homelifestyleconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 4/12/2019 ·...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com April 10-16, 2019

Opi

nio

n, Pag

e 12

v

Enter

tai

nm

ent, Pag

e 8 v

C

lass

ified

s, P

age

10Photo b

y Stev

e H

ibba

rd/C

ourtes

y 1s

t S

tag

e

Postal CustomerECR WSS

Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 4-11-19

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDEaston, MDpermit #322

HomeLifeStylePage 6

A Step Back in TimeNews, Page 3

‘Super Seniors’ Still in the GameNews, Page 5

Valor Award for Vienna OfficerNews, Page 4

About 250 library supporters attended the 25th Anniversary Jubilee, a fundraiser for the Fairfax Library Foundation on Satur-day, April 6, 2019, at the newly renovated Tysons-Pimmit Region-al Library.

2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Easter Egg Hunt atNottoway Park

Bring a basket and get ready for fun asNottoway Park hosts its annual Easter EggHunt on Saturday, April 20.

Children age one to nine are invited tohunt for candy and eggs filled with treats.Families can visit with the Easter Bunny forphoto ops before or after the egg hunts.There will be separate hunts and door prizesfor each age group.

The Egg Hunt start times are: 10:30 a.m.for children ages one and two; 11 a.m. forchildren ages three and four; 11:30 a.m.for children ages five and six; and noon forchildren age seven to nine. The cost is $10per child — cash only. Walk-in registrationbegins at 9:30 a.m. next to the HunterHouse parking lot. For more informationand weather status, call 703-324-8569.

Nottoway Park is located at 9537 Court-house Road, Vienna. This egg hunt is spon-sored by the Friends of Nottoway Park.

Web: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2019/psa096

Vienna Police toParticipate in thePrescription DrugTake Back

In conjunction with the United StatesDrug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.)and state and local law enforcement agen-cies, the Vienna Police Department willagain participate in a one-day initiative toremove potentially dangerous controlledsubstances from area homes.

On April 27, 2019, between the hours of10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the Vienna Police De-partment will have a collection site for old,expired, unused, or unwanted medications.Prescription medications, controlled or non-controlled substances, and over the counterdrugs may be turned in anonymously at thecollection point inside the Vienna PoliceDepartment located at 215 Center Street,South, Vienna.

Participants may dispose of medication inits original container or by removing it anddisposing of it directly into the collectionbox.

If an original container is used the indi-vidual should remove any identifying infor-mation from the prescription label.

Liquid products should remain sealed intheir original container to prevent leakage.

Week in Vienna

The Connection welcomes views on any publicissue. Letters must be signed. Include homeaddress and home and business numbers.Letters are routinely edited for libel, grammar,good taste and factual errors. By email:[email protected]

Letters

Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsVienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

About 250 library VIPs and sup-porters attended the 25th Anni-versary Jubilee, a fundraiser forthe Fairfax Library Foundation

called “A Step Back in Time” on Saturday,April 6, 2019, at the newly renovatedTysons-Pimmit Regional Library in FallsChurch.

According to Lisa Bryant, Executive Di-rector, Fairfax Library Foundation: “TheJubilee helps raise funds for the FairfaxCounty Public Library. It goes towards theearly literacy program, Ready to Read. Andin that we ensure that 1,000 kids or morereceive picture books and increase theirreading abilities. We also support scholar-ships for the community and our staff, com-munity engagement and the increase of ourlibrary collection.”

Added Patricia Reed, Board Chair, FairfaxLibrary Foundation: “It’s so exciting to behere to celebrate the Foundation’s 25th an-niversary. It’s a wonderful opportunity tobring supporters of libraries together andcelebrate the library and all it can do forthe community.”

There were greetings from local politi-cians including Del. David Bulova (D-37)who presented a proclamation honoring theFairfax Library Foundation on its 25 years;Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville);Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill); as well aslibrary executives Darrin Ewing, DranesvilleDistrict, Library Board of Trustees; JanelleBlanchard, President, Tysons LibraryFriends; and Jessica Hudson, DirectorFairfax County Public Library.

The evening also included a huge silentauction, including jewelry and art work

from Nancy Jung’s art students, a DJ, aphoto booth, wine and catering by PurpleOnion.

Hudson added: “The Library Foundation’s25th annual celebration, the Jubilee, hasbeen a really wonderful event. We’ve hadmore people in attendance than we everhave had before; great auction items, awonderful caterer and all in support of ourlibrary.”

Signature Patrons who donated $25,000included The Friends of the Burke CentreLibrary; Friends of Pohick Regional Library;and Tysons Library Friends. Publisher Pa-trons who donated $10,000 included TheFriends of Oakton Library; and Editor Pa-trons who donated $5,000 included theFriends of Richard Byrd Library; TheFriends of the City of Fairfax Regional Li-brary; and Yolanda and Robert Atkins.

A Step Back in Time25th Anniversary Jubilee forFairfax Library Foundation.

Presenting the Resolution honoring the Fairfax Library Foundation on 25years are Del. David Bulova (center); Lisa Bryant Executive Director,Fairfax Library Foundation; and Patricia Reed, Board Chair, FairfaxLibrary Foundation.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection

Patricia Reed, Chair, Library Board Foundation with Jessica Hudson,Director, Fairfax County Library.

Supervisor Cathy Hudgins ofthe Hunter Mill District greetsthe crowd.

Daniela Dixon, Branch Manager ofthe Tysons-Pimmit Regional Li-brary addresses the crowd.

Margaret Palmarsdottir of Oakton with her “Zambezi Sunset” paintingthat was auctioned off.

Lisa Bryant, Executive Director,Fairfax Library Foundation.


BracesVIP .com

Dr. Allen S. Garai

Vienna 427 Maple Ave West

Vienna, VA 22180

703-281-4868

Great Falls

9912D Georgetown Pike

Great Falls, VA 22066

703-281-4868

“BEST ORTHODONTIST”

“TOP ORTHODONTISTS”

Thinking Invisalign: the choice is clear

•

• Experience (Invisalign over 15 years)

• Attending Faculty (Teaching lnvisalign at; Washington

Hospital Center Department of Orthodontics)

• Voted "Top/Best" Orthodontist in Northern Virginia

•

Complimentary Consultation

703.281.4868

[email protected]

www.BracesVIP.com

News

On March 22, the FairfaxCounty Chamber of Commerceawarded Town of Vienna PoliceOfficer Pat Shaw with a Certifi-cate of Valor for his quick actionsin caring for a severely injuredperson. The injured person wasreported missing from his homeand was located in a town parksuffering from severe bleedingfrom his head. MPO Shawimmediately started to adminis-ter life-saving measures tostabilize the patient until anambulance arrived on the scene.The injured person was trans-ported to an area hospital andmade a full recovery.

The Fairfax County Chamberof Commerce Annual ValorAwards Ceremony recognizesmembers of the Fairfax CountyPolice Department, FairfaxCounty Sheriff’s Department,Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

Department, Herndon PoliceDepartment and the Town ofVienna Police Department fortheir selfless sacrifice to protectthe lives of others.

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce HonorsVienna Police Officer

Photo contributed

Pictured, from left: Master Police Officer Patrick Shawand Chief James A. Morris.


We didn’tinheritthe earthfrom ourparents.We’re bor-rowing itfrom ourchildren.

—Chief Seattle(1788-1866)Suquamish/

Duwamish chief

News

See Super Seniors, Page 9

By Karen Nappi

Have you ever dreamt of find-ing a magic potion to slowdown the aging process?Well, there are more than 80

seniors who are 80+ years old in FairfaxCounty that seem to have done just that.But for them, the potion doesn’t come in abottle. Instead, it comes from a diamond— a softball diamond.

TWICE A WEEK from April to November,many of these “super seniors” head out tosoftball fields across the county for a doseof the best anti-aging remedy around. The81 men and women are members of theNorthern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS)league, a 500-member, all-volunteer orga-nization that has been around since 1980and whose goal is to promote good health,sportsmanship, fellowship and fun. NVSSplayers range in age from 40 (women) or50 (men) to 94, but it’s the super seniorswho seem to really benefit.

Tony Giannini, 82, lives in Ashburn and

started playing NVSS softball 23 years ago.Today, he’s still going strong. He and Spring-field resident Larry Scarlata, who’s 80, playin the league’s toughest division, alongsideseveral teammates who are young enoughto be their kids. Both Tony, an outfielder-turned-pitcher, and Larry, a third baseman,credit softball for keeping them healthy andstrong. Larry says softball plus a stretchingprogram have helped him avoid surgery fora back problem that began nearly 40 yearsago. Keeping active is the key, they both say,and the research backs them up. Accordingto the Centers for Disease Control, regularphysical activity can reduce a host of risks:falling and fractures, coronary heart dis-ease, colon cancer, diabetes, anxiety anddepression, and joint swelling and pain as-sociated with arthritis. Studies also suggesta lower risk of dementia in physically ac-tive individuals.

Because softball involves throwing, catch-ing, bending and running, it’s really awhole-body workout, covering the four key

‘Super seniors’ head out to softball fieldsacross the county for a dose of the bestanti-aging remedy around.

Still in the GameJesse Christian, 85, smacks a deep fly ball during an NVSS game.

Photos contributed


HomeLifeStyle

By John Byrd

An outdoor living addition to Chateau-styleresidence in Oakton has won a “Contrac-tor of the Year” grand award for Sun De-sign Remodeling Specialists.

The comprehensive design — which combines ascreened porch, an outdoor kitchen and dining area,a hot tub and a stone fireplace in a cleverly inte-grated, multi-level layout— completes the rear el-evation of the 9,500 square foot custom home theowners had built in 2001. The remodel to the homeof Larry and Lisa Rice was named best “ResidentialDesign/Outdoor Living Solution for $60,000 andover” by the National Association of the RemodelingIndustry (NARI) metro DC chapter.

“We wanted an indoor/outdoor gathering placethat would bring the whole family together,” saysLisa, 56, a retired mother of teenage twins. “The rearof the house was originally conceived as a walk-out,but I realized later that I didn’t want high decks. OnceI saw the design problem more clearly, I was simplylooking for a better set of options — albeit, ones Icouldn’t fully envision.” Rice credits Craig Durosko,chairman and founder of Sun Design, with re-awak-ening her enthusiasm for the project by identifyingand prioritizing its primary components.

“Craig got our vision” Lisa says. “It was his atten-tion to our goals that revived my interest in movingforward.”

In the end, the plan appreciably responds to theRice family’s passion for indoor-outdoor living.

❖ A 437-square-foot screened porch linked to thekitchen via a folding glass window provides a cozy,insect-free gathering spot. An eight-foot counter abut-

ting the “pass-thru” inside the porch facilitates ser-vice and dining. With a gas fireplace clad in stoneand a flat screen TV, the porch can be fully used asan entertainment mecca nine months of the year;

❖ A formal dining area situated under a cedar per-gola incorporates retractable awnings for shade;

❖ The 21-by-21-foot outdoor kitchen includes abuilt-in Wolf gas grill, a beverage center with refrig-erator, an ice maker, a sink, and a stainless oval grill;

❖ Three steps down, the open air deck (22-by-28feet) features a wood-burning hearth and a hot tubset-off by planters and gas torches — an inviting spotto deeply relax, even in cooler weather.

❖ A ground-level patio (16-by-19-feet) just out-side the fully-appointed lower level family room of-fers a fire pit, and a quiet perch for stargazing.

“I always thought of the lower patio as a placewhere the kids could get away from the adults if theywanted,” Lisa says. “On the other hand, Larry and Ilike it too.”

Sun Design Remodeling is headquartered in Burke,Va. andalso maintains an office in McLean. For More InformationVisit: www.Sun Design.com or call 703-425-5588

Dreaming of making themost of outdoor living?Look at this.

Stylish Outdoor Living Wins‘Contractor of the Year’

Even in cooler months, guests can find a warm spot outdoors — whether it’s soaking inthe sunken hot tub or cozying up to the wood burning fireplace flanked by gas torches.

Pho

to

s by G

reg H

adley

Best Outdoor Living Solution. A multi-component, multi-level rear elevationaddition to a home in Oakton recentlygarnered a “Contractor of the Year” GrandAward for Sun Design Remodeling.

More photos and details atwww.FaceBook.com/

ConnectionNewspapers


Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedSince 1999

Free Estimates703-214-8384 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

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

*The Northern Virginia District meeting will serve as the required joint public meeting with the Northern Virgin-ia Transportation Authority, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Virginia Railway Express, and the CTB per § 33.2-214.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Beginning at 3 p.m. (except in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, which will begin at 5 p.m.), there will also be an open house with information and opportunities for public feedback on the statewide, multimod-

and will cover the vision and goals for the plan as well as information on the required statewide multimodal Needs Assessment. More information can be found at www.VTrans.org or via email at [email protected]. There is no formal hearing for the VTrans open house.

You can also submit your comments via email or mail by May 27, 2019, to:

For roads and highways: [email protected], or Infrastructure Investment Director, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

For rail and public transportation: [email protected] Rail and Public Transportation, 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.

-

-

Thursday, April 11, 2019 Lynchburg District

Holiday Inn Lynchburg 601 Main St.

Lynchburg, VA 24504

Monday, April 15, 2019 Hampton Roads District

Auditorium 7511 Burbage Drive

Monday, April 22, 2019 Staunton District

Blue Ridge Community College Plecker Center for

Continuing Education One College Lane

Weyers Cave, VA 24486

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Bristol District

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center One Partnership Circle Abingdon, VA 24210

Thursday, April 25, 2019 Richmond District

Richmond Marriott - Short Pump 4240 Dominion Boulevard

Glen Allen, VA 23060

Monday, May 6, 2019 Culpeper District

Culpeper District Auditorium 1601 Orange Road Culpeper, VA 22701

Tuesday, May 7, 2019 Salem District

Holiday Inn Tanglewood 4468 Starkey Road Roanoke, VA 24018

Thursday, May 9, 2019 Fredericksburg District

James Monroe High School 2300 Washington Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401

**meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Monday, May 13, 2019 NOVA District

Potomac Conference Room 4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030

**meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Public Meetings Funding the Right Transportation Projects

You are invited to share comments on transportation projects that have been recommended for funding in the FY2020-2025 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP). Additionally, pursuant to §33.2-202, comments will be accepted for new projects valued in excess of $25 million. Hearings held in Northern Virginia and Fredericks-burg will also provide opportunity for input on the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan. The Commonwealth Trans-portation Board (CTB) will consider your comments as it develops the FY2020-2025 Six-Year Improvement Program. The program allocates public funds to highway, road, bridge, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation projects. All federally eligible projects in the SYIP will be included in the Statewide Transporta-tion Improvement Program to document how Virginia will obligate its federal funds. Meeting materials will be available at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/planning/springmeetings/default.asp beginning April 11, 2019.

Public hearings begin at 4 p.m. in each of the locations except as noted below: A formal comment period will be held at these meetings.

People

THURSDAY/APRIL 11“Learning to Argue.” 6 p.m. at

BASIS Independent McLean, 8000Jones Branch Drive, McLean. Joinfor a conversation about civildiscourse in the 21st century,especially for Generation Z. Hearopening remarks by Pano Kanelos,President of St. John’s College inAnnapolis, followed by amoderated panel discussionamong thought leaders frominstitutions that are leading theway on this conversation.Audience Q&A to follow. Free andopen to the public. Visitwww.eventbrite.com and search“Learning to Argue” to register.

THURS-FRIDAY/APRIL 11-12Fairfax County Job Fair. 4-7 p.m.

at Fairfax County GovernmentCenter, 12000 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Fairfax. Comeattend the 2019 Fairfax CountyJob Fair. Learn about a variety ofcareers with various countyagencies. Representatives ofSkillsSource and DARS will alsobe on site. Free. [email protected] orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/sites/hr/files/assets/documents/jobfair2019flyer.pdf for more.

SUNDAY/APRIL 14Passion/Palm Sunday Services.

10-11:15 a.m. at LewinsvillePresbyterian Church, 1724 ChainBridge Road, McLean. CelebratePassion/Palm Sunday withLewinsville Presbyterian Churchwith one service of worship atwith a dramatic reading of thePassion Narrative from the Gospelof Luke. Children are welcome.Visit www.lewinsville.org/event-items/palm-sunday/ or call 703-356-7200.

22 Proven Processes toImprove Your Point ofAttraction. 1-3 p.m. at Unity ofFairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road,Oakton. A class that focuses onabundance processes and basedon the book “Ask and It Is Given”by Esther and Jerry Hicks.Donations accepted. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org/events formore.

SUNDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 14-21Holy Week and Easter Worship.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715

Georgetown Pike, McLean. Visitwww.stjohnsmclean.org or call703-356-4902.

❖ Palm Sunday, April 14: 7:45, 9,11:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. HolyEucharist

❖ Holy Monday and Tuesday,April 15 and 16: 5:30 p.m.Evening Prayer and 6:30 p.m.Holy Eucharist

❖ Holy Wednesday, April 17: 11a.m. Holy Eucharist, 5:30 p.m.Evening Prayer, and 6:30 p.m.Holy Eucharist

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18:noon and 6:30 p.m. HolyEucharist

❖ Good Friday, April 19: noon-3p.m. The Three-Hour Service and6:30 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy

❖ Holy Saturday, April 20: 10 a.m.Prayers for Holy Saturday

❖ Easter Day, April 21: 6 a.m.Sunrise Service, 7:30, 9, and11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, and5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Holy Week and Easter. HolyComforter, 543 Beulah Road NE,Vienna. Visitwww.holycomforter.com or call703-938-6521.

❖ Palm Sunday, April 14 - 7:30, 9,and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist

❖ Monday in Holy Week, April 15- 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist

❖ Tuesday in Holy Week, April16 - 12:10 p.m. Holy Eucharist; 7p.m. Centering Prayer

❖ Wednesday in Holy Week,April 17 - 12:10 p.m. HolyEucharist

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18 -7:30 p.m. The “Mandatum” andHoly Eucharist

❖ Good Friday, April 19 - 12:10p.m. The Way of the Cross; 7:30p.m. The Liturgy of Good Friday

❖ Holy Saturday, April 20 - 9:30a.m. Holy Saturday Prayers

❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 - 7:30,9, and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist;10:10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

TUESDAY/APRIL 16NARFE Meeting. 1 p.m. At Vienna

Community Center, 120 CherrySt., SE, Vienna. Meeting forNARFE (National Active andRetired Federal EmployeesAssociation) Chapter 1116(Vienna-Oakton). The guestspeaker will be candidates for

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

Bulletin Board

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st ClassDiante M. Robinson graduatedfrom basic military training atJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland,San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an inten-sive, eight-week program that in-cluded training in military disci-pline and studies, Air Force corevalues, physical fitness, and basicwarfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basictraining also earn four credits to-ward an associate in applied sci-ence degree through the Commu-nity College of the Air Force.

Airman Completes BasicMilitary Training

Pho

to

co

urtesy o

f Jo

in

t

Ho

meto

wn

N

ew

s Service

Diante M.Robinson

Robinson is the son ofCandace M. Robinson of Vienna.He is a 2018 graduate ofHerndon High School.

See Bulletin, Page 11


Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.

APRIL 11-JUNE 1Art Exhibit: “Taking Territory.” Gallery hours

at MPA@ChainBridge, 1446 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Taking Territory: New Works by SusanGoldman, Barbara Kerne, Eve Stockton andPatricia Underwood, features pieces that minemany of the techniques employed by artistsworking in printmaking today. An openingreception is set for April 11, 7-9 p.m. Visitmpaart.org for more.

FRIDAY/APRIL 12Mystical Movie Night: Heaven Is...Real. 7:30-

9:30 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. Join Unity of Fairfax on thesecond Friday of the month for mindful movies.“Heaven Is For Real” tells the story of a youngboy’s near-death experience. Free. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org/events.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 12-13Used Book Sale. Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday,

9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Falls Church CommunityCenter, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church. Forbook bargains and selection, plan to shop theAAUW used book sale. Thousands of books forbrowsing and buying. Huge selection. Mostbooks priced at $3 or less. Proceeds benefitscholarships and grants for women and girls.Visit fallschurcharea-va.aauw.net/booksale/ formore.

SATURDAY/APRIL 13Take a Seat Vienna. 10 a.m. on the porch of the

Freeman Store. Artists painted benches will beon display. Vienna Arts Society will celebratewith an “Opening Day” on Saturday morning.Visit www.ViennaArtsSociety.org or call 703-319-3971.

Tree Giveaway. 10 a.m.-noon in the back, right-hand corner of Great Falls Library Parking Lot,9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The GreatFalls Citizens Association (GFCA) will give awaynative tree saplings to residents of Great Falls.Six saplings per family will be given away on afirst come, first serve basis until they are gone.The available saplings will include a variety oflarge and small native trees and shrubs withvarying sunlight requirements and varying soilmoisture requirements. [email protected] for more.

Old-Fashioned Egg Roll. 10:30-11:30 a.m. onthe lawn of the historic Freeman Store andMuseum, 131 Church St. NE. A hunt and roll,egg-cellent for the kiddos. Children ages 12 andunder are invited to participate in an Old-Fashioned Egg Roll, sponsored by the Town ofVienna and Historic Vienna, Inc. Children canget their photo snapped with the Easter Bunnyand enjoy tales from a storyteller. Call 703-255-5187.

Model Railroaders Open House. 1-5 p.m. atthe Vienna Depot, 231 Dominion Road NE.Northern Virginia Model Railroaders hold anopen house at the Vienna Depot each month andon Vienna celebration days, including Viva!Vienna and the Vienna Holiday Stroll. Freeadmission. Call 703-938-5157 or visitwww.nvmr.org.

Gala: Rio Carnival. Silent auction and reception,6 p.m.; dinner and dancing, 7 p.m. at Fogo deChao in Tysons Corner. Support the Tysons-McLean Orchestra at the 48th Annual Patron’sGala, Rio Carnival. The Annual Patron’s Gala isthe annual fundraiser for the Tysons McLeanOrchestra. Visit tysonsmcleanorchestra.org.

SUNDAY/APRIL 14Palm Sunday Concert. 6:30 p.m. at Vienna

Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., NE, Vienna.The program will include Gabriel Faure’sRequiem and his Cantique de Jean Racine, alongwith Mozart’s Coronation Mass. The VPCSanctuary Choir will be accompanied by pianistKristina Schenck and harpist Kate HazzardRogers. Featured soloists will be sopranosJulianne Kim & Leah Inger, alto Ali Coburn,tenor Patrick Sobolik, baritone SpencerAdamson, and bass Joshua Hong. All will beunder the baton of Director Lance Vining. Freewill offering will be taken to commission achoral anthem to honor Linda Hannah.

Childcare by reservation only: 703-938-9050,ext 160.

MONDAY/APRIL 15Film Screening: Straws. 6:30-9 p.m. at Oakton

LIbrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Strawsis a powerful documentary about plastic strawsand other forms of plastic pollution thatinundate our waterways and oceans. Sponsoredby Sierra Club Great Falls Group. Free. RSVP atact.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7010Z0000027XRIQA2.Email [email protected] or call 703-655-5069.

TUESDAY/APRIL 16Neil Young Tribute. 7:30-9 p.m. at Jammin

Java, 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Sugar Mountainbrings together an ensemble of veteranmusicians from the New Jersey

music scene who faithfully replicate the songs ofone of the most prolific and beloved singer/songwriters, Neil Young. $20. Visitwww.jamminjava.com orwww.sugarmountaintribute.com for more.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 17McLean Newcomers and Neighbors

Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. at Eddie V’s, 7900Tysons One Place, McLean. The speaker is JoanNathan, cookbook author. $50 per person. Toattend, pay at squareup.com/market/mclean-newcomers-club. Prospective members areinvited. No reservations will be accepted afterFriday, April 12. Visitwww.McLeanNewcomers.org.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 19-20“Ripcord.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Vienna

Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna.The Vienna Theatre Company’s production ofRipcord centers on retirement home roommates,Abby and Marilyn, who mix together about aswell as oil and water, getting into Odd Couple-esque situations. Tickets are $14 atviennava.gov/webtrac or in person at the ViennaCommunity Center.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Nottoway Park Egg Hunt. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

at 9537 Courthouse Rd, Vienna. BYOB (bringyour own basket) for the annual family EggHunt. Children ages 1-9 will hunt for candy and

eggs filled with treats, win door prizes and greetthe Easter bunny. Separate hunts and doorprizes by age group. Egg Hunt Schedule: ages 1-2, 10:30 a.m.; ages 3-4, 11 a.m.; ages 5-6, 11:30a.m.; ages 7-9, 12 p.m. $10 per child (cashonly). Registration from 9:30-11:45 a.m. in theHunter House parking lot. Call 703-324-8569 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nottoway-park/egg-hunt/042019.

Spring Fest. 10 a.m.-noon at McLean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. For ages3-8. Celebrate the changing of seasons with self-guided arts and crafts, entertainment, and theopportunity for children to get a photo withBunny (bring a camera or smartphone forphotos). Bring an Easter basket for the Parent/Child Easter Egg Hunt (10 eggs per child).Activity No. 4501.319. $5 per person; childrenunder 36 months are free. Registration inadvance is required for all participants. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

SUNDAY/APRIL 21Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon at Vienna

American Legion Post 180, 330 Center St., N.Vienna. Get omelets, scrambled eggs, blueberrypancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravyand more. Adults $10, children 12 and under$4. Call 703-938-6580.

MONDAY/APRIL 22Ayr Hill Garden Club. 12:45- 3 p.m. at

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain BridgeRoad, Vienna. The Ayr Hill Garden Clubwelcomes all to its monthly gathering, featuringbotany professor and past National ScienceFoundation Director Carl Taylor,

Ph.D, presenting Ferns In The Landscape. Free andopen to the public. Email [email protected].

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY/APRIL 23-24Omara Portuondo’s “Last Kiss” Tour. 8 p.m.

at The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road,Vienna. Omara Portuondo, legendary Cubandiva and original member of the famed BuenaVista Social Club, comes to North America aspart of her worldwide “Last Kiss” farewell tour.$50-$65. Visit www.wolftrap.org for tickets.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 24“Dining with Dorothy.” 12:30 p.m. at Culinaria

Cooking School, 110 Pleasant St NW, Vienna.Join with friends or make new ones. Newcomersare always welcome. Limited space available.

$30 per person in advance. Reserve space withevent chair, Dorothy Flood [email protected].

Holy Happy Hour Recital Series. 6:15 p.m. atLewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Featuring Michael Lodico,Director of Music at St. John’s Lafayette SquareEpiscopal Church in Washington, D.C., the 30-minute musical offering will be followed bywine, hor d’oeuvres and fellowship. Free andopen to the public; a good will offering tosupport the music department will be taken.Visit www.Lewinsville.org or call 703-356-7200.

THURSDAY/APRIL 2520 Years in the Secret Service. 7:30-9 p.m. at

Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. Meet Rebecca Vaughn, former Viennaresident and the daughter of the author, RufusYoungblood, as she talks about his story, apersonalized journey through history from theunique perspective of a Secret Service agentwho protected five US presidents. Booksavailable for sale and signing. Free. Call 703-938-0405 or visitibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4808596.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 26-28“Ripcord.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2

p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120Cherry St., SE, Vienna. The Vienna TheatreCompany’s production of Ripcord centers onretirement home roommates, Abby and Marilyn,who mix together about as well as oil and water,getting into Odd Couple-esque situations.Tickets are $14 at viennava.gov/webtrac or inperson at the Vienna Community Center.

SATURDAY/APRIL 27Plant Sale. 8 a.m.-noon on the lawn of Freeman

House, Vienna. Hosted by Five HIlls GardenClub, there will be a variety of plants for saleand each will be labeled as to its requirementsfor care. The labels will include whether theyare deer or other critters resistant. There willalso be gardening items for sale.

Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting. 10 a.m.at Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., GreatFalls. A new outdoor education shelter is comingto Riverbend Park. This new facility wasdesigned to support environmental educationalprograms and provide much needed space forcommunity gatherings and celebrations. Theoutdoor classroom/picnic shelter measures 22 x44 feet and can be reserved by the public. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Live Music: Justin Roberts & the Not ReadyFor Naptime Players. 10:30 a.m. and 12:30p.m. at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. Three-time GRAMMY Nominated JustinRoberts has been crafting songs for kids andparents that navigate the joys and sorrows ofgrowing up. All ages. $12-$15. Call 703-255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com for more.

8th Annual Taste of Vienna. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. atthe Vienna Fire House, 400 Center St. S.,Vienna. Presented by the Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment. Admission is free; buy food directlyfrom individual vendors. Beer and wine ticketsare available online. Proceeds from Taste ofVienna directly benefit the Vienna VolunteerFire Department. Visit www.TasteOfVienna.com.

Gala to Support Local Youth. 6-11 p.m. atHilton McLean, 7920 Jones Branch Drive,Tysons Corner. Chefs Tobias Dorzon, NicholasPine, and Kaimana Chee and Food Stylist LisaCherkasky are ready to demonstrate theircooking skills with students during PHILLIPSPrograms for Children and Families’ annualSpring Forward Savoring Success Gala. The galaincludes live and silent auctions, raffles, dinner,dancing and a program to advocate on behalf ofthese youth with behavioral health needs.Cooking demos from 6-7:45 p.m. Tickets start at$200 (and $175 for young professionals). Visitwww.phillipsprograms.org/events.

“Enchanted Forest” Joy Prom. 6:30-8:30 p.m.at Centreville Baptist Church, 15100 Lee Hwy,Centreville. Free event for all who register andintended to be a night of fun for the specialneeds community as well as a time of respite forfamilies and caregivers. Local youth arevolunteering to be coupled with participants as“buddies” throughout the night’s activities.Registration to participate is open to all ages 13and up, but not limited to high school students.Visit www.cbcva.org/joyprom.

Calendar

Adeler Jewelers, in conjunction with theGreat Falls Optimist Club, hosts the 30th an-nual Children’s Spring Festival and Egg Hunt,attracting up to 1,000 children plus their par-ents. The spring festival is a fun familyafternoon of games, rides, food, and of coursethe Easter egg hunt – unique because withinthe 7,000 Easter eggs filled with candy, realgems have been hidden courtesy of Adeler

Jewelers. The festival will be held at the GreatFalls Village Centre, Sunday, April 13, 1:30-4:30 p.m., with the egg hunt from 4-4:30.Admission is $10 per child, ages 1-10. All pro-ceeds will benefit the Great Falls OptimistClub. No rain date. Call 703-759-4076 or visitwww.adelerjewelers.com/press/30th-annual-adeler-jewelers-spring-festival-easter-egg-hunt/for more.

30th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

File photo

Children aged 8-10 are unleashed for the annual egg hunt in GreatFalls. Kids were organized into age groups throughout the villagegreen and simultaneously released to search for 8,000 eggs.


From Page 5

News

types of exercise recommended by health profes-sionals: balance, flexibility, strength and endurance.

Since not every senior is in the same shape, NVSSdivides players into three leagues based on an initialassessment. That way, players are grouped with oth-ers of similar ability, regardless of age. “We all haveissues — none of us can run as fast or throw as hardas we used to,” says Jesse Christian, an 85-year-oldoutfielder from Arlington. “But we love being active— that’s the main thing.”

That sentiment is echoed by George and BethHersey, 81 and 83 respectively. The couple, who livein Great Falls, rarely miss a game. “Playing softballkeeps you young,” says George.

Beth Hersey, who has managed an NVSS team forthe last 20 years, said, “I don’t think we have hadanything more serious than a strain or sprain in allthe years we’ve been playing. We know that everyTuesday and Thursday morning, Spring ‘til Fall, we’llbe outside with friends, playing and having a greattime.” The Herseys don’t stop playing when the sea-son ends; they conduct indoor softball training ses-sions for other NVSS members at the DullesSportsPlex from December through March.

NVSS also offers several indoor training sessionsat the Fairfax SportsPlex in Springfield during theoff-season. One of those weekly sessions is run by86-year-old Dave Scheele, a long-time shortstop whojoined the league at age 53. “I started playing soft-

ball as a way to relieve stress,” he says. “My wifewas battling breast cancer at the time and softballgave me something else to focus on for a few hoursa week.” Scheele, who lives in Springfield, has mademany, many friends through the sport and says NVSShas been “a wonderful part of my retirement. I can’timagine how I would’ve handled it without softball.”

Scheele and the others know firsthand that par-ticipation in a team sport like softball can combatthe feelings of isolation and low self-worth that maycrop up as we age. According to the Jan/Feb AARPBulletin, an analysis of data collected from 1.2 mil-lion adults found that team sports offered the mostmental health benefits from exercise. Sports increaseself-esteem; seeing positive results from playing aspart of a team can improve morale and foster agreater sense of purpose.

THAT’S A BIG PART of why Alexandria residentHarvey Wenick, 82, still plays. He calls the camara-derie the best part. “Meeting other seniors and hav-ing teammates is just great,” says the lefty third-baseman. “I played golf and tennis as an adult, but Ididn’t enjoy them all that much. A friend suggested Itry NVSS and I was hooked immediately. It’s so muchfun — playing softball makes me feel like a kid again.”

For Harvey, and for the other 80 NVSS memberswho are over 80, that feeling is as close to a magicpotion as they’re likely to ever find.

For more information, go to nvss.org

‘Super Seniors’ EnjoySoftball, Camaraderie


News

Allstate Insurance Company recentlyheld its first Capital Regional AdvisoryBoard meeting of 2019. AssistanceLeague of Northern Virginia was pleasedthat its Weekend Food for Kids programwas once again featured as Allstate’s vol-unteer service activity.

Lynn Barron and Karen Amster, boardmembers from the Assistance League, anall-volunteer nonprofit, were invited tospeak about Assistance League’s programthat decreases childhood hunger andother philanthropic programs that ben-efit low-income children in Northern Vir-ginia. Sharee Merenov, Allstate CapitalRegion division manager, corporate rela-tions, coordinated the resources and pur-chased the nonperishable food items tosupport The Allstate Foundation HelpingHands in the Community group activity.

A team of 40 Allstate volunteers andseven Assistance League volunteerspacked nearly 500 bags of food for chil-dren who might otherwise go hungry onweekends.

Partnering with Allstate allowed Assistance Leagueto satisfy an immediate need for food assistance attwo Title I elementary schools not currently sup-ported by the food program.

Thanks go to Shaundra Turner Jones, Allstate Capi-tal Region senior corporate relations manager, Rob-ert Becker, Allstate Capital Region field senior vice

Allstate Volunteers, Assistance League Join Forces toProvide Food for Kids

Young poets will get their GameOn with readings of their award-win-ning poetry during Springfest atSully Historic Site on Saturday, April27, 2019.

To honor National Poetry Monthin April, the Park Authority askedyoung people in grades K-8 to submitpoems inspired by the fun, joy andexcitement found in Fairfax parks.

In response to an increase in sub-missions of outstanding poetry, theFairfax County Park Authority andthe Fairfax County Park Foundationawarded three winners in each cat-egory instead of two. The winners ineach grade category of the poetrycontest are:

Grades K-2❖ Emma Davis of Alexandria, a

kindergarten student at Mount Eagle El-ementary School

❖ Lauren Miller of Chantilly, a first-grader at Lees Corner ElementarySchool

❖ Zoya Quraishi of Ashburn, a kinder-garten homeschool student

Grades 3-5❖ Elias Rhee of Fairfax, a fifth-grader

at Mantua Elementary School❖ Naomi Rucker of Springfield, a

fifth-grader at West Springfield Elemen-tary School

❖ Bianca Volociuc of Fairfax, afourth-grader at Fairhill ElementarySchool

Grades 6-8❖ Ashley Chon of Vienna, a sixth-

grader at Colvin Run Elementary School❖ Aabaq Gaffar of Vienna, a sixth-

Fairfax Parks Announce Poetry Contest Winners

president and Christine Angles, Manassas Allstateexclusive agent, for supporting the Assistance Leaguemission to transform the lives of children andstrengthen community.

See www.alnv.org for further information onAssistance League programs.

grader at Mosby Woods ElementarySchool

❖ Betty Schlageter-Prettyman ofVienna, a sixth-grader at Fairhill El-ementary School

Stop by to hear these poets sharetheir works at the Springfest PoetryShowcase at 10:30 a.m. April 27. Theaward winners will receive a $50 ParkAuthority gift card to allow them tocontinue exploring Fairfax parks allyear long. This contest is sponsoredby the Fairfax County Park Authorityand the Fairfax County Park Founda-tion. Sully Historic Site is located at3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.For more information, [email protected] or callthe Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.

A team of 40 Allstate volunteers and seven Assis-tance League volunteers packed nearly 500 bags offood for children.

Photo contributed


From Page 7

Vienna Town Council. Free. Members and guestswelcome. Call 703-205-9041.

Lenten Services: Centering Prayer. 7-7:45p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel, Church of the HolyComforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. Join abrief teaching on centering prayer and 20minutes of silence. Visitwww.holycomforter.com for more.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 17Lenten Brownbag Lunch & Book Discussion.

12:30-2 p.m. in the Library at Church of theHoly Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna.Bring a bag lunch and join a study of RowanWilliams’ book Resurrection following the 12:10p.m. Lenten Midweek Eucharist on Wednesdays.Join for worship in the Chapel beforehand orjust come for the book discussion. Visitwww.holycomforter.com for more.

Vienna Woman’s Club Meeting. 7-9 p.m. atVienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE,Vienna. Vienna Woman’s Club invitesprospective members to its open membershipmeeting with a guest speaker on a commoninterest subject. Visitwww.ViennaWomansClub.org for more.

THURSDAY/APRIL 18Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Memory Cafe. 2-4 p.m. at Andrew Chapel UnitedMethodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna.Connect with others living with loved ones withdementia. Helping those with dementia andtheir caregivers find fun, resources and “family.”Email Carol Blackwell at [email protected] orcall at 571-236-6933.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 18-20Holy Week Services. At Lewinsville Presbyterian

Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Lewinsville Presbyterian Church invites thesurrounding community to mark Holy Weekwith worship services. Free and open to thepublic. Visit www.lewinsville.org for more.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. withthe Rev. Scott Ramsey preaching. ❖ GoodFriday, April 19, noon and 7:30 p.m.

❖ Easter Vigil, April 20, 7:30 p.m. The Rev.Annamarie Groenenboom will preach at bothGood Friday and Easter Vigil services.

FRIDAY/APRIL 19Good Friday Service. Noon-2:30 p.m. at 9220

Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Great Falls AreaMinistries celebrates Good Friday Service: TheSeven Last Words of Christ from the Cross. Visitfacebook.com/pages/category/Organization/Great-Falls-Area-Ministries-399361921208/.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Holy Meditation Retreat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unity

of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. HolySaturday Meditation Retreat: Spend the day innoble silence, meditating and creating a space tobe still and listen. Donations accepted. Registerat unityoffairfax.org/events.

SUNDAY/APRIL 21New Thought Easter. At Unity of Fairfax, 2854

Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. New Thought EasterService: 6:15 a.m. outdoors on the Labyrinth(weather permitting), 9 and 11 a.m. An Easteregg hunt for the younger members of the Unitycommunity will follow the 11 a.m. service. Free.Visit unityoffairfax.org.

Easter Worship. 6:30 a.m. at Great Falls Park,9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. CelebrateEaster with Great Falls Area Ministries. Visitfacebook.com/pages/category/Organization/Great-Falls-Area-Ministries-399361921208/.

Easter Celebration. 9 and 11 a.m. at LewinsvilleChurch, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Lewinsville’s Festival Services will feature theirChancel and Westminster Choirs accompaniedby organ, brass and tympani. Rev. Scott Ramseywill preach, and they will celebrate theSacrament of the Lord’s Supper. There will beballoons and Easter eggs. Annual Easter EggHunt at 10:15, beginning in Fellowship Hallwith Egg Games, Empty Tomb Treats, Balloonbutterflies and flowers. Then move outside(weather permitting) to the Peter’s Green for theEgg Hunt. Each child should bring a basket.

Bulletin


Opinion

By Supervisor John C. Cook

Braddock District

April is sexual assault aware-ness month. This awarenessmonth is especially relevantwith the recent high-profile

cases of sexual assault. These storieshave taught us that anyone can be a victim ofsexual assault. The crime does not discrimi-nate against race, education, status, age orgender. This has started an important conver-sation among all of us about sexual assault andlistening to victims. Fairfax County seeks to em-power victims of sexual assault, prevent sexualassault through education, and provide com-prehensive services to survivors.

Statistics vary, but many studies show asmany as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men willexperience sexual violence in their lifetime.Sadly, only one third of these crimes are re-ported to law enforcement according to theBureau of Justice Statistics. While FairfaxCounty is the safest jurisdiction of its size inthe country, sexual violence is still an issue weface. The Fairfax County Police Department re-

ceived 289 reports of sexual assaultin 2017. Aside from prevention,Fairfax County is dedicated to encour-aging victims to report the crimescommitted against them so justice canbe served.

The Department of Family Services’Domestic and Sexual Violence Ser-

vices (DSVS) 24/7 Hotline (703-360-7273)is one of the resources that provides a safeplace for victims of sexual assault. The confi-dential hotline connects victims or concernedbystanders with trained volunteers. The call-ers can speak openly to the volunteers whocan give them crisis support and point themto the next best step. DSVS also provides coun-seling services, hospital accompaniment, ad-vocacy services, housing and financial assis-tance. The hotline is separate from the policedepartment, but they may encourage the vic-tims to contact the police department andguide them through the process of reportingthe crime.

The Fairfax County Police Department ishighly trained to carefully interview victimsand investigate the crime as thoroughly as

possible to help them get justice. In fact, thedepartment is co-hosting the second annualNorthern Virginia Sex Crimes InvestigatorsConference this year to offer additional spe-cialized training in sexual assault cases to lo-cal officers. Victims services are also providedby department staff to give “immediate anddirect support and assistance to crime victims,their families and witnesses suffering emotion-ally, financially and physically.”

There are several programs geared towardeducation, awareness, and sexual assault pre-vention. The County’s Community and Engage-ment Services team offers several different in-formational courses and presentations onsexual assault awareness and prevention. Oneof these classes, called the HYPE (HealthyYouth Prevention Education) Project, teachesteens about intimate partner violence, sexualassault prevention, and healthy relationshipskills through hands-on activities, multimedia,role-play exercises and facilitated discussions.Through programs like these we can compre-hensively address the issue of sexual assaultand come closer to ridding it from our societyfor good.

Sexual assault awareness and prevention in Fairfax County.

Empowering Victims of Sexual Assault

By Kofi Annan

President, Fairfax County NAACP

Transcript of planned testimony before theFairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday,April 9, 2019 at budget hearings.

Fairfax County is one of themost attractive places to liveand work, not only in Northern Virginia,

but throughout the region, and a big reasonfor that is our rich diversity. However, that di-versity is being increasingly threatened by ris-ing home prices and the lack of affordablehousing in the region. The situation will be ex-acerbated by the arrival of Amazon, which isprojected to bring an additional 25,000 em-ployees — most of whom will make six-figuresalaries. Demand is already increasing dramati-cally, which is pushing the almost 70,000 poorand working class people out of Fairfax County.According to the Northern Virginia Associationof Realtors, the number of homes under con-tract rose by 70 percent over the last year. Thismeans that fewer and fewer of our teachers,county staff, hospitality industry workers,nurses, and public safety officials will be ableto live in the communities they serve. Thismeans that the fewer and fewer of our youngpeople will be able to leave the nest once theygraduate high school or college. That meansthat fewer and fewer of our elderly popula-tion will be able to age in place without hav-ing to the make unconscionable choices of pay-ing to keep a roof over their heads or payingto put food on the table or purchasing medica-tion. Up to 20,000 senior households and10,000 disabled households are making thesechoices everyday as we speak. And this meansthat many people of color will also be forced

to abandon their homes as our com-munities experience gentrification.Fifty percent of the county’s AfricanAmerican community are currentlycategorized as housing insecure; and50% of the County’s homeless popu-lation are African American.

While the NAACP voted in favor ofthe Housing Commission’s recommendation toadd a minimum of 5,000 units over the nextfifteen years, this problem cannot wait fifteenyears, and 5,000 units would not come closeto addressing the actual current need which is30,000 units, much less the projected need fif-teen years from now. The problem of afford-able housing is becoming similar to a ragingfive-alarm fire, but unfortunately the county’sapproach has been to tackle it with a gardenhose instead of giving it the priority attentionit truly deserves.

Therefore, we strongly urges the Board ofSupervisors to increase funding for the Hous-ing Trust Fund in the 2020 Budget by explor-ing inefficiencies in other programs and/or in-clude an additional half-penny real estate taxin this year’s budget. These funds should beused to stimulate new investment in new mar-ket affordable units, and preserve existingones. Also, beginning in FY2021, approve anannual appropriation of $50 million for theCounty’s Housing Trust Fund. The argumentthat there is already unused money in the TrustFund is also unacceptable, and the countyshould address this immediately to encouragemore private investment.

In a related matter, we applaud the countyfor funding efforts to investigate real estatesteering and discrimination. The 2017 Officeof Human Rights and Equity Programs report

found that because of past discriminatory prac-tices in housing, Fairfax County does not havethe racial distribution in housing that wouldbe present in a free housing market. Thesestudies should begin to address this issue.

Next we would like to revisit the issue ofearly childhood education. There are morethan 17,000 children from low-income fami-lies eligible for county-subsidized pre-K edu-cation who are not receiving it with over 4,000currently wait-listed. Last year the county onlyprovided funding for an additional 36 chil-dren; but in response to our requests to domore, the county claimed it would conduct astudy to learn the full scope of the problemand cost to implement universal pre-K. Un-fortunately, as of today the county has nei-ther followed-through with the promisedstudy nor funded a meaningful increase forthe known children. This year the county isfunding the exact same increase as it did lastyear - 36. Therefore we are reiterating ourcall for the county to commit necessary re-sources to enroll at least 300 low-income chil-dren in pre-K in 2020 and to devise a long-term plan to provide for at least 2,000 chil-dren over the next five years.

We applaud and support the plan to fundthe purchase and implementation of policebody worn cameras using the funds that wereset aside to implement the recommendationsof the Ad-Hoc Police Practices and ReviewCommission. This would be a significant steptowards bringing the Fairfax County Police De-partment on par with other local and regionaldepartments. As one of the largest in the coun-try, it’s important that our department remainsa leader in innovation, transparency, and pub-lic accountability.

Need for Affordable Housing: ‘Raging Five-alarm Fire”

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Don ParkDisplay Advertising

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

[email protected]

Vienna & Oakton

homelifestyleconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 4/12/2019 ·...

Documents