LOVE’ Sign Now Has a Permanent Home at the Workhouse Arts Center’S Courtyard in Lorton

Follow on Twitter: @LFSConnection on Twitter: Follow

Artist Marty McFly with his ‘bedazzlement.’ The ‘LOVE’ sign now has a permanent home at the Workhouse Arts Center’s courtyard in Lorton.

‘Love’ Finds a Home at Workhouse News, Page 3 Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, 9 Classifieds,

Home Life Style

A Smashing Success Page 8

News, Page 6 2-21-20 home in Requested

Time sensitive material. material. sensitive Time

Attention Postmaster: Postmaster: Attention ECR WSS ECR

Arriving at Crossover Customer Postal

permit #322 permit

Easton, MD Easton,

PAID with Many Bills Moving Postage U.S.

Opinion, Page 4 STD PRSRT Photo by Susan Laume/The Connection Photo February 20-26, 2020 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR YOUR TOYOTA

2/29/20.

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’S

PERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE 2/29//20.

2/29/20.

2/29/20. 2/29/20.

2/29/20.

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

2/29/20.

2 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Lorton/Fairfax Station/Clifton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Workhouse Arts Center (WAC) Board members cut the ‘Love’ sign ribbon ‘Love’ signs were an outgrowth of the successful tourism campaign with Artist McFly (third from Left), WHA President Ava Spece, Supervi- slogan: ‘Virginia is For Lovers.’ sor DB Stork, and Visit Fairfax President Barry Biggar. ‘Love’ Finds a Home at Workhouse By Susan Laume The Connection

fter an eleven-stop tour around Fairfax County in 2019, the A“LOVE” sign now has a permanent home at the Workhouse Arts Center’s courtyard in Lorton. Appropriately unveiled on Valentine’s Day, the sign will remain a fixture at the Workhouse and is expected to attract many visitors to the art campus. One of 200 “LOVE” signs located throughout the Commonwealth, Lorton’s sign was given a special “bedazzlement” by Woodbridge artist Marty McFly. McFly is a cartoonist and pop art creator. His embel- lishments, a collage of facial expressions, add bright color to the work, representing the emotion. “Love” signs were an outgrowth of the very successful tourism campaign slogan: From right — artist Marty McFly with Workhouse Arts Artist Marty McFly with his ‘bedazzlement.’ “Virginia is For Lovers.” It was heralded as Center Exhibition Director, Jaynelle Hazard. one of the “most well-recognized and often imitated campaigns…” by “Advertising tial part of how we communicate with Age.” Celebrating its 50 year anniversary, each other.” the slogan first appeared in the March 1969 The Workhouse Arts Center is a issue of “Modern Bride” magazine. “Forbes’’ nonprofit collaboration of visual and named it “one of the top 10 tourism mar- performing arts space and exhibi- keting campaigns of all times.” The slogan tions, with art education. Located at is included on the advertising walk of fame 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton; open in New York City. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Barry Biggar, “Visit Fairfax” President and Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. CEO, speaking at the ceremony, said the signs have generated hundreds of thousands of photographs and brought much attention Visit Fairfax President to Virginia. Biggar added that the market- Barry Biggar, Supervi- ing campaign is credited with helping cre- sor Dan Storck and ate Fairfax County’s $3 Billion tourism in- Workhouse Arts dustry. The “Love” signs highlight some of Center President Ava the best areas of the county’s tourism as- Spece photographed sets and help support 31,000 local jobs. with the ‘Love’ sign. Mount Vernon District Supervisor, Dan Storck, on hand for the unveiling, welcomed the piece as a means to attract more people Photos by to the Workhouse Art Center, “this heart of Susan Laume artistry.” He added, “public art is an essen- The Connection www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 ❖ 3 Fairfax Station, Opinion Lorton & Clifton

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Black History Month 2020 @LFSCConnection An independent, locally owned weekly By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum this year about his experiences of cessful lawsuit against gerrymandering in the newspaper delivered to State Delegate (D-36) growing up Black. state along with greater voter participation homes and businesses. Published by I predict that in future years a speech brought about a record number of Black can- Local Media Connection LLC tradition in the House of will be made on the floor of the House didates being elected to the General Assem- Delegates that has come of Delegates about the 2020 Virginia bly. Black legislators took on greater roles of 1606 King Street Aabout in recent years is to General Assembly being a transforma- responsibility in the 2020 session of the legis- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 have a speech at the be- tive event in Black history. Black ex- lature. The first Black woman was elected Free digital edition delivered to ginning of each daily session during perience accounts for a major portion Majority Leader of the House of Delegates, and your email box. Go to February about a Black person. Some of the story in a state that unfortu- the first Black woman was elected President connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe speeches are about well-known historic figures; nately has been known for centuries for its rac- of the State Senate. While there had been a most are about lesser-known Black persons ist policies. The first enslaved Africans were few Black committee chairs over the years in NEWS DEPARTMENT: who have made contributions to their commu- brought to Virginia in 1619, and the slave codes the House of Delegates, half of the fourteen [email protected] nities and to the state. After all, the point of that were enacted to keep them subjected as committee chairs are now Black. Vestiges of Kemal Kurspahic Black History Month is to have all of us gain a slaves were inhumane. When the tobacco fields Jim Crow laws that remained in the Code even Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 greater knowledge and appreciation of Black were no longer productive, Virginia’s chief source though they had been overturned by the courts [email protected] persons’ contributions to our history. The Leg- of income became the selling of slaves into the are being stripped away. Localities are being islative Black Caucus organizes the event, and deep South. Even the freeing of the slaves with given permission to deal with Confederate Andrea Worker Contributing Writer I am pleased to have been invited to speak each the Civil War did not bring equal rights to monuments that were the symbols of Jim [email protected] year at one of the daily sessions. This year I Virginia’s Black population. Slave codes were Crowism. Laws that were unevenly applied to spoke about the late Gwen Ifill of PBS replaced by Jim Crow laws. Voting by Blacks was Black persons are being amended or repealed. Jean Card NewsHour and Washington Week in Review restricted. Their separate schools and other ac- Black cemeteries are being cared for as the Production Editor [email protected] who was the first Black woman to become a commodations were not equal. Confederate cemeteries were for many years. national news commentator. I always appreci- Supreme Court decisions and the Civil Rights A commission is going to look at the teaching ated receiving the daily news from her in her Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 of Black history in our schools to ensure that it ADVERTISING: calm and professional manner. Not all speeches brought about changes that started Black tells the whole story. Major strides are being For advertising information e-mail: are about historic figures; one delegate spoke people on the way to greater freedom. A suc- made in this month of Black history! [email protected] 703-778-9431

Steve Hogan Display Advertising, 703-778-9418 Arriving at Crossover with Many Bills Moving [email protected]

Debbie Funk Driver privilege, minimum wage, class action National Sales part-time while in college or high school. The 703-778-9444 House approach is much different and must [email protected] lawsuits, marijuana decriminalization ... be reconciled. Both chambers passed legislation allowing David Griffin By Sen. Scott Surovell Marketing Assistant Efficient and Resilient Buildings collective bargaining by public employees, end- 703-778-9431 (D-36) Board. It requires each state agency ing Virginia’s ban on project labor agreements, [email protected] to designate an energy manager to and allowing localities to require prevailing he sixth week of the General monitor and reduce energy consump- wages to be paid in public contracts. We also Classified & Employment Advertising TAssembly brought us to tion over time. Energy efficiency is passed legislation creating private actions for 703-778-9431 “crossover” – the day each America’s cheapest energy resource worker misclassification, employer retaliation chamber is required to cease work to access and I appreciate the col- for reporting illegal conduct, and wage theft. on their own bills and work on bills laboration with my constituent Eliza- On the energy front, we passed bills endors- Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm from the other chamber. beth Beardsley and the United States ing a renewable energy portfolio standard or [email protected] The last two days brought furious action on Green Buildings Council who brought this con- mandate that utilities shift to renewable en- @MaryKimm many major bills. Forty-three of my own bills cept to my attention. ergy by certain deadlines. We created a frame- Executive Vice President crossed over to the House of Delegates. Last The Senate also approved my bill I am car- work to authorize a $2 billion investment in Jerry Vernon week, the Senate passed my legislation creat- rying with Del. Kathleen Murphy to create two offshore wind that will make Virginia and 703-549-0004 ing driver privilege cards for undocumented hundred $4,000 college scholarships for chil- Hampton Roads a national leader in technol- [email protected] immigrants for the first time and on a biparti- dren in families who receive Temporary Need ogy deployment. Managing Editor san basis. We still have work to do in order to for Families (TANF). The bill has passed the We also passed legislation to officially join Kemal Kurspahic reconcile the House and Senate bills, but it will Senate four times but always dies in the House. the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Art/Design: change the lives of over 100,000 Virginia resi- This year will be different. also known as “Reggie.” Joining this compact Laurence Foong, John Heinly dents. Beyond my own bills, we took action on will give the Commonwealth greater flexibil- Production Manager: Geovani Flores We also passed my legislation authorizing majority legislation. Sen. Adam Ebbin’s mari- ity in reducing carbon emissions and net the state-level class action lawsuits. Forty-eight juana decriminalization bill passed with a large Commonwealth $100 million per year in rev- other states and the District of Columbia al- bipartisan majority. The bill is not perfect, but enue given the progress we have made this far CIRCULATION ready allow similar lawsuits. The lack of such an appropriate first step as we move towards relative to other compact states. Circulation Manager: Ann Oliver remedies in Virginia means that corporations legalization. We also passed Senator Adam Ebbin’s legis- [email protected] can steal money from Virginians in smaller I helped to negotiate the Senate’s proposed lation authorizing a statewide tax on plastic amounts and never face justice. minimum wage increase. The bill increases bags of $0.05 per bag. It only applies to bags The Senate also approved my bill allowing the state minimum wage to $9.50/hour start- in grocery, convenience, and drug stores, but people to expunge evictions that have been ing January 1, 2021. The wage then increases not restaurants. The monies will go to the Gen- dismissed. Companies have begun to collect $1/hour per year starting July 1, 2022 until it eral Fund and retailers will be allowed to keep and disseminate eviction records to landlords reaches $15/hour and then increases with the $0.02 of the tax to defray the costs of collec- and the existence of multiple dismissed and Consumer Price Index. Other parts of Virginia tion. unfounded eviction cases can present a bar- would be divided into Wage Regions and the Each chambers’ proposed budgets will come rier to property rental. My bill will allow people wage increased on a basis relative to their out before this goes to print and we will also to clear unfounded lawsuits from their third Median Family Income compared with North- begin work on legislation from the opposite party data files. ern Virginia. We also created an exemption for chamber and the state budget. Please send me We also passed my bill to create the Virginia training employees and students employed any feedback at [email protected].

4 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

Virginia Teachers Need and Deserve Collective Bargaining Rights To the Editor: caused by administrative requirements, Legislation currently moving through the stated. It would give us a say in decisions I am an elementary school teacher in too little time to plan, and thus “burning Virginia state legislature would change that regarding our students’ education. It would Fairfax County who has been teaching for the candle at both ends” due to our dedi- by enabling collective bargaining for teach- help ensure that policies are applied and 27 years in Virginia’s public schools. I know cation towards providing well planned, ers, which provides a forum for employers adhered to in the same way from school to I speak for my colleagues in saying we all meaningful lessons for our students. We and employees to join together to tackle school within a district. Most importantly, want what is best for our students and their also see the exodus of quality teachers due such problems through negotiation. Kudos it would enable us to work collaboratively families. to such burnout. to the majority of our state delegates who for the betterment of all, which is a win for We see the effects of 31 third graders Despite these challenges, we work supported the collective bargaining bill for educators, for students, for the school sys- in a classroom or teaching positions closely with our students to further their educators. I hope our state senators will tem and our communities. staffed by a patchwork of substitutes be- successes and close gaps. But none of the support it as well! cause there just aren’t any teacher appli- conditions described above are conducive The importance of access to collective Dan Hale cants to fill them. We experience burnout to student success. bargaining for teachers cannot be over- Fairfax County

COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

“Loving People to Life” b Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AM Sunday School 10:10 AM b Sun. Evening – Realtime Worship & Youth 6 PM Family Night – Wednesday 7:15 PM To Advertise Your Home Life Groups, College/Young Adult Ministries, and Living Free Support Groups Community of Worship, Visit our Website: jccag.org 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax Bill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170 Call 703-778-9418

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 ❖ 5 News A Smashing Success Andrew Clifton hosts Annual Screen (left) and Erich Ping Pong Tournament. Williams (right) in a round 40 Clifton resi- Williams. spirited match dents turned out for the The CBA began hosting a ping during the Clifton Betterment As- pong tournament in February A CBA’s 2020 sociation (CBA)’s An- 2015 as a way to bring Clifton resi- Ping Pong nual Ping Pong Tournament held dents together for indoor fitness Tournament. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Clifton and fun in the middle of winter. Town Hall. Since then, the tournament has Photos by Throughout the morning, both been an annual event except for Lynne Strang the young and the young-at-heart 2019, when renovation work tem- slammed, volleyed and chased porarily closed the town hall for a little orange balls as family mem- few months. bers and neighbors cheered them In lieu of ping pong, the CBA The top finishers in the on. The free event was open to all hosted an outdoor pickleball tour- Clifton Betterment CBA members and their guests re- nament that year. Association (CBA)’s gardless of playing ability. “While some of the tournament’s 2020 Ping Pong Tourna- Kevin Reilley won the 2020 tour- players have resided in the Clifton ment, from left: Kevin nament with Gopal Krishan finish- area for decades, others are new Reilley won the tourna- ing in second place. In the conso- to the community,” said CBA presi- ment and Gopal Krishan lation tournament, Jason dent Michelle Stein. “Events like placed second. Lawrence took top honors. Drew ping pong and pickleball are great Peters was the runner up. opportunities for neighbors to Among this year’s participants meet and get to know each other The top finishers in the were several scouts from Troop better.” 2020 Consolation Tour- 1104 based in Clifton. As they In addition to Stein, planning nament: Drew Peters completed matches, the task force members for this year’s (left) finished second tournament’s youngest players ping pong tournament were Steve and Jason Lawrence enjoyed red, white and blue-iced Bittner, Jim Witt, Lynne Saltsman (right) was the winner. cake pops provided by Jeannette and Lynne Strang.

6 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, SUNDAY/MAY 17 at least two weeks before event. Psychic Fair. 9-5 p.m. At Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax. Psychic Fair for both those who are serious and SUNDAY/FEB. 23 for those who are just curious. Event can be a Town Hall Meeting. 1 p.m. At 8390 Laurel Crest life-changing experience or just a fun time Many Drive, Lorton. Sen. Scott Surovell and fellow of the best psychics, mediums, healers, and legislators will host town halls throughout the readers of all types, along with related arts and 36th District in February. The legislators will crafts vendors from Virginia and the discuss their legislative agendas and take surrounding areas. Note: 75% of tables offer questions from the audience. Some topics will some type of readings, 25% of tables offer include: Transportation, Education Funding and related arts, crafts, books, oils, crystals, sage, Reform, The State Budget and Tax Reform, herbs. information, jewelry, etc. There will be 44 Redistricting, Medicaid Expansion, Marriage vendors, All under one roof, all in one room, Equality and LGBTQ Rights, Firearm Violence indoor event, free parking. Cost: $5 in advance Prevention, Civil/Criminal Justice Reforms, $10 at the door. Visit the website: https://va- Consumer Protection/Predatory Lending, psychic-fair-2020.eventbrite.com Investing in Green Energy, Reproductive Choice Issues, Protecting Environmental Interests. See Bulletin, Page 11

We didn’t inherit the earth from our parents. We’re bor- rowing it from our children. —Chief Seattle (1788-1866) Suquamish/ Duwamish chief

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 ❖ 7 Welcome Zaher Aymach, D.D.S. Home Life Style Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics Traditional-Style Makeover Satisfies A second act for

family home. Glass-facing cabinets, a 25-bottle wine refrigerator and a granite-topped By John Byrd serving station now unify the kitchen and the family room. Photos by Greg Hadley ometimes the second act requires a set change. In the case of a Reston couple seek S ing to re-vitalize the home they had occu pied for 30 years, agenda-busy lives had come to a reflective pause. The kids were now in senior high school and col- DR. GENE SWEETNAM lege— mostly living at home. The lower-level family entertainment area, meanwhile, belonged to a by- DR. GRACE CHANG DR. KAREN JINYOUNG KIM gone era. The master suite was, likewise, an anach- ronism. OPTOMETRISTS The circa 1990s kitchen in the northwest corner of the first floor provided easy access to both an ad- jacent family room with fireplace, and a dining room/ living room— which, nonetheless, were being used less frequently. In short: the house was ready for new beginnings, revisions more properly aligned to a dy- namic family’s actual needs. “Of course, large-scale life changes don’t necessar- ily require a whole house makeover,” Sun Design To generate more light and living space in president Bob Gallagher admits. “We advocate an a circa 1990s house, Sun Design Remodel- incremental approach focused on what is needed ing removed a wall between the kitchen now, and what changes will satisfy the whole regi- and great room. A granite food prep and men of foreseeable requirements.” dining counter replaces a stand-alone On the other hand, when a homeowner is discov- breakfast table. The wine refrigerator is ering an interior design style that speaks to them, convenient to the re-designed family room. “the process may build momentum,” he adds, “espe- • Family & Pediatric Vision Care cially when the owners have been given the tools Elsewhere, main level carpet and tiling were be- • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Treatment of Eye Diseases needed to explore ideas in depth.” coming threadbare. While the dining room and • 21 years Naval Service, 6 years Active Duty By tools Gallagher refers to multi-faceted space- kitchen had been originally conceived for formal planner/ lead designer Ericka Williams, and the entertaining, the reality was a 24 ft x 16 “great room” • Laser Vision Consultants • Over a thousand frames in stock project team at Sun Design Remodeling. – mostly reserved for holidays. • We carry all major brands of contact lenses • In-house lab “It was an inspiring collaboration,” Gallagher al- “Interior lines were not well articulated,” Williams Most Insurances Accepted: lows. “The owners had attended Sun Design semi- says. “The first level rooms were large enough, but nars earlier, toured several remodeled homes and the space seemed looming, almost empty.” Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Care First, Medicare, Tricare In-network Doctor, talked to our past clients...so they knew what to ex- What was needed was an “open” plan with inter- Cigna, DavisVision, Aetna HMO/PPO/POS, PHCS, pect. Turns out, this was just the beginning of their active, clearly defined activity zones. VSP® Network Doctor, EyeMed Vision Care, United Healthcare, VA Medicaid discovering more about their personal tastes.” Seizing the day, Williams proposed a custom buf- WE WELCOME YOUR DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION To start at the top: that summer the owners had fet as a way to differentiate the dining zone and 5206A Rolling Rd. celebrated 23 years of residency in their two story, from the living room. The piece would function as a Burke Professional Center four bedroom production house, and were taking service station and storage unit from both sides. Burke, VA 22015 stock of what they wanted from the years ahead. To better articulate the main level interior, Will- At just over 1,000 square feet, the home’s primary iams re-routed the HVAC duct work and converted 703-425-2000 level living area seemed adequate relative to living the wall into a pair of arched openings crowned. www.drsweetnam.com • www.sightforvision.com space requirements. The problem was that the origi- Taupe-hued walls combined with a soft white trim nal space plan and interior finishes were quite dated. confer a stately elegance on uncluttered sightlines. Bathrooms designed in the 1990s featured oversized Glass-facing cabinets, a 25-bottle wine refrigera- bathtubs, small showers and a vanity illuminated by tor and a granite-topped serving station now unify Hollywood strip lighting. The children’s playroom in the kitchen and the family room. The fireplace sur- the lower level had been set up for grade school ac- round is MSI Gray Oak tile in a straight lay pattern. tivities. Walls formed to define rooms also blocked The new flooring is 5-inch plank gray-stained solid the light, and obstructed visual continuum. maple. The food prep island in the kitchen, meanwhile, Upstairs, the new spa bath features a large walk- nearly abutted a breakfast table which was, in turn, in shower with a bench seat, “cubbies” designed for sequestered from the family room by a half wall. personal-use and hand-held shower sprays. Among When entertaining was underway, the kitchen was the lighting enhancements: overhead LED recessed beyond the conversational reach of both social gath- lighting and decorative sconces. ering zones. Moreover, with the microwave above The lower level now boasts a state-of-art enter- the cooktop and refrigerator to the right, the cook’s tainment center and is equipped with refrigerator work triangle was often in the center of traffic bottle- and wet bar. necks. Sun Design Remodeling frequently sponsors design “There was a wall with an HVAC duct separating and remodeling seminars as well as tours of recently the kitchen from the dining room/living room,” Wil- remodeled homes. For more information, visit www.Sun liams recalls. “The original Formica countertops DesignInc.com/Events or call 703-425-5588. didn’t function well as a working surface for hot pots John Byrd ([email protected]) has been and pans.” writing about home improvement for 30 years.

8 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar

Submit entertainment announcements Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal- offers exercise classes for older adults endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. NOW THRU MAY 27 designed to build strength and Photos/artwork encouraged. Wednesday Exercise Classes. 9-10 improve balance and flexibility. All a.m. At The Lutheran Church of the levels of ability are welcome. Call the Abiding Presence, 6304 Lee Chapel SCFB office, 703-426-2824, for class ONGOING Road, Burke. Shepherd’s Center of information. (8 weeks, $20). The Beauty of Wood. Now thru Fairfax-Burke offers exercise classes March 2. At Artists’ Undertaking for older adults designed to build Gallery, 309 Mill Street, Occoquan. strength and improve balance and FEB. 19 TO MARCH 29 The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery flexibility. All levels of ability are The Color Green. At Torpedo Factory presents “The Beauty of Wood”. This welcome. Call the SCFB office, 703- Artists at Mosaic, 105 District Ave., exhibit features photography and 426-2824, for class information. (20 Fairfax. In celebration of an early digital paintings by David and Jane weeks @$2.50/class = $50) spring and St. Patrick’s Day, Torpedo Ernst of Springfield, and wooden Factory artists are tackling one of boxes by Jon Kaufman of Fairfax nature’s most ubiquitous colors, Station. A Meet the Artists Reception 18th-Century Game Night at Gunston Hall NOW THRU FEB. 29 green. In its newest exhibit simply will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, Fairfax City Golden Ticket. 12 p.m. titled, Green, the gallery is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact the Gunston Hall will host 18th-Century Game Night on Fairfax City’s Economic Development presenting a selection of original gallery at 703-494-0584 or at Friday, Feb. 21 in Lorton. Authority has partnered with the paintings, photographs, jewelry, [email protected]. Visit Central Fairfax Chamber of scarves, ceramics and more, that the website FRIDAY/FEB. 21 Commerce to host the 2nd Annual reflect its various artists’ www.artistsundertaking.com 18th-Century Game Night. 6-9 p.m. At George Mason’s Gunston Hall, 10709 Fairfax City Golden Ticket contest in interpretations of the color. Torpedo Funday Monday. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Gunston Road, Lorton. Guests are invited to delve into the past and support of the 2020 Chocolate Lovers Factory artists are chosen through a Mondays now thru March. At Old discover the origin story of games like Life, Craps, and Poker. Finger foods and Festival. The Fairfax City Golden rigorous jurying process and enjoy a Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, seasonal adult beverages are part of this 21+ evening event. Tickets are on sale Ticket Contest features three golden high degree of acclaim, both locally Fairfax. Play, paint, sing and dance at now and can be purchased online at www.gunstonhall.org or at the door. Cost: tickets hidden within 1,200 chocolate and nationally. Savvy shoppers know Funday Monday in the City of $35; $25 for members. Visit the website www.gunstonhall.org. bars made by local chocolatier Torpedo Factory Artists @ Mosaic as Fairfax. This season they are bringing Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates. The a place not only to enjoy fine art but back My Gym to help everyone move St. James Intramural High School teams in the league will meet. Visit chocolate bars are available for also as a great place to purchase art and play together, Oh Susannah! Basketball League. Now thru https://www.thestjames.com/sports/ purchase at participating Fairfax City at affordable prices. with her guitar to sing some old March 10. At the St. James Sports, basketball/sessions/8/courses/tsj- businesses beginning Jan. 31 for $3 songs and have just as much fun with Wellness and Entertainment basketball-winter-team or contact each while supplies last. The contest new ones, and Good Gollie it’s Mollie Complex, 6805 Industrial Road, Alpha or Pele with any questions at offers three lucky winners who find THURSDAY/FEB. 20 will be coming ‘round with more Springfield. The St. James invites you 703-239-6841. the golden tickets a Chocolate Lovers Henna Workshop. 6-7 p.m. At Pohick games and playtime fun. They would to participate in its Middle School gift basket featuring chocolate and Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker like to welcome some new friends as Basketball League for Boys & Girls items from participating Fairfax City Road, Burke. Learn the history and well like Drew Blue Shoes, a (8th to 12th grade), Now thru March NOW THRU MARCH 30 businesses valued at $200. To art of henna design with local henna magician whose magic will leave you 10, in the new 33,000 square foot Monday Exercise Classes. 9:30- purchase a Golden Ticket chocolate artist Anita Kundal. Attendees will mystified and a kids’ nature puppet Basketball Courthouse on four high 10:30 a.m. At Lord of Life Lutheran bar, visit any of the businesses listed learn how to use Henna tubes and show will come to teach us about the school regulation sized courts. The Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, at fairfaxcityconnected.com/ create their own design. Materials jungle in our backyard. This season TSJ Intramural High School Fairfax. Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax- goldenticket2020. provided by Pohick Regional Library. they have the local animal shelter Basketball League registration fee is Burke offers exercise classes for older Free. Visit the website: and local Spanish emersion group Mi $250 per player and $600 per team. adults designed to build strength and https:// Chu Chu Train coming with specially All games are officiated and statistics improve balance and flexibility. All NOW THRU APRIL 3 librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/ made programs. Visit the website: provided. The TSJ Intramural High levels of ability are welcome. Call the Friday Exercise Classes. 9:30-10:30 event/6225706 https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/ School Basketball league also SCFB office, 703-426-2824, for class a.m. At Lord of Life Lutheran Church, parks-recreation/cultural-arts includes a Playoff round where top information. 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. See Calendar, Page 10

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 ❖ 9 Calendar

From Page 9 100th concert season, the National and military both active and retired, Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine $4. Visit the website www.fairfax- (NSOU) presents a concert of Eastern station.org or call 703-425-9225. SATURDAY/FEB. 22 European delights, including a BHS General Meeting. 3:30-5 p.m. At Indoor Yard Sale. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. At showpiece for cello by Tchaikovsky, Pohick Regional Library, 6450 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6509 Sibelius’ first symphony which Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Sara Sydenstricker Road, Burke. The displays his unique Nordic style as Collini, a Ph.D. candidate in history youth group has been collecting well as his admiration for at GMU, shares her research on items for weeks and will have a huge Tchaikovsky, and Ukrainian enslaved women’s role as midwives indoor yard sale to benefit their composer Borys Lyatoshynsky’s in Fairfax County and the youth activities at church. Please symphonic ballade composed as a Chesapeake from 1750 to 1820. Free. come support them and find some tribute to the Polish poet Adam Visit the website: treasure. Visit the website: Mickiewicz on the centenary of his www.burkehistoricalsociety.org www.standrews.net death. Considered one of the finest Postcards: Musical Journey. 4-5:30 Off the Wall. 2-5 p.m. At the Art and symphony orchestras in Eastern p.m. At Lanier Middle School, Design Building, GMU Fairfax Europe, NSOU has achieved Auditorium, 3801 Jermantown Road, Campus, Fairfax. Every year GMU international recognition with its Fairfax. If you’re tired of being opens its Art and Design Building to extensive touring schedule and more cooped up inside or looking up at alumni, parents, prospective than 100 acclaimed recordings, gray skies, then come join us for an students, and the public for a including Lyatoshynsky’s Symphonies afternoon of music that is sure to lift showcase of the visual arts at Mason. No. 2 and No. 3 named The Best your spirits! Included on the program Tour 15 open studios and hands-on Recording of the Year by the are ‘Kilimanjaro – an African exhibits with student and faculty Australian Broadcasting Company. Portrait,’ by Robert Washburn, filled artists, enjoy the music, plus create Under the direction of Volodymyr with a captivating rhythmic vitality your own works of art - it’s a great Sirenko, the orchestra is joined by and strong musical textures and party. Cost is $30/regular; $20/ world-renowned cellist Natalia ‘Baba Yetu,’ the Grammy Award Mason alumni, faculty and staff; Khoma as the featured soloist. winning piece written for the video $10/ages 14-18. Ticket and Tickets are $60, $51, $36. Visit the game Civilization IV. Cost is $10/$5. sponsorship proceeds support arts website: https://cfa.gmu.edu/ Visit the website: scholarships and guest artist https://www.fairfaxband.org/event/ residencies. Sponsorship postcards-main-street-community- opportunities begin at $500. Contact SUNDAY/FEB. 23 band-winter-concert/ Emily Rusch at 703-993-3872 or Hands On Day Activities. 1-4 p.m. Dance Benefit Concert. 6 p.m. At [email protected]. Visit the website: At Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, offthewall.gmu.edu. 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Fairfax. The Fairfax Academy Peace, Love & Art. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Station. Hands On Days, suitable for Dancers are producing a dance At Workhouse Art Center, 9518 both adults and children, feature a benefit concert for the second year. Workhouse Way, Lorton. Fundraiser variety of educational activities This year’s benefactor is The Multiple for Workhouse; tickets are $90/door. involving history and train modeling. Sclerosis Society. Dances from the Psychedelic cocktails and delicious Mini-workshops or activities focusing Academy Classes as well as groups nibbles; dancing Woodstock-style and on artifact restoration and from the community will be casino games; hippie and groovy preservation might also be featured. presented. Some participating outfits encouraged. Artwork for Cost of crafts or materials for Hands organizations are Glen Echo raffle. On Day activities are included in the Improvisation Movement Theatre, National Symphony Orchestra of price of admission. Admission: enVISIon from Georgetown Ukraine. 8 p.m. At GMU Center for Museum members and ages 4 and Visitation, Nrityanjali, Manassas the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, under, free; ages 5-12, $3; ages 13 Youth Ballet, Sundays on TAP, and Fairfax. Celebrating their Jubilee and older, $5; seniors 65 and older more. Suggested donation $20.

10 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin One Step Forward, Hopefully Not Two From Page 7 Steps Backward SUPPORT GROUPS By KENNETH B. LOURIE Parent Support Partners, a service of the Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parents And so, what happens next? There’s calm who have received training and are qualitied to and then there’s an eventual storm. The storm to offer education, support and assistance at no which I refer is what will happen after the March cost to families or caregivers. They provide 2nd meeting with my endocrinologist when she reliable information that families can use in will assess and determine the next step in my decision-making and are familiar with services post-thyroidectomy treatment. Presumably, in and resources that can help families in distress. conjunction with my oncologist, a coordinated Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ plan will be implemented for treating my two healthymindsfairfax or www.nami- northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html. cancers. I can’t imagine however, that being Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke sponsors treated for two cancers, simultaneously, will be a monthly meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each easier than being treated for one. And I doubt, month, noon-1:30 p.m., for caregivers to learn although I don’t know, that one medicine will and to share with others experiencing similar be recommended for the treatment of both my challenges. Before attending, contact the non-small cell lung cancer and my thyroid can- facilitator, Eileen Thompson at 703-451-8626 or cer. We’ll know soon enough. [email protected]. In the interim, I intend to acknowledge and Haven of Northern Virginia provides support, compassion, information and resources to the appreciate how easy these next few weeks will bereaved and seriously ill. To become a Haven be. No appointments with doctors, no diagnos- volunteer, please call 703-941-7000 to request tic scans, no procedures, no medicine - and an orientation. Volunteers must complete a 30- no side effects, and no lab work other than as hour training and commit to one year of service needed, to measure my calcium and magnesium answering Haven phones (2.5 hours weekly). levels and any other thyroid-related effects. Next training is scheduled for fall 2017. Moreover, I am free to come and go as I please. And it does please me. Because I’ve earned it. I ONGOING deserve it and I’m going to bask in it. You think STEM Professionals Needed. Volunteers are being a cancer patient under constant treatment needed to assist K-12 STEM teachers in northern - for nearly 11 years is in any way amusing? Virginia as part of the American Association for Hardly. I make fun of it to make light of it. Oth- the Advancement of Science’s STEM Volunteer erwise, the weight of it would crush me. And Program, stemvolunteers.org, during the 2019- even though my father always said I had broad 20 school year, beginning in September. Please shoulders, I’m always fearful that the next result contact Don Rea at 571-551-2488 or ^PSSIL[OLZ[YH^[OH[ÄUHSSÌYLHRZ[OPZJHTLS»Z [email protected]. back. After all, I’m only human. Docents Needed. Sundays 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station But for now, February 9, as I sit and write, I Road in Fairfax Station. Greet museum visitors am three weeks and one day to my next reckon- and tell them about the exhibits, the museum ing. And since it’s early days yet to know what and the its railroad and Civil War history. Ideal life will be like after that March 2nd appoint- for those interested in railroads, the Civil War ment (radiation and/or chemotherapy possibly), and Northern Virginia history. Training and I will try to be blissfully ignorant and not think orientation provided. Other volunteer too much how easy and unencumbered my life opportunities are gardening, publicity and is at the present. As a cancer patient, ceding exhibit planning. Call 703-945-7483. Haven of Northern Virginia is committed to control where you can and securing it where offering, support, compassion, information and you thought you couldn’t are keys to manag- resources to the bereaved and seriously ill. ing expectations and minimizing aggravation. Volunteers provide individual and group support Unfortunately, there is no one key that unlocks to those suffering from a loss. Volunteers must all doors. And there are plenty of doors, and participate in a 30 hour training. Training will plenty of doctors too, and plenty of fear waiting be offered in October 2018. To volunteer, call for one of your doctors to walk through any of Haven at 703-941-7000. these doors to deliver the results from your most Assistance League of Northern Virginia is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds, recent cancer-related whatever. clothes and educates children in need. None of which concerns me right now, or Assistance League’s philanthropic programs rather it shouldn’t. And if there’s any port in this touch the lives of thousands of children, Z[VYTÔLYL0JHUVMÅVHKZVTLHU_PL[`HUKNL[ including those at 11 Title 1 elementary schools PUHSP[[SL9 9SP[LYHSS`ÄN\YH[P]LSÒ`WV[OL[P- in Fairfax and Prince William counties and the cally, magically, unexpectedly, I should jump at City of Alexandria. There are many volunteer the chance. I am reminded of a conversation I opportunities for community members to had with my oncologist years ago when I experi- contribute to helping those in need through Weekend Food for Kids, tutoring programs and enced a similar interval between treatment. The providing new clothing and layettes. To learn medicine I was on had stopped working so we more, email: [email protected], or visit needed to start another, another with unknown www.alnv.org ILULÄ[ZHUKZPKLLMMLJ[Z4`VUJVSVNPZ[Z\N- Docents Needed. Sundays 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax gested that since I felt good, perhaps we should Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station delay the beginning of the next infusion and Road in Fairfax Station. Greet museum visitors that I should take that trip I had always dreamed and tell them about the exhibits, the museum of because I might never feel this good again. I and its railroad and Civil War history. Ideal for those interested in railroads, the Civil War and didn’t then and I won’t now. When I jump how- Northern Virginia history. Training and ever, I can barely get off the ground. orientation provided. Other volunteer I haven’t exactly been presented this time, opportunities are gardening, publicity and with this kind of do-before-you-die opportunity, exhibit planning. Call 703-945-7483. but there is an erie familiarity to my circum- Volunteer Adult Mentors Needed. Help assist stances. And though I’ve been down this road the Department of Family Services’ BeFriendA- [Y`PUN[VÄUKV\[ILMVYL0JHU»[ILH[HSSJLY[HPU Child mentoring program. The mentors provide to what kind of twists and turns await. The last opportunities for companionship, guidance and thing a cancer diagnosis provides is a guarantee. support to children who have been abused and neglected, or who are at risk of abuse and Actually, that’s wrong. A cancer diagnosis does neglect. Contact Ibrahim Khalil at provide a guarantee: that there are no guaran- [email protected] or 703-324- tees. And so, as I prepare for the next phase of 4547. my life, the one that begins 11 years after being Volunteers needed at the Fairfax Station diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, stage IV and being given a 13 month to two-year Fairfax Station. The Museum offers a variety of prognosis to boot, I will quote the late, great exciting volunteer opportunities in Museum Satchel Paige: “Don’t look back. Something events, programs and administration. Contact [email protected] or 703-945-7483 might be gaining on you.” to explore services that will fit your schedule and interests. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, or call 703-425-9225 for more. Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 ❖ 11 12 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ February 20-26, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com