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Springfield❖ Newington The 85th Historic Garden Week in includes tours of homes and gardens in Great KingstowneKingstowne Falls, McLean and Vienna hosted by the Garden ❖ Club of Fairfax on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The ranconia featured historic home was once the Hunting F Lodge for Lord Fairfax for whom Fairfax County is named, a privately owned home, beautifully online at www.connectionnewspapers.com preserved and not often open to the public, dating to the mid 1700s. One garden is designed like a quilt because the owner of this historic house is a world renown quilter. [email protected] for tickets.

www.vagardenweek.org Photo by Donna Moulton/Fairfax Garden Club Garden Moulton/Fairfax Donna by Photo Local Media Connection LLC LifeStyle Lee High School’s Home Eyerusalem Desta was honored for her work with her school’s chapter of Amnesty International and working to help at-risk families in the community. At the annual Peace Awards ceremony, she is pictured with U.S. Rep (D-11).

Classifieds, Page 14Opinion, Page 6 v Entertainment, 14 Classifieds, Twitter: @SprConnection on Follow 2018 Student Peace Awards Sports, Page 12 Public Safety ‘Nevertheless, Heroes Honored She Persisted’ News, Page 2 News, Page 11 Photo by Steve Hibbard/The Connection by Steve Photo March 15-21, 2018 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com 2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected] 2018 Student Peace Awards Students from 23 Fairfax County schools recognized for promoting peace and conflict resolution.

By Steve Hibbard The Connection

tudents from 23 Fairfax County Public Schools were named recipi- Hayfield Secondary School: ents of the 2018 Student Peace Carmen Mazyck was honored for Awards of Fairfax County, which arranging guest speakers for the Swere handed out in a reception held Sun- school’s Black Student Union day, March 11, at the Sherwood Commu- group and organizing a minority nity Center in Fairfax. : Nahom Dagnachew, Dongun Kim, Victor Nguyen, student panel. She is with U.S. Rep Since 2006, the awards have recognized and Kaa-lok Yap were honored for their work in defense of DACA, the Gerry Connolly (D-11). youth who introduce programs in their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. They are with U.S. Rep schools on many different issues that pro- Gerry Connolly (D-11) and state Del. Ken Plum (D-36). mote peace and conflict resolution through- Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection out the county. In the 2017-2018 school year, the recipients each received $200, plus another $100 to be given to any nonprofit organization of his or her choice. “It’s an honor to be here to help recog- nize you today for your outstanding work to promote peace throughout Fairfax County and beyond. Your areas of focus cover a wide range of topics and methods, but all unite in one common goal, and that is to encourage and to strengthen peace and unity among all of us,” said , Board of Supervisors chairman. “In Fairfax County, we consider our diversity to be our greatest asset. It is what makes us special.” Special guests included Bulova; U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11); state Del. Ken Plum (D-36); School Board Member Ilryong Moon; School Board Chair Jane Strauss; Robinson Secondary School: Faraz School Board Member Ryan McElveen; and Lake Braddock Secondary School: Zia was honored for establishing Guest Speaker Janessa Gans Wilder, founder Zahra Alisa was honored for her Project NNZIA, a business venture and CEO of the Euphrates Institute, who work with the Fairfax County Stu- in which 20 percent of all profits flew in from for the event. The dent Human Rights Commission’s from clothing sales go towards the Woodson High School: Yousof host and organizer was Margaret Fisher. fair housing committee and mental Edhi Foundation in Pakistan that Omeish was honored for founding Sarah Osman, 18, of Lorton, a senior at health project. She is with U.S. Rep helps the needy. He is with U.S. his school’s Muslim Student Asso- King Abdullah Academy, worked with Gerry Connolly (D-11). Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11). ciation that has fostered increased “RefAmerica,” which welcomed high school tolerance and understanding while Syrian refugees who recently moved here. presenting facts on Islam and “As American high school students, we got Hayfield Secondary School Carmen organized her school’s first student mi- dispelling misinformation. He is to interact with each other and understand Carmen Mazyck is a founding member and past nority panel, comprised of members of different the third member of his family to one another’s cultures,” she said. “We actu- communications chair of the Hayfield Black Stu- races, religions, and cultures. Muslim students on receive a Student Peace Award. dent Union (HBSU). She also established and the panel spoke about the emphasis on education ally got to go to Congress and speak to con- designed the organization’s logo and motto: Edu- in their homes. Another student shared his expe- Pictured with U.S. Rep Gerry gressional leaders on the matter of welcom- cate, Serve, and Inspire. riences of living in an interracial family while Connolly (D-11) and state Del. Ken ing Syrian refugees into our country. I spoke As its current president, Carmen has arranged others emphasized how colorism caused division in Plum (D-36). about the plight of the history and how for guest speakers at monthly meetings, including marriages and relationships. Most of the 50 stu- civil rights activist and Freedom Rider, Joan dents who attended found the conversation welcoming them into this country keeps the Trumpauer Mulholland. Carmen also led the club’s valuable and said they felt comfortable discussing are met.” Pilgrim’s legacy alive because the Pilgrims efforts to provide gifts for 40 “angels” on the Sal- these often-difficult topics not generally presented Nahom Dagnachew, 16, of Springfield, of 1620 came into this country in hopes of vation Army Christmas Tree. Additionally, she in the classroom. who attends Annandale High School, works coordinated other service projects including Project Carmen summarizes her efforts by saying, starting a brand new land where there Giveback (a food drive) at Thanksgiving, a day of “There cannot be peace until we learn how to em- with NAKASEC to promote immigrant would be freedom of speech and religion.” service at Hayfield Secondary School on MLK Day, brace and celebrate our unique differences and rights. “When DACA was repealed, we did Alvin Kim, 17, of Annandale, who attends and educational trips to the Smithsonian’s National blended cultures. Only then can we better serve our a lot of actions and sit-ins in Congress in Annandale High School, worked with Museum of African American History and Culture. communities and inspire others to do the same.” order to promote DACA. In the last Virginia NAKASEC – The National Korean and election, we also did a lot of voting promo- American Service and Education Consor- like protesting for DACA, which was an Ex- around our school and our neighborhoods tion. We’re trying to get the voter turnout tium. “I lobbied and worked towards im- ecutive Order by President Obama back in asking for petition signatures so that our high. We managed to increase Asian turn- migrant rights and immigrant opportunities 2012, and I also went to our U.S. senators representatives, both senators and House out by 195 percent for the 2017 Virginia and also helping to improve the commu- such as Mark Warner and Tim Kaine to ask members, that they know that we care and election. Right now, we’re working on get- nity around Annandale,” he said. “I did stuff for their help in our cause .… We went that it is important to us that these needs ting a clean Dream Act approved,” he said. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 3 News The Conversation Begins: Budgeting Words

Board prioritizes compensation for teachers and county employees. versation with the citizens sometimes when we approach it as to what is the cost versus By Ken Moore what is the return value. And I really The Connection have to say that we have done a lot of work to make certain that we try to and pringfield Supervisor Pat be more efficient and more creative in Herrity claimed the dissent- the services that we provide. ing vote. “It probably is not “So I think there needs to be a bal- going to surprise the Board ancing that we need to have here. We Sthat I won’t be able to support this,” he provided a meaningful option [in the said. meals tax]. And guess what? Our citi- By a 8-1 margin, the Board of Super- zens didn’t support it. ... visors advertised the county executive’s “So I think it’s important that if we budget with the proposed 2.5 cent tax , , , Sharon Bulova, want to talk about how great Fairfax increase. Providence Hunter Mill Dranesville BOS Chairman County is, we need to be prepared to Braddock Supervisor John Cook sup- figure out how to have the services that ported the advertisement but stated he that draw people here and create a more won’t support a budget in May if it remains balanced community in supporting what it at the advertised tax rate. Stay Involved: County Budget Meetings takes to live in this county. “So I’ll support the advertisement because ❖ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 7 P.M. “So we’ll have a chance to have that dis- I think the process dictates that there be Providence Community Budget Meeting, Providence Community Center, First Floor Multipurpose cussion and maybe the opportunity to move something on the table. But if the Board is Room, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax forward, so my vote is yes.” inclined to pass it as is, it will have to do so ❖ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 7:30PM without me,” said Cook. “If the Board is in- Braddock District Council Annual Budget Meeting, Braddock Hall, 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke John Foust, Dranesville clined to do what a couple of other people ❖ THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 7 P.M. “I too will be supporting advertisement have suggested this morning, which is look of the tax rate. I think it is important to pro- Mason District Budget Town Meeting, Mason District Governmental Center, Main Community Room, for reductions and perhaps go back to that 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale vide the flexibility that 2.5 cents increase concept of balancing, then I’m looking for- ❖ MONDAY, MARCH 19, 7 P.M. provides. Equally important that we spend ward to being part of that discussion and a lot of time over the next two months look- Mount Vernon District Budget Town Hall, Whitman Middle School, Lecture Hall, 2500 Parkers Lane, will keep an open mind to where we should Alexandria ing at how we can bring that down. I know end up. But 2.5 cents is not where it’s go- ❖ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 7 P.M. that I am absolutely committed to doing ing to be.” that. ... Lee District Budget Town Hall Meeting, Franconia Governmental Center Community Room, 6121 Jeff McKay, chair of the budget commit- Franconia Road, Alexandria “We need to address the fact that our tee, said advertising a lower rate “would ❖ THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 7 P.M. teachers are below the market and we are be taking off the table an opportunity to losing them. Springfield District Budget Town Hall Meeting, Springfield Governmental Center, Community Room, hear from our public about whether our 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield “We need to address the fact that over public employees from the schools and ❖ APRIL 10-12 the last several years we have not been con- county side should be getting the type of sistent and have not fulfilled the obligations Board of Supervisors Public Hearings on FY 2019 Budget and FY 2019-2023 Capital Improvement compensation increases to move them into Plan. See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form to sign up. and commitments that we have made to our market and to deliver the services that we More at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget own county employees. rely on in this county.” “Those two things are driving this bud- In addition to community meetings sched- get. Those two priorities, and I think that uled around the county, the Board slotted become the ceiling for what the tax rate can that as part of the consideration going for- regardless of what we do the next two three days, April 10-12, 2018, for public be. It can be lower, it can be the same, but ward. months, we have to commit ourselves to hearings before the full Board. it cannot be higher than,” 2.5 cents, said “I hope, again, when we look closely at funding those two things. “Other than those “We have two months of community con- Chairman Sharon Bulova. the budget that county executive has put two things, everything else is on the table. versation ahead of us, and some members Below are excerpts from the March 6, before us that we will be able to see if there I will be very surprised if we’re not able of this Board have declared how they are 2017 Board meeting. are savings that we can go back and find bring that tax rate increase down.” voting on the budget today or what they and apply that to help some of our residents can’t support.,” said McKay. “Two months Linda Smyth, Providence out. Sharon Bulova, Chairman we have to hear from our community about “Given the unknowns still from the Gen- “Residents are … seeing increases in their “This is a budget that does address the what their priorities are. And to me it would eral Assembly in terms of budget or WMATA health insurance, in fact considerable in- Board’s highest priorities, Diversion First, be irresponsible to decide how we are go- funding, I think we need to be sure that we creases in that, and everything they do on addressing the opioid crisis, gang preven- ing to vote on the budget without hearing have some flexibility in the tax rate and in a daily basis. tion, early childhood education, funding from members of our community and how the discussion about our budget. “So it’s a balancing act, and I hope we compensation for our teachers as well as they feel about it.” “But I will also say ... that I’m seeing in- find that balance. But we need to have a our county employees ... The Board will officially adopt the FY creased assessments in some of our more little flexibility here because we just don’t “I did also want to just say something for 2019 budget on May 1, 2018. affordable neighborhoods and it’s not the have all the answers at this point.” people who believe that people are fleeing If the Board of Supervisors were to adopt first year for some of these neighborhoods. Fairfax County to other parts of the region. the full 2.5 cent tax rate increase, it would This has been a multi-year cycle and that’s Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill Since 2015, Fairfax County’s population has amount to an additional $268 on the aver- a concern because, again, taxes are part of “This advertising gives us that opportu- actually increased by 26,700, which is ac- age homeowner’s annual tax bill. the affordability of owning a home in Fairfax nity to look at what we really need. tually the size or a little bit more than the “When we advertise the tax rate, that will County. And I want to be sure that we keep “And I think it is difficult having a con- size or the population of the city of Fairfax.

4 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Where Your Dental Needs Come First! Se habla Español Family Dentistry

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Photo contributed • Crowns, Bridges, Partials, West Springfield Rotary honors three Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Full Dentures and Implants $$ Department members with their Service Above Self Award. • Denture Relining, 9999 Dentures and Partials (Regularly $311) Honored for Serving Community Repaired While You Wait Includes Exam, • Saturday and Evening Cleaning (in absence Appointments Available of gum disease) Three FCFRD members receive Service Above and X-rays Self Award from West Springfield Rotary. • Most Insurances Accepted • Free Invisalign Consultation 703-323-9394 hree Fairfax County Fire and worker who felt they demonstrated a com- yourdentalfirst.com Rescue Department members mitment to helping others in the depart- Raja Gupta, DDS — Captain II Mark Schroeder ment as well as the public. Family and co- (EMS407, C-Shift), Lieutenant workers were on hand to help honor these Dental First Associates, LLC DavidT Bender (Station 41, Crosspointe, B- individuals. Shift) and Master Technician David May Lieutenant David Bender has been a 6116 Rolling Rd., Suite 312 (Station 41, A-Shift) were honored by the member of the Fairfax County Fire and Res- We’ve Rolling Mill Professional Park West Springfield Rotary Club with their cue Department (FCFRD) for more than 24 Moved! (next to West Springfield H.S.) Service Above Self Award. Springfield, VA 22152 Each individual was nominated by a co- See Rotary Awards, Page 13

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 5 Opinion Springfield

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Successes in the State Legislature @SprConnect An independent, locally owned weekly By Scott Surovell 11. Due to fiscal impacts through intentional law online newsletter at newspaper delivered to State Senator (D-36) of amendments loaded enforcement miscon- scottsurovell.blogspot.com. I also homes and businesses. onto the bill requiring a duct. met with VDOT about granting Published by Local Media Connection LLC ast week brought an end racial profiling study, op- The legislature also them authority to regulate large to the regular 2018 ses- ponents were able to approved a bill to pro- signs on our interstates to avoid 1606 King Street sion of the General As- push the bill into a con- vide a $154 million dedi- the debacle last week when some Alexandria, Virginia 22314 sembly. Once again, I ference committee cated funding stream for I-95 lanes were shut down for Free digital edition delivered to hadL some significant successes. where it died. Car acci- Metro. This money will three days by a Potomac Mills’ your email box. Go to The legislature sent 13 of my 61 dents and deaths are on now need to be matched 140-foot sign that fell down. connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe bills to Governor Northam for his the rise nationally and in Virginia by Maryland and the District of I also met with state economic signature. Legislators continued due to distracted driving and this Columbia, but it is desperately development officials to discuss NEWS DEPARTMENT: 15 to 2019 for studies and referred would have saved lives. I will try needed to make up for 20 years of Virginia’s designation of areas to [email protected] several to agencies for administra- again next year. funding neglect. Metro funding is be included in the federal Oppor- tive consideration. I am especially proud of success- good news, but I am very dis- tunity Zone Program, which would Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 While several of my budget ful legislation that I carried with a turbed that the Senate’s proposal incentivize redevelopment in low- [email protected] amendments were included in the companion bill by House Appro- to increase the Northern Virginia income or high-unemployment Senate budget, including funding priations Committee Chairman hotel tax and grantor’s tax (the tax areas. Andrea Worker the first staff at brand new Chris Jones providing compensa- on home sales) was omitted. Be- Prince William County has re- Contributing Writer [email protected] Widewater State Park in Stafford, tion to four men who were wrong- cause of this, an additional $50 fused to share their submission to we unfortunately adjourned with- fully convicted of rape after being million per year will be diverted the state with me and Fairfax Jean Card out adopting a biennial budget coerced into false confessions by from the Northern Virginia Trans- County prioritized the Amazon site Production Editor due to the Senate Republican a corrupt Norfolk detective cur- portation Authority (NVTA). This in Herndon over U.S. 1 although I [email protected] Caucus’s refusal to include Med- rently in federal prison. The four means that those NVTA funds may am not aware of any low-income icaid expansion into their budget. former sailors, known as “The not be available for U.S. 1 im- areas around the Amazon site. I ADVERTISING: Budget discussions have com- Norfolk Four,” spent between eight provements in Fairfax and Prince hope to provide persuasive infor- For advertising information pletely stalled out and Governor to 12 years in jail and another William counties. I will urge Gov- mation to the state about the 36th e-mail: [email protected] Northam will call us into special eight-plus years out of jail on the ernor Northam to amend the bill. District’s U.S. 1 Corridor, a desig- 703-778-9431 session at some point in the next Sex Offender Registry. The legis- Last week, I met with several nation that could yield significant two months. lation authorizes the state to com- state officials. First, I met with Vir- benefit to this highway’s future. Steve Hogan This week, my amendment to a pensate them $3.5 million if the ginia Department of Transporta- Please let me know if you have Display Advertising, 703-778-9418 [email protected] delegate’s bill to prohibit operat- City of Norfolk at least matches tion (VDOT) officials to address any feedback on this session at ing a moving motor vehicle while that amount. Convicting the inno- the pending U.S. 1 widening be- [email protected]. It is an Debbie Funk drivers have a phone in their hand cent is bad enough, but it is espe- tween and Hybla Val- honor to serve as your state sena- National Sales 703-778-9444 died after passing the Senate 29- cially wrongful if it is achieved ley. You can read an update in my tor. [email protected]

Letters to the Editor David Griffin Marketing Assistant 703-778-9431 Keeping Kids Safe [email protected] To the Editor: then repealed in 2013. Statistics on the one-handgun a month law, was never voted on. It’s a common Classified & Employment Thank you for your excellent about gun violence at the time and I understand it was repealed, Advertising work, Connection! I was happy to showed that having that particu- but this legislation needs to be re- sense gun law, I can’t understand 703-778-9431 see approximately half of the lar law on the books prevented so visited. how something so simple could March 7-13 issue of the Oak Hill / much tragedy. Statistics show that I was also surprised to learn not even go to a vote in the Sen- ate? Editor & Publisher Herndon Connection devoted to gun violence went back up when about Virginia Law SB 288 - a com- Mary Kimm the conversation on keeping kids the law was repealed; gun traffick- mon sense law that was going to We need to enact common-sense [email protected] safe from shootings. ers take advantage of Virginia’s require citizens who legally own laws that protect our nation’s chil- @MaryKimm A law to restrict purchasing of weaker gun laws and illegally traf- guns to report if their gun was sto- dren. Executive Vice President guns to one per month only was fic guns to other states. len or transferred. Jerry Vernon passed in 1993 in Virginia, and I did a small amount of research This law failed in committee and Jodi Beatty 703-549-0004 Herndon [email protected]

Costs and Benefits Editor in Chief Steven Mauren of Arming the Teachers Managing Editor Kemal Kurspahic To the Editor: sponse to active shooters and gen- Art/Design: The lead editorial by Monte F. eral deterrence) are likely to out- Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Bourjaily, IV (“No Guns in the weigh the costs (such as the po- Ali Khaligh Classroom,” Connection March 7- tential for accidental shootings Write, Respond, React Production Manager: Geovani Flores 13, 2018) warns of many ills that and general unease). As for the The Connection welcomes views on any public issue. would attend the arming of school supposed “gag rule,” the Dickey The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed. personnel. Whether that is a good Amendment does not prohibit re- Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are CIRCULATION idea or not, it bears consideration search into the effects of gun vio- routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send to: Circulation Manager: Ann Oliver that hundreds of U.S. school dis- lence, only CDC advocacy for gun Letters to the Editor [email protected] tricts have done so for some years, control, reading in relevant part: The Connection apparently without untoward con- “none of the funds made available 1606 King St. sequence (at least so far), as de- for injury prevention and control Alexandria VA 22314 Call: 703-917-6444. tailed by a recent New York Times at the Centers for Disease Control By e-mail: [email protected] news article (available at http:// and Prevention (CDC) may be Follow us on Facebook and comment there nyti.ms/2oLEem0). That experi- used to advocate or promote gun www.Facebook.com/connectionnewspapers ence should not be overlooked in control” (available at http://bit.ly/ Follow us on Twitter @followfairfax forming a necessarily probabilis- 22zCqKD, pdf page 245). tic judgment as to whether the Griselda Farthing benefits (such as more rapid re- Great Falls 6 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com HomeLifeStyleHomeHomeLifeStyleSpring 2018 LifeStyle

The 85th Historic Garden Week in Virginia includes tours of homes and gardens in Great Falls, McLean and Vienna hosted by the Garden Club of Fairfax on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The featured historic home was once the Hunting Lodge for Lord Fairfax for whom Fairfax County is named, a privately owned home, beautifully preserved and not often open to the public, dating to the mid 1700s. One garden is designed Springfield like a quilt because the owner of this historic house is a world renown quilter. [email protected] for tickets. www.vagardenweek.org Franconia ❖ Kingstowne ❖ Newington

Photo by Donna Moulton/Fairfax Garden Club www.ConnectionNewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC online Springfieldat www.connectionnewspapers.com Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 7 HomeLifeStyle Photos by Donna Moulton/Garden Club of Fairfax 85th Virginia Historic Garden Week in April

ark your calendar for Tues- day, April 24, 2018, as the Garden Club of Fairfax in- vites you to this year’s His- toricM Garden Week Tour in Great Falls, McLean and Vienna. Experience 250 years of history in the once agricultural hills of northern Fairfax County. In Great Falls is the William Gunnell home built in 1750 as a hunting lodge for Lord Fairfax. Stroll through a quilt garden designed by the current owner, a well- known quilter, and enjoy carefully tended fruit and vegetable gardens as well as land- scaped vistas. In the historic town of Vienna, explore an 1892 home built on the grounds of the Grange Camp and a charming cottage de- signed by a couple as a “sensible home” to retire-in-place. A transitional executive home with a wa- terfall garden is showcased in McLean. Tour headquarters are at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Gar- dens Court, Vienna, where admission and refreshments are included. Access to William Gunnell House is only The 85th Historic Garden Week in Virginia includes tours of homes and gardens around Virginia, as well as in by shuttle bus. Pick-up and drop-off at Great Great Falls, McLean and Vienna hosted by the Garden Club of Fairfax on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The featured Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great historic home was once the Hunting Lodge for Lord Fairfax for whom Fairfax County is named, a privately Falls. Tickets available at the Library. owned home, beautifully preserved and not often open to the public, dating to the mid 1700s. This garden is As part of the Garden Club of Virginia’s designed like a quilt because the owner of this historic house is a world renown quilter. 85th Historic Garden Week, this tour will [email protected] for tickets. www.vagardenweek.org be one of thirty statewide tours held April 21-28, 2018 featuring nearly 200 of Virginia’s most picturesque gardens and private homes. Proceeds from the event fund the resto- ration and preservation of more than 40 of Virginia’s historic public gardens and land- scapes, a research fellowship program, and a new partnership with the Virginia State Parks. Iconic landmarks such as Mount Vernon, the Pavilion Gardens at the Univer- sity of Virginia and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library have been restored to their original splendor due to the hard work of thousands of volunteers, the generosity of countless home and garden owners, and the nearly 30,000 visitors from around the world who have enjoyed the tours. For more information about the tour and to buy tickets online, go to www.vagardenweek.org. The statewide schedule for Historic Garden Week is also listed. Advance Tickets: $40 per person online or by mail before April 17. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope and check Details from the William Gunnell home in Great Falls built in 1750 as a hunting lodge for Lord Fairfax. made out to The Garden Club of Fairfax to Marty Whipple, 11508 Yates Ford Road, rose arbors. Accessible only by shuttle bus. essentially unchanged from its 1892 appear- a Vienna boutique, the homeowner mixes Fairfax Station, VA 22039. (703) 978-4130 ance. Alexander Wedderburn, a successful vintage with fresh accessories throughout. or [email protected] for ques- MONTVALE WAY, McLEAN Located printer and publisher in Alexandria, pur- More than 2,300 fabulous arrangements, tions. $50 day of tour. within a 255-acre wooded community of chased the property and built a summer using greenery and flowers grown in mem- 166 homes in McLean, known as “The Re- home on 42 acres previously owned by the bers’ own gardens, will decorate the fea- WILLIAM GUNNELL HOUSE, Innsbruck serve,” this two-level executive style home post-Civil War Grange movement and used tured homes on this year’s tours. Avenue, Great Falls The original home is a was built in 2001 by one of the premiere for annual summer fairs. Mature trees pro- hall-and-parlor structure built in 1750 on builders in Northern Virginia. A sunroom is vide shade and privacy to enjoy an array of Great Falls, McLean, Vienna 12,588 acres owned by Thomas, sixth Lord the perfect spot to enjoy the backyard koi flowering shrubs and specimen trees on the House & Garden Tour Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 10-4 p.m. Fairfax, for whom the county is named. The pond and extensive landscaping. 1.7 acre property. Hosted by the Garden Club of Fairfax, now 10-acre property includes a large farm Contact: Claudia Lewis, Garden Club pond, Virginia’s fifth oldest measured hem- THE GRANGE CAMP, Redwood Drive, CENTER STREET NORTH, Vienna. Cus- of Fairfax PR [email protected] or lock, boxwood lined paths, flower, fruit, Vienna The exterior front of this Folk Victo- tom built, 2011 modern Cape Cod cottage [email protected] for tickets. vegetable and herb gardens, and grape and rian home with a Federalist front porch is in historic Vienna. As the owner of REfind, www.vagardenweek.org 8 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com HomeLifeStyle Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee Select your How ‘Open 10% down TWO POOR TEACHERS nothing until the job products from isis completecomplete forfor thethe Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile Floorplan’ Enhances past 17 years Showroom and Design Center Classic Home Fully Insured & Class A Licensed Since 1999 North Arlington residence open to public 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 24. Free Estimates 703-214-8384 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com By John Byrd styles are being introduced, and what technologies are proving hen does a house practical, even life-enhancing.” become dated? Visitors searching for direct pro- The answer may fessional input, on the other hand, be subjective, but are free to explore ideas with Dory COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP 60W years is a long time in the life Clemens, the Foster designer who of a kitchen. When an older home executed the Tighe makeover. becomes antiquated, you want to “This is an exceptional transfor- revitalize — not just the house — mation,” said Clemens pointing to 10th Annual Easter but your enjoyment of it. It’s a situ- the many original built-ins and EGGSTRAVAGANZA b ation that calls for inspired think- distinctive interior elevations. Sat. March 24, 1 to 3pm ing. “The ideas implemented here re- Family Fun! All Activities are FREE! Such are the personal revela- spond to a broad range of owner Fairfax County Government Center To AdvertiseYour tions driving many a sweeping requirements, yet colors and tex- 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax makeover, says David Foster, presi- tures work together to create a (Grassy Area behind building) Community dent of Foster Remodeling Solu- warmly habitable living space.” Sponsored visit JUBILEECHRISTIANCENTER tions, and the professional whose Looking back, Chris Tighe says by jccag.org of Worship design team rehabilitated the he and wife, Megan, started think- 1,200 square foot north Arlington ing about remodeling not long af- Call 703-778-9418 rambler being featured in an open ter moving into the house nine house Saturday, March 24 from 11 years ago. a.m. to 2 p.m. “A childhood friend with an ar- Located in Arlington’s Boulevard chitectural background initially Manor neighborhood, the three- helped us sketch out some per- bedroom circa 1950s brick ram- spectives on a CADD system,” bler has been owned by Chris and Tighe said. “We routinely dis- Megan Tighe since 2009. To make cussed ways we might make the the house more suitable for a fam- new house feel larger, more func- ily that includes a school-age tional and more personal.” daughter, the remodeling entailed The Tighes learned about Fos- joining two small rooms (kitchen ter Remodeling from neighbors, and dining room) and incorporat- and decided to set up a meeting. ing the footprint of a rear-facing “I showed our drawings to Dory sunroom. and she immediately began point- The new 350-square-foot suite ing out options that improved the is configured as an open floor plan plans in ways I hadn’t even con- that includes a gourmet kitchen, sidered,” Chris Tighe said. “This family dining zone and mudroom. quickly became a very productive Meanwhile, the suite’s eye- process for the whole family.” catching transitional-style interior The resulting space is expansive, is enhanced by a custom-designed yet intimate. A two-level food prep food prep island, built-ins and a island and dining counter sets up stunning view of a leafy backyard thoughtful work triangles. There brimming with mature trees. are custom cubbies for favorite To make the plan feasible, Fos- wines, a shelf for cookbooks and a ter Remodeling Solutions removed built-in microwave. The island’s 16 feet of rear elevation bearing topmost surface serves the dining wall, raised the former sunroom table — and doubles as a lunch floor to level with the kitchen and counter. installed matching hardwood Owing to limited space, persons throughout. interested in attending the open To augment available light, a 10- house should call 703-550-1371 foot-by-6-foot window wall, insu- and ask for the address; or RSVP lated with Argon-filled double ply online at https:// glass, provides a spot-on view of www.fosterremodeling.com/re- the Tighe family garden. sources/free-educational-semi- “We learned early on that an nars/ open house can help neighbors John Byrd has been writing about find ideas for improving their own home improvement for 30 years. He can be reached @ 703/715-8006, homes,” says Foster. “People can www.HomeFrontsNews.com or see for themselves what design [email protected] www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 9 HomeLifeStyle

Shafer Dobry at her antique Ashford spinning wheel converting wool into yarn. A Stitch In Time With the children out of the nest, Shafer Dobry is em- bracing her passion for fiber arts in a basement studio.

By John Byrd feet by 1 foot, the work table has been designed as a modular platform that provides the waist-high flat othing inspires re-newed hobbying in- surface needed for cutting fabric, and for assembling terests like children leaving the house. the combinations that might be employed in the fi- Parents — affectionately dubbed nal art piece. “empty-nesters” by demographers — There are three panels — each with a 2-foot by Nare now left to their own devices, and there’s new 2.5-foot surface. Panels can be raised independently, square footage to conjure with. Maturity being a pre- or linked together as a three-part unit for cutting cious commodity, one doesn’t dawdle. larger pieces. The base also provides shelving for stor- Certainly Shafer Dobry of Herndon ascribes to this ing bolts of fabric. When the cutting is over, the pan- theory. An artist who has worked with fibers since els can be folded down to form a sliding door on an college, Dobry had maintained a basement space for otherwise nondescript credenza. her sewing projects for years, even selling her work As a space plan, the room has been zoned to sup- online and at crafts shows. It was workable space, port the two primary phases of Shafer’s creative pro- but shared with accumulated oddments, a designated cess. A 10-foot by 10-foot work cubicle formed by U- TV-viewing zone and clutter. shaped laminate counter-surfaces and situated on LVP When a son moved out last year though, Dobry (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring is set up to facilitate seized the day: a chance to convert the 620-square- sewing and knitting. An ergonomic office chair on foot basement into a productive artist’s studio with casters allows Shafer to roll from sewing machine to dedicated workstations devoted to key phases in a knitting machine, retrieving threads and yarns at will, sequential process, and a library of fabrics, threads and scrutinizing fabric bolts … all without standing. and yarns filed for easy access. Old mattress springs (“found objects,” as Shafer To this end, Dobry called in Dory Clemens, a de- calls them) mounted on the two walls offer buttons, signer at Foster Remodeling Solutions, whom she had threads, curiosities, notions into the artist’s hands. met at a home show. Approaching the studio Meanwhile, overhead task lighting provides the illu- makeover proposition, Clemens was intrigued by the mination needed for close-in work. question of exactly what is entailed in custom-de- Shafer says she is in the studio daily and that the signing a fiber arts studio. environment is conducive to producing her art which “There are essential pieces of equipment that re- she mostly sells online at www.etsy.com/shop/ quire a dedicated workstation,” Clemens said. “But needleclicksEtc. Shafer has her own techniques regarding which Foster Remodeling Solutions will be sponsoring a phases are to be hands-on and which aren’t. I soon seminar March 7 at 10 a.m. titled “Big Impact, Small realized there wasn’t a patented tool for every task. Space.” The event will be held at its offices and show- Fiber art is something of a folk art … where tech- room in Lorton. For information call 703-550-1371 nique follows inspiration.” or sign up now at www.fosterremodeling.com/remod- “We would discuss how she worked,” Clemens said, eling-resources/seminars-and-sign-up/ . “and I would suggest built-ins our carpenters could An open house of an Arlington home recently re- create that might advance her process.” modeled by Foster Remodeling Solutions will be held Chief among these is a cutting table which now on March 24. Call for details and to register. occupies a back corner of the room. John Byrd ([email protected]) has been writing about Three feet high and with a top that measures 8 home improvement for 30 years.

10 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News ‘Nevertheless, She Persisted’ Commission for Women celebrates 2018 honorees at Women’s History Month reception.

By Andrea Worker The Connection

arch is Women’s History Month, and the theme for this year’s celebrations is “Nevertheless, She Per- sisted,”M referring to the now-famous phrase that was part of Republican Senate Major- ity Leader Mitch McConnell’s rebuke of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Mas-

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection sachusetts in February of 2017 after a party- line vote to stop Warren’s speech against the appointment of Sen. Jeff Sessions as the U.S. attorney general. “Sen. Warren was giving a lengthy speech,” said McConnell at the time. “She had appeared to violate the rule[s]. She was warned … nevertheless, she persisted.” Since then, that phrase has become a ral- lying cry for women’s rights advocates and others around the world, and is a fitting description for the women chosen by the Fairfax County Commission for Women as their 2018 honorees, according to Michelle Mueller, the county’s liaison to the commis- sion, who led the program at the commission’s reception on March 6 at the From left: Patricia Depew Wirth, executive director of Government Center. From left: Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial organization, The women selected as this year’s recipi- Bulova; honorees Lidia Soto-Harmon, Laura Harris, and Herndon Town Council member and Commission ents for recognition by the county “have Grace Cunningham, and Sheila Coates; Hunter Mill for Women 2018 honoree Grace Cunningham in front exemplified that persistence,” said Mueller District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins; and Michelle of the display highlighting the designs for the na- in her remarks, especially in their work to Mueller, county liaison to the Commission for Women tional memorial planned for suffragists, to be built in “fight all forms of discrimination against at the Women’s History Month 2018 Reception. the Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton. women.” cation and prevention of sex crimes.” nancial difficulties. Adding to her resume “who came before us.” Wirth says they still ❖ Sheila Coates, a sixth generation Vir- Cunningham was the driving force behind of years of activism, Soto-Harmon currently haven’t raised all the funds needed to build ginian, Coates has been “persisting” for over the installation of the “Peace Garden,” un- serves as the governance chair for the Meyer the national memorial, but declared that four decades. The founder and president of veiled at the Government Center in 2014, Foundation, an organization that “works on regardless of what phase of achievement Black Women United for Action since its as a memorial to those “Comfort Women” pursuing and investing in solutions that has been reached by that time, “there’s go- inception in 1985, Coates has served on the and as a reminder of the need to remain build an equitable Greater com- ing to be an unveiling event on Aug. 26, board of the National Council of Women’s vigilant and continue to fight human traf- munity in which women of color and eco- 2020.” Organizations and as a delegate to the Na- ficking. nomically vulnerable thrive.” Cunningham vowed to “put pressure on tional Summit on Africa. She successfully ❖ Laura Harris is another veteran in Assisting Michelle Mueller in presenting my colleagues to donate to the fundraising lobbied for a minority-at-large position to the fight against discrimination and as a certificates to the honorees were Fairfax efforts for the memorial. We are so fortu- the Fairfax County Commission for Women, champion for victims of domestic violence. County Board of Supervisors Chairman nate to live in amazing Fairfax County,” said as well as for the appointment of an Afri- Harris has worked for Fairfax County Juve- Sharon Bulova, and Hunter Mill District Cunningham, “where we have a woman as can American woman to the board at nile and Domestic Relations Court Services Supervisor Cathy Hudgins. At the regular our Board of Supervisors chair, a woman — a first for the Unit for over 30 years and led the charge to Board of Supervisors’ Meeting which fol- chair for the public school board, mayors institution which she attended and where bring county services and resources to- lowed the reception, Bulova presented a like Lisa Merkel of Herndon, women serv- she studied public administration and po- gether in a coordinated response to domes- proclamation, accepted on behalf of the ing our area in the state legislature and so litical science. Coates continues her work, tic violence, instrumental in establishing the Commission for Women by Cunningham, many more, unlike many other jurisdictions serving on a number of boards, panels and county Domestic Violence Prevention, Policy declaring March 2018 as “Women’s History across our region and the country — and committees, and advising and educating on and Coordinating Council, as well as the Month, and a time to honor all women who we wouldn’t have this opportunity without women’s rights issues. Domestic Action Center. Among her continue to fight and succeed in bringing these women who sacrificed to get women ❖ Grace Wolf Cunningham is serv- achievements, Harris also helped to start positive change to the lives of diverse Ameri- the right to vote.” ing her fourth term on the Herndon Town the volunteer “Attorney for the Day Pro- can Women.” For more about Women’s History Month Council and is the first Korean American gram” which provides pro bono legal ser- and the Commission for Women, see elected official in the Commonwealth of vices to clients seeking protective orders in ACKNOWLEDGING THE WOMEN who www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cfw. The Turning Virginia. Cunningham is an adviser to the domestic violence situations, but who can- sacrificed in the past to gain the opportu- Point Suffragist Memorial Association has Washington Coalition for Comfort Women’s not afford attorneys or who face challenges nity for women of today to succeed, the a Facebook page and information on Issues (WCCW). The group’s name comes understanding their rights and the legal reception also included a display of the www.suffragistmemorial.org. A public from the euphemism given to the more than system. planned Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, Women’s History Month Celebration is 200,000 women trafficked as sex slaves ❖ Lidia Soto-Harmon, the CEO of the a garden-based memorial to be located scheduled for Saturday, March 17 from 1:30 during World War II by the Japanese mili- Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, within the Occoquan Regional Park in – 4:40 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson High tary as “comfort” for the fighting troops and believes in developing and supporting fu- Lorton — once part of the prison grounds School for Science and Technology in Alex- was started to call for acknowledgement of, ture leaders, assuring that all young women where women suffragists were incarcerated. andria. and reparation to these victims. In addition have the opportunity to succeed. To that Executive Director of Turning Point Those interested in attending can RSVP to their founding mission, today, WCCW aim, Soto-Harmon works to make sure that Patricia Wirth was on hand to showcase the and purchase the $7 tickets at continues to advocate for the rights of war- no girl or volunteer is excluded from full drawings of the memorial and remind at- www.womens-history-month- time victims and is dedicated to the “eradi- participation in Girl Scouts because of fi- tendees of the contributions of the women 2018.eventbrite.com. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 11 News

(From left): Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield); Jennifer Rose, Execu- tive Director of Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce; and Supervisor Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection Linda Smyth (Providence), who helped organize the Job Fair at Woodson Matthew Bakonyi of Springfield gets information from Leidy Nolberto on High School. life-guarding for the City of Fairfax. Teen Job Fair Held at Woodson High About 400 people attend job fair featuring 40 businesses, Future Teen Job Fairs Saturday, March 17, 1-3 p.m. — South County sponsored by Supervisors and Fairfax Chamber. High School, Co-sponsored by Supervisor Dan Storck, South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, South County Federation, and South County By Steve Hibbard Braddock District Supervisor John Cook with great employees — even if they’re teen- High School; The Connection Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Chantilly added: “It’s great to see so many of our agers — is a great service we can provide. High School, Co-sponsored by Supervisor Kathy youth out here looking for summer jobs, And offering the resume-writing workshop Smith, Chantilly HS STEM Academy, and Dulles bout 400 people attended a Teen looking for jobs during the school year. And was a bonus for us. Helping these young Regional Chamber of Commerce; Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Mount Job Fair featuring about 40 busi- a lot of great businesses – school camps, people understand the importance of the Vernon High School, Co-sponsored by nesses on Saturday, March 10, at community pools, everything from camp resume and what to put on it when they Supervisor Dan Storck, Supervisor Jeff McKay, Woodson High School in Fairfax. counselors to pizza deliverers to moving and don’t have a lot of information to go with Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, and TheA event was co-sponsored by Supervisors storage companies. It’s great to be able to will serve them well not just in their teen Mount Vernon High School; Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — South Pat Herrity (Springfield), Linda Smyth provide that opportunity to our kids and years, but beyond as they really get into Lakes High School, Co-sponsored by Supervisor (Providence), John Cook (Braddock), The great to see so many kids coming out want- their employment opportunities in the fu- Cathy Hudgins and Reston Chamber of Commerce; Connection Newspapers, and the Central ing to work in the community.” ture.” Saturday, April 28, 12 noon-2 p.m. — West Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, which con- Providence District Supervisor Linda Aidan Morris, 17, of Burke, who attends Springfield High School, Co-sponsored by West ducted a resume-building workshop. Smyth said teens getting a job is what ev- Lake Braddock, came looking for a summer Springfield HS Student Government Association Supervisor Herrity started the job fairs ery parent wants to see. “And for some job. “One of the reasons that I came here and Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. four years ago with one at West Springfield people, it’s the first job they’ve ever had. was to look for a job and also something High School; he will be doing six this year And that’s a great experience. We want kids that I could think of a career for later. I’ve so far…This will be my first official job; I along with other co-sponsoring Supervisors. to be able to get that kind of experience. seen some interesting things like Domino’s do a little volunteer work at my church but “I just think first jobs are so important to It’s good for them to know that work is part and some uniform companies,” he said. this will be my first real one.” our teens in their developing work ethic and of life. So, we’re trying to help here.” Carson Hopkins, 18, of Falls Church, who Jack Burrer, 16, of Annandale, who at- personal satisfaction and personal respon- Jennifer Rose, Executive Director, Central attends , added: tends Woodson High School, added: “I sibility,” he said. “This is one of the funnest Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our “I’m just trying to find a job for this sum- hope to get a job. We just started looking things I get to do as Supervisor, and that is purpose as a Chamber is to support the mer and maybe the end of this school year. but I hope to (find something interesting). provide an opportunity for these kids to go needs of the business community in the City And there’s a lot of options here that I’ve The moving company looks pretty inter- out and talk to employers.” of Fairfax, so being able to provide them found so I’ve really enjoyed the experience esting,” he said.

Jennifer Rose, Executive Director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of About 400 people attended the Teen Job Fair at Woodson High School on Commerce, leads the Resume Writing Class at the Teen Job Fair. Saturday, March 10, 2018.

12 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Growing with Greenspring Franklin Funes finds Photo by Kelly Shue career across the street Franklin Funes speaks to a prospective in Springfield Greenspring resident at a Sales event. security, before finding his niche with the sales and ranklin Funes watched Greenspring come marketing team. to life while it was under construction from “As an Erickson Living employee, there is a won- his home across the street. His mother, derful support system that enables people to take Reyna Romero, joined the housekeeping their future into their own hands,” he says. “All you staffF as one of the community’s pioneer employees. need to do is ask and the company will help you get At the time, Funes had no idea that his promising where it is you want to go.” future lay right before his eyes. Joining the sales and marketing team as a sales As a high school student, Funes joined the associate, Funes quickly moved into management and Greenspring staff as a dining services employee, now serves the community as a sales manager, thanks, working as a server in the community’s on-site res- in part to Erickson Living’s Future Leaders Program. taurants. “I received the training and leadership needed to “The job provided me with valuable life lessons,” take my career to the next level,” he says. “I’ve learned he says. “I benefited from constant interaction with to lead through influence and that’s a concept I take the residents. Although at the time I did not know I seriously as I work with our sales associates.” was embarking on my future career path, I felt val- Funes also takes full advantage of the many ben- ued and enjoyed coming to work.” efits Erickson Living offers employees including the Following high school graduation, Funes accepted tuition reimbursement program. He is currently com- a full-time position at Greenspring as a member of pleting his bachelor’s degree in management at the general services staff, focusing on special events. George Mason University. Over the course of the next two years, he happily For more information about Erickson Living ca- took on a variety of roles from communications to reers: https://jobs.ericksonliving.com

Interstate Celebrates 75th Anniversary Interstate Moving, Relocation, Logistics, a lead- ries, voiced by Interstate employees, will be re- ing expert in transportation, relocation and lo- vealed throughout the year on their blog. gistics services, is celebrating its 75th anniver- Arthur E. Morrissette began Interstate with a sary. Since 1943, Interstate has moved more 1 single moving truck. From its humble beginnings, million individuals and will celebrate this Interstate is now a multi-million-dollar company achievement, among others, at the annual In- that provides high-end transportation services glo- terstate Gala on March 17, 2018. With more than bally. The company has expanded to three loca- 75 years of existence, Interstate remains family- tions, Springfield and Sterling, Va. and Landover, owned and operated, now on the third genera- Md., with more than 250 employees and a fleet tion of ownership. of more than 100 vehicles. “We have been fortu- Throughout Interstate’s history, the company nate for the continuous growth of our company,” has pioneered training and implementation pro- says President and CEO, Arthur (Bud) E. grams, coining the industry UltraPak method and Morrissette IV. “Our company’s success derives Top Hat Quality Service standard. This year, In- from our dedicated, passionate employees. It is terstate is launching the 75 Anniversary Tales with great pleasure that we are celebrating such campaign sharing employee stories that have an incredible milestone together at this year’s made the Interstate legacy possible. All 75 sto- annual Interstate Gala.” Rotary Awards

From Page 5 to some of the most remote areas of the County. He also took an additional step of working with the moun- years. Part of his nomination letter indicated that tain bike club that maintains the trails at Fountain- he always takes the lead in training the shift, devel- head to create more accessible trails to aid FCFRD in ops daily training plans and leads by example. When- helping injured mountain bikers in the park. ever there is a new piece of equipment, Lieutenant Captain II Mark Schroeder has served with the Bender is the first to learn how to use it. He is usu- FCFRD for the past 24 years. As an Emergency Medi- ally one of the first to dress in complete gear and cal Services (EMS) Supervisor, he is responsible for run through a training scenario to teach others proper EMS operations of six fire and rescue stations to en- technique. sure quality assurance of all EMS units, proficiency Master Technician (MTech) David May has over 34 of every field member, and oversight on significant years of service in the FCFRD. A small part of his nomi- emergency medical calls. He is also a member of the nation letter indicated that MTech May took on the department’s elite Virginia Task Force One (VA-TF1). task of assisting all three shifts in identifying new ac- Within VA-TF1 Captain Schroeder is a canine han- cess points in Fountainhead Park and the Bull Run/ dler and was part of last year’s deployment to the US Occoquan trail that will aid in FCFRD’s timely response Virgin Islands for Hurricane’s Irma, Jose, and Maria. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 13 Calendar

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOING Second Saturdays. 6-9 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton. The Second Saturday Art Walk is the perfect time to meet nearly 85 Resident and Associate Artists, creating art in the studios or exhibiting in our galleries. Experience performances of dance, cabaret, comedy, big band, jazz, and theater. Indulge in classes in the art of mixology or cuisines from around the globe. Enjoy art exhibitions in nine galleries of the region’s finest sculpture, painting, glass, ceramics, and fiber art works. Visit www.workhousearts.org/

THURSDAY/MARCH 15 Friday Morning Music Club. Noon-1 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Friday Morning Music Club, Inc. is a community of music lovers and musicians dedicated to promoting classical music throughout the metropolitan area. On the third Thursdayof the month they host their performances at Old Town Hall. Free and open to the public. Visit www.fmmc.org. THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 15-17 Burke Centre Library Spring Sale. Thursday, 1-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Friends of the Burke Centre Library Spring used book and media sale with Photo by Tim Coburn of Coburn Photography Inc. more than 8,000 items. Call 703-249-1520. Hope Spears, BFA, class of 2021. FRIDAY/MARCH 16 Safeway Ribbon-Cutting. 10 a.m. at Safeway, Pan Am Shopping Center, 3043 Nutley St., Fairfax. Safeway will unveil extensive renovations with a ribbon-cutting Mason School of Dance ceremony with elected officials, Safeway executives, and local musicians slated to provide entertainment. Visit Gala Concert local.safeway.com/safeway/va/fairfax/3043-nutley-st.html. George Mason University’s School of Dance presents its B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive, 2018 Mason School of Dance Gala Concert, which is the Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee, entertaining callers, a friendly atmosphere, $1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chest Mason Dance Company’s crowning season event. The progressive raffles, and good food available for purchase. program features four exceptional works from the contem- All proceeds go to purchasing fire and rescue equipment. porary repertoire: Mass by Doug Varone, Within Reach by Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com or call 703-273-3638 for more. Yin Yue, Flesh by Iván Pérez, and A Brahms Symphony by Lar Lubovitch. Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24, 8 SATURDAY/MARCH 17 p.m. at George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4373 Songs of Ireland. 1 p.m. at Annandale United Methodist Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax. $25 for adults; $15 for Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Fairfax Choral students, staff, and seniors; and $10 for groups of 10 or Society presents Harmonious Art: Songs of the Emerald Isle more. Visit cfa.gmu.edu for tickets. - youth choirs sing songs from Ireland. $25. FCPS teachers and students free. Call 703-642-3277 or visit THURSDAY/MARCH 22 www.fairfaxchoralsociety.org. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at Pohick Church. 6-8 p.m. in Teacher Basketball Game. 6:45-8:15 p.m. at Fairfax High the Parish Hall Common Room at Historic Pohick Church, School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. The staff from two 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. The community is invited different elementary schools will play a basketball game to to a traditional St Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage raise money for charity. $3. Visit www2.fcps.edu/ Dinner at Historic Pohick Church. This is a fund-raising MosbyWoodsES/ or call 703-937-11600. event to support outreach programs sponsored by the FRIDAY/MARCH 23 Brotherhood of St. Andrew Men’s Group of Pohick Episcopal Church. $15 for adults, $40 for a family, and B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081 University Drive, children under 12 are free. Call 703-339-6572 or visit Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee, entertaining callers, a friendly www.pohick.org for tickets. atmosphere, $1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chest progressive raffles, and good food available for purchase. SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 17-18 Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com or call 703-273-3638 for more. SPRINGPEX Stamp Show. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Family Movie Night: “Despicable Me 3.” 7 p.m. at Sunday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria at Robert E. Lee Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, High School, 6540 Franconia Road, Springfield. Fairfax. Enjoy a free, family friendly (PG) movie night. An Competitive exhibits of philatelic material, philatelic sales adult must accompany anyone under 14. “Britepaths” Food bourse of 26 regional stamp dealers, free stamps and Drive at Family Fun Nights. Call 703-385-7858. materials for young collectors, special show covers and The Bonita Lestina Old Town Hall Performance postal cancels commemorate 100th anniversary of US Series. 8 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, involvement in WWI, and 100th anniversary of U.S. Air Fairfax. Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff form the violin Mail. Free admission. Free parking in school parking lot. and violin/viola duo Marcolivia. Free and open to the Email [email protected] or visit public, first-come, first-served basis. Call 703-385-7858 or www.springfieldstampclub.org. visit www.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts. SUNDAY/MARCH 18 SATURDAY/MARCH 24 NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Easter Egg Hunt. 9 a.m.-noon at Franconia United Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria. Come Fairfax Station. The Northern Virginia NTRAK members Join FUMC for a free community Easter Egg Hunt with will hold a N gauge model train show. Admission, Museum candy, refreshments, and a bake sale. Toddlers (5-7 years members and age 4 and under, free; ages 5-15, $2 and 16 old) will hunt first around 9:30. Free. Call 703-971-5151 or and older, $4. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, visit franconiaumc.org. www.facebook.com/FFXSRR or call 703-425-9225. Appraisal Event. 10 a.m.-12:30 at Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. Discover whether MONDAY/MARCH 19 it’s a true, valuable treasure, or just a nice keepsake. Get Funday Monday: Drew Blue Shoes Magic. 10:30 a.m. at verbal appraisals of jewelry, paintings, small furniture, Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. Music, glassware, crystal pieces and favorite knick-knacks. If the movement, story telling, performances, crafts, and more. item is too large, take a picture of it and bring the photo in. Funday Monday is open to children of all ages, however Make sure you capture all the good features of the item, as especially for those who haven’t yet started school. Free well as any defects it might have. Admission fee is $5 and and open to the public, donations appreciated. Call 703- $5 per item (limit 4). Call 703-273-6090. 385-7858 or visit www.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts. Eggstravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. TUESDAY/MARCH 20 Jubilee Christian Center is having a free Easter Youth Choral Music. 7 p.m. at Annandale United Methodist Eggstravaganza with egg rolls, moon bounces, games, and Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale. Fairfax Choral door prizes (at 1:45 and 2:45 p.m.). Call 703-383-1170 or Society presents Poetry of Music. $10-$25. Call 703-642- visit www.jccag.org. 3277 or visit www.fairfaxchoralsociety.org. 14 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin “Introspections”

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event. By KENNETH B. LOURIE According to my oncologist, it’s time, way SOBER-RIDE FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY past time in fact (not so much ‘fact,’ more like Free Sober Rides. Saturday, March 17, 4 p.m. his experiences with other cancer patients) through Sunday, March 18, 4 a.m. Area that I make more significant changes in my residents, 21 and older, may download Lyft to cancer treatment than I have diagnosis to their phones, then enter a code in the app’s date. What he means, specifically – and what “Promo” section to receive a no cost (up to $15) we regularly discuss – is extending the interval safe ride home. WRAP’s St. Patrick’s Day of my CT Scan, which currently occurs every SoberRide promo code will be posted at 2 p.m. three months. on March 17 on www.SoberRide.com. The Not so much to minimize the radiation SoberRide code is valid for the first 1,500 Lyft exposure, more so due to my continuing sur- users who enter the code. vival. No one’s ready to characterize me as KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION “N.E.D.,” (no evidence of disease), but neither does it appear, based on the last five years – Child turning 5 years old by Sept. 30? If so, contact your child’s school to make since I was hospitalized and began my alimta arrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Most infusions, that my tumors are growing and/or schools begin getting information together now moving; at least not as indicated with any for parents of incoming kindergartners, and clinical significance. many host an orientation or open house. All Nevertheless, the prospect of waiting kindergarten programs are full-day and located longer to find out if any tumor action has in FCPS elementary schools. Check your school’s occurred is unsettling. Currently, given that I webpage or contact the school directly for am generally asymptomatic, the primary way specific enrollment information and dates of that I learn if there’s been “progression,” is by orientationor visit www.fcps.edu/registration/ the computerized tomography of my kindergarten-registration. lungs/upper torso. Rarely have symptoms THURSDAY/MARCH 15 manifested themselves otherwise. And when Lunch N’ Life. Noon-2 p.m. at Jubilee Christian they have, they’ve as often indicated nothing Church, 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. Are as something – and vice versa; meaning, You 50 or Better? Join the Shepherd’s Center of sometimes no symptoms still showed growth. Fairfax-Burke for the next Lunch N’ Life: a So it’s confusing, counter intuitive and contra- presentation by the VA Task Force 1, Fairfax indicated, and I’m stuck in the middle. County’s – Global Search and Rescue Team. For While maintaining this quarterly scan reservations, call Bea Stephenson at 703-273- schedule, I have extended the interval 5730 by March 9. The cost is $10; checks between infusions however: from every three payable to SCFB. If transportation is needed, call weeks originally to every six weeks now. the SCFB office 703-323-4788. See Which means I’ve reduced the amount of www.scfbva.org. chemotherapy I receive by 50 percent per PTA Member Advocacy Event. 7-9 p.m. at quarter. Still the scans have showed “stable.” Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Fairfax Given that I’m starting my 10th year post diag- County Council of PTAs hosts an advocacy event nosis, perhaps it’s time to scan less and live with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to more? discuss how the FY2019 county advertised Our concern has been that if the CT Scan budget impacts students, teachers, school continues to be the first real indica- leaders, school support staff, schools, and tor/confirmation that tumor growth has families. Visit fccpta.org. occurred – and if so, presumably differ- ent/more aggressive/life-sustaining tactics SATURDAY/MARCH 17 would need to be employed (immunotherapy Children’s Consignment Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at comes to print, which I have not yet utilized), Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath St., why wait through the fourth month to find Springfield. All types of infant and children’s out? Maybe that month’s-long delay in scan- clothing, toys, furniture and maternity items at ning would matter in possibly nipping my amazing affordable prices. Free. Call 703-451- 3314 or visit www.gracepresby.org/preschool. tumor growth in the bud? Teen Job Fair. 1-3 p.m. at South County High My oncologist’s thinking is that so little School, 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton. change has occurred during the past five years Employers will gather, take applications and that perhaps it’s reasonable to take advantage resumes for part time jobs. Email Michael of my amazing good fortune and extend the Pflugrath: [email protected]; Deb interval? Boullianne at [email protected] for more. Moreover, with respect to my quality of WEDNESDAY/MARCH 21 life, reducing the weeks of stress we experi- ence leading up to the scan, and of course the Education Recruitment Day. 9-11:30 a.m. at stress the week after, waiting for results, would George Mason University, Johnson Center, enhance our lives; and eliminating that stress Dewberry Hall, Office of Admissions, 4400 and improving the quality of our lives has University Drive, Fairfax. This education-focused career fair is an opportunity for graduating always been an interest/concern of my students (Mason or non-Mason) or any oncologist. community member interested in education. And I appreciate his concern for our over- Education recruiters may offer a 30-minute all well being; and I would like to have less interviews in the afternoon. Interviews are cancer-related impact on my life but, yes, invitation only, and participants MUST attend there’s always a ‘but.’ If I extend the scan the morning session to receive an invitation. interval, I might worry about what’s happen- Free, no registration required. See who’s going ing in my lungs during the month after I would to be there at ow.ly/9xHj30iCLGs. have already been scanned? What if? I mean, Springfield District Budget Town Hall. 7 it’s not as if we can’t go back in time, sort of. p.m. at Springfield Governmental Center, We can always restart, re-interval, re-scan, re- Community Room, 6140 Rolling Road, everything; so I’ve been reassured. Why not Springfield. The new County Executive and CFO will be in attendance. re-engage more with life and rearrange less Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget/fy-2019- because of cancer? budget-town-hall-meetings. Maybe I’ve survived nine-plus years with a terminal form of cancer because I’m meant to? Why not leverage my many good results MONDAY/MARCH 26 and better manage my cancer commitments? Learn About Becoming a Foster Parent. 7- Perhaps it’s time to take control of my life and 8:30 p.m. at Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond live like I’m not dying? Heck, I’ve done alright Highway, Lorton. For those who have made the so far. Who’s to say I can’t do better? decision to open their home to a child or simply If my oncologist characterizes me as his want to learn more. To foster or adopt, people third miracle, then maybe I should start living must be 18 or older; may be married, single, or more miraculously? divorced; may work outside the home; and must be able to provide a safe, loving home. Call 703- 324-7919. Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 ❖ 15 FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’S PERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

16 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com