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Springfield Connection ❖ June 1-7, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

‘A Day to Remember’News, Page 3

Debate Can Be Civil, TooNews, 2

RememberingOn Memorial Day 2017Editorial, Page 6

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SpringfieldFranconia❖Kingstowne❖Newington

Springfield

Students from Robert E. LeeHigh School take to the dancefloor at the Day Prom.

Debate Can Be Civil, TooNews, Page 12

‘A Day to Remember’News, Page 3

RememberingOn Memorial Day 2017Editorial, Page 6

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NewsSpringfield Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Ashley Claire Simpson

The Connection

More than 16 years ago, Pop-lar Tree Elementary School’sthen special educationteacher, Chris Pascarella,

had a vision of her students’ upcoming highschool experience. She just couldn’t acceptthe reality that the students before her, wholoved music and moving to all kinds ofrhythms, might not get to experience a highschool prom. Pascarella felt that they de-served a signature dance where they couldmake some lifelong memories. So, she or-ganized a small prom specifically for highschool students with special needs.

Since the early 2000s, this prom, witheach year’s theme being “A Day to Remem-ber,” has grown into an annual springtimeevent that brings hundreds of students to-gether from schools across Fairfax CountyPublic Schools (FCPS). This May, 336 highschool students were able to experience the16th Annual Day Prom — all with the helpof 205 teachers and general education stu-dent volunteers.

“When I taught special needs students atPoplar Tree, I knew they loved music,”Pascarella said. “When they were oldenough to be going to high school, I startedorganizing a small dance for the specialneeds students at Herndon High School andtwo other schools. At first, we had the eventat the Hyatt in Reston, but we’ve since out-grown that space. It grew from threeschools, to now students in special ed pro-grams from 18 schools.”

DAY PROM, hosted at the Waterford in FairOaks, has become an annual event that stu-dents anticipate for much of the academicyear. The annual dance has gotten so largethat organizers had to break the event into

two days. This year, the two dances tookplace from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednes-day, May 17, and the again on Wednesday,May 24.

“Of course, it’s so rewarding to see DayProm come together every year,” saidPascarella. “The students start asking aboutit at the beginning of every school year.”

Although this prom is not an official FCPSevent, its execution takes the collaborationand cooperation of special needs teachersand Parent Teacher Student Associations(PTSAs) from each school that participates.The Waterford donates the space to holdthe event, and the deejay contributes histime and service free of charge. The rest ofit is up to teachers and parents to make surethese students get the prom they look for-ward to every year, even getting creativewhere necessary.

“In previous years, many of the schoolsused to send the students in limos,”Pascarella said. “Many schools now use theFCPS buses. Some schools fund-raise, andsome PTSAs make donations in order tocollect money for food, transportation, and

everything else.”The morning of Wednesday, May 24, stu-

dents from nine high schools arrived at theWaterford – Chantilly, Herndon, LakeBraddock, Lee, Oakton, Robinson, Stuart,Westfield and Woodson.

Girls stepped off the school buses in vi-brant dresses, and the young men enteredthe Waterford in button-down shirts, suitjackets, and, many in ties. Before they en-tered the ballroom, with a wide woodendance floor surrounded by round tables fortaking breaks and eating lunch, teachersand student volunteers pinned boutonnieresto the boys’ suit jackets and slid corsagesonto the girls’ wrists.

TEACHERS and case managers from spe-cial needs programs attend the dance asboth chaperones and as part of a supportsystem for their students.

Speech pathologists Erin Andreani andStacy Pete, both from Lee High School,came to the dance prepared to help theirstudents exercise communication skills.

“If we see one of our students needing an

intervention as they try to communicatewith any of the other students here, we’rehere to step in and help them facilitate aconversation,” said Andreani, who alsoworks at West Springfield. “Being here al-lows us to see how our kids are reachingtheir communication goals outside the class-room. And, for the kids here who do go tothe general ed prom with their own school,Day Prom is great preparation.”

Pete enjoys being at Day Prom both tosee her students demonstrate what they’velearned in the classroom, and to witnessthem enjoying themselves in a typical so-cial setting.

“We like to see our kids out in the com-munity, and, in this case, getting to have aprom of their own,” Pete said. “They don’thave to miss out on fun things. Here, theyget to enjoy what everyone, including thegen ed kids, does.”

Even though their time at the Day Promwas a work day for school staff members,the teachers said there is no way that DayProm can compare even remotely to a regu-lar day in the classroom.

“For most of these kids, a late night promwould just be too much,” said MarianneMcKeon, a career preparation teacher atRobinson. “Here, they get to experience asemi-formal dance. They all love music soyou get to see their little walls come down.This is a day they can be with their bud-dies, having a good time, without us hov-ering.”

Just like any classic high school dance,teachers stood at the edge of the dance floornodding to the beat of both today’s hits andmore classic party songs like the “YMCA”and “The Cupid Shuffle.” At this prom, someteachers and student volunteers were on thedance floor, making sure that everyone,even the students in wheelchairs, could losethemselves in the cheerful music.

Students with special needs enjoytheir own Day Prom.‘A Day to Remember’

Students from nine high schools – Chantilly, Herndon, Lake Braddock, Lee, Oakton, Robinson, Stuart, Westfield and Woodson — participated in theDay Prom at the Waterford on May 24.

A group of students from Lee High School gather for a photo at theDay Prom.

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News

Old Town Square was the placeto be, last Friday night, May26, for the City of Fairfax’sfirst Rock the Block of the sea-

son. The perfect spring night, food and bev-erage vendors, plus live rock music by the

Girl Scout Presents‘Bee-lieve in theHoney Bee’Workshop

Ambassador Girl Scout KateForrest, of Springfield, is earning herGirl Scout Gold Award by providinga free workshop of fun activities forgirls and boys age 6-10 years old onSaturday, June 10, 2017, from 8a.m. to 2 p.m., at Burke PresbyterianChurch in Burke.

The “Bee-lieve in the Honey Bee”workshop features games, activities,interactive challenges, and lots ofteamwork, with the focus on how topreserve and save the precioushoney bee. Registration is requiredso parents should send an email [email protected] register.s

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

Kami Richter, of Alexandria, graduated fromFort Lewis College (Durango, Colo.) in December.Richter received a bachelor’s degree with a majorin anthropology.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kelly C.Quispe graduated from basic military training atJoint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio,Texas. Quispe is the daughter of Nicanor andEdelvina Quispe of Springfield. She is a 2007graduate of Bishop Ireton High School.

Camille Thompson, of Alexandria, wasnamed to the fall 2016 dean’s list at the Universityof Dallas (Irving, Texas).

Sarah Tripplehorn, of Alexandria, wasnamed to the fall 2016 dean’s list at the Universityof Dallas (Irving, Texas).

Victoria Cullo, of Alexandria, was named tothe fall 2016 dean’s list at Hofstra University(Hempstead, N.Y.).

Claire Malkie, of Alexandria, was named tothe fall 2016 dean’s list at Hofstra University(Hempstead, N.Y.).

The following students from Alexandria werenamed to the dean’s list at The University of Ala-bama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.): Matthew P. Huling,Austin James Neuberger, Aubrie G. Smith,and Alexander K. Thiebes.

Joseph Faddoul, of Alexandria, a freshmansport management major at York College of Penn-sylvania, has been named to the dean’s list for thespring 2017 semester.

Mary Oliver, of Springfield, earned an awardat the Honors Convocation at Mary Baldwin Col-lege (Staunton, Va.).

Thousands ThrongTo Rock the Block

Darby Brothers brought a couple thousandpeople to downtown Fairfax to make theevent a huge success. Weather permitting,Rock the Block is held on the fourth Fri-days of the month, 6:30-9:30 p.m., fromMay through October.

Old Town Square is jammed to the brim for the season’s first Rock theBlock concert.

Some of theattendeessitting on OldTownSquare’ssplash-padarea.

The DarbyBrothersperform rockmusic fromthe ’70s and’80s.

Photos By Bonnie Hobbs

Photos contributed

School Notes


Saturday & Sunday, June 3–4• Springfield 5K

• PetFest• Craft & Fun Fair

• Car Show• Book Sale• Cardboard

Boat Regatta

Presented by

For a full list of 2017 events visitSpringfieldDays.com

Support. Information. Hope.

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2017Time: 9:00 a.m. – Registration

9:30-1:00 p.m. – WorkshopPlace: Duff Kronfeld & Marquardt P.C.

Fair Oaks Commerce Center11320 Random Hills Road/Suite 630Fairfax, VA 22030

Fee: No Fee

Please join us for our Second Saturday Divorce Workshop and get theinformation, support and guidance from professionals: a family law attorney, a financialadvisor, a family therapist and a representative from the Fairfax County Women’s Shelter.

Registration at the door; however, pre-registration is recommended asspace is limited.

Online Registration: www.secondsaturdaynova.comEmail: [email protected]: (703) 591-7475

Springfield Marine Competes in AustraliaMarine Cpl. John Brody, of Springfield, competed in a combat marks-manship competition May 18, during Australian Army Skills at ArmsMeeting, in Puckapunyal, Australia. The competition brings togetherroughly 20 countries to compete, learn from each other and build stron-ger bonds. Brody is a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment,deployed to Australia in support of Marine Rotational Force Darwin.

People


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SpringfieldOpinion

On Memorial Day, we rememberall of those who have died inmilitary service, more than400,000 in World War II, more

than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 inVietnam.

As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the CivilWar, stunningly about 2 percent of the popu-lation at that time. To compare, while morethan 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraqand Afghanistan, that number is still less thanone percent of the U.S. population.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 6,880 U.S.military service men and women have died insupport of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On Memorial Day, there are many ways toremember the fallen, includinga visit to Arlington NationalCemetery, or many other localcommemorations. But at a

minimum, wherever you are, you can observea moment of silence at 12:01 p.m. along withIraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America(IAVA), or you can set your own moment atsome point during the day.

More than 52,000 U.S. military service mem-bers have been wounded in action, althoughthat number is likely to be revised upward. In2013, the military confirmed traumatic braininjury in more than 220,000 of the more than2.5 million troops who have served in Iraq andAfghanistan. The long-term consequences ofmany of these injuries, including mental healthconsequences, are unknown, but they will re-quire a national commitment to excellence inhealth care and services for both active dutymilitary personnel and veterans. Virginia’s U.S.Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine continueto advocate for better service from the Veter-ans Administration.

Cuts proposed to health care, food assistanceand other aspects of the social safety net inthe proposed budget would disproportionatelyharm veterans.

EVERY YEAR around Memorial Day, thisnewspaper names the local men and womenwho have died in military service since Sept.11, 2001.

Marcus D. Prince, 22, of Norfolk, Virginia died April26, 2016 in Juffir, Bahrain. Prince was a U.S. Navycivilian who was supporting Operation Inherent Re-solve.

Blane D. Bussell, 60, of Virginia, died Jan. 26, 2016in Manama, Bahrain; Bussell was a U.S. Navy civilianwho was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Sgt. Charles C. Strong, 28, of Suffolk, died Sept. 15,2014 in Herat Province, Afghanistan while conductingcombat operations. Sgt. David H. Stewart, 34, ofStafford, was one of three Marines who died June 20,2014 while conducting combat operations in Helmandprovince, Afghanistan.

Seaman Philip Frazier Manes, 21, of Fairfax, diedSept. 27, in Manama, Bahrain. He was supportingOperation Inherent Resolve.

Army Sgt. Lyle D. Turnbull, 31, of Norfolk, died Oct.18, 2013 in Kuwait, from a medical emergency. Capt.Brandon L. Cyr, 28, of Woodbridge, was one of fourairmen who died April 27, 2013, near Kandahar Air-field, Afghanistan, in the crash of an MC-12 aircraft.

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park Westneighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire onApril 23, 2013, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ”and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was thecaptain of the swim team. He was a U.S. ArmyBlackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghani-

stan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his senseof humor and his natural leadership ability.

Master Sgt. George A. Banner Jr., 37, of Orange,died Aug. 20, 2013, of injuries sustained when enemyforces attacked his unit with small arms fire in WardakProvince, Afghanistan.

Spc. Caryn E. Nouv, 29, of Newport News, was oneof two soldiers who died July 27, 2013 in Ghazni Prov-ince, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemyforces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explo-sive device and small arms fire.

Lance Cpl. Niall W. Coti-Sears, 23, of Arlington, diedJune 23, 2012, while conducting combat operations inHelmand province, Afghanistan. Coti-Sears lovedmusic, played the guitar, composed songs and enter-tained family and friends at holiday gatherings. Niallwas very close to his grandfather, William Coti, whowas a Marine. “He was always my protege,” WilliamCoti told the Arlington Connection. “He always wantedto be a Marine and he followed my example. It weighsheavily on me that this had to happen.”

Chief Warrant Officer Five John C. Pratt, 51, ofSpringfield, died May 28, 2012 in Kabul, Afghanistan,when his helicopter crashed.

Staff Sgt. Jessica M. Wing, 42, of Alexandria, diedAug. 27, 2012 in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

In February 2012, Brig. Gen. Terence J. Hildner, 49,of Fairfax, was the highest ranking military officer todie in the war. Hildner died Feb. 3, 2012 in Kabul prov-ince, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Aaron X. Wittman, 28, of Chester, Virginia, diedJan. 10, 2013 from small arms fire. Sgt. David J. Cham-bers, 25, of Hampton, Virginia, died Jan. 16, 2013 froma roadside bomb. Sgt. Robert J. Billings, 30, ofClarksville, Virginia, died Oct. 13, 2012 when enemyforces attacked with an improvised explosive device.Staff Sgt. Jonathan P. Schmidt, 28, of Petersburg, Va.,died Sept. 1, 2012 from enemy small arms fire. 1st Lt.Stephen C. Prasnicki, 24, of Lexington, Virginia, diedJune 27, 2012, from a roadside bomb.

Aaron Carson Vaughn, 30, was one of 30 Americanservice members and 22 Navy SEALs killed Aug. 6,2011 when their Chinook helicopter was shot down inAfghanistan. Vaughn’s family has ties to McLean andBurke. He was survived by his wife, Kimberly, and theirtwo children.

Spc. Douglas Jay Green, 23 of Sterling, died Aug. 28,2011. when insurgents attacked his unit using a road-side bomb in Afghanistan. Green enlisted in 2007, afterattending Potomac Falls High School.

Pfc. Benjamin J. Park, 25, of Fairfax Station, diedJune 18, 2010 at Zhari district, Kandahar, Afghanistan,of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unitwith an improvised explosive device.

May 12, 2010, Donald J. Lamar II, 23 ofFredericksburg, was killed in Afghanistan. ChristopherD. Worrell, 35 of Virginia Beach, was killed in Iraq onApril 22, 2010. Steven J. Bishop, 29 of Christianburg,was killed March 13, 2010 in Iraq. Kielin T. Dunn, 19of Chesapeake, was killed Feb. 18, 2010 in Afghani-stan. Brandon T. Islip, 23 of Richmond, was killed Nov.29, 2009, in Afghanistan. Stephan L. Mace, 21 ofLovettsville, died Oct. 3, 2009 in Afghanistan.

Bill Cahir, 40 of Alexandria, died Aug. 13, 2009 ofa gunshot wound while conducting combat operationsin the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. After Sept.11, 2001, Cahir decided to leave his career as a jour-nalist and join the Marine Corps. His application tobecome a Marine was denied because of his age, buthe successfully lobbied members of Congress to get aspecial exemption.

Lance Cpl. Daniel Ryan Bennett, 23 of Clifton diedJan. 11, 2009, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 2ndLt. Sean P. O’Connor of Burke died Oct. 19, 2008 whilestationed at Hunter Army Air Field, Savannah, Geor-gia. O’Connor was an athlete in soccer, baseball andfootball who attended Fairfax County Public Schoolsand was a 1999 graduate of Bishop Denis J. O’ConnellHigh School in Arlington.

Pfc. David Sharrett II, 27 of Oakton, died Jan, 16,2008 in Iraq. On Oct. 24, 2008, his father, David H.Sharrett, was on hand as the Oakton Post Office onWhite Granite Drive was renamed to honor his son. Butthe senior Sharrett has battled to learn the truth abouthis son’s death, that he was killed by his lieutenant ina “friendly fire” incident. In April, 2012, Sharrett Sr.obtained documents confirming some of the details ofhis son’s death and a subsequent cover-up.

Army 1st Lt. Thomas J. Brown, 26, a George MasonUniversity graduate and Burke resident, died on Sept.

23, 2008, while serving in Iraq, from small arms fire.Sgt. Scott Kirkpatrick, 26, died on Aug. 11, 2007, in

Arab Jabour, Iraq. Kirkpatrick, who graduated fromPark View High School in Sterling, and also consideredHerndon and Reston as his hometowns, was a cham-pion slam poet.

Ami Neiberger-Miller lost her brother, U.S. ArmySpc. Christopher Neiberger, in August 2007 when hewas killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was 22.

Staff Sgt. Jesse G. Clowers Jr., 27, of Herndon, diedwhen an improvised bomb exploded near his vehiclein Afghanistan on Aug. 12, 2007. Jonathan D.Winterbottom, 21, of Falls Church, died in Iraq on May23, 2007, when an IED exploded near his vehicle.

Nicholas Rapavi, 22, of Springfield, died Nov. 24,2006, during combat in Anbar province in Iraq. ArmyCpl. Andy D. Anderson, 24, was killed by enemy firein Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Tuesday, June 6, 2006.

Spc. Robert Drawl Jr., 21, a 2003 graduate of T.C.Williams High School, was killed by a bomb in Kunar,Afghanistan, on Aug. 19, 2006.

U.S. Army Specialist Felipe J. Garcia Villareal, 26 ofBurke, was injured in Iraq and flown to WashingtonHospital Center, where he died Feb. 12, 2006. He wasa graduate of Herndon High School.

Capt. Shane R. M. Mahaffee, 36, a 1987 graduateof Mount Vernon High School, died May 15, 2006. Hewas a lawyer, married, with two children.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Kirven, 21, waskilled in Afghanistan in 2005 during a firefight in acave with insurgents. He enlisted while still in highschool after Sept. 11, 2001.

Fairfax Station resident Pfc. Dillon Jutras, 20, waskilled in combat operations in Al Anbar Province ofIraq on Oct. 29, 2005.

Maj. William F. Hecker III, a 1987 graduate ofMcLean High School, was killed in action in Iraq, Jan.5, 2005. Staff Sgt. Ayman Taha, 31, of Vienna, waskilled Dec. 30, 2005, when an enemy munitions cachehe was prepping for demolition exploded. Army Capt.Chris Petty of Vienna was killed Jan. 5, 2006.

Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander Jr., the 2,000th sol-dier to be killed in Iraq, was literally born into theArmy here in Northern Virginia, at DeWitt Army Hos-pital at Fort Belvoir. Alexander died at Brooke ArmyMedical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22, 2005,of injuries sustained in Iraq five days earlier.

Lt. Col. Thomas A. Wren, 44, of Lorton, died inTallil, Iraq on Nov. 5, 2005. Marine Capt. MichaelMartino, 32 of the City of Fairfax, died Nov. 2, 2005,when his helicopter was brought down in Iraq.

1st Lt. Laura M. Walker of Oakton was killed on Aug.18, 2005, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. CW4 Matthew S.Lourey of Lorton died from injuries sustained on May26, 2005 in Buhriz, Iraq. Operations Officer Helge Boesof Fairfax was killed on Feb. 5, 2003, while participat-ing in counterterrorism efforts in eastern Afghanistan.

Among other local lives lost: Lance Cpl. Tavon LeeHubbard, 24, of Reston; 1st Lt. Alexander Wetherbee,27, of McLean; 1st Lt. Jeff Kaylor, 25, of Clifton; CoastGuard Petty Officer Nathan B. Bruckenthal, 24, ofHerndon; Army Chief Warrant Officer Sharon T.Swartworth, 43, of Mount Vernon; Command Sgt. Maj.James D. Blankenbecler, 40, of Mount Vernon; Capt.James F. Adamouski, 29, of Springfield; Sgt. DeForestL. Talbert, 22, of Alexandria; Marine Cpl. Binh N. Le,20, of Alexandria; Staff Sgt. Russell Verdugo, 34, ofAlexandria; Army Capt. Mark N. Stubenhofer, 30, fromSpringfield; Marine Gunnery Sgt. Javier Obleas-PradoPena, 36, from Falls Church; Marine Sgt. KrisnaNachampassak, 27, from Burke; Army Staff Sgt.Nathaniel J. Nyren, 31, from Reston; Marine LanceCpl. Tenzin Dengkhim, 19, from Falls Church, NavyChief Joel Egan Baldwin, 37, from Arlington; Maj.Joseph McCloud, of Alexandria, and Major Gloria D.Davis, 47 of Lorton.

Capt. Jesse A. Ozbat, 28 of Prince George, Virginia,died on May 20, 2012 in Afghanistan from a roadsidebomb. Constructionman Trevor J. Stanley, 22, of Vir-ginia Beach, died April 7, 2012 while deployed toCamp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Pfc. Michael W. Pyron, 30,of Hopewell, Va., died Jan. 10, 2012 in Afghanistan.Maj. Samuel M. Griffith, 36, of Virginia Beach, diedDec. 14, 2011 in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. James RonaldLeep Jr., 44 of Richmond, died Oct. 17, 2011 at For-ward Operating Base Kalsu in Iraq. Spc. Levi EfrainNuncio, 24 of Harrisonburg, died June 22, 2011 in Af-ghanistan. Capt. Michael Wray Newton, 30 of Newport

Remembering on Memorial Day 2017

Editorial

See Memorial Day, Page 11


Commentary

By Del. David L. Bulova (D-37) &

Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter (R-31)

Most of us in this region haveseen cars with a “Save theBay” bumper sticker. Buthave you ever stopped to

think about what you can do to turn thatsimple, yet powerful slogan into reality? Theanswer is that each of us can make a realdifference. To find out how, we hope youwill join us for the first annual “Back to theBay” on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. atMason Neck State Park.

As members of the Chesapeake Bay Com-mission, a tri-state legislative commissionrepresenting Maryland, Pennsylvania andVirginia, we work to advance policies torestore and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Lastyear the Chesapeake Bay Commission es-tablished the second week of June as Chesa-peake Bay Awareness Week.

We did this to engage residents aboutwhat is being done to combat polluted run-off and what more needs to be done to re-store this precious resource for the enjoy-ment of future generations. Fewer pollut-ants in local streams, rivers, and other tribu-taries means cleaner water, thriving under-water grasses, and rebounding fish, crabs,and oyster stocks in the Chesapeake Bay.

Everyone, seafood producers, the sportingcommunity, and those who use the Bay forrecreation will benefit.

The good news is that we have much tocelebrate! Virginia has made measurableprogress toward reducing nutrient and sedi-ment pollution and we are on track to reachour 2017 milestones. Thanks to these ef-forts, underwater grasses are at highs notseen in decades. Summer dead zones, placeswhere the water has no oxygen to supportfish and shellfish, have been decreasing.

To be sure, the work of restoring theChesapeake Bay is not complete. In fact, thelast phase of effort toward our 2025 dead-line will almost certainly be our toughest.And Virginia can’t do it alone! With a drain-age area of approximately 64,000 miles, re-storing the Bay can only be accomplishedthrough a collaborative approach. Virginia,along with our partner states, the Districtof Columbia, and local governments mustcontinue to prioritize the programs andfunding necessary to better manage runofffrom farmlands and suburban and urbandevelopment.

Virginia has strong bipartisan support forthe Chesapeake Bay. Our fellow legislatorswork “across the aisle” and with the Gover-nor to implement pragmatic solutions. Lo-cal governments, private businesses, farm-

ers, and conservation organizations have alljoined the effort.

The federal government must also con-tinue to be a key partner. Funding at thefederal level goes toward critical monitor-ing and modeling programs to ensure thatour efforts are based on real science andnot political science. Federal funding is alsoused to leverage state and local resourcesfor on-the-ground best management prac-tices that are necessary to meet our targetson time.

At “Back to the Bay” participants will lit-erally be asked to turn their back to the Bayduring the program. Why? It is a symbolicgesture to highlight how most of the workto restore the Bay is about what is upstream– that is, literally where we live and work.Ordinary people, by making small changes,can make big differences!

At Back to the Bay, you’ll be able to ex-plore history and better understand the liv-ing resources of the Bay and our local riv-ers. You’ll see practical ways to reduce pol-lution going to the Bay, including how tojoin a stream clean-up project, purchase aChesapeake Bay license plate (with pro-ceeds dedicated to Bay education and res-toration), build a rain garden or a rain bar-rel at your home, test your soil before fer-tilizing the lawn, along with many other ac-

Back to the BayDel. L. Scott Lingamfelter, Repub-

lican State Delegate representingparts of Fauquier and Prince Williamcounties and Del. David L. Bulova,Democratic State Delegate repre-senting the City of Fairfax and partof Fairfax County are both membersof the bi-partisan Chesapeake BayCommission. They are encouragingVirginians to take part in the “Backto the Bay” event that will be heldJune 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. atMason Neck State Park, 7301 HighPoint Road in Lorton. For moreinformation about Chesapeake BayAwareness Week and Back to theBay, visit www.vcnva.org/chesapeake-bay-awareness-week/and follow the event on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/events/249460912171565/.

Join Us for ‘Back to the Bay!’

tions. Over 30 organizations will be thereand are excited to share what they knowwhile having lots of fun at the same time!

We hope you will join us and bring fam-ily and friends. Help us to ensure that ourchildren will grow up with the joys of swim-ming and fishing in a clean Potomac Riverand Chesapeake Bay.


Entertainment

FRIDAY/JUNE 2Music on the Plaza. 7 p.m. at the Old Town

Plaza, 3955 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Musicand dance performances. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov for more.

SATURDAY/JUNE 3Fit Foodie Festival and 5K. 8-11 a.m. at the

Old Town Square, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. Benefit run for No Kid Hungry. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov for more.

Walking Tour of Old Town Fairfax. 10-11:30a.m. at Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 ChainBridge Road. Tours lasting approximately 90minutes will begin in front of the HistoricFairfax County Courthouse, corner of ChainBridge Road and Main Street, and include ashort tour of the Ratcliffe-Allison House, $10/adults; $5/youth, ages 6-12, children 6 andunder are free. All proceeds benefit thepreservation of the City of Fairfax’s publichistoric properties. Call 703-385-8414 for more.

Scent Workshop. 10:30-11:30 am at Fair OaksMall, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax. FamilyWorkshop opens with Lawrence F. Lowery’sillustrated book, “Fragrant as a Flower,” andincludes hands-on sensory experiences that helpchildren and their grown-ups learn about oursense of smell. $25. Children in grades pre-K to1. Visit www.shopfairoaksmall.com for more.

Kidz Korner Summer on the Square. 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Old Town Square, 3999 UniversityDrive. A variety of children’s activities andentertainment in Old Town Square. Free show.Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/ for more.

Fido Fest. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sherwood CommunityCenter, 3740 Old Lee Highway. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/ for more.

Climate Change Documentary. 1 p.m. atKingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center,Alexandria. The Kingstowne Cares ConservationClub hosting a post-screening discussion withspecial guests State Sen. Scott Surovell (D-36)and Seth Heald, Chair, Virginia Chapter of theSierra Club. Free. Space is limited, RSVP [email protected].

Sounds of Pohick. 4 p.m. at Historic PohickChurch, 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. St.Francis Choir and St. Cecelia/St. Alban Choir,both for children; the Pohick Pickers, the PohickBell Choir, the Pohick Early Church MusicEnsemble, Choir of Pohick will perform. Call703-339-6572 or visit www.pohick.org for more.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 3-4Civil War Living History Weekend. Various

times at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road. Demonstrations ofcamp life, musket firings, candle making, CivilWar re-enactors from the Victorian Dance

Ensemble of the Civil War Dance Foundation informal ball dress of the time dancing andteaching authentic dance steps of that period.Admission: museum members and ages 4 andunder, free; ages 5-15, $2; 16 and older, $5.Visit www.fairfax-station.org, or call 703-425-9225 for more.

Springfield Days. Various times, in SpringfieldPlaza, 7206 Old Keene Mill Road. Events beginwith a fun run and conclude with a cardboardboat regatta. Visit www.springfielddays.com formore.

“Mulan” Performance. 12:30, 4:30, and 7:30p.m. both days at the GMU Center for the Arts,Harris Theatre, 4400 University Drive. Acting forYoung People acting school is doing a stageadaptation of Disney’s animated film. Visitwww.afyp.org/ for more.

SUNDAY/JUNE 4Yoga on the Square. 10 a.m. at the Old Town

Square, 3999 University Drive. Bring a yoga matand a water bottle. Call 703-385-7858 for more.

Historic Sydenstricker Celebration. noon atthe Historic Sydenstricker Schoolhouse, 8511Hooes Road, Springfield. Fairfax County HistoricMarker dedication and celebration at theHistoric Sydenstricker Schoolhouse. Free. Call703-455-2935 or [email protected].

Wine, Whiskers and Wags. 1-5 p.m. at ParadiseSprings Winery, 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton.Benefit hosted by Friends of the Fairfax CountyAnimal Shelter. Wine tasting, food, a SilentAuction, raffle and much more. Well-behavedchildren and dogs welcome. Admission is $40/person in advance and $45 at the door. Visitffcas.org for more.

WEDNESDAY/JUNE 7West Springfield High School Wind

Symphony. 7-9 p.m. in the West SpringfieldHigh School Auditorium, 6100 Rolling Road.Concert commemorating the 50th Anniversary ofthe high school. Free. Visitwshsspartanband.org.

FRIDAY/JUNE 9Meet the Author. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at

Springfield Golf & Country Club, 8301 OldKeene Mill Road, Springfield. Great HarvestBread Company Jeff Connelly, will share howthey may be a national company, but they havethe spirit and heart of a locally owned smallbusiness. Also Keith Clemons, will be speakingabout the book he authored. Call 703-922 6438/703-913-9844 or [email protected].

Music on the Plaza. 7 p.m. at the Old TownPlaza, 3955 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. Musicand dance performances. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov for more.

JUNE 9-11Celebrate Fairfax. Various times at the Fairfax

County Government Center, 12000 GovernmentCenter Pkwy., Fairfax. Community-widecelebration with art, musical performances, andrides. Everclear is on the main stage on Saturdaynight. Visit celebratefairfax.com/ for more.

SATURDAY/JUNE 10FootGolf National Qualifier. 1:30-9 p.m. at

Pinecrest Golf Course, 6600 Little RiverTurnpike. Pinecrest Golf Course will host theU.S. National Qualifier for the AmericanFootGolf League. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/pinecrestgc/ or call 703-324-8782.

SUNDAY/JUNE 11Tiny Dancers Ballet Recital. 10:15 a.m.

(Fairfax studio); 1:15 p.m and 3:45 p.m.(Mosaic studio) at W.T. Woodson High School,9525 Main St., Fairfax. Call 703-785-5580 orvisit www.tinydancers.com for more.

TUESDAY/JUNE 13Women Only Golf Tournament. 9 a.m. at

Greendale Golf Course, 6700 Telegraph Road,Alexandria. It’s Captain’s Choice on the front 9and better ball on the back 9 for two-personteams. $45.Call 703- 971-6170 for more.

BHS Research Seminar. 7-9 p.m. at BurkeCentre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road. “Using theWashington Library at Mount Vernon” is thetopic. Visit www.burkehistoricalsociety.org.

Rose ShowThe 61st annual Rose Show is thisweekend at Merrifield GardenCenter - Fair Oaks, at 12101 LeeHighway. Hours are Saturday, June3, 1-6 p.m. and Sunday, June 4, 11-4 p.m. Elements of the show in-clude a photography, design andhorticulture competition, hostedby Arlington Rose Foundation atMerrifield Garden Center- FairOaks. Rosarians will be on duty toanswer any questions at this freeevent. Call 703-371-9351 or [email protected] for more.

Send entertainment notes to the Connection atconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/ or call 703-778-9416. The deadline is the Friday prior to thenext paper’s publication at noon. Dated announce-ments should be submitted at least two weeks priorto the event.

ONGOINGSenior Line Dancing 1-2 p.m. Little RIver Glen

Senior Center 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. LineDancing is a gentle, social form of aerobicactivity. Studies have shown it aids in wardingoff Alzheimer’s disease. No previous experienceneeded. Cost: $5 per 8 week [email protected] 703-524-3739

Carolina Shag. Wednesdays. 6:30-10 p.m.Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421 ArlingtonBlvd., Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30 p.m. Nopartners needed. Dinner menu. $8. Under 21free. nvshag.org.

FUN-Exercise Thursdays, noon-12:50 p.m. GracePresbyterian Church Family Room, 7434 BathSt., Springfield. Inova certified exerciseinstructor leads a moderate level exercise classwith music and current events conversation.Muscle, Balance, Strength Training using stretchbands and weights both standing and seatedexercises. Instructor donation is [email protected] or 703-499-6133.

Exercise Program Mondays and Fridays at 9:30a.m. year-round at Lord of Life Lutheran Church,5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfax. The exercisesare for strength, balance and maintaininglimberness. Contact SCFB office at 703-426-2824 for more information.

Cafe Ivrit (Hebrew Cafe). Wednesdays. 8:15-9:15 a.m. Jewish Community Center of NorthernVirginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax.Shalom (hello) Did you always want to conversein Hebrew? Join Na’ama each week forconversational Hebrew. You will learn andpractice Hebrew in a fun and interactive waywhile learning more about Israel. Free, howeverwe ask that you try to attend regularly. [email protected].

English Conversation Groups weekly atGeorge Mason, Burke Centre, and Lorton

Libraries Practice and improve your English. Dayand start times vary. Visit: va.evanced.info/fairfaxcounty/lib/eventcalendar.asp

Kingstowne Farmers Market opens. 4-7 p.m.every Friday through Oct. 27, at KingstowneGiant Parking Lot, 5870 Kingstowne Center,Alexandria. Freshly picked, producer-onlyvegetables and fruit, from-scratch bread(including gluten free), baked goods, kettlecorn, salsa, hummus, cake pops, fruit popsicles,and ice cream. Email [email protected] or call 703-642-0128.

CAMPS & CLASSESArt Camp. Various times July 3-7, July 24-28, and

July 31-Aug. 4 at the Woods Community Center,10100 Wards Grove Circle, Burke or the secondlocation is Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 OakLeather Drive, Burke. Lessons by Carol Zeitlin.Call 703-250-6930 or visitwww.czartlessons.com for more.

THURSDAY/JUNE 1Hometown Thursday’s Kickoff. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

at Old Town Square, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. The Back Pages Band is the first of aseries of local bands that play on Thursdaynights. Free. Visit www.fairfaxva.gov for more.

FRIDAY/JUNE 2Bingo. 7 p.m. at 4081 University Drive, Fairfax.

The Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department hostssmoke-free Bingo every Friday night. Allproceeds go to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com or call703-273-3638 for more.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/JUNE 2-3“The Mad Adventures of Mr. Toad.” Friday, at

7 p.m., and Saturday, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. atThomas A. Edison High School, 5801 FranconiaRoad, Alexandria. Performance by Rose HillElementary School’s Rose Hill Players. Visitedisonhs.fcps.edu/ for more.


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Greenspring Residents Donate Books to Crestwood ElementaryMembers of the Greenspring community recently donated more than 200 books toCrestwood Elementary students in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Greenspring’sGrandInvolve volunteer program was recently honored with a 2017 Governor’s Commu-nity Organization Award for their volunteer efforts mentoring students, reading booksand working in classrooms at Crestwood in Springfield.


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By David Siegel

The Connection

“In honor of the FairfaxSymphony Orchestra’s(FSO) upcoming 60thAnniversary and the

275th Anniversary of FairfaxCounty, we are proud to expandour commitment to the commu-nity with the creation of a newseries, FSO: Presents,” saidJonathan Kerr, Executive Directorof the Fairfax Symphony Orches-tra. “The new series feature guestartists and ensembles in an inti-mate concert setting in venuesthroughout Fairfax County.”

“The series will bring uniqueperforming arts experiences toFairfax, further strengthening theFSO’s contribution to the cultural,educational, and economic vital-ity of the community,” added Kerr.“We at the FSO want to engage ouraudiences with world-class musicand innovative arts education pro-grams.”

“FSO: Presents” will launch withthe return of the acclaimed NewYork-based and Northern Virginiaaudience favorite pianist SimoneDinnerstein. Dinnerstein will per-form with the Havana LyceumOrchestra in their American debutand the first stop on a nationaltour. The tour will be the first timea Cuban orchestra of this size hastraveled to the U.S. in more than50 years. Dinnerstein and the Ha-vana Lyceum Orchestra will per-form works from her new album,“Mozart in Havana.” The albumwas recorded in Havana last June.

Dinnerstein and the Havana Ly-ceum Orchestra will begin theirFairfax residency on Thursday,June 15 with a chamber musicperformance by the Havana Ly-ceum Orchestra Woodwind Quin-tet with Simone Dinnerstein at thepiano. The performance will be atthe Jewish Community Center of

Northern Virginia. Dinnerstein andthe full Havana Lyceum Orchestrawill next perform at George Ma-son University’s Harris Theatre onSunday, June 18. Beyond the twoperformances, there are educationprograms and Fairfax Countyschool visits planned.

José Antonio Méndez Padrón isthe founding music director of theHavana Lyceum Orchestra. TheOrchestra was founded in 2008.

Dinnerstein spoke of the HavanaLyceum Orchestra as youthfulmusicians with a “desire to exploremusic which can too often be wornaway by familiarity, as well as bytheir beautiful sound — a soundthey made despite the fact thateven the simplest supplies, likestrings and reeds, have been hardto come by in Cuba.”

“FSO: Presents” patrons will ex-perience not only the debut of thenew series, but a unique collabo-ration and historic event. “It willbe a testament to music’s abilityto cross cultural and language bar-riers,” said Dinnerstein.

“FSO Presents” features guestartists and ensembles in venuesthroughout Fairfax County.

Fairfax SymphonyLaunches New Series

Where & When❖ Fairfax Symphony and the JCCNV

present Simone Dinnerstein with theHavana Lyceum Woodwind Quintet inconcert at the Jewish Community Cen-ter of Northern Virginia, 8900 LittleRiver Turnpike, Fairfax. PerformanceThursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets:$35 (Reserved seating), $25 (GeneralAdmission). Purchase tickets on-linevisit www.fairfaxsymphony.org

❖ Fairfax Symphony presents pianistSimone Dinnerstein with the HavanaLyceum Orchestra in concert featuringworks from Dinnerstein’s album,“Mozart in Havana” at George MasonUniversity’s Harris Theatre, 4440 Uni-versity Drive, Fairfax. Performance:Sunday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at GeorgeMason University’s Harris Theatre, 4440University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets: $45,$38, $30. To purchase tickets on-linevisit www.fairfaxsymphony.org or byphone at: 888-945-2468. Note: Follow-ing the concert, Classical WETA’s DavidGinder will host a discussion with theartists on stage.

SimoneDinnerstein

(center in white)in Cuba with theHavana Lyceum

Orchestra duringtheir recording

of “Mozart inHavana.”

News

Photo by Arianna Dominguez/

Courtesy of Fairfax Symphony Orchestra


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIENot that I need a pound bag of M&Ms to

weigh 16 actual ounces (it’s now down to 10.70oz.) or a half gallon of ice cream to weigh 64ounces (rather than the 48 oz. it currently is) orthe “family” size bag of Utz potato chips tomeasure more than its current/meager/non-typical-family size of 9.5 ounces (down from 14ounces that I remember), nevertheless; I doneed to feel the love, and right now I don’t. Isort of understand price points and the businessmodels ingrained to retain customer loyalty(price matters more than size, generally), but Iam hard-pressed to ignore the fact that eventhough I’m spending the same amount of moneyas I always have, I’m not getting anywhere nearthe same amount of product as I always have.

Not that the few items I’ve listed here are sta-ples (well, maybe not to you they aren’t), or thenecessary building blocks of a healthy diet, theyare pieces to a puzzle which characterizes someof my eating habits — and probably some ofyours, too. After all, we are all victims of adver-tising messages which bombard us 24-7, on tele-vision, on radio, in print and on devices. In away, we’re all sitting ducks targeted to quackaccordingly because some entity/marketingstrategist knows who we are, what we’re doingand when we’re doing it. It’s not exactly “BigBrother,” but it’s a bit more than “Little Sister.”

My brother, Richard and I grew up in the50s. We ate cookies, candy and snack cakesuntil the cows came home, and we didn’t evenlive on a farm. Quite the opposite, we lived insuburbia, seven miles from Boston, according tothe sign on Rte. 9. We ate dessert after breakfast,lunch and dinner and a few times in between:after school and before bedtime. Why? Becausemy mother had been non-stop advertised-toabout the importance of calcium and the bestway for children to get calcium was to drinkeight glasses of milk per day to “build strongbones and healthy bodies.” And the only way toget us boys to drink that much milk was to feedus something for which milk was a kind of elixir:cookies, cakes, snack cakes, etc. So we ate anddrink to our hearts content, but more impor-tantly, we ate and drank to the development ofour bones and bodies. And so it continues to thisday, sort of, mostly. As my sister-in-law, Vanessasays and then laughs after listening to Richardand I talk about our dessert issues: “Boy, yourmother did some job on you two.”

I’m exaggerating, a bit, with respect to ourcurrent daily consumption. I mean, who couldkeep up that pace? Moreover, given certainage/weight/cancer realities (particularly concern-ing yours truly), it would be totally, extraordinar-ily irresponsible to continue to snack-cake andcookie our way through the day. Still, the urge tosplurge seems hard-wired into our brains andwhen the moment is right, it might not be Cialisthat we always think of. (Do you remember theSeinfeld episode when George was determinedto combine sex and eating and brought a sand-wich to bed? For the record, the thought hasnever crossed my mind.)

I imagine as you’ve read this column you’vedeveloped a sense that given the Lourie’s long-standing — and sitting commitment to suchhedonistic pursuits, pennies, nickels, dimes orquarters on the dollar are unlikely to dissuadeeither one of us from our Santa-like appointedrounds.

Still, we’re not idiots. We’re aware of theeffects on our bodies if we devolve into thesnack cake eating machines of our youth/ado-lescence. We’re not getting any younger nor arewe likely getting any thinner or healthier. I’d liketo think we’ve gotten smarter and more respect-ful of what foods go in and by association whatmoney goes out.

But as difficult as it is to turn an ocean lineraround after it’s headed out to sea, so too is itdifficult for yours truly to care less about whatI’ve spent my entire life caring more about: des-sert/sweets. However, I do anticipate a reactionto this most recent size reduction. As my mother,Celia, used to say: “It’s enough already.”

Price Points —In the WrongDirection

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From Page 6

News, died June 11, 2011 in Afghanistan. Capt.Charles A. Ransom, 31, of Midlothian was one ofeight airmen who died April 27, 2011, at the KabulInternational Airport, Afghanistan, from gunfire.Sgt. Sean T. Callahan, 23, of Warrenton died April23, 2011 in combat in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st ClassAnthony Venetz Jr., 30, of Prince William died Jan.28, 2011 in Afghanistan, after being been seriouslywounded months before. Spc. Sean R. Cutsforth,22, of Radford, died Dec. 15, 2010 in Afghanistan.Spc. William K. Middleton, 26, of Norfolk died Nov.22, 2010 in Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. Christopher F.Cabacoy, 30, of Virginia Beach died July 5, 2010,in Afghanistan.

If you know of someone who should beincluded in this list, or if you would like toshare how you are honoring the memory ofa family member or friend lost, or aboutthe progress of someone injured, please letus know.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Memorial Day 2017

Opinion

Send community/civic notes to the Connection atconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/ or call 703-778-9416. The deadline for submissions is the Fridayprior to publication. Dated announcements should besubmitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDShepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke serves

those 50 and older who no longer drive.Volunteer drivers are needed for trips(Monday-Friday) to medical appointments andcompanion shopping within the Fairfax/Burkearea. Office workers are needed to answerphones in the SCFB office (Monday-Friday) tomatch drivers and those who need rides. Call703-323-4788.

THURSDAY/JUNE 1Burke Road Realignment Meeting. 7 p.m. at

the West Springfield Governmental Center, 6140Rolling Road. The meeting will begin with timeto review the project plan and display boardsand a formal presentation at 7:15 p.m. FCDOTstaff will then host a question and answer periodwith attendees. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot.

SATURDAY/JUNE 3Sexual Trafficking Walk. 8 a.m. at the Fairfax

County Government Center, 12000 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Fairfax. Help raise awarenessand prevent teen sex trafficking by participatingin the Just Ask Walk/Run for Freedom.Sponsored by Just Ask Trafficking Prevention.Visit justaskprevention.com for more.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10Hypothermia Skills. 11 a.m.-noon at Burke Lake

Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. MarkChapin, the founder of the MountaineerWilderness outdoor program in Virginia andWest Virginia, an Air Force veteran andgraduate of the Wilderness Survival School andSea Survival School will be sharing hisknowledge with teens and adults. $10. Call 703-323-6600 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelakepark/ for more.

Autism Speaks. noon-3 p.m. at the FairfaxCounty Criminal Justice Academy Range, 3721Stonecroft Blvd., Autism Safety Fair in Fairfaxcounty, in collaboration with the FraternalOrder of Police, the Autism Society of NorthernVirginia, and Parents of Autistic ChildrenNorthern Virginia. Visit act.autismspeaks.org/fairfaxsafetyfair.

JUNE 9-11White Elephant Sale. Various times at St. Mary’s

Church, 5200 Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Jewelry,antiques, furniture, sports, housewares,electronics, games and toys. $5 admissionFriday; free both Saturday and Sunday. Call703-978-4141 for more.

Bulletin Board


News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

At the May 23 lieutenant gover-nor candidates’ forum at GeorgeMason University (GMU), therewas none of the verbal fireworks

or often embarrassing vitriol that has cometo characterize the political debating arenaof late.

Instead, the six major party candidates— three Republicans and three Democrats— sometimes passionately, but always po-litely, fielded questions posed to them bymoderator Mark Rozell, dean of the co-host-ing GMU Schar School of Policy and Gov-ernment. So civil toward each other werethe candidates that there were only twooccasions when any of them took advan-tage of the 30 second “opportunity for re-buttal rule.”

The fact that the forum was split into twosessions, with the GOP hopefuls taking thefirst shift, followed by the Democratic con-tenders after a brief recess, may have influ-enced the tone of the event.

THE REPUBLICANS seeking the positionare all current office holders and they tookthe opportunity to discuss some of theirgovernmental accomplishments duringopening statements. The Democrat candi-dates have never held elected office.

State Sen. Jill Vogel (R-27) is an advo-cate for rural economies and a supporter ofschool choice legislation. She also intro-duced bills to strengthen the enforcementof immigration laws.

Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-17) is a formerArmy Ranger and police officer. Describinghimself as “Pro-Life and Pro-Gun” Reevessays he seeks to “protect our values andoutlaw sanctuary cities” and grow the state’seconomy.

Del. Glenn Davis (R-84) says he is the onewith a “plan to unleash Virginia” with taxreform, attracting “21st century jobs, mod-ernizing education” and cutting “govern-ment red tape.”

ON THE DEMOCRATS’ SIDE, JustinFairfax is a former assistant U.S. attorneyand businessman.

Gene Rossi spent 27 years as a federalprosecutor. Rossi told the audience that heled the largest investigation ever to addressthe opioid epidemic, helping to secure 200convictions of “unscrupulous pain doctors,pharmacists, health professionals, and drugdealers.”

Susan Platt served as chief of staff toformer Vice President Joe Biden and serveson the Virginia Tourism Board as an appoin-tee of Tim Kaine.

ALL SIX TROD CLOSELY along theirparty’s lines. The Republicans focused oneconomic development in the Common-wealth via tax reform, defending Virginia’s“Right-to-Work” status, exploring other op-tions before increasing taxes, and reducingwhat Reeves called the “regulatory burdensplaced on businesses.”

Reeves sees the “constant change in theregulatory environment” as an inhibitor toeconomic health. “We need some stability,”he said, and a process to appeal to businessinvestors.

Vogel agreed. “For the first time, morepeople are leaving Virginia than cominghere. We need tax reform and financial sta-bility and predictability.”

“We used to be the number one state forbusiness, now we are 13th,” added Davis,“and we need to better market ourselves”and tout the resources and advantages ofthe state.

Again, all three candidates stuck with theGOP platform on issues like opposing stateregulation of utilities, the expansion ofMedicaid, and the notion of collective bar-gaining for workers, and protecting gunrights.

Davis said he voted six times against ex-panding Medicaid, stating that the moniesspent on Medicaid in the Virginia budgethave already doubled in less than 10 yearsand needed to be reined in.

Regulating utilities like Dominion Poweris not to their liking, either. “Competitionsolves the issues,” according to Davis, whileVogel maintained that with government,“less is usually more.”

A simple, but emphatic “No,” was howVogel, Reeves and Davis all “voted” on thesubject of collective bargaining.

“I’m flabbergasted, why would anyonechoose to make the state less competitive?”was Vogel’s comment when asked if Virginiashould turn away from its Right-To-Workstatus and more toward unionization.

“I would fight that tooth and nail,” saidReeves.

“That would mean a negative outlook forour credit rating,” predicted Davis. Recentindicators that suggest a less-positive out-look on the state’s future credit worthinessis of significant concern to the Republicantrio of candidates.

When the Democratic candidates wereseated for their session, the overall tenorof the forum remained unchanged. DeanRozell asked similar — and sometimes iden-

tical — questions of the second candidatepanel, with Fairfax, Rossi and Platt usuallyagreeing with each other in principle anddisagreeing with the GOP approach offeredduring “Round 1” of the forum.

Fairfax does not subscribe to the more direeconomic picture painted by his Republi-can rivals. “Unemployment has declinedfrom 5.4 percent to 3.4 percent. Oureconomy is strong,” he said, but admittedthat more work, especially in developing“middle skill jobs” needs to be done. He isa particular proponent of lessening the bur-dens of student debt, saying that freeingyoung workers from this obligation wouldbenefit everyone as these graduates could“start their financial lives sooner … buyinghomes, starting families and getting thecapital to start and grow their own busi-nesses.”

On the subject of collective bargainingand Virginia’s Right-to-Work laws, the threewould support unions and changes to thelaws, but none of them saw this issue as afight that could be easily won. “Let’s con-centrate on filling the 175,000 jobs that areopen because our workers are not trainedor qualified for them first,” said Fairfax. Plattagreed, saying she supported unions, butrealistically sees Virginia as a Right-to-Workstate. “It’s entrenched here.”

THE EXPANSION of Medicaid was an-other area the three firmly supported, incontrast to the GOP line. “Not doing so,that’s $10.4 billion lost to our economy, plusmore jobs and healthcare coverage for an-other 400,000 Virginians,” said Fairfax.

Rossi told the audience of his daughter’sbattle and victory over a form of lymphoma,as well as his own more recent blood disor-der. Saying Virginia needs a brand newblood supply, “and I am the candidate withnew blood,” Rossi pledged that he would“fight like a dog for Medicaid.”

All three Democrats approved of the regu-lation of utilities as emphatically as theRepublican candidates were against it.

Solving the woes that plague Metro alsoserved to highlight the differences between

the two camps, but the unity within eachparty. Vogel, Reeves and Davis are not infavor of a proposed 1 percent regional taxto subsidize the ailing Metro system.

The Democrats, on the other hand, seeMetro as vital to the area’s economic healthand growth and all are convinced that adedicated and sustainable revenue sourceis needed. “Metro was a great story, but wekept kicking the can. You reap what yousow,” said Fairfax.

Platt suggested going after more federalfunds to support Metro, coupled with bet-ter planning of communities to avoid “two-hour commutes,” while Rossi said this wasanother issue he was willing to fight for.Rossi also warned that the Trumpadministration’s cuts would devastateNorthern Virginia.

The two groups came closest togetherwhen it came to the subject of tax reform.While the Republicans placed the greateremphasis on its need and the shape it shouldtake, the Democrats did not disagree thattax reform should be on the table, and thatVirginia’s budget should be more predict-able.

Platt was the only one, however, to tiethis issue to the the “need for income equal-ity and an increase in the minimum wage.”

They also all agreed, Democrats and Re-publicans alike, that each would make moreof the position than it has been tradition-ally viewed in the past, looking for ways tomore actively engage and to be real advo-cates for Virginians and the state’s economicdevelopment. All stated that whicheverparty took the Governor’s Mansion in thefall, they were ready, willing and able towork with colleagues on both sides of theaisle.

THE PRIMARIES for both parties will beheld on June 13 and voters will choose whogoes forth to the election on Nov. 7. “Who-ever wins,” said attendee Joe Spellicy ofHerndon, “this has been a really great fo-rum. I like this process, and it was good tohear from both sides, all candidates, an-swering the same questions.”

Party platforms and civil discourse highlightforum for Lieutenant Governor candidates.Debate Can Be Civil, Too

State Sen. Jill Vogel (R-27), Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-27),and Del. Glenn Davis (R-84) answer questions posedat the Lieutenant Governor’s Candidate Forum atGeorge Mason University.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

The Democratic candidates seeking the position ofLieutenant Governor: Justin Fairfax, Gene Rossi, andSusan Platt.

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