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Page 1: Opinion, Page 4 ‘Never Stop Dreaming’connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/...Jun 04, 2019  · ‘Never Stop Dreaming’ ... to ward off a “greater crisis coming”

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com June 5-11, 2019

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Attention Postmaster:

Time sensitive material.

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6-6-19

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PAIDEaston, MDpermit #322

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WellbeingPage 5

Westfield WinsEight CappiesNews, Page 6

Clifton CabooseTwilight RaceNews, Page 12

‘Never Stop Dreaming’News, Page 7

Nyliek Brooks-Allen and Christine Kearney-Ogburn won Shirley O. Nelson Memorial Scholarships at CPMSAC’s annual awards ceremony.

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2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Page 3: Opinion, Page 4 ‘Never Stop Dreaming’connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/...Jun 04, 2019  · ‘Never Stop Dreaming’ ... to ward off a “greater crisis coming”

Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

Three of the four Democratic can-didates seeking the top electedspot in Fairfax County met onceagain on May 30 at a forum

hosted by the Greater McLean Chamber ofCommerce at the Alden Theatre in McLeanCommunity Center. Current Lee DistrictSupervisor Jeff McKay, Fairfax CountySchool Board at-large member RyanMcElveen, and Georgetown law professorAlicia Plerhoples took to the stage to ex-press views and solutions to county-wideissues. WUSA – Channel 9’s Peggy Foxserved as moderator, posing questions com-posed by the Chamber, as well as those sub-mitted by audience members.

The fourth Democratic challenger forBoard Chair, Reston-based developer TimChapman, sent his regrets due to family cir-cumstances. It was possibly Chapman’s ab-sence that kept the temperature at a sim-mer rather than a full-on boil such as wasreached when all four met recently in adebate hosted by the Fairfax Democrats, theDemocratic Business Council and the North-ern Virginia Labor Federation. At that event,Chapman and McKay traded verbal puncheson issues of leadership and ethics whenmoderator Julie Carey, NBC4 News North-ern Virginia Bureau Chief, brought up anethics complaint against McKay, allegingthat the Supervisor received a discount ona home he had purchased from a developerwho had business before the Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors.

McKay has vehemently denied the charge,and reiterated his denial at the earlier de-bate, but Chapman continued to press thathot button, insisting the allegations were“very troubling.”

McKay returned fire, accusing Chapmanof engaging in a smear campaign with falseallegations, replying that to “try and smearme because you are not winning a campaignis a Trump maneuver.”

THE ALLEGED VIOLATION wasn’t raisedat the McLean event that focused heavilyon economic and related issues that facethe county. The candidates maintained acivil demeanour toward each other, thoughthere were still some politely heated mo-ments.

While McElveen and McKay generallyused their response times to expand on eachtopic (with McKay providing some histori-cal context from his perspective as a cur-rent Board member) and offer their recom-mendations for improvements, Plerhoplesfrequently included criticisms of the Board’srecord on many of the issues.

“Once again, we need to play catch up[to other jurisdictions like] Arlington and

D.C. on the issue of affordable housing inour area,” Plerhoples said. Plerhoples ac-cused the current Board of over-focusing onworkforce housing as opposed to more af-fordable housing. “We need more, for all[sectors] and need more focus on preser-vation of existing affordable housing.”

While not specifically backing this criti-cism, McElveen agreed that “some progresshad been made,” but more could be done.He favors upping the tax percentage offunds set aside for affordable housing to 2cents per dollar of assessed property valueto ward off a “greater crisis coming” andtake the strain off all those affected, includ-ing younger and older county residents.

When the topic of funding for parks andpublic libraries was raised, Plerhoples hitback at McKay’s response. McKay praisedboth parks and public library departmentsfor their ability to run effective, muchneeded organizations on less than 1 per-cent of the county’s entire budget, referenc-ing that number as one way the county hadfought those who sought to take funds fromparks and libraries to cover other financialshortfalls or fund other priorities. McKayreminded the audience of harder times ofthe recent past when line items for such ser-vices often came under attack.

To this rationale, Plerhoples, who saidthat those public places “probably got meinto Harvard” and who personally experi-enced housing instability during her youth,replied “if these services are so important,why do they only receive 1 percent of thebudget?”

Responding to an audience question ofrevitalization of some more neglected ar-eas of the county like Bailey’s Crossroads,Plerhoples again took exception to McKay’sanswer.

McKay made the case for “balanced” re-development bringing “economic engines toall parts of the county.” Giving examples ofthe work done to bring Springfield Mall andsurroundings back to life, and the workbeing done on the Route One Corridor,McKay said that “sometimes rules had tobe broken.”

“We don’t need to break some rules,” shotback Plerhoples. “Actually we want the ex-act opposite in our Supervisors,” she de-clared.

Before answering the next questionconcerning support of women and minor-ity businesses as contractors to thecounty, McKay took the opportunity tomake clear any misunderstanding of hisprevious reply.

Part of the “hard decision-making” of theBoard’s job, says McKay, is finding ways tomake “squares fit in a round hole.” The suc-cess of the Springfield revitalization re-quired just that type of creativity.

“That’s leadership,” stated McKay.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER McElveenalso “corrected” his opponent in a follow-up after a discussion on workforce devel-opment, taking exception when Plerhoplesspoke about creating internships or otherpaths for area high schoolers to prepare forthe jobs of the future.

McElveen pointed out that Fairfax CountyPublic Schools already does just that, andhas expanded their efforts recently by add-ing stipends for certain IT and related train-ing opportunities.

“Students have a chance to learn and getpaid – school-sponsored internships,” hesaid. McElveen also mentioned other areasand partnerships that gave local studentsmore preparation for success after highschool graduation.

When Plerhoples cited that Fairfax Countywas on the verge of becoming a minority-majority jurisdiction and that more empha-sis needed to be placed on inclusion of mi-norities in the governmental conversation,McElveen responded that the school systemhad already reached that demographic sta-tus. FCPS has a school population of morethan 187,000 students; 40.7 percent ofFCPS students are White, 27.4 percent areHispanic, 20.8 percent are Asian, 10.6 per-cent are Black, 5.5 percent are two or moreraces.

The assurance of diversity and equity “andthe reflection of our residents in our schoolstaff” is already in practice, according toMcElveen, and is, in fact, incorporated inthe system’s Strategic Plan.

McElveen also said that he is “the onlycandidate on this stage to have been partof developing a strategic plan tied to a bud-get.”

There was plenty of agreement by allthree on a number of issues and in declar-ing support for various efforts, actions andagencies, even while they differed in whatto do next to protect or improve them.

The “One Fairfax” equity policy is cel-ebrated by all the candidates. McKay calledit “one of the most important, if not the mostimportant thing I have done on the Board,”referring to his role in authoring the policy.McElveen appreciates it as a “framework”from which to continue to enhance the “eq-uity lens” by which the county’s work isdone. Plerhoples also applauded the adop-tion of the policy, but questioned how itcould be effective with only one person,Chief Equity Officer Karla Bruce, chargedwith its implementation and enforcement.

“She needs a team and a direct line tothe Chairman” for success, said Plerhoples,“and by-in from the community.” She seesherself as “uniquely qualified” to build that

See Board Chair, Page 9

McLean Chamber hosts Democratic candidates’ forum forBoard of Supervisors Chair; vote June 11.

Chairman Candidates Debate Heats Up

The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce hosted the democratic candi-dates for Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in a debate atthe McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. From left: ModeratorPeggy Fox from WUSA-Channel 9, candidates Ryan McElveen, currently anat-large member of the Fairfax County School Board; Lee District Supervi-sor Jeff McKay; Georgetown law professor Alicia Plerhoples, and McLeanChamber of Commerce president Paul Kohlenberger.

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

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4 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By Supervisor John C. Cook

Braddock District

Thousands of young American sol-diers boarded ships in England des-tined for the beaches of Normandy,France 75 years ago. Allied leaders

planned the first-of-its-kind invasion formonths. They designated five main beaches forthe attack and named them Utah, Omaha,Sword, Gold, and Juno. On the morning ofJune 6, 1944 high winds and rough wavesmade for a difficult journey to Northern Francefor the 5,000 ships and 11,000 airplanes car-rying 150,000 Allied troops.

The weather was far from perfect for an op-eration, but General Dwight Eisenhower couldnot risk the Germans spotting the massive mili-tary presence on the coast of England. WhenAllied Forces landed, they were met with abarrage of fire. Nearly 2,500 Americans diedin history’s largest air, land, and sea invasion.Despite the treacherous terrain and heavy ca-sualties, Allied forces broke through Germanlines and liberated the Gallic Coast. The piv-otal victory allowed the Allies to secure the

Western Front and begin a liberation campaigntowards Germany.

On the 75th anniversary of this momentousmilitary victory, we are compelled to remem-ber not just the heroism of the troops, but also

their virtues of service of sacrifice of that gen-eration. The harrowing actions of theseservicemembers deserve the greatest respectand deepest gratitude. They showed courage,tenacity, valor, and honor in the face of incred-ible dangers and challenges. As Tom Brokaweloquently put it, “They answered the call tohelp save the world from the two most power-ful and ruthless military machines ever as-sembled.” This anniversary should also promptall of us to emulate the Greatest Generation’simmense sense of duty and willingness toserve. Nearly every American in World War IIfound a way to support their nation during theconflict. Thousands of men volunteered toserve in the Armed Forces. Women supportedthe military in many different ways. Familiesnationwide planted victory gardens and vol-unteered for local groups that supported thewar effort. Women also took industrial jobs inarmament factories. In Burke, Va., residentsvolunteered 24/7 with the Aircraft WarningService by staying in a watch tower to lookout for enemy planes.

Today our nation faces many challenges. Buta nation that could win two World Wars canalso successfully meet the challenges of today.The spirit of the Greatest Generation is here toguide us.

At the Board of Supervisors meetingon Tuesday, June 4, 2019, the Boardrecognized the 75th anniversary ofthe D-Day Invasion on June 6, 1944.Included here is Rear Admiral GeneSizemore holding the plaque andother veterans with the members ofthe Board.

Lessons from the Greatest GenerationReflections on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.

Gun Violence AsPublic HealthCrisisTo the Editor:

For almost 20 years I have beenfighting for better gun laws in Vir-ginia — laws to prevent the un-speakable horrors that we saw inVirginia Beach on May 31, 2019when a gunman with two .45 cali-ber handguns with high-capacitymagazines murdered 12 peopleand injured many others.

At times, I have felt like it wasan exercise in futility – that I wassimply banging my head againstthe wall. No matter how sensiblethe proposal introduced, it wouldbe killed in committee by Repub-licans and a few rural Democratsand never even make it to the floorfor a vote.

We might have 20 people testifyin support of bills including vic-tims of gun violence, law enforce-ment, and the medical commu-nity; yet the voice of one gun in-dustry lobbyist opposed to themeasures would be the only onethat mattered.

After the shooting at VirginiaTech, there was a slow movementtowards change – at least amongDemocrats. It was a movementthat accelerated in the aftermathof the shooting at Sandy Hook El-ementary School that left 26 littlechildren and educators dead. Ru-

ral Democrats aligned with themajority in their party and startedspeaking out about the need forstronger laws to curtail the car-nage. In fact, many Democraticcandidates at even the highest lev-els of government began to run onthe issue vowing to fight for sen-sible gun violence prevention mea-sures if elected. Those Democratswon including most recently, Gov-ernor Northam, Lt. Governor,Fairfax and Attorney General Her-ring. And it should be no surprise.Polling tells us that as much as 90percent of the public is in favor ofstronger gun laws such as expand-ing background checks.

So, with the public and a Gov-ernor who clearly supports gunviolence prevention measures,why can’t we affect change? Be-cause the GOP is in control of bothchambers of the General Assem-bly and they continue to kowtowto the gun lobby instead of takingthe decisive action that wouldmake the Commonwealth safer forus all. Take the 2019 session forexample. Democrats introduceddozens of firearms bills includingones to expand backgroundchecks, ban assault weapons, limithigh-capacity magazines, caphandgun purchases to one amonth, and to keep guns out ofthe hands of domestic violenceabusers. Republicans defeatedthem all.

Gun violence has become a pub-lic health crisis in Virginia and

across the country. But it is an epi-demic that we know how to treat.Stronger gun laws won’t preventall senseless acts of violence butthey will save lives. To get thestronger laws we deserve, we mustvote for candidates who are moreafraid of another horrific shootingthan they are of the gun lobby andat this juncture, only the Demo-crats can stake that claim.

The proposals already exist. We

Letters to the Editor

know what needs to be done. Andonce Democrats are the majorityparty in both chambers we will fi-nally be able to pass bills to makeVirginia safer and Governor Northamwill gladly sign them into law.

Martina LeinzBurke

President, Northern VirginiaBrady Chapter, United Against

Gun Violence

Why I Celebrate EidTo the Editor:

Eid-ul-Fitr is an Islamic holidaywhich marks the end of themonth of fasting, Ramadan. Mus-lims celebrate Eid by spendingtime with family and friends,eating good food and exchang-ing gifts.

I like Eid because I get a lot ofpresents from my family andfriends and I get to wear newclothes. The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) told us thaton Eid we should take a bath, wear

new clothes or our best clothes,and wear perfume.

On Eid day I wear my newclothes and go to the mosque forEid prayer, After the prayer I meetmy friends and wish them “EidMubarak,” which means blessedEid. My favorite part of the day iswhen I open all my Eid presents,play games with my cousins andeat delicious food with my family.

Hibbatul Bari Iqbal, Age 9Chantilly

Write The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed.Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters areroutinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors.

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Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

“They took all myclothes and mademe walk nakedfor two days so I

couldn’t escape,” said one woman.“They kill people over nothing,”

said another.These are the descriptions from

Latina immigrants of their experi-ences as they were smuggled fromMexico to the United States. Thesewomen and others like them of-ten experience rape, assaults, andgun violence, said Carol L.Cleaveland, PhD, Associate Profes-sor of Social Work, George MasonUniversity.

In a recent paper, “An ExploratoryStudy of Latina ImmigrantTrauma,” she and co-author CaraFrankenfeld, PhD, also of GeorgeMason University, spoke with pa-tients at Mason and Partners Clinicin Springfield, Falls Church andManassas Park who describedevents that often left them with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).During June, which is PTSD Aware-ness Month, mental health profes-sionals are working to raise publicawareness of the disorder and aknowledge of the treatments avail-able to those who suffer.

There is often a lack of under-standing which makes it difficultto identify said Cleaveland. “PTSDis a shift in how people think, feeland behave in response to a trau-matic event they experience. It’ssomething that induces profoundterror,” she said.

and thoughts. Another therapy isEye Movement Desensitization Re-processing (EMDR) which involvesa patient briefly focusing on thetraumatic memory under the guid-ance of a trained clinician and ul-timately experiencing relief.

“There is research which showsEMDR is highly effective in desen-sitizing the trauma,” saysCleaveland.

Therapeutic riding is an emerg-ing therapy that has not been stud-ied extensively for PTSD. “[It] isteaching people to ride and workwith horses with the goal of im-proving their physical or mentalwell-being,” said Olivia Taylor,Program Director of Northern Vir-ginia Therapeutic Riding Program(NVTRP). “One of the biggest ben-efits we see for our riders withPTSD is that riding puts them inthe moment, focused on creatinga bond with their horse. They’renot thinking about past events orbeing hypervigilant, but feelingpeaceful in the moment.”

For those who have strained in-terpersonal skills related totrauma, such as the ability to trustothers, therapeutic riding providesa safe space for working on that

During PTSD Awareness Month,clinicians work to raise awareness,treatment options.

PTSD: Recognizingand Healing

Photo courtesy of Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program

Equine Therapy can be used to treat those with PTSD, says Olivia Taylor of the NorthernVirginia Therapeutic Riding Program.

“[Symptoms include] intrusivethoughts and memories of thetraumatic event, such as thinkingabout the event when you don’twant to, having flashbacks or hav-ing a strong emotional reaction toa something that reminds you ofthe trauma,” said Joanne Bagshaw,PhD, Professor of Psychology atMontgomery College.

A person experiencing PTSDmight avoid people or experiencesthat remind them of the trauma,said Bagshaw. “You [can experi-ence] negative thinking aboutyourself and the world, such ashaving traumatic expectations ordetaching from relationships.”

Managing and healing even se-vere symptoms is possible with theright strategies. “There are severalvery good treatments for trauma,”said Bagshaw.

Among these healing methods isCognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), a form of psychotherapythat teaches how to cope with dys-functional emotions, behaviors,

proficiency, Taylor said. “Horsesare empathetic, non-judgmentalcreatures, so therapeutic ridingprovides a great opportunity towork on building a trusting rela-tionship with another living be-ing,” she said.

As an example, Taylor points toone NVTRP rider who suffers fromdebilitating and life-disrupting anxi-ety resulting from PTSD. “Over sev-eral weeks of riding, she has devel-

“It’s important forpeople with PTSDto have hopebecause they canget better.”

— Carol L. Cleaveland,George Mason University

oped a very strong bond with thehorse she rides,” says Taylor. “Theyshare an especially close relation-ship, and she credits the trust shehas in him with her ability to over-come her fears of riding andprogress more than she’d ever imag-ined. We find that this sort of trustand openness to an empathetic re-lationship carries over into riders’lives beyond the farm, helping themto rebuild healthy lives.”

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6 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Not only did Westfield High’sboisterous,1980s musical,“Rock of Ages,” receive 24Cappie nominations, but it

won eight of them at the May 27 CappiesGala at The Kennedy Center in Washing-ton, D.C. The rock musical garnered crys-tal statuettes in acting, tech and critic cat-egories, as well as capturing the big prize –Best Musical.

“I was pleasantly surprised that we gotso many nominations – 24 is highly unusual– we set a school record,” said DirectorRachel Harrington. “I was just happy thatso many students got recognized. But I wasecstatic about all the wins. I wasn’t surewhat the night had in store, but it was justwonderful to see all the hard work pay off.”

Regarding the Best Musical award, shesaid, “I think this show really catered to theaudience, directly talking to them and pull-ing them into the experience. And it wasjust fun and a good time. The music is fa-miliar and something the audience mem-bers walked away singing. The cast andcrew are amazingly talented, and this showgave them the ability to shine.”

Besides that award, Westfield’s Cappiewinners were as follows:

Supporting Actor in a Musical: HarrySchlatter;

Comic Actor in a Musical: Alan Gutierrez-Urista;

Male Vocalist: John Henry Stamper;Stage Crew: Sarah Bourgeois, Hayden

Cutler & the Bourbon Room Employees;Stage Management: Lauryn Bailey;Sets: Braeden Anderson, Nora Lewis;Andy Mays Rising Critic: Julia Tucker.So how does Harry Schlatter feel about

winning the Cappie for Supporting Actorin a Musical? “Freaking thrilled,” he replied.“I think it’s so crazy that, out of all thesetalented actors, I got chosen – especiallywhen I had so much fun doing it.”

He also believes many things made hisperformance stand out to the Cappie vot-ers. “For one, everyone knows the music andthe lyrics, making it easy to have a goodtime with,” he explained. “Thenºthere area lot of funny and raunchy jokes – espe-cially for us high-schoolers, who think thisshow is outrageous to put on stage. My char-acter, Lonny, is the epitome of all the raun-chy, ’80s goofiness – the mullet, the stud-ded jewelry, the mustache – and he’s so intobeing a rocker, it’s his life. He is THE 1980srocker!”

AS FOR WESTFIELD THEATER and hisdirector, Schlatter said, “It’s awesome thatwe could all work so hard for the nomina-tions and, at the end of the day, the big winfor Best Musical. I know a lot of peopleweren’t excited about this show because it

Westfield’s ‘Rock of Ages’wins eight Cappies.

‘Wonderful to See All the Hard Work Pay Off’

doesn’t take itself seriously, like ‘Phantomof the Opera’ did last year. Instead, it waslots of fun, giving the actors the opportu-nity to flex their improv chops and makingfor a hysterical performance. I’m reallyhappy Mrs. Harrington picked the showbecause it gave us actors a great change ofpace and something everybody – actors,audience, Cappies critics – could enjoy.”

For John Henry Stamper, it was his sec-ond year in a row to win the Cappie for

Male Vocalist, after playing the title role inlast season’s “Phantom of the Opera.” Andhe called his latest victory “a blessing. TheCappies are so competitive, but I always domy absolute best and am passionate aboutit. It’s just an honor to be nominated andbe in the top five, and it’s great to see allthe talent in the area.”

Besides that, he said, “It’s always nice tobe appreciated by your peers. At the CappiesGala, I was excited to hear my name calledand go up there and give a speech. I think Iwon because I was singing music hey hadn’theard before, since ‘Rock of Ages’ isn’t a tra-ditional musical.”

Stamper also has deep roots in this school.“I’ve been doing Westfield Theater campssince I was 7, so it’s fostered a lot of growthfor me. I’m honored to call Westfield The-ater my home, and I’m excited for what thefuture holds for the department and for the

Cappies organization.”Alan Gutierrez-Urista was delighted, as

well, to win for Comic Actor in a Musical.“I thought I had a chance,” he said. “I prayeda lot, but all the other nominees workedjust as hard. But in that moment [at theawards ceremony] I hoped for it but didn’texpect it. Words can’t describe how I felt. Iwas very happy with the nomination, so Ididn’t need to win. But when they calledmy name, I was surprised and very excited.”

He attributes his victory to the fact thathe “just owned” the part of Franz. “I took alot of liberties with it,” he said. “I’d seenthe show on tour and talked to that Franzand asked him for advice, and he said tojust have fun with the role and make it myown. So I wanted to make it about the au-dience and make sure they were enter-tained.”

ALSO PROUD to be part of Westfield The-ater, Gutierrez-Urista said, “We’re a familyhere, with all the messiness, but it’s evidentthat we dedicate ourselves and work reallyhard. And we’re never at a lack for talent.”

Nora Lewis said she and Braeden Ander-son were overjoyed with their Cappie forSets. “It was amazing; we were completelyshocked,” she said. “We’d heard how goodsome of the other schools’ sets were, so wewere completely blown away.”

She believes their set appealed to theCappie voters because it had a breakablewall that made people take notice whensomeone broke through it. “And the ex-

Westfield High’s cast, crew and Director Rachel Harrington (right side, third from top) after winning eightCappies for their musical, “Rock of Ages.”

Photo Courtesy of Alfredo Gutierrez

Alan Gutierrez-Urista is thrilledfollowing his Cappie win for ComicActor in a Musical.

Photo Courtesy of Wini Schlatter

From left, Westfield’s HarrySchlatter, John Henry Stamper andHayden Cutler pose with theirCappies outside The KennedyCenter.

Pho

to

C

ourtesy o

f W

ini Schlatter

See Westfield, Page 10

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News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

The Chantilly Pyramid MinorityStudent Achievement Commit-tee (CPMSAC) held its 35th an-nual Youth Motivation and Aca-

demic Achievement Awards Program onSaturday, June 1, at Chantilly High. Hon-ored were middle- and high-school stu-dents, and the theme was “Persistence inPursuing Higher Student Achievement andAcademic Excellence.”

With their friends and family memberscheering them on, the students being hon-ored walked in, as is tradition, to the song,“Celebration.” Dignitaries attending in-cluded Fairfax County School Board mem-bers Karen Keys-Gamarra and IlryongMoon, FCPS Deputy SuperintendentFrances Ivey and Supervisor Kathy Smith(D-Sully).

MASTER OF CEREMONIES wasCPMSAC President Johnny Nelson, whoselate wife Shirley founded this all-volunteerorganization to eliminate the school-achievement gap seen in minority studentshere. “She saw a need and was determinedto do something about it,” he said. “Thecommittee originally met at Chantilly Bap-tist Church until we decided to open it upto the whole community.”

Now, said Nelson, parents often come upand tell him their son or daughter is at Dukeor Howard universities, Virginia Tech, orsome other college, and it fills him withhappiness and pride. “And that’s the rewardfor me,” he said. “I know it in my heart.Diversity is growing by leaps and boundsin Fairfax County, and diversity is whatwe’re all about. I look out among you and Ifeel so proud.”

Speaking next was Chantilly High Princi-pal Scott Poole. “Our theme this year atChantilly was ‘To connect, engage and in-spire,’ to allow learning to flourish and en-courage students to do the best they can sothey can succeed in life,” he said. “It’s alsoimportant to promote equity across all FCPSschools to give all students hope that theycan be successful. But it doesn’t happenunless students do the work and make themost of their opportunities – and you stu-dents here have certainly done so.”

Noting that she’s been attendingCPMSAC’s youth-motivation and academic-achievement awards program for manyyears, Ivey said, “I’m absolutely thrilled tosee it grow every year.” She then told thestudents, “We’re so proud of your hardwork, dedication and success. We salute youand congratulate you for your success to-day, and we also thank your parents, teach-ers, principals, counselors, administratorsand the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student

Achievement Committee. Students, we wishyou a bright future – never stop dreamingand set no limits on yourselves.”

Proud that she knew Shirley Nelson per-sonally, Smith praised CPMSAC, as well asits tutoring program, STEP (Saturdays To-ward Excellence Program), in which localresidents help students learn their academicsubjects. “This is how we create a commu-nity,” she said. “It’s good to see all your par-ents here, and thank you, students, for allyour hard work today so you’ll have a brightfuture tomorrow.”

Moon also acknowledged all the supportgiven by the parents to advance theirchildren’s education. And he congratulatedthe students on the next phase of their lives.“This is an event where we recognize yoursuccess and achievement,” he said. “Andthat brings me tremendous joy.”

THEN THE GRADUATING SENIORS

received plaques engraved with theirnames, and the scholarship winners wereannounced. Also honored were theCPMSAC Humanitarian Award winners forservice to their schools and communities.This year’s recipients were Chantilly High’sDylan Sparks and Westfield High’s SaadigHinton.

Receiving Shirley O. Nelson MemorialScholarships of $1,500 each were NyliekBrooks-Allen of Chantilly High and Chris-tine Kearney-Ogburn of Centreville High.Brooks-Allen is going to Coastal CarolinaUniversity in South Carolina to study biol-ogy for one year. He will then transfer toYork St. John University, north of London,England, to study international businessand play soccer.

Kearney-Ogburn will major in English atGMU and plans to become an Englishteacher. “I feel really good about winningthe award,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting it,

but I’m happy about it.”In addition, Cameron Guy Dudley Book

Scholarships of $300 each were awardedto Westfield High’s Jourdan Farmer andJesus Neyra. Farmer will attend Old Domin-ion University to major in marketing andbusiness analytics. “It’s really exciting to getsomething that will help fund my future andmy education,” she said. “CPMSAC moti-vated me to always keep my grades up anddo well in school.”

Neyra is going to UVA to major in biol-ogy, chemistry or biochemistry so he caneventually go into medicine. “I’m honoredto receive this award,” he said. “This isjust one of the things that demonstratesmy devotion to medicine and my achieve-ment. Since elementary school, I’ve goneto CPMSAC’s awards ceremonies, andthey’ve always been a motivation to pushmyself academically to pursue my goalsand dreams.”

‘Never Stop Dreaming; Set No Limits on Yourselves’CPMSAC holds35th annual studentawards ceremony.

Johnny Nelson Frances Ivey Scott Poole Kathy Smith Ilryong Moon

Nyliek Brooks-Allen and Christine Kearney-Ogburn wonShirley O. Nelson Memorial Scholarships at CPMSAC’sannual awards ceremony.

Jourdan Farmer and Jesus Neyra won Cameron GuyDudley Book Scholarships.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

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8 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encour-aged.

THURSDAY/JUNE 6Westfield All Night Grad Party. 11 p.m.- 4

a.m. at Uptown Alley, 8300 Sudley Road SuiteUnit A-7, Manassas. Westfield High School willbe hosting an All Night Grad Party at UptownAlley. Registration for Seniors and donations isnow open (register by May 31). $75, includesfood, drinks, and all activities. [email protected] or visitwww.ptsa.westfieldhs.org/parents/angp-homepage/.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 7-9Celebrate Fairfax! Festival. Northern Virginia’s

largest community-wide event, the 38 th annualCelebrate Fairfax! Festival, is set to take placeon the grounds of the Fairfax CountyGovernment Center, 12000 Government CenterParkway, Fairfax. The Celebrate Fairfax! Festivalfeatures 25 acres of concerts, family programs,exhibits, carnival rides and nightly fireworks.Among the festival’s highlights are more than120 performances on seven stages, includingBetter Than Ezra and Smash Mouth. Call 703-324-3247 or visit www.celebratefairfax.com.

SUNDAY/JUNE 9T-TRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. at

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. TheNorthern Virginia T-TRAK members will hold anN gauge Model Train Display. Ages 16 andolder, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/JUNE 15Live Music: Andy & Judy. 2-3 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. Enjoy live folk music withBoston-based musical duo, Andy & Judy. Theywill perform traditional and folk music withinfluences of country, gospel and blues. All ages.Free. Call 703-830-2223 or visit /librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4534779 or www.andyjudysing.com.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 15-16Father’s Day Park Programs. This Father’s Day

weekend spend time with fathers andgrandfathers in a program just for them at acounty park.

❖ Golf Tournament. Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon atBurke Lake Golf Course. Kick off the weekendwith the “Father’s Day Golf Tournament.” Two-player teams compete in an 18-hole scrambleformat in three divisions: Father/Jr. 7-12;Father/Jr. 13-17; Father/Adult partner withclosest-to-the-pin contests and prizes for the topthree places in all three divisions. $75 per teamincludes lunch. Call 703-323-1641 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/burke-lake.

❖ Wood Carving. Sunday, noon-4 p.m. at ColvinRun Mill. Celebrate by treating Dad to a freewood carving lesson with the Northern VirginiaCarvers. There is a nominal charge for woodblanks. While visiting the mill, take a tour. Dadsand grandads tour for free on Father’s Day whenaccompanied by a paying child. Call 703-759-2771 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

❖ “Animal Dads.” Sunday, 1-1:45 at HiddenOaks Nature Center, Annandale. Children age 2-6 can pretend to be a penguin, wolf and beaverdad as they learn about these doting fathers.Participants will meet live animals and make acraft for their favorite father/grandfather. Theprogram at Hidden Oaks Nature Center runsfrom 1 to 1:45 p.m. $8 per child. Children mustbe accompanied by an adult. Call 703-941-1065or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hidden-oaks.

❖ Family Fishing. Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m. and4:30-6 p.m. at Riverbend Park, Great Falls. IfDad likes to fish, register for the “Father’s DayFamily Fishing” program at Riverbend Park.Supplies and equipment will be provided, orbring a rod and reel. Pick up some fishing tips.All fish caught will be released. Designed forparticipants age 4-adult. $12 per person. Call703-759-9018 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

❖ Father’s Day Campfire. Sunday, 6-7 p.m. atEllanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. Wrap up

the day with the “Father’s Day Campfire.” Learnabout some of nature’s best fathers, take a hikenear a stream and eat s’mores. Of course, momsare invited, too. $8 per person. Children must beaccompanied by a registered adult. Call 703-631-0013 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

SUNDAY/JUNE 16Sully Antique Car Show. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at

Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way,Chantilly. Take Dad for a stroll down memorylane this Father’s Day with a visit to the AntiqueCar Show at Sully Historic Site. Relive a timewhen chrome was king and V-8 engines ruledthe land. Car show tickets are $10 for adults, $8for seniors, and $6 for children, and will be soldat the gates. Call 703-437-1794.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 16-17Two-Day NTRAK Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m.

at The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. TheNorthern Virginia NTRAK members will hold atwo day N gauge Train Show. Ages 16 andolder, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/JUNE 22Sully District Summer Open House and

Food Drive. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Sully DistrictGovernment Center – Community Rooms, 4900Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly. This two-part eventwill feature a food drive with Western FairfaxChristian Ministries as well as presentationsfrom various environmental agencies like theFairfax County Health Department and the ParkAuthority. Attendees will be able to learn aboutmosquito and tick prevention, summer RECCenter information, Park Authority volunteeropportunities and more. Call 703-814-7100 formore.

MONDAY/JULY 5African-American Genealogy. 7-8:30 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets the first Mondayof the month (except September andNovember). Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. To register, orfor more information, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/events or call 703-830-2223.

TUESDAY/JULY 9Photography Basics 1. 7:30-8:30 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St GermainDrive, Centreville. “Using Fully AutomatedMode” part 1 of a two-part series. This class will

teach participants how to take pictures with acamera or mobile device on full automaticmode. Teens and adults. Free. Call 703-830-2223 or visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5250981 for more.

TUESDAY/JULY 23Photography Basics 2. 7:30-8:30 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St GermainDrive, Centreville. “Going Beyond AutomaticFeatures” part 2 of a two-part series.This classwill teach how to take pictures with a camera ormobile device with more features thanautomatic mode allows. Teens and adults. Free.Call 703-830-2223 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5251050.

MONDAY/AUG. 6African-American Genealogy. 7-8:30 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets the first Mondayof the month (except September andNovember). Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. To register, orfor more information, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/events or call 703-830-2223.

MONDAY/OCT. 7African-American Genealogy. 7-8:30 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets the first Mondayof the month (except September andNovember). Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. To register, orfor more information, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/events or call 703-830-2223.

MONDAY/DEC. 2African-American Genealogy. 7-8:30 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets the first Mondayof the month (except September andNovember). Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. To register, orfor more information, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/events or call 703-830-2223.

ONGOINGFitness for 50+. Daytime hours, Monday-Friday

at Sully Senior Center, 14426 Albemarle PointPlace, Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, Zumba Gold,Hot Hula Fitness (dancing Polynesian style),Strength Training, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more.Membership is $48 a year, and waivers areavailable. Email [email protected] orcall 703-322-4475 for more.

History Volunteers Needed. Fairfax StationRailroad Museum needs history buffs. TheMuseum offers a variety of volunteeropportunities in Museum events, programs andadministration. Email [email protected] or call 703-945-7483 to exploreopportunities. The Museum is located at 11200Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station. It isopen every Sunday, except holidays, from 1-4p.m. www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.

Art Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. atClifton Wine Shop, 7145 Main St., Clifton.Includes oil paintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops. Free. Call703-409-0919 for more.

Carolina Shag Dance. Wednesdays, 6:30-10p.m. at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30p.m.; no partners needed; dinner menu at 6:45p.m. Tickets are $8. Visit www.nvshag.org formore.

Open Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. at Lordof Life church, 13421 Twin Lakes Drive,Centreville. The Fairfax Jubil-Aires barbershopchorus invites men of all ages who enjoysinging. Free. Visit www.fairfaxjubilairs.org formore.

Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m. at TheWinery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway,Centreville. Every Friday night a band plays onthe patio of the winery. Free to attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for a full schedule.

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

Entertainment

Live Music: Andy & JudyEnjoy live folk music with Boston-based musical duo, Andy & Judy. They will perform traditional and

folk music with influences of country, gospel and blues. Saturday, June 15, 2-3 p.m. at Centreville Re-gional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. All ages. Free. Call 703-830-2223 or visit /librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4534779 or www.andyjudysing.com.

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Railroad MuseumThe Fairfax Station Railroad Museum holds events most Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-

15, $2; 4 and under, free. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum is located at 11200 Fairfax Station Road,Fairfax Station. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

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News

Police Sgt. Ryan Lindenbaumof the Sully District Stationwas just 30, in August2015, when he died of a

brain tumor. The following year, threeof his high schoolfriends – AlexFetterman, An-drew Donahoeand Brian Beruete– established TheHercules Founda-tion in his honor.It raises moneyfor college schol-arships for law-e n f o r c e m e n tfamilies and helpsthem in times of need. Its primaryfundraiser is an annual golf tourna-ment, and this year’s event – held May17 at the Pleasant Valley Golf Club inChantilly – yielded $3,917.

Pictured is the check presentation from one of the sponsors, Mission BBQ of Chantilly, to the Hercules Founda-tion. From left, Fran Lindenbaum, Hercules Foundation and Ryan’s father; Jon Gridgemen, Mission BBQ gen-eral manager; Brian Beruete and Alex Fetterman, Hercules Foundation; Liz McGuirk, Mission BBQ ambassador;Andrew Donahoe, Hercules Foundation; Steve Bernbaum, Mission BBQ operations director; and a Mission BBQemployee.

Memorial Golf Tournament Raises Nearly $4,000

RyanLindenbaum

Fran Lindenbaum

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From Page 3

buy-in as a person who has “experiencedmany of the hardships faced by our resi-dents.”

FINDING NEW REVENUE sources forfunding the county’s growing needs alsoproduced general agreement - with diver-gent solutions.

McKay opposes increasing Business, Pro-fessional and Occupational (BPOL) taxes.“We’ve seen that backfire elsewhere” anddoesn’t think that further “taxing of oursmall businesses” is the answer. He vowedto keep fighting and working with his Gen-eral Assembly allies to gain for FairfaxCounty the same taxing flexibility thatFairfax City and our region’s towns have.The Supervisor cannot see the reasoningbehind a city of some 25,000 inhabitantshaving greater authority over it’s taxingmethods than the county of more than 1.1million. “It’s ridiculous.”

Plerhoples looks at expanding the com-mercial tax base with more businesses,while McElveen simply stated that if morereasonable means to gain more autonomyfrom the State’s rule did not meet withsuccess, “I will sue the State.”

Speaking on a topic of particular interestto the audience – overcrowding at areaschools — all agreed that the School Boardneeded to step up and address the bound-ary issues that have McLean High Schoolover burdened by its student population,while Langley High School has untappedcapacity.

Even School Board member McElveenagreed with this, pointing out that only heand Jane Strauss, the Dranesville Districtrepresentative on the School Board hadchampioned the issue within the SchoolBoard’s members.

to underserved areas, and more.“It’s easy to sit up here and complain. I’m

here to tell you I am very proud of thiscounty. We are nationwide leaders in a num-ber of statistical areas. We are still a placewhere people want to come to live theAmerican Dream … that doesn’t happen byaccident. It happens because you elect theright people.”

Plerhoples led the candidates’ closingstatement segment, saying again that othermunicipalities are passing Fairfax Countyby and that residents are often “asked tosettle for less” from their elected officials.She offered statistics that indicate 30,000more Fairfax County residents have falleninto poverty since 2004 and that “50 per-cent of students [graduating] in the Lee andMount Vernon school areas are not college-ready” yet “no one on this Board, includingJeff, have called for expanded Pre-K. Thisis not the type of results we should be re-warding with a promotion.”

“That’s just not true,” responded McKayin his closing. “I have seen hundreds of slotsand millions of dollars added to Pre-K, par-ticularly thorough the One Fairfax initia-tive.”

McKay said his record includes addingaffordable housing units in Lee District, OneFairfax, support of Diversion First, land useadjustments to bring better infrastructure

McKay said he is the one who has servedthe county “full time, everyday, for the last11 years.” Acknowledging there are chal-lenges, he says he believes in the potentialof the county and feels his experience andthe relationships he has built are core com-ponents of his ability to “take us to the nextlevel.” McElveen is “the only one who hasbeen a countywide elected official,” and hefeels that helps him best understand theneeds of all of the county’s populace.

He also elicited some laughter from theaudience when he acknowledged that hewas not endorsed by the Washington Post(which has endorsed McKay in theChairman’s race).

“It was a full half sentence that said RyanMcElveen is a school board member whoantagonizes supervisors. I would be happyto have that etched on my tombstone,” al-though he says he would make one correc-tion. “I haven’t antagonized people, I havestood up to them, and that’s what we needin our leaders. Someone who stands up forthe needs of the people in our community.”Asking for the public’s vote, McElveenpromised that all in the community wouldhave the opportunity to access the Ameri-can Dream.

The primary is June 11.

Board Chair Debate Heats Up

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Ryan McElveen, Jeff McKay and Alicia Plerhoples prepare to answerquestions from hosts, the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce andthe audience, at the May 30 debate. Candidate Tim Chapman was unableto attend.

Fairfax County police have charged a 32-year-old man with several sex crimes.He is Abelardo Daniel MedianeroSalazar of Falls Church. He was arrestedMay 23 at the Chick-fil-A at 11750 LeeJackson Memorial Hwy. in Chantilly af-ter detectives from the Major CrimesBureau’s Sex Crimes Squad received acomplaint of an alleged sex offense in-

Man Charged with Solicitation Of Minor

Salazar

volving a juvenile.Salazar was chargedwith three counts ofsolicitation of a mi-nor using a commu-nication device andtwo counts of inde-cent liberties with aminor.

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10 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

From Page 6

News

tended stage that came out into the audience madepeople feel more involved and invested in the show,”she added. “A lot of thought also went into the pic-tures and posters in the bar. We wanted it to be asdetailed as possible, so it felt authentic.”

Lewis said working on the “Rock of Ages” set wasa great experience. “The people on the set team wereso helpful and had so many great ideas that it madethings go smoother than I thought they would,” shesaid. “We covered the entire stage, and the curtainnever closed, so we had to work around it.”

As for the Cappie for Stage Crew, Sarah Bourgeoisand Hayden Cutler bubbled with enthusiasm. “At TheKennedy Center, we were all visibly shaking becausewe were so excited to win,” said Bourgeois.

Earlier, the stage crew took a group photo to bedisplayed on a large screen during the Gala, in casethey won. It was funny because, in it, the smallest

boy lifted up Cutler, who is quite tall. So, said Bour-geois, “When we saw it on the screen, it was like,‘Wow, it actually happened – we won.’”

She accepted the award from the presenter, andCutler thanked Westfield’s fire alarm in his speech.It went off in the middle of the show on the nightthe Cappies critics were there, and everyone had toevacuate before the musical could resume. So, saidCutler, “I thanked the alarm for just working.”

He said this was Westfield’s first-ever nominationfor Stage Crew. Furthermore, said Bourgeois, “Thisis the first year it’s been a separate Cappies category,so we’re the first school in the National Capital Areato win it. I think we stood out because we dressedthe crew members like Bourbon Room employees,with Guns N’ Roses-type bandanas.”

Cutler chalked up their win to the crew membersdoing their jobs so well. “I’ve done this for threeshows now and, this time, we didn’t have any mis-takes,” he said. “Everyone was perfect.”

Westfield Wins Eight Cappies

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/JUNE 7-82019 SHIFT Men’s Conference.

Friday, 5-8:40 p.m.; Saturday, 7a.m.-4 p.m. at Grace CovenantChurch, 4600 Brookfield CorporateDrive, Chantilly. Featuring speakers,Friday evening tailgate, car show andvideo game arcade. $65. Call 703-318-7073 or visit bit.ly/2019MENSCONF.

SATURDAY/JUNE 8

Caregiver Workshop. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. Jointhis Caregiver Workshop with PeteShrock, nationally known grief andcrisis responder, focusing on buildingresilience through caregivingchallenges. This is a free event, andall caregivers and family membersare invited to attend. Lunch will beprovided. Visit insightmcc.org, toregister or contact Lindsey Vajpeyi at

703-204-4664 [email protected].

TUESDAY/JUNE 11Park Authority Summer Jobs. 10

a.m.-1 p.m. at the Herrity Building,12055 Government Center Parkway,Fairfax. This year the Fairfax CountyPark Authority’s Rec-PAC summer

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

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 11

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Chantilly Connection ❖ June 5-11, 2019 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIEFor the next six weeks or so until mid-July when

my bi-monthly CT scan reminder arrives in my inbox, I am on easy street/living the life of Riley.

-gist, are scheduled. Reminders which I really don’t need.

I mean, my life is at stake here. What kind of moron (“Why? Are there more than one kind?” to quote Curly Howard of The Three Stooges.) forgets/

when death is looming?And death for me has been looming since late

February 2009. That’s when an (now my) oncologist

truth for just us: “Non-small cell lung cancer, stage

Talk about devastating news. To say we were all stunned does a disservice to the word “stunned.”

were.That was a long time ago, however, and much

has occurred. The details of which are somewhere between being lost in the ether and lodged in my brain, generally retrievable should the need arise. A need which I often have when writing this column but one which doesn’t manifest itself too much in my daily activities.

Yes, I have cancer, but I try not to make a big or central thing about it. To say, “It is what it is” isn’t meant to trivialize the overwhelming nature of a

--

fear I’ll be in trouble fairly soon.)But not for the next six weeks. For the next six

weeks, I am on cruise control. I will be going about my regular business without too much emotional interference.

I wouldn’t exactly say I’m on cruise-control/”-

function without consulting the manual. -

tient whose life is lived from one diagnostic scan to the next, not knowing, generally, if the you-know-what has hit the fan. It’s the sword of Damocles on steroids.

But what else is new?

This is the life, a life which for us fortunate few, -

Just last week, my oncologist told me the aver-

life – and met many others who likewise have

fellow lung cancer “diagnoses” was still horrifying.

somewhere.)

as any you can imagine – or have read about in this

otherwise, and even if they do ... . “ I have tried,

future news is not so good, to not become a victim of my own circumstances. And though I have occa-sionally received some discouraging news, I have tried not to give in to it.

“It’s nothing until it’s something and even if it’s something, it’s still could be nothing.” That’s how I roll.

managing the “slings and arrows” of my outra-geous misfortune: a life-long non-smoker with no immediate family history of cancer diagnosed with an incurable form of lung cancer.

Alive and reasonably well a decade after the hammer came down.

From WeakTo Week

From Page 10

camp program will operate at 45 elementaryschool locations around Fairfax County onweekdays from July 1-Aug.8, 8:15 a.m.-3:45p.m. Applicants are required to bring an originalSocial Security Card and a DMV photo ID. Onlythose who are 18 years of age and older will beconsidered. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec-pac/jobs or [email protected].

FRIDAY/JUNE 14Application Deadline: Fire Academy. The

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Departmentisnow accepting applications for its Girls Fire andRescue Academy summer camp, which will takeplace July 11-13, 2019. The Academy is open tofemale students who will be in grades 7-12 inthe upcoming 2019-2020 school year.Participants must be a Fairfax County resident.Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems.

SATURDAY/JUNE 15Volunteer Habitat Heroes. 10 a.m.-noon at

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. Volunteers will remove non-nativeinvasive plants to protect native species andsupport wildlife habitat and will use tools to pullor cut invasive plants in the natural areas.Volunteers may take part in a small planting ofnative trees and shrubs to help the forestregenerate. Volunteers must be at least 13 yearsold, and those 15 years and younger must bewith an adult. For more information or tovolunteer, contact Kiersten Conley at 703-631-0013.

MONDAY-FRIDAY/JUNE 24-28Young Actors Workshop. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at

Westfield High School. This camp is for rising1st-7th grade students. For more than a decade,this dramatic arts camp has offered students thechance to sing, dance and participate in theatregames and performances. Through words,music and movement, students engage inactivities that culminate in a presentation ofsongs and dances from popular Broadwayshows.

Visit www.westfieldtheatre.com to register.

SUNDAY/OCT. 6Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic. Noon-2 p.m.

at Sully District Governmental Center, 4900Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Cost is $15 per pet,cash and check only. Dogs, cats, and ferrets maybe vaccinated at the clinic. Dogs must be onleashes; cats and ferrets must be in carriers. Allpets will receive a 1-year rabies vaccination. Toobtain a 3-year vaccine, bring pet’s rabiescertificate (not tag) showing the current rabiesvaccination expiration date. 2019 county doglicenses will be sold for an additional $10 perlicense. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/communityassistance/rabiesclinics for more.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLINGResidents Can “E-cycle” at the I-66 transfer

station. It is free but residents may be asked toshow proof of residency. Personal waste only.The I-66 station is located at 4618 West OxRoad, Fairfax and open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. fromMonday-Saturday and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. onSundays. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/electric-sunday.htm for more.

DONATIONSThe Student Auto Sales Program operating

from Centreville High School works inconjunction with the CVHS automotivetechnology classes to bring in donatedautomobiles, boats and motorcycles for studentsto work on. Some refurbished vehicles are sold,with 75 percent of the proceeds going back tothe auto tech program. The program is in needof cars, trucks or motorcycles, which are fullytax deductible, for student training. ContactLyman Rose at 703-802-5588 or by [email protected] for more.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is accepting donationsof old cellphones so that troops can call home.Patrons may drop off donations at 14215ECentreville Square, Centreville.

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Ellen Brosh, 35, of Fredericksburgwas the first-place female runnerin the Clifton Caboose Twilight 5KRun held Saturday, June 1, 2019, inClifton. Her time was 21.06.

Michael Toobin of Burke with hisson Adam, 36, who participated inthe race.

Gavin Camby, 20, of Fairfax Stationwas the first-place male winner inthe Clifton Caboose Twilight 5KRun held Saturday, June 1, 2019, inClifton. His time was 17.15.

The starting line of the 1-mile fun run at the Clifton Caboose Twilight Run. The Reston Runners provided the finish-line services and race results.

Between $5,000-$6,000 raised forClifton Betterment Association.

Clifton CabooseTwilight Race

Call it a Clifton tradition. About300 runners participated in the22nd Annual Clifton CabooseTwilight 5K and 1-Mile Fun

Run/Walk held Saturday June 1, 2019. Themoney raised, between $5,000-$6,000, goesto the Clifton Betterment Association, whichmanaged the race.

The first-place winner of the 5K run wasGavin Camby, 20, of Fairfax Station, with atime of 17.15. Ellen Brosh, 35, ofFredericksburg was the first-place femalerunner with a time of 21.06. And PetraGruendel, 9, of Clifton placed first in the 1-mile fun run with a time of 6:40.

According to Gary Anderson, Race Orga-nizer: “It really does bring the communitytogether. Every year there are countless

people who know exactly what they needto do and it all comes together and we seea lot of the same people here every year –kids who grew up doing the one-mile, nowthey’re doing the 5K. It’s a great event. Wehope to keep doing it for a long time.”

Added Michelle Stein, President of theClifton Betterment Association: “This is anamazing tradition in Clifton; it’s especiallywonderful to see the small kids run. We hadthree 4-year-olds running this year, whichis an amazing thing. I love the fact that thekids get involved in this so early and theyrun for many, many years.”

To see the complete list of runners andtheir times, visit www.RestonRunners.org.

— Steve Hibbard

Petra Gruendel, 9, of Clifton,placed first in the 1-mile fun run ofthe Clifton Caboose Twilight Runwith a time of 6:40. She is a third-grader at Oak View Elementary.

News

The startingline of theClifton Ca-boose Twi-light 5K Runheld Satur-day, June 1,2019, inClifton.

Photos by

Steve Hibbard/

Centre View