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Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ December 1-7, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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December 1-7, 2016 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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HolidayEntertainment

HolidayEntertainment

Fairfax StationClifton & Lorton

Fairfax StationClifton & Lorton

The Robertsons’ “Kivett House”was built circa 1902 and namedfor a shopkeeper, builder, realestate and insurance salesman,town booster, newspaper corre-spondent and Clifton mayor from1904-1908 R.M. Kivett. The housewill welcome visitors at CliftonHoliday Homes Tour on Dec. 3.

Interfaith ServiceCelebrates DiversityNews, Page 3

Getting into HolidaySpirit with EncoreHoliday Entertainment, Page 12

Interfaith ServiceCelebrates DiversityNews, Page 3

Getting into HolidaySpirit with Encore

‘Warm Hospitality’ atClifton’s Holiday Homes Tour

News, Page 4

‘Warm Hospitality’ atClifton’s Holiday Homes Tour

News, Page 4

2 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ December 1-7, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Two Percent Project is Northern Virginia’snewest Teen Pregnancy Resource Center.The organization was founded by formerteen mother and CEO Autumn Williamswho defied the odds and is now dedicatingher life to helping other teen parentsachieve their dreams. The organization wasfounded off of her own personal experiencesbecoming pregnant right out of high schooland her dedicated journey to provide a bet-ter life for her child. The center will be of-fering non-bias options counseling, a uniqueparenting program, material resources,community resources, peer support, andreal life training.

They are raising funds to provide addi-tional life support to clients based on theuniqueness of their situation. Further, TwoPercent project will assist clients with edu-cation completion and postsecondary op-portunities, workforce development, andeducation on building and sustaininghealthy relationships.

Two Percent Project will also be provid-ing ongoing support to clients after they

give birth. They will be assisting clients withnot only educational and material support,but emotional support from a unique staffthat has been there. The TPP team is com-posed of former teen parents who beat theodds and is dedicated to helping other par-ents who have now found themselves in astandstill in their lives.

Tickets are now on sale for their HolidayKickoff Event, Moonlight and MistletoeHoliday Extravaganza. Tickets are $45. Theevent will be held at The Bungalow Ale-house in Woodbridge Dec. 16, from 6 - 11p.m. Be ready for an evening filled withfood, drinks, music, dancing, and vendorsfor those last minute Holiday gifts, desserts,games, silent auction and so much more.Dress is black tie/holiday best. Perfect fordate night or just an evening with the girls.Tickets are avaliable at https://www.eventnation.co/event/TPPHoliday.

To learn more about this new teen preg-nancy initiative visit Two Percent Project’swebsite at www.twopercentproject.org orcontact them via email [email protected].

Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Datedannouncements should be submitted at least twoweeks prior to the event.

Fairfax Baptist Temple, at the corner ofFairfax County Parkway and Burke Lake Roads,holds a bible study fellowship at 9 a.m. Sundaysfollowed by a 10 a.m. worship service. Nursery careand children’s church also provided. 6401 Mission-ary Lane, Fairfax Station, 703-323-8100 orwww.fbtministries.org.

The Guhyasamaja Buddhist Center, 10875Main St., Fairfax City provides free classes to bothnewcomers and advanced practitioners of TibetanBuddhism. The center emphasizes working withthe mind and learning how to understand theworkings of the mind, overcoming inner causes ofsuffering, while cultivating causes of happiness.Under the direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, thecenter is a place of study, contemplation and medi-tation. Visit http://www.guhyasamaja.org formore information.

Lord of Life Lutheran offers services at twolocations, in Fairfax at 5114 Twinbrook Road andin Clifton at 13421 Twin Lakes Drive. Services inFairfax are held on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. andSundays at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Services in Clifton areheld on Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. 703-323-9500 or www.Lordoflifeva.org.

First Baptist Church of Springfield offersSunday school at 9:15 a.m., followed by both tra-ditional and contemporary worship services at10:30 a.m. at 7300 Gary St., Springfield. 703-451-1500 or www.fbcspringfield.org.

Clifton Presbyterian Church , 12748Richards Lane, Clifton, offers Sunday worship ser-vices at 10 a.m. and Cup of Fellowship at 11 a.m.Nursery care is provided from 9:45-11:15 a.m.Christian education for all ages is at 9:45 a.m. 703-830-3175.

The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA)offers a wide variety of support groups for thosewith emotional, social, and physical challenges.www.jssa.org/growth-learning.

Two Percent Teen Pregnancy CenterOpens in Lorton

Photo courtesy Two Percent Teen Pregnancy CenterAutumn Williams, center, the founder of newly opened Two Percent TeenPregnancy Center in Lorton, VA. The center will host a holiday kick offevent at The Bungalow Alehouse 2840 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge,from 6 - 11 p.m.

Faith Notes


News

By Tim PetersonThe Connection

Co-pastors at Burke PresbyterianChurch Rev. Meg PeeryMcLaughlin and her husbandRev. Jarrett insist the interfaithThanksgiving service held in their worshiphall on Nov. 22 was not in response to anyperceived disunity in the country followingthe Presidential election.

In fact, this was the 33rd annual serviceparticipated in jointly by Burke Presbyte-rian, the Congregation Adat Reyim inSpringfield and Saint Mary of SorrowsCatholic Church in Fairfax.

Ezher Bloom Mosque of Fairfax joined anumber of years ago, Jarrett said, and in2013 members of St. Andrew’s EpiscopalChurch of Burke and the Durga Temple ofFairfax Station also became involved.

“We feel fortunate to lean on the goodinterfaith work of generations before us andthat this kind of work is Burke Presbyterian’sDNA,” said Jarrett.

Jarrett’s wife Meg admitted, however, “Wereally needed it this year. Post-election,there’s a lot of anxiety about the country.”

The huge turnout from multiple faithcommunities Tuesday night, Meg called “ahuge sign of hope.”

“You can lament about the hate in thecountry right now,” she said, “but there’s agreat sense of readiness to act in a differ-ent way, that we’re capable of being differ-ent and being together.”

The service featured traditions of prayerand musical performance from Christian-ity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, includ-ing individual groups from the participat-ing faith communities and a combined choir.

Jarrett delivered the thanksgiving mes-sage, or sermon. In it, he meditated on Psalm46 from the Bible, including the line “God isin the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;God will help it when the morning dawns.”

He referenced Spanish-speaking illegalimmigrants being confronted at a worshipservice with a banner spray-painted tellingthem it was for “whites only,” a man wear-ing a “Make America Great Again” hat be-ing assaulted while riding the subway anda Muslim girl being called a terrorist forwearing a hijab to school.

“I refuse to believe that God is unmovedby this or anything else that undermines anyone of God’s creations,” Jarrett said. “Andso I don’t want to be unmoved either.

“When we are moved in our hearts – whenwe allow the pain of our neighbors, espe-cially those who are different from us, tomove us in here,” Jarrett began to conclude,“when we are honest about what troublesus and when we listen to one another’s sto-ries and when we hold those secret hurtstogether, I believe that is when our unitybecomes stronger, when we dig in evendeeper until we cannot, in fact, get tossedaround by the raging of the nations.”

In an interview, Meg reiterated that thehard work of being united is not about “pol-ishing off our differences,” but rather cel-ebrating them.

“It’s OK to not be the same. We don’t di-lute our faith. But how can we be different,distinct, and still be friends?” she asked. “Weneed to understand our differences.Sameness, we’ve had enough of that.”

Another interfaith service is scheduled tobe held at Congregation Adat Reyim, lo-cated at 6500 Westbury Oaks in Springfield,Jan. 13 at 8 p.m.

33rd Interfaith Thanksgiving service at BurkePresbyterian Church celebrates differences.

Celebrating Diversity in Burke

Burke Presbyterian Church Pastor Rev. Meg Peery McLaughlin (left) isjoined by leaders of Adat Reyim Synagogue in Springfield, Saint Mary ofSorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, Ezher Bloom Mosque of Fairfax, St.Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Burke and the Durga Temple of FairfaxStation at an interfaith Thanksgiving week service held at Burke Presby-terian Church Nov. 22.

The Nov. 22 service featured traditions of prayer and musical per-formance from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism, includingindividual groups from the participating faith communities and acombined choir.

Photos contributed

Lorton/Fairfax Station/Clifton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Nov. 22 was the 33rd annual interfaith service participated in jointly byBurke Presbyterian, Congregation Adat Reyim in Springfield and SaintMary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax. Ezher Bloom Mosque ofFairfax joined a number of years ago, Jarrett said, and in 2013 membersof St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Burke and the Durga Temple ofFairfax Station also became involved.

Burke Presbyterian Church PastorRev. Jarrett McLaughlin deliveredthe interfaith Thanksgiving mes-sage on Nov. 22.

Rabbi Bruce Aft of CongregationAdat Reyim leads the “Passing ofthe Peace” at the Nov. 22 interfaithThanksgiving service held at BurkePresbyterian Church on Nov. 22.


News


There was reportedly a tree grow-ing through the abandonedhouse that once stood on 7239Dell Avenue where Darah andher husband Matt Curran now live.

The original, built circa 1904, “did nothave indoor plumbing, had never been up-dated,” Darah said. “The house was in suchdisrepair, it became a bit of an eyesore onthe street.”

The Currans had the old house demol-ished and a new one built in its place. Onethat would fit the character of the historicneighborhood. Their builder worked closelywith the town, getting design elements ap-proved — the house’s tin roof is a notabledetail to match the rest of the town.

Matt grew up coming to Clifton, Darahsaid, so making it their home in 2015 was abit of a long time coming. The Currans wereasked to open their new house to the pub-lic as part of the annual Historic CliftonHoliday Homes tour on Dec. 3.

“We love being part of the town, wewanted to give back in any way we can,”Darah said. “It’s really neat for our houseto be part of it now.”

The tour features several other homes, aswell as two of the town’s churches and itsextremely photogenic Norfolk and WesternCupola Caboose.

“People are photographing themselveswith that thing all day, every day,” saidClifton resident John Powell, who has taken

up repairing the caboose as a personalproject.

“It really began a journey for me, I didn’tknow much about railroads or cabooses inparticular,” Powell said. “My goal was torefurbish it. It does need some work, it’s alittle raw condition, but beautiful originalraw condition.”

The caboose was in service from 1974-1991, Powell said, and pays homage to theClifton’s history as the Devereux Stationdepot for the Orange & Alexandria.

“It doesn’t have a particular Christmasconnection,” said Powell, “but it is just areal genuine piece of railroad history andClifton, a railroad town.”

For the first time, Powell said, the inte-rior of the caboose will be open to the pub-lic as part of the homes tour.

Trish and husband Jonathan Robertsonat 7222 Dell Avenue are Homes Tour veter-ans, having hosted twice before in previ-ous years.

“Holiday tours are fun, everyone is in agreat mood, it’s family-oriented,” Trish said.

The Robertsons’ have lived in their homebuilt on “rubble foundation” (large, indig-enous rocks rather than man-made slab) for17 years.

“It has mostly original woodwork,” shesaid, dating back to around 1902 when thehouse was built, “meaning there are no rightangles, in a good way.”

Clifton residentswelcome visitors forHoliday Homes Tour.

‘Warm Hospitality’TO GO THERE

The Historic Clifton Holiday HomesTour runs Dec 3, 2016, from 4 - 7 p.m.Early tickets $25 adults, children under13 $5; day of tickets $30, children under13 $10; credit card $35. For more infor-mation, visit clifton-va.com.

See Holiday Homes, Page 8

12651 School Street, Hayley and Erik KatchmarkThe Katchmarks have owned the School Street property, which accordingto folklore was originally used as a chicken coop, since 2007. In betweenit was restored to become a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.

Photo contributed

Clifton Caboose, Chapel Road and Main StreetThe photogenic Norfolk Western Railroad caboose was in service from1974-1991, John Powell said, and pays homage to the Clifton’s history asthe Devereux Station depot for the Orange & Alexandria.

Photo contributed

Primitive Baptist ChurchChuck Rusnak of Clifton is now a trustee of the Clifton PrimitiveBaptist Church, built in 1871 and just reopened for Clifton Day forthe first time in a decade. The church was once used as a one-roomschool house for African Americans until the 1890s.

Photo by Tim Peterson/The Connection

12717 Chestnut Street, Casa de Saldivar, Lorena SaldivarLorena Saldivar’s “Yellow Dollhouse” was built in 1910 and serves as agathering place for Clifton women. Saldiva added a retaining wall andseveral Hydrangea plants in 2013.

Photo contributed


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Fairfax County FireAnd RescueParticipating InToys for TotsCampaign

The Fairfax County Fire and Res-cue Department will again be par-ticipating in the Annual NationalCapital Region Fire and EMS De-partments’ 2016 Toys for Tots Cam-paign. The intent of the campaignis to “bring holiday joy and delivera message of hope to children.”

Last year, thanks to the generos-ity of those who live and work inFairfax County, the Fire and Res-cue Department collected morethan 13,000 toys.

Children who are served by thiscampaign include toddlers andyouths through age 17. The cam-paign will only accept new un-wrapped toys and you can dropthem off at any of our Fire andRescue Stations. Toys used asweapons or considered to be weap-ons (i.e., toy guns or knives of anykind) will not be accepted. Checksor money orders for donationsmust be made payable to Toys forTots.

Fairfax County Fire and RescueStations will accept donationsthrough Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.

Public Meetings onDraft Action Plans

Fairfax County has developedDraft Action Plans for the Chesa-peake Bay, Sediment, Polychlori-nated Biphenyl (PCB), and Bacte-ria Total Maximum Daily Loads(TMDLs) that have assignedwasteload allocations (WLAs) tothe county’s Municipal SeparateStorm Sewer System (MS4). Thedraft plans will be presented at twopublic meetings:

❖ Public meeting to present theCounty’s Draft Sediment, PCB, andBacteria TMDL Action Plans:Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 to 8 p.m.,Fairfax County Government Cen-ter, 12000 Government CenterParkway, Fairfax, ConferenceRooms !X

❖ Public meeting to present theCounty’s Draft Chesapeake BayTMDL Action Plans: Thursday, De-cember 15, 6 to 8 p.m., FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway,Fairfax, Conference Rooms 2/3

The meetings will mark the be-ginning of public comment periodson all four Draft TMDL Action Plansthat will run through Monday, Janu-ary 23, 2017. Please contact theStormwater Planning Division [email protected] or703-324-5500, TTY 711, with anyquestions regarding the publicmeetings.

Area Roundups


Opinion

By Scott SurovellState Senator (D-36)

The success of early vot-ing in the 2016 Presi-dential Election reaf-firms my conclusionfrom visiting 12,000 homes last year— Virginia should expand early vot-ing.

In 2016, I personally knocked on over 12,000doors and after July 1, using an online secureapplication form, I helped over 900 voters signup to vote by mail from their home. Nearly allof them had no idea they could vote early orvote from home. The vast majority of thesevoters did not participate in non-presidentialelections (or even some presidential elections)because of a disability, lack of transportation,long commutes or disabled family membersthat required 24-7 home care.

This year, early voting exploded. In 2008, alittle over 99,000 Fairfax County residentsvoted early. That dropped to 92,000 in 2012,but exploded this year to 120,000. The samewas true in Prince William County. The rea-son? Localities opened more early voting loca-

tions and kept them open longer.There are two major reasons

people do not vote early or by mail.They do not know they are eligibleor voting early in-person is not al-ways convenient.

There is no question that the leg-islature should pass what’s called

“no excuse” early voting. The State Senate haspassed no excuse early voting twice, but thelegislation is always killed in the House ofDelegates and it is unlikely to pass in the nearfuture.

In the short term, Northern Virginia’s locali-ties need to expand early voting, and they can.

Nearly all voters who ride the Metro’s Yel-low, Blue and Orange Lines or the VirginiaRailway Express are eligible to vote by mail orvote early because they work outside of thejurisdiction in which they live. Localities needto set up early voting stations at all Metro andmajor transit stations.

If you cross a county line — from Staffordinto Prince William, Prince William into Fairfax,or Fairfax into the City of Alexandria — you

can vote early by mail or in-person. If yourwork day takes you more than 11 hours fromhome, you can vote early.

Seniors who have trouble standing in lineare eligible to vote early. So are individualscaring for disabled family members. All firstresponders are eligible to vote early or by mail.

Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford Countygovernments and public schools employ thou-sands of people. They need to get early votinginformation out to their employees. Social ser-vice providers need to ensure that qualifiedvoters receive information.

Finally, in non-presidential elections, manyvoters choose not to take time from work toparticipate in state and local elections. Ourlocalities should better publicize early votingstations and have longer hours to increase par-ticipation.

Facilitating more early voting will requiremore election officers and thus more money,but shorter lines and fewer disruptions saveall of us time on Election Day and encouragesmore participation in our democracy.

It is an honor to serve as your state senator.Email me at [email protected] if you haveany feedback.

Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA

By Kenneth R. “Ken” PlumState Delegate (D-36)

W hen my friend AugustWallmeyer wrote hisbook, “The Extremes ofVirginia, Southwest, Southside andthe Eastern Shore: Two Separatedand Unequal Commonwealths. Ru-ral, Poor and Largely Unknown” (De-menti Books, 2016), he included achapter on illegal drug use for obvious rea-sons—In 2014 for the first time on record fa-tal drug overdoses became the most commoncause of accidental death in the Common-wealth, according to the Office of the ChiefMedical Examiner. As the Secretary of Healthand Human Resources reported to Mr.Wallmeyer, “In 2015 we lost more than a thou-sand Virginians to opioid or heroin overdoses.More Virginians now die from drug overdosesthan from car accidents.” For another reason,the rate of fatal drug/poison overdoses in thepoorest areas of the state are 47 percent higherthan those in Virginia as a whole. The picturehas been getting worse.

Last week the state health commissioner Dr.Marissa J. Levine declared opioid addiction tobe a public health emergency in Virginia. Shesaid the Commonwealth has seen a 77 percentincrease in opioid deaths from 2012 to 2016.So great is the concern about this epidemic thatCommissioner Levine issued a standing orderthat allows all Virginians to obtain the drugNaloxone without a specific prescription. Nalox-one is used to treat narcotic overdoses in emer-gency situations. Persons who know someonewho is struggling with opioid addiction areadvised to visit a local pharmacy to obtainNaloxone and keep it on hand for possible over-

dose emergencies. For more informa-tion on Naloxone, go to http://www.getnaloxonenow.org. Anotherwebsite of Virginia government of-fers resources on how to best discussaddiction with someone, http://vaaware.com/treatment-recovery/.

Attorney General Mark Herring isextremely active in combating drug

abuse problems in Virginia. A documentary heproduced on the heroin and prescription drugepidemic in Virginia is available to individualsand organizations for their use. Preview it athttp://www.hardesthitva.com. The AttorneyGeneral has led the effort to distribute 80,000drug disposal kits to individuals through theDepartment of Health and to hospitals, law en-forcement and nonprofits. These kits will al-low for the safe disposal of prescriptions that

Opioid Epidemic in Virginia

During the last week of each year, TheConnection devotes its entire issue to thecreativity of local students and children. Itis a keepsake edition for many families. Theannual Children’s Connection is a traditionof well over a decade.

We publish artwork, poetry, essays, cre-ative writing, opinion pieces, short stories,photography, photos of sculpture or othercreative efforts.

We ask that all submissions be digital sothey can be sent through email or deliveredon CD or flash drive. Writing should be sub-mitted in rich text format (.rtf). Artwork

could be abused by others. There is a stronglink between misuse of prescription drugs,opioid addiction, and the use of heroin whenprescription drugs become too expensive or areno longer available. Some studies found thathalf of young people who use heroin got startedabusing prescription opioids. The AttorneyGeneral reported that more than 500 peoplewent to a Virginia emergency room from aheroin overdose in the first four months of2016, a 250 percent increase over 2015.

No longer is the problem of opioid abuse onethat is primarily in the poorer, “extremes” ofthe state. It can be found in all areas of thestate affecting people of all income levels andbackgrounds. The strong response to the needby the Attorney General and the State HealthCommissioner are very important. Coordina-tion among agencies and work at the local levelto end root causes are critical. Fortunately theyare underway to end this epidemic.

should be photographed or scanned andprovided in jpeg format.

We welcome contributions from public andprivate schools, individuals andhomeschoolers. To be published, we musthave the first and last name of the student.Please include the student’s age and/orgrade, school attended and town of resi-dence, plus the name of the school, name ofteacher and town of school location. Pleaseprovide submissions by Friday, Dec. 2.

Email submissions for the Children’s Con-nection to [email protected].

Children’s Connection Deadline Approaches

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Fairfax Station,Lorton & Clifton


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Long & Foster Real Estate, the No. 1 pri-vately owned residential real estate com-pany in the United States, has announcedthat its Burke/Fairfax Station/Clifton officewill support the U.S. Marine Corps Reservein its Toys for Tots campaign this year.

Toys may be dropped off at the Burke/Fairfax Station/Clifton office, located at6045 Burke Centre Parkway, seven days aweek from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donationsmust be made before Dec. 10.

“The Toys for Tots initiative is always afun, important cause and we’re excited toonce again take part while providing ourneighbors a convenient location to drop ofdonations,” said Paul DiCicco, manager ofthe Burke/Fairfax Station/Clifton office.“It’s great to know that by collecting toysthroughout the holiday season, we can helpmake sure children who are less fortunatein our area have a more cheerful holiday.”

Long & Foster offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are participating in the Toysfor Tots donation drive. This year marks thecompany’s 26th year participating in theholiday collection campaign. Between nowand mid-December, each of Long & Foster’smore than 200 offices throughout sevenstates and the District of Columbia will ac-cept toy donations. Long & Foster employ-ees at the company’s home office inChantilly will also participate in the annual

holiday campaign.“Giving back to the many communities

in which we live and work is important toour Long & Foster family, which is why weparticipate in the Toys for Tots drive yearafter year,” said Jeffrey S. Detwiler, presi-dent and chief operating officer of The Long& Foster Companies. “The U.S. Marineshave built a tremendous program with Toysfor Tots, and our employees, agents andtheir clients appreciate and enjoy the op-portunity to share the holiday spirit withchildren who might not receive anythingotherwise.”

Once the toys are collected and presentedto the U.S. Marines, they are distributedthrough churches and social welfare agen-cies to the neediest children throughout thecommunity. Started by the U.S. Marines in1947, the Toys for Tots campaign is an an-nual toy collecting drive that now reachesthroughout 50 states, Washington, D.C., andPuerto Rico. Toys for Tots has distributedmillions of toys to millions of children overthe years, and Long & Foster contributes tothis effort by collecting thousands of newtoys throughout the company’s Mid-Atlan-tic market area each year.

For information on this year’s Toys for TotsCampaign, call the Burke/Fairfax Station/Clifton office at 703-425-8000 or visitwww.toysfortots.org.

NewsLong & Foster’s Office Collects Toys for Tots


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From Page 4

News

Holiday Homes TourOn the spirit of the afternoon,

Robertson added, “it’s just a warm-friendly time of year — keepingin Clifton spirit with warm hospi-tality.”

The official schedule for Dec. 3is:

2-3 pm: Caroling on Horsebackparade on Clifton’s Main Street,

sponsored by the Clifton HorseSociety

4-7 pm: Holiday Homes tour4-7pm: Clifton Art Guild, Clifton

Presbyterian Church, located at12748 Richardson Lane

Twenty percent of the proceedsfrom the homes tour will be do-nated to each homeowners’ non-profit organization of choice.

7227 Dell Avenue, Michelle and Jeff SteinThe Steins’ circa 1904 home was renovated extensively in2003. Expect natural woods, stone and tile throughoutthe house, with decorations for Hanukkah as well.

Photo contributed

7222 Dell Avenue, The Robertson FamilyThe Robertsons’ “Kivett House” was built circa 1902 andnamed for a shopkeeper, builder, real estate and insur-ance salesman, town booster, newspaper correspondentand Clifton mayor from 1904-1908 R.M. Kivett. The housebegan life as a Sears kit and was modified substantiallyto become the carpenter-gothic Victorian it is today.

Photo contributed

7239 Dell Avenue, The Curran FamilyThe Currans had the old, abandoned house demolishedand a new one built in its place last year. One that wouldfit the character of the historic neighborhood. Theirbuilder worked closely with the town, getting designelements approved — the house’s tin roof is a notabledetail to match the rest of the town.

Photo contributed

Narinder KaurBaweja

Narinder K. Baweja, 91, Dies

The beloved mother,grandmother andgreat grandmother,Narinder Kaur Baweja,passed away Sunday Oct.23, on her 91st birthday. Sheis survived by 4 children, 10grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren and wasloved by all. Following herpassing a religious cer-emony was held for her inFairfax Station.

She was born in Burma to Dr Jodh Singh andLakhmir Kaur. She received her BA in English andwas married to army officer Daya Singh Baweja. Theythen moved to India, where she enjoyed a happy lifein an army family, with an active social life and manyactivities. She had four daughters and after constantnagging from her mother in law, they tried for a boyand had their fifth child, Paul.

She spoke fluent English and as a result the familywas able to communicate and develop a close bond.In fact, all of her grandchildren called her “grandma”instead of Nani because she was so great at speak-ing English, it just seemed fitting.

The couple suffered a major setback in 1982 whentheir youngest daughter, Babli, had a car accidentand fell into a coma and passed away a decade later.This event was so devastating, but she found solacein spirituality, devoting herself to path and Kirtan(spiritual singing) at the local gurdwaras in BuenaPark and Santa Ana. She became so devoted to kirtan,she was known to play the vaaja uninterrupted for

Obituary

prolonged periods of time, at many important events,despite the physical limitations that come with age.

She loved her family and loved her husband. Shealways said she had the best husband, who alwayscelebrated her birthdays, Mother’s Day, and evenValentine’s Day. He would write her handwritten af-fectionate notes for special occasions, but always gaveher the same silk rose flowers.

In 2008,he died. Grandma suffering the pain ofthis loss became disabled. She was moved to a nurs-ing home in Virginia, where she could receive thecare she needed.

Her Granddaughter Wrote to The Connection:“My massi Preeti and my mama Paul took great

care of her. My mother visited her at least twice ayear to celebrate Mother’s Day and her birthday. Morerecently, as she was deteriorating, I was lucky enoughto meet my mom in D.C. where she spent the last 5days of my grandmother’s life with her. My mom andI were actually able to celebrate her birthday therewith her and the family. Your body may no longerbe with us, but your soul will forever remain in ourhearts. My mom will always miss you calling her yourdaughter and will miss you calling me your grand-daughter. We will cherish your memory forever.

My grandmother’s request was that we recite BentiChaupai. Here is a passage:

“Lord, anyone who has recited your name is savedfrom poverty, tyrants, and pain. The Lord provides ashield for my protection, with your hands you havesaved me. You bestow help on me at all places andrescue me from pain and the designs of my demons.The mother of the world has been kind towards meand I have completed the book this auspicious night.”


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News

Railroad Museumto Host HolidayTrain Show

The Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum will host its 27th AnnualHoliday Train Show on Saturday,Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.and Sunday, Dec. 4 noon to 4p.m. A multitude of model trainsincluding: Z, N, HO, LEGO,O,Standard, and G scales. Bringyour broken locomotive to the“Train Doctor” for the gooddoctor to fix or advise you ofyour other options. Stop andadmire the antique cars visitingfor this event, weather permit-ting. Visit Museum’s gift shop forholiday gift items and Santa maystop by to visit. The museum islocated at 11200 Fairfax StationRoad in Fairfax Station. Adults16 and over - $5; children 5 to15 - $2; 4 and under – free;museum members – free.Information on the museum andshow can be found atwww.fairfax-station.org or call703-425-9225.


CalendarSend notes to the Connection at

connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/ orcall 703-778-9416. The deadline is theFriday prior to the next paper’s publica-tion at noon. Dated announcementsshould be submitted at least two weeksprior to the event.

ONGOINGSpringfield Town Center Toy Drive

through Dec. 24 located at 6500Springfield Mall, Springfield.Springfield Town Center ispartnering with America’s Adopt ASoldier Foundation to sponsor a ToyDrive to gather new toys to bedonated to children undergoingtreatment at Walter Reed MedicalCenter.

Please bring new toys to the bin locatednext to Guest Services, on the LowerLevel near Starbucks to donate andbring joy to a child struggling withillness during this Holiday Season.

6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield.‘Storytime & Craft’ at lucy

Activewear Every Friday inDecember at 10:30 a.m. lucyActivewear 11899 Grand CommonsAvenue, Fairfax. An opportunity toget holiday shopping done in peace.lucy Activewear will be hosting‘Storytime & Craft.’ This event isappropriate for ages 3-8. Please signup.

THURSDAY/DEC. 1Russell Theater at Robinson

Secondary School 7 p.m. 5035Sideburn Road, Fairfax. RobinsonHigh School Holiday Concert - Enjoyholiday tunes and the music of Bach,Mozart, and Bartok, as well asDvorak’s New World Symphony.Admission: Free. 703-426-2143

THURSDAY/DEC. 1 -SATURDAY DEC. 3Richard Byrd Library Holiday

Used Book Sale 3 - 5 p.m. 7250Commerce Street, Springfield.Friends of Richard Byrd Libraryholiday used book sale is a semi-annual fundraising event. Fundssupport adult and children’sprogramming and subscriptions atthe Richard Byrd [email protected]

FRIDAY/DEC. 2The Lion, The Witch and the

Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis 6:30p.m. Dinner with 7:30 p.m.performance. Truro Anglican Church10520 Main Street, Fairfax. Come seethe play for a Holiday celebration ofthe classic C.S. Lewis novel - take atrip to Narnia. http://www.fairfaxcitytheatre.org

My Gym Community Event 10:30a.m. Burke Centre Library 5935 FredsOak Rd, Burke, VA 22015.Developyour child’s large motor skills withphysical exercise and games. Fundedby the Friends of Burke CentreLibrary. Age 1-3 years with adult.Visit: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/bc/

SATURDAY/DEC. 3City of Fairfax Festival of Lights

and Carols noon - 7:30 p.m. OldTown Square 10415 North Street,Fairfax. Come enjoy live holidaymusic, hot cider, s’mores by the Yulelog, petting farm, ferris wheel,caroling and lighting of theChristmas tree in the winterwonderland. Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/festival-of-lights-and-carolsfor times and locations.

Lunch with Santa 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.Old Town Hall, 3999 UniversityDrive. Children ages 10 and undercan enjoy lunch with Santa at OldTown Hall. Two lunch seatings willbe offered one at 11:30 a.m. andanother at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $6 per

child on sale at the Parks &Recreation office at City Hall,Sherwood Center, and Green AcresCenter. Limit of 10 tickets perperson.

Pre-Registration is required for thisevent - children 1 years of age andyounger may attend at no cost butstill must be registered. Parents donot need to purchase tickets. All arewelcome - both Fairfax City residentsand non Fairfax City residents.Tickets can be purchased onlineat:https://apm.activecommunities.com/fairfaxcityrecdept/Activity_Search/9853

Holiday Book Sale 10 - 4 p.m. BurkeCentre Library 5935 Freds Oak Rd,Burke, VA 22015.Peruse and shop aselection of gently used holiday-themed books collected by theFriends of the Burke Centre Library.Visit: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/bc/

City of Fairfax Festival of Lightsand Carols Time TBA SherwoodCommunity Center, 3740 Old LeeHighway, Fairfax. Come enjoy liveholiday music, hot cider, s’mores bythe Yule log, petting farm, ferriswheel, caroling and lighting of theChristmas tree in the winterwonderland. Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/festival-of-lights-and-carolsfor times and locations.

The Lion, The Witch and theWardrobe by C.S. Lewis 2 p.m.performance. Truro Anglican Church10520 Main Street, Fairfax. Come seethe play for a Holiday celebration ofthe classic C.S. Lewis novel - take a

trip to Narnia. http://www.fairfaxcitytheatre.org

Holiday Book Sale 10 - 4 p.m. BurkeCentre Library 5935 Freds Oak Rd,Burke, VA 22015.Peruse and shop aselection of gently used holiday-themed books collected by theFriends of the Burke Centre Library.Visit: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/bc/

City of Fairfax Festival of Lightsand Carols. Time TBA SherwoodCommunity Center, 3740 Old LeeHighway, Fairfax. Come enjoy liveholiday music, hot cider, s’mores bythe Yule log, petting farm, ferriswheel, caroling and lighting of theChristmas tree in the winterwonderland. Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/festival-of-lights-and-carolsfor times and locations.

27th Annual Holiday Train Show 10 -5 p.m. 11200 Fairfax Station Road inFairfax Station. The Fairfax StationRailroad Museum will host a trainshow with droves of model trainsincluding models: Z, N, HO, LEGO, O,Standard, and G scales. Bring yourbroken locomotive to the “TrainDoctor” for the good doctor to fix oradvise you of your other options. Stopand admire the antique cars visiting forthis event, weather permitting.Admission: Adults 16 and over - $5;children 5 to 15- $2; 4 and under –free; museum members – free.www.fairfax-station.org 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/DEC. 3Friends of Burke Centre Library

Holiday & Gift Book Sale 10 - 5p.m. 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke.

Featuring holiday themed books foradults and kids along with bookssuitable for gift giving.

SUNDAY/DEC. 4National Men’s Chorus Presents

Yeletide Carols with Debi Smith4 p.m. Providence PresbyterianChurch 9019 Little River Turnpike,Annandale. Debi Smith of TheBirchmere will be singing with thechorus, and Tom Pandolfi will also beour featured pianist. Admission: $20at the door. Students and childrenfree. Parking is Free.nationalmenschorus.org

Fair Oaks Mall Hosts Pet Partieswith Santa 6:30 - 8 p.m. Santa’sFlight Academy in Grand Court11750 Fair Oaks. FairfaxFair OaksMall will offer pet parents a chanceto celebrate the holiday season andvisit with Santa. Pet photos will takeplace at the interactive Santa’s FlightAcademy holiday set located inGrand Court West. Please note thatpets must be up-to-date on theirvaccinations and must either be on aleash or carried in a lightweight,portable pet carrier with harness.www.shopfairoaksmall.com/events.

27th Annual Holiday Train Shownoon - 4 p.m. 11200 Fairfax StationRoad in Fairfax Station. The FairfaxStation Railroad Museum will host atrain show with droves of modeltrains including models: Z, N, HO,LEGO, O, Standard, and G scales.Bring your broken locomotive to the“Train Doctor” for the good doctor tofix or advise you of your otheroptions. Stop and admire the antiquecars visiting for this event, weather

permitting. Admission: Adults 16 andover - $5; children 5 to 15- $2; 4 andunder – free; museum members –free. www.fairfax-station.org 703-425-9225.

Friends of Burke Centre LibraryHoliday & Gift Book Sale 1- 4p.m. 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke.Featuring holiday themed books foradults and kids along with bookssuitable for gift giving.

MONDAY/DEC. 5Friends of Burke Centre Library

Holiday & Gift Book Sale 10 - 8p.m. 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke.Featuring holiday themed books foradults and kids along with bookssuitable for gift giving.

TUESDAY/DEC. 6Hayfield Secondary High School

Orchestra 6 p.m. Springfield TownCenter 6500 Springfield Mall,Springfield. https://springfieldtowncenter.com/calendar/view/626

BHS Research Seminar 7 - 9 p.m.Burke Centre Library 5935 Freds OakRoad, Burke. Expand your researchwith harder-to-find sources, throughinterlibrary loan, digitized bookarchives, and articles in variousperiodicals and scholarly journals.Presenter: Sharon Hodges. Registeron the library website:www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/bc/ Admission: [email protected]

THURSDAY/DEC. 8Annandale High School Band

Performance 6 - 8 p.m. SpringfieldTown Center 6500 Springfield Mall,Springfield. https://springfieldtowncenter.com/calendar/view/626

SATURDAY/DEC. 10Lake Braddock Senior High

Orchestra Performance 10 - 2p.m. Springfield Town Center 6500Springfield Mall, Springfield. https://springfieldtowncenter.com/calendar/view/626

Metropolitan School of the Artsand Santa’s Frosty Follies 4 p.m.& 5 p.m. Springfield Town Center6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield.https://springfieldtowncenter.com/calendar/view/626

THURSDAY/DEC. 8 - FRIDAY DEC. 9Tiny Tots Concert at Robinson

Secondary School’s RussellTheater Thursday 10 a.m. Friday 10a.m. and 7 p.m. Great holiday fun for“kids from 1 to 92” Robinson HighSchool’s Symphonic Band playsholiday tunes and introduces theaudience to different types of musical

instruments while costumed charactersmake appearances: Frosty theSnowman, Rudolph and more. Forgroup reservations contact KarenIngle at [email protected].

SUNDAY/DEC. 11Fair Oaks Mall Hosts Pet Parties

with Santa 6:30 - 8 p.m. Santa’sFlight Academy in Grand Court11750 Fair Oaks. FairfaxFair OaksMall will offer pet parents a chanceto celebrate the holiday season andvisit with Santa. Pet photos will takeplace at the interactive Santa’s FlightAcademy holiday set located inGrand Court West. Please note thatpets must be up-to-date on theirvaccinations and must either be on aleash or carried in a lightweight,portable pet carrier with harness.www.shopfairoaksmall.com/events.

Photos courtesy of Workhouse Arts CenterJohn Hardy performing in "A Christmas Carol." Workhouse Arts Center presents “AChristmas Carol” adapted from the original story by Charles Dickens. Performed atWorkhouse Arts Center, Theater W-3, 9518 Workhouse Rd, Lorton. Performance on Dec.3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 to $25. Call 703-584-2900 or visitwww.workhousearts.org. Note: Runs approximately eighty minutes in one act. Appro-priate for audiences of any age but best suited for ages ten and above.

Rex Dougherty and DavenRalston in Hub Theatre’sproduction of "The Magi."Performances will take placefrom Dec. 2-18 at The NewSchool, 9431 Silver King Court,Fairfax. Show times: Fridays at8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m.and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.and 7 p.m. Tickets: $20-$30.Call 1-800-494-8497 or visitwww.thehubtheatre.org

Photo courtesy ofThe Hub Theatre


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News

Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station andLutheran Church of the Abiding Presencein Burke held a 30th consecutive jointThanksgiving Eve service Nov. 23 at theJewish congregation’s synagogue.

Each year the host alternates, with the visitingclergy offering the primary homily, sermon or holi-day message.

The ever-popular service included music performedby a mixed choir with representatives from both faithcommunities.

Food donations were collected at the service thatwill go to the Lorton Community Action Center.

— Tim Peterson

Thirtieth Joint Thanksgiving EveService Held at Temple B’Nai Shalom

Photo contributedThe ever-popular Thanksgiving Eve service at Temple B’nai Shalom included musicperformed by a mixed choir with representatives from both faith communities.

From left, Rev. Meredith Keseley and SeminarianHeidi Eickstadt of Lutheran Church of the AbidingPresence in Burke, and Rabbi Amy R. Perlin, D.D. andRabbi Laura Rappaport, D.D. of Temple B’Nai Shalomin Fairfax Station, at the 30th consecutive jointThanksgiving Eve service, held Nov. 23 at the Jewishcongregation’s synagogue.

Photo contributed


Holiday Entertainment

By Bonnie HobbsThe Connection

Just the thing to put people into theholiday spirit is “Christmas Under-cover.” Encore Theatrical ArtsProject’s song-and-dance extrava-ganza bursts upon the stage Dec. 9-18 atNOVA’s Annandale campus.

“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feelto it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynorvan der Merwe. “There’s a strong storylinethat sets up beautiful vocal and dance num-bers that further tell the story. It’s a veryentertaining show for the whole family. Fortwo hours, the youngest to the oldest willbe transported to a different world.”

IN NEW YORK CITY, Northern PostalService workers are actually undercoverelves. While delivering packages through-out the city, they check on all the childrenand scan them to measure their level ofChristmas spirit. Then they can determinewhether to put them on Santa’s naughty ornice list.

Marzipan, a young female elf, is on herfirst assignment and measures a girl namedNoel with 0 percent Christmas spirit. Andwhen Marzipan and the other elves returnto the North Pole, they inadvertently bringNoel with them. But her presence causeshavoc with the energy there. So the NorthPole historian, played by Jack Stein, mustfigure out how to make things right.

“We have a beautiful, new, North Pole setthat’s gorgeous and breathtaking – includ-ing a revolving library,” said van der Merwe.“Tabitha Dees has done an amazing job de-signing it. We have a 32-person cast, includ-ing three guest adults, and I’m so excited

about the wonderful progress I’ve seen inmy dancers this year. They’ve stepped it upto a whole, new level and inspire, challengeand reward me as a teacher.”

Maya Tischler plays Marzipan. “She’s aneccentric character who can get dejectedwhen things aren’t looking up,” saidTischler. “But when someone says they canhelp her, she immediately perks up and be-comes excited. And she has an easy timemaking friends.”

Tischler’s enjoying her role because “I cansometimes relate to Marzipan in real life,and I like her personality and how she en-joys talking to new people.” Her favoritesong is “Be a Santa” because “It’s fun todance and, in the storyline, Marzipan is try-ing out to become an undercover Santa anddo new things.”

She said the audience will love everythingabout this show. “The creativity, set, props,character development, colors and cos-tumes all bring the story to life,” saidTischler. “And people will especially like allthe dance numbers.”

Claire Griese portrays Cookie, an under-cover elf who “couldn’t keep a job if her lifedepended on it,” said Griese. “But she also

keeps quitting jobs because she thinks herco-workers might be on to her. She’s veryanxious, but also super peppy and whatyou’d imagine an elf to be like – happy, kid-like and friendly.”

Griese’s having a good time playing herbecause, in previous years, she played char-acters that weren’t as uplifting. “But now Ihave humor in my part and get to be goofy,have fun onstage and make children laugh,”she said.

She’s also pleased about Encore’s new,reindeer Rockette number to the song,“Here Comes Santa Claus.” She said thereindeer costume is “really cute; and thisyear, we’ve added bells to it. And we reallygo for it and dance.

Aside from the great characters, this showhas constant action and will surprise theaudience. There’s always something inter-esting happening onstage, and we have agreat set and script. I’m excited, and I hopepeople will laugh – it’s definitely a funnyshow.”

Playing Holly, an undercover elf in NewYork, is Jenna Frisby. “She’s the leader ofthe group; she’s more mature and sarcasticand tries to keep order,” said Frisby. “She’s

very take-charge and tries to solve problemsand help the other elves get out of trickysituations. They’re optimistic, but she’s morerealistic.”

“She’s different than the typical elf char-acter because she’s so witty, so I really en-joy playing her,” continued Frisby. “And Ilike being the leader; it’s fun bossing theother elves around.”

HER FAVORITE NUMBER is “The MostWonderful Time of the Year” because it’s likea waltz and she gets to show her ballet tech-nique – “which is one of my strengths,’ saidFrisby. “And the costumes are pretty andflowy. I wear a red-mesh, halter dress thatflares out when I turn, and the other elvesare in long gowns.”

She said the audience will enjoy seeing“the journey these elves go on. There are alot of funny moments, and the audience willrecognize the traditional Christmas songs.”

Portraying Noel is 11-year-old EllaAbramovich. Describing Noel as “energetic,talkative, happy and joyful,” Ella said hercharacter is upbeat and smiley, all the time.“She’s like my personality, so she’s easy toplay,” she said. And Ella especially likes thesong, “He’s Got a List,” because “It’s allabout children giving their letters to Santa,and everybody’s singing and happy.”

Overall, she said audience members “willlike seeing how everything works out in theend, and the happiness and the switch inscenes from New York to the North Pole.They’ll actually feel as if they’re there.People should definitely come see thisshow.”

Colorful elves strike a pose. Rockin’ reindeer take the stage.

Getting into Holiday Spirit with EncoreMusical extravaganza,'Christmas Under-cover,' takesthe stage.

To GoShow times are:Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m.;Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.;Sunday, Dec. 11, at noon and 3:30 p.m.;Friday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m.;Saturday, Dec. 17, at noon, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m.;Sunday, Dec. 18, at noon and 3:30 p.m.Performances are in NOVA’s Richard Ernst The-

ater, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale.Tickets are $19-26 at the door or via www.Encore-tap.org. For more information, call 703-222-5511.

Encore performers do a high-kicking dance number.

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Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call 703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Datedannouncements should be submitted at least twoweeks prior to the event.

Katherine Hough, Fairfax Station, has beenawarded the Boeing Scholarship for outstandingacademic achievement in the Volgenau School ofEngineering at George Mason University.

Vocal musicians from 12 Fairfax Countypublic schools have been named to the VirginiaHonors Choir for 2016. This select choir is openonly to the top 125 singers from around the Com-monwealth of Virginia, and is the highest honor achoir student can attain during his or her highschool career. Thirty-one Fairfax County PublicSchools (FCPS) students were selected for thechoir, and five students were named as alternates.The choir will perform at the Virginia Music Edu-cators Association (VMEA) convention to be heldat the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Nov.17-19. FCPS students named to the 2016 VirginiaHonors Choir include the following students fromour area schools: Woodson High School:Megan Humes, Caroline Grass, Jacob Lamb, LucasValdes, and Marc Manaloto and Hayfield Sec-ondary School: Jessica Pressley.

Jonathan Whittington, Kathryn Herring,Emma Zettlemoyer, of Springfield; BridgetRay and Kirsten Chase, of Burke; received$2,000 scholarships from the Scholarship for Mili-tary Children Program in July 2016.

Jane Gibbins-Harding, of Springfield, wasnamed to the dean’s list at Bethany College forspring 2016.

U.S. Air Force Airman Brian A. Zamfinograduated from basic military training at Joint BaseSan Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.Zamfino is the son of Joanne and Joseph Zamfinoof Springfield. He is a 2015 graduate of WestSpringfield High School.

Thomas Miskimins, of Fairfax, graduatedwith a master of arts, in Spring 2016 from theUniversity of New Haven.

Jordan Ecker, of Fairfax, is on the spring 2016dean’s list at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cit-ies.

Caroline Dickson, of Fairfax, is on the spring2016 dean’s list at the University of Maine-Orono.

Allison Righter Moore, and Sarah Ann HughesCushing-Spiller, of Springfield, is on the dean’s listat Hollins University, for the 2016 spring semester.

James Butler, a Lake Braddock SecondarySchool graduate, was inducted into the NavalAcademy Class of 2020 on June 30, 2016.

Kyle Austin Walsh, of Fairfax, and AbigailLynn Lackey, of Springfield, were named to thehonors list for the 2016 spring 2016 semester atAverett University in Danville.

Katherine Marie Hough, of Fairfax Station,is on the dean’s list at George Mason University forspring 2016.

Anna Kormis, of Springfield, graduated fromEmory and Henry College in spring 2016.

Kyle Austin Walsh, of Fairfax, graduated fromAverett University in June 2016. was among the261 students to receive diplomas during AverettUniversity’s May 7 Commencement,

Megan R. Seymour, Megan F. Cummins,Thomas S. Cohen, of Fairfax, Joshua D.Harlowe, Samantha E. Kinde, Melissa A.Schwartz, of Springfield; Sean C. Baird, ofFairfax Station; graduated from Boston Universityin spring 2016.

Helene J. Decosse, Alexis J. Fahrney, Jes-sica M. Ochoa, of Fairfax, are on the dean’s listat Boston University for spring 2016.

Seth Lehman, Thet San, of Fairfax, graduatedfrom Furman University in spring 2016.

Luke Hartman, Natalie Heinitz, of Spring-field, graduated from Manhattan College in spring2016.

Maria Larrazabal Carrillo, of Fairfax is onthe dean’s list for May 2016 at Iowa State.

Kayse McGough of Fairfax is on the dean’s listfor May 2016 at St. Mary’s College.

Jared Rondeau of Clifton, graduated May2016 Triple Major in Physics, Mathematics, andChemistry from Emory and Henry College.

Moriah Dreisbach, of Fairfax, is on UnionUniversity’s president’s list for spring 2016.

Irene Martinko, of Springfield, is on thespring 2016 dean’s list at Muhlenberg College inAllentown, Pennsylvania.

James F. Agnew, Kyle T. Deivert andNathaniel Oliver, of Fairfax, are on the dean’slist at Hampden-Sydney College.

School Notes


Another Community Partnership

Sports


Bill Vitaletti of Springfieldhad fractured his jaw inthree places, broken abone in his eye socket,chipped a tooth and cracked twoother teeth that would eventuallyhave to be pulled.

But he didn’t know any of thatat the time. What he knew was hestill had at least 20 miles left tobike and 26.2 miles to run beforecompleting his first Ironmantriathlon.

“I didn’t want to let myselfdown,” Vitaletti said. “I’d beenworking for so long. To stop, feltlike admitting defeat. I didn’t wantthat. I have family, different peoplegoing through hard times. Iwanted to show them, you cantake bumps and bruises along theway.”

That was in Cambridge, Md. inOctober this year. More than threeyears ago, at age 57, Vitaletti lefthis job at CACI. A workaholic, 35pounds overweight, he said hewanted to do something different,“something for me this time.”

VITALETTI was once an All-American backstroker for the StateUniversity of New York atOneonta. He got back in the poolat South Run RECenter. His neigh-bor convinced him to take up run-ning. When he went too hard toofast and injured himself, the neigh-bor encouraged him to get on thestationary bike to recover.

While on the bike at South Run,

Vitaletti began meeting and talk-ing with people. He was motivatedto sign up for road races, includ-ing the George Washington Park-way Classic and Cherry Blossomten-milers. He built up to the Ma-rine Corps Marathon, which he ranfour times.

Then someone suggestedVitaletti try out triathlon, as hewas working on all three disci-

plines anyway. A friend from SouthRun and triathlon veteran FrankCastro helped him work out a planfor working up to triathlon’stoughest race: the Ironman.

Starting from the shortest dis-tance, the sprint, moving up toOlympic, then half-Ironman andon to full Ironman (a consecutive2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and26.2-mile run), “It all clicked,”Vitaletti said.

In 2015, Vitaletti participated inhis first half-Ironman. He wasn’tout to beat anyone, just finish. Thisyear at a half-Ironman in May, hewanted to go faster.

Helping him get faster was aninformal training group thatformed at South Run, novices ofvarious ages. Susan Calhoun ofFairfax Station is one of them.

“Bill is very determined,” shesaid, “it’s very inspirational towatch him put so much effort intosomething.”

“He just has so much knowl-edge, he’s very good at givingsome advice, a lot of people comeup to him,” Calhoun added.

Together, the group signed up todo triathlons at Quantico and inWashington, D.C.

“It’s definitely not a single-per-son initiative,” Vitaletti said.

For his Ironman, Calhoun andCastro were his “sherpas,” helpingsort out gear and eating logisticsfor him.

Vitaletti was going strong untilaround the 80-mile mark on thebike ride: He glanced over hisshoulder to let some riders passhim and didn’t see the potholecoming up in front. The front tireblew completely and Vitaletti wasthrown from the bike, face firstdown to the pavement.

A support vehicle saw the acci-dent and came to render aid im-mediately. They called an ambu-lance and began doing repairs on

his bicycle as well.Vitaletti said he remembers be-

ing “stunned” by the crash, butthen asking the paramedics whostrapped him to a gurney “Whatare we doing here?”

THE MEDICS recommendedVitaletti go to a hospital for fulldiagnostics, and it occurred to himthat meant not finishing the race.Not getting to see Castro, Calhoun,or his brother- and sister-in-lawwho had driving up to Cambridgefrom the Washington, D.C. area tocheer for him at the finish line.

“What do I have? What are myvitals?” Vitaletti asked the medics.Upon hearing that those were sur-prisingly stable, he asked, “How’smy bike?”

The repair team had gottenVitaletti’s bike rideable again, andwith a makeshift chin-sling hold-ing his jaw in place, he took off tofinish the race.

Fighting off considerable painthe rest of the way, Vitaletti drewstrength and motivation from hissherpas at checkpoints and otherracers, including a man who askedto pray with him for at least 15minutes of running.

Coming up to the “gauntlet”home stretch, Vitaletti grabbed apair of Maryland state flags andunfurled them as he ran across thefinish.

“I wanted to finish with joy,” hesaid. “I was overcome with joy, notjust that I finished, but it was aclimax of all that work. I was sohyped up to do this.”

Calhoun is now signed up forher first half-marathon. She’ll betraining with Vitaletti and thegroup as he prepares for his sec-ond Ironman next year in LakePlacid, N. Y.

“With a lot of determination,and a little bit of crazy,” Calhounsaid, “anything’s possible.”

Springfield man recovers frommid-race Ironman accident.Bumped, Bruised, Better

Coming up to the “gauntlet” home stretch, Bill Vitaletti ofSpringfield grabbed a pair of Maryland state flags andunfurled them as he ran across the finish of his firstIronman triathlon.

Photos contributedLeft, Bill Vitaletti and his Ironman “sherpa” and trainingpartner Susan Calhoun (center) pose with the race direc-tor of the October Ironman Maryland.

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