Teen Job Fair Held in Springfield - Ellington...

‘Celebrating the Magic of Giving Back’News, Page 4

Campaign for Lake Acco tink Goes On

News, Page 7

Teen Job FairHeld in Springfield

News, Page 4

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, with (from left): Sam Donnelly Jonsson,

Emily Butters, Connor Brooks, and Laura Moritz at the Teen Job Fair last Saturday.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com May 3-9, 2018

Opi

nio

n, Pag

e 6 v

Enter

tai

nm

ent, Pag

e 10

v

C

lass

ified

s, P

age

14Foll

ow

on T

wit

ter

: @

Spr

Connec

tio

nPhoto b

y Stev

e H

ibba

rd/T

he

Connec

tio

n

WellbeingPage 9

2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ May 3-9, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Mike Salmon,

Springfield

Connection

The drama pro-gram at WestSpringfield High

School has chosen “Intothe Woods” by StephenSondheim and JamesLapine as their springproduction for the 2018school year, which en-gages variety and a wideranging cast to end thedrama season at theschool.

The cast of charactersfeatures a variety of fairytale characters chasing avariety of dreams, deal-ing with what happenswhen they live happilyever after or not. There’snot really one lead, so itgives various students ashot at the spotlight.

According to BernieDeLeo, the theaterteacher at West Springfield, thisplay was chosen because it offersevery student involved an oppor-tunity to participate. “We also de-cided to double-cast almost theentire play as we had such a deepbench of talent, and wanted togive more people opportunities toshine,” DeLeo said.

The subject matter of chasingdreams is similar to what highschool students are facing in theteenage years, told through vari-ous fairy tale characters. Whenthey think they’ve found theirdreams, it’s not always as ex-pected. The second act of the play,characters deal with tragedy,which can happen in real life too.“Even though it’s filtered throughfairy tale characters, which makesthe story more accessible toyounger actors and audiences, it’smature material from an adult

perspective with great messagesabout resilience and community,”DeLeo said. Both DeLeo and cho-rale director, Dustin Brandt appre-ciate Stephen Sondheim’s role asa composer/lyricist.

Since a majority of the play takesplace in the forest, there aren’tmany scene changes, and thisworks well with West SpringfieldHigh School, since the school isgoing through an extensive reno-vation. The play runs two separateweekends with two casts – OrangeCast (with mostly seniors & jun-iors) runs May 4-6, and Blue Cast(with some seniors, and variousunderclassmen) runs May 10-12.

On Saturday, May 12 from 12noon – 4 p.m., they’re having aSpartan Theatre Homecoming,giving tours of the newly reno-vated spaces and hoping to recon-nect with former theatre students.

Chasing the DreamsOn Stage and in LifeWest Springfield Highpresents ‘Into the Woods.’

To GoInto the Woods @ West Springfield High School6100 Rolling Road, Door 4Dates/times:Friday, May 4, 7 p.m.Saturday, May 5, 7 p.m.Sunday, May 6, 2 p.m.Thursday, May 10, 7 p.m.Friday, May 11, 7 p.m.Saturday, May 12, 7 p.m.All tickets general seating: Students & Seniors: $8; Adults: $12Tickets on sale at:ºhttp://www.spartantheatre.com/ticketsalesRated PG-13, Parental Guidance suggested.

Rapunzel and Prince – At WestSpringfield: Fairy tale charactersare part of the ‘Into the Woods’production.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

Springfield Connection ❖ May 3-9, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

About 400 people attended the26th annual Fairfax County Vol-unteer Service Awards on Friday,April 27, at the Waterford in

Springfield where some 144 individuals andgroups were honored. With the theme“Once Upon a Volunteer, Celebrating theMagic of Giving Back,” the breakfast in-cluded the “Who’s Who” of Fairfax County’sleaders in business, education, governmentand nonprofits. It was sponsored by Volun-teer Fairfax, members of the Board of Su-

pervisors and Chairman Sharon Bulova. Thevolunteers, who do everything from help-ing with technology mentoring, supportingat-risk seniors and working to combathomelessness, gave a total of 328,760 hoursof service worth $7.9 million in support ofthe Fairfax County community. Peggy Fox,Virginia Bureau Chief at WUSA9/CBS af-filiate, served as event emcee.

Many different awards were given out,including 2018 Benchmark Awards for vol-unteering 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 hours;2018 Community Champions who wereselected by the Board of Supervisors hon-oring a volunteer in their districts who was

dedicated to improving life in the countyand beyond; and 2018 Competitive Awardsfor youth, adult, and seniors in individualsand groups.

“Today is all about recognizing the won-derful volunteers we have in FairfaxCounty,” said Elise Neil Bengtson, CEO ofVolunteer Fairfax. “We’re giving them a plat-form so the county can understand betterwhere volunteers fill gaps and meet theneeds of the community and nonprofits atthe same time. Without volunteers, wecould not get everything done that we do.We have a tremendous wealth of experienceand education in this area so even whenyou’re older and retired, you can do amaz-ing things and feel good and stay energizedin this county and be an active participant.”

Added Rick Garza, Volunteer Fairfaxboard president: “This is a signature event

for Volunteer Fairfax and Fairfax County andthe City of Fairfax to just honor so manypeople who devote their time outside oftheir working hours helping others, help-ing our community be a better place.”

Board of Supervisors Chairman SharonBulova, who offered a Fairfax County Proc-lamation to Volunteer Fairfax, which wasestablished in 1975, added: “Fairfax Countyhas a unique culture and that includesvolunteerism through the roof … We wouldnot be able to do as much as we do withvolunteers if we didn’t have an organiza-tional body pulling people together, con-necting people and making volunteerismhappen. Congratulations Volunteer Fairfaxand thank you so much for everything youdo for our community.”

For more on Volunteer Fairfax, visitwww.volunteerfairfax.org.

Some 144 individuals and groups honored atFairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.

‘Celebrating the Magic of Giving Back’

County ResidentsNamed CommunityChampion

The following citizen volunteers from thearea were chosen by members of the Board ofSupervisors from each of their districts as aCommunity Champion. This award recognizesvolunteers who are committed to improvingFairfax County through service that fulfills oraddresses a pressing community need.

Joanne Walton has been a BraddockDistrict resident for over 20 years. Her firstforay into volunteering was with the BurkeMOMS Club where she sat on the board,served as president, and ran the PreschoolFair. She also co-chaired Braddock Dogs, alocal group dedicated to bringing a dog parkto Braddock District — the only district thatdid not have one. For several years, Waltonattended meetings and rallied the commu-nity for funds to ensure this project cameto fruition. As a result of her efforts, therewill not only be a new dog park but a play-ground and skate park as well. Lately, she

Supervisor John Cook honorsJoanne Walton, Braddock District.

has devoted many volunteer hours to help-ing start the Fairfax County Special Educa-tion PTA where she serves as the fundraisingco-chair. In addition to that role, she is re-cruiting, training, and coordinating PTAspecialist education liaisons for everyFairfax County School — over 180 schools.

District Supervisor John Cook said,“Joanne Walton’s generosity and dedicationto service has made her an exemplary leaderin the Braddock District. Her tireless effortsimprove the lives of parents, students, andanimals in our community.”

For more than five years, Ed Joseph hasbeen chair of the Lee District Land Use Ad-visory Council, a volunteer organizationthat hears land use cases and provides theiropinion to the Lee District supervisor. Ev-ery resident of Lee District and FairfaxCounty has benefitted from the success ofthe revitalization efforts, and in turn fromhis work. His sense of community has beena driving force behind the district’s growth.In addition to the Land Use Advisory Board,he has given back directly to his neighbor-hood as the former president of the MewsHomeowner’s Association working on avariety of issues.

“Ed is an incredible volunteer,” said Dis-trict Supervisor Jeff McKay. “His work ben-efits all of Lee District’s residents and is oneof the reasons our revitalization efforts havesucceeded as much as they have. His self-

Supervisor Jeff McKay honors EdJoseph, Lee District.

lessness and dedication to service are in-spirational, and we are very fortunate tohave him in our community.”

The Tysons Partnership servesas a collaborative of stakeholdersworking together to transformTysons into a new downtown byserving as a convener, a voice, anda catalyst for the people who work,live, and do business in Tysons. TheTysons Partnership through its Com-munity Responsibility Council pro-vides a forum for business, civic,and government leaders committedto improving the lives ofunderserved populations within theTysons community. Officiallylaunched in 2016, the council’s ros-ter has grown to over 45 members,including representatives from local em-ployers, residential entities, and the FairfaxCounty government. Its signatureTysonsCares Season of Giving raised over$90,000 for local initiatives providing food,clothing, and shelter with a specific focuson children and youth. They connectedwith eight Fairfax County Public Schoolsto distribute over 1,000 pairs of new ath-letic shoes to Title 1 students with aShoes4Kids donation drive and partneredwith Food for Others on a 5K charity run

at Tysons Corner Center.As District Supervisor Linda Smyth said,

“While we think of Tysons as our corporateand business center, the Tysons Partnershiphas looked beyond the new high rises tosee the needs of the people who live andwork there. Through its charitable efforts,the Partnership is pulling together all stake-holders to build a new community with apromising future for everyone.”

Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth honorsTysons Partnership, Providence District.

Supervisor Daniel G. Storck honorsShirley Steenstra, Mount VernonDistrict.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection

Every Friday, Shirley Steenstra is atLorton Community Action Center’s thriftstore Lorton’s Attic, leading a team of vol-unteers. Lorton’s Attic serves a dual purposein the community by providing vouchers forfamilies to shop for free as well as raisingrevenue for Lorton Community Action Cen-ter (LCAC) to help assist families with food,rent, utilities, and other needs. For morethan eight years, she has crossed paths withmore than 1,000 individuals in the storehelping LCAC families find what they need.Previously, Lorton’s Attic was only openMonday through Friday; but because ofSteenstra’s commitment, the store is nowable to open its doors on Saturdays withSteenstra serving as the lead volunteer.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor DanielStorck said, “Shirley is a selfless volunteerand a true ‘behind the scenes’ champion.

The Mount Vernon District is fortunate tohave a very active citizenry that is dedicatedand devoted to helping others and connect-ing within the community.”

See Volunteers Honored, Page 11


Support. Information. Hope.

Please join us for coffee at our Second Saturday Divorce Workshop and get theinformation and support from professionals: a family law attorney, a financial advisor, a

family therapist, a private investigator, an estate planning attorney and other professionalswho will help guide you through the divorce process. Speakers vary for each workshop.

Registration at the door; however, pre-registrationis recommended as space is limited.

Online Registration: www.secondsaturdaynova.comEmail: [email protected]

Phone: (703) 591-7475

Saturday, May 12 2018Saturday, June 9, 2018Saturday, July 14, 2018

9:00-9:30a.m.-Registration9:30-1:00 p.m.–Workshop

Duff & Kronfeld, P.C.Fair Oaks Commerce Center11320 Random Hills Road/Suite 630Fairfax, VA 22030

Date:

Time:

Place:

See Job Fair, Page 14

News

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

About 400 people attended a TeenJob Fair featuring more than 40businesses on Saturday, April 28, at

West Springfield High School in Springfield.The event sponsored by Springfield Dis-

trict Supervisor Pat Herrity and The Con-nection Newspapers included representa-tives from lifeguard and pool companies,stores like Target, and military recruiters,among others. Herrity said the job fairs havegrown in size from about 250 visitors whenthey first started four years ago, and ex-panded from one job fair at West Spring-field to six job fairs at high schools aroundthe county.

“This is our sixth job fair this year, whichhas grown from four years ago when thiswas the only job fair that we did in FairfaxCounty. So, I’m excited about providing theopportunity for all our youth and so happy

that we’ve grown from one job fair to sixjob fairs throughout Fairfax County,” hesaid.

He added: “This is one of the favoritethings I do as a supervisor. I absolutely loveseeing our kids come out and talk withemployers and get their jobs because there’sdignity in work and first jobs are important,”he said.

Scoping out a new job was Springfieldresident Alan Brown, 16, a sophomore atWest Springfield High School. “I am hereto get information about different jobs andhave a plan after I leave high school,” saidBrown through his computer.

Lake Braddock Secondary Junior CharlesPritz, 16, of Burke, who was also looking,said: “I’m here at the job fair looking to findan opportunity for a summer job or intern-ship to really gain real-world experience —hopefully in the field that I’d be interestedin.”

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity (center), with (from left):Sam Donnelly Jonsson, Emily Butters, Connor Brooks, and LauraMoritz at the Teen Job Fair last Saturday.

Teen Job FairHeld in SpringfieldAbout 400 people attend eventsponsored by Supervisor Pat Herrity.

About 400 people attended the Teen Job Fair at West Springfield HighSchool on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Pho

to

s by Steve H

ibbard/T

he C

on

nectio

n


Opinion

By Eileen Filler-Corn

State Delegate (D-41)

Recently, GovernorRalph Northamsigned legislation toraise the felony lar-

ceny threshold from $200 to $500in Virginia as part of a bipartisancompromise. While imperfect asmany bills are, HB 1550, carriedby Delegate Les Adams, is a smallbut necessary step in the right direction.

Raising the threshold is a key breakthroughfor common sense criminal justice reform. Iapplaud Governor Northam for not only deliv-ering on a top campaign promise within hisfirst few months in office — but doing so bycoming to a bipartisan compromise and work-ing with his Republican partners across theaisle. I was privileged to carry the Governor’slegislation the past two years to raise this

threshold. While my legislation did not moveforward, I was honored to serve as a co-pa-tron on HB 1550 and privileged to have theopportunity to finally help make this initiativethe law.

In recent years, Virginia has been a leader inthe nation when it comes to providing peoplesecond chances — which is why it is surpris-

ing that Virginia has held the low-est larceny threshold in the coun-try alongside New Jersey at $200.In my mind, this was simply un-acceptable. Since 2000, at least 37states have raised their felonythefts thresholds, and many of ourneighboring states, includingNorth Carolina and West Virginia,have their felony larceny thresh-old at $1,000.

Raising the threshold will notonly create a more just and fairer

system — but it is fiscally responsible and willcreate a safer Commonwealth. According to theACLU, larceny convictions accounted for oneout of every four individuals incarcerated in2012, at a cost of approximately $25,000 a yearper individual. The Virginia Department of Cor-rections found that the state could have savedbetween $18.3 million and $22.5 million justin prison costs between fiscal years 2009 and2014 had the General Assembly raised the

threshold to $500 or $600 in 2008. And thesavings could have been even higher if it wasraised to $1,000.

It is worth noting that people cannot con-tribute to our economy if they are incarcer-ated. Virginians who have paid their debt tosociety and strive to actively contribute to it,find themselves struggling to find employmentbecause of a felony record, when it could havebeen a misdemeanor. Those convicted of lar-ceny also face barriers to housing, healthcareor taking out a loan.

Raising the felony larceny threshold does notonly pertain to adults; it impacts theCommonwealth’s children too. Larceny was thetop category for juvenile arrest in Virginia in2017. This means that one can be carrying theweight of an adolescent mistake on their backfor the rest of their life. We can and must dobetter.

I have been working on the issue of raisingthe felony larceny threshold for two yearsnow. While I was proud to carry versions ofthis bill on behalf of Governor Ralph Northamand former Governor Terry McAuliffe, I keptthinking to myself during that time that wecannot let one’s mistake ruin that person’sentire life. Virginia’s progress on this issue hasbeen slow, but this breakthrough for criminaljustice reform is a small and needed step inthe right direction.

Why raising the felonylarceny threshold to$500 is an importantstep in Virginia?

Small But Needed Step in the Right Direction

MissingNumbersTo the Editor:

County Chairman SharonBulova’s April 25 opinion piece,“Budget Hits All the Right Notes,”about the proposed FY2019 realestate tax hike, is misleading.When she says the proposed realestate tax rate is

$1.15, she omits the stormwaterrate. When that is included theFY2019 rate will be $1.1825 in-stead of $1.15.

She states that new budget in-cludes a 2-cent increase in the realestate tax rate, but this omits theadditional tax increase due to the2.2 percent increase in averageresidential assessments. The effec-tive rate increase when assess-ments and the additionalstormwater rate increase (1/4cent) are included is 4.7 cents, not2 cents.

The typical Fairfax Countyhomeowner’s real estate tax billwill increase by $258, a 4.2 per-cent increase. Loudoun Countyreduced its average tax bill by $48,a 1 percent decrease.

Chairman Bulova states that thetax hike fully funds the MarketRate Adjustment, Performance,Merit and Longevity increases forcounty employees and states thatthe Market Rate Adjustment is

2.25 percent. She does not statethe total salary increase resultingfrom the Performance, Merit andLongevity increases. When thoseare included county employeeswill see average increases rangingfrom 4.25 to 4.50 percent.

Likewise, the school board isfunding a 2.3 percent step increaseand other salary adjustments, butdoes not say what the total aver-age raise will be when the otheradjustments are included. It islikely to be 4 percent also.

The real estate tax hike will in-crease county revenues by about$116 million. The cost of nextyear’s county and school raises is$139 million. Raises are the pri-mary driver of the county’s annualreal estate tax hikes.

Since FY2000, the supervisorshave increased real estate taxes169 percent, more than threetimes faster than inflation, whichincreased 53 percent.

If Chairman Bulova felt that thevoters who defeated the 2016meals tax, which would haveraised $100 million, would supportnext year’s 4.2 percent tax hike toraise $116 million for 4 percentraises, why didn’t she acknowledgethose numbers in her statement?

Arthur PurvesPresident

Fairfax County TaxpayersAlliance

Letters to the Editor

MedicaidExpansion:It’s TimeTo the Editor:

The 2017 elections demon-strated that Virginians believe thatindividuals cannot work, take careof their families, or pursue happi-ness if they cannot see a doctorwhen they are sick. The candidateswho heard this message and ranon expanding access to healthcare,won. Those advocating for expan-sion are more than willing to com-promise with lawmakers who mayhave legitimate policy concerns.

We know that 33 other stateshave already opted to insure theirworking poor. It is time that ourfederal tax dollars stay here in Vir-ginia to help cover approximately400,000 hard-working familiesearning up to 138 percent of the

poverty level. Making health insur-ance available to more Virginiansis the right thing to do and thesensible thing to do. The Federalgovernment is offering to cover noless than 90 percent of the costsof insuring Virginia’s workingpoor. Virginia’s hospitals are com-mitted to covering the remaining10 percent of the costs. Additionalmoney flowing to Virginia underMedicaid expansion will enablethe state to increase funding forschools and other needed services.Another benefit of Medicaid ex-pansion is the likelihood of smallerrate increases in our health insur-ance plans. Studies have shownthat in states where more peopleare insured, the cost of uncompen-sated care drops.Yes, we will allbenefit if more of us have accessto healthcare. It is time to act!

Barbara FavolaState Sen. (D-31)

WriteThe Connection welcomes views on any public issue.

The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed.Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are

routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Connection1606 King St.

Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.

By e-mail: [email protected]

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@SprConnect

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered tohomes and businesses.

Published byLocal Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

703-778-9431

Steve HoganDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9418

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

CIRCULATIONCirculation Manager:

Ann [email protected]

Springfield


See Lake Accotink, Page 14

News

The sediments filling up Lake Accotinkhave been focus of local officials before, soas development and natural erosion occurupstream and the lake depth decreases,options are being laid out on what to dowith this local outdoors recreation spot.

Supervisors John Cook (R-Braddock) andJeff McKay (D-Lee) held a public meetingon April 30 to discuss six plans for the lake,and the auditorium at Lake Braddock Sec-ondary School was packed with nearly 300people.

The options were prepared by the FairfaxCounty Park Authority, Department of Pub-lic Works and Environmental Services, anda restoration science consultant.

“Whatever we’re going to do, we need tobe thinking of a permanent fix,” said Cook.But a couple of the options, mainly optionA and partially E and F, rely heavily on na-

ture taking its course. It turns out though,the consequences of the sediments flowingdown Accotink Creek and settling elsewherewill be costly too.

“All that sediment has to go somewhere,”said Allan Robertson who is president ofSaveLakeAccotink.org where volunteers cansign up to “spread the word about the dan-ger to Lake Accotink,” as stated on thewebsite. Robertson sported a custom tee-shirt bearing that sentiment, and there arepopsicle signs around Springfield with thesame message. Robertson is for option C,which follows the theme of dredge it nowand dredge it deep. A $45 million price tagcomes with that option too.

Gale Hooper, the project manager of theLake Accotink Master Plan Revision with theFairfax County Park Authority, discussed

Supervisors John Cook (R-Braddock) and Jeff McKay (D-Lee) addressed acafeteria at Lake Braddock that was packed with Lake Accotink fans.

Campaign for LakeAccotink Goes On

A neighborhood group uses signs to gather support for Lake Accotink.

Full house at Lake Braddock with almost 300fans looking at six options to save the lake.

Pho

to

s by M

ike Salm

on

/T

he C

on

nectio

n


• Family & Pediatric Vision Care• Comprehensive Eye Exams • Treatment of Eye Diseases

• 21 years Naval Service, 6 years Active Duty• Laser Vision Consultants • Over a thousand frames in stock• We carry all major brands of contact lenses • In-house lab

DR. GENE SWEETNAMDR. GRACE CHANG

O P T O M E T R I S T S

5206A Rolling Rd.Burke Professional Center

Burke, VA 22015703-425-2000

Most Insurances Accepted:Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Care First, Medicare, Tricare In-network Doctor,Cigna, DavisVision, Vision One Discount, Avesis, Aetna HMO/PPO/POS, PHCS,VSP® Network Doctor, EyeMed Vision Care, United Healthcare, VA Medicaid

WE WELCOME YOUR DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION

www.drsweetnam.com • www.sightforvision.com

Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedSince 1999

Free Estimates703-214-8384

From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee

Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

News

The Springfield Farmers Marketofficially opened for the seasonSaturday, April 28. The market,which is operated by CommunityFoodworks, features 17 vendors,and is located in the SpringfieldTown Center parking lot, acrossfrom Michael’s Craft Store, at 6699Spring Mall Drive, Springfield.Community Foodworks operateseight farmers markets in Virginiaand eight in the District. The mar-ket hours are Saturdays, 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. For more information,visit www.community-foodworks.org/farmers-markets.

According to Market ManagerRobert “Sarge” Sargeant: “Themarket here at Springfield is nowopened and will be opened everySaturday morning from 10 a.m.-2p.m.

We have a large number of ourpeople back in terms of vendorsand some brand-new ones as well.We particularly like to be able to

serve food that’s ready to eat inthe market — like our barbecueand some other goodies as well.

We have three produce farmerswho are here; they have plants andflowers which are going prettyfast. The vendors come from a

Denis Paz of Panorama Bakery of Capitol Heights, Md.,helps out customer Majda Tesfaye of Kingstowne.

Robert “Sarge” Sargeantis the Market Managerfor Springfield FarmersMarket.

The Cascade Beverage Company of Lorton sellsnitrogenated coffee and beverages. From left: EricMangual, Jane Hyde, Ben Hyde, and Bill Ward

Springfield FarmersMarket Opens for the Season

whole wide area; we have a farmin West Virginia and the NorthernNeck and several from right in thearea. People really like to be ableto say, hey, I am buying local.”

— Steve Hibbard

Pho

to

s by Steve H

ibbard/T

he C

on

nectio

n


Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

It was during college when LauraGreenstein began to notice thatsomething was not quite right. “Inoticed that things that were creat-

ing anxiety on a daily basis, they weren’tjust situational,” she said. “My anxiety wasgrabbing onto anything that it could. If Iwas running late, I would start to panic. Anysmall thing became a big issue.”

“My mother has always been supportive,but when [my anxiety] got to a certain pointsome close friends and family began to stig-matize it,” said Greenstein, who now worksfor the National Association for the Men-tally Ill (NAMI) in Arlington. “They wouldsay, ‘You’re not doing enough.’ It was diffi-cult to feel that I wasn’t being fully ac-cepted.”

After months of therapy and recent ses-sion with a psychiatrist who prescribedmedication, Greenstein said that she is be-ginning to feel some relief. She even beganblogging about her experience. “This wasmy first time sharing my story,” she said.“It’s been a really validating process. Beingopen can really improve your outlook.”

During May, Mental Health AwarenessMonth, Greenstein and other mental healthadvocates are sharing the ways in whichnegative perceptions about mental illnessescan impact those who suffer from it. NAMI

reports that approximately 1 in 5 adults andchildren in the United States are experienc-ing mental illness in a given year. Only 41percent of those adults received mentalhealth treatment, while slightly more thanhalf of children aged 8-15 received thoseservices. One of the roadblocks to treat-ment, say mental health professionals, is thestigma surrounding mental health.

“Micro-aggressions towards individualswith mental illness are very common, suchas assuming that someone with a mentalillness is inferior, stupid, or not in controlof their own behaviors,” said JessicaMcLaughlin, Ph.D., assistant professor ofpsychology at Montgomery College. “Be-cause of our society’s misperceptions ofmental illness, many individuals strugglingwith mental health problems feel ashamedand isolated. They may even feel like it isnot appropriate to seek help. “[And] beingon the receiving end of these hurtful com-ments and beliefs actually worsens symp-toms.”

With a theme of “Cure Stigma,” NAMIactivists are encouraging people to educatethemselves and eradicate the stigma whichcan be a roadblock to those who suffer frommental illness to get the treatment theyneed. They were afraid of being labeled, sothey suffered in silence. This is particularlytrue with teenagers and preteens, advisesStacie Isenberg, Psy.D., a child psychologist

who specializes in anxiety disorders. “Amental illness stigma may cause a teen orpre-teen to be hesitant to admit to her orhimself that they are having a mental healthproblem, to share with a parent, teacher,or pediatrician about their problem, and toseek mental health treatment,” she said.

The stigma surrounding mental illness isan important issue that often goes unrec-ognized, says McLaughlin. “Individuals withmental illness face both overt and covertdiscrimination,” she said. “For example,there is an assumption that people withmental illness are violent or crazy, which isnot true. However, our belief in these mythscan affect someone’s ability to find employ-ment or obtain housing.”

“Education is a powerful tool in combat-ing mental health stigma, and community-wide, mental health awareness campaignsare helpful,” added Isenberg. “Individually,kids often search online to check out whattheir symptoms mean. Education from cred-ible websites, and those of mental healthorganizations often provide clarity andguidance for those seeking help.”

Allowing those who might be experienc-ing symptoms of a mental illness to speakfreely about their condition without fear ofjudgment can remove barriers to treatmentadvises McLaughlin. “That means askinghow we can help, listening with an openmind, and being nonjudgmental,” she said.

Sometimes it can be a tremendous help justto let someone know that they have some-one to lean on and that they are not alone.”

People can also fight the stigma of men-tal illness by being accepting and support-ive of people who are experiencing mentalhealth issues, and by modeling this accep-tance for their children, suggests Isenberg.“Employers can encourage employees to usemental health days as needed, and to per-mit longer lunch hours or flexible dismissalor arrival at times to accommodate therapyappointments,” she said. “Similarly, schoolscan work with families to allow kids to usefree periods, lunch periods, etc. to attendtherapy when an after-school time is notavailable and the need for treatment is sig-nificant.”

A family’s attitude about the mentally illcan affect a child’s willingness to ask forhelp, advises Isenberg. “A child who comesfrom a family that does not consider men-tal health issues to be real or problematicmay be reluctant to share with her or hisparents,” she said. “Similarly, kids whosefriends stigmatize mental health issues, orkids who don’t talk much about personalissues with friends, are often unsure aboutsharing with their friends. On the contrary,kids who believe their families and friendswill be sensitive and supportive to them aremore likely to be open with them about anyconcerns they are having.”

Mental Health advocates work totear down barriers to treatment.Erasing the Stigma

MoreSee www.nami.org

A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth!

X-rays not included. Not valid withinsurance submission.

5803 Rolling Road, Suite 211Springfield, VA 22152

703-912-3800 • www.smiles4va.comMonday–Thursday 8 A.M.–5 P.M.; Friday* 8 A.M.–1 P.M. *Once monthly for sedation appointments

At Peter K. Cocolis, Jr. and Associates, we believeoptimum oral health is key to total body health andwell-being. These days, going to the dentist is notjust about taking good care of your teeth; it isabout taking good care of your health. Problemsin your mouth can be signs of trouble elsewherein your body. Your oral exam reveals importantearly warning signs for many total-body condi-tions including diabetes, oral cancer and highblood pressure.

Whether your family seeks general preventivemaintenance, cosmetic, or advanced restorative andimplant dentistry to transform your smile’s function andappearance, Drs. Cocolis and DaSilva are renowned bypeers and patients alike for exceptional personalized care in afriendly, safe and state-of-the-art-environment.

Consistently named “Top Dentist” inNorthern Virginia magazine and among the“Best Dentists in the Metropolitan Area” in

Washingtonian magazine, Drs. Cocolis andDaSilva exceed industry standards in the

time they dedicate to continuing edu-cation and service. Our skilled andcompassionate team pairs patienteducation with the latest dentaltechniques and technology, offer-ing an extensive array of dentalservices including digital x-rays,injection-free laser procedures,

CAD-cam same-day porcelaincrowns, tooth whitening, Invisalign, and

veneers. We offer a variety of sedationoptions including oral sedation and nitrous oxide

(sleep dentistry) and are dedicated to easing all aspects ofyour dental experience.

Visit us on the Web or give us a call to discover what ourpatients are saying and to make your appointment.

Our Services:• Routine cleanings and

check-ups• Fillings and sealants• Sedation “sleep” dentistry• Nitrous oxide• Crowns, bridges, inlays,

onlays • Extractions

• TMJ/TMD therapy

• Endodontic (root canal) therapy• Periodontal (gum) therapy

including scaling androot planing

• Custom partial and full dentures• Custom occlusal and

sport guards• Implants• Bonding and veneers• In-office professional whitening• Invisalign (clear braces without the wires)

Peter K. Cocolis, Jr., DMD& AssociatesPeter K. Cocolis, Jr., DMD, MAGD

Emily A. DaSilva, DDS, FAGD


Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.

ONGOINGArt Exhibit: The Scenic Route. Through May 6,

gallery hours at Warrior Way Gallery (W-16),Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 WorkhouseWay, Lorton. Chester Kasnowski, a veteran ofthe United States Air Force, is a multi-disciplinary artist who believes in the power oftradition and history. www.workhousearts.org/event/chester-kasnowski-scenic-route/ for more.

Art Exhibit: This and That. Through May 7, 11a.m.-5 p.m. daily at The Artists’ UndertakingGallery, 309 Mill St. in Historic Occoquan. “Thisand That.” an features copper work by AnneJordan of Fairfax; oil paintings by Steve Mylesof Reston; and turned wood by Greg Wandlessof Fairfax. Call 703-494-0584 or visitwww.theartistsundertaking.com.

Art Exhibit: To the Ends of the Earth.Through May 13, gallery hours at VulcanGallery, 1st Floor, Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. Workhouse Arts Centerpresents To the Ends of the Earth Visitwww.workhousearts.org.

Rock of Ages – The Musical. Through May 20,Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. atWorkhouse Arts Center, Building W-3 (Theatre),9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. This Tony-Awardwinning musical takes the audience back to the1980s era of big: big bands, big egos big guitarsolos and big hair. Parental discretion advised.$20-$35. Visit www.workhousearts.org.

Second Saturdays. 6-9 p.m. at the WorkhouseArts Center, 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton. TheSecond Saturday Art Walk is the perfect time tomeet nearly 85 Resident and Associate Artists,creating art in the studios or exhibiting in ourgalleries. Visit www.workhousearts.org/.

Carolina Shag. Wednesdays, 6:30-10 p.m. atArlington/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. atGrace Presbyterian Church Family Room, 7434Bath St., 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.

Smoke Free Bingo. 7 p.m. Every Friday. FairfaxVolunteer Fire Department, 4081 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Free coffee, entertaining callers,$1,000 jackpot (with breaks for smokingfriends). 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: va.evanced.info/fairfaxcounty/lib/eventcalendar.asp

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MAY 3-5“The Little Mermaid.” Thursday-Friday, 7 p.m.;

Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m. at Fairfax High School,3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. Based on one of HansChristian Andersen’s most beloved stories andthe classic animated film, Disney’s “The LittleMermaid” This fishy fable will capture yourheart with its irresistible songs, including“Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part ofYour World.” Tickets available at fxplayers.org.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 3-6“Orson the Magnificent.” Thursday-Saturday, 8

p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. at City of Fairfax TheatreCompany, Old Town Hall, 3999 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Direct from its extended run atthe 2017 Capital Fringe Festival, “Orson theMagnificent” explores a little-known side ofcinema legend Orson Welles: his lifelong love ofmagic. Half magic show and half dramaticbiography. Visit www.fairfaxcitytheatre.org.

FRIDAY/MAY 4Pinko De Mayo. 6-11 p.m. at Brion’s Grille, 8815

Cromwell Drive, Springfield. Pinko De Mayo is afundraiser event for The Breast Cancer Box. TheBreast Cancer Box delivers recovery supplies towomen in hospitals and ships them nationwideat no cost to the patient. Call 703-966-2759 orvisit www.thebreastcancerbox.com.

Viva La Musica. 8-10 p.m. at Richard J. ErnstCommunity Cultural Center Theater, 8333 LittleRiver Turnpike, Annandale. A night incelebration of Hispanic music and culture.Presented by the Reunion Music Society, Inc.

and the NVCC-Annandale Campus, under thedirection of Christopher Johnston. $15, adults;$10, students with ID; free, NOVA students withID and children 12 & younger. Call 703-569-0973 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/viva-la-musica-celebrating-hispanic-music-culture-tickets-44657057461.

FRIDAY/MAY 4-SATURDAY/MAY 12“Into the Woods.” At West Springfield High

School, 6100 Rolling Road, Door 4, Springfield.Dates/times: Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday,May 5 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m.;Thursday, May 10 at 7 p.m.; Friday, May 11 at7 p.m.; and Saturday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Ticketsare $8/students and seniors; $12/adults. Ticketson sale at www.spartantheatre.com/ticketsales.There will be a Spartan Theatre Homecoming onSaturday, May 12, noon-4 p.m. to give tours ofthe new space. Visit www.spartantheatre.com.

SATURDAY/MAY 5Team Audrey Race. 8-11 a.m. at Burke Lake Park,

7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Proceeds benefitTeam Audrey, a 501(c)3 non-profit based inVienna that provides financial assistance to HLH(a life-threatening immunodeficiency) familiesadmitted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital,financially supports life-saving HLH research, andspreads HLH awareness within the community.There will be a 1-Mile Superhero Fun Run at 8a.m. to kick off the event and the Superhero 5-Mile Race around the lake will begin around8:30. Dress as a favorite superhero. $20-$45. Call540-270-9893 or visit racewire.com/register.php?id=8764.

Civil War Fortifications Tour. 8:30 a.m.-4p.m., meet for a brief orientation at 8 a.m. at theFairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. Blake Myers,noted Civil War Historian, will lead a tour of

Civil War fortifications in the Clifton area aswell as Centreville’s Confederate MilitaryRailroad, Saint John’s Church and cemetery,Mount Gilead and several other preserved CivilWar fortifications. $20 for Museum members,$30 for non-members. Visit www.fairfax-station.org/tours.html or call 703-425-9225.

Celebrate Communication. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. atSpringfield Town Center Mall, Springfield.Celebrate Communication is an information fairfor anyone with an interest in or connection tohearing loss. Some 30 vendors will providecurrent technology, resource information, craftsand family friendly events including facepainting and appearance of mascot Yellow Dog.Free event. Near Starbucks. www.nvrc.org. Call703-352-9055 (voice); 571-350-8656 (VP).

Gospel Concert. 5-8 p.m. at Mount CalvaryBaptist Church, 4325 Chain Bridge Road,Fairfax. The Fairfax County Alumnae Chapterwill host a free Gospel Concert in honor of its25th Anniversary. Free. RSVP required [email protected].

Monica Rizzio Concert. 6-7 p.m. at LivingSavior Lutheran Church, 5500 Ox Road, FairfaxStation. Monica Rizzio, Independent MusicAward “Country Album of the Year” nomineeand Radio Crystal Blue “Best New Artist” of theyear will perform live in concert. Familyfriendly. Free, donations accepted. Call 703-618-3074 or visit www.livingsaviorlutheran.org.

Cinco de Mayo Driving Range Social. 7-10p.m. at Burke Lake Golf Complex, 6915 OxRoad, Fairfax Station. This event welcomesgolfers of all levels, adults looking for a fun,social experience and taco enthusiasts alike.Festivities include unlimited range balls, tacobar, soft drinks, water, music, games, contests,prizes, giveaways and more. $30. Advanceregistration required, only 50 people.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/burke-lake/range-social/may2018.

Casino Night. 7-11 p.m. at Country Club ofFairfax, 5110 Ox Road, Fairfax. A Forever HomeRescue Foundation is holding a casino nightfundraiser. Purchase tickets and bid on auctionitems at one.bidpal.net/afhcasino/welcome.

MONDAY/MAY 7FCAC Golf Tournament. 7 a.m. at Reston

National Golf Club, 11875 Sunrise Valley DriveReston. FCAC will host its 9th Annual SpringTee Golf Tournament. Golf Clinic. Tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities areavailable. Email [email protected] or visitwww.fcacgolf.info/.

WEDNESDAY/MAY 9Investigating the Attempted Assassination

of President Reagan. 7:30-9 p.m. atWorkhouse W-3 Theater, Workhouse ArtsFoundation, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Joinfor a lecture by Thomas Baker, retired FBISpecial Agent, who will share his experiences asone of the first agents on the scene of PresidentReagan’s shooting. Free, donations welcom. Visitwww.workhousearts.org.

FRIDAY/MAY 11Welcome Home Concert 2018. 7 p.m. at Ernst

Theater, Northern Virginia Community College -Annandale, 8333 Little River Turnpike,Annandale. Tickets $10 for adults, studentsenter free. www.vamusicadventures.org/.

Friday Night Campfires. 7:30-9 p.m. at HiddenPond Nature Center is located at 8511 GreeleyBoulevard, Springfield. Learn about animals,insects, plants and more. End the evening withs’mores by the campfire. $8 per person. Call703-451-9588 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hidden-pond.

SATURDAY/MAY 12Eagle Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Mason Neck

State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Liveraptor and reptile shows, environmentalorganization, outdoor recreation clinics, boatingbonanza, eagle cam, photo exhibit, hay andpony rides, food trucks, live music. Pre-openingbird walk at 8 a.m. led by Audubon SocietyNorthern Virginia. Park in the picnic area. Visitwww.masonneckstateparkfriends.org/

Fundraiser and Book Fair. At Barnes and NobleStore, 12193 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive,Fairfax. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museumvolunteers will introduce visitors to life inFairfax Country during the 1800s. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org, or www.facebook.com/FFXSRR. Call 703-425-9225.

Hoedown for Harmony. 7-10 p.m. at AccotinkUnitarian Universalist Church, 10125 LakehavenCourt, Burke. Over 18 $25; 13-18 $15; under 13free. Call 703-968-2971.

Calendar

All-American MusicThe City of Fairfax Band presents an evening of All-American music by Aaron Copland, Paul Creston,

Alfred Reed, John Phlilp Sousa and John Williams, plus a tribute to Stephen Foster featuring the FairfaxSaxophone Quartet. Adding to the celebration is the presentation of the winner of the 2018 City of FairfaxBand Young Artist Competition in performance with the band. Saturday, May 19, 7:30-9 p.m. at FairfaxHigh School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. $10-$15; students free. Call 571-336-2322 or visitwww.fairfaxband.org.

Photo by CFBA

Fairfax Band

46th Annual Clifton Homes TourGuided tours of four Clifton homes and a silent auction at Clifton Presbyterian Church. Free events

include tours of two historic Clifton churches, a silent auction, wreath sale, and Trinkets and Treasuresat Clifton Presbyterian Church. Proceeds benefit local scholarships and charities through the CliftonCommunity Woman’s Club 501(c)(3) Charitable Trust. Tour tickets: $25-30; free admission to silentauction. Friday, May 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., meets at Clifton Presbyterian Church, 12748 Richards Lane,Clifton. Visit www.cliftoncwc.org.

Photo by Ginny Ax

The Gaffney home is one of four Clifton homes featured on the CliftonHomes Tour for Charity on May 18.


COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

To AdvertiseYour Communityof Worship

Call 703-778-9418

b b

Building Whole People for the Kingdom of God

COMMUNITY FAITHofSunday Morning

Worship Service—10:45 a.m.7520 Rolling Road

(Spring Tree Dr.)

(703) 455-4594 [email protected] www.coft.net

T A B E R N A C L E

News

Volunteers HonoredIn May of 2011, Tom Bash was

appointed by District SupervisorPat Herrity to serve as Springfield’scommissioner of the Fairfax AreaCommission on Aging. Since then,Bash has been a tireless advocatefor all 50-plus related needs work-ing on various projects. Most note-worthy includes implementing the50-plus Community Action Plan.This includes 31 initiatives regard-ing housing, transportation, com-munity engagement, and otherservices. He has collaborated withlocal partners and staff onwebpages, criminal exploitationawareness, and a real-time online

transit data portal. He has alsoworked on an alternative to Metro-Access that would provide on-de-mand, quality service to peoplewith disabilities. His reach of ser-vice also includes volunteering onthe Fairfax County Disability Ser-vices Board and with nine otherlocal organizations.

“I am proud to call Tom Bash my2018 Volunteer Fairfax Commu-nity Champion,” said Herrity. “Hedoes not take ‘no’ for an answerand continues to pursue all av-enues to make Fairfax County thebest place to live, work, and play.”

Supervisor Pat Herrityhonors Thomas Bash,Springfield District.

For the last quarter-century,Charlie Fegan has served on theFairfax County Library Board ofTrustees as a reliable source ofguidance for both the board andthe community. He has been aninvaluable source of knowledgeand voice for both the libraries andthe community in his role on theboard. He has put in hours of out-reach, library advocacy, as well as

building and maintaining relation-ships with members of the Boardof Supervisors to further serve thecitizens of Fairfax County.

As Board of Supervisors Chair-man Sharon Bulova said, “Charliehas gone above and beyond thequality and quantity of service tothe community as my appointee tothe Library Board of Trustees forthe last 25 years.”

Chairman Sharon Bulovahonors Charles Fegan,Fairfax County.

Ecumenical Community Helping Others,better known as ECHO, is an all-volunteer, charitable,nonprofit organization supported by 24 local faithgroups which include Protestant, Catholic, Jewishand Baha’i faiths in the Springfield and Burke areas.Since its incorporation in 1969, ECHO has contin-ued to be an all-volunteer organization that imple-ments broad-based programs for families and indi-viduals who suffer the effects of long-term povertyor are facing an emergency need. During 2017, ECHOcounselors held over 4,400 client visits and providednearly $225,000 in financial support to families.Weekend food packs provided simple-to-preparemeals and snacks to 12 elementary schools and amiddle school for students who face food insecurityat home over the weekends. ECHO client familieswith school-aged children received book bags filledwith new school supplies and holiday gifts for morethan 600 children. ECHO’s administrative volunteerstake leadership roles to ensure work is done and cli-ents are served fairly all while making sure the build-ing is kept in a safe, orderly condition. Support vol-unteers provide other necessary assistance such as

Volunteer Program: ECHO group withBoard Chairman Sharon Bulova.

IT services, website maintenance, and grounds keep-ing.

As ECHO President Bob Diegelman said, “This issimply neighbors helping neighbors. Everything thatECHO does is possible only because of the tremen-dous generosity of its 24-member congregations,churches, and temples: its deeply committed volun-teers, supporting groups and associations, and anactive and committed business community.”

The Fairfax County Community EmergencyResponse Team (CERT) program is a CitizenCorps volunteer program managed under the aus-pices of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Depart-ment. The CERT program prepares ordinary citizensto safely help themselves, their families, and theircommunities during emergencies. They also provideemergency preparedness and public safety relatedservices on an ongoing basis. Over the last year, 694active CERT volunteers improved the county’s over-all emergency response posture through a variety oftrainings while also providing a multitude of emer-gency preparedness and public safety related ser-vices. In addition, hundreds of volunteers appliedtheir skills to support community activities and eventssuch as lost child assistance and traffic management.CERT members attended 47 outreach events acrossthe county, informing approximately 7,653 residentsabout opportunities and activities to better equipthemselves, their families, and their neighbors in theevent of an emergency.

Fairfax County Government VolunteerProgram: Fairfax County CommunityEmergency Response Team (CERT) withBoard Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Volun-teer Liaison Jeffery Katz said, “Fairfax County’s CERTprogram is a prime example of ‘Neighbors helpingNeighbors.’ 2017 was another year of unprecedentedgrowth and innovation during which our CERTs fur-ther improved our County’s disaster preparedness.”

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection


News

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

The West SpringfieldRotary Club honoredthree local teacherswith Outstanding

Teacher Awards during a clubbreakfast on Wednesday, April 25,2018, at the Springfield Golf andCountry Club. After a cateredbreakfast with eggs, fruit, and sau-sage and coffee, the teachers re-ceived plaques and checks worth$500.

The honorees were Sarah Wood,a third-grade teacher at RollingValley Elementary; Alyson Nagle,science teacher and lead mentorat Irving Middle School; and Su-san Lampazzi, Spanish teacherand Chair, World Language De-partment at West Springfield HighSchool.

“The West Springfield RotaryClub is honored to recognize theoutstanding teachers from ourcommunity. This is where the truefoundation of our greater commu-nity, and our nation starts; it startswithin these schools and withthese truly outstanding teachers,counselors and administratorswho keep it all working,” saidMike Becraft, Master of Ceremo-nies.

Sarah Wood of Woodbridge, athird-grade teacher at Rolling Val-ley Elementary, has been teachingfor 11 years. “I’ve taught firstgrade, second grade, fifth gradeand now third grade, and I haveworked with all different popula-tions. I’ve worked with specialeducation, the English languagelearners, the advanced academicstudents and I absolutely lovewhat I do… I really love making adifference with all the kids andbuilding relationships with them,”she said.

According to Rolling Valley Prin-cipal Maureen Boland: “[Sarah)shows the perfect balance of kind-ness and caring and also reallygreat instructional practices and soevery kid in her class feels a senseof belonging and also learns atincredible levels during the year.In addition to what she does in herown room, Sarah also is a teacherleader at our school. She takes onresponsibility to help other teach-ers grow, she’s a model for goodinstruction and she’s a really niceperson to be around.”

Alyson Nagle of Alexandria, whohas been teaching life science for17 years, has been at Irving Middlefor five years. “It’s a big honor tobe recognized by the Rotary Club;

they seem like a fantastic organi-zation, especially as a teacher, Ithink because their goal is to helpso many people, and I think that’swhat teachers have in mind also.And I think it’s nice for people totake the time to recognize thegood work that teachers as awhole are doing,” she said.

According to Cindy Conley, Prin-cipal of Irving Middle School:“When Mr. Becraft asked me toselect a teacher, I immediatelythought of Alyson. She’s a phe-nomenal teacher but also a greatmentor to our staff – our newteachers … She’s always trying toimprove for herself and for her stu-dents. I just think that’s an ex-ample on why she’s a masterteacher and a great teacher of theyear.”

Honoree Susan Lampazzi, whohas taught Spanish for 23 years atWest Springfield High, was de-lighted with the award. “Our kidswent to West Springfield so I know

how great the teachers are. Thisis just really humbling for me. I’mhonored.

I’m so grateful that you maketeaching an important part of yourmission because literacy as youknow is the doorway to real suc-cess for all our people in our com-munity. Thank you so much.Muchas gracias,” she said.

Added Master of CeremoniesBecraft: “[Ms. Lampazzi] encour-ages her students continuedgrowth by instilling in them thenotion that learning a language isa life-long journey that will openfuture doors and provide themwith unlimited possibilities. Shebuilds relationships by communi-cating expectations and holdingher students to high standards.And encourages them to find newways to apply their classroomknowledge…. Susan Lampazzi isan excellent example of how oneperson can make a difference andchange lives.”

Springfield Rotary Club Honors Outstanding TeachersTeachers selected from Rolling Valley, Irving Middle, and West Springfield High schools.

Sarah Wood, third-grade teacher at Rolling Valley El-ementary (holding plaque); with Mike Becraft (left),Master of Ceremonies; Maureen Boland, principal ofRolling Valley; and Ralph Menzel, president of theSpringfield Rotary Club.

Alyson Nagle, science teacher at Irving Middle School(holding plaque); with Mike Becraft (left), Master ofCeremonies; Cindy Conley, principal of Irving MiddleSchool; and Ralph Menzel, president of the SpringfieldRotary Club.

Susan Lampazzi, Spanish teacher and Chair, World Lan-guage Department at West Springfield High School (hold-ing plaque); with Mike Becraft (left), Master of Ceremo-nies; Michael Mukai, principal of West Springfield High;Fred Lampazzi; Kay Rizzuto, World Language DepartmentAdministrator; and Ralph Menzel, president of theSpringfield Rotary Club.

The Springfield Rotary Club ceremony honoring Out-standing Teachers of the Year.

Enjoying Spring CamporeeTwo Girls, Ana J. and Sophia R., from Cub Scout Pack873, Canterbury Woods Elementary School inAnnandale, attended the Patriot District SpringCamporee at Camp Snyder, Haymarket, Va. Fourmore girls from the same unit also attended in theafternoon on Saturday and all six had a great time.

Pho

to

C

ourtesy o

f G

.C. ‘G

ary’ Black, III


ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

SPECIAL SAVINGS


News

From Page 4

Adele Peng gets information about Miller’s Supplies atWork from Pablo Solares.

Job FairJessie Chen, 16, a Woodson

High School sophomore fromFairfax, added: “The reason whyI’m here is to do something overthe summer and to do somethingfun, that’s why I’m here — to findsomething that I like.”

Samuel Dade, 18, who attendsMount Vernon High School, said:“I came to the job fair to get a jobso when I’m going through schooll can pay for school and not bebroke. So that’s basically why Icame here today.”

Kyle Vanderlaan, 16, of Spring-field, who attends West SpringfieldHigh, said: “I’m just looking for ajob. It’s a really good opportunityto meet people and companies soyou can just choose where everyou want to go and find out what-ever you want to do.”

Ivan Ramirez, 14, of FallsChurch, who attends CorpusChristi School, added: “I came tothe job fair to look for a job at ayoung age. I want to work withkids younger than me to help themdo something in life and also getmoney.” West Springfield resident

Ben Anderson, 15, who attendsWest Springfield High, said: “I’mjust looking for a job this summer.I’m trying to get some money topay for whatever I need. I thinkit’s great that there are theseplaces around here that are com-ing to the fair.”

From Page 7

Even the freshwater mussels had sup-porters, such as Philip Latasa.

Lake Accotinkeach plan.Plan A would let nature take its course, and Hooper

said the lake would lose its recreational value in2025. That recreational value was the boating andfishing, but not the bike trails, bird watching or hik-ing that would come with an environment like that.

Option B was dredging some and redredging; Cwas a full dredge; D involved “beaver dams,” up-stream to catch the sediments; E was a dam reduc-tion; and F was a modified dam with a side lake halfthe size. “Similar to the size of Lake Fairfax,” Hoopersaid.

With each dredging option, there was the loca-tion of “forebays,” to consider, which are places todump the sediments after the water is removed, andthe suggestions were all over the place. Open spacesbeneath the power lines near Braddock Road andWakefield Park were mentioned.

When it came time for comments from the audi-ence, the line to the microphone was 20 people long.A resident of Kings Park wanted to save it, whateverthe cost. “I can’t believe one of the richest countiesin the country would let our lake go,” he said. An-other Kings Park resident wanted the “slow dredge,”and maintain it year by year. And with pricetags inthe millions, another speaker wanted to know how

the rest of the Board of Supervisors felt. “Whateverfinancial decision we choose is going to be a boarddecision,” said McKay.

The comment period ends May 28, and the deci-sion will be reached in fall 2018. “This is analysistime,” said Cook.

Email [email protected] or go towww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks-planning-develop-ment/lakeaccotink to enter your comment.

Pho

to

by M

ike Salm

on

/T

he C

on

nectio

nSteve H

ibbard/T

he C

on

nectio

n


Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDDocents Needed. Sundays 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax

Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad in Fairfax Station. Greet museum visitorsand tell them about the exhibits, the museumand the its railroad and Civil War history. Idealfor those interested in railroads, the Civil Warand Northern Virginia history. Training andorientation provided. Other volunteeropportunities are gardening, publicity andexhibit planning. Call 703-945-7483.

STEM Professionals Needed. Help assist K-12STEM teachers as part of the AmericanAssociation for the Advancement of Science’sSTEM Volunteer Program, stemvolunteers.org,during the 2018-19 school year. In the 2017-18school year, there are 85 volunteers in sixNorthern Virginia school districts. Contact DonRea at 571-551- 2488, or [email protected].

Volunteer Adult Mentors Needed. Help assistthe Department of Family Services’ BeFriendA-Child mentoring program. The mentors provideopportunities for companionship, guidance andsupport to children who have been abused andneglected, or who are at risk of abuse andneglect. Contact Ibrahim Khalil [email protected] or 703-324-4547.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChild turning 5 years old by Sept.30? If so,

contact your child’s school to makearrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Mostschools begin getting information together nowfor parents of incoming kindergartners, andmany host an orientation or open house. Allkindergarten programs are full-day and locatedin FCPS elementary schools. Check your school’swebpage or contact the school directly forspecific enrollment information and dates oforientationor visit www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration.

THURSDAY/MAY 3College Applications Essays. 7-8 p.m. at

Pohick Regional Library, 6450 SydenstrickerRoad, Burke.Don’t be intimidated by collegeapplications essays. Practical strategies andwriting tips will help yours shine, revealingsomething that your grades and test scores can’t.Free. Age 13-Adult. Call 703-644-7333 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Community Meeting - New Location. 7:30-9p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 9612 Fernedge Lane,Lorton. Learn about the planning and design ofthe new Lorton Community Center. FairfaxCounty staff will present the project and answerquestions from the community. To arrangetranslation service, childcare and transportationfrom the Lorton Library, contact Maria Franco-Nativi at 703-704-6700, TTY 711, [email protected].

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 4-6Volunteers Needed to Pack Meals. Friday,

9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.;and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Dulles ExpoCenter, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center,Chantilly. Community members will fight worldhunger by packing food for starving childrenthrough a partnership between New HopeChurch (Lorton) and nonprofit Feed My StarvingChildren (FMSC). 16,000 local volunteers willfeed 9,585 children for a year by packingnutritious ingredients into 583,333 bags in threedays. Visit www.2018foodfight.com.

SATURDAY/MAY 5Workshop for Siblings of Children with

Special Needs. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Key MiddleSchool, 6402 Franconia Road, Springfield. ThisSibshop workshop is for 8-13-year-old siblings ofchildren with special needs enrolled in FairfaxCounty Public Schools. A pizza lunch will beprovided. Visit www.fcps.edu/spedconference2018.

Ramadan Food Pack-Out Sessions. 10 a.m.-2p.m. or 2-6 p.m. at 6820 Commercial Dr., SuiteF, Springfield. Islamic Relief USA will hold itsannual Ramadan Food Box Pack-Out sessionswith volunteers packing boxes with manynonperishable foods. The goal is to create some5,000 packaged meals at each location. All foodwill go to residents in the United States. Visitirusa.org.

Bulletin Board

Today, Sunday, April 22, I am not on any real – or imag-ined, deadline pressure, quite different than my previ-ous column (“You Mean Tomorrow Tuesday?”), pub-lished April 25. This column isn’t due until nine daysfrom now, since my copy editor returns from vacationthat Tuesday. And of course, since there’s no abbrevi-ated/immediate-type deadline, and it’s a relatively quietweekend at home (as opposed to the “triple threat”Tuesday I wrote about last week), Chino, in addition toany of our other four cats, are nowhere to be found.Certainly, they’re all sleeping. I mean, it is 12:30 pm. Infact, as I get up to investigate, Chino is sleeping on thevery same chair he ended up on last week. This weekhowever, when I have minimal deadline pressure, Chinohas minimal Kenny interest. At present, he is not theleast bit involved in the creative process, other than as apoint of reference, that is.And just as Chino is minding his own business – for now,I am able to mind mine and stay on task. It is so mucheasier to do so when my writing pad is not the exactmidpoint and/or crossroads for where Chino is and forwhere he wants to be. Therefore, I have no excuses fornot maintaining a creative flow as pen is put to paper.No cat interruptions or interference whatsoever. Toquote my late father, I have no “encumbrances” – at themoment.More so even than Chino walking right to left across mydesk (and back of course). I just received an email frommy oncologist, yes on the weekend, telling me that mytwo scans taken on Wednesday, April 18, continue toshow “stable.” News, with which I’m extremely fond ofwriting – properly, I can live. As much as I could likewiselive with tumor “shrinkage” as well, I am ALWAYSpleased when I see my new favorite word: “stable,” inany communication from my doctor. For a cancerpatient still undergoing treatment – as I am, or for anycancer patient in remission, a “stable” result is hardly theproblem. The problem is growth and/or movement orappearance elsewhere in the body. (For lung cancerpatients, movement to the brain, which occurs inapproximately 30 percent of patients, is the predomi-nant worry. As such, I get a brain MRI regularly.)So, no scan-result pressure. No post-chemo side-effectpressure. No newspaper and/or deadline pressure. Andno cat-related pressure compounding any of the afore-mentioned pressures. Ergo, the ‘pressure’ is officially off.And when the ‘pressure’ is off, my creativeness is on.Though this may not be the best column I’ve ever writ-ten, it’s certainly been one with the least amount of‘encumbrances.’And speaking of my father, Barry, who died in in 2006,and now my mother, Celia, who died two years later,almost to the day, what I am particularly grateful for isthe timing of my diagnosis/prognosis: it all happenedafter they had died. They never knew. My first symptommanifested four weeks after my widowed mother waslaid to rest. They both know now though as I regularlyupdate them when I visit their gravesites at the ceme-tery. And though the conversations are mostly one-sided, still, it brings me comfort and a peculiar sort of joyto share the details of my treatment and the miscellane-ous pressures I experience, some of which I’ve men-tioned and some of which I haven’t. Many of those myparents knew about, and were often topics of discussion– while they were alive.I was lucky then and I continue to be lucky now. Greatparents before and an amazingly fortunate post-cancer-diagnosis after. Whoever I have to thank: thank you.

You MeanNext WeekTuesday?

Teen Job Fair Held in Springfield - Ellington...

Documents

Transcript of Teen Job Fair Held in Springfield - Ellington...