pet connection reading retriever - ellington cms

Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ July 24-30, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Entertainm

ent, Page 9

❖

Spo

rts, Page 8

❖

C

lassified, 0

July 24-30, 2014online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

Pho

to

by T

ricia Lo

wney

Fo

llow

o

n Tw

itter: @

LFSC

Co

nnectio

n

Fairfax Station ❖ Clifton ❖ LortonFairfax Station ❖ Clifton ❖ Lorton

PaycheckGender

Wars?News, Page 7

Inside

Pet ConnectionPet Connection

Inside

Pet Connection

ReadingRetriever

Pet Connection, Pages 1-8

ReadingRetriever

Pet Connection, Pages 1-8

Caleb Campbell,6, and hismother, Olivia,pet Samson whilethe former readsto him at a ‘Readto the Dog’ eventon June 7 atPohick RegionalLibrary.

Express Lanes,Rapid-BusTransit Plannedfor I-66News, Page 3

Express Lanes,Rapid-BusTransit Plannedfor I-66News, Page 3

2 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ July 24-30, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Congratulations to all of the OutstandingPrincipals listed below.They have been rated highest by our memberships in those schools

Fairfax County Federation of TeachersTeachers Care!

THANK YOU TO ALLOF OUR MEMBERS WHORETURNED THE SURVEY

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS:Bonnie Glazewski(Oak View)

Jesse Kraft(Providence)

Michael Macrina(Island Creek)

Suzanne Montgomery(Laurel Hill)

Lindsay Trout(Terraset)

MIDDLE SCHOOL:Penny Gros (Glascow)

HIGH SCHOOLS:Teresa Johnson(Chantilly)

Nardos King(Mt. Vernon)

Michael Yohe(Falls Church)

Jeff Yost(Woodson)

Northern Virginia

Call Or Text To See These Homes Eileen Dubose 703-403-6030

Eileen M DuBoseGRI ABR CRS e-Pro SFR CNE MRPAssociate Broker Sales, Rentals and New HomesLife Member NVAR Million Dollar Sales703-403-6030EileenD.com

Fairfax $839,900Stately Colonial on 1.39 acres • 4,000+ sq ft

Woodson High SchoolStately Brick Colonial on 1+ acres with a circular driveway and 2 car garage.. Beautifularea. Park and trees. No HOA. 4 BR 3.5 BA + 2 basement bonus rooms. 4,000+ sqft withupdates everywhere!! Gourmet kitchen, HW floors, Home Office, MBR Suite, Spa BA.Great Room and Breakfast Room addition. Workshop. Lots of closets and storage. VeggieGarden. Quiet 8 home subdivision on a cul-de-sac. Privacy at its best! Woodson HighSchool, FX8383083. YouTube Tour 4929 Novak Lane.

Falls Church $395,0002 Level Cape Cod3 Miles to Metro

Quiet street in Bel Air. Main levelbed and bath. 1⁄4 ac + next to thePark and trails. 2/3 BR. 1 fullceramic bath. Gas central heat andcooking. Freshly painted andupdated. Hardwood floors, brickwood/fpl main level. New paint andcarpet upstairs. Rear Porch.More picturesYouTube3231Holloway Road.

For a free digi-tal subscriptionto one or allof the 15ConnectionNewspapers,go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first toknow – get yourpaper before ithits the press.

Complete digitalreplica of theprint edition,including photosand ads, deliv-ered weeklyto your e-mailbox.

Questions?E-mail:[email protected]


Express Lanes, Transit Planned for I-66toll on time of day and congestion.

“I have been a longtime advo-cate for an ‘Express Lanes’ like so-lution for I-66 which would openthis corridor up to reliable timeadvantaged mass transit andcarpooling, extend a growing net-work of lanes dedicated to masstransit and carpools, and ease con-gestion on I-66 and surroundingroads like Route 50, Route 29 andBraddock Road,” Herrity said. “Iwant to thank Transportation Sec-retary Layne for continuing tokeep this project a priority for theCommonwealth of Virginia.”

Officials announced the plan ata meeting at VDOT’s Fairfax officeon July 17.

“Over the last couple of monthsthe Virginia Department of Trans-portation has worked closely withthe Department of Rail and PublicTransportation, the Office ofTransportation Public-Private Part-nerships and Fairfax and PrinceWilliam counties to devise a planthat will reduce congestion on I-66 by increasing capacity and giv-ing travelers more choices. Todaywe kick off 17 months of rigorousenvironmental study and robustcommunity involvement. By theend of 2016 our plan is to com-plete environmental work, identifyfunding sources, receive federalapproval, and move forward on aplan to turn I-66 into the efficient,multi-modal corridor thatVirginia’s economy needs,” saidVirginia Secretary of Transporta-tion Aubrey Layne.

Express lanes on Interstate95, which wi l l run f romStaf ford County nearGarrisonville Road up to 395near Edsall Road, are expectedto open in early 2015. All driv-ers will be required to purchaseE-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex in or-der to use the lanes, and onlyvehicles with three or morepassengers can ride toll free.

Lorton. Practice your English conversationskills. 703-339-7385.

English Conversation Group. 7-8:30 p.m.City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 NorthStreet, Fairfax. Practice speaking Englishwith others and improve your skills. 703-293-6227.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 30English Conversation. 10:15-11:30 a.m.

Kingstowne Library, 6500 LandsdowneCentre, Alexandria. Conversation group forpeople learning English. 703-339-4610.

English Conversation Group. 10:30 a.m.City of Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 NorthStreet, Fairfax. Practice speaking Englishwith others and improve your skills. 703-293-6227.

Lorton/Fairfax Station/Clifton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

News

By Janelle Germanos

The Connection

Express lanes and rapid-bus transit could be-coming to Interstate 66,Virginia Governor Terry

McAuliffe announced on July 17.“Interstate 66 is broken. Com-

muters are stuck in traffic, limitedin the travel choices they can makeand unable to predict how longtheir trip will take on any givenday,” McAuliffe said. “Giving Vir-ginians more choices and a better,safer travel experience on I-66 isone of my top priorities, and to-day I am proud to announce thebeginning of that effort.”

The plan, which includes threeregular and two express lanes ineach direction, bus service, andimproved commuter parking,would be implemented from theCapital Beltway to Haymarket

“Today’s announcement that wecould be starting construction by2017 on Express lanes like solu-tion to I-66 congestion is outstand-ing news. I-66 is our most con-gested corridor and this gives megreat hope that we can improvethe quality of life for all NorthernVirginians,” said Supervisor PatHerrity (R-Springfield.)

The project, which spans 25miles, will cost an estimated twoto three billion dollars. The ex-press lanes would operate similarto those on Interstate 495 andthose being constructed on Inter-state 95, which base the cost of the

Improvementswill be madefrom CapitalBeltway toHaymarket.

Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call 703-778-9416. The deadline for submissions is theFriday prior to publication. Dated announce-ments should be submitted at least two weeksprior to the event.

FRIDAY/JULY 25 English Conversation Group. 10 a.m.-12

p.m. Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke LakeRoad, Burke. Practice your Englishconversation skills. 703-978-5600.

Basic Computer Skills Training. 1-2 p.m.Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Road,Burke. Learn basic computer skills with ourone-on-one technology volunteers. Registerat http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/kp/ under “Events.”

Photo Courtesy of VDOT

This map demonstrates the area where express lanes and other improvements will bemade along Interstate 66.

Photo by Janelle Germanos/The Connection

The proposed express lanes for Interstate 66 would be similar to those on Interstate495 and those being constructed on Interstate 95 in Springfield, pictured here.

Bulletin BoardGenealogy Help Desk. 2-3 p.m. City of Fairfax

Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax.Bring your family history stumpers togenealogists and library staff. 703-293-6227.

SATURDAY/JULY 26 Genealogy Help Desk. 2-3 p.m. City of Fairfax

Regional Library, 10360 North Street, Fairfax.Bring your family history stumpers togenealogists and library staff. 703-293-6227.

SUNDAY/JULY 27 Neighborhood Plant Clinic. 1-4 p.m. Pohick

Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road,Burke. The Fairfax County Master GardenersAssociation gives tips and advice. 703-644-7333.

MONDAY/JULY 28 Library eBook Tech Help. 11 a.m. City of

Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North Street,Fairfax. Learn to use the library’s eBookcollection and compatible devices with a librarystaff member; please bring your library card,eBook reader and laptop. 703-293-6227.

Red Cross Blood Donation. 1:30-7 p.m. TruroAnglican Church, 10520 Main Street, Fairfax.The American Red Cross encourages all eligibleblood donors to make an appointment to donateblood soon to help prevent a shortage. To makean appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call1-800-RED CROSS.

TUESDAY/JULY 29 English Conversation Group. 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Highway,


The Northern Virginia mar-ket recorded increased in-ventories, providing buy-

ers with more choices. Nonethe-less, buyers are challenged byaffordability and accessing credit.

The June market in NorthernVirginia continues the trend ofsales numbers coming in just un-der those from one year ago at thistime, but the signs of a stable mar-ket have led to an increase in sell-ers planting signs on their lawns.

“It is all about managing expec-tations,” said Lorraine Arora, Man-aging Broker at Long & Foster RealEstate in Springfield. “Some buy-ers are nervous. When houses arepriced correctly, homes will sell.”

Arora explained that since there

Realtors: Numbers IndicateStable Housing Market

News

June homelistings climb,with slight dip insales.

was no activity in winter months,there was pent up demand for thisregion’s early spring season. Now,she explained, prices are higherbut not all sellers are getting theirfull price. Buyers are less willingto engage in bidding wars.

The housing affordability maycontinue to be a challenge in theregion, said Mary Bayat, 2014chair elect of the Northern VirginiaAssociation of Realtors. “While theslightly rising home prices indicatean improving market, people arejust not making quick decisions tobuy.” Bayat, a broker/owner ofBayat Realty in Alexandria, alsonoted that the current tight mort-gage regulations have been a dragon buyers’ loan process. She notedthat mortgage standards are un-der scrutiny by industry and hous-ing groups at this time.

The Northern Virginia Associa-tion of Realtors reported on June2014 home sales activity forFairfax and Arlington counties, thecities of Alexandria, Fairfax andFalls Church and the towns of

Vienna, Herndon and Clifton.A total of 2,174 homes were sold in

June 2014, a 12.90 percent decreasebelow June 2013 home sales of 2,496.

Active listings continued toshow an increase this month com-pared with 2013. Listings were up47 percent over last year, with4,777 active listings in June, com-pared with 3,247 homes availablein June 2013. The average days onmarket for homes in June 2014was 30 days, an increase of 25percent compared to the 24 dayson market for homes in June 2013.

Average home sale prices in-creased slightly this June to$580,013. This is up 3 percentcompared to June 2013, when theaverage price was $563,223.

The median sold price of homes thisJune, which is $505,000, rose by 1percent compared to the median priceof $499,900 in June 2013.

The 2,047 new pending homesales in Northern Virginia in Juneis a decrease of 9.62 percent com-pared with 2,265 contracts thatwere pending in June of last year.

By Janelle Germanos

The Connection

When Mitch Kieferwas 6, his 3-year-old brother Brent

was diagnosed with leukemia.Brent recovered, but Kiefer

remains committed to helpingothers suffering from similar ill-nesses.

Now, Kiefer, a student at PaulVI Catholic School in Fairfax, isplanning a second blood drive inClifton in honor of his brother.

“Most of the time when heneeded blood, it was there forhim. I feel like for everyone whoneeds blood, it should alwaysbe there for them,” Kiefer said.

Along with help from friendsand family, Kiefer hosted a Pan-ther Pints blood drive in April.The next drive will be Aug. 1 atSt. Andrew the Apostle Catho-lic Church in Clifton from 2:30-7 p.m.

“INOVA was really great tomy family, and I want to do thisas a way to give back,” Kiefersaid.

At the last blood drive, 44participants were eligible todonate blood.

“It was a great turnout,”

Photo Courtesy of Mitch Kiefer

Mark McCullor and LarryBrickwedde, teachers at Union MillElementary School, participate in ablood drive hosted by Paul VI stu-dent Mitch Kiefer. The two taughtKiefer and his brother Brent, andKiefer is organizing another blooddrive on Aug. 1.

Give Blood, Give Back to CommunityKiefer said.

Brent has beensupportive of hisbrother running theblood drives, andthinks it’s a greatidea.

“It was therewhen he needed it,and he’s reallyhappy that I’m doingthis. He also thinksthat there should al-ways be blood forthose who need it,”Kiefer said.

Kiefer points outthat his school, fam-ily and friends havehelped him when itcomes to organizingthe blood drives.

“Only three per-cent of people donate blood on aregular basis, so it can be hard tofind people to donate,” he said.“Some people, depending ifthey’ve been out of the country orhave health problems, can’t do-nate, but I think a lot of it is thatpeople think it takes too muchtime. I really wish more peoplewould donate on a regular basis.”

The goal for the Aug. 1 blooddrive is 50 appointments, and

Kiefer hopes most of the peoplewho sign up for these appoint-ments will be eligible to donate.

To make an appointment,visit inova.org/donateblood,click on “Schedule a Dona-tion,” then click on DonateBlood. Use sponsor code8044.

St. Andrew the ApostleCatholic Church is located at6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton.


Burke Centre Shopping Center5765-S Burke Centre Pkwy., Burke, VA 22015

703-239-1300

Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-5Closed Sun. & Mon.

Five Star Jewelers

*some exclusions apply

Sale extendedthrough 8/16/14.

30% OffTicketed Items*

Are Your Feet Ready forSummer Activities?VISIT OURBRAND-NEWWEBSITE!

WWW.BURKEFOOTANDANKLE.COM

• REQUEST APPOINTMENTS ONLINE

• VIEW EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

• RESEARCH YOUR INJURY ORCONDITION AND MORE!

5361-KBurke Centre Parkway

Burke, Virginia 22015703-250-2904GARY J. ARMINIO, D.P.M.

HAPPY HOURSMon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (By Appointment Only)

20% OFF ALL SERVICESHAIR • NAIL • SKIN • BODY

(Expires 9/25/14)

14104 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA 20120

571-522-6669www.miamorebeautycity.com • Open 7 Days A Week!

10 A.M. Shows Monday—Friday

3 University Mall TheatresSUMMER CINEMA CAMP!

All Seats $2.00, 10 for $15 or Season pass (10 wks for $10)

Attendees will receive a coupon for a dollar ($1.00) Offa cup of frozen yogurt from YOGURTINI FROZEN YOGURT.

JULY 28–AUGUST 1...................HORTON HEARS A WHO (G)AUGUST 4–AUGUST 8............................................RIO 2 (G)AUGUST 11–AUGUST 15.....MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN (PG)AUGUST 18–AUGUST 22..........................THE CROODS (PG)AUGUST 25–AUGUST 29.WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (PG)

Fairfax • Corner of Rt. 123 & Braddock • 703-273-7111

5765-C Burke Centre Pkwy • Burke • 703-239-9324

10% OFFEntire Check

50% OFF LunchBuy one and get 50% Off

2nd item of equal or lesser value.Offer expires 8/15/14.

Not valid with any other offers.Offer expires 8/15/14.

Not valid with any other offers.

Sunday BrunchSunday BrunchSunday BrunchSunday Brunch10AM–3PM10AM–3PM10AM–3PM10AM–3PM

forHomemade Burgers,Pizza, Pasta, Soups,

Salads, SteaksFriendly Service & Cold Drinks

forHomemade Burgers,Pizza, Pasta, Soups,

Salads, SteaksFriendly Service & Cold Drinks

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.

Jacob Augelli, an eighthgrade student at RobinsonSecondary, finished in fourthplace overall in the 2014 UnitedStates Geography Olympiad, jun-ior varsity division. The compe-tition consisted of two parts: awritten exam and a quiz bowltournament; Augelli placed sixthin the exam and tied for seventhin the quiz bowl tournament;overall scores were compiled byaveraging each competitor’sranking for each part. Over 70junior varsity students from as faraway as Guam competed in thewritten exam and in a prelimi-nary quiz bowl round, whilethose with high scores advancedto the final quiz bowl round.Questions ranged in difficultyfrom naming countries by theircapital to identifying obscure is-lets in the North Atlantic. The topfour varsity students earned theright to represent the USA at the2014 International GeographyOlympiad in Krakow, Poland, thissummer. The Geography Olym-piad was sponsored by HoughtonMifflin Harcourt and HISTORY,commonly known as the HistoryChannel, which also sponsors theNational History Bee and Bowl.For more information on thecompetit ion, please visitwww.geographyolympiad.com.

The Citadel has recognized Ca-det Martin KrawczakofºSpringfield on the school’sdean’s list for his academicachievement during the spring se-mester. Recognition on the SouthCarolina military school’s dean’slist is reserved for students whowere registered for 12 or more se-mester hours and received a gradepoint average of 3.2 or higher withno grade below a C for the previ-ous semester’s work.

Yihan Zhou, Fairfax, earned aplace on the Deans Honor Roll atFort Hays State University, Hays,Kan., for the spring 2014 semes-ter. Zhou is a junior majoring ingeneral studies. To be eligible, stu-dents must have enrolled in 12 ormore credit hours and have a mini-mum grade point average of 3.60for the semester.

Andrew Neils of Fairfax Sta-tion, has been named to the Dean’sList in the University of NotreDame’s College of Engineering foroutstanding scholarship during theSpring 2014 semester.

School

Notes


www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@LFSCConnection

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered tohomes and businesses.

Published byLocal Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:

[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Amna RehmatullaEditorial Assistant

703-778-9410 [email protected]

Janelle GermanosCommunity Reporter

[email protected]

Jon RoetmanSports Editor ❖ 703-752-4013

[email protected]@jonroetman

Victoria Ross County Reporter ❖ 301-502-6027

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

Steve HoganDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9418

[email protected]

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising, 703-778-9411

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]

@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:

Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]

@TheismannMedia

CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426Circulation Manager:

Ann [email protected]

Fairfax Station,Lorton & CliftonOpinion

The Virginia General Assembly’s re-fusal to expand Medicaid, extend-ing health coverage to as many as400,000 Virginians has resulted in

the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments.But that understates the loss, failing

to calculate the cost of the lost healthof thousands of Virginians.

Consider one relatively young man,treated by the Health Wagon, who is losing hisvision to untreated diabetes because he has nohealth coverage, his diabetes went undetectedfor years and can’t afford monitoring or medi-cine. Once diabetes begins to take its toll, itcannot be reversed. Once the man is blind andunable to work, he will likely be covered byMedicaid because he is permanently disabled.

The Centers for Disease Control says chronicillnesses are “the nation’s leading causes ofdeath and disability, leav[ing] in their wakedeaths that could have been prevented, life-long disability, compromised quality of life, andburgeoning health care costs. … Heart disease,stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritisare among the most common, costly, and pre-ventable of all health problems.”

Consider the hundreds or thousands of Vir-ginians who are not receiving routine care orscreenings of any kind, whose cancer or highblood pressure or heart disease or diabetes, oreven mental illness, rob them over time of their

ability to work, to care for themselvesor their families. Many will die of ill-nesses that could have been preventedor treated. The human toll is incalcu-

lable, unbearable and unnecessary.It is unfair that health coverage depends on

what state you happen to live in, that an ideo-logically driven General Assembly can deter-mine your fate. If you are poor and live in astate that has chosen to accept expansion ofhealth care with Medicaid, you have healthinsurance, for example in the bordering statesof West Virginia, Kentucky and Maryland. Butif you are poor and live in Virginia, or one ofthe other states that has refused to expandMedicaid, you are out of luck, out of healthand possibly out of life.

Business groups and chambers of commercearound Virginia, including the Fairfax CountyChamber of Commerce, support the expansionof Medicaid in Virginia under the Affordable

Care Act. One persuasive factor for the busi-ness community is that expansion would cre-ate an estimated 30,000 jobs and pump hun-dreds of millions of dollars into Virginia’seconomy. Hospitals support expanding Medic-aid which would offset many of the costs ofcaring for uninsured populations.

In Virginia, Medicaid eligibility for adultswithout disability is almost nonexistent, lim-ited to parents with incomes below 51 percentof poverty, or about $11,900 a year for a fam-ily of four, according to the Kaiser Family Foun-dation. Adults without dependent children re-main ineligible regardless of their income.

Under the Affordable Care Act, people withincomes 100 - 400 percent of poverty qualifyfor subsidies on their health insurance premi-ums when they purchase coverage through aMarketplace. Because the Affordable Care Actenvisioned low-income people receiving cov-erage through Medicaid, people below povertyare not eligible for Marketplace subsidies. Asmany as 400,000 adults in Virginia fall intothe coverage gap because they don’t qualifyfor Medicaid under Virginia’s rules, among themost stringent in the nation, but earn less thanthe poverty rate, so not enough to qualify forsubsidies.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage,but also life, health and livelihood.

Tragic Consequences

Editorial

See Opportunities, Page 10

By Mary Agee

Northern Virginia Family

Service President and CEO

On the surface, MarthaOrdon is living the typi-cal Northern Virginian

life. She works as a medical recep-tionist at a doctor’s office inFairfax, and talks proudly abouther 16 year-old daughter, a so-cially-active junior who plans tostudy business in college when shegraduates. The reality is a little bitmore complicated.

Martha and her daughter movedto Fairfax in 2008 from Louisiana.Her friend had urged her to makethe move to Northern Virginia,telling her about the fantasticquality of life: the great schools,the strong job market and thesense of community. What herfriend hadn’t mentioned was thehigh cost of living. In Louisiana,Martha had worked as a cook in aCatholic school and always made

enough to pay her bills. In Fairfax,she took a full-time job as a cookmaking $10.50 an hour and a part-time job as a retail sales associatemaking $8 an hour. With two jobs,Martha could pay her bills, but sherarely got to see her daughter. WhenMartha lost her job as a cook, she

began working retail full-time butcould no longer make ends meet.

In 2012, Martha and her daugh-ter were evicted from their apart-ment. They lived in a hotel until aspace became available at a localfamily shelter. Martha recognizedthat in order to pull her life back

together and provide a stablehome for her daughter, she wouldneed a living-wage job. She alsorealized that her previous experi-ence as a cook was not going tohelp her rise above the poverty

Housing and jobopportunitiesneeded torelieve poverty.

‘Living Wage’ Tough to Achieve in Northern Virginia

Training Futures is a free program for adults who are determined to gain the skills toexcel in professional, administrative roles.


Eight Fairfax County Public Schools(FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the NationalMerit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Recipients of college-sponsored schol-arships from the NMSC, with their prob-able career fields in parentheses, are:

❖ Celia Islam of Vienna, Marshall HighSchool (medicine), National MeritGeorge Washington University Scholar-ship.

❖ Brian Clark of Burke, ThomasJefferson High School for Science and

Technology (TJHSST) (engineering), Na-tional Merit Case Western Reserve Univer-sity Scholarship.

❖ Adam Friedman of Fairfax, TJHSST(environmental science), National MeritEmory University Scholarship.

❖ Nicholas Jones of Round Hill, TJHSST(aerospace engineering), National MeritUniversity of Central Florida Scholarship.

❖ Thomas Lunn of Potomac Falls, TJHSST(international relations), National MeritBowdoin College Scholarship.

❖ Timothy Ruiter of Centreville, TJHSST(biomedical engineering), National Merit

University of Georgia Scholarship.❖ Vishal Talasani of Alexandria,

TJHSST (economics), National MeritUniversity of Chicago Scholarship.

❖ Tony Xiao of Herndon, TJHSST (filmproduction), National Merit VanderbiltUniversity Scholarship.

College-sponsored Merit Scholarshipsprovide between $500 and $2,000 an-nually for up to four years of undergradu-ate study at the institution financing thescholarship. Nationwide, approximately7,600 students have won Merit Scholar-ship awards in 2014.

Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

News

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

When Lola Arce de Quintelafirst moved to Oakton 20years ago, she noticedsomething about the way

men and women arranged their professionalcareers around their family lives in North-ern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobswith large paychecks, while women oftendropped out of the workforce to take careof growing families. If women had full-timejobs, she says, they would often select posi-tions that were not as demanding so theycould focus their time and attention on theirchildren while husbands and fathers pulledin six-figure salaries.

“The other women who live on my blockare teachers,” said de Quintela, a freelancetranslator. “Their husbands are attorneys orthey work for the World Bank.”

On a national basis, women make 77cents for every dollar men make. But herein Northern Virginia the disparities aregreater, especially in wealthier areas. No-where is this trend higher than 22124, thesuburb of Oakton, where the average me-dian income for full-time female workers is$77,000. The men in that ZIP code pull inalmost $130,000. That means women wholive in Oakton and are full-time, permanentworkers earn 60 percent of what men earn.

“It’s very difficult to have a family andraise kids when you have two people withhigh-powered careers that demand a lot oftime and attention,” said de Quintela. “Soa lot of women tend to find work that’s moreflexible and not as demanding, whichmeans they earn less money. It’s a trade off.”

CENSUS RECORDS show disparities tendto be greatest where people earn the mostmoney. In the Fairfax Station ZIP code22039, for example, the average annualmale median salary is $134,000. That’s oneof the highest in Northern Virginia. By con-trast, women in this area earn $86,000 ayear. That’s still a high salary for the region,but women who live in Fairfax Station earn64 cents for every $1 the men who live theremake.

Demographers say some of this may beexplained by a concept they call “labor forceattachment,” which essentially means thatwomen are less attached to the labor forcethan men.

“Given the traditional understandingsabout who cares for children or aging par-ents, what we often see is that women take

on those roles,” said Annie Rorem, policyassociate in the demographics researchgroup at Weldon Cooper Center for PublicService at the University of Virginia. “Weoften see differences in female and maleearnings that are related to, although Iwould not necessarily say caused by, familystructure.”

This trend is less evident in ZIP codeswhere salaries are lower, and the roles are

even reversed in some of areas with the low-est salaries. In Bailey’s Crossroads, for ex-ample, women earn $59,000. But men earn$46,000, the lowest salary of any FairfaxCounty ZIP code. That means men earnabout 22 percent less than women here, aphenomenon that indicates workers hereare attached to the labor force in a waythat’s different from people at the top ofthe earnings scale.

“What we are probably seeing in Bailey’sCrossroads is women who are nannies offamilies that make a lot of money,” saidVeronique de Rugy, a senior research fel-low at the Mercatus Center at George Ma-son University. “They make a lot moremoney than their male counterparts whoare working in construction or putting updrywall.”

ACADEMICS WHO look at these numberssay the imbalance of salaries between menand women can be explained by looking athow the genders participate in the laborforce differently. A recent study by theGeorge Mason School for Regional Analy-sis concluded that Arlington County has thehighest labor force participation rate forwomen in the region while the District ofColumbia has the lowest. Meanwhile, sub-urban areas of Fairfax County have muchlower female participation rates than urbanareas such as Arlington or Alexandria.

“If you’re looking at why men are earn-ing more, it’s because in those cases womenwho might have a higher earning potentialare not in the labor force, they are stayinghome to raise a family,” said David Versel,senior research associate at the Center forRegional Analysis. “That’s obviously lesstrue than it was a generation or two ago,but that’s the easiest way of looking at this.”

Although the disparity between salariesearned by men and women are glaring, re-searchers who look at the data warn not tojump to conclusions about gender inequal-ity. These numbers show that men andwomen who live in the same ZIP codes earndifferent salaries, it does not say that theyreceive different salaries for doing the samework. They probably say more about howwomen and men approach the labor forcedifferently than how employers choose tocompensate their employees.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean that weare talking about any active gender inequal-ity in the sense of discrimination or menand women being paid different amountsfor the exact same labor,” said Rorem. “Onething that’s important to keep in mind whenyou are looking at all full-time year-roundworkers is that one thing you don’t pick upis experience between workers.”

Across NorthernVirginia, men pulllarger paychecksthan women;disparities larger thannational average.

Paycheck Gender Wars?

“If you’re looking at why men are earning more, it’sbecause in those cases women who might have ahigher earning potential are not in the labor force,they are staying home to raise a family.”

—David Versel, senior research associate at the Center for Regional Analysis


Sports

Amy Berglund was a four-yearstandout sharpshooter for one ofthe top high school girls’ basket-

ball programs in Virginia.As a freshman, Berglund received all-dis-

trict honorable mention and helped WestSpringfield win the Patriot District title andreach the state semifinals. As the years wentby, the accolades grew: second-team all-dis-trict as a sophomore, first-team all-districtas a junior, and, eventually, first-team all-state and conference Player of the Year as asenior.

During her senior campaign, Berglundsurpassed the 1,000-point milestone for hercareer and eventually finished second onthe program’s all-time scoring list. In a gameat West Potomac, Berglund made 13 of 14field-goal attempts for a career-high 30points. The Spartans beat T.C. Williams towin the Conference 7 championship andadvanced to the state tournament with aregion runner-up finish.

Berglund, a 2014 West Springfield gradu-ate, will continue her basketball career atthe University of Northwestern-St. Paul.Berglund recently participated in a Q&A viaemail with The Connection.

Connection: What made University ofNorthwestern-St. Paul the right fit for you?

Berglund: All my family lives in Minne-sota so I will be extremely close to them,the strong academics that also integratefaith/Christianity into the learning andthe experience, and I loved the basketballprogram there with an amazing group ofgirls and coach. My parents approvedsince they got married at the chapel oncampus.

Connection: What will your major be?

WSHS Grad Berglund to Play at Northwestern-St. PaulQ&A: Sharpshootingguard fan ofMinnesota Vikings,Twins.

Connection File Photo

Amy Berglund surpassed the 1,000-point mile-stone during her four-year career at WestSpringfield.

What position will youplay?

Berglund: I plan on ma-joring in kinesiology with aminor in biblical studies andpossibly business. I will beplaying the 2/3 guard.

Connection: At whatage did you start playingbasketball? When did yourealize playing college bas-ketball was a possibility foryou?

Berglund: I started play-ing around with basketballat age 6, following in thefootsteps of two olderbrothers who played. Eversince I can remember, Idreamed of playing collegebasketball, but my ninth-grade year was when I real-ized it was something Icould really accomplish.

Connection: Did youplay any other sports atWest Springfield?

Berglund: I played la-crosse my senior year andit was an awesome experi-ence with great coaches andteammates!

Connection: What’s yourfavorite memory of playinghigh school basketball?

Berglund: Meeting andcompeting with my bestfriends. Also, winning the Patriot Confer-ence my senior year, because no one wouldhave picked us to win it at the start of theseason. Our team was so close off the courtthat we all played with amazing chemistryon the court.

Connection: If you could change onething about your high school athletic ca-reer, what would it be?

Berglund: The only thing I would changeis that it could have gone by slower because

it was the best part of my high school experi-ence and I already miss being a Lady Spartan.

Connection: What kind of traits, physi-cal or mental, does it take to be a good pe-rimeter shooter?

Berglund: Physically, I think a goodshooter needs to have running enduranceand a lot of leg strength so by the end ofthe game they have enough left in them toget a good jump for the shot. Mentally, agood shooter needs to have the confidence

to keep shooting even if the shots aren’tgoing in at first and the focus to keep mak-ing shots when they are hot during a game.

Connection: Did you have to put in alot of work to become a good perimetershooter, or did it come naturally?

Berglund: It did take a lot of work andhours of repetition to become a goodshooter but it is what I love doing so I didnot mind. I was lucky to have parents whowould spend hours standing under a hooprebounding for me.

Connection: What is your personal bestfor consecutive 3-pointers made?

Berglund: I recently made 31 3-point-ers in a row when I was practicing with thegoal to make a lot of them in a row.

Connection: What is your career highfor points in a game at any age?

Berglund: My career high for points inhigh school was 30 which came during mysenior season. I ended up shooting 13-14that game and I missed my last shot which,ironically, was the easiest shot of the game,a layup.

Connection: Who is your favorite mu-sic artist? Why?

Berglund: Tim McGraw, because I lovehis voice and he has so many great songs.

Connection: What is your favoritemovie? Why?

Berglund: ‘Miracle on Ice,’ because it is thegreatest sports movie ever and so inspirational.

Connection: Favorite food?Berglund: Cheeseburger.Connection: What is your favorite

hobby outside of basketball?Berglund: I like to hike and camp.Connection: What location is the far-

thest you have traveled from the Washing-ton, D.C. metro area?

Berglund: The farthest I have been fromD.C. was during a trip to Colorado.

Connection: Are you a pro sports fan?If so, who are your favorite teams?

Berglund: Minnesota Vikings and Min-nesota Twins!

— Jon Roetman

From left: Ryan and Liam Kelly, Christina Moneyhun, Michael Murphy,Nick Porter, Andrew Peter and Chloe Shudt.

Swimming for a Cause at South Run PoolOn Sunday, July 13, the South Run

Community Pool held their annual Swim-a-Thon charity event to raise funds andawareness for cancer, a cause that runsdeep through this close-knit neighbor-hood community. On what felt like thehottest day of the summer thus far, par-ticipants gradually streamed in to par-take in the 7th iteration of the Swim-a-Thon, which was coordinated this yearby friends Ryan Kelly, Liam Kelly, NickPorter, Michael Murphy, and JordanKrug, all members of the South Run swimteam.

With a tent and table set up in the cor-ner of the pool deck to collect donations,dozens of people blanketed the pool,swimming laps “for the cure,” with pro-

ceeds going to INOVA hospital’s “Life withCancer” program.

After people finished swimming, they re-corded the number of laps they swam, andhelped themselves to a snack and a coldbeverage.

This year, 31 people swam a total of 1,270laps, and donated almost $1,500 on the dayof the event, with money still being col-lected.

Swim-a-Thon was created as a way toengage the community in the fight againstcancer; a fight that has deeply affectedmany South Run families over the years.Given another successful iteration of thisevent, the South Run community seems tobe keeping that fight alive one stroke at atime.

Lorton/Fairfax Station/Clifton Connection Sports Editor Jon Roetman

[email protected]


Select your productsfrom our Mobile Showroom

and Design Center

Fully Insured &Class A Licensed

Est. 1999Free Estimates703-969-1179

Celebrating 15 Years in Business!

Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

Bathroom Remodel Special $6,850

Handyman ServicesAvailable:

Call 703-999-2928

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

To AdvertiseYour Community

of Worship,Call 703-778-9418

COMMUNITIESOF WORSHIP

bb

www.calvaryfamily.com“Continuing the ministry of

Christ on earth”

9800 Old Keene Mill Rd.703-455-7041Sunday School

9:15 AM Worship Service

10:30 AM

Realtime Worship - Sunday 8:45 & 11 AMSunday School 10:10 AM

Sunday Evening - Realtime Worship& Youth 6 PM

Family Night - Wednesday 7:15 PMCall for our Home Life Group schedule

visit our website: www.jccag.org4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax

Bill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170

JubileeChristian Center“Experience the Difference”

Looking for a New Place of Worship?Visit Antioch Baptist Church!

703-425-0710 • www.antioch-church.org

All Are Welcome!Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.Sunday School for Children & Adults 9:30 a.m.Married Couples Sunday School 11:30 a.m.

6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Fountains,Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery

606060

Lowes

t Pric

es

Since

2008

!

9023 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax, Virginia

2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50. 1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro)

Open 7 days a week703-573-5025

Visit our new Web site: www.cravensnursery.com➠

35% OFFJapanese Maples

Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties

$29.99

Playground Chips& Organic Compost

cu. yd.

BulkMulch

$24.99 cu. yd.

FREE ESTIMATES!Patios, Walkways, Retaining

Walls, Landscapingand so much more!FREE ESTIMATES!

Patios, Walkways, RetainingWalls, Landscapingand so much more!FREE ESTIMATES!

Patios, Walkways, RetainingWalls, Landscapingand so much more!

Annuals On SaleWe Have Citrus!Annuals On SaleWe Have Citrus!

Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-778-9416. The deadline is the Fridayprior to the next paper’s publication.Dated announcements should be submit-ted at least two weeks prior to the event.

FRIDAY/JULY 25“Pippi Longstocking: The Family

Musical.” 7:30 p.m. Lanier MiddleSchool, 3801 Jermantown Road,Fairfax. A family-friendly musicalcomedy for all to enjoy. For ticketinformation, visitwww.fairfaxcitytheatre.org.

SATURDAY/JULY 26-TUESDAY/SEPT. 2Glass Unpolished: Explorations of

Time, Nature and Technology.Workhouse Arts Center W-16 VulcanGallery, 9518 Workhouse Way,Lorton. Three artists from Virginiaand Maryland use glass as a means todig into the conceptual nature ofdiscovery, time, fiction andexperiment. 703-584-2900.

SATURDAYS/JULY 26-AUG. 23Burke Arts in the Parks. 10 - 11 a.m.

Burke Lake Park Amphitheater, 7315Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Entertainchildren, teach them the importanceof protecting our natural resources,introduce them to live entertainmentin an informal kid friendly atmosphere,and forge a connection between kidsand parks. Call 703-323-6601.

SATURDAY/JULY 26- AUG. 9Children’s Theatre: The Ice

Queen. 1 p.m. Workhouse ArtsCenter, 9601 Ox Rd, Lorton. Thisoriginal fairytale follows the IceQueen’s search for the love of herlife. Will the Ice Queen and JackFrost make the perfect pair and livehappily ever after? Admissions: $9-$12. www.workhousearts.org. 703-584-2900.

SATURDAY/JULY 26Mount Vernon Nights: Alexandria

Kleztet (Jazz/Jewish). 7-8 p.m.Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Rd,Lorton. The Alexandria Kleztet hasbeen combining traditional EasternEuropean and Jewish music withdiverse influences for more than adecade. New arrangements oftraditional melodies and originalsongs by members of the band drawupon jazz, classical, world beat, rockand other genres. Picnic baskets,lawn chairs and blankets arewelcome, but outside alcohol is notpermitted. www.workhousearts.org.703-584-2900.

Neighborhood Plant Clinic. 10a.m.-1 p.m. City of Fairfax RegionalLibrary, 10360 North Street, Fairfax.Master Gardeners providehorticultural tips, information,

Grab your hat and join the fun as pirates,circus entertainers, a few cops and rob-bers, and the world’s most popular whip-persnapper come to life this summer inthe City of Fairfax Theatre Company(CFTC) and Truro Anglican Church’s rol-licking and whimsical Pippi Longstocking:The Family Musical, running July 25-26 atLanier Middle School.

Entertainment

techniques andadvice to homegardeners. 703-293-6227.

Children’sTheater: IceQueen. 1 p.m.Workhouse ArtsCenter W-3Theatre, 9518WorkhouseWay, Lorton.Our storyunfolds as thesister of themysterious IceQueen andCharles (a WiseMan) isdetermined tofind her truelove. $9-$12.703-584-2900.

Dog adoptionevent byHomelessAnimalsRescue Team.12-3 p.m.PETCO,GreenbriarTowncenter,13053 LeeJackson Mem.Hwy., Fairfax.Come adopt afurry friend.Hart90.org.

“PippiLongstocking:The FamilyMusical.” 7:30 p.m. Lanier MiddleSchool, 3801 Jermantown Road,Fairfax. A family-friendly musicalcomedy for all to enjoy. For ticketinformation, visitwww.fairfaxcitytheatre.org.

SUNDAY/JULY 27Sunday Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2

p.m., at the parking lot at theintersection of West and Main Streetsbehind Wells Fargo Bank in Fairfax.Every Saturday there is freshproduce, goods and wares at themarket. [email protected] www.FairfaxSundayMarket.com.

TUESDAY/JULY 29 Morning English Conversation

Group. 10:30-11:30 a.m. LortonLibrary, 9520 Richmond Highway,Lorton. Practice your Englishconversation skills. 703-339-7385.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 30Storytime Picnic. 12-12:15 p.m.

Lorton Library, 9520 RichmondHighway, Lorton. Bring a picniclunch and listen to stories and songs;ages 0-5. 703-339-7385.

Workhouse Farmers Market. 3-7p.m. Workhouse Arts Center Quad,9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Stop

by and get your fresh produce andmore! 703-584-2900.

THURSDAY/JULY 31Chairman Sharon Bulova’s

Evenings on the EllipseSummer Concert Series. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fairfax CountyGovernment Center “Ellipse” (greenlawn behind the building), 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.No matter what kind of music youlike, bring your lawn chairs, blankets,families and dates. 703-324-7329.

Preschool Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.City of Fairfax Regional Library,10360 North Street, Fairfax. Buildyour child’s early literacy skillswhile enjoying stories, songs andactivities; ages 3-5 with adult.Register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/fx/ under “Events.”

FRIDAY/AUG. 1-SUNDAY/AUG. 31“Sounds and Shapes” by Hadrian

Mendoza. Building W-8,Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 OxRoad, Lorton. The Workhouse ArtsCenter is proud to present ourFeatured Artists and StudioExhibitions for the month of August.703-584-2900 orwww.workhousearts.org.


Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Wednesday 11 a.m.

703-917-6464

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • SpringfieldEmploymentEmployment

Video Gametruck

franchise for salePrince William, Stafford & F’burg

Profitable, busy. $145k703-946-5088

BUSINESS OPP BUSINESS OPP

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

PUBLIC NOTICECORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION FOR

AN UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) SITEJUNE 23. 2014

There has been a release from an underground storage tank system at:

Fairfax County Department of Vehicle ServicesNewington Maintenance Facility6900 Newington RoadLorton, Virginia, 22079

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has worked with Fairfax County to develop and implement a Corrective Action Plan toaddress cleanup of petroleum hydro-carbons at the site. If you have any questions regarding the cleanup please contact:

Randy Chapman, Environmental Specialist Senior Project Manager Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Northern Regional Office13901 Crown CourtWoodbridge, VA 22193703-583-3808Randy.chapman@deq.virginia.govwww.deq.virginia.gov

As part of the corrective action process a Corrective Action Plan was submitted to the Northern Regional Office of VDEQ on September 6, 2013. The Corrective Action Plan consisted of measures to be undertaken during the installation of storm sewers and other utility structures associated with site renova-tion activities at the Newington bus maintenancefacility in Lorton, Virginia. The Corrective Action Plan wasessentially composed of the following measures:

1. Petroleum-impacted soil encountered during site development activities was excavated, removed from the site, and properly disposed of;2. Utility trenches located within petroleum impacted soils were lined with a polyethylene barrier to prevent petroleum migration into the utility trench or bedding gravel;3. Confirmatory soil samples were collected at the base of the utility trench excavations and submitted to the VDEQ for review.

The Corrective Action Plan implementation was carried out between September 7, 2013 and December 7, 2013. If you would like to review or discuss the implementation of this Corrective Action Plan with the staff of VDEQ, please feel free to contact Randy Chapman who is listed above.You may also contact:

Kenneth Lim, Project Manager or Christopher ElliotDepartment of Public Works and ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC,Environmental Services Consultant for Fairfax County

12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 449 703-471-8400Fairfax, Virginia 22035-0052

[email protected](703)-324-5826 www.ecslimited.com

[email protected]

VDEQ Northern Regional Office will consider written comments for a period of thirty days from the first date of this notice re-garding the Corrective Action Plan implementation and may decide to hold a public meeting if there is a significant public in-terest. Written comments should be sent to the VDEQ at the address listed above. VDEQ requests that all written com-ments should reference the tracking number for this case; PC # 2014 3041

HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup

(571) [email protected]

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

101 Computers 101 Computers

21 AnnouncementsABC LICENSE

A Kader Enterprises, Inc trad-ing as Deli Mall Cafe & Kabab, 6553 Loisdale Ct, Springfield, VA 22150. The above estab-

lishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Beer off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic bever-ages. Abdul Kader, PresidentNOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be

submitted to ABC no later that 30 days from the publishing

date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

objections should be regis-tered at www.abc.virginia.gov

or 800-552-3200.

26 AntiquesWe pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

Danish/modernteak furniture, STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • SpringfieldClassifiedClassified

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • SpringfieldClassifiedClassified

I Never think of the future.

It comes soonenough.

-Albert Einstein

One man with courage

makes amajority.

-Andrew Jackson

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/

Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet

The Mount Vernon GazetteZone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/Oakton ConnectionThe McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

From Page 6

line. During her shelter stay, Martha discov-ered Training Futures, the nationally-rec-ognized, workforce development solutionof Northern Virginia Family Service.

Training Futures is a free program foradults who are determined to gain the skillsto excel in professional, administrativeroles. The 6-month curriculum not onlyteaches college-level administrative skillssuch as the Microsoft Office Suite, customerservice, records management, medical ter-minology, business English and businessmath, but also through a partnership withNorthern Virginia Community College, of-fers eligible trainees the opportunity to earnup to 21 college credits and a Career Stud-ies Certificate in Business Information Tech-nology.

Trainees come to Training Futures Mon-day – Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and often ar-rive early and stay late to master coursework. They are outfitted in the TrainingFutures Clothing Closet and expected towear business professional clothes everyday. Each trainee reports to a “supervisor,”or staff member, who coaches them aroundattitude and business habits, encouragesthem and above all else, holds them to high“corporate” expectations. When trainees arrivefor their first day at their new professional, ad-ministrative job, they not only have the skills toadd value, but also look and act the part of anexcellent employee. Martha knew she hadfound the pathway to the life she imaginedfor herself and her daughter. Within fiveweeks of graduating from this exciting pro-gram, Martha landed her position as a medi-cal receptionist, making $14 an hour.

While at the shelter, Martha was also re-

ferred to the Bridging Affordability Pro-gram. Bridging Affordability is administeredby Northern Virginia Family Service in part-nership with Fairfax County Department ofHousing & Community Development. Theprogram combines rental subsidies and casemanagement supportive services with theintent of moving families forward towardself-sufficiency. Bridging Affordability hasgiven Martha the time and financial breath-ing room to attend Training Futures andwork towards a living wage. As Marthanears the end of her time in BridgingAffordability she is paying down debt whichwill allow her to purchase a car and furtherbroaden her housing options. She has in-creased her income 57 percent since start-ing the program, thanks to the training andsubsequent employment she found follow-ing Training Futures, but still needs to con-sider affordable housing options, which arerare in this area.

The comprehensive nature of NVFS pro-grams, including Workforce Developmentand Housing Services, provide clients witha unique opportunity to achieve severalsubstantial goals at one time. NVFS hasmade the investment to ensure that whenclients who seek our services for one issuemay access the full range of our programsto increase the odds of achieving self-suffi-ciency. In the community, NVFS has beenworking with partners in both the nonprofitand government sectors who recognize thecross section between these two service ar-eas. Families will not be able to maintainstable housing without living wages, andour efforts to solve the housing program inNorthern Virginia are contingent upon ho-listic solutions that address both of theseissues, together.

Creating Opportunities

Opinion

To the Editor:An open letter to the community

Dear Partner in Service:For 27 years, Western Fairfax Christian

Ministries has provided life-essential sup-port to individuals and families in our com-munity with the assistance of hundreds ofvolunteers, churches, donors, and partnerorganizations. In 1998, WFCM started sell-ing clothing to the local community as away to generate revenue to support the vi-tal ministries we offer – this was the nexusof what has grown into our current thriftstore.

Over the years, the community has beengenerous with their donations of time,clothing, and household goods to keep thethrift store running. We are immenselygrateful for this support. Not only has thethrift store provided low-cost, quality goodsfor our customers, it has also allowed us tomeet the clothing and household needs ofour clients seeking assistance.

For the past couple of years, however, thethrift store has not generated enough rev-enue to cover the costs of its operation. Achange in location presented challenges tothe ministry. After months of prayerful con-sideration, the Board of Directors has de-termined that operating the thrift store is

WFCM Still Operating, Closing Thrift Storeno longer the right choice financially forWFCM. The thrift store will close Aug. 15.

This is a season of change for WFCM. Thethrift store has been an important part ofour ministry and we are grateful for yourpartnership. We know that needs still existin our community for assistance with cloth-ing and household goods. We know that aneed also exists for our donors who desireto help others by contributing their useditems. And, we will continue to work tomeet those needs.

WFCM is developing partnerships withchurches and organizations in our commu-nity with clothing closets who will be ableto serve our clients and receive in-kind do-nations. We will distribute details on thisnew process when they are finalized.

We have enclosed a document to helpaddress questions you may have, but pleasecontact us if you have other questions orconcerns.

Although the doors of the thrift store willbe closing, WFCM is expectant to see whatGod has in store for us in the future as weseek to be an extension of God’s love in thiscommunity.

Jeff RobertsonPresident, for the WFCM

Board of Directors


GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned

Small Repairs • Gutter Guards

PINNACLE SERVICESlic/ins 703-802-0483 free est.email [email protected]: lawnsandgutters.comFriendly Service with a Friendly Price!

RCL HOME REPAIRSHandyman Services

Springfld • Burke • KingstowneLight Electrical • Plumbing •

Bathroom Renovation • Ceramic Tile • Drywall Repair

703-922-4190LIC. www.rclhomerepairs.com INS.

SPRINGFIELD HANDYMAN

��Small Home Repairs

��Good Rates

��Experienced

703-971-2164

LicensedInsured

We Accept VISA/MC

703-441-8811

You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.

The HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION

BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE

A&S Landscaping

703-863-7465LICENSED

Serving All of N. Virginia

• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: [email protected]

www.rncontractors.com

R&N Carpentry

✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing

✦Exterior Wood Rot More!Deck & Fence repair, Screen Porches

No jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured

703-987-5096

MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES

PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE

Friendly Service for a Friendly Price

703-802-0483703-802-0483

Custom Masonry703-768-3900

www.custommasonry.infoPatios, Walkways, Stoops, Steps, DrivewaysRepairs & New Installs•All Work Guranteed

BRICK AND STONE

Quality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insured

25 years of experience – Free estimates 703-868-5358

Spring Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,

shrubbery trimming, mulching, leafremoval, planting, hauling, gutter cleaning,

retaining walls, drainage problems, etc.

24 Hour Emergency Tree Service

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN



HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE

LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTSMASONRY MASONRY

GUTTER GUTTER


Light tomorrow with today!.-Elizabeth Barret Browing

HAULING

AL’S HAULINGJunk & Rubbish

Concrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debris

Low Rates NOVA703-360-4364

703-304-4798 cell

7 DAYS A WEEK

ANGEL’S HAULING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction

Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

RICK’SHAULING POWERWASHING PAINTINGYard Debris Decks Interior-ExteriorFurniture Sidewalks Deck Staining

Appliances Houses Gutter CleaningConcrete etc Mobile Homes etc Gutter Guards

FREE ESTIMATES703-360-5252

RicksHauling1@ aol.com

LANDSCAPING

703-863-7465

A&SLANDSCAPING

Planting • Mulching • SoddingPatios • Decks • Driveway Sealing,

Asphalt • Retaining WallsErosion Control • Drainage Solutions

JUNK HAULINGJunk, Rubbish,Homes, Offices,

Commerical,Yard/ConstructionDebris, Lot Clearout, 24 hrs day,

General Hom Work.

703-520-4338 N-VA

PAVING

Joseph Sealcoating

FreeEstimates!

703-494-5443

35 YearsExperience!

PAVINGSpecialist

TREE SERVICE

ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL

Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com

Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping

Gutters & Hauling

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

An expert is someone who knowssome of the

worst mistakesthat can bemade in his

subject and howto avoid them.

-WernerHeisenberg

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • Springfield

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

Reaching Suburban Washington’s Leading Households• Alexandria Gazette Packet• Arlington Connection• Burke Connection• Centre View• Chantilly Connection• Fairfax Connection• Fairfax Station/Clifton/LortonConnection

• Great Falls Connection• McLean Connection• Mount Vernon Gazette• Oak Hill/Herndon Connection• Potomac Almanac• Reston Connection• Springfield Connection• Vienna/Oakton Connection

Newspapers & Online703-778-9431


© LOCAL MEDIA CONNECTION, LLC

SPECIAL PULLOUT TAB

Community &Newcomers Guide

August 27, 2014

Award-WinningSpecial Section

The annual Newcomers and Community Guidesfor each of our 15 communities with inside factson what makes each community special, theirsecret places, the real power players, how to getinvolved and more.

Including the history, schools, parks, libraries,local people, elected officials, county/city offices,how decisions are made, a calendar of events andother vital community information.

Due to the popularity and long shelf life of thisissue, an overrun of the publication is made tomeet demand. Extra copies are delivered to selectChambers of Commerce, Realtors, Citizens’Associations and local government.

Great Marketing for:• Hospitals, Healthcare, Wellbeing• New Homes, Realtor Remodels• Schools, Camps, Services

for Students• Malls, Shopping Centers• Professional Services• And Much More

Space Reservations Due: Thursday, August 21E-mail [email protected]

for more information.


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, atthe corner of Fairfax CountyParkway and Burke Lake Roads,holds a bible study fellowshipat 9 a.m. Sundays followed bya 10 a .m. worship serv ice .Nursery care and children’schurch also provided. 6401Missionary Lane, Fairfax Sta-t ion , 703-323-8100 orwww.fbtministries.org.

Faith Notes

The Guhyasamaja BuddhistCenter, 10875 Main St., FairfaxCity provides free classes toboth newcomers and advancedpractitioners of Tibetan Bud-dhism. The center emphasizesworking with the mind andlearning how to understand theworkings of the mind, overcom-ing innner causes of suffering,while cultivating causes of hap-piness. Under the direction ofLama Zopa Rinpoche, the cen-ter is a place of study, contem-plation and meditation. Visithttp://www.guhyasamaja.orgfor more information.

Lord of Life Lutheran offersservices at two locations, inFairfax at 5114 Twinbrook Roadand in Clifton at 13421 TwinLakes Drive. Services in Fairfaxare held on Saturdays at 5:30p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 and 10a.m. Services in Clifton are heldon Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30a.m. 703-323-9500 orwww.Lordoflifeva.org.

Clifton PresbyterianChurch, 12748 Richards Lane,Clifton, offers Sunday worship ser-vices at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.Nursery care is provided. Christian

education for all ages is at 9:45a.m. 703-830-3175.

First Baptist Church ofSpringfield offers Sunday schoolat 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:30a.m. worship service at 7300 GarySt., Springfield. 703-451-1500 orwww.fbcspringfield.org.

St. Andrew the ApostleCatholic Church, 6720 UnionMill Road, Clifton, conducts Sun-day masses at 7:30 a.m., 8:45a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.It also offers a Saturday vigil at5:30 p.m. and a Thursday Latin

mass at 7 p.m. 703-817-1770 orwww.st-andrew.org.

Prince of Peace LutheranChurch, 8304 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield, offers casualworship services on Saturdayevenings at 5:30 p.m. featuringcontemporary music. More tra-ditional services take place onSunday mornings at 8:15 and11 a.m. Sunday School is from9:45-10:45 a.m. for childrenand adults. The church also of-fers d i scuss ion groups foradul t s . 703-451-5855 orwww.poplc.org.

Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ Pet Connection, Summer 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Pet Connection

Bred, donated and/or rescued forassistance dog training bypaws4people.org, these “baby pictures” will be shared with the chil-

dren and veterans matched with each dog.But until then, the puppies will receive

comprehensive training. Training begins atthe Training Center in Wilmington, Del. Thespecific training is proprietary, but includeslearning how to navigate different surfacesand challenges and how to handle stress.At around six weeks, they curl up in a trans-port van and make the drive to the PuppyDevelopment Center, currently in Georgia.There, they continue with socializationtraining as they work students who are au-tistic at the Lionheart school, with bothpuppies and students getting more comfort-able with new situations and people.

At 16 weeks, they pile back into the vanand are met by inmate trainers at LakinCorrectional, in West Virginia. It is here thatthe core of “command set” training happens.

Puppies Destined for Important WorkEach dog will learn 110 commands beforebeing matched with a “client.”

After 12 - 15 months of socialization andcommand training, they will each bematched with either a child or a veteran.From that point, the puppies will be trainedspecifically to meet their new “handler’s”needs.

During that specialized training, the dogsremain in prison. These pictures will helpthe newly matched children and adults getthrough that initial separation.

Read more about paws4people assistancedogs at joanbradyphoto.wordpress.com

— Joan Brady

Joan Brady is a professional photogra-pher; mentor and advocate for current and

former foster children; volunteer withpaws4People, Fairfax Families4Kids, and

others; and a resident of Great Falls. Reachher at [email protected]

Photos by Joan Brady/joanbradyphotography.com

Joan Brady photographs an assistant dog at work with a college studentin West Virginia.

Top and bottom: Baby photos of future assistance dogs

2 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ Pet Connection, Summer 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

DR. BARRY ROSENBLUTH • DR. JIM MACLEANDR. DIANE NICHOLS • DR. KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

We have warm hearts for cold noses!

Pet Connection

By Thomas Friestad

The Connection

Since his puppy days, Golden RetrieverSamson has been an eager participant in aprogram custom-made to display the mostadmirable qualities of man’s best friend. He

and volunteer Tricia Lowney of Fairfax Station, hisowner, have participated in the popular “Read to theDog” program at four local libraries since 2012.

Lowney and her husband introduced the programlocally in 2007 with their previous dog, starting atPohick Regional Library, after hearing about a com-parable program at a library in Stafford.

“My husband and I have a niece and nephew inStafford who both had some learning issues, and theyhad gone to a library with a dog there, so when theytold us about it, we thought we would see if it couldbe a possibility here,” Lowney said. “However, thatprogram was different from ours; whereas theybrought a dog in and gathered the children aroundit, we bring in four or five dogs, and children comein and sit with individual dogs for 15 minutes andread to them.”

Lowney said the “Read to the Dog” program is partof voluntary organization “People Animals Love,”which allows dogs and their owners the opportunityto visit different locations, such as the Armed ForcesRetirement Home, and provide inhabitants with alittle extra canine companionship. She said dogs arealso certified for “Read to the Dog” through “PAL,”going on visits to ensure they can follow basic com-mands and get along with people.

“The best thing about these visits is seeing the se-niors emotionally react,” Lowney said. “You’re goinginto an environment where someone is completelyinward, then you pick up their hand and put it on adog, and their eyes light up. There’s a smile in theireyes.”

Lowney said children’s reactions to “Read to theDog” events are near universally positive, and be-cause of the progress many of them show betweenmultiple events, she does not see herself stoppingparticipation in them in the foreseeable future.

“You can see physical and emotional changes inthe children who participate; you’ll have a child comein and they’re whispering with no volume, and whenthis happens, I’ll take Sammy’s ear, lift it up and say‘Oh, he can’t hear you,’” Lowney said. “After a while,their volume comes up, their confidence comes up,their reading potential and skills increase, they’ll evenbring in more advanced books to read. The mostimportant thing is that there’s no judgment; if theyget the words wrong, Samson doesn’t care, and it’sjust wonderful.”

Samson serves as one-dogaudience to young readersat local libraries.

Reading Retriever

Photo by Tricia Lowney

Caleb Campbell, 6, and his mother Olivia pet Samsonwhile the former reads to him at a ‘Read to the Dog’event June 7 at Pohick Regional Library.


Pet Connection

Frodo and Sam have become bestfriends – sort of. My husband andI adopted Frodo from Home AloneCat Rescue several years ago. He

is part Maine Coon and part American Bob-tail, with a funny short tail. He may havebeen mistreated by a previous owner be-cause he is afraid of everything, especiallyceiling fans. He quickly became comfortablein our home as an “only cat.”

We adopted “Sam” in September of 2012.She was an adorable tabby kitten, part of aferal litter living outside of a restaurant inWashington D.C. Lee District School BoardMember Tammy Kaufax and her two highschool aged kids, Halle and Matthew, werefostering the litter as part of a school project.

Tammy showed me a photo of the kittensin August of 2012 during the SpringfieldBridge Walk and I fell in love with the small-est kitten with tiger markings. As soon asSam had gained enough weight to beadopted we brought her home as a com-panion for Frodo.

It took a few weeks for the two cats to getused to each other, but now they play to-gether and chase each other around all thetime. They are so cute together, especiallywhen Sam hides behind the bedroom doorand ambushes Frodo when he walks intothe room. Animals add so much to your life!

— Sharon Bulova, Chairman,

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Becoming Best Friends

Photo contributed

Sharon Bulova with her cats: “Animals add so much to your life!”

By Janelle Germanos

The Connection

Even for those pet lovers whopay close attention to thehealth and well-being of theirpets, it’s not uncommon for

owners to be unaware of when their petis reaching the point of becoming a se-nior.

Because the lifespan of pets can vary,it’s important to do extensive research,and to take pets to the vet at least once ayear.

Generally, smaller dogs are consideredseniors when they reach ages seven oreight, and larger dogs are consideredseniors around age five or six, said Ja-son Overman, veterinarian and medicaldirector at Springfield Animal Hospital.

“For dogs, it can vary depending on thebreed,” he said.

Common health problems for olderdogs include arthritis, dental disease,kidney problems, cancer, heart problemsand more.

“It’s important to look out for a changein appetite and water consumption, andgenerally any behavior they may be do-ing that they typically haven’t before,”Overman said.

Dental diseases are common amongdogs, so it’s important for owners to startusing dental products on their dogs assoon as possible.

“Most people don’t really think aboutwhat’s going on in their dog’s mouth.They really don’t ever look at it until weshow them here at the vet. They’re usu-ally very surprised,” Overman said.

Cats are generally considered seniorsaround age 7. Common problems inolder cats include hyperthyroidism, kid-ney disease and arthritis.

According to Overman, there are sev-

eral things pet owners can do to helpassure that their older pets are comfort-able.

“For dogs, it’s important to put downrugs on any hardwood floor areas, andon stairs, putting down runners is help-ful,” Overman said.

For cats, comfortable and heated bedscan be helpful. Both dogs and cats ap-preciate a high-quality bed, Overmansaid. Overman also advises pet ownersto avoid giving their pets any over thecounter medications without first con-sulting a vet, and to avoid any humanmedications. “Cats can be very sensitiveto these and it can lead to other prob-lems,” Overman said.

Pet insurance is also crucial for pets,as it can be more difficult to get insur-ance when pets become older. Fish oilsupplements are also helpful for pets asthey get older.

Nutrition can help dogs and cats livehealthier lives, said Nikki Logan, man-ager at natural pet food store Felix &Oscar in Springfield. “A lot of senior petsare overweight. Foods that are higher infiber and have less artificial ingredientscan help keep a pet’s weight to a mini-mum,” Logan said.

Matt O’Leary, a longtime pet owner andemployee at Felix & Oscar, stresses thatwhen it comes to caring for an older pet,knowledge is power.

“The more you know about the food,the better off your pet will be. A lot of ithas to do with genetics, but making surethe pet is eating well is a great way toprolong a happy and healthy life,” hesaid.

Overman advises pet owners to visitwebsites like the American Animal Hos-pital Association at www.aahanet.org toread more about caring for pets at ev-ery age.

Caring for Aging Pets

Photo by Janelle Germanos/The Connection

Springfield Animal Hospital Medical Director Jason Overman, whohas been working at the hospital since 2010, advises pet owners onhow to care for an aging pet.

Jason Overman of Springfield AnimalHospital shares some best practices.

“For dogs, it’s important to put down rugs on anyhardwood floor areas, and on stairs, putting downrunners is helpful.”

— Jason Overman, Springfield Animal Hospital

4 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ Pet Connection, Summer 2014 Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ Pet Connection, Summer 2014 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

CARDIOLOGY

DERMATOLOGY

EMERGENCY/CRITICAL CARE

INTERNAL MEDICINE

NEUROLOGY

ONCOLOGY

RADIATIONONCOLOGY

RADIOLOGY

REHABILITATIVETHERAPY

SURGERY

RADIOCATCenters for TheTreatment of FelineHyperthyroidism

Treats for your best friend!

Oscar, reading labels is encour-aged. Customers will find productswithout artificial ingredients thatare found in a lot of other pet food.

“It’s important to be aware ofwhat’s going into your pet’s body,”Logan said.

As recent trends have encour-aged people to consider what’sgoing into their food, O’Leary saidit’s common sense for pet ownersto consider the same for their dogor cat.

“If you wouldn’t eat it, why

Pet Connection

is produced by

Connection Newspapers


Local Media Connection LLC

For more information,

call 703-778-9431 or email

[email protected]

Fairfax Station,Lorton & Clifton

Pet Connection

Charles the roostercrows perched on afence. Charles is oneof many pet chickenskept by Cary Nalls. “Alot of people come inand tell us that ittakes them back totheir roots, and theygrew up with chickensand the sound ofroosters makes themfeel like they’re backin the country,” saidAnn Zimmerman, salesmanager at NallsProduce.

Charles the Rooster of Franconia

Photo by

Abigail Constantino

About eight years ago, avery special dog cameinto our lives – and the

lives of many others. We signedup with Guiding Eyes for theBlind to be Puppy Raisers. Ourtask was to spend a year with apuppy, providing socialization,some basic training, and prepar-ing the dog to go on to advancedtraining before joining a blindperson to be a life team. It’s dif-ficult to think about having adog in your life for a year andthen giving her up, but this wasimportant work that couldchange someone’s life, and theprogram was really well done,so off we went. Elizabeth, abeautiful black Labrador re-triever, was soon a part of ourhousehold. Blind people came totalk to our class on several oc-casions, emphasizing what apowerful service this was forthem.

About three-fourths of theway through our scheduled timetogether, Elizabeth had a thirdrecurrence of an ear infection,which was a minor problem, butit took her out of the program,as guide dogs cannot have anylingering medical issues. Wewere offered the opportunity tokeep Elizabeth as a pet. We ac-cepted with delight and Lizzie,as she had become known to us,became a permanent part of ourfamily. Today, she pretty wellrules the roost around here.

Our time with Lizzie beganwith the idea of service and sowe looked for other ways shecould serve. She is pretty largeas Labs go and was a bit toorambunctious as a youngster tobe a hospital visitation dog. For-tunately, someone told us aboutthe dog blood donation program

– we found Lizzie’s service oppor-tunity.

Like most people, we had neverheard of dog blood donation, butwe learned that there is more thanone type of dog blood and a bloodsupply is needed for surgeries, justas for people. In some places, dogsare raised just to be blood donors,a grim sounding life, and so theBlue Ridge Veterinary Blood Bank,a wonderful organization that runsits programs on the strength ofvolunteers and donations, began avoluntary blood donation program.We signed up with Lizzie.

For about seven years, Lizzie andher good friend Yola (a yellow labwho also had a career change from

the guide dog route) would go tothe Old Towne Pet Resort in Spring-field about every six weeks to do-nate. They loved it! Upon arrival,they were warmly greeted by Dr.Valery Latchsorce and VeterinarySpecialist Chris Old, who playedwith them a bit, then settled in withChris who would hold them (liter-ally spoon with them on a table),while the veterinarian constantlyfed them peanut butter as a quickand painless blood draw was com-pleted. If you know Labs, you knowthe combination of constant atten-tion and food was irresistible. Bothdogs went into happy fits wheneverwe pulled into that parking area.

Lizzie and Yola both celebrated

their eighth birthdays in June,which means they have retiredfrom the donor program. Duringtheir time of service, Lizzie andYola each helped over 50 dogsby providing blood for surgeries.It was a great run and we are allglad to have participated.

If you would like to knowmore about these fine organiza-tions and investigate some ofthe many ways you might beable to contribute, check outThe Blue Ridge Veterinary BloodBank at www.brvbb.com andGuiding Eyes for the Blind atwww.guidingeyes.org.

— William R. Clontz

Lizzie and Yola, the Life Saving Labs

Photo contributed

Partners in Service, from left, Lizzie and Yola each helped over 50 dogs by providingblood for surgeries.

By Janelle Germanos

The Connection.

Nikki Logan and MattO’Leary, employeesof Felix & Oscar, anatural pet food

store in Springfield, admit thattheir pets probably eat better thanthey do sometimes.

“With all of the processed andartificial stuff that’s in fast food, Iwould definitely say yes,” Logansaid.

But with the wide selection ofnon-processed and natural petfood and treats at Felix & Oscar,who could blame them?

With good nutrition and care,pets can live happier, healthierlives, said Logan, a manager atFelix & Oscar, who has been work-ing at the store for almost sevenyears.

“People often ask us, why can’t Ijust buy food for my pets at thegrocery store? Our main goal hereis to educate,” she said.

Pet food at the grocery store cancontain by-products and fillers, andsome pet owners don’t recognizethe importance of reading the la-bel of products they buy. At Felix &

would you feed it to your pet,” hesaid.

Felix & Oscar provides food thatis close to what dogs and catswould eat in the wild. The storeincludes a selection of raw meatand bones, natural food and treats,and more.

Logan advises pet owners toavoid any products with soy meal,artificial flavors, meat by-products,and corn and wheat-gluten, amongothers.

Eating natural, nutritious foodcan provide multiple benefits forpets, employees of Felix & Oscarexplain.

“For some dogs, say one who hascancer, we can help the owner shopfor certain lower glycemic foods,which is healthier for the dog,”Logan said.

Felix & Oscar has a wide selec-tion of healthy dog and cat food,including Nature’s Balance, Orijenand K9 Naturals. There’s even abakery section that features delec-table treats for pets.

“Knowledge is power. The moreyou know about your pet’s food,the better of your pet will be,”O’Leary said.

Diana and Steve Greiner, own-ers of Felix & Oscar, started theirbusiness to provide natural, whole-some food for pets. Felix and Os-car are the names of a cat and dogthey adopted from the FairfaxCounty Humane Society.

“Pets are just so happy when theycome in here, and their owners aretoo,” O’Leary said.

Felix & Oscarprovides naturaland wholesomepet food.

Springfield Pet Store SharesImportance of Good Nutrition

Photos by Janelle Germanos/The Connection

Matt O’Leary, a pet owner and employee at Felix & Oscarin Springfield, recognizes the importance of feeding petshealthy food.

Gaby Batres, an employee at the natural pet food storeFelix & Oscar in Springfield, explains the health benefitsof raw food for pets.

Felix & Oscar employee Matt O’Leary points to the widevariety of natural raw food for pets at the store’s locationin Springfield.


Pet Connection

By Ashley Dietz

The Connection

On May 13, The CommunityFoundation for NorthernVirginia’s Margery Barkdull

Memorial Fund for Animal Welfareannounced four winners for the 2014grant process from a group of 12 ap-plicants. The winners are Friends ofHomeless Animals, receiving $2,000;Prince William Humane Society, re-ceiving $3,000; The Wildlife RescueLeague, receiving $3,000; and TheWolf Trap Foundation, receiving$2,000. Each of these organizationsare dedicated to the welfare of ani-mals.

The Wolf Trap Foundation will usethe grant to develop and expand it’sapiary program, started by ChrisFaessen, the executive chef at Wolf

Trap. The money will buysupplies needed to keep thebees healthy, as well as anobservation hive for peopleto visit.

“We will display bees anduse it as an education op-portunity,” said MichellePendoley, director of publicrelations.

Friends of Homeless Ani-mals is planning to use thisgrant money to prov ideemergency medical relief toanimals that do not have ahome. Prince William Hu-mane Society’s grant willsupport the Seniors 4 Se-niors dog adopt ion pro-gram, which matches olderpets wi th sen iorcitizens.The Wildlife RescueLeague will provide reha-bi l i tat ion suppl ies to l i -censed wildlife rehabilita-t ion facil it ies which willhelp care for wild animals.

For 501 (c)(3) organiza-tions, such as animal shel-

Grants to Support Animal Welfare

Chris Faessen checking the honeycomb of oneof the hives at Wolf Trap’s apiary.

2014 BarkdullMemorial Fundwinners announced.

ters, animal rescue programs, con-versation organizations and others,looking to apply for this grant in thefuture, visit www.cfnova.org/for-grant-seekers/barkdull-animal-wel-fare-fund. The application for 2015will open next March and be due byApril 1. Winners will be suggestedby a committee of volunteer area ex-perts, people who serve and workwith animals and community do-nors.

The committee will decide whothey think the winners should bebased on “what type of impact thisgrant will have on their program,”said Tara Nadel, Director of Commu-nications and Events for the Commu-nity Foundation. Those suggestionswill go to the board of directors, whowill either approve or deny those rec-ommended.

The board will then look at howmuch the organization is requestingand how much they are willing tofund to determine the final winners.The winners will be announced inJune and will receive between $2,000and $5,000 to help protect animals.

Pho

to

C

ourtesy o

f C

om

mun

ity Fo

un

datio

n fo

r N

orth

ern

Virgin

ia

The relationship between dog and girl isstrong, the bond never to break. I, per-sonally, grew up — and am still growingup with — wonderful dogs. First, there

was Leroy. I was born into the middle of his reign onthe Randolph household kingdom, and he helped toraise me, the princess of his kingdom. I don’t remem-ber much of his life, because

he only lived to age 8, and he only spent six yearswith me. Leroy was an amazing part of the family.He was helpful, strong, and loving.

Once, I tried to ride him like a horse, and you re-ally can’t blame me — here I was, only about 3 yearsold, with a German shepherd Hound mix whose headstill came above mine. Luckily, he tolerated me untilmy mom rescued him. I bet he couldn’t thank herenough!

Next came Lacy, who was welcomed to the familywhen Leroy was about five and I was three. As apup, this yorkie-bichon mix was a tiny little thing.When she was two, I would crawl around pretend-ing Leroy was the daddy, I was the mommy, and Lacywas our little pup. Now at 7 years old, she still actslike a little puppy dog, and I honestly still rememberthe day we got her — all the pups in the breeder’spen, and

driving home with her snuggled in my lap thewhole way home.

Now, LuLu is my most recent addition to the house-

hold. We got her when I was eight, almost nine, andnow she’s two, and I’m ten, almost eleven.

We got her on my parent’s anniversary. My momclaims that LuLu is her dog, but I think she might bemine. However, I guess we share her. She and I traintogether at Krazy for K9s 4H club at Frying Pan FarmPark.

We do competitions and work together to solveproblems. She and I run around in our backyard,play, watch TV, celebrate, eat, bake, and so muchmore together. I’ve even developed a cupcake tradi-tion on her birthday. Sadly, little Lacy has to wait tocelebrate her birthday — she

gets her party the same day as LuLu’s.LuLu and I share a special bond. Not any more

specialthan the bond I have or have had with any other

of my dogs, but a bond all the same. I hope to ac-complish a lot in the training field with her, becausedogs deserve to go farther than just the end of yourfence. But, I’m still working on her show name.Should it be Super Spot? Fluffy Spirit? I don’t know.But we won’t settle for just that — we want titles

at the end of our show name! We want our namesin the headlines! And we want everybody to point atus and say, “Hey, look, there goes that bonded dog-girl pair!”

— Rebecca Randolph

Becky and LuLu:A Special Bond

Photo contributed

Rebecca Randolph, of Fairfax, with her dog, LuLu, at the2013 4H fair costume contest.


Saving ChewieMichael, of Burke, and his 1-

year-old Chow-Golden Retrievermix Chewie, are enjoying them-selves at Burke Lake Park splash-ing about and having fun.

Michael first got Chewie lastApril on a trip to Savannah, Ga.Only a month old, Chewie wasrescued by Michael at a back al-leyway and was eventually ac-cepted into Michael’s home.

“He’s a lot of work but he’s alot of good”, Michael said. “He’sa really good dog and does noth-ing but improve my life.”

He talks about Chewie as“young at heart and an avid squir-rel hunter.”

He added that Chewie was “agreat swimmer, can jump reallyhigh and is highly trained.” Theywere last seen playing fetch at theedge of the lake with Chewie run-ning in excitement.

— Dillon Roach Photo by Dillon Roach/The Connection

Michael and Chewie enjoying Burke LakePark.

Pet Connection

Chasing BotchieAnna Tzanova and her 5-year-old

Siberian Huskie, Botchie, are closecompanions no matter what challengesthey face.

After Anna’s sister got her Botchie froma dog breeder here in Virginia, she had toface quite a trouble: She had to take

Photo by Dillon Roach/The Connection

Anna Tzanova, left, of Burke, and Botchie, her Siberian Huskie, meetfriends in the area park.

Botchie to the hospital last year after theHuskie got attacked by a beaver. “Had toget stitches on his legs and chest,” Annasaid.

“He keeps me very active,” Anna saidduring their recent walk in the park.

— Dillon Roach

Finding BusterRyan and his 4-year-old Labrador

Doberman mix, Buster, are enjoyingthemselves at Burke Lake Park. They arethe best of friends from the start, knowingit is their destiny to be pals.

Once they first met at the animalshelter, Ryan knew Buster was the dog for


Ryan and Buster, a 4-year-old Labrador/Doberman Mix at Burke LakePark.

him. He thought Buster was the nicest outof all the dogs in the shelter and was thepet for him.

Buster enjoys playing, watching TV, andplaying in the backyard.

“He is a great dog,” Ryan said.

— Dillon Roach

Oreo – ‘A Genius’Michael, and his 4-year-old Mutt Oreo,

are enjoying themselves at Burke LakePark. Ever since he got Oreo at a rescueshelter, they became the best of friends.

“Not only is Oreo a good boy”, Michaelsaid, “He is also a genius.” He said thatOreo passes every canine IQ test and is

Michael and Oreo atBurke Lake Park.

practically considered a member of“Doggy Mensa.”

But even the smartest of dogs havetheir off days. Michael said that Oreoonce ate a ball that somehow got in hisstomach and had to get him to thehospital.

— Dillon Roach



ALEXANDRIATOYOTA

POTOMACRIVER

ALEXANDRIATOYOTA

3750 Jefferson Davis Hwy.Alexandria, VA 22305

703-684-0710www.alexandriatoyota.com

Service Department Hours:Monday – Friday, 7:00am to 7:00pm

Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

ServiceCentersKeep Your Toyota

a Toyota

27 YEARS OFRECEIVING THIS

HONORLet’s Go Places

TOYOTALIFETIME GUARANTEE

Mufflers•Exhaust Pipes•Shocks•StrutsToyota mufflers, exhaust pipes, shocks, strutsand strut cartridges are guaranteed to theoriginal purchaser for the life of the vehiclewhen installed by an authorized Toyota dealer.See us for full details.

You Have Saturdays OffThat’s Exactly Why We Don’t!

pet connection reading retriever - ellington cms

Documents