Santa Fest At Springfield Town Center

‘Real Work of Advocacy Begins Again’News, Page 4

Pedestrian BridgeMeetings Narrow it Down

News, Page 7

Santa Fest At Springfield Town Center

News, 0

Leslie Reyes with daughter Sophia, 4, of Springfield pose with “Anna,” aka

Lizzie Allen, and the “Frozen Queen,” aka Jenepher Esser, (from “Frozen”),

who represented The Princess Per-formers during the Santa Fest at

Springfield Town Center last Saturday.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com November 15-21, 2018

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2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ November 15-21, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

THE NUTCRACKER

Saturday, November 17th at 2:00 & 6:00 p.m.& Sunday, November 18th at 1:00 & 5:00 p.m.

Ernst Community Cultural Center Theater • NVCC Annandale CampusAdults – $28 • Children/Seniors – $20

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

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

dancers courtesy of Colorado Ballet, this production willenchant all ages. Be mesmerized by a growing tree,

magic tricks, leaping mice, toy soldiers, falling snow,authentic costumes made in the Ukraine, seventy-fivedancing flowers and delectable confections from the

Kingdom of Sweets. Treat yourself and friendsto a wonderful entrée to the spirit of the season.

Makes a perfect holiday gift!Order your tickets online at www.buffas.com

presented by

The Burke Civic Ballet

Dining

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

West Springfield resi-dent RebeccaBazzel was on herway to Whole

Foods when she saw that MezehMediterranean Grill was open aday early, so she stopped in Thurs-day for a bowl of ChickenShawarma and all the toppings.The following night, Friday, Nov.9, there she was again, but thistime the line wound out the doorthe night of the grand openingspecial, a free “bowl,” which usu-ally is $9.25.

“It’s authentic, people are opento it for sure,” Bazzel said.

The Mezeh, next to Whole Foodsin Old Keene Mill Center, offersthree main dishes and a variety ofmeats, toppings, sauces and sidesthat screams ethnic and doesn’tleave anyone hungry. “People arelooking for a healthy alternative,”

said co-owner Steve Walker, whowas spending as much time behindthe counter as he was visitingtables and chatting to the custom-ers. The Mezeh in West Springfieldis the second to open in the area,after the opening of the Spring-field Town Center location.

“I think the flavor combinationsis what makes it unique,” saidWalker, who opened the chainwith co-owners Saleh Mohamadiand Tai Chiao. “Being right nextto Whole Foods is good,” he said.

The 28 toppings are a combina-tion of vegetables, cheeses, seeds,

hummus and dips that give thedish a variety of flavors.Muhammad Jameel got the recom-mendation from his daughter inRockville, so he had to try it.“Much healthier,” he said.

The interior has a splash of theMiddle East too, with a low-key

color scheme, a community tableand a shelf full of pickled peppersand cucumbers behind the servingline that are used in the toppings.

“It makes this place feel welcom-ing, the sharing of food,” saidKaren Wee, a Mezeh spokespersonwho traveled over to Turkey andate in similar restaurants. Thisarea, which is known to be a mix-ing bowl of ethnicity, will workgood, they figured. “A good mix ofdifferent cultures here,” she said.

The word Mezeh is derived fromthe Turkish “meze,” which meanstaste, flavor, snack, relish, said in-formation released by the restau-rant. Traditional Middle Easternmusic provides the backgroundsoundtrack to the place, “as guestsare taken on a multisensory jour-ney to the Mediterranean region,”their literature states.

The day starts at 7 a.m. for thechefs there, and they make “every-thing in small batches throughoutthe day,” Walker said. They openfor lunch at 11 a.m. A “similar con-cept,” to tapas in Central Ameri-can restaurants in the area, Weesaid.

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill ExpandsHealthierchoices.

Behind the fixins line, there are pickled vegetablesthey use in their dishes.

Steve Walker with a “bowl”full of chicken, vegetables,noodles, humus and sauces.

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Springfield Connection ❖ November 15-21, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Fairfax County’s Veterans Day/100th Anniversary Commemoration of WWI Armistice ceremony was heldSunday, Nov. 11, at the Old Fairfax County Courthouse in the City of Fairfax.

County Remembers itsMilitary Veterans

From left, Lecia Dorfler, Rosemary Smith, Regent CathySampson and Donna Hoenscheid, members of theProvidence Chapter of the National Society of theDaughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), par-ticipate in the wreath-laying ceremony, honoring thosewho died in WW1.

From left, Noah Collins (Cub Scout Pack 41), Caleb Collins(Boy Scout Troop 1865), Grayson Bulova (Cub Scout Pack41) and Sam Laikin (Boy Scout Troop 1865) pose in frontof the WW1 marker, honoring the 27 Fairfax Countyresidents killed in WW1. Outside the Old Fairfax CountyCourthouse in Fairfax, it was erected by the FairfaxCounty Chapter of the NSDAR in 1926. During Sunday’sWWI Armistice Commemoration, all 27 names were readaloud, and a wreath was laid at the memorial.

The FairfaxCountySheriff’sOffice ColorGuard.

Wreaths and a flag honorthe 27 Fairfax Countyresidents who died in WWIand whose names areengraved on this marker.

Comprising theevent’s planningcommittee are(from left)Heather Bollinger,Fairfax CircuitCourt HistoricRecords; LauraWickstead, Vir-ginia Room,Fairfax CountyPublic Library;and Mary Lipseyand GretchenBulova, FairfaxCounty HistoryCommission.

Photos Courtesy of

Heather Bollinger


News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

“The elections are behind us.Now it’s time for the realwork of advocacy to startagain,” said Social Action

Linking Together (SALT) founder JohnHorejsi as he welcomed the attendees to theSALT Fall advocacy conference at VirginiaInternational University in Fairfax on Sat-urday, Nov. 10.

SALT is a faith-based network of organi-zations and individuals who join forces ona number of social issues, “trying to bringthe social and economic justice teachingsof their faith to bear on public policy andlegislation, especially at the local and statelevels.” The non-partisan group (“We focuson issues, not candidates”) formed some 20years ago with a core of eight socially-con-scious people and has grown over the yearsto a base of about 1,300.

Keynote speaker John “Jack” Calhoun,author of several books about social justiceand engagement, brought considerable hu-mor to his presentation, “Finding Hope andJoy in the Broken Places: Keepin’ on, Keepin’on,” despite the often sobering stories andstatistics that he has faced in his work andthat he recounts.

“Jesus liked a party,” he joked. “We needto find joy and fun in what we are about.”

CALHOUN, a senior consultant with theU.S. Department of Justice and Develop-ment Service Group, Inc., for National Fo-rum on Youth Violence Prevention has spenta lifetime working inside and out of gov-ernment institutions to “improve the livesof those who live on society’s edges, fragilefamilies and the neighborhoods from whichthey come” focusing heavily on vulnerablechildren and adolescents.

“We need to name and claim our kids,”said Calhoun, who helped write the land-mark Child Welfare and Adoption Act of1980, or “other negative influencers likegangs will do so.”

Calhoun offered several tips on success-ful engagement, including “Policy Walking”and “Programs, Policy and the Personal” asthe three essential elements for a templatefor “really getting something accomplished.It starts with walking, not fixing or talking.”

Bringing the work needed to be done tothe local level was Virginia Del. Ken Plum(D-36), introduced by Horejsi as the long-est serving delegate in the Virginia Legisla-ture and “an advocate for social justice andcivic engagement since day one.” Plum wasjoined on the dais by Karrie Delaney (D-67) who completed her first term this year.

Plum’s illuminating presentation wasaptly titled the “Uncommonwealth of Vir-ginia.” To understand the work that needsto be done and how best to achieve it, saysPlum, it is first necessary to understand theeconomic gaps and disparity in opportuni-

ties that exist between the regions of theCommonwealth.

“We are a state of extremes,” said thedelegate, with Northern Virginia beingamong the nation’s wealthiest in personalincome and property value, while the Southand the Southwest regions rank “the actualpoorest, lower than the state of Mississippiin these economic indicators.”

Plum acknowledged that there are manywho resent the portion of their tax dollarsbeing used to support other areas of thestate, often hearing that “our money shouldbe used to improve our schools, our ser-vices,” but he makes the case that not onlyis it the morally right thing to do to helpour neighbors in need, but it makes sensethat “we all do well when everyone doesso.”

The changing demographics and shifts inpopulation need to inform how we developprograms and allocate funds and “how wewill improve the lives of all Virginians.”

THE AUDIENCE was also treated to asnapshot of the daily doings of the “Nunson a Bus” and their recently completed 2018tour, which took them from Santa Monica,California, across the nation to the Trumpresort Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

“A fitting place to do an ending drive-by”said Sister Quincy Howard who was one ofthe bus “riders,” since the main objectiveof this year’s bus trip was “firstly to learnand listen, secondly to educate and informon the impacts of the 2017 Republican TaxCuts and Job Acts.”

The nuns organized or attended morethan 50 events in 21 states from Oct. 7 un-til Nov. 2. They met with local lawmakers,attended Town Halls, and joined in ralliesaround the country, trying to show just howmuch, or little, different groups would ben-efit from the tax cuts. According to their

organization, NETWORK, Advocates forJustice, Inspired by Catholic Sisters, thewealthiest and corporations would be thereal recipients of any positive effect fromthe tax laws, while the less fortunate andthe struggling middle classes would actu-ally “take steps backwards from the days ofthe Reagan tax cuts” because of threats tothe programs that many of them dependon, like Social Security, SNAP and CHIPprograms, Medicare and Medicaid, and“even infrastructure and emergency recov-ery resources.”

Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, who was SisterHoward’s “bus mate,” detailed events on thetour, describing some of the “touching andinspiring site visits” the group made, where“we saw the direct, positive outcomes ofpeople helping each other.” Lacy said theywere particularly impressed by programsthat employed a holistic approach, ratherthan focusing on just one piece of the puzzle.

“We saw programs that were more col-laborative, less competitive,” so that shesays they achieved a greater outcome in thegoal of bringing “dignity and economicmobility” to people and families.

“We voted. We won,” said Lacy, breakingfor a moment with the non-partisan modelwhen she urged the audience to “now sup-port and educate and work with ”these newlawmakers and representatives.

SALT made great strides towards the goalsthey set at last year’s conference. Havingadvocated for years for the expansion ofMedicaid in Virginia, the group was ecstaticwhen Gov. Northam signed the new statebudget that will bring health care coverageto up to 400,000 Virginians starting Jan. 1,2019. Enrollment is going on now.

Horejsi was also excited that he had beeninvited to attend the signing of the bill,sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope and Sen.Barbara Favola to “End School Lunch Sham-ing.”

Also in the “celebrate” column are billsto allow video visitations without replac-ing in-person family visits for prison in-mates, and the Kinship Guardian Program,which allows guardians like grandparentsto become registered Foster Parents, givingthe children in their care “some six timesmore benefits,” said Horejsi, than they couldreceive otherwise.

ON THE AGENDA for the 2019 VirginiaLegislative agenda:

❖ More improvements to TANF (Tempo-rary Assistance for Needy Families), includ-ing a TANF scholarship pilot program to“give these young people a chance to be-come successfully employed.”

❖ Supporting the Governor’s mission tomake Earned Income Tax Credits refund-able for lower and moderate-income work-ing families.

❖ Limiting and ending solitary confine-ment of the incarcerated. Speaker GayGardner with Interfaith Action for HumanRights is working to present a bill demand-ing transparency and accountability andreal measurement by the Virginia Depart-ment of Corrections. “There are fewer in-mates in solitary confinement today,” shesaid, but with no measurement, and sim-ply changing the name of this action to “re-strictive housing,” Gardner says that this isan advocacy that must continue and needsmore attention.

❖ Continuing to oppose Block Grants forall human services programs, as grants areshown to typically shrink in funding overthe years.

The issues discussed at the conferenceand on the SALT radar can be complex. Thegroup welcomes questions and commentsand any opportunity to educate and assist,providing factual, non-partisan informationon their website at www.s-a-l-t.org or bycontacting SALT coordinator and founderJohn Horejsi at jhorejsi@coxnet.

Annual SALT conference celebrates 2018 achievements, outlines 2019 priorities.

‘Real Work of Advocacy Begins Again’

The panel, representing faith-based social justice organizations andVirginia’s elected officials, address the attendees at the annual confer-ence of Social Action Linking Together.

Sister Quincy Howard tag-teamedwith Sister Mary Ellen Lacy toprovide the highlights of theirrecently completed participation inthe “Nuns on a Bus” tour acrossAmerica, from Oct. 7 – Nov. 2,starting in Santa Monica, Calif.,and ending up with a “fittingdrive-by at Mar-a-Lago,” thePresident’s frequently visitedresort in Florida.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection


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

HOLIDAY DONATIONSFood Collection. Through Friday,

Nov. 16, PenFed is collecting boxedand canned foods at all of its DC areabranch locations. PenFed, NBC4,Telemundo44 and The Boys and GirlsClub of Greater Washington willcollect the boxes and assemble over4,000 turkey baskets to bedistributed to local families, seniors,veterans and others in need. Visitvisit PenFed.org. PenFed branchlocations collecting donation itemsinclude:

❖ Kingstowne – 5775 Barclay Drive,Alexandria

❖ Fort Belvoir – 9651 Gunston Road,Bldg 1152, Fort Belvoir

❖ National Geospatial-IntelligenceAgency – 7500 Geoint Drive,Springfield

Blanket and Coat Drive. ThroughDec. 8. Organized by NOVA ReliefCenter, blankets and coats will besent to refugees in three camps inJordan this winter. Blankets andcoats should be new or gently worn.Monetary donations are also neededand may be made to NOVA ReliefCenter online and at some drop-offlocations. For drop-off sites or tomake a tax-deductible donation, visitnovareliefcenter.org.

Holiday Basket Donation.Thanksgiving basket donations byNov. 19 and Christmas baskets byDec. 17. Preparing a special holidaymeal and joining one’s family aroundthe table to give thanks are visionsthat come to mind when we think ofThanksgiving and Christmas dinner.For many families and individuals,enjoying a special holiday meal whenfinances are tight is just not possible.Visit www.koinoniacares.org/holiday-baskets.html for suggestionsand to sign up to donate a basket.

Food for Fines. Nov. 1-30. FairfaxCounty Public Library will be hostinga food drive called “Food for Fines.”Canned goods and other non-perishable items collected during thedrive will be donated to Food forOthers, a not-for-profit food pantryand food rescue operation that servesFairfax County. Each item donatedwill erase $1 from a patron’s overduefines up to a maximum of $15.Customers may donate even if thereare no fines accrued. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/food-fines for more.

Toys for Tots Drive. Nov. 19-Dec. 10.Area Sheehy Auto Stores will collectnew and unwrapped toys to benefitthe U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toysfor Tots Program, which willdistribute those toys as gifts to lessfortunate children in the communityin which the campaign is conducted.Sheehy’s Toys for Tots drop-offlocations include:

❖ Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield.6601 Backlick Road, Springfield

❖ Sheehy Ford of Springfield, 6727Loisdale Road, Springfield

❖ Sheehy Subaru of Springfield, 6571Backlick Road, Springfield

❖ Patriot Harley-Davidson, 9739 FairfaxBoulevard, Fairfax

Christmas Wish Donations andVolunteers. Koinonia is nowaccepting donations of unwrappedChristmas gifts so that their clientscan pick out gifts for their families.This year Christmas wishes will beheld at Franconia United MethodistChurch from Dec. 10-12. Donationswill be accepted through Dec. 10.Visit www.koinoniacares.org for a listof suggested toys and gift cards.Volunteers needed Dec. 9-12, call703-971-1991.

Bulletin

See Bulletin, Page 15


Opinion

Amazon this week announced that itwould split its much-discussed “sec-ond headquarters” between NewYork City and Crystal City in Arlington.

Amazon will invest $5 billion and createmore than 50,000 jobs across the two new lo-cations, with more than 25,000 employeeseach in New York City and Arlington. The newlocations will join Seattle as the company’sthree headquarters in North America.

Amazon’s investments in each new head-quarters will spur the creation of tens of thou-sands of additional jobs in the surroundingcommunities. Hiring at both the newheadquarters will begin in 2019.

“These two locations will allow us toattract world-class talent that will helpus to continue inventing for customers for yearsto come,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO ofAmazon, called the world’s wealthiest human.“The team did a great job selecting these sites,and we look forward to becoming an even big-ger part of these communities.”

“This is fantastic news for our region,” saidSharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors. “We look forward towelcoming Amazon as our newest corporateneighbor.”

There are no companies in Northern Virginia

with close to as many employees as Amazonwill have over the next 5-10 years. Inova HealthSystems is the only company with more than10,000 employees.

But the Pentagon, likely one of Amazon’sclosest neighbors in Arlington, has 26,000employees. Fairfax County Public Schools has24,137 full-time employees, dispersed aroundthe county. Fairfax County government em-ploys more than 12,000.

The 25,000 Amazon jobs in Arlington willpay better on average than most local govern-ment jobs, with an average wage of more than

$150,000. Those employees will livewith their families all over the North-ern Virginia and DC area.

Amazon will receive performance-based direct incentives of $573 million basedon the company creating 25,000 jobs with anaverage wage of over $150,000 in Arlington.This includes a workforce cash grant from theCommonwealth of Virginia of up to $550 mil-lion based on $22,000 for each job created overthe next 12 years. (Amazon will only receivethis incentive if it creates the forecasted high-paying jobs.) The company will also receive acash grant from Arlington of $23 million over15 years based on the incremental growth ofthe existing local Transient Occupancy Tax, a

tax on hotel rooms.Amazon will invest in 4 million square feet

of office space, with the opportunity to expandto 8 million.

Fairfax County and the Commonwealth werevery cautious in the incentives packages thatwere offered to Amazon, said Gerald L. Gor-don, Ph.D., president and CEO of the EconomicDevelopment Authority in Fairfax County.

“The clear conclusion was that, over time,the returns in terms of tax base would morethan offset the offering,” Gordon said. “Thosediscussions were based on assumptions aboutthe increased demand for public education andother public services versus the returns to thetax base.” Amazon’s choice will enhance thereputation of Northern Virginia as a great placeto live and work, Gordon said. The Common-wealth of Virginia will benefit in terms of in-come tax generation because of the muchhigher-than-average income levels that Ama-zon will pay. Localities do not collect incometax in Virginia.

But, “local governments will benefit from theincreases in the real estate tax base and taxeson the business’ equipment,” Gordon said.“Historically, companies have contributed farmore to the tax base than they take in the formof public services and that helps to reduce thetax burden for residents.”

I personally will resist the “rebranding” ofCrystal City to “National Landing.” It’s still Na-tional Airport, and it’s still Crystal City.

— Mary Kimm

Amazon’s “second headquarters” in Arlingtonwill bring benefits to Fairfax County.

Half Might Be Perfect

Editorial

By Scott Surovell

State Senator (D-36)

On Nov. 17, 2017, coming home fromwork around 10 p.m., I saw policelights at the end of Alexandria Av-

enue where it intersects with Fort Hunt Roadin the Mount Vernon area near my home. I as-sumed there was an accident.

The next morning, I learned that an accoun-tant from McLean, Bijan Ghaisar, had been shotby two U.S. Park Police officers after he droveaway after being rear-ended by an Uber driveron the George Washington Memorial Parkwaynear Slater’s Lane. Very little about the ParkPolice’s official story made sense to me the nextmorning.

About two weeks later, I sent a letter to theFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) asking aseries of questions. I received a cursory re-sponse.

About two months after the incident, theFairfax County Police Department (FCPD) re-leased a dash cam video of the incident start-ing near Dyke Overlook on the George Wash-ington Memorial Parkway. The video showedGhaisar driving down the Parkway slightly overthe speed limit trailed by two U.S. Park Policecruisers. Anyone who drives the Parkwayknows that without adequate shoulders there

are few places to pull over.Mr. Ghaisar stopped his car on the hill up to

Morningside Lane and the officers drew theirguns and shouted commands. Ghaisar thendrove away at a normal rate of speed. As hedrove away, one officer slammed the butt ofhis pistol on Ghaisar’s trunk in frustration while

shouting at him.Ghaisar exited the Parkway after the stone

bridge and turn west onto West BoulevardDrive and then left onto Alexandria Avenue.As Ghaisar approached a Fairfax County Po-lice cruiser partially blocking Alexandria Av-enue at Fort Hunt Road, Ghaisar slowed,stopped and then began to slowly move hiscar around the right side of the FCPD cruiserafter the Park Police officers again drew theirweapons.

The Park Police officers then suddenly firednine shots into Ghaisar’s vehicle striking himfour times in the head. Thanks to a report is-sued by FCPD two weeks ago, we now knowthat the police found no weapon. We also knowthat the U.S. Park Police officers violated offi-cial chase and weapons policies.

While the U.S. Park Police took the positivestep of referring the matter to the FBI for anindependent investigation, neither the ParkPolice nor the FBI has released a report. Ar-lington County has not released the 911 tape.It is very troubling that as the one-year anni-versary approaches, we still do not know thenames of the officers who shot Ghaisar, theirexplanation for the shooting or whether anyde-escalation measures were used.

A year after McLean resident Bijan Ghaisar was shotand killed neither the Park Police nor the FBI hasreleased a report on what happened.

We NeedAnswers

Last week, one hundred MountVernon residents joined BijanGhaisar’s family in a candlelight vigilat the shooting site. The GhaisarFamily is holding another vigil on theone-year anniversary of their son’sdeath on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.at the Lincoln Memorial. More atwww.facebook.com/wearebijan/

See Surovell, Page 15

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Springfield


News

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

When Barbara Pearson crossesBraddock Road from thecommuter parking lot to thebus stop by Danbury Forest

Road, she and the other commuters makesure the drivers are aware of the pedestri-ans in the crosswalk.

“Do not cross until you have the eye ofthe driver, we wait until they wave,” shesaid.

Pearson was at the second Braddock RoadPedestrian Workshop to show support forthe idea of a pedestrian bridge crossingBraddock Road at the Wakefield Chapel-Danbury Forest Drive intersection. It is justa drawing for now, but could be the secondpedestrian bridge over Braddock Road ifenough people support it. In the initialmeeting last June, there were four pedes-trian bridge suggestions, but now it hascome down to the bridge at the Kings ParkShopping Center which is on the countyplan, and possibly another at WakefieldChapel Road.

“These three options have been whittleddown to one,” said Supervisor John Cook(R-Braddock) who hosted the meeting atLake Braddock Secondary School on Thurs-day, Nov. 8. The pedestrians cross Braddockin the morning to access the eastboundbuses to the Pentagon. “This is part of aneffort to enhance more bus use,” Cook said.

Construction on the pedestrian bridges orbridge, whatever is finally decided, will not

start until 2023, but the final design con-cepts will be in by the spring of 2020.Pearson has been catching one of the #17buses for four years to the Pentagon whereshe jumps on the Metro to her job at theNewseum. When looking at the plan, thecrosswalks still looked more attractive be-cause the actual bridge ramps were awayfrom the intersection, and the stairs werenot located in the best place, she thought.

Fairfax County Transportation PlannerMichael Guarino said they’d consider chang-ing that, but there is a stream undergroundto consider. “It’s as close to the intersectionas we could get it,” he said.

Bill Brennan also supported the pedes-trian bridge at Wakefield Chapel Road, andsees the traffic congestion every morning,which has an impact on traffic flow onBraddock Road. “We want very much tohave this overpass,” he said. The meetingwas broadcast on Facebook Live, and got acomment from a Facebook user, that com-pared the intersection to a computer gameof “Frogger,” where the frogs jumped fromrock to rock, crossing the stream.

When it came time for audience ques-tions, one issue was brought up a few times:whether people would use the pedestrianbridge or just run across the road, like theyare seeing now. “If they build it, I hope itgets used,” said Jim Hickey, a resident ofRavensworth Farm for 30 years. He was alsoconcerned about silt run off and trees.

Cook is encouraging comments by Dec.10, and then they will move forward withthe plans and the process.

Second Braddock Road pedestrian workshopsupports bridge crossing Braddock Road.

Pedestrian BridgeMeetings Narrow it Down

Supervisor JohnCook (R-Braddock) andFairfax CountyDepartment ofTransportation’sDirector TomBiesiadny dis-cuss the plans.

Photo by

Mike Salmon/

The Connection


News

As part of its communityoutreach and veteran sup-port programs, Vietnam

Veterans of America Chapter 227,Dean K. Phillips Memorial Chap-ter of Northern Virginia, donatedmore than 600 travel size toilet-ries to the Lamb Center, a non-profit day time service center forhomeless people in Fairfax Countyon Nov. 8, 2018. Chapter membershave donated the toiletries over

the last several months from theirtravels. In addition, the nationaloffice of VVA donated four boxesof toiletry travel pouches. The in-dividual size personal care itemsare ideal for the Center’s showers.The chapter has supported theLamb Center in many ways overthe years. Doris Paul, the Center’sVolunteer Manager and a militaryspouse, accepted the items fromLeonard Ignatowski, Chapter Vice

Len Ignatowski, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)Chapter 227 Vice President, delivers travel size toilet-ries to Doris Paul, Volunteer Manager of The LambCenter in Fairfax City, as part of the chapter’s continualcommunity and veteran outreach.

Vietnam Veterans Support Lamb Center

Pho

to

co

ntributed

President. The Center providesspace and time for Veteran Admin-istration staff to assist veterans inapplying for their benefits.

The chapter is currently con-ducting a fundraiser to provideholiday gift cards for needy veter-ans and their families in NorthernVirginia as identified by social ser-vice agencies and Veteran Admin-istration staff. Emergency assis-tance grants are also provided

throughout the year. The chapter’sannual cash grants are over$10,000. Donations can be mailedto Vietnam Veterans of AmericaChapter 227, P.O. Box 5653, Arling-ton, Virginia 22205-0653. Checksmade payable to VVA Chapter 227

with memo note: Veteran Assis-tance. Contact Len Ignatowski at703-255-0353 for any questions.Membership and meeting informa-tion available on the website,vva227.org, and Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/VVA227.

Sheriff Kincaid SpeaksAt Rotary Club of SpringfieldFairfax County Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid receives a certifi-cate from Phil Sternberg, past president of the RotaryClub of Springfield, for a book in her honor given toGarfield Elementary School’s Library. Sheriff Kincaidspoke to the Rotary Club about her career at the Sheriff’sDepartment and the Diversion First Program she helpedspearhead with Fairfax County Police Department and theFairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

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Fatal Single-vehicleCrash in Lorton

Detectives from Crash Reconstruction Unit continue to investi-gate a fatal single-vehicle crash on Nov. 9 around 9:20 a.m. Of-ficers responded to the 10000 block of Ox Road in Lorton for acrash involving a car that hit a concrete barrier. According toFCPD, the driver of a 2016 Nissan Versa was travelling south-bound on Ox Road, ran off the road on the right side, and hit thebarrier. The driver — identified as 48-year old James Stephens— was taken to an area hospital and pronounced dead. Alcoholdoes not appear to be a factor; however, detectives are still work-ing to determine if speed was a factor. Anyone with informationabout this crash is asked to contact Crash Reconstruction Unit at703-280-0553.

Area Roundups

Fall meeting materials will be available at:http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/planning/fallmeetings/ beginning October 15, 2018.

*Please note that these dates have been changed from previous listings.

Comments will be accepted until December 13, 2018.

The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in,

Public MeetingsFall Transportation Meetings: Updated Schedule

You are invited to participate in public meetings held by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The meetings will begin with an open house followed by a public comment period. At the open house you can learn about various transportation initiatives, as well as Virginia’s project prioritization process (SMART SCALE), Virginia’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, and the VTrans Multimodal Transportation Plan. Representatives from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment and Departments of Transportation and Rail and Public Transportation will be in attendance to highlight their transportation programs and discuss your ideas and concerns about Virginia’s transportation network. The open house will be followed by a public comment period, where you can provide comments about the various initiatives. Comments will be accepted at the meeting and may also be submitted via email or online at www.CTB.Virginia.gov.

Updated Schedule: Area Public Meetings will be held at the dates, locations and times listed below:

Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.* NOVA District Office

Potomac Conference Room 4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030

Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 4 p.m.*

Fredericksburg District Office Auditorium 86 Deacon Road

Fredericksburg, VA 22405

If you cannot attend a meeting, you may send your comments on highway projects to Infrastructure Investment Director, VDOT, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219, or [email protected].

You may send comments on rail, public transportation, and transportation demand management to Public Information Officer, DRPT, 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or [email protected].


HomeLifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

Some of the area’s most talented tastemakersare donating their time and creativity tobenefit a local hospital. From feathers andyarn to seashells and tree branches, local

interior designers and artists are creating holidaytrees, mantel and table displays, wreaths, menorahsand artwork for the second annual Light Up the Sea-son fundraising event for Children’s National Medi-cal Center on Dec. 16.

“When decorating for the holidays, let your imagi-nation take over and don’t be afraid to combine ele-ments that may at first seem unlikely companions,”said Sarah Hayes of Sarah Hayes Design, who cre-ated a console table display with her 17-year-old pa-tient. “And, as Caoilinn and I would both agree, themore twinkle lights, the merrier.”

“Also, make decorations together with and for yourchildren so they can be a part of the fun,” addedBiletnikoff.

Offering hints at what awaits those who visit the

Event teams young patients with designers and artists.

Lighting Up the Season

Photo courtesy of Mary

Biletnikoff

A mixture of dark red andwhite flowers along withholiday greenery and blackand white ribbon are ele-ments that designer MaryBiletnikoff will use tocreate a wreath for LightUp the Season.

Photo courtesy of Marika Meyers

Marika Meyer Textiles willbe used to create the gar-land and tree skirt for aholiday tree that Meyer isdesigning for Light Up theSeason.

Designers were paired with chil-dren who are patients atChildren’s. Throughout the cre-ative process, the artistic creationsunfolded as the patient-designerrelationships grew. “Our designwas inspired by the warmth of theholiday season, the onset of win-ter, and the magical imaginationof 7-year-old Johnny our patient...,” said Jeff Akseizer of AkseizerDesign Group in Alexandria. “Inour interview with him, his mindexploded with all the colors, tex-tures, and characters he loves tosee at the holiday season, his fa-vorite being the Grinch. “

Akseizer is creating a holidaytree with designer Jamie Brown,also with Akseizer Design Group.“Johnny is a true inspiration,” saidBrown. “He plays wheelchair bas-ketball and sled hockey. We tookmuch of the spirit from our inter-view with him and plugged it intoour creative minds to come upwith something that would surelywow.”

The holiday decor will be cre-ated to reflect the personality andspirit of each child. “My patientartist, Savannah, inspired mywreath design for this year’sevent,” said designer MaryBiletnikoff. “She is a sweet, 6-year-old girl who loves to draw, makesnow angels and snowmen .... shecelebrates Christmas and lovesChristmas lights,” she said. “Mywreath is named ‘Savannah theSnow Girl’ and is a modern day

displays, Ashley Greer of AtelierAshley Flowers in Alexandria said,“I have teamed up with a sweet ...patient to create a classic, wood-lands-inspired holiday tree ....Along with my crew of talentedvolunteers, we’ve designed dozensof handmade wreaths that willadorn the tree along with beauti-ful glass and felt ornaments ....This tree will bring our theme —Over the River and Through theWoods — to life.”

“We’re inspired by our É patientpartner who loves horses, uni-corns, magic, pink, and purple,”added Rachel and Charles Gang ofHelen Olivia Flowers, also in Al-exandria. “She lives in the coun-try with her family so being out-doors is a part of her life. We’reincorporating nature, plants, andpastel colors into our enchanteddesign.”

Metallic animals, feathers andother natural elements are whatdesigner Marika Meyer of MarikaMeyer Interiors and Marika MeyerTextiles in Bethesda is using to cre-ate a safari-themed tree. “We’llincorporate some my MarikaMeyer Textiles to create the gar-land and tree skirt using a customcolorway,” she said. “It will be afestive and fun way to celebratethe holidays.”

Other designers participating inLight Up the Season who are in thearea include Lauren and DavidLiess of Lauren Liess in Great Falls,Wendy Danziger of Danziger De-

take on the traditional snowman. I chose this themebecause girls need to grow up knowing that they arestrong, kind, smart and creative just like my patientartist.”

“My patient partner loves fun, color and sparkle,so we created a vibrant wreath that reflects her per-sonality,” said Wendy Danziger of Danziger Designin Bethesda.

From traditional colors to hues that stretch theimagination, ideas for creating festive designs willabound at year’s event, says Biletnikoff. “I hope thatvisitors will be inspired to incorporate some fun andlightheartedness in their own home,” she said. “Ifyou are decorating for the holidays, I want people toconsider elements that make them smile and maybeeven chuckle. Design is about incorporating what youlike, not what you think you should have.”

sign in Potomac, and Sascha Roth of Urban Countryin Bethesda.

All of the holiday trees, mantelpieces, wreaths,menorahs and artwork on display will be availablefor purchase. Proceeds benefit Children’s National.Light Up The Season will be on Sunday, Dec. 16,from 12-4 p.m. at Four Seasons Hotel Washington,D.C. Family activities include holiday cookie deco-rating, ornament making, musical performances andvisits from Santa. Tickets for the event are $50 perchild 16 and under, $85 per adult for the family and$250 per family of four (two adults and two chil-dren 16 and under).

For more information, including how to purchasetickets and how to be a sponsor, go tochildrensnational.org/lightuptheseason or [email protected].

Sunday, Dec. 16, from 12-4 p.m.Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C.For more information and tickets visit:childrensnational.org/lightuptheseason oremail [email protected].

Details


News

“Anna,” aka Lizzie Allen, and the “Frozen Queen,” aka Jenepher Esser, ofThe Princess Performers delight the crowd during the Santa Fest atSpringfield Town Center.

The crowd was large for the Santa Fest at Springfield Town Center lastSaturday.

Santa Fest at Springfield Town CenterRinging in the holidays with Santa Claus, magical “Frozen” characters, crafts, and games.

About 650 people attended a hugeSanta Fest on Saturday, Nov. 10at Springfield Town Center. Theone-day event for newborns to

age 10 featured magical holiday characters,craft and games, coloring, make-your-ownornaments, and a visit with Santa Claushimself.

“Basically, we throw a huge party cel-ebrating the fact that the holidays are com-ing and the Big Jolly Man’s here,” saidLaura Feinschil, marketing director atSpringfield Town Center.

“And we have a few other characters; wehave Elsa and Anna (from “Frozen). Wealso have some friendly elves and we alsohave face painting and vendors who are giv-ing away fantastic giveaways.” Santa will bevisiting Springfield Town Center throughChristmas Eve. The venue will have choir,music and dance performances on selectweekends throughout the holidays.

— Steve Hibbard

Santa’s Elves Chris and Jodi Whitener of Alexandriadelighted the crowd.

Annie Chiu, 10, and sister Leila, 14, of Annandalewith their painted faces were singing “First Time andForever” from the movie, “Frozen.”

Alexander Joyce, 2 1/2, of Alexandria poseswith Santa.

Berin Zaimovic, 2, and brother Benjamin,4, of Alexandria with their painted faces.

Alexis Gonzalez, 5, of Woodbridge with his“Santa Claus” painted face.

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News

By David Siegel

The Connection

Listening to parents in thelocal area, the Center forthe Arts (CFA) intro-duced a new Family Se-

ries of performances meant for allages; but especially children. TheFamily Series aims to providelively and engaging programs forfamilies to explore live perfor-mance together.

On the Thanksgiving Holidayweekend, the Family Series willheadline “Mutts Gone Nuts,” ablend of physical comedy and cir-cus arts for families and for every-one who loves a dog. “I think au-dience members can expect to beblown away by what these dogscan do. This will be a high-energyshow, where award-winning ca-nines perform a variety of enter-taining tricks and routines,” saidAdrienne Bryant Godwin, Pro-gramming Manager, George Ma-son University, CFA.

“Many longtime CFA patronstold us how excited they are to beable to share their love of the artswith their family,” said Godwin. “Ifyou’re looking for an entertainingand cost-effective way to spend theafternoon with your family, ‘MuttsGone Nuts’ is for you. Be fore-warned, you’ll fall in love withthese pups!” said Godwin.

For “Mutts Gone Nuts,” the hus-band and wife duo Scott and JoanHoughton will bring a dog-cen-tered show full of Frisbee and bar-rel tricks, to dance and jump roperoutines. The talented canineswere rescued from shelters. TheHoughtons use positive, reward-based training methods for thedogs. “We look for what our dogslike to do naturally, and cultivatethose talents.”

According to the Houghtonsthere are even two world recordholders performing. Feather, a

greyhound, set the standard forhighest canine jump and cattle dogmix Geronimo holds two worldrecords in double-dutch jumprope.

In addition to the performancethe audience will have the oppor-tunity to have a picture taken withone of the “cast member” pups andat the same time support a localorganization, Homeward TrailsAnimal Rescue in Fairfax Station.º

“The Family Series at the Cen-ter for the Arts is a great opportu-nity to serve the family populationin Northern Virginia looking forhigh-quality artistic and educa-tional activities to experience to-gether.” said Godwin. “In additionto parents and children, the Fam-ily Series is a great way for grand-parents to spend time with theirgrandchildren.

“Our Family Series has been re-ceived with warm enthusiasm, andwe at the Center for the Arts lookforward to programming it for fu-ture years,” added Godwin.

Center for the Arts presents“Mutts Gone Nuts” at George Ma-son University, Concert Hall, Cen-ter for the Arts, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Sunday, Nov. 25 at1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets: $18 foradults/$10 for children. Call 703-993-2787 or visitwww.cfa.gmu.edu.

Where and WhenCenter for the Arts presents “Mutts

Gone Nuts” at George Mason Univer-sity, Concert Hall, Center for the Arts,4400 University Drive, Fairfax.Sunday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.Tickets: $18 for adults/$10 forchildren. Call 703-993-2787 or visitwww.cfa.gmu.edu. Note: After theperformance, a canine cast memberwill be available for a photo opportu-nity on stage. Photos are $10 each.Proceeds support Homeward TrailsAnimal Rescue, Fairfax Station. “MuttsGone Nuts” dogs were adopted fromanimal shelters or from rescue groups.

Family Series Performances bring‘Mutts Gone Nuts’ to Center for theArts on Thanksgiving weekend.

A Show to Blow You Away

Mutts GoneNuts – “Selfie”.

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Entertainment

FlowerDesign Show

Fairfax Ferns Garden Club presents aSmall Standard Flower Show – “Stroll-ing Through Historic Fairfax City.” Itwill include flower design, horticulture,nature photography and educationalexhibit. Plant related items for sale. Freeadmission. Sunday, Nov. 18, noon-4p.m. at Blenheim Civil War Interpreta-tive Center, 3610 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Email [email protected] orcall 703-591-5305 for more.

Burke Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”Share in the magic of this holiday tradition. Featuring 3-year old miniature dolls

to professional dancers, this 25th Anniversary production will enchant all ages.Saturday, Nov. 17, 2 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 18, 1 and 5 p.m. at Ernst Commu-nity Cultural Center Theater, Northern Virginia Community College, AnnandaleCampus. Visit www.buffas.com email [email protected] for tickets.

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

THURSDAY/NOV. 15Historic Pohick Church Christmas

Mart. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at PohickEpiscopal Church, 9301 RichmondHighway, Lorton. The Parish Houseand the Vestry House will betransformed into a festive Christmasatmosphere with rooms filled withAttic Treasures, a Consignment Shop,fresh baked goods, homemade candyand apple butter, and frozencasseroles made by the women ofPohick Church. Booths will featurethe work of artisans showcasinghandmade jewelry, stained glass,Christmas decorations and manyother crafts. Colonial-attired ladieswill serve luncheon at three sittings(11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.) for $13.The Docent Guild will be leadingtours of the historic colonial churchand the Golden Dove Gift Shop willbe open. Admission to the ChristmasMart is free. Visit www.pohick.org orcall 703-339-6572.

Lunch N’ Life. 12-2 p.m. at JubileeChristian Center, 4650 Shirley GateRoad, Fairfax. Steve Friedman, theguest author and lecturer, willpresent a program about Broadwaymusical theater. Sponsored by theShepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke.For reservations, call Bea Stephensonat 703-273-5730 by Nov. 9. Cost$10.00; checks payable to SCFB. Iftransportation is needed, call theSCFB office 703-323-4788. Visitwww.scfbva.org.

SATURDAY/NOV. 17Civil War Tour. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum andsites in Clifton, Centreville, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.Blake Myers, noted Civil WarHistorian, will lead a history tour ofinteresting Civil War sites in andaround Fairfax, Clifton andCentreville. Meet at the Museum.Wear comfortable walking shoes andappropriate clothing for walkingthrough wooded areas. Museummembers, $20; non-members, $30.Register in advance and pay bySquare at squareup.com/store/fairfax-station-railroad-museum.com.Payment may also be made the dayof the Tour with cash, check orcredit. Register [email protected]. Call703-425-9225 or visit www.fairfax-station.org.

Pet Adoption Event. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.at Pet Supplies Plus, 11054 LeeHighway, Fairfax. Find a new foreveranimal friend with the help of theCity of Fairfax Animal Control andAnimal Shelter. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/government/police/programs/animal-control/adopt-a-pet for more.

“Ever the Gray Ghost.” 2 p.m. atHistoric Blenheim, 3610 Old LeeHighway, Fairfax. Free. “Ever theGray Ghost: Colonel John SingletonMosby and the Lincoln Conspiracies.”How much did Mosby know, and washe complicit in an attempt to murderthe President of the United States? Inhis new book, author Dave Goetz –the first author to examine Mosby’spossible in the conspiracy – offersnew insights and focuses onnumerous attempts to capture or killLincoln. Call 703-591-0560.

2018 Evening of Elegance withJazz and Advocacy Gala. 6-11p.m. at the Waterford ReceptionCenter, 6715 Commerce St.,Springfield. The National Coalition of100 Black Women, Incorporated,Northern Virginia Chapter (NCBWNOVA) welcomes Dr. KimberlyJeffries Leonard, 17th NationalPresident of The Links, Incorporated,

as the Keynote Speaker at theirinaugural Evening of Elegance withJazz and Advocacy Gala. $75.Purchase directly from coalitionmembers or through Eventbrite atwww.eventbrite.com/e/national-coalition-of-100-black-women-nova-presents-an-evening-of-elegance-tickets-49268297805.

Jazz4Justice. 8 p.m. at GMU’s Centerfor the Arts, Fairfax. George MasonUniversity’s School of Music presentsthe 17th annual Jazz4Justice liveconcert and fundraiser. The eventsraise funds to support vital legalservices and the George MasonUniversity Jazz Studies program.Tickets available at 703-993 2787, orat cfa.gmu.edu.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/NOV. 17-18Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. 10

a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Sunday. At The HUB Ballroom, GMU,4400 University Drive, Fairfax.Admission $6/adults; kids free.Presented by the Northern VirginiaClub, Inc. and sponsored by the Dept.of Atmospheric, Oceanic and earthSciences at GMU. Featuring over 20dealers. Also demos, door prizes,exhibits and kids’ activities includingmini-mines for kids to dig in and getfree minerals and fossils. ContactTom Taaffe at rockcllctr@gmail orvisit www.novamineralclub.org.

Burke Civic Ballet’s “TheNutcracker.” Saturday, 2 and 6p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 5 p.m. at ErnstCommunity Cultural Center Theater,Northern Virginia CommunityCollege, Annandale Campus. Share inthe magic of this holiday tradition.Featuring 3-year old miniature dollsto professional dancers, this 25thAnniversary production will enchantall ages. Visit www.buffas.com toorder tickets or [email protected].

SUNDAY/NOV. 18Flower Design Show. Noon-4 p.m. at

Blenheim Civil War InterpretativeCenter, 3610 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Fairfax Ferns Garden Clubpresents a Small Standard FlowerShow – “Strolling Through Historic

Fairfax City.” It will include flowerdesign, horticulture, naturephotography and educational exhibit.Plant related items for sale. Freeadmission. Email [email protected] call 703-591-5305 for more.

CROP Walk. The walk begins and endsat Fairfax Presbyterian Church,10723 Main St., Fairfax. Participantsmay choose either the 5K or shorterGolden Mile option. This is a family-friendly walk, not a race, and fun forall ages including babies in strollersand pets. Registration begins at 1:15and the walk starts at 2 p.m. A fun“End of Walk Celebration” will beheld at 3:30 p.m. at FairfaxPresbyterian Church (live music,refreshments, fun awards, andprizes). Registration/Sponsorenvelopes can be obtained fromparticipating groups, or by contactingJanet Smith at 703-455-9025 [email protected]. Walkerscan also register online atwww.crophungerwalk.org/burkeva.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner.5-8 p.m. at Franconia UnitedMethodist Church, 6037 FranconiaRoad, Alexandria. Join FranconiaUnited Methodist Church for a freecommunity Thanksgiving Dinner.Turkey and all the trimmings will beprovided and the entire family iswelcome. Free. Call 703-971-5151 orvisit www.franconiaumc.org formore.

THURSDAY/NOV. 22Turkey Trot for Parkinson’s. 9 a.m.

at the Workhouse Arts Center,Lorton. Join Thanksgiving morningfor the Turkey Trot for Parkinson’s5K Run/1 Mile Gobble Wobble. Allrace proceeds benefit The Michael J.Fox Foundation for Parkinson’sResearch and 100 percent of everypenny donated will go directly tohigh-impact research programs tohelp speed a cure. Visitfundraise.michaeljfox.org/turkey-trot-for-parkinsons for more.

Turkey Scramble. 10 a.m. at BurkeLake Golf Course, 7315 Ox Road,Fairfax Station. This competition isfor players age 7- adult. Teams oftwo compete in an 18-hole, scrambleformat with a shotgun start at 10

a.m. There will be closest-to-the-pincontests and prizes for first-, second-and third-place teams in two agedivisions: Adult/Junior 7-12; andAdult/Junior 13-17. Registration islimited to the first 48 teams. $70 perteam includes lunch. There is no raindate. Call 703-323-1641 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/burke-lake.

SATURDAY/NOV. 24Build a Gingerbread House. Noon-

1:30 and 2-3:30 p.m. at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.Roland Mesnier and Mark Ramsdell,former White House Pastry Chefs,will be guiding visitors throughconstructing their own gingerbreadhouses in this special event. $40 ($35for museum members). Reservationsand advance payment are required.Purchase at squareup.com/store/fairfax-station-railroad-museum or byemailing [email protected] name, number of houses topurchase and seating time. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/NOV. 24-25Fairfax Ballet Company’s

Nutcracker. Saturday, 2 and 7p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. at W.T.Woodson High School, Fairfax. TheFairfax Ballet Company presents thefull-length production of “TheNutcracker,” the family-friendlyholiday tradition. Companymembers, along with students fromthe Russell School of Ballet andGeorge Mason University, andprofessional guest artists, join Claraand her Nutcracker Prince in amagical journey through a winterwonderland. $15-$30. Tickets areavailable atfairfaxnutcracker2018.brownpapertickets.comor at the door beginning one hourbefore each show. [email protected] or call 703-665-9427 for more.

Fairfax City-opoly. Shop local withthe Fairfax City-opoly game for achance to win a $600 cash prize and$100 gift card to Twin’s Ace

Hardware. Participation is free. Call703-385-7944 or visitfairfaxcityconnected.com/fairfaxcityopoly for more.

SUNDAY/NOV. 25Burke Historical Society Meeting.

3:30-5 at Pohick Regional Library,6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Dr.Mike Johnson will discuss thegeological and human history of goldin the area. Learn about the geologyof gold veins in the area, as well asthe archaeological evidence forhuman interaction with this metalover the past 13,000 years. Free.Email [email protected] orvisit www.burkehistoricalsociety.org.

THURSDAY/NOV. 29Geneology Workshop. 6:30-9 p.m. at

Pohick Library, 6450 SydenstrickerRoad, Burke. Anna Maria FitzhughChapter, NSDAR, will have aGenealogy Workshop. ProspectiveDAR members will receive assistancewith the application process. Contact703-690-7136 for more.

SATURDAY/DEC. 1Holiday Extravaganza. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

at South County High School, 8501Silverbrook Road, Lorton. Santaarrives at 8:30 a.m. courtesy of theLorton Volunteer Fire Departmentkicking off the Candy Cane Kids FunRun for kids age 12 and under. At 9a.m., 170 vendors featuring all sortsof handcrafted items will offereverything from handmade glassornaments and jewelry to soaps,lotions, clothing, and holiday décor.Cookies with Santa, free, 9:30-12;Fairfax Co Sheriff, Child ID andfingerprinting, free, 9-3; Santa’s BookEmporium, 9-3. Proceeds benefit theSCHS All Night Grad Party, PTSO,Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters.Free, $3. Visitwww.southcountyptso.org.

Advent Festival. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at St.Stephen’s United Methodist Church,9203 Braddock Road, Burke. Open toall and designed with busy families inmind. Includes a Fair TradeChristmas Market, Christmas Concert(11 a.m.), Food Trucks, DIY Adventcraft stations, free coffee and cookiesand more. Free admission. Visitststephensfairfax.org.

Christmastide at Gunston Hall. 10a.m.-7 p.m. at George Mason’sGunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road,Mason Neck. A full day of holidayactivities starts with a visit fromSanta to games and crafts for allages. The evening hours provide aromantic holiday experience bycandlelight as visitors sample periodfood in the kitchen and explore thegrounds by candlelight. $15 foradults; $10 for children. Visitwww.gunstonhall.org/ or call 703-550-9220.

A Cathedral Brass Christmas. 6p.m. at Living Savior LutheranChurch, 5500 Ox Road, FairfaxStation. The Cathedral Brass willpresent “Christmas Cheer!” – a festiveprogram of holiday favorites from alleras. The Cathedral Brass is a 23-player symphonic brass ensemble. Allare welcome. Free. Visitwww.livingsaviorlutheran.org orcathedralbrass.org for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 2Concert: for King & Country. 6-10

p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena, 4500Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Two-timeGRAMMY Award winners for King &Country hit the road with theirChristmas tour. Joining the duo ontour is special guest Zach Williams.$28., $40., $42.5 Reserved, $78.50VIP. Call 703-993-3000 or visitwww.TheConcertSpot.com fortickets.


News

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

The holidays wouldn’tbe the same withoutThe Burke CivicBallet‘s presentation of

“The Nutcracker,” on Saturday andSunday, Nov. 17-18, 2018, at theErnst Community Cultural Centerin Annandale. It’s the timelessstory of Clara and the NutcrackerPrince, the Mouse King, the Sug-arplum Fairy, Uncle Drosselmeierwho turns out to be a magician,and a series of famous dance rou-tines (Arabian, French and Rus-sian) set to iconic music byTchaikovsky.

This local production featuresmore than 90 dancers (ages 4 toadults from Burke, Springfield,and Fairfax), who will perform thescenes from the Stahlbaum House,the Snow Forest and the magicalKingdom of Sweets. The show alsofeatures two professional dancerswith the Colorado Ballet: YosvaniRamos and Sharon Wehner.

THE BURKE CIVIC BALLETCOMPANY was founded 25 yearsago by Buffa Hargett, Artistic Di-rector, who runs her very ownBuffa’s Dance Studio at 9570-HBurke Road in Burke.

“’The Nutcracker’ is a magicalexperience. As a lifelong dancer,

this time of year is incredibly spe-cial. It brings together all of whatwe’ve learned in class; what we’reportraying — to life for the audi-ence. It ushers in the holiday timeperiod and all that is magical anddelightful about the holiday sea-son. So, bringing to life the balletand knowing what happens withthe magic that Drosselmeier pre-sents is an unbelievable experi-ence for adults and children alike,”said Carla Cannonito of Spring-field, who plays the Mother role.

She added: “I hope to entertainthe audience but also to promotethe arts because they are so veryimportant in our children’s lives aswell as adult lives today. And,there’s so many ways to participate— whether it’s costuming,whether it’s makeup, whether it’sdance itself. This is an incredibleopportunity for us to express ourcreativity.”

GABY MABALAY, 15, of Spring-field, who plays the lead role ofClara, added: “The production isa magical experience because youget to see Clara at the party andshe falls asleep and she has a magi-cal, enchanting journey. It’s reallyawesome to see the different ages— from the little ones who are 4or 5 — all the way to the profes-sionals, so it’s a good way to getto see ‘The Nutcracker.’”

Michael Cherry, 16, of Spring-field, who plays the triple role ofSnow King, Spanish Lead and Bal-let Doll, said: “It’s a show aboutClara and how she’s in a dreamand all the different places shegoes through. She’s first at theparty and then she’s in the battle,then she goes through the snowand wonderland. She gets to seeall the different nationalities and

countries.”Brian Engler, who plays the fa-

ther of Clara and Fritz, and hasbeen supporting the ballet for 25years since when his daughterswere young, said the show con-tains many special effects, includ-ing the snowy woods scene withsmoke, haze and fog, as well as abattle scene.

“So, 25 years ago when BuffaHargett began the Burke Civic Bal-

let, the reason she did it was sothat her dancers could see a full-stage production, rather than arecital. They actually see rehears-als on stage with curtains, sets,and a full production. I had dancedas a younger person when theyneeded men in the shows and so Iwas in the first production andhave been in the majority of theproductions for 25 years. I’m veryhappy to be here playing different

parts, but always the party scene,”he said.

Showtimes for ‘The Nutcracker’are Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. and6 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 1p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20/children and $28/adults; ErnstTheater of Northern Virginia Com-munity College, 8333 Little RiverTurnpike, Annandale. Call 703-425-5599 or visitwww.buffas.com.

Ballet dancer Michael Cherry, 16, of Springfield, playsroles of the Snow King, Spanish Lead and Ballet Doll.

Burke Civic BalletPresents ‘The Nutcracker’

Ballerina Gaby Mabalay, 15, of Spring-field, plays the lead role of Clara.

Burke Civic Ballet seniors with Artistic Direc-tor Buffa Hargett — Brooke Bentley, EmiliBoyle, Maddie Fee, Alexa Hock, and ElbieKaleb — star in “The Nutcracker.”

When & WhereShowtimes for ‘The Nutcracker’ are

Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.;and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. and 5p.m. Tickets are $20/children and $28/adults. The venue is located at the ErnstTheater of Northern Virginia Commu-nity College, 8333 Little River Turnpike,Annandale. For organized groups (10+)and handicapped seating, [email protected]. Call 703-425-5599 or visit www.buffas.com.

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COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

bbTo Advertise Your

Community of Worship,Call 703-778-9418

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

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

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

Visit our Website: jccag.org

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

“Loving People to Life”


News

Assistance League of North-ern Virginia’s WeekendFood for Kids program was

the featured volunteer service ac-tivity for the “Feed Your FutureVolunteer Relay” that took placeduring the recent Allstate Insur-ance Company Regional AdvisoryBoard conference in Washington,D.C.

Lynn Barron and Karen Amster,board members with the all-vol-unteer ALNV, were invited to at-tend and speak about AssistanceLeague’s impactful program thatincreases food security in threelocal school districts in the region.Assistance League provides bags ofnonperishable food for at-risk chil-dren to take home on the week-ends when school meals are notavailable who otherwise could behungry.

Following the keynote presenta-tion, the event turned competitive.Executives, regional advisoryboard members — exclusiveagents and exclusive financial spe-cialists from D.C., Delaware, Mary-land, Virginia and West Virginia —participated in a volunteer relay,packing food for hungry children.

Allstate Senior CommunicationConsultant Caitlyn Barron coordi-nated the resources and purchasedthe nonperishable food items tosupport The Allstate FoundationHelping Hands in the Communitygroup volunteer event. A team ofmore than 40 volunteers packed500+ bags of food for at-risk chil-dren whose families struggle to

put food on the table on weekendswhen school meals are not avail-able. This partnership provided anopportunity to satisfy an immedi-ate need for food assistance at twoTitle I elementary schools not cur-rently supported by the WeekendFood for Kids program.

See www.assistanceleague.org/northern-virginia/

Allstate Contributes to ‘Weekend Food for Kids’

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Scout Helps Little League

Eagle ScoutJacksonGearhard,Troop 1346,Burke.

Eagle Scout JacksonGearhard is a memberof Troop 1346 at Burke

Presbyterian Church. Jackson’sEagle Scout Project was to con-struct two baseball scoreboardsfor FairfaxL i t t l eLeague atProvidencefields inFairfax City.He has theT r i p l eCrown ofhigh ad-v e n t u r ebases at-t e n d i n gPhilmont,N o r t h e r nTier and Seabase. Jackson is asenior at Robinson SecondarySchool and has two years ofbaseball; FBLA; and DECA.Jackson’s parents are Karin andGlenn Gearhard.

Parents Glenn and Karin with new Eagle Scout JacksonGearhard.

Photos

courtesy of

Mark Blanchard

From left: Karen Amster (ALNV), Caitlyn Barron (Allstate),Lynn Barron (ALNV) and Christine Angles (Allstate).


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Now that I’m back to every-three-week-che-motherapy infusions, getting through the “holi-day” season becomes very tricky. One week delay due to unacceptable lab results can have a cas-cade effect on one’s ability to spread any cheer.

And given that I’m scheduled to be infused rather aggressively, a direct result of tumor growth indicated on my most recent CT scan, delaying an infusion to accommodate my non-chemotherapy schedule seems like a non starter. After all, we’re trying to keep me alive here.

Therefore, it seems counter-intuitive almost to push my treatment ahead one or two weeks just so I can enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey.

In the scheme of things, enjoying a meal pales in comparison to enjoying a life. And shrinking and/or stabilizing tumors trumps mashed potatoes and gravy. Missing a festive occasion/not being able to taste/eat anything is much less important than beating back my sworn enemy: cancer.

However, considering the unpredictability of my actually-receiving-chemotherapy on the two scheduled infusion dates before Christmas: 11/16/18 and 12/7/18, and the effect of resched-uling one or the other by one or two weeks, depending on lab results, gives pre-holiday chemotherapy infusions a bad name and an even worse connotation.

The patient (in this context, me), is either damned if you do (side effects) and/or damned if you don’t (tumor growth, potentially). I need way more than a Festivus miracle.

To invoke Tiny Tim, I need to tiptoe through the tulips, so to speak; to have my chemotherapy infusions allow me to eat/satiate my meals, travel when necessary without having to double-back for chemotherapy (yes, my infusion center is open on Friday, Nov. 23, as well as the day before Christmas and the day after, with their schedule repeating itself for New Year’s) and navigate an

be capped off by a Jan. 2 CT scan followed up by a Jan. 11 face-to-face appointment with my on-cologist to discuss the results of the January scan.

I can hardly wait. Although I have to, and of course, think about the what-if constantly.

Nearly two months of scheduling twists and turns impacting one’s quality of life during the most stressful time of the year: Thanksgiving through New Year’s followed by learning one’s fate: stay the course or as Yogi Berra said: “Come to the fork in the road and take it.” And if I do take it (Immunotherapy), it won’t simply be the road less traveled, it will be the road never traveled – by me. Although many other cancer patients have blazed the trail, the prospect of yours truly blazing the next trail (line) scares me, hopefully not to death.

It might not be so bad – and extremely per-sonal, if my best friend’s wife hadn’t succumbed to her lung cancer within a year or so after being prescribed one of the drugs that my oncologist and I have discussed if my next scan continues to show tumor growth.

I get so emotional at the mere mention of the drug that I can’t even pronounce it through my tears. So my oncologist knows my preference and he’s content to respect my wishes especially considering that according to his experiences, the drugs are fairly similar in their effect/success.

me in a positive frame of mind is the goal. But I’m getting way ahead of myself here; it’s only November. This discussion won’t occur for almost nine weeks, Jan. 11, 2019.

The only problem is, the next nine weeks present challenges unlike any similar period during the year. Throw in a few lab tests, a couple of chemotherapy infusions, a diagnostic scan and a few weeks to wait for all of it to shake out and what you’re left with is your life hanging in the balance and death rearing its ugly head.

“Cancer sucks” – especially during the holi-days.

Airing of a Grievance

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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED.The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke

needs volunteer drivers for trips to medicalappointments (Monday - Friday) and companionshopping (Tuesday, Friday) within the Fairfax-Burke area and in the South County area (westof Route 1, Alexandria). Office volunteers arealso needed to work in the SCFB (Olley Glen)office to schedule rides. Bilingual volunteers(English and Spanish) are needed as drivers andoffice volunteers. Email Shavaun Wall [email protected] or call 703-323-4788.

WEDNESDAY/NOV. 14Grants Workshop for Artists. 11:30 a.m.-1

p.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Library, 7585 LeesburgPike, Falls Church. ARTSFAIRFAX will host afree workshop on how to apply for Artist Grantswhich support and encourage Fairfax County’sartists in all disciplines. Artist Grants recognizeprofessional working artists’ achievements andtheir demonstrated history of accomplishmentsand they promote artists’ continued pursuit oftheir creative work. RSVP by Monday, Nov. 12to [email protected].

Transportation Open House. 6-8 p.m. atEdison High School, 5801 Franconia Road,Springfield. Fairfax County Department ofTransportation (FCDOT) continues to solicitfeedback on how people get around in theFranconia-Springfield area on the local transitnetwork. The outreach events include interactiveexercises, facilitated by FCDOT staff, to exploreattendees’ individual travel needs, issues andideas. Visit www.fairfaxconnector.com for more.

Mr. Ghaisar leaves behind two grieving par-ents and a sister who still have no explana-tion for why their family member was killed,despite their numerous requests.

A community’s faith in law enforcementrequires transparency in officer-involvedshootings. Recent cell phone, dash cameraand body camera videos have shown thepublic how officers are often presented withdifficult situations and are required to makesplit-second judgment calls that can be thedifference between life and death and vid-eos provide context. However, the video thatwe have seen shows that the Ghaisar situa-tion presented zero threat to the police orpublic safety.

Very disturbing is the complete lack oftransparency by the federal governmentabout what happened. Congressman DonBeyer has demanded answers.

If an officer had been shot, the publicwould have been briefed that night andcharges would have been announced thenext day. The Turkish Government has pro-vided better transparency on the Khashoggikilling than our own government has righthere in our community.

Last week, one hundred Mount Vernonresidents and Bijan Ghaisar’s family joinedme in a candlelight vigil at the shooting site.The Ghaisar Family is holding another vigilon the one-year anniversary of their son’sdeath on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at theLincoln Memorial. More atwww.facebook.com/wearebijan/

Our community deserves answers and Iintend to get them.

Please email me [email protected] with your sugges-tions and feedback.

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Bulletin

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