Burke Wellbeing - Ellington CMSconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/... · 2017. 6. 30. · Burke Connection June 8-14, 2017 3 News Burke Connection Editor Kemal

Burke Connection ❖ June 8-14, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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online at www.connectionnewspapers.comJune 8-14, 2017

BurkeBurke WellbeingWellbeingWellbeingPage 10

Braddock District Lady &Lord Fairfax, MaryCortina and Kevin Morse,with Supervisor JohnCook (R-Braddock).

Braddock District Lady &Lord Fairfax, MaryCortina and Kevin Morse,with Supervisor JohnCook (R-Braddock).

Governor CandidatesRace for NominationNews, Page 4-5

Governor CandidatesRace for NominationNews, Page 4-5

Burke Road ProjectRaises Speeding ConcernsNews, Page 13

Burke Road ProjectRaises Speeding ConcernsNews, Page 13

County HonorsLord & Lady Fairfax

News, Page 3

County HonorsLord & Lady Fairfax

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2 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ June 8-14, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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NewsBurke Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Cutting the Ribbon for Liberty Bell TrailFairfax County Park Authority officials cut the ribbon on Satur-day, June 3, for the Liberty Bell Trail in Pohick Stream ValleyPark in Burke, the newest segment of the Pohick Stream ValleyTrail. The 10-foot-wide asphalt trail runs from the intersectionof Burke Lake Road and Coffer Woods Road to the bend inBurke Road near Liberty Bell Court. The trail project also in-cludes a steel frame bridge across Pohick Creek near Mill CoveCourt. The park is located at 9239 Burke Road, Burke.

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Every year since 1984, two indi-viduals from each of the nineFairfax County magisterial dis-tricts, as well as two from the at-

large “domain” of Board of SupervisorsChairman Sharon Bulova are honored fortheir service to their communities or forparticular acts of heroism. For their dedica-tion, these community caretakers arenamed Lord and Lady Fairfax for the year.

The 2017 honorees were feted at a re-ception at the County Government Centeron the morning of June 6. Following thisgathering, the Lords and Ladies were es-corted into the Board Auditorium wheretheir accomplishments were publically ac-knowledged and each received a certificatedeclaring their status.

The Lords and Ladies will be making afew more appearances during their reigns,including at the signature celebration forFairfax County’s 275th anniversary, whichwill take place in the area surrounding theHistoric Fairfax Courthouse in centralFairfax, on June 17. Just to add another“jewel in the crown” of this event whichpromises fun and festivities for the wholefamily, the real Lord and Lady Fairfax willbe joining celebration all the way fromGreat Britain.

Nicholas Fairfax, 14th Lord Fairfax ofCameron, and Lady Annabella will help cel-ebrate the founding of our county fromwhen the area was part of lands owned byhis ancestor, the 6th Lord Fairfax ofCameron.

In announcing the visit by Lord and LadyFairfax (the originals), Chairman Bulovalaughed that the noble guests seemed a bitconfused by the fact that there were morepeers in Virginia whom they would be meet-ing. “Only here in Fairfax,” she told him.“We’re special.”

— Andrea Worker

At-Large –Chairman Bulova

Lord Fairfax: John J. “Jeff” Lisanick is aformer client at New Hope Housing’s

Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter. Desiring to giveback to the homeless community, he joinedthe Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) asan original member in 2012. Since beingelected Chair of the CAC in 2013, he hasbeen a member of the Governing Board witha goal of preventing and endinghomelessness. Jeff took his passion to end

homelessness to a new level in July 2015when he was hired by New Hope Housingas the Residential Coordinator of the sameshelter in which he was once a client. Henow serves as the Coordinator of Residen-tial Services, overseeing seven differentsites.

Lady Fairfax: Jane Miscavage has been an

incredible asset to both Fairfax County Pub-lic Schools and our community at large.

In 2007, Jane began serving as a founderand manager of the Food Allergy SupportGroup of Northern Virginia, where shehelped over 400 families access up-to-dateallergy research and health care profession-als. Her commitment to children and fami-lies continued through her service to#IamFCPS, a grassroots organization thatadvocated for a fully funded 2017 FCPSbudget, and later, as the Vote Yes Meals TaxCampaign Manager. Currently, JaneMiscavage continues to serve our schoolsas Vice President of the Fairfax CountyCouncil of PTAs.

Braddock DistrictLord Fairfax: Kevin Morse, Fairfax County

resident since 1982, has gifted much of histime to county efforts, including his workas President of Woodwalk Condominiumsand the Braddock Representative on theFairfax County Transportation AdvisoryCommission.

He is also the Chairman of the BraddockRoad Task Force, a citizen task force formedin 2014 to review and recommend improve-ments to Braddock Road from Guinea Roadto I-495. He also previously served as Trea-surer of the Braddock District Council andas a member of the Burke Centre VRE Sta-tion Garage Committee, as well as severalother committees in Burke Centre and theBraddock District.

Lady Fairfax: Mary Cortina is Vice Chairof the Fairfax County Park Authority Board.Cortina has a heart for the environment andprotected the local bay through her eight-year period on the Chesapeake Bay Preser-vation Exception Review Committee. Pre-viously, she chaired the Virginia RailwayExpress Garage Task Force for Burke Cen-tre, working with the County on a commu-nity-based design and to add trails to thestation.

She also seeks to better her localneighbourhood and has volunteered withthe PTA and organized community events,like the annual children’s Halloween paradefor many years.

County Honors Lord & Lady Fairfax

At-large Lady & Lord Fairfax, Jane Miscavage and John J. “Jeff” Lisanick,with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Braddock District Lady & Lord Fairfax, Mary Cortina and Kevin Morse,with Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock).

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News

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

You know that old saying that noth-ing is certain in life but death andtaxes? Here in Virginia, there’s another certainty: Every year is an

election year.This year features a primary fight between

three Republicans running for governor,each with his own separate and distinct taxplan.

“Well this is really more of a conversa-tion than Republicans usually have abouttaxes,” said Stephen Farnsworth is a pro-fessor at the University of Mary Washing-ton. “You have a candidate willing to in-crease taxes, a candidate willing to abolishthe income tax and then, I guess, theGoldilocks plan, which is in the middle.”

The Goldilocks in this campaign is formerRepublican National Committee ChairmanEd Gillespie. Back in March, he outlined aproposal that would lower the state incometax rate on people who make more than$17,000 a year from 5.75 percent to 5.15percent. For someone making more than$60,000 a year, that would mean about$400 less in taxes a year. Gillespie’s pro-posal relies on revenue growth rather thanspending cuts to pay for the tax cuts.

“Our rates were set in 1972,” saidGillespie during the one and only debate ofthe primary season. “They have not comedown in 45 years, and other states aroundus have been moving.”

The idea is classically Republican: cuttaxes and predict that will turbo charge theeconomy, creating jobs in the process. It’sthe kind of trickle-down economics thatfueled the rise of President Ronald Reaganback in the 1980s. Gillespie is selling thetax cut plan as a clean break from the lastfour years of Democratic leadership in theExecutive Mansion, a move to the centerright for a state that’s sharply divided.

“It would also result in hard-working Vir-ginians who have had stagnant wages butrising costs over the past three, four, fiveyears when our economy has been stagnanthaving nearly $1,300 more in our pocketsto spend as we see fit.”

ONE IDEA that’s not classically Republi-can is raising taxes. But that’s what stateSen. Frank Wagner (R-7) wants to do withthe gas tax. He’s proposing a plan thatwould raise the gas tax in an effort to raisemoney for building roads while avoidinghigh-cost tolls that have become prevalentin Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

“I can’t remember a Republican candidatefor statewide office in Virginia running ona tax increase,” said Quentin Kidd, a politi-cal science professor at Christopher New-port University. “And there probably aren’ta dozen nationally in the last decade or twodecades who have run on a tax increase likeFrank Wagner is right now.”

Meanwhile, Wagner is suspicious ofGillespie’s tax proposal. Specifically he’scritical of how it’s been sold. For example,

“Let me tell you something,” Wagner saidduring the debate. “It’s easy to say thatwhen you’re sitting here and you’ve neverbeen in state government.”

To solve the problem, Wagner is propos-ing raising the gas tax to pay for buildingsroads. The proposal echoes an earlier erain Virginia politics, when Gov. Harry Byrdsuggested using the gas tax as a way to fi-nance building roads while avoiding debt.In Wagner’s plan, raising the gas tax wouldavoid higher tolls on roads in Northern Vir-ginia and Hampton Roads. Plus the proposalis built on a sliding scale, which would meanthe tax would actually decrease when gasprices rise.

“We have an $18 billion deficit in the Vir-ginia Retirement System. We have a RainyDay Fund for a recession that should be at$2.4 billion. It’s down to less than $300million right now.”

REPUBLICANS USUALLY run on cuttingtaxes. And although Gillespie has a moder-ate plan for cutting taxes, another candi-date in the race has an extreme proposal,one that some Republicans are calling un-workable. Prince William County Board ofSupervisors Chairman Corey Stewart wantsto eliminate the income tax.

“Virginia hasn’t had a significant surplusin revenues, unanticipated unaccounted forrevenues, in 10 years,” said Stewart duringthe televised debate. “Ed’s plan is com-pletely dependent on that. It hasn’t hap-pened. It’s a charade.”

Stewart’s solution? Ask state departmentsto identify how they would slash their bud-gets 30 percent, and then use those cuts asa menu to reduce spending.

“My tax plan is dependent on a cut inspending,” he said. “We are going to reducethe rate from 5.75 percent to 4.75 percentin a single year.”

Within a decade, Stewart says, the incometax would be eliminated altogether.

“That’s wishful thinking,” said Republi-can strategist Dan Scandling. “That’s notgoing to happen because what are you go-ing to replace it with? Are you going to dosomething on property taxes and push it allonto the localities? I don’t think that’s go-ing to go over very well.”

Three Republicans Running for Governor Offer Dueling Tax PlansCut taxes or raise taxes? GOP primary debate offers an unusual array of options.

Ed GillespieAge: 55Experience: Chairman of

the RepublicanNational Committeeand counselor to thePresident in the GeorgeW. Bush administration

Bachelor’s Degree: TheCatholic University ofAmerica

Place of birth: Mount HollyTownship, New Jersey

Profession: lobbyist

Corey StewartAge: 48Currently: Chairman of the

Board of Supervisors, PrinceWilliam County

Bachelor’s Degree: GeorgetownUniversity’s School ofForeign Service

Juris Doctorate: WilliamMitchell College of Law

Profession: attorney

Frank WagnerAge: 61Bachelor’s Degree: U.S. Naval

AcademyMilitary service: nine years in

U.S. NavyPlace of birth: Ruislip, EnglandProfession: businessman

Learn more at

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Top Gillespie Donors❖ $1.5 million from Let’s Grow Virginia, a Henrico-based PAC, funded in part by Hilton Worldwide

and Carly Fiorina’s super PAC❖ $100,000 from Dwight Schar, a McLean-based homebuilder with NVR Homes❖ $50,000 from Florida-based private prison company GEO Group, which operates Lawrenceville

Correctional Center, Virginia’s only private prison❖ $50,000 from Edward St. John of the Maryland-based commercial real-estate agency St. John Prop-

erties Inc.❖ $40,000 from Richard DeVos of the Michigan-based investment management firm Windquest Group

(husband of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos)

Top Wagner Donors❖ $205,000 from Wagner’s Senate campaign committee, funded in part by the Virginia Senate Re-

publican Caucus and the Republican Party of Virginia❖ $23,000 from William Magann of the Portsmouth-based concrete contractor W.F. Magann Corp❖ $10,000 from Stephen Ballard of the Virginia Beach-based general contractor S.B. Ballard Inc❖ $10,000 from Kenneth Allen Hall of the Virginia Beach-based Hall Pontiac GMC❖ $10,000 from Virginia Beach-based commercial real estate firm Pembroke Enterprises

Top Stewart Donors❖ $429,000 from Stewart’s Prince William County committee, funded in part by the Republican Party

of Virginia and the Republican Party of Prince William County❖ $35,000 from Christopher Ekstrom of the Texas-based private equity firm Ekstrom Properties LLC❖ $30,000 from Manassas-based information technology company Progeny Systems Corp❖ $20,500 from Charles Robbins of the Newington-based home health care company CR Associates❖ $10,000 from Ahmet Aksoylu, an Oakton-based Realtor with Aksoylu Properties

Gillespie’s plan would save $1,300 a yearfor families that make more than $100,000a year. But that’s well under the medianhousehold income in Virginia, which is

$65,000. On the campaign trail, Wagner hasattacked Gillespie’s plan as an irresponsiblegiveaway to the rich — one that isn’t rootedin experience in government.

The Fairfax County School Board has selected Dr. ScottBrabrand as the finalist for the position of superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), pending

final Board approval at its meeting June 8. Brabrand currentlyserves as the superintendent of the Lynchburg City Schools inLynchburg. Brabrand previously worked at FCPS in several rolesincluding assistant superintendent, principal of Fairfax HighSchool, assistant principal, associate principal, and teacher.

Brabrand was selected as finalist following a nationwidesearch led by the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates.The board received input from parents, employees, and thecommunity before candidates were brought forward. The boardinitially interviewed candidates in early February before nar-

rowing the field for second interviews. A committee of 19 staffand community members interviewed semi-finalists and pro-vided feedback to the board prior to the finalist selection.

Braband earned his bachelor of science in foreign servicedegree in international economics from Georgetown Univer-sity in 1990, and his master’s degree in education from TheGeorge Washington University. In 2003, he completed his doc-toral work in educational leadership and policy from VirginiaTech. Prior to joining FCPS as an employee, he served as volun-teer at FCPS while working as assistant manager for Bell Atlan-tic.

Following Board approval, it is anticipated Brabrand will be-gin a four-year term on July 10.

Board Names Superintendent Finalist


News

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

Regrets? Candidates for theDemocratic nomi-nation forgovernor have probably got afew. But Lt. Gov. Ralph

Northam has too few to mention. During adebate on NBC4 late last month, Julie Careyasked the lieutenant governor what kind ofmistakes he’s made that he regrets duringa recent televised debate, Northam did nottalk about about his two votes for GeorgeW. Bush in 2000 and 2004. And he didn’ttalk about taking money from Dominion,the utility that wants to build controversialpipelines through the state.

“Well I tell you I don’t really have anyregrets, Julie,” said Northam. “But what Idid learn was when I started in Richmondin 2008 as a senator … ”

And then Northam told a story about hisefforts to get a smoking ban passed in Rich-mond after initial opposition from Republi-cans. One of the old verities of political lifein Virginia is that if you’re explaining, you’relosing. And the lieutenant governor was notabout to start explaining his support forRepublicans. And he wasn’t about to startexplaining the $40,000 he’s accepted fromDominion and its executives during his runfor governor. So he changed the subject.

“Not sure that qualified as a mistake,”responded Carey. “But let’s try you Mr.Perriello on that.”

That’s when former U.S. Rep. TomPerriello (D-5) talked about an issue thathis critics have been focused on since theday he announced his candidacy earlier thisyear: a vote he made during his time inCongress to deny federal funding for abor-tions in taxpayer-subsidized health insur-ance plans under the Affordable Care Act.Supporters of Northam have been usingPerriello’s vote in favor of the Stupak-PittsAmendment as a way highlight Northam’slong history supporting women’s reproduc-tive rights.

“That amendment and the eventual com-promise was highly restrictive, said Perrielloduring the NBC4 debate. “And in workingwith reproductive justice advocates sincethen understanding just how much of a stepbackwards it was in that space.”

THAT EXCHANGE reveals a curious phe-nomenon in the race for the Democraticnomination this year. Both candidates aretrying to run to the left, abandoning theirpreviously moderate or even center-rightpositions on a number of issues. So which

candidate has a more difficult transforma-tion? Opinions are divided. Virginia Techpolitical science professor Robert Dentonsays Perriello will have a more challengingtime selling voters on his new progressivepersona.

“He has to explain that at the time I wasn’tcountering my beliefs, attitudes or valuesrelated to abortion,” said Denton. “But I waslooking at my constituents in the Fifth Con-gressional District and therefore trying torepresent them.” Others aren’t so sure. Uni-versity of Mary Washington professorStephen Farnsworth says Northam is in amore perilous position explaining his votesfor Bush.

“The anger that you see among Demo-crats really I think is going to create a sensethat the votes for Bush were more problem-

Dominion plans to spend onthe two pipelines in Virginiacould be put to better use.

“I’ve opposed these twopipelines,” he said duringthat first debate. “I believefor a fraction of that $6.7 bil-lion, we could put tens ofthousands more people towork on clean energy, energyefficiency, localizing foodproduction and other mea-sures.”

THE DEBATE over guns hasalso been a sticking point inthe Democratic primary. Onthe campaign trail, Northamhas criticized Perriello forchanging his position on theNational Rifle Association, agroup that once endorsed hiscampaign for Congress. Dur-ing one of the televised de-bates this year, Northamturned to Perriello and re-minded voters that he hasreceived support from theNRA during a time whenconcerns were mountingover gun control in America.

“That was since 2010,”said Northam. “You served in Congress from2008 to 2010. That was after the VirginiaTech tragedy. What has changed about theNational Rifle Association between 2010and 2017?”

Perriello responded that times havechanged. “Well, you know, you and I haveboth have all done guns. You know that.You were a deciding vote after Virginia Techon something that prevented Fairfax andother communities from being able to de-mand fingerprinting on concealed carry per-mits.

That was a deciding vote. There wasnever a moment where I was a deciding votefor the NRA.” Both of the candidates sup-port free community college for Virginia stu-dents, although they differ on how to fi-nance it. Northam says no tax increasewould be needed to finance his plan; stu-dents would engage in public service to payfor free community college in high-demandareas.

“If they become certified in one of theseareas, then they will give one year back inpublic service at which time they will getpaid,” said Northam. “So it’s not like they’reout there working for free.”

Perriello says a tax increase will beneeded, especially for those making morethan half a million dollars a year. He saysthat would allow people who attend freecommunity college to have the dignity tocome home at night and tuck their childreninto bed.

“We don’t need people giving back in ser-vice,” said Perriello. “We have a private sec-tor with jobs ready to hire people if we helpthem just a little bit to get that certificateand have the dignity of the kind of job theycan support a family with.”

Democratic Candidates for Governor Run to the LeftTwo candidates tryto ignore moderaterecords andrepackage themselvesas hardcoreprogressives.

Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (D-5) debatein Fairfax County.

Ralph NorthamAge: 57Currently: Virginia’s 40th Lieutenant Governor;

previously served in the Virginia SenateBachelor’s Degree: Virginia Military InstituteMedical Degree: Eastern Virginia Medical SchoolPlace of birth: Nassawadox, Va.Profession: pediatric neurologist

Tom PerrielloAge: 42Served one term in U.S. Congress, Va. 5th districtBachelor’s Degree: Yale UniversityJuris Doctorate: Yale Law SchoolPlace of birth: Ivy, Va.Profession: attorney

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Top Northam Donors❖ $200,000 from venture capitalist Michael Bills of Bluestem Asset Management LLC❖ $110,000 from Henrico-based Common Good VA, a committee set up by Gov. Terry McAuliffe in

March 2014 to raise political donations during his time as governor❖ $77,000 from Thomas DePasquale of the software company Outtask LLC❖ $52,500 from Conrad Hall, retired president and CEO of Norfolk-based Dominion Enterprises❖ $50,000 from Washington-based DGA Action, a super PAC funded by Democratic Governor’s Asso-

ciation

Top Perriello Donors❖ $500,000 from Sonjia Smith, Charlottesville philanthropist❖ $250,000 from George Soros of New York-based Soros Fund Management LLC❖ $230,000 from the New York-based activist network Avaaz Foundation❖ $125,000 from Alexander Soros, New York executive and philanthropist (son of George Soros)❖ $75,000 from Courtney Smith, financial advisor with New York-based East Rock Capital

atic,” said Farnsworth. “Perriello may be bet-ter able to explain away the very conserva-tive nature of his old congressional district.”Perhaps the more thorny issue for Northamis his position on the controversial pipelinesDominion wants to build in Virginia. De-spite being asked multiple times on the cam-paign trail, the lieutenant governor has yetto take a stand one way or the other.Northam says the multibillion projects couldcreate jobs and boost the economy. “Obvi-ously we want the pipeline to be built withscience and transparency,” Northam saidduring the first debate in April. “We alsoneed jobs in the commonwealth of Virginia.”

Perriello has made his opposition to pipe-lines a centerpiece of his campaign, and he’spledged to reject campaign contributionsfrom the utility. Perriello says all that money


Opinion

See Meal, Page 15

On June 13, every Virginia voterhas the opportunity to vote in thePrimary Election to choose thecandidates for their chosen party

for governor and lieutenant governor.Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello are vying

to be the Democratic nominee for governor.Ed Gillespie, Cory Stewart

and Frank Wagner are seekingthe Republican nomination forgovernor.

For lieutenant governor, Justin Fairfax, GeneRossi and Susan Platt are seeking the Demo-cratic nomination.

Bryce Reeves, Glenn Davis Jr. and Jill Vogelcompete for the Republican nomination forlieutenant governor.

In Fairfax County, there are primaries for

Democrats in two delegate seats as well, thethe 67th District and the 42nd.

In the 67th, three Democrats, John Carey,Karrie Delaney and Hannah Risheq face off forthe right to run against incumbent Del. JimLeMunyon (R).

In the 42nd, long-time Del. Dave Albo (R) isgiving up his seat; two Democrats and threeRepublicans are seeking to be on the Novem-ber ballot to replace him. The Democrats, TillyBlanding and Kathy Tran, will appear on theprimary ballot.

The Republican candidate for the 42nd Dis-trict will be chosen by GOP party canvass onJune 10 at South County Middle School, 10a.m. to 3 p.m. Eligible voters of the 42nd dis-trict will choose between Steve Adragna,Michael Drobnis and Lolita Mancheno-Smoak.

The filing deadline for independent and non-primary party nominees is June 13 at 7 p.m.for the November general election.

For in person absentee voting, availablethrough June 10, see www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm. For more informationon voting in Fairfax County including sample

ballots, see www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/upcoming.htm

Send Father’sDay Photos

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, and onceagain the Connection will publish a gallery ofFather’s Day photos. Every year at this time,the Connection puts out the call for photo-graphs of fathers and their children, grandfa-thers and their children and grandchildren.

Send in photos with the following informa-tion: the town where you live, the names ofeveryone in the picture, the approximate datethe picture was taken, the ages of the childrenand a sentence or two about what is happen-ing and where the photograph was taken. Besure to tell us your town name and neighbor-hood. Photos are due by June 12.

You can submit your photos online atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/fathersday.You can also email photos [email protected].

Vote On or Before June 13In-person absenteevoting continuesthrough June 10.

Editorial

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

Traditionally speaking, thereporter wanders the pe-rimeters of an event, then

dashes in to get the scoop with akey subject, a quote or two andmaybe a photo. Then it’s back to

the sidelines toscout out the nextnewsworthy mo-ment.

There were certainly a lot of tra-ditions being observed at theRamadan Iftar dinner at Fairfax

County Government Center onMay 31, organized by the Ameri-can Turkish Friendship Association(ATFA) and hosted by Board of Su-pervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova— but the reporter as pure ob-server was not one of them.

Instead, demonstrating the spiritof friendship that ATFA seeks topromote, this reporter was“adopted” for the event by the Kilicfamily of Vienna — father Erdal,mother Emine, daughter Yasemin,and son Cemal, who have been inthe country since 2015. While theactual assignment was attended

to, with interviews, photographsand hasty scribbling of highlightsfrom speeches, in between it all,however, Ermine kept urging“come, sit down with us, eat” asshe pointed to the plate she hadput together for the new “familymember.”

THE EVENING marked the thirdtime that Fairfax County officialshave hosted the joint communityoutreach. The Iftar is the eveningmeal when Muslims end theirdaily fast at sundown during theholy month of Ramadan. After abrief introduction and some in-sight into the meaning ofRamadan by Zeynap Cakmak ofClifton, Bulova welcomed the hun-dred-or-so attendees, comprisingall ages, ethnicities, and religious

beliefs.Citing “our diversity as the

greatest asset in Fairfax Countyand what truly makes us special,”Bulova said it was “appropriate”to host the dinner at the Govern-ment Center. “This is the gather-ing place for our community andwe welcome all of our neighborshere.”

Iman Mehmet Ayaz of the Insti-tute of Islamic-Turkish Studies inFairfax, thanked Bulova and thecounty for “making us feel in-cluded. These days it is extrameaningful to be welcomed andmade comfortable, here at the cen-ter of our government.” Ayazadded that having such a diversegroup at the Iftar dinner reflectedthe “true spirit of Ramadan.”

Chairman Sharon Bulova enjoys the offerings at theRamadan dinner with (left) Mustafa Akpinar, CEO withthe Rumi Forum for Interfaith Dialogue and InterculturalUnderstanding and (right) Emre Celik, president withRumi, organizers of the event.

A Meal Among NeighborsAmerican Turkish FriendshipAssociation and County dinetogether for Ramadan.

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Zeynep Cakmak, a student from Clifton, welcomed attend-ees and gave a brief explanation of Ramadan and theIftar meal.


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Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Datedannouncements should be submitted atleast two weeks prior to the event.

Fairfax Baptist Temple, at thecorner of Fairfax County Parkway andBurke Lake Roads, holds a bible studyfellowship at 9 a.m. Sundays followedby a 10 a.m. worship service. Nurserycare and children’s church also pro-vided. 6401 Missionary Lane, FairfaxStation, 703-323-8100 orwww.fbtministries.org.

Grace Presbyterian Church of-fers Sunday school for all ages at 9:15,and a blended worship service 10:30a.m. every Sunday morning. Coffee andfellowship follows worship. Nurserycare is provided from 9-11:45 a.m. 7434Bath Street, Springfield. 703-451-2900or www.gracepresby.org.

First Baptist Church of Spring-field offers Sunday school at 9:15 a.m.,followed by both traditional and con-temporary worship services at 10:30a.m. at 7300 Gary St., Springfield. 703-451-1500 or www.fbcspringfield.org.

The Guhyasamaja BuddhistCenter, 10875 Main St., Fairfax Cityprovides free classes to both newcomersand advanced practitioners of TibetanBuddhism. The center emphasizes work-ing with the mind and learning how tounderstand the workings of the mind,overcoming inner causes of suffering,while cultivating causes of happiness.Under the direction of Lama ZopaRinpoche, the center is a place of study,contemplation and meditation. Visitwww.guhyasamaja.org for more infor-mation.

Lord of Life Lutheran offers ser-vices at two locations, 5114 TwinbrookRoad in Fairfax, and 13421 Twin LakesDrive in Clifton. Services in Fairfax areheld on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sun-days at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Services inClifton are held on Sundays at 8:50 and10:50 a.m. 703-323-9500 orwww.Lordoflifeva.org.

Clifton Presbyterian Church,12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, offersSunday worship services at 10 a.m. andCup of Fellowship at 11 a.m. Nurserycare is provided from 9:45-11:15 a.m.Christian education for all ages is at9:45 a.m. 703-830-3175.

St. Andrew the Apostle CatholicChurch, 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton,conducts Sunday masses at 7:30 a.m.,8:45 a.m., Latin mass at 10:30 a.m. and12:30 p.m. It also offers a Saturday vigilat 5:30 p.m. and a Thursday Latin massat 7 p.m. Additional mass offered Mon-day-Friday at 6:30 a.m. (except onFederal holidays) and 8:45 a.m. 703-817-1770 or www.st-andrew.org.

Clifton Baptist Church, 7152Main St.Clifton, is a small Bible-believ-ing church offering worship service onSunday at 11 a.m., with Bible Study onWednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Prince of Peace LutheranChurch, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield, offers casual worship ser-vices on Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m.featuring contemporary music. Moretraditional services take place on Sun-day mornings at 8:15 and 11 a.m.Sunday School is from 9:45-10:45 a.m.for children and adults. The church alsooffers discussion groups for adults. 703-451-5855 or www.poplc.org.

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See Awards, Page 9

News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

Arts Herndon awarded ap-proximately $6,500 incash prizes to 31 Fairfax

County Public high school stu-dents in recognition of their tech-nology-based artwork at the 13thAnnual Technology + Arts= NowAwards Program held Wednesday,May 24, 6:30 p.m. at ArtSpaceHerndon. Students used advance-ments in technology and digital

In his opening remarks, Mike O’Reilly, presidentof Arts Herndon, said when the first Technology andthe Arts Competition program was created by ArtsHerndon in 2005. “The competition was only forHerndon and South Lakes High Schools. It was sosuccessful; we decided to expand the program

The photograph, “American Bull Frog” by Nicholas Blakefrom Lake Braddock Secondary School, won SecondPlace in the Digital Photo category for Arts Herndon’sTechnology + Arts= Now Competition beating out morethan 100 entries from 14 Fairfax County High Schools.Nicholas was awarded a cash prize of $350.

High School Students WinTechnology+Arts AwardDigital Art wasthe name of thegame for creativestudents.

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resources to create original pieces of art that reflectedtheir emotions, thoughts, and innovative ideas, the“Now of their existence.” Arts Herndon created thecompetition in 2005 to showcase the artistic abili-ties of computer savvy teens and promote artisticexpression through technology-based media, with theaim of adding creative thinkers to the workforce.


News

From Page 8

Awardscountywide…” said O’Reilly. “Arts

Herndon is a huge believer in the arts inFairfax County, particularly for the youthin Fairfax County.”

AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, students sub-mitted original digital and animated art-work to their teachers who selected the bestentries for possible exhibit and award con-sideration. Works were eligible in four cat-egories: digital art, digital photography,animation, and other digital art. In thisyear’s competition, Arts Herndon received100 entries for finalist consideration from14 Fairfax County High Schools, one of thehighest numbers of entries ever. Three pro-fessionals judged the students’ works andnamed first, second and third place winners,as well as honorable mention and finalist.The judges were Charlotte Geary, a profes-sional photographer with works publishedin Newsweek and other magazines andbooks; Tim Ingle, a digital media expert infilm, television, and commercial animation;and Michelle Schoening, a multi-disciplin-ary design professional who creates brandsystems and marketing campaigns.

Before the awards ceremony, the 31 stu-dent finalists, their families, and friendstook a few moments to admire the artwork.During that time, Schoening and Ingleshared a bit about the experience.

“It was really difficult this year,”Schoening said. “The quality of work wasextremely high, and there were a lot moreentries this time, twice the amount actu-ally. Students were telling other students.”When asked what he looked for in the art-work, Ingle said, for him three characteris-tics were essential. First, the work had topresent a story or concept. Second, the art-ist had to demonstrate a mastery of techni-cal skills in the artwork. And third, the cri-terion that swayed him to select one workover another was that the art had to elicitan emotional connection. Schoeningagreed. “When it came down to one vs.another, the quality that swung the pendu-lum was which work drew us in; made uswant to have a discussion,” she said.

ANGELA HE from Oakton High Schoolwon First Place in two categories: DigitalArt and Other Digital Art. Her entries andfuture plans coincide with the mission ofthe competition that encouraged artisticand technology skills with the aim of add-ing creative thinkers to the workforce.When asked where Angela sees herself 30years from now, she said, “I’ll be runningmultiple successful companies geared totechnology and design.” After giving theaward envelopes and congratulating eachwinner, O’Reilly said, “Thank you parents,for supporting your children in the arts.”


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By Marilyn Campbell

While sustaining an injury isn’t onanyone’s list of fitness goals, arecent study by the Center for

Injury Research and Policy shows an in-crease in gym-related injuries in recentyears. Corrective exercise is among thestrategies for recovering from workout-re-lated injuries, but fitness experts are alsoemphasizing prevention.

“ G e n e r a l l yspeaking, at somepoint it’s good fol-lowing an injuryto perform cor-rective exercisesto rehab injuredmuscles,” saidJoel Martin,Ph.D., Exercise,Fitness andHealth PromotionGraduate Pro-gram coordinatorand assistant professor of Kinesiology atGeorge Mason University.

“Depending on the stage of the healingprocess the exercises may focus on gettingblood flowing to the injured area, regain-ing strength in injured muscle or correct-ing poor movement patterns that contrib-uted to the injury.”

One of the most common causes of sportsor workout related injuries is performingan exercise incorrectly, says Martin. “Youshould take the time to learn proper formand seek the help of an exercise professionalfor advice as to how to perform various ex-ercises,” said Martin. “Investing the time tolearn how to move well at the beginning ofan exercise program will pay off in the longrun.”

Failing todo warm-upexercises be-fore a work-out and in-creasing theintensity ofthe exercisetoo quickly —either withinthe exercisesession oracross mul-tiple exercise

sessions — are among the leading causesof workout injury, says Martin. Not follow-

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ries happen from not using common sense,”he said. “These can come in a variety offorms, but may be due to trying to showoff, not wearing proper shoes or equipmentfor the exercise mode, exercising in unsafeenvironments, or not using a spotter forheavy lifts.”

Even with safety measures in place,

Parker Bryant, a personal trainer based inBethesda, Md., tells his clients that injuriescan happen, even to the most cautious ath-letes. “For many common injuries, especiallya muscle that’s sore because it’s been over-used, I usually advise clients to apply icefor about 20 minutes several times a day toreduce any swelling and to rest the injuredbody part,” he said.

For those dedicated to fitness, being told

Avoid Getting Hurt in the Gym, and If You DoPrevent and treatworkout injuries.

Photo courtesy of Geoff Robison

Geoff Robison of Custom Kinetics in McLean uses a foam roller to help aclient recover from an injury.

“Investing the time to learnhow to move well at thebeginning of an exerciseprogram will pay off in the longrun.”

— Joel Martin, Ph.D.,George Mason University

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to rest can be hard to hear, says Geoff Robison ofCustom Kinetics in McLean, but he says that it ispossible to be active while recovering from an in-jury. “One of the hardest things for a runner with aninjury to hear is that they have to stop running,”Robison said. “But one of the worst things you cando when you have an injury is lay down and notmove. Movement, when done properly, can be veryhealing. It can bring blood flow and realign yourbody.”

Exercise can be used to help heal some workout orsports related injuries, says Robison. “Everyone whowalks in our door gets taken through an assessment,”he said. “Whether it’s low back pain, a knee problemor shoulder pain, we find the root cause of the prob-lem.”

Once the problem is identified, Robison and histeam of trainers work to create an exercise programthat is designed to decrease pain and build fitness.

One example that he uses to explain his therapeu-tic strategy is knee pain, which he says is one of theinjuries he sees most often in clients. He observesthe client’s movements to help determine the causeof the problem. “Maybe it’s coming from the foot,because the foot is not strong enough, so your kneescave in when you squat,” he said. “Maybe your glutes[gluteal muscles] are weak or maybe your quads[quadriceps] are weak. Strengthening these musclescan help stabilize the leg and help relieve knee pain.”

Robison builds an exercise regimen that is designedto address a specific issue or injury. “One exercisethat I might use is the clam shell where clients liedown on their side and open and close their knees,”he said. “When it’s a case of muscle overuse, I mightuse a foam roller or resistance bands to loosen andstrengthen the muscles.”

Geoff Robison of Custom Kinetics inMcLean shows a client how to use correc-tive exercise.

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Bryant says that an injury can be an opportunityto try a new type of workout. “For example, if you’rea runner, but your knees are bothering you, stop run-ning for a while and try swimming to give your kneesa rest,” he said. “After you’re been pain-free for morethan a week, you’re probably healed. When you doreturn to your normal exercise routine, don’t dive inwith the same intensity as before your injury. Gradu-ally work your way back so that you don’t reinjureyourself.”

Wellbeing


Send notes to the Connection atconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/or call 703-778-9416. The deadline isthe Friday prior to the next paper’spublication at noon. Datedannouncements should be submitted atleast two weeks prior to the event.

ONGOINGStorytime in the Park. Tuesdays

through May 30, 10:30 a.m. at OldTown Square. Fairfax. Visitfairfaxva.gov/parksrec or call 703-385-7858.

Senior Line Dancing 1-2 p.m. LittleRIver Glen Senior Center 4001Barker Court, Fairfax. Line Dancing isa gentle, social form of aerobicactivity. Studies have shown it aids inwarding off Alzheimer’s disease. Noprevious experience needed. Cost: $5per 8 week session. Email [email protected] or call 703-524-3739.

Carolina Shag. Wednesdays. 6:30-10p.m. Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge,8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Freelessons at 7:30 p.m. No partnersneeded. Dinner menu. $8. Under 21free. nvshag.org.

FUN-Exercise Thursdays, noon-12:50p.m. Grace Presbyterian ChurchFamily Room, 7434 Bath St.,Springfield. Inova certified exerciseinstructor leads a moderate levelexercise class with music and currentevents conversation. Muscle, Balance,Strength Training using stretch bandsand weights both standing andseated exercises. Instructor donationis $5. [email protected] or 703-499-6133.

Exercise Program Mondays andFridays at 9:30 a.m. year-round atLord of Life Lutheran Church, 5114Twinbrook Rd. Fairfax. The exercisesare for strength, balance andmaintaining limberness. ContactSCFB office at 703-426-2824 formore information.

Cafe Ivrit (Hebrew Cafe).Wednesdays. 8:15-9:15 a.m. JewishCommunity Center of NorthernVirginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike,Fairfax. Shalom (hello) Did youalways want to converse in Hebrew?Join Na’ama each week forconversational Hebrew. You will

learn and practice Hebrew in a funand interactive way while learningmore about Israel. Free, however weask that you try to attend regularly.RSVP [email protected].

Smoke Free Bingo. 7 p.m. EveryFriday. Fairfax Volunteer FireDepartment, 4081 University Drive,Fairfax. Free coffee, entertainingcallers, $1,000 jackpot (with breaksfor smoking friends).www.fairfaxvd.com. 703-273-3638.

English Conversation Groupsweekly at George Mason, BurkeCentre, and Lorton Libraries Practiceand improve your English. Day andstart times vary. Visit:va.evanced.info/fairfaxcounty/lib/eventcalendar.asp

Funday Monday 10:30 a.m., everyMonday at Old Town Hall, 3999University Drive, Fairfax. There willbe music, movement, storytelling,performances, crafts, and more. It isopen to children of all ages, howeverespecially for those who haven’t yetstarted school. Programs are free andopen to the public, donations aregratefully appreciated. There isample free parking in the downtownarea, and stroller access at the rear ofOld Town Hall on Main St. 703-385-7858 www.fairfaxva.gov/culturalarts

Kingstowne Farmers Marketopens. 4-7 p.m. every Fridaythrough Oct. 27, at Kingstowne GiantParking Lot, 5870 KingstowneCenter, Alexandria. Freshly picked,producer-only vegetables and fruit,from-scratch bread (including glutenfree), baked goods, kettle corn, salsa,hummus, cake pops, fruit popsicles,and ice cream. [email protected] call 703-642-0128 for more.

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

24-28, and July 31-Aug. 4 at theWoods Community Center, 10100Wards Grove Circle, Burke or thesecond location is Burke PresbyterianChurch, 5690 Oak Leather Drive,Burke. Lessons by Carol Zeitlin. Call703-250-6930 or visitwww.czartlessons.com for more.

JUNE 8-10Summer Book Sale. Various times at

the Burke Centre Library, 5935 FredsOak Road. Featuring books for adultsand kids and other media for summervacations. Call 703-249-1520.

FRIDAY/JUNE 9Meet the Author. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30

p.m. at Springfield Golf & CountryClub, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield. Great Harvest BreadCompany Jeff Connelly, will sharehow they may be a nationalcompany, but they have the spiritand heart of a locally owned smallbusiness. Also Keith Clemons, will bespeaking about the book heauthored. Call 703-922 6438/703-913-9844 or [email protected].

Music on the Plaza. 7 p.m. at the OldTown Plaza, 3955 Chain BridgeRoad, Fairfax. Music and danceperformances. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov for more.

JUNE 9-11Celebrate Fairfax. Various times at

the Fairfax County GovernmentCenter, 12000 Government CenterPkwy., Fairfax. Community-widecelebration with art, musicalperformances, and rides. Everclear ison the main stage on Saturday night.Visit celebratefairfax.com/ for more.

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

p.m. at Pinecrest Golf Course, 6600Little River Turnpike. Pinecrest GolfCourse will host the U.S. NationalQualifier for the American FootGolfLeague. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/pinecrestgc/ or call 703-324-8782.

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

a.m. (Fairfax studio); 1:15 p.m and3:45 p.m. (Mosaic studio) at W.T.Woodson High School, 9525 Main

See Entertainment, Page 14

Mozart in HavanaOn Sunday, June 18, Simone Dinnerstein with the Havana Lyceum Orchestra will beplaying at the George Mason University Harris Theatre, in Fairfax. Pictured here, pianistSimone Dinnerstein (center in white) is in Cuba with Havana Lyceum Orchestra mem-bers during the recording of “Mozart in Havana.”

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News

By Gretchen Kernbach

The Connection

On June 1, the Burke commu-nity was informed about thenew Burke Road realignmentplans set to start construction

in the late fall of 2019. The presentationwas the first formal educational meeting re-garding the design plan, which proved toupset Burke Road residents.

Project manager Jeanmarie Robersonnarrated the exhibition, giving attendees anoverview of the extent of the constructionand what was designed to come out of it.From Parakeet Drive to Peregrine Drive onBurke Road, the Fairfax County Dept. ofTransport plans on straightening out asharp, horizontal curve that has crash andflood history.

In addition to creating a wider turn fordrivers, FCDOT also plans on raising theroadway and constructing new pedestrianand bicycle connections. Existing drainagepipes will be replaced as well.

The 2,200-foot long project plans to haveits final design finished by spring 2018, butRoberson claimed they have more than 50percent of it done already.

“That level of effort had to be done tounderstand property and utility impacts. Itis almost required we get to that point forgood dialogue with the community,” saidRoberson.

THE CURRENT PROPOSED DESIGN isnot only set to remove the hazardous curvebut also increase line of sight throughoutthe entire road. New box culverts will ad-dress the flooding issues.

However, what most residents wanted toknow was what FCDOT was going to doabout the speeding issues that take placeon Burke Road every day.

“If they’re going to be straightening outthis road the way they plan to, they need toactually consider putting in lights or stopsigns, something that makes people slowdown,” said Katherine Fickley, who lives offBurke Road. “They really need to considerthe safety of the citizens living here, not justwhat they want to do to conform withVDOT’s plans.”

Fickley lives on Heritage Square Drive, atownhouse community with a circular drive-way connecting the neighborhood. Sheadded that drivers use the roundabout inher neighborhood as a means for turningaround if they need to get back on BurkeRoad heading the other way. Yet, they hitthe neighborhood road at unsafe speeds,causing a potential hazard to young chil-

dren playing outside. A straightened-outcurve will only encourage them to do somore.

“Safety is our number one concern rightnow. If 35 was the speed limit people weregoing, we wouldn’t have an issue, butthey’re going even faster. The way thisproject is constructed, it is only going toincrease speed in all the residents’ minds,”said Aisha Rodriguez, HOA president ofCardinal Estates community, which is lo-cated on both sides of Burke Road.

Even though Roberson stated that thenew curve is designed to accommodate the35-mph posted speed limit, residents be-

lieve drivers will be hitting it even faster.The road lane’s narrow design is an attemptto psychologically make drivers go slower.However, that is the project team’s only ef-fort to control speeding on Burke Road.

Joan Belcher, who has been living by thecurve for 55 years, claimed it’s not as dan-gerous as people say it is. Neighbor DarrellMarshall backed Belcher up, saying that itis just the overgrown bamboo which makesthe curve dangerous. The lack of sightaround the corner needs to be addressedrather than the entire road. Both Belcherand Marshall stand to lose parts of theirproperty due to sidewalk additions on the

road.Also present was the Fairfax County De-

partment of Transportation Director TomBiesiadny, who stood behind Roberson asshe took the heat of the comments and ques-tions.

Anita Vermeer, who resides on the cornerof Aplomado Drive on Burke Road, wit-nessed a car accident right in front of herhouse.

“My concern is that there are alreadymore than 35 mph speeds happening in thiscommunity. A wider curve will get morepeople to come through this way,” saidVermeer.

Other concerns with the road realignmentwere with bike lanes and crosswalk place-ments. Both of which seemed like easierfixes than the speeding problem.

There was continuous banter from theaudience regarding Burke Road’s poor lineof sight, an issue that wasn’t dying as theevening progressed. However, it was madeclear that speed limits are a responsibilityof the state and there was nothing thecounty could directly do about it.

EVEN THOUGH THE Q&A aspect of themeeting had to come to an end, membersof the team presented themselves at visualdisplays set up around the room for furtherone-on-one discussion.

“We have asked for everyone here to pro-vide comments,” said Roberson. “The nextbig step, once we make some decisions,would be reporting back to the community.We will be back out for another dialoguewith the community about the project.”

Residents will be contacted sometime inthe future for updates on the design andanother date for a second community fo-rum.

Burke Road Project Raises Speeding ConcernsThe concern forspeeding driversovershadows thedesign plan’soriginal purpose.

Display boards act as a visual aid to the presentation.Anita Vermeer fills out a comment form about herthoughts on the road realignment.

Residents gather at the West Springfield Government Center to listen tothe project team.

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Announcements Announcements





Moving Sale 6348 Munhall Ct., McLean

Fri 6/9 4-7 pmSat 6/10 8-2 pmSun 6/11 9-1 pm

Household goods,

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Yard Sale

From Page 12

St., Fairfax. Call 703-785-5580 or visitwww.tinydancers.com for more.

TUESDAY/JUNE 13Women Only Golf Tournament. 9

a.m. at Greendale Golf Course, 6700Telegraph Road, Alexandria. It’sCaptain’s Choice on the front 9 andbetter ball on the back 9 for two-person teams. $45. Call 703- 971-6170 for more.

BHS Research Seminar. 7-9 p.m. atBurke Centre Library, 5935 FredsOak Road. “Using the WashingtonLibrary at Mount Vernon” is thetopic. Staff from the WashingtonLibrary at Mount Vernon willdescribe the resources available andprocedures for researchers at thisarchive. Visit www.burkehistoricalsociety.org for more.

WEDNESDAY/JUNE 14Alzheimer’s Documentary. 2-4 p.m.

at Harris Theater, George MasonUniversity, 4400 University Drive,Fairfax. “Alzheimer’s: Every MinuteCounts” documentary screening anddiscussion. Call 202-480-0706 oremail [email protected].

Tai Chai Class. 6:30-7:30 a.m. at OldTown Square, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. Every Wednesday throughAugust, weather permitting. Free.Visit www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-385-7858 for more.

THURSDAY/JUNE 15Historic Interpretation. 7-9:30 p.m.

at the Sherwood Community Center,3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax.Event topic is “Nicholas Fairfax, 14thLord Fairfax of Cameron.” [email protected] or visitFairfax275.org for more.

Havana Lyceum WoodwindQuintet. 7 p.m. at JewishCommunity Center of NorthernVirginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike,Fairfax. Fairfax Symphony presentsSimone Dinnerstein with the HavanaLyceum Orchestra. $35 or $25. visitwww.fairfaxsymphony.org or call888-945-2468 for more.

FRIDAY/JUNE 16Music on the Plaza. 7 p.m. at the Old

Town Plaza, 3955 Chain BridgeRoad, Fairfax. Music and danceperformances. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov for more.

THURSDAY/JUNE 17Fairfax County’s 275th

Anniversary. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at theSherwood Community Center, 3740Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax. Family friendlyactivities, live entertainment, historyexhibits, living history, historicalorganization booths and displays.Email [email protected] or visitFairfax275.org for more.

Father’s Day Golf Tournament. 8a.m. at Burke Lake Golf Course, 7315Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Compete inclosest-to-the-pin-contests, and prizeswill be awarded for the top threeplaces in all three divisions. $65 perteam.Call 703-323-1641 for more.

Kidz Korner Children’s Event.10:30-11:30 a.m. at Old TownSquare, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. A variety of children’sactivities and entertainment. FreeVisit www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-385-7858 for more.

Navy Sea Chanters Concert. 6-7p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center,9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Performingmusic from sea chanteys to Broadwaytunes.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.

Father and Daughter Dance. 6-9p.m. at Sherwood CommunityCenter, 3740 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Girls celebrate Father’s Daywith dads, grandads, big brothers,godfathers and family members,dancing, games, prizes and food.$30. Call 703-385-7978 or [email protected] for more.

SUNDAY/JUNE 18Yoga on the Square. 10 a.m. at Old

Town Square, 3999 University Drive,Fairfax. Bring a yoga mat, a waterbottle, and yourself. Call 703-385-7858 for more.

Father’s Day Jazz Brunch. noon-1:30 p.m. at Hilton Garden InnFairfax, 3950 Fair Ridge Drive. ByFairfax NAACP. fairfaxnaacp.org.

Havana Lyceum Orchestra. 5 p.m.at George Mason University HarrisTheatre, Fairfax. Fairfax Symphonypresents Simone Dinnerstein with theHavana Lyceum Orchestra. $45, $38,$30. visit www.fairfaxsymphony.orgor call 888-945-2468 for more.

JUNE 21-JULY 18Snoopy and Belle in Fashion.

Various times in Fair Oaks Mall,11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax. Acelebration of Washington D.C.’spolitical style, dolls will featurepresidential outfits. Visitwww.shopfairoaksmall.com.

Entertainment

Independence CelebrationOn Saturday, July 1, fireworks will be featured at theIndependence Day celebration, 5-9:30 p.m. at LortonWorkhouse, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Community,family friendly, music. Call 703-584-2900 or visitworkhousearts.org for more.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Having been a cancer “diagnosee” now foreight years and exactly three months — as I sitand type on May 27, 2017, a lifetime consider-ing the original “13 month to two-year” prog-nosis I was given on February 27, 2009, I havelearned much about cancer that I didn’t know.In fact, I’ve learned everything about cancer Iknow now because previously I knew nothing.Growing up I heard/experienced very littleabout cancer. My parents were healthy as wasmy immediate family (aunts, uncles, cousins).

And even though I spent many Sundays withmy parents visiting my grandparents in nursinghomes, the diseases/afflictions I rememberhearing most about were diabetes, Parkinson’s,Leukemia and high cholesterol. Never canceror any condition that I associated with cancer. Irealize now how lucky we all were. I wouldn’tsay I took good health for granted, but I mighthave taken it as a given. Not any more.

Everyday I wake up, as my father used tosay, is a good day; and ever since I was diag-nosed in early 2009, most days — all thingsconsidered, and I do consider all things, havebeen good days. I have been extraordinarilyfortunate in how my body and mind hasreacted to being diagnosed with a “terminal”disease: non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV.Rarely have I ever gone one step forward andthen two steps backward.

Oh sure, the early hairless days of heavy-duty chemotherapy (infused for six hours everythree weeks) were challenging, but it was aprocess I had to endure — so far as I knew (Iknow a bit more now and there are manymore choices/protocols than ever before).

It reminds me of a long-ago M*A*S*H epi-sode in which “Hawkeye” met a South Koreanwoman after she drove — a Cadillac — into the4077th. She needed medical help for her fam-ily. Col. Potter ordered “Hawkeye” to returnwith the woman back to her home.Begrudgingly he went along, mistakenly think-ing she felt a sense of entitlement. After a shorttime treating her family he learned how wronghe had been. Later that day, “Hawkeye” sawthe woman walking up a nearby trail carryingbuckets of water on a pole. When he askedher why she was doing that (getting the waterthat way, from wherever); she replied:“Because that’s where the water is.” It struckhim — and apparentl — it struck me, too. As acancer patient/survivor, that has always beenmy approach/attitude. “Next man up,” a com-mon sports refrain; no excuses, keep movingforward.

Over the years, I have met many cancerpatients; at the Infusion Center, at conferences,at work and at play. And I may be biased (no‘maybes’ about it), but I have to say, we’re afairly hearty and resilient bunch. Getting diag-nosed with a terminal disease — frequently outof the blue, is not exactly the stuff of whichdreams are made. Quite the contrary.

Nevertheless, many of the cancer patientsI’ve met seemed to have faced their demonsand are standing tall against the worst kind ofadversity. Bette Davis is often credited with thequote: “Old age is not for sissies.” Well, neitheris cancer. It seems to be for everybody, every-where. Unfortunately, cancer is an indiscrimi-nate, equal opportunity destroyer; all ages, allraces, all ethnic groups, all populations.

According to “Medical News Today,” “Onein two people will develop cancer in their life-times.” So getting cancer is either a matter oftime, inevitable or a random-type miracle if itdoesn’t affect you. For many of us who’ve beenaffected already, we’ve come to learn that can-cer isn’t the automatic death sentence it used tobe, especially for us lung cancer patients. Theresearch dollars and enthusiasm going intodefeating this scourge are at their most signifi-cant in decades, perhaps ever.

Now is not the time to give up hope. It’stime to embrace it.

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better is expected.

-Thomas Fuller

An expert is someone who knows some of the worst mis-

takes that can be made in his subject and how to avoid them.-Werner Heisenberg

Opinion

From Page 6

A MealAmongNeighbors

In addition to the chairman, representa-tives from all branches of county law en-forcement and safety agencies and other de-partments were on hand to show theirneighborly support. Supervisor John Foust(D-Dranesville) was also in attendance, aswere Del. Vivian Watts (D-39), Del. MarkSickles (D-43), and deputy county execu-tive for public safety, David Rohrer.

Watts, who was hosted by a local familyduring a 2008 visit to Turkey, said it was“so sad what is happening in that extraor-dinary place.” With the tensions and un-rest in their native country, and the spikein anti-Muslim sentiment that many Turk-ish immigrants have faced in their newhomeland, Watts is saddened that many“must feel like no place is home. That’s whyit is all the more important to be here aspart of the bridge to connect people.”

Mustafa Akpinar, CEO of the Rumi Forumand an organizer of the event, agreed thatof late “it seems like we are all on doubleshifts on our mission to be part of the com-munity, but we love diversity and we cel-ebrate it.” Back to the Kilic table, whereEmine carefully described each of the deli-cacies that she had picked out for my en-joyment, while still telling me that she, too,worries about the state of affairs in Turkey.“But we are so glad to be here, where thingsare so possible.”

Cemal, a smiling and anything-but-shy11-year-old, was happy to talk about a widerange of subjects; why we are gathered here— “to better learn to communicate witheach other” to cars — “Sorry, I am more forLamborghini than Ferrari.”

Yasemin spent her first year here study-ing primarily in Turkish while she perfectedher English — which seemed pretty perfectalready. The 16-year-old student at OaktonHigh School is exploring the paths her fu-ture might hold. “I like math, for sure, butlately I am thinking about politics, or thelaw, something that I can do to help every-one have a better life.” She also loves towrite — “I am working on a book” — sojournalism is also a possibility.

ALL AROUND US, people were talking,laughing, and just getting to know eachother a little better. The Imam’s call toprayers after the meal was the only pause.The gathering continued for many, onceeveryone had come back together.

Time to go and actually write the story,despite pleas from Emine, Yasemin andCemal (dad Erdal was off meeting and min-gling with other groups) to stay a bit longerand chat. Duty calls, but not before receiv-ing an invitation to attend a Turkish cook-ing class with Emine and a class in Ebru,the traditional Turkish “marbling” art formwith Yasemin. No regrets on breaking withjournalistic tradition on this one occasion,and learning some new ones with a roomfull of neighbors.


Documents

Burke Wellbeing - Ellington CMSconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/... · 2017. 6. 30. · Burke Connection June 8-14, 2017 3 News Burke Connection Editor Kemal