coming together for children with...

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City Council Oks FY19 BudgetNews, Page 7

Interfaith Friendship Walk Held in FairfaxNews, Page 12

Coming Together for Children with Cancer

News, Page 2

Cancer survivor Ella Di Paolo, 2, was an honored guest at the El-

lie’s Hats Pancake Breakfast, last Saturday, May 5, in Fairfax.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com May 10-16, 2018

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2 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ May 10-16, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

See Pancake Fundraiser, Page 8

By Bonnie HobbsThe Connection

Ella Di Paolo is just 2, but she’s al-ready a cancer survivor. And sheand her family were among thehonored guests at last Saturday’sthird annual Ellie’s Hats Pancake Breakfast.Held May 5, at American Legion Post 177in Fairfax, it raised nearly $16,000 for chil-dren with cancer and their families.

Some 175 people attended, and a break-fast buffet, children’s activities and the gen-erosity of the local community joined forcesto make the event a big success. The funincluded a raffle and a silent auction forthe adults, plus a fire engine, a police ve-hicle, Star Wars characters and a princessfor the children.

FOUNDED BY TEACHER Jay Coakley, thenonprofit Ellie’s Hats raises awareness ofthe disease while raising money to purchasehats for pediatric cancer patients who’ve losttheir hair due to chemotherapy. It also do-nates gas cards, gift certificates and money

to their families.Ella was diagnosed with a brain tumor at

5 months and started chemo, two monthslater. She just finished it, Feb. 23, after 18months of treatments. And, said her mom,Tammy Di Paolo, “She’s doing well, for themost part.”

Di Paolo has two other children, sonCameron, 15, and daughter Madelyn, 7. “It’sour second time at this pancake breakfast,”she said. “The kids love it, and it’s always afun event to come to. Ellie’s Hats was oneof the first organizations to contact us whenElla was first diagnosed. They sent us a boxof hats, gift cards and presents – and notjust for Ella, but also for Cameron andMadelyn.”

“I really appreciated how they thought ofthe other kids, too,” continued Di Paolo. “Wewere having a horrible day at the time, andit made our day. It touched us that strang-ers reached out and thought of us. So wemake donations to Ellie’s Hats and come tothe breakfast. We try to give back to theones who helped us, cheering us up at adifficult time.”

Brigid Bludau was also there with herthree children, David, 4-1/2; Audrey, 2-1/2 and John, 5 months. And they were en-joying juice, plus plates heaped with choco-late-chip pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage,

Pancake fundraiserfor Ellie’s Hats isbig success.

Coming Together forChildren with Cancer

Lt. Scott Trottman and Fire Medic Kathryn Schmidt let children sit intheir fire engine.

(From left) Dave Jacobs, daughter Sadie, 12, and son Travis, 11, enjoythe pancake breakfast.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

Fairfax Connection ❖ May 10-16, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Andrea WorkerThe Connection

U. S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly’sTown Hall meeting at the Provi-dence Community Center onTuesday evening, May 1, rep-resented a departure from most public fo-rums.

To begin with, the format wasn’t the tra-ditional politician updating his constituents,responding to their questions and feedback,then making the rounds and shaking hands.Instead, the congressman shared thespeaker’s table with four high school stu-dents who he credited with “bringing ustogether this evening for a community dis-cussion on gun safety.”

Since the shooting at Marjory StonemanDouglas High School in Parkland, Fla. onFeb. 14 that left 17 dead and morewounded, students across the nation haveorganized rallies, school walkouts andmarches. They have been demanding gunregulations, other changes in law enforce-ment and communications, and more re-sources for mental health awareness andtreatment. Groups have formed under ban-ners such as “Enough is Enough,” “Marchfor Our Lives,” and “Never Again.”

“We are more than an interest club. Wewill push for action,” said panelist MichaelMcCabe, a sophomore at Robinson Second-ary School in Fairfax,

In recent weeks, McCabe and many otheryoung activists started contacting theirelected officials, asking to be heard.Connolly’s office received its fair share ofthose communications.

“This is really their Town Hall,” Connollysaid in his opening remarks, adding that hesees real momentum coming from the stu-dent movement. “I think it is with theirvoices, their passion, that we will finally getsomething done.”

Three of the four panelists belong to thegroup Students Demand Action (SDA) attheir respective schools, and the fourth isthe president of Youth Initiative for NationalAction. They were there to pursue “com-mon sense gun legislation.”

Ella Wogaman represented the WestSpringfield High School chapter of StudentsDemand Action. She is also the social me-dia correspondent for the regional SDAchapter.

“A few months ago, we had a handful ofmembers. I think we just hit 400,” Wogamansaid. The West Springfield senior says thatshe and many others are focusing effortson voter registration and getting people,especially first-time voters to the polls, asthe way to “really find our voice and getour issues addressed.”

Langston Carter, a home-schooled seniorfrom Woodbridge who has attended publicschools, spoke from the viewpoint of stu-dents of color.

Carter cited studies that show people ofcolor, particularly young African-Americanmales, are significantly more likely to bethe victims of gun violence. The mission ofCarter’s organization is to “encourage thenext generation to take action against big-otry and other issues … to work with po-litical leaders to make a difference.”

Ryan Carney highlighted some of the ac-tions that the members of his SDA chapterare taking.

“We’ve been getting together, organizingphone banks, writing letters, getting theword out wherever we can,” said the JamesMadison High School junior.

It’s also no secret where Connolly standson the issue of gun safety — right along-side them. An active member of the GunViolence Prevention Task Force, he says he’sproud of the “F” grade he earns each yearfrom the National Rifle Association (NRA),whose headquarters are located in his con-gressional district. Aside from attendingvigils on the NRA’s doorstep, recently forParkland, and annually on the anniversaryof the Sandy Hook Elementary School mas-sacre, Connolly attributes his status with theorganization to the numerous gun safetylaws he has proposed or supported over theyears. He also took aim at his “friends across

the aisle” for their unwillingness to goagainst the NRA and “even discuss sensiblesafety measures to protect all of our citi-zens.”

“WE’RE NOT talking about takingeveryone’s guns away,” Connolly said, “butI am sick of a ‘moment of silence’ in Con-gress after each of these horrific events andno action. More than 150,000 people havelost their lives to gun violence sinceNewtown and yet in all that time Congresshas not taken a single vote to enact [basicgun control measures] … We couldn’t evenget a vote to keep guns out of the hands ofpeople who are on the “No Fly List.” [A listcreated by several federal government agen-

cies of persons prohibited from boardingcommercial aircraft for travel within, into,or out of U.S. airspace, primarily for sus-pected terrorist association.]

For Connolly and others, the basics aresimple, “no-brainer” pieces of legislation toban assault weapons, enact universal back-ground checks and close the “gun showloophole.”

The current drafts are H.R. 5087 to banassault weapons, H.R. 4240 to establishuniversal background checks, and H.R.1612 to close the gun show loophole.

Of equal importance to advocates is fight-ing for funds for several initiatives. Whenone constituent complained that the Cen-ters for Disease Control and Prevention

See Town Hall, Page 15

Much unity, some dissention as community discusses the issue.

Local Students Join Gun Safety Town Hall“We are more than aninterest club. We willpush for action.”

— Michael McCabe,Robinson Secondary sophomore

Local student activists called for a meeting with their con-gressman, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), who respondedwith a Town Hall event. FlankingConnolly are, left, Ryan Carney,Madison High School junior, andMichael McCabe, Robinson Second-ary School sophomore. On rightare Ella Wogaman, West SpringfieldHigh School senior and LangstonCarter, senior from Woodbridge.

Donna Widawski, aformer Secret Serviceagent from Fairfax,supports the efforts ofthe congressman andthe students, butreminded them to“think bigger picture”about school andpublic safety.

Zachary Schonfeldasked the panelistshow they handlenegative backlash —something the SouthLakes High Schoolsenior faced afterspeaking at an event.“One word,” re-sponded U.S. Rep.Gerry Connolly.“Fortitude.”

The Fairfax Council ofPTAs, represented bypresident Beth Tudon,offered assistance andresources to promotevoter registration inschools.

Photos byAndrea Worker/The Connection

(CDC) had been barred from studying theeffects of gun violence, Connolly respondedthat the latest government funding bill didclarify that the CDC was, in fact, empow-ered to do such research, but that the fundsto do so were not approved.

WHEN AUDIENCE members got theirturn at the microphone, most offered en-couragement and congratulations to thestudent activists.

Although it seemed that the panel and theaudience were closely aligned in their views,there were those in the audience with a dif-fering opinion.


News

In celebration of its seventhanniversary, Better Said ThanDone is hosting a freestorytelling show on Saturday,May 19, 7 p.m., downstairs atThe Auld Shebeen, 3971 ChainBridge Road, Fairfax. Doorsopen at 6 p.m. Full bar and din-ner menus are available andseating is first come, firstserved. The stories are intendedfor an adult audience.

Seven years ago, Better SaidThan Done brought the art ofstorytelling to Northern Vir-ginia, producing monthly showsfeaturing performers fromNorthern Virginia and the D.C.area (along with some not-so-local), taking the stage to telltrue, personal stories – rangingfrom poignant to silly, and

sometimes unbelievable, butalways entertaining. On May19, Better Said Than Done isshowing its gratitude to theNorthern Virginia communityfor being a growing and sup-portive audience over the pastseven years the only way itknows how – with a storytellingshow. The free show will featurestories of adventure, love, sus-pense, and more. Better SaidThan Done stories are alwaystrue, personal and intended foran adult audience.

Join host and Better SaidThan Done founder JessicaRobinson and storytellers NickBaskerville, Noa Baum,Geraldine Buckley, Mike Kane,Len Kruger, David SupleyFoxworth, and Cyndi Wish.

Jessica Robinson, “Better Said Than Done” founderand storyteller.

Free Storytelling Showand Anniversary Celebration

Better Said Than Done celebratesseven years of storytelling.

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On Sunday, May 20, a 5K is be-ing held at Fairfax Corner from 8to 11 a.m. It consists of a 5K run/walk for adults and a 1K fun runfor children, starting and endingat 11895 Fairfax Commons (thePR partners location), and it prom-ises to be a fun-filled outdoorevent for the entire family.

The 1K is less than a mile longand parents can trot along withtheir toddlers and stay on for a freedemo class for kids by Lead byExample Tae Kwon Do, and a freemusic class by Music Together.There will be finish line snacks, anawards ceremony, and a visit withthe sponsors.

Raffle tickets for original art-work and gift baskets will also besold. Commemorative t-shirts willbe given out on a first- come first-

served basis, along with the raceregistration packet.

The walk is being sponsored byMuskaan, a US based 501(3) (c)charity that supports the missionof its parent organization of thesame name in New Delhi, India.This organization was started1982 by Dr. Shanti Auluck, as agrassroots, parent driven effort toaddress a severe lack of facilitiesthat provided an appropriate edu-cation for children with specialneeds. Dr. Shanti Dr. Auluck’sniece, Poonam Auluck, a residentof Fairfax, heads the US branch ofthe charity.

To register for the walk online,please go to https://bit.ly/simplejoys5k

Walk in registration on the dayof the walk will also be accepted.

The Walk for Hope to BeHeld at Fairfax Corner

On Monday, April 30, volunteersand families joined representativesfrom Ronald McDonald HouseCharities® of Greater Washington,D.C. and Inova Children’s Hospi-tal to celebrate the grand openingof a new Ronald McDonald Fam-ily Room on the Hematology/On-cology floor.

Ronald McDonald Family Roomsare quiet, welcoming places of re-spite for parents and caregiversthat provide such amenities as cof-fee, snacks, computer stations, andcomfortable seating, in addition tobeing the hub for the Hospitalitya la Carte that brings care andcomfort to the bedside of patientson the floor.

The new Ronald McDonald Fam-ily Room was made possible by adonation from Syed and SadiaAnderabi, who were in attendancewith their family. The Anderabismanage four McDonald’s in theState of Maryland and cite RonaldMcDonald House Charities ofGreater Washington, D.C. as theirpassion.

Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are quiet, welcoming places of respite for parents andcaregivers at Inova Children’s Hospital.

New Ronald McDonald Family RoomOpens at Inova Children’s Hospital

Fairfax City ManagerBob Sisson AnnouncesRetirement

After serving the City of Fairfax for more than27 years, City Manager Bob Sisson announced hisretirement at a special City Council meeting.Sisson’s tenure with the city makes him one of theregion’s longest-serving local government admin-istrators. His retirement will be effective July 1,2018. In a statement given to the City Council,Sisson expressed his appreciation to the electedleadership of the city and to his fellow employ-ees. Sisson said, “I’m pleased that I leave the cityin good shape financially and operationally withsuch a bright future ahead.”

The city has consistently been ranked in the top10 places to live in the country, and recognitionfor the city’s livability, safety and services hasgrown steadily during Sisson’s time as city man-ager. Mayor David Meyer commented followingSisson’s announcement that the city had made sig-nificant progress during the city manager’s ten-ure. “Bob Sisson has led the city staff throughnearly three decades of great change for the Cityof Fairfax. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to haveBob as our city manager, and we’re very apprecia-tive for his leadership and commitment on behalfof all our citizens.”

Mayor Meyer announced that the Mayor andCity Council would immediately begin a processto select a new city manager with the aid of anexecutive search consultant. A new city manageris expected to be in place during the fall.

Week in Fairfax

Sadia Anderabi cuts the ribbon.

The newRonald

McDonaldFamily Room

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The Third Is the CharmJennifer Maloney of Fairfax, with her baby boy Stephen,hoping that the third child’s the charm.

My Mom & Me


Opinion

Anyone who was closely watching lastNovember’s election in got a demon-stration about what difference onevote can make. Control of the Vir-ginia General Assembly came down to a singlerace that was deemed to be tied, and was de-cided by a random drawing. Republicans won.

Vote. It’s so important to vote. Your votecould actually be the deciding vote.

Your best shot at ensuringyou can vote is to vote early.How To Vote

Every year is election year inVirginia; mechanics and details of voting re-quire attention to detail. For the primary, youwill ask for a Democratic or Republican ballot.

If you want to be sure you get to vote, vot-ing early if you qualify is a good choice. Earlyvoting, called absentee voting in person in Vir-ginia, is already underway for the primary.

There are many valid reasons to vote absen-tee in Virginia, including working and com-muting to and from home for 11 or more hoursbetween 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day.Check the Virginia Department of Elections listto see if you are eligible: elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/absentee-voting/index.html

There are two ways to vote absentee, in-per-son and by mail. To do either, you should firstcheck your voter registration status to makesure it is up-to-date. Then you will need toapply for an absentee ballot. If you vote ab-sentee in-person you will fill out the applica-tion when you arrive at the location.

Voting absentee by mail? You can now applyfor an absentee ballot online with the state’snew Citizen Portal. You will need your SocialSecurity Number and information on your Vir-ginia Driver’s License to complete the applica-tion. Information is also provided on how toapply if you do not have a driver’s license.

In Person Absentee Locations, Fairfax❖ Fairfax County Government Center❖ Franconia Governmental Center❖ Lorton Library❖ Mason Governmental Center❖ McLean Governmental Center❖ Mount Vernon Governmental Center❖ North County Governmental Center❖ Providence Community Center❖ Sully Governmental Center❖ West Springfield Governmental Centerwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee703-222-0776 TTY [email protected] Government Center Parkway Suite

323, Fairfax, VA 22035

Virginia Voter IDVirginia has voter identification require-

ments; plan to bring photo identification withyou to vote, whether that is absentee or onPrimary Election Day.

Among accepted ID: valid Virginia Driver’sLicense or Identification Card; valid VirginiaDMV issued Veteran’s ID card; valid U.S. Pass-port; other government-issued photo identifi-cation cards issued by the U.S. Government,the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a politicalsubdivision of the Commonwealth; Tribal en-rollment or other tribal ID issued by one of 11tribes recognized by the Commonwealth ofVirginia; valid college or university studentphoto identification card from an institutionof higher education located in Virginia; validstudent ID issued by a public school or privateschool in Virginia displaying a photo; employeeidentification card containing a photograph ofthe voter and issued by an employer of thevoter in the ordinary course of the employer’sbusiness.

Any registered voter who does not have oneof the required forms of identification can ap-ply for a free Virginia Voter Photo Identifica-tion from any general registrar’s office in theCommonwealth. Voters applying for the Vir-ginia Voter Photo ID complete the VirginiaVoter Photo Identification Card Application,have their picture taken, and sign the digitalsignature pad. Once the application is pro-cessed, the card will be mailed directly to thevoter. A voter who does not bring an accept-able photo ID to the polls will be offered a pro-visional ballot.

Provisional Ballot Process for VotersWho Arrive Without Identification

If you arrive at your polling place on Elec-tion Day without an acceptable form of photoidentification, don’t panic or give up.

You will be given the opportunity to vote aprovisional ballot. After completing the provi-sional ballot, the individual voting will be givenwritten instructions from the election officialson how to submit a copy of his/her identifica-tion so that his/her vote can be counted.

A voter will have until noon on the Fridayfollowing the election to deliver a copy of theidentification to the local electoral board or toappear in person to apply for a Virginia VoterPhoto ID Card. Voters may submit a copy oftheir ID via fax, email, in-person submission,or through USPS or commercial delivery ser-vice. Please note that the copy of the ID mustbe delivered by noon on Friday.

Also by noon on Friday following the elec-

Vote, Vote, VoteWhat’s on the Ballot forPrimary Election June 12?DEMOCRATIC PRIMARYUS House of Representatives

District 8Donald S. Beyer, Jr.(unopposed in primary)

District 10, Vote for OneWinner will Face U.S. Rep. Barbara

Comstock (R-10) in NovemberLindsey Davis StoverJennifer T. WextonPaul E. PelletierAlison K. FriedmanDan I. HelmerJulia E. Biggins

District 11Gerald Edward Connolly(incumbent, unopposed in primary)

U.S. SenateTimothy M. Kaine(incumbent, unopposed in primary)

REPUBLICAN PRIMARYUS House of Representatives

District 10 Vote for OneShak E. HillBarbara J. Comstock (incumbent)

District 11, Jeff A. Dove, Jr. (unopposed)

United States SenateWinner will Face Sen. Tim Kaine (D)in November

Corey A. Stewart (R)Nick J. Freitas (R)E. W. Jackson (R)

Editorial

tion, the voter may appear in-person in theoffice of the general registrar, in the localityin which the provisional ballot was cast, andapply for a Virginia Voter Photo ID Card. Atthe completion of the application process, thevoter may request a Temporary IdentificationDocument. This document may be providedto the electoral board to meet the identifica-tion requirement.

To the Editor:I read with interest Marilyn Campbell’s re-

cent article on the difficulty of affording sum-mer camp. As the director of Traveling Play-ers Ensemble, a summer theatre camp, I’vebeen acutely aware of the issues families facein paying for camp for years. I’ve seen the enor-mous difference that summer enrichment pro-grams can make in a kid’s life. That’s why I

made it my goal to offer the most generoussummer scholarships in the area.

We just received a $10,000 grant from the JackKent Cooke Foundation, specifically to underwritescholarships, and we are actively seeking middleand high schoolers of financial need to partici-pate in our summer camps. Some of our previousscholarship campers have even been able to turnthe high-level training they get from us into longer-

term benefit, receiving tens of thousands of dol-lars in artistic scholarships to attend college.

We hope that we can add our commitmentto providing scholarships to the great work thatCamp Invention and other summer institutionsare doing to provide real, lasting benefits tolower-income children in our community.

Jeanne HarrisonGreat Falls

www.travelingplayers.org

Making Summer Camp AffordableLetters to the Editor

PRIMARY: TUESDAY, JUNE 12❖ Deadline to register to vote, or update

registration, for the Tuesday, June 12,General Election is Monday, May 21.

❖ Deadline to request an absentee ballotmailed to you is 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 5.

❖ Deadline to request an absentee ballotby appearing in-person is 5 p.m. Saturday,June 9. Absentee in person voting is alreadyunderway.

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News

By Bonnie HobbsThe Connection

When Fairfax City Manager Bob Sissonunveiled his proposed Fiscal Year2019 budget on Feb. 27, it recom-mended a 2.25-cent hike in the real-estate tax rate to fund all the City’s needs. But thebudget adopted last week by City Council will stillbe able to accomplish the City’s goals while keepingthe tax rate the same at $1.06 per $100 assessedvaluation.

However, due to a slight increase in assessed prop-erty values, the average homeowner’s tax bill willstill rise .45 percent. This equates to an additional$24/year real-estate tax, figured on the average homeassessment of $504,197.

“The reduction was able to be done because of arevised estimate for how much the City would haveto pay Fairfax County for school tuition,” explainedSisson. “That left us with another $645,000 we hadto delete. But we found alternative funding for someroad projects and made some reductions in the in-formation technology budget. And I’ll find otherplaces to cut the remaining $100,000 we need todelete.”

There are some tax increases, but these ones wereplanned in advance, so they come as no surprise. A1-cent increase in the Commercial and Industrial(C&I) real-estate tax will take it from 10.5 cents to11.5 cents per $100 assessed valuation. And a waste-water utility rate hike of 10 percent will support theCity’s share of capital project costs required for theNoman Cole Wastewater Treatment Plant.

THE BUDGET also dedicates 25 cents more fromthe real-estate tax rate for the Stormwater Fund. Themoney will be used to improve the City’s aging in-frastructure, as well as meet federal and state regu-lations dealing with stormwater management.

Furthermore, the transportation tax fund will seea rate increase from 10.5 cents to 11.5 cents for com-mercial and industrial properties. This rate will nowbe $1.1975 per $100 assessed valuation. All residen-tial properties are excluded from this tax.

The money is used solely for transportation andtransit purposes and enables the City to qualify formatching funds for various transportation projects.

Personnel is another important part of the FY ’19budget. Eligible, full-time employees will receive 3.5-percent merit raises, effective July 1. The City’s en-vironmental sustainability coordinator will go frompart time to full time; and one more full-time em-ployee will be added to Economic Development tohelp that department’s director, Chris Bruno, with

City Council Oks FY19 BudgetReal-estate tax rate willremain the same.

business recruitment and retention.In addition, the Human Services director will be

made a full-time position, instead of half time, tostrengthen the administration of Fairfax’s complex,health-and-human-services contracts and enable theCity to better meet the needs of the people usingthose services.

This budget also establishes a reorganized, citywidecommunications and marketing function. And, im-portant to Fairfax’s bottom line, budget funding alsosupports the redevelopment of several, large-scale,residential and mixed-use projects expected to yieldenhanced commercial and retail growth, as well as agreater diversity in housing options.

THE GENERAL FUND operating budget of $142million is an increase of $1.9 million, or 1.4 percent,over the prior year.ºThe total approved budget forall funds is $171.9 million, a 0.6 percent decreasefrom the previous fiscal year’s budget.

At the Wednesday, May 2, special City Councilmeeting, Councilwoman Ellie Schmidt said budgetsare about priorities, such as infrastructure mainte-nance and economic development, and the City’sbudget recognizes this fact. Saying how pleased shewas with this budget, Schmidt encouraged the Cityto “continue to find efficiencies and save money. Wedon’t have to just find ways to save money at budgettime.”

Thanks to this budget, said Councilwoman JaniceMiller, “We’re going to provide excellent schools andpublic safety for all. We’ll add additional resourcesto Economic Development and, hopefully, we willsee fewer retail vacancies in the coming year.”And, she stressed, while continuing to offer somewonderful recreation opportunities, the budget willenable Fairfax to keep City Hall running and con-tinue offering, in general, “excellent service to all ofour community members. It’s been a pleasure to workwith staff in developing our priorities, and I thankeveryone for their service to our community.”

Councilman Jeff Greenfield then made a motionto approve the budget and was seconded by Coun-cilman Michael DeMarco. The Council then gave it aunanimous thumbs-up. Greenfield also thanked Citystaff for all their hard work, saying, “We set and adoptthe budget, but it’s all of you who make the City run,every day, and make us look good.”

Janice Miller Ellie Schmidt

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDDocents Needed. Sundays 1-4

p.m. at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road in Fairfax Station.Greet museum visitors and tellthem about the exhibits, themuseum and the its railroad andCivil War history. Ideal for thoseinterested in railroads, the Civil

War and Northern Virginia history.Training and orientation provided.Other volunteer opportunities aregardening, publicity and exhibitplanning. Call 703-945-7483.

STEM Professionals Needed. Helpassist K-12 STEM teachers as part ofthe American Association for theAdvancement of Science’s STEMVolunteer Program,

stemvolunteers.org, during the2018-19 school year. In the 2017-18 school year, there are 85volunteers in six NorthernVirginia school districts. ContactDon Rea at 571-551- 2488, [email protected].

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.

Bulletin Board

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hash browns, fruit and ham. “We’re supporting oneof the volunteers who works with Ellie’s Hats,” ex-plained Bludau. “David goes to school with herdaughter.”

Meanwhile, at a nearby table, Dave Jacobs wasenjoying breakfast with his daughter Sadie, 12, andson Travis, 11. Sadie especially liked her chocolate-chip pancakes with whipped cream, blueberry pan-cakes, bacon and strawberries. She was also happyto see friends there that she hadn’t seen in a while.Travis gobbled up pancakes, ham and hash brownsand said he liked the ham and the Star Wars charac-ters the best.

Jacobs is with Mystek Systems, one of the event’scorporate sponsors. “We believe in the mission ofEllie’s Hats,” he said. “For a long time, we’ve sup-ported children with blood diseases and cancer –folks who really haven’t gotten a good break. Thisbreakfast is important because it brings people to-gether from across the community. Jay is an oldfriend of our company and was the gymnastics coachof our founder’s wife when she was in high school.But more than anything, we support Ellie’s Hats be-cause it helps the kids.”

The Sons of the American Legion contributed theirtime and efforts to prepare the meal. And duringSaturday’s event, Ellie’s Hats board member BrianDrummond told those attending, “The AmericanLegion donated this room, which is normally rentedout for thousands of dollars. And their volunteershave been here since 6 a.m. working.”

Drummond also noted that this coming Saturday,May 12, the GMU Alumni Assn. will hold its 50th

anniversary gala. “They’re honoring what theirorganization’s spirit entails,” he said. “And Jay is oneof 50 people who’ll be honored.”

Busy flipping a new batch of pancakes, Jim Priceof the Sons of the American Legion said he was happyto participate “for Ellie’s Hats and the whole storybehind it and to help out kids with cancer. Helpingothers is what we do as the American Legion.”

Also there was John Rathnam, a Woodson HighClass of 1981 graduate, who came with some class-mates.

“Jay also graduated from Woodson, and his sisterwas in my class,” he said. “I’m here to support himand the cause; they do so much for kids with cancer.And it’s just amazing how Ellie’s Hats has taken ona life of its own.”

In addition, Gwen Wotring – who makes hats anddonates them to the organization – had a table there,where she sold her hats to the attendees. Pleased,she said, “A lot of people bought them today to do-nate to Ellie’s Hats.”

Pancake Fundraiser a Big Success

Nate Solberg and sonHudson, 2, visited thefirefighters from Station 3.

Isabelle Clark, 5, sits insidea police vehicle.

Jim Price, with the Sons ofthe American Legion, flipspancakes.

Mom Brigid Bludau and children (from left)John, 5 months; Audrey, 2-1/2; and David,4-1/2, heaped their plates with food.

Members of 501 Legion portray StarWars characters (from left) an X-Wingpilot with the Rebel Legion, astormtrooper, tie pilot, anotherstormtrooper and Commander Cody.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

THANKING EVERYONE for coming to the event,Coakley said, “The main thing that makes this hap-pen is you guys. And this year, the families of kidsbattling cancer got their breakfasts free – and, to me,that’s the coolest part about this breakfast. We wantedto sponsor 10 families at $35 each, and 25 peoplevolunteered to do it.” He also expressed his appre-ciation to Allstate, which donated $9,500 to the or-ganization.

Afterward, he said, “I think it was another success-ful event. And the weather cooperated, so we wereable to have the fire and police vehicles and Star Warscharacters outside. It’s a great, family event for peopleto get together and just have fun. More kids that we’vehelped came to this breakfast than in previous years,and it was wonderful to meet them, face-to-face.”


HomeLifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

When designing the patio of her McLeanhome, interior design professor JeanFreeman of Marymount University, relied on the natural surroundings to cre-ate a backdrop for her outdoor oasis.

“I have an area in the backyard that has small stonesand lounge furniture,” she said. “Our backyard is nextto Pimmit Run Trail and has lots of trees, some ofwhich I planted. Also, I planted several holly trees sothat the area would attract more birds and sometimesthe bird chirping gets quite loud and wonderful.”

Gentle breezes and mild temperatures are some ofthe pleasures of spring that beckon many outdoorsfor parties and family dinners, but turning a winter-worn patio into a space for entertaining can feeldaunting. Breathing new life into a landscape dulledby snow and frost or creating an entirely new out-door space might be easier than it appears.

When considering a patio furniture purchase, avoidthe battle against Mother Nature by selecting piecesthat can stand up to the elements. “The number onerule in furnishing your patio is to purchase qualityfurniture,” said Anne Walker of Anne Walker DesignLLC. “There are a lot of outdoor furnishings that lookalike, but they are not all the same. Dedon, based inGermany and Janus et Cie, based in California, makeexcellent outdoor furnishings that will stand the testof time … [and] will not fade, warp or degrade evenif left outdoors in the elements for years.

Less expensive look-alikes will fall apart after justa few years or months of exposure to the elements,continued Walker. “I can’t stress it enough: invest inhigh-quality outdoor furnishings or you will just bethrowing your money away. Buy the best you canafford, and work little by little if need be to com-plete your outdoor space. You won’t be sorry.”

When choosing fabrics for that furniture, ToddMartz, co-owner of Home on Cameron in Old TownAlexandria, says, “Accessories like pillows and drap-eries as well as chairs, sofas and rugs are all avail-able in low maintenance fabrics.”

Selecting smaller, easy-to-move pieces of furnitureover large sectionals will produce a design plan withversatility. “You’ll be happy to have the flexibility tomove things around when you entertain or when thesun shifts and you want to get into or away from thedirect sun,” said Walker.

Incorporating potted plants into the landscape de-sign offers versatility. “Mix several sized plants … verylarge as well as different types of plants in smallerplanters,” added Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Proxmire,Inc. “Vary the textures as well as the color of greenleaves such as ferns, palms and flowering plants.”

Use planters to create architectural features likewalls and borders. “The plants will add beautiful vi-sual interest, and the planters are moveable, allow-ing flexibility in use and design,” said Walker.

For those who want to build a stone patio, go forvariety, but establish a solid base to avoid costly re-pairs later. “Combinations of flagstone and brick areelegant and more interesting than use of only onetype of materials,” said Walker. “Make sure you havea professional set your patio in concrete. It’s muchless expensive to set the stone in stone dust, butwithin a year or less the stones will begin to shiftand weeds will grow through the gaps.”

Lighting matters, says Proxmire, and she suggestthat when designing or even sprucing up patio, “Usedifferent sources of light [such as] inside-outdoorlamps, different sizes of lanterns, candlesticks withglass hurricanes,” she said. “The candles with bat-teries are great for using outside because the windisn’t an issue.”

Now that summer is on the horizon, Walker has aplan for getting her patio guest-ready. “I will powerwash with my personal home power washer, planta few flowers and boom! Ready to entertain,” shesaid. “We love to entertain on our patio. It’s ourfavorite space.”

Time to dust-off and spruceup patios for a season ofal fresco entertaining.

Ready for Summer

Todd Martz of Home on Cameron designedthis patio and says that exterior spacescan be treated like an indoor room byusing bright, fresh fabrics designed spe-cifically for outdoors.

Kelley Proxmire suggests using plants andplanters in a variety of sizes — such asthese blue and white ceramic pots tocreate a light and airy patio space.

One design technique that Anne Walkerhas incorporated into the design of herown patio is choosing smaller, moveablepieces of furniture — like these DedonBarcelona lounge chairs — over largesectionals to allow for a versatile designplan.

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

ONGOINGArt Exhibit: To the Ends of the

Earth. Through May 13, galleryhours at Vulcan Gallery, 1st Floor,Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. WorkhouseVisit www.workhousearts.org.

Farmers Market. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2p.m. at Springfield Town Center.6699 Spring Mall Drive, Springfield.Visit www.facebook.com/SpringfieldFoodworks/.

Second Saturdays. 6-9 p.m. at theWorkhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Road, Lorton. TheSecond Saturday Art Walk is theperfect time to meet nearly 85Resident and Associate Artists,creating art in the studios orexhibiting in our galleries. Visitwww.workhousearts.org/.

Senior Line Dancing. Mondays, 1p.m.; Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. at LittleRIver Glen Senior Center, 4001Barker Court, Fairfax. Line Dancing isa gentle, social form of aerobicactivity. No previous experienceneeded. Cost: $5 per 8-week session.Email [email protected] or call703-524-3739.

Carolina Shag. Wednesdays, 6:30-10p.m. at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge,8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Freelessons at 7:30 p.m. No partnersneeded. Dinner menu. $8. Under 21free. nvshag.org.

FUN-Exercise Thursdays, noon-12:50p.m. at Grace Presbyterian ChurchFamily Room, 7434 Bath St.,Springfield. Inova certified exerciseinstructor leads a moderate levelexercise class with music and currentevents [email protected] or 703-499-6133. Instructor donation is $5.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MAY 10-12“Into the Woods.” At West

Springfield High School, 6100Rolling Road, Door 4, Springfield.Dates/times: Thursday, May 10 at 7p.m.; Friday, May 11 at 7 p.m.; andSaturday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Ticketsare $8/students and seniors; $12/adults. Tickets on sale atwww.spartantheatre.com/ticketsales.There will be a Spartan TheatreHomecoming on Saturday, May 12,noon-4 p.m. to give tours of the newspace. Visit www.spartantheatre.com.

FRIDAY/MAY 11Welcome Home Concert 2018. 7

p.m. at Ernst Theater, NorthernVirginia Community College -Annandale, 8333 Little RiverTurnpike, Annandale. Join VirginiaMusic Adventures’ ensembles:Annandale Jazz Ambassadors, ChapelSquare Combo, Wakefield JazzWorkshop, and Jazz Vocal EnsembleTickets $10 for adults, students enterfree. Tickets at the door or online atwww.vamusicadventures.org/.

Friday Night Campfires. 7:30-9 p.m.at Hidden Pond Nature Center islocated at 8511 Greeley Boulevard,Springfield. Learn about animals,insects, plants and more. End theevening with s’mores. $8 per person.Call 703-451-9588 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hidden-pond.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MAY 11-12Spring Dance Concert. Friday, 7:30

p.m.; Saturday, 4:30 p.m. at FairfaxAcademy Dance Presents Falling Up,a compilation of dances from allgenres, inspired by the writings ofthe great poet Shel Silverstein. Gettickets at fxdance.ticketleap.com/falling-up.

SATURDAY/MAY 12Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at

Springfield Town Center. 6699Spring Mall Drive, Springfield. Visit

Calendar

See Calendar, Page 15

www.facebook.com/SpringfieldFoodworks/.

Eagle Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. atMason Neck State Park, 7301 HighPoint Road, Lorton. Live raptor andreptile shows, 20 environmentalorganization exhibits, outdoorrecreation clinics, boating bonanza,eagle cam, photography exhibit, hayand pony rides, children’s activitiestent, food trucks, live music. Therewill be a pre-opening bird walk at 8a.m. led by Audubon SocietyNorthern Virginia. Park in the picnicarea. Visitwww.masonneckstateparkfriends.org/

Fundraiser and Book Fair. AtBarnes and Noble Store, 12193 FairLakes Promenade Drive, Fairfax. TheFairfax Station Railroad Museumvolunteers will introduce visitors tolife in Fairfax Country during the1800s. Local authors will sign booksavailable for sale. The Museum willreceive a percentage of sales for mostpurchases. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, or www.facebook.com/FFXSRR. Call 703-425-9225.

Crafty Night Out. 7-9 p.m.atSydenstricker United MethodistChurch, 8508 Hooes Road,Springfield. Come enjoy horsd’oeurves and mocktails whilepersonalizing a tote bag or candle.Fundraiser by Girl Scout Troop 1378.$20 tote bag, $10 candle, $25combo, $5/hr. babysitting. [email protected].

Hoedown for Harmony. 7-10 p.m. atAccotink Unitarian UniversalistChurch, 10125 Lakehaven Court,Burke. Come dance in lines, circles,and squares - all proceeds go to theStudent Peace Awards of FairfaxCounty. No experience necessary.Cost over 18 $25; 13-18 $15; under13 free. Call 703-968-2971.

SUNDAY/MAY 13Model Train Show & Mother’s Day

Celebration. 1-4 p.m. at FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.The Northern Virginia NTRAKmembers will hold an N gauge T-TRAK model train show at themuseum. Moms receive a special gift.Museum members and moms, free;adults 16 and over, $4. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR or call703-425-9225.

Navy Sea Chanters Concert. 4-5:30p.m. at St. Andrew’s EpiscopalChurch, 6509 Sydenstricker Road,Burke. Final concert of the seasonwith the Navy Band Sea Chanters,the United States Navy’s officialchorus. Enjoy music ranging fromtraditional choral music, includingsea chanteys and patriotic fare, toBroadway and contemporary music.Free admission. Reception to follow.Childcare provided. Call 703-455-2500 or visit www.standrews.net.

TUESDAY/MAY 15A Fond Farewell. 3:30-5:30 p.m. at

Insight Memory Care Center, 3953Pender Drive #100, Fairfax. JoinInsight for a spring carnival withgames, a cake walk, music andInsight friends. The event will alsocelebrate Joel Bednoski’s leadershipand wishing him a fond farewell.RSVP at insightmcc.org or to NikiTindall at 703-204-4664 [email protected].

WEDNESDAY/MAY 16Cub Scout Carnival. 7-8 p.m. at

Union Mill Elementary School, 13611Springstone Drive, Clifton. Games,prizes, and fun. Pack 1860 invites

boy and now girls (K-5th grades) andtheir families. Come learn about CubScouts – now open to boys and girls.Free. Email [email protected]

THURSDAY/MAY 17Friday Morning Music Club. Third

Thursday Noon-1 p.m. at Old TownHall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax.Friday Morning Music Club, Inc. Onthe third Thursday of the month theyhost their performances at Old TownHall. Free and open to the public.Visit www.fmmc.org.

Lunch N’ Life. Noon-2 p.m. at JubileeChristian Church, 4650 Shirley GateRoad, Fairfax.The next Lunch N’ Lifesponsored by the Shepherd’s Centerof Fairfax-Burke will feature guestspeaker Chap Peterson, Virginia StateSenator representing the 34th District.For reservations, call Bea Stephensonat 703-273-5730 by May 11th.$10.00; checks payable to SCFB. Iftransportation is needed, call theSCFB office (703) 323-4788. Seewww.scfbva.org

“Heat, Dirt, and Scholarship:Women in ClassicalArchaeology.” 7 p.m. at BraddockDistrict Supervisor’s Office, 9002Burke Lake Road, Burke. Dr. CarolMattusch specializes in courses onGreek and Roman art andarchaeology and the rediscovery ofclassical antiquity. All are welcome.Presented by American Association ofUniversity Women. [email protected] or call703-490-8737 for more.

FRIDAY/MAY 18Bike to Work Day. Join more than

18,000 area commuters for a freecelebration of bicycling as a fun,healthy and environmentally-friendlyway to get to work. Starting at

various early morning hours, andsome in the afternoon. Morning Biketo Work Day convoys, led byexperienced bicycle commuters, willtravel throughout the region. Alllevels of cyclists are welcome to jointhe convoys. To register, visitwww.biketoworkmetrodc.org and beentered for a free bike raffle.

46th Annual Clifton Homes Tour.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours of fourClifton homes and a silent auction atClifton Presbyterian Church. Freeevents include tours of two historicClifton churches, a silent auction,wreath sale, and Trinkets andTreasures at Clifton PresbyterianChurch. Proceeds benefit localscholarships and charities. Tour: $25-30, Free admission to silent auction.Meets at Clifton Presbyterian Church,12748 Richards Lane, Clifton. Visitwww.cliftoncwc.org.

Encore Chorale Concert. 7:30-9p.m. at United Christian ParishReston, 11508 North Shore Drive,Reston. Combined Encore Choralesfrom Reston, Fairfax, and LansdowneWoods sing music from Broadway,the Great American Songbook, andtraditional Spirituals. Free and opento the public. Visitwww.EncoreCreativity.org.

SATURDAY/MAY 19World Vision Global 6K for Water.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. at CommunityCovenant Church, 7018Sydenstricker Road, Springfield.Walk or run 6 kilometers to joinWorld Vision in raising money forclean water initiatives. $50. Visitwww.teamworldvision.org/team/Community-Covenant-Springfield.

Touch a Truck. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Red

By David SiegelThe Connection

T he Fairfax Symphony Orchestra(FSO) presents the final concert ofits 60th season. The performancewill rejoice with acclaimed works by re-nowned composers and voices to match. Fea-turing music and song, the FSO intends toprovide patrons with an evening filled withsoaring melodies, tender duets, and favoritemusic of broad appeal.

“This special occasion marks an importantmilestone in our 60-year partnership withour Fairfax County Board of Supervisors,Fairfax County Public Schools, our corpo-rate partners and donors, and the entire

community,” said Jim McKeever, FairfaxSymphony Board Chair. “Together, we affirmour commitment to musical excellence, in-novative music education programs, and ahigh quality of life for our residents, em-ployees, and visitors.”

Musical selections to be played includeVerdi’s “La Traviata,” Puccini’s “Tosca,” Bizet’s“Carmen,” and Bernstein’s “Candide” and“West Side Story” among others.

When asked about the special evening,Christopher Zimmerman, FSO Conductorsaid, “This is our culminating concert of theseason. It celebrates our 60th and FairfaxCounty’s 275th founding anniversary. And,added to that, we are providing a tribute tothe great American musician Leonard

Bernstein. Musically speaking, we at the FSOwanted to have and share a fun affair withour patrons full of soloists, choruses, and vir-tuoso music for orchestra alone.”

Featured with the Fairfax Symphony Or-chestra will be internationally renownedtenor Carl Tanner from Falls Church, andsoprano Danielle Talamantes. They will bejoined by more than 100 voices of the FairfaxChoral Society and Music & Arts Chorus.

“The FSO prides itself on collaborating withtremendous soloists—both young and sea-soned alike; as well as other music institutions,and even other art forms,” added Zimmerman.“It will be an evening of raw energy; beauti-ful, uplifting and powerful music; and tunesthat everyone knows and loves.”

Celebrating 60 years, Fairfax Symphony presents its season grand finale.

Beloved Numbers, Beautiful VoicesPhotos courtesy of Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in concert.Maestro Christopher Zimmerman conducting theFairfax Symphony Orchestra.


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“Loving People to Life”

By Jon RoetmanThe Connection

South County softball coach GaryDillow recognizes freshman CaraMartin as a cool customer in thepitcher’s circle.But despite being poised beyond her

years, the Stallion southpaw experiencednerves during her first meeting with rivalLake Braddock, when South County trav-eled to Burke on April 20 and came out onthe losing end of a 3-1 score.

Eighteen days later, Martin got anothershot at Lake Braddock and this time, No.14 mowed through the Bruins with the skilland focus of a veteran hurler.

With the top seed in the Patriot Districttournament on the line, Martin allowed justone hit and struck out 12 while the Stal-lions defeated the Bruins 3-1 on Tuesday atSouth County High School.

Martin retired 16 of the final 17 battersshe faced, a stretch of dominance inter-rupted only by a Bruin reaching base viaSouth County error.

THE VICTORY earned the Stallions a regu-lar-season split with the Bruins and homefield advantage throughout the district tour-nament.

“I was concerned — they beat us the firsttime we played them, 3-1 — and with as manyyoung kids as I’ve got, it was very importantfor us to win tonight for them to know thatthey can [beat Lake Braddock],” Dillow said.“I would certainly expect to see them again aweek from Friday in our district finals.”

When asked about some of the differencesbetween Tuesday’s contest and her April

start against Lake Braddock, Martin, one offour freshmen on the South County roster,acknowledged her initial meeting with theBruins was nerve-wracking.

“I felt a lot more pressure the first timebecause it was the first game I’ve everplayed against Lake Braddock [and] there’salways that rivalry that’s going on,” Martinsaid. “It’s such an enclosed space (at LakeBraddock’s field) — the dugouts aren’t asbig and the bleachers are like right there,so it all felt like it was pressing in on me. Itried to keep a level head, I tried to keepdoing what I needed to do, but it was a littleharder to keep your head [straight].”

While things went much smoother forMartin during most of Tuesday’s contest, shedid have to pitch out of trouble early.

Ellie Mataya led off the game with a double,Lake Braddock’s only hit, and the Bruins hadrunners at first and third with one out butfailed to score in the opening frame.

In the second inning, Lake Braddock hadbatters reach via hit by pitch, base on ballsand intentional walk, but Martin limited theBruins to one unearned run, which scoredon a throwing error.

After a fly out to center field ended the topof the second inning, no Lake Braddock bat-ter managed to hit the ball out of the infieldagainst Martin for the remainder of the game.

Dillow said Martin carries herself like herolder sister, Rebecca, a four-year starter for

South County who was in the pitcher’s circlewhen the Stallions captured the 2014 6Astate championship.

“She doesn’t get rattled,” Dillow said.“She’s just like her sister. Her sister was thesame way: you can’t tell by looking at herwhether we’re up five or down five. It’s justreally impressive.”

Martin struck out six in a row during thethird and fourth innings.

“She was on today,” South County catcherEmma Yates said. “We trust her in thecircle.”

Along with catching Martin’s gem, Yates,who will play at Virginia Tech, also playeda key offensive role. The junior led off thebottom of the fourth inning with a singleand moved into scoring position whenKyndal Harrison followed with a sacrificebunt. With two outs, Yates scored the tyingrun from second base on a Lake Braddockfielding error despite the ball staying in theinfield.

“[Yates is], in my opinion, one of the bestcatchers I’ve ever seen, defensively,” Dillowsaid. “She’s a leadoff [hitter and] she cer-tainly doesn’t run like a catcher.”

THE PATRIOT DISTRICT TOURNA-MENT quarterfinals are scheduled for Fri-day, May 11, the semifinals are set for May15 and the championship game will be heldMay 18.

Freshman allowsone hit, strikes out 12during 3-1 victory.

South County Pitcher Martin Shuts Down Lake Braddock

South County pitcher CaraMartin struck out 12 during theStallions’ 3-1 victory over LakeBraddock on Tuesday.

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Walkers of all different faiths take part in the Fairfax InterfaithFriendship Walk on Sunday, May 6, 2018, which began at FairfaxUnited Methodist Church in the City of Fairfax.

News

By Steve HibbardThe Connection

More than 100 people tookpart in the 3.3-mile FairfaxInterfaith Friendship Walk2018 on Sunday, May 6,2018, in the City of Fairfax. The mission ofthe second-annual walk was to help bringfaith communities together to appreciateeach other and feel part of the same wholedespite their differences.

According to Henry Brinton, Pastor ofFairfax Presbyterian Church: “Last year, agroup of clergy, both Christian and Muslim,were meeting together building relation-ships and we were so concerned about thedivisiveness and polarization in our societytoday that we thought it would be a greatidea to get members of our congregationstogether to walk through the City of Fairfaxas a very visible sign of friendship betweenpeople of different faiths.”

He continued: “We will be walking be-tween eight different communities of faithwithin the City of Fairfax with representa-tives of 10 different communities of faith,including a Jewish congregation. We couldnot walk to each and every house of wor-ship because of the distance involved. Butwe will have Muslim, Jewish and Christianparticipants in this Friendship Walk. Thegoal is to build friendships between neigh-bors here in the City of Fairfax, people ofdifferent faiths and nationalities because webelieve that those personal relationships arereally the secret to overcoming the divisionsin society today.”

THE GROUP started at the Fairfax UnitedMethodist Church and visited Christian Sci-ence Church, Daniels Run Peace Church,Ezher Mosque, Metropolitan CommunityChurch of Northern Virginia, Truro Angli-can Church, Fairfax Presbyterian Church,Fairfax Baptist Church, and ended with theChrist Lutheran Church. At each stop, thegroup spent five minutes learning aboutthat faith tradition.

“I think the reason why I’m here today isto affirm the diversity of our city and the

importance of faith communities to contrib-ute to our civic well-being,” said DavidMeyer, Mayor of the City of Fairfax. “Localgovernments cannot meet all the needs ofeveryone, and churches, synagogues,mosques play a critical role in communitybuilding. They have programs for youth, forseniors, for people in all walks of life andthey are essential for us to be a successfulvibrant community. This Interfaith Walk isan affirmation that everybody’s traditionsand commitment to the community is im-portant and that we have a shared visionfor the well-being of all our citizens.”

Rashid Telbisoglu, Program Director atRumi Forum, added: “We thought that itwould be a good idea to foster good rela-tionships with different parts of the com-munity for a better and peaceful Fairfax. Wethought maybe we could organize an inter-

faith walk. And our idea of interfaith is ba-sically engagement. We’re not trying to cre-ate one religion or anything. But we wantto create a friendship environment so it’sactually Fairfax Interfaith Friendship Walk,so we want people to learn about eachother’s faiths and organizations and so thatwe know our neighbors in the community.That’s how we are thinking of achieving apeaceful community.”

FAIRFAX RESIDENT Earl Zimmerman,Pastor of Daniels Run Peace Church, added:“We used to have a little plaque in ourchurch lawn called, ‘No matter where you’refrom, we’re glad you’re a neighbor.’ I thinkthis walk just demonstrates that. We’re fromdifferent faith traditions and we’re walkingthrough our city and enjoying each other’scompany and having a good time. And it

just expresses our wanting to work togetherto be that kind of community that welcomeseverybody.”

Paul Collinson-Streng, Pastor of Christ Evan-gelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax, added:“We are just very excited to be here for thesecond year because it gives us an opportu-nity to demonstrate friendship with our broth-ers and sisters from other faith traditions. It’sa great time to talk with each other; get toknow each other along the road and learn alittle bit about each other’s faith traditions soit’s a great afternoon for sharing.”

Herndon resident Jan Ramp of the Chris-tian Science Church of Fairfax added: “Ourhope is to embrace the community for one,and to educate other churches as to our faithtraditions. And so, we’re just looking for-ward to being with our other church neigh-bors and all the neighbors here in Fairfax.”

About 100 people visit eight different communities of faith in the City of Fairfax.

Interfaith Friendship Walk Held in Fairfax

Pastors from various churches before the Fairfax Interfaith FriendshipWalk at the parking lot of Fairfax United Methodist Church in the Cityof Fairfax.

City of Fairfax Mayor David Meyer (with bullhorn)addresses the crowd before the walk.

Walkers take part in the Fairfax Interfaith FriendshipWalk on Sunday, May 6, 2018, which began at FairfaxUnited Methodist Church in the City of Fairfax.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection


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By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Wow!. I just saved “Up to $504 ** “ (notincluding the two asterisks), and all I did wasbuy a six pack of LED light bulbs. So it says onthe package anyway.

Maybe I should buy another six-pack andsave even more money? There are only twoproblems (just two?) with this plan. First, Idon’t see a rebate-type form to complete andreturn and; in lieu there of, neither is there aguarantee, considering my health situation,that I’ll even live long enough (“Lasts 13+Years”) to realize the benefit/savings of notspending additional money on light bulbs.(Are they even called light bulbs any more? Idon’t see it printed on the packageanywhere.)

And while I’ll definitely enjoy not spendingmoney on light bulbs – or whatever they’recalled, I won’t enjoy wondering if I’ve nowspent money on light bulbs that I don’t actu-ally need and/or likely will never even use. Imean, I have previously – because as a coun-try/consumer we’ve had no other choice,given that the incandescent light bulb ship hassailed – bought replacement light bulbs. Idon’t remember however, if the bulbs wereLED, Halogen, Incandescent, CFL,Fluorescent or who knows what? Literally.Certainly not me.

My only light-bulb-related talent is screw-ing them into the fixture as I’ve written aboutpreviously. (Do you remember I called myself“Tauras Bulba”?) In fact, I may very well havealready installed light bulbs that are going tolast for years so it’s possible there isn’t even aneed to allocate dollars and sense to bulbinventory – or even to write this column.

I suppose that if I’m serious and/orinclined to shine a light on this problem, Ineed to get organized, either on my com-puter or in pen in a notebook (Sort of likehow my wife’s Italian grandfather, Cesare, didregarding Christmas cards. He had years ofnotebooks with names listed with boxesalongside, checked or not, for cards sentand/or received) to identify whichlights/fixtures have which kind of light bulbsso I’ll know whether it’s likely I’ll actuallyneed to spend money on replacement lightbulbs.

If the light bulbs really are going to “Last13+ years,” (as is also printed on the pack-age) then I might not need to buy them anymore, for awhile, anyway. As a result, lightbulbs will no longer be a regular purchase liketoilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent,etc. Instead, they will become an irregularpurchase like batteries, sponges and the like.

Now, if I really can stop this unnecessarylight-bulb-redundancy, I should have a fewextra dollars that I can allocate elsewhere onreal necessities – like candy, cookies and icecream.

Having sorted out the light bulb task aheadof me; in addition to saving money, I willhave saved time as well. And who wouldn’twant to save time and money? Everybody.However, saving it in this excruciatingly bor-ing/mundane manner has limited appeal, Iwould guess.

But, we’re not just saving pennies here;potentially, according to the light bulb’s pack-aging, we are apparently saving hundreds ofdollars, and hundreds are worth saving.

Unfortunately, the dollars saved are notexactly in-pocket. They’re more dollars whichwon’t be spent out-of-pocket. Not as direct asa rebate, but more like an indirect benefitsuch as money saved from the installation ofenergy-efficient windows or placing insulationin your attic.

Either way, it’s money not in somebodyelse’s pocket. I just wish the manufacturerscould figure out a way to pay me today, espe-cially since I paid them yesterday.

Still Haven’tSeen the Light

One local resident, describing herself asa supporter of the Second Amendment,challenged Connolly on his views regard-ing the “hardening” of schools.

“I’m not completely sure what you meanby that,” answered Connolly, but he firmlyrejected the proposal to arm teachers as adefense against gun violence in the class-room. “Can you imagine that scenario?”Connolly believes that it would be “mad-ness” to put teachers in that position, evenwith training. “Was that a gunshot? ShouldI shoot? Who should I shoot? Teachers havea difficult enough role, a major responsi-bility just to do the job they have.”

Langston Carter and Michael McCabebacked Connolly’s position, noting that the“hardening of schools” approach to protec-tion can often have a negative impact onstudents of color.

THINGS TURNED A LITTLE HEATEDwhen the woman got back in line for a sec-ond turn at the microphone to “explain justwhat assault weapons are.” Rumblings fromthe audience during her comments causedthe speaker to angrily assert that “there’sall this talk of a conversation, but you don’twant to hear an opposite view.”

Zachary Schonfeld, a senior at Reston’sSouth Lakes High School, recounted theoften hateful and vulgar negative backlashhe faced, particularly on social media, af-ter speaking at an event. “How do youhandle that?” he asked the panel. Connolly’sresponse — “One word. Fortitude. Keepgoing. Our opponents are counting on youto quit, to give up. Know that you are mak-ing a difference.”

Other audience members offered sugges-tions for improving school safety. Some, likeformer Secret Service agent DonnaWidawski, urged the congressman and thestudents to keep an eye on the bigger pic-ture. “Sensible gun legislation is critical, butthere is more to the story, more to be ex-amined and addressed to prevent all typesof violence in schools and in the commu-nity at large.”

Fairfax County Council of PTAs presidentBeth Tudon applauded the students’ effortsto promote voter registration, offering as-sistance from her organization and partnerslike the League of Women Voters.

According to the FCCPTA, fewer than 20percent of the county’s students were reg-istered to vote during the 2016-2017 schoolyear. This year, the numbers registered havealmost tripled, but “It’s time to make apush,” she said. The deadline to register forthe June 2018 primaries is May 21.

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From Page 10Cross National Capital Region Headquarters,8550 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Join the 2ndAnnual Touch A Truck Event. Bring the familyout and see all of the Red Cross emergencyvehicles,bloodmobiles, fire engines, policevehicles, and more. Enjoy games, including abounce house, food and fun for the entirefamily. Rain or shine. Entry is free. Visitwww.redcross.org/news/event/Touch-A-Truck—Open-House-Event.

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