” said Allegra. He said the toughest part of his job during Station. On the front line of the action, he K-9s to respond to a track. Then in 2019, he was promoted to captain this pandemic is not being able to get out oversaw a patrol squad on the street, re- “It was good to sit with the dispatchers and transferred to the Organized Crime and and meet residents in small groups in a re- sponding to serious, major incidents. and see what a great job they do looking af- Narcotics Division. He was the commander laxed forum. “When things go well, it’s be- ter our officers,” said Allegra. Afterward, he of undercover, narcotics, money-laundering cause of the troops,” said Allegra. “When ALLEGRA was transferred to the Depart- served from 2015-17 as assistant command- and street-crimes investigations and also they’re bad, it’s on me. So I do everything I ment’s Internal Affairs Bureau in 2007 and, er of the McLean District Station. headed the Opioid Unit. can to listen to the officers, guide them and the following year, was promoted to second “I learned a lot there,” he said. “I learned “That unit had just started, and I reor- give them all the tools they need to be suc- lieutenant. “It’s not a job you ask to go to, how to run a station from a command stand- ganized it to bolster the officers’ investiga- cessful. The same goes for the community but it plays a significant role in the Depart- point, plus what front-line officers need to tions,” said Allegra. “I got them the resourc- members – they want to be heard.” ment,” he explained. “And a lot of times, it do their jobs and how best to help them. es they needed to do their investigations “If you learn from your mistakes, incorpo- ends up that the officer you’re investigating We need to listen to what they tell us about – which are so complex and difficult. These rate good values and do the right things for did the right thing. So I was glad to do it.” what they see and need, because they’re do- included equipment, people and partner- the right reasons, you’re going to be fine,” he After two-and-a-half years, he went to the ing the work.” ships with federal investigators and other added. “A lot of people care more about how Reston District Station as the Criminal Inves- Next, Allegra became commander of the local jurisdictions in the Metropolitan Wash- they were treated by a police officer than tigations Section (CIS) supervisor. There, he Inspections Division of the Internal Affairs ington area and Baltimore – because drugs about how they were adjudicated in court.” was mainly in charge of burglary, street rob- Bureau. “I made sure proper procedures come from all over.” So what gives Allegra the most satisfac- bery and larceny investigations. were followed regarding evidence, chain of tion in his new position? “I love the station “It was probably my favorite job because command, policies, files and records,” he HIS NEXT MOVE was in January, when he environment and interacting with the offi- you’re going after some serious criminals, said. became commander of the Sully District cers, on both a personal and a professional while giving satisfaction to people who’ve After that assignment, he went to the Station. “It feels good; I feel fortunate to be level,” he said. “I enjoy watching them grow had their homes burglarized and things tak- Criminal Intelligence Division as its assis- here,” he said. “There’s such a great founda- and achieve their goals – whether it’s getting en – or had their valuables stolen during a tant commander. There, he oversaw both tion at Sully that I walked into a wonderful to a specialty unit or getting promoted. It’s a robbery,” said Allegra. “It’s about bringing the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Gang situation. There are great supervisors here commander’s job to help them.” Area Roundups
Child Car Seat Inspections, U.S. service academies. This event will help them in their from Route 29 North to I-66 East. Trucks, trailers, and overall preparedness. other multi-axle vehicles are encouraged to use Route 28 May 20 The Zoom program will include presentations from Acad- North to access I-66 East while this change is in place. Police officers will inspect car seats, Thursday, May emy Liaison Officers, plus a detailed explanation of the Con- 20, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the Sully District Station, 4900 gressional nomination process. Service Academy Liaisons Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Seats should already be will also be available to answer questions. Register in ad- Help WFCM’s installed so they’re ready to be inspected and properly vance at https://ushr.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIs- reinstalled, if necessary. Parents will also learn how to duigqD0qE1zVeV4GZTDfr5n-ThxQCCw. Food Pantry properly install the seats, themselves. Inspections are Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) helps done first-come, first-served. Wear a mask and adhere to feed families in need in the local area, and the most-need- social distancing. I-66 East Access from ed items in its food pantry this month are: Sugar (1-2 pounds), vegetable oil, pasta sauce and canned pasta, Route 29 Changes spaghetti sauce, mashed potatoes, canned pineapple, Online Military Service The previously closed, left-turn lane and ramp from Route juice and canned spinach, collard greens, beets and 29 North to I-66 East in Centreville reopened May 16. Now, mushrooms. Also needed are toiletries including sham- Academy Night for the next three weeks, the ramp from Route 29 South to poo, conditioner, feminine pads, shaving cream, toilet pa- U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) will host an online I-66 East will be closed. During that time, drivers on Route per, deodorant and baby wipes. For information on how Military Service Academy Night, on Wednesday, May 26, 29 South will access I-66 East a short distance farther south to donate these items to WFCM’s food pantry in Chantilly, at 7 p.m., for students interested in attending one of the on Route 29 by turning right at the traffic signal to the ramp call 703- 988-9656.
6 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News
Photo contributed Photo by Mercia Hobson /The Connection Linda Colbert, Mayor of the Town of Vienna prepares to meet the The first group of cyclists heads off on the Tour de Hunter Mill organized by the Hunter Mill Tour de Hunter Mill cyclists and welcome them to discover the cul- District, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB), and Reston Bike Club (RBC). tural and environmental treasures of the town. A Perfect Day for the Pedal-Happy Two-wheeling’ Unity Matter before the Supervisors to create the first-ever Bicycle Master Plan for all of Fair- in our Community’ at fax County. He said, “This is exactly the rea- son why we needed that because what frus- trated me is that most people in the County the Inaugural Tour didn’t know all the awesome biking oppor- tunities that existed in Fairfax County. And de Hunter Mill. because they didn’t know them, they weren’t trying [them out].” By Mercia Hobson McKay added that the County wasn’t The Connection learning where trail extensions were need- ed to complete a bicycling network.” We’re yclists of all abilities gathered making progress on that...making Fairfax early Saturday morning, May 15, County a much more safe, pedestrian and at Reston Community Center for bicycle-friendly community,” he said. Cthe inaugural Tour de Hunter Jeff Gauger of Alexandria is Vice Presi- Mill. Organized by the Hunter Mill District, dent of Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB), (FABB). Gauger said he would serve as one and Reston Bike Club (RBC), the event of the many ride marshals. “I just want to showcased “Unity in our Community.” Mercia Hobson /The Connection Photo contributed make sure that everything’s okay on the ride Gulu Gambhir and Rhonda Van Diest of Shyamali Hauth, Hunter Mill District Cyclists Fairfax County Supervisor Walter if anyone’s pulled over with a flat tire or Vienna readied themselves for the ride and Staff, holds up one of the route marker C. Alcorn (D) and his wife, Kristen board something,” he said. appeared delighted to be there. “I’m super signs sited on paths and trails throughout the Metrorail as part of the 15-mile route Cyclists set off together on mapped adven- excited to join everyone on this beautiful Vienna and Reston, cueing cyclists where option of the Tour de Hunter Mill, held tures of 5-, 15-, and 20-mile routes, discover- day for this bike ride through the Hunter to turn on the Tour de Hunter Mill. Saturday, May 15. ing or revisiting the many hidden treasures, Mill area,” said Gambhir. cultural and environmental resources in the “We think this is a great way to celebrate Reston-Vienna areas in the Hunter Mill Dis- the end of the pandemic lockdown. Today’s trict of Fairfax County. In the Town of Vien- our day to go out and play and enjoy be- na, Mayor Linda J. Colbert prepared to greet ing with other people...This is the first time riders on the W&OD Trail. “I love the col- we’ve ever done this. We’ve never done orga- laboration between Vienna and Supervisor nized riding ever together,” added Van Diest. Walter Alcorn’s office. The Vienna Bicycle Supervisor Walter L. Alcorn (D-Hunter Advisory Committee and I will welcome the Mill District) welcomed riders, including riders with water and refreshments as they Supervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon enter Vienna. I hope they will want to come District) and Chairman of the Board of Su- back and enjoy more of our town,” she said. pervisors, Jeffrey C. McKay (D- At-Large) to Alcorn and his wife Kristen chose the 15- the “first-ever Tour de Hunter Mill. mile tour route with a partial Metrorail op- “Some of you may know that every year tion. They avoided 475 feet of climbing over there is a Tour de Mount Vernon. “Okay, so six miles and experienced how to bring a we borrowed the idea. This is not complete- bike on Metrorail. ly an original thought,” said Alcorn. “Chair- Food, fun, and prizes awaited cyclists at man of the Board of Supervisors, Jeff McKay Mercia Hobson /The Connection Reston Community Center. “The Tour de is also here. I have to say that actually be- Ride Marshall Jeff Gauger of Alexandria Mercia Hobson /The Connection Hunter Mill was a tour de force. Great job fore there was a tour to Mount Vernon, there is Vice President of Fairfax Alliance for Shyamali Hauth, Hunter Mill District by Kelley Westenhoff [Reston Bike Club] and was a Tour de Lee District when he [McKay] Better Bicycling and served during the Staff, hands volunteer Bob Evans, senior Supervisor Alcorn,” said Roberta Gosling of was the district supervisor. So, thank you for Tour de Hunter Mill, ready to respond W&OD Trail patroller and Tour de Hunter Reston. “The route was well thought out, starting the tradition.” to emergencies and incidents and help Mill ride marshal a colorful pair of ‘Unity well-marked, and easy to follow. Best of all, According to McKay, in 2014, as the Lee make the event a positive and fun experi- in Our Community’ cycling socks, sure to we discovered many new routes and paths District Supervisor, he brought a Board ence for cyclists. step up the style of his cycling game. to and through Tyson’s Corner,” she said. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 v 7 News
Photos by Susan Laume/The Connection
Dr. Thelma Daley, Past President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, poses with a statue of Mary Church Terrell, an honorary member of the sorority and co-founder of the NAACP. Jane Barker, Vice Chair/Co-Founder of the Turning Point Suffragist The Sorority contributed $100,000 to the Memorial’s $2.7 million dollar funding. Memorial Association, extended an invitation to all to “come here and learn this history and enjoy our beautiful memorial in this Memorial gorgeous park.”
Also included in the memorial is an actual section of the White House fence, on loan The Turning Point Suffragist Memori- from the National Park Service; the first sec- al uses a significant number of stations, tion to be given. 19, to tell the suffrage movement story from 1848 to 1920. Its cost was funded THE FENCE was a backdrop for the quiet through contributions of thousands of do- picketing the suffragists carried on in front nors from 45 states and the District of Co- of the White House, the first ever to protest lumbia, Fairfax County, the Virginia Com- there, to gain President Wilson’s attention, monwealth, foundations, corporations, earning them the name, “Silent Sentinels”. the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, women’s The Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. associations, and non-profit organizations. Constitution prohibits the United States and Three life-sized bronze statues, donated individual states from denying the right to by the National Suffrage Centennial Com- vote to citizens on the basis of sex. The first mission, reflect the images of Alice Paul, women’s suffrage amendment was intro- co-founder of the National Women’s Par- duced in Congress in 1878, but not passed ty; Mary Church Terrell, co-founder of the until 1919; it was ratified by the required 36 NAACP and an organizer and honorary Contractor Terry Dubeau, Culpeper, states and was certified on Aug. 26, 1920. member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; works on completing columns last week Peri and Page Schiavone sit taking in the To learn more about the memorial and the and Carrie Chapman Catt, President of the for the memorial’s central rotunda in memorial’s grounds and 19 history infor- Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Associa- National Woman Suffrage Association. preparation for the dedication. mation stations with other visitors tion, see www.sufragistmemorial.org
Bulletin Board Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before the event.
THURSDAY/MAY 20 will speak on the topic, “In the You will see the boundary locator therapy for injury and pain relief, more available for purchase. Virtual Scavenger Hunt. 6-7 p.m. Shadow of the Capitol Dome: Vir- where you can type in your address wishes to thank local nurses in Visit the website: https://www. The Reston-Dulles Section of ginia Politics in National Context.” and confirm which FCPS school honor of National Nurses Week eldenstreettea.com/ the National Council of Negro Website to register: https://nvhc. you are zoned for. Registration with a free 30-minute massage. To Women is hosting a virual scav- shulcloud.com/form/speaker-se- packets are available online. Visit book a free 30-minute massage, AUSA GOLF TOURNAMENT enger hunt. Purchase tickets ries-5/27.html the Kindergarten Registration page call 703-869-9601 or visit https:// JUNE 14 at https://ncnwrestondulles. on the FCPS website: www.fcps. whitehartmassage.janeapp.com/#/ The Association of the United org/virtual-scavenger-hunt. KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION edu/registration for steps to reg- nurses-special to book an appoint- States Army (AUSA) Fairfax-Lee Tickets $5 Oak Hill Elementary School, 3210 ister your student. If you’re within ment in advance. Chapter Golf Tournament to Kinross Circle, Herndon. Children Oak Hill boundaries, contact Oak Benefit the LTC (R) Ken Britt THURSDAY/MAY 27 who are age 5 by September 30, Hill ES registrar, Katherine Dillard, NOW THRU OCT. 2 Scholarship Program will be Speaker Dr. Lauren Bell. 7 p.m. 2021 are eligible to enter kin- at [email protected] or by call- Winedown Weekends in the Tea Gar- held on Monday, June 14, from At Northern Virginia Hebrew dergarten for the 2021-22 school ing 703-467-3500 to schedule an den. 12-7 p.m. At Elden Street Tea 12 to 6 p.m., at the Westfields Congregation. Dr. Lauren Bell is year. You will need to register appointment to register your child Shop, 714 Pine Street, Herndon. Golf Club, 13940 Balmoral a Professor of Political Science your child at the school he or she or if you have any questions. Enjoy the new wine bar in the tea Greens Ave in Clifton, Virginia. and Dean of Academic Affairs at will attend. To confirm Oak Hill gardens with music (mostly live) Early bird registration ends Randolph-Macon College. She Elementary School serves your FREE MASSAGES TO NURSES every Friday and Saturday. Will April 15. To register online is an accomplished author and particular address, go to the FCPS White H.A.R.T. Holistic And Relaxation have seasonal wine selections, visit https://bit.ly/2PUhy0U or a former Congressional Fellow website, www.fcps.edu and click on Therapy of Herndon, Northern snack items, and food trucks contact [email protected] and Supreme Court Fellow. She Registration. Virginia’s provider of massage (coming soon). Local caterers and or 571-330-3101.
8 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News
(From left) John T. Frey, the Fairfax County Circuit Court clerk swears in Kevin Davis as the Chief of Police Fairfax County Police Department on Monday, May 10, 2021.
Photo by FCPD Ceremonial Swearing-in of Police Chief Davis
Bt Mercia Hobson Supervisors on Friday, April 23. As chief, Davis holds The Connection the top rank in the agency formed 80 years ago. Headquartered in Fairfax, FCPD employs 1,402 police n Monday, May 10, Fairfax County Po- officers and 368 civilians covering a jurisdiction of lice Department (FCPD) tweeted, “This 407 square miles. Photo by Susan Laume/The Connection morning, Chief Davis was surrounded On May 4, 2021, the Board of Supervisors Oby family, senior staff, and members approved the following appropriations to the The First Cicada Find at of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial General Fund for the police department begin- swearing-in as Chief of Police.” Davis was sworn- ning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022: Laurel Hill Park in by John T. Frey, the clerk of the Fairfax County Compensation-$186,374,506; Operating Ex- Laurel Hill Park volunteers Lauren Struble and Tom Wrzywic- Circuit Court. penses- $34,770,258; Work Performed for Oth- ki had different reactions to finding their first cicada during Davis became the police chief on May 3 follow- ers-($697,406); Capital Outlay-$381,600- Total invasive daylily removal. ing his appointment by the Fairfax County Board of $220,828,958 according to Fairfax County.
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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 v 9 Classified WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411
Obituary Obituary Services
Ballet teacher and true original Julia Cziller Redick’s PRESSURE WASHING PROS legacy lives on, though she has passed. Julia, or Mrs. In Business for 25 Years Redick as she was lovingly known, died on April 18th, 2021 in Arlington, Virginia after a courageous fight with health issues. Her artistic spirit continues to remain vi- brant in the hearts and lives of thousands of dancers • Soft Wash whom she nurtured, trained, and empowered through • Deck Cleaning/Staining her love of ballet. • Fences Julia’s mother, Alicia Kish Reisz, was a Prima Balle- • Driveways rina with the Hungarian State Opera Ballet before she pwashingpros.com abandoned her career to flee the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 with then eleven-year-old Julia. They came to the United States as refugees, (703) 378-8645 where Reisz rebuilt her life and supported her young daughter as the head of the dance Call the licensed and bonded pros with program at Wykeham Rise School for Girls in Connecticut. Following a brief career as the best pricing in the NoVA area today. a professional ballet dancer, Julia went on to forge her own path as a teacher, founding the Conservatory Ballet in 1972 in Columbia, Maryland. After moving the school to Res- ton, it rapidly grew and was soon recognized as a premiere ballet school in the Wash- Employment ington D.C. area. It was through her deep passion, artistic spirit, and tenacious nature that families were drawn to entrusting their children in her studios. She became a sec- ond mother to her students, always looking after them as if they were her own children. The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc. Speaking of her students and the impact of ballet training on their lives, Mrs. Redick has a position open for a volunteer for our once said, “I love the dance and I love teaching it to children. . . The metamorphosis is non-profit thrift shop in downtown Herndon VA. utterly amazing.” She remained Artistic Director of the Conservatory Ballet, a treasured A brief description of the job is as follows: The Volunteer Coordinator ensures that the institution in Reston, for close to 50 years, fostering a deep appreciation and love of the interests of volunteers are served and that the artform in everyone she touched. She is deeply missed. volunteer force remains well staffed. The Vol- Julia Redick is survived by her three children, Darren Redick, Jared Redick, and Alexia unteer Coordinator will work to actively recruit Redick Bartlett. She was a proud grandmother to Alana, Oliver, and Hugh. volunteers for The Closet Thrift Shop. The can- didate must be skilled at using various market- A memorial service will be held at Lake Anne and Washington Plaza in Reston, VA on ing tools, including electronic databases, so- Sunday May 23rd at 3pm. cial media, e-mail, written communications of various types, and outreach events. The can- didate must be detail-oriented and organized, requiring work on several projects at once. The Volunteer Coordinator must be outgoing and communicate effectively with a variety of people. The full job announcement is available on-line at our website: http://theclosetofgreaterherndon.org/ job-openings/ Interested applicants should email a resume and cover letter to: Mr. Gene Wiley, President The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area, Inc. [email protected]
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ABC LICENSE Little Beast Reston LLC trading as Little Beast,12100 Sunset Hills Rd Ste R6, Reston, VA 20190-5894. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVER- AGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Aaron Gordon, Member. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
10 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Obituary Obituary Sign up for www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe A True Sense of Insecurity Michael Stephen Horwatt of Reston, Virginia, died on Business Friday, August 14, 2020, just shy of 79 years old, with his daughters by his side and the rest of his family holding vigil on Zoom. Ultimately, it was severe spinal stenosis that killed Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE him, but Covid-19 was a cruel collaborator, keeping him iso- lated at his assisted living facility. Michael called it “emotional WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM From the moment you hear the word cancer malnutrition.” spoken in your direction - from your new best Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in McLean Virginia, friend, an oncologist with whom you’ve had Call 703-549-0004 zero previous interaction, you are transported Michael learned to stand up for his beliefs at an early age. to all of our papers FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION for advertising information Michael always fought for others, too. He believed racial in- to a new reality. A reality that a few of those tegration was good for everyone and rallied the local SCA moments before, was nowhere on your radar. Presidents to go to Richmond to advocate for such in front of the Virginia General Whatever innocence, expectation of normalcy Assembly. ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL and/or predictability you anticipated experi- In 1961, Michael was an organizer of the first march on Washington as a leader of encing in your life, is now completely gone. the Grinnell 14 to support President Kennedy’s reluctance to resume atmospheric Not only are you not in Kansas anymore, you nuclear testing. President Kennedy, who was in California at the time, heard that the are nowhere to be found, emotionally. All your group was picketing and on a hunger strike at the White House and directed United hopes, dreams and presumptions about your States National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy to admit the group. Telling them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are that even Gandhi drank juice during the hunger strike, McBundy offered them orange back-burnered by your life-changing diagnosis. juice. The group rejected the offer staying true to their fast. They also collected sig- A diagnosis which will require some kind of natures and delivered a petition to the Soviet Embassy to request that the Soviets treatment, side effects notwithstanding, which stop nuclear testing. This was the first modern direct action on arms control. One will likely dampen your enthusiasm for living hundred twenty other colleges and universities followed. and affect all your decisions. Figuratively speak- Michael said to communicate that the danger of nuclear testing affected everyone, it ing, there’s a new sheriff in town and if you’re not compliant and attentive to your doctor’s or- was important to speak a language they could hear-- to “open their ears.” The stu- LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING dents cut their hair and wore suits and ties so as not to look like “beatniks.” In 2014 ders, you’ll become a prisoner to your disease. at a panel discussion about this event, Michael said, “Consciousness about getting Even if you are compliant, a cancer diagno- your message heard is the challenge of the modern age. The problem is not in a sis, however curable, is the kind of news that repertoire of solutions, the problem is in getting a political consensus to implement sticks with you no matter how long into your them. We are now at a point where there is such a cleavage in thinking that people remission you are or how encouraging your have a sense of reality that is totally at war with others that disagree with them. When diagnostic scans appear to be. Since I’ve not you’re angry and you’re feeling self-righteous and ‘how could they be so stupid’, you experienced being cancer free - after having are sure to do nothing. [The task is] finding creative ways to shape a policy that falls received an initial diagnosis/prognosis, I can’t unevenly on people.” Michael was exemplary at that. Summer Cleanup... imagine the relief and rebirth one might feel In 1977, Michael was appointed chairman of a committee to advise the Fairfax after learning their cancer has been beaten County Board of Supervisors whether to relocate the county’s judicial and adminis- into submission. It’s really too much to even trative complex from Fairfax City to Fairfax County. The Board of Supervisors named contemplate when you’ve been given a sort of representatives of the many divergent interests in the county. As Michael put it, “The death sentence. Practically speaking, how does members looked at the same clock and saw a different time.” Despite the contro- one go from being constantly under threat of a versial and highly divisive issue of relocating a local government’s headquarters, the worsening outcome to one which is completely committee reached virtually unanimity. free from the emotional and physical tentacles At one point, the committee was divided on one provision. Michael voted against his of a cancer diagnosis? own position because he felt that there needed to be more of a consensus for the You can’t really unwring the bill, to coin a endeavor to be successful. phrase. Moreover, hearing “You have cancer” He served as chairman of two more committees on relocation of the county govern- sticks with you like Gorilla Glue. It’s hard to ment. One involved recommending specific sites for the new county complex while even imagine ever hearing anything worse. the other involved a master plan for the new government center. Again, as Michael Then one day, hearing your oncologist say “no said, “these committees started far apart and ended one vote short of unanimous.” sign of cancer” to you. To quote my late mother: Michael met Sally Singer as a freshman at Grinnell College, and they married the Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage “It’s too much for anybody’s nerves.” And it’s day after graduation. He graduated with bachelor’s degrees in political science and almost too much to ever consider. Your reality is voice. He then went on to law school at the University of Virginia. that you have a very serious medical condition/ Upon graduation, he went to work with his mentor, antitrust lawyer H. Graham disease, and once again, to quote my late moth- Morison. Morison was United States Attorney under Truman. From 1968 to 1970, er” “No one gets out of this life alive.” Thinking, Michael worked as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney under Robert F. Horan. even contemplating a miracle cure is a tease Eventually, he opened the first law firm in Reston, Horwatt and Kenny (on Lake Anne most unhelpful, to invoke the syntax of Hercule Plaza), which ultimately became Horwatt, Kenny, Glennon, Goodman, and Shultz. Poirot. Somehow one must learn to live with From 1978 to 1984, he served as a substitute judge for the General District Court. their disease or else you’ll die having been un- He joined Odin, Feldman, and Pittleman and then was recruited by Dickstein, Sha- able to lock it away in your vault, so to speak. piro, and Morin as managing partner. In 2000, he became managing partner of Bu- Somehow having cancer can’t be the predomi- chanan Ingersoll. Finally, he left to open his own law office as a solo practitioner. nant consideration in your life. Yet, when every During his career, he practiced First Amendment law, representing the Loudoun waking moment is nearly consumed by your Times-Mirror, among other newspapers, and practiced land use and zoning law. less-than-ideal circumstances, it’s an emotional Michael also shaped internet law in Virginia. He spearheaded the Virginia Electronic battle, most royal. If you win your share of skir- Signatures Act. He garnered support for the Uniform Computer Information Trans- mishes, you’ll likely be rewarded with more life actions Act in Virginia. to live. However, nothing is guaranteed, except His substantial background also includes extensive experience in economic devel- you know what: death and taxes.” opment, first with the Economic Development Administration of the United States “Any way you slice it, it’s still ham,” as my Department of Commerce and later in many other contexts. He also excelled in his father used to say. Meaning that cancer is a practice of business strategies and implementation, civil rights law, and criminal de- serious business and no amount of joking or fense law. His career spanned five decades, over which he helped countless people. obfuscation is going to change that fact. Nev- Mr. Horwatt became vice chairman of the Fairfax County Economic Development ertheless, if one doesn’t try and gives in to the Authority. He was named 1981 Citizen of the Year by the Fairfax County Chamber of disease psychologically, the internal damage Commerce and received the Washington Post/Fairfax County Federation of Citizens may be compounded. Not that I’ve denied my Association Citation of Merit for service to the community in 1983. In 1991 he ran for diagnosis or ever taken it lightly, but I have tried the Democratic nomination for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to embrace it and become friends with it; not against Audrey Moore. wanting to be controlled by it anymore than I Michael was predeceased by his parents, Saul and Lillian Horwatt of McLean Vir- already am. Given that I’ll likely never be free ginia. He is survived by his former wife and dearest friend, Sally Brodsky (Bob); his of my cancer, either I learn to live with it or die daughter Karin Horwatt Cather, of Scottsdale, AZ and his daughter Elizabeth (Beth) trying. And I’d rather go down fighting than go Horwatt Marks (Greg Pepus) of Leesburg, VA; His brother, David Horwatt (Jean) of down quietly. My situation has not changed or Los Angeles, CA; his grandchildren, Jalyn and Jacob Marks and Gabriel and Noah gotten worse. Still my disease is a major part of Cather; His nephews, Joshua and Elijah Horwatt, and his great nieces and nephews. me and integrating into my program is the best Michael was active in Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, participating in the way I know to try and make a molehill out of choir and in Torah Study. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Humane a mountain. I have been there and have done Society of the United States and the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation choir that. Hopefully, I’m not done being there. fund. A memorial service will be held for Michael on June 9, 2021 at 9:30AM. It will take place, rain or shine, outdoors on Lake Anne Plaza in front of the Washington Plaza Baptist Church adjacent to the lake and the Bob Simon statue. If you will be able to attend, please RSVP by June 2, 2021 to [email protected] so there will be enough chairs. If you would like to say a few words, please let the family Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for know at that email address, as well. The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 v 11 News
Singer/song- writer Amanda Cunningham of Reston
Photo contributed Photo by Mercia Hobson /The Connection Southgate Community Center located at 12125 Pinecrest Rd., Photo contributed Reston may be in for name change according to a Board Matter Former Fairfax County Supervi- Reston Singer-song- presented by Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill District). sor Catherine M. Hudgins writer Releases Single Southgate Community Center ‘Pattern’ doubles and relevance, mental health, resonated with May Be Renamed down on the Glory. “She related to it,” Cunningham said. blame game when What followed were Board Matter unanimously ter-school programs, teen center, basketball/soccer/ two 60-minute, one- cheerleader teams, Southgate’s-Got-Talent perfor- ‘being ghosted.’ on-one sessions putting approved by County mance competitions, and so many more programs, truth to lyrics during the Center has activities for virtually every interest of By Mercia Hobson which Cunningham crafted her Supervisors on naming the our youth,” Sigle said. He added, “Supervisor Hudgins The Connection song’s message. According to ‘original’ vision, and Center Director Ricardo Cabello’s Cunningham, “Pattern” exam- community center after implementation of that vision, have truly turned the merging singer-songwrit- ines her ten-year journey of “be- Center into an inter-generational space where every er Amanda Cunningham ing ghosted,” suddenly cut-off Catherine M. Hudgins. member of our community can truly feel a sense of be- Eof Reston shares her strug- from close, female friendships, longing.” gle with personal accountabili- the other women moving on By Mercia Hobson According to a September 2020 release by Friends ty, power when forming close without providing reasons. The Connection of SCC, Reston is one of the wealthiest communities in friendships, and self-esteem “The common thing is me, Northern Virginia, with a median income per house- in her newest single, “Pattern” something I’m doing. The song outhgate Community Center in Reston may be hold of $113k. Yet over 7 percent of the population (2021). Originally a self-de- talks about maybe I should look getting a new name soon. Fairfax CountySuper- lives below the poverty line. The Center hosts patrons scribed pop/rhythm and blues inside at myself. There are pat- visor Walter L. Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill District) from various backgrounds and ages, such as new im- [R&B] singer, Cunningham re- terns that I need to break… Spresented a Board Matter at the Fairfax County migrants with school-aged children who benefit from cently admitted her voice and [and see] there were red flags… Board of Supervisors Meeting of May 4 that staff from federal assistance free or reduced-price breakfast and lyrics are turning more country. in the relationships,” said Cun- the Department of Neighborhood and Community lunch meals. The Center is also an intergenerational “I’m currently working on new ningham. Services (NCS) work with the community to rename gathering place for making community. music now that will reflect this Part of the lyrics Cunning- Southgate Community Center in recognition of Super- During Covid-19, the Center hosts a School-Aged shift better,” Cunningham says ham wrote for “Pattern” (2021) visor Catherine M. Hudgins. The Board unanimously Children’s program through the Fairfax County Depart- on her website. reads: “… Didn’t know that I approved the motion. ment of Neighborhood & Community Services and of- “Pattern” is best described as couldn’t cry That it’d scare you fers online youth programming created by the Center’s a musing, sensitive song. Cun- outta my life Didn’t know I had SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY CENTER (SGCC) is lo- management staff. ningham’s soulful voice, sto- to sacrifice And play nice, all cated at 12125 Pinecrest Rd, Reston. Fairfax County rytelling, and acoustic guitar the time Is it me or does this operates it on land leased for free owned by Reston As- IN 2006, Gerald E. Connolly (D), then Chairman of chords subtly draw listeners always happen Must be some- sociation. When reading the Board Matter, Alcorn said the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors attended the toward an introspective look thing cuz I keep attracting All that Hudgins “worked tirelessly to negotiate the land Center’s Grand Opening. In 2021, U.S. Congressman at the mental health process of these people who ain’t here for lease, ...secure the financing, review the building- de Gerald E. Connolly (D-11) recalled the work Hudgins holding oneself accountable in me All these people who don’t sign, monitor its construction, and support the center’s put in to secure the Center and his thoughts about re- failed relationships, learning care for me… Gotta break this program activities. naming it in her honor. from mistakes, and not cash- Pattern Pattern.” “One of Supervisor Hudgins’ biggest accomplish- “Cathy Hudgins has been a visionary leader and a ing out of growth that leads to According to Cunningham, ments and one that is a lasting legacy is the re-creation steadfast supporter of building community identity, in- peace. when she went to sing the lyrics of the Southgate Community Center as a County-owned clusion, and togetherness. The Board’s measure to re- “Amanda’s vocal style and in- for the final release, she made facility in Reston in 2006,” Alcorn said. name the community center after my longtime friend is stincts are spot-on as an artist,” a few minor tweaks. “Certain According to the Connection Newspapers’ July a tremendous and appropriate honor for someone who said Cari Cole, CEO/Founder, A words are easier to sing, but it 12, 2006 story, “New Southgate Center Debuts,” the has dedicated so much to Fairfax County,” said Con- & R Director / CCVM Label w/o is pretty much as is,” she said. Southgate neighborhood had been without a commu- gressman Connolly. Walls. Cunningham said feedback nity amenity for nearly a decade. The $4.6 million, “The Southgate Community Center was a passion According to Cunningham, proved positive. 7,737-square-foot facility took three years to build. It project for Cathy Hudgins. She had a vision of a vi- the lyrics for “Pattern” came “Writing this song with replaced a rarely used 23-year-old Reston Association brant, active and well-used resource for gathering, about when, in 2019, she joined Amanda was so much fun,” said (RA) pool and community room. At the Center’s Grand learning, playing, celebrating that would support the Cole’s “Signature Writing Cir- Glory. “We both connected over Opening, Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) is neighborhoods of Glade Drive and beyond in Reston. cle” program and was teamed loving soulful music, so this one reported to have said, It is my hope that the program- She never gave up on her vision and the vitality of that up with Miranda Glory, NBC’s came very easily. Super excited ming will give our children a good start in life.” community hub today is testament to the power of 2020 Songland Songwriter. for this record to be out in the Andy Sigle, the Secretary of the Southgate Commu- safe and welcoming facilities to help build community. Cunningham recalled her pri- world,” she said. nity Center Advisory Council, spoke on behalf of the There is no one whose name would be more appropri- vate, co-writing prep session Visit Cunningham’s website Council, including Jan Bradshaw, Chair, and Darlena ate for this fantastic resource,” said Leila Gordon, RCC with Glory. Cunningham tapped to listen to her singles, “Pat- Ricks, Chair-Elect. He said that the Center continues Executive Director an emotional pain intertwined tern,” (2021), “Selfish Fool,” to serve the local neighborhood, Reston, and the sur- The Department of Neighborhood and Communi- with confusion. Cunningham’s (2020), and, “Highlights of rounding community well. ty Services will report to the Board about the name authenticity, the topic’s depth Youth,” (2020). “Between its summer and school break camps, af- change and an implementation plan. 12 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v May 19-25, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com