ServingServing FairfaxFairfax AreasAreas ofof BurkeBurke

Boy Scout Garrett Anderson created the books for the chil- dren at the Katherine Hanley Family Shel- ter. (From left) are Anderson and shelter’s community coordinator Nurjan Ahmedova in the shelter’s playroom.

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Sports, Page 11 ❖ ‘Children‘Children AreAre GoingGoing toto LoveLove Entertainment, Page 12 TheseThese Books’Books’ News, Page 4

Expert Predicts ‘A Slightly Better 2015’ Garza’s News, Page 3 Vision for County Schools News, Page 8

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2 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

The news could be better – according to Fuller and many of the charts and graphs he referred to during his presentation, the Washington Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection Metro area, including Northern Virginia, is lagging well behind in many Stephen Fuller went out into the crowd of attendees during his NVAR- key recovery factors. Fuller discussed several reasons for the situation, hosted presentation on the past year’s economy and the economic not the least of which being the aftermath of 2013’s “fiscal cliff” and the outlook ahead. continuing impact of sequestration. Expert Predicts ‘A Slightly Better 2015’

student loan burdens and pent up demand that will Realtors association even changing generational push things a bit higher.” values and preferences were Fuller does not see a repeat hosts year-end the reasons he cited. of the flurry of increasing “Perhaps most surprising is house prices that many sell- economic update. that for the first time in the ers enjoyed not long ago. In- memory of many, our local stead, he believes that many By Andrea Worker economy is underperforming luxury homes will come down The Connection compared to the rest of the in price and average time country.” Based heavily on from list-to-sale may increase ost keynote speakers are direct and ancillary federal somewhat. used to a bit of fidgeting government employment, the M from the audience about 20 area has previously been less WHEN ASKED during the minutes into their spiel. negatively impacted by the Q&A session to comment spe- Just goes to show the level of interest both recession than other areas of cifically on Fairfax County, the topic and the speaker generated when the country. “This is new ter- Fuller cautioned that without after almost two hours, the hosts of the ritory for us,” Fuller said. creation of higher-wage jobs, Northern Virginian Association of Realtors “Even more surprising, it the county would face a “real (NVAR) Year-End Economic Review with Dr. didn’t really make the head- squeeze to services – fire, po- Stephen Fuller basically called the session lines that our economy shrank licing, education.” Local gov- “a wrap” to convince the attendees that the more in the last year than it ernment needs tax money to included lunch awaited them. did during the recession.” He do its job. Lower income and Fuller brings an impressive collection of likened the situation to a property taxes coupled with credentials to the role; Ph.D., Dwight luxury liner with a small leak. Stephen Fuller from George Mason University held the an increasingly aging popula- Schar faculty chair and university profes- “It may be hardly noticeable stage for almost two hours at the Northern Virginia tion could mean even more sor and director, Center for Regional now, but someone had better Association of Realtors (NVAR) Year-End Economic Re- challenging times ahead. “But Analysis, School of Public Policy at George start baling and repairing view. Fuller spoke to the issues that shaped 2014, as well interesting ones,” he declared. Mason University, not to mention chief soon.” as predictions for the coming year, and beyond. “Downsizing or rightsizing ac- economist for Cardinal Bank. Adding an cording to your view, things arsenal of graphs and other analytical ACCORDING TO FULLER and many of Fuller. “During the recession, employers change.” data to his expertise and experience, the sources he consulted, the “Fiscal cliff” learned the lessons of productivity.” With This NVAR event was sponsored by RGS Fuller provided insights about the clos- and the introduction of sequestration in higher unemployment and older workers Title Company and hosted by the NVAR ing year, a preview of what to expect in 2013 are just beginning to make an impact opting out of the workforce, employers Small Broker and Real Estate Finance and 2015, and some long-term economic ex- on the local way of life – and not in a posi- could more easily pick and choose and keep Settlement Forums. NVAR has several eco- pectations for Northern Virginia, the Dis- tive way. All of the reports on the creation pay rates lower. The unemployment num- nomic outlook programs in store for the trict and Maryland. and status of jobs show that most growth, bers are dropping, but according to Fuller, coming year. Visit their website at “2014 was actually softer in all catego- particularly in this area, is taking place in we still haven’t reached the stage where www.nvar.com to keep up to date on NVAR ries than expected, given the strength of the industries that on average pay less and that employers must offer more to secure the happenings. economic recovery exhibited in 2013,” said many of those who lost their positions in best. And there is something else missing Fuller will speak at the 23rd Annual Car- Fuller, “particularly in relationship to the government or government contracting, from the equation in Fuller’s educated opin- dinal Bank and George Mason University housing market. Fuller credited a number have yet to be “redeployed” in similar situ- ion. “Where is inflation? There isn’t any. And Economic Conference on Jan. 15, 2015. Pre- of factors for the reason that things slowed ations. “Health and education and local you need it to give merchants the opportu- registration for the conference is available down in 2014. Lower wage jobs, slower government were the key growth industries nity to provide wage growth.” at www.cardinalbank.com. More on Fuller’s immigration and reduced international in the this area, and we can’t sustain our Despite a number of troubling indicators update, review and the analytical data he transfers, lower marriage rates, limited ac- economy on only these two sectors. We defi- that he believes require immediate and sig- presented are available on the George Ma- cess to credit, degraded mobility (when the nitely need wage growth, something we nificant attention, Fuller does predict a son University Center for Regional Analy- jobs being created aren’t worth moving for), haven’t had in this recovery so far,” added slightly better 2015. “We are still feeling that sis website at cra.gmu.edu. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 ❖ 3 News ‘Children Are Going to Love These Books’ Scout donates original works to Hanley Shelter.

Photos by By Bonnie Hobbs The Connection

agle Scout projects are all about Bonnie Hobbs helping people, and Garrett EAnderson’s project certainly fits the bill. Thanks to his efforts, chil- dren staying at the Katherine K. Hanley

Family Shelter now have 11 new and origi- /The Connection nal books to read and enjoy. The shelter’s at 13000 Lee Highway in Fairfax, at the intersection of Meadow Es- tates Drive and Route 29, across from the Hampton Forest community. It serves moth- ers and young children and – although many of the women have jobs – they don’t Showing the covers and some of the inside pages of the books are (from Boy Scout Garrett Anderson make enough money to have a home in this left) Boy Scout Drake Wilkinson, Braeden Anderson (Garrett’s brother), holds the books that he had area. So the shelter takes them in tempo- Nurjan Ahmedova, Garrett Anderson, Becky and Brent Anderson (his created for the children at the rarily and gives them guidance and help so parents), and Amy Baldwin (his cousin). Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. they can eventually live on their own. A Westfield High junior, Anderson, 16, page to whole paragraphs. So there’s a va- volunteer can read to them.” them.” belongs to Boy Scout Troop 1826 of the riety of books for readers of different ages She was also pleased that each story is One of the authors was Anderson’s cousin, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and interests. For example, “A Dragonella interesting and educational and has a mes- Amy Baldwin, who wrote a story called, in Centreville. And when he and his mom Story” is a fantasy written by an 11-year- sage about various concepts, such as for- “Little Jason’s Big Adventure.” She, too, was were discussing possible Eagle Scout old; while “Little Jason’s Big Adventure,” giveness. at the presentation and wrote a book be- projects he could do, he decided to incor- which is more realistic, was written by an “Being homeless is very tough, especially cause she “wanted to help Garrett and the porate something that would reflect his love adult. And “It’s a Faire Day” takes place at for the children,” explained Ahmedova. children here. I wrote a family story based of drawing. a Renaissance fair. “And hopefully, they can take the messages on true events and it was fun. It’s my first “Children’s books have lots of illustra- “The books turned out way better than I of these books and carry them with them book and my sister-in-law illustrated it be- tions, so I thought it’d be cool to do a project thought they’d be,” said Anderson. “Some throughout their lives.” cause it was about her brother. It was excit- involving art,” he said. “My mom regularly of the illustrators were art majors and did The shelter often contains as many as 45 ing to see my words and her pictures come donates our old clothes to the shelter and, really high-class work. And the stories all children. When the books were presented, together.” when I was researching possible beneficia- had good flow for toddlers through elemen- 32 were living there; their ages ranged from “It feels great to have my book at the shel- ries, she mentioned the shelter. She said it’s tary-school ages.” infants to age 17. “We get a lot of help from ter,” continued Baldwin. “When I told my for moms and children; and I realized, if Once school started in September, it was the Scouts and we truly appreciate it,” said 6-year-old daughter what a homeless shel- they were living there, they’d need stuff to tougher for him to supervise and coordi- Ahmedova. “The children are going to love ter was, she ran to her toy box and got some do, such as reading books.” nate the project because his time was lim- these books and will feel special to have toys to donate.” But Anderson didn’t want to just buy some ited. Besides doing schoolwork, he plays – he wanted to create them. “I knew it alto sax in Westfield’s marching band, is on would be more difficult, but I could also the school swim team and swims six morn- get involved and illustrate one book myself,” ings a week for a USA League club team. he said. So at the beginning of summer, he “But once the books all came in, I felt emailed flyers asking people to participate extremely accomplished,” said Anderson. and kept in touch with all the authors and “All this hard work paid off, and I was ex- illustrators. cited.” He said the experience taught him Photo by “The authors emailed their books to me, good organizational skills and flexibility. and I’d review them and email them to the And, he added, “It makes me feel like I have

illustrators, who’d send me their illustra- a purpose in my community – which will Bonnie Hobbs tions,” he explained. “Then I used Shutterfly, help me later on in life.” put the pictures on different pages, cropped In front of his parents and brother and the words that would fit under the pictures others, Anderson officially presented the and created the books. My dad and cousin books to the shelter on Nov. 3. “I received helped so it wouldn’t take so long to do financial donations from friends and fam- /The Connection them all. Each one took 45-60 minutes, ily all over the country to produce these lit- depending how long each book was.” erary works of art,” he said. “I can’t thank enough those who gave their time, talents ANDERSON illustrated a book called, “The and money. It is with great pride that I hand Pig and the Octopus,” written by his dad’s over these 11 books, and I hope they’ll pro- cousin. “The story’s about a pig walking on vide enjoyment to those who’ll read them.” a beach and meeting an octopus,” he said. “The octopus thinks the pig is dirty and not RECEIVING THIS GIFT was Nurjan Honoring Five Decades of Service smart, and the pig is surprised to see the Ahmedova, the shelter’s community coor- On Dec. 9, Fairfax City Mayor Scott Silverthorne (third from left) and octopus on the beach, out of the water. It’s dinator. “Thanks to Garrett, we have these the City Council honored Fairfax’s Board of Architectural Review on about prejudice and not stereotyping oth- wonderful, beautifully illustrated books its 50th anniversary. The organization’s first meeting was Dec. 11, ers.” donated to the shelter,” she said. “The chil- 1964. Also pictured (back row, fourth from left) is Revenue Commis- The books ranged from 20-30 pages, with dren are going to appreciate them; they can sioner Page Johnson. the stories ranging from one sentence on a read the books, themselves, or a parent or 4 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Pictured are Fairfax Academy students in teacher Mat- thew Balthrop’s Professional Television Production class, with a still scene from one of their horror films in the background. Fairfax Academy Students Create Own Horror Films ll three levels of the Pro- and maturely deal with a story Afessional Television Pro- topic, such as horror. In addition, duction classes at the student filmmakers collaborated Fairfax Academy recently pre- with the Academy’s Musical The- sented original horror films they atre and Actor’s Studio class to created based on only two sen- recruit the actors needed for some tences given to them by their of their films. In the end, they teacher, Matthew Balthrop, a new screened their short films for the addition this year to the Fairfax entire class and gave each another Academy family. The project’s goal constructive criticism based on was to fully portray these sen- what they’ve learned in class so far tences via a short, horror film. this year. Students were also re- The students were responsible quired to professionally partici- for every aspect of the film from pate in a question-and-answer in- concept to completion, including terview session with Balthrop and directing, filming, some of the act- their fellow classmates regarding ing and the editing. The films had their horror film and the film-mak- to be under two minutes in length ing process. Be a part of our Area Roundups Wellbeing pages, the first week of tomers receiving Thursday and every month. Holiday Collec- Friday collection service for trash and recycling and for cus- Delight in our tion Schedule tomers with previously sched- HomeLifeStyle There will be no trash/recy- uled collections. All materials sections, the cling collection on Christmas should be at the curb by 6 a.m. second week of Day, Thursday, Dec. 25. Thurs- in order to ensure that they will every month. day customers will receive trash be collected. The administrative Peek at the top and recycling collection on Fri- office will be closed on Thurs- real estate sales, day, Dec. 26. There will be no day, Jan. 1 and Friday, Jan. 2 glimpse over-the- changes to the collection sched- for the New Year’s holiday. The top remodeling ule for customers receiving ser- office will reopen at 7:30 a.m. projects, get prac- vice on Friday, Dec. 26. All on Monday, Jan. 5. tical suggestions materials should be at the curb The Recycling and Disposal for your home. by 6 a.m. in order to ensure that Centers at the I-66 Transfer Sta- they will be collected. tion (4618 West Ox Road) and Celebrate The administrative office will the I-95 Landfill Complex students, camps, be closed on Wednesday, Dec. (9850 Furnace Road) will both schools, 24 at noon. In addition, the close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, enrichment administrative office will also Dec. 31 and will be closed on programs, be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25 New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. How- colleges and and Friday, Dec. 26 for the ever, both locations will be open more in our Christmas holiday. The office on Friday, Jan. 2. A-plus: will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Christmas trees will be col- Education, Monday, Dec. 29. lected during the first two Learning, Fun The Recycling and Disposal weeks of January for recycling pages, the third Centers at the I-66 Transfer Sta- (Jan.1 – 16, 2015). Lights, week of every tion (4618 West Ox Road) and decorations and stands must be month. the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 removed to ensure collection. Furnace Road) will both be clos- All of the program informa- Questions? E-mail ing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, tion is available online at sales@connection Dec. 24, and will be closed on www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recy- newspapers.com Christmas Day, Dec. 25. cling. or call Thursday, Jan. 1 and Friday, If you have any questions 703-778-9431 Jan. 2 are both regular solid about the holiday collection waste collection days for cus- schedule, call 703-802-3322. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 ❖ 5 Opinion Fairfax

A message of www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Merry Christmas @FfxConnection peace and joy. An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to erry Christmas. It’s a magical house and line of David. He went there to reg- manger. When they had seen him, they spread homes and businesses. Published by time of year, and perhaps Con- ister with Mary, who was pledged to be mar- the word concerning what had been told them Local Media Connection LLC nection Newspapers has over ried to him and was expecting a child. While about this child, and all who heard it were M 1606 King Street indulged in displaying the they were there, the time came for the baby to amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 many rituals of Christmas on our pages in the be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a But Mary treasured up all these things and past few weeks. In events around the area, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him pondered them in her heart.” Free digital edition delivered to your email box. Go to sense of community has infused holiday pa- in a manger, because there was no room for connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe rades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah them in the inn. Happy Hanukkah lightings, choral performances, singing of car- “And there were shepherds living out in the NEWS DEPARTMENT: ols and other traditional events with warmth fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks Happy Hanukkah, which lasts for eight days [email protected] and joy. at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to and this year began Tuesday evening. While Kemal Kurspahic We have covered performances of them, and the glory of the Lord shone Hanukkah is not one of the most important Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Editorial around them, and they were terrified. Jewish religious observances, it is a celebra- [email protected] Carol;” covered acts of compassion and But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be tion that gets added attention from timing. Amna Rehmatulla giving in almost every corner of our afraid. I bring you good news of great Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of a one day Editorial Assistant 703-778-9410 ext.427 communities; photographed Santa in so many joy that will be for all the people. Today in the supply of oil for the temple lasting eight days. [email protected] places arriving in so many ways — by boat at town of David a Savior has been born to you; Bonnie Hobbs Lake Anne in Reston, by firetruck in Vienna he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to Editor’s Note about the Rest of 2014 Community Reporter ❖ 703-778-9438 and McLean and other places, by motorcycle you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths This is our last regular edition of 2014. Next [email protected] around Fairfax County; religious celebrations and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great com- week, after Christmas, we will publish the Jon Roetman of many kinds; gift indulgences of many kinds. pany of the heavenly host appeared with the children’s edition, devoted entirely to the art- Sports Editor ❖ 703-752-4013 But Christmas is about the birth of Jesus angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God work and writing of local students. Our next [email protected] @jonroetman Christ. Whether you believe the Christmas story in the highest, and on earth peace to men on regular editions will publish Jan. 7-8, 2015, with literally or in spirit, you know it is the story of whom his favor rests.’ deadline for content and advertising of Jan. 2. ADVERTISING: joy, hope and love, the promise of redemption. “When the angels had left them and gone In the meantime you can reach the editors at For advertising information So here, let us share the verse from the Bible, into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, [email protected] and sales/ e-mail: [email protected] Luke 2: 4-19: ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that marketing at [email protected]. 703-778-9431 “So Joseph also went up from the town of has happened, which the Lord has told us — Mary Kimm Debbie Funk Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Display Advertising/National Sales town of David, because he belonged to the Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the [email protected] 703-778-9444 [email protected]

Karen Washburn Display Advertising, 703-778-9422 Do Fairfax County Police Act with Impunity? [email protected] Andrea Smith Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 work. After a heated discussion the police were [email protected] Fifteen months, after the shooting of John Geer, called. John kissed his daughters and sent them David Griffin to a neighbor’s house. Nobody was in the home Marketing Assistant no officer has been identified, no charges with John when police arrived. I arrived shortly 703-778-9431 after the police to find several of- [email protected] have been filed, ficers on the scene. Two officers were holding John at gunpoint as Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm no grand jury has he stood in the doorway of his home [email protected] been convened. talking calmly with his empty hands @MaryKimm resting on top of the storm door. Executive Vice President John, feeling he had committed no Jerry Vernon By Jeff Stewart crime, refused the officers’ orders [email protected] to come outside. The police were Editor in Chief would like to begin by saying that I have told that John owned firearms and Steven Mauren Managing Editor always and still do support the police as a reportedly he had expressed a will- Kemal Kurspahic I Photography: whole. I appreciate the job that they do ingness to use those firearms if the Deb Cobb, Craig Sterbutzel and the risks they take on a daily basis in an police tried to enter his home with- Art/Design: effort to keep the public safe. The ongoing out a warrant. After around 40 min- Laurence Foong, John Heinly Production Manager: policy in Fairfax County of police self-investi- utes of what appeared to be calm Geovani Flores gation, when officers are involved in possible conversation, John began to lower Special Assistant to the Publisher crimes, has to change. his hands almost deliberately slow, Jeanne Theismann I am willing to bet that all of you have heard with his clearly empty palms [email protected] of Michael Brown and Ferguson Missouri? How pressed against the screen. I @TheismannMedia many of you have heard of John Geer? Prob- thought for a second that this con- ably not near as many. I would like to share a frontation was ending and John CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426 Circulation Manager: story about another life taken by police. It hap- was coming out of the home. When Ann Oliver pened right here in Fairfax County over 15 John’s empty hands were about [email protected] months ago. even with his face, he was shot once On Aug. 29, 2013 I witnessed the homicide days483 since a still-unnamed Fairfax County in the chest from less than 20 feet. of my best friend of over 25 years by a still police officer shot unarmed John Geer John had made no quick or aggres- unidentified Fairfax County police officer. Late standing in the doorway of Geer’s home in sive moves of any kind and ap- that morning John had found out that his part- Springfield, then let him bleed to death on peared to be no threat to police, to ner of 24 years and mother of his two children Aug. 29, 2013. No information has been re- others or to himself. John quickly was moving out. John became distraught and leased about the incident, officers involved hunched over, grabbed his wound began to throw some of her property in the not named, no explanation, no grand jury, and retreated into the house. He front yard. One of John’s daughters called their no charges. (as of Dec. 10, 2014) mom and she immediately came home from See Oversight, Page 7

6 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Independent Oversight Needed

From Page 6 and no resolution has been achieved. It has taken recent involvement from U.S. Sen. Grassley of the pushed the door shut as he retreated and immedi- Senate Judicial Committee and legal action by Fed- ately collapsed on the floor less than 5 feet from the eral prosecutors to get the Fairfax County Police De- door. partment to only recently provide the requested in- This tragedy only gets worse. John lay just inside formation, information that should have been made the door reportedly yelling for help. Despite his pleas public a year ago. It would appear that this police for help, the officers on scene stood outside and did department does not feel compelled to answer to any nothing while waiting for SWAT to arrive. The SWAT Virginia or federal official. This has to change. The team entered an hour later to find that John had family, friends and the public have yet to be told bled to death. It should be noted that the patrol of- anything about John’s death. ficers on the scene had an entry shield and could When possible crimes have been committed by have entered the house to rescue John with minimal police officers such as police shootings, nobody in- risk yet chose to do nothing. vestigates the case but the police. There are no inde- After 15 months, no officer has been identified, no pendent oversight procedures of any kind. Fairfax charges have been filed, no grand jury has been con- County supervisors endorse this policy and along with vened and no reason has been given to the family or the Police Department, have rejected every attempt the public. In fact the Fairfax County Police Depart- to create any kind of independent oversight proce- ment, up until a recent legal action filed by the Fed- dures. It should be noted that the Fairfax County su- eral Justice Department, had refused to provide re- pervisors hire the police chief. They also control the quested information to anyone including the Virginia money dedicated to the department. This policy of State Attorney. The attorneys for the Geer family have self-investigation, no oversight and the inevitable filed 127 requests for documents and in response, obstruction that occurs as a result will continue until 122 objections have been filed by the county. De- the public demands better from its elected officials. spite the incredible lack of cooperation from the Po- To date, no officer in the 75-year history of the lice Department, local county officials, the State At- Fairfax County Police Department has ever been torney General and the Governor have remained si- charged in a wrongful shooting. These include the lent. It took over one year for Fairfax County super- deaths of John Geer and at least two other unarmed visors to write a gently worded letter requesting that citizens since 2006, all shot by police under ques- the case be resolved. tionable circumstances. The case was turned over to federal prosecutors last January. The FBI conducted interviews in March. Jeff Stewart, a Chantilly resident, witnessed the Still, no information has been released to the public shooting of his friend John Geer on Aug. 29, 2013.

Faith Notes Send notes to the Connection at [email protected] or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. Christmas Eve Services at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Bluegrass Christmas Eve service neighbors at the firehouse this of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. in Christmas Eve. The service is spon- Oakton. 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 – Franconia Hall at Fire Station #5, 6300 sored by Aldersgate Kingstowne, a children’s service with Christmas Beulah Street, Alexandria. The commu- United Methodist Church that invites pageant; 6 p.m. – family service with nity is once again invited to find people to follow Jesus through the Christmas pageant; 8 p.m. – a won- meaning in the mayhem of the season. shared practices of worship, learning derful, contemplative service with The familiar Christmas story will be cel- in groups, and hands-on service to the Adult Chorale singing. For more ebrated in a new way with traditional the poor. For more information, go information, go to: www.uucf.org or carols by the acclaimed Big Hillbilly to www.aldersgate.net or call 703- call the office: 703-281-4230. Bluegrass band. Join your friends and 660-2600.

Cremation Society of Virginia now allows you to handle every aspect of the cremation arrangement process from the comfort of your own home. Our website provides valuable information about cremation, allowing you to make an informed decision about your final wishes. You even have the opportunity to complete all arrangements online, from the comfort of your home. In addition, our licensed staff members specialize in cremation, and are always ready to fully explain our services, answer your questions, and treat you with dignity and respect. For more information or to arrange a cremation, please visit our website today.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 ❖ 7 Bio Profile Schools Need Community’s Help KAREN GARZA Current Position: Superintendent Karen Garza begins and ends being what it is. The more we can get people to Fairfax County her Listening Tour meetings with a plea to those read that document, the more people will follow Karen Garza’s vision: the irresistible force moving Public Schools in the room — parents, teachers, employees, how the system works and make solid inputs. “ Superintendent unions — to help her achieve what needs to be “We need to get more business and commu- the immovable object of Fairfax County Public Schools? Salary: $265,000 done for their school system. nity leaders to understand: Poverty is growing, How Does She Do It? Age: 51 “I am going to need your help,” she says to our county is definitely changing. We started Hometown: Canyon, audiences who voice concerns about class size, some outreach this year with our superintendent By Tim Peterson Texas resources for special education, and teacher sala- round-tables.” Spouse: Louis Garza ries. The president of the Fairfax County Council & Eden Brown Children: Four, grown Garza says she hopes to have a lot more of PTAs, Debbie Kilpatrick, underlined the need The Connection Superintendent Karen Education: Ph.D., University of Texas-Austin, May people engaged during the budget process this for more community involvement: “Karen Garza 2002; M.Ed., University of Houston-Victoria, May spring. “Come and testify. Talk with your Board cannot do this on her own. Parents need to get Garza shares a moment 1994; B.S., University of Houston-Victoria, 1986. of Supervisors at those meetings. It’s usually more involved so they know what they can do aren Garza is a good listener. And with Debbie Kilpatrick, filled with folks. But we need a lot more parents to support Garza and their schools. They should once she’s listened, she is, admit- Photo by Renee Ruggl president of Fairfax schools. and advocates for our public schools to be in that look at the websites, come to PTA meetings, tedly, not very patient. County Council of PTAs “It’s my view that to better align a large room.” know what the issues are and vote on them. Can K Garza explains: “We grow by 17-20 students she get smaller classrooms achieved? If she says “If there’s a real issue, I don’t at the Listening Tour on system, you have to narrow the number of every single day. We have grown by 20,000 stu- it, she will do it. But she will need help.” think it has to be debated for 10 or 15 years,” Dec. 6. people at the highest levels making the de- dents in six years. This is a huge strain on our Steven Greenburg, president of Fairfax Garza said in an interview. “Either we’re cisions,” Garza said. “I can create stronger, budget. We spend $25 million a year to support County Federation of Teachers, echoed Garza’s new students. We aren’t happy with teacher sala- plea. “Do we know as a group of people, as av- going to do something about it or not.” Photo by Alex McVeigh better alignment with five people than I can ries. We need to help people in our area erage citizens living in Fairfax County, how to In May and June 2014, less than 12 Photo by with eight people.” understand our budget. Help us as we enter this take action? If this community sees value in months after taking the helm as superinten- Eden Brown/ One of Garza’s hires was Marty Smith as next budget year.” education then voters have to make their views dent of Fairfax County Public Schools, Garza es The Connection chief of staff, to whom she delegated the lead “Read our ‘Citizens Guide’,” says Garza. known. Karen Garza won’t get what she wants and her staff hosted eight community meet- Dr. Karen Garza, incoming FCPS role on full-day Mondays. Smith was previ- “There’s lots of good information in there to help without more involvement by the community,” people understand how the system works and Greenburg said. “People will have to reach out ings on the topic of later start times for high Superintendent and Dr. Daniel ously the superintendent of Cluster 1. how they can help. This year it includes a sec- to public officials and let them know where the schools. According to FCPS, 1,000 people Domenech, former FCPS Superin- “He understands and knows the system,” tion on why your year-end balance ends up voters stand.” participated in person, another 2,000 tendent, both in robes at Bryant said Garza. “He knows the players, the right weighed in online. Alternative School graduation, June people to bring to the table to get it done. By October, the School Board voted in fa- New Fairfax County Public Schools 13, 2013, where Domenech was the And he’s a good listener, which I appreci- ning a rebellion.” Among them are making the compensation vor of changing the start times, something Superintendent Karen Garza speaks graduation speaker. ate.” Garza will be tested when she and the for teachers more competitive with nearby it had been considering for years but never to parents and teachers at Sunrise “The biggest thing with Dr Garza is trust,” board tackle the $63.9 million deficit she jurisdictions, developing a strategic plan for pushed forward. For the 2015-2016 school Valley Elementary School Monday, “She has a schedule not many people said Smith. “She places a lot in the individu- projected for FY2016 — and it gets worse redesigning the curriculum to be more year, all county high schools will start classes Oct. 28, 2013. could keep up with and she really doesn’t als who work for her. While I carried out in FY2017. project- and problem solving-based, reduc- between 8 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. say no to anyone who wants her time,” said her vision, she was able to really build con- “She is such a good diplomat and every- ing class size, bringing technology to more Another entrenched issue: moving from tously been removed from the viewpoint and Kilpatrick. “On the contrary, she says, ‘No, I sensus with the board in terms of an indi- one likes her,” said Fairfax County Federa- students and doubling the availability of Pre- half-day Mondays at elementary schools to perspective of the community. That was key want to listen.’” Photo by Bonnie Hobbs vidual approach. She did tion of Teachers President Kindergarten to qualifying students. full-days. The half-day weekly teacher work in our hiring of Karen. We were looking for Tina Hone, a School Board member from much of the same with teacher Steven Greenburg. “But there To address the funding, another priority period dated back to the 1970s. someone who could bring the community 2007 to 2011 and founder of the advocacy and principal associations.” To Learn More is an expectation on the part is mobilizing support from businesses in the “Once we identified we really have an is- back into the fold.” group Coalition of the Silence, disagreed Even with a streamlined and ❖ www.fccpta.org of some stakeholders that she school system’s communities. Garza said the sue here, we don’t have enough time built with Garza over her first budget proposal realigned support team, “Ob- ❖ www.fcps.edu will generate revenue and FCPS Foundation, under a new yet-to-be- ❖ www.fcft.org into our elementary schedules, I met with FORMER FCPS Superintendent Daniel for the county. viously Dr. Garza is the CEO ❖ www.boarddocs.com/vsba/ hold county or state officials named executive director, will drive support the team and I said, ‘Can we get this done?’” Domenech still lives in Fairfax County, and “We had a little crossing of swords,” said for them to execute the vi- Fairfax/Board.nsf/Public accountable for the decisions from that relatively untapped resource. said Garza. “These are the reasons why we his perspective differs somewhat from Hone. “What I really respect about Karen: I sion,” said Moon. To be a pas- ❖ www.greatschools.org they take. The only thing that “I’m hoping we’re able to garner a lot need to change it, our timeline is aggres- McElveen. “It didn’t seem to me there was a publicly made a statement, then she called sionate captain of the ship, would limit what she wants to more support from our business commu- Senior Robyn Smith explains Active Minds while Lindsay Laiks, Rachel sive, but can we get it done? And they said, distance with [Garza’s predecessor] Jack me. I looked at the phone, pulled it away Garza is motivated by her lifelong love of accomplish is lack of funds.” nity,” she said, “at least in those areas that Chalkley, Karen Garza and Kim Dockery listen at a March 2014 assembly ‘Yes we can.’” Dale,” he said. “I always felt that Fairfax as from my head and looked at it again. I was schools and learning. She started her career If she can manage the funds, Garza has a can help us be more innovative with tech- at Woodson High School. More than 1,100 people gathered for comfort The School Board broke with 40 years of a school system was very responsive to the blown away by that.” as an elementary school teacher, aspiring to Texas-sized list of goals for the county. nology education.” and advice in the aftermath of two student deaths. half-day Mondays with a vote in June 2014. community, very much in tune with what’s Hone sees Garza in stark contrast to pre- be like her father, a college English profes- The change went into effect at the begin- going on.” vious FCPS leadership that exhibited “very sor. The Road to Fairfax County Graphics by ning of September. The two men much an effort to Hone continued, “to try to turn the ship BUT GARZA is not a one-woman show, and “I love being in classrooms, and I’m Laurence Foong/ “She looked at these with a new eye and agree that com- control rather against the tide, with courage and grace to she attributes her accomplishments in part amazed at how gifted our students are,” said A timeline of Superintendent Karen Garza’s career in education. The Connection was very eager to move on them,” said Ryan munity involve- Facts about FCPS than respond.” get this stuff done.” to the cabinet and administrative structure Garza. “I’m very mindful of the fact that we 1986-1991: Elementary School Teacher, October 2002-August 2004: Associate McElveen, an at-large School Board mem- ment is crucial to ❖ 196 schools She cited the con- That courage, grace and increased input she realigned within her first year. Unlike have such an opportunity for a positive im- 1 7 ber who was part of the group that hired moving the school ❖ Employs 23,447 people troversial closing from the community are helping Garza get most new superintendents, Garza brought pact on students’ lives. I try to never lose Yoakum, Texas (1,539 students, 38% white and Executive Director for Governmental Relations, ❖ 50% Latino and spends about $8,000 per pupil). Texas Association of School Administrators. Garza, “so we could get on with dealing with system forward. Teaches 183, 895 students of Clifton Elemen- traction on the issues she prioritizes with the zero staff with her from the Lone Star State. sight of the fact not only are you setting stu- ❖ Receives 52.4% of the county budget ($1,768.5 million) ❖ other issues.” In a county of Spends $13,472 dollars per student tary School in School Board, still in its honeymoon phase Instead, she spent her first fall and winter dents up for success at that next level, but 2 July 1991-1994: Education Specialist, Region 8 August 2004-June 2005: Deputy ❖ Educates more students in trailers than total enrollment McElveen said Garza’s face-time at addi- 180,000 students June 2011, when with Garza. assessing the team she inherited, before re- in many cases making a memory. Make it a III Education Service Center, Victoria, Texas. Superintendent, Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus of Alexandria City Public Schools tional “listening tours,” meetings she’s been that’s growing by she said the board “We are all happy with her, the board organizing in the spring. positive one.” Victoria ISD has 13,680 students and spends Christi, Texas (38,041 students, spends $8,240, hosting around the county since she came 17 a day (accord- did little to consult members,” said at-large member Ilryong Garza nixed the old eight-cluster admin- Hone said the teacher in Garza is appar- about $7,500 per pupil annually. 68% disadvantaged). to Fairfax from Lubbock, Texas in July 2013, ing to Garza), that’s a lot of parents with a with the public first. Moon. “I can say that with confidence. We istration group in favor of five regions and ent and one key to her current success. “Ev- have helped re-establish critical community lot of voices to listen to. “There was this sense there were mem- made a right decision bringing her to Fairfax. split the department of Professional Learn- erything she does, it’s how a teacher ap- 3 July 1994-July 1996: Principal, East Side 9 June 2005-July 2009: Chief Academic Elementary School grades 5-6, Palacios Officer, Houston ISD, Houston, Texas. (200,944 ties. Debbie Kilpatrick, vice president of mem- bers of the School Board who said they don’t She’s been helping the members to look at ing and Accountability roles among other proaches things,” Hone said. “It’s clear, ex- Independent School District (ISD), Palacios, students, $9,231 per student, 80% “Under the previous superintendent,” bership with Virginia PTA, is impressed so want to meet with people who disagreed issues in a certain perspective that we oth- departments. This eliminated five staff po- plained, pulling people in instead of telling Texas (1,508 students, $10,269 per student, 68% disadvantaged). McElveen said, “there were perceptions the far with Garza being “inclusive” and having with them,” she said. erwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to take sitions and saved $637,000, according to them what to do. That dictatorship thing economically disadvantaged). board and the central office had precipi- “contagious high energy.” “It takes courage to be a problem-solver,” advantage of.” John Torre, public information officer for the doesn’t work. There’s always someone run- 10 July 2009-June 2013: Superintendent of 4 July 1996-July 1997: Curriculum Supervisor Schools, Lubbock ISD, Lubbock, Texas (28,476 View from Texas K-12, El Campo ISD, El Campo, Texas (3,465 students, $8,163 per student, 62% formance Pay initiative. “I had decided we’d do this, After Garza’s first year, the average reading scores Garrett noted that she and Garza shared the same Lubbock superintendent, Garza narrowed the achieve- sions. Decisions were made that were very tough, students, $9,735 per student, 67% economically disadvantaged). In Houston but honestly, I had no idea how to do it. Ordinarily of HISD students on the SAT test increased five background as school teachers; that love of work- ment gap, increased the graduation rate and helped but she never wavered from being able to sit down disadvantaged). 11 “When I hired Karen in 2005,” former Superin- I’d put it under HR but they weren’t moving fast points while the Texas and national averages fell. ing with children is something they both brought to reduce the number of students who drop out. with a group even if they were against the decisions tendent of Houston Independent School District enough. Karen quickly took ownership. Of course I Saavedra noted that one of the most unusual their work in funding schools and making sound de- Linda DeLeon, a Fairfax County resident who had she was looking to move forward with.” 5 July 1997-July 1999: Associate Executive (HISD) Dr. Abelardo Saavedra said, “the position of didn’t have to ask Karen to take ownership,” he said things about Garza was her relationship with the cisions for school districts. served as a school board member in Lubbock, was DeLeon said Garza made positive changes in Lub- Director for Governmental Relations, Texas chief academic officer had been open several laughing. “This thing wasn’t moving and she Houston Chief Financial Officer Melinda Garrett. delighted to see Garza come to Fairfax. bock. One was to consolidate schools. “Closing the Association of School months. I went looking for her. I’d never met her but stepped up to the plate. It was tied to academics, ”Usually in those jobs,” Saavedra said, “there are In Lubbock She was asked by someone to attend one of schools was the hardest issue for her. So many par- Administrators. July 2013-present: Fairfax I’d heard about her. There is a big difference be- so she figured she could do it as well as the HR folks silos formed between the financial folks and the aca- As Lubbock’s Independent School District’s super- Garza’s early public hearings in Fairfax. When her ents came to these hearings, and complained that 11 tween a mid-sized district and a larger one; the could, and she did. That program continues today demic folks. Not between Garza and Garrett. They intendent, a job Garza held for four years before name was announced to the group, Garza lifted her closing schools was not right, that the school was County Public Schools 6 July 1999-October 2002: 10 dynamics are completely different. I was taking a and is why Houston did so well. “ became good friends and worked together to make coming to Fairfax, her accomplishments include head and gave DeLeon a big smile: “Well, here is the nucleus of the neighborhood. But Garza worked Superintendent. Fairfax County risk because she came from a mid-sized one of about Saavedra was referring to the district’s educa- positive changes happen.” implementing a standardized curriculum for the Linda, someone I knew from Lubbock.” DeLeon had with them until you could see a transformation from Executive Director Public Schools (186,785 students, 40,000 in Corpus Christi, and ours was much big- tional improvement and performance management Garrett confirmed Garza’s achievements: “People in 29,000-student district, focus on student achievement, been a school board member for 18 years in Lub- those parents. It’s true that now the kids have to go for Curriculum, Staff 5 7 $16,880 per student, 26.4% free/ Development, and 6 9 reduced price meal eligible). ger. She adjusted very quickly.” model, called ASPIRE (Accelerating Student Texas miss her but realize Texas’ loss is Virginia’s gain. and financial stability. She left LISD with the largest bock under five different superintendents (but not a little further, but what they did made it possible Accountability, Katy ISD, 1 4 As Chief Academic Officer, Garza was responsible Progress. Increasing Results and Expectations). The They were all happy she got this major fund balance they had ever had and worked through during Garza’s tenure) and had kept track of the for 2-3 teachers to teach a 3rd grade class. They Katy, Texas (58,444 2 3 for the educational programming and the academic ASPIRE program paid over 18,000 teachers and superintendent’s job. It is something she really wanted some hard times with state funding, getting gains for things Garza did while there. coordinated, they worked together, and they did a students, $7,740 per student, 8 performance of 200,000 students and the adminis- instructional staff more than $70 million in perfor- and deserved. She will be great for Fairfax. She is not teachers, students, and taxpayers. Garza helped lead She was impressed: “Karen Garza was up to the much better job serving the needs of the kids. You 29% disadvantaged). tration of 300 schools. Saavedra said one of their mance bonuses over three years based on the afraid to make decisions. She always has her hand on the effort to win voter approval of a $198 million bond challenge. What made her positive was she was could also actually see the gap close between mi- Sources: Fairfax County Public Schools, most lasting accomplishments at HISD was the Per- academic improvement of children. the pulse of the people she is working with.” in 2010, the largest bond in the district’s history. As willing to sit with groups of people and have discus- nority and ‘anglo’ kids.” Washington Area Boards of Education, Texas Tribune 8 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 ❖ 9 Holiday Home Reconfiguration Makes for Holiday Family Fun Transitional-style Details Sun Design Remodeling frequently sponsors interior solution tours of recently remodeled homes as well as work- shops on home remodeling topics. Headquartered in Burke, the firm recently opened a second office improves 30-year-old in McLean. Call 703-425-5588 or visit floor plan. www.SunDesignInc.com. By John Byrd opened up the space by wrapping an inte- rior wall with custom-designed floor-to-ceil- he most dynamic possibilities for ing cabinetry. an interior design solution may Situated between a of pair of archways Tonly be revealed in unexpected linking the house from front to back, the ways and over time. Denise piece features two glass-faced, back-lit cabi- Kidd, for instance, who has occupied a 30- nets. As the new home for Denise Kidd’s year-old center hall colonial in Fairfax Sta- stemware and fine china, the built-in dis- tion with husband Scott for more than 20 places a bulky, space-consuming hutch in years, was certain the couple had “made the the breakfast nook. Better yet, its 8-foot-by house their own” when they remodeled the 2-foot’ bianco romano granite surface more kitchen 14 years ago. than triples the kitchen’s horizontal serv- The makeover had everything Denise ing capacity. wanted: a u-shaped counter with easy ac- “It’s a great serving station for the entire cess to stove, refrigerator and clean-up; Scott and Denise Kidd of Fairfax Station are starting off the New Year first floor including the screened porch,” pleasant maple cabinets; and a pantry in with a kitchen-centric entertainment suite. Kidd said. “It’s created logical, uncluttered an adjacent family room. circulation patterns we simply didn’t have Moreover, the plan discretely partitioned shouldn’t Denise’s kitchen also be an “open” that the plan would open up sight lines and before.” the kitchen from the family room; the cook’s affair, a place where the cook can interact dramatically alter the dynamics of the en- Meanwhile, a substantially larger refrig- work space from the breakfast nook. with guests while still enjoying a beautiful tire space. It seemed right for Scott and I in erator, wine cooler and microwave now The cook’s work triangle — according to day? this new phase of our life.” occupy formerly restricted kitchen floor the accepted space-planning wisdom of the Yet, interestingly, the revolution in Kidd’s Lee said, “Raising a ceiling usually makes space which opens invitingly into the fam- day — needed to be protected. Yes, some thinking about her kitchen has humble ori- a space seem much larger. Especially when ily room. parts of the floor plan were a bit boxy — gins, beginning when she decided that she you have the kind of indoor/outdoor con- Roughly paralleling the new cabinet con- but isn’t setting perimeters what good de- simply wanted a wider, deeper refrigerator. nectivity this house was designed to pro- sole, a multi-level surface that curves into sign is supposed to do? Seeing plainly that a larger model would file.” the breakfast nook replaces the existing L- Flash forward a few years, and what a not fit the tall, narrow cavity holding the shaped counter. Equipped with a pair of difference a stunning realization can make. current unit, she contacted a remodeling WORK WITH ROOMS that suddenly stainless steel clean-up sinks and a dining Now empty-nesters, the Kidds had been firm they had previously hired to upgrade seemed expansive, even generous, Lee’s counter with two stools, the new design gradually looking at ways to deepen their their bathrooms in search of advice. plan reconfigured the 90-square-foot gal- functions as a casual mid-room gathering satisfaction with their home — which is situ- In short order, designer Liz Lee of Sun ley kitchen to better flow with the break- spot — steps from the breakfast table, an ated in a lovely leafy setting, and frequently Design Remodeling proffered a plan that fast nook and family room. easy stride from the mudroom, new pantry the site of extended family entertaining. would accommodate a deeper refrigerator, To gain floor space for new appliances, and laundry room. The large screen porch off the family yet also pointed to larger horizons that the designer relocated the doorway be- “People were always gathering at the room, for instance, was designed to segue might feasibly be pursued. tween the kitchen and dining room to the counter anyway,” Kidd said. “Liz’s plan sim- into well-landscaped acreage complete with “Liz pointed out that we could increase middle of the wall, installing a pair of ply makes it a lot easier for friends to drop decking, hot tub and sports court. The win- the height to several rooms in the back of frosted glass pocket doors for both privacy in for a chat while I keep an eye on the dow wall in the breakfast room, likewise, the house a full 12 inches by eliminating and added natural light. meal.” exists principally to emphasize natural sur- the dropped ceiling,” Kidd said. Deleting the cumbersome pantry that had Better yet, the new interior allows Denise roundings. “I was intrigued at once, and when she served as a space divider between the to take in the backyard views while stand- All these matters considered: why then worked up perspective drawings, I realized kitchen and the family room, Lee next ing at the sink. Balancing the panoramic sight lines, Lee’s thoughtful finishwork gives the space its panache and brighter, lighter ambiance. A stone and glass tile backsplash unifies kitchen walls with the elegant new china cabinet. Crown molding and other detail- ing marry the bold new built-in to the home’s fundamentally formal interior de- sign elements. “The execution is pretty consistent with what has come to be known as transitional

Photo courtesy of Mitro Hood design style,” Lee said. “Formal elements carefully integrated into an open plan al- low for easier interaction within a cohesive aesthetic presentation.” For Kidd, that also means it’s easier to tend to the kitchen while also entertaining...and the timing couldn’t be better. “We’re having 15 for Christmas, and I’m The two stainless sinks have eased ready,” Denise said. “It’s a good feeling.” clean-up, owner Denise Kidd says. She also now has an unobstructed An L-shaped kitchen counter has been replaced with a multi-level sur- John Byrd ([email protected]) has been view of the backyard. face that curves into the more open family living area. writing about home improvement topics for 30 years.

10 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Sports Parent Coaches Searching for Balance Coaching one’s own child can be stressful, rewarding.

By Jon Roetman The Connection

eith A. Kaufman, Ph.D., a sport psychologist with offices in KWashington, D.C. and Old Town Alexandria, said two potential issues stand out for a young athlete coached by a parent. “I think two issues that jump out to me are the athlete feels like they can never es- cape talking about the sport,” Kaufman said in a phone interview, “or they feel too much scrutiny or not enough; like they feel like they’re treated differently [than other mem- Photo by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection Photo by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection bers of the team].” Natale Zanellato, left, helped the Madison volleyball Madison head volleyball coach Carrie Hall’s daughter, Kaufman said “it’s absolutely essential team finish state runner-up in the fall. Her mother, Kendal Hall, is a setter for the Warhawks. there are boundaries,” when a parent is Christine Zanellato, is an assistant coach for the coaching his or her child, and it’s impor- Warhawks. tant the child is treated in the same man- ner as his or her teammates. While each case is different, he said the relationship can be beneficial. “I would say most coaches are harder on their own kids than they are on the regular kids,” Madison assistant volleyball coach Christine Zanellato said. “We tend to point out when they mess up more than you would with another kid.” Zanellato and head coach Carrie Hall each have a daughter on the Madison volleyball team, which was one point away from cap- turing the VHSL 6A state championship in the fall. Zanellato coached her daughter, Natale, when she was young, but stopped when Natale was in middle school. Their relationship had some rough spots. “When I was in [sixth] grade, I hated it,” Natale said. “I would cry most nights. I would cry on the way home [from volley- Photo contributed ball]. I was very sensitive. I would get a little Photo contributed Langley offensive lineman Tyler Howerton, left, is upset when she would tell me to suck it up Hayfield’s Molly Overstreet, middle, is a two-time seen as a freshman in 2013. His father, John or do this and that. I wasn’t as good with VHSL state champion gymnast. Her mother, Kristin Howerton, right, is the Langley head football coach her criticism.” Overstreet, right, is an assistant coach with the and is a member of the Shepherd University athletic After a few years playing for other Hawks. Also pictured is Hayfield head coach Michelle Hall of Fame. Tyler’s grandfather, Cig Howerton, is a coaches, Natale started to appreciate her Pennow. member of the Randolph-Macon Hall of Fame. mom’s volleyball knowledge. Zanellato played collegiately at LSU and coached the After not playing high school volleyball her “It’s not hard to me at all,” Hall said. “I’ve started his sons on a path toward gridiron Fairfax High varsity from 2007-2011. When sophomore year, Natale joined the Warhawk been here 14 years and to me it’s about the success at a young age. Jack, now a sopho- it came time for high school, Natale, who varsity as a junior and was a key contribu- program. … It’s the program first, then my more at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla., attended Lake Braddock as a freshman, tor at outside hitter for the 2014 state run- daughter.” and Tyler, now a sophomore at Langley, wanted her mom as a coach. Zanellato ners-up. Hall said the two talk about volleyball at started strength and skill training before the joined the Bruins’ staff as an assistant in “I love working with my mom,” Natale home, but don’t discuss strategy. age of 10. However, they did not play orga- 2012. said. “I respect her. I know that she played “We talk about if we think we had a good nized football until high school. “I think what has worked out well for us great. She’s a great coach. When I was game or not that night, but nothing too Howerton, who was inducted into the is that we have a really solid relationship younger, it was a little rougher. I was just elaborate,” Hall said. “… That way she’s part Shepherd University athletic Hall of Fame and she trusts that when I am working to like, ‘I don’t want to listen to you,’ that kind of the team, I’m part of the coaching staff. after garnering All-American status as an improve her skills, I’m looking at her as an of stuff. I respect her judgment and I re- She doesn’t need to know anything that’s offensive tackle, taught his sons the basic athlete,” Zanellato said. “My criticism is all spect what she’s saying. I really respect her going on.” fundamentals of offensive line play, such as based on what she needs to do on the court. opinion. I love having her on the coaching Kendal said she’s appreciative of her getting in a proper stance. He also showed It’s not about her personally. I think that’s staff.” mom’s volleyball knowledge. them the basics of strength training, includ- the hardest thing [about being a parent/ Hall said she treats her daughter, Kendal, “It’s definitely nice,” Kendal said, “com- ing 15-minute workouts with a lightweight coach] is kids sometimes personalize the a standout junior setter for the Warhawks, ing home and having someone to talk to aluminum pipe. comments.” no differently than any other member of the who definitely knows what they’re doing.” Natale would later transfer to Madison. team. Langley football coach John Howerton See Parent Coaches, Page 15 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 ❖ 11 Entertainment Four Plays to Offer Drama and Comedy Send notes to the Connection at [email protected] or call 703-778- Fairfax High 9416. The deadline is the Friday prior to the next paper’s publication. Dated announcements should be presents Winter submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. One-Act Festival. THROUGH SUNDAY/DEC. 28 Sparkling Wine Tastings. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. By Bonnie Hobbs Paradise Springs Winery, 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton. Recurring weekly on Sunday, The Connection Friday, Saturday. Taste all three sparklings from Paradise Springs as well as a unique Pineapple oth comedy and drama will Sparkling from Maui. Ten percent off all sparkling wines purchased for anyone who does take the stage when Fairfax the tasting. Admission is $20/person. Call 703- High presents its student-di- 830-9463 for more information. No reservations B necessary as tastings will be done at our main rected, Winter One-Act Festi- tasting counter. Ongoing event. val. The curtain rises Thursday-Friday, Jan. 8-9, at 7:30 p.m. Four plays are of- THROUGH WEDNESDAY/DEC. 31 fered; tickets are $5 at the door. War on the Doorstep: Fairfax Militia in the War of 1812. Exhibition. The Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, 3610 ‘Opening Doors’ Old Lee Highway. Open Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free tours at 1 p.m. 703-591-0560. A mix of comedy and drama, “Open- ing Doors” is directed by senior Mykael THROUGH SUNDAY/JAN. 4 Hyman. “It’s about some people living Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights. 5:30

in the same apartment in New York City,” Photo by p.m. Meadowlark Botanical Garden, 9750 he said. “They each give a monologue Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. A winter about their personal stories and how they wonderland, including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights, a two story animated fountain connect with other people; but they in- and a Gingerbread Village. Admission: $13 terrupt each other and talk over each Bonnie Hobbs adults, $8 children ages 3-12; children under 3 other.” are free. Bull Run Festival of Lights & Holiday Hyman said the play’s coming along Village. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Bull Run Regional well for his eight cast members. “They’ve Park, Centreville. The Portal Wreath signifying all been working hard and tried to make the official start of the beautiful Bull Run /The Connection Festival of Lights, this display has been part of this production their best work,” he said. the show since 2006. Each year a new ornament A first-time director, Hyman said the representing a display in the show will be added toughest part is “getting an image of to this collection, and the portal wreath is the first in the series. Santa’s Enchanted Lights, with what you want initially. But that also al- over 40,000 animated lights set to music! This lows you to be more creative. You need great feature is merely a fraction of what you’ll good organizational skills but, on the find at this season’s Festival of Lights. Admission: $20 per car. whole, directing has been easier than I Excited about Fairfax High’s upcoming, one-act play festival are the THROUGH TUESDAY/JAN. 6 thought it would be.” He said the audi- directors (back row, from left) John Vazquez, Doug Klain and Mykael ence will especially like this play’s “vi- Christmas at Mount Vernon. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hyman, and (front) Allison Grainge. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 sual aesthetic. They’ll see the side of a Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount building with graffiti representing each nior John Vazquez. “Eleven people find he’s assassinated. Vernon. Themed decorations (including 12 character’s personality traits and what Christmas trees) and historical chocolate-making themselves together in a subway station – “I think people will like it because it’s demonstrations will be offered. Tour the rarely- they’re going through. And we’re using and none of them are exactly sure how they about such a pivotal, defining moment open third floor of the Mansion and learn how lighting to portray those concepts, as well.” got there,” he said. “They’re all from differ- of the 20th century, and we take an in- the Washingtons celebrated Christmas. In 1787, George Washington paid 18 shillings to bring a ent places and they have to figure out where teresting look at it,” said Klain. “That’s camel to Mount Vernon for the enjoyment of his the next train is going.” one of the reasons I picked this show.” guests. During Christmas at Mount Vernon, ‘Anybody for Tea?’ This show features an ensemble cast and, There’s a cast of five, with junior visitors can meet a camel on the grounds. Senior Allison Grainge is directing a said Vazquez, “It’s surprising to see how fast Abigail Johnson portraying the lead THROUGH MONDAY/JAN. 19 nine-person comedy led by a student these actors have come into their charac- character, Jackie’s secretary. “She’s ex- Dada Re-Discovered. Building W-16 Vulcan who just goes by ZJ. “He plays a homi- ters, and they’re really talented.” A first-time cited to be going to Dallas and riding in Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 cide detective investigating a murder at Workhouse Way, Lorton. Dada Re-Discovered director, he’s discovered he likes doing it. the motorcade,” said Klain. “But during explores how contemporary media and ideas can a house where six, elderly women live,” “In acting, you’re just concerned about the flight, she falls asleep and has a pre- filter past Dada concepts and artwork. The said Grainge. “They see him through your own part,” he said. “But as a director, monition of something bad happening exhibit will feature sound, video, performance their window every day and they’re in and other visual mixed media. 703-584-2900. you control the entirety of the show and there. So people will see this historic www.workhousearts.org. love with him. So they kill one of the six get to project your vision on all of it. And event told from a different point of view to get him to come over.” by the end, you get to see the big picture than normally.” THROUGH SATURDAY/JAN. 31 “It’s such an absurd concept that it’s and what you’ve created.” However, he Regarding his actors, he said, “It never Exhibit of Colorful Nutcrackers. 11 a.m. - 4 really funny,” she continued. “And every- added, “The toughest thing is learning to ceases to amaze me how professional p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Sully Historic Site, one in the cast is so talented; I’ve really be the leadership figure with people you they are, considering they’re high-school 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly. See an enjoyed working with them.” amazing array of nutcrackers, both old and new, know so well and commanding their re- seniors. They’re doing in two weeks what in a colorful case exhibit. Did you ever wonder Grainge said directing taught her the spect.” As for the audience, said Vazquez, professionals take two months to do. where the craze for collecting nutcracker dolls importance of good communication with “They’ll like the twist this story takes and And I selected my cast members because came from? Nutcrackers have a fascinating a show’s management team. She also history. The first nutcrackers were produced to the message behind it – how your past ac- I knew they could do an astounding job.” crack nuts more effectively and the oldest much prefers directing to acting. “I’m a tions affect your future.” Klain also enjoyed directing. “The known metal example, on exhibit in Tarent, perfectionist and I like being able to toughest part is the stress,” he said. “As Italy, is from the third or fourth century B.C. change stuff and be in control,” she ex- The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in an actor, you worry about yourself and Leavenworth, Washington, shows a bronze plained. The hardest part, she said, is “re- ‘First Lady Suite’ getting your scene right. But as a direc- Roman nutcracker dated between 200 B.C and alizing that everything can’t be as you Senior Doug Klain is directing the musi- tor, you worry about everyone and ev- 200 A.D. German nutcrackers, made as first imagined it. Things change and, usu- decorative pieces, were developed around 1500. cal drama, “First Lady Suite.” It’s taken from erything. But when I see the actors do- Early nutcrackers were in the shapes of animals, ally, it’s for the better.” a full play with various vignettes about four ing fantastic work – and I get chills see- birds and people. Later, they were made in the American first ladies. This one focuses on ing it – then I’m so proud of them. And likeness of kings, soldiers, church leaders and ruling class figures. Fine wood carved Jackie Kennedy aboard Air Force One while if I feel that way, knowing the script so nutcrackers were created across Europe, ‘Tracks’ she and her husband, President John F. well, I think the audience will feel that especially in France and England by the 15th Directing a drama called “Tracks” is se- Kennedy, are en route to Dallas on the day way tenfold.” and 16th centuries. Admission: $7/adult, $6/ See Calendar, Page 13 12 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, FreeFree Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, SON EstimatesEstimates PaverPaver Driveways,Driveways, Landscaping! From Page 12 Estimates OFF-SEAPRICING student, $5/senior or child. 6060 THROUGH SUNDAY/FEB. 8 Tree Clearance Sale Lowest Prices Dressing for the Occasion: An 50-75%50-75% OffOff PotteryPottery Since 2008! Exhibition of Costumes and Bagged, FREE Fill Textiles Representing Fairfax Playground Chips Bulk 30% OFF Shredded Personalities and Events. & Organic Compost Hardwood Mulch Exhibition. Fairfax Museum & Visitor All Trees 2013 & Prior Mulch Center, 10209 Main Street, Fairfax. $ 99 $ 99 cu. yd. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 703-385- 29. cu. yd. $3.49 24. 8414. 9023 Arlington Blvd., Fragrant,Fragrant, Fairfax, Virginia Fragrant,Fragrant, 2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50. THROUGH MONDAY/FEB. 9 1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro) “Synesthetic Landscapes.” Jewish bloomingblooming CitrusCitrus 703-573-5025 Community Center of Northern Open 7 days a week Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, PlantsPlants 10%10% OffOff ➠ Visit our new Web site: www.cravensnursery.com Fairfax. Andy Ilachinski describes his Directing the one-act plays are (back row, from left) John colorful, powerful and magically Vazquez, Doug Klain and Mykael Hyman, and (front) manipulated images as “Synesthetic Landscapes,” referencing the Allison Grainge. psychological, creative – even mystical – experience of synesthesia, heart change? You will have to come once again!.Host and Comedian COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP a joining of the senses (smelling and enjoy this wonderful original Rahmein Mostafavi (who has sounds, hearing colors, feeling adaptation by the well-known performed stand-up as such venues shape) to communicate a point of Producer/Director/Playwright, as DC Improv, Richmond Funny Bone view to another through his Vianlix Mestey, to discover the and Caroline’s on Broadway) leads photographs. Showcase artists: answer. Let’s make this Christmas regular sold out shows, making Cool Marcia Gordon, “Gems by Meg;” one that Scrooge will never forget! Cow a staple of the entertainment Piper Strong, Metal Works/Judaica; Running time 75 minutes with one options in Lorton! This month, and Joyce Zipperer, metal sculptor/ intermission, appropriate for all ages. headliner Jeff Maurer appears on the mixed media/metal shoes and Tickets: $9-$13. workhouse.org. Workhouse stage. Your ticket will jewelry. www.jccnvarts.org. Kaydee Puppets. 2 p.m. City of include performance, light snack fare Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 and complimentary admission to the North Street, Fairfax. Kaydee Puppets New Year’s Eve Concert and Dance in TUESDAY/DEC. 23 present “A Visit to Santa’s Workshop” the McGuireWoods Gallery featuring Stories from Strawberry Park. 10 cosponsored by Friends of the city of The 6th Generation. A la carte beer, a.m. Mosaic District, 2910 Distrcit Fairfax Regional Library. All ages. wine, soft drinks are sold before Avenue, Fairfax. Enjoy a live performance. Due to ABC interactive performance each week regulations, guests are not permitted taught by a group of unique MONDAY/DEC. 29 to bring outside alcoholic beverages storytellers. For ages 10 and under. Brain Games at the Library. 3 p.m. to performances. Due to mature Held outside in Strawberry Park. In City of Fairfax Regional Library, subject matter, patrons under the age Looking for a New Place of Worship? inclement weather story time will be 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Have of 18 must be accompanied by parent held in Angelika Film Center. fun and win prizes with our board or legal guardian. Tickets: $35-$40. Visit Antioch Baptist Church! games and card games that challenge http://www.workhousearts.org/ THURSDAY/DEC. 25 your thinking and build your skills. New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. All Are Welcome! Third Annual Christmas Day of Ages 8-12. 8 p.m. Empire, 6355 Rolling Road, “Giving Back.” 1-5 p.m. Kilroys, Springfield. Live performances by Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Ravensworth Shopping Center 5236 Tuesday/Dec. 30 Ego Likeness and Bella Morte. Doors Sunday School for Children & Adults 9:30 a.m. Port Royal Road, Springfield. The Stories from Strawberry Park. 10 at 8 p.m. 18+. http://www.empire- Married Couples Sunday School 11:30 a.m. event this year has expanded to a.m. Mosaic District, 2910 Distrcit nova.com/event/728885-new-years- include packing Care Packages for Avenue, Fairfax. Enjoy a live eve-masquerade-springfield/ 703-425-0710 • www.antioch-church.org our deployed Service Members, interactive performance each week Fairfax Four Miler. 6 p.m. Pacers accepting Thank You Letters and taught by a group of unique Fairfax, 10427 North St., Fairfax. A 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Cards for our Veterans in Veterans storytellers. For ages 10 and under. four-mile road race in Old Town Homes and Hospitals and accepting, Held outside in Strawberry Park. In Fairfax followed by food and clean gently used or new Winter inclement weather story time will be entertainment. Proceeds support the Coatsfor our local Homeless held in Angelika Film Center. Fairfax Police Youth Club. 703-537- Jubilee Veterans. http:// 0630.www.runpacers.com. $40. www.americasadoptasoldier.org/ Christian Center WEDNESDAY/DEC. 31 “Experience the Difference” SATURDAY/DEC. 27 Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. Burke TUESDAY/JAN. 6 Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AM “A Christmas Carol.” 1 p.m. Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Stories from Strawberry Park. 10 Sunday School 10:10 AM Sunday Evening – Realtime Worship Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Burke. Build your child’s early a.m. Mosaic District, 2910 Distrcit & Youth 6 PM Road, Lorton. LIVE onstage! When literacy skills with stories, songs, and Avenue, Fairfax. Enjoy a live Family Night – Wednesday 7:15 PM Scrooge, the owner of a hotel, play. Ages 1-2 with adult. 703-249- interactive performance each week Home Life Groups & College/Young Adult Ministries b decides that his employees can’t have 1520. taught by a group of unique Visit our Website: www.jccag.org the day off to enjoy Christmas with Cool Cow Presents: Jeff Maurer storytellers. For ages 10 and under. 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax b their families, Santa (in disguise), NYE Special Engagement. 7 & 9 Held outside in Strawberry Park. In Bill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170 decides it is time for a change. Santa p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 inclement weather story time will be sends The Spirit of Christmas to visit Ox Road, Lorton. Cool Cow Comedy’s held in Angelika Film Center. To Advertise, Call 703-778-9422 Scrooge and show him his past, headliners and featured performers present and future. Will Scrooge’s take the stage in the W-3 Theatre

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14 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Sports Zone 2: • Burke 703-778-9411 • Fairfax • Springfield Classified Zone 2 Ad Deadline: • Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Tuesday Noon Parent Coaches An expert 21 Announcements 26 Antiques Give me ABC LICENSE We pay top $ for STERLING, where to stand, is someone Kumkang, Inc trading as MEN'S WATCHES, Searching for Balance Delicioso, 7863 Heritage JEWELRY, COSTUME who knows Drive, Annandale, VA 22003. JEWELRY, FURNITURE, and I will move The above establishment is PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS. the earth. From Page 11 some of the applying to the VIRGINIA DE- Schefer Antiques way tie for first on vault as a freshman, and PARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC 703-241-0790 -Archimedes setting a state record on bars as a sopho- worst mistakes BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) [email protected] FOR A Beer on Premises Jack earned all-state honors during his more. that can be license to sell or manufacture time at Langley. He could bench press 500 At the high school level, Molly rarely alcoholic beverages. Sun Hee 26 Antiques 26 Antiques made in his Lee, President. pounds and squat 675. He is now an offen- needs coaching help, allowing Overstreet NOTE: Objections to the issu- subject and how ance of this license must be sive lineman at Stetson. Tyler recently com- to focus her attention on the team’s less- submitted to ABC no later that Falls Church AntiqueS pleted his sophomore season as a starter on experienced gymnasts. to avoid them. 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required Best Kept Secret of The Metro Area! the Langley varsity. Both played right guard “Molly is so knowledgeable that she can -Werner newspaper legal notices. for the Saxons. coach herself,” Heisenberg objections should be regis- Unique collection of antiques and collectibles, tered at www.abc.virginia.gov including furniture, jewelry, glassware, pottery, Howerton said he Overstreet wrote in or 800-552-3200. sterling silver, paintings, prints and more! “I think two issues that Fun home and gift ideas! has tried to treat Jack an email. “She knows and Tyler in an equal the corrections she 21 Announcements 21 Announcements Christmas Shop Now Open! jump out to me are: the Falls Church Antique Co. fashion to other play- needs to make. I just 250W. Broad St. Falls Church, Va • 703-2419642 ers on the team, but athlete feels like they remind her to have Restaurant Maint. Tech admits he has higher fun and do her best. w/ HVAC & Kitchen Equip. EXP. Light expectations for his She is also a great building and electrical knowledge. Must 101 Computers 101 Computers can never escape talking sons. coach to the be at least 21 years of age and have valid “I try to treat them younger/newer girls. DL and a good driving record, and able to about the sport, or they HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONS as any kid out there,” She demonstrates pass a bkground check. Please put your JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995 Howerton said. “As a feel too much scrutiny skills and gives them salary requirement. Send resumes to ➣ Speed up Slow Computers [email protected] or call Mike Byrne at ➣ Troubleshooting parent, you probably or not enough; like they cues for making skills 301-370-8434. ➣ Virus Removal have more expecta- easier for them. ➣ Computer Setup tions for your own feel like they’re treated “I love working (571) 265-2038 sons. I try not to yell with the Hayfield [email protected] at them any more or differently [than other girls. We have nine HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO less than anyone girls who have never else. I do expect them members of the team].” competed in gymnas- 21 Announcements 21 Announcements to excel as much as tics before and they — Sport psychologist Keith Ocean Pines possible because improve daily. They they’ve been exposed Kaufman, Ph.D. usually need my time Newspapers & Online to me as a coach at practice more than more than the other kids have.” Molly does, but I am always watching her CLASSIFIED Howerton was coached by his father, out of the corner of my eye. I rarely have to DEADLINES Elton “Cig” Howerton, in youth football. Cig set limits on her. She knows what is ex- Zones 1, 5, 6...... Mon @ noon Howerton was an All-American at pected and she does it.” Zones 2, 3, 4...... Tues @ noon Randolph-Macon and was inducted into the Molly struggles with back pain “from E-mail ad with zone choices to: university’s athletic Hall of Fame. years of overuse, training up to 25 hours a [email protected] Hayfield assistant gymnastics coach week and the constant pounding and hard Kristin Overstreet started coaching her landing,” her mother wrote. The pain is to or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 daughter, Molly, at a young age, as well, the point that Molly might have to walk but it didn’t take long for Molly to surpass away from gymnastics this year, according EMPLOYMENT Dr.Donald Anthony Fleger, age 85, passed into eternal rest at Atlantic General Hospital on Sunday, her mother’s teachings. to Overstreet. DEADLINES December 14, 2014. Born November 21, 1929, in Cleveland, “I also coached Molly when she was Level Molly said one of the greatest benefits of Ohio, he was the son of the late Anthony A. and Mary Nemec Zones 1, 5, 6...... Mon @ noon Fleger. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Mary 3 at Cardinal Gymnastics,” Overstreet said. having her mom as a coach is when it comes K. Fleger and children, Kathleen Mary Tracy and her Zones 2, 3, 4...... Tues @ noon husband Patrick of Pittsburgh, PA, Dwayne Edward Fleger “She quickly surpassed my coaching abili- to dealing with pain. and his wife Marti of Reston, VA and Stephen Anthony ties and moved up through the Level sys- “Some benefits for having my mom as a E-mail ad with zone choices to: Fleger and his wife Melanie of Herndon, VA. There are nine grandchildren, Patrick Tracy, Christopher Tracy, Timothy tem in club gymnastics and became a Level coach are that she knows me the best, so [email protected] Tracy, Cassie Jackson, Kirstie Fleger, Kalla Fleger, 9.” when I’m in pain or anything like that, she Katherine Fleger, Andrew Fleger, Jordan Fleger, and four or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 great-grandchildren, Madison Fleger, Lilliane Fleger, Andrew Molly gave up club gymnastics prior to can tell,” Molly wrote. “My mom is a very Fleger, Jr., and Evelyn Fleger. her sophomore year, but still competes at understanding person and her being my ZONES His family moved to Washington, DC in 1940 when his father the high school level for Hayfield. Now a mom and coach, it makes it that much easier was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. During Zone 1: The Reston Connection that tenure, Don attended Capital Page School where he junior, Molly has already captured a pair of to communicate with her about what’s go- served two years as a Page in the US House.. He attended The Oak Hill/Herndon Connection University of VA and was a 1955 graduate of the George- state championships, finishing in a three- ing on, or if I don’t want to do something.” Zone 2: The Springfield Connection town University School of Dentistry. He then served as a dentist in the US Army for two years as a Captain while Bulletin Board The Burke Connection stationed at Fort Meade, MD. Following his discharge, he moved his family to Virginia and opened a dental practice. The Fairfax Connection After 30 years he retired to Ocean Pines in 1988. There he The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ served as an active member of the Environmental Control Send notes to the Connection at [email protected] or call 703-778-9416. The deadline for Committee for approximately 20 years. submissions is the Friday prior to publication. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two Lorton Connection weeks prior to the event. Donald was an affectionate husband and caring father who Zone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his The Mount Vernon Gazette spare time he enjoyed boating, wood working, model building and watching the Washington Redskins. Above all, he will be MONDAY/DEC. 22 Zone 4: Centre View North remembered for his love of family, optimistic outlook and tenacious drive to never give up. English Conversation Group. 7 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Practice Centre View South English with others and improve your skills. Adults. 703-249-1520. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December Zone 5: The Potomac Almanac 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. One-on-One English Practice. 7, 8 p.m. Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Practice Friends may call on Wednesday, December 17, from 3:00 speaking, reading and writing English with a volunteer partner. Ages 8 through adult. 703-249-1520. Zone 6: The Arlington Connection until 6:00 PM at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Pray- Library Tech Help. 11 a.m. City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax. Get your The Vienna/Oakton Connection ers will be said beginning 4:00 PM by Rev. William Porter. A library-related electronic resources questions answered. Includes help with eBooks and compatible donation in his memory may be made to: St. Jude’s devices. Bring your library card, eBook reader, and laptop. Adults and teens. The McLean Connection Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105. Letters of condolence may be sent via: Wag A Tale - Read To A Dog. 10:45 a.m. Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria. The Great Falls Connection www.burbagefuneralhome.com Age 5-12 will love to read to our therapy dog. Sign up for waiting list.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 ❖ 15 POTOMAC RIVER 3750 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22305

ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA 703-684-0710 TOYOTA TOYOTA www.alexandriatoyota.com NEW! Extended Service Department Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 am to 9 pm Saturday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm TOYOTA Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm LIFETIME GUARANTEE Mufflers•Exhaust Pipes•Shocks•Struts Sunday by appointment only. Toyota mufflers, exhaust pipes, shocks, struts ServiceCenters and strut cartridges are guaranteed to the 27 YEARS OF original purchaser for the life of the vehicle Keep Your Toyota RECEIVING THIS when installed by an authorized Toyota dealer. Let’s Go Places a Toyota HONOR See us for full details.

You Have Saturdays Off That’s Exactly Why We Don’t!

16 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ December 25-31, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com