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WellbeingPage 5

‘We Have Much To Learn from History’

News, Page 3

Wearing period dress for the re-membrance ceremony at Ox Hill

Battlefield Park are (from left) John Myers, Mario Lucero, Debbie and Mark Whitenton, Drew Pallo, Pat-

rick Sullivan and Jon Vrana.

New Water FacilityPlanned for ChantillyNews, Page 2

Westfield Improves to 4-0Sports, Page 6

2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ October 2-8, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Fairfax Water wants to build a new,water-maintenance facility at14925 Willard Road in Chantilly.It would replace the existing one

in the Sullyfield Business Park.On Sept. 18, the Fairfax County Planning

Commission approved the proposedfacility’s compatibility with its new locationand with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.It also recommended approval of the re-quired, special-exception permit when thematter goes to the Board of Supervisors onOct. 15.

First, though, the issue went before a jointmeeting of the Sully District Council andWest Fairfax County Citizens Assn.(WFCCA) Land-Use Committee. There, de-tails about the proposal were revealed.

“This facility will be for maintenance ofour water-distribution network in westernFairfax County, and we’ve been working onthis plan with county staff,” said

TRACY GOLDBERG with Fairfax Water.“In 2015, we began looking at our water-distribution needs, shortly after we acquiredthe City of Fairfax water system.”

She said Fairfax Water acquired the pro-posed Chantilly site in 2017. “The facilitywill have six vehicle-maintenance bays andoutdoor pipe storage,” said Goldberg.“We’ve reached out to all the adjacent prop-erty owners and have heard no concernsfrom them.” Steve Gleason, a planner withGordon & Associates engineering firm, saidit’s a 10.8-acre, wooded site zoned for in-dustrial use. “Access and frontage are onWillard Road, near the Bowl America site,”he said. “There are three existing entrances,but we’ll just use two of them. There’s also

about 60 feet of grade change on the site.”The proposal shows 30 percent – 3.8 acres

– of open space, which is twice what’s re-quired. And the building would be nearly70,000 square feet, with 65 spaces in frontfor staff parking, plus some visitor parkingfor contractors. There would also be park-ing for fleet vehicles – some of which wouldbe under a canopy.

The building would be multipurpose, witha warehouse and loading dock, administra-tive offices and a vehicle-repair/mainte-nance area. Storage of materials such assand, salt, mulch and gravel would be out-doors, as would be a fuel island and vehicle-washing area.

“There’s a sidewalk on one side and an 8-foot trail on the side closest to the Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” saidGleason. “The sidewalk would become a 10-foot-wide, asphalt, shared-use trail. There’llbe a secure, perimeter fence around theentire site, but a more aesthetically pleas-

ing metal fence at the entrance on Willard.And there’s a 50-foot, undisturbed area anda buffer between us and the church. Regard-ing stormwater management, there’s anexisting dry pond – and this, and other usesin that area, drain into it.”

Architect Greg Lukmire said the ware-house portion of the one-story buildingwould be some 35,000 square feet. The restof the space would be used for vehicle main-tenance, shop storage and incidentals.

“The building would be in the middle ofthe site and is designed to be upscale andblend in with its surroundings,” he said. “Itwill be brick, with metal roofing, and land-scaping in the front. And from the road andshared-use path, it would be set back andlook like a brick building, so we think it’llfit in quite well with the area.”

WFCCA’S Chris Terpak-Malm asked if thefacility would be constructed in phases, butLukmire said they’d prefer to do it all atonce. Gleason said the site-plan process

should take until summer 2020. And, addedLukmire, “We hope to start construction in2021 and be completed in 2022. Construc-tion cost is an estimated $32 million to $35million.” “To me, you need to add moretrees,” said Terpak-Malm. “We’re havingproblems with erosion, and this runoff goesinto Cub Run – which goes into theOccoquan – which is our drinking-watersupply.” But Gleason said they believe thepond will be adequate to deal with it.

PANEL MEMBER Jay Johnston also sug-gested making the 65-space parking area apervious surface, instead of impervious.“We’re committed to making this a LEED orequivalent project, so that’s one of our op-tions,” replied Lukmire. “We’re also discuss-ing having charging stations for electricvehicles.”Terpak-Malm asked what their peak vehicletimes are, and Lukmire said workdays therewould be from 6 a.m.-3 p.m., but therewould be vehicle trips throughout the day.Terpak-Malm then cautioned the propo-nents to “just be aware of the [nearbyWestfield] high-school schedule.”

At-Large Planning Commissioner Jim Hartasked if they needed to put something un-derneath the piles of materials so wouldn’tleech into the water system. Gleason repliedthat “The water will be conveyed into a pipeand into a special, hydrodynamic separa-tor that removes some of the pollutantsbefore they reach the pond.”

Panel member Jeff Parnes asked if slow-moving traffic making a right turn fromStonecroft Boulevard onto Willard wouldhave an adverse effect on traffic. Lukmirereplied that county staff hasn’t asked for aturning lane there, but that, ultimately, thatdecision is up to VDOT.

Parnes then told the applicants that theland-use committees had no objections orconcerns about the project. But, he added,“If county staff does, then we’ll ask you tocome back again to address them.”

Architect Greg Lukmire with a map of the proposed site plan. The site layout of the new water-maintenance facility in Chantilly.

A detailed look at the water facility’s site plan.

New Water Facility Planned for ChantillyIt’s slated to be builton Willard Road.

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Chantilly Connection ❖ October 2-8, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

See History, Page 8

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

Centre View

The Battle of Ox Hill/Chantilly, onSept. 1, 1862, was the only ma-jor Civil War battle fought inFairfax County. It happened dur-

ing a torrential rainstorm and, by the end,it took the lives of two, key Union generalsand killed or wounded more than 1,500 sol-diers.

Years later, the county preserved almost5 acres of the 500-acre battlefield, creatingOx Hill Battlefield Park at the corner of WestOx Road and Monument Drive in Fair Lakes.And on Sept. 1, area residents and histori-ans gathered there to commemorate thehistoric battle on its 157th anniversary.

“We ask Your blessing upon those who fellhere,” said the Rev. Robert Ruskamp dur-ing his invocation. “And let us continue thefight for freedom for all Americans.”

The ceremony also included a descriptionof the battle, the laying of a wreath at theOx Hill monuments, presentation of theColors, and Fairfax High band memberSiobhan Murray playing “Taps” on thebugle. The event sponsors were the AncientOrder of Hibernians (Father William CorbyDivision), the Bull Run Civil War RoundTable (BRCWRT) and the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum.

The battle took place on farmland and inwoods on both sides of what’s now WestOx Road between Route 50 and Fair LakesParkway, and between Fair Oaks Mall andthe Fairfax County Parkway. It’s sometimescalled the Battle of Chantilly because theNorthern army named battles after the near-est towns and the Southern army namedthem after prominent, geographic points.

north and crossed the Potomac River intoMaryland.

“From the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s,a different war was waged to save and pre-serve this land,” said Myers. “This park for-mally opened, Sept. 1, 2008, and its pres-ervation was the impetus for the preserva-tion of other Civil War battlefields.”

Greg Wilson, with the Fairfax County His-tory Commission, noted that his great-great-grandfather, Jonathan Roberts, was a scoutfor the Union Army and Fairfax County’ssheriff when the battle was fought. Robertsalso met Kearny a year before his deathhere. “We have much to learn from our com-mon history – especially the local, regionaland national conflicts that eventuallyerupted into the American Civil War,” saidWilson. “In his message to Congress, Dec.1, 1862 – exactly three months after thebattle here – President Lincoln reminded us,‘We cannot escape history. The fiery trialthrough which we pass will light us, inhonor or dishonor, down to the latest gen-eration.’”

Wilson also said a Battle of Ox Hill/

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Color Guard.Laying a wreath at the generals’ markers are (from left) Dawn Roddyand Mary Concannon.

‘We Have Much to Learn from History’Remembranceceremony at OxHill Battlefield Park.

Greg Wilson Keynote speaker Ed Wenzel Blake Myers

Playing “Taps” is Fairfax High’sSiobhan Murray.

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THE FIGHTING was triggered by Confed-erate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s attempt to out-flank the retreating Union army. “Both Con-federate and Union forces were moving eastto Jermantown, just west of the FairfaxCourthouse,” said Blake Myers, with theBull Run Civil War Round Table. “The racewas on to determine which force would firstreach and gain control of the ridgeline atOx Hill and the key crossroads atJermantown.”

En route, he said, “Union divisions com-manded by Brigadier General Isaac Stevensand Major General Philip Kearny clashedwith Stonewall Jackson’s Confederate forcesnear Ox Hill. Some said the lightning flashesand continuous thunder drowned out thesounds of the battle.”

Dry ammunition became soaked, and thesoldiers eventually had to use their bayo-nets and musket clubs. The conflict lastedsome two hours, ending as a stalemate, butboth Stevens and Kearny were killed.

Ox Hill marked the end of the SecondManassas Campaign. Afterward, the UnionArmy retreated to fortifications aroundWashington, while the Confederates headed

4 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ October 2-8, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Letters

To the Editor:We have seen too many mass-

shootings in America. Statisticsshow that compared to other high-income nations, the United States’gun-related murder rate is 25times higher and accidental gundeaths is six times higher. Polls in-dicate a majority of Americans fa-vor strong background checks andbanning assault-style weapons.

And we have seen how Republi-cans in Virginia continue to stone-wall gun safety issues, most re-cently when the Republican ma-jority voted as a block to adjournwithout debate the special assem-bly of the Virginia

General Assembly called to acton a series of gun safety bills.

We need representatives in theVirginia General Assembly who

are willing to pass gun safety leg-islation supported by the majorityof its citizens. Del. KathleenMurphy (D-34) has a track recordof working on such legislation andsponsored bills such as preventingdomestic abusers from obtainingor keeping guns. She also foundedthe Gun Violence Prevention Cau-cus. She supports enhanced back-ground checks and closing the gun

show loophole, banning bumpstocks and semi-automatic fire-arms with high capacity maga-zines. Her opponent in this year’selection is currently silent on gunsafety legislation. The citizens ofVirginia deserve more than silenceand stonewalling on a topic ofsuch importance.

Jocelyn BrittinMcLean

No More Stonewalling on Gun Safety Legislation

To the Editor:The Washington Post’s Sept. 15

article, It’s on: VA. Voters flipswitch for ‘off-off-year” elections,well captured the enthusiasmamong Democrats in this year’sVirginia election. But the articleoverlooked how Democrats in thisstate have approached campaign-ing and governing since 2016which will positively influence thisyear’s races. Virginia will providea roadmap for current Presiden-tial candidates and other states towin in 2020.

Beyond turn-out and hatred forDonald Trump, Virginia Democratshave worked with Republicansand other progressives on issuesimportant to voters and rallied tosupport candidates who won theirprimaries. In 2017, Tom Perriellolost the primary for the Governorbut still pledged to elect RalphNortham.

One of Northam’s first accom-plishments as governor was to

work with Republicans to expandMedicaid, which has enrolled300,000 low-income Virginians.On gun safety, practical solutionsmoved forward by Del. KathleenMurphy when in 2016 she helpedpass a law, which prohibits peopleunder a permanent protective or-der from possessing a firearm.Murphy accomplished this in aRepublican-controlled legislatureand didn’t resort to dirty tacticssuch as when Republicansabruptly cut short a special sessionto pass gun legislation to quashdebate.

Virginia Democrats are not per-fect but bipartisan work and theparty’s cohesiveness helped themwin big in 2018 despite gerryman-dered districts. Let us hope othercandidates learn valuable lessonsfrom Virginia’s election this No-vember.

Kristin Battista-FrazeeMcLean

Virginia Is theRoadmap to Win in 2020

To the Editor:Superintendent Dr. Brabrand of

Fairfax County Public Schools is-sued a surprise message last weekin response to growing outcry inthe county about his and theSchool Board’s efforts to redrawboundaries and implement forcedbusing. His message was posi-tioned as an effort to clarify “mis-information”. The problem is hefailed to mention the central roleof the radical One Fairfax policyin his plan to upend school pyra-mids.

Why did Dr. Brabrand fail tomention One Fairfax when he hasconsistently praised and promotedthe radical policy in the past? OneFairfax has become toxic in thecommunity as citizens learn moreabout the extreme and unneces-sary disruption it requires. Citizensdon’t want our school pyramidsand neighborhoods carved up,ripped apart and

reassembled to achieve Dr.Brabranad and the Board’s idealsocieoeconomic and/or racialcomposition of students.

The need to reconsider schoolboundaries is understandablesince Fairfax county has experi-enced rapid growth and changeover the years.

We all know overcrowding is aserious concern and boundary ad-justments should be part of thediscussion.

However, Dr. Brabrand and theBoard’s push to implement a so-cial engineering experiment at thebehest of outside special interestsdoesn’t benefit taxpayers,homeowners or our children.

A change in leadership is desper-ately needed on the School Boardto ensure accountability and toprotect our most valuable assets.

Jeff NorrisVienna

Misrepresenting PlansFor Boundary Changes

Chantilly Connection ❖ October 2-8, 2019 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

When Florence Murrian was diag-nosed with stage two breast can-cer last December, the treatmentrecommended by her oncologist

was a lumpectomy and radiation. In an attempt tohelp, Murrian’s sister urged her to seek multiplemedical opinions and insisted she ask for a moreaggressive treatment. Murrian, 54, felt over-whelmed by the barrage of advice.

“It was the friends who just listenedto me as I sometimes rambled on andon that gave me comfort,” she said.“There were times when I didn’t wantto talk about it or cry about it. I neededto feel normal and sometimes was indenial. What I didn’t want is someoneasking me why I wasn’t acting a cer-tain way.”

When a close friend of loved one isdiagnosed with breast cancer, the reac-tion can range from aggressive advicegiving as in Murrian’s case to excessivequestioning to learning every detail.During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month,some survivors and mental health professionals shareinsight on offering support.

“Sometimes I had conversations with friends thatmade me feel worse that I already felt,” said Murrianwho lives in Arlington. “I was so overwhelmed that Ididn’t want advice and I didn’t want to have to cheerup my friends.”

Conversations designed to convey concern can goawry. “I recommend avoiding invalidating comments

like, ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ or forecast-ing comments such as ‘Everything will be fine,’” saidJoanne Bagshaw, PhD, Professor of Psychology atMontgomery College.

Though it is natural to be concerned and want spe-cific details about a loved one’s condition, sometimesthe best words are no words at all, says Professor ofPsychology at George Mason University. “There maybe times to mostly listen and other times to jokearound,” said Short. “Plan to continue enjoyable ac-tivities together, but confirm whether your loved onewants to get together.”

Avoid non-specific offers to help, says Short. “I rec-ommend taking the perspective of your friend andloved one and imagining what she might like to hear,”he said. “You should express empathy and support… prepare small meals or snacks to share. Offer to

help with household tasks, errands, orcaring for family members or pets.”

For those who are unsure, consider-ing your loved the best source of in-formation about her needs is more ef-fective than making assumptions, sug-gests Bagshaw. “I do recommend ask-ing how you can be of support,” saidshe said. “One can simply say, ‘Just letme know how I can help.’”

“It is good to be encouraging, butrealistic,” added Short. “Follow cuesfrom your friend or loved one on howto interact.”

Listening, validating and inquiringabout her overall wellbeing can be more comfortingthan offering opinions or sharing stories about otherwomen who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.“Everyone’s situation and diagnosis is different,” saidBagshaw.

“Avoid advice and assumptions unless you areasked for your opinion,” added Short. “Some ex-amples [of things] to say are, ‘I am sorry that thishappened to you. I want you to know that I careabout you. How are you doing? I want to help’”

Choosing words andactions that don’t causeadditional pain or anxiety.

Supporting Friends and LovedOnes with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer survivors Florence Murriangets together with friends to volunteer fora supplies drive.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month,survivors like Florence Murrian and men-tal health professionals share insight onoffering support.

Photos courtesy of Florence Murrian

“ Everyone’ssituation anddiagnosis isdifferent.”

— Joanne Bagshaw,PhD, Professor of

Psychology at Mont-gomery College

Expires November 30, 2019

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6 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ October 2-8, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Sports

Stonewall Jackson and Westfield had met theprevious two seasons during the regular sea-son with each going to the Bulldogs 21-0 in

2017, 31-13 in 2018.This year both teams came intothis game undefeated. Westfield came in beating pre-viously unbeaten Lake Braddock in a thriller 40-34.In the first quarter the hometown Bulldogs usedNoah Kim’s leadership and a Virginia Tech signee tosneak in from 1 yard out. The PAT was unsuccessfuland the Bulldogs were atop early 6-0.

In the 2nd quarter Bulldog wide receiver AlexRichards took a Noah Kim pass 62 yards for a touch-down. The PAT was successful by James Williams andWestfield now led 13-0, with 11:48 to play in thehalf. Later in the quarter the Red Raiders would geton the board after Elijah Reese secured a pass in theend zone between two Westfield defenders. The leadwas now 13-7.

Noah Kim would rush in for his second touchdownwith 2:36 to play in the 3rd quarter. Williams wasagain successful on the PAT giving Westfield a 20-7lead with just over a quarter to play.

Later in the 4th quarter James Williams would adda 22 yard field goal with 7:46 to play and that would

Alex Richards #15 crosses the goal line for a 62 yard touchdown reception.

Westfield Improves to 4-0Bulldogs beat Stonewall Jackson, 23-7.

Noah Kim #10 rushes in for the first of histwo touchdowns.

be the final margin of 23-7.Westfield improves to 4-0 and will play at WT

Woodson (3-1). Stonewall Jackson falls to (3-1) andwill host John Champe (3-1)

—Will Palenscar

The dance team shows Westfield school spirit.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is one thing, and certainly a big thing, but I’m much better dealing with it when the 50 million other things we all have to deal with are not having to be dealt with (ending a sentence with a preposition notwithstanding) at the same time. And not that I’m the least bit unique in having all these other tasks and concerns or even the most bit interest-ing in that I have them. Hardly. They are simply the elements that sometimes make living more of a job and less of an adventure. That being said, when I am uncluttered by these mundane re-sponsibilities and am able to focus on the things I want to do rather than the things I have to do, I am so much more able to fend off the inevitable demons that haunt any of us diagnosed with a serious/in my case “terminal,” disease.

The last month was, and still is, such a month. It all started with my application for a reverse

up, I met another, local company who so far has exhibited the wherewithal to get the application approved. However, the structural integrity prob-lem you regular readers know about has impeded the progress I was hoping to have made by now. Not knowing yet the estimate to right this wrong, I am twisting in a bit of an ill wind, and I assure you, it is not improving my demeanor.

Yes, “Medicare is in The House,” but as of September 27, it’s sort of a house divided. Because even though its effective date was September 1st, I’ve not received an invoice. And since I haven’t paid for any new coverage, am I still supposed to cancel my old, in-force “Obama Care?” Moreover, if I don’t know exactly what I have, am I supposed to buy a Medicare Supple-ment for coverage I don’t know for sure even exists? I mean, it’s not as if my medical welfare/

more worried, and obviously confused.If the unresolved reverse mortgage and health

to stress over, consider my concern for the “Di-abetic Duo,” our two cats with diabetes. Other than the real possibility that either, if not both, of these cats will die on our watch, the expense of sustaining their lives is past adding up. Items include insulin, syringes, prescription wet food, prescription dry food, two sizes of pee pads (because the liter box has less interest to them or they can’t quite see it) and since they’re eating and drinking constantly, we’re buying more liter than ever before, and vet bills: diabetic boarding when we’ve been away for a weekend or two and glucose monitoring every week to 10 days to check their sugar level, all times two. Can you say credit card?

Two other extremely mundane tasks have also fallen on me during this time line. Both involving the M.V.A., never an easy process: emissions inspection and a driver’s license renewal. Again, not Herculean tasks, but in the middle of all this other stuff. The issue? More money and possibly more hassle to resolve their respective ‘issues:’ possibly replacing a catalytic converter in the 29 year-old Honda Accord, which has happened previously under identical circumstances, and re-newing one’s driver’s license, which now comes

requirements which if I don’t have/can’t prove, present another slew of potential entanglements. And of course, the eye test. I don’t wear glasses. What if I fail the test and they tell me I need glasses. Then I have to see my way through that morass, and delay resolving another task.

And just to complicate matters, I am waiting for results from my bi-monthly CT scan and my wife, Dina, is waiting for results from a scan she recently completed. Though neither one of us is the least bit symptomatic, we are hardly dealing in absolutes here. Absolutely though, I will say, I

check the rest, I’ll be back to abnormal and then I can plan for the future rather than plod through the present.

WhenCompounding

isn’t a Good Thing

Roundups

Midday StoppagesPlanned onI-66 and Route 28 inCentreville for AboutTwo Months

Traffic stoppages of up to 15 minutes areplanned in both directions of I-66 betweenRoute 29 in Centreville and StringfellowRoad, and in both directions of Route 28between Braddock Road and I-66 betweenthe hours of 11 a.m. and noon on week-days, starting Tuesday, Oct. 1 and continu-ing for approximately the next two months.These closures are needed to accommodatesmall charge blasting operations.Crews areblasting to break up rock along the outsideshoulders of I-66 between Route 29 inCentreville and Route 28 where highwaywidening will occur for the Transform 66Outside the Beltway Project. Residents anddrivers in the area may hear loud noises andshould expect travel delays.Prior to theblasting each day, police will pace traffic onI-66 and Route 28 to a slow roll to stop traf-fic. The ramp from Route 29 in Centrevilleto I-66 East will be blocked as part of thestoppages. All work is weather dependentand will be rescheduled if inclement condi-tions occur.The work is part of the Trans-form 66 Outside the Beltway Project, whichis scheduled to be completed in December2022.Sign up at Transform66.org for regu-lar email updates on traffic impacts due toconstruction activities on the Transform 66Outside the Beltway Project.On Twitter, fol-low VDOT Northern Virginia at@VaDOTNOVA.

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

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY/NOW THRU OCT. 23Community Emergency Response Team

Training. 7-11 p.m. at at the Fire and RescueAcademy, 4600 West Ox Road, Fairfax. TheCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT)Program trains county residents in basic disasterresponse skills, such as fire safety, light searchand rescue, team organization, and disastermedical operations. Using the training learnedin the classroom and during exercises, CERTmembers can assist others in their neighborhoodor workplace following an event whenprofessional responders are not immediatelyavailable to help. Emphasis on hands-on skilldevelopment and Fairfax County protocols andprocedures. Instructor will provide syllabus withclass schedule at first session. This training doesnot require any special physical strength oragility. Visit volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/#/opp_details/184991 to register.

SATURDAY/OCT. 5Mental Health and Wellness Conference. 8

a.m.-4 p.m. at Fairfax High School. The morningwill focus on social and emotional learning, witha keynote address given by Dr. Marc Brackett,founding director of the Yale Center forEmotional Intelligence. A special session for highschool students, the Our Minds Matter TeenSummit, will take place in the morning as well.Attendees are encouraged to stay for Inova’s Acton Addiction Summit, which will be held from12:30-4 p.m. Breakout sessions, exhibit tables, andresources will be available to all attendeesthroughout the day. Lunch will be provided. Visitwww.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/mental-health-and-resiliency/mental-health-and-wellness to register.

Bulletin Board

8 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ October 2-8, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Jon Vrana playing the mandolin.

Preserving HistoryFrom Page 3

Chantilly app is being devel-oped, with the Bull Run CivilWar Round Table leading thefundraising. It will enablepeople to have a virtual, real-time experience of the battle toappreciate and understand itsfull impact. After he spoke, awreath was placed at Stevens’sand Kearny’s monuments inmemory of all the soldiers,Union and Confederate, whofell during this battle.

The keynote speaker was BullRun Civil War Round Tablemember Ed Wenzel, who gavea detailed description of thebattle. When it ended, he said,the Union soldiers withdrew tothe Fairfax-Centreville road,leaving the battlefield to theRebels. The Union left behind150-250 severely woundedmen at a home which served astheir field hospital. That sitetoday is near the county’s FireTraining Academy on West OxRoad. For more information onthe Battle of Ox Hill, see “Chro-nology of the Civil War inFairfax County,” Part I, pages320-394, published by the BullRun Civil War Round Table.

Myers then read from thepoem, “The Blue and the Gray,”by Francis Miles Finch. “Firstpublished in 1867, it was writ-ten to honor the widespreadgrief and mourning experi-enced throughout the Northand South in the years imme-diately preceding and followingthe war’s end,” said Myers.“This poem was publishedwidely and – by acknowledgingthe mutual suffering and sacri-fices on both sides – it servedas a stepping-stone to a reuni-fied nation.”

He also noted that Ox HillBattlefield Park is a continualwork in progress. “It must bepreserved, updated and con-tinually maintained to ensurethat it provides a welcomingsetting in which to learn of, and

better understand, the historyassociated with the battle,” ex-plained Myers. “The park’smaster plan recognizes that,while Generals Kearny andStevens have long been memo-rialized, the common soldierswho fought and who fell dur-ing the battle have not been sorecognized. So, he said, theplan reserves historically ori-ented sites for two, yet-to-be-installed monuments com-memorating those soldiers – aUnion “Chantilly” monumentand a Confederate “Ox Hill”monument. They’ve alreadybeen produced, have the samedesign and are inscribed withthe respective military unitsthat fought on this battlefield,plus a stanza from the poem,“The Blue and the Gray.”

Myers said these monuments– historically oriented along theinterpretive trail. together withthe Kearny and Stevens monu-ments – “will help make Ox Hilla fully interpreted battlefieldpark and a premier county des-tination for all who are inter-ested in Civil War history andFairfax County history.”

MARK RODDY, president ofthe Father William Corby Divi-sion of the Ancient Order ofHibernians, gave the closingremarks. He said it’s importantto commemorate this battlebecause, among the things itrepresents is “the failure of ourAmerican ancestors to peace-fully resolve their significant,cultural and political differ-ences some 160 or so yearsago.” Therefore, said Roddy,“Given the increasingly polar-ized opinions and attitudes wesee and hear today, we mustcontinue to conduct – and re-flect upon – commemorationslike this.” Otherwise, he said,like philosopher GeorgeSantayana warned, “Thosewho cannot remember the pastare condemned to repeat it.”

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Calendar

Submit entertainment announce-ments atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The deadline is noon onFriday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGCrafters Wanted for 2nd Annual

Fall Craft Show. The FairfaxStation Railroad Museum will holdits 2nd Annual Fall Craft Show andLEGO (TM) Train Show on Saturday,Oct. 12, 2019 ,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forcrafters interested in joining theevent, booth space is enough roomfor a 10x10 canopy and cost is $50per space. Email dmueller@fairfax-station.org for an application andfurther information. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

Chantilly Farmers Market.Thursdays, 3:30-7 p.m., through Nov.11 in the parking lot at St. VeronicaCatholic Church, 3460 CentrevilleRoad, Chantilly. The farmers marketis a family-friendly weekly eventwhere everyone can access localfoods around, and build connectionswith local farmers, small businessowners, and their neighbors. Farmersand vendors bring locally raisedfruits, vegetables, breads and bakedgoods, meats and eggs, local honey,wine, soaps, prepared foods, andmore each week. Free admission.Visit www.community-foodworks.org/chantilly for more.

THURSDAY/OCT. 3Think Pink Fundraiser. 6-9 p.m. At

Centreville High School Field HockeyField, 6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton.The Centreville Field Hockey Teamshosts a Think Pink Fundraiser inconjunction with the JV and VarsityGames against Westfield High Schoolat 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Allmonies raised will benefit the Play 4The Cure National Foundation forCancer Research. Free. Donations forPlay 4 The Cure are appreciated. Visithttp://www.nfcr.org/p4tc/.

FRIDAY/OCT. 4OLGC Golf Classic. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at

Westfields Golf Club, 13940 BalmoralGreens Ave., Clifton. Join Vienna’sOur Lady of Good Counsel CatholicChurch for a fun-filled day withcontests, food and drink, andcompany to share it with. Register bySept. 23. $200. Visitwww.olgcva.org/fellowship/golf-classic or call 703-896-7425.

SATURDAY/OCT. 53rd annual DC-Metro Modern

Home Tour. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in areasincluding Arlington, Fairfax, andGreat Falls. The DC-Metro ModernHome Tour, a self-guided event,provides a day of local sight-seeingand open-house-style visits for loversof architecture, design, real estate,and anyone on the hunt for ideas andinspiration. $20-$50. Visitwww.dcmetromodernhometour.comfor tickets.

MONDAY/OCT. 7African-American Genealogy. 7-

8:30 p.m. at Centreville RegionalLibrary, 14200 St. Germain Drive,Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets thefirst Monday of the month (exceptSeptember and November).Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. Toregister, or for more information,visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eventsor call 703-830-2223.

SATURDAY/OCT. 12Walk Like MADD 5K Dash/ Bark

Like MADD. 9 a.m.-noon at

Herndon Police Department, 397Herndon Parkway, #300, Herndon.Walk Like MADD is MADD’ssignature fundraising event to helpus raise both awareness and funds toeliminate drunk and drugged driving.$25. EmailJennifer.Hamilton@madd.org or visitwww.walklikemadd.org.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 12-13Model Train Show and Craft Fair.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday,noon-5 p.m. at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. TheWashington D.C. Metropolitan AreaLEGO (R) Train Club (WamaL TC)will hold a two-day display at theFairfax Station Railroad Museum. Inaddition, Saturday will feature aCraft Fair with local artisansdisplaying and selling their crafts.Bring any unwanted LEGO piecesand sets for donation. Ages 16 andolder, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org orcall 703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/OCT. 13Clifton Day Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in

the Town of Clifton, 7144 Main St.,Clifton. The 2019 Clifton DayFestival will feature a marketplacewith around 150 vendors. Livemusic, train rides, children’sactivities and delicious food andbeverages will add to the fun. CliftonDay is the only day of the year whenthe train stops in the town.Admission is free. Parking starts at$5 per car. Call 703-968-0740 orvisit www.cliftonday.com.

ONGOINGFitness for 50+. Daytime hours,

Monday-Friday at Sully SeniorCenter, 14426 Albemarle Point Place,Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, ZumbaGold, Hot Hula Fitness (dancingPolynesian style), Strength Training,

Fall Pumpkin FestivalEnjoy the changing of the leaves and the cool crisp air in the great outdoors at

our Fall Pumpkin Festival. Sept. 21-Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Ticonderoga Farms,26469 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly. $11-$18. Visit www.ticonderoga.com.

Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more.Membership is $48 a year, andwaivers are available. Emaillynne.lott@fairfaxcounty.gov or call703-322-4475 for more.

History Volunteers Needed. FairfaxStation Railroad Museum needshistory buffs. The Museum offers avariety of volunteer opportunities inMuseum events, programs andadministration. Emailvolunteers@fairfax-station.org or call703-945-7483 to exploreopportunities. www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.

Art Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10a.m.-8 p.m. at Clifton Wine Shop,7145 Main St., Clifton. Includes oilpaintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops.Free. Call 703-409-0919 for more.

Carolina Shag Dance. Wednesdays,6:30-10 p.m. at Arlington/FairfaxElks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30 p.m.; nopartners needed; dinner menu at6:45 p.m. Tickets are $8. Visitwww.nvshag.org for more.

Open Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30p.m. at Lord of Life church, 13421Twin Lakes Drive, Centreville. TheFairfax Jubil-Aires barbershop chorusinvites men of all ages who enjoysinging. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxjubilairs.org for more.

Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m.at The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 LeeHighway, Centreville. Every Fridaynight a band plays on the patio of thewinery. Free to attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for a fullschedule.

LIBRARY FUNToddlin’ Twos. Tuesdays, 10:30 and

11:30 a.m. at the Chantilly Library,4000 Stringfellow Road. Earlyliteracy storytime with songs andactivities included. Age 2 withcaregiver, free. Call 703-502-3883 toreserve a spot.