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Rodrigo Torres Sharp, 6, of Great Falls, and his mother, Zulay Torres Sharp, enjoy Mother’s Day at the Great Falls Grange Playground. Classifieds, Page 10 v Calendar, Page, 11 Classifieds, Mother’s Day 2021, With Love News, Page 6 Community Presses Police Chief and Chairman for Answers
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U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 8 STD PRSRT Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection by Mercia Hobson/The Photo May 12-18, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection recent findings that have become public Faith leaders question since the announcement of the hire. Many are concerned about the lack of transparen- ‘flawed’ selection cy and obvious due diligence in this search process,” said Walton. “Speaking the truth is process and not always comfortable, but it is necessary. Either we are facing a process issue or values Supervisors’ values issue. Either way, there’s a flaw,” he said. Walton referenced incidents involving Da- during prayer vigil. vis solely by the years 1993 and 1999 when Davis was a police officer. He did not say the By Mercia Hobson incidents led to lawsuits against Davis with The Connection claims he used excessive force. Walton did not need to; those gathered learned from pproximately thirty interfaith the media and other sources after the Coun- leaders from across Fairfax Coun- ty Supervisors selected Davis in a closed ty gathered in the “First Amend- door meeting. Ament” area outside the Fairfax Walton said Supervisors acknowledged County Government Center at noon, Tues- they were not aware of the 1993 or 1999 day, May 4. They exercised their Constitu- incidents regarding the new Chief. “That’s tional right of free speech to lead a prayer a flaw,” Davis said. He questioned how the vigil in response to the Fairfax County Board Board could make an informed decision of Supervisors’ recent selection of Kev- Rev. Dr. Vernon Walton, the First Baptist Church Vienna senior pastor, leads his fellow without dialogue. “Either you, [Supervisors] in Davis as the County Police Chief. Inside faith leaders in prayer. knew of the history of our Chief and have the Government Center, the Fairfax County made a determination that it was so insignif- Board of Supervisors meeting was about to icant that you are standing by your choice. get underway at 1 p.m. Board of Supervisors: Davis ‘Has Our Trust’ Or you didn’t know of these events. And as a “[The hiring of Davis] was a decision made result, you are grieved by the fact that criti- in the dark,” said Denise Wilson, President of The Fairfax County Board of Super- community and the Board of Supervisors. cal information with regard to one’s profes- Baptist Ministries of Northern Virginia. visors released the following statement He has also demonstrated through his lead- Tuesday, May 4, in support of Police Chief ership that his past experiences have shaped sional career has been purposely withheld, Moderator Rev. Dr. Vernon Walton, the Kevin Davis: his focus on reform. He has our trust to and you want to revisit your decision,” he First Baptist Church Vienna senior pastor, “Police Chief Kevin Davis was chosen guide the Fairfax County Police Department said. addressed his fellow faith leaders from dif- with the full support and confidence of through the challenges ahead and build on Walton said it is the Board of Supervisors’ ferent traditions, denominations, and wor- the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. the reform efforts already made. responsibility to tell the community why ship styles, yet holding a common interest. Following extensive community outreach As the Chief, we also expect him to be a they selected Davis, and in light of recent Walton said that they were there to pray and and input, he was selected after a nation- strong and effective advocate for the types wide search. Chief Davis demonstrated to of reforms that are designed to protect at findings, why they are remaining with him. lift to God the concerns of their people and the Board that he can lead reform efforts, risk communities from police misconduct. Walton said the trust deficit is not Davis’ those of County residents about the selec- strengthen community relationships, and The Board will accept nothing less going alone to own. It is a burden the Board of Su- tion of Kevin Davis as the new police chief. successfully manage change. forward. We know and agree that this is pervisors also carries. “No one, especially a police chief, should We are aware of the incidents reported critical to collectively reforming policing “The moment there is a questionable begin a job with a trust deficit,” said Walton, in the local media. While they occurred and continuing our journey toward One stop, or God forbid, something worse, it decades ago, we understand the concerns Fairfax. senior pastor of the First Baptist Church Vi- will also be on your hands [Supervisors] of the community. We expect Chief Davis enna. The Police Chief is hired by the Board of to respond to questions regarding those Supervisors and as such, his performance because of your decision-making process. “Specifically, many are concerned about incidents in the media and directly with the will be evaluated at least annually. And so, we gather to pray, praying for God’s the integrity of the process and the more will to be done.”
Rabbi Michael G. Holzman, Rev. Dr. Scott Ramsey, Pastor Rev. Dr. Vernon Walton, the Northern Virginia Hebrew Con- at Lewinsville Presbyterian First Baptist Church Vienna Rev. Dr. Denise Wilson, Baptist Rev. Jacquelyn Hollingworth, gregation, Reston. Church in McLean. senior pastor. Ministries of Northern Virginia (Ret.) Pastor of AME Church.
your spirit fall upon the Police Department.” the opportunity to make the same mistake, Faith Leaders: Why are We at the Vigil –Rev. Dr. Scott Ramsey, Pastor at Lewins- we choose a different path. And we can “Justice, transparency that can shed light “I’m here to ask the County Supervisors ville Presbyterian Church in McLean only do that when we know what we’ve on truth. That the Supervisors do not oper- to fix their mistake and rescind the contract done is wrong.” ate behind closed doors in the process of a of the new police chief… We need the right “We are here to do what is right and just for – Rabbi Michael G. Holzman, North- police chief. We, the People, have the right person for the job.” the Fairfax County community.” ern Virgi nia Hebrew Congregation, to hear the whole story.” – Rev. Sean S. Roberds, First Baptist – Rev. Dr. Paul A. Sheppard First Baptist Reston – Bishop Carroll A. Baltimore, C.A.B. Church of Herndon Church of Merrifield Outreach International Ministries, Inc. “We would like to see justice served by Chantilly “Lord, you are about that work of building the “It’s appropriate for us to be here today as the rescinding of the contract of new Chief beloved community…and you are about that clergy because what we are talking about is Davis. The residents of Fairfax County are “To shine a light on the truth.” work right here in Fairfax County…Let your spirit atonement … The mistakes that we have to depending on us to do the right thing.” – Rev. Jacquelyn Hollingsworth, Ret. fall upon all who are citizens of this County. Let accept, the hardest ones, are the mistakes we – Rev. Dr. Denise Wilson, Baptist Minis- Pastor of AME Church your spirit fall upon the Board of Supervisors. Let make. Atonement comes when we are given tries of Northern Virginia
2 v Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Community Presses New Police Chief and recent findings that have become public since the announcement of the hire. Many are concerned about the lack of transparen- cy and obvious due diligence in this searchChairman for Answers process,” said Walton. “Speaking the truth is not always comfortable, but it is necessary. Either we are facing a process issue or valuesCitizens plead FXCO not be part of Davis’ issue. Either way, there’s a flaw,” he said. Walton referenced incidents involving Da-redemptive career journey. vis solely by the years 1993 and 1999 when Davis was a police officer. He did not say the By Mercia Hobson incidents led to lawsuits against Davis with The Connection claims he used excessive force. Walton did n day four in his new position not need to; those gathered learned from as Chief of Police Fairfax Coun- the media and other sources after the Coun- ty, the ghosts of Kevin Davis’ law ty Supervisors selected Davis in a closedO enforcement past clung heavily door meeting. in the County’s public arena of the May 6 Walton said Supervisors acknowledgedvirtual Community Input Session hosted by they were not aware of the 1993 or 1999 Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), incidents regarding the new Chief. “That’sFairfax County Board of Supervisors, and a flaw,” Davis said. He questioned how theSupervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee District). Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large) Board could make an informed decisionThe problem was the community’s concerns Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large) Fairfax County Board of Supervisors without dialogue. “Either you, [Supervisors]were no longer confined to the Board’s hir- Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and and Supervisor Rodney Lusk hosted the knew of the history of our Chief and haveing process and appointment of Davis as Supervisor Rodney Lusk hosted the May 6 May 6 Community Input Session with made a determination that it was so insignif-chief of police. Also, while the non-disclo- Community Input Session with Chief Davis. Chief Davis. icant that you are standing by your choice.sure of decades-old civil lawsuits with judg- Or you didn’t know of these events. And as a ments entered against Davis from incidents chief. Addressing the Board of Supervisors, build trust in communities where govern- result, you are grieved by the fact that criti-as a young sworn law enforcement officer, she said they must now do the difficult work ment mistrust has been central to our expe- cal information with regard to one’s profes-including use-of-force and ruling of violation to ensure racial justice in County policing. riences.” sional career has been purposely withheld,of constitutional rights was old news com- She said, “That begins with acknowledging Vicki Fishman is the Director of Govern- and you want to revisit your decision,” hemunity concerns escalated with new find- your mistakes in hiring Chief Davis whose ment and Community Relations for North- said. ings and reactions the week of May 3. past misconduct was not disclosed to the ern Virginia, Jewish Community Relations Walton said it is the Board of Supervisors’ County residents questioned a litany of Mercia Hobson/The Connection public and possibly to the Board of Super- Council of Greater Washington. It is the pub- responsibility to tell the community why recent incidents, 2016-2018, that came to Kevin Davis, Chief of Police Fairfax Coun- visors prior to his appointment.” Plerhoples lic affairs arm of the organized Jewish com- they selected Davis, and in light of recentlight, this time with Davis employed not ty Police Department at his first News called on the Board “to remove Chief Davis munity, representing over 100 synagogues, findings, why they are remaining with him.as a young cop in 1993 and 1996 but in Conference held May 7, 2021. from his position and conduct a transparent schools, and institutions throughout the re- Walton said the trust deficit is not Davis’high-ranking law enforcement leadership and thorough search for a new Chief of Po- gion. Fishman expressed disappointment at alone to own. It is a burden the Board of Su-roles. These and other matters shook the Arundel counties, Police Commissioner Bal- lice.” the lack of transparency by the Board of Su- pervisors also carries. trust and unhinged for many any possible timore City, and recipient of a 2019 fellow- Jeremy Monat of Burke addressed the Su- pervisors in the hiring process and the need “The moment there is a questionablefaith in Davis’s ability and transparency as ship award. According to Davis, he was the pervisors, saying while they defended their for adequate stakeholder input. stop, or God forbid, something worse, itPolice Chief of Fairfax County. fifth police chief in the country to implement selection of Davis since incidents [1993, Ron Kuley is the president of the local fire- will also be on your hands [Supervisors] Davis shared at the forum three words Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, “an 1999] occurred decades ago, “contrary to fighters’ union. He said McKay and Supervi- because of your decision-making process.that held meaning for him-transformation, immediate opportunity for police officers to the thrust of your statement, those are not sor Lusk conducted countywide meetings to And so, we gather to pray, praying for God’saccountability, and transparency. “I’m all offer those suffering from drug addictions to the end of Davis’s abuses of power.” Monat seek community input before the selection. will to be done.” about accountability, both for police offi- break the pipeline to prison.” said that in 2016, Davis, as Commissioner He understood that Lusk put in considerable cers [and] myself; and people who commit Davis did not refer or allude to negative of the Baltimore Police Department, worked time meeting with community representa- crimes. There has to be a pathway back to incidents, such as lawsuits where juries secretly with Persistent Surveillance Systems tives and employee groups. “As a longtime success,” he said. “My track record of nearly ruled against him in his role as a sworn po- to fly a plane over the city of Baltimore. “[It] employee and labor leader, I have faith in three decades is a journey,” Davis said. As lice officer, incidents 1993 and 1996. continuously transmitted real-time images Chairman McKay, Supervisor Lusk, and the reported May 7 by FCPD: “I think 2021 is the Davis omitted his six-day lockdown of to analysts on the ground...Even the mayor Board of Supervisors in their process and se- perfect opportunity for me to return to what Black Harlem Baltimore in 2017, resulting and the city council had not been told. Davis’ lection of Chief Davis,” he said I love. – Chief Kevin Davis” in an ACLU lawsuit after African American response did not take responsibility.” Monat Kuley asked, “How do you, Chief Davis, THE TWO-HOUR VIRTUAL ENGAGE- Baltimore police homicide Detective Sean said Davis should not be in another position plan on overcoming the negative comments MENT on May 6 provided a platform for Suiter was killed with his service revolver. of authority, this time over the people of Fair- and feedback that we’ve been hearing this Davis to share his track record, lay out his Davis did not say the detective was to testify fax. Davis said, “I’ve certainly changed, and evening and in the last couple of days here vision for policing in Fairfax County, and to a grand jury regarding police corruption. grown, and learned many lessons through- in Fairfax? community speakers to comment and ques- There was no discussion by Davis about out the course of my career... I have served Davis responded: “By being the best, Chief tion him and Chairman McKay with immedi- his termination as Baltimore Commissioner communities that not only need public safe- of Police, you can possibly be. And that’s ate response. by Mayor Pugh, who cited rising crime. ty, but good public safety, and I look forward what I intend to do, and I’m going to put McKay said they were aware of Davis’ in- Davis previewed his 100-day plan for Fair- to bringing those reform efforts.” in the work and demonstrate to the entire cidents that caused community concern. ‘We fax County. He focused on critical areas the Amanda Andere of Reston is the Ex. Di- community that I am the right person to lead believe in Fairfax County and community community demanded improvement: use of rector of Funders Together to End Home- this great agency.” engagement, not one session, not one meet- force--particularly, time, distance, and de-es- lessness. She served on Chairman McKay’s Terry Adams said that hundreds of police ing, not one phone call, not one testimony,” calation; tactical repositioning of police of- Task Force on Equity and Opportunity, lead- officers served in Prince George’s County He added, “No one is perfect. No agency is ficers in critical situations; implicit [uncon- ing the Equitable Communities Committee. who never used excessive force during Da- perfect. We always strive to improve.” scious] bias training and use of CompStat She believed then that the Board embraced vis’ years of service. “It is difficult to sue a Chief Davis opened by saying that he [Computer Statistics] that gathers real-time the essence of the recommendations in deci- police officer for the performance of his or learned the importance and value of com- information and intelligence. Davis said sion-making during the task force, and the her duties... It’s even harder because of qual- munity early in his police career, to hear the FCPD would realign with One Fairfax. Board would use them going forward. ified immunity to find a police officer liable. voices of those telling how they want to be “And so, I felt like my time on the chair- Mr. Davis was twice found liable for either protected. HIGHLIGHTS OF COMMENTS DURING man’s committee was in vain and disrespect- excessive force or false imprisonment,” Ad- Davis provided background information THE COMMUNITY INPUT SESSION Q & A ed,’ she said. “I “hope you understand that ams said. by listing his recent accomplishments as Alicia Plerhoples of Dranesville testified how we feel about the process, the result, police chief in Prince George’s and Anne regarding the County’s process in hiring the and your response to our concerns does not See Petition, Page 11 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 v 3 Opinion Great Falls
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An independent, locally owned weekly Challenge for Supervisors AND a New Police Chief newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. By John Lovaas community, refusing to reveal the killer or to sembling people they serve nor living near Published by Local Media Connection LLC Community Activist and Founder of Reston explain what had happened. It took the inter- them, to develop mutual trust. There are no Farmers Market vention of a US Senator and mounting public signs of improvement. 1606 King Street pressure to get the Supes to take action, be- Turning to the framework for transforma- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 ere we go again! We have another latedly forming the Ad Hoc Commission to Re- tion of the force provided by a unanimous Ad major Fairfax County Police contro- view Police Practices on which I served. Hoc Commission, we find key recommenda- Free digital edition delivered to versy. I had thought our new, more What or who is it that somehow prevents tions throughout the report either have been your email box. Go to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe Hprogressive, Fairfax County Board Fairfax County’s top elected body from doing dropped, not been implemented, watered down of Supervisors would pay closer attention to its job when it comes to supervising the 1,400- or still delayed seven years after the report. (To police performance and to its role in oversight man force in blue? How is it that a supposed- see for yourself, go to the Ad Hoc Commission NEWS DEPARTMENT: of the Police Department than its predecessors ly nationwide search ends up picking a flawed Report and the last implementation “progress [email protected] had. Not so, it seems. candidate who’d served only in our back yard. report”, April 2021). Pushback from the four Kemal Kurspahic The BOS unanimously approved hiring Kevin Was he perhaps known to some in the FCPD? police associations (would-be unions) and ac- Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 Davis as Police Chief after a supposedly thor- There is a lot riding on this appointment. The quiescence of the former Police Chief have [email protected] ough, nationwide search process. All of Davis’s troubled Police Department has major struc- watered down crucial recommendations to im- prior service was within 30 miles of us, a his- tural and policy problems. However, there are prove transparency (see Communications sec- Mercia Hobson tory with multiple incidents of flagrant abuse solutions within reach if obstacles to solving tion). Recommendations targeting accountabil- Community Reporter of black citizens—two resulting in civil litiga- them are forthrightly addressed by a new Chief ity (see Use of Force and Independent [civilian] [email protected] tion which Davis lost in Prince George’s County, …and if the BOS develops the political will to Oversight) have been crippled. And, the section Ken Moore another resulting in an ACLU suit in Baltimore support him. Here are the critical issues: dealing with civilian oversight by a new Civilian Contributing Writer where as Chief he locked down an entire black First, this force neither resembles nor lives Review Panel has been reduced to a toothless [email protected] neighborhood for 6 days in 2017 after a white in the community it serves. According to the farce. Look closely at the carefully targeted ed- detective died, possibly from suicide! FCPD’s own “Diversity Scorecard” of April 2021, its that assure no civilian is allowed behind the ADVERTISING: Incredibly, Board members claim to be un- Fairfax County’s population is over 35 percent steel blue curtain. Police misbehavior will con- For advertising information aware of these disturbing misdeeds, all occur- Asian (19 percent) and Latino (16 percent) tinue to be investigated only by fellow officers. [email protected] ring very close to home! It seems they were not while the force in blue is barely 13 percent (5 In sum, what’s essential for the transforma- 703-778-9431 told by either the candidate, the search contrac- & 7 respectively). Blacks make up 9 percent of tive reform intended by the Commission is a tor or Deputy County Executive David Rohrer the residents, 8 percent of the force. But, if you strong new Chief dedicated to known princi- Salome Howard-Gaibler who presumably managed the search. This is go a bit deeper, looking at managerial levels, ples for reform and the backing of a Board of Display Advertising 703-415-5394 hardly the due diligence one would expect from the mix is even worse. Whites make up 78 per- Supervisors with more effort and courage than [email protected] Supervisors in considering this sensitive, high cent of the force, more at management ranks. we’ve seen to date. Prospects look pretty grim profile appointment. And, most officers do not live in the County, right now. While Fairfax civic groups and res- Debbie Funk In fact, obliviousness by the entire Board is although their pay would enable them to do so. idents object and cite chapter and verse of Da- Display Advertising/National Sales reminiscent of a prior Board’s failure to respond A starting rookie makes over $50K; many clear vis’s flaws, Chairman McKay and his colleagues 703-778-9444 [email protected] for six months to the 2013 police murder of un- $100K with overtime. appear content with Davis and with the status armed John Geer, while FCPD stonewalled the It is a huge challenge for police neither re- quo. Stay tuned. David Griffin Marketing Assistant 703-778-9431 Respecting the Feelings of ‘Other’ [email protected] Classified & Employment By Farah Ahmad lice officers on Islam. I spoke up at schools, to Muslims shouldn’t be measured by our ab- Advertising educate teachers about the Islamic faith and sences during Ramadan or Eid. We should be 703-778-9431 hen I was in elementary school back make teachers and coaches aware of students recognized as people who give back in charity in the ’80s, I came to school after cel- who were fasting during classes, exams, track during this time and ask our children to do the Editor & Publisher Webrating Eid and closed my sweaty meets, and games. Some educators listened and same. On these days, we reflect, rejuvenate and Mary Kimm hands into fists. I was trying to hide the henna others shook their heads meaning, “this is not model for our children the importance of grati- [email protected] designs on my hand. my problem.” tude, forgiveness, and a connection with some- @MaryKimm But a girl noticed, scrunched up her nose in I hoped my children would have it better thing greater than ourselves-lessons that are as disgust, and asked me. “What is that orange than I did. But as students at Fairfax County valuable as the ones they learn inside the class- Executive Vice President Jerry Vernon stuff on your hand?” “is that a disease or some- Public Schools, they still feel like they have to room. We aren’t statistics in a database: We are 703-549-0004 thing?” I shook my head and muttered under hide who they are or choose between spiritu- Muslim families, who like our Christian friends [email protected] my breath, “not unless a disease forms pretty ally significant days and tests and schoolwork. would like to spend time with our loved ones on flower and teardrop designs.” Standardized tests, like the SOL’s are still sched- our most holy days, especially after a tumultu- Managing Editor Back then, knowledge of Islam was minimal. uled during the month of Ramadan and the cel- ous year of losses. Kemal Kurspahic Teachers were unaware of Ramadan or Eid. It ebration of Eid. Children are still receiving the Honoring the holy days of diverse faith com- Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly, got tiring explaining to kids why I was fasting message that their religious needs are, “not my munities provides an opportunity to create Ali Khaligh and that, no, I could not even drink water. problem” by school leaders. awareness and cultural sensitivity. Maybe teach- Production Manager: Then September 11th happened. In an effort to advocate for my son and other ers or students who have never met a Muslim, Geovani Flores Islam became the new headline. People Muslim kids, I joined the board-appointed Fairfax or who don’t know about Islam, will pause and swarmed bookstores looking for Qur’anic sourc- County Public School’s religious task force com- ask, why are all these friends gone today? Per- CIRCULATION es about terrorism or jihad. They pointed to the mittee. I hoped that FCPS administrators and haps students will learn to respect a classmate [email protected] oppression of women in hijabs. They misquoted board members would find just and equitable who is fasting, or not to pull off a hijab. Maybe and misled. Anyone brown or “Middle-Eastern” solutions for the many Muslims across our county. it will teach someone that Islam is more than looking became a suspicious person who might But my experience trying to represent a mi- just a headline or a stereotype. be carrying a bomb inside their jacket. nority community within the school system left FCPS prides itself on being diverse, but diversity I bought into the negative hype myself, be- me feeling appalled and heartbroken. I felt I was is more than a bullet point on letterhead. In Islam, coming defensive, and internalizing the respon- again the “other” in our public school community. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says that our words sibility of being the sole representative of my I was disheartened watching the FCPS board and actions should be the same. FCPS needs to faith everywhere I went. As an American-born debate and decision against closing school on heed these words and truly listen to the soul and and raised girl, I was suddenly being treated four days coinciding with major faith groups in the needs of their faith-based communities. like an “other.” our community. Seemingly educated people dis- — Farah Ahmad is a Fairfax County parent and I began learning my civil rights and advo- played a complete lack of understanding about a member of leadership at the cating for myself. I trained FBI agents and po- the people of diverse faiths in our community. McLean Islamic Center. 4 v Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News
Courtesy photo Pranav Choudhary Langley High Junior Elected Student Representative
Pranav Choudharyto ible results. And as a representative for all students, serve a one-year term he also plans to actively seek out the voic- es of students from all areas of the county and all walks of life and, in doing so, to beginning July 1. gain additional insight on existing prob- lems “in order to develop tangible, workable ranav Choudhary, a junior at Lang- solutions to solve those problems. ley High School, has been elected “I would particularly emphasize the val- by the countywide Student Advisory ue of direct student support and how it can PCouncil (SAC) to serve a one-year prevent both mental health struggles and term as student representative to the Fair- school withdrawal.” His focus on mental fax County School Board, beginning July 1. health includes suicide risk screenings every Choudhary will participate in School Board year “to ensure that students who are in cri- meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the sis can get the support they so desperately State Farm Insurance position currently held by Nathan Onibudo, need as soon as possible.” a senior at South County High School. He Choudhary has been a consensus builder will be the 51st student representative to as a student government contributor. “I’m the School Board - Fairfax County Public drawn to building bridges and actively seek- IN GREAT FALLS Schools announced. ing people out,” he explains. “On the Student Choudhary has three main focuses as Advisory Council (SAC) School Community student representative: academic support, Committee and Relationships Subcommit- expanding acces- tee, I’ve worked AUTO• HOME • LIFE sibility and com- on developing am-
munication for “I would particularly em- bitious, goal-ori- FINANCIAL SERVICES resources, and ented solutions to Like A Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There.® mental wellness. phasize the value of di- tackle the prob- “At the end of the rect student support and lems we face.” Open Saturdays day, everything Choudhary says Complementary Insurance and Financial Review comes down to how it can prevent both his efforts have communica- included feedback Visit www.gstephendulaney.com tion; even when from students of resources are mental health struggles all different back- available in our grounds, school schools, they are and school withdrawal.” communities, and often nearly im- — Pranav Choudhary academic experi- possible to find,” ences. he states, adding Choudhary is that combining the relationships he’s built Langley’s Student Advisory Committee del- with his personal experiences will enable egate; co-founder and co-chair of the Virgin- him to work toward meaningful change. ia Teen Democrats; a reporter at the Saxon Specifically, Choudhary wants to devel- Scope, Langley High’s student newspaper; op a multi-language Fairfax County Public Journalism Club president; and a Cappies Schools (FCPS) student newsletter that in- critic. In high school, he has studied Rus- cludes mental health and academic resourc- sian, Journalism, Theater Arts, and Personal es. He also wants to help connect students Development along with core courses in En- with Systems of Support Advisors (SOSA), glish, social studies, science, and math. As 731-C WALKER RD.· GREAT FALLS, VA full-time academic support counselors in a senior, he will study leadership, English, State Farm Insurance Companies high schools, and expand the program to Advanced Placement (AP) government, AP Home Office Bloomington, Illinois middle schools. According to Choudhary, Russian, precalculus with trigonometry, this would provide intervention for strug- journalism, physics, and economics and per- Proud Supporter of Military Appreciation Mondays gling students as early as possible with vis- sonal finance. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 v 5 News Photos courtesy of FCPS Mother’s Day 2021, Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
Dr. Ellen Reilly, Principal, Jeff Litz, Principal, With Love McLean High School Marshall High School Motherhood is a messy, Pomp & Odd complex state of being. By Mercia Hobson Circumstance The Connection
otherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, Area high schools innovate to not designated by birth or raising anoth- er human. It is a state of being, constant- plan pandemic-time graduations. Mly reimagining itself from depths of self- less caring and nurturing. Motherhood knows when By CJ High School, “For example, to expand and when to trust in its gift of love and normally we would have an step aside. he COVID-19 pandemic end of year awards ceremony Kate Janich, the co-founder of Rowan Tree locat- might have kept area in our main gym and broadcast ed on the Herndon- Reston boundary, wrote “A Thank Tstudents out of school it to the entire school. This year You to Moms”: “Motherhood is messy, it’s complex, it for a time, but it hasn’t stopped we are moving to our stadium challenges us to define ourselves -- constantly. Some high schoolers from graduating and abiding by social distancing of us have lost a mother. Some of us have lost a child. and leaving for good. guidelines.” Some of us didn’t have the ideal mom, but that love Social distancing and other Understandably, the unprec- is still there -- or not. Many women dream of having health protocols abound, high edented circumstances of the children, but the universe has a different plan. Some (From left) Kenci Santamaria of Herndon, her schools across the country have time we’re living in have made women made a choice to not have children.” daughter, Jaritza Santamaria, 9, and son, Jef- been faced with the dilemma these planning processes ex- “Some mothers aren’t women. Some mothers aren’t ferson Jose, 6, enjoy Mother’s Day on the Town now posed by the impossibility tremely difficult. biological or legally mothers but have become a stand- Square in front of the Old Town Hall in Herndon. of traditional ceremonies. Still, “It’s just that frustration,” said in and a rock for other human beings.” Jaritza Santamaria, 9 - Mom plays with me and area schools have persisted and Dr. Reilly, “I want to get infor- The Connection asked not the mothers but those un- takes me to the mall. gotten creative with planning mation out to the families, and Jefferson Jose, 6 - I like Mom’s eggs. der their wings what they loved best about their moms. the 2020 and 2021 graduations my goal is to do it this week. alike. And now, I just left a meeting “Last year we were in a and I got new information. So, mode of understanding that it’s just been frustrating and we we couldn’t be together,” said just want a great day for our se- Dr. Ellen Reilly, Principal of Mc- niors and their families, that’s Lean High School, “it was really all we’re trying to do”. [about] how we honor the kids Despite the great response and their families”. Dr. Reilly said last year’s grad- McLean’s 2020 graduation uation received from parents, was a different one for sure. her and her staff wanted to get Spanning over 4 consecutive a bit closer to their customary 10-hour days for the school’s ceremony at Constitution Hall: staff, pre-divided groups of stu- This year McLean’s graduates dents and their families who will be honored at Jiffy Lube wanted to participate formed a Live. procession of vehicles carrying The continuous efforts of graduates-to-be in the school’s school staffs have not gone un- parking lot. noticed, according to Principal As “Pomp and Circumstance” Jeff Litz: played in the open air, students “I feel that students and par- rolled up to a makeshift stage, ents recognize the challenges had their names called, and we have faced over the past were honored at a distance one year and a half and are appre- by one. ciative of the effort we have put “We found it was really im- forth to find ways to celebrate portant for them to have it – I and recognize them as often as really enjoyed it, actually!” said possible” (From left) Teresa Vo, mother of Alicia Vo, 15, Dr. Reilly, “and I think the par- “It’s been a long year,” said and daughter-in-law of Suong Vo of Vienna whose ents enjoyed it, you know, they Dr. Reilly, “and to look back adult son, Bao, Teresa’s husband, is formerly of got to see their kid up on the where we were a year ago and Reston, Alicia, and Suong spend Mother’s Day stage.” where we are now, you know, at Lake Anne Village Center in Reston. Alicia Vo, Rodrigo Torres Sharp, 6, of Great Falls, and Behind the scenes, though, sometimes it gets emotional for 15 - My mom has given me so much advice in my his mother, Zulay Torres Sharp, enjoy Moth- unique events like this one re- me because I know how much life. Mom is loving, caring, and helps me to be the er’s Day at the Great Falls Grange Playground. quire extensive planning and it means to these kids and their best I can be in everything I do. Teresa Vo- I enjoy Rodrigo - What I would miss the most is all the preparation. families. hearing stories from my mother-in-law, Suong Vo. kindness because my mom gives me hugs and “We have had to move to do- “I think that the class of 2021 Suong taught me a lot about how resilient she’s kisses and presents. I give her lots of kisses ing a lot of things virtually or sometimes feels like they’re for- been over the years. Suong taught me about histo- and hugs. I like that my mom makes me her moving them outdoors,” said gotten about,” Dr. Reilly contin- ry and culture, how it relates to life, and how she salmon rice with lime and ketchup. I chose Jeff Litz, principal of Marshall ued, “and they’re not”. brought it from Vietnam to the United States. daisies for my mom yesterday. 6 v Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Photos courtesy of FCPS Calendar
NOW THRU JUNE 26 people of Keokee, Virginia, gather to celebrate Ken Britz, Artist of the Year. At VAS Gallery in the the accomplishments of their favorite son, Village Green, 513 Maple Ave. W, Vienna. The cultural clashes, old resentments, tall tales Mother’s Day 2021, Vienna Arts Society is thrilled to present a and lies are served up alongside the banana collection of “Favored Subjects”, artworks by pudding and potato salad. Tickets $10 at Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection Artist of the Year Ken Britz. The exhibition is www.shoestringtheatrecompany.com or 703- open April 12 through June 26, Mon. - Sat., 731-2895. Dr. Ellen Reilly, Principal, Jeff Litz, Principal, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover more about Ken on the website: www.ViennaArtsSociety.org McLean High School Marshall High School SATURDAY/MAY 15 With Love Golf Tournament. 8 a.m. to noon. At Burke Lake THURSDAY/MAY 13 Golf Course, 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Free Artist Demonstration. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Put your vows to the test at the “For Better or Motherhood is a messy, The Vienna Arts Society invites the public to Worse Couples Tournament” at Burke Lake Pomp & Odd free virtual art demonstrations the second Golf Course. Teams of two players will com- Thursday of each month. Popular Art Instruc- pete in an 18-hole scramble format. There complex state of being. tor Bryan Jernigan will Zoom as he demon- will be closest-to-the-pin contests and prizes By Mercia Hobson strates the art of Abstract painting. You can for first-, second- and third-place teams. Cost Circumstance click on the invitation to join the demo on the is $75 per team. The fee, which is due at time The Connection website: www.ViennaArtsSociety.org of registration, includes lunch. Registration begins 30 days before the event and is limited otherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, Area high schools innovate to MAY 14-31 to the first 48 teams. Players must be age 18 The NextStop Theatre Company will present Abby Middleton in “First Date” from or older. There is no rain date. Call 703-323- not designated by birth or raising anoth- Dinosaur Drive-Thru Experience. The Dinosaurs are ready to return from extinction. The April 30 to May 16, 2021. 1641. er human. It is a state of being, constant- plan pandemic-time graduations. drive-thru dinosaur exhibit is the first of its APRIL 30 TO MAY 16 ly reimagining itself from depths of self- kind at the Bull Run Events Center in Centre- ”First Date”. NextStop Theatre Company announces the premiere of the Broadway musical comedy, SATURDAY/MAY 15 M “First Date,” streaming through ShowTix4U.com. Filmed at NextStop Theatre and around down- less caring and nurturing. Motherhood knows when By CJ High School, “For example, ville. The Museum quality exhibit, with more Better Angels Concert. 8 p.m. Jesse Palidofsky to expand and when to trust in its gift of love and than 75+ animatronic and static dinosaurs, town Herndon, this light-hearted musical romantic comedy tells the story of Casey and Aaron, and Seth Kibel: Better Angels CD Release normally we would have an two young singles set up on a blind date by friends and family, even though they seemingly have step aside. runs May 14 through May 31. Tours are Concert. Hear powerful songs of social justice he COVID-19 pandemic end of year awards ceremony available Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. absolutely nothing in common. Performances will have scheduled start times on Friday and Satur- and healing in a free online concert/CD Kate Janich, the co-founder of Rowan Tree locat- might have kept area in our main gym and broadcast to 9 p.m. daily. Visit www.drivethrudinos.com day evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. from April 30 to May 16, 2021. Tickets are $25 each release party by Azalea City Recordings artist ed on the Herndon- Reston boundary, wrote “A Thank students out of school it to the entire school. This year or call 800-830-3976. (plus processing fees) and are good for one stream per household. Visit www.NextStopTheatre. and Washington Folk Festival favorite Jesse T org. “First Date” tickets are $25 per household/stream. Visit for more information and to book: You to Moms”: “Motherhood is messy, it’s complex, it Palidofsky. Jesse will team up with clarinetist/ for a time, but it hasn’t stopped we are moving to our stadium https://www.nextstoptheatre.org/shows/first-date. challenges us to define ourselves -- constantly. Some NOW THRU MAY 16 saxophonist Seth Kibel, violinist Christine high schoolers from graduating and abiding by social distancing Kharazian and bass virtuoso Herman Burney of us have lost a mother. Some of us have lost a child. The Carnival is Coming. 5:30-10 p.m. Spring- and leaving for good. guidelines.” field Town Center is bringing the carnival to field, VA 22150 – Lot adjacent to JCPenney, all revolve around lunch period in this hilar- to celebrate the release of Jesse’s new re- Some of us didn’t have the ideal mom, but that love Social distancing and other Understandably, the unprec- town. From May 6th – 16th customers will Enter by JCPenney garage. ious and heartwarming rock/grunge musical cording of original songs, Our Better Angels. is still there -- or not. Many women dream of having health protocols abound, high edented circumstances of the be able to enjoy everyone’s carnival favorites that remind us just what middle school is all Website: https://www.fsgw.org/Concerts about. Tickets available at LBTheatre.com. At children, but the universe has a different plan. Some (From left) Kenci Santamaria of Herndon, her schools across the country have time we’re living in have made including games, rides and fair food. Tickets MAY 13-15 will be on sale at the event for rides and ”Lunch.” At Lake Braddock High School. 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke. MONDAY/MAY 17 women made a choice to not have children.” daughter, Jaritza Santamaria, 9, and son, Jef- been faced with the dilemma these planning processes ex- “Some mothers aren’t women. Some mothers aren’t ferson Jose, 6, enjoy Mother’s Day on the Town games. For unlimited rides, customers can Thursday, May 13th at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Writing for Wellness. 7-8 p.m. Online. Learn about now posed by the impossibility tremely difficult. purchase a $25 Pay One Price Wristband. Any May 14th 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 15th at SATURDAY/MAY 15 wellness and other benefits of personal writing biological or legally mothers but have become a stand- Square in front of the Old Town Hall in Herndon. of traditional ceremonies. Still, “It’s just that frustration,” said customer who shows a mall receipt dated 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available at Lake ”I Ain’t Made that Way.” 7 p.m. At Shoestring with life story ghostwriter Karen Bender. Pre- in and a rock for other human beings.” Jaritza Santamaria, 9 - Mom plays with me and area schools have persisted and Dr. Reilly, “I want to get infor- May 6 - 16 will receive $3 off the price of a Braddock High School Tickets (etix.com). Theatre at Arts Herndon, 750 Center Street, pare to be inspired! Age 16 to Adult. Register The Connection asked not the mothers but those un- takes me to the mall. gotten creative with planning mation out to the families, and wristband. At 6500 Springfield Mall, Spring- Raging hormones, inane fights and first love Herndon. When the Van Buren family and the online at www.tiny.one/writelife Jefferson Jose, 6 - I like Mom’s eggs. der their wings what they loved best about their moms. the 2020 and 2021 graduations my goal is to do it this week. alike. And now, I just left a meeting Bulletin Board “Last year we were in a and I got new information. So, Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers. Same Company, Same Employees, mode of understanding that it’s just been frustrating and we com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at we couldn’t be together,” said just want a great day for our se- noon, at least two weeks before the event. Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! Dr. Ellen Reilly, Principal of Mc- niors and their families, that’s STARTING MAY 14 support from The Permanent Lean High School, “it was really all we’re trying to do”. McLean Farmers Market. 8 a.m. Fund for Northern Virginia, our [about] how we honor the kids Despite the great response to 12 noon. At Lewinsville endowment supporting critical need throughout the region and their families”. Dr. Reilly said last year’s grad- Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, TWO POOR TEACHERS McLean. Operates every Friday and with support from the Chin McLean’s 2020 graduation uation received from parents, through November 13. Local Family Charitable Fund and the was a different one for sure. her and her staff wanted to get farmers and producers sell fresh J.O.Y. Charitable Fund, donor Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Spanning over 4 consecutive a bit closer to their customary produce and fruits; breads and established funds. The dead- 10-hour days for the school’s ceremony at Constitution Hall: pastries; prepared foods; herbs; line for nonprofits to apply is 5 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021. staff, pre-divided groups of stu- This year McLean’s graduates flowers, and more. All products are grown or produced by the Winners will be announced on dents and their families who will be honored at Jiffy Lube vendors and come from within August 1, 2021. If you have wanted to participate formed a Live. 125 miles. Visit the website: questions contact sari.raskin@ procession of vehicles carrying The continuous efforts of https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ cfnova.org or jennifer.cochran@ cfnova.org graduates-to-be in the school’s school staffs have not gone un- parks/farmersmarkets/ parking lot. noticed, according to Principal SATURDAY/MAY 15 WALMART AND SAM’S CLUB As “Pomp and Circumstance” Jeff Litz: Author James Johnston. 2-3 p.m. OFFER WALK-UP COVID played in the open air, students “I feel that students and par- Virtual event. Local author VACCINES rolled up to a makeshift stage, ents recognize the challenges James Johnston discusses Walmart and Sam’s Club today an- had their names called, and we have faced over the past “Murder, Inc.: the CIA under nounced a new COVID-19 vac- were honored at a distance one year and a half and are appre- John F. Kennedy”, streaming cine milestone: Immunizations through Fairfax County Public by one. ciative of the effort we have put are now available to customers Library. Register at https:// and associates in all of their “We found it was really im- forth to find ways to celebrate librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty. more than 5,100 pharmacy portant for them to have it – I and recognize them as often as gov/event/7327825 locations nationwide, across really enjoyed it, actually!” said possible” 49 states, Puerto Rico and • Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed (From left) Teresa Vo, mother of Alicia Vo, 15, Dr. Reilly, “and I think the par- “It’s been a long year,” said HEALTHY KIDS GRANTS Washington, D.C. This includes • Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999 The Community Foundation for the 149 Walmart and Sam’s and daughter-in-law of Suong Vo of Vienna whose ents enjoyed it, you know, they Dr. Reilly, “and to look back 10% down Northern Virginia, announced Club pharmacies in Virginia. • Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job got to see their kid up on the where we were a year ago and adult son, Bao, Teresa’s husband, is formerly of today the opening of its 2021 Vaccines are being administered Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the Reston, Alicia, and Suong spend Mother’s Day stage.” where we are now, you know, Healthy Kids Grants cycle. The via both walk-up and scheduled past 17 years at Lake Anne Village Center in Reston. Alicia Vo, Rodrigo Torres Sharp, 6, of Great Falls, and Behind the scenes, though, sometimes it gets emotional for grants are available for the appointments, providing con- • Plumbing (PLB) 15 - My mom has given me so much advice in my his mother, Zulay Torres Sharp, enjoy Moth- unique events like this one re- me because I know how much 2021-2022 academic school venient options for customers year. Eligible public schools and members to get protected • Residential Building (RBC) life. Mom is loving, caring, and helps me to be the er’s Day at the Great Falls Grange Playground. quire extensive planning and it means to these kids and their in the region with programs against COVID-19 where they best I can be in everything I do. Teresa Vo- I enjoy Rodrigo - What I would miss the most is all the preparation. families. focused on healthy lifestyles already shop for groceries and hearing stories from my mother-in-law, Suong Vo. kindness because my mom gives me hugs and “We have had to move to do- “I think that the class of 2021 through increased exercise and health care essentials. Appoint- Free Estimates 703-999-2928 Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level Suong taught me a lot about how resilient she’s kisses and presents. I give her lots of kisses ing a lot of things virtually or sometimes feels like they’re for- physical activity or healthy ments can be made at walmart. nutrition may apply for grants com/COVIDvaccine and sams- http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov been over the years. Suong taught me about histo- and hugs. I like that my mom makes me her moving them outdoors,” said gotten about,” Dr. Reilly contin- up to $2,000 each. Healthy Kids club.com/covid. ry and culture, how it relates to life, and how she salmon rice with lime and ketchup. I chose Jeff Litz, principal of Marshall ued, “and they’re not”. Grants are possible through See Bulletin, Page 10 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com brought it from Vietnam to the United States. daisies for my mom yesterday. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 v 7 News
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to withdraw its June 23, 2020, concurrence with the special exception application filed by Milestone Tower Limited Partner- ship IV and its agent, Donohue and Stearns, PLC, on Tax Map Parcel 19-3 ((1)) 20, located at Photo by Mike Salmon/Connection 1315 Beulah Road, to construct a telecommunication facility at Pit stops like this one from years’ past will not be as social Wolf Trap Fire Station #42. this year.
Photos by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection Biking and Trail Use It’s a No to Fire Station #49 Monopole Continues to Grow County and Milestone Pit Stop gathering is out, had not reached a but Bike to Work Day is Still on lease agreement. for May 21. By Mike Salmon By Mercia Hobson The Connection Connection Newspapers Washington Area Bicyclist Asso- t’s been 20 years since Bike ciation, Bike to Work Day is run he proposal to construct a telecommunica- to Work Day began, and it by the Metropolitan Washington tion facility, with a 114-foot monopole tow- Igrows each year showing that Council of Governments’ Com- er at County-owned Wolf Trap Fire Station there is another side to commut- muter Connections program. T#42 in Vienna died on May 4 after Supervi- ing that uses no gas, has health WABA is part of the steering sor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) presented a The sightline of a home near the corner of Bent benefits and is fun, even if it’s committee and manages the Board Matter concerning Milestone Communications/ Creek Lane and Stone Meadow Way in Vienna only one day a year for many. registration process. Although it Special Exception to the Fairfax County Board of Su- would have had a view of the monopole to the As with everything else in the was cancelled last year to com- pervisors during its regular meeting. The fire station is left of the garage. covid year of 2021, it’s going to ply with CDC recommendations located at the intersection of 1315 Beulah Road at the be a little different this year but about gathering, participation has intersection of Leesburg Pike. property was one of five or possibly six. Diane said a good thing nonetheless. There grown every year. In 2018, about According to Foust, the County and Milestone en- that would have been in a direct sightline with the will be tee shirts with the skyline 17,000 people signed up for the gaged in negotiations related to Milestone’s request to tower. “The backs of their homes directly face the logo, like years past, but at the event and in 2019, just under lease the Wolf Trap Fire Station but had not reached open field,” she said. According to Diane, the com- pit stops, it will be a quick stop 20,000 people signed up. This an agreement. Since the County owns the Wolf Trap munity had a meeting with Supervisor Foust a few for the tee shirt, and onto points year is impacted by the pandem- Fire Station and the lease negotiations between the months back to present their concerns. beyond - no convoys, no chit chat ic with offices closed and many County and Milestone paused, Foust requested that “I will say we are grateful to him, and we applaud at the pit stop or a local mechan- working from home, although the Board withdraw its consent for Milestone’s appli- the Supervisor’s decision, leadership, and listening to ic checking the brakes as seen in people working from home can cation. our community and other communities’ concerns,” previous years. Since many are still ride up and get a tee shirt. “As the Board knows, as a property owner, the Diane said. working from home still, it will “We’re expecting 10,000 or so rid- County places a high value on community participa- Asked if she thought this was the end of the mono- be grab the tee shirt and head ers this year, as many people are tion and feedback on projects located on its land and pole proposal; Diane said, “The honest answer is, back to the home office. The Bike still working from home, and pit expects its potential tenants to provide the same level no…We hope it is put to bed, but you just never know to Work organizers are fine with stop activities have been scaled of commitment to soliciting public input,” Foust said. when someone will come forward again.” that, it says on the website. back,” said Browne. Randy added that the community needed to be vig- One change is the “pit stop,” GREAT FALLS Citizens Association held a March 15 ilant and engaged with the local government in these name, it’s now called “tee shirt Trail Use and the Pandemic webinar featuring a presentation by Milestone Towers situations. “Stay involved as an active civic commu- pickup point.” At the stops, The Capital Trails Coalition as its guest and a community-wide call-in about the nity to make sure that the community maintains its there will be a strict covid pol- looked into trail use, and found proposed monopole at Fire Station #42 Wolf Trap. character,” he said. icy, which includes a mask re- that across the nation, trails are At the time, callers voiced concerns over aesthetics, quirement, no hanging out and seeing more users than ever be- residential property values, radiofrequency emissions IN THE FALL of 2020, applicant Milestone Tower socializing, any food is required fore. According to data provided exposure levels, macro vs. small cell technology, and Limited Partnership IV and the Board of Supervisors to be pre-packaged and not con- by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 5G preference. John Nelson, President of Ciara Estates of Fairfax County filed a Proffered Condition Amend- sumed on the premises, and no nearly every week in 2020 saw Homeowners Association, said, “This (seeing an im- ment to amend RZ 78D060 for modifications and de- live raffles. “The emphasis will an increase in trail users com- age of the monopole superimposed on a photo of the velopment conditions to allow telecommunications be on bicycling for exercise and pared to numbers of the same neighborhood) is an eyesore...visible from most of the facilities. Since the proposed site, public property Fire mental well-being,” the Bike to week in 2019. Several weeks homes in our homeowners’ association.” Station #42, was in an R-2 Residential District, per Work website said. Cyclists will in March and April even saw as Som Venkatanarayan of Vienna said, “This is indus- Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance, monopole struc- travel on a one-way path to pick many as 1.5 – 2 times the num- trial power, not [appropriate] in an R-2 zone. tures required a Special Exception approval. The up the tee shirt and each rider ber of trail users as the year be- Chris Harold, Vice President of Milestone Towers Planning Commission hearing on the Special Excep- will be socially distanced. fore. In Arlington at the W&OD said at the webinar that Milestone planned to install a tion was scheduled for May 5, and the Board of Su- Bon Air Park counter, there was 50 by 50-foot fenced compound, remove five trees, and pervisors’ hearing with the tentative final vote on the Hitting the Trail a 37 percent increase in bike plant fifteen to twenty trees and install an access road. matter was to be on June 8. According to Colin Browne, use, and a 23 percent increase Hearing that the tower was now off the table was As of press time, Milestone could not be reached Communications Director at the in people running and walking. good news to Randy and Diane Schumacher, whose for comment. 8 v Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Home Life Style Elevating the Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to withdraw its June 23, 2020, concurrence with the special Bathroom exception application filed by Milestone Tower Limited Partner- Ideas for budget and ship IV and its agent, Donohue and Stearns, PLC, on Tax Map luxury bathrooms Parcel 19-3 ((1)) 20, located at Photo by Mike Salmon/Connection 1315 Beulah Road, to construct By Marilyn Campbell a telecommunication facility at Pit stops like this one from years’ past will not be as social The Connection this year. Wolf Trap Fire Station #42. ometimes regarded as a strictly function- Photos by Mercia Hobson/ al space, bathrooms might bring to mind White countertop, dark wood cabinets, float- The Connection Biking and Trail Use brushing and flossing rather than style and ing vanity, black fixtures create a spa-like at- Scomfort. Whether you’re working on a tight mosphere in this bathroom by InSite Builders budget or creating the bathroom of your dreams, two & Remodeling. Continues to Grow local designers offer It’s a No to Fire Station #49 Monopole inspiration. “Even if you’re only County and Milestone Pit Stop gathering is out, able to spend a limit- ed amount of money, had not reached a but Bike to Work Day is Still on creativity is a necessity,” said Marcie Taylor of lease agreement. for May 21. Marcie Taylor Designs in Alexandria. By Mike Salmon Taylor recalls helping By Mercia Hobson The Connection a couple who’d grown Connection Newspapers Washington Area Bicyclist Asso- tired of the outdated t’s been 20 years since Bike ciation, Bike to Work Day is run master bathroom in he proposal to construct a telecommunica- to Work Day began, and it by the Metropolitan Washington their Springfield home, tion facility, with a 114-foot monopole tow- Igrows each year showing that Council of Governments’ Com- but couldn’t afford a er at County-owned Wolf Trap Fire Station there is another side to commut- muter Connections program. total overhaul. T#42 in Vienna died on May 4 after Supervi- ing that uses no gas, has health WABA is part of the steering “I told them that sor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) presented a The sightline of a home near the corner of Bent benefits and is fun, even if it’s committee and manages the they needed to invest Board Matter concerning Milestone Communications/ Creek Lane and Stone Meadow Way in Vienna only one day a year for many. registration process. Although it in one statement piece Special Exception to the Fairfax County Board of Su- would have had a view of the monopole to the As with everything else in the was cancelled last year to com- and then add some less pervisors during its regular meeting. The fire station is left of the garage. covid year of 2021, it’s going to ply with CDC recommendations expensive accessories,” located at the intersection of 1315 Beulah Road at the be a little different this year but about gathering, participation has she said. “We salvaged The hinged glass shower door are Full-size porcelain slabs make intersection of Leesburg Pike. property was one of five or possibly six. Diane said a good thing nonetheless. There grown every year. In 2018, about a crystal chandelier and consistent with the contemporary the shower a major focal point According to Foust, the County and Milestone en- that would have been in a direct sightline with the will be tee shirts with the skyline 17,000 people signed up for the hung it over the bathtub design of this bathroom by InSite in this bathroom by InSite gaged in negotiations related to Milestone’s request to tower. “The backs of their homes directly face the logo, like years past, but at the event and in 2019, just under to create a focal point. Builders & Remodeling. Builders & Remodeling. lease the Wolf Trap Fire Station but had not reached open field,” she said. According to Diane, the com- pit stops, it will be a quick stop 20,000 people signed up. This We replaced the grout an agreement. Since the County owns the Wolf Trap munity had a meeting with Supervisor Foust a few for the tee shirt, and onto points year is impacted by the pandem- around the tub and sink which looked dingy against Helping to create a sense of tranquility, the design Fire Station and the lease negotiations between the months back to present their concerns. beyond - no convoys, no chit chat ic with offices closed and many the existing white tile. We then added a matte black team used materials such as a white countertop, dark County and Milestone paused, Foust requested that “I will say we are grateful to him, and we applaud at the pit stop or a local mechan- working from home, although faucet and found a shower head in the same color.” wood cabinets, a floating vanity, black fixtures, and the Board withdraw its consent for Milestone’s appli- the Supervisor’s decision, leadership, and listening to ic checking the brakes as seen in people working from home can When designers at InSite Builders & Remodeling a hinged glass shower door. “The shower is a major cation. our community and other communities’ concerns,” previous years. Since many are still ride up and get a tee shirt. transformed a cramped and outdated Jack and Jill focal point,” said Stephen Gordon, InSite Builders & “As the Board knows, as a property owner, the Diane said. working from home still, it will “We’re expecting 10,000 or so rid- bathroom in Bethesda into a master bath suite be- Remodeling. “It [has] full-size porcelain slabs which County places a high value on community participa- Asked if she thought this was the end of the mono- be grab the tee shirt and head ers this year, as many people are fitting a luxury spa, they had to expand the footprint eliminate grout lines.” tion and feedback on projects located on its land and pole proposal; Diane said, “The honest answer is, back to the home office. The Bike still working from home, and pit of the bathroom by using square footage from an “Even if you’re just doing a spruce-up, a bathroom expects its potential tenants to provide the same level no…We hope it is put to bed, but you just never know to Work organizers are fine with stop activities have been scaled adjacent bedroom. The additional space was used to project can seem like a major undertaking,” said of commitment to soliciting public input,” Foust said. when someone will come forward again.” that, it says on the website. back,” said Browne. add a double sink, a new closet and a large zero-en- Taylor. “But I can’t recall anyone who didn’t think it Randy added that the community needed to be vig- One change is the “pit stop,” try glass shower. was worth the effort.” GREAT FALLS Citizens Association held a March 15 ilant and engaged with the local government in these name, it’s now called “tee shirt Trail Use and the Pandemic webinar featuring a presentation by Milestone Towers situations. “Stay involved as an active civic commu- pickup point.” At the stops, The Capital Trails Coalition as its guest and a community-wide call-in about the nity to make sure that the community maintains its there will be a strict covid pol- looked into trail use, and found FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION proposed monopole at Fire Station #42 Wolf Trap. character,” he said. icy, which includes a mask re- that across the nation, trails are Sign up for At the time, callers voiced concerns over aesthetics, quirement, no hanging out and seeing more users than ever be- to all of our papers residential property values, radiofrequency emissions IN THE FALL of 2020, applicant Milestone Tower socializing, any food is required fore. According to data provided exposure levels, macro vs. small cell technology, and Limited Partnership IV and the Board of Supervisors to be pre-packaged and not con- by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, 5G preference. John Nelson, President of Ciara Estates of Fairfax County filed a Proffered Condition Amend- sumed on the premises, and no nearly every week in 2020 saw Homeowners Association, said, “This (seeing an im- ment to amend RZ 78D060 for modifications and de- live raffles. “The emphasis will an increase in trail users com- age of the monopole superimposed on a photo of the velopment conditions to allow telecommunications be on bicycling for exercise and pared to numbers of the same neighborhood) is an eyesore...visible from most of the facilities. Since the proposed site, public property Fire mental well-being,” the Bike to week in 2019. Several weeks homes in our homeowners’ association.” Station #42, was in an R-2 Residential District, per Work website said. Cyclists will in March and April even saw as Som Venkatanarayan of Vienna said, “This is indus- Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance, monopole struc- travel on a one-way path to pick many as 1.5 – 2 times the num- trial power, not [appropriate] in an R-2 zone. tures required a Special Exception approval. The up the tee shirt and each rider ber of trail users as the year be- Chris Harold, Vice President of Milestone Towers Planning Commission hearing on the Special Excep- will be socially distanced. fore. In Arlington at the W&OD said at the webinar that Milestone planned to install a tion was scheduled for May 5, and the Board of Su- Bon Air Park counter, there was 50 by 50-foot fenced compound, remove five trees, and pervisors’ hearing with the tentative final vote on the Hitting the Trail a 37 percent increase in bike plant fifteen to twenty trees and install an access road. matter was to be on June 8. According to Colin Browne, use, and a 23 percent increase Hearing that the tower was now off the table was As of press time, Milestone could not be reached Communications Director at the in people running and walking. www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe good news to Randy and Diane Schumacher, whose for comment. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 v 9 Bulletin Board Classified From Page 7 WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM CVS HEALTH OFFERS WALK-IN To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411 COVID VACCINES CVS Health is now accepting walk-in COVID-19 appointments at CVS Services Pharmacy locations across the country, including 342 locations in Virginia, with no appointment PRESSURE WASHING PROS necessary. Same-day scheduling, In Business for 25 Years including appointments as soon as one hour from time of scheduling, is also available at CVS.com. 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MAY 3-21 Soccer Tryouts. Coaches from Spain return to Villarreal Virginia Acad- emy for soccer tryouts in May. The soccer academy based in Northern Virginia will be hosting tryouts from May 3-21, 2021. The tryouts will take place at Mason District Park, Pine Ridge Park, Ossian Hall Park and Thomas Jefferson High School. Leading coaches from Villarreal CF, the Spanish club that works alongside VIVA, intend to be there in person for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, after previously offering support online throughout the pan- demic. Visit www.villarrealva.org.
MAY 5-JUNE 23, WEDNESDAYS Virtual Active Aging Exercise Classes. (Virtual via Zoom). Sponsored by Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA) 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Exercise classes for older adults focusing on offering balance coordina- tion, stretching and improved mobility. Class meets for 1 hour, once a week, for eight weeks. Cost: $50 for 8 week session - pay- able to Sun Fitness LLC. To reg- ister or for more info, contact Casey Tarr at 703-821-6838 or [email protected]. After registering, you will be contact- ed with payment instructions and will be provided with an invitation link to connect to the Zoom virtual class.
NOW THROUGH JUNE 16 Virtual Active Aging Exercise Class- es sponsored by Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA). Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Exercise class for older adults focusing on low impact aerobics, balance, coordination and stretching. Class meets for 1 hour, once a week, for eight weeks. Cost: $50 for 8 week session - payable to Sun Fitness LLC. To register or for more info, contact Casey Tarr at 703- 821-6838 or eileentarr1@verizon. net. After registering, you will be contacted with payment instruc- 10 v Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News A False Sense Business of Security Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE As previously referred to in a recent column, WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM even though I am hardly cancer-free; nonethe- less, I am cancer interruptus for the next four Call 703-549-0004 weeks. That means I have no cancer-related for advertising information activities: no lab work, no scans, no infusions, no injections, no appointments, no video visits, no interaction whatsoever. Other than taking my daily thyroid cancer pill (the side effects of ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL which are marginal at worst), with which I ingest another 50-plus pills (supplements and so forth), I am, too quote my late father, “unencumbered” by my less-than-ideal circumstances. I wouldn’t say I’m actually on vacation, but I’m certainly willing to say, there’s a definite break in the ac- tion. It’s not exactly a “staycation,” nevertheless, it is a positive occasion, and one with which I can live. Not that being diagnosed with “terminal” (originally) cancer and/or still undergoing active treatment is ever fun; tolerable is as grandiose a LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING description as I’ll accept. However, four weeks without any involvement with my oncologist and endoicrinologist or with any health care-related staff, puts a real bounce in my step; my neurop- athy notwithstanding. Though I have difficulty walking and especially running, I am, for the next four weeks anyway, on easy street, figura- tively speaking. The psychological wear and tear us cancer patients (especially the ones charac- Summer Cleanup... terized as “terminal”) endure is ever present and any excuse/opportunity to let one’s mind wander Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection to a place other than your presumptive demise, Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters is a mental trip very much worth taking. Oddly enough, a month of not having anything to do with my cancer team/healthcare facility is hardly the norm. Usually, there’s more than enough cancer-related activities to keep me Petition: Recall Davis preoccupied. In its own unique way, the nothing- ness is kind of challenging. I keep looking over my shoulder, almost literally, as the great Satchel From Page 3 “I have learned. I’ve grown, and I’ve ma- Page once said (“to see if anybody’s gaining on tured. And I’ve served elsewhere with dis- me”) , and flipping the pages on my appointment book to see if I’ve whiffed somehow on some of “I am disappointed in the decision tinction,” he said. my usual and customary obligations. I mean: it is of the Board...So, when you are a Chief Davis called his first News Confer- Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage so rare to be so disconnected when you’ve been 21-year-old, you get a badge. You get ence the next day, May 7. He retold his back- diagnosed with a “terminal” disease. As you a gun; you swear to protect and de- ground story he shared the night before. might imagine, cancer treatment is very hands- fend the Constitution of your locality, On Sunday, May 9, Diane Burkley Alejan- on. Not much is left to chance. Moreover, cancer as well as the United States, and you dro, ACLU People Power Fairfax reflected on is very unpredictable and insidious. Often it is in control, despite the oncologist’s best effort. violate that not once but twice there the Public Input Session. “Virtually every- To be thrown into this cancer-centric world can be personal redemption. Profes- one who spoke voiced strong opposition to after mostly standing still, healthwise, for 54 sional redemption cannot be part of the process used to select Chief Davis and and a half years, is a fate not worse than death, that. Not today.” questioned his past misconduct, including but one, depending on the type of cancer you the six-day lockdown of a Black have, which could very well lead to a premature Baltimore neighborhood in 2017, death. “This wasn’t a conversa- After decades of neglect, the last 15 or so which resulted in an ACLU law- years has seen a huge increase in funding for tion with the community; suit. This wasn’t a conversation lung cancer research which in turn has led to with the community; we were more than a dozen new drugs - and an entire we were simply allowed to simply allowed to vent. Many new class of drugs: immunotherapy, for the specific questions were asked treatment of lung cancer. The result has been in- about what happened, but we creased survivability and quality of life for those vent. Many specific ques- of us so diagnosed. And very directly, I have received no answers at all from been the beneficiary of some of these drugs: tions were asked about what Chair McKay and nonresponsive avastin, alimta and tarceva having been my ones from Chief Davis. He now life extenders. Where despair once dominated happened, but we received says what’s past is past, it is time the initial prognosis, now there is hope. It’s not to move on. We will work with so much a cure as it is a way to make cancer a him on police reform and in- chronic disease, one which requires a lifetime of no answers at all from Chair monitoring, like diabetes, as an example; but it’s tend to hold him to his progres- potentially for a lifetime, not for a life with very McKay and nonresponsive sive words. But this process has little time. shaken community trust in Fair- At this immediate juncture, I am being ones from Chief Davis.” fax, including the Board and the treated, but still living my life - outside, and Chief. Unanswered questions and rarely ever in a medical facility. Not having to — Diane Burkley Alejandro, a trust deficit is not a good way to endure the ongoing exposure and reminder that I have cancer and a shortened life expectancy ACLU People Power Fairfax start,” she said. to boot, enables me not only to breathe easier, Kelly Hebron Chair, Fairfax but also allows me to take an occasional deep Democratic Black Caucus started breath as well. A deep breath which doesn’t lead In one of his final statements. Davis a petition to Chair, Board of Supervisor Jeff to a coughing fit, a fit which, for us lung cancer said he chooses not to get into public McKay and Rodney Lusk Lee District Super- patients is never a good sign. battles about 1993 and 1999 because visor and Penny Gross Mason District Super- “the six most important words in the visor to recall Kevin Davis as Fairfax County Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for English language are, “I admit; I made Police Chief. Petition · Recall Kevin Davis as The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. a mistake.” Fairfax County Police Chief · Change.org. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 v 11 12 v Great Falls Connection v May 12-18, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com