ECHO Acts To Help Families in Needconnectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/112019/Springfield.pdf · needy families among us. In Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 54,000 students (29

Page, 8

Local Rugby PlayerSigns to U.S. TeamSports, Page 8

Give LocallyOpinion, Page 4

ECHO Acts To Help Families in Need

News, Page 6

Kings Park Elementary School Prin-cipal Dotty Lin helped out loading the cars during the holiday food drive for Springfield-based Ecumeni-cal Community Helping Others.

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2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Springfield Connection ❖ November 21-27, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Dressed as American suffragists Alice Paul, RoseWinslow, Lucy Burns and Elizabeth Cady Stantonrespectively, from left: Debbie Glaser of Woodbridge,Julianna Smith of Woodbridge, Michelle McCall ofHerndon and Quinn Jones of Arlington hold up shov-els used at the Turning Point Suffragist MemorialGroundbreaking at Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton,Nov. 14, 2019.

News

See Memorial, Page 5

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

Construction for the first nationalsuffragist memorial, the Turn-ing Point Suffragist Memoriallocated in Lorton, in Fairfax

County is set to begin following its Thurs-day, Nov. 14, groundbreaking ceremony.“With the stroke of a pen, 25 million womenentered the Constitution and secured theright to vote,” wrote Patricia Depew Wirth,Executive Director/CEO of the Turning PointSuffragist Memorial Association. “FewAmericans know about the suffrage move-ment or its historical significance as it rarelymakes it into the history textbooks.”

Fairfax County kicked off support for theneeded $2 million memorial constructioncosts when it issued a $200,000 grant to thecause. During program remarks before thegroundbreaking at Occoquan Regional Park,Sharon Bulova, Chairman, Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors said, “Our contribu-tion in Fairfax County that was put into ourbudget was a turning point, so to speak, forfundraising. And it was clear that FairfaxCounty had skin in the game.” According to“The Sentinel, the Newsletter of the Turn-ing Point Suffragist Memorial,” Board Chair-man Bulova and Supervisor John W. Foustdrafted the motion to support the project.“They cited its importance to the county’stourism and hospitality industries and saidthe memorial will only enhance the interestamong residents and tourists to visit a fa-mous historical and cultural area of FairfaxCounty.” The Fairfax County Board unani-mously approved the motion of Supervisors.

Sargeant described the suffragist move-ment as the ‘Best Kept Secret in AmericanHistory.’ While the seven-decade campaignsought women’s economic, social and po-litical gender equality, the effort was notfor the faint hearted. In the early years,women organized and built a movement.Then at the turn of the century, theychanged tactics for the new generation witha new battle cry.

Women paraded, petitioned and picketed.Few women who began the campaign sawit to fruition. Material distributed at thegroundbreaking titled, “SHALL NOT BEDENIED, Women Fight for the Vote,” by Li-brary of Congress, stated: “Their story is oneof courage, perseverance, savvy, creativityand hope that inspires women today.”

According to Wirth, the groundbreakingdate coincided precisely one hundred andtwo years after the infamous Nov. 14, 1917“Night of Terror.” On that evening scores ofsuffragists ages, 19-73 were illegally impris-oned and tortured at the nearby historicD.C. prison grounds (what is known as theformer Occoquan Workhouse) after peace-

fully picketing outside the Woodrow Wil-son White House for the right to vote.“There, they were humiliated, kept in in-humane conditions, tortured, locked in soli-tary confinement, and brutalized.”

Doris Stevens wrote ‘Jailed for Freedom’in 1920. In it, she stated, “When all suffragecontroversy has died away, it will be thelittle army of women with their purple,white and gold banners, going to prison fortheir political freedom that will be remem-

bered. The challenge of the picket lineroused the government out of its half-cen-tury sleep of indifference ... (On the Nightof Terror) I saw Dorothy Day brought in.She is a frail girl. The two men handlingher were twisting her arms above her head.Then suddenly, they lifted her up andbanged her down over the arm of an ironbench-twice.”

Wirth said when word leaked out aboutthe unconscionable treatment; it became a

“turning point” in forcing President Wilsonto ask Congress to consider a ConstitutionalAmendment. The site for the Turning PointSuffragist Memorial is located withinOccoquan Regional Park and the NationalRegister-listed D.C. Workhouse and Refor-matory Historic District, where the Nightof Terror occurred.

CONSTRUCTION of the national suffrag-ist memorial is anticipated to take ninemonths, culminating in the Aug. 26, 2020dedication ceremony, which is the centen-nial anniversary certification of the 19thAmendment, Wirth announced in a state-ment. Designed by R.E. Beach Architects ofFalls Church, the memorial, Wirth saidwould be the cornerstone of a planned parkredevelopment. It would commemorate thefive million women who fought for sevendecades to win ratification of the 19thAmendment to the U.S. Constitution - theright for American women to vote. Wirthsaid Turning Point Suffragist Memorialwould tell a critical part of history aboutAmerican women through the constructionof the memorial and “establishment of theTurning Point Institute and development ofa ‘Constitution Trail’ in collaboration withnumerous historical sites germane to ourever-evolving Constitution.”

Site in Lorton to markwomen’s struggle forright to vote.

First National Suffragist Memorial Breaks Ground

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

Emily McCoy, Director, Turning Point Suffragist Memo-rial; Nancy Sargeant, Chairman Turning Point Suffrag-ist Memorial; Sharon Bulova, Chairman, FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisor; Patricia D. Wirth, Execu-tive Director Turning Point Suffragist Memorial; andMichael Nardolilli, Chairman NOVA Parks at theThursday, Nov. 14, groundbreaking ceremony for theTurning Point Suffragist Memorial.

People from across Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, Marylandand the nation listen to remarks held during the Suffragist MemorialGroundbreaking on Night of Terror Anniversary.

Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]


Opinion

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 thankful andabout faith and appreciation. The holi-days are about alleviating suffering forothers.

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, families who

must choose between medical bills, carrepair, heat and food. Some of theseare children who may not be sure thatthey 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 Christmas

and the holiday season.Hundreds of homeless students attend the

public schools, and their needs are greater.Many nonprofits in the region need your help

to provide holiday meals around Christmas, toprovide children with gifts.

There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season, forhumans in need, for animals in need, for anenvironment in need. Here are a few ideas.Please let us know what we have missed.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

For tens of thousands of families in our area,uncertainty and need are distant from the celebrations and plenty thatso many of us associate with this holiday period.

Give Locally

❖ Assistance League of NorthernVirginia is an all-volunteernonprofit organization that feeds,clothes and educates children inneed. Assistance League’sphilanthropic programs touch thelives of thousands of children at 11Title I schools in Northern Virginia,serving children most in need atselected schools in Fairfax and PrinceWilliam counties and the City ofAlexandria. To learn more aboutvolunteer and sponsorshipopportunities, contact [email protected] visit www.alnv.org

❖ Britepaths Britepaths is working toassist 500 Fairfax County areafamilies who might otherwise gowithout holiday meals and gifts fortheir children. Sponsor a family ordonate to provide a family with aholiday meal and/or gifts for theirchildren. Britepaths.org https://britepaths.org/our-programs/holiday-program

❖ Centreville Labor ResourceCenter (CLRC), a safe, organizedcenter where residents andcontractors can negotiate workarrangements with day laborers.Centreville Square Shopping Center,5944 Centreville Crest Ln,Centreville, VA 20121. Phone: (703)543-6272 Email:[email protected]/

❖ Committee for Helping Others(CHO), Vienna, organized in 1969 bya group of churches and individualsin the Dunn Loring, Merrifield,Oakton, Vienna community toprovide simple, loving charity tothose in need. Coming up, holidaybike drive. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com

❖ Community Foundation ofNorthern Virginiawww.cfnova.org The CommunityFoundation for Northern Virginiaworks to respond to critical need andseed innovation in our region. Yourgift helps us make grants in our focusareas of interest while also bringing aspotlight on the benefits ofcommunity philanthropistswww.cfnova.org/for-donors/donate-now

❖ Ecumenical Community HelpingOthers (ECHO), 703-569-9160.

Open to receive donations at 7205Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield.Provides food and financialassistance to those in short-termemergencies, and provides clothingand household goods to low incomefamilies. We want to provide a happyChristmas for 600 children whosefamilies struggle economically. Weneed donations of new toys, gamesand books, not gift wrapped, broughtto ECHO before Dec. 8 www.echo-inc.org.

❖ FACETS helps parents, their childrenand individuals who suffer the effectsof poverty in the Fairfax area, apartner in efforts to endhomelessness in Fairfax County.FACETS is always in need ofdonations and volunteers, and offersa variety of one-time and ongoingopportunities. Please donate abasket of non-perishable food and a$25 grocery store gift card (so therecipient may purchase theperishable items needed to completetheir mea). Please drop off yourdonations of Thanksgiving foodbaskets and gift cards by Friday, Nov.22. Donations will be accepted atFACETS’ main office (10700 PageAvenue, Building B, Fairfax VA22030) between 9am – 5pm.ContactHaylee Davis [email protected]. 703-865-4251 or [email protected]. 10640 PageAve., Suite 300, Fairfax VA 22030

❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (ForImmediate Sympathetic Help) FISHprovides funds and volunteers toserve the needy and elderly in thegreater Fairfax City area of FairfaxCounty. FISH responds to requestsfor life’s necessities: food, clothing,financial assistance for delinquentrent, mortgage, utility bills, gasoline,and prescriptions. 703-222-0880fairfaxfish.org/

❖ Food for Others Located at 2938Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031,703-207-9173. 2938 Prosperity [email protected]. Food forOthers distributes food to more than1,800 local families in need eachweek. Drop off food at our MerrifieldWarehouse, 2938 Prosperity Ave,Fairfax, VA 22031. Monday throughFriday from 9:30am to 5pm. The besttime is between 2pm and 5pm. Parkin a space, walk up to loading dock#2 and let one of the warehouse staff

members know you have a donation.Holiday wish list: stuffing, gravypackets, instant potatoes, cannedsweet potatoes, pie, cannedcranberries, canned meat (tuna,chicken, beef, turkey) peanut butter,canned tomato products (chopped,diced, peeled), canned pumpkin,soup, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce;cereal, cans of beans, mac & cheese.www.foodforothers.org

❖ Friends of the Fairfax CountyAnimal Shelter. Each year, nearly5,000 pets, including cats, dogs,small mammals, reptiles andlivestock, come to the Fairfax CountyAnimal Shelter. Friends of the FairfaxCounty Animal Shelter fundsimportant needs throughout theShelter such as behavioral trainingand dental or medical care beyondwhat the shelter’s budget canprovide. [email protected] 571-212-9858 www.ffcas.org/

❖ Habitat for Humanity ofNorthern Virginia transforms thelives of lower-income families inneed by providing affordablehomeownership opportunities inAlexandria, Arlington, Fairfax andFalls Church. Learn more atwww.habitatnova.org.

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

❖ Lorton Community ActionCenter (LCAC) will provide holidayassistance to hundreds of families.There is still time to help forThanksgiving, Christmas food basketsalong with fulfilling gift wishes forchildren and teens will help low-income families. See website forwarm coat donation details andvolunteer needs. https://lortonaction.org/2019-thanksgiving-outreach/

❖ NAMI Northern Virginia (NationalAlliance on Mental Illness) works toraise awareness and provideeducation, advocacy, and supportprograms for people living withmental illness, families, students,educators, law enforcement, and thepublic throughout ourneighborhoods. Many excellentprograms. NAMI Northern Virginiaserves Fairfax, Falls Church,Arlington, Alexandria, and Loudounwww.nami-northernvirginia.org/HelpLine: (571)458.7310,

Editorial

Where to Give Locally Email: [email protected]

❖ National Capital Food Bank,6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton, servingall of Northern Virginia, (571) 482-4770 . www.capitalareafoodbank.org

❖ New Hope Housing, endshomelessness in Northern Virginia byproviding housing, offering hope, andbuilding community. We currentlyoffer various Housing Programs, andSupport Services. 8407E RichmondHwy., Alexandria, VA 22309www.newhopehousing.org/how-to-help/donate/

❖ Northern Virginia FamilyService. The organization providesthe essential building blocks forfinancial, emotional and physicalwell-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

❖ OAR rebuilds lives and breaks thecycle of crime with opportunities,alternatives, and resources foroffenders and their families to createa safer community. 10640 Page Ave.,Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-246-3033. OAR needs volunteers andfinancial donations. oarnova.org/donate

❖ Pathway Homes providing non-time-limited housing and supportiveservices to adults with serious mentalillness and co-occurring disabilities inNorthern Virginia. Founded in 1980,Pathways currently serves more than400 adults in community-basedhomes in Northern Virginia.www.pathwayhomes.org

❖ PRS, Inc. is a non profit providingmental health, crisis intervention andsuicide prevention services inNorthern Virginia and Washington,D.C. Seeking to change and save livesin our community by empoweringhope, safety, recovery, wellness,independence and communityintegration.. PRS also provides crisiscounseling and connection tosupports CRISISLINK When crisiscalls, we answer 24/7 Call: 800-273-TALK [8255] Text: “CONNECT” to85511

See Give Locally, Page 14

❖ For full list, see www.ConnectionNewspapers.comwww.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@SprConnect

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered tohomes and businesses.

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Springfield


Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

From left: Emily McCoy, Director, Turning Point Suffragist Memorial; Dr.Thelma Daley, 16th President Sigma Theta Sorority; and Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO, Girl Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital.

From Page 3

News

Preceding the program guests spoke out.Nancy Tate, a board member of TurningPoint and Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow,shared her thoughts about the brave andbrilliant suffragists. “I joined the boardwhen I was Executive Director of League ofWomen Voters, which was founded by Car-rie Chapman Catt, leader of the major suf-frage movement and who ensured the pas-sage of the Nineteenth Amendment whichthe memorial is here to honor.”

Lois Elizabeth Bingham, Executive Direc-tor of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., said:“I think at long last women are being rec-ognized. As an African American woman, Iam doubly proud because we face thedouble jeopardy of being black and beingwomen.”

Mary Ellen Brock, International President,General Federation of Women’s Club, spokeabout how dedicated the suffragists wereand that they “suffered so much.”

Patricia Harrison, Fairfax County repre-sentative to NOVA Parks Board, said she wasthere to support and celebrate the achieve-ments of women. “And to recognize theimportance of the women’s suffrage move-ment in creating opportunities for allwomen who come after us.”

Significant donors, national partners andothers spoke during the program, amongthem Tara Hogan Charles, Global Govern-ment Relations and Public Policy, Proctorand Gamble. She explained P&G had anaspiration, “to create a world free of bias,with equal voice and equal representation

for all individuals, which is why we arehumbled to support the construction of thememorial to recognize the decades-longfight for the women’s right to vote here inthe United States.”

Colleen Shogan, Assistant Deputy Librar-ian for Collections and Services at the Li-brary of Congress, Vice Chair of theWomen’s Suffrage Centennial Commissionshared how different states had alreadycelebrated the 100th anniversary of the rati-fication of the 19th Amendment. “Theyhave honored those occasions with com-memorative proclamations and resolutions,lighting up state capitals and landmarks inpurple and gold and holding celebrationsand educational programs throughout thestates.”

OCCOQUAN REGIONAL PARK is part ofNOVA Parks. In a Memorandum of Under-standing, NOVA Parks provided the land andperpetual maintenance of the memorial.“NOVA Parks is proud to share its role inthe route for this important addition toOccoquan Regional Park,” said MichaelNardolilli, Board member, Chairman, NOVAParks. “As engaged citizens today, we needto understand the low points, and therewere low points suffered by these womenthat are driven by fear and hatred but atthe same time aspire to the high point ofunity and love where all of us can strive tobe our best. Let this site point to a betterfuture for all Americans with liberty, andjustice for all.”

To learn more about the memorial, visitsuffagistmemorial.com.

Ground Broken forSuffragist Memorial


News

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

At Kings Park Elementary Schoolit didn’t take long for the holi-day food donations to line thehall outside the office. Like in

previous years, the school is working withthe Ecumenical Community Helping Oth-ers to help those in need around Spring-field.

Principal Dotty Lin described her studentsand their families as ”very giving,” she saidas a group of the third grade “Cub Council”members loaded Dick Marvin’s car withboxes and bags on Nov. 19. “The messagewas that we’re helping families in need,”Lin said of the effort but the students alsoused communications skills, advertising andcommitment “to think of others,” Lin said.

All boxes and bags of food were goingto ECHO, located on Old Keene Mill Drivein Springfield. “It’s a real challengingtime,” said Anita King, the ECHO execu-tive director. Springfield may seem like amiddle-class community, but falling onhard times, even temporarily, can happento anyone. “Maybe they were doing well,but now they’re not,” said King. And that’swhen ECHO helps out so there is food onthe table during the holiday.

for 10 years. Just about everyone there is avolunteer, and they depend on communitygroups for the food and the gifts for theChristmas gift table. “Churches have a giv-ing tree, it’s usually very nice gifts,” Schmidtsaid.

ECHO’s Foothold in SpringfieldECHO recently celebrated their 50th year

helping out in Springfield. Inside the non-descript ECHO building, there are areaswhere people can find out about heatingassistance, jobs, mental health support, artdonations, books and at this time of yearthere is a wall of holiday decorations togive away. There’s a clothing room, a giftroom, and a set of refrigerators and freez-ers for perishable foods. Scouts, adult so-cial clubs, sport teams, schools and areabusinesses all chip in. Since they have lim-ited hours and there is no drop off in theparking lot, “everything we do is by ap-pointment only,” Schmidt said. But at thesame time, “we don’t turn anybody away,”she said.

They are always looking for volunteers,and teenagers can get community hours fora school requirement by working there, butonly if it’s to meet a school requirement.

“Due to the limited administrative super-vision, this program can not be used forcourt-ordered community service hours,”their information stated. Although ECHOis active all year long, some of the volun-teer opportunities are only needed duringthe holiday season.

Local businesses support ECHO as well,and there is a special page on the ECHOwebsite to recognize these businesses. Forinstance, for six straight holiday seasons,Sheehy Volkswagen and Subaru in Spring-field have donated to ECHO, including$5,000 in December, 2018. Cardinal ForestShell, Cardinal Forest Giant Foods, the newMarshalls on Loisdale Road, the SpringfieldLorton Dental Group, and Language onDemand all were recognized for helping.In addition, Merry Maids cleans the centereach week.

The assortment offood drives aroundthe holidays keepstheir pantries full.

ECHO Acts as the Hub for Feeding Families in Need

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection

At the Scouting for Food drive, there was lots of action at thesorting table.The smiles reflected their achievement collecting the food for ECHO.

More on ECHOECHO, 7205 Old Keene Mill Road, is

open on weekday mornings between 9:30and 12:30, as well as Tuesday, Wednesdayor Thursday evenings between 7 and 9.For information about adopting a familyfor the holiday or volunteering, [email protected], 703-569-9160

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the annual Scoutingfor Food drive yielded more than 18,000pounds of food for the pantries at ECHO.

“There are a lot of asking for Christmas foodthis year,” said Cheryl Schmidt, a Burke resi-dent who has been volunteering at ECHO

ECHO is right on Old Keene Mill Drive in Springfield, but will only acceptdrop offs when they are open.

The loading group finished the job in about 10 minutes.


Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

Fairfax CountyBoard of SupervisorsMeetings in 201912000 Government Center ParkwayFairfax, VA 22035Nov. 26 Committee Meetings9:30 a.m. - Economic Advisory

Commission11 a.m. - Personnel Committee1:30 p.m. - Legislative Committee3 p.m. - Budget Committee5 p.m. - Audit CommitteeDec. 3, 2019 9:30 a.m. - Full Board

of Supervisors MeetingDec. 10 Committee Meetings9:30 a.m. - Health, Housing and Human

Services Committee11 a.m. - Development Process

Committee1:30 p.m. - Transportation Committee3 p.m. - General Assembly Annual

Reception and Work Session

BritepathsSeeking VolunteersFairfax-based nonprofit Britepaths is

seeking volunteers to sponsorfamilies in need who live throughoutthe Fairfax County area. Sponsors arematched with families who havedemonstrated need, and may opt toprovide a December holiday mealand/or gifts for children under 18.Britepaths also has a great need forcash donations and gift cards togrocery stores or Target/Walmart toassist those who are not sponsored. Awonderful family, company or groupholiday service project. Register andlearn more at: britepaths.org.Contact 703-273-8829 [email protected].

WEDNESDAY/NOV. 20Slug Line and Parking Meeting. 7-9

p.m. At Forestdale ElementarySchool, 6530 Elder Ave., Springfield.Fairfax County Department ofTransportation (FCDOT) will hold acommunity meeting to discuss thetemporary slug line and parkingrelocation from the Old Keene MillRoad Park-and-Ride during theconstruction of the SpringfieldCommuter Parking Garage.Construction will begin in Spring2020 and is expected to becompleted in Fall 2022.

THURSDAY/NOV. 21Lunch N’ Life. Noon to 2 p.m. At

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 8922Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Areyou 50 or better? Sponsored by theShepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke,author Rebecca Boggs Roberts willspeak on the experiences of theSuffragists of Washington, D.C. Forreservations, call Bea Stephenson at703-273-5730, by Nov. 15. The costis $10; checks payable to SCFB. Iftransportation is needed, call theSCFB office 703-323-4788. Seewww.scfbva.org.

SATURDAY/NOV. 23Coffee with Del. David Bulova. 9-11

a.m. At Jireh Cafe, 13848 LeeHighway, Centreville. Del. Bulova (D-Fairfax) will continue a traditionstarted in 2006 by holding the first ina series of informal office hours.Constituents are invited to talk aboutissues of interest and to ask questionsabout legislation affecting ourcommunity. The format is casual andno appointment is needed. Visit thewebsite: www.davidbulova.com.

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By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Mashing sweetpotatoes for asoufflé and drizzling spoonfuls of

olive oil over carrots for roastingare Sarah Pardo’s earliest memo-ries of cooking with her motherand younger sister during theholidays.

“Some of the things I made thenbecame a family tradition,” saidPardo, who is now a nutritionistin Falls Church. “I still make sweetpotato soufflé every Thanksgiv-ing.”

From establishing tradition andmaking memories to buildingconfidence and expanding one’spalate, the holidays are a perfecttime to include children in holidaymeal preparation, says Pardo andother culinary aficionados.Bringing children into the kitchenusing kid-friendly tools andrecipes gets little ones excitedabout the feast, creates a sense ofindependence and offers anopportunity to learn aboutnutrition.

“Thanksgiving is all abouttradition and family,” said culi-nary instructor Terri Carr of Terri’sTable in Potomac. “I startedcooking with my son Nick whenhe was four or five. I bought him a Cookie Monsterapron and we would bake and decorate cookiesand give them to friends. We created a lot ofspecial memories.”

Allowing children to helpwith meal planning helpsthem to feel invested,especially if their favoritefare is included. Enticingchildren into trying newdishes that they claim todislike might be made easierif they had a hand in thepreparation. “You can alsoencourage them to trysomething new or introducethe food groups that makeup a balanced meal,” saidPardo. “Take them shoppingwith you and let them helpyou find the ingredients.”

Advanced planning might be necessary forparents who tend to find preparing for a holidaymeal stressful. “When you’re are in a frenzy to getthe meal cooked before guests arrive, it mightseem easier to do it yourself than have your kids

Photo courtesy of Terri’s Table

Baking holiday cookies with her son when he was four,became a family tradition that continues today.

Holiday meal prep can help create life-long memories.

Cooking with Childrenthis Thanksgiving

trying to help,” said Jessica Bernard, a personalchef in Alexandria. “You can include them in theprep work, even the day before. They can wash

vegetables or measureingredients

“Kids particularly wouldlove making mashed pota-toes,” added Carr. “Whenparents do the prep work,kids can put the dish to-gether.”

Cooking is not the onlytask involved in a holidaymeal. Creating a centerpieceor the table or choosingdecorative items to displaywill help them to feelincluded in the festivities.“Kids can set the table sothat they realize that it’s aspecial day,” said Carr. “Get

them involved in decorating. You can set the tablea day or two in advance and kids can make craftsto incorporate in the table setting. Decorating thehouse ahead of time gets everyone in the mood forthe holiday.”

“I started cooking withmy son Nick when hewas four or five. I boughthim a Cookie Monsterapron and we wouldbake and decoratecookies … we created alot of special memories.”

—Terri Carr, Terri’s Table


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We’veMoved!

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

In an effort to push his recy-cling agenda further along,Supervisor Pat Herrity ac-companied EPA Administra-

tor Andrew Wheeler on Wednes-day, Nov. 13 to the Lorton Recy-cling Center as part of “AmericaRecycles Week.”

They started at the AmericanDisposal Services Recycling Cen-ter in Manassas, where Adminis-trator Wheeler and SupervisorHerrity viewed the recycling pro-cessing plant where glass, alumi-num, paper, steel, and cardboardis separated before being brokendown and reused. Then theymoved on to the Fairfax CountyDepartment of Public Works andEnvironmental Services I-95 Com-plex in Lorton where they saw aglass processing demonstration,which showed how the facility pro-cesses crushed glass for reuse invarious county projects, includingthe road to the I-95 landfill. Ac-cording to the county, two mate-rial blends are being tested: a 40/60 mix of ash and crushed glass,and a 25/75 mix of ash and re-cycled concrete. Approximately400-500 tons of recycled materialare being used to fill 2,000 squareyards of roadway, the countywebsite stated. Crushed glass isalso being used in the recent pastas pipe bedding at Flatlick Branchin the Sully area near Chantilly.

Herrity saw the visit as a posi-

tive for the county recycling effort.“Thank you to the EPA Adminis-trator Andrew Wheeler for visit-ing Fairfax County to learn and seefirsthand what we’re doing in thearea of recycling, especially withour new glass recycling program,and to share with us some of therecycling trends both nationallyand internationally. I’m proud ofthe enthusiasm our residents havefor recycling and the success of ourDepartment of Public Works recy-cling initiatives,” he said.

In Fairfax County, glass cannotbe recycled through the normalchannels, i.e. the recycling bin thatis left at the curb during the week.Glass must be taken to the purpletrash dumpsters at the county su-pervisors’ offices, which requiresthe user to make a special effort.

Over the last few weeks, thepurple dumpsters have worked andthey’ve collected two millionpounds of glass that would haveended up in a landfill, Herrity said.There are now 25 purple dumpstersaround the county. “The new glassrecycling program has been tre-mendously successful,” he said.

At October’s Board of Supervi-sors meeting, Herrity and Super-visor Penny Gross (D-Mason) pro-posed to the board that Nov. 15be Fairfax County Recycles Day,and it was adopted by the board.On that day, they will build on theEPA momentum to further high-light the benefits of recycling andimprove recycling behaviors of thecitizens of Fairfax County.

Nov. 15 is now “Fairfax CountyRecycles Day,” in coordination with“America Recycles Week.”

News

EPA Administrator andSupervisor Herrity VisitRecycling Center

Photo contributed

Waste of similar materials gets packed into blocks.


Sports

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

Springfield rugby star Elizabeth Wil-son isn’t the only “Moose” in herfamily, but she is the only “Moose,”on the USA Women’s National

Rugby Team that went out to the west coastin mid-November to play the Canadian teamat the Olympic Rugby center in San Diego.Wilson recently made the team, which wasa dream of Wilson’s ever since she startedplaying rugby locally in eighth grade.

Her brother Marshall plays rugby at theUniversity of Virginia, and she admits “he’sthe original Moose,” she said. “It’s my rugbynickname, they don’t know me as Eliza-beth,” she added.

She loves the rough and tumble sport,loves locking up in the “scrum,” kicking theball and scoring, and doing other physicalthings that are part of the sport. It’s notexactly the sport that her parents picturedtheir daughter participating in but her fa-ther supports the endeavor. “My dad is fly-ing out to San Diego for both games,” shesaid.

Wilson started playing soccer and rugbyas a student at West Springfield HighSchool, and as a teenager and spent a fewyears playing for the West End Ruckettes, arugby team with the South County YouthLeague. They went to the national tourna-ment three years in a row, said coach MattEstess, who praised Wilson’s contributionsto the team. “She’s one of the mostcoachable players I’ve ever had,” he said,noting that with rugby, a player has to be“more than tough, you have to be smart.”

While with the Ruckettes, she made acommercial with the U.S. Marine Corps in2016. “She made a tackle in the commer-cial,” said Estess.

The violence and injuries in football havedominated sports news lately, and rugby isthe same in a lot of ways with tackles, run-ning and throwing the ball. Collisions areunavoidable, but Wilson points out that thesport is erring on the side of safety too. She

does have a helmet though, they call a“scrum cap.”

“I wear it all the time,” she said, but thereis no face guard like football. “I’ve brokenmy nose before, it’s still a little crooked,”she said, with a smile that comes with abattle scar like a crooked nose. “My kneeswill never be the same but I love the game,I’ll keep playing for as long as I can,” shesaid. She got hurt playing soccer too, sheadded.

Way Out WestOut in San Diego, the US Team is playing

two games against the Canadians, and thentraining at the Olympic Rugby Training Cen-ter for the days without games.

There are two types of rugby, one withseven players on a team and one with 15players on a team. The field is roughly 100meters long and 70 meters wide. The games

are 80 minutes and a game could end in atie. There are no forward passes and tack-les must be made below the shoulders. Theystart off in a “scrum,” with locked armsaround the ball in the middle.

Wilson, whose position is “flanker,” hangsout on the end, and they could throw it toher if a teammate gets the ball after thescrum. “I can get off (the pack) very quick,”she said. Although there is a lot of contact,there are safety guidelines to follow.“They’re very big on teaching safety, theright way to tackle,” she said.

The game could be seen as a cross be-tween soccer and football, but Wilson keepsit in its own category.

“I think rugby is so much better than foot-ball, mental and physical,” she said. A rugbyball, known as a “quanco,” is bigger than afootball, but egg-shaped as well but not aspointy as a football.

West Springfield alumni going to San Diego for first game.

Local Rugby Player Signs to U.S. Team

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection

Wilson dives for the score.Wilson’s determined on the field.

Elizabeth Wilson, West Springfieldclass of 2017 and George Masonstudent is known as “Moose,” inthe rugby scrum.

The West End Ruckettes and Elizabeth Wilson with their team mascot “Rosie.”


All aboard for the 2019 holidayseason at Burke Lake Park. En-joy holiday activities at WinterWonderland during the day, or

take evening carousel and train rides astwinkling holiday lights transform the car-ousel and train into Celebration Station.

At Winter Wonderland, hop a train rideon the Holiday Express, take unlimited spinson the Carolers Carousel, play GingerbreadMan Golf or cook s’mores by the fire. Visitwith Santa and enjoy hot chocolate or ci-der and candy canes. Winter Wonderlandruns the first two weekends in December.All hours are noon to 5 p.m.:

❖ Saturday, Dec. 7 & Sunday, Dec. 8❖ Saturday, Dec. 14 & Sunday, Dec. 15Five-hour passes are $15 in advance and

$20 on the event day. Passes can be pickedup at the ice cream parlor on the day of theevent. Children 10 and younger must beaccompanied by an adult registered for thesame ride package. Children younger thantwo can ride the train for free (on a par-ents’ lap) but must pay for other activities.Winter Wonderland tickets are good for thedate specified at the time of purchase only.Limited activity tickets will be available theday of the event at the park.

The park will also be accepting donationsof new toys and canned food items.

In the evenings, enjoy a magical train ride

through a forest decorated with holiday-themed lights and scenes. Celebration Sta-tion runs the same weekends as WinterWonderland, but will take place on Fridayand Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.:

❖ Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7❖ Friday, Dec. 13 & Saturday, Dec. 14Celebration Station tickets are $10 each;

trains depart every 20 minutes. Ticket hold-ers receive one train ride, unlimited carou-

Burke Lake to Host Winter Wonderland, Celebration Station

Holiday Entertainment

sel rides and one cocoa or cider drink. Addi-tional drinks may be purchased for $1 a cup.If seats are still available, tickets may bepurchased at the train station on event day.Celebration Station tickets are good only forthe date specified at time of purchase.

Burke Lake Park is located at 7315 OxRoad, Fairfax Station, VA. For more infor-mation, call 703-323-6600 or visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection

Ellie Zerr, 3, of Springfield and her brother Jack, 1, and Lily Buckner, 3,of Alexandria, play with an inflatable Santa at Burke Lake Park.

Nicholas Tun, 8, of Burke playswith the Kiss the Cook inflatable atthe Winter Wonderland at BurkeLake Park 2018.


See Calendar, Page 15

Holiday Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork en-couraged.

ONGOINGShir HaLev, the Community Jewish Chorale

of Northern Virginia. Rehearsals are heldselect Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. at CongregationOlam Tikvah, 3800 Glenbrook Road, Fairfax.The Chorale is a friendly, welcoming, adultvolunteer choir. Visit carolboydleon.com/shir_halev for more.

Springfield Farmers Market. Saturdays,through Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at SpringfieldTown Center, 6699 Spring Mall Drive,Springfield. Visit www.community-foodworks.orgor call 202-697-7768.

Sweet but Psycho. Through Nov. 30, at Olly Olly,10417 Main St., 2nd Floor, Fairfax. Olly Ollypresents Sweet but Psycho: an avant-gardefairytale. Strangeland is a performance duo, madeup of Bunni (Andiland) and Goatface (StrangeLens), that explores the superficial construct ofreality. Call 703-789-6144 or visit ollyollyart.com

Braddock Wrestling Club. Online registrationthrough Dec. 1. The Braddock Wrestling Club isholding registration for the 2019-2020 season. Theclub supports wrestling for age groups 5 through14 years old, boys and girls. All practices are heldat Lake Braddock Secondary School. Cost is $155per wrestler. Contact William Flynn [email protected] or call 571-230-0713.braddockwrestlingclub.shutterfly.com/

Burke Farmers Market. Through Dec. 21, 8 a.m.-noon at the VRE parking lot, 5671 RobertsParkway, Burke. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/burke or call 703-642-0128

Give the Gift of Original Art. Now thru Jan. 5.At Torpedo Factory Artists at Mosaic, 2905District Ave., #105, Fairfax. Open Wednesdaythru Sunday 11 – 7 p.m. Reception celebratingsmall businesses, Nov. 30, 5 to 8 p.m. You canfind extraordinary fine art that makes great giftsthis holiday season — the work of highly-acclaimed Torpedo Factory Artists — at theirsatellite space in Merrifield. Beautiful paintings,fine-art photographs, one-of-a- kind jewelry,scarves, ceramics and much more will beoffered. Plus you can get an early start on yourholiday shopping. Artists Sonne Hernandez andGreg Knott are in residence during this show.

PJ Party + Santa’s Arrival. At Springfield TownCenter, Springfield. Welcome Santa with aPajama Party. Get in the holiday spirit withcaroling, hot coco and watch as Santa arrives instyle with Fairfax police and fire. Santa’s visitinghours will be as follows: Now through Dec. 13;Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday:11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 14 thru Dec. 23; Monday– Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to7 p.m.; and Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holidays and ChristmasTHURSDAY/NOV. 21Christmas Mart. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At Pohick

Episcopal Church 9301 Richmond Hwy., Lorton.The Parish House and the Vestry House will betransformed into a festive Christmas atmospherewith rooms filled with Attic Treasures, aConsignment Shop, fresh baked goods,homemade candy and apple butter, and frozencasseroles made by the women of PohickChurch. Booths will feature the work of artisansshowcasing handmade jewelry, stained glass,Christmas decorations and many other crafts.Colonial-attired ladies will serve luncheon atthree sittings — 11 a.m., 12 noon and 1 p.m. —the cost is $13. The Docent Guild will be leadingtours of the historic colonial church and theGolden Dove Gift Shop will be open. Admissionto the Christmas Mart is free. Visit the website atwww.pohick.org or call 703-339-6572.

EVENT IN RESTON

FRIDAY/NOV. 29Reston Holiday Parade. 10 a.m. At Reston

Town Center, Reston. The 29th annual RestonHoliday Parade – one of USA Today’s 10 Best –plus tree lighting, sing-along, horse-drawncarriage rides, and more all day. Rain or shine.Schedule: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Visits and photoswith Santa & Mrs. Claus;

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Mini-train rides on Market Street;5 p.m.: Dance Performance at Fountain Square;6– 6:30 p.m.: Tree Lighting & Sing Along;6:30– 10 p.m.: Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. Visit

www.restontowncenter.com/holidays.

NOV. 30-DEC. 1, 2019”The Nutcracker.” Nov. 30, 4 pm, and Dec. 1,

2:30 pm. At W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax.The Fairfax Ballet Company members, alongwith students from the Russell School of Balletand professional guest artists, take the audienceon a magical journey through a festive party, anepic battle scene, a winter wonderland ofsparkling snowflakes, and a Land of Sweets thatincludes a delicate Sugar Plum Fairy, a dashingCavalier, graceful Mirlitons, and waltzingflowers. Fairfax Ballet Senior company memberNicole Shortle, a sophomore at Oakton HighSchool, dances the role of Clara. CarlosMartinez, a sophomore in George MasonUniversity’s dance program, portrays theNutcracker Prince. Professional guest artists,Cody Beaton and Mate Szentes from the

Richmond Ballet, dance the roles of the SugarPlum Fairy and Cavalier. Philip Smith-Cobbsdances the roles of the Mouse King, MechanicalDoll, and Arabian Coffee. Tickets are availablefor purchase at http://fairfaxnutcracker2019.bpt.me Tickets will alsobe available at the door beginning one hourbefore each show. Group discounts areavailable for qualifying organizations with 10 ormore guests. Email [email protected] orcall 703-665-9427.

SATURDAY/NOV. 30Build a Holiday Gingerbread House. 11 a.m.

to 4 p.m. At Fairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.Enjoy a family tradition of making your owngingerbread house. The first seating will be from11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second seating will be

from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each seating has a limitednumber of houses available. The price for eachhouse is $40 ($35 for museum members). Localguest pastry chefs Laurent Lhuillier and SergioMueller will be on hand with volunteers to helpyou with your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.Reservations and advanced payment willguarantee a place. Indicate the number ofpeople in your party when making yourreservations. You may have one or more familymembers or friends help you with your house.You may also purchase additional houses at thesame price if you wish to have more than one.Reservations may be made at the museum’sonline Square store. https://squareup.com/store/fairfax-station-railroad-museum. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org, or call 703-425-9225.

NOV. 30-DEC. 20Fairfax City Elf Hunt. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Takes place Fairfax City-wide, start point: OldTown Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax.Locate 10 elves in Fairfax City businesses, get astamp from each business confirming that youfound the elf; share the Fairfax City Elf Huntcard with us [email protected]. Once youhave submitted your Fairfax City Elf Hunt card,you will receive a Fairfax City car magnet andhave your name entered into a drawing for a$250 cash prize. Completed cards must bereceived by Dec. 16 to be eligible. Free toparticipate; patrons are encouraged to purchaseitems when they visit businesses. Visit thewebsite: https://fairfaxcityconnected.com/2019/10/08/elfhunt/#prettyPhoto

SUNDAY/DEC. 1Messiah Sing Along. 3 p.m. At Fairfax

Presbyterian Church, 10723 Main Street,Fairfax. All are welcome. Bring a score, orborrow one here, and join in the Messiah SingAlong...or simply come and enjoy the music.Free. Visit the website: fairfaxpresbyterian.org

DEC. 6-7Norwegian Christmas Festival. Friday 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At ChristLutheran Church, 3810 Meredith Drive, Fairfax.Free Admission. Live music, dancing, fjordhorses on Saturday. Food and craftdemonstrations. Imported foods (nokkelost),fresh lefse and krumkake made onsite, NordicCafe, huge gift selection including books, linens,authentic Scandinavian sweaters. Free. Visit thewebsite website: www.norwaydc.org.

SATURDAY/DEC. 7Christmastide at Gunston Hall. 10 a.m. to 7

p.m. At George Mason’s Gunston Hall, 10709Gunston Road, Lorton. Celebrate a holidaytradition at Gunston Hall! Daytime activitiesinclude children’s crafts, a visit from Santa,games, and even an indoor snowball fight. Theevening hours provide a romantic holidayexperience by candlelight as guests are invitedto sample period food in the kitchen, explore thegrounds, enjoy 18th century music, and chatwith characters from the past. Cost: $15 adults,$10 children (ages 6 – 18), and members receivea 50% discount. https://gunstonhall.org/event/christmastide-at-gunston-hall/

Christmas Party. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Twins AceHardware, 10310-B Main Street, Fairfax. Fun-filled activities include: Live grill demo fromcelebrity Ace grilling chef Jason K Morse of 5280Culinary; BBQ Provisions & Team Traeger Grills;free goodie bags to the first 150 people at 11a.m.; delicious apps and deserts; specialappearance from children’s author LindsayBarry; photos with Santa; letters to Santaactivity; decorating ideas; giveaways, demos andmore. Visit the website:www.twinsacehardware.com.

DEC. 7-8”The Nutcracker.” Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at

3 p.m. At Centreville High School, 6001 UnionMill Road, Clifton. Mia Saunders School ofBallet presents “The Nutcracker.” The 2019production of “The Nutcracker” marks the firstfor new MSB Artistic Director Hannah Woodruff,an alumna of MSB and 2017 graduate ofUniversity of Virginia. Proceeds for this annualgiving tradition will benefit CVHS DramaScholarships and the Michael J. Fox Foundationfor Parkinson’s Research. Enjoy this holidayclassic with your family and support localdancers and CVHS students. Tickets are $12,(cash or checks payable to CVHS DramaBoosters only) and are available at the door.http://miasaundersballet.com/

DEC. 7-8, DEC. 14-15Winter Wonderland. Noon to 5 p.m. At Burke

Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. AtWinter Wonderland, you can hop a train ride on

The Cathedral Brass will put on a concert on Saturday, Dec. 7 at LivingSavior Lutheran Church in Fairfax Station.

The Cathedral Brass ConcertSaturday/Dec. 7, 6-7 p.m. At Living Savior Lutheran Church, 5500 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Join in

a family friendly, free Christmas concert featuring The Cathedral Brass. All are welcome. Visit the website:www.livingsaviorlutheran.org

The Nordic Dancers will perform on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at theNorwegian Christmas Festival.

The Norwegian Christmas FestivalDec. 6-7, Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Christ Lutheran Church, 3810 Meredith

Drive, Fairfax. Free Admission. Live music, dancing, fjord horses on Saturday. Food and craft demon-strations. Imported foods (nokkelost), fresh lefse and krumkake made onsite, Nordic Cafe, huge giftselection including books, linens, authentic Scandinavian sweaters. Free. Visit the website website:www.norwaydc.org.


COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

bbTo Advertise Your

Community of Worship,Call 703-778-9418

Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AMSunday School 10:10 AM

Sun. Evening – Realtime Worship & Youth 6 PMFamily Night – Wednesday 7:15 PM

Home Life Groups, College/Young AdultMinistries, and Living Free Support Groups

Visit our Website: jccag.org

4650 Shirley Gate Road, FairfaxBill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170

“Loving People to Life”

Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We need long- and short-termfosters for cats of all ages, mothers with litters and kittens on their own.

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer at www.lostdogrescue.org

Consider Fostering

You Can Make a Difference

visit our website,cl ick on Participate

127 N. Washington St., Alexandria • 703-548-4661 Smoke-Free Restaurantwww.lerefugealexandria.com

Fall/Winter Specials

Restaurant

Celebrating 36 years of serving Alexandria.

We thank you for your patronage and

look forward to continuing to serve you.

• Split Peas Soup with Smoked Sausage

• Cassoulet Maison

• Beef Wellington

• Bouillabaisse

• Frogs Legs

Have you ever been tossed around by a wave, completely at its mercy?

Often times we don't even see it coming. It may be a relationship ending, debt, or even a health issue. Suddenly, the ground we thought was solid beneath our feet is gone, and we are swept along at the whims of an external event. Whatever stage of life you're in, we can all use a little help navigating the Waves of Life. Visit Community Church of Christ this Sunday as we explore how to get back on our feet and regain our balance in turbulent times.

About Community Church of ChristCommunity Church of Christ is a small loving congregation that is serious about doing God’s work, we are right around the corner. We invite you to come as you are and enjoy a biblically based sermon and fellowship with others in your community.

SERVICES TIMES:Sundays • Bible Study: 10:00 am & Worship: 11:00 am

Wednesdays • Bible Study:7:00 pm

MEETING AT:8850 Richmond Hwy., Suite 106Alexandria, VA 22309703.690.0652 or 703.477.6898communitychurchofchrist@yahoo.comwww.communitycoc.org

Local All Night YogathonBenefits Military KidsIn between the downward dogs and warrior II poses, it’sSpencer Kenyon, Corporate Communications Manager,PenFed Credit Union; Suzie Mills,CEO, Honest Soul Yoga;Michelle L. Nelson, Family Programs Director, Our Mili-tary Kids; and Michelle Criqui - Social Media & WebManager, Our Military Kids.

News

Photo by Honest Soul Yoga


❖ Second Story — Second Story(formerly Alternative House)provides shelter and services forhomeless, runaway or abusedteenagers, unaccompanied youth,and young mothers and theirchildren. second-story.org.

❖ Shelter House provides crisisintervention, safe housing and

supportive services to promote self-sufficiency for homeless families andvictims of domestic violence inFairfax County. It is our mission toget families back into stable housingin order to provide them theopportunity to continue their journeyto self-sufficiency.www.shelterhouse.org

❖ Tahirih Justice Center, 703-575-0070, www.tahirih.org, Legalservices, public policy advocacy, andeducation for immigrant women and

girls.

❖ Western Fairfax ChristianMinistries — 4511 Daly Drive,Suite J, Chantilly, VA 20151 inChantilly. email Assistant FoodPantry Manager/VolunteerCoordinator Debbie Culbertson [email protected] and putHoliday Food in the subject line.wfcmva.org/

❖ For full list, seewww.ConnectionNewspapers.com

From Page 4

Give Locally

News

NovaLabs, a local educa-tional nonprofit,hosted its second KidsOpen Maker monthly

event on Saturday, Nov. 16, at its fa-cility in Reston. Children exploredand learned about robotics, coding,drones, deconstruction, crafts, andblacksmithing, with the help of vol-unteers.

Founded in 2011 as part of the“maker movement,” NovaLabs is thelargest makerspace in the DMV (D.C.,Maryland, Virginia) area and runs24/7. It is supported by membershipsand a vast array of volunteers includ-ing inventors, artists, engineers andentrepreneurs. The nonprofit offersclasses to foster learning, teaching,and collaboration in a 10,500 square-foot space equipped with classrooms,offices, tool shops and manufactur-ing equipment. It hosts a multitudeof popular meetups, “the largest ofwhich is cybersecurity and hacking,one of the hottest careers in STEMright now,” said Jennyfer Peterson,operations services leader.

“Nova Labs’s mission is to create a community thatmakes things, all kinds of things. We have a lot oftools here, but the thing that makes it different isthe community of people who help each other makethings using those tools,” said Peterson.

As for the nonprofit’s future, nothing could bemore at stake than its own facility. A new high-riseis set to replace the current facility within the nexttwo years. The immediate goal is to find a newhome that is affordable and allows the nonprofitto remain independent.

“NovaLabs is one of the true meaningful things forresidents to (participate in) besides going to dinnerand shopping. We are a family learning space andvery successful. It is critical that we get some help toremain in the Reston area so we can continue to servethe community to rediscover the joy of makingthings,” said Peterson.

NovaLabs will host a Kids Open Maker on the thirdSaturday of each month, starting again in January.

For more info on NovaLabs and its events, visithttps://www.nova-labs.org/

NovaLabs Hosts Maker Event for Kids

Photo By Denise Lew/The Connection

(From left) Fairfax City’s Shane Smith and Annandale’sAndrew Albosta with daughters Charlotte, 9, andEleanor, 6.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Given the extremely sad experience I shared with you all in last week’s column: “Chino Lourie, Rest in Peace,” this column will be an attempt to bounce back to my usual and customary reality, one oddly enough that has nothing to do with cancer (well, much, anyway). Instead it has to do with unexpected joy.

The joy to which I refer has to do with a subject which typically provides me little joy: I refer to our two automobiles, a 2000 Honda Accord and a 2018 Audi A4. The former inherited from my parents, payment-free but rarely hassle-free, the latter not free of payments, unfortunately, but free of hassle since its maintenance is covered by the warranty.

Nevertheless, for the past few years, off and mostly on, both cars have had an indication that all was not right. Each had illuminated dashboard warning lights (aka “idiot lights”) constantly re-minding the driver that attention to some detail was required. For the Honda, it was twofold, a “Main’t Req” light and a “Brake” light “were dashing.” For the Audi, it was “onefold,” an icon which looks like an upside down horseshoe, sort of, which I learned, after thumbing through the owner’s manual, meant low tire pressure, appeared directly under the speedometer. Since I felt no give or take with the Honda and saw no evidence of low tire anything with the Audi, I learned to take their reminders in

service calls to respond to them.Those service calls have now occured. And I

am extremely glad - and relieved to say, that their necessary/underlying repairs have been made. Glad/relieved not so much because the repairs/obvious safety issues have been addressed. Rather, glad/relieved that in making those repairs, the dashboard warning lights are no longer illuminating their disdain with the idiot behind the wheel: me, neglecting them.

No more, after starting either car, will my initial focus be on the dashboard to see if miraculously

stopped their incessant, non-verbal badgering. No more will I be forced to ignore their illumination and attempt to compartmentalize their visual reminders that all is not well under the hood (so to

that one day - or night, the other mechanical shoe will drop and I or my wife, will be left stranded on the road somewhere waiting for a tow truck to drag us to our car-repair maker.

And though this dashboard-warning-light-turn-off is really a turn-on, I am still able to keep its effect in perspective. It’s not a cure for cancer and neither it is a cure for my “stable” issue as written about multiple times recently (“Please Relief Me” and “Apparently, Not a Stable Genius”). However, as we say in sales: “I’ll take a yes;” as they say on the high seas: “Any port in a storm;” and has been said for the last century: “Don’t look a gift horse in

around in the least when I say how thrilled I am now that everytime I start our cars, I see no lights reminding me what an idiot I’ve been. As a cancer patient I don’t need that kind (or any other kind, quite frankly) of negativity in my life, or in my car either. Eliminating it from my activities of daily living adds a bounce to my step and a joie to my vivre.

of this momentous occasion, but when cancer takes over your life, it does so emotionally before it

in the scheme of things it appears to be, provides the building blocks of success that, as a cancer patient, help strengthen your foundation as you navigate your daily routine. A routine which is

going to make a mountain out of a molehill. And I

nonsensical or otherwise, as possible. I need to be pulled forward, not dragged back-

ward.

An Idiot Servant No More

From Page 12

Calendar

the Holiday Express, take unlimited spins on theCarolers Carousel, play Gingerbread Man Golf orcook s’mores by the fire. Visit with Santa andenjoy hot chocolate or cider and candy canes.Five-hour passes are $15 in advance and $20 onthe event day. The park will also be acceptingnew toys or canned food items for donation. Inthe evenings, enjoy a magical train ride througha forest decorated with holiday-themed lightsand scenes. Celebration Station runs the sameweekends as Winter Wonderland, but will takeplace on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to9 p.m. Celebration Station ticket are $10 each;trains depart every 20 minutes. Ticket holdersreceive one train ride, unlimited carousel ridesand one cocoa or cider drink. Visit the website:www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake.

SUNDAY/DEC. 8”Little Drummer Dude.” 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

At Jubilee Christian Center, 4650 Shirley GateRoad, Fairfax. A children’s musical, “LittleDrummer Dude” takes place during the timeJesus was born and we see the story through theeyes of the wise men, a traveling band and alittle drummer dude. Free. jccag.org.

DEC. 13-22ETAP’s “Finding Santa.” 12 show times over 2

weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7:30p.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. At Richard J. ErnstTheatre, Annandale NOVA Campus, 8333 LittleRiver Turnpike, Annandale. Encore TheatricalArts Project presents a new holiday musical,“Finding Santa.” Cost is $19-$26.This song anddance musical features over 30 performers,creative choreography, elaborate sets, over 165costumes, and over 16 musical numbers. Comesee all the glamour of a Broadway-style showright here in Northern Virginia. Appropriate foraudiences of all ages www.Encore-tap.org

DEC. 14-15Bethlehem Walk. 3-7 p.m. At Parkwood Baptist

Church, 8726 Braddock Road, Annandale. Get inthe Christmas spirit walking through the narrowstreets of Bethlehem. Haggle with shop owners,sidestep tax collectors, avoid the Romancenturions on your way to the manger scene.Hundreds of families make the trek each year toa replica of the holy city, raised by ParkwoodBaptist Church. Features re-enactors, live music,children’s crafts, games. Live nativity scene.Free. Ample parking. Reserve advance tickets atwww.parkwood.org. Call 703-978-8160.

EVENTS IN ALEXANDRIA

FRIDAY/NOV. 29Black Friday Alexandria. Held in Old Town

Alexandria and Del Ray. Alexandria’salternative Black Friday experience featuresmore than 40 independent boutiques kicking offthe holiday shopping season with one-of-a-kinddeals on designer and coveted merchandise,including home décor, chic fashions, gourmetfood, classic toys and gifts for dogs. Store offersvary, with special discounts throughout the dayand more than 10 boutiques opening by 7 a.m.,including fibre space, Pacers, The Shoe Hive,Red Barn Mercantile and Bloomers. Visit thewebsite: visitalexandriva.com/blackfriday orvisit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/holidays.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/DEC. 6-7The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. At

various Old Town Alexandria locations. TheCampagna Center presents the 49th AnnualScottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade.The parade is Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. and begins at St.Asaph and Wolfe Streets and concludes atMarket Square with a massed band concert.Admission: Free for parade and Heather andGreens Sales; $180-$290 for Taste of Scotland;$40 for Holiday Home Tours. The ScottishChristmas Walk Weekend, provides vital supportto Campagna Center programs that serve morethan 2,000 children, teens, and adultsthroughout the year. https://www.campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend

SATURDAY/DEC. 7Boat Parade of Lights. Parade begins at 5:30

p.m.; Dockside festivities 2 to 8 p.m. AtWaterfront Park, 1 King Street, Alexandria.Parade viewing areas: Founders Park (351 N.Union St.), Alexandria City Marina (0 CameronSt.), Waterfront Park (1 King St. and 1A PrinceSt.), Point Lumley Park (1 Duke St.), Shipyard/Harborside Park (1 Wilkes St.), Windmill HillPark (501 S. Union St.) and Ford’s Landing Park(99 Franklin St.). Admission: Free; $ for food/drink and some activities.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/boatparade


Documents

ECHO Acts To Help Families in Needconnectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/112019/Springfield.pdf · needy families among us. In Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 54,000 students (29