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Scouting for FoodNews, Page 3
Teaching Gratitude And GivingA+, Page 8
Page 8
‘A Message of Hope, Imagination
And Friendship’News, Page 4
Rehearsing a scene from City of Fairfax The-atre Co.’s “The Little Princess” are: (in back) Brandon Moon and (seated, from left) Gigi Moon, Alyssa Kiffer, Martha Zimmerman and Sydney Krug.
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com November 21-27, 2018
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Time sensitive material.
Requ ested in home 11-22-18
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2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Local Lane’s Mill DAR members, alongwith Fairfax Resolve SAR membersand various community volunteers,
met at the confluence of Rocky Run Creekand Bull Run Creek in Centreville, the siteof Lane’s Mill. Ed Ehlers, Heritage Conser-vation Branch, and Christopher Sperling,senior archeologist of the Archeology andCollections Branch, both employed byFairfax County Park Authority, led the Sat-urday, Nov. 10 morning with a briefingabout the historical site and instruction onhow to remove debris and overgrown veg-etation.
The Park Authority acquired the land in
1989 and is currently interested in review-ing the site’s historical significance to thecounty as an early colonial mill and later asone of the first Fairfax County businessesowned by free African American, PendletonRobinson.
Interest from community members hasencouraged the county to pay for an archeo-logical survey to determine better ways topreserve and utilize this difficult to main-tain site.
For more information on being a part ofthe Cub Run Stream Valley Park VolunteerTeam go to: https://www.facebook.com/cubrunpvt or [email protected].
Lane’s Mill DAR members along with Fairfax Resolve SAR membersand various community volunteers worked to clean up the site ofLane’s Mill.
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Cleanup at Lane’s Mill Site
The following incidents were reported by the SullyDistrict Police Station.
UNLAWFUL DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM:6200 block of Astrid Court, Nov. 10, 6:54 p.m. A60-year-old man from Centreville and his 27-year-old daughter were engaged in a verbal argument.The man discharged his gun into the bedroom ceil-ing. He was charged with malicious discharge ofa firearm, brandishing and simple assault.
ROBBERY: 13926 Lee Highway (Walgreens),Nov. 2, 9:50 p.m. A store employee reported a manjumped the pharmacy counter, punched him, tookprescription drugs, and ran out of the store. Thevictim described the suspect as a black man, ap-proximately 22 years old, about 5’6”, and about180 pounds.
BURGLARY: 6800 block of Drifton Court, Oct.26, sometime during the day. The victim camehome and noticed her bedroom was ransacked.Further investigation revealed the sliding glassdoor in the basement was broken and jewelry wasmissing.
ROBBERY: 14301 Lee Highway (Shell Gas Sta-tion), Oct. 25, 10:38 p.m. The suspect entered theShell Gas Station, pointed a handgun at an em-ployee and demanded money. The suspect tookmoney and left the store.
NOV. 13LARCENIES7300 block of Clifton Road, property from resi-
dence14600 block of Flint Lee Road, air conditioning
and heating unit from location14100 block of Lee Highway, cigarettes from
business14000 block of Red River Drive, laptop computer
and keys from vehicleNOV. 9LARCENIES7800 block of Blackacre Road, electronic device
from residence13300 block of Caballero Way, personal docu-
ments from residence6200 block of Frosty Winter Court, wallet from
location14000 block of Grumble Jones Court, cash from
vehicleNOV. 8LARCENIES2500 block of Parkers Lane, purse from location14100 block of Saint Germain Drive, liquor from
businessNOV. 7LARCENIES14500 block of Lee Road, cell phone from loca-
tion6300 block of Powder Flask Court, wallet from
vehicleNOV. 6LARCENIES12100 block of Blue Topaz Lane, package from
residence7700 block of Wyckland Court, clothing from
residenceNOV. 5LARCENIES5900 block of Fort Drive, keys from location4000 block of Mapleton Drive, bicycle from resi-
dence14100 block of Saint Germain Drive, wallet from
location5600 block of Stone Road, cash from residence
Crime Report
Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Sorting the donated food are members of The Churchof the Blessed Trinity in Centreville’s Gate PostEstates community. From left are Karen Spottswood,Crystal Perkins, Rochelle Brown, Cheron Sloan andValerie Grayson.
News
Free CarseatInspections
Certified technicians from the SullyDistrict Police Station will perform free,child safety carseat inspections Tuesday,Nov. 27, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station,4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No ap-pointment is necessary. But residentsshould install the child safety seats them-selves so technicians may properly in-spect and adjust them, as needed.
Because of time constraints, only thefirst 35 vehicles arriving on each date willbe inspected. That way, inspectors may
have enough time to properly instruct thecaregiver on the correct use of the child seat.Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirmdates and times.
Food forLibrary Fines
During the month of November, residentsare asked to bring nonperishable food itemsto their local libraries. In return, the librarywill waive $1 in fines people owe, for eachitem they bring in, with a maximum of $15in reduced fines per person. Even if peopledon’t owe fines to their library, they’re en-
couraged to donate food. All food collectedwill go to Food for Others, a nonprofit foodpantry helping people in need in NorthernVirginia. All Fairfax County libraries areparticipating.
Meals on WheelsDrivers Sought
Meals on Wheels Drivers pick up meals anddeliver them to individuals on a specificroute. Routes take a maximum of two hoursto deliver all meals. Deliveries are made mid-day Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. De-liveries can be made by an individual or as
part of a volunteer group. [email protected].
Meals on WheelsVolunteers
Fairfax County needs Meals on Wheelsdrivers in Chantilly and group Meals onWheels coordinators in both Chantillyand Fairfax. Contact Volunteer Solutionsat 703-324-5406, TTY 711,[email protected] orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/o l d e r a d u l t s e r v i c e s / v o l u n t e e r -solutions.htm.
Roundups
Scouts, Community Stock WFCM’S Food Pantry
Westfield High sophomoreJacob Morriberon, of BoyScout Troop 1826, sorts abox of canned goods.
Boy Scouts (from left) Westfield junior Aaron Darity,Troop 30; Westfield freshman Mitchell Palmer, Troop1826; Stone Middle seventh-grader Nathan Palmer, Troop1826; Westfield junior John Simmons, Troop 30; andChantilly High sophomore Alexander Alvarez, Troop1995, are ready to load boxes of food in vehicles fortransport to WFCM’s pantry.
From left: Avery McNaughton, J.J. Hill,Samantha Bowen and Autumn Roberts,all of Girl Scout Troop 3327, help sortcanned goods.
Centreville High senior Spencer Bartlett,of Boy Scout Troop 30, prepares to moveboxes of donated food to a table for sort-ing.
Despite cold temperatures in the 40s, Girl Scouts, Boys Scouts, students, church members and othervolunteers enthusiastically helped out during the Nov. 10, Sully District Scouting for Food drive to help fillWestern Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry. They collected, sorted and transported some62,187 pounds of food donated by the community to help local families in need.
Sorting cannedgoods are(from left) GirlScouts LaurenBadshaw, Troop3327; MeganStaton, Troop893; and AvaStuart, Troop3327.
From left: GirlScouts JulietDeLap, VidyaMalgari andAva Przybysz,of Troop 3327,pack up cans oftuna.
Photos by Bonnie Hobbs
4 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Bonnie Hobbs
A Centreville man is facing the possi-bility of several years in prison af-ter pleading guilty to two robber-
ies. He is Youssif Aziz, 27; and although hecommitted these crimes in June 2017, hewasn’t apprehended until this past spring.
Fairfax County police arrested him May4 and subsequently charged him with a trioof 2017 robberies:
❖ June 8 – Advance America, a check-cashing/payday-loan business in theCentreville Square Shopping Center inCentreville;
❖ June 9 – TD Bank, 9500 block of MainStreet in the City of Fairfax;
❖ June 17 – TD Bank, 6200 block of Mul-tiplex Drive in Centreville’s Centre Ridgecommunity.
Aziz appeared Sept. 12 in General Dis-trict Court and, at that time, his robberycharges for the June 8 and June 17 offenseswere certified to the grand jury, which in-dicted him on them on Sept. 17. The chargefor the June 9 offense was dropped in ex-change for his promise to plead guilty tothe two other crimes.
And he did just that, Nov. 8, in CircuitCourt before Judge David Oblon. Aziz toldthe judge that, although he works in infor-mation technology, he has an associate de-gree in criminal justice. Before accepting hisguilty pleas, Oblon asked him some ques-tions.
“Are you pleading guilty freely and vol-untarily and because your are, in fact, guiltyof these charges?” asked the judge. “Yes,Your Honor,” replied Aziz.
“Do you understand that, by pleadingguilty, you give up your right to a trial byjury and to defend yourself [in court]?”asked Oblon. Again, Aziz answered affirma-tively. The judge also made sure Aziz real-ized that the state sentencing range for rob-bery is five years to life in prison.
“And do you understand that the sen-tences for each count [of robbery] could runconsecutively and that I could sentence youabove or below these guidelines?” askedOblon. Again, Aziz said he did.
Noting that the attorneys involved hadmade no agreement regarding Aziz’s sen-tence, Oblon acknowledged that the com-monwealth had agreed to “bring no furthercharges in these two cases and dropped
another criminal charge” against theCentreville man. He then formally acceptedAziz’s pleas, and then AssistantCommonwealth’s Attorney MarinHoplamazian presented what theprosecution’s case would have been, hadthese matters gone to trial.
In the June 8, 2017 incident at AdvanceAmerica, she said, the female teller wasalone when Aziz entered the business. “Thesuspect carried a motorcycle helmet in hishand and placed it in the door to prop itopen,” said Hoplamazian. “He put on ablack baseball cap and pulled up his hoodieto hide his face.”
Then, she said, “He charged the counterand said, five or six times, ‘Give me all themoney.’ He then opened and placed a black,folding knife on the counter and said, ‘Don’tplay with me.’ She gave him what was inthe cash drawer, and he also asked for whatwas in the safe, but she said it was empty.He left with $243.”
But, said Hoplamazian, “A plastic piecehad fallen off [Aziz’s] motorcycle helmet,and the DNA on it matched his. And cell-phone pings in the area were traced to hisphone before the offense.”
As for June 17, 2017 robbery at TD Bank,the victim was one of two tellers there atthe time. She said Aziz “announced the rob-bery and said, ‘Don’t touch the alarm.’ Hepulled a knife from his pocket, placed it onthe counter and said, ‘Don’t give me a dyepack.’ He got $2,563.
In both robberies, the suspect was de-scribed as white, possibly Hispanic or ofMiddle Eastern descent, in his 20s, between5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, and140 pounds. Police were also able to ob-tain bank surveillance photos of him.
Hoplamazian said Aziz’s descriptionmatched that of the suspect, and his cellphone was used in the area of the June 17offense, before and after the robbery. Ex-plaining the motive for his crimes, she said,“The suspect committed the robberies topay off a significant gambling debt.”
Defense attorney Peter Greenspun de-clined to respond to her in court, except tosay, “We’ll give substantial context” at sen-tencing. Oblon set Aziz’s sentencing for Feb.1 and ordered a pre-sentencing report bemade on him. Until that date, he’ll continuebeing held without bond in the county AdultDetention Center.
By Bonnie Hobbs
A father and daughter fromChantilly’s Greenbriar commu-nity have major roles in the Cityof Fairfax Theatre Co.’s upcom-
ing play, “The Little Princess.” And peoplemay either attend just the show or have ameal, as well, during two, dinner-theaterperformances.
This classic tale that’s been both a bookand a movie is about Sarah Crewe. A younggirl who’s been living with her wealthy fa-ther in India, she’s sent to England for aproper education while he’s away at sea.
“She has a wonderful imagination, and theother girls at the boarding school love herfor brightening their lives,” said Co-ProducerJessica Russo. “But the headmistress is nota kind woman. And when Sarah’s fatherdies, she punishes Sarah by making her livein the attic and be a servant to her friends.”
Russo praised her “great cast of girls, ages8-17, plus a few adults. The older kids havetaken the younger ones under their wing,and they all get along well. The scenes takeplace at the school and in Sarah’s imagina-tion, and we have an extensive set that’sreally magical. And the early 1900s schooluniforms the girls wear are adorable.”
“Our director, Jessica Dubish, has createda wonderful atmosphere of play and cre-ativity for the kids,” continued Russo. “Theaudience will like our talented, young ac-
tors — there’s an energy from them thatwill make people smile. This show will getpeople in the mood for the holiday seasonand will present a message of hope, imagi-nation and friendship.”
Greenbriar resident Brandon Moon playsCapt. Crewe, Sarah’s father. “He’s a widowerwho encourages imagination and creativ-ity in his daughter,” said Moon. “He’s alsoadventurous, himself, and isn’t afraid tothrow all his money into a diamond-mineventure. But he’s a good guy and the quint-essential dad.”
Excited to be part of this theater company,Moon said, “I like working with Alyssa andthe other girls. It’s my first role ever, so Iget to explore a different side of myself. Theplay is about a girl and her father, and to
be a part of that with my own daughter —[Gigi, portraying one of the schoolgirls] —is really special. My character is beloved,so it’s nice to have people look at me withstars in their eyes. And it’s fun to wear auniform.”
Moon said the audience will enjoy theplay because “It’s such a good message forgirls coming of age. It’s the idea that everygirl is a little princess and has special thingsabout her that need to be encouraged. Par-ents should definitely bring their childrento this show.”
His real-life daughter, Gigi, a fourth-grader at Greenbriar West Elementary, playsBecky, a servant girl who becomes Sarah’sfriend. “Becky is terrified of the headmis-tress, Mess Minchin, who’s really mean,”
said Gigi. “She tries to mind her own busi-ness, but she sometimes gets caught up inthings and starts talking when she’s notsupposed to. She’s friendly, obedient andnice and doesn’t want to get in trouble.”
Gigi likes her role because, she said, “Ihave this really cool British accent. I alsolike my costume – a boy’s shirt with a plaidjumper over it. And it’s fun because Becky’snot supposed to talk to the other girls; butwhen Miss Minchin is out of the room,Becky gives huge speeches.”
As for the show, Gigi said people will likeall the characters’ attitudes and how thegirls react to Minchin. “They’ll also enjoythe scenes that are really touching,” shesaid. “And the set is so detailed — they didsuch a good job painting it.”
Portraying Sarah is seventh-grader AlyssaKiffer. “At the beginning, she has everything,but isn’t snobby,” said Alyssa. “She’s kindand generous to others. Then when sheloses everything, she starts to lose hope inherself. But her friends help her gain confi-dence again.”
Alyssa said Sarah is always imaginingthings. “When something isn’t going wellfor her, she pretends it’s different, and shehelps others pretend, too, to cheer themup,” said Alyssa. “She’s a role model for mebecause everyone wants to be a person whoalways has a positive attitude toward oth-ers, no matter what.”
She said it’s challenging because she hadto learn so many lines. “But it’s also funbecause, as the lead, you get to create char-acter choices to show how your characterchanges over time,” she said. “You also getto illustrate the moral of the story — if youkeep moving forward and have a positiveoutlook, your life may become better.”
Greenbriar dad anddaughter acting in“The Little Princess.”
‘A Message of Hope, Imagination and Friendship’
In June 2017 in Centreville.Man Pleads Guilty to Two Robberies
Posing on the set of “The Little Princess” are (from left) Alyssa Kiffer,Martha Zimmerman, Gigi Moon and Sydney Krug.
Pho
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ie H
obbs
Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
The following incidents were reported by the FairOaks District Police Station.
ROBBERY: 13000 block of Shrewsbury Court,Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Two juveniles were playingbasketball, when two males approached them. Thesuspects implied that they had a gun and de-manded money. The two victims gave the suspectscash, and the suspects left the area. The victimswent home and reported the incident to their par-ents who dialed 911. The first suspect is describedas Hispanic, approximately sixteen years old,around 5‘8" tall, weighing 180 pounds, wearing agrey sweatshirt and grey sweatpants. The secondis described as Hispanic, weighing about 140pounds, approximately 16 years of age, with blackshort hair, wearing jeans and a multicoloredsweatshirt. Officers searched the area but wereunable to locate the suspects.
ASSAULT ON LAW ENFORCEMENT: 10520Judicial Drive (Adult Detention Center), Nov. 9 ,8:27a.m. An officer was taking a 33-year-old sus-pect from Falls Church into the jail for chargesrelated to two separate assaults. After exiting theofficer’s cruiser, the suspect kicked the officer be-fore being restrained by deputies. The suspect wascharged with assault on law enforcement, assaultand battery on a family member, and assault andbattery.
SPEED TO ELUDE/RECKLESS DRIVING/DWI: Fairfax County Parkway over MonumentDrive, Nov. 3, 12:21 p.m. An officer observed 43-year-old suspect from Fairfax, traveling south onthe Fairfax County Parkway at a high rate of speed.The officer activated his emergency equipment tostop the suspect who accelerated leading the officerin a pursuit. The suspect led the officer to the 4900block of Finchen Court where he was taken intocustody. The suspect was charged with speed toelude, reckless driving and driving while intoxi-cated.
BURGLARY: 12100 block of Monument Drive,Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, sometime overnight. The victimreported someone broke in and stole electronicsand money.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY: 4100 block of West
Ox Road, Oct. 24, 3:27 p.m. The victim was walk-ing through a park when a man grabbed him frombehind. The man tried to take the victim’s cellphone, but the victim fought back. The man wasunsuccessful and ran away. The victim was takento the hospital with injuries that were not lifethreatening. The man was described as white, 5’8”-5’9”, thin build, wearing black clothing, sunglassesand gray sneakers.
ATTEMPTED ROBBERY: 13000 block of BentTree Circle, Oct. 20, 12:46 a.m. The victim was atthe leasing office when four teens asked him formoney. The victim ran home and the group fol-lowed. The teens assaulted the victim when he gothome but ran away when a resident came outside.Nothing was taken and the victim was not injured.
NOV. 13LARCENIES2300 block of Carta Way, tires from vehicle12900 block of Fair Lakes Shopping Center,
merchandise from business11800 block of Federalist Way, shoes from busi-
ness5500 block of Invernes Wood Court, passport
and cell phone from location11200 block of James Swart Circle, credit cards
from location11100 block of Lee Highway, merchandise from
business3800 block of Lightfoot Street, sneakers from
businessNOV. 9LARCENIES3100 block of Cedar Grove Drive, cell phone
from location12300 block of Lee Jackson Memorial Highway,
cell phone from businessNOV. 8LARCENIES11800 block of Federalist Way, jewelry from
residence4100 block of River Forth Drive, passport from
vehicleNOV. 7LARCENIES13800 block of Metrotech Drive, cash from lo-
cationNOV. 5LARCENIES5500 block of Ashton Oaks Court, property from
residence2900 block of Hunting Hills Court, gun from
residence13900 block of Lee Jackson Memorial Highway,
liquor from business12800 block of Mount Royal Lane, cell phone
from location4200 block of Ridge Top Road, tires from vehicle4400 block of Sedgehurst Drive, license plate
from vehicle4200 block of Zouave Lane, medication from
residenceNOV. 2LARCENIES13600 block of Kristin Place, property from ve-
hicle23400 block of Price Club Plaza, cash from lo-
cationNOV. 1LARCENIES4100 block of Calais Point Court, cell phone from
business11700 block of Fair Oaks Shopping Center, sun-
glasses from businessOCT. 31LARCENIES3000 block of Hightower Place, catalytic con-
verter from vehicle13700 block of Merrybrook Court, airbag from
vehicleOCT. 30LARCENIES13000 block of Fair Lakes Shopping Center,
merchandise from businessOCT. 29LARCENIES4200 block of Bumbry Terrace, wallet from ve-
hicle11700 block of Fair Oaks Shopping Center, cell
phone from location10200 block of Greenspire Drive, package from
residence
Crime
Fairfax Countypolice havecharged a 47-
year-old Fairfax manwith a sex crime againsta teenage boy. He isBruce Kenyatta Brown,and the alleged inci-dent occurred lastWednesday, Nov. 14.According to police, officers responded at5:22 p.m. to the 3100 block of Post ForestDrive in Fair Oaks.
They were dispatched for a report of dis-orderly conduct and, say police, officersfrom the Fair Oaks District Station allegedly“found Brown on top of a 13-year-old boyin the middle of the roadway. [They] re-moved Brown and learned the boy waswalking through the apartment complexwhen Brown began running after him andtackled him in the roadway.”
Once the teen was on the ground, saypolice, “Brown [allegedly] grabbed the boy’sgenital area several times before officersarrived and intervened.”
The victim received a minor injury, andBrown was taken to the Adult DetentionCenter and charged with aggravated sexualbattery.
He’s currently being held without bondand has a Dec. 17 court date.
Man ChargedWith Sex Crime
Brown
6 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset HillsRoad, Suite 210, Reston, servingReston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org. Nonprofitproviding support and advocacy forthose in need of food, shelter,affordable housing, quality childcare,and other human services. Programsand services include the EmbryRucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry, HypothermiaPrevention Program, ThanksgivingFood Drive, Gifts for Kids and annualCoat Drive. For families in need, oftenthere isn’t enough money to spend ongifts. To register for the Gifts for Kidsdrive, visit https://www.cornerstonesva.org/gifts-for-kids-donation-form/. Personalizedwish lists will be distributed withintwo business days of your submission.Gifts will be collected at Cornerstones’main office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road,Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190, duringthe following times: Thursday, Dec. 6and Friday, Dec. 7: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.;Saturday, Dec. 8: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Contact Nate King, Donations andDrives Coordinator, at 571-323-9569.
❖ SHARE of McLean operates a foodpantry; provides assistance to familiesto avoid eviction, keep utilities on andmeet other needs in a crisis. Share ofMcLean will provide holiday assistanceto hundreds of needy families this year.In December, Share’s families will bewelcomed to a festive party, served alight meal, and Santa will travel all theway from the North Pole to takephotographs with the children. HelpShare help those in need by fulfilling awish or donating Walmart, Target,Giant, or Safeway gift cards. [email protected] for moreinformation. Visitwww.shareofmclean.org for more infoabout Share.
❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (FriendlyInstant Sympathetic Help), 336Victory Drive, Herndon, 703-391-0105 herndonrestonfish.org Herndon-Reston FISH has assisted localresidents in short-term crises by since1969. 703-437-0600.
❖ LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly,Loudoun and more. Every year thegoal is to provide each family with aweek’s worth of non-perishable foodin November and again in December.When funds allow, grocery gift cardsare also included. In November,
clients also receive a voucher for coatsand warm clothing. In December,children 16 and under receive [email protected]. 703-437-1776www.linkagainsthunger.org.
❖ Committee for Helping Others(CHO), Vienna, organized in 1969 bya group of churches and individuals inthe Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Oakton,Vienna community to provide simple,loving charity to those in need.Coming up, holiday bike drive. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com
❖ Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC)volunteers are preparing for deliveryof holiday gifts for children fromfinancially struggling families inwestern Fairfax County –predominantly in Centreville andChantilly.www.ourneighborschild.org/
❖ Northern Virginia FamilyService. The organization providesthe essential building blocks forfinancial, emotional and physical well-being, serving as leaders andinnovators for the Northern Virginiacommunity. Every year, it empowers35,000 individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. www.nvfs.org NorthernVirginia Family Service, 10455 WhiteGranite, Drive, Suite 100, Oakton, VA22124. 571-748-2500
❖ Second Story — Second Story(formerly Alternative House) providesshelter and services for homeless,runaway or abused teenagers,unaccompanied youth, and youngmothers and their children. second-story.org.
❖ Shepherd’s Center of OaktonVienna providing services, personalenrichment, volunteer opportunitiesfor adults 50 and over. Currentlyserving 3,000-plus mature adults inthe region. 703-281-0538,www.scov.org
❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is anonprofit organization whose missionis to educate children to have givinghearts. www.touchingheart.com, 703-901-7355.
❖ Western Fairfax ChristianMinistries — food pantry at 13981Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. Formore information or to sponsor a
❖ Ecumenical Community HelpingOthers (ECHO), 703-569-9160.Open to receive donations at 7205 OldKeene Mill Road, Springfield. Providesfood and financial assistance to thosein short-term emergencies, andprovides clothing and householdgoods to low income families.Outerwear drive through Dec. 14. SeeGreater Springfield Chamber for dropoff locations. www.echo-inc.org.
❖ Lorton Community Action Center(LCAC) will provide Thanksgiving andholiday assistance to hundreds offamilies. Thanksgiving and Christmasfood baskets along with fulfilling giftwishes for children and teens will helplow-income families. See website forwarm coat and Christmas donationsand volunteer needs.lortonaction.org/seasonal-assistance/.
❖ Assistance League of NorthernVirginia is an all-volunteer nonprofitorganization that feeds, clothes andeducates children in need. AssistanceLeague’s philanthropic programstouch the lives of thousands ofchildren at 11 Title I schools inNorthern Virginia, serving childrenmost in need at selected schools inFairfax and Prince William countiesand the City of Alexandria. To learnmore about volunteer and sponsorshipopportunities, [email protected] or visitwww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org
❖ Comfort for America’s UniformedServices (CAUSE) ensures thatrecuperating service members haveopportunities for recreation and socialinteraction and receive concrete signsof appreciation for all that they havedone. Mailing address: 4201 WilsonBlvd., #110-284, Arlington, VA 22203,CFC #33011, Phone 703-591-4965,cause-usa.org
❖ Shelter House provides crisisintervention, safe housing andsupportive services to promote self-sufficiency for homeless families andvictims of domestic violence in FairfaxCounty. www.shelterhouse.org
❖ United Community Ministries,Mount Vernon, 703-768-7106, 7511Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306assists low-income families andindividuals living along the Route 1Corridor, UCM provides housing
For tens of thousands of poor children and families in our area,uncertainty and need are distant from the celebrations and plentythat so many of us associate with this holiday period.
Give Locally
The holidays are about giving, andgiving thanks. The holidays areabout children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy.
The holidays are about being thankfuland about faith and appreciation. Theholidays are about alleviating suffer-ing for others.
Northern Virginia is among thewealthiest areas in the country. Many if notmost of us go through our daily and seasonalroutines without encountering evidence of theneedy families among us.
In Fairfax County Public Schools, more than54,000 students (29 percent) are poor enoughto receive subsidized meals.
Many are children living in families who maybe on the brink of homelessness, fami-lies who must choose between medi-cal bills, car repair, heat and food. Someof these are children who may not besure that they will have a meal between
the meals they get in school.School holidays can bring uncertainty and
hunger, a far cry from the celebrations, giftsand plenty that we associate with Thanksgiv-
List of Nonprofits in Fairfax County
ing and Christmas.Hundreds of homeless students attend the
public schools, and their needs are greater.Many nonprofits in the county need your
help 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. We will rerun this list againafter Thanksgiving, so please let us know whatwe have missed.
— Mary Kimm
See Where to Give, Page 11
Editorial
family, call 703-988-9656, ext. 105.To mail gift cards or send donationsby check, add a note saying “foodbasket program” and send them to:WFCM, P.O. Box 220802, Chantilly,VA 20153. 703-988-9656.
❖ FACETS helps parents, their childrenand individuals who suffer the effectsof poverty in the Fairfax area, apartner in efforts to end homelessnessin Fairfax County. FACETS is alwaysin need of donations and volunteers,and offers a variety of one-time andongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251or [email protected]. 10640 PageAve., Suite 300, Fairfax VA 22030
❖ Britepaths Britepaths is working toassist 800 Fairfax County area familieswho might otherwise go without withThanksgiving meals, Decemberholiday meals and gifts for theirchildren in December. Sponsor afamily or donate to provide a familywith a holiday meal and/or gifts fortheir children. britepaths.org
❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (ForImmediate Sympathetic Help) FISHprovides funds and volunteers to servethe needy and elderly in the greaterFairfax City area of Fairfax County.FISH responds to requests for life’snecessities: food, clothing, financialassistance for delinquent rent,mortgage, utility bills, gasoline, andprescriptions. Requests for assistanceare passed on to FISH by the Office ofCoordinated Services Planning 703-222-0880 fairfaxfish.org/
❖ Lamb Center,www.thelambcenter.org, day centerfor homeless, Fairfax 703-691-3178.
❖ Food for Others Located at 2938Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031,703-207-9173. 2938 Prosperity [email protected]. Most neededitems include: Fresh fruits (oranges,apples, bananas, tomatoes, avocados,grapes, berries), Fresh vegetables(cucumbers, celery, peppers, lettuce,eggplant), Canned chili, Cannedtomato products (crushed, peeled,diced, etc.), Canned meat (chicken,beef, turkey, or seafood), Rice, 16 ozpackages, Spaghetti sauce, 14 oz – 1lb(ideally in cans instead of glass),Canned fruit (packed in fruit juiceinstead of syrup) 11oz – 20oz, Beans,dried or canned (black, kidney, pinto,etc.), Canned pasta.www.foodforothers.org
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Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Fall meeting materials will be available at:http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/planning/fallmeetings/ beginning October 15, 2018.
*Please note that these dates have been changed from previous listings.
Comments will be accepted until December 13, 2018.
The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in,
Public MeetingsFall Transportation Meetings: Updated Schedule
You are invited to participate in public meetings held by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The meetings will begin with an open house followed by a public comment period. At the open house you can learn about various transportation initiatives, as well as Virginia’s project prioritization process (SMART SCALE), Virginia’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, and the VTrans Multimodal Transportation Plan. Representatives from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment and Departments of Transportation and Rail and Public Transportation will be in attendance to highlight their transportation programs and discuss your ideas and concerns about Virginia’s transportation network. The open house will be followed by a public comment period, where you can provide comments about the various initiatives. Comments will be accepted at the meeting and may also be submitted via email or online at www.CTB.Virginia.gov.
Updated Schedule: Area Public Meetings will be held at the dates, locations and times listed below:
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.* NOVA District Office
Potomac Conference Room 4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030
Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 4 p.m.*
Fredericksburg District Office Auditorium 86 Deacon Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
If you cannot attend a meeting, you may send your comments on highway projects to Infrastructure Investment Director, VDOT, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219, or [email protected].
You may send comments on rail, public transportation, and transportation demand management to Public Information Officer, DRPT, 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or [email protected].
Entertainment
Holiday Train ShowThe Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will host its 29th annual holiday train show
with a multitude of model trains to include Z, N, HO, LEGO, S, O, Standard, and Gscales. Bring broken locomotives to the “Train Doctor.” Admire the antique carsvisiting for this event, weather permitting. Visit the gift shop for holiday gift itemsand Santa may stop by to visit. Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2,noon-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road,Fairfax Station. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
PET ADOPTIONSAdopt a Dog. Saturdays, 12-3 p.m. at
Petco, 13053 Lee Jackson Highway.Visit hart90.org for more.
Adopt a Dog. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. atPetco, 13053 Lee Jackson MemorialHwy. Adopt a puppy or dog.Visitaforeverhome.org for more.
Adopt a Dog. Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. atPetSmart, 12971 Fair Lakes Center,Fairfax. Adopt a puppy or dog. Visitwww.lostdogrescue.org for more.
FRIDAY/NOV. 23“Coyote Campfire.” 7-8:30 p.m. at
the Walney Visitor Center in EllanorC. Lawrence Park, 5040 WalneyRoad, Chantilly. Take a break fromthe Black Friday rush. Satisfy yourcuriosity and sweet tooth with onehowling good campfire at the“Coyote Campfire.” Listen to coyotecalls, take a hike and make s’moreswhile learning about these wilycanines. For family members age 4 toadult. $8 per person. Call 703-631-0013 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
SATURDAY/NOV. 24“Turkey Walk.” 10-11 a.m. at the
Walney Visitor Center in Ellanor C.Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. Work off some of thatThanksgiving turkey, mashedpotatoes and pumpkin pie with amorning walk at the park. On the“Turkey Walk,” discover the wildturkeys’ habitats and secret waysthrough a cedar forest. Look for wildturkeys and their signs. Forparticipants age 3 to adult. $6 perperson. Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
Build a Gingerbread House. Noon-1:30 and 2-3:30 p.m. at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.Roland Mesnier and Mark Ramsdell,former White House Pastry Chefs,
will be guiding visitors throughconstructing their own gingerbreadhouses in this special event. $40 ($35for museum members). Reservationsand advance payment are required.Purchase at squareup.com/store/fairfax-station-railroad-museum or byemailing [email protected] name, number of houses topurchase and seating time. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
A Visit with Santa. Noon-4 p.m. atSully Historic Site, 3650 HistoricSully Way, Chantilly. Bring a camerato take a picture with Santa in frontof a real, open-hearth fire at Sully.Make a festive ornament to deck yourown halls and see a holiday puppetshow. Take a brisk tractor-pulledwagon ride, if the weather allows.Visits with Santa and wagon ridetime slots will be based on arrivaltime. $7 per person. Call 703-437-1794 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party. 1:30-3p.m. at Little Rocky Run Rec. Center#3, 13900 Stonefield Drive, Clifton.Mia Saunders School of Ballet willentertain aspiring ballerinas with aperformance by the cast of this year’sNutcracker production, light teaparty treats, fun games and anappearance by the Sugar Plum Fairy.Benefits St. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital. Reservations are requiredand the event is appropriate for ages3 and older with accompanyingadult. Purchase $10 tickets by emailat [email protected].
SATURDAY-SUNDAY/NOV. 24-25Fairfax Ballet Company’s
Nutcracker. Saturday, 2 and 7p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. at W.T.Woodson High School, Fairfax. TheFairfax Ballet Company presents thefull-length production of “TheNutcracker,” the family-friendlyholiday tradition. Companymembers, along with students fromthe Russell School of Ballet andGeorge Mason University, andprofessional guest artists, join Claraand her Nutcracker Prince in a
See Entertainment, Page 10
8 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Marilyn Campbell
When teaching their threeyoung children aboutgratitude and benevo-lence, Marcus Rosano
and his life Laura began with what theyconsider the basics: treating others withkindness.
“After leaving a sports practice, we tellthem to go back and say, ‘goodbye’ and‘thank-you’ to their coach,” he said. “Mywife and I have focused on the way wetreat others. Part of kindness is under-standing that there are people in our com-munity who can’t afford presents atChristmas and who aren’t going to havea Thanksgiving turkey with all the trim-mings.”
The Rosanos’ method of instruction isan effective one, according to research-ers who say that parents are theirchildren’s most influential teachers. “The best thinga parent can do to promote altruistic behavior is tomodel the behavior themselves,” said JessicaMcLaughlin, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychologyat Montgomery College. “Kids imitate their parentsand they are more likely to engage in altruistic be-havior if we show them how to treat others with kind-ness and empathy.”
Parents can choose to partake in simple, randomacts of kindness, while they are with their children,added Joanne Bagshaw,Ph.D., professor of psychol-ogy at Montgomery College.“For example, paying forsomeone in line behind youin the grocery store, or help-ing an elderly person carrytheir grocery bags to the car,or helping a neighbor shovelsnow or clear ice from theirwalkway.”
Use that opportunity to ini-tiate a dialogue, continuedBagshaw. “Then afterwards,talk with your child abouthow it made you feel to help someone else. Throughthat discussion, brainstorm with your child how itmight have made the person you helped feel. [Thiswill] help develop empathy in your child.”
“I would suggest that parents discuss with kidswhat circumstances other kids and families may bein over the holidays and how it may differ from theirown,” said child psychologist Stacie Isenberg, Psy.D,“For example, there are families who have limitedfood and those who rely on shelters. They could alsodiscuss ways to acknowledge and express gratitudefor specific things they have, from food to heat totheir personal belongings, like saying something fromtheir day that they are grateful for; not just at Thanks-giving dinner, but every day at dinner or before bed.”
It is important that parents tailor their dialogue andlessons on gratitude and altruism to a child’s age andlevel of development, advises Linda Gulyn, Ph.D.,professor of psychology at Marymount University.
Child development experts share suggestionsfor helping children develop a sense of altruism.
Teaching Gratitude, Giving
“Preschool-aged kids need to see the immediateand tangible effects of helping and giving to others,”she said. “For example, ‘See how much grandpa likesit when you help him carry the holiday decorations?’Or ‘Because you shared your train tracks, now [yourplaymate] can get his train over the hill.’ “
School-aged children learn best by seeing the so-cial benefits and being part of group activities asso-ciated with giving and helping, suggests Gulyn. “[Thisis] because peers and people outside immediate fam-
ily are more interesting tothem,” she said. “For examplethe Girl Scout troop helped theelderly people decorate the se-nior living rec center.”
Teenaged children, on theother hand, are idealistic andinterested in social justice is-sues, says Gulyn. “They careabout pop culture, too.” saidsaid. “My teens enjoyed shop-ping for holiday gifts for otherkids who were socioeconomi-cally disadvantaged. Theybought sports team gear for fel-
low teen boys. “Identify issues that are important to a child and
provide opportunities for them practice altruismaround those topics, suggests Carolyn Cass Lorente,Ph.D., professor of psychology at Northern VirginiaCommunity College. “For instance if your child is in-terested in animals you might help them collect oldtowels and blankets in the neighborhood to take toa shelter,” she said. “This helps build a sense of agencyand responsibility and shows them that we each canmake a difference.”
“During the holidays, parents should share theirfamily histories and traditions and note their goodfortune in living today with many daily comforts andconveniences that their grandparents did not have,”said Short, Ph.D., professor of psychology at GeorgeMason University. “Gift giving encourages empathyand perspective-taking to consider what others mightlike and it brings people closer together.”
“The best thing a parentcan do to promotealtruistic behavior is tomodel the behaviorthemselves.”
— Jessica McLaughlin, Ph.D.,assistant professor of psychology,
Montgomery College
Photo courtesy of Marcus Rosano
Lesson on gratitude and giving during the holidaysshould be age-appropriate say psychologists.
Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Andrea Worker
This month, residents in the areawere taken somewhat by sur-prise at the record-for-Novem-ber snowfall on Nov. 15. For
most in the region, the negative effects ofthe nor’easter meant hazardous commutesat the worst, or being annoyinglyhousebound on the less dramatic side of thescale.
For some of people experiencinghomelessness, however, that snowfallbrought potentially life-threatening conse-quences, and the forecasts for a more snow-filled winter than in years past means thedangers they face will only escalate as win-ter wears on.
The Hypothermia Prevention Program isan integral part of Fairfax County’s battleto combat homelessness and keep this vul-nerable population safe during the coldestmonths. Nonprofit organizations operateshelters for individuals and families year-round, but when winter arrives, the effortsof nonprofits, faith communities, civic or-ganizations, businesses and volunteers —in collaboration with a number of govern-ment agencies — kick in to an even highergear. The Office to Prevent and EndHomelessness, the Community ServicesBoard, the Police Department and theSheriff ’s Office, the Fire Marshal’s Officeand the county’s Land Development Ser-vices all work together with these partnersto support the program and address the cli-ents’ needs for service and safety through-out the season.
The hypothermia season runs from ap-proximately Dec. 1 – March 1, activating ano-turn-away policy at shelters and addingadditional venues where the homeless canshelter, find food, clothing, other basicneeds and resources aimed at helping to liftthem out of their situations.
This year, a number of those venues havealready opened their doors, such as the FallsChurch Homeless Shelter on Gordon Road,which operates in partnership with NewHope Housing.
Fairfax County has been waging a waragainst homelessness since they first offi-
cially took up the challenge in 2007. In the10 years between 2008 and 2018, the an-nual “Point in Time” census, conducted bydozens of staff and volunteers throughoutthe Metro region in accordance with guide-lines from the U.S. Department of Housingand Urban Development, shows a decreaseof almost 50 percent in the number ofpeople who are homeless in the county.Those same statistics, however, show aslight uptick in the last 12-month period.
When the last Point-in-Time survey wasdone, on the night of Jan. 24, 2018, 987people were counted among the county’shomeless, up from 964 at the same time in2017. Of those, 488 were people in fami-lies and 499 were single individuals. Home-less persons in families increased by 3 per-cent compared to 2017. The number ofhomeless families also increased, by 6 per-cent over last year, while the number ofsingle adults increased by 2 percent sincethe 2017 count.
THE NUMBERS also inched up for fami-lies in emergency shelters and in transi-tional housing. One of the largest increasesover 2017 figures was the 18 percent in-crease in families whose homelessness wasdue to domestic violence.
Part of the study showed that 44 percent
of single adults who were classified as“chronically homeless” suffered from seri-ous mental health and/or substance abuse,a number identical to the last year. Alsounchanged was the number of homelesschildren (298) under the age of 18.
The point-in-time statistics and some dis-cussion about root causes and steps to taketo further the cause are available on thecounty’s website www.fairfaxcounty.gov bysearching Office to Prevent and EndHomelessness.
But right now, as the weather turns colder,the challenge and the immediate efforts arefocused on keeping people who areunsheltered alive and safe and surroundedby welcoming neighbors willing to assist.
That safe welcome is available through-out the area, with the county divided intoregions offering a variety of services.
New Hope Housing operates its WinterSeasonal program in Region I – the SouthCounty Route 1 area- out of the Eleanor U.Kennedy Shelter at 9155 Richmond High-way. Guests are welcomed to enter the shel-ter after 4:30 p.m. where they are providedwith showers and laundry service, self-caresupplies, dinner, and breakfast and baggedlunches the next morning.
Starting Dec. 1, New Hope Housing startsoperation of its Hypothermia PreventionProgram through Ventures in CommunityHypothermia Outreach Program at the Ris-ing Hope United Methodist Mission Churchat 8220 Russell Road in Alexandria. Thathypothermia shelter operates from 6:30 p.m– 7 a.m., offering shelter, meals and othersupplies. Both shelters also allow New Hopecase management staff to assist with em-ployment skills and housing assistance.
Within the City of Falls Church, theFriends of Falls Church Homeless Shelterpartner with New Hope Housing to oper-ate the Gordon Road facility, seven days aweek from 6 p.m. to 8 the following morn-ing. This shelter is already operational, andwill remain open until March 31, 2019 tohandle the winter homeless crisis. At theFalls Church shelter, guests have the oppor-
tunity to reserve their bed in advance, of-fering a sense of security for persons whooften lack that basic need.
Region 2 is the Central area for the pro-gram, and includes Annandale and SevenCorners. New Hope Housing is at work inthis area, as well, operating out of theBailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter(BCCS), located at 3525 Moncure Ave. inFalls Church. Because of the partnership ofmany neighboring faith communities, theBCCS can handle a larger number of guestsby welcoming them first at their own loca-tion, and then transporting them to a faithcommunity facility.
In the North County’s Region 3, whichincludes Herndon and Reston, Cornerstonesoperates its winter seasonal efforts from theEmbry Rucker Community Shelter, locatedat 11975 Bowman Towne Drive in Reston.
THE EXPANDED SERVICES are offeredas part of the Hypothermia PreventionProgram’s move to the nearby North CountyHuman Services Building at 1850 CameronGlen Dr. in Reston, where guests are di-rected after checking in at the Embry Ruckerfacility.
Nonprofit FACETS takes point in Region4 – the western and central areas that coverFairfax and Centreville. The location of itsshelters rotates among many of the area’svarious faith communities. It starts with thefirst four weeks at one location, and thenthe program operates from two faith com-munity sites each week, beginning on Dec.23, 2018. Potential guests or those wishingto volunteer, can learn where the programwill be hosted at any given period by visit-ing the FACETS website, or contacting themat 703-352-5090, ext. 302 (or ext. 303 forthe information in Spanish.)
In addition to providing shelter, food,supplies and other resources, the FairfaxCounty Health Department’s HomelessHealthcare Program also deploys nursepractitioners to visit all of the HomelessHealthcare Program venues and the regu-lar shelters at least once per week.
Slightly higher numbers of residents in need face higher snowfalls forecasted.
Helping Keep Homeless Warm
Region 1 – South County:Contact Sherry Edelkamp at
[email protected], or Chandra Beander [email protected] by calling703-799-0200.
In the City of Falls Church, contact Jeff Lisanick at703-854-1400 or via email [email protected] or again,Chandra Beander.
In Region 2 – Central/Annandale and SevenCorners:
Contact Alfred Grant at 703-820-7621,[email protected], or KhristinaKoontz at [email protected].
Region 3 – Reston, Herndon:Cornerstones Outreach Missy Norquest at
[email protected], or CassHyatt at [email protected] 703-437-1975.
Region 4 – Fairfax and Centreville:Visit the FACETS website at www.facetscares.org/
programs/hypothermia-prevention-and-response-program or call 703-352-5090 ext. 302for English and ext. 303 for information inSpanish. Maria Avila [email protected] also provide moreinformation.
The county operates a total of six year-roundshelters for both adults and families. Theirlocations and contact information are availableon the county’s website. For families withchildren, to schedule shelter, the adults need tocontact the Human Services CoordinatedServices Planning office at 703-222-0880 duringregular business hours. After hours, familieswith children can present themselves directly toone of the emergency shelters.
Contact InformationTo make contact to receive assistance or to find out how to offer assistance, here are some contact details:
Photo contributed
The Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter on Richmond High-way will expand its services during the HypothermiaPrevention Program 2018-2019 season. The shelterand the program are operated by New Hope Housing.
The county already operates six shelters for bothindividuals and families, but during the coldest timesmore homeless people need assistance to stay safeand warm. The Hypothermia Prevention Programkicks in to offer this needed support.
10 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
Jessica Werfel, ofSouth Riding,dances the role ofClara.
Carlos Martinez,GMU Dance, dancesthe role of theNutcracker Prince.
Fairfax Ballet Company’s NutcrackerThe Fairfax Ballet Company presents the full-length production of “The Nutcracker,” the
family-friendly holiday tradition. Company members, along with students from the RussellSchool of Ballet and George Mason University, and professional guest artists, join Clara andher Nutcracker Prince in a magical journey through a winter wonderland. Saturday, Nov.24, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m. at W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax. $15-$30.Tickets are available at fairfaxnutcracker2018.brownpapertickets.com or at the door begin-ning one hour before each show. Email [email protected] or call 703-665-9427.
Follow Clara on a magical journey in Fairfax Ballet Company’sNutcracker.
magical journey through a winterwonderland. $15-$30. Tickets areavailable atfairfaxnutcracker2018.brownpapertickets.comor at the door beginning one hourbefore each show. Email [email protected] or call 703-665-9427.
SUNDAY/NOV. 25“Legends and Lore Night Hike.”
5:30-7 p.m. at the Walney VisitorCenter in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Wrapup the weekend with a “Legends andLore Night Hike.” This program willspark interest in Walney historythrough legends, lore and stories ofthe supernatural. After the hike,gather around the campfire fors’mores. For participants age 4 toadult. $8 per person. Call 703-631-0013 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
THURSDAY/NOV. 29Letter Writing: Make a Quill. At
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040Walney Road, Chantilly. Bringhomeschool students (ages 6-12) orgroup of students for hands-onlearning designed to enrichunderstanding of Fairfax Countyhistory. Explore food productionfrom garden to table, play historicalgames and make a toy. Bring a picniclunch and stroll the park before orafter the program. Children must beaccompanied by an adult. Call fortimes, 703- 631-0013 or visit onlineat www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
SATURDAY/DEC. 1Deck the Halls. 2-4 p.m. at Sully
Historic Site, 3650 Historic SullyWay, Chantilly. This tour, forparticipants age 12-adult, focuses on
the history, style and materials usedin the seasonal decorations thatadorn Sully for the holidays. As partof the program, create a wreath totake home using cuttings from thehistoric property. Then enjoy hotcider and cookies. $20 per person.Children must be accompanied by aregistered adult. Call 703-437-1794or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.
Winter Wonder Campfire. 5:30-7p.m. at the Walney Visitor Center inEllanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040Walney Road, Chantilly. Bundle upand come discover how animalssurvive the chill of winter. At the“Winter Wonder Campfire,” meetsome exhibit animals and learn theirstrategies for battling the cold. Endthe evening with toasty s’mores.Designed for participants age 4-adult.$8 per person. Call 703-631-0013 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 1-2Holiday Train Show. Saturday, 10
a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. atthe Fairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road, FairfaxStation. The Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum will host its 29th annualholiday train show with a multitudeof model trains to include Z, N, HO,LEGO, S, O, Standard, and G scales.Bring broken locomotives to the“Train Doctor.” Admire the antiquecars visiting for this event, weatherpermitting. Visit the gift shop forholiday gift items and Santa may stopby to visit. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call703-425-9225.
SUNDAY/DEC. 2AYDO & AYSE in Concert. 2-3 p.m.
at Chantilly High School, 4201Stringfellow Road, Chantilly.
American Youth Debut Orchestra andAmerican Youth String Ensemblepresent “Italian Holiday,” featuringmusic by Vivaldi, Longfield, Pucciniand Billy Joel. $10. Visitwww.aypo.org/18-19-season.
AYCO & AYSO in Concert. 5-7 p.m.at Chantilly High School, 4201Stringfellow Road, Chantilly.American Youth Concert Orchestrapresents music by Von Suppe, Bizet,Vaughn Williams, and more.American Youth SymphonicOrchestra presents music by Herbert,Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky andTchaikovsky/Ellington. $10. Visitwww.aypo.org/18-19-season.
SATURDAY/DEC. 8Holidays at Walney Farm. 1-2:30
p.m. at the Walney Visitor Center inEllanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040Walney Road, Chantilly. Turn theclock back in time and celebrate theseason with the Machen family atWalney Farm. Learn about gifts andfoods from an 1850s farm, create ahistoric holiday ornament, take awagon ride along the trails and enjoyhot apple cider and treats around thecampfire. Designed for participantsage 3-adult. $10 per person. Call703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 8-9“The Nutcracker” by the Mia
Saunders School of Ballet. 3p.m. in the Centreville High SchoolTheater, 6001 Union Mill Road,Clifton. Proceeds for this annualtradition will benefit CVHS DramaScholarships and St. Jude Children’sResearch Hospital. Tickets are $12.Enjoy this holiday classic and supportlocal dancers and CVHS students.Tickets available at the door andpresale [email protected] www.miasaundersballet.com.
From Page 7
Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
For those readers still following me after reading last week’s column: “Airing of a Griev-ance,” when I moaned and groaned about my anxiety and fear concerning the impact of my
holiday-season infusions due to unacceptable lab results, let me real-time you: chemother-apy went ahead Friday, Nov. 16, as regularly scheduled.
Now, there will be no need to drive back from Pennsylvania to Maryland on the Friday after Thanksgiving – after arriving there the pre-ceding afternoon, only to have to drive back to Pennsylvania Friday after my morning infusion, in order to resume our holiday weekend; and then drive back home again on Sunday during one of the busiest driving weekends of the year.
Given that there’s no delay, this means I’ll be sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately, the eating side effects typical of my treatment will have not subsided as yet so enjoying my favorite meal of the year will be impaired. Still, given the alternatives discussed, no delay in treatment is an altogether better outcome. I will be able to enjoy leftover turkey sandwiches on Friday though.
And so, perhaps you can imagine the relief I felt when I called the Infusion Center on Friday
It has happened previously when I’ve made
I’ve been told not to come and to reschedule. Moreover, it has also happened – once, that af-ter making this call, receiving approval to come in, driving 45 minutes, checking in at reception and then getting hooked up to an IV, that I was told after further review by my oncologist, that I had to go home.
Disappointing, as you can imagine, but had it happened last week, the Friday before Thanksgiving, as has been well-blathered about in two columns, it would have been particularly discouraging and extremely disheartening.
It really wasn’t until 10:30 a.m., after my on-cology nurse set up my IV and ordered my drug (alimta) that I had the nerve to ask if I was 100 percent getting my drugs today. Enthusiastically, Nora said: “Oh. You’re getting your drugs today. I’ve checked everything.”
After hearing her response, my eyes welled up with tears and I heaved a sigh of relief, the likes of which I’ve never heaved before.
In addition to writing about this scheduling ‘heave,’ I’ve been worried for a few months now
during my last post-scan appointment with my
enlarged tumor under my Adam’s Apple. This every-three-week infusion schedule was
new growth was old growth recently impeded or new growth indicating my treatment has stopped working. If my treatment has stopped working, and I believe I have written about it previously, I might not be living the life going forward that I want to.
mid morning on Friday, the pent-up emotion, the worry, the fear, the holiday hassle all faded away and I began to breathe more normally and easily as I had in six weeks or so anticipat-
passed.My next scheduled infusion is Dec. 7. Three
weeks later is another infusion on Dec. 28. Followed up by a CT scan on Jan. 2, 2019. I would love to receive both infusions before that next scan to maximize the medicine I will be receiving.
Certainly there will be anxiety and fear worrying about those results, but absent the holiday season, I think I can manage it. More of a mindset than a miracle at that point.
Indeed, A Festivus Miracle
programs as well as a Workforce DevelopmentCenter. Last year, for the holidays, donations ofnearly 10,000 toys, books, games, clothing, andother gifts ensured a joy-filled holiday forhundreds of children. 7511 Fordson Road,Alexandria VA 22306. www.ucmagency.orgDonations of cash/checks and gift cards are alsowelcome.
❖ Mount Vernon At Home, 703-303-4060,www.mountvernonathome.org. From practicalhelp to social, wellness, educational and culturalactivities, Mount Vernon At Home membershiphelps connect senior members of our community.Neighbors helping neighbors with volunteersupport is the power of Mount Vernon At Home.Mount Vernon At Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofitorganization working to meet the needs of itsolder members. The group fundraises all year tomake this possible and count on the generosity ofthe community.
❖ National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill ParkDrive, Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia,703-541-3063. www.capitalareafoodbank.org
❖ Homestretch is a provider of transitional housingin Fairfax County and offers a services to help thehomeless better their lives through education.Email: [email protected]; 703-237-2035 x125; homestretchva.org/volunteer/
❖ Pathway Homes providing non-time-limitedhousing and supportive services to adults withserious mental illness and co-occurringdisabilities in Northern Virginia. Founded in1980, Pathways currently serves more than 400adults in community-based homes in NorthernVirginia. www.pathwayhomes.org
❖ Good Shepherd Housing and FamilyServices, 8305-17B Richmond Highway, PO Box15096, Alexandria, VA, 22039. 703-768-9419,www.goodhousing.org/ The mission of GoodShepherd 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, focusing oncharacter 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/
❖ Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginiatransforms the lives of lower-income families inneed by providing affordable homeownershipopportunities in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfaxand Falls Church. Learn more atwww.habitatnova.org.
❖ Alice’s Kids (@alicewillhelp) aliceskids.org P.O.Box 60, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 When a child israised in poverty they suffer both publicly andprivately. When there is no food in therefrigerator, 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 of thechild. It helps children from all over the MountVernon area through small acts of kindness.
❖ Neighborhood Health, 6677 RichmondHighway, Alexandria, VA 22306. Theorganization partners with its patients to treat thewhole person through medical, behavioral healthand dental programs. It has 10 clinics throughoutArlington and Fairfax counties. Participating withall insurance including commercial, Medicare,and Medicaid, 703-535-5568,www.neighborhoodhealthva.org
Where to Give LocallyFrom Page 4
12 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
