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Easter &Spring Fun

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online at www.connectionnewspapers.com March 28-April 3, 2018

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Attention Postmaster:

Time sensitive material.

Requ ested in home 3-29-18

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDEaston, MDpermit #322

Commission For Women’s2018 HonoreesNews, Page 9

Raising FundsFor Injured Police Officer

News, Page 3

Firefighters from Fair Oaks Station 21’s A shift, plus

Hazmat Technician Jorge Arce of Fairfax’s Fire Station

40, enjoy some pizza while supporting an injured McLean police officer.

2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ March 28 - April 3, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Area resident Anton Kazanjianreceived a Community ActionAward during the March 14 meet-ing of the Sully District PoliceStation’s Citizens Advisory Com-mittee. And it was for helping po-lice catch the person who stole hisown car.

“From time to time, citizens helpus solve crimes,” said Lt. RyanMorgan, the station’s assistantcommander. “Imagine if you seeyour car being driven by some-body else? [South Riding’s] AntonKazanjian saw that and did theresponsible thing — he called911.”

Morgan said police officers im-mediately started converging onthe scene, but the victim “stayedcalm and cool. The car took off anda pursuit followed. But we wereable to stop it and arrest the driverfor that offense, as well as for

other crimes. Mr. Kazanjian reallyhelped us out and, for his actions,we’re presenting him with a cer-

Man Receives Community Action Award

Lt. Ryan Morgan (left) presents a certificateto Anton Kazanjian.

tificate and a Sully District Stationchallenge coin.”

— Bonnie Hobbs

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By Bonnie Hobbs

PFC Jason Deal has been named the Sully Dis-trict Police Station’s Officer of the Month forFebruary. He was honored during the March

14 meeting of the station’s Citizens Advisory Com-mittee.

In his letter nominating Deal for this award, Sgt.Dave Kuhar explained why he was worthy of it. Hesaid Deal transferred to the day shift in July 2017and “quickly gained the respect of peers through hisdemonstrated professionalism and dedication to thecommunity.”

He also noted that a recent event “showcases thelevel of strength and character possessed by PFC Dealand the fine men and women of the Fairfax CountyPolice Department. Several officers were dispatchedto a community member threatening to commit sui-cide. The distressed person was in crisis and phoned911, crying and indicating she had walked into thewoods, was in a tree and had a strong desire to hangherself with a makeshift device made from a shirtand shoelaces. “

Kuhar wrote that she gave directions to the offic-ers, saying she was behind a house and badly neededmedication. “The person was known to police andhad a history of suicide attempts,” he wrote. “On thisoccasion, the individual insisted [that], if officerscould not find her in five minutes she would jumpfrom the tree and kill herself. “

“The demands placed a great deal of stress on re-sponding officers,” wrote Kuhar. “Once officers ar-rived, they quickly spread [out] to search a large andheavily wooded parcel of land. Officers were able totalk to the woman intermittently through her cellphone and convinced her to yell out to officers whowere in the area.”

According to Kuhar, Deal was the first to locateher, approximately 20 feet high in a tree. He imme-

diately notifiedother officers andrequested assis-tance. “Deal noticedthe subject had ashirt and shoelacestied around herneck [and] furthersecured to the treebranch,” wroteKuhar. “From theground, and unableto take immediateaction, Deal at-tempted to build arapport with [her]through communi-cation.”

All was goingwell, explained Kuhar, until – without warning – thewoman’s legs gave out. She fell toward the ground,“was caught by her shirt and shoelaces and began tohang, strangling 20 feet above the officer,” wroteKuhar. “Deal, unable to easily reach the subject, ob-served the signs of oxygen deprivation and knewthere was not much time to act.”

Additional officers arrived and began helping. Butbecause of weak branches, climbing the tree was notan option. “Instead, Deal hoisted another officer highenough to reach the subject’s feet,” wrote Kuhar.“That officer pushed [her] up, allowing her to gaspfor air. The woman became more responsive andlifted herself to a branch.”

Then, slowly, she was guided down the tree, branchby branch, until safely on the ground. Deal and otherofficers walked her out of the woods and to medicswho were staged on the roadway. She was thentreated medically and transported to a hospital for apsychological evaluation.

“PFC Jason Deal acted in a commendable mannerthat is indicative of the values of the Fairfax CountyPolice Department,” wrote Kuhar. “His professionalefforts under extreme stress prevented the death ofa community member and are worthy of recognitionas Officer of the Month.”

Deal Named Officer of MonthHonored for his“professional effortsunder extreme stress.”

PFC Jason Deal

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Free Carseat InspectionsCertified technicians from the Sully District Police Station

will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday,March 29, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 StonecroftBlvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residentsshould install the child safety seats themselves so techniciansmay properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.Because oftime constraints, only the first 35 vehicles arriving on eachdate will be inspected. That way, inspectors may have enoughtime to properly instruct the caregiver on the correct use ofthe child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm datesand times.

Route 28 Widening MeetingThe Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold

a public meeting on the Route 28 widening project, Tuesday,April 3, in the cafeteria of Union Mill Elementary, 13611Springstone Drive in Clifton. A 6:30 p.m. open house will befollowed by a formal presentation at 7 p.m., plus a question-and-answer period.The Route 28 Corridor has experienced in-creased congestion for many years. The proposed project callsfor widening Route 28 in Fairfax County for about 2.3 milesfrom the bridge over Bull Run to the interchange at Route29.The work entails adding more lanes on side streets to im-prove intersections; upgrading traffic signals; and improvingbicycle and pedestrian connections and crossings, includingnew 10-foot-wide, shared-use paths on both sides of Route 28.For more information on the project, go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/projects/route28-wid-ening.

Congressional Art CompetitionU.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock has announced the 2018 Con-

gressional Art Competition for Virginia’s 10th CongressionalDistrict. The competition is open to all high school studentswho reside in the District. The Best in Show winner of thecompetition will have their piece of art displayed in the UnitedStates Capitol. Comstock is a member of the Congressional ArtCaucus and started the House Arts Caucus in the Virginia Gen-eral Assembly. Students should drop-off their completed art-work on April 2 between 2-5 p.m. at Enterprise Hall on theGeorge Washington Virginia Science & Technology Campus.Art submitted must be ready to hang and entries are limited totwo per student. For information and guidelines about the 2018Congressional Art Competition, go to https://comstock.house.gov/services/art-competition. Students andteachers can also contact Amanda Gray Bailey in thecongresswoman’s office at 703-404-6903 or by email [email protected].

Teen Job Fair OfferedA 2018 Fairfax County Teen Job Fair and Resume Building

Workshop will be held at Chantilly High School, 4201Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, on Saturday, April 7. These eventswill focus on student job seekers (approximately ages 16 to18) looking for full time employment, after-school employment,seasonal positions, internship opportunities, or volunteer ex-periences. It is open to all teens in Fairfax County looking foremployment or wanting tips to build their resume. er studentslooking to begin to build their resume. To register, vsit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuSSaLImT3ESMjN_-z-BP4hkgp1tAy5VCJvHaL779YjR0dkw/viewform.

Clean Out Medicine CabinetsTake advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe

disposal of unused or expired medications during OperationMedicine Cabinet Cleanout on Saturday, April 28. Drop offmedications (pills or liquids only, no pressurized canisters orneedles) at the Fair Oaks District Station, 12300 Lee JacksonMemorial Highway, Fairfax, or the Sully District Station, 4900Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Roundups

Chantilly Connection ❖ March 28 - April 3, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

See Fundraiser, Page 11

By Bonnie Hobbs

Whether they’re putting outfires or keeping the commu-nity safe from crime, publicsafety personnel are one,

big family. And when one of their own needshelp, they all come together to lend a hand.

And that’s just what happened on Tues-day, March 20, at MOD Pizza in theGreenbriar Town Center in Chantilly. Police,firefighters and area residents ate lunch anddinner there to raise money for AshleyBlock, a McLean District Station police of-ficer who was severely injured while help-ing clear a road during the March 2 windstorm.

“She’s a patrol officer who was newly cutloose from her field-training officer,” saidher supervisor, Sgt. Laura Redman. “Therewere trees down everywhere and, while oneofficer cut them up, Ashley was clearingaway the debris. But the wind was so strongthat the top of another tree broke off andfell on her.”

“It pinned her on the ground and impaledher leg,” continued Redman. “She broke herfemur, shoulder, elbow, four ribs and somevertebrae. Doctors expect her to fully re-cover, but it’ll take a long time.”

In fact, Block’s injuries will likely causeher to be off work for 16-18 months. Likehis fellow police officers, Lt. Ryan Morgan,assistant commander of the Sully DistrictStation in Chantilly, heard about her acci-dent and felt bad for her. And the next timehe stopped in for a bite at MOD – whichserves custom, artisan-style pizzas – he

mentioned it to Dean Ladson, the store’sgeneral manager.

“Ryan’s a regular here, and he was casu-ally talking about what happened,” saidLadson. “So my assistant general manager,Josh Kuster, and I suggested maybe wecould do something to help. MOD believesin community giving, and we felt like thiswas our way of giving back.”

Most restaurant fundraisers generally give10 or 20 percent of their proceeds during atwo- or three-hour period to the recipient.But in this case, Ladson wanted to do more.“So we asked MOD’s fundraising arm inSeattle if we could make the proceeds 50percent. We also made it all-day andcounted the proceeds from anyone eatinghere March 20, not just those mentioningthe fundraiser. In addition, we decided todonate 100 percent of the day’s tips.”

On that date – despite freezing tempera-

tures, sleet, ice and an impending snow-storm – residents and public-safety person-nel flocked to the restaurant. And by day’send, some $2,700 had been raised for theofficer.

“From the time we opened at 10:15 a.m.until about 1:30 p.m., it was packed,” saidLadson around 2 p.m. that day. “And weexpect a big crowd at dinnertime, too, be-sides our normal dinner customers.”

“I don’t think we’d be as established as acommunity without the police force,” saidKuster. “They really help out.”

“And we knew it was the right thing todo,” added Ladson. “We give people goodmeals, but also support our community.These folks [police and firefighters] comein and support us and other local busi-nesses, and Officer Block was just doing herjob and got injured in the line of duty.”

“Ashley has the best personality; she’s

upbeat and a hard-charger,” said Redmanduring the fundraiser. “She has spunk andshe’s always ready to go. She has heart forthis job. The next day, when I visited her inthe hospital, she was asking me when shecould come back to work. She’s the kind ofnew officer that every supervisor wants.”

Sgt. David Kennedy, a former McLean of-ficer now at Fairfax County Police Head-quarters, said Block is “out of the hospital,on the mend and in good spirits. But evenafter she’s recovered, she’ll still be on light-duty status for a while.”

Crime analyst Lori Seiden, also formerlyat McLean, is now at the West Springfieldstation. “Ashley’s always supporting mypeople,” she said. “She’s really friendly andwants to serve her community. So with thisfundraiser, we all want to help offset hermedical costs.”

All 14 members of Block’s squad, the Ashift, participated, as did friends, plus oth-ers from the McLean station, including theTactical Squad, SWAT team, detectives andthe station commander, Capt. John Trace.(He and Morgan used to work togetherwhen Trace was the Sully station’s assistantcommander.)

“MOD Pizza offered up the idea to part-ner with a fundraiser to support our criti-cally injured officer,” said Trace.” Not onlydo they serve great food, but their companyphilosophy is very supportive in nature.Things went very well, even in the wintryweather. We had tremendous support fromall of our public-safety friends and the com-munity as a whole.”

Among them were about 16 members ofthe county police Motor Carrier (motor-cycle) Squad. “McLean was my old station,and I’m here supporting a fellow officer,”said MPO Chris Huber. “But I also trainedAshley in speed measurement at the Police

From left are McLean police officers, PFC Rafael Orellano, Sgt. LauraRedman with son William, 3, PFC Alex Lipartiani, Lori Seiden and Sgt.David Kennedy.

MOD Pizza’s day-shift members are (from left) Jessica Gonzalez, SituManandhar, Eric Sosa, Dean Ladson, Josh Kuster, Endira Stewart andJoana Alkhatib.

Fairfax County Police Command Staff (from left) Capt. Paul Norton,Capt. Tom Rogers, Capt. John Trace, Lt. Brooke Wright, MOD’s DeanLadson, Capt. Chantel Cochrane, Lt. Tim Field, MOD’s Josh Kuster andLt. Rob Hines.

‘It Was the Right Thing to Do’Pizza fundraiseryields $2,700 forinjured police officer.

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Opinion

By Adam P. Ebbin

State Senator (D-30)

Ebbin spoke to students atLewinsville Park in McLean dur-ing the walkout on March 14.The students, who attend schoolsacross Northern Virginia, wereparticipating in a rally for gunviolence prevention organized byStudents Demand Action DMVfollowing a 17-minute National Student Walkout heldthat morning at 10 a.m. in memory of the 17 who werekilled in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Schoolshooting in Parkland, Fla.

I’m Senator Adam Ebbin, and I have an“F” rating from the NRA. Across thecountry, the gun violence preventionmovement is being led by students like

you. You are doing more than just wearing anorange ribbon, you are taking action and lead-ing a conversation. You are channeling youroutrage into activism.

I’ve been moved and inspired by the braveryand resilience of the young people in Parkland.Today, we are amplifying their message. Withyour activism, we can make real progress.

Every day, 96 Americans are killed with agun.

Every 10 hours a Virginian is killed with agun.

153,000 students have been exposed to cam-pus shootings since Columbine.

For decades, the corporate gun lobby hasdictated our gun laws.

Elected leaders at the local, state, and na-tional level can make a difference; implore usall to take action. Hold legislators accountablefor their voting records.

While Washington is mired in empty expres-sions of thoughts and prayers, it’s time for statelegislators to step up.

I have worked for common sense gun lawsfor years. This year, over 60 bills addressinggun violence were introduced in the VirginiaGeneral Assembly, but every one was defeated.

Del. Kathleen Murphy [D-34] and I haveformed a General Assembly Gun Violence Pre-vention Caucus, but we need more voices —loud voices, informed and passionate voices,particularly voices like yours.

I’m here to amplify your voice, to tell youthat you don’t have to be a voter yet to shapethe debate.

Speak up by calling your elected officials.Engage the community by writing letters to

the editor.Get involved at election time.Register to vote as soon as you are eligible.Stay informed and stay

active.Vote.Repeat until no school in

America has to wonder “Who’s next?”Refuse to accept the status quo. Demand an

end to gun violence.The NRA tells us the AR-15 shouldn’t be

banned.When a soft nosed bullet leaves the barrel of

an AR15, it is travelling at three times the speedof a bullet fired from a handgun. It will breakthe sound barrier leaving the gun, travellingat 3,000 feet per second, tumbling end overend until it makes contact with its target.

When its target is a human body, the bulletenters and exits in less than the time it takes

to blink, shredding tissue in a process knownas caveation, killing soft tissue for up to threeinches around the entry path, and leaves anexit wound the size of an orange.

A high capacity magazine on an AR-15 canunleash 50 of these rounds in less than aminute. Outfitted with an NRA-supportedbump stock this weapon can empty this maga-zine in a matter of seconds. Don’t let the NRAtell you it shouldn’t be banned.

At Marjory Stoneman Douglas high schoolfirst responders saw the power of this weapon,the twitch of a finger painting the hallways oftheir school with blood.

Don’t let the NRA tell you it shouldn’t bebanned. Don’t tell us that kids have a right tocarry these into our schools and movie theatresand malls an concerts and unleash the fury ofthis weapon on Americans.

Don’t tell us that anyone has the right to carrya gun that holds 50 rounds and can be modi-fied to fire them in under ten seconds.

Don’t tell us we shouldn’t be able to stopdangerous individuals from buying AR-15s ata sporting goods store.

Don’t let the NRA tell you that thoughts andprayers are enough.

Enough is enough.We’re telling the NRA times up, we’re telling

them no more.No more fearing the next headline.We’re telling the corporate gun lobby we’re

done with being afraid that when your friendsgo to school they might not come back.

We cannot wait any longer.The NRA can get out of the way, or they can

get run over.

‘Channeling Outrage into Activism’

Commentary

Respect WomenTo the Editor:

As American Muslims, we call on all citizensto take an opportunity this month to reflecton the status of women in our culture. Therespect and status of women was so impor-tant that Allah dedicated a whole chapter,surah Al Nissah, The Women in the Holy QuranI would like to take a moment and reflect onthe social status of Muslim women. Due to theadvent of Islam the social status of womenchanged dramatically. Society was given clearguidance by the Holy Qur’an and the HolyProphet (peace and blessings of Allah be onhim) on the treatment of women in their roleas daughter, wife and mother.

1. DaughterThe pre-Islamic practice of killing infant girls

at birth for fear of humiliation or poverty wastotally abolished by Islam. In the Holy Qur’an,Allah says: “… Slay not your children for fearof poverty, it is We who provide for you andfor them, and approach not foul deeds,whether open or secret…” (6:152)

And “… He creates what He pleases, He be-stows daughters upon whom He pleases, andHe bestows sons on whom He pleases.”(42:50) After forbidding the killing of children,Islam goes on to teach a father that he mustraise his daughters in the same way as his sons.In fact, taking good care of a daughter opensthe door to Paradise for a Muslim. The Holy

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be onhim) said: “He who brings up two girls throughtheir childhood will appear on the Day of Judge-ment attached to me like two fingers of a hand.”(Muslim) Thus it is clear that Islam raised thestatus of a daughter from that of being despisedand unwanted to being loved and cherished.

2. WifeIslam changed the role of wife from being

little more than a servant to being an equal withher husband on all levels. The Holy Qur’anmakes it clear that in marriage women haverights similar to men. It says: “Of His signs isthat He created mates for you of your own kindthat you may find peace of mind through them,and He has put love and tenderness betweenyou. In that surely are signs for a people thatreflect.” (30:22)

Marriage is a harmonious union of two souls,the objective of marriage is to seek comfortfrom each other. The Holy Qur’an beautifullydefines the equality of the relationship with thisverse: “...They are a garment for you and youare a garment for them.” (2:188) This showsthat Islam regards husband and wife equal inproviding support, comfort and protection forone another, fitting each other like a garmentfits the body. Islam further teaches that thewoman be treated with kindness and generos-ity and be given equal rights in marriage anddivorce. Before Islam a woman could not ini-tiate the divorce process even if she was seri-ously mistreated. Islam permits her to seek di-

vorce if absolutely necessary. (The IslamicMarriage system is discussed in more detail inChapter 3).

3. MotherIn the role as mother, Muslim women

achieve highest social status, because themother is revered in Islam unlike any otherindividual. The Holy Qur’an repeatedly directsMuslims to care for their parents, especiallythe mother. Allah says: “And We have enjoinedman to be good to his parents; his mother bearshim in weakness upon weakness, and his wean-ing takes two years….” (31:15)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings ofAllah be on him) emphasized the love and re-spect due to the mother by saying: “Paradiselies at the feet of the mother.” In anotherhadith, he is reported to have stated whenasked to whom a man should be kind: “to yourmother.” When asked a second time, againsaid: “to your mother.” He was asked a thirdtime, again the reply was: “your mother.” Onlyupon being asked a fourth time did he reply:“your father.” Thus he emphasized three timeshow important it is for a Muslim to take ofhis/her mother and to give full considerationand respect to her needs and wishes.

There are many misconceptions about thetreatment of women in islam, however Allahteaches us to respect and treat women just asequal. For further reading visit: https://www.alislam.org/library/book/pathway-to-paradise/

Letter to the Editor

Zahid Yousaf, Centreville

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@ChantillyConnec

Newspaper ofChantilly

Fair Oaks / Fair LakesA Connection Newspaper

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

Bonnie HobbsCommunity Reporter, [email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

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Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

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Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

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A Connection Newspaper

Chantilly


Opinion

See Bulletin, Page 12

By Bob Gardner

Executive Director, National

Federation of State High

School Associations

And Billy Haun

Executive Director, Virginia

High School League

Many parents are tryingto live the dreamthrough their sons and

daughters — the dream of land-ing a college athletic scholarshipby specializing in a sport year-round. Unfortunately, most ofthese dreams are never realized.

The odds of a sports scholarshippaying for even a portion of astudent’s college education areminiscule.

The College Board, a not-for-profit organization comprised of

6,000 of theworld’s lead-ing educa-tional institu-

tions, reports that a moderate costfor college students who attend apublic university in their state ofresidence is $25,290 per year. Theannual cost at a private collegeaverages $50,900.

Meanwhile, the most recent datafrom the NCAA reveals that theaverage Division I athletic schol-arship is worth only $10,400.More significantly, the same studyshows that fewer than two percentof all high school athletes (1 in 54)ever wear the uniform of an NCAADivision I school.

Even if the dream is realized,parents likely will spend moremoney for club sports than theyever regain through college ath-letic scholarships. Thanks to thecosts of club fees, equipment, sum-mer camps, playing in out-of-statetournaments and private coach-ing, youth sports has become a$15 billion-per-year industry.

There is anoption, and it’sa financiallyviable one: En-courage yoursons anddaughters toplay sports attheir highschool.

In educa-t i o n - b a s e dhigh schoolsports, stu-dent-athletesare taught, asthe term im-plies, thatgrades comefirst. The real-

life lessons that students experi-entially learn offer insights intoleadership, overcoming adversityand mutual respect that cannot belearned anywhere else. Unlike clubsports, coaches in an education-based school setting are held ac-countable by the guiding prin-ciples and goals of their schooldistrict. And the cost of participat-ing in high school sports is mini-mal in most cases. While there isa belief that the only way to getnoticed by college coaches is toplay on non-school travel teamsyear-round, many Division I foot-ball and basketball coaches re-cently have stated that they arecommitted to recruiting studentswho have played multiple sportswithin the high school setting.

In addition, by focusing on aca-demics while playing sports withinthe school setting, students canearn scholarships for academicsand other talents — skill setsoftentimes nurtured while partici-pating in high school activities.These scholarships are more acces-sible and worth more money thanathletic scholarships. While $3 bil-lion per year is available for ath-

Truth about Sports Scholarshipsletic scholarships, more than $11billion is awarded for academicscholarships and other financialassistance.

Without a doubt, your sons anddaughters will have more fun,make more friends and be betterprepared for life beyond sport byparticipating in multiple sportsand activities offered by the highschool in your community.

Commentary

Gardner

Haun

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

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChild turning 5 years old by Sept.

30? If so, contact your child’s schoolto make arrangements forkindergarten enrollment. Mostschools begin getting informationtogether now for parents of incomingkindergartners, and many host anorientation or open house. Allkindergarten programs are full-dayand located in FCPS elementaryschools. Check your school’s webpageor contact the school directly forspecific enrollment information anddates of orientationor visitwww.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration.

Colin Powell Elementary School is

holding kindergarten registrationThursday, April 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.and Monday, April 16, 9 a.m.-noon.Due to the time required to registerchildren, the school requests thatonly parents come for registration.Forms and other information areavailable online at: www.fcps.edu/registration/general-registration-requirements.

Brookfield Elementary School willhost a kindergarten registration forthe 2018-2019 school year onMonday, April 16. Parents of childrenwho will be five years old on orbefore Sept.30, 2018, and are livingwithin the Brookfield ElementarySchool boundaries, should contactthe school at 703-814-8700 in orderto make a registration appointment.

Greenbriar East ElementarySchool is now accepting registrationpaperwork for rising Kindergarteners.The Kindergartener information

Bulletin Board


Spring Fun

THURSDAY/MARCH 29EGG-Streme Teen Egg Hunt. 8-10 p.m. at

Historic Blenheim and the Civil WarInterpretive Center, 3610 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Glow-in-the-dark-themed egg huntbegins at dark. Pictures with the EasterBunny and obstacle course moon bounce. 10-14 years old. Bring a basket and a flashlight.$5 per hunter. Register atapm.activecommunities.com/fairfaxcityrecdept/Activity_Search/11522.

Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. AtCameron Run Park, Alexandria. Children, 2-11 years old, are invited to celebrate springwith coloring, games and photoopportunities with the Easter Bunny. Bringan Easter basket to collect eggs, a raincoat ifit’s sprinkling, and a camera to take photoswith the Easter Bunny. Each hunt is $10 perchild, plus a $3 online service fee. visitapm.activecommunities.com/novaparks fordetails and to register.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 29-31Baskets and Bunnies Event. Assist with arts

and crafts, help with registration, dress up inthe Sunny the Bunny costume, assist withMini Golf or be a Sunny the Bunny helper atBurke Lake Park. Volunteer on Thursday,March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.to 7 p.m. On Friday, March 30, volunteersare needed from 4 to 7 p.m. Helpers will beneeded on Saturday, March 31. Sign up forshifts from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or from 1:30p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register at:

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake/baskets-and-bunnies

THURSDAY/MARCH 29-SUNDAY/APRIL 1Fairfax County Parks. Egg-citing activities

are breaking out at parks throughout FairfaxCounty in March. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2018/psa055.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is running aDinosaur Egg Hunt on March 29, 30, 31 andApril 1. Enjoy a dinosaur-themed programand outdoor egg hunt while visiting Dinolandin Nature Playce. The program is for childrenage 2-8. $8 per child.

On Saturday, March 31, Burke Lake Park is

hosting a day of fun called Baskets and Bunnies.There will be egg hunts, carousel and trainrides, crafts and games. $12 per person inadvance; $16 the day of the event.Clemyjontri Park is offering an Easter EggHunt, crafts and photo ops with the EasterBunny for children age 1-9. $7 per child. Add acarousel ride for $2. There’s also an Egg Huntthat day at Nottoway Park. Register at thepicnic shelter for egg hunts for children age 1-9.Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Schedule: ages1-2, 10:30 a.m.; ages 3-4, 11 a.m.; ages 5-6,11:30 a.m.; ages 7-9, 12 p.m.$10 per child,

registration 9:30-11:45 a.m. $10 per child –cash only at registration.

FRIDAY/MARCH 30-SUNDAY/APRIL 1Easter Egg Hunt. Friday, 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30

a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 and2:30 p.m. at Lee-Fendall House Museum, 614Oronoco St., Alexandria. Activities includegames, crafts, refreshments, and photos with theEaster Bunny. Every participating child willreceive an Easter egg. $12 children, $5 adults.Call 703-548-1789 or visit

www.leefendallhouse.org.

SATURDAY/MARCH 31Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt. 9-10:30

a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434Bath St., Springfield. Enjoy a continentalbreakfast, a craft or two, and an Easter egghunt. Bring an Easter basket. Free. Call 703-451-2900 or visit gracepresby.org.

Traditional Easter Egg Hunt. 9:30-11:30a.m. at Herndon Municipal Center TownGreen, 777 Lynn St., Herndon. Featurescraft projects, story time, dance sessionswith KinderJam, a petting zoo, coloringmural, potting station and photos with theEaster Bunny. Cost is $9 per child inadvance; $10 onsite. Visit herndon-va.gov/recreation, or call 703-435-6800, ext. 2128.

MCC Spring Fest. 10 a.m.-noon at St. Luke’sSchool, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean.Carnival games and arts and crafts projects,soccer demo, roaming duck, bunny andsquirrel characters as well as magic tricks byThe Amazing Kevin. A parent and childEaster Egg Hunt will be featured. Forchildren ages 3-8. Hosted by McLeanCommunity Center. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org, and use Activity No.4501.318. Call the Center at 703-790-0123,TTY-711.

2018 Community Egg Hunt. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.at Van Dyck Park, 720 Old Lee Hwy,Fairfax. The annual Egg Hunt at Van Dyckpark is open and free to the community,thanks to Combined Properties. Noregistration required. All ages welcome.Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/city-calendar.

SUNDAY/APRIL 1Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt. 11

a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. atHilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920 JonesBranch Dr., Tysons. The brunch buffets onboth Easter, April 1, and Mother’s Day, May13, occur from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. andfeature gourmet stations with an array ofdishes. Arrive early as a maximum of 50participants will hunt in each age group. Inaddition, the Easter Bunny will be availablefrom 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for photos.Reservations at 703-761-5131 or onOpenTable at opentable.com/harth.

Easter Egg Hunts in the Area

Traditional Easter Egg Hunt also features craft projects, story time,dance sessions with KinderJam, a petting zoo, coloring mural, pottingstation and photos with the Easter Bunny. Saturday, March 31, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Herndon Municipal Center Town Green, 777 Lynn St.,Herndon. Cost is $9 per child in advance; $10 onsite. Visit herndon-va.gov/recreation, or call 703-435-6800, ext. 2128.

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

ONGOINGFitness for 50+. Daytime hours,

Monday-Friday at Sully SeniorCenter, 14426 Albemarle Point Place,Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, ZumbaGold, Hot Hula Fitness (dancingPolynesian style), Strength Training,Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more.Membership is $48 a year, andwaivers are available. [email protected] or call703-322-4475 for more.

History Volunteers Needed. FairfaxStation Railroad Museum needshistory buffs. The Museum offers avariety of volunteer opportunities inMuseum events, programs andadministration. [email protected] or call703-945-7483 to exploreopportunities. The Museum is locatedat 11200 Fairfax Station Road inFairfax Station. It is open everySunday, except holidays, from 1-4p.m. www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.

Art Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10a.m.-8 p.m. at Clifton Wine Shop,

7145 Main St., Clifton. Includes oilpaintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops.Free. Call 703-409-0919 for more.

Carolina Shag Dance. Wednesdays,6:30-10 p.m. at Arlington/FairfaxElks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30 p.m.; nopartners needed; dinner menu at6:45 p.m. Tickets are $8. Visitwww.nvshag.org for more.

Open Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30p.m. at Lord of Life church, 13421Twin Lakes Drive, Centreville. TheFairfax Jubil-Aires barbershop chorusinvites men of all ages who enjoysinging. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxjubilairs.org for more.

Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m. atThe Winery at Bull Run, 15950 LeeHighway, Centreville. Every Fridaynight a band plays on the patio of thewinery. Free to attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for a fullschedule.

Mondays are Family Night. 5-7 p.m.at Villagio, 7145 Main St. $45 for afamily of four. Call 703-543-2030 formore.

LIBRARY FUNToddlin’ Twos. Tuesdays, 10:30 and

11:30 a.m. at the Chantilly Library,4000 Stringfellow Road. Earlyliteracy storytime with songs andactivities included. Age 2 withcaregiver, free. Call 703-502-3883 toreserve a spot.

Storytime for Three to Fives.Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Stories and activities for children age3-5 with caregiver. Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a spot.

Plant Clinic. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. atthe Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. A neighborhoodplant clinic with horticultural tips,information, techniques, and advice.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve aspace.

Lego Block Party. Every otherSaturday at 10:30 a.m. at theChantilly Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Legos will be provided for anafternoon of building. Grades 3-6.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve aspot.

Duplo Storytime. Every otherWednesday, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. atthe Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Develop andreinforce early literacy skills forreading success. Ages 1-3 with adult.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a

spot.Legos Kids Club. Every other

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at theCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Thousands ofLegos for children to play with. Ages6-12. Free. Call 703-830-2223 toreserve a space.

Starlight Storytime. Every otherWednesday, 7 p.m. at the CentrevilleRegional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive. Stories under the stars for ages4-8. Wear pajamas and bring stuffedfriends. Free. Call 703-830-2223 toreserve a space.

IMPROVING ENGLISHESL Book Club. Mondays, 7 p.m. at

the Centreville Regional Library,14200 St. Germain Drive. Meet anddiscuss a book chosen by group. Free.Call 703-830-2223 with questionsand to reserve a spot.

One-on-One English Conversation.Various times at Centreville RegionalLibrary, 14200 St. Germain Drive.Spend an hour with a volunteer tutorto practice conversing in English.Various times and days. Reservationsare required. Call the library at 703-830-2223 to make a reservation.

Practice English Conversation

Group. Saturdays, 3-5 p.m. atCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Drop in and enjoycasual conversation and learning foradult learners of English. Volunteerled program. Call 703-830-2223 formore.

English as Second Language BookClub. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. atCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Adults learningEnglish meet to discuss a bookchosen by the group. Call the library703-830-2223 for book title.

Advanced English ConversationGroup. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30p.m. at Centreville Regional Library,14200 St. Germain Drive. Drop-inconversation group for adult Englishas Second Language speakers whowant to improve their skills. Call 703-830-2223 for more.

ESL Book Club. Every other Saturday,11 a.m. at the Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Adults learningEnglish are welcome to meet anddiscuss a book chosen by the group.To find out book title, call 703-502-3883.

English Conversation Group.Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Practice English with a group of

Entertainment


C E N T R E V I L L ECOMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

To highlightyour faith

community,callDonat

703-778-9420

bThe Church of the Ascension

Traditional Anglican Catholic Services1928 Book of Common Prayer, 1940 Hymnal,

and the King James Bible with Apocrypha

www.ascension-acc.org (703) 830-3176

Holy Communion 10 a.m. Sundays (with Church School and Nursery)

13941 Braddock RoadCentreville VA 20120

in the “Old Stone Church”of Historic Centreville

The Church of the Ascension(703) 830-3176 www.ascension-acc.org

Centreville Baptist Church(703) 830-3333 www.cbcva.org

Centreville UnitedMethodist Church

(703) 830-2684 www.Centreville-UMC.org

Spring Fun

students and adults. Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a space.

English Conversation Group.Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Practice English with a group ofstudents and adults. Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a space.

PET ADOPTIONSAdopt a Dog. Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

at PetSmart, 12971 Fair LakesCenter, Fairfax. Visitwww.lostdogrescue.org for more.

Adopt a Dog. Saturdays, 12-3 p.m. atPetco, 13053 Lee Jackson Highway.Visit hart90.org for more.

Adopt a Dog. Sundays, 1-4 p.m. atPetco, 13053 Lee Jackson MemorialHwy. Adopt a puppy or dog.Visitaforeverhome.org for more.

Adopt a Dog. Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. atPetSmart, 12971 Fair Lakes Center,Fairfax. Adopt a puppy or dog. Visitwww.lostdogrescue.org for more.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 28“Day of Giving.” 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at

Fair Lakes Jersey Mike’s, 12703Shoppes Lane, Fairfax. Fair LakesJersey Mike’s will be donating 100percent of proceeds to FCA youth,junior high and high school sportsoffering financial assistance andscholarships for student athletes toplay sports. Call 703-502-3036 orvisit www.JerseyMikes.com/6033.

Open House. Noon-7 p.m. at Steven F.Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air &Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly.Call 703-572-4118 or visitairandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy.

FRIDAY/MARCH 30“Please Touch” Tour. 11 a.m.-4

p.m., tours on the hour, at SullyHistoric Site, 3650 Historic SullyWay, Chantilly. Tour Sully as neverbefore when visitors are encouragedto do more than just look. Enjoy thechance to touch such objects from thepast as Redware dishes, blue andwhite china, tools, clothing andfurniture. For participants age 5-adult. $7 per person. Call 703-437-1794 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.

Elusive Vernal Pools. 7-8:30 p.m. atEllanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040Walney Road, Chantilly. Vernal poolsare one of the most fascinating andelusive ecosystems in area parks. Anafter-hours campfire program willfocus on vernal pools. Hike the trailsat the park and search for signs ofnew amphibian life in the pools.Learn about the life cycle and earlydevelopment of local amphibians.Following the hike, enjoy some timeby the campfire and roast s’mores.For participants age 8-adult. $8 perperson. Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Campfire Program on Owls. 7-8

p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. TheGive a Hoot Campfire programfocuses on the barred owls thatinhabit stream valley parks in FairfaxCounty. Take a hike and learn how totell these owls apart from othernative owls. Wrap up the evening bysnacking on s’mores by a campfire.Ages 4-adult. $6 per person. Call703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

SUNDAY/APRIL 8T-TRAK Scale Model Train Show.

1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. TheNorthern Virginia NTRAK memberswill hold a N gauge T-TRAK model

train show. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/APRIL 15Railroad Technology Exhibit. 1-4

p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. A specialexhibit highlighting the impact oftechnology improvements inrailroading, including advancesintroduced by area residents. Ages 16and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call

CentrevilleInternationalShowcase

The 8th Annual Centreville Interna-tional Showcase will feature food, songand dance reflecting the cultural heri-tage of Centreville residents includingGuatemala, Ireland, India, Ghana, Peruand Korea. Admission is free. The show-case raises money for CIF through theShowcase Silent Auction, 50/50 Raffle,food sales, and donations during theevening. Saturday, April 21, 5:30-9 p.m.at Korean Central Presbyterian Church,8514 Forrester Blvd. Springfield. Con-tact the Centreville Labor ResourceCenter at [email protected],703-543-6272 or centrevilleimmigrationforum.org/.

703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/APRIL 21SpringFest Fairfax. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at

Sully Historic Site, 3650 HistoricSully Way, Chantilly. Participate in aday full of free, environmental, andhealth-focused family-friendlyactivities and games at this year’sSpringFest Fairfax –a celebration ofEarth and Arbor Days. Admission isfree and parking is $5 per car. Call703-324-5470 or 571-338-6710 orvisit www.springfestfairfax.org.

Centreville InternationalShowcase. 5:30-9 p.m. at KoreanCentral Presbyterian Church, 8514Forrester Blvd. Springfield. The 8th

Annual Centreville InternationalShowcase will feature food, song anddance reflecting the cultural heritageof Centreville residents includingGuatemala, Ireland, India, Ghana,Peru and Korea. Admission is free.The showcase raises money for CIFthrough the Showcase Silent Auction,50/50 Raffle, food sales, anddonations. Contact the CentrevilleLabor Resource Center [email protected], 703-543-6272 or centrevilleimmi-grationforum.org/.

SUNDAY/APRIL 22NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-

4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad

Museum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The NorthernVirginia NTRAK members will holdan N gauge model train show. Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/APRIL 29Railroad Communications Event.

1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.


News

PINEWOOD DERBY WINNERSLions: 1st Place Matthew F. Pack-146, 2nd Place Eli C.

Pack-146, 3rd Place Patrick M. Pack-1859Tigers: 1st Place Dante F. Pack-1459, 2nd Place Hudson

M. Pack-1859, 3rd Place Christian D. Pack-146Wolves: 1st Place Brandon C. Pack-1133, 2nd Place Aiden

O. Pack-146, 3rd Place Max G. Pack-1826Bears: 1st Place Michael M. Pack-1514, 2nd Place Jake B.

Pack-1859, 3rd Place William P. Pack-1459Webelos: 1st Place Jake G. Pack-1514, 2nd Place Ishaan

C. Pack-1858, 3rd Place Benjamin C. Pack-1459Arrow of Light: 1st Place Matthew C. Pack-127, 2nd Place

Isaac H. Pack-1862, 3rd Place Brendan W. Pack-1858THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE consisted of the top three

finishers of each rank (18 racers).Sully District Pinewood Derby Champion - Matthew

C. Pack-127 Arrow of Light2nd place - Brandon C. Pack-1133 Wolf3rd Place - Hudson M. Pack-1859 Tiger

Pinewood DerbyMore than 250 Cub Scouts, parents and siblings attended the March 17 PinewoodDerby held at Liberty Middle School.

Bake-OffTwenty-six Cub Scouts participated in a Bake-Off. Jenni Davids was this year’s Bake-Off chairman.

BAKE-OFF WINNERS (26 participants)Breads - 1st Place Colin S. Pack-1859, 2nd Place Mark F.

Pack-1860, 3rd Place Evan L. Pack-1860Cakes - 1st Place Finn B. Pack-1859, 2nd Place James K.

Pack-1859, 3rd Place Eli C. Pack-146Cookies - 1st Place Shane O. Pack-1862, 2nd Place Mat-

thew I. Pack-1859, 3rd Place Dominik C. Pack-146Decorative-Creative - 1st Place Anthony H. Pack-146,

2nd Place Ethan M. Pack-1860, 3rd Place Jake B. Pack-1859Pies - 1st Place Timothy C. Pack-146, 2nd Place Ben W.

Pack-1459, 3rd Place Mason A. Pack-1859


News

By Andrea Worker

March is Women’s HistoryMonth, and the theme forthis year’s celebrations is“Nevertheless, She Per-

sisted,” referring to the now-famous phrasethat was part of Republican Senate Major-ity Leader Mitch McConnell’s rebuke ofDemocratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Mas-sachusetts in February of 2017 after a party-line vote to stop Warren’s speech againstthe appointment of Sen. Jeff Sessions as theU.S. attorney general.

“Sen. Warren was giving a lengthyspeech,” said McConnell at the time. “Shehad appeared to violate the rule[s]. She waswarned … nevertheless, she persisted.”

Since then, that phrase has become a ral-lying cry for women’s rights advocates andothers around the world, and is a fittingdescription for the women chosen by theFairfax County Commission for Women astheir 2018 honorees, according to MichelleMueller, the county’s liaison to the commis-sion, who led the program at thecommission’s reception on March 6 at theGovernment Center.

The women selected as this year’s recipi-ents for recognition by the county “haveexemplified that persistence,” said Muellerin her remarks, especially in their work to“fight all forms of discrimination againstwomen.”

❖ Sheila Coates, a sixth generation Vir-ginian, Coates has been “persisting” for overfour decades. The founder and president ofBlack Women United for Action since itsinception in 1985, Coates has served on theboard of the National Council of Women’sOrganizations and as a delegate to the Na-

tional Summit on Africa. She successfullylobbied for a minority-at-large position tothe Fairfax County Commission for Women,as well as for the appointment of an Afri-can American woman to the board atGeorge Mason University — a first for theinstitution which she attended and whereshe studied public administration and po-litical science. Coates continues her work,serving on a number of boards, panels andcommittees, and advising and educating onwomen’s rights issues.

❖ Grace Wolf Cunningham is serv-ing her fourth term on the Herndon TownCouncil and is the first Korean Americanelected official in the Commonwealth ofVirginia. Cunningham is an adviser to theWashington Coalition for Comfort Women’sIssues (WCCW).

The group’s name comes from the euphe-mism given to the more than 200,000women trafficked as sex slaves during WorldWar II by the Japanese military as “com-fort” for the fighting troops and was startedto call for acknowledgement of, and repa-ration to these victims.

In addition to their founding mission, to-day, WCCW continues to advocate for therights of wartime victims and is dedicatedto the “eradication and prevention of sexcrimes.” Cunningham was the driving forcebehind the installation of the “Peace Gar-den,” unveiled at the Government Centerin 2014, as a memorial to those “ComfortWomen” and as a reminder of the need toremain vigilant and continue to fight hu-man trafficking.

❖ Laura Harris is another veteran inthe fight against discrimination and as achampion for victims of domestic violence.Harris has worked for Fairfax County Juve-nile and Domestic Relations Court ServicesUnit for over 30 years and led the charge to

bring county services and resources to-gether in a coordinated response to domes-tic violence, instrumental in establishing thecounty Domestic Violence Prevention, Policyand Coordinating Council, as well as theDomestic Action Center. Among herachievements, Harris also helped to startthe volunteer “Attorney for the Day Pro-gram” which provides pro bono legal ser-vices to clients seeking protective orders indomestic violence situations, but who can-not afford attorneys or who face challengesunderstanding their rights and the legalsystem.

❖ Lidia Soto-Harmon, the CEO of theGirl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital,believes in developing and supporting fu-ture leaders, assuring that all young womenhave the opportunity to succeed. To thataim, Soto-Harmon works to make sure thatno girl or volunteer is excluded from fullparticipation in Girl Scouts because of fi-nancial difficulties.

Adding to her resume of years of activ-ism, Soto-Harmon currently serves as thegovernance chair for the Meyer Foundation,an organization that “works on pursuingand investing in solutions that build an eq-uitable Greater Washington community inwhich women of color and economicallyvulnerable thrive.”

Assisting Michelle Mueller in presentingcertificates to the honorees were FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors ChairmanSharon Bulova, and Hunter Mill DistrictSupervisor Cathy Hudgins. At the regularBoard of Supervisors’ Meeting which fol-lowed the reception, Bulova presented aproclamation, accepted on behalf of theCommission for Women by Cunningham,declaring March 2018 as “Women’s HistoryMonth, and a time to honor all women whocontinue to fight and succeed in bringing

positive change to the lives of diverse Ameri-can Women.”

ACKNOWLEDGING THE WOMEN whosacrificed in the past to gain the opportu-nity for women of today to succeed, thereception also included a display of theplanned Turning Point Suffragist Memorial,a garden-based memorial to be locatedwithin the Occoquan Regional Park inLorton — once part of the prison groundswhere women suffragists were incarcerated.

Executive Director of Turning PointPatricia Wirth was on hand to showcase thedrawings of the memorial and remind at-tendees of the contributions of the women“who came before us.” Wirth says they stillhaven’t raised all the funds needed to buildthe national memorial, but declared thatregardless of what phase of achievementhas been reached by that time, “there’s go-ing to be an unveiling event on Aug. 26,2020.”

Cunningham vowed to “put pressure onmy colleagues to donate to the fundraisingefforts for the memorial. We are so fortu-nate to live in amazing Fairfax County,” saidCunningham, “where we have a woman asour Board of Supervisors chair, a womanchair for the public school board, mayorslike Lisa Merkel of Herndon, women serv-ing our area in the state legislature and somany more, unlike many other jurisdictionsacross our region and the country — andwe wouldn’t have this opportunity withoutthese women who sacrificed to get womenthe right to vote.”

For more about Women’s History Monthand the Commission for Women, seewww.fairfaxcounty.gov/cfw. The TurningPoint Suffragist Memorial Association hasa Facebook page and information onwww.suffragistmemorial.org.

Commission for Women celebrates2018 honorees at Women’s HistoryMonth reception.

‘Nevertheless, She Persisted’

At its March 6 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presents a proclamation, declaring March2018 to be Women’s History Month.

From left: Board of SupervisorsChairman Sharon Bulova; honor-ees Lidia Soto-Harmon, LauraHarris, Grace Cunningham, andSheila Coates; Hunter Mill DistrictSupervisor Cathy Hudgins; andMichelle Mueller, county liaison tothe Commission for Women at theWomen’s History Month 2018Reception.

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News

Champion for People with DisabilitiesU.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) was honored on Feb. 13, as an AbilityOne Congres-sional Champion by SourceAmerica. ServiceSource nominated Comstock as an “electedfederal policymaker who has demonstrated support for the AbilityOne Program and forrelated community-based nonprofit agencies through congressional actions whilesupporting the enhancement of opportunities for economic and personal independenceof persons with disabilities.” From left are Janet Samuelson, president & CEOServiceSource; Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity; Amber Brownell, AbilityOneEmployee; Comstock; David Raxsdale, AbilityOne employee; Heather Boncher,AbilityOne employee; Braddock District Supervisor John Cook; and John Huff, executivedirector, SourceAmerica. After the ceremony, Comstock toured the ServiceSource Com-munity Integration Center at Chantilly.

The following incidents were reportedby the Fair Oaks District Police Station.

DISORDERLY/ ASSAULT: 3700block of Vernacchia Drive, March 18,9:15 a.m. Officers responded for a na-ked man who assaulted a woman andwas jumping on cars. When officers ar-rived, community members wereholding the man down. Officers gave theman several commands but they wereignored. An electronic control weaponwas used and the officers placed himunder arrest. The victim was trans-ported with minor injuries. The18-year-old man from Fairfax wascharged with disorderly conduct, inde-cent exposure, and strangulation.

SHOOTING / MALICIOUSWOUNDING: 4100 block ofBrookgreen Drive, March 13, 7:35 a.m.A 31-year-old man from Woodbridgewas charged with malicious wounding,

abduction, robbery, and use of a fire-arm. An argument occurred between thesuspect and the victim, which escalatedto the point where the suspect used agun and shot the victim in the lowerbody. The suspect drove away from thelocation and was later apprehended inMclean. The victim was transported toa local hospital and treated for non-lifethreatening injuries. Detectives from theMajor Crimes Bureau are continuing toinvestigate this case.

ROBBERY: 2973 Chain Bridge Road(7-11), Feb. 22, 1:50 a.m. A man in hismid-20‘s, approximately 5 foot 6 inches,thin build, wearing all black and whitemask entered the store. He then pointeda handgun at the clerk demandingmoney. Money was given to the manand he ran out the front in an unknowndirection.

BURGLARY: 5300 block of Poplar

Valley Court, Feb. 15, 12:55 p.m. Theresident was home when she heard aknock at the door. She then heard aglass window break and saw threemales run from the back of the house.The suspects were described as averageheight and having dark hair. Nothingwas taken.

BURGLARY: 1200 block of SleepyLake Court, Feb. 13, 3:14 p.m. A resi-dent heard a suspicious noise in theirhome and saw a man running out of thebasement. Nothing was taken.

MARCH 23 LARCENIES12000 block of Fair Oaks Shopping

Center, wallet from business.MARCH 20 STOLEN VEHICLES12100 block of Greenway Court,

2003 Honda CivicMARCH 19 LARCENIES23200 block of Fairfax Towne Center,

merchandise from business

Crime Report


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

You know, if my feet didn’t hurt so much, Icould almost forget that I have cancer, otherthan being aware of my upcoming infusion:April 6; my upcoming CT Scan and MRI: April18; and my upcoming follow-up appointmentwith my oncologist to discuss the results: April27.

Nevertheless, the goal is to not think aboutthe fact that I have non-small cell lung cancer,stage IV. The kind for which there is no cure;made clear by my oncologist at the initialTeam Lourie meeting when he advised methat he “could treat me but that he couldn’tcure me.” What?! At that surreal moment,what goes in one ear flies out the other.

But here I am, nine years and counting;you bet I’m counting. That’s one of the recur-ring thoughts I have as a multi-year cancersurvivor; although, as my friend Frank has saidto me: “you’re in pretty good condition forthe condition you’re in.”

Other than schedules and my underlyingdiagnosis (and my original “13 month to twoyear” prognosis), I regularly consider how longI’ve lived, one month now into year 10. It’sboth scary and reassuring: Am I further fromthe beginning or closer to the end? See. I can’tstop thinking about it.

Generally speaking however, I am notbogged down by my diagnosis/circumstances,as anybody who knows me, knows. Nor am Ipreoccupied with the imminent danger inwhich my diagnosis places me everyday. AndI’m certainly not bemoaning the likely reduc-tion in my life expectancy from what Iassumed it would be: mid to late 80s, givenhow long both my parents lived, to what islogical to believe it will now be: late 60s; con-sidering all the statistics for similarly diagnosedindividuals. Typically, one diagnosed withstage IV lung cancer doesn’t just live with it (asa chronic-type disease), rather you diebecause of it.

This column is more for public consump-tion than it is about private perception. Intruth, although a second, minute or hourdoesn’t go by when I don’tthink/remember/acknowledge the facts of mycase, I am able, most of the time, to keep asmile on my face and not bring a frown toothers.

Moreover, I want/need those others to for-get that I have cancer as much as it is possiblefor it to be forgotten. And I want my behaviorto be a contributing factor to their forgetting.If I don’t start it then there’s no reason forthem to finish it.

And I’m being selfish in saying so?Absolutely! Because the better vibrations Ireceive from others, the better I’ll feel aboutmyself. And the better I feel about myself, thebetter and more able I’ll be to deal with mydisease and all its emotional and physicalside- and straight-on effects. Effects which arehardly the stuff with which dreams are made.To invoke and rework a quote from the legen-dary screen actress Bette Davis: Having canceris not for sissies.

But it is indiscriminate and projections intothe not-to-distant future are frightening: forboth males and females, one in three have a“lifetime risk of developing or dying from can-cer,” according to the U.S. National CancerInstitute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and EndResults (SEER) Database, based on “data com-piled between 2012 and 2014, the mostrecent available.”

So how do you put that in your pipe andnot smoke it? If you’re unlucky enough to beone of these new “diagnosees,” you either rollwith the punches or get rolled over instead.The choice is yours, as it was mine.

“Get busy living or get bust dying,” asAndy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) said to “Red,”(Morgan Freeman), in the Oscar-nominated“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994). And Itry to remind myself of that every day, andevery night, too.

The DazeContinue To

Go Bye

News

Fundraiser

From left are Fair Oaks PoliceOfficer Sladzana Resnik and MPOLauretta Garrett.

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Academy, about six months ago. In class,she was attentive and engaged in the course– which is hard to find in a new officer. Shestayed focused, so I could tell she’d be agood officer, out on the street.”

He tried MOD’s Calexico pizza withgorgonzola cheese, chicken and jalapeñosand pronounced it “nice and spicy – perfectfor a day like today. I’ll be back.” He alsonoted that, at one point, MOD “had a lineall the way around here, from the counterto the back wall. Since Ashley’s only beenan officer for six months, the amount ofpeople that came out to support her says alot. She’s a family member because we area family.”

A whole table of firefighters from FairOaks Station 21’s A shift was there, too. Lt.Eddie Thurston made his own pizza with“a little this and a little that” and said ittasted good. Besides, he added, “It was im-portant to come help them with thefundraiser.”

A shift Capt. E.J. Burroughs called Block“a fellow public servant, so this is one help-ing out another.” He said his shift alwayseats together to build teamwork. Enjoyingthe Lucy Sunshine pizza made with garlic,artichokes, asiago cheese and tomato sauce,he said, “I’d absolutely recommend MODbecause they make whatever you want andit’s really good.”

Joining them was Hazmat TechnicianJorge Arce of Fairfax’s Fire Station 40 onWest Ox Road. Happy to pitch in for a po-lice officer, he said, “Whether we’re policeor firefighters doesn’t make a difference. Westill respond to calls together, so I wantedto help out. This was my first time here,but I’m definitely coming back. The pizzais fresh and good, and you can’t beat theirreal pizza oven.”

Also there were brand-new, Fair OaksPolice Officer Sladzana Resnik and her train-ing officer, MPO Lauretta Garrett. “This isour first time here,” said Garrett. “We camefor the fundraiser; we have to support ourfamily members. I’ve never met OfficerBlock, but she had a terrible accident.”

They each had salads and shared a pizzawith tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, on-ions, black olives and mushrooms. “It wasamazing,” said Garrett. “We’ll come backagain.”

But last week, they were there for one oftheir own. Said Resnik: “As police officers,we work as one and take care of each other.”


Bulletin Board

From Page 5

session is scheduled for Monday, April16 from 2-3 p.m. Families who livewithin the school’s boundaries andhave a child who will turn 5 years ofage by Sept.30, 2018, should visitgreenbriareastes.fcps.edu or call 703-633-6400 to make an appointment.

Centre Ridge Elementary School inCentreville is open for kindergartenregistration for the school year 2018-19. Forms and other information areavailable on line at https://www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration. They arealso available in the front office. Call703-227-2600 with questions.

Greenbriar West ElementarySchool is now accepting information

for next year’s Kindergarten classes.Families who live within the school’srboundaries and have a child who willturn 5 years of age by Sept. 30, 2018,call the school office at 703-633-6700.

FRIDAY/MARCH 30Application Deadline. Sully Historic

Site, the home of Richard Bland Lee(Northern Virginia’s firstrepresentative to Congress),announces the fifth year of theMargaret C. Peck Youth Internshipprogram, sponsored by the SullyFoundation, Ltd. Juniors at Herndon,Chantilly and Westfield high schoolsin good standing and who have aninterest in history are encouraged to

apply for this paid, eight-monthinternship that runs from late Aprilthrough December 2018. Candidatesmust provide a completedapplication, written essay andteacher recommendation. Call 703-437-1794 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/park-news/2018/z-ir027.

MONDAY/APRIL 2Scholarship Deadline. Scholarship

for research of local Civil War history— The Bull Run Civil War RoundTable in Centreville, a 501 (3) corganization, offers a $2,000scholarship to a public or privatehigh school senior who resides eitherin Fairfax County. Applicants should

plan to attend college in the fall of2018. Information and applicationinstructions can be found atbullruncwrt.org.

TUESDAY/APRIL 3Community Meeting on Route 28

Widening. 6:30 p.m. in thecafeteria of Union Mill ElementarySchool, 13611 Springstone Drive,Clifton. The Route 28 corridor hasexperienced increased congestion formany years. The proposed projectcalls for widening Route 28 in FairfaxCounty for a distance ofapproximately 2.3 miles from thebridge over Bull Run to theinterchange at Route 29. Themeeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., with

an Open House, a formalpresentation at 7 p.m., followed bytime for questions and answers.Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/projects/route28-widening.

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Scholarship Nomination Deadline.

The National Capital Region Chapterof the National Football Foundationis accepting nominations for their2018 Scholar-Athlete banquet. TheChapter awards five $1,000scholarships annually to deservinghigh school senior scholar athleteswho played high school football.Nominees are evaluated on academicand athletic excellence, as well ascontributions to their school andcommunity. Nomination packets havebeen mailed to each high school headcoach in the National Capital Region.

SATURDAY/APRIL 7Teen Job Fair. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at

Chantilly High School, 4201Stringfellow Road, Chantilly.Employers will gather, takeapplications and resumes for parttime jobs. Contact Dulles RegionalChamber of Commerce atwww.dulleschamber.org for more.

MONDAY/APRIL 16Assistance League Meeting. 10

a.m.-noon at Sully GovernmentCenter, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd.,Chantilly. Assistance League ofNorthern Virginia invites communitymembers to attend its RegularMonthly Meeting. New memberswelcome. Learn about the nonprofit’s2017-2018 programs, includingWeekend Food for Kids and ReadingExpress. Pre-meeting social starts at9:30 a.m. Free [email protected] or visitwww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org.

SUNDAY/APRIL 18REVIVE! Training. 3 p.m. at 4213

Walney Road, Chantilly. REVIVE!trains individuals on what to do andnot do in an overdose situation, howto administer naloxone, and what todo afterwards. Each attendee alsoreceives a free REVIVE! kit, whichincludes all the supplies needed toadminister naloxone. The medicationitself can be acquired at a pharmacyafter completing the training.Attendees also receive a safety planto help individuals prevent overdoseif they relapse. REVIVE! is a programof the Commonwealth of Virginiathat makes naloxone (Narcan)available to lay rescuers to reverseopioid overdoses. Opioids includelicit medications like hydrocodoneand oxycodone, in addition to illicitdrugs like heroin. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/facility/a-new-beginning for more information.Advance registration required at 703502-7021 or 703 502-7016.

SATURDAY/APRIL 21Special Education Conference. 8

a.m.-3 p.m. at Hayfield SecondarySchool, 7630 Telegraph Road,Alexandria. Choose from over 60workshops. Register online atwww.fcps.edu/spedconference2018or call 703-204-3941.

Volunteers Needed: 2018Springfest Earth Day Festival.Sully Historic Site, 1350 HistoricSully Way, Chantilly. Springfest isFairfax County’s premier Earth Dayfestival held on April 21 at SullyHistoric property. To volunteer, callWanda Lohr at 703-324-8569 oremail [email protected].

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