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Chantilly High Student Completes Law Enforcement AcademyNews, Page 6
Future Begins atChantilly AcademyBack to School, Page 3
Local Students MakeSweet Summer Music
News, Page 2
Bailey Henderson (front) performs with fellow cellists in band and
orchestra camp’s Intermediate Or-chestra. Franklin Middle hosted 34th
annual Band and Orchestra Camp.
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com August 21-27, 2019
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2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Bonnie Hobbs
The Connection
The venue this year wasCentreville High, but the eventwas still the 34th annualFranklin Middle School Band
and Orchestra Camp. And as always, it wasa smashing success.
“I’m grateful to the Centreville adminis-tration for opening their doors and makingus feel welcome,” said camp DirectorLawrence Walker. “The custodial staff waswonderful, and Centreville Band DirectorMelissa Hall worked hard to make this pos-sible.”
The camp ran June 17-July 10, and 400fourth- through rising 10th-graders at-tended. On the first day, students auditionedfor placement in various levels of band andorchestra, such as beginning, intermediateand advanced. They then received both in-dividual and group instruction.
“Things went smoothly because the teach-ers and students who came to it know howit works – the philosophy, purpose and fi-nal outcome,” said Walker. “I have a pas-sion for education, music and for peoplelearning music, and it’s always nice to tapinto hidden talents. We also have several,high-school students interested in becom-ing college music majors, so they assist theteachers.”
For four hours each day, band studentshad two rehearsals, one sectional class –such as woodwinds, brass, percussion orstrings – and one instrument class.
ORCHESTRA STUDENTS had two daily
ensemble rehearsals,sectional and instru-ment classes, plus mu-sic theory.
“For elementary-school students, oneday of camp is equiva-lent to a month of mu-sic in school,” saidWalker. “For middle-school kids, their timehere is equal to whatthey’d get in a year ofmusic classes atschool.”
Sectional classesworked on the musictheir band or orchestradirector was teaching.And instrument classesfocused on fundamen-tals such as scales andtone quality and werelike master classes orlarge-group, private les-sons. The teachers wereFCPS, Prince Williamand Loudoun Countyband and orchestra di-rectors, private musicteachers and retiredmilitary band members.
Centreville High sophomore Oliver Sciullihas played cello for six years and attendedcamp for the first time. “I wanted to getbetter for the next school year in the or-chestra,” he said. “I learned more-advancedtechniques, like harder shifts betweenchords. The teachers were good and werealso really nice, and the camp was helpfulbecause I learned valuable information andtechniques.”
Another new camper was Navy Elemen-tary sixth-grader Samanvi Tummala, who’splayed viola two years. She chose it because“It’s easier to play than a violin.” And shecame to camp because “My friend said it
was a great learning experience, so Ithought I’d try it.”
And, said Samanvi, “It was really fun. Theteachers are nice, and it’s enjoyable becauseyou get a lot of time to practice each day. Ilearned how to tune my instrument, blurmy notes properly and play faster.”
Varvara Burakov, a Centre Ridge Elemen-tary sixth-grader, plays violin. “I like thepretty music it makes and it’s small,” sheexplained. She came to camp because hermusic teacher said it would be good for her.“I learned new fingering patterns and weplayed hard music that was fun,” saidVarvara. “I’d recommend it to others be-cause you play instruments, have a good
time and also learn music theory.”Centreville High sophomore Sahar Zeiaei
has played violin for six years and attendedcamp to improve her skills. “I got exposedto different rhythms and new, note pat-terns,” she said. She liked playing in thehighest-level orchestra, as well as “work-ing with new kids, because it helps to knowwhat everybody’s strengths are, and it wasnice being with different age groups. Thiscamp is very rewarding. You improve somuch over this short, three-week periodbecause you’re playing for such long hours,and you meet new people and have fun.”
Centreville classmate Katherine Reyes, asix-year viola player, chose her instrument
Students rehearsing with the camp’s Cadet Band. A woodwind sectional for beginning band students.
Local Students Make Sweet Summer MusicFranklin Middleholds 34th annualBand andOrchestra Camp.
Playing the tuba at the Band andOrchestra Camp.
Young saxophone players in the ConcertBand.
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Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Scott Settar, Chantilly Academy Ad-ministrator:
The Chantilly Governor’s STEM Acad-emy inspires and empowers a diversebody of learners to explore career path-ways employing current industry trendstaught by dedicated professionals. Stu-dents in more than twenty high schoolsin Fairfax County Public Schools have theopportunity and access to take advantageof more than 25 different courses eachin relevant career pathways with a focuson project-based learning in excitingclassroom lab spaces. Additionally, manyof the program areas offer college creditthrough Dual Enrollment agreementswith local colleges and universities.
This year, Chantilly Governor’s STEMAcademy is expanding the Health &Medical pathway to offer an Introduc-tion to Nursing course and adding addi-tional staff to accommodate more stu-dents to pursue our Exploring HealthScience and Language of Medicinecourses. Faculty and staff are workinghard to prepare for students to engagein this unique and exciting learning en-vironment. We are looking forward to theyear ahead where students collaborateacross disciplines to design and build,prepare culinary creations to perfection,engage in learning about how to takecare of themselves, others, and the ani-mals around us, turn unwanted automo-biles into vehicles that can help changelives, stage a mock trial, learn the im-portance of service to their community,build a computer and ensure a securevirtual working environment, developskills to help others look better and feelbetter about themselves, transport 35-foot ladders and safely remove victimsfrom a burning building, generate theirown businesses, design devices to sup-port students with disabilities, fill pre-scriptions, groom man’s best friend, per-form CPR, obtain industry recognizedcertifications, write a resume, get an in-ternship, find their passion, build lifelongfriendships, and find their future path-way.
Families interested in visiting are wel-come to attend our annual Open Housescheduled for Jan. 16, 2020. For more
information visit, https://chantillyacademy.fcps.edu/
Laptops for All Fifthand Sixth Graders
Liz Bumbrey, Principal, Virginia RunElementary:
Virginia Run ES is excited to open itsdoors for the 2019-2020 school year onMonday, Aug. 26. We will continue ourtradition of our annual Welcome Walkto be held on Thursday, Aug. 22. Afterdropping off school supplies at 4:45 p.m.on Thursday, Aug. 22, all VRES familiesare invited to attend the PTA picnic at 5p.m.
This year, we are happy to report thatstudents in grades 5 and 6 will receivelaptops as a resource to support instruc-tion across all subject areas. In addition,students will participate in the Positiv-ity Project to continue the developmentof positive character traits. Finally, stu-dents in grades 4 and 5 will participatein STEAM classes with a focus on sci-ence instruction through hands-on andengaging learning activities.
Back-to-School Night will be held at 6p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. Ourwonderful PTA will host a Parent Coffeefor new parents at 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 6.Finally, our first PTA meeting of the yearis scheduled for Sept. 24, 2019 at 7 p.m.in the school library.
We are looking forward to anothergreat year!
Health and Medical Science Students at Chantilly show off theirpride and new scrubs.
Future Begins at Chantilly Academy
Liz Bumbrey (principal) andJason Skerker (assistant princi-pal) of Virginia Run Elementary:
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From left are musicians Samanvi Tummala and Katherine Reyes.
because her brother used to play it. “I likehow it’s like a mini cello – and is easier toplay than a cello – but it still has a deepsound,” she said. “I came to camp becauseI wanted to challenge myself over the sum-mer.”
Furthermore, said Reyes, “I never at-tended a music camp before where I gotone-on-one instruction, like a private les-son. It’s been very helpful, and I knowpeople here, so that makes it more fun forme. The teachers taught me a lot about play-ing properly, and I could practice more whatI love to play.”
Molly Sgrecci, Stone Middle’s orchestradirector, taught music theory. “Studentslearn how to read and more thoroughlyunderstand music notation,” she said. “Wediscussed the basics and the different kindsof notes and clefs for each instrument. Thenwe talked about how to write music andtime signatures.” In her second year ofteaching at the camp, she said, “Taking 2-1/2 months off from your instrument dur-ing the summer can be detrimental to whatyou’ve learned during the school year. Sohere, students continue to learn more abouttheir instruments and their specifics.”
Besides that, added Sgrecci, “We’re pre-paring them for, perhaps, a more difficultlevel of band or orchestra in the fall. Andas a teacher, it’s nice to work with colleagueswe wouldn’t get to during the school year.During the regular year, we have time con-straints, certain things we have to teach,plus administrative work. But here, we canjust teach the music – which is the fun part– so that takes the pressure off and makesit enjoyable.”
Melissa Hall’s son, Centre Ridge fifth-grader Jordan Hall, has played tuba twoyears and was at camp for his second time.“You meet a lot of new friends and havefun,” he said. He likes the tuba because “It’sa really low sound and it’s not insanely dif-ficult to play, with lots of buttons.”
He learned how to play more-advancedsongs and enjoyed playing at a harder level.“The camp’s fun, and you get to learn atyour own pace,” said Jordan. “And I likedhaving my mom as my Cadet Band teacher
here.”Daniel Pak, in sixth grade at Colin Powell
Elementary, has played saxophone one year.“It sounds nice and looks pretty cool,” hesaid. “I like the fun songs we played atcamp. I came here to get better for myschool band. My favorite part was when allthe bands came together and played. Ilearned about different scales, and I’d rec-ommend this camp to others because youlearn more about your instrument and themusic.”
Brian Robinson, music teacher at Hunt-ers Woods Elementary, taught at the campfor his fourth year. “Beginning studentsmake as much progress in 3-1/2 weeks ofcamp as they would in a whole year ofschool, because they only have band oncea week,” he said. “And since I teach generalmusic, I don’t get to conduct in my daily,teaching life like I do here.”
Franklin Middle seventh-grader PaulLewis has played drums two years. “They’redifferent from other instruments,” he ex-plained. “Instead of playing notes, I wantedto play marimba, bells, crash cymbals, andcrash and snare drums. I came to camp tolearn more and be ahead of the other mu-sic students at Franklin.”
He especially liked the sectionals andtechniques classes “because they’re like re-hearsals where everyone works together.And the teacher is teaching us specifically,not all the instruments at once. At camp,you can become a better musician.”
ALSO A DRUMMER, Centreville freshmanRyan Hendrickson is excited that he’ll beon the Wildcat drumline. However, he said,“I’ve only been playing four months, so Iwanted to catch up on drums and learn toplay the rudiments and skills of the otherpercussion instruments.”
Calling camp “a bunch of fun,”Hendrickson said, “You get to make coolsounds with the snare drum and other in-struments. I learned scales for bells, rudi-ments for drums and how to use sleigh bells.It’s helpful if you missed things in band classand helps you improve your skill level. I’ddefinitely recommend it to others.”
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Back to School
4 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Marilyn Campbell
After summer camps and a vacation abroad,Jaclyn Wheeler is easing her children intothe new routine that they will face laterthis month when they return to school.
She’s purchased school supplies and created andlaminated a schedule of activities for before and af-ter school. “They’ve been staying up until the weehours of the morning, but I’ve been getting them tobed early and waking them up early,” she said. “I’vebought organizational supplies from the ContainerStore to help organize their desks at home so theyhave a clear workspace for doing homework.”
When months of swimsuits, summer camp and lazydays turn into early rising, classroom desks andschool bells, many families will feel the shock of asudden shift in schedule. Faced with the reality ofnightly homework, the need to perform well aca-demically and the peer pressure that often comeswith returning to school, many parents and childrencan feel anxious about starting a new school year.
“Children often worry if they will be able to copewith the demands of their new grade, said therapistCarol Barnaby, LCSW-C. “Will they be smart enough?Will they disappoint their parents? Will their teacherlike them? Will they fit in with their peers? Will theybe bullied? Will they be good enough to make thesports team? The worries can go on and on.”
The increased pressures of perfectionism in bothacademic and extracurricular endeavors can feeldaunting, especially after an easy-going summer.
“The social stressors of fitting in, being included[and] being accepted combine to create stress thatis only increased by social media,” Vicki Kirsch, Ph.D.,LCSW Associate Professor of Social Work at GeorgeMason University. ”It’s not only the difficulties of find-ing a group to sit with in the cafeteria, but also nowcriticism and bullying through social media.”
As children approach adolescence, peer pressurecan intensify such stress, suggests Linda McKennaGulyn, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at MarymountUniversity.
“In fact, new school year stress for school-agedchildren is usually more tied in with pressure to makefriends, fit in, wear the right clothes, shoes and back-packs and who will be in their class,” she said. “Forparents, stress relates more to their expectations of
school performance and other school or extracurricu-lar activities.”
Parents can comfort and support their children byacknowledging and validating a child’s angst, saysGuluyn. “Listen to their concerns and anxieties aboutsocial relationships. Help them ease into the transi-tions,” she said. “[Their anxiety] will probably berelieved after a day or two. For younger students itmight help to check in with the classroom teacherabout these concerns, then drop him or her an email.”
As Wheeler did with her children, Barnaby encour-ages parents and children to develop and discuss thenew daily routine to create a concrete awareness ofthe shifts that are about to occur. “Gradually easinginto the schedule can help kids cope with stress andencourage a return to routines, she said. “That in-cludes eight to ten hours of sleep each night, turn-ing off and putting away electronic devices 60 min-utes before bed, eating healthy meals and spendingtime together talking about plans to manage thedemands of the new school year.”
Managing such stress should include more than aca-demics, like unstructured free time suggests Barnaby.“Try not over schedule children with too many activi-ties,” she said. “Create calming spaces in the home tounwind. Sit quietly with your child to just be together.Try a guided meditation. Make time to talk about howthings are going, what things are going well and whatthings they are finding challenging.”
Learning and practicing self-care at an early age isa useful way to manage stress, advises Kirsch. “[It’s]perhaps the best way,” she said. These tools are al-ways with us and the only requirement is to practiceself-care skills to increase their effectiveness. Deep,focused breathing, meditation, and mindfulness areall ways to manage stress. People often confuse thesethree techniques with each other, but they are indi-vidual skills that can overlap but can also be prac-ticed separately.”
“For example, one can do a regular activity suchas washing one’s hands or walking to the bus stop ina mindful way by focusing in the present and exam-ining experiences utilizing the five senses. “What amI seeing, smelling, touching, hearing, and tasting?”continued Kirsch.
Gulyn encourages students to focus on the joy theywill feel when they are reunited with their friends.“Keep in mind that most other kids are a little stressedand scared about back-to-school stuff, too,” she said.“But now you are a grade higher and definitely readyfor the next year.”
Easing in to the new year.
Back-to-School AnxietyJaclyn Wheeler is helping her children transitions from a care free summer to struc-tured school year.
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Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
The League of Women Voters of theFairfax Area (LWVFA) will hold can-didate forums in each of FairfaxCounty’s nine magisterial districts
for Board of Supervisors and School Boardcandidates in September and October in therun up to the Nov. 5, 2019 General Election.All certified candidates competing for seats onthe two Boards to represent their respectivedistricts have been invited. Several of the fo-rums will also include Virginia State Senateand House of Delegates candidates.
In addition, the League will hold countywide
a candidate forum for the three at large SchoolBoard seats and Chair of the Board of Supervi-sors.
The League organizes candidate forums priorto elections to give voters opportunities to learnmore about the candidates and to dive intocomplex issues like redistricting and votingrights for fact-based discussions and be betterinformed citizens in our democracy. The Can-didate Forums are non-partisan, and theLeague never supports nor opposes any candi-date. A moderator will ask the candidates ques-tions generated by the audience. Following the
Wed, Sept. 4 —- 7 p.m.Mt. Vernon District Sherwood Re-gional Library2501 Sherwood HallLn, Alexandria
Mon, Sept. 23 — 7 p.m.Countywide—At Large School Board&Chair of the Board of SupervisorsFairfax County Government Cen-ter12000 Government Center Pkwy,Fairfax
Wed, Sept. 25 — 7 p.m.Sully District—Supervisor & School
League of Women Voters to Hold Candidate ForumsBoard of Supervisors, School Board candidatesto participate in forums throughout the county.
formal session, an informal meet and greetsession will allow direct audience interactionwith the candidates. The forums are free andopen to the public.
Additional information about the candidateforums, the 2019 General Election, Leaguepublications and other events can be found at:www.lwv-fairfax.org
Questions for the candidates can be submit-ted by accessing: www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWVFA2019
Go to www.vote411.org for an online votersguide to compare candidates’ positions side-by-side.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area isa non-partisan political organization that encouragesinformed and active participation in government,works to increase understanding of major public policyissues.
Fairfax County 2019 Candidate ForumsBoardSully District Govt. Center4900Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly
Thurs, Oct. 3 — 7 p.m.Springfield DistrictPohick Regional Li-brary6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke
Sat, Oct. 5 — 3:30 p.m.Braddock DistrictKings Park LibraryCommunity Room 9000 Burke Lake Rd,Burke
Sun, Oc.t 13 —3 pm H u n t e rMill DistrictHunters Woods VillageCenterReston Community Center2310
Colts Neck Rd, Reston Wed, Oct. 16 — 7 p.m.
Lee DistrictHayfield SecondarySchool7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria
Wed, Oct. 16 — 7 p.m.Providence District Providence Commu-nity Center 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax
Thurs, Oct. 17 7 p.m.Dranesville District McLean CommunityCenter1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean
Thurs, Oct. 17 — 7 p.m. —Mason DistrictWoodrow Wilson Library
Community Rm 6101 Knollwood Dr,Falls Church
Wed, Oct. 23 — 7 : 3 0p.m. Sully District—Senatorsand DelegatesSully District Govt.Center4900 Stonecroft Blvd,Chantilly
Volunteers, including students,are welcome.
For more information, visitw w w . l w v - f a i r f a x . o r g /candidateforum
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:“Where are you from?” That
question has always confused me.When I answer Northern Virginia,I am rebutted with: “No, where areyou originally from – like whereis your family from?” I bleed red,white and blue…and green? Yes,that’s right. I’m a proud Pakistani-American
Ahmadi Muslim. Pakistan hasgiven me a lot. It has provided mewith culture and a means to standout. I take great pride in being tri-lingual. These unique qualitieshelp me stand out from a billionother individuals.
The United States establisheddiplomatic relations with Pakistanfollowing the country’s indepen-
dence in 1947. America has amulti-faceted relationship withPakistan in areas ranging fromanti-terrorism to energy to tradeand investment. The only thingPakistan hasn’t given me is thefreedom to express my religion. InPakistan I am not allowed to callmyself a Muslim because I amfrom a
sect that believes Hazrat MirzaGhulam Ahmad, the 19th-centuryfounder of the Ahmadiyya MuslimCommunity, is the long awaitedMessiah and that he has come torevive the religion and bring usback to the path of
righteousness when the religionneeded it the most. The secondamendment states that Ahmadis
are a non-Muslim group. Since1974 members of my communityare being persecuted and accusedof violating the country’s
controversial blasphemy laws.This is also why I am so thank-
ful to call America my home — acountry that allows me to thrivehowever I want. With a hijab onmy head and with strength in myblood, I am able to live my dreamof going to medical school andbecoming a physician so that I cangive back to the
country and to humanity.So now whenever I’m asked
“where are you originally from?”I ask the same question. Theamount of melanin in your skin orthe kind of clothes you chose to
wear don’t make you any more orless American. Your country
is, in the end, the people thatlive in it. Sure, you might have anassociation with the geographicallocation but it’s the people as awhole that give you an identity. Ilove my Pakistani roots and I lovemy American identity. Both partshave shaped me into the head-strong and ambitious woman thatI am today. God bless America andPakistan
Zindabad.
Aneela WadanFairfax
The writer is a second year medicalstudent.
Where Are You From, Originally
We need help from ourreaders for content ofour annual Newcom-
ers and Community Guide .We’re hoping to share special
places, activities, events, organiza-tions and volunteer opportunities.What should someone new to yourneighborhood know about? Whatis it that you love most aboutwhere you live?
We will publish a selection oflocal viewpoints along with infor-
mation useful to newcomers andlong-time residents alike, includ-ing information on how to voteand more. See last year’s commu-nity guides by going towww.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/ and scrolling down to New-comers. Email tips and photos [email protected] send as a letter to the editor viathe website at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/ by Aug. 23.
Share Tips about Community
The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed.Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are
routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send to:
Letters to the EditorThe Connection1606 King St.
Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.
By e-mail: [email protected]
Write
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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]
Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415
Jean CardProduction Editor
Bonnie HobbsCommunity Reporter, [email protected]
Andrea WorkerContributing Writer
ADVERTISING:For advertising information
Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444
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Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431
Editor & PublisherMary Kimm
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Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren
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Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Ali KhalighProduction Manager:
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A Connection Newspaper
Chantilly
6 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
The 30thºSession of the Vir-ginia Youth Cadet Law En-forcement (VYCLE) Acad-
emy was completed with thegraduation of 46 cadets in June.Local student Russell Desrosier ofChantilly High School attendedthe program. The cadets experi-enced a culture shock on the pre-ceding Sunday when they re-ported with their parents for aweek of adventure. They were toldby American Legion counselorsthat they should say their good-byes before they entered the hal-lowed grounds of the VirginiaState Police Training Academy.
After check-in, the Troopers tookcontrol of the cadets, made surethere was no contraband in theirluggage and immediately beganthe teaching process of movingquickly and replying with “yes sir,”“yes ma’am” and so forth. Parentsgathered in a separate classroomwhere the Virginia State Police(VSP) training coordinator, Sgt.Mike Tudor andAmericanºLegionºDirector BillFeasenmyer gave the parents anoverview of what their child was
about to experience the next week.Contact information for both wasgiven and parents quickly took pho-tos of the phone numbers shown asthey were told their children wouldnot have access to their own cellphones. That privilege would beearned. Some parents cried, somelaughed at what they were hear-ing, but they were assured thatthey were in the safest hands pos-sible for the next five-and-a-halfdays and not to worry. They werealso assured that at Friday’s gradu-ation, they wouldºbe astonished at
what these 17 year olds wouldaccomplish. The intensive weekincludes military style drill, physi-cal training, crime scene investi-gation, defensive tactics, driving aVSP cruiser, firing the VSP hand-gun and patrol rifle, simulatedshoot or don’t shoot decision mak-ing, water safety, DUI simulation,more military drill and physicaltraining. The cadets visited theGovernor’s mansion, the VirginiaWar Memorial, and were treatedto a cookout at Post 186 inMidlothian. Of the 50 young menand women who started the pro-gram 46 marched into the gym forgraduation. Phones and camerasof parents taking photos as fast aspossible focused on the precisionmarching, cadence, sharp turns,etc. that they had learned in justfive days. Post 1995 Centrevillesponsored Desrosier’s participa-tion in this year’s academy. He wasa guest at the Post’s Augustmonthly meeting where he pro-vided a report on his academy ex-perience. He got a warm welcomeand a round of applause for hav-ing completed the program.
From left: Post Commander Steve Hunter, Russell Desrosier, Sergeant-at-Arms MarkMiller, and member Warren Benson.
Chantilly High Student CompletesLaw Enforcement Academy
Russell Desrosier with hisgraduation certificate.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries will holda Fellowship Tea on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 2-4p.m., in Centreville Baptist Church’s FellowshipHall, 15100 Lee Hwy. in Centreville. The regis-tration fee includes a three-course, gourmetspread and an entertaining program called “WhyGirlfriends are Important,” while attendees sipgourmet tea at a specially decorated table. Raffletickets to win prizes for pampering will be avail-able for purchase.
Women of all ages are encouraged to attend –
bring sisters, friends, mothers, daughters andgrandmothers to share in a special day. Registerat https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/wfcmtea. Cost is $15/person or $25 for two. Afull table of eight people is $100.
Proceeds from the tea support WFCM’s workpreventing hunger and homelessness in westernFairfax County. Sponsors are Centreville BaptistChurch and Wegmans. To volunteer to be a tablehost or for more information about this event,contact Jennie Bush at [email protected].
Roundups
WFCM to Hold Fellowship Tea
Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
That was a close shave, if I may euphemistically characterize my most recent, blade-free brush with cancer-like symptoms, especially considering that I thought my life was at stake.
The pain was located around my left-side rib cage, exactly where the pain was on that fateful Jan.1, 2009 day when I couldn’t ignore it any longer and thus felt compelled to get off the couch and go to the emergency room.
Though I didn’t have any shortness of breath, or
of which I had back then); nonetheless, I thought the worst and didn’t fool around this time and made an appointment with my primary care physician as soon as possible, which was for the following day. I didn’t have a great sleep that night but it was somewhat improved knowing I might get an answer the next day.
To say that my life was beginning to pass by is a bit of an overstatement to be sure, but it was moving around a little bit. Trying to bury/compartmentalize what a possible recurrence/resistance to my current standard of treatment would mean before I actually
-tion was the immediate task at hand.
Rationalizing that what symptoms I wasn’t experiencing meant something positive/encouraging compared to what I felt 10 and a half years ago was one mental route I was traveling. The other was my usual and customary fall-back position: “It’s nothing until it’s something.”
However, I have to admit “something.” Though I can’t speak for all cancer patients/sur-
vivors; for me – in spite of my inherited-from-my-fa-ther positive attitude – being diagnosed with a “terminal” disease, as clearly described by my oncologist back in late February 2009, creates a sense of inevitability – as does the “13 month to two year” prognosis that followed.
the walking-down-the staircase-with-a-yo-yo exam-ple he used) and then death is only a matter of time. Time which you don’t have and quality of life which you’ll never get back.
And when that “inevitability” is most clear is
especially if those symptoms are identical to the
inevitable feelings and wondering if my amazing -
nal” disease doesn’t generally mean you go on liv-ing a normal life expectancy. Au contraire. It means you don’t! And at some juncture, the cancer spreads beyond modern medicine’s ability to manage it.
Then the patient is given a choice: stop the treat-ment and try to enjoy your remaining days without side effects, and thereby live a less cancer-centric quality of life with some freedom and indepen-dence – and hopefully feel some kind of better. And in those intervening days, try not to worry about the
again) does, which is not cure itself. Or try some experimental treatment and hope for the best.
This is the emotional concern and challenge which hangs over my head. Never more so than when I have the symptoms that I did this past week.
too much. One at a time I can handle.
and in great detail, described my symptoms, and explained what I was feeling and what I wasn’t. My internal medicine doctor listened intently as he has
He was calm and reassuring in his assessment. My symptoms he said were not cancer-related.
They “were muscular,” he continued, “on the out-side of my lungs.”
Not lung cancer at all. As such: No lab work. No X-Ray. No CT scan. No nothing. Another reprieve.
Life goes on, until ....
“Barbasoul”
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
DONATIONS NEEDEDSchool Supply and Backpack Drive. 8 a.m.-4
p.m. at the Parent Resource Center, 2334Gallows Road, Room 105, Dunn Loring. For thenearly 56,000 students in Fairfax County PublicSchools living at the poverty line, obtainingschool supplies can be difficult. FCPS ispartnering with roughly 20 nonprofits andbusinesses to ensure that students will have thesupplies they need this fall for its “Collect forKids” campaign. A $25 donation will fill abackpack with FCPS approved supplies for astudent. Organize a collection drive of newbackpacks in your community and bring to oneof the Collect for Kids drop off locations. Visitwww.collectforkids.org/get-involved or call 703-204-3941.
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY/AUG. 28-SEPT. 25Community 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/184989 to register.
TUESDAY/SEPT. 3Car Seat Safety Check. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at
the Sully district police station, 4900 StonecroftBlvd. Fairfax County Police Department offersfree safety check and install events throughoutthe year to ensure children travel safely. Inpreparation for inspection, install the seat usingthe instructions that came with the car seat.Trained officers will review the car seatinstructions and car owner’s manual to becertain that they are being followed as theyshould.
TUESDAY/SEPT. 10ESL Class Registration. 7 p.m. at Lord of Life
Lutheran Church, 5114 Twinbrook Road, Fairfaxor 13421 Twin Lakes Drive, Clifton. Threelevels: beginning, intermediate, advanced.Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 17-Nov. 21. All are welcome. Registration fee, $15;text book, $25. Visit www.lordoflifeva.org orcall 703-323-9500.
Family Caregiver Telephone Support Group.7-8 p.m. Fairfax County’s Family CaregiverTelephone Support Group meets by phone. Thismonth’s topic is an open discussion on advancecare planning and end of life decisions. Call 703-324-5484, TTY 711 to register.
American Legion Meeting. 7:30-9 p.m. at SullyDistrict Government Center, 4900 StonecroftBlvd., Chantilly. American Legion Post 1995Centreville and its Auxiliary Unit meetseparately the second Tuesday of each month..All veterans and spouses interested learningmore about how the Legion supports veteransand impacts the Centreville-Chantillycommunities are welcome to attend. Free.Contact Steve Hunter at [email protected] or703-314-3795.
TUESDAY/SEPT. 17Car Seat Safety Check. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at
the Sully district police station, 4900 StonecroftBlvd. Fairfax County Police Department offersfree safety check and install events throughoutthe year to ensure children travel safely. Inpreparation for inspection, install the seat usingthe instructions that came with the car seat.Trained officers will review the car seatinstructions and car owner’s manual to becertain that they are being followed as theyshould.
Bulletin Board
8 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ August 21-27, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Graduating from Leadership CollegeFour members of the Centreville American Legion Post 1995 and theCentreville American Legion Auxiliary Post 1995 have graduatedfrom the American Legion Leadership College held in Midlothian,Va. Holding their graduation certificates are Bryan Self, KarenHunter, Steve Hunter and Hondo Davids.
Pho
to
co
ntributed
American Legion Centreville Post Installs OfficersAmerican Legion Post 1995, Centreville, installed officers. Officiatingthe Installation is Phil Dunn, Past District 17 Commander and currentDistrict 17 Service Officer. Pictured from left taking their oath of officeare Mark Miller - Sergeant at Arms; Bryan Self - Finance Officer; andSteve Hunter - Post Commander. Not pictured are the other officers ofthe Post, Peter Defreece - 1st Vice Commander, Monti Zimmerman -Chaplain, Hondo Davids - Adjutant; and Gene Griffe - Service Officer.
Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encour-aged.
THURSDAY/AUG. 22Hunter Mill Nights: The United States Navy
‘Cruisers’ (pop rock). 7:30-8:30 p.m. atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Road,Herndon. With a mix of performances throughfor the whole family, Hunter Mill Nights returnsthrough Aug. 22 with performances byentertainers from across the United States andaround the world. Allow time for a picnic in thepark, a visit with the farm animals and a wagonride, along with the show. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/hunter-mill-nights for more.
SATURDAY/AUG. 24Glass Harp Performance. 1-2 p.m. at
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St GernainDrive, Centreville. Join an end of summercelebration as Jamey Turner plays the glassharp, a musical instrument made with drinkingglasses filled with water. This family friendlyprogram will engage and delight all ages. Free.Call 703-830-2223 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5238367.
Dairy Days. 1-4 p.m. (on the hour) at SullyHistoric Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly.Get a taste of the county’s dairy history at SullyHistoric Site. Churn butter, crank ice cream,milk a fake cow, play 18th century games, andexperience a slice of life from decades ago.Designed for participants 5- adult. $8 perperson. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is recommended. Children must beaccompanied by an adult. Tour the historichouse for an additional fee. Call 703-437-1794or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.
SUNDAY/AUG. 25Hands On Activities Day. 1-4 p.m. at the
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. Some of theHands On Activities at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum might include operatingmodel trains, decoding and writing telegraphmessages or doing a railroad theme or Civil Wartheme craft. No extra charge for craft supplies..Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
MONDAY/AUG. 26
Back to School. Fairfax County Public Schoolsfirst day of the 2019-2020 school year. Visitwww.fcps.edu/calendars/2019-20-standard-school-year-calendar.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 14K Fun Run: Hope Against Cervical Cancer.
10 a.m. at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. This is a 4K fun run being heldto spread awareness and promote self testing forcervical cancer in underserved areas of the U.S.as well as across the globe. Runners will receivea race T-shirt and bottled water. Awards for 1stplace and runners up will be given in adult andchildren categories. Adults, $20; 13 and under,$15. Visit www.servicebeyondborders.org formore.
SUNDAY-MONDAY/SEPT. 1-2HO and LEGO Model Trains Show. 1-4 p.m. at
the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. ThePotomac Module Crew will have a special HO
Model Train Show as well as a custom LEGOModel Train show by Monty Smith over theLabor Day weekend. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 7Fellowship Tea. 2-4 p.m. in Centreville Baptist
Church’s FellowshipHall, 15100 Lee Highway, Centreville. Western
Fairfax Christian Ministries will hold aFellowship Tea with a three-course, gourmetspread and a program called “Why Girlfriendsare Important.” Raffle tickets available forpurchase. Women of all ages are welcome. $15/person or $25 for two. Register atdonatenow.networkforgood.org/wfcmtea. Tovolunteer to be a table host or for moreinformation, contact Jennie Bush [email protected].
SUNDAY/SEPT. 8Early Railroad Tools Exhibit. 1-4 p.m. at the
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. The FairfaxStation Railroad Museum will have a specialexhibit of early railroad tools. Come learn howthese tools were used to build and maintainrailroads in the 19th century. Ages 16 and older,$4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 15Bichon Bash. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Bull Run
Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville.A fun-filled day of frolic to celebrate BichonsFrises and their humans. Featuring vendors andveterinary professionals. Funds raised helpprovide foster and vet care for Bichons thatcome into rescue. Rain or shine. $20. Call 717-324-9076 or visit www.bichonbash.org/.
NTRAK Model Train Show at Fairfax StationRailroad Museum. 1-4 p.m. at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The Northern VirginiaNTRAK members will hold a N gauge TrainDisplay. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call703-425-9225.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 26Erin Peterson Fund Golf Tournament. At the
Westfields Golf Club, 13940 Balmoral GreensAve., Clifton. Erin was a 2006 Westfield Highgrad who died in the April 2007 Virginia Techtragedy. Afterward, her parents started the ErinPeterson Fund (EPF) to award scholarships inher memory to those less fortunate, plus theLeadership for Tomorrow program whichprovides grants to at-risk male students atWestfield.
Community members make that possible each yearwhen they play in the tournament and supportthe fund. To register, go towww.erinpetersonfund.org and click on GolfRegistration. Raffle tickets may also bepurchased online.
MONDAY/OCT. 7African-American Genealogy. 7-8:30 p.m. at
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets the first Mondayof the month (except September andNovember). Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. To register, orfor more information, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/events or call 703-830-2223.
Entertainment
Courtesy of The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
LEGO model train displays by Monty Smith.
HO and LEGO Model Trains ShowThe Potomac Module Crew will have a special HO Model Train Show as well as a custom LEGO Model
Train show by Monty Smith over the Labor Day weekend. Sunday-Monday, Sept. 1-2, 1-4 p.m. at theFairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Ages 16 and older, $4;5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
