Opinion, Page 6 Calm, Stress-Free Care for Animalsconnectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/110619/Fairfax.pdf · dancing flowers and delectable confections from the Kingdom of Sweets. Treat

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com November 7-13, 2019

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WellbeingPage 8

Republican Requiem News, Page 3

All Smiles at Fairfax Dems Victory PartyNews, Page 5

Calm, Stress-FreeCare for Animals

News, Page 3

From left are vet-erinarians Melissa

Gosline and Lau-ren Ranivand in

the cat exam room at newly opened

Fairfax Veterinary Hospital.

2 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ November 7-13, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

THE NUTCRACKER

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For organized groups (10+) andhandicapped seating, [email protected]

Come share in the magic of the holiday tradition!Featuring 3-year-old miniature dolls to professional

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Entertainment

By David Siegel

The Connection

Join the Fairfax Symphony Orches-tra (FSO) for a special eveningtitled “Nostalgic Nights” with spe-cial guest Berta Rojas, one of

today’s foremost classical guitarists. “Thisprogram has a little bit of everything interms of musical styles and expression (notto mention nationalities),” said ChristopherZimmerman, FSO Conductor and MusicDirector.

Audiences can expect “beautiful, variedmusic in a more intimate setting, and amarvelous, appealing soloist on an instru-ment not usually associated with a sym-phony orchestra,” added Zimmerman. Thatinstrument is the acoustic guitar played byBerta Rojas.

Rojas will be performing JoaquinRodrigo’s popular masterpiece “Conciertode Aranjuez.” It was written for acousticguitar and orchestra by Rodrigo who hasbeen blind for many years.

“Diversity and connection!” is the wayZimmerman described the concert. It has“lots of completely different European

styles, yet a thread.” Beyond Rodrigo’s“Concierto de Aranjuez,” the concert in-cludes Mozart’s “Symphony No. 35”(Haffner), Ravel’s “Pavane for a Dead Prin-cess,” Honegger’s “Summer Pastoral,” and“Symphony No. 1” (Classical) by Prokofiev.

The varied musical selections of the FSOconcert will explore diverse temperaments

from the dreamy to the intense.There is “the emotional topic that inspired

the searing tune in the central movementof Rodrigo’s Guitar concerto, which waswritten on the death of his own youngdaughter,” noted Zimmerman.

The Mozart selection “is a classical gemlike so many of his works and the Prokofiev

Where and WhenFairfax Symphony Orchestra presents “Nostal-

gic Nights” with special guest Berta Rojas atHarris Theatre, George Mason University(Fairfax Campus), 4475 Aquia Creek Ln, Fairfax.Concert on Sat, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets:$30,º$45, and $55. Student tickets $15. Formore information and to purchase ticketsvisitºwww.FairfaxSymphony.org or call 703-993-2787. Note: Hear the stories behind the musicwith music director Christopher Zimmerman andspecial guests before the concert at 7 p.m. TheHarris Theatre is a short walk away from theCenter for the Arts Concert Hall.

symphony was inspired by, and at timesdeliberately parodies, his music. Hence itsname: º‘Classical’ Symphony.” addedZimmerman. The works by Honegger andRavel “are short pieces, conjuring mood andatmosphere.”

Guitarist Rojas (from Paraguay) has beennominated three times for a Latin GRAMMY.She has been named a Fellow of the Ameri-cas by The Kennedy Center for her artisticexcellence.

“Music is nothing if not the bridge thatbrings people together and opens a path tohonest communication between them,” saidRojas. “Playing the guitar, for me, is a wayof communication.

“There is always a message to take to thestage, to bring forward to others, regard-less of what it is each of us has chosen to beand do in this world,” added Rojas.

This FSO concert will be performed atthe Harris Theatre, George Mason Univer-sity. “The Harris Theatre is a good venuefor a more intimate program and particu-larly for the guitar as a solo instrument,”noted Zimmerman.

‘Nostalgic Nights’ at Mason StageFairfax Symphony Orchestra concert with classical guitaristBerta Rojas.

Berta Rojas, special guest guitarist with Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in“Nostalgic Nights” concert at the Harris Theatre, George Mason University.

Photo courtesy of Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

Fairfax Connection ❖ November 7-13, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Michael Pope

The Connection

It wasn’t all that long ago that North-ern Virginia had its own breed of Re-publicanism. People like U.S. Rep.Tom Davis (R-11), U.S. Sen. John

Warner and Del. Dave Albo (R-42). Now,after a series of stunning defeats since theelection of Donald Trump to the WhiteHouse, Northern Virginia Republicans area dying breed, with moderates bowing outor being voted out.

“Donald Trump is the gift that keeps ongiving,” said Del. Mark Keam (D-35) dur-ing a raucous victory rally in Richmond.“Virginians want Democrats to be in charge,and Donald Trump was the factor that ledus to where we are.”

Two years ago, Democrats picked up 15seats in the House of Delegates and un-seated longtime incumbents like JimLeMunyon (R-67). Last year, Democratstook control of the U.S. House of Represen-tatives and voted out U.S. Rep. BarbaraComstock (R-10). This week, Democratsflipped two seats in the state Senate andsix seats in the House of Delegates, includ-ing Democratic challenger Dan Helmer un-seating longtime incumbent Del. Tim Hugo(R-40).

“Dan Helmer won because voters inFairfax and Prince William want a repre-sentative that doesn’t stand in the way ofprogress,” said Jessica Post, president of theDemocratic Legislative Campaign Commit-tee. “With his long record of standing upfor his community, not his party, Dan willmake an excellent delegate and will workto keep Virginia moving forward.”

Virginia and the country. Democrats arepoised to institute universal backgroundchecks, ban assault-style weapons and givejudges authority to confiscate weapons frompeople who raise red flags.

“Tomorrow the work begins, and thepeople want to see results,” said DemocraticSenate Leader Dick Saslaw, who is expectedto lead the caucus next year. “They want tosee gun violence curtailed, and Everytownfor Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action,you’re going to get action.”

ONE OF THE REASONS why NorthernVirginia no longer has its own brand of Re-publicanism is its changing demographics.Over the last decade, the region has becomemore urban and more diverse. That’s led toa changing sense of what its voters wantfrom elected officials in the General Assem-bly, and Democrats say that’s why Republi-cans have been expelled from power.

“When you get out of touch with constitu-ents, that’s what happens,” said Del.Charniele Herring (D-46), who serves aschairwoman of the House Democratic Cau-cus. “It’s guns. It’s the years of trying tomake it harder to vote. It’s restrictions onwomen’s health care and their privacy.”

Democrats may have seized power, butthat doesn’t mean the fighting is over yet.They’ll still have to vote on who leads theparty when they gavel into session this year,and that could mean a fight to becomeSpeaker of the House when Democrats takecontrol for the first time in 20 years. Filler-Corn might be the obvious choice, but shealready has opposing from Del. LashrecseAird (D-63).

After the defeat of Hugo, who served aschairman of the House Republican Caucus,the Fairfax County delegation in the Gen-eral Assembly will have zero Republicans.Voters in Fairfax also rejected Republican-backed candidates for the School Board.

Alexandria and Arlington haven’t had anyelected Republicans for years. The last foot-hold the GOP has in Northern Virginia isthe Springfield District, where longtime in-cumbent Republican Supervisor Pat Herritywas able to eke out a narrow victory againstDemocratic challenger Linda Sperling.

“We have a clear message that the resi-dents of the Springfield District want some-one who shares their common sense con-servative values to have a seat at the table,”said Herrity. “The Springfield District wantsFairfax County to be a place where every-one can become successful.”

DEMOCRATS HAVEN’T controlled theHouse of Delegates since the late 1990s, atime when Republicans have been able touse their majority to push back efforts ongun control, the minimum wage and theEqual Rights Amendment. Now voters haveexpelled Republicans from power in a high-turnout election with almost 40 percent ofregistered voters showing up to cast a bal-lot compared to 29 percent in 2015. HouseDemocratic Leader Eileen Filler-Corn saysthat’s a mandate for change.

“Without a doubt, the House candidateshave offered Virginia a progressive and in-clusive future,” said House DemocraticLeader Eileen Filler-Corn, who is a leadingcandidate to be the next speaker. “And guesswhat? You, the voters, said yes.”

At the top of that agenda is what Demo-

crats call common-sense gun control. Whenasked which issues motivated voters thisyear, Democrats almost universally cited thelack of reaction to mass shootings across

Democrats take General Assembly, sweepFairfax School Board; Republican Herrityholds on in Springfield district.

Republican Requiem

For more results seewww.elections.virginia.gov/2019-election-results/

The Virginia House of Delegatesand Senate both will be controlledby Democrats. In the Senate,Virginia voters elected 21 Demo-crats and 18 Republicans with oneseat still undecided. In the House,55 Democrats and 45 Republicans.Both House and Senate werecontrolled by Republicans beforewith slim margins.

SCHOOL BOND BALLOT QUESTIONThis is the text of the public

school bond question:Shall Fairfax County, Virginia,

contract a debt, borrow money,and issue capital improvementbonds in the maximum aggregateprincipal amount of $360,000,000for the purposes of providingfunds, in addition to funds fromschool bonds previously autho-rized, to finance, includingreimbursement to the County for

Braddock DistrictJames R. Walkinshaw (D)

18,437 59.63%S. Jason Remer (R) 10,543 34.10%Carey Chet Campbell (I)

1,847 5.97%

Dranesville DistrictJohn W. Foust (D) incumbent

20,437 64.36%Ed. R. Martin (R) 11,227 35.36%

Hunter Mill DistrictWalter L. Acorn (D) unopposed

27,326 94.46%

Lee DistrictRodney L. Lusk (D) unopposed

20,993 95.58%

Mason DistrictPenelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)

incumbent 15,007 63.65%Gary N. Aiken (R) 8,468 35.92%

Mount Vernon DistrictDaniel G. “Dan” Storck (D) incumbent,

unopposed 23,505 94.27%

Providence DistrictDalia A. Palchik (D) 18,885 69.34%Eric Anthony Jones (R) 8,184 30.05%

Braddock District, SchoolBoard

Megan O. McLaughlin, incumbent(endorsed by Democrats)

20,775 67.40%Zia Tompkins (endorsed by

Republicans)9,938 32.24%

Dranesville District, SchoolBoard

Elaine V. Tholen (endorsed byDemocrats)

17,988 57.50%Anastasia S. Karloutsos (endorsed by


Ardavan Mobasheri1,715 5.48%

Hunter Mill District, SchoolBoard

Melanie K. Meren (endorsed byDemocrats)

22,893 69.25%Laura Ramirez Drain (endorsed by


Election Results, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 Unofficial election resultsTuesday, Nov. 5, 2019

See Election, Page 9

Photo by Michael Pope

Republicans haven’t won a state-wide victory since 2009, and nowthat Democrats have seized controlof the House of Delegates and stateSenate, Gov. Ralph Northam de-clared Virginia “officially blue” ata raucous victory party in Rich

“It’s guns. It’s the years oftrying to make it harder tovote. It’s restrictions onwomen’s health care andtheir privacy.”

— Del. Charniele Herring (D-46) onwhy Republicans lost control of the

General Assembly

Fairfax Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Springfield DistrictPatrick S. “Pat” Herrity (R) incumbent

18,360 50.72%Linda D. Sperling (D)

17,765 49.07%

Sully DistrictKathy L. Smith (D) incumbent20,280

62.70%Srilekha R. Palle (R)

11,979 37.04%

SCHOOL BOARDSchool Board At-Large (vote for three)Karen A. Keys-Gamarra, incumbent

(endorsed by Democrats)160,138 21.99%

Abrar E. Omeish (endorsed byDemocrats) 145,143 19.93%

Rachna Sizemore Heizer (endorsed byDemocrats) 139,278 19.12%

Cheryl A. Buford (endorsed byRepublicans) 101,831 13.98%

Priscilla M. DeStefano (endorsed byRepublicans) 100,166 13.75%

Vinson Palathingal (endorsed byRepublicans) 79,579 10.93%

temporary financing for, the costs ofschool improvements, includingacquiring, building, expanding andrenovating properties, including newsites, new buildings or additions,renovations and improvements toexisting buildings, and furnishing andequipment, for the Fairfax Countypublic school system?

YES 204,200 77.38%NO 59,702 22.62%

CANDIDATES, FAIRFAX COUNTYChairman, Board of SupervisorsJeffrey C. McKay (D)

175,028 65.99%Joseph F. Galdo (R) 89,315 33.68%

Commonwealth’s AttorneySteve T. Descano (D) 166,103 60.86%Jonathan L. Fahey (I) 106,016 38.84%

SheriffStacey Ann Kincaid (D)

201,112 78.07%Christopher F. De Carlo (I)

53,458 20.75%

Board of Supervisors, DistrictRepresentatives


News

The Mosaic Districthosted its annual“Bootique Trick-or-

Treating Spooktacular” eventon Wed., Oct. 30 in celebrationof Halloween.Hundreds of whimsically cos-tumed children walked store tostore to fill up on sweets and

treats. The film “Monsters,Inc.” played on the “screen onthe green” to top off the fun-filled evening. Other venuessuch as Fair Oaks Mall, TysonsCorner Mall and indoor playspaces also hosted trick-or-treating events, giving shelterfrom the rainy weather.

Sabrina and RubyShabman, 4, dressed as aladybug, from Fairfax.

Lucas Couto, 3, as Dorythe fish, from Fairfax.

Area Children Go Trick-or-Treating Around Fairfax

Grace Dingell, 1, fromFairfax.

The Kersey family:Shawn and Inga withHolly, 4, and Craig, 10.

Creatively costumed children line up for treats at astore in the Mosaic District.

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By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Taking a pet to the veteri-narian can be stress-ful for both pets and their owners – but notat Fairfax Veterinary Hospital. That’s because

the Fear Free Certified staff and facility are dedicatedto providing an anxiety-free experience for pets andhumans alike.

The hospital’s motto is “Where love meets health,”and it recently opened for business at 10396 WillardWay in Fairfax City’s Courthouse Shopping Center.Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and se-lect Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone 703-591-0222or go to Animals@fairfaxvet erinary.com.

Veterinarians Lauren Ranivand and Melissa Goslinepride themselves on integrating “the best therapiesfrom both western and alternative medicine to pro-vide high-quality care with compassion.” And theirhospital is also officially recognized as a “Cat FriendlyPractice.”

SERVICES PROVIDED include: Wellness, sick-petand orthopedic exams; immunizations; radiology;ultrasonography; surgery; dentistry; geriatric care;pain management; allergy consultation and treat-ment; in-house pharmacy and laboratory testing;parasite control; and dog training. In addition, itoffers integrative medicine, including alternativetherapies such as therapeutic laser, acupuncture andmassage. “We chose Fairfax City for our location be-cause there was a need,” explained Ranivand. “Wesee a lot of pets here.”

And, added Gosline, “There’s not a lot of veteri-narians here – especially those who do integrativemedicine and minimize stress and fear.”

The facility has seven other staff members, besidesRanivand and Gosline. It opened in August and helda ribbon-cutting this fall. During the short ceremony,the two doctors thanked the City, their parents,friends, family members and loyal clients for mak-ing it all possible and then gave tours of the build-ing.

“The rooms have calming colors, gentle lighting,nonslip floors, toys and treats,” said Gosline. “In ourholistic room, we do acupuncture and massage, aswell as laser to decrease pain and inflammation tohelp pets as they get older.”

Cats and dogs have separate exam rooms, plusseparate wards, if an animal needs to stay for awhile

during the day. (There’s no overnight boarding). “Weplay soft, classical music to calm them,” saidRanivand. “And we also put bandanas sprayed withcalming pheromones on the dogs.”

She said they try to provide the animals with allthe comforts of home. “For dogs, even having a wa-ter bowl in the room with them is amazing,” she said.“And for cats, there’s a litter box. It’s something fa-miliar to them and is helpful if they arrive with a fullbladder.”

Besides that, said Gosline, “We plan extra time inthe appointments so the animals can walk aroundand get acclimated.” That way, she said, they’ll feelmore relaxed and at ease.

Both she and Ranivand became doctors of veteri-nary medicine at Virginia Tech, but this is the firsttime they’ve worked together. “We’re so excited tobe here,” said Gosline. “It’s a dream come true to bedoing what we love.”

“And we love our team,” added Ranivand. “We’rethankful to have this opportunity.”

SEVERAL MEMBERS of Fairfax City’s governmentand staff attended the ribbon-cutting, includingMayor David Meyer, who said the City is “thrilled”to have Drs. Ranivand and Gosline here.

“It’s very affirming to have two local women whostudied the hard sciences bring their professionalskills to a new business in our downtown,” he said.“Fairfax Veterinary Hospital is using progressive tech-niques in their care of animals, and I am confidentthat their novel and compassionate approach will bevery-well received by their clientele.”

Fairfax Mayor David Meyer (gray suit) cuts the ribbon during Fairfax VeterinaryHospital’s grand opening.

Calm, Stress-Free Care for AnimalsFairfax Veterinary Hospital is welcomed to the City.

From left are Drs. Melissa Gosline andLauren Ranivand with stuffed animalsplaying the roles of “nurse” and “patient”in the surgical area.

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News

See Dems, Page 7

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

Pizza and smiles dominated theFairfax Elks Lodge on electionnight, as area Democrats won bigin Fairfax, with the Fairfax

County Board of Supervisors shifting fur-ther into blue.

Jeff McKay won the Chairman race, get-ting 67 percent of the votes, while Supervi-sor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) hung on tokeep his seat in the Springfield District.Rodney Lusk will take over as Lee DistrictSupervisor, while Supervisor Dan Storck (D-Mount Vernon) was uncontested in MountVernon.

The results were slow coming in at the partyin the Elks Lodge main hall, but as they camein, the applause grew for each office. U.S. Rep.Gerry Connolly (D-11) and Del. Vivian Watts(D-39) greeted the packed room.

The local Moms Demand Action group at the victory celebration.

Supervisor Jeff McKay’s parents Roberta and Jack.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection

Gun violenceprevention topped theaction list for many.

Smiles All Around at DemocratVictory Party in Fairfax


WriteThe Connection welcomes views on any

public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday.

Letters must be signed. Include home addressand home and business numbers. Letters are

routinely edited for length, civility, libel,grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send

to:

Letters to the EditorThe Connection1606 King St.

Alexandria VA 22314

By email:[email protected]

Opinion

I am ashamed to admit that I was one ofthose race vs. class people. Perhaps thisworldview was seeded by a junior paperat Princeton focused on public percep-

tions of Affirmative Action which became achapter in Race vs. Class: The New Affirma-tive Action Debate (1996, University Press ofAmerica). Perhaps it was nurtured as I trav-eled the well-trod post-graduate path to a topmanagement consulting firm where I mademore in my first job out of college than eitherof my parents; seeming to confirm the domi-nant theory that socioeconomic mobility

through educational path-ways was working, even forme, an African-Americanfirst-generation college

graduate. And perhaps it was cemented as Icame of age in a time when, even on the left, arace-neutral social justice world view was moresocially acceptable and therefore, less threat-ening, to my white colleagues, neighbors, andacquaintances.

Either way, I quickly began ascribing to thenotion that socioeconomic mobility throughimproved educational opportunities couldchange the life trajectories of many economi-cally vulnerable populations, including thosewho were racially marginalized. While tragicand all-too frequent national events providedsobering counterbalances to my wholehearted

embrace of socioeconomic mobility as a toolfor racial equality, everything else in my lifewas pushing me to a race-neutral world viewon which I doubled-down.

However, this race-neutral worldview is a lie.The fact is that as an African-American Ivy

League-educated woman in the 97th incomepercentile with the privilege of living in one ofthe wealthiest neighborhoods in the suburbsof Northern Virginia and sending my childrento the best public schools money can buy:

Persistent gender and race pay gaps mean Iam undercompensated as compared to bothwhite men and white women.(#EqualityCan’tWait)

I am still three times more likely to die inchildbirth as a white woman, even after con-trolling for education and income. (#SerenaWilliams)

My beautiful elementary-aged brown boysare more likely to be mistaken for criminalsholding real guns during an epic neighborhoodnerf battle than their white age mates. (#TamirRice 5th Anniversary)

My strong, independent 4th grade brown girlis more likely to be adultified by society anddisproportionately disciplined or evencriminalized in school. (#Girlhood Inter-rupted)

In my idyllic Great Falls neighborhood, if oneof our wonderful neighbors calls the police to

conduct a welfare check on us because the frontdoor is open or something else is askew, anymember of my family might pay the ultimateprice. (#Atatiana Jefferson)

And even though our first gift to our chil-dren was strong, distinguished (and not coin-cidentally) race-neutral names to limit theimpact of explicit and implicit bias in their lifeaspirations, IF my boys make it to adulthood,they will have a 50-50 chance of falling fromthe top income quintile to the bottom incomequintile, compared with white kids who growup wealthy and are five times more likely tostay wealthy than to become poor.(#OpportunityInsights)

All of these experiences rest upon my race,and not my socioeconomic status. In 2019, inAmerica, no factor, not my Ivy League educa-tion, advanced degree, career as a foundationexecutive, or 401k balance can mitigate theburden of living black in a society built forwhite people.

The fact is: Race STILL Matters.So, consider this both an apology for ever

discounting the role of race in the social jus-tice fight and official notice that I will nolonger stand by and watch others discountrace either.

Ricshawn Adkins Roane

Great Falls

Race Still Matters: An Apology and Notice

Commentary

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

The outcomes of the elec-tion on Nov. 5 are notknown as I write this col-

umn. (The Reston Connection willgo to press before the polls close.)I will no doubt have much to sayabout the results in future writingsas this election is going to be piv-otal for the Commonwealth’s his-tory regardless of who turns out to be the win-ners. What I was able to observe in the weeksand days leading up to election day was thehighest level of people willing to help through-out the state in knocking on doors, makingphone calls, writing postcards, and otherwisewilling to chip in for their favorite candidates.If the level of activity leading up to electionday is any indication, the turnout of votersshould have been record breaking. “When wevote, we win” became the mantra of campaignshoping to hold onto power or to transfer it toa more progressive legislature. As I traveledaround the state, I became aware that while Ihad focused on state legislative contests therewere many local elections that were critical tothe future of local boards of supervisors andschool boards.

What is known before the first vote was castis that these elections were the most expen-sive ever seen in off-year elections in Virginia.When the total expenses of both candidates inmany legislative elections are added together,

it will not be unusual that the to-tal exceeds a million dollars. Forsome highly contentious races thetotals exceed three million dollars.I have never seen the generosityof individuals to contribute toelections in other parts of the stateas great as it was this year. Thereis a growing recognition that while

it is important who your elected official is, thereis an equal importance to who holds the ma-jority in the legislative body. You not only workto get your representatives elected, you alsoneed to help the campaigns of those withwhom he or she will have to work. Politicalcontributions from out-of-state individuals andorganizations poured into the state in recordamounts.

Also interesting in this election cycle is theamazing transformation that occurred in someincumbent legislators. It took Virginia morethan four years to approve Medicaid expan-sion in the state. Yet, if you listened to televi-sion commercials downstate you would not beable to find anyone who opposed the expan-sion. To the contrary, there were claims on thepart of some incumbents who had votedagainst the expansion who in the campaignclaimed credit for passing it. It is amazing whata refreshment with voters can do to some leg-islators’ point of view and memories.

To analyze state and local election returns I

recommend that you go to the website of theState Board of Elections atwww.elections.virginia.gov/resultsreports tosee actual voting results. For more informa-tion on who the candidates were and howmuch they spent I suggest a visit to the Vir-ginia Public Access Project, www.vpap.org/elections. In future columns I will provide mytake on what the election results mean for thefuture of the Commonwealth.

A special shout out of recognition and thankyou goes to all who worked so hard this elec-tion cycle. You are what makes the systemwork. Thank you!

A Retrospective on this Election CycleCommentary

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From Page 5

News

Roberta and Jack McKay, Jeff’s parents,were glad they could finally vote for him ashe ran for Chairman, an at large office, sincethey live in Mount Vernon and couldn’t votefor him as Lee District supervisor. They’veseen his interest in politics grow since Jeffwas in high school, and were glad to spendtime with their grandchildren while Jeffshook hands at the polls.

“Somehow he knows a lot of stuff,” saidJack McKay. Everyone in the family had aJeff McKay for Chairman tee shirt on.

A sea of red tee shirts identified the local“Moms Demand Action” group. The actionthey refer to is preventing gun violence.They were focused on the Dan Helmer-TimHugo race.

“We’re the boots on the ground,” saidHeather Foglio, a Fairfax resident that sup-ported Helmer. “[Hugo] voted against ev-ery gun safety bill,” she said. Helmer wonwith 54 percent of the vote. Hugo was thelast Republican representing Fairfax Countyin the General Assembly.

Jordana Schmier spent the last few weeksknocking on doors with her sons Avery, 12,and Jeremy, 9, and brought the boys to thevictory party to let them experience the

Dems Celebrate in Fairfax

other side of campaigning. “It’s an oppor-tunity for them to see how many care aboutwhat we did, knocking on doors,” she said.

Avery Kane hopes, “it means that thereare no shooters in the schools,” he said.

Delegate Kathy Tran (D-42) was therewith her children too, and came right fromthe polls in her district where there was abig turnout. Tran said top issues for herconstituents included healthcare, guns andwomen’s rights. “I think we’ve done every-thing we can do,” she said early in theevening, and that turned out to be right ontarget. Tran won her seat by 57 percent.

Delegate Vivian Watts talks to a constituent.

Local democrats were everywhere.

Veterans Day Ceremony on MondayAmerican Legion Post 177 and VFW Post 8469 will hold a Veterans Day ceremony,

Monday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. It’ll be outside Fairfax City Hall at 10455 Armstrong St. inFairfax.

FedWriters Receives Grant from CityFairfax City business FedWriters is the recipient of a $15,000 City Connected Grant.ºAnd

on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m., the City will celebrate this company’s graduation fromthe EDA/MEC Business Incubator Program. At the same time, the business will hold aribbon-cutting for its new headquarters in the heart of Old Town Fairfax at 3975 Univer-sity Drive, No. 440.

The grant’s goal is to promote economic growth in Fairfax and encourage businessesgraduating from the MEC incubator program to relocate into the City.ºThe business-incubator program is a partnership between the EDA and GMU.º

FedWriters is a professional writing, communication and analysis company founded in2010 by Mitchell Cho. Since then, it’s grown to more than 65 employees and was re-cently ranked No. 146 on the Inc500 list of the fastest-growing companies in America.

“The MEC has been an invaluable resource for helping grow FedWriters,” said Cho.“The support staff is incredible, the building amenities are top notch and the real officelocation gives startups credibility.”

— Bonnie Hobbs

Week in Fairfax

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Later this month, Thanksgiving will usherin the holiday season, family gatheringsand expectations of celebrations that arereminiscent of Currier and Ives-type scenes.

For those who deal with difficult family members bethey cousins, siblings, in-laws or outlaws, the mostwonderful time of year can be met with dread. Hav-ing a few sanity-saving strategies can help get usthrough the not-so-silent holiday nights.

“Often, those closest to us can unfortunately sparkthe most amount of stress” said Nathan Leslie, Pro-fessor of Creative Writing at Northern Virginia Com-munity College and au-thor of the book “HurryUp and Relax.”

Focusing on one’sown behaviors and re-sponses rather thanthose we find difficultcan offer a sense of em-powerment “That’s be-cause in the end youcannot control howanyone else acts duringthis time, or ever,” saidLorente. “The onlything that you reallycan control is how youreact and respond todifferent people andsituations. Being awareof your behavior andchanging your mindsetmight be the best —and only way to survivethe holiday drama thisseason.”

Whether it’s a feelingof obligation or hopefor holiday cheer, be-fore you head over theriver and through the woods,know the reason for your trip.“First know why you arechoosing to be around fam-ily members who might bedifficult,” said CarolynLorente, Ph.D., professor ofpsychology at Northern Vir-ginia Community College.“This helps you to take ownership and control of thesituation. I think that a lot of the negative feelingsstem from feeling out of control, obligated, and frus-trated.”

Setting boundaries and having an exit strategy canbe sanity-saving. “[For example,] “when we start talk-ing about topics such as my parenting style, or mypolitics, or my hair, I will leave the room,” saidLorente. “Not with anger but with a sense that I amcontrol of me not of my family member.”

A family ally can offer support or an exit strat-egy if family gatherings turn sour. “You can evendevelop a code word or phrase you can say toprompt your ally to intervene, politely inter-rupt, or help you get out of the situationpromptly,” said Joanne Bagshaw, PhD, Profes-sor of Psychology at Montgomery College. “Afamily ally is also a good person to have forsupport.”

For those who know that difficult family situ-ations are unavoidable, set time limits. “Planahead to organize your time spent in this situ-ation, and avoid staying at family members’homes if your relationship is challenging,” saidBagshaw. “Also, structure your time, make surethere’s not a lot of downtime that can lead toawkward conversations.”

Choosing to give attention to the positiveaspects of one’s familial relationships can helpdiffuse tension, suggests Lorente. “Focus ongratitude, fun, and the good things that this

time may bring,” she said. “You andyour Mom may not agree on certainadult issues but look at what a greatgrandmother she is to your children.”

Putting pen to paper can help re-lieve stress. “Journaling is an excel-lent way to relieve stress and makesense out of chaos,” said Leslie.“Writing…can be useful in givingmental order to the disorientation

that the holidays mightbring.”

Visualize family eventsgoing well. Positivethoughts lead to positivefeelings, advises JeromeShort, Ph.D., LicensedClinical Psychologist andAssociate Professor of Psy-chology at George Mason

University. “Be curious instead of critical,” hesaid. “Wonder how others are thinking and feel-ing, and why,” said Short. “Give others the ben-efit of the doubt.”

“Wait before speaking if you have nega-tive thoughts,” continued Short. “Take adeep breath, visualize a favorite place, orwalk away if you might regret what you sayin the moment.”

Sanity-saving strategies toget us through thenot-so-silent holiday nights.

Diffusing Holiday DramaWellbeing

Courtesy of Nathan Leslie

Nathan Leslie, author of thebook, “Hurry Up and Relax,”says journaling can helprelieve stress duringthe holidays.

“First know why you arechoosing to be aroundfamily members whomight be difficult. Thishelps you to takeownership and controlof the situation.”

— Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D NorthernVirginia Community College

“Focus on gratitude, fun,and the good things thatthis time may bring.”

— Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D NorthernVirginia Community College


Lee District, School BoardTamara J. Derenak Kaufax,

incumbent, (endorsed byDemocrats)

20,736 95.70%

Mason District, SchoolBoard

Ricardy J. Anderson (endorsedby Democrats)

16,077 76.89%Tom L. Pafford

4,431 21.19%

Mount Vernon District,School Board

Karen L. Corbett Sanders,incumbent (endorsed byDemocrats)

17,611 62.31%Steven D. Mosley (endorsed by


Pamela C. Ononiwu1,716 6.07%

Providence District, SchoolBoard

Karl V. Frisch (endorsed byDemocrats)

16,644 61.72%Andrea L. “Andi “ Bayer

(endorsed by Republicans)10,167 37.70%

Springfield District, SchoolBoard

Laura Jane H. Cohen (endorsedby Democrats)

17,745 50.46%Elizabeth L. Schultz, incumbent

(endorsed by Republicans)14,809 42.12%

R. Kyle McDaniel2,529 7.19%

From Page 3

Election Results

District 36Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum,

incumbent, unopposed17,659 92.78%

District 37David L. Bulova (D), incumbent,

unopposed13,470 91.98%

District 38L. Kaye Kory (D), incumbent,


District 39Vivian E. Watts (D), incumbent

14,361 67.91%Nick O. Bell (R)

6,740 31.87%

District 40Dan I. Helmer (D)

14,015 53.46%Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo (R),

incumbent12,172 46.43%

District 41Eileen Filler-Corn (D), incumbent

15,526 71.14%John M. Wolfe (I)

4,213 19.30%Rachel D. Mace (L)

1,713 7.85%

District 42Kathy K. L. Tran (D), incumbent

14,532 59.53%Steve P. Adragna (R)

9,857 40.38%

District 43Mark D. Sickles (D), incumbent

14,488 77.64%G. Gail Parker (I)

3,876 20.77%

See Election, Page 15

Sully District, School BoardStella G. Pekarsky (endorsed by

Democrats)18,585 58.43%

Tom A. Wilson, incumbent(endorsed by Republicans)

13,144 41.33%

Soil and WaterConservationDirector NorthernVirginia District

Vote for ThreeMonica A. Billger (endorsed by

Democrats)153,051 21.87%

Gerald Owen “Jerry” Peters Jr.,incumbent, (endorsed byDemocrats)

148,091 21.16%Chris E. Koerner (endorsed by

Democrats)139,641 19.95%

C. Jane Dudik (endorsed byRepublicans)

80,604 11.52%Edward F. McGovern (endorsed

by Republicans)80,281 11.47%

Christopher A. Bowen (endorsedby Republicans)

78,558 11.23%Jonah E. “Jet” Thomas

17,888 2.56%

CANDIDATES,GENERAL ASSEMBLYHouse of DelegatesDistrict 34Kathleen J. Murphy (D),


Gary G. Pan (R)11,100 42.22%

District 35Mark L. Keam (D), incumbent,



News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

With help from family, friendsand City of Fairfax dignitar-ies, Markeeta and VadaSmith recently cut the rib-

bon on their new bakery, CupCakes & Be-yond. It’s at 9540 Lee Hwy. in Fairfax, toone side of the Scout on the Circle develop-ment currently under construction.

“It takes a lot of courage to start a busi-ness, but you have the support of the Cityand its Economic Development Authority,”said Fairfax Mayor David Meyer. “And we’reglad to have you here.” Danette Nguyen,the City’s assistant director of Economic De-velopment, welcomed the crowd and saidthe Smiths designed and decorated the shopthemselves. “It’s their first storefront,” saidNguyen. “And they chose Fairfax City astheir first place of business because they’vewatched the City develop and wanted to bepart of its future. “Bakery cafes play an im-portant role, not only in Fairfax City’s busi-ness community, but also within the U.S.economy,” she continued. “They provideemployment and places to gather socially –and, let’s be honest – who doesn’t love thesmell of fresh baked goods?

“We are proud to have CupCakes & Be-yond in Fairfax City, as it gives our residentsa great option for baked goods in smallbatches that use high-quality ingredients,as well as unique and seasonal twists oncupcakes, cakes and more. Markeeta andVada, we welcome you to our business com-munity.”

VADA SMITH then thanked the friends

and family who turned out for the officialopening and ribbon-cutting of their bakery.“We started this journey nine months ago,and now, it’s our baby,” he said. “And welook forward to doing great business herein Fairfax.”

Afterward, while attendees happilyfeasted on homemade cupcakes and cook-ies, his wife, Markeeta, explained how theirbakery came to be. “I ran my own bakeryand catering business, for eight years, mak-ing items such as wedding cakes,” she said.“At first, I did it for free, but then peopleconvinced me to open a business.”

So she did, and was soon providing cup-cakes for the Washington, D.C. Hyatt, theSpringfield Marriott and the Hilton GardenInn in Arlington. But, Fairfax residents since2005, the Smiths also wanted to have astorefront in the City.

Gesturing at her cheerfully decoratedshop, Markeeta Smith said, “This place wasalready sold to somebody else. But whenwe talked to the owner and showed him

photos of what we bake, he gave the spaceto us instead.”

Actually, Vada is the hotel, food and bev-erage director at the Hilton Garden Inn inArlington, and Markeeta works full-time forthe Social Security Administration. “So Ibake after I get off from work, but I enjoyit,” she said. “If you enjoy something, you’lldo it with passion, and I like making peoplehappy through cake.”

The bakery offers several flavors cup-cakes, as well as specialty cakes, cinnamonrolls, banana pudding, pies, chocolate-cov-ered Oreos, and cupcakes and cookies withedible images on top. Especially popular arethe Oreo and red velvet cakes. “Our cream-cheese frosting is lighter and creamier thanusual,” explained Markeeta Smith. “And ourcupcakes have all-butter, Swiss meringuebuttercream frosting.”

THE STORE opened for business abouteight weeks before the ribbon-cutting andis already a hit with the customers. Munch-

ing on a funfetti cookie, Audrey Hart said,“It was delicious – I love all their stuff. Thecookie’s not overly sweet, but good, andthey did a beautiful job on the presenta-tion. And the cupcakes are very moist.”

Marie Carter brought her two youngdaughters, ages 8 and 2, to the event, wherethey enjoyed a red velvet cupcake, a cookieand a creampuff. “I liked the consistencyand texture of the frosting and the moistureof the cupcake, itself,” said Carter. “My olderdaughter is allergic to nuts, but Markeeta alsomakes nut-free cupcakes – and even sugar-free cupcakes – on request.”

CupCakes & Beyond is closed Sundays andMondays, but open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The menuis available at cupcakesandbeyondva.com,and people may simply walk into the bakeryand make purchases or order viadoordash.com or by calling 703-397-6400.

So what was it like for Markeeta Smithto see her bakery become a reality? “It feelsreally good,” she said. “I’m excited.”

About to cut the ribbon are (from left) Central Fairfax Chamber of Com-merce members Karyl Moesel and Russ McIntosh, City Council membersSo Lim and Janice Miller, business owners Markeeta and Vada Smith,Fairfax Mayor David Meyer, Councilman Michael DeMarco, and Chamberof Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Rose.

Vada Smith and Chrissy Fauls working behind the counter.

‘Making People Happy through Cake’CupCakes & Beyondopens in Fairfax City.

Marie Carter and daughtersGisselle, 8, and Genevieve, 2, enjoya red velvet cupcake and funfetticookie at the grand opening. Some of the many flavors of cupcakes available at the new shop.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection


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Calendar

Hunger Walk on Sunday, Nov. 17CROP Hunger Walk. Sunday/Nov. 17, 1:15-4:30 p.m. At Fairfax Presbyterian Church, 10723

Main Street, Fairfax. Area residents from different faiths, cultures, and ages, walking together (5Kor shorter Golden Mile) to support local/global efforts to fight world hunger and help disastervictims. Registration required. Free. Visit the website: www.burkecropwalk.org

Members of Temple B’nai Shalom congregation begin the 26th an-nual Burke/Fairfax CROP Hunger Walk last November 2018 at FairfaxPresbyterian Church. Hundreds of local area residents participatedand raised over $28,000 in support of hunger and disaster relief.

Pho

to

by Ed Parker

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

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. Membership in the group isopen to all, members of Congregation OlamTikvah and other Northern Virginians. Theirrepertoire consists mainly of Jewish liturgicalmusic and also some contemporary Jewishmusic and some secular showtunes, too. Visitcarolboydleon.com/shir_halev for more.

Lorton Farmers Market. Sundays, 9 a.m.-noon,through Nov. 17, in the VRE Parking Lot, 8990Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Call 703-642-0128or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/lorton.

Springfield Farmers Market. Saturdays,through Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at SpringfieldTown Center, 6699 Spring Mall Drive,Springfield. Vendors include Cascade Beverage,Celestial/Fossil Farms, Chilanga Tortilla,Conecopia, Greenwich Farms, Iganacio’sProduce, Kingdom Gourmet, Lola’s Kusina,Lund’s Produce, Smiths Mecklenburg, Taste OldCountry, Three Puppies,Tyson Farm, andWindmill Meadows. Visit www.community-foodworks.org or call 202-697-7768.

Sweet but Psycho. Through Nov. 30, at OllyOlly, 10417 Main St., 2nd Floor, Fairfax. OllyOlly presents Sweet but Psycho: an avant-gardefairytale. Strangeland is a performance duo,made up of Bunni (Andiland) and Goatface(Strange Lens), that explores the superficialconstruct of reality. Call 703-789-6144 or visitollyollyart.com for more.

Braddock Wrestling Club. Online registrationthrough Dec. 1. The Braddock Wrestling Club isholding registration for the 2019-2020 season.The club supports wrestling for age groups 5through 14 years old, boys and girls. Allpractices are held at Lake Braddock SecondarySchool. Cost is $155 per wrestler. Link toregistration can be found atbraddockwrestlingclub.shutterfly.com/. Orcontact William Flynn at [email protected] call 571-230-0713.

Burke Farmers Market. Through Dec. 21, 8a.m.-noon at the VRE parking lot, 5671 RobertsParkway, Burke. A great selection of freshproduce, baked goods, seafood, and dairy. Allvendors make their own food or grow it locallywithin 125 miles. Call 703-642-0128 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/burke for more.

Registration Open: Fall Art Classes. BurkeCentre Conservancy is sponsoring Fall ArtClasses starting Tuesday, Nov. 12 – Jan. 7 andSaturday classes starting Jan. 11 - March inDrawing and Watercolor Painting for 5-8-yearold, 8 years and up and Adults/Teens held at theWoods Community Centre, 10100 Wards GroveCircle, Burke. New Class – Art Workshop forAdults Tuesday Afternoons - Nov. 12 - Dec. 17.

SATURDAY/NOV. 9Paddle through a Tunnel of Color. 8 to 10

a.m. At Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink ParkRoad, Springfield. “Fall Foliage KayakExpedition” at Lake Accotink Park. Thisexpedition for kayakers age 13 to adult goes tothe northern part of the lake to see gloriousnatural tunnels of orange, yellow and red leaves.Previous kayak experience is necessary. Cost is$31 per person. Call 703-569-3464 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lake-accotink.

Revolutionary War Day. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. AtGunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, MasonNeck, Lorton. The Revolutionary War touchedeveryone in the American colonies, not justsoldiers. Throughout the day, explore life athome, and join Colonel Mason and his fellowVirginians as they support the war effort. Thisfamily-oriented program has activities for allages throughout the day. Visitwww.gunstonhall.org.

Second Saturday Art Walk. 6-9 p.m. AtWorkhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way,Lorton. Join in the monthly Second Saturday ArtWalk, featuring opening receptions in each ofthe artist buildings, new exhibits in W-16, andmore. Featured artists for November: W5: LauraBruce; W6: Patricia McMahon Rice; W7: KathrynLagassey; W8: Group show; W9: Marsha Eganand W10: Mikhail Bolkhovitinov.

Campfire Saturdays-Stargazing. 7-9 p.m. At

WEDNESDAY/NOV. 13Women’s Connection Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. to

1:30 p.m. At Springfield Golf and Country Club,8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield. Enjoyentertainment and inspiration. MarvettaCummings to speak on “Life Can BeWonderful...If Only.” A Navy Captain tellsstories of WWII Pacific Campaign. Share yourWWII family memories. Men welcome. Cost is$22. Email: [email protected] or call703-922-6438.

THURSDAY/NOV. 14Holiday Open House. 2-6 p.m. At Gunston Hall,

10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck, Lorton.Celebrate the season at Gunston Hall during thismerchandise unveiling and receive specialdiscounts and offers, complimentary giftwrapping, and snack on light refreshments asyou shop locally. This event is free and open tothe public. Visit www.gunstonhall.org.

FRIDAY/NOV. 15SymposiYUM!. 2:30-6:30 p.m. At Gunston Hall,

10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck, Lorton. Jointhe inaugural SymposiYUM! program whichfeatures lectures, discussions, and a specialfood-based experience. The launch of thisinnovative program combines the traditionalconcept of a symposium with the dynamic, food-focused programming offered at Gunston Hall,such as Cocktails by Candlelight and its HearthCooking Workshops. Speakers will include Dr.Kelley Deetz and Ms. Michelle Moon. Visitwww.gunstonhall.org.

Lakeside Campfire Fridays.6-7:30 p.m. At LakeAccotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road,Springfield. Come to Lake Accotink to enjoy acampfire, s’mores and more. A different topicand a different area of the park will be exploredat each event. Cost is $8 per person. Call 703-569-3464 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lake-accotink.

SATURDAY, NOV. 162019 Gala Phantom of the Workhouse. 6-11

p.m. At Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. Featuring a reception,raffle, silent auction, dining, dancing, dinner,and live auction. The band Fringe Benefits isperforming. A mysterious and impressiveevening awaits. Black tie optional. Masqueradeencouraged. Visit the website: https://workhousearts.networkforgood.com/events/14148-2019-workhouse-arts-center-ga

ilyAIMY & Ayreheart. 7 p.m. At Epicure,11104 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Two award-winning singer/songwriters, a unique percussiveacoustic guitarist, Grammy-nominated luteplayer Ronn McFarlane, the world-traveled Irishbones player of the Carolina Chocolate Drops,violin, percussion, electric cello… all on onestage playing original tunes, Renaissance-eracompositions and some Led Zeppelin to boot.Cost is $10 suggested. Visit www.ilyaimy.com.

Nostalgic Nights. 8 p.m. At GMU Harris Theatre,4471 Aquia Creek Lane, Fairfax. Be swept awayby the romantic charm of the classical guitar asthe Fairfax Symphony Orchestra takes you on ajourney to Spain with Joaquin Rodrigo’smasterpiece. Featuring Berta Rojas on guitar;and Christopher Zimmerman, conductor. Thecomposer, blind since the age of 3, drew hisinspiration from “the fragrance of magnolias, thesinging of birds, and the gushing of fountains” inthe palace gardens of Aranjuez. This guitarconcerto by Rodrigo was written in 1939 and ishis best-known work, with its successestablishing his reputation as one of the mostsignificant Spanish composers of the 20thcentury. Hear the stories behind the music withmusic director Zimmerman and special guestsbefore the concert at 7 p.m. Call the box officeat 703-993-2787. Visitwww.fairfaxsymphony.org.

NOV. 16-17Holiday Express Boutique Sale. Saturday 10

a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. AtSt. Mary of Sorrows Church, 5222 SideburnRoad, Fairfax. Handcrafted, one-of-a-kind,seasonal decorator and gift items. Sweet Shop,Silent Auction, Raffle, Chili lunch and cafe onSaturday only (10-4 p.m.). No vendors. Cash orcheck only. Call Lou: 703-426-8092.“Il Postino” (The Postman). Saturday at 8p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. At George MasonUniversity’s Center for the Arts, 4373 MasonPond Drive, Fairfax. Virginia Opera, The OfficialOpera Company of the Commonwealth ofVirginia, will stage composer/librettist DanielCatán’s three-act opera Il Postino (ThePostman), the second opera in the company’s2019-2020, 45th anniversary season. Theproduction marks the Virginia Opera debut ofstage director Crystal Manich. Tickets are $45-$115. Visit www.cfa.gmu.edu.

Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.Enjoy a stroll along the lakeshore and learnabout the constellations, their stories and othernight-sky features. An astronomical naturalistwill identify the stars for you and have sometelescopes for you to use. The programconcludes with a campfire. S’mores ingredientsare provided; hot dogs are welcome. Theprogram runs from 7 to 9 p.m., and the cost is$10 per person. Children must be accompaniedby a registered adult. Call 703-323-6600 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake.

Taj Express: The Bollywood Music Revue. 8p.m. At GMU Center for the Arts. Cost is $48,$41, $29. This international sensation explodesonstage with the look and feel of the IndianBollywood movies that have been entertainingpeople around the globe for generations. TajExpress follows the story of one man’s passionand another’s genius, and is packed with action,romance, comedy, and glamour. Spectaculardance numbers are performed to India’s pophits, including the songs of Oscar-winningcomposer A. R. Rahman, along with folk-musicclassics. Visit the website: https://cfa.gmu.edu/.

NOV. 9-10Fall Foliage Tour Boat Ride. 4-5 p.m. At Burke

Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Enjoythe fall colors a new way this autumn. This tourboat ride captures the beauty of fall from apontoon boat’s unique perspective. The tourincludes a one-hour ride and a hot beverage. It’sdesigned for participants age 5 to adult. Cost is$8 per person. Children under age 12 must beaccompanied by a registered adult. Call 703-323-6600 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake.

SUNDAY/NOV. 10TTRAK Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. At Fairfax

Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The Northern VirginiaTTRAK members will hold an N gauge ModelTrain Display at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum. Cost is $4 for adults 16 and over; $2for children 5-15; free for Museum members andchildren under 5. Visit www.fairfax-station.orgwww.facebook.com/FFXSRR phone 703-425-9225.

Historic Home Tour. 2-4 p.m. At Sunrise at SilasBurke, 9619 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Sunrise atSilas Burke and the Burke Historical Society arehosting an open house of the historic house,Woodbury. At 2 p.m. Jon Vrana will present onthe house’s history followed by tours at 3 p.m.Free. Visit the website:www.burkehistoricalsociety.org

The Four Seasons. 2 p.m. At GMU Center for theArts Concert Hall, Fairfax. Featuring the ZurichChamber Orchestra; Daniel Hope, Violin;Vivaldi: The Four Seasons. Cost is $48, $41,$29. Rediscover the beauty of The Four Seasons,both in its original form and also in a completelyreimagined one. In this groundbreakingprogram, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, led by

music director and charismatic violin virtuosoDaniel Hope, pairs Vivaldi’s iconic masterpieceThe Four Seasons with neo-classical composerMax Richter’s piece Recomposed. Visit thewebsite: https://cfa.gmu.edu

Rose Bush Auction and Rooting Workshop.2-4:30 p.m. At Merrifield Garden Center, 12101Lee Highway, Fairfax. From 2-3:15 p.m. — Bidat live auction and take home beautiful rosebushes. Inspect all bushes 1/2 hour beforehand.From 3:30-4:30 p.m. — Learn to grow rosesfrom cuttings. Instructor led. All materialsprovided. Bring your pruners. Cost is free toArlington Rose Foundation members, $15 at thedoor for non-members, which includes thebenefits of one year membership. Visit thewebsite: arlingtonrose.org.

Ensemble da Camera of Washington. 3 p.m.At Providence Presbyterian Church, 9019 LittleRiver Turnpike, Fairfax. The acclaimedEnsemble da Camera of Washington (EDCW),AYPO’s ensemble-in-residence, will performworks by Mozart and Brahms with guest artistsJennifer Kim, violin; Tsuna Sakamoto, viola; andDavid Hardy, cello. Join us for an evening ofmusic presented by AYPO and funded in part bythe National Endowment for the Arts. Ticketsare $10.

TUESDAY NOV. 12Fall/Winter Art Workshop for Teens/Adults.

1:30-3:30 p.m. At Woods Community Centre,10100 Wards Grove Circle, Burke. InstructorCarol Zeitlin presents drawing, watercolor,Chinese Brush and portfolio development. Visitwww.czartlessons.com for more. Call 703-250-6930.

”Naila and the Uprising.” 4:30 p.m. At TheJohnson Cinema, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax.The Visiting Filmmakers Series at Masonpresents: “Naila and the Uprising,” a freescreening and Q&A with Julia Bacha. The filmchronicles the remarkable journey of NailaAyesh and a fierce community of women at thefrontlines, whose stories weave through themost vibrant, nonviolent mobilization inPalestinian history – the First Intifada in the late1980s. Using evocative animation, interviews,and exclusive archival footage, this film bringsout of anonymity the courageous womenactivists who have remained on the margins ofhistory — until now. For more information, seeVFS.GMU.EDU or contact Cynthia Fuchs [email protected].

Fall/Winter Art Lessons for Youth Classes.5:15 - 6:15 p.m. At Woods Community Centre,10100 Wards Grove Circle, Burke. InstructorCarol Zeitlin presents drawing and watercolor.(8 yrs & up). Visit www.czartlessons.com formore. Call 703-250-6930.

Fall Drawing Plus Color Class. 6:15-7 p.m. AtWoods Community Centre, 10100 Wards GroveCircle, Burke. Instructor Carol Zeitlin presentsdrawing and watercolor. For ages 5-8 years.Visit www.czartlessons.com for more.


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”

By David Siegel

The Connection

Opera enthusiasts and newcomers alikeare in for a special pleasure as VirginiaOpera’s production of Mexican com-poser Daniel Catán’s tragic-comedic “Il

Postino” (“The Postman”) arrives at the Center forthe Arts.

Based in part on the 1994 Academy Award-win-ning film, “Il Postino” recalls the imagined life of ex-iled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda as he provides hislong-suffering, love-struck postman, Mario, withpoetic words to reveal his heart to the love of hisdreams. As Neruda wrote, ”Love is so short, forget-ting is so long.”

“Il Postino” is a universal tale about the bumpyroad to finding love. It features a score with arias,duets, and music paying homage to Puccini. Themusic will be conducted by Adam Turner. The or-chestra for this production is provided by the Vir-ginia Symphony Orchestra. Crystal Manich directs“Il Postino,” the first of the Virginia Opera “FromScreen to Stage” initiative.

“Many of the stories from the most beloved mas-terworks in the operatic canon come from literarysources,” noted Turner. “Recently I’ve noticed con-temporary composers looking to cinema for inspira-tion. Importantly, a good story is what ultimatelyresonates with an audience, and some of today’s beststories can be found in the world of cinema.

“The music of ‘Il Postino’ is richly evocative of thelanguage of love, poetic and passionate, rapturousand lyrical, full of beautiful melodies and the peaksand valleys of human emotion,” said Turner. DanielCatán’s musical language is “creative orchestral tex-tures, vivid word painting, accessible lyricism, a senseof ‘magical realism throughout the score.”

Turner added that Catan’s music composition is“the furthest thing from ‘scary modern music’ thatyou’ll ever encounter.”

For director Manich, “The blending of PabloNeruda’s poetry with Catán’s sweeping music por-tray a journey of finding meaning and love. This is amuch needed sentiment in our tumultuous world.

“Throughout ‘Il Postino,’ there are moments ofheightened reality directly attached to Neruda’s po-etry. These moments will be visually expressedthrough the use of projections, as if the charactersare being transported to a higher realm where po-etry exists,” added Manich.

Tenor Daniel Montenegro portrays the featured roleof Mario, The Postman. “Catán is often compared toPuccini and I can see why. They both are melodicand possess beautiful sweeping lines.” But, Catán“has his own unique sound and style.”

“Il Postino,” a transporting musical journey to findthe love of one’s life awaits.

Area premiere of “Il Postino” (“The Postman”)from Virginia Opera.

Lush Musical Journey ofLove and Longing

Where and WhenVirginia Opera presents “Il Postino” at Center for the

Arts, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive,Fairfax. Performances on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at 8p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $110,$70, $40. Call 888-945-2468, or visit www.cfa.gmu.edu.Note: Sung in Spanish with English supertitles. A pre-performance discussion begins 45 minutes prior to theperformance, located on Monson Grand Tier. Seating islimited and opens 15 minutes before the pre-perfor-mance discussion

Photo courtesy of

Virginia Opera

Crystal Manich,director, VirginiaOpera production of“Il Postino”

Photo by Nicholas

Cooper/Courtesy

Virginia Opera

Daniel Montenegrowho portrays Mario,the long-sufferingand love struckpostman in theVirginia Opera pro-duction of “Il Postino(“The Postman”).

Entertainment


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 ofSupervisorsMeetings in 201912000 Government Center ParkwayFairfax, VA 22035Nov. 19, 2019 9:30 a.m. - Full

Board of Supervisors MeetingNov. 26 Committee Meetings❖ 9:30 a.m. - Economic Advisory

Commission❖ 11 a.m. - Personnel Committee❖ 1:30 p.m. - Legislative Committee❖ 3 p.m. - Budget Committee❖ 5 p.m. - Audit CommitteeDec. 3, 2019 9:30 a.m. - Full Board

of Supervisors MeetingDec. 10 Committee Meetings❖ 9:30 a.m. - Health, Housing and

Human Services Committee❖ 11 a.m. - Development Process

Committee❖ 1:30 p.m. - Transportation Committee❖ 3 p.m. - General Assembly Annual

Reception and Work Session

NOV. 6 TO JAN. 5Give the Gift of Original Art. At

Torpedo Factory Artists at Mosaic,2905 District Ave., #105, Fairfax.Open Wednesday thru Sunday 11 – 7p.m. Reception celebrating smallbusinesses, Nov. 30, 5 to 8 p.m. Youcan find extraordinary fine art thatmakes great gifts this holiday season— the work of highly-acclaimedTorpedo Factory Artists — at theirsatellite space in Merrifield. Beautifulpaintings, fine-art photographs, one-of-a- kind jewelry, scarves, ceramicsand much more will be offered. Plusyou can get an early start on yourholiday shopping. Artists SonneHernandez and Greg Knott are inresidence during this show.

THURSDAY/NOV. 7Autonomous Technology Summit.

At INOVA Center for PersonalizedHealth in Fairfax. The NorthernVirginia Technology Council (NVTC)in partnership with the VirginiaUnmanned Systems Center at CITwill hold its AutonomousTechnology Summit of Virginia. TheSummit will bring together leadingexperts across the commercial,defense, regulatory, and academicsectors as they discuss theopportunities, challenges, andimpacts of autonomous technologyacross the domains of sea, air, land,and space. Along with keynote andpanel discussions, the event willprovide a unique platform toshowcase Virginia’s leadership inautonomous systems and highlightbest practices, new business models,and technology transfers that have anational impact.

SUNDAY/NOV. 10American Legion Dinner. 7 p.m. At

Springfield VA American Legion Post176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield.Join the Department of VirginiaCommander for a Veteran’s Day EveDinner. This will be the Commander’sofficial Veterans Day visit and officialvisit on behalf of the Department ofVirginia to Arlington NationalCemetery. All members of the 17thDistrict American Legion family areinvited to attend the dinner honoringthe Department Commander. Cost is$25.

Bulletin


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Or let me go. So sang Engelbert Humperdink way back in 1967 about having lost that loving feeling. His lost loving feeling was not about his mortgage. The lyrics: “I have found a new love dear” imply if not clearly state that there’s a woman involved. My lost loving feeling is about my mortgage. And contrary to Engelbert, I can’t leave it, and believe me, I’ve tried, though I’ve never sung about it, only droned on about it in print. To invoke the legendary Ricky Ricardo, aka Desi Arnaz, from “I Love Lucy,” originally broadcast in the mid- to late-50s: Let me ‘splain.

It’s been over 15 years since my last successful

though I’ve had upwards of 50 percent equity and an 800 or so credit rating.

Between multiple problems with the house (lead paint on the exterior, broken windows, etc.) and less than ideal income documentation, debt to income ratio, yada, yada, yada, we’ve regularly been kicked to the curb, which we also don’t have, so I gave up;

problems mentioned which unfortunately has not led to an acceptable resolution.

Time has passed, and after years of television advertisements by Henry Winkler, Fred Thompson and most recently, Thomas Magnum himself: Tom Selleck, promoting reverse mortgages for those nearing retirement, I buckled under the pressure of these years of paid celebrity endorsements and made a few inquiries. It turns out that given my age — and circumstances semi-unique to us (no kids, lots of equity, need the money), we’re perfect candidates. So we applied to company number one (denied) which led to company number two: denied. The second time the denial was not about income

“reverse-mortgager.” No. It wasn’t even about the house. This time it was about an out-building on our

stable standing derelicht in its duties and of no use to anyone. Not however of ‘no use’ to the apprais-er, apparently, who mentioned its condition in his report to the mortgage underwriter who now has

application on hold) pending the shed’s disposition.To summarize and recall another legendary

get access to its equity because I can’t meet the

the house — to gain access to the equity I need to live on, because the out-building on my property (“Belly Acres’ as I call it) is a shell of its former self, so to speak, and needs upwards of $100,000 of

could even get to, I’d need to live on, not spend on

I sell the house (nor do we want to quite frankly) be-cause the “shed” would be part of any deal, which means its repair would still be required. And one more thing, because the house is registered with the Federal Government as “Historic,” we can’t demol-ish this out-building either. In effect, we are stuck between a rock — as in those missing and cracked in the 100 year-old shed’s foundation — and a hard place: the underwriter’s intransigence and the His-toric Preservation’s rules. Let’s call it a Catch-22 “A.”

At this point, I don’t really know which way to turn. I’m not exactly damned if I do, I’m more damned because I can’t. I don’t think I’m asking for any kind of special dispensation. I’m not involving

Lowe from his 1974 song, (“What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” some ‘peace, love and understanding.’ I’m not looking to make any trouble. In fact, I’m looking for the opposite: sereni-ty, now and forever, with or without Seinfeld reruns. And I can afford it if the powers that be, won’t be less omnipotent and help a fella out. I swear I won’t bother them if they won’t bother me. Make the approval a Festivus-type occasion except it won’t be for the rest of us, it will be just for me and my wife. I promise I won’t tell a soul.

PleaseRelief Me

Election Results

District 44Paul E. Krizek (D),

incumbent12,271 70.52%Richard T. Hayden (R)5,105 29.34%

District 45Mark H. Levine (D),

incumbent,unopposed19,208 91.41%

District 46Charniele L. Herring

(D), incumbent,unopposed

12,270 92.03%

District 47Patrick A. Hope (D),

incumbent,unopposed

20,993 96.16%

District 48Richard C. “Rip”

Sullivan (D),incumbent,unopposed

18,680 94.27%

District 49Alfonso H. Lopez (D),


Terry W. Modglin (I)2,522 15.71%

District 53Marcus B. Simon (D),

incumbent,unopposed

15,554 93.83%

District 67Karrie K. Delaney (D),

incumbent,unopposed

15,415 89.48%

District 86Ibraheem S. Samirah


13,588 89.45%

Virginia StateSenate

District 30Adam P. Ebbin (D),

incumbent,unopposed

40,942 91.67%

District 31Barbara A. Favola (D),

incumbent,unopposed

44,347 91.82%

District 32Janet D. Howell (D),

incumbent44,424 73.17%Arthur G. Purves (R)16,171 26.64%

District 33Jennifer B. Boysko (D),

incumbent32,258 64.83%Suzanne D. Fox (R)17,446 35.06%

District 34J. C. “Chap” Petersen


39,971 91.15%

District 35Richard L. “Dick”

Saslaw (D),incumbent,unopposed

33,563 92.75%

District 36Scott A. Surovell (D),

incumbent,unopposed

35,131 95.82%

District 37Dave W. Marsden (D),

incumbent,unopposed

37,720 90.49%

District 39George L. Barker (D),

incumbent37,989 65.92%S. W. “Dutch”

Hillenburg (R)19,571 33.96%

CLERK OF COURT(Alexandria City)

J. Greg Parks (D),unopposed

26,466 93.98%

Commonwealth’sAttorney(ARLINGTONCOUNTY-FALLSCHURCH CITY)

Parisa Dehghani-Tafti(D) unopposed

45,334 90.01%

Sheriff (ARLINGTONCOUNTY)

Elizabeth F. “Beth”Arthur

49,929 97.29%

Commissioner ofRevenue(ARLINGTONCOUNTY)

Ingrid H. Morroy49,406 97.50%

Treasurer(ARLINGTONCOUNTY)

Carla F. de la Pava49,741 97.34%

Member CountyBoard(ARLINGTONCOUNTY)

vote for 2Kate A. “Katie” Cristol41,097 40.51%Christian E. Dorsey38,087 37.55%Audrey R. Clement13,326 13.14%Arron O’Dell7,189 7.09%

Member SchoolBoard(ARLINGTONCOUNTY)

Reid S. Goldstein47,880 95.85%

From Page 9

UnofficialelectionresultsTuesday,Nov. 5,2019


Documents

Opinion, Page 6 Calm, Stress-Free Care for Animalsconnectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/110619/Fairfax.pdf · dancing flowers and delectable confections from the Kingdom of Sweets. Treat