Burke Lake Train - connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.comconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/04/12/... · said. O’Connor once took all the wooden benches

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Burke Lake Train: Tough and Nostalgic

News, Page 3

Leadership Fairfax Hits a Home Run News, Page 8

‘Super Seniors’ Still in the Game News, Page 5

The C.P. Huntington rolled out of storage on Saturday, April 6, thrilling riders with the whistle, the bell and nostalgia as the replica train chugged along on the rails at Burke Lake Park.

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2 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 11-17, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

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By Mike Salmon

The Connection

The C.P. Huntington rolled out ofstorage on Saturday, April 6,thrilling riders with the whistle,the bell and nostalgia as the rep-

lica train chugged along on the rails atBurke Lake Park. The train is 1/3 scale of afull-size train, and a mainstay for park pa-trons.

Park manager Keith O’Connor has wit-nessed several generations of families atBurke Lake Park riding the train, and theword has spread around because not everypark has a train. “People know about ourtrain,” he said.

THE TRAIN runs on the weekends onlyuntil Memorial Day, and then it’s every day

until after Labor Day when it goes back toweekends only. In the late fall, it’s parkedback in the tunnel. The current C.P. Hun-tington is number 343, which is the secondtrain owned by the park. Train number 62was the original, and it’s still at the park,but is only used for a promotional set up.

Fairfax Station resident Bill Koch was adriver for years until he died recently. “Heloved this train,” O’Connor said. His son RonPearson still works there and his duties in-clude maintenance to the train and trackswhen needed. His father’s train experiencestarted with the prison train when LortonReformatory was still operating, and hebrought that knowledge and love of trainsto Burke Lake, and his love of trains spreadto his son Ron who started working at BurkeLake while attending Robinson High School.“The Park Authority is a big part of my life

and I have enjoyed every position I havehad and all the great people I have workedwith through the years,” Ron Pearson said.“All of which would have not happened ifmy dad had not gotten me a job at the trainwhen I was in high school.”

EACH SEASON, the park employes fourdifferent drivers, and the park encouragesthey take on the role of the conductor, butthere is no uniform supplied, although mosthave gotten hats and a pair of overalls touse. “It’s up to them,” O’Connor said. Thetracks, switches and signals are real andrequire real attention, just like on the full-sized railroads out there. “This is all realtrain stuff,” O’Connor said, pointing to aswitch near the tunnel. “Kids love the tun-nel,” he said.

Although a train ride with the weddingparty or a sports team would make greatpictures, the park does not rent it out dur-ing regular park hours for that. If a groupwould like that kind of thing, it has to beoff hours and arranged through the parkoffice. “We try and make accommodationsfor special groups,” he said. There is a spe-cial car for wheelchairs and they can hookit up to the train quickly. The income fromthe train is a big part of the park’s budget.

C.P. HuntingtonThe C.P. Huntington was named after

Collis Potter Huntington, a railroad pioneerthat was big in the early railroads, especiallyout west. The C. P. Huntington train is a 4-2-4T steam locomotive on static display at

the California State Railroad Museumin Sacramento, Calif. The replica trainwas the first product of Chase Manu-facturing in 1961, that now builds car-nival rides and roller coasters too attheir 310,000 sq. ft. factory in Wichita,Kan.

“It’s a replica of 1800s western train,”said Larry Breitenstein, the NationalSales Director at Chance Rides, Inc. ,and they’re operated all over the coun-try, including the St. Louis Zoo whichhas four trains. They are sturdy anddon’t wear out easily, said Breitenstein.“We have trains operating out therefrom the ‘60s and ‘70s,” he said. Onewas used in a Claritin allergy medicinecommercial at the Santa Barbara Zoo,and Michael Jackson had one runningin Neverland Ranch, also in California.

Around Burke Lake, if it’s during thewarmer months, the train must go on,said O’Connor, “they’re tough.” If it’sdown, “people get upset,” he said, andmechanics are called in all hours of thenight to fix it. “The train has to go,” hesaid. O’Connor once took all thewooden benches to his father’s houseand refinished them.

The train is a big draw in the summer.

Burke Lake Train: Tough and NostalgicOpening weekend for Burke Lake Park was a popular attraction. TThe caboose is a popular place to sit.

In the 1800’s, C.P. Huntington was a figure in the country’srailroad industry.

The track switches are authentic atBurke Lake Park.

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection


See Jubilee, Page 13

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

About 250 library VIPs and supporters attended the 25th Anniversary Jubilee, a fundraiser forthe Fairfax Library Foundation

called “A Step Back in Time” on Saturday, April6, 2019, at the newly renovated Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library in Falls Church.

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

25th Anniversary Jubilee forFairfax Library Foundation.

A Step Back in Time

News

Presenting theResolution honoringthe Fairfax LibraryFoundation on 25years are Del. DavidBulova (center);Lisa Bryant Execu-tive Director, FairfaxLibrary Foundation;and Patricia Reed,Board Chair, FairfaxLibrary Foundation.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection

Art students in Nancy Jung’s art classes in Fairfax had their paintingsauctioned off.

The Jubilee guests peruse the silent auction.


News

See Super Seniors, Page 11

By Karen Nappi

Have you ever dreamt of finding 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 andstarted 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 keytypes of exercise recommended by healthprofessionals: balance, flexibility, strengthand endurance.

Since not every senior is in the sameshape, NVSS divides players into threeleagues based on an initial assessment. Thatway, players are grouped with others ofsimilar ability, regardless of age. “We allhave issues — none of us can run as fast orthrow as hard as we used to,” says JesseChristian, an 85-year-old outfielder fromArlington. “But we love being active —that’s the main thing.”

That sentiment is echoed by George andBeth Hersey, 81 and 83 respectively. Thecouple, who live in Great Falls, rarely missa game. “Playing softball keeps you young,”says George.

Beth Hersey, who has managed an NVSSteam for the last 20 years, said, “I don’t thinkwe have had anything more serious than astrain or sprain in all the years we’ve beenplaying. We know that every Tuesday andThursday morning, Spring ‘til Fall, we’ll beoutside with friends, playing and having agreat time.” The Herseys don’t stop playingwhen the season ends; they conduct indoorsoftball training sessions for other NVSSmembers at the Dulles SportsPlex from De-cember through March.

NVSS also offers several indoor trainingsessions at the Fairfax SportsPlex in Spring-field during the off-season. One of thoseweekly sessions is run by 86-year-old DaveScheele, a long-time shortstop who joinedthe league at age 53. “I started playing soft-ball as a way to relieve stress,” he says. “Mywife was battling breast cancer at the timeand softball gave me something else to fo-cus on for a few hours a week.” Scheele,who lives in Springfield, has made many,many friends through the sport and saysNVSS has been “a wonderful part of my re-tirement. I can’t imagine how I would’vehandled it without softball.”

Scheele and the others know firsthandthat participation in a team sport like soft

‘Super seniors’ head out to softball fields across the county fora dose of the best anti-aging remedy around.

‘Super Seniors’ Enjoy Softball, Camaraderie

Jesse Christian, 85, smacks a deep fly ball during an NVSS game.

Harvey Wenick, 82, waits in the dugout for his turn at bat.


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

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

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”

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Lake Braddock Secondary senior KimmilyPhan is one of only five percent of appli-cants to be named a Dell Scholar and willreceive financial and other key supports inher quest to earn a college degree. Kimmilyhas attended Lake Braddock since seventhgrade, where she is a student in the AVID(Advancement Via Individual Determina-tion) program which provides study skillsinstruction, motivational activities, and col-lege and career exploration. She also par-ticipates in the College Partnership Pro-gram, National Honor Society, National Sci-ence Honor Society, and Teen AdvisoryBoard for Kings Park Library, and holds apart-time job.

“I wish more people took AVID,” she said.“I have become more organized and I havelearned specific skills to help me be success-ful in college.” Kimmily plans to attend theUniversity of Virginia and study biology;ultimately, she plans to go to medical schoolto become a pediatrician.

Lake BraddockSenior NamedDell Scholar

Courtesy photo

Kimmily Phan

Schools

Making School aWelcoming PlaceOn a recent teacher work-day and student holiday,South County High studentsspent their day volunteer-ing instead of sleeping lateor hanging out withfriends. While teachersworked on grades, thestudents were hard at workmaking their school awelcoming place, paintingthe hall as part of a Stu-dent Council project andhelping Chef David Longbuild and move new tablesinto the Gourmet Foodsclassroom. English teacherJennifer Delinski noted, “Itmade grading a little easierremembering how awe-some these kids can be.”.

8 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 11-17, 2019 Burke Connection ❖ April 11-17, 2019 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

The Leadership Fairfax Breakfastwith the Board of Supervisors isalways a hot ticket, drawing afull house of elected officials,

community and business leaders and mem-bers of local law enforcement — many ofthem alumni of Leadership Fairfax programs— eager to reunite with other grads” meetand greet and network with others in theirspace. They are also there to watch their gov-ernment representatives opine on the stateof our local affairs all while letting downtheir professional hair just a bit.

The 28th edition of the breakfast, held atthe Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Churchon Friday, April 5, met all those expectations.The planners went for a baseball theme forthis year’s event and from the very first in-ning they produced a winner, starting withthe Press Box set up in the lobby, whereLeadership Fairfax class of 2017 alumniBrian Kincaid and Devan Strebig intervieweda number of the local star players like Su-pervisor Jeff McKay (Lee District) andFairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid.

Opening remarks were handled by Lead-ership Fairfax President & CEO Karen Cleve-land, Leadership Fairfax Board ChairmanHuey Battle, and Monica Schmude, Presi-dent of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Cigna,the event’s MVP sponsor.

Before the Board of Supervisors team tookthe field, however, award namesakeKatherine Hanley and Fairfax County Eco-nomic Development Authority national di-rector of marketing Rodney Lusk, a long-time local civic activist and 1998 LeadershipFairfax graduate, presented the 16th annualKatherine K. Hanley Public Service Award.

Lusk read out the names of the previouswinners before announcing — to thunder-ous applause — Board of Supervisors Chair-

man Sharon Bulova as the 2019 award re-cipient. Even among such illustrious com-pany, Lusk noted that Bulova was “a realstand-out.”

After a career of more than 30 years ofservice to the community, the last ten ofwhich saw her preside over the governingof Fairfax County as the Board Chair, Bulovahas decided to retire at the end of her term,and she will be much-missed, said Lusk.

Both Hanley and Lusk said they were hard-pressed to name only a few of Bulova’s ac-complishments and contributions. The factthat the county maintained its AAA Bondrating during her term, despite the GreatRecession, the federal sequestration and sev-

eral partial government shutdowns that se-verely impacted a government town likeNorthern Virginia, are testaments to Bulova’sleadership, said Lusk.

Her involvement with championing thedevelopment of the county’s Diversion Firstprogram (designed to decrease the use ofarrest and incarceration for low-level offend-ers with mental health issues), her role withVirginia Railway Express and Metro’s SilverLine, initiating the Faith Communities inAction and convening the Ad Hoc PolicePractices Review Commission, as well as herdedication to the One Fairfax equity initia-tive, make Bulova “the obvious choice forsuch recognition” for an award given tosomeone “who exemplifies service above selfand has had a positive effect on the County.”

With the award ceremony complete, it wastime to call “Play Ball!”

THE STARTING LINE-UP of the “Leader-ship Fairfax All Stars” was introduced byLeadership Fairfax COO Andy Sigle, using aspot-on impression of an announcer’s voiceas he called out each district supervisor inturn.

❖ Kathy “Rainmaker” Smith - Sully,“drafted” in 2016

❖ Pat “Ace on Base” Herrity – Springfield,2008

❖ John “Legal Eagle” Foust – Dranesville,2007

❖ Cathy “The Hammer” Hudgins - HunterMill, 2000

❖ Penny “The Consultant” Gross - Mason,1996

❖ Linda “Big Slugger” Smyth - Providence,2003

❖ Dan “Rail Splitter” Storck, - Mt. Vernon,2016

❖ John “The Champion” Cook - Braddock,2009

❖ Jeff “Batter Up” McKay - Lee, 2008❖ Sharon “The Chairman” Bulova - At-

Large, 2009All the “players” ran in to take their posi-

tions on the dais as baseball-style card pho-tos were flashed on screen with their pho-tos and their stats, including a few of theirmost significant achievements and areas ofinvolvement.

Moderator and head umpire Casey Veatch,principal with Veatch Commercial Real Es-tate and graduate of Leadership Fairfax classof 1999 got the game under way, giving theman easy pitch to start the proceedings byasking each supervisor to recount a sportsmemory.

Hilarious, poignant, and even a few dra-matic moments were shared, but the high-light of each story was the signing of a re-ally-soft softball by each before they tossedit into the crowd – to a varying degree ofsuccess. Each throw was judged by umpireMark Ingrao, President and CEO of theGreater Reston Chamber of Commerce.Ingrao called a few base hits, a foul ball ortwo, and declared that Supervisor Cookshould actually be called “outta here!” whenhis enthusiastic pitch hit the ballroom ceil-ing before bouncing back into the crowd.

In regards to the toss outs, Veatch assuredthe audience of two things: “It’s ok – Lead-ership Fairfax has insurance for today’sgame, and secondly, our umpire is legit,” hesaid, referencing Ingrao’s induction as anumpire in the Softball Hall of Fame.

“If we get into any tussles among the play-ers,” Veatch joked, “we’re still safe since theump is also a Wrestling Hall of Fame ref-eree!”

Another easy pitch to the players followed.“Name your favorite stadium snack,” askedVeatch.

McKay was quick to respond, “beer.”Storck followed up “then with 2 beers!”Herrity also voted for beer, while sausages,hot dogs, and peanuts also made the list.

After the sports stories were concluded

and the softballs thrown without major in-jury to either players or spectators, it wastime for the fastballs, curveballs, and slid-ers to finally be unleashed.

IT’S AN ELECTION YEAR in FairfaxCounty. All of the seats on the Board of Su-pervisors are up for grabs, but even if in-cumbents retain their positions, the line upof the Board is set to change dramatically.

In addition to Bulova’s retirement, theHunter Mill, Braddock and Providence dis-tricts will all see new faces of representa-tion as Cathy Hudgins, John Cook, and LindaSmyth respectively declined to seek re-elec-tion. Jeff McKay of the Braddock District isrunning to take the Board Chair position,meaning his district will also elect a newsupervisor.

“I think it’s something like 40 years sincewe held a primary for the Chairman’s seat,”said Veatch, but that is exactly what is aheadfor McKay and his Democratic challengerson June 11.

With all that change in the air, Veatchasked questions that not only focused on thecurrent state of affairs, but on how thatchange may effect the governance of FairfaxCounty going forward. He also remindedBulova, Cook, Hudgins, and Smyth that theirimpending retirements from the team meantthey were “free to speak your minds,” whilepointing out that Penny Gross (Mason)would become the longest-serving memberof the board and “the adult in the room.”

Some of their responses included:Gross (Mason) – “Yes, I will be the adult

supervision,” she laughed, but vowed to bethe mentor to the newbies that helped hertransition successfully when she joined theBoard. Gross also referenced a quote thatadvised that “one could go far alone, but togo far required going together. The unitedteam of the Board of Supervisors can moveus forward, base to base.”

Foust (Dranesville) also spoke to unityand the need for collaboration among theconnected regions of Fairfax County andneighbors, in order to collaborativelyachieve success for all citizens.

Cook (Braddock) expressed concernabout the destructive impact of divisionswithin the country and even the county, andthe potential for further harm as the wealthgap continues to widen. When the Ameri-can Dream changes from “if I work hard Ican get there, to even if I work hard I can’tget there,” Cook says the resentment andthe division builds up. “Government doesn’tcreate, so much as it follows. It’s up to youand the community to work together withgovernment” to make community improve-ments and get things done.

Smith (Sully) talked about changes to thecounty’s zoning laws - big and small. In ad-dition to hearing cases and making changesto protect the integrity of the county’s stan-dards, Smith explained how some restric-tions on owning unusual pets like chinchil-las and hedgehogs had been eased, thanksto the advocacy of some younger membersof her constituency. “Yes, you can now owna hedgehog,” said Smith, “but please con-sider your pet choices carefully and learnhow to take care of your pets properly.”

Referencing a recent report on illnessesthat can be passed from hedgehog to hu-man, Smith added “and words I neverthought I would say in my professional life,please don’t kiss your hedgehog.”

Herrity (Springfield), who has long beena champion of the war against opioid addic-tions and deaths in the region, spoke of thesteps being made to improve the devastat-ing situation. “Opioid deaths were down by40 percent between 2017 – 2018,” he noted,but said there was still much work to be doneand better reporting needed. “The biggestneed is more resources for treatment,” headded. “There just aren’t enough treatment

centers” to address the problems.Smyth (Providence) talked about the big

achievements that can be made working to-gether. The Mosaic district project startedas a task force in 1990 comprising local resi-dents as well as government officials andpotential stakeholders and developers. Anarea that was plagued by deterioration andcrime, at the time of the task force’s incep-tion, the space was valued at $38 million.“Today, as of January 1, 2019, the MosaicDistrict is valued at $648 million. That’swhat cooperative revitalization can do,” shedeclared.

Hudgins (Hunter Mill) praised the ever-improving relationship between the countygovernment and the Fairfax County PublicSchools, seeing their more open and recep-tive communications and partnership as areal benefit to all county citizens, not justits young people. She is also proud of theadoption of the One Fairfax “lens by whichwe will look at every policy, everything wedo” to avoid actions that would create ineq-uitable situations. Hudgins also took theopportunity to strongly urge that solving theaffordable housing crisis be a top priorityboth now and going forward.

Storck (Mount Vernon) thanked his fel-low board members for their willingness toinvest in his district, which will see thecounty’s largest employer in Fort Belvoir atone end of the Richmond Highway andAmazon, as it is built, on the other end ofthe corridor. “All told, there will be about$1 billion invested in this area with transitoptions, road widening and more. The posi-tive effects are already being felt,” saidStorck. The “forward-thinking” of the boardwill mean continued growth, improvementand revitalization not only for the Mt. VernonDistrict, but the whole region. “That is realleadership.”

Bulova (Chair) and McKay (Lee) bothwere asked to address growth and develop-

ment in the county.“There is a strategy to how we grow and

how we manage our growth,” Bulova an-swered. Development is first reviewed tosupport and protect “our stable, residentialneighborhoods.”

Growth is targeted at areas that if leftalone “would continue to deteriorate.” Shecited areas along the Richmond Highwaycorridor that “are virtually the same as whenI arrived here as a young bride during theVietnam War. We need to bring improve-ments there.”

Bulova also noted that development takesinto consideration environmental needs, notonly seeking to avoid negative environmen-tal impacts, but looking to proactively im-prove currently less-than-ideal environmen-tal situations.

McKay followed up with success stories ofdevelopment in his own district. “The mallin the central Springfield District went fromthe least desirable asset, to the third mostvaluable such property in the county.” Thenew TSA building is also slated for the dis-trict.

“In all cases, development must considerenvironmental impacts and make improve-ments there, and to infrastructure.”

Even though the audience seemed willingto stay for extra innings, after the last roundof questions, Veatch had to “call the game,”declaring that all in attendance, players andspectators alike had emerged as winnersfrom this year’s Leadership Fairfax Break-fast with the Board, while reminding themall to vote in the elections on November 5.

To take a swing at improving your leader-ship skills and community impact, visitwww.leadershipfairfax.org. Programs aretailored for experienced leaders as well asthose just starting their careers. LeadershipFairfax also offers a Lifetime Leaders Pro-gram designed for retiring or newly retiredindividuals.

Breakfast with the Board of Supervisors honors community service.Leadership Fairfax Hits a Home Run

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Geary Photography

The 2019 recipient of the Katherine K. Hanley Award for Public Service isSharon Bulova (center), Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.The honor was presented to Bulova at the Leadership Fairfax Breakfastwith the Board by Rodney Lusk and award namesake Katherine Hanley.


A swing, but no miss for the supervisors who are retiring from the Board“line-up” at the end of the year. Cathy Hudgins (Hunter Mill), SharonBulova (Chair), Linda Smyth (Providence), and John Cook (Braddock)have all made significant contributions to the community and the resi-dents of Fairfax County and beyond in their time in office.


In keeping with the baseball theme, Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid— flanked by Leadership Fairfax graduates of the class of 2017 DevanStrebig and Brian Kincaid — gets interviewed in the “Press Box.”


The elected officials were made to show off their athletic skills by throw-ing out a softball – a really, really soft ball! – after answering the first setof questions posed by moderator Casey Veatch. Their efforts drew avariety of a calls from umpire Mark Ingrao.

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Leadership Fairfax president andCEO Karen Cleveland welcomes thespectators to the ballgame-themedBreakfast with the Board of Super-visors on April 5, at the FairviewPark Marriott.


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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.

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ConnectionNewspapers


bCOMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

To AdvertiseYour Communityof Worship

Call 703-778-9431

11th Annual Easter

EGGSTRAVAGANZASat. April 20, 1 to 3pm

Family Fun! All Activities are FREE!Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax(Grassy Area behind building)

Sponsoredby

visitjccag.org

JUBILEECHRISTIANCENTER

*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]

of Rail and Public Transportation, 600 East Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.

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Thursday, April 11, 2019 Lynchburg District

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Monday, April 15, 2019 Hampton Roads District

Auditorium

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Monday, April 22, 2019 Staunton District

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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.

From Page 5

News

Pablo Sejas, in 10th Grade atLake Braddock SecondarySchool, passed his Eagle ScoutBoard of Review to become the215th Eagle Scout in Burke BoyScout Troop 1131, where he isthe Troop Order of the ArrowRepresentative (TOR).

Pablo earned 80 meritbadges and plans to earn therest of the current 137 meritbadges of the Boy Scouts of

America, taking some more ateach of two summer camps thisyear. He plans to attend theWorld Scout Jamboree thisyear in West Virginia.

He and his family attend AllAngels Anglican CatholicChurch in Alexandria.

Pablo is interested in a collegeor university major in ComputerEngineering with a specializa-tion in Software Development.

Pablo Sejas Passes HisEagle Scout Board of Review

Pablo Sejas with mother, Renee Fernandez, andKief Tackaberry, known as ‘Papa T’ to Pablo.

ball can combat the feel-ings of isolation and lowself-worth that may crop upas we age. According to theJan/Feb AARP Bulletin, ananalysis of data collectedfrom 1.2 million adultsfound that team sports of-fered the most mentalhealth benefits from exer-cise. Sports increase self-esteem; seeing positive re-sults from playing as part of a teamcan improve morale and foster agreater sense of purpose.

THAT’S A BIG PART of why Al-exandria resident Harvey Wenick,82, still plays. He calls the cama-raderie the best part. “Meetingother seniors and having team-mates is just great,” says the leftythird-baseman. “I played golf andtennis as an adult, but I didn’t en-

‘Super Seniors’ EnjoySoftball, Camaraderie

joy them all that much. A friendsuggested I try NVSS and I washooked immediately. It’s so muchfun — playing softball makes mefeel like a kid again.”

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

For more information, go tonvss.org

“We know that everyTuesday and Thursdaymorning, Spring ‘til Fall,we’ll be outside withfriends, playing andhaving a great time.”

—Beth Hersey, 83, of Great Falls

Photo courtesy of G.C. ‘Gary’ Black, III


THURSDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 11-13August: Osage County. Thursday-Saturday, 7:30

p.m. at James Lee Community Center, 2855Annandale Road, Falls Church. When the largeWeston family unexpectedly reunites after Daddisappears, their Oklahoma family homesteadexplodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths andunsettling mysteries. This play contains stronglanguage and adult content. $17-$20. [email protected], call 703-425-6782 or visit www.providenceplayers.org.

Spring New Dances. 8 p.m. in the Harris Theatreon GMU’s Fairfax Campus. Meet the nextgeneration of contemporary choreographers.$15 adults/$10 seniors. Get tickets atcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/spring-new-dances.

FRIDAY/APRIL 12Benefit: Fashion Show Luncheon. 10:30 a.m.

at the Waterford at Fair Oaks. The FairfaxSalvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will holdtheir 39th Annual Fashion Show/Luncheon.Fashions will be presented by Lord & Taylor ofFair Oaks. Featured will be children, ladies andmen’s fashions. There will also be a silentauction of more than 100 items to bid on tosupport the fundraiser. Also featured will be aJewelry Nook, Attic Treasures and a HatContest. $45 each. Reservation deadline isMarch 27. Contact Jo Porter at 703-690-5245 [email protected].

Gardening with Herbs. 1-2 p.m. at PohickRegional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road,Burke. Learn about the benefits of herbgardening. Topics covered will include planningan herb garden, selecting plants, and caring fora garden. This presentation has lots ofphotographs for ideas. Free. [email protected] or call 703-447-7333 for more.

B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee,entertaining callers, a friendly atmosphere,$1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good food available forpurchase. All proceeds go to purchasing fire andrescue equipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com orcall 703-273-3638 for more.

Mystical 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.

Pablo Sáinz Villegas. 8 p.m. at the Center forthe Arts, Concert Hall, on GMU’s FairfaxCampus. Praised as “the soul of the Spanishguitar,” guitar virtuoso Pablo Sáinz Villegaspresents Americano, a program that traces thehistory of the guitar in the Americas. Family-friendly. $46, $39, $28. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/pablo-s-225-inz-villegasfor tickets.

SATURDAY/APRIL 13Kite Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gunston Hall,

10709 Gunston Road, Lorton. Join Gunston Hallfor a day of kite flying and family fun during theannual Kite Festival. With children’s activities,crafts, and guided tours, there will be fun for allages. Bring, buy, or make a kite at the festival.The local Lions Club will sell lunch and snacksfor nominal fees, cash preferred. Admission $8-$10. Call 703-550-9220 or visit gunstonhall.org/event/kite-festival.

Hispanic Book Festival of Virginia. Noon-6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center Room 337 (3rdFloor), on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. Raices LatinasPress, The Hispanic Culture Review Mason’sbilingual graduate journal of literature and art,and the Department of Modern and ClassicalLanguages at George Mason University presentthe third annual Hispanic Book Festival ofVirginia. This interactive event seeks to promotereading and foster a greater appreciation ofbooks and the written word. This year’s authorsand special guests include Peruvian author LuisHernán Castañeda, Oswaldo Estrada, MartivónGalindo, Hemil García Linares, FernandoOlszanski, and more. Free admission. [email protected] for more.

Cooking Tuscan Recipes. 2-3:30 p.m. at KingsPark Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke. JoinChef Cal Kraft as he presents a taste of Tuscany.Bring the Italian countryside all the way home.Teens and adults. Free. Call 703-568-5600

Kulenguski. The exhibit runs April 2-May 6. Thegallery is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (exceptmajor holidays). Call 703-494-0584 or [email protected].

Rugby Demo/Clinic. 4-5:30 p.m. at FranconiaPark, 6400 Bowie Drive, Springfield. Demo/clinic for new and experienced players. SYCWest End offers three sports: 15s Tackle, 7sTackle, and Tag Rugby. 15s and 7s rugby is forgirls and boys from grades 3-12; 15s play in thespring and 7s in the summer, governed byRugby Virginia. A House Tag league runs in Mayand June with the opportunity to play matchesagainst other Rugby Virginia clubs. Visitwww.sycva.com/rugby.

Jazz Workshop Concert. 7 p.m. in the HarrisTheatre, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. JazzSaxophone faculty, Rick Parrell directs theMason Jazz Workshop big band in concert. The

Jazz Workshop performs music by Thad Jones,Mike Tomaro, Alan Baylock, Duke Ellington,Count Basie, Neal Hefti and others. Visit MasonJazz online at music.gmu.edu/jazz-studies/.Visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/jazz-workshop-concert for details.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 17“Nazis and Me.” 7-8 p.m. at Patriots, 10560

Main St., Fairfax. Hate groups have always beena part of David Lawson’s life, from witnessingvandalism and bomb threats as a child to beingtrolled by Incels and Pepe the Frog worshipersas an adult. “Nazis and Me” is a one-man showabout Lawson’s run-ins with hate set in a timewhere hateful Americans feel a strong sense ofcomfort: Right now. Suggested donation. Visitwww.dtlawson.com for more.

Mason Symphony Orchestra & UniversityChoirs. 8 p.m. in the Center for the Arts,Concert Hall, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. TheMason Symphony Orchestra is comprised ofstring, wind, and percussion players fromthroughout the School of Music, but is open forparticipation by all qualified musicians pursuingany major at George Mason University. A seatingaudition is required for all members. In additionto performing works from the standardorchestral repertoire, the Symphony Orchestraroutinely performs with the university choruses,and occasionally features new works by studentcomposers, as well as commissioned works byfaculty and other composers. $12 adults, $8seniors, $5 youth through 12. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/mason-symphony-orchestra-amp-university-choirs for tickets.

THURSDAY/APRIL 18Book Talk: Carter Glass. 7-8:30 p.m. at City of

Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St.,Fairfax City. A free presentation on Virginiapolitician Carter Glass, “the “father of theFederal Reserve System,” and his relevance totoday’s financial headlines. Free. Registrationrequired. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library orcall 703-293-6227, ext 6. for more.

FRIDAY/APRIL 19B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081

University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee,entertaining callers, a friendly atmosphere,$1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good food available forpurchase. All proceeds go to purchasing fire andrescue equipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com orcall 703-273-3638 for more.

Various Chamber Ensemble Concert I. 7 p.m.in the deLaski Performing Arts Building, A323,Music Studio, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. Jointhe Mason Chamber Ensemble as they present avariety of works. Free and open to the public.Free and open to the public. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/various-chamber-ensemble-concert-i for details.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Easter Egg Hunt. 9-11 a.m. at Franconia United

Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road,Alexandria. Join Franconia UMC for an EasterEgg Hunt for all children from toddlers to 12thgrade. The festivities start at 9 a.m. withbreakfast and Easter egg hunting starts at 10:30.Free. Visit franconiaumc.org or call 703-971-5151.

Model Classic 2019. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at FairfaxHigh School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. NorthernVirginia Modelers Chapter, International PlasticModelers Society presents an annual exhibit ofscale models, an educational and fun event forthe entire family. The event features a display ofhundreds of museum quality scale models; amodeling contest, with over 80 categories;model kit, book and supplies vendors; raffleprizes; demonstrations; and a make and takeevent for children. Adults, $8; under 18 free;$10 per family; contestants, $10 (includesadmission). Visit www.novaipms.org for more.

Pet Adoption Event. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at PetSupplies Plus, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Finda new forever animal friend with the help of theCity of Fairfax Animal Control and AnimalShelter. Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/government/police/programs/animal-control/adopt-a-pet formore.

Easter Eggstravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at the FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Fairfax. Jubilee ChristianCenter is sponsoring its annual EasterEggstravaganza, in the grassy area behind theFairfax County Government Center. The event isfree, including egg rolls, moon bounces, facepainting, games, and door prizes (at 1:45 and2:45 p.m.). Call 703-383-1170 or visitwww.jccag.org for more.

Parsons Dance. 8 p.m. at the Center for theArts, Concert Hall, on GMU’s FairfaxCampus. New York City-based ParsonsDance is internationally celebrated forcreating and performing American moderndance that is positive, life-affirming,enriching, and accessible. This ensemble hasspread the joy of dance in more than 447cities, 30 countries, and five continents. Apre-performance discussion with a memberof the company begins 45 minutes prior tothe performance. Family-friendly. $48, $41,$29. Visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/parsons-dance for tickets.

Calendar

Photo by Arthur Fournier

2018 Britain on the Green best of show winner, a 1954 Allard K2 ownedby Robert Morris of Great Falls.

Britain on the GreenThe 22nd Britain on the Green show will feature two hundred British cars and motorcycles, music,

food trucks, youth activities, and admission to Gunston Hall and grounds. Sunday, April 28, 9:30a.m.-3 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton. $10 adult; $5 children 6-18. Visitwww.capitaltriumphregister.com/bog/ or call 703-522-6571.

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

(option 4) or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4850436 for more.

Chorale Broadway Showcase. 8 p.m. in theCenter for the Arts, Concert Hall, on GMU’sFairfax Campus. Presented by the Mason Schoolof Music, this University choir performstraditional choral literature in its annual springBroadway Showcase. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5youth through grade 12. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/chorale-broadway-showcase for tickets.

Fairfax Jubil-Aires Show. 3-5:15 at ThomasEdison High School, 5801 Franconia Road,Alexandria. The Fairfax Jubil-Aires 63rdAnnual Show: Best of the Jubil-aires. The Jubil-Aires will sing favorites from their last nineshows. Also featured, The Bella Nova Chorus.Visit www.fairfaxjubilaires.org for tickets.

SUNDAY/APRIL 14Brass Ensemble Concert. 1 p.m. in the Harris

Theatre, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. The MasonBrass Ensemble explores all musical styles in a verychallenging and creative environment. Theconductor tailors music especially for this ever-changing ensemble of brass and percussion players,who strive for new levels of musical excellence ontheir instruments. Visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/brass-ensemble-concert for details.

Artist Reception: “Simply Spring.” 1-5 p.m.at The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St.in Historic Occoquan. The Artists’ UndertakingGallery presents “Simply Spring,”, an exhibitfeaturing photography and digital paintings byDavid and Jane Ernst of Springfield, fiber workby Lauren Jacobs and jewelry by Tyler

Photo courtesy of George Mason Friends

Visitors browsing at the GeorgeMason Friends Book Sale

George Mason FriendsBook Sale

Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and more atthe George Mason Friends Spring Book Sale.Come early for the best selection, then comeback on Sunday for half-price bargains. Thurs-day, April 25, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, April 26, 10a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;and Sunday, April 28, noon-5 p.m. at GeorgeMason Regional Library, 7001 Little RiverTurnpike, Annandale. Free admission. Visitgeorgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or call 703-813-6616.


From Page 4

Lisa Bryant, Executive Director,Fairfax Library Foundation.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection

Marje McNare of Fairfax and Beverly Hawkins of Fairfax City have theirphotos taken in the photo booth.

Jubilee for FairfaxLibrary Foundation

ships for the communityand our staff, community en-gagement and the increase ofour library collection.”

Added Patricia Reed, BoardChair, Fairfax Library Founda-tion: “It’s so exciting to behere to celebrate theFoundation’s 25th anniversary.It’s a wonderful opportunityto bring supporters of librar-ies together and celebrate thelibrary and all it can do for thecommunity.”

There were greetings fromlocal politicians includingDel. David Bulova (D-37)who presented a proclama-tion honoring the Fairfax Li-brary Foundation on its 25years; Supervisor John Foust(D-Dranesville); CathyHudgins (D-Hunter Mill); aswell as library executivesDarrin Ewing, DranesvilleDistrict, Library Board ofTrustees; Janelle Blanchard,President, Tysons LibraryFriends; and Jessica Hudson,Director Fairfax County Pub-lic Library.

The evening also includeda huge silent auction, includ-ing jewelry and art work fromNancy Jung’s art students, aDJ, a photo booth, wine andcatering by Purple Onion.

Hudson added: “The Li-brary Foundation’s 25th annual celebration,the Jubilee, has been a really wonderfulevent. We’ve had more people in attendancethan we ever have had before; great auc-tion items, a wonderful caterer and all insupport of our library.”

Signature Patrons who donated $25,000included The Friends of the Burke Centre

News

Library; 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.


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


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

THURSDAY/APRIL 11The Future of Transportation Investment in

Virginia. 7:30-9 a.m. at the Northern VirginiaAssociation of Realtors, 8407 Pennell St.,Fairfax. Join the Northern VirginiaTransportation Alliance as two keytransportation legislators share their ideas onhow Virginia’s General Assembly can address theneed for more sustainable transportationfunding, improved project prioritization, andother major transportation challenges facing ourCommonwealth. Individual tickets are $25.Register at nvta.org/event/virginiatransportationinvestments/ or call 703-883-1830 for more.

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

County Government Center, 12000 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Fairfax. Come attend the 2019Fairfax County Job Fair. Learn about a variety ofcareers with various county agencies.Representatives of SkillsSource and DARS willalso be on site. Free. [email protected] or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/sites/hr/files/assets/documents/jobfair2019flyer.pdf for more.

SUNDAY/APRIL 14Palm Sunday Cantata. 10-11:30 a.m. at

Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037Franconia Road, Alexandria. The service willinclude a children’s Palm Sunday parade, musicby the adult choir, and contemporary selectionsby the praise band. Free. Visit franconiaumc.orgor call 703-971-5151.

22 Proven Processes to Improve Your Pointof Attraction. 1-3 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax,2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. A class thatfocuses on abundance processes and based onthe book “Ask and It Is Given” by Esther andJerry Hicks. Donations accepted. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org/events for more.

HOLY WEEK SERVICESHoly Week. At Kings Lutheran Church, 4025

Kings Way, Fairfax. All are welcome. Visitwww.kofk.org or call the church office 703-378-7272.

❖ Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion, April14 – 8 and 10 a.m.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18 – 7 p.m.❖ Good Friday, April 19 – 12:15pm and 7pm❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 – Festival Worship, 8

and 10 a.m.❖ Dulles South Easter Sunrise Service – 7

a.m. at Brambleton Golf Course Pavilion.Holy Week. At St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800

Backlick Road, Springfield. Visit www.stmarks-elca.org.

❖ Palm-Passion, Sunday, April 14 – 8:30 and 10a.m. (English) and noon (Spanish).

❖ Holy Wednesday Prayer Service – 7 p.m.(Spanish) with soup to follow.

❖ Holy Thursday – 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.(English)

❖ Good Friday – noon and 7:30 p.m. (English)and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish)

❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 – 6:30 a.m. (Spanish);8:30 a.m. (English); 10:30 a.m. (English).Potluck Easter breakfasts served betweenservices.

Holy Week. At Historic Pohick Church, 9301Richmond Highway, Lorton. Call 703-339-6572or visit www.pohick.org.

❖ Palm Sunday, April 14 – Liturgy of the Palmsand Passion Narrative at 7:45, 9, and 11:15 a.m.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18 – MaundyThursday Liturgy and Holy Communion at 7:30p.m.

❖ Good Friday, April 19th – Good FridayObservance at noon-2 p.m.

❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 – Festival HolyEucharist at 7:45, 9:15, and 11:15 a.m.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 17Volunteers Wanted. 10:30 a.m. at the Salvation

Army Corp building, 4915 Ox Road, Fairfax. TheFairfax Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary areseeking volunteers for their upcoming events.Meetings are held monthly on the thirdWednesday, September through May. Call LoriSmith at 703-830-3520 or Sylvia Laiti at 703-830-8849.

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Burke Lake Train - connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.comconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/04/12/... · said. O’Connor once took all the wooden benches