sensory friendly santa event at springfield town...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com December 7-13, 2017

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WellbeingPage 8

Inside

Holiday Entertainment

Rolling Road Widening Takes On New ElementsNews, Page 4

Police To Add Body CamerasCounty News, Page 3

Sensory Friendly Santa Event At Springfield Town Center

News, 0

Elizabeth Dulac, 8 months, of Franconia with Santa during the Sensory Friendly Santa Event at Springfield Town Center on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.

2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Springfield Connection ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

See County News, Page 5

By Ken Moore

The Connection

Fairfax County police officers fromthe Mount Vernon and Mason dis-trict stations will soon wear bodycameras in a three-month pilot

program designed to determine if all FairfaxCounty police officers will wear the cam-eras in the future.

“We see this as a really wonderful oppor-tunity to better connect our officers on theground and our folks on the street and makesure that everybody has an opportunity towork together and see how that work goes,”said Mount Vernon District Supervisor DanStorck.

The Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Com-mission recommended in 2015 that offic-ers be equipped with the cameras, and theBoard of Supervisors approved the pilotprogram at its board meeting on Nov. 21. Itwill take another few months to get thethree-to-six month pilot program up andrunning.

Braddock District Supervisor John Cook,chairman of the board’s public safety com-mittee, expressed concerns about upcom-ing constraints on the public safety budget.“We are going to have some tough decisionsin public safety and we need good data,”said Cook.

Fairfax County Police Department willpartner with American University to initiatean academic study, which could be extendedfrom 90 days to six months.

“Community advocates will be at the tableto help us monitor the deployment of thecameras and how the policy is working,”said Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Chief of Po-lice.

“The pilot body worn program is designedto provide the department with the oppor-tunity to review police-community memberencounters as they occur, as well as pro-vide an additional degree of safety for ourofficers as they patrol the streets,” accord-ing to the Fairfax County Police Department.

The cost of the pilot program is $684,000.Storck asked if all officers from the Mount

Vernon station could use the cameras.“When it comes to evaluating the impacts

of body worn cameras, we are still, as afield, in the early days,” said BradBartholomew, professor at American Uni-versity.

For studies to be effective, “we must en-sure that a group of officers receives thecamera and another group does not,” hesaid. “The more you can control, the moreyou can model, the more believable yourresults may be.”

The study analysis is expected to coverstatistics and community member feedbackto assess the impacts prior to, during andfollowing the pilot program.

“Officers will be expected to activate the

camera during any law enforcement-pub-lic encounter related to a call for service,law enforcement action, subject stop, traf-fic stop, search or police service,” accord-ing to the police department.

Police and a variety of civic groupsworked together on a proposed pilot body-worn camera policy to address personalprivacy rights, transparency and account-ability in police-community member con-tacts. The policy can be modified as neededbased on the pilot.

Read the draft policy atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/board-committees/meetings/2017/oct10-public-safety-body-worn-cameras-draft-policy.pdf

TWO BOARDS, ONE FAIRFAXThe Board of Supervisors and School

Board adopted a joint social and racial eq-uity policy called One Fairfax.

The Board of Supervisors joined theSchool Board by adopting the policy onTuesday, Nov. 21, one day after the SchoolBoard.

“I dare say we’ve spent thousands of hourson this policy and I think it’s reached a pointwhen it is time to approve it,” said Lee Dis-trict Supervisor Jeff McKay, adding that hejudges this his most important action in the10 years he has served on the board.

“This goes across all that we do,” saidHunter Mill District Supervisor CathyHudgins.

The policy identifies 17 areas of focusincluding housing, education, communityand economic development, environmentand transportation.

“What we are doing here is not guaran-teeing that everybody is going to be suc-cessful because that really goes to the indi-vidual, but what we can do is ensure thatthis board and Fairfax County ensure … thateverybody in Fairfax County has an oppor-tunity to succeed,” said Chairman SharonBulova.

“I believe philosophically at our core, webelieve in equity and our community re-flects that, and our community wants that,”said McKay.

“Far too often, I have found that somepeople in my community aren’t at the table,

but they rely on us to be there at the tablefor them. And they rely on us to make suretheir county government represents themas individuals.”

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrityhad concerns how to measure the effortsor define success.

“From the very beginning of this policydiscussion, I’ve asked several simple ques-tions that I haven’t been able to receive ananswer for,” Herrity said. “I support everyone of our residents having equal opportu-nities to succeed and I believe our countyand staff are committed to that as am I. ButI can’t support a new government bureau-cracy for a problem that no one can quan-tify and for which there are too few defini-tions or measures of success or impact.”

Read the resolution atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2016/one-fairfax-resolution.pdf.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIESWhile addressing deer management and

a lack of predators in Fairfax County, StellaKoch said, “They’ve changed the ecology inYellowstone [National Park], but I don’tthink that it is an option here.”

The Environment Quality Advisory Coun-cil advocates for a full-time wildlife special-ist position in Fairfax County to support thedeer management program as well as theCanada Geese Management Program.

“That position has been needed for a longtime,” said Koch. “We have one person do-ing a significant amount of yeoman’s work.”

On Nov. 21, Koch presented the environ-mental quality annual report, highlightingmajor priorities for 2018, including the needto conduct a countywide survey on thepublic’s view of the “cultural carrying ca-pacity, how people are thinking about deerin this county.”

The advisory council also says the Boardof Supervisors needs to update its 2003Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and needs toimplement a lighting work group. “Since2003 there have been a lot of changes intechnology and also an increase in densityin this county,” said Koch.

“The increasing density of development

in Fairfax County will invariably lead tomore instances of ‘light trespass,’ wherelights on one property affect another prop-erty,” according to the environmental re-port.

Koch also advocated for increasing theStormwater Service District rate by one-quarter penny, from a rate of 3 cents per$100 assessed real estate value to 3.25 centsper $100.

“As you know, there is an endless backlogof infrastructure that needs replacements,”she said. “We’re making great progress andit’s slow and steady, but we definitely needmore funding.”

“I use this as a model for how we can trackmajor issues,” said Bulova, praising thestructure and quality of the EQAC report.

“When you open the annual report, thefirst thing [you see] is the recommenda-tions. We think that is important, it is whatthis annual report basically drives us to-ward,” said Koch.

Other priorities include funding of$263,000 required for the Fairfax CountyPark Authority’s natural resource mappingefforts and additional technology.

The public will have an opportunity togive both EQAC and the Board of Supervi-sors feedback in a public hearing scheduledfor Jan. 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000 Govern-ment Center Parkway.

To read the report, seewww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/eqac/re-port2017/.

THE $250,000 MANBryan Hill will be Fairfax County’s next

county executive, effective Jan. 2, 2018.“Selecting a county executive is the most

important hire the Board of Supervisorsundertakes,” said Penny Gross, vice chair-man and Mason District supervisor. “Mr. Hillbrings impressive leadership, management,communications and budget experience toFairfax County.”

“I believe this is the fifth county execu-tive for me and the fourth search,” saidGross.

Hill, currently the James City County, Va.administrator and clerk to its Board of Su-pervisors, will replace Fairfax County Ex-ecutive Edward L. Long, who retired in Sep-tember.

“While [James City County] is a smallerjurisdiction, many of the issues are thesame,” said Bulova. “We are very, very ex-cited to welcome Bryan Hill to TeamFairfax.”

Hill will earn $250,000 per year.Hill has been the James City County ad-

ministrator since 2014, and previouslyserved seven years as the deputy county ad-ministrator with Beaufort County, S.C. Pre-

Police To Add Body CamerasIn other business, board hires new county executive and updates environmental priorities.

Bryan Hill, newcounty executive

Stella Koch Col. Edwin C.Roessler Jr.,Chief of Police

John Cook,BraddockSupervisor


News

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

The Rolling Road wideningproject has been on the bookssince 1988 but it took one stepcloser to being underway, as

Virginia Department of Transportation(VDOT) officials met with area residentsand public officials on Nov. 30 to iron outdetails that are not settled.

One big detail that is being looked at isthe utilities — above ground or under-ground?

Utility relocation is priced at $9 millionif they remain above ground and $18 mil-lion if they are put underground, and bothways have their pros and cons. VirginiaSenator George Barker (D-39) is working adeal with Dominion Power, Fairfax Countyand the Commonwealth of Virginia to put

added Jillian, pointingout the danger of theRolling Road-GreeleyBoulevard intersectionwhere there are acci-dents frequently.

PHASE I OF THEPROJECT is due tostart in 2019 at the OldKeene Mill Road inter-section, but the actualguts of the project on

Rolling Road won’t start until 2023.The cross section in the brochure included

a parking lane since there are some housesthat face the road. In the package that washanded out was a comment sheet, withquestions about preferred width of theshared use path, and space for suggestions.These comment sheets must be postmarkedby Dec. 11.

It was announced that Delegate-electKathy Tran (D-42) would not make it to themeeting because she was at a delegate in-troduction class in Richmond, but sheshowed up towards the end with baby Elisein tow. Tran lives off Rolling Road but notin the project zone. She was in elementaryschool when the project was first discussedand now has four children. “That’s how longthe project’s been going,” she said.

The next meeting is a Public Informa-tion Hearing that is scheduled in lateJanuary 2018.

Rolling Road Widening Takes On New Elements

David King’s backyard is close to Rolling Road.

Rolling Road is in a residential portion of Springfield, with houses andon-street parking to contend with when it gets widened.

Delegate-elect Kathy Tran (D-42) talks to residents with her daughterElise in hand.

them underground, but it’s still not final.“We will pursue this the best we can,” hesaid.

ANOTHER ELEMENT of the project that’sbeing looked at is the stormwater manage-ment ponds, and the decision there is aboveground vs underground also. With theabove ground ponds, four houses will betaken, said John Maddox, an engineer con-tracted with VDOT for the project.

And then there’s the shared use path thatwill run alongside the roadway. Under nor-mal VDOT protocol, road projects includepaths on both sides of the road, but withthe tight corridor of Rolling Road betweenthe Fairfax County Parkway and Old KeeneMill Road, the path might be limited to oneside of the road.

That’s okay with Jen Brown, a memberof the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling

(FABB) that was at the meeting to monitorthe situation. “[FABB] would like to have ashared use path on both sides, but one isgood,” she said. Allison Richter, the VDOTTransportation and Land Use Director, washappy with the compromise since 70 per-cent of the residents at a past meeting saidthe path was important.

And so goes the planning stages for thisstretch of road that butts up to homeownersbackyards through most of the $51.6 mil-lion project, and impacts not only theSpringfield residents in that area but alsothe residents to the south that go throughthis corridor when heading to Fairfax or theCapital Beltway.

David and Jillian King’s backyard buttsup to the project limits, and they’ve been toseveral meetings, including one “five or sixyears ago they had it, but then lost the fund-ing,” David King said.

“Certainly there’s issues with the road,”

Rolling Road isin a residentialportion ofSpringfieldbetween OldKeene Mill Roadand the FairfaxCounty Parkway.

Map by VDOT

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viously, he was the vice chancel-lor for Finance and Operations atthe University of South Carolina’sBeaufort/Bluffton Campus andwas director of finance for the Uni-versity of Maryland’s Office of In-formation and Technology.

He earned his master’s degree inpublic administration from theUniversity of Southern Californiaand his bachelor’s in public admin-istration from Alfred University.

Bulova thanked Kirk Kincannon,who was the acting county execu-tive since Long’s retirement in Sep-tember.

COUNTY’S FIRST TENANTRESIDENT CURATOR

The county extended its firstlease through the Resident Cura-tor program to a Coast Guard of-ficer.

The county’s Resident CuratorProgram is designed to preservehistoric properties by offeringlong-term leases to qualified ten-ants who will rehabilitate andmaintain the historic houses. Acurator can be a private citizen, anonprofit entity, or a for-profitentity, according to county docu-ments.

“It is really a wonderful oppor-tunity and a great pleasure to bethe first of what I think will be anumber of properties in FairfaxCounty ...” said Storck, “to bringback to life housing which is oldand historic and meaningful to allof us.”

The Board of Supervisors ap-proved the lease of the historicStempson House at 7520 FurnaceRoad in Lorton to Steven J.

McCullough for eight years andeight months to renovate the his-toric home.

“This is the first time we aredoing this, you are our first ten-ant,” said Bulova said toMcCullough.

The Stempson House gets itshistoric significance from its asso-ciation with the Occoquan Work-house and Reformatory and theWomen’s Suffrage movement ofthe early 1900s, according to Resi-dent Curator Program documents.

The United States purchased theland in 1910 to construct theprison. “In 1937, amongst theLorton Reformatory orchard trees,prisoners constructed a residencefor a prison officer. It is likely thatprisoners constructed the house,under the direction of prison en-gineers, using bricks manufac-tured at the prison brick kiln. Ul-timately, the residence was con-verted for use by the prison secu-rity office.”

The 1,500 square-foot-house isdescribed as a “vernacular styleresidence with Colonial Revivalstyle elements.”

Other applications are pendingfor the Turner Farm House, 10609Georgetown Pike, in Great Fallsand the Ellmore Farmhouse onWest Ox Road in Herndon. Thecounty intends to continue its pro-grams at the Ash Grove in Tysons,Lahey Lost Valley in Vienna, andHannah P. Clark (Enyedi) Housein Lorton.

See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/html/ir141-16.htm

Learn more about the ResidentCurator program and other prop-erties at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rcp.

From Page 3

News

County News Roundup

Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Datedannouncements should be submitted atleast two weeks prior to the event.

The Guhyasamaja BuddhistCenter, 10875 Main St., Fairfax Cityprovides free classes to both newcomersand advanced practitioners of TibetanBuddhism. The center emphasizes work-ing with the mind and learning how tounderstand the workings of the mind,overcoming inner causes of suffering,while cultivating causes of happiness.Under the direction of Lama ZopaRinpoche, the center is a place of study,contemplation and meditation. Visitwww.guhyasamaja.org for more infor-mation.

St. Andrew the Apostle CatholicChurch, 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton,conducts Sunday masses at 7:30 a.m.,8:45 a.m., Latin mass at 10:30 a.m. and12:30 p.m. It also offers a Saturday vigilat 5:30 p.m. and a Thursday Latin massat 7 p.m. Additional mass offered Mon-day-Friday at 6:30 a.m. (except onFederal holidays) and 8:45 a.m. 703-

817-1770 or www.st-andrew.org.

Clifton Baptist Church, 7152Main St.Clifton, is a small Bible-believ-ing church offering worship service onSunday at 11 a.m., with Bible Study onWednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Prince of Peace LutheranChurch, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield, offers casual worship ser-vices on Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m.featuring contemporary music. Moretraditional services take place on Sun-day mornings at 8:15 and 11 a.m.Sunday School is from 9:45-10:45 a.m.for children and adults. The church alsooffers discussion groups for adults. 703-451-5855 or www.poplc.org.

Franconia United MethodistChurch, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexan-dria, offers traditional Sunday churchservices at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. plusSunday School classes for all ages at9:45 a.m. Childcare is available 8:15a.m.-12:15 p.m. 703-971-5151 [email protected] orwww.franconiaumc.org.

Faith Notes


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SpringfieldOpinion

❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210,Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org. Nonprofit providingsupport and advocacy for those in need of food,shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, andother human services. Programs and servicesinclude the Embry Rucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia PreventionProgram, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Gifts for Kidsand annual Coat Drive. Gifts will be collected atCornerstones main office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road,Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190 on Thursday, Dec. 7and Friday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec.9, 9 a.m. – noon. Contact Nate King, Donations andDrives Coordinator, at 571-323-9569.

❖ Share of McLean operates a food pantry; providesassistance to families to avoid eviction, keep utilitieson and meet other needs in a crisis. Share ofMcLean will provide holiday assistance to more than250 needy families (630-plus people) this year. Helpneighbors in need by donating money, fulfilling awish or donating Walmart, Target, Giant, orSafeway gift cards. Share’s Furniture Program is inmajor need of drivers and helpers. Visit theFurniture Program page. The Food Pantry is inmajor need of supplies; visit the Food Pantry pageand check Facebook to see how to help the FoodPantry. Visit www.shareofmclean.org for more infoabout Share.

❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly InstantSympathetic Help), 336 Victory Drive, Herndon,703-391-0105, herndonrestonfish.org. Herndon-Reston FISH has assisted local residents in short-term crises by since 1969. FISH provides FriendlyInstant Sympathetic Help by responding toemergency requests for rent, transportation,utilities, medical prescriptions and other needs.FISH operates The Bargain Loft, a thrift store, whichneeds donations of good quality saleable items,accepting and selling art, furniture, jewelry,household linens, dishes, pots and pans, books,women’s designer clothing (clean and on hangers),puzzles, games, collectibles, small electronics andmore. If you have store questions, call 703-437-0600. Herndon-Reston FISH also provides HolidayFood & Gift Baskets during the November andDecember season.

❖ LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly, Loudoun andmore. Every year the goal is to provide each familywith a week’s worth of non-perishable food inNovember and again in December. When fundsallow, grocery gift cards are also included. InNovember, clients also receive a voucher for coatsand warm clothing. In December, children 16 andunder receive gifts. [email protected] www.linkagainsthunger.org.

❖ Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna,organized in 1969 by a group of churches andindividuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Oakton,Vienna community to provide simple, loving charityto those in need. Last year 450 children had aspecial Christmas through the annual ChristmasStore. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com

❖ Northern Virginia Family Service. 571-748-2500, www.nvfs.org, Employment and job training,healthcare, housing, mental health, foster care andHealthy Families.10455 White Granite, Drive, Suite100, Oakton, VA 22124.

❖ Second Story — Abused and Homeless Children’sRefuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182.703-506-9191, second-story.org. Second Story

(formerly Alternative House) provides shelter andservices for homeless, runaway or abused teenagers,unaccompanied youth, and young mothers and theirchildren. Requests for food and clothing are upmore than 50 percent.

❖ Shepherd’s Center of Oakton Vienna providingservices, personal enrichment, volunteeropportunities for adults 50 and over. Currentlyserving 3,000+ mature adults in the region. 703-281-0538, www.scov.org.

❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofitorganization whose mission is to educate children tohave giving hearts. www.touchingheart.com, 703-901-7355.

❖ Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — foodpantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. Formore information or to sponsor a family, call 703-988-9656, ext. 105. To mail gift cards or senddonations by check, add a note saying “food basketprogram” and send them to: WFCM, P.O. Box220802, Chantilly, VA 20153.

❖ HomeAid builds and renovates facilities that housethe homeless, and partners with many localorganizations to do so. 3684 Centerview Drive,Suite 110B, Chantilly, VA 20151.www.homeaidnova.org.

❖ FACETS helps parents, their children andindividuals who suffer the effects of poverty in theFairfax area, a partner in efforts to endhomelessness in Fairfax County. FACETS is alwaysin need of volunteers, and offers a variety of one-time and ongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251,[email protected] or www.facetscares.org.10640 Page Ave., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030.

❖ Britepaths will have 3,000 individuals and familiesin need of holiday assistance list this fall. Sponsor afamily or donate to provide a family with aThanksgiving meal, December holiday meal and/orgifts for their children. britepaths.org.

❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (For ImmediateSympathetic Help) helps local people who are intemporary need of life’s basic necessities such asfood, clothing, and financial assistance for rent,mortgage payments, utilities, and medicaltreatments. FISH also provides limitedtransportation for doctor appointments and fooddelivery. 703-222-0880, fairfaxfish.org.

❖ Lamb Center, day center for homeless, Fairfax.703-691-3178, www.thelambcenter.org.

❖ Food for Others provides a safety net for peoplewho suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such asa family illness or the loss of a job or a spouse.Located at 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031,703-207-9173, [email protected] orwww.foodforothers.org. Hours: Monday-Friday,9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

❖ Ecumenical Community Helping Others(ECHO). 703-569-9160, www.foodforothers.org.Open to receive donations at 7205 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield. Provides food and financialassistance to those in short-term emergencies, andprovides clothing and household goods to lowincome families, helping more than 5,000 peoplelast year.

❖ Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) willprovide Thanksgiving and Holiday assistance tomore than 450 families this year. Thanksgiving andChristmas food baskets along with fulfilling giftwishes for more than 1,000 children and teens willhelp low-income families More information atlortonaction.org/seasonal-assistance/. Volunteers

are needed for these events as well. Register onlineat lortonaction.org or call 703-339-5161, ext. 140 oremail [email protected]. Mailing address:LCAC, P.O. Box 154, Lorton, VA 22199-0154.

❖ Assistance League of Northern Virginia is anall-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds,clothes and educates children in need. AssistanceLeague’s philanthropic programs touch the lives ofthousands of children at 11 Title I schools inNorthern Virginia, serving children most in need atselected schools in Fairfax and Prince Williamcounties and the City of Alexandria. To learn moreabout volunteer and sponsorship opportunities,email [email protected] or visitwww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org.

❖ Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services(CAUSE) ensures that recuperating service membershave opportunities for recreation and socialinteraction and receive concrete signs ofappreciation for all that they have done. 1100 NGlebe Road, Suite 373, Arlington, VA 22201.703-591-4968, cause-usa.org.

❖ Shelter House provides crisis intervention, safehousing and supportive services to promote self-sufficiency for homeless families and victims ofdomestic violence in Fairfax County.www.shelterhouse.org/

❖ Mount Vernon At Home, 703-303-4060,www.mountvernonathome.org. From practical helpto social, wellness, educational and culturalactivities, Mount Vernon At Home membershiphelps connect senior members of the community.Neighbors helping neighbors with volunteer supportis the power of Mount Vernon At Home. MountVernon At Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofitorganization working hard to meet the needs ofolder members. They fundraise all year to make thispossible and count on the generosity of thecommunity.

❖ United Community Ministries, Mount Vernon,7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306, 703-768-7106, www.ucmagency.org, assists low-incomefamilies and individuals living along the Route 1Corridor, UCM provides four different housingprograms as well as a Workforce DevelopmentCenter to help prepare people for moving forwardwith their jobs. For the holidays, donations of nearly10,000 toys, books, games, clothing, and other giftsensured a joy-filled holiday for more than 1,200children in 600 families. Donations of cash/checksand gift cards are also welcome.

❖ National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill ParkDrive, Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia. 703-541-3063, www.capitalareafoodbank.org.

❖ Homestretch is the largest provider of transitionalhousing in Fairfax County and offers a services tohelp the homeless better their lives througheducation. Email [email protected];703-237-2035 x125; homestretchva.org/.

❖ Pathway Homes focuses on providing housing andsupport services to individuals with serious mentalillnesses, with the mission to help these individualsreach their full potential and lead stable lives. Theyoffer both in-home programs, semi-independenthouses and assisted living facilities. 10201 FairfaxBoulevard, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. 703-876-0390, [email protected],www.pathwayhomes.org, www.pathwayhomes.org/support-pathway/.

See Give Locally, Page 15

Give Locally in Fairfax CountyHolidays are for giving;many choices to help.

The holidays are about giving, and giv-ing thanks. The holidays are aboutchildren and family. The holidays are

about sharing, about joy. The holidays areabout being thankful and about faith and ap-preciation. The holidays are about alleviating

suffering for others.Northern Virginia is among

the wealthiest areas in thecountry. Many if not most of us go through ourdaily and seasonal routines without encoun-

Give Locally

tering evidence of the needy families amongus.

In Fairfax County, more than 52,000 (28percent) of FCPS students are are poor enoughto receive free or subsidized meals.

The median family income in Fairfax Countyrose to $129,800. But among families withchildren, 6 percent have income below thepoverty level. That’s $20,420 for a family ofthree. That’s about $1,700 a month. Medianrent in Fairfax County is $1,747, meaning thecost for half the rentals is more than that.

These are children living in families who maybe on the brink of homelessness, families whomust choose between medical bills, car repair,heat and food. Some of these are children who

Editorial

may not be sure that they will have a mealbetween the meals they get in school.

School holidays can bring uncertainty andhunger — a far cry from the celebrations, giftsand plenty that we associate with the holidays.

Hundreds of homeless students attend thepublic schools, and their needs are greater.

Many nonprofits in the county need yourhelp to provide a holiday meal for Thanksgiv-ing or Christmas, to provide children with gifts.

There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season. Hereare a few ideas.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]


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Over the weekend, Fairfax County Fire & Res-cue Department crews were dispatched for a citi-zen who fell from a ladder while installing Christ-mas lights around the outside of the home. Thecitizen was transported to an area hospital fortreatment of non-life threatening injuries receivedas a result of the fall.

After the patient was transported from the scene,the crew from Tower Ladder 440, Fairfax Center,decided to complete the task of placing the rest ofthe lights around the home. In the spirit of the holi-day season, they felt it important that the patientand family not have to worry about trying to finishgetting their Christmas lights up.

Firefighters Demonstrate Holiday Spirit

Well done and aspecial tip of the

fire helmet to(pictured, from

left), FirefighterArthur Claiborne,Technician Adam

Bartman,Firefighter

Kathryn Buist andLt. Matthew Nacy.

Photo courtesy of

Fairfax County Fire &

Rescue Department

By John C. Cook

Supervisor (R-Braddock District)

The holidays are a time for celebration. And as our teenagers progress through highschool, there are a series of

celebratory events – prom, graduation,the last football game or track meet, etc.How families celebrate at home is theirown business. But when others outsidethe home are involved, it can becomethe community’s interest. That is the case with serv-ing alcohol to minors.

If you are holding parties for youth outside of yourfamily in your home, or allowing your children to doso, and alcohol is being served to youth under theage of 21, then you are breaking the law. More im-portantly, you are endangering young lives.

Please stop. If you don’t, the county will stop you.At my motion, the Board of Supervisors unanimouslydirected our Police Department to arrest parents whohost for minors parties where alcohol is served. Wecare about our kids.

The adolescent brain is still developing its abilityto engage in reasoned thought. When alcohol is in-troduced, the brain’s reasoning capability is furtherreduced. This is why youth who drink alcohol areeven more susceptible to risky behaviors and peerpressure.

At its worst, teen drinking can result in drunk driv-ing, assault, drug use, teen pregnancy, injury, or evendeath. When parents provide youth with alcohol, theyare directly endangering the lives of those youth whodrink.

Serving alcohol to youth is also a missed opportu-

nity to set a good example.The 2016 Fairfax County Youth Sur-

vey shows that 93 percent of teens donot drink alcohol when their parentsclearly conveyed their belief that it wasvery wrong to drink underage. But whenteens thought their parents were ok withunderage drinking, then 53 percent diddrink.

Our kids may not listen to us, but theydo watch us and learn from us. Weshould all be positive role models for the

youth in our community, both in our homes and out-side.

Why do some parents serve alcohol to theirchildren’s friends? Some believe it strengthens theirbonds to their own children. Others believe it willmake their kids more popular. Some may believe itmakes them (as parents) more popular with kids.Others believe that kids will drink anyway, so it wouldbe better if they did so under some sort of supervi-sion.

To be blunt, none of these reasons is a good rea-son. There are far more constructive ways to be popu-lar than to serve alcohol, and adults, especially par-ents, have an additional responsibility to be goodrole models.

I strongly support the parents’ organization “Par-ents Who Host Lost the Most.” Parents who servealcohol to other kids need to be held accountable.

Every year some youth in our county die needlessly,or are badly injured or otherwise subject to harmfulresults, due to drinking alcohol. Let’s join together tohelp our kids stay safe. And for those who don’t wishto join us, please know our police department will beout looking for you. Don’t serve alcohol to minors.

Don’t Sponsor PartiesWith Alcohol for Minors

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Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

As Terrance Puller surveys boxeswrapped in holiday paper and filledwith tubes of toothpaste, sticks of

deodorant and other self-care toiletries, hesays he can feel his heart well up with grati-tude. The packages were part of a dona-tion drive to benefit So Others Might Eat(SOME), a local nonprofit organization witha mission to provide services to the poorand homeless. Puller, who is now both aSOME employeeand volunteer, remi-nisces about a pe-riod in his life whenhe was a recipient ofsuch generosity.

Five years ago,Puller says he was alone, homeless and deepin an alcohol and crack cocaine-inducedhaze. He would later recall that he was sostaggeringly intoxicated one holiday seasonthat he would miss an opportunity to saygoodbye to his dying mother. What he didreceive that year however, was life chang-ing.

“I was able to come into the shelter andget treatment, food and eventually a job,”

said Puller. “I volunteer my time because… being here reminds me of my story andmakes me grateful. It keeps me uplifted, lessdepressed and clean and sober.”

Mounting research validates Puller’s as-sertion. “Giving of our talents and time isan important way to improve our well-be-ing,” said Carolyn Lorente, professor of psy-chology at Northern Virginia CommunityCollege. “What many of my colleagues arelooking into is the connection betweenvolunteerism and sense of self. It turns outthat when we give to others, it not onlyhelps those we are assisting but also boostsour sense of agency, gives us a sense of pur-pose and belonging and informs our sense

of identity.”During the holi-

days, which are of-ten emotionallycharged, a focus onhelping others canlead to feelings of

gratitude and happiness, says psychologistJerome Short, Ph.D. In fact, he points to a2010 study published in the journal Clini-cal Psychology Review, which shows a linkbetween benevolence and contentment.

“Kind acts increase personal happinessbecause we naturally empathize with oth-ers and take pride in our ability to make

Season of Giving, HealingActs of kindness canboost wellbeing.

For More InformationInterfaith Works – www.iworksmc.orgSOME – some.orgHOPE Pregnancy Care Center – 703-536-2020

See Acts of Kindness, Page 14


News

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

The golfing experience at BurkeLake was ratcheted up a notchwhen officials cut the ribbon ona new pro shop Saturday, Dec.

2. Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)didn’t reminisce about riding his bike to thecourse as he was growing up in the area —a common opener for supervisors at ribboncuttings lately — but praised the new addi-tion nonetheless. “I think people are goingto enjoy it for a long time to come,” he said.

Gus Johnson was heading out for nineholes as the sun was sinking late in the day.One of the best things about the Burke Lakecourse is that it’s a par-three course and canbe played quickly compared to some longercourses around the county. “The other one[clubhouse] was pretty pathetic, the courseitself is always nice,” he said.

The opening of the clubhouse is the finalpart of the $6.6 million redevelopmentproject that was funded by voter-approvedpark bonds in 2008 and 2012, according tocounty information. Inside the 4,000 squarefoot building there are four offices, a proshop, a full kitchen, and a snack bar with

indoor and outdoor seating. Everything isAmericans with Disabilities Act compliant.

“That’s the one main reason we did this,to make it accessible,” said Eric Inman ofthe Fairfax County Park Authority.

The full kitchen expands their foodchoices and enables them to serve beer ontap, both of which can be accessed by pa-trons at the driving range as well, expand-ing the attraction for the whole facility. “Thisbuilding helps support the driving range,”added Inman. The driving range hours gountil 11 p.m. now and new food choicesinclude pizza, steak and cheese sandwichesand burgers.

The marketing department is getting theword out about the new facilities with ads,a video for the Golf Channel, and “a post-card to 50,000 residents,” said RobertaKorzen, the golf marketing specialist.

As Herrity arrived to cut the ribbon, helooked at the spot where the old clubhousewas and there was nothing but a new fieldof grass and no sign of the 1970s-era club-house. “Unbelievable,” Herrity said. Thatspot will be the new putting green and theold putting green will be turned into a prac-tice chipping facility. The former clubhousedidn’t offer some of the new features that

could bring in people and money.Michael Thompson, the Springfield rep-

resentative on the Fairfax County Park Au-thority Board said it partly came down to

New Clubhouse and Snack Bar Greet Burke GolfersThe ribbon is cut for the new clubhouse at Burke Lake Golf Course. Supervisor Pat Herrity at the podium.

the “business realities we faced for parksand golf courses in the county,” he said. “It’sbetter for our users and the Park Authorityas a whole,” Thompson said.

County zoning official Pete Murphy listens to the speeches. The snack bar is bigger and has more selections.

Lauren Metrocavage from FairfaxStation is handed the bow. Fore!

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Holidays 2017

Aiden George of Lorton visits Santa with mom Rachel. Connor, 17, Dillan, 11, and Ashton Burke, 13, of Burke with Santa.

Sensory Friendly Santa Event at Springfield Town Center50 people with all spectrums of special needs have their photos taken with Santa.

For the first time, Springfield TownCenter hosted a Sensory FriendlySanta event for about 50 peoplewith sensory, physical, and devel-

opmental needs on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.This event allowed families with childrenwith all spectrums of special needs to ex-perience a Santa visit in a comforting envi-ronment prior to regular mall hours. Therewere also tables set up for coloring and play-ing with Play-Doh.

“We’ve just made some small changes likedimming the lights, turning off the mallmusic and eliminating the wait in line inorder to make it easier for these children toenjoy their visit with Santa,” said KimberlyBaldy, Marketing Director with SpringfieldTown Center.

Baldy said the target audience is childrenwith autism and Down Syndrome or anychild who has a limited attention span,doesn’t do well in crowds, or has some be-havioral disabilities. She added that thisweek alone there are 375 Sensory FriendlySanta events throughout the country. Themall partnered with Autism Speaks andCherry Hill Programs, which executed thephotos and provided the Santa during the

Joseph Zelnis, 11, and his dad Chuck of Springfieldadmire the Christmas tree.

Delphine and Monty Baker of Springfield with Santaduring the Sensory Friendly Santa Event at SpringfieldTown Center on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.

holiday season.Added Fay Painter, Executive Director,

National Capital Chapter of Autism Speaks:“Children with autism have challenges with

social skills, communication, and repetitivebehaviors and many have sensory issues;they want to dart from large crowds, loudnoises, bright lights, and so we are provid-

ing this experience to enable magic to hap-pen for children and their families.”

— Steve Hibbard

Oliver Humes, 2 1/2, of Springfield with Santa.Dominic, 12, and Michaela Mahony, 6, of Alex-andria with Santa.

Michael Zelnis, 11, of Springfield plays withPlay-Doh.

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Ballet Arts Ensemble of FairfaxPresents

Nutcracker In A Nutshell

Rachel SchlesingerConcert Hall and Arts Center

at NOVA Alexandria CampusTickets $30

Call for More Info: 703-273-5344www.thecenterforballetarts.com

Saturday, Dec. 16that 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Sunday, Dec. 17that 3:00 pm

People

Pat Herrity read a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’Proclamation at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor forDaniel Tran of Troop 881 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Churchin Springfield.

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Send notes to the Connection [email protected] orcall 703-778-9416. Deadline is Fri-day. Dated announcements should besubmitted at least two weeks prior tothe event.

Students from six Fairfax Countypublic schools have been named tothe 2017 All-Virginia Jazz Band andEnsemble. Students named to the2017 All-Virginia Jazz Band and En-semble include Charlie Gorhamfrom South County High School.

Vocal musicians from 14 Fairfax

County public schools have beennamed to the Virginia Honors Choirfor 2017. Thirty-four Fairfax CountyPublic Schools (FCPS) students wereselected for the choir, and five stu-dents were named as alternates. Thisselect choir is open to the top 125singers from around the Common-wealth of Virginia, and is the highesthonor a choir student can attain dur-ing his or her high school career.FCPS students named to the 2017Virginia Honors Choir include:Olivia Chaves and MichaelReinhardt from South CountyHigh School.

School Notes


Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGToy Collection. Through Dec. 10,

Sheehy Auto Stores throughout theWashington, D.C.-metro area willcollect new and unwrapped toys aspart of the company’s annual SheehyCares Toy Collection to benefit theU.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys forTots Program, which will distributethose toys as Christmas gifts to lessfortunate children in the communityin which the campaign is conducted.Sheehy’s Toys for Tots drop-offlocations include:

❖ Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield,6601 Backlick Road, Springfield

❖ Sheehy Ford of Springfield, 6727Loisdale Road, Springfield

❖ Sheehy Subaru of Springfield, 6571Backlick Road, Springfield

❖ Patriot Harley-Davidson, 9739 FairfaxBoulevard, Fairfax

Santa’s Flight Academy. ThroughDec. 24, at various times at at FairOaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall,Fairfax. Santa surrounded by a spacemotif. Visitwww.santaexpresslane.com for more.

“Peekaboo! A Nativity Play.”Through Dec. 24, 8 p.m. at The JohnSwayze Theatre, New School ofNorthern Virginia, 9431 Silver KingCourt, Fairfax. The Hub Theatrepresents “Peekaboo! A Nativity Play.”Call 703-674-3177 or visitwww.thehubtheatre.org.

Senior Line Dancing. Mondays, 1p.m.; Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. at LittleRIver Glen Senior Center, 4001Barker Court, Fairfax. Line Dancing isa gentle, social form of aerobicactivity. Studies have shown it aids inwarding off Alzheimer’s disease. Noprevious experience needed. Cost: $5per 8-week session. [email protected] or call 703-524-3739.

Fairfax Pets on Wheels NewVolunteer Orientation. Anorientation for new volunteersinterested in visiting residents ofnursing homes and assisted livingfacilities with their approved petsthrough the Fairfax Pets On Wheelsprogram is held the first Wednesdayof every month starting at 7:30 p.m.Visit www.fpow.org for each month’slocation. Prior to attending, pleasecomplete the online applicationfound at www.fpow.org/volunteer.www.fpow.org, 703-324-5424 [email protected].

Carolina Shag. Wednesdays, 6:30-10p.m. at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge,8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Freelessons at 7:30 p.m. No partnersneeded. Dinner menu. $8. Under 21free. nvshag.org.

FUN-Exercise Thursdays, noon-12:50p.m. at Grace Presbyterian ChurchFamily Room, 7434 Bath St.,Springfield. Inova certified exerciseinstructor leads a moderate levelexercise class with music and currentevents conversation. Muscle, Balance,Strength Training using stretch bandsand weights both standing andseated exercises. Instructor donationis $5. [email protected] or 703-499-6133.

Exercise Program Mondays andFridays at 9:30 a.m. year-round atLord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. Theexercises are for strength, balanceand maintaining limberness. ContactSCFB office at 703-426-2824 formore information.

Cafe Ivrit (Hebrew Cafe).Wednesdays. 8:15-9:15 a.m. JewishCommunity Center of NorthernVirginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike,Fairfax. Shalom (hello) Did youalways want to converse in Hebrew?Join Na’ama each week forconversational Hebrew. You will

learn and practice Hebrew in a funand interactive way while learningmore about Israel. Free, however weask that you try to attend regularly.RSVP [email protected].

English Conversation Groupsweekly at George Mason, BurkeCentre, and Lorton Libraries Practiceand improve your English. Day andstart times vary. Visit:va.evanced.info/fairfaxcounty/lib/eventcalendar.asp

FRIDAY/DEC. 8B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

4081 University Drive, Fairfax.Smoke free, all proceeds go topurchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.comor call 703-273-3638.

Flutist in Concert. 8 p.m. at OldTown Hall, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. Celebrate the Sounds of theSeason with the Columbia FluteChoir in the Christmas Concert. Free.Call 703-385-7858 or visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts.

SATURDAY/DEC. 9Christmas at George Mason’s

Gunston Hall. 10-7 p.m. at GeorgeMason’s Gunston Hall, 10709Gunston Road, Lorton. A full day ofholiday activities starts with a visitfrom Santa and games and crafts forall ages. Call 703-550- 9220 ext. 240or email [email protected] more.

Lunch with Santa. 11:30 a.m.-12:30p.m. at Sherwood CommunityCenter, 3740 Old Lee Highway. Call703-385-7858 for more.

Lunch with Santa. 11:30 a.m. and12:30 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999University Drive, Fairfax. Childrenages 10 and under can enjoy lunchwith Santa. $6. Call 703-385-7858 orvisit www.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts.

The Messiah - The NorthernVirginia Chorale. 8 p.m. at St.Mark’s Church, 5800 Backlick Road,Springfield. Orchestra andprofessional vocal soloists willperform an evening of selectionsfrom Handel’s Messiah. $25 forAdults; $10 for students (12-24);Children under 12 free. Visitwww.northernvirginiachorale.org.

Carolers and Stage Performers. 8

p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center,9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.Performers from the WorkhouseCabaret and Theatre series take thestage to perform the most lovedmusic of the season. $15 adults; $10student. Visit workhousearts.org.

DEC. 9-10James and the Giant Peach. Shows

at 12:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at theGMU Harris Theatre, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. When James is sent byhis conniving aunts to chop downtheir old fruit tree, he discovers amagic potion that grows atremendous peach that rolls into theocean and launches a journey ofenormous proportions. Visitwww.afyp.org for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 10Holiday Ornament Craft Day. 1-4

p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. Museummembers and ages 4 and under, free;5-15, $2; 16 and older, $4. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org for more.

Unveiling Eagle Sculpture. 2 p.m. atMason Neck Park, Mason Neck StatePark Visitor Center, 7301 High PointRoad, Lorton. The sculpture is named“Spirit of America” by the nationallyrenowned artist, Mike Curtis ofSagle, Idaho, and is part of a multi-year renovation of the park’s visitorcenter. Visitmasonneckstateparkfriends.org.

FRIDAY/DEC. 15Fairfax Art League Art and Lunch.

10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at City Hall Annex,10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax. Call703-385-7855 for more.

Sherwood Family Movie. 7 p.m. atthe Stacy C. Sherwood CommunityCenter, 3740 Old Lee Highway.Featuring “Beauty and the Beast”(2017). participants may bring theirown snacks. Britepaths will acceptdonations of non perishable food.Call 703-385-7858 for more.

SATURDAY/DEC. 16James and the Giant Peach. Shows

at 12:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the

GMU Harris Theatre, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. When James is sent byhis conniving aunts to chop downtheir old fruit tree, he discovers amagic potion that grows atremendous peach that rolls into theocean and launches a journey ofenormous proportions. Visitwww.afyp.org for more.

Boy Scout AnniversaryCelebration. 5-8 p.m. at CliftonPresbyterian Church, Main St.,Clifton. BSA Troop 1104 50thAnniversary Celebration, those whobelong or belonged to the troop orVenture Crew 99 members to comeand join the celebration. [email protected] call 703-867-2707 for more.

Frosty Follies Show. 6 p.m. atSpringfield Town Center, Spring MallDrive, Springfield. MetropolitanSchool of the Arts will present theirannual Frosty Follies shows in theSpringfield Town Center in the MainCourt. Visit metropolitanarts.org/ formore.

Christmas in Fairfax. 7 p.m. atFairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run.Theater production. Call 703-219-2200 for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 17Victorian Tea. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax

Station Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road. Museummembers and under 4, free; ages 5-15, $2; 16 and older, $4. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org for more.

Nativity Play. 2 p.m. at SwayzeTheater, 9431 Silver King Court,Fairfax. HUB Theatre: Peekaboo! ANativity Play. Call 703-219-2200 formore.

MONDAY/DEC. 18Bob Brown Puppets Holiday Show.

10:30 a.m. Sherwood CommunityCenter, 3740 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Sponsored by the City ofFairfax Commission on the Arts. Call703-385-7858 or visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts.

THURSDAY/DEC. 21Friday Morning Music Club. noon-1

p.m. at Old Town Hall, 3999University Drive, Fairfax. Sponsored

by the City of Fairfax Commission onthe Arts. Call 703-385-7858 or visitwww.fmmc.org.

SUNDAY/DEC. 24Celtic Carols by Candlelight. 9:30-

10 p.m. at St. Andrew;s EpiscopalChurch, 6509 Sydenstricker Road,Burke. Hear Celtic instruments andsing Christmas carols featuring thehammered dulcimer, Irish flute,pennywhistle; harp-guitar, cittern,mandolin, fiddle and Celtic harp.Donations go to FACETS and ECHO.Christmas Vigil Service will follow.Visit www.standrews.net for more.

FRIDAY/DEC. 29B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Call703-219-2200 for more.

SATURDAY/DEC. 30Art and Lunch. noon-3 p.m. at Village

Gallery, 3950 University Drive,Fairfax. Bring lunch and enjoy thecompany of other artists. Free andopen to the public. Visitwww.fairfaxartleague.net or call 703-587-9481.

SUNDAY/DEC. 31Fairfax 4 Miler. 6 p.m. at Pacers

Running Fairfax, 10427 North St.,Fairfax. Celebrating their ninth year,the Fairfax Four is a favorite for itspost-race pizza party and sweatshirtpremium. Call 703-537-0630 formore.

FRIDAY/JAN. 5B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Call703-273-3638 or visitwww.fairfaxvfd.com for more.

MONDAY/JAN. 8Funday Monday. 10:30 a.m. at Old

Town Hall, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. Sponsored by the City ofFairfax Commission on the Arts.Funday Monday will offer a variety ofchildren’s activities andentertainment in Old Town Hall.Free. Call 703-385-7858 for more.

THURSDAY/JAN. 11Art and Lunch. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

at Old Town Hall, 3999 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. The Fairfax Art Leaguewill be hosting, bring lunch andenjoy the company of other artists.Free. Visit www.fairfaxartleague.netor call 703-587-9481 for more.

FRIDAY/JAN. 12B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Call703-273-3638 or visitwww.fairfaxvfd.com for more.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 27Irish Dancing Show. 7 p.m. in the

George Mason University Center forthe Arts’ Concert Hall, 4373 MasonPond Drive, Fairfax. “Stepping Out”by Dublin Irish Dance, an explorationof the Celtic experience through thefast footwork of Irish step-dancersand an eight-member traditional Irishband. Call calling 888-945-2468, orvisit cfa.gmu.edu. for more.

THURSDAY/JAN. 28Birdland All-Stars Concert. 7 p.m.

in the George Mason UniversityCenter for the Arts’ Concert Hall,4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax.With drummer Tommy Igoe for ahigh-energy performance. Call 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu.

Holiday Fun & Entertainment

Holiday PlayThe Hub Theatre presents “Peekaboo! A Nativity Play” through Dec. 24, 8 p.m. at TheJohn Swayze Theatre, New School of Northern Virginia, 9431 Silver King Court, Fairfax.Call 703-674-3177 or visit www.thehubtheatre.org.


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others smile and feel good,” he said.Even for those who haven’t experienced levels of

need such as Puller’s, acts of altruism can have apositive effect on one’s mood. An example is Jenni-fer Carter, a senior at Marymount University in Ar-lington, who spent last weekend in the center of acrowded auditorium on the university’s campus fran-tically tying strips of fleece cloth. Along with nearly300 other volunteers, she was making blankets fornewborn babies for an organization called HOPE, anondenominational crisis pregnancy center in FairfaxCounty.

“When these new mothers leave the hospitals it’susually with a thin cotton blanket,” she said. “A lotof times, the things that they’re missing are warmblankets for the babies. It feels good to be able togive these mothers something that many people takefor granted. It makes you realize how fortunate youare.”

Short points to a 2016 study from the Universityof California at Riverside which shows thatvolunteerism can lead to gratitude and happiness.

“Grateful people pay more attention to the cost, ef-fort, and value of helping acts than the average per-son does,” he said. “They are better at coping withlife stress because they trust others to help them andthen reach out and accept help.”

Christabel Sampson experienced this metamorpho-sis first hand when she relocated to the Washington,D.C. area and was unable to find a job. She hadmounting bills, but no income. Her financial outlookspiraled further downward and she became home-less. She moved into a shelter run by Interfaith Works,a nonprofit organization in Montgomery CountyMaryland that works to meet the needs of the poor.Through the organization’s job training program, shewas able to gain skills training, clothing and shelter.As a result of the services she received, Sampson saysshe found a job. Now she volunteers her time to help-ing others at Interfaith Works and has even becomea member of the organization’s board of directors.

“The experience of being homeless and now help-ing other women definitely made me stronger,” saidSampson. “Sometimes even a spoken word can besaid to help someone to a better place. I have empa-thy because I have been there.”

From Page 8

Acts of Kindness Can Boost Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Deadline is Thursday at noon,at least two weeks before event.

SATURDAY/DEC. 9Office Hours. Mount Vernon District

Supervisor Dan Storck will hostSaturday office hours. [email protected].

❖ 9-11:30 a.m. at Lorton Library, 9520Richmond Highway, Lorton.

❖ 12:30-3 p.m. at the Mount Vernondistrict office, 2511 Parkers Lane,Mount Vernon.

MONDAY/DEC. 11Blue Christmas. 7 p.m. at King of

Kings Lutheran Church, 4025 KingsWay, Fairfax. Christmas can be apainful time for some. King of KingsLutheran Church offers a special BlueChristmas service with prayers,scripture, candle lighting and musicacknowledging that God’s presence isfor those who mourn, for those whostruggle. Everyone is welcome. Visitwww.kofk.org/ or call 703-378-7272.

Community Meetings. 7:30 p.m. atKings Park Library, 9000 Burke LakeRoad, Burke. Braddock DistrictSupervisor John Cook and the FairfaxCounty Department of Transportation

Before attending, contact thefacilitator, Eileen Thompson at 703-451-8626 [email protected].

Haven of Northern Virginiaprovides support, compassion,information and resources to thebereaved and seriously ill. To becomea Haven volunteer, please call 703-941-7000 to request an orientation.Volunteers must complete a 30-hourtraining and commit to one year ofservice answering Haven phones (2.5hours weekly). Next training isscheduled for fall 2017.

ONGOINGRSVP, a volunteer network for seniors

seeking service opportunities in andaround Fairfax County, ArlingtonCounty and the City of Alexandria,offers a wide array of opportunitiesfor volunteers 55 and older. RSVPvolunteers enjoy flexible schedules,free accident and liability insurancewhile serving, optional mileage andmeal reimbursement and are invitedto volunteer group projects and socialgatherings. To sign up for anupcoming orientation, email CarlyHubicki at [email protected] or call RSVP at 703-403-5360. To learn more about RSVP,visit www.rsvpnova.org.

(FCDOT) will host a communitymeetings focused on specific sectionsof Braddock Road this fall. Thismeeting is on the Burke Lakeintersection. The goal of theBraddock Road Multimodal Study isto develop commuting improvementsfor the corridor from Guinea Road toI-495 to Ravensworth Road. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/braddockroadmmstudy/.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 13Annual Taste of Braddock, 5:30-

7:30 p.m. at Braddock Hall in theKings Park Library, 9002 Burke LakeRoad. Supervisor John. C. Cookinvites the Braddock Districtresidents to join with their friendsand neighbors at annual Open Houseto mark the start of the holidayseason. Enjoy food donated byBraddock area businesses and sharein the spirit provided by arearesidents. RSVP at 703-425-9300 oremail to [email protected]

SUPPORT GROUPSShepherd’s Center of Fairfax-

Burke sponsors a monthly meetingon the 2nd Tuesday of each month,noon-1:30 p.m., for caregivers tolearn and to share with othersexperiencing similar challenges.

Bulletin Board


Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

I don’t want to self-indulge too muchabout last week’s column but, sometimes inmy unexpressed desire to fulfill my writingobligation/not let me cancer/cancer treatmentaffect my schedule, I write my column underless-than-ideal circumstances.

Post chemotherapy/(last week) – the imme-diate week after, is about as challenging as itgets for me. I’m a bit irritable. I’m a bit out ofsync/unable to focus. I’m somewhat impa-tient. My hands are shaky. My eyes are“squinty.” I’m hungry yet I can’t eat. My self-editing skills are below average – more thanusual. And finally, my reading comprehensionis mostly lost in the toxic haze. Still, I’m deter-mined to make my deadline.

Not that any of the preceding paragraph isan excuse. It’s more of an explanation as towhy a column written with the best of inten-tions may have missed the mark in tone andsubstance. Though I’ve not received any feed-back as yet confirming my sense of what I hadwritten last week; nevertheless, my feelingupon submitting it to editorial was that I hadwavered a bit. Unfortunately, I didn’t have thebalance emotionally or the ability physically toassess its content. I apologize in arrears forattempting to maintain its regularity.

And to that point, specifically to that word,that’s what my attitude as a cancer patient hasbeen about: regularity. Doing the things that Iregularly/normally/typically do without deviat-ing from my norm. Because for me, deviatingfrom my norm, living/doing outside of my box– within reason, would be – to me anyway,reinforcing the negative that is most definitelya cancer diagnosis. A diagnosis with which Ihave long ago made my peace, made mychoices and moreover, made my it goal toface the present/future with a positive attitudeinfused with as much self-effacing goodhumor as possible. It’s nothing I really didintentionally, it is simply who I am: my father’sson, with inherited sensibilities to live my lifethinking the glass is half full, until it’s not.

And so far, nearly nine years into a “13month to two-year” prognosis, I’m living proofthat either whatever I’m doing is working (andthere’s a bit more to the story) or I’m anincredibly lucky act of kindness for whichthere’s no quantifiable explanation.Regardless, I’m not the least bit inclined tolook a gift horse in the mouth and/or deny thepossibility that my tumors are necrotic (dead).I’m very happy to accept the inexplicable factthat, statistically speaking, I’m an officialanomaly: a stage IV, non-small cell lung can-cer survivor.

However, since I’m not one to presumefacts not yet in evidence, I’m still infusedevery six weeks, scanned quarterly and seenby my oncologist every three months. I don’tfor a second believe that somehow, afterbeing diagnosed with a “terminal disease” inlate February 2009, that life goes merrily alongwithout consequences. Not that I’m a fatalist –Rebecca, I’m merely evaluat-ing/introspecting/compartmentalizing and allo-cating precious emotional resources so I canlive my life as I’m accustomed to doing.

And what I’m most accustomed to doing,especially dating back to December 1997, iswriting a weekly column for ConnectionNewspapers. Though the columns publishedprevious to June ‘09 were not “cancer” col-umns, as we call them, they were nonethelesswritten with the same passion and nonsensicalprose as my “cancer” columns are. So, gener-ally speaking, I am able, as my brotherRichard says, “to churn out the dribble.”

Still, writing is not like reading. Though asimilar commitment is needed, writingrequires a bit more effort. And it’s been aneffort I’ve sustained before, after and duringmy lung cancer diagnosis. Some weeks areharder than others. Last week was difficult.This week not so much.

Perhaps you agree?

Context ofHaving WrittenBusiness Directory

To Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER GUTTER

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE

TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE

Good is not good, where

better is expected.

-Thomas Fuller

From Page 6

❖ Good Shepherd Housing and FamilyServices, 8305-17B Richmond Highway, POBox 15096, Alexandria, VA, 22309. 703-768-9419, www.goodhousing.org/. The mission ofGood Shepherd Housing (GSH) is to reducehomelessness, increase community support, andpromote self-sufficiency. GSH housing managesmore than 70 housing units.

❖ Boys and Girls Clubs of GreaterWashington Fairfax Area operates clubs intwo of the neediest areas of the county, Culmoreand Mount Vernon/ Route 1 corridor, focusingon character and academic success.www.bgcgw.org/fairfax.

❖ Christian Relief Services, 8301 RIchmondHighway, Suite 900, Alexandria, VA 22309, 703-317-9086, 703-317-9690, christianrelief.org/

❖ Friends of Guest House Northern Virginiaoffers structure, supervision, support andassistance to female ex-offenders who want toimprove their lives and break the cycle ofincarceration. Friends of Guest House offers theonly program for women of its kind in NorthernVirginia. One East Luray Ave., Alexandria, VA22301-2025, 703-549-8072,[email protected],friendsofguesthouse.org/

❖ Wright to Read 703-299-9854,www.wrighttoread.org. Provides volunteer-based, one-to-one tutoring and mentoring toCity of Alexandria public elementary schoolchildren in need. Funds are needed to providefield trips and enrichment activities, books andother resources. For more information aboutWright to Read and becoming a “Tutor/Mentor”see website.

❖ Habitat for Humanity of NorthernVirginia transforms the lives of lower-incomefamilies in need by providing affordablehomeownership opportunities in Alexandria,Arlington, Fairfax and Falls Church. Learn moreat www.habitatnova.org.

❖ Alice’s Kids (@alicewillhelp), aliceskids.org,P.O. Box 60, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. When achild is raised in poverty they suffer bothpublicly and privately. When there is no food inthe refrigerator, no electricity nor heat, these arehardships that they can keep hidden from theirpeers. But, when that same child can’t afford topay for the band field trip, a pair of glasses, achorus outfit or a new pair of shoes, these areindignities that are evident to their classmates.Alice’s Kids pays for these relatively inexpensiveitems in the hopes of preserving the dignity ofthe child. Alice’s Kids helps children from allover the Mount Vernon area through small actsof kindness.

❖ The Community Foundation of NorthernVirginia has launched its Permanent Fundcampaign, a community endowment which is aforever source to provide critical support forthose in need in the Northern Virginia region;Consider leaving a legacy through a current orplanned gift to the Permanent Fund at theCommunity Foundation for Northern Virginia.www.cfnova.org/permanentfund.

❖ The Historic Pohick Church Foundation,9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079,703-339-6572. The Historic Pohick Church,listed on the National Register of Historic Places,has played a central role in the history of ourcountry, founded by George Washington, GeorgeMason, and others. The Historic Pohick ChurchFoundation is a nonprofit, charitable corporationthat was established in 1983 for themaintenance, upkeep, and preservation of thehistoric colonial-era Pohick Church building andthe surrounding churchyard.

❖ Rising Hope, 8220 Russell Road, Alexandria,VA 22309, risinghopeumc.org. Supports poorand homeless people along the Route 1Corridor. To volunteer, donate in-kindcontributions or partner with Rising Hope inother ways, contact Kat Roman [email protected] or 703-360-1976.

❖ The Literacy Council of NorthernVirginia, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church,Virginia 22042, 703-237-0866, lcnv.org, teachesadults to speak, read, write and understandEnglish at the most basic level. The organizationhas been around for 55 years, and serves Fairfaxand Arlington Counties and the cities of FallsChurch and Alexandria. Most of the students areimmigrants, and they are mostly women, andlow income.

❖ Neighborhood Health Clinics,www.neighborhoodhealthva.org, Improvinghealth and advance health equity in Alexandria,Arlington, and Fairfax by providing access tohigh quality care regardless of ability to pay.

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