Springfield Connection - Ellington...

Springfield Connection ❖ October 27 - November 2, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Springfield Connection

Families

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The elementaryschool mascotsMighty Red Bird fromCardinal Forest,Rocky the Rockin’Robin from RollingValley, Hamilton theHawk from HuntValley, Sparky theKangaroo from KeeneMill, Mighty theMustang from WestSpringfield and eventsponsor, Dr. DavidHughes, pose prior tothe mascot race.

The elementaryschool mascotsMighty Red Bird fromCardinal Forest,Rocky the Rockin’Robin from RollingValley, Hamilton theHawk from HuntValley, Sparky theKangaroo from KeeneMill, Mighty theMustang from WestSpringfield and eventsponsor, Dr. DavidHughes, pose prior tothe mascot race.

Halloween PreviewCalendar, Page 15

Halloween PreviewCalendar, Page 15

New Principal of Orange HuntNews, Page 3

New Principal of Orange HuntNews, Page 3

Pyramid ChallengeHas Record Turnout

News, Page 12

Pyramid ChallengeHas Record Turnout

News, Page 12

2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ October 27 - November 2, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Springfield Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

News

By Tim Peterson

The Connection

By their Dec. 6 meeting, the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisorsshould have the opportunity tovote on creating a Civilian Review

Panel for police oversight, a first in Fairfax.That’s the goal of supervisor John Cook

(R-Braddock), who chairs the board’s pub-lic safety committee. The committee metTuesday, Oct. 25 to consider a draft of theaction item that would establish the reviewpanel.

The independent panel was one of themore controversial of the 142 recommen-dations from the Ad Hoc Police PracticesReview Commission created by board chair-man Sharon Bulova in 2015.

The commission, with representativesfrom law enforcement, the media and com-munity at large, was set up in response to alack of transparency and accountability sur-rounding the 2013 shooting death of un-armed Springfield man John Geer by FairfaxCounty Police officer Adam Torres.

Fairfax County Police and the supervisorsdidn’t release information about the casefor more than a year after Geer’s death, evento his family. It took a wrongful death civilsuit filed by the family and a court order tofinally get investigation files and Torres’name released.

Torres was fired in July 2015 and indictedby a grand jury for murder in August 2015,a first charge of that kind for any officer inthe history of Fairfax County Police.

The former police officer pleaded guiltyto involuntary manslaughter and was re-leased in June, after receiving credit for timeserved for a 12-month sentence.

On Sept. 20, the supervisors unanimouslyapproved another recommendation fromthe commission: creating an office of theindependent police auditor.

The auditor will review all use of forceincidents that result in serious injury ordeath, as well as other citizen complaintsabout police use of force not resulting inserious injury or death.

In addition, the auditor could engage inpolicy and practice analysis, as suggestedby the Board of Supervisors, County Execu-tive or Chief of Police.

BY CONTRAST, the civilian review panelwould “review completed police internaladministrative investigations of civiliancomplaints concerning allegations of abuseof authority and serious misconduct,” ac-cording to the draft action item.

At the Oct. 25 meeting, Cook specifiedthe civilian review panel would not conductinvestigations. Rather, the panel would re-view investigation files and decide whetherthe police’s own review was “well done, notwell done or needs more work,” Cook said.

If they determine more work is required,the panel would be able to send the issueback to the police.

Citizens could initiate that process in twoways, Cook explained: If they file a com-plaint with the police department but areunsatisfied with the results of an investiga-tion, they can bring the matter to the civil-ian review panel. Or they could submit acomplaint to the panel directly, which couldrequest an investigation be conducted bypolice, that could then be reviewed by thepanel.

Review of the investigations would hap-pen at public meetings held by the panel.Fairfax County Chief of Police EdwinRoessler and an officer from the InternalAffairs Bureau would attend these hearingsto offer additional explanation, but involvedofficers can’t be required to come before thepanel or answer questions, under the Codeof Virginia.

Adrian Steel, a member of the Ad HocCommission, said the goal of the meetingwas to provide the public with a “full andfair presentation” of an investigation review.

The meeting before the panel would pro-vide a place for the complainant to appear“and have his or her day,” Steel said. ButCook raised questions about whether thecomplainant should speak at the meeting,and if so, what limits might be in place.

Cook and Deputy county executive DaveRohrer said the complainant could state thereasons he or she asked for a review. Rohrersaid that since police investigators will ap-pear before the panel to answer questions,it would be fair to allow the complainantto speak as well.

The board will also need to finalize crite-ria for who would be eligible to serve onthe nine-person panel. All panel memberswould be appointed by the supervisors, butthey would encourage communities andorganizations to nominate candidates.Other potential criteria would exclude cur-rent and former Fairfax County employees,as well as current law enforcement officersand anyone holding public office.

Panel access to sensitive documents thatwould be part of the investigation files cre-ated another area of controversy.

Police Officer 1st Class Richard Barronsaid members of the department are “veryconcerned” with the fact that volunteer ci-vilians would have that type of access.

Det. Sean Corcoran, President of theFairfax Coalition of Police Local 5000 anda member of the Ad Hoc Commission, saidit’s about “who has access to what, andwhen, and why.”

Corcoran echoed a suggestion made bysupervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) andseparately by Kathy Smith (D-Sully) that theboard could wait to establish the civilianreview panel until after the independentauditor office is up and running.

Barron challenged the need for a Civil-ian Review Panel and said the reviews thepolice conduct on themselves are ad-

equate. “I don’t see a legitimate need forit,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s any purpose” foranother level of review, Barron said, add-ing that officers feel this panel is being“rammed down their throats.”

BOARD CHAIRMAN Sharon Bulova askedCorcoran, who voted in favor of the Ad Hoccommission’s final list of recommendations,if he’d changed his mind since then.Corcoran responded he had lobbied againstthe panel prior to the final vote, but wasoutnumbered.

Herrity said he supports independentoversight, but is concerned that the fiscalimpact of the panel is unknown.

“In the face of a $200 million shortfall,”he said, referring to budget projections,“we’re creating a huge workload for thepolice department with no gain.”

The draft item states, the civilian reviewpanel would be created “for the purpose ofbuilding and maintaining public trust andpolice legitimacy.”

John Foust (D-Dranesville) asked thatstaff begin to develop a significant educa-tion and training program for panel mem-bers on topics including FOIA, handling ofsensitive information and other topics.

Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-HunterMill) spoke of the importance of formingthe panel. “This is the best for you,” shetold the police organization representatives,noting that the community must be able tosee the process. “I don’t think we have analternative.”

The Board of Supervisors expects tovote on the proposal for Civilian ReviewPanel at its Dec. 6 regular meeting, withdocuments posted the week before. Thenext public safety committee meeting isscheduled for Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at theFairfax County Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.More information is available atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/board-committees/meetings.

Draft item discussedat Oct. 25 PublicSafety Committee.

Supervisors to Vote on Civilian Review Panel Dec. 6.

From left, Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission and subcommit-tee members Randy Sayles, John Lovaas, Phil Niedzielski-Eichner andGeorge Becerra attend the Board of Supervisors public safety committeemeeting on Oct. 25.

Photos by Tim Peterson/The Connection

(Center) Adrian Steel, a member of the Ad Hoc Commission, said thegoal of the civilian review panel’s public meeting would be to provide a“full and fair presentation” of a police investigation.


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News

See New Principal, Page 7

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

A native New Yorker, Karen Tuttle, age 44, wasnamed new principal of Orange Hunt El-ementary School in Springfield, on Sept. 14,

2016, replacing Jason Pensler who became princi-pal of Bull Run Elementary in Centreville. She willlead the school with 865 students and about 100staff members. Orange Hunt is in the West Spring-field Pyramid.

According to its website, Orange Hunt’s ethnicbreakdown is: 66.63 percent White; 8.19 percentAsian; 7.46 percent Black; 10.64 percent Hispanic;and 7.09 percent Other, based on statistics from2015-2016. There are 97.4 percent of students in itsGeneral Education program and 19.19 percent in itsElementary Advanced Academics, Level II, Level III.Some 10.27 percent of students are enrolled in Spe-cial Education services; and 5.99 percent use EnglishLanguage services.

“The student population is diverse,” said Tuttlewho’s been an educator for 20 years. “We have alittle bit of everything here.... There’s a lot of singlefamily homes in the area, a lot of military families,especially because of the German Immersion Pro-gram. Some of the military move specifically to ourarea. Some of the military families cycle through.They might leave and come back with different de-ployments. Our numbers stay pretty constant becauseof that.”

About 300 students take part in the popular Ger-man Immersion Program, which teaches math andscience in German. “It is a popular program espe-cially with the military families,” said Tuttle.

She said there’s a lot of research that says if kidslearn one language, they pick up a second languageeasily. In addition, the German Immersion teachersprovide visual and hands-on experiments and expe-riences to the students to enhance their learning.“They build things; they make things — so the stu-dents acquire the language better,” she added.

THE SCHOOL offers many other programs such asGirls on the Run, Run Fit Kidz and Odyssey of the

Mind. “There’s a fencing program, a chess club, otherlanguages,” said Tuttle. “It’s very inclusive; there’slots of opportunities for kids, which I love. Our Bandand Strings program is excellent. It’s about 150 kids— only for fifth and sixth grades.”

She says what she loves most about her job is thepeople. “I think it’s exciting because I get to workwith people and problem solve — whether it’s ateacher trying to get an endorsement or trying tohelp a child succeed. At the end of the day, if you’rehaving a bad day, you just go talk to one of the kidsand it just fixes everything.”

She said her greatest challenge as a new principalincludes having time to truly get to know people —whether it’s the teachers, the parents, or the students.

For her personal goals, she said: “I think just con-tinuing to create opportunities for kids and to reallyfocus on how we can get kids ready for the life theywant to lead.” Fairfax County has an emphasis on its“Portrait of a Graduate” outlook which answers thequestion: “What are the skills necessary for successfor all children in this rapidly changing, increasinglydiverse, and interconnected world?”

Tuttle went on to say that “...we need to help themwith the skills of communication, critical thinking,problem solving, being able to collaborate with oth-ers. We need to imbed the basic academic skills, butthey need to be able to go beyond that.”

Tuttle also added: “I’m excited to be here. You justwork hard and you love what you do everyday. I justwant to be my best and I want to be there for every-one. I can’t do it alone. We all have to come togetherto make good things happen.”

Tuttle grew up in New York state and graduatedfrom Jackson City High School in 1990. She studiedAmerican Studies at SUNY Brockport College andearned a teaching certificate, graduating in 1995.

She began her teaching career in Johnson City, N.Y.,where she taught fourth grade for two years and thenmoved to Fairfax County. She taught grades 4 and 5at Hunters Woods Elementary in Reston. Then taught6th grade at Providence Elementary where she was

KarenTuttle willlead Or-ange Huntwith 865studentsand about100 staffmembers.

Karen Tuttle is NewPrincipal of Orange HuntSchool is famous for its German Immersion Program.

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News

Field Trip at Huntley Meadows ParkBrittany Hopkins’s third grade class from SangsterElementary School in Springfield visited HuntleyMeadows Park on Wednesday, Oct. 5. The class wasone of three third grade classes from the school thatvisited the park that day to learn about wetlands.They began with a brief overview at the visitor centerbefore walking through the woods and onto theboardwalk through the wetlands. Spotted during thewalk were turtles, both in the water and on logs, fish,a great blue heron, a couple of egrets and a caterpil-lar, along with an abundant variety of plants andtrees. The classes concluded their field trip withlunch at the park’s picnic shelter.

The three sites in competi-tion to be the next homeof FBI headquarters —

Greenbelt and Landover, Mary-land, and the General ServicesAdministration warehouse offLoisdale Road in Springfield —will see their race come to an endearly next year.

According to release from theGSA, the site and offeror for thenew headquarters will be an-nounced in early March, 2017.

The date was pushed back, aGSA spokesperson said, because of

a “strong and overwhelminglypositive response from developers”to a solicitation sent out earlier inthe year.

“GSA and FBI are encouraged bythe proposals received,” thespokesperson said, “and are con-fident that, if Congress providesthe resources requested in thePresident’s Fiscal Year 2017 bud-get, we will be able to deliver onour commitment to provide aworld class facility for the FBI anda good deal for the taxpayer.”

—Tim Peterson

New FBI Headquarters Deci-sion Now Coming March 2017

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Opinion

By Sharon Bulova

Chairman, Board of Supervisor

I was elected chairman in2009, just as the Great Re-cession settled over thiscountry like a stubborn

storm cloud. The market value ofproperty in Fairfax County plum-meted, resulting in historic reduc-tions in both residential and com-mercial tax revenues. At the sametime, more people thanever turned to the countyfor assistance. FormerCounty Executive TonyGriffin’s prediction, in the throesof the Recession years, that “thiswill be our new normal” hasproven prescient.

Recovery from the recession hasbeen sluggish, exacerbated by theeffects of sequestration and cut-backs in our commercial sector’sbread and butter, federal contract-ing. To maintain fiscal equilibrium;real estate tax rates were raised,hundreds of millions of dollarswere eliminated from the budget,salaries were frozen and reduc-tions-in-force require our

workforce to do more with less.County cost-cutting measures thatwere accepted as necessary whenthe Recession first materializedeventually have caused some“fraying around the edges,” perThe Washington Post, (April 2,2016). I am providing this back-drop to lend some context to ourboard’s decision to put the ques-tion of a meals tax to the voters.

In Virginia, towns and cities areallowed a greater arrayof revenue tools, includ-ing the right to adopt ameals tax. Most cities

and towns within and around ushave a meals tax: Alexandria, Ar-lington, Herndon, Vienna, FallsChurch, Fairfax City, Leesburg, andManassas. Counties on the otherhand must rely primarily (almost80 percent of our budget) on realestate and property taxes to pro-vide local services. Other revenuesare capped or controlled by thestate.

Counties in Virginia (which wererural farmland when early tax au-thorities were allocated) are onlyable to implement a meals tax fol-

lowing a successful voter referen-dum. This question will be put toFairfax County voters on Nov. 8.

If the referendum is successful,and a 4 percent tax on restaurantmeals and prepared foods isadopted, it would raise almost$100 million, equivalent to over 4cents on the Real Estate tax rate.The language on the ballot ques-tion becomes law and revenuefrom the meals tax must be usedper the ballot language.

If authorized by the voters, theBoard of Supervisors would holda public hearing to adopt an ordi-nance defining specifics of the tax.Already we have made the legallybinding commitment that 70 per-cent would go to the FairfaxCounty Public Schools. The SchoolBoard has committed that itsshare, estimated to be about $70million in new funding, would beused primarily to address teach-ers’ salaries, which have laggedbehind those in neighboring juris-dictions. Fairfax County today isspending $800 less per pupil thanin 2008. The remaining 30 percentwould go toward other county

needs, including public safety,parks, libraries, and mental health.The meals tax is intended to di-versify and enhance county rev-enue — to supplement and notsupplant — support for school andcounty services. While our countycontinues to work hard to identifyefficiencies and to stimulate ourcommercial tax base, we are alsohoping to diversify the local rev-enue available to provide the qual-ity services our residents value andrely upon — top notch schools,safe communities, and compas-sionate human services.

I am proud to lead FairfaxCounty, one of the best-managed,safest and well-educated jurisdic-tions in the country. Residents loveFairfax because of our greatschools and because we are a safeand welcoming community. Main-taining that quality is a top prior-ity for the Board of Supervisorsand our partners on the SchoolBoard. It isn’t, however, a simpleor easy job given constraints un-der state law.

I hope you will vote “yes” on themeals tax referendum on Nov. 8.

A legally binding commitmentthat 70 percent would go to theFairfax County Public Schools.Bulova: Vote Yes

Commentary

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:On November 8, Fairfax County

residents will have an opportunityto vote on a meals tax that mayadd nearly $100 million into ourcounty budget. This issue hascome up before and it didn’t pass.This time, it’s critical that we voteyes because it is doubtful that we’llhave another opportunity to diver-sify our tax revenue stream again.

Beautiful parks, resource-packed libraries, and other ser-vices are part of why I moved backhere when I had children. But byfar the biggest reason was that Iwanted them to get the great (ifnot better) education that I didwhen I went to school here.

But let’s just take a step back —certainly, not everyone feels the

way I do about schools. Manypeople hate, even detest the ideaof additional taxes — even if a sig-nificant portion of those taxes willbe paid by other people. With 28percent of the added revenue com-ing from commuters and tourists,I would think that help adding toour budget would be a welcomesolution. Voting no on the mealstax is a no vote to Fairfax gettingfunds from anywhere but the stateand property taxes. I don’t knowabout you, but if someone else’slunch tab, or just four pennies onthe dollar can lessen the blow tomy October tax bill and help ourschools, why would I say no tothat?

The School Board has made itclear that the increased school

Four Cents Make Sense for the Future of Fairfaxbudget will go towards giving ourteachers a much-needed raise.These raises will keep more greatteachers from going just a fewmiles to Arlington or Alexandria,where they can earn as much asan additional $10K per year.

Some restaurants (many ofwhich I used to patronize fre-quently) claim that this tax willhurt their business and employees.Really? If that was the case, whyopen “any” restaurant in a countywith an existing meals tax? If itwas that damaging to businesses,you’d think that those jurisdictions(nearly all in Northern Virginia)would have significantly fewerdining options — just to avoid themeals tax.

People that go out to eat simply

don’t base their decisions on a lo-cal meals tax. It’s about the qual-ity of food, service, location, andnow, at least in my case, how theysupport the community.

Less than stellar schools lead todropping property values. Asschool Superintendent KarenGarza said, “We can’t cut our wayto excellence.”

Pennies invested now will helppreserve a great education system,as well as the safety, resources,enrichment, and support that arefound in our schools and countyservices. But we can’t begin to in-vest those pennies unless you voteyes to the meals tax. Learn moreat yesmealstax.org

Esther Rege BergSpringfield

To the Editor:I’m writing to encourage Fairfax

County voters to support thecounty meals tax referendum onthe ballot in November. The pro-posal would impose a 4-percenttax on ready-to-eat prepared foodand beverages at restaurants andstores. Seventy percent of themoney raised would support the

Fairfax County Public Schools; theremainder would cover other ex-penses like police, fire, rescue, andhuman services. Supporting ourschools is essential to maintainingour quality of life in FairfaxCounty. Good schools make FairfaxCounty a desirable place to liveand do business and they raise thevalues of our homes. More specifi-

cally, the meals tax would allowthe county to make teacher sala-ries competitive with those inneighboring jurisdictions. It wouldalso allow the county to addressincreasing school class sizes,which make teaching less effectiveand which make our schools lessattractive to prospective teachers.

The meals tax is also an alter-

native to a further increase inFairfax County property taxes. The$100 million per year it wouldraise would more than cover theincrease in real estate taxes from2015 to 2016 (caused by increas-ing property assessments). Accord-ing to the county budget summary,

Supporting Meals Tax

See Letters, Page 15

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News

From Page 4

New Principal of Orange Huntalso the Lead Intern. She moved to McNairElementary where she was an AssessmentCoach and then became Assistant Principal.She then became Assistant Principal atHalley Elementary in Fairfax Station for sixyears, followed by her move to Orange Huntas Principal.

According to Jamey Chianetta, principalof Halley Elementary: “Karen Tuttle is oneof the most creative people I have everknown, and she uses this creativity to solveproblems. She is an out-of-the-box thinkerwho is relentless in her efforts to help stu-dents achieve. Ms. Tuttle does not allowdifficult circumstances to become excusesfor underachievement. She has very highexpectations for herself, students, and col-leagues, and has a tireless work ethic. Sheis an exemplary leader who builds strongrelationships with the entire community.”

Paula Johnson, an Instructional Coach atHalley Elementary, added: “Karen Tuttle isa dynamic educational leader whose pro-fessionalism, sound judgement, warmth andingenuity made a lasting impact on teach-ers and students at Halley ElementarySchool. The Orange Hunt community is verylucky to gain her expertise and guidance.”

JENNY WEIS, an Advanced Academic Re-source Teacher at Halley Elementary, added:“Karen is an enthusiastic person who leads

with empathy, vision, and passion. She wasthe champion of my program and regularlyquestioned me and pushed me cognitivelyon how to make my program stronger. Shesees the potential in every student andknows that, with the right relationship, allof our students can be successful. She alsobelieves that all students can excel withquality instruction that uses studentsstrengths.”

Waples Mill School Counselor Kate Craneadded: “When I think of Karen, I think of awarm smile, constant encouragement, apositive attitude, creative problem solvingand a drive to work tirelessly to do what’sbest for kids. Karen makes it a priority tobuild meaningful and genuine relationshipswith all members of the school community.She develops a keen understanding ofstudent’s needs and thinks outside the boxto develop strategies to set all students upfor success.”

Matt Salerno, Assistant Principal at HalleyElementary, added: “Karen Tuttle embod-ies what a true advocate for student suc-cess looks like. She consistently has the bestinterest of each of her students in mind and,not only makes decisions that will positivelyimpact each of them, but will celebrate theiraccomplishments with tremendous pride.”

Karen Tuttle is married to husband Mark,who is in contracting, and the couple re-sides in Herndon.

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Connection Families

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

As the holiday season approaches,many begin to think about ex-pressing thankfulness and givingto those who are less fortunate.

Teaching gratitude and establishing a senseof charity in children also becomes a prior-ity for many parents.

Those lessons should begin long before it’stime to put the turkey in the oven or trimthe tree, however. Experts say practicinggratitude and demonstrating charitable giv-ing year-round in age-appropriate ways arekeys to raising compassionate children.

In fact, regular conversations betweenparents and children about charitable giv-ing and gratitude increase the chances thatyoungsters will be willing to give to charity,according to a recent study. Research fromthe Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indi-ana University’s Lilly Family School of Phi-lanthropy showed that children whose par-ents spoke to them about the importance ofgiving to those in need were 20 percent morelikely to give that those who parents did havesuch conversations.

“The conversations don’t need to be for-mal or contrived,” said Marcia Rosen, amarriage and family therapist in Bethesda,Md. “They can be as simple as sharing anexperience about helping a friend who mightneed help running an errand, so we changeour plans so that we can give the gift of ourtime to a friend. There are plenty of ex-amples all around us everyday.”

“The ability to empathize and takeanother’s perspective increases as a childgets older and less egocentric,” said Dr. LindaGulyn, a professor of psychology at

Marymount University in Arlington. “Forexample, make a thank you note to grandmafor the birthday gift. With little kids, theremight be a positive consequence for writinga note, for example [saying] ‘After you writethe note, we can watch the video.’ As kidsget older, have them take Grandma’s per-spective: ‘You know how it feels to be ap-preciated, don’t you?’”

Encourage children to find their own waysto express gratitude and give charitably. “Forexample, when thanking their soccer coachfor helping them all season, have them comeup with ways to thank him, even if it’s clumsyor kid-like,” said Gulyn. “[Parents] often doit for them. For example, parents take up acollection of money from other parents andthen they buy and present a fancy gift to thecoach, and the kids are not that involved.”

“Gratitude often relates to expectationsand entitlements,” said Amy L. Best, chair

of the Department of Sociology and Anthro-pology, George Mason University. “It is im-portant that young people develop somesense of entitlement. They are entitled todignity and have rights of care. Without asense of entitlement, claims to care, recog-nition, justice and dignity are more difficultto articulate. But too much entitlement canelevate expectations to too a high a level sothat disappointment prevails and gratitudeis difficult to muster.”

Children must learn to be in the momentto take those chances, however. “Dwellingtoo much in the past, through endless rumi-nation for instance, or always looking to thefuture undermines our ability to just be, tosoak in and soak up a moment,” said Best.“Consideration of past, present and futureshould be in healthy balance. Young peopleare often pressured to focus on the future,and some feel a sense of hopelessness to-

ward the future. Both make it difficultto be in the moment.

“Cultivating mindfulness of self andyour connection to others and theworld is important,” she added. “It isimportant to understand the sufferingof others and to feel a sense of empa-thy toward the struggles of others tofeel gratitude. Too much ambivalencetoward others, or too focused on theself, makes it difficult to cultivate a dis-position of gratitude.”

Local charities offer a variety of op-tions for families interested in givingthis holiday season and throughout theyear. Interfaith Works, a MontgomeryCounty, Md. nonprofit organizationwith a goal of meeting the needs ofthe poor and homeless, holds annualdrives for coat and cold-weather gearincluding mittens, scarves and hats.The organization is opening a newwomen’s homeless shelter and is inneed of supplies. “We need things likesheets, blankets and pillows to makethe women feel at home and welcomedwhen they move into their new resi-dence,” said Charlotte Garvey of Inter-faith Works “So families can shoponline for the ladies.”

For more information, visitwww.iworksmc.org.

Experts offer suggestionsfor instilling thesepractices in children.

Teaching Gratitude and Charitable Giving“It is important tounderstand the sufferingof others and to feel asense of empathy towardthe struggles of others tofeel gratitude.”— Professor Amy L. Best, chair of theDepartment of Sociology and Anthro-

pology, George Mason University

Local charitiessuch as Inter-faith Worksoffer families avariety ofopportunitiesfor benevolencethis holidayseason.

Photo courtesy of

Interfaith Works

Fairfax County’s free Family CaregiverTelephone Support Group meets by phoneon Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7-8 p.m. Share your ex-periences, gain support and get importantinformation without having to travel. Registerbeforehand at www.–fairfaxcounty.–gov/–olderadults and click on Telephone CaregiverSupport Group. Call 703-324-5484, TTY 711.

30th Annual Northern Virginia Demen-tia Care Consortium CaregiversConference, Friday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-3:30p.m. The conference “Gems: A Treasure Chestof Ideas” will have speakers and resources ontopics important to caregivers. The $30 fee in-cludes continental breakfast, lunch, materials,and certificate of attendance. First BaptistChurch of Alexandria, 2932 King St., Alexandria.Find out more at www.–fairfaxcounty.–gov/–olderadults and click on Caregivers Conference.

The Fairfax Commission on Aging meets

on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at noon at the KingsPark Library, 9000 Burke Lake Rd., Burke. The pub-lic is welcome to attend and join in the commentperiod that begins each session. Find out more atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/coa.htm. Call 703-324-5403, TTY 711 for meetingaccess needs.

Fairfax County’s free Caregiver Seminar/Webinar Series features experts in Medicare,dementia care, mental health and wellness, nutri-tion and elder law. Register online atwww.–fairfaxcounty.–gov/–olderadults and click onCaregiver Support and Respite Programs or call703-324-5205, TTY 711.

10 Legal Issues Caregivers Should KnowAbout, Thursday, Nov. 3, 7-8:30 p.m.Caregivers often make health and financial deci-sions for loved ones. Learn what documents lovedones need in place, if the document age matters,and what happens if the documents fail or can’t be

drafted. George Mason Regional Library, 7001 LittleRiver Turnpike, Annandale.

When is it More Than Just a Bad Day? —webinar, Wednesday, Nov. 9, Noon-1 p.m.Learn how to identify, cope, and find partnershipsto support your family if depressive symptoms hityou or your loved one.

Simple Meals for Healthy Eating —webinar, Wednesday, Nov. 16, Noon-1 p.m.Learn tips to simplify meal preparation and eathealthy during the holidays and beyond.

Improving Family Conversations AboutAging Issues, Wednesday, November 16, 7-8:30 p.m. It’s difficult for many families to talkabout topics related to aging like help at home anddriving. Learn easy-to-use tips for starting the con-versation and keeping it going in a positivedirection. Chantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly.

Fairfax County is offering free Medicare101 and Enrollment Events. Find out moreatwww.–fairfaxcounty.–gov/–olderadults andclick on Medicare 101.

Medicare Enrollment Event, Tuesday,Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lewinsville SeniorCenter, 1515 Great Falls St., McLean.

Medicare Enrollment Event, Friday,Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lorton Senior Center,7722 Gunston Plz., Lorton.

Medicare Enrollment Event, Saturday,Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Korean CommunityService Center of Greater Washington, Ste. 406,7700 Little River Turnpike., Annandale

Medicare 101, Wednesday, Nov. 9,Noon-1:30 p.m. St. Luke Parish, 7001Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Volunteer Events & Opportunities

Volunteer Events & Opportunities


By David Siegel

The Connection

Veterans Day weekend will bring two mu-sical concerts to honor veterans of mili-tary service and America’s “greatest gen-eration” at the Center for the Arts. The

two separate performances will span patriotic favor-ites, American musical standards and swinging jazzalong with signature vocals to honor those who haveserved America.

The shows include Jazz 4 Justice’s “Tribute to theGreatest Generation” and the American Festival PopsOrchestra’s “A Salute to Our Veterans.”

Under the musical direction of Jim Carroll, Jazz 4Justice’s “Tribute to the Greatest Generation” willfeature music running the gamut from DukeEllington, Billy Strayhorn, Toots Thielemann, to LouisPrima and more. “What better way to pay tribute toour brave men and women of the armed forces withthe music that marched us through World War II,”said Darden Purcell, Director of Jazz Studies, GeorgeMason University

The concert will “not only pay tribute to our he-roes; the men and women of the United States mili-tary, but also showcase the work of our wonderfulstudents,” said Purcell.

“Many young adults now do not grow up with themusic of Duke Ellington so it is incredibly gratifyingto watch them develop, both musically and emotion-ally, when they make a connection with ‘Jazz’ and itssignificance within American history.”

Celebrating jazz, “the music is going to be great!You will leave “fingers snappin’ and toes tappin’!”added Purcell.

Under the baton of Anthony Maiello, Professor ofMusic at Mason, the 60-member American FestivalPops Orchestra will “Salute” veterans with musicalnumbers from the likes of Glenn Miller, John PhilipsSousa, along with the vocal quartet, “The Side Boys”of the United States Navy Band. There will also bean emotional rendition of “The Stars and StripesForever.”

“Our audiences come to be engaged. Patrons canexpect to be part of the concert, to be involved fromthe very first note,” said Maiello. “I can promise themthat they will feel better when they walk out of theconcert hall than when they entered it.”

Maiello added, “I believe American music is es-sential to our existence as a nation. Everything we

Send notes to the Connection atconnectionnewspapers.com/Calen-dar/ or call 703-778-9416. Thedeadline is the Friday prior to the nextpaper’s publication at noon. Datedannouncements should be submittedat least two weeks prior to the event.

ONGOINGThe Pumpkin Patch will be open

October 2 through 31, Sundaythrough Friday, from noon until 7pm daily, and Saturdays from 10am until 7 pm. Located at St.George’s United MethodistChurch, 4910 Ox Road, nearGeorge Mason University at thecrossroads of Rt 123 andBraddock Road and across fromthe University Mall. A largevariety of pumpkins anddecorative gourds of all shapesand sizes will be for sale.www.pumpkinsusa.com

Batting Cage OccoquanRegional Park 9751 Ox RoadLorton. Open through Oct. 30Occoquan offers a baseball/softball batting cage, for hitters ofall levels. Pitching machines offerother pitches like curveballs. Cost:14 balls $1.50 Team Rentals PerCage: 30 min. $18 60 min. $34https://www.novaparks.com/parks/occoquan-regional-park/things-to-do/batting-cage

Adventures in LearningShepherd’s Center of Fairfax8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. everyMonday for 6 weeks, Oct. 3, 2016- Nov. 7 these events take place atLord of Life Lutheran Church,5114 Twinbrook Rd. Fairfax. startwith gentle exercise, followed byspeakers on topics such as health,history, community, personaldevelopment, finance, and more.Afternoon breakouts are bookclub, bridge, canasta, and mindgames. Bring a brown bag lunch.Cost: $30 for 6 weeks (Mondays).To register: call 703-426-2824www.scfbva.org.

Senior Line Dancing 1 - 2 p.m.Little RIver Glen Senior Center4001 Barker Ct, Fairfax. LineDancing is a gentle, social form ofaerobic activity. Studies haveshown it aids in warding offAlzheimer’s disease. No previousexperience needed. Cost: $5.00per 8 week [email protected] 703-524-3739

Farmers Market & Food Trucks:3-7 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 27at the Fairfax County GovernmentCenter front parking lot.

Rock the Block! 6:30 p.m. Everyfourth Friday through Oct. 28.Old Town Square, 3999University Drive, Fairfax. Concertseries. Food is available for sale.Bring chairs and or blankets to siton. Kids – wear swim suits andbring towels. Enjoy the new spraypad. No Pets allowed exceptservice animals. fairfaxva.gov.

The Farmer’s Market atSpringfield Town Center.May 7- Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Through November. Corner ofSpring Mall and Loisdale roads,Springfield. Enjoy fresh bakedgoods, produce, vegetables &fruits, meats & cheeses, and ahost of other vendors.springfieldtowncenter.com.

Fairfax Rotary Club Meeting.12:15-1:30 p.m. Mondays.American Legion, 3939 Oak St.,Fairfax. Meetings with luncheonand program. fairfaxrotary.org.

Carolina Shag. Wednesdays. 6:30-10 p.m. Arlington/Fairfax ElksLodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30 p.m.No partners needed. Dinnermenu. $8. Under 21 free.nvshag.org.

FUN-Exercise. Thursdays, noon-12:50 p.m. Grace PresbyterianChurch Family Room, 7434 BathSt., Springfield. Inova certifiedexercise instructor leads amoderate level exercise class withmusic and current eventsconversation. Muscle, Balance,Strength Training using stretchbands and weights both standingand seated exercises. Instructordonation is [email protected] or 703-499-6133.

EXERCISE PROGRAM Mondaysand Fridays at 9:30 am year-round at Lord of Life LutheranChurch, 5114 Twinbrook Rd.Fairfax. The exercises are forstrength, balance and maintaininglimberness. Contact SCFB office at703-426-2824 for moreinformation.

Cafe Ivrit (Hebrew Cafe).Wednesdays. 8:15-9:15 a.m.Jewish Community Center ofNorthern Virginia, 8900 LittleRiver Turnpike, Fairfax. Shalom(hello) Did you always want toconverse in Hebrew? Join Na’amaeach week for conversationalHebrew. You will learn andpractice Hebrew in a fun andinteractive way while learningmore about Israel. Free, however

Entertainment

Calendar

Photo contributed

Shenandoah Run in Concert — Folk Music with aKick! on Saturday, Oct, 29, at Accotink UnitarianUniversalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke.Doors open at 7:30 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m.Ticket price - $15. A family-friendly event. Adultrefreshments and soft drinks served. For more infor-mation: www.accontinuu.org/concerts-at-accotink;703-503-4579; [email protected]

See Calendar, Page 15

Veterans Day weekend atCenter for the Arts.

Patriotic Musical Salutes toAmerica’s Veterans

WHERE AND WHEN* Jazz 4 Justice: “A Tribute to the Greatest Generation” at

George Mason University, Center for the Arts, 4400University Drive, Fairfax. Performance on Nov. 12, 2016 at8 p.m. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 for students and seniors.Tickets are available online at cfa.gmu.edu or by phone at888-945-2468. NOTE: There will be a reception and jamsession hosted by the Mason student group, “The Voyage”immediately following.

* American Festival Pops Orchestra: “A Salute to ourVeterans” at George Mason University, Center for the Arts,4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Performance Nov. 13, 2016at 2 p.m. Tickets: $50, $43, $30.with Youth DiscountTickets (half price tickets for youth through grade 12) areavailable for this event. Tickets are available by phone at888-945-2468 or online at cfa.gmu.edu. Note: There will bea pre-performance discussion with big-band arranger BryanKidd, who is in Residence with AFPO.

do involves music in some way or another. Holidays,ceremonies, events, personal and public gatheringsare just a few examples of how music plays a role inour daily lives, whether we are making it or listen-ing to it.”

Darden Purcell, Director Jazz Studies,George Mason University

Jim Carroll,Professor ofMusic, GeorgeMason Univer-sity, MusicDirector ofJazz 4 Justice

Photos courtesy of George Mason University

American Festival PopsOrchestra, AnthonyMaiello conducting.

Photo by Stan Englebretson/

Courtesy of George Mason

University


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The starting line of the mascot race. Sparky the Kangaroo from KeeneMill won the race against fellow mascots: Rocky the Rockin’ Robin ofRolling Valley, event sponsor Dr. David Hughes, Hamilton the Hawk ofHunt Valley, Mighty the Red Bird of Cardinal Forest and Mighty the Mus-tang of West Springfield.

Olivia Byrd and Averly LaChance, sixth and first graders at Keen MillElementary School, crossing the finish line.

News

By Alexandra Tecco

The Connection

This year’s Washington IrvingPyramid Challenge had thelargest turnout in its 11-yearhistory: 864 children from the

six elementary schools that feed into Wash-ington Irving Middle School gathered on theschool’s grounds for the race. Friends andfamily lined the race track and gathered atthe finish line to cheer. A new highlight thisyear was the participation of each school’smascot and a mascot, popular with all thekids. Elementary school students from Car-dinal Forest, Hunt Valley, Keene Mill, Or-ange Hunt, Rolling Valley and West Spring-field gathered on the sunny day, each rep-resenting their school with a different col-ored shirt. The help and support of the com-munity, local businesses and volunteersmade the registration fee for the runnersfour canned goods. The collected food wasdonated to Food for Others, which supportsNorthern Virginia Families in need.

“It’s really good for the kids,” said MoskaMojadidi. Her children attend Keen MillElementary. “It’s good for them to donate,volunteer, help people, exercise and all thegroups getting together to meet each other,”she says.

Children ran around the field withfriends, danced to music and stretchedwhile waiting for their race time. Ribbonswere given out to the top finishers, but itwas an informal affair, handed out at thefinish line as they crossed it. The course wasdesigned with special consideration so allages, abilities and those with physical limi-tations, including walking devices, couldparticipate, said Emily Canny, third gradeteacher at Rolling Valley Elementary.

Volunteers from the West Springfield HighSchool cross country team ran with eachrace as pacers. “They lead the race so thekids in front don’t get lost,” explained AnnaMcCandless, 14, ninth grader at WestSpringfield High School, a general volun-teer at the event. The pacers also followedat the back of the pack, keeping the run-ners’ spirits up to finish the race. Other com-munity volunteers included parents andmiddle and high school students assistingwith everything from registration to hand-ing out water or collecting the cannedgoods.

gether,” said Dr. David Hughes of DavidHughes Orthodontics, one of the regularsponsors for the event.

The school mascots spent their time pos-ing for pictures and cheering on the kidsthrough fist pumps, waves and thumbs up.At the halfway mark of the event was themascot race. All the mascots and Dr. Hughesgathered at the starting line. The kids fromeach school gathered to cheer their mascotthen ran across the field to watch the finishline. Sparky the Kangaroo, mascot of KeeneMill Elementary, won.

“The mascots are so popular,” explainsEmily Canny, “having them really buildscommunity participation and school spirit.”

“This is one of our first events of theschool year,” said Kelly Sheers, principal atWest Springfield Middle School. As such itis an event that sets the tone for the schoolevents that follow and the school year. Itreinforces the importance of “… buildingcommunity, sharing fitness… and encour-aging students of the importance of givingto others and, as a school, collaboratingwith others.”

Washington Irving Pyramid Challenge Has Record Turnout

Rounding the corner in the boys’ grade 4-6 1 milerace as family and friends cheer them on.

Keene Mill Elementary students Maleka, 9, fourthgrade and brother Ayaan, 6, first grade posing withtheir school mascot Sparky the Kangaroo. Ayaanshares his secret to a good run as he waits for hissister to run her race. “I turn my eyebrows down,put my hands behind me and feel the wind,” he says.

Ian Sarabia, 14, ninthgrade at West Spring-

field High School,Jonathan Rowan, 13,

eighth grade at Wash-ington Irving and

Robert Lewis fromFood for Others collect-

ing the canned goodsused by the runners toregister for the event.

The event was a chanceto “help people not as

fortunate” explainsRowan. For Sarabia itwas a chance “to help

out” while his sisterwas running.

Local businesses recognize the impor-tance of exercise for the children and thecommunity development through the Chal-lenge event. Some of their assistance in-cluded the water, race bibs, race clock andt-shirts. The support of these businesses andsponsors keeps the registration fee as

canned goods which allows more childrento participate while also giving back to thecommunity through the donation of thefood.

“It’s to get kids more active and supportexercise. It’s also a unique opportunity tobring parents, kids and the community to-

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we ask that you try to attend regularly. [email protected].

Smoke Free Bingo (with breaks for smokingfriends). 7 p.m. Every Friday. Fairfax VolunteerFire Department, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax.Free coffee, entertaining callers, $1,000 jackpot.www.fairfaxvd.com. 703-273-3638.

English Conversation Groups weekly atGeorge Mason, Burke Centre, and LortonLibraries Practice and improve your English. Dayand start times vary. Visit: https://va.evanced.info/fairfaxcounty/lib/eventcalendar.asp

First Sunday Jazz Brunch 11 - 2 p.m. Recurringmonthly on the 1st Sunday at Bazin’s onChurch 111 Church St N.W., Vienna. Enjoybrunch accompanied by the soft jazz sounds ofVirginia Music Adventure. Visit: http://www.fxva.com/listing/bazins-on-church/1686/

Stories From Strawberry Park 10 - 11 a.m.Tuesdays in Mosaic - Strawberry Park 2910District Avenue, Fairfax. Enjoy a live interactiveperformance each week taught by a group ofunique storytellers. For ages 10 and under. Heldoutside in Strawberry Park. In inclementweather and October through April, storytimewill be held in Angelika Film Center. Recurringweekly on Tuesday. Visit: http://www.fxva.com/listing/mosaic-district/2326/

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THURSDAY/ OCT. 27 - OCT. 30Mason Musical “The Threepenny Opera” at

George Mason University’s Center for the Arts inFairfax. October 27, 2016 - Oct. 29 at 8:00 p.m.October 29 at 2:00 p.m. Oct. 30 at 4:00 p.m.Who can get ahead? Those with money do inBrecht and Weill’s landmark twentieth centurymusical, The Threepenny Opera. Set in gritty1920’s New York City, where prohibition is ineffect but speakeasies are open and corruptionabounds, the story follows the charismaticantihero Macheath and his exploits for powerand wealth.

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Halloween 2016 Preview

Calendar

FRIDAY/OCT. 28, 2016Spooktacular. 6:30-8 p.m. Herndon

Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave.,Herndon. Enjoy ghoulish games, a spookycraft and a children’s show. Fee: $10/child inadvance or $15/child on day of event.www.herndon-va.gov.

Bradley Farm Haunted House Friday &Saturday 6 - 10 p.m. 13159 New ParklandDrive, Herndon. The guided tours are $5www.BFHauntedHouse.com.

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historic town of Clifton. Admission: Ages13+ $15 Ages 12 and under $10.www.cliftonhauntedtrail.com/

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1228 Hunter Mill Rd. Vienna. Roer’s Zoofariwelcomes families from all areas to a newway of trick-or-treating this year. Kids cantrick-or-treat for candy and treats, bouncearound in our kids zone, and meet bugs atour creepy crawly station. Admission: $10per child, free for adults.www.roerszoofari.com/

SATURDAY/OCT. 29Howl-O-Ween at Lake Anne, 1-3 p.m.

Plaza Activities. Free. Join us on the Plazadressed in Halloween flair (adults + pets) fora Howling good time! Dogs, cats, and alltypes of furry friends are welcome toparticipate. Pet Costume Contest starts at1:30 p.m.: Pet Parade, Live DJ, Pet FriendlyBeer Garden, Window Decorating Contest,Yappy Hour Specials from 1-5 p.m., Treats,Tricks & More From Local Merchants.www.lakeanneplaza.com

MONDAY/OCT. 31Halloween Spooktacular at Great Falls

Village Green and Great Falls Center, 5-7p.m., with Pet Parade at 4 p.m. (all dogsmust vacate the green by 4:50 p.m.) BoyScout Troop 55 will create some spooky funfor everyone in the Haunted House; TheLangley Marching Band performs in theWells Fargo parking lot; Linda Waitkus ofGreat Dogs of Great Falls is leading the PetParade starting at the Gazebo. Look out forthe Great Falls Volunteer Firefighters in theSafeway parking lot.

Photo by Tim Peterson/The Connection

Thrill-seeking souls enter theeight-acre Clifton Haunted Trailon Oct. 24, 2015

that increase cost the typical homeowner$184.81. Such a further increase could bestaved off by shifting a small portion of thetax obligation from property owners toother taxpayers (including those from out-side Fairfax County).

Finally, the meals tax would be a smallburden. It would amount to 20 cents on a$5 meal and $2 on a $50 meal. Most of the

From Page 6 other jurisdictions neighboring FairfaxCounty have a similar meals tax: Arlington,Alexandria, Fairfax City, and the Towns ofVienna and Herndon. Yet most of us patron-ize restaurants there. Thus, the meals taxwould not threaten the businesses of therestaurants in Fairfax County. That’s why Isupport the proposal.

Sean BarnettAnnandale

Letters to the Editor

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Gainesville Heritage Hunt 55+ (age 50+ ok) $379,900Beautiful 2 level end-unit – wide lot backs to commonarea! 4BR (2 m/l), 3BA, Kit, Din, Brkfst, Fam rm w GasFpl, Sunroom, Loft, Irrig system, 2 car Gar.

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Beautiful 5 acrebuilding lot inWoodson Frostschool district.Public wateravailable, excel-lent locationwithin minutes ofGMU, shopping,restaurants, andmajor roads.

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