Families & Pets: A Love Story Pet Connection, Page 7

Justyn Jacewitz, 5, Springfield, and his kitten Lily, 1 year old, exercise together. He says Lily is “CRRRRAZY.” The Connec- tion found pet families happily enjoying life together, kids and adults alike. Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Classifieds,

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‘This Gives Me the Opportunity Page 9

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U.S. Postage U.S. Opinion, Page 4 STD PRSRT Photo by Susan Laume/The Connection Photo February 25 - March 3, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News Is for Pet Lovers Too Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny.

Photos by Susan Laume/ By Susan Laume The Connection The Connection

he 2021 Virginia Gener- al Assembly had only six companion animal-re- Tlated bills before it this OPEN SAT 2/27, 2-4PM & SUN 2/28, 1-3PM session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in BURKE CENTRE 2019. Virginians love their pets 6034 Burnside Landing Drive, Burke, VA 22015 and legislators are no different. Offered at $774,900 Several frequently sponsor bills aimed to better the lives of animal Turn-key 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2-car garage colonial home companions, although the short perfect for entertaining features a gourmet kitchen, an expansive session this year led to a restriction deck and patio, and recreation room including a theatre room! in the number of bills legislators Delegate Kaye Kory, D-38, This home is truly a gem, don’t miss it! were permitted to file. House sponsor of the Humane Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D- 33) Cosmetics Act. and Del. Kaye Kory (D-38) spon- sored bills in their respective Margot Lynn | 703.973.3722 legislative houses to restrict cos- Licensed in VA & DC www.MargotLynnrealtor.com metic testing on animals. The Hu- Senator Jennifer Boysko, D-33, mane Cosmetic Act (SB1379 and sponsor of Senate Humane Cos- 109 S Pitt St | Alexandria, VA 22314 | Equal Housing Opportunity HB2250), which has passed both metics Act. houses, will prohibit test- ing of cosmetics on animals in the Commonwealth, and prohibit the sale of any cos- metic that was developed or manufactured using animal testing by any cosmetics manufacturer. If signed by the Governor, the testing provision of the Act will go into effect on July 1, 2021, and the ban on sales on Jan. 1, 2022. Unsuccessful with similar bills last year, both Senator Dave Marsden, D-37, legislators found success sponsor of dangerous dog leg- this time with accord from islation manufacturer associations. Sen.William Stanley (R- The testing facility dog adoption 20), a member of the Sen- bill (B1417), requires that a dog or ate Agriculture, Conserva- cat, no longer needed for testing, tion and Natural Resources Courtesy Senator Stanley office be given an opportunity for adop- Committee, sponsored two Senator Bill Stanley, R-20, sponsor of tion prior to euthanasia, providing bills this session, SB1412 adoptions for research dogs and cat; that the animal does not pose a to keep those convicted of with Marsy, his beagle rescued from a health or safety risk to the public. animal cruelty from work- medical research dog breeding facility The testing facility may enter into ing in the pet industry; and an agreement with a shelter or SB1417 to give research dogs and cats an opportu- rescue, or research arms of higher education research nity for an adopted home when no longer needed at facilities, such as Virginia Technical College, may in- a research testing facility, including our institutes of stitute their own adoption programs. Senator Stan- higher education. ley himself adopted a beagle bred for research after Stanley’s SB1412 will mirror some restrictions for visiting a Cumberland medical research breeder with pet stores and dog breeders that public and private Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) to inspect the facility. The shelters and rescues have operated under for many two Senators wanted to know more about the only years. Northern Virginia has had multiple examples of medical research dog breeder located in Virginia after pet store manager convictions, where pet stores were discussion of a 2020 General Assembly bill that would closed, only to have the manager move and open at have restricted the business, but did not pass. Stanley another location. The bill restricts those with animal named his adopted dog Marsy in commemoration of cruelty, neglect or abandonment convictions from his trip with Sen. Marsden. working as owners, managers, employees of pet store Senator Marsden, Chairman of the Senate Compan- or breeders. The bill also requires pet stores to ob- ion Animals subcommittee, sponsored a bill to restruc- tain a statement from purchasers or adopters, that the ture the procedure for adjudicating cases of dangerous person has not had an animal related conviction, as dogs; SB1135. The bill provides for the speedy adjudi- shelters and rescues are now required to do. cation of such cases, within 30 days of the summons. 2 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Controlling Gun Violence

Despite other successes, lawmakers unable to limit Another bill that senators changed was one that allowed school boards to prohib- assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. it guns on school property, which senators amended to apply only to school administra- By Michael Lee Pope tion buildings. Both of those changes were The Connection suggested by Sen. (D-34). “I have no problem that administrative ulfilling their campaign promises buildings, if they want to designate it as to take action against gun violence, gun-free zone just like we passed last year Democrats in the General Assembly with city councils or country boards,” said Fare sending Gov. Ralph Northam Petersen. “I do have a little bit of an issue if several gun-violence prevention bills. Law- a school board just buys a random property makers are taking action to exclude guns at as a vacant lot and then passes an ordinance polling places and government buildings, saying it’s a gun-free zone.” creating new restrictions for people convict- ed of domestic violence and extending the THE ALEXANDRIA DELEGATION is send- time allowed for the State Police to conduct ing two gun bills to the governor, one to pro- background checks. The bills this year come hibit firearms at polling places and another after several new laws were created last to prevent people from bringing them into year, requiring universal background checks Capitol Square or other state government and allowing local governments to regulate buildings. Levine introduced the bill to pro- firearms. hibit guns at polling places and vote count- “Virginia is a leader now,” said Secretary ing centers after two Virginia men were of Public Safety and Homeland Security arrested after traveling to Pennsylvania to Brian Moran, who formerly represented Al- attack a vote-counting site. Gun enthusiasts exandria in the House of Delegates. “We’ve dismissed the bill as creating yet another gone from dead last to first in terms of re- gun-free zone. sponsible gun-control legislation. “This is to prevent intimidation?” asked One campaign promise Democrats have Photo by Michael Lee Pope/The Connection firearms enthusiast Vincent Smith during a been unable to accomplish is limiting access Signs like these went up across the city last year after the General Assembly gave public hearing on Levine’s bill. “There are a to assault weapons and high-capacity maga- local governments authority to regulate guns. large portion of this country who are intim- zines, deadly equipment that has been used idated by clowns, so much so that it has a to commit some of the worst mass shoot- “Virginia is a leader now. We’ve gone from name, it’s called ‘coulrophobia.’ So are you ings in American history. After Democrats going to also outlaw clowns at polling plac- seized control of the General Assembly last dead last to first in terms of responsible es?” year, cracking down on assault weapons and Levine and state Sen. (D-30) high-capacity magazines was a top prior- gun-control legislation.” both introduced bills prohibiting guns in ity for the new majority. But Senate Dem- Capitol Square, although the two bills are ocratic Leader ended up with- — Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran different enough to send them into a closed- drawing his own bill on the issue, and Del. door conference committee where lawmak- Mark Levine (D-45) was unable to get his ers will resolve their differences in secret. bill through the Senate. This year, nobody “Clearly there’s an appetite among the vot- Levine’s bill includes a larger geographic even bothered introducing an assault-weap- area, including major streets surrounding ons bill. ers to regulate and ban semiautomatic as- the Capitol, whereas the Ebbin version bans “I don’t think it has enough votes to pass,” more weapons other than guns, including explained Levine. “It’s misunderstood be- sault-style rifles.” knives. cause people overstate what it is because it’s — Lori Haas, Virginia director, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence “People don’t need to arm themselves in really a high-capacity magazine ban more Capitol Square,” said Ebbin. “They potential- than an assault-weapons ban because we’re Lopez pointed to statistics from the State from kits. Because none of the new gun-vi- ly risk more harm than good.” grandfathering in the assault weapons.” Police showing examples of how background olence measures passed last year would checks taking longer than three days can apply to these guns, some lawmakers are ASSAULT WEAPONS remain a lingering SOME OF THE BILLS lawmakers are send- lead to problems. Last year, the State Police concerned that this is a class of firearms that concern for advocates of gun-violence pre- ing the governor are improvements to new logged 787 transactions that were denied would be able to evade all the laws designed vention because of the prominent role they laws that were passed last year. For exam- in three days or less. However, he said, 235 to keep weapons out of the hands of people have played in so many of the mass shoot- ple, one of the signature accomplishments of background checks that were eventually re- who shouldn’t have them. That’s why Del. ings over the last 20 years. Levine says he the 2020 General Assembly session was the jected took longer than three days. The way Marcus Simon (D-53) introduced a bill to would have introduced an assault weapons law requiring universal background checks. the laws work now, that would be hundreds prohibit people buying kits and assembling ban if lawmakers had not been limited to This bill closed the gun-show loophole, but purchases in 2020 that should have been de- ghost guns. seven bills because of the limited duration it also created a new problem. If the State nied but weren’t because of a process known “It’s untraceable, and it really evades the of the session this year. Using one of those Police did not complete a background check as “default proceed.” entire system,” said Simon. “You build the seven slots for a bill that would have not within three days, the sale was permitted to “So a purchase would have been allowed gun yourself and it’s got no serial number. been successful would have been a mistake, go through anyway. That’s why Del. Alfonso to go forward — 235 examples,” said Lo- You require no background check. There he said, especially considering he’s sending Lopez (D-49) introduced a bill to give the pez. “To keep firearms out of the hands of was no age limit to purchase it.” two gun bills to the governor this year. State Police five days to conduct a back- dangerous individuals who pose a threat to Although the original version of his bill “It’s a conundrum why the House and ground check. themselves, their loved ones and the com- outlawed all old guns without serial num- the Senate didn’t want to take this up,” re- “If we keep expanding the time, you’re munity at large, I believe that making this bers, senators changed it to grandfather in sponded Lori Haas, Virginia director of the taking the pressure off the police to do it one word change is the best course of action all firearms that predated the new law. Ad- Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. “Clearly in a timely fashion,” said Phillip Van Cleve, for the commonwealth.” vocates say they liked Simon’s original ver- there’s an appetite among the voters to reg- president of the Virginia Citizens Defense sion better, but in the sausage-making facto- ulate and ban semiautomatic assault-style League. “This whole system was sold to gun LAWMAKERS ARE ALSO haunted by the ry of the General Assembly this is the kind of rifles. Polling as recent as October showed owners as an instant check, and the longer specter of the ghost guns, which are firearms compromise that’s often needed to get bills overwhelming support for doing something you stretch it the more that becomes a joke.” created by 3D printers or assembled at home to the governor’s desk. about these people-killers.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 v 3 Opinion

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Celebrating Black History @BurkeConnection

federal Reconstruction government about one An independent, locally owned weekly There are ample reasons to be celebrating newspaper delivered to hundred Black citizens were elected to public homes and businesses. office between 1869 and 1890 including a Black Published by Black history in Virginia this month and congressman, but a swift reaction by conserva- Local Media Connection LLC tive whites led to Jim Crow laws and voting throughout the year. 1606 King Street laws that quickly curtailed the power of Black Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Commentary voters. The 1902 Virginia Constitution that in- By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum cluded a literacy test and poll tax for voting lim- Free digital edition delivered to State Delegate (D-36) The first enslaved Blacks arrived in ited the number of Black voters to such a degree your email box. Go to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe Virginia in 1619, and the labors of that they did not regain their numbers at the ne of the meaningful tra- these persons were central to the turn of the century until the 1990s. NEWS DEPARTMENT: ditions that has evolved growth of the Virginia colony and The recent history of voting in Virginia of- [email protected] in the Virginia House of then state. It was Black laborers who fers reasons to celebrate. There are more Black Delegates over the last built the grand plantations’ homes members of the Virginia General Assembly Kemal Kurspahic O Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 couple of decades has been the cel- and the institutions of higher educa- today than at any time since Reconstruction. [email protected] ebration of Black History Month by tion while themselves living in mea- There are two Black congressmen from Virgin- having a speech each day on the House floor ger housing and refused entrance into public ia. The Lieutenant Governor, the President of Bonnie Hobbs about famous Black persons and their struggles schools and colleges. It was Black slave labor the Virginia Senate, and the majority leader of Community Reporter, 703-778-9415 and accomplishments in the Commonwealth. that built the early Virginia tobacco economy the House of Delegates are Black. The General [email protected] According to History magazine, Black History while being denied all but the most limited in- Assembly has made historic strides in repealing Mercia Hobson Month is an annual celebration of achievements come. Black persons supported the lifestyle of Jim Crow laws, expanding voter participation Community Reporter by African Americans and a time for recogniz- the most prominent Virginia families with no and reforming criminal justice laws and prac- [email protected] ing their central role in U.S. history. Also known public recognition of their accomplishments. As tices that discriminated against persons of col- as African American History Month, the event significant as were Jefferson’s words that “all or. Virginia was the first state to have a Black Mike Salmon grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brain- men are created equal” in the Declaration of governor, and for the nominations to run this Contributing Writer [email protected] child of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and Independence, they did not apply to the slaves fall there are at least two Black women and one other prominent African Americans. Since 1976 in his household nor to the Constitution that Black man running for governor, two or more Ken Moore the month of February has been designated as counted them as 3/5ths of a person. Black men running for lieutenant governor and Contributing Writer Black History Month and is celebrated around The Emancipation Proclamation, the out- at least one Black man running for the attorney [email protected]

the world, including in Canada and the United come of the Civil War and the passage of the general nomination. There are ample reasons ADVERTISING: Kingdom. Thirteenth Amendment did not result in equal- to be celebrating Black history in Virginia this For advertising information Virginia has a unique role in Black history. ity under the law for Black citizens. Under the month and throughout the year. [email protected] 703-778-9431

Debbie Funk Display Advertising/National Sales Bringing Virginia into the Light 703-778-9444 [email protected] class action lawsuits in Virginia. Virginia and Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Mississippi are the only two states in America David Griffin Marketing Assistant without this remedy which helps to level the 703-778-9431 Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and playing field between large corporations and [email protected] citizens, but some members refused to consider the bill. Classified & Employment more recent ban on gay marriage. Advertising A House Committee also killed my bill to al- 703-778-9431 By Sen. court-appointed counsel. It reduces low local governments to request information procedural hurdles, and creates a about a company’s history of arbitrating sexual Editor & Publisher he last week of the 2021 process for automatic expungement harassment, racial discrimination and consum- Mary Kimm General Assembly Session after seven years of good behavior of er complaints before entering into contracts [email protected] Thas arrived and it will prove alcohol or marijuana possession, dis- with bidders. Companies are using these prac- @MaryKimm to be an exciting time with many big orderly conduct, trespassing, and pe- tices to hide shameful behavior from the public Executive Vice President issues on the agenda. tit larceny. Importantly, the bill also and companies who choose to allow their em- Jerry Vernon In even years, the process of creates a registry for private data ployees to litigate these matters in court are at 703-549-0004 amending the Constitution of Virgin- brokers and liability for companies a strategic disadvantage. I will try again next [email protected] ia typically begins. Sen. Adam Ebbin and Del. who continue to publish information relating to year. Managing Editor Mark Sickles’ legislation repealing the 2006 gay sealed convictions. The negotiations to work on marijuana le- Kemal Kurspahic marriage ban from our constitution will have a My proposal to provide all Virginians with a galization will start this week. Senator Adam Art/Design: final vote. We are also negotiating an amend- right of appeal in all civil and criminal cases was Ebbin is carrying the legislation, Delegate Paul Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Ali Khaligh ment to remove Virginia’s Jim Crow Era felony finally docketed and taken up in the House of Krizek spent significant time vetting the legisla- Production Manager: voting prohibition from the Constitution and re- Delegates. Virginia is the only state in America tion. The Senate has taken the position that we Geovani Flores placing it with an affirmative right to vote. that does not provide this right and providing it need more time to study the bill to get legal- We will also be taking up my legislation abol- will require seven new judges on the Court of ization done correctly while the House of Dele- CIRCULATION ishing capital punishment on Monday. Appeals. I am hopeful that the details will be gates would like to move forward this year. We Circulation Manager: This past week we announced our agreement resolved by the end of the week. have a large chasm to bridge. Ann Oliver [email protected] on my legislation to reform Virginia’s expunge- The House of Delegates passed my legislation Finally, our money committee leadership will ment and rules prohibiting the sealing of crim- to help give Fairfax County more authority to work to resolve our competing budgets. Last inal convictions. Virginia is one of only nine protect River Farm. My legislation makes it clear week, Governor Northam announced that rev- states in America that do not allow people to that the County can restrict subdivision and re- enues were $750 million higher than expected, seal misdemeanor convictions and one of only quire public access as part of any historic zoning but still $3 billion lower when the budgets were fourteen that do not allow the sealing of felony district over River Farm. I am hopeful that Chair- originally built before the pandemic. convictions. man Jeff McKay and Supervisor Dan Storck can Please email me at [email protected] if My legislation creates a process for most mis- convince their colleagues to utilize this authori- you have any difficulty obtaining a vaccine ap- demeanors and felonies, allows access to re- ty to help ensure River Farm remains preserved pointment, and complete my constituent survey cords for sensitive positions, and also reduces and open to the public in perpetuity. at www.scottsurovell.org/survey. It is an honor barriers to accessing the process by providing The House rejected my legislation to allow to serve as your state senator. 4 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin

Submit civic/community announce- ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/ Calendar. Photos and artwork wel- come. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before the event.

FAIRFAX COUNTY ACTIVATES CORONAVIRUS INFO CENTER Fairfax County activated a Joint Infor- $300 mation Center in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 13. Fairfax County Health Department Spring Term 2021 COVID-19 webpage – www.fair- faxcounty.gov/health/novel-coro- navirus Emergency Information Blog (you can subscribe by email or follow by RSS) – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ emergency/blog Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center – The community may call 703- 267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Residents may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19. Twitter – @fairfaxcounty and @ fairfaxhealth Facebook – www.facebook.com/fair- faxcounty and www.facebook.com/ fairfaxcountyhealthBul- letin

MARCH 2 TO APRIL 13 Free Finance Classes. 7-8:15 p.m. Via Zoom. Sponsored by St. John’s United Methodist Church, Springfield. Free Personal Finance Mgmt Classes, taught by accredited finance counselor. Classes deal with budgeting, credit/debt man- agement, saving and investing,etc. These are individual classes taught once a week. Register at website www.saintjohnsumc.org to receive Zoom link from the instructor. March 2 -- 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Stretch- ing Your Money March 9 -- 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Develop- ing Your Spending Plan (AKA the Budget) March 16 -- 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Take Con- trol of Your Finances: Managing Credit/Debt March 23 -- 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Saving and Investing April 6 -- 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Investing for Retirement April 13 -- 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Tax Effi- cient Charitable Giving

VIRTUAL TEEN JOB FAIRS Supervisor Pat Herrity will be hosting two Virtual Teen Job Fairs on Saturday, March 13 from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Normally, he hosts 5-6 fairs at local high schools. With the limitations of the pandemic, this year’s fairs will be hosted virtu- ally through Brazen, a professional virtual job fair platform. The fairs will be open to all teens in Fairfax County looking for employment, volunteer opportunities, or tips on building their resume. Free online booth space will be provided to businesses and organizations to advertise their available positions. They will also host resume and career building sessions with their Chamber of Commerce partners. Visit the website: https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/TeenJobFair- Registration

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 v 5 News

Photo Courtesy of Heather Webb With some of the new computers are (from left) Shannon Bryant, Britepaths; Ashwin Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection Puppala, TelligenTech; Jay Challa, Ace Info Solutions; Anil Atyam, Cloud Integrator; Lisa Britepaths client Alicia Salmon receives her new laptop from Anil Atyam, Whetzel, Britepaths executive director; Lax Chepuri, Technogen Inc.; Sudhakar Garlanka, whose company is part of ITServe Alliance. Allwyn Corporation; Sateesh Gowrisetty, AdvanceSoft Inc. ‘This Gives Me the Opportunity to Follow My Dreams’

ITServe Alliance for a class I’ve taken during COVID-19 and for a new career.” donates new laptops A mother of three children, ages 22, 20 and 9, she said the new laptop will also be a huge to Britepaths. help to her youngest child. “He’ll be able to use it when he has to give back his tempo- By Bonnie Hobbs rary, school laptop to FCPS in the summer,” The Connection explained Salmon. “He’ll be able to keep learning.” alentine’s Day was Feb. 14, but a Pleased, Atyam said, “The primary objec- sweet treat came a few days earlier tive is to promote and support STEM educa- for Fairfax-based nonprofit, Brite- tion. Lack of a laptop should not be a barri- Vpaths. That’s because, on Feb. 10 er to learning. And we want to help people and 12, the local chapter of ITServe Alliance wanting to pursue a job or learn something.” donated 43 laptop computers to Britepaths All the computers donated are brand- for its clients to use. new, fully loaded, HP laptops with 15.6-inch Established in 2010, ITServe Alliance is a screens and AMD processors. Each is val- nationwide consortium of information tech- ued at about $15,000. In addition, ITServe nology services, staffing and consulting- or Alliance gave the recipients backpacks and ganizations. It has 16 local chapters across mouses for their computers. the U.S., and these laptops were from its “We also made a commitment to support DMV chapter, serving Virginia, Maryland and any online training, internships and mento- Washington, D.C. Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection ring programs,” added Atyam. Identifying “The laptops they gave us are new and were Alicia Salmon’s donated computer will enable her to receive training and connect the need and seeing Britepaths’ and Salmon’s purchased through donations from ITServe’s with potential employers. responses firsthand, he said, “gave me the members,” said Britepaths spokeswoman encouragement and motivation to do even Heather Webb. “Most are for adults to use, own company, and the DMV chapter decided said Anil Atyam, CIO of Cloud Integrator in more.” and we’ll offer them to our clients who need to donate laptops as its project.” Fairfax and president of ITServe Alliance’s Indeed, Webb said Britepaths is looking them – particularly those in our Avenues to He said the computers are particularly im- DMV chapter. “We’re really privileged and forward to working with this group again in Career Training program.” portant to the people served by Fairfax-based humbled to support this initiative because we another capacity, as well. In the future, she nonprofit Britepaths. “Once schools closed believe in giving back to the community.” said, “ITServe hopes to match professional IT THIS PROGRAM provides skill-building sup- [because of the pandemic] and everything mentors with Britepaths clients seeking em- port to Fairfax County residents interested in went online, the conversation around racial THE FIRST RECIPIENT of a laptop was Brite- ployment in the IT field.” health-care careers to prepare them to seek equity and the digital divide was especially paths client Alicia Salmon, and she beamed ITServe’s members provide a highly skilled the certifications and training they need to pronounced,” explained Bryant. as Atyam presented it to her on Feb. 12. “I’m labor force to commercial and government obtain a job in their desired field. “People without computers at home so excited,” she said. “It’ll open up a world of clients across the country. They also partner “Our training is via Zoom for the foresee- couldn’t find jobs because they couldn’t absolute opportunities for me. I’ve been using with local schools and colleges to encourage able future, and many of our clients don’t write resumés or interview online. They also my phone with a cracked screen to send out STEM education. ITServe’s CSR helps local have laptops, so this will be a huge help for couldn’t attend classes at community college resumés, make phone calls and handle every- communities via various charitable programs them,” said Webb. “Fifteen of the donated online or apply for services for food and rent thing. And it’s just been so hard responding aimed at educating the underprivileged and laptops are intended for K-12 students, so assistance to prevent eviction.” and keeping up with emails – it’s a lot.” ending hunger through food drives. those will go to the children of our clients, as Therefore, said Bryant, “This donation So, said Salmon, being able to have an Its leaders believe that developing skills their needs are identified.” keeps attention on the digital divide. And it actual computer of her own “lets me see ev- and leadership abilities can contribute to ITServe Alliance’s DMV chapter comprises sets an example for anyone wanting to know erything that’s offered, communicate with lifting individuals out of poverty by improv- about 135 small and medium-sized business- how they can look at their own skills and re- people, apply for jobs and, hopefully, be in a ing access to jobs, increasing productivity es. All are primarily information-technology sources and reach out to bridge gaps to give better place. And I want to say thank you so and fostering sustainable, economic growth. services and products companies. everyone the same chance to achieve success. much – I truly appreciate it.” Such development may occur in formal, in- “ITServe also has a CSR – corporate social These IT professionals looked at what they “This laptop gives me the opportunity to formal and on-the-job settings, with the goal responsibility – focus,” said Britepaths De- had to offer, found a need to match it and follow my dreams,” she continued. “I thank of reflecting the changing demands and op- velopment Director Shannon Bryant. “Each contacted us.” everyone for thinking of me. This opened up portunities of the community’s economy and member defines what that means for their “We’re doing this effort as part of our CSR,” a new passion and inspiration inside of me labor market. 6 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Pet Connection Inseparable The Madnick Family of Burke writes: “Rescue sisters. Safie (right) — an Indian Spitz whose name means “white”— rescued us in 2006 while we were living in India, and Bailey (left} — a Kore- an Jindo who reminds us of Irish cream— rescued us this January, with help from Homeward Trails in Fairfax. Bailey started off skittish & Safie wouldn’t give her the time of day, but now they’re pretty inseparable.”

Photo Courtesy of Heather Webb With some of the new computers are (from left) Shannon Bryant, Britepaths; Ashwin Puppala, TelligenTech; Jay Challa, Ace Info Solutions; Anil Atyam, Cloud Integrator; Lisa Whetzel, Britepaths executive director; Lax Chepuri, Technogen Inc.; Sudhakar Garlanka, Allwyn Corporation; Sateesh Gowrisetty, AdvanceSoft Inc.

Photo by Susan Laume/The Connection Life is on the up-beat when shared with a pet; Justyn Jacewitz and his kitten Lily share a life full of playtime in Springfield

Same Company, Same Employees, Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! TWO POOR TEACHERS

Photo courtesy Karin Drinkhall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Kayla Barger, 1, Annandale, with family dog Callie. Kayla enjoys a messy hand to mouth eating style. So Callie has stepped up to work doubly hard to keep the kitchen floor food free now that Kayla has joined her brother in eating solid foods, not all of which is actually eaten.

• Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed • Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999 10% down • Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the • Plumbing (PLB) past 17 years • Residential Building (RBC) Susan Laume/The Connection Lynette Stewart, Springfield, Justyn Jacewitz, 5, Springfield, with her Basset Hounds, Willow, with his kitten Marigold, 1 8 years, and Darby, 4 months. Free Estimates 703-999-2928 Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level year old, in a brief moment of Stewart says Darby has brought quiet after using his bee wand new energy into the house and http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov to make Marigold magically has Willow playing with toys Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com appear. like a pup again. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 v 7 Pet Connection A Story About Toby & Molly We moved to the USA from Eu- rope in 2017 at which point dad promised me a dog once we got settled in our new home in the USA. Instead of getting a dog my mum came back from a work trip with a rescued cat from Houston at the end of Hurricane Harvey. Now, I really love Molly but she isn’t a dog that I can play with & take on walks. Then as COVID was upon us and we were all feeling sad and anxious mum & dad agreed that we could finally adopt a dog. Yeah! So the search was on & mum & I would scour through the pet shel- ters’ websites every night looking for the “right” dog. I think we must have applied for 1000 dogs (well maybe a slight exaggeration but you get the idea), before a kind lady at Hart Dog Rescue accept- ed our application and we were approved to pick up Toby who had been rescued from Alabama. We went to see him at the foster mum’s house (Miss Hanifa) and I was more nervous than going to the Principal’s office. When we got there the foster family were love- Rats As Pets ly and Toby really warmed to us. He has really helped me cope with Giovanna Di Biccari of Annandale contributed her story and anxiety in these COVID times and photos for Pet Connection: “My story is that I’ve read that rats been a great addition to our fam- are smart animals so I started looking two years ago. Being a ily although he did get car sick first timer rat mom, I knew I wanted babies, females, and specific on the trip to Blackwater Falls colors. I could’ve purchased rats from the pet store but I get more in the photo. Finally my brother satisfaction rescuing. I got Bindi and Remy from the Animal Wel- and I have a pet that we can re- fare League of Alexandria. I hope to train them enough to be in ally play with and take on walks commercials!” in our neighbourhood, dad has someone to sit beside him on the sofa and snore with and mum has Molly who likes to sit on her lap & watch TV. Every- one is happy.

— Paddy Stevenson, 11. Fairfax Station Approved by mum: Tracey Ste- venson

Who Rescued Who? Lauren Beckett of Springfield submitted two pho- tos of a family dog Brady: “This little guy was wan- dering the streets of Long Beach, Calif.. We found him at a rescue shelter and he stole our hearts. He’s a friendly, fun loving furball of energy and has changed our family for the better! He truly fits the slogan, Who rescued who?!”

Ready for a Steelers football game! Let’s Go!. 8 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Senior Living The Value of Intergenerational

Relationships There were several cameras to capture the Mars landing. The lives of both youth and Burke Has a seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections. Presence on Mars By Marilyn Campbell Mars rover has a name from The Connection Lake Braddock student. ringing seniors and youth together for mean- ingful relationships can be mutually bene- By Mike Salmon After Mather got word that ficial. From structured The Connection his essay was the winner, he Band pleasurable programs was in front of TV cameras on that help foster such connections urke has a presence on more then one occasion and to regular telephone calls with a Mars, in the form of the was the guest or NASA for the grandparent, the advantages that BMars rover named “Per- rocket launching that would these interactions offer are many. severance,” a name thought up carry the rover to Mars. “Because of their life experienc- by Alex Mather from Lake Brad- On Mars, the Perseverance’s es, older adults can be a source of dock Secondary School. On Feb. drill will cut intact rock cores stability and emotional support 18, at 12:55 p.m., the rover was that are about the size of a and serve as mentors for children, lowered to the surface of Mars, piece of chalk and will place particularly those who have a dif- making history and reigniting them in sample tubes that it will ficult home environment,” said the pride by Mather who was store until the rover reaches an Kenneth Bell, LCSW, a Burke, Va., the winner of “Name the Rov- appropriate drop-off location, therapist who specializes in ger- er” essay contest last summer, NASA said. The Perseverance ontology. “Older adults can gain which received 28,000 entries rover has 19 cameras that will a sense of purpose and fulfillment from K-12 students from every deliver images of the landscape in knowing that they’re impacting U.S. state and territory. In an in detail. The other parts of the and nurturing those who will be excerpt from Mather’s essay, he spacecraft involved in entry, adults in the future.” summed up the efforts to go to descent and landing carry four “Intergenerational relationships Mars in his winning essay, “We additional cameras, potentially are very important because they are a species of explorers, and allowing engineers to put to- allow youth and seniors to appre- Photos Courtesy of OLLI we will meet many setbacks gether a high-definition view of ciate the entire lifespan,” added One option for cultivating intergenerational relationships is on the way to Mars. However, the landing process NASA said. Arlington marriage and family through programs like those at the Osher Lifelong Learning Insti- we can persevere. We, not as a To watch the spacecraft, ac- therapist Katie Ziskind. “Often- tute (OLLI) at George Mason University which include both OLLI nation but as humans, will not cess the live feed here https:// times, these intergenerational re- members and traditional university students. give up.” www.nasa.gov/nasalive lationships need to be consciously constructed or well organized.” Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is Among the programs that offer opportunities for made up of high school and college students who visit developing such relationships is The Osher Lifelong and spend time with seniors who are living with Alz- Learning Institute at George Mason University. The heimer’s. While the visits have been postponed due to organization regularly facilitates intergenerational Covid-19, students use video conferencing and tele- programs between OLLI Members and traditional uni- phone calls to share meals with the elderly. versity students. “[This] provides youth and older adults with a plat- “These programs form to connect to benefit both groups other generations in to create community, “Intergenerational relationships this time of crisis,” foster valued learn- said Katherine Rose, Last summer, Alex ing, and eliminate are very important because Chief Executive Offi- Mather got to wit- mutual stereotypes,” cer, YMAA. ness the launch in said Jennifer Disa- they allow youth and seniors to Even without be- Florida. no, Executive Direc- ing part of a formal tor, Osher Lifelong appreciate the entire lifespan.” organization, con- Learning Institute at — Katie Ziskind sider having a regu- George Mason Uni- lar, set time to have versity. “Over the Zoom or phone calls years, our organization has collaborated with several with elderly friends and family members, suggests Sta- departments at the university for in-class projects, lec- cie Isenberg, Psy.D., a psychologist based in Bethesda. tures, theatrical performances, research studies, men- “Most kids understand the value of their relationships toring, and career guidance.” with seniors, and that holds true for seniors as well,” Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s, (YMAA) she said. “Therefore, both feel a special competence Photo by NASA a non-profit organization with a chapter at Thomas and pride in the special role they fill for each other. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 v 9 Classified WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411

Announcements Announcements Obituary Obituary Employment

Herbert Lain Holt Delivery Driver March 25, 1934 – February 13, 2021 Approx. 30 hrs/wk. Office in airfax County police are investigating It is with great joy for the long and wonderful life he lived that we announce the Burke. Deliveries to federal passing of Herbert Lain Holt (86) on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at sundown govt. agencies. Email info to last week’s murder of a local teen. He in Carlsbad, California. Still on his feet until just 8 days prior to his passing, was identified as Anthony Isai Beni- Herbert long battled Parkinson’s Disease and never once complained. Our [email protected]. hero drew his last breath peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. We tez, 18, of Fairfax. Police say he died, could not have asked for more for our beloved husband, father, grandfather, F Friday night, Feb. 19, following a shooting uncle, coach and friend. Legals in an Annandale apartment complex. A ju- Herbert was born in 1934 to Otis Eldridge Holt and Martha Louise Holt (nee venile was also injured during the incident. McDaniel) in Gibson County, Tennessee. A proud son of Trenton, Herbert at- tended Trenton Elementary and Middle School, and played quarterback and ABC LICENSE Officers responded shortly before 11 p.m. was captain of the football team for Peabody High School. During his high BORN TO BONE INC trading as BORN TO to the 4100 block of Wadsworth Court in An- school tenure, Herb won the distinction of being voted football captain of BONE, 7118 COLUMBIA PIKE, ANNAN- the “Big Ten” on all ten western Tennessee high school coaches’ ballots. In basketball, Herb served as DALE, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA 22003. nandale, after receiving a report of a person captain of the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. Aside from sports, Herb exhibited leadership The above establishment is applying to the who’d been shot. When officers arrived, they as the senior class president. Herb also played baseball for the Humboldt Tennessee American Legion. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC Because of Herb’s outstanding sports performances, he was honored in 2006 to be inducted into the BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Beer discovered Benitez in the apartment com- Gibson County Sports Hall of Fame. Known as Ol’ Twinkletoes, he was honored in 2020 to be inducted and Wine On Premises, Mixed Beverage plex parking lot. into the Peabody High School Football Hall of Fame. Restaurant (Seating Capacity 1-150) to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. SEONG S. According to police, he was suffering from Announcements Announcements Herb graduated high school in 1952, and attended Murray State University in Kentucky on a football KIM / PRESIDENT. NOTE: Objections to the gunshot wounds to his upper body. Life-sav- scholarship where he played quarterback for the Racers and was co-captain of the team. He was the issuance of this license must be submitted to student body vice president and president of the Methodist Student Union. At Murray, Herb met the love ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing ing measures were attempted, but Benitez of his life, Celia Maurelle Kirksey of Paducah, Kentucky, and they married over the winter break of their date of the first of two required newspaper was pronounced dead at the scene by fire- senior year in 1955. They recently celebrated 65 years of happily ever after. legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. and-rescue personnel. After graduating from Murray State in 1957, Herb then earned his Master’s Degree in Secondary Educa- In a nearby apartment, officers also found tion Administration over the summers while he worked as head football coach and head basketball coach for three years in McKenzie, Tennessee. Herb then accepted an offer to teach and coach in Alexandria, a juvenile male who had sustained gunshot Northern Virginia. In Alexandria, Coach Holt drew out the best from students and players and touched Legals wounds to his lower body. He was taken to a the lives and hearts of hundreds of students and their parents for 40 years. Herb taught physical edu- cation and English at Francis C. Hammond High School in Alexandria, where he was also the assistant local hospital, where he was treated for his football coach and the junior varsity baseball coach. When T.C. Williams high school opened, he served NOTICE OF SALE OPEN injuries and later released. as head football coach, and the junior varsity baseball coach. After three years, Herb was appointed ath- letic director, and later became assistant principal. Coach Holt was at T.C. Williams High School fostering TO THE PUBLIC Preliminarily, detectives have determined goodness during the time of the story “Remember the Titans.” Coach Holt also will be remembered for the two victims were outside an apartment his dedication to students at George Washington Middle School. Upon retirement from T.C. Williams in Unit# 4136 Zeryab Ibrahim 1997, he was named “MacDaddy of the Senior Class” by the seniors. Unit# 5007 Amanda West

Herb and Maurelle raised their son and daughter in Springfield and West Springfield, Virginia. Herb con- According to the lease by and between the listed tinued to coach kids’ baseball after retirement for the Springfield Babe Ruth League. He proudly served tenant and TKG StorageMart and its related par- as the Membership Chairman, Vice President and President of the Northern Virginia Athletic Directors, ties, as-signs and affiliates IN ORDER TO PER- Administrators, and Coaches Association (NVADACA). FECT THE LIEN ON THE GOODS CONTAINED IN THEIR UNITS. THE MANAGER HAS CUT THE A natural at sports, he turned his love of sports toward golf and enjoyed golf outings and trips with his LOCK ON THEIR UNIT AND UPON CURSORY son and friends. Herb never once met a stranger and was known for his get-up-and-go, tenacity and his INSPECTION THE UNIT(S) WAS FOUND TO fun-loving spirit. Genuinely interested in people, Herb never missed an opportunity to help someone or CONTAIN: Air Mattress, Bags, String Instrument. bring out the best in them, whether a family in need, or a kindred spirit hitchhiking a country lane. Herb Sound Equipment, Suitcases, Brakes, Mirror, Pro- Announcements Announcements also saved more than a few lives as a lifeguard on Kentucky Lake in his youth. He loved country music jection Screen, Totes, Bags, Boxes, TV,Computer, and dancing, and became a square dance caller in the 1970s. He gave his family lots of swim and beach Dresser, Microwave, Furniture, Coolers, Clothes, days with bonfires and stories, trips to music festivals and county fairs, football and basketball games, Cleaning supplies ITEMS WILL BE SOLD ON- amusement parks, long country drives and especially family and friends. He loved bluegrass, spaghetti LINE VIA WWW.STORAGETREASURES.COM Westerns, Burt Reynolds comedies, ice cream, and U.S. historical fiction novels in no particular order. He OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF ON 3/17/2021. was cool, calm and collected and supported and loved us dearly, always encouraging our independence AT THE ADDRESS LISTED BELOW TO SATISFY and best selves while also being available to catch us should we fall. Herb and Maurelle moved to Carls- OWNERS LIEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE bad, California to be with daughter and family and were able to enjoy lots of family celebrations together. STATUES. TERMS OF SALE ARE CASH ONLY, NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ALL GOODS Predeceased by his parents and sister Charlotte Brown (Memphis, TN), Herbert is survived by his wife ARE SOLD IN “AS IS CONDITION”. BUYERS Celia Maurelle Holt, son John Lain Holt and daughter-in-love Martee Holt of Greensboro, NC, grand- MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN LOCKS. SELLER children Lauren Maurelle Holt (currently Poulsbo, WA, engaged to Darrin Cripe) and Alexander Lain Holt RESERVES THE RIGHT TO OVERRIDE ALL BIDS. of Charlotte, NC, (engaged to Claire Kane); daughter Kristen Walker, son-in-love Justin D. Walker of ALL ITEMS OR SPACES MAY NOT BE AVAILABE Carlsbad, CA, and grandchildren Scarlett, Stella, Katherine and Audrey Walker; nephews Mike Brown ON THE DATE OF THE SALE. (Carla), Pat Brown (Bethany) and Tim Brown; the late John David Kirksey (brother-in-love), sister-in-love Alice Kirksey, niece Diane De La O, nephews Samuel Kirksey (Olga), and Matthew Kirksey, extended TKG StorageMart #1851 family and countless friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and we are sure that over his 11325 Lee Highway 40 working years as tireless coach and teacher there will be many other stories to be shared about his FAIRFAX, VA 22030 kindness, support and generous spirit. Herbert made a difference in many lives and heaven is a better 703-352-8840 option 2 place for calling him home.

A celebration of life will be held when people can safely gather. Please sign the guest book and leave Be a part of our: comments at www.accucarecremation.com/obituary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship fund in Herb’s name for young college-bound athletes at Northern Virginia Athletic Directors, Wellbeing pages, the first Administrators, and Coaches Association (NVADACA) at www.nvadaca.org or P.O. Box 305, Burke, VA week of every month. 22009. Delight in our HomeLifeStyle The family wishes to thank his amazing caregiver, Sandy S. sections, the second week of every month. Peek at the top real estate sales, glimpse Announcements Announcements over-the-top remodeling projects, get practical suggestions for your home. Celebrate students, camps, schools, enrichment programs, colleges and more in our A-plus: Education, Learning, Fun pages, the third week of every month. Senior Living, fourth week of every month. Questions? E-mail sales@connection newspapers.com or An expert is someone who knows some call 703-778-9431 of the worst mistakes that can be made in his subject and how to avoid them. -Werner Heisenberg

10 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Not That I Don’t Business Understand But ... Fairfax Teen Is Killed; Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE ... So this is what the process is like trying to Death Ruled a Homicide WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM schedule a covid-19 vaccination. If you’re lucky though, you receive an email reminder - since Call 703-549-0004 you’ve pre-registered, advising you that the time airfax County police are investigating building when a group of people approached for advertising information to strike is now. You click on the link, and as I’m witnessing, you wait your turn. The site says last week’s murder of a local teen. He and then began shooting at them. Multiple there’s “High Traffic,” and they’ll be with you was identified as Anthony Isai Beni- cartridge casings were found in the parking momentarily. There’s no calling. There’s barely Ftez, 18, of Fairfax. Police say he died, lot, and several vehicles and a building were ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL any responding. There’s simply sitting and star- Friday night, Feb. 19, following a shooting damaged as a result of the gunfire. ing - and waiting. There’s no indication of how in an Annandale apartment complex. A ju- The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner long you’ll be waiting. There’s no guarantee that venile was also injured during the incident. performed an autopsy on Benitez and, on the site will even open. There’s only instructions to refresh your computer every 30 seconds in Officers responded shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, ruled his death a homi- the hopes that an interactive-type page will to the 4100 block of Wadsworth Court in An- cide. This tragedy is still an active investiga- appear and you’ll have reached the promised nandale, after receiving a report of a person tion, and detectives are continuing to con- land: the page where you can actually schedule who’d been shot. When officers arrived, they duct interviews and process evidence. an appointment. discovered Benitez in the apartment com- Police are urging anyone with informa- However, as I’m sitting and waiting, I’m plex parking lot. tion regarding this incident to call the Major getting frustrated. I seem to be getting nowhere, slowly. Though I’m refreshing as directed, According to police, he was suffering from Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING nothing is changing on the screen I’m staring gunshot wounds to his upper body. Life-sav- Tips may also be submitted anonymously at. I’ve linked but nothing is really linking. So I ing measures were attempted, but Benitez through Crime Solvers by phone, 1-866-411- keep repeating myself: stare, refresh, wait; stare, was pronounced dead at the scene by fire- TIPS (866-411-8477); by text, type FCCS refresh, wait. It’s a loop of nothingness. It seems and-rescue personnel. plus the tip to 847411; and via the Web at an endless pursuit. It’s almost like whack-a- In a nearby apartment, officers also found http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org/. Or mole, except in your attempts to get connected, the process is excruciatingly slow and there’s a juvenile male who had sustained gunshot download the mobile tip411 app, “Fairfax nothing to whack. (At least it hasn’t cost me wounds to his lower body. He was taken to a Co. Crime Solvers.” Tipsters are eligible for anything, other than time, that is.) local hospital, where he was treated for his cash rewards of $100-$1,000 for informa- Summer Cleanup... I realize that the demand is way more than injuries and later released. tion leading to an arrest. supply and according to experts, it won’t be Preliminarily, detectives have determined until June/July when “anyone who wants to get a shot will be able to get one.” Nevertheless, the two victims were outside an apartment — Bonnie Hobbs I would have thought, given my comorbidity: cancer and age 66, that I’d be closer to the top than the bottom. Not that I’m particularly anxious about my circumstances, but my wife Dina is very concerned about them. (I’m staring New Series Highlighting steady at the site where this column began. As yet, despite my rigorous refreshing, I still haven’t passed “Go.”) Fairfax City Businesses I understand that patience is a virtue. But today, while staring at and refreshing this site and seeing no sign of life as we know it, I am airfax City’s Economic Development City is a destination for all in the center testing that virtue beyond its stress points. This Office last week launched a photo of Northern Virginia. It’s a place where Patios & Drainage process reminds of the days of buying concert Fand interview series, “Faces of Fair- people can come together to shop, work, Your neighborhood company since 1987 tickets online. It was nearly impossible - for a fax City,” to spotlight the City’s business learn and play. This program pulls back popular show, to break through the internet -- logjam. That is not until you received a message community. Its goal is to provide an up- the curtain on our City’s business commu- that all the tickets had been sold. How people close and authentic look at the businesses nity to show why Fairfax City stands out ever got through, I’ll never know. It was always that help create the City’s unique charac- and why it’s poised for years of success.” befuddling to me. ter, charm and sense of community. The “Faces of Fairfax City” series began J.E.S. Services I know however, with respect to concerts, sporting events and the like, there would be a “The ‘Faces of Fairfax City’ series al- last Friday, Feb. 19, at noon, and will of- Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured lows us to show appreciation to our fer a new post each week on Twitter, Ins- secondary/aftermarket availability. I knew an • Planting & Landscaping Design alternative existed. I also knew the cost would business community – not only for their tagram, Facebook and LinkedIn at @Fair- • Drainage & Water Problems be black market-ish, somewhat over the original vision – but also for their passion and faxCityEDA. It’ll also be co-published on • Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New • Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid retail. Unfortunately, or fortunately, public drive,” said Fairfax Mayor David Meyer. the Fairfax City Economic Development • Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose health solutions cannot be left to the market. “Our City businesses help create a sense Authority’s (EDA) Website, https://www. • Retaining walls of all types In its effort not to discriminate and be fair to all of place and are a source of our identity fairfaxva.gov/government/economic-de- All work Guaranteed recipients, we’re stuck with the present commu- nication and distribution system. and pride. During this past year, they’ve velopment/economic-development-au- Having endured these kinds of pursuits shown their resiliency and that Fairfax thority. before when calling the IRS, Social Security, City is a destination alive with opportu- For more information about this Medicare and The Veterans Administration, et nities and vibrant activity centers that are new series, go to fairfaxcityconnected. cetera, I know a few precautions one should diverse, creative and welcoming.” com/faces. take before attempting to climb these moun- Agreeing, Economic Development Di- tains. First, clear your schedule. Next, go to — Bonnie Hobbs the bathroom. Then, go to the kitchen and get rector Chris Bruno stressed that “Fairfax some refreshments. Find someplace comfortable and cozy from which to call; you need to be prepared for the long haul. And finally, should Calendar another call come in while you’re on hold, do not risk your spot in line by clicking on your FRIDAY/FEB. 26 SATURDAY/FEB. 27 call-waiting. Technology can sometimes break A Taste of California - Virtual Wine Tasting event Burke Historical Society Meeting. 4 p.m. Via your spirit. with host, Vienna Vintner - 6:30-7:45 p.m. via Zoom. The speaker will be Christine West, My wait is over. The site was just refreshed. Zoom. A benefit for Shepherd’s Center serving with a talk called “The Mayflower and Early Oakton-Vienna-Reston-Herndon. During the New England Immigration.” They will go It says the center is closed. Perfect timing. I just tasting, Vienna Vintner’s owner,Victor Mendes, beyond local history this month to recognize finished the column. will be presenting a selection of 3 fine wines the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s from his own winery in California’s Paso Robles landing in November 1620. (OK, a few region. He will be showcasing wines from his months late, but what’s a few months versus VIX selection. To participate in this private tast- 400 years?) The presentation, originally ing experience, contact Vienna Vintner by Feb. developed by the New England Genealogical 25 at 703-242-9463, or viennavintner@gmail. Society, will summarize some of the major com, or stop by Vienna Vintner, 320 Maple Ave events leading up to—and following—the Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for E, Vienna, VA 22180 to register and purchase Mayflower voyage. Visit burkehistoricalso- The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. your wine. Visit www.scov.org/announcements ciety.org. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 v 11 12 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v February 25 - March 3, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com