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Springfield Connection ❖ April 20-26, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Springfield

The Kidsare OK!

Entertainment, Page 10

Caring By CallingNews, Page 3

Arrest Made inHate-Motivated

IncidentsNews, Page 3

From left, sophomore Brooks Toddand seniors Anna Bonavita andLourdes Turnblom inWest SpringfieldSpartan Theatre’s “Oklahoma!”

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2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ April 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

People

“Simplicity,” a photo-graph by Bob Friedmanof Springfield, was se-lected as Best in Showby The Art League Gal-lery, Alexandria, for itsApril 2017, juriedgroup exhibit. Fried-man is a long-timemember of the DunnLoring-based NorthernVirginia PhotographicSociety (NVPS). He hasreceived numerousawards including Pho-tographer of the Yearfrom NVPS. Friedman’sphotographic works arealso part of the RalphRinzler Folklife Ar-chives and Collectionsat the Smithsonian In-stitution, Washington,D.C. The Art Leagueexhibition runs throughMay 7, 2017. The ArtLeague exhibition is atThe Torpedo Factory Art Center105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Theexhibition runs through May 7.

Egg Hunt Fun in FairfaxClaire Berret, 4, of Springfield, shows off her newlyfound eggs at the Egg Hunt at Van Dyck Park inFairfax on Saturday, April 15, 2017.

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Springfield PhotographerReceives ‘Best in Show’ Honor

Free admission. Call 703-683-2323 or visitwww.theartleague.org/.

Photo courtesy of the artist

Bob Friedman


News

Dylan Mahone, 20, of Annandalewas arrested in connection withthree hate-motivated incidents,Fairfax County Police said, in-

cluding a pair overnight on April 11 at theJewish Community Center of Northern Vir-ginia and the Little River United Church ofChrist.

Mahone was identified through a jointinvestigation with the Northern VirginiaCommunity College Police into anti-Semiticflyers that had been posted around one ofthe campuses.

Video obtained by detectives of at leastone of the incidents, police said, led to apositive identification of the suspect. He wascharged with two counts each of felonydestruction of property, placing a swastikaon religious property with the intent to in-timidate and wearing a mask in public toconceal one’s identity.

For the NVCC alleged offenses, Mahonewas charged twice more: one count offelony destruction of property and onecount of wearing a mask in public to con-

ence to announce the arrest, police chiefEdwin Roessler said, “this horrific event isjust something we will not tolerate in FairfaxCounty, or in this country.”

Roessler praised the work of detectives,with help from community engagement, tobring about an arrest within 48 hours.

The message for anyone who commitshate crimes in Fairfax County, Roessler said:“We will arrest you.”

— Tim Peterson

By Fallon Forbush

The Connection

Hilary Crockett dials the next person onher list. It’s a Friday morning around10 o’clock and she wakes the woman

on the other end from sleep.She proceeds to ask if she had eaten breakfast

and if she had any plans for the day. She is toldthat a caretaker would be coming to the homesoon.

“She sounded very content,” said Crockett, whois a stay-at-home mom with older children.

Her conversation with the woman was quick andhumdrum—routine.

She moves on to the next person on her list.This time, she does not get an answer. She makesanother attempt 10 minutes later.

She gets an answer this time.“You start to know their routines,” she said.Crockett asks her if she had taken her medica-

tion. She is told that she has ice packs on her legs,as her doctor recommended, because they “giveher problems sometimes.”

She wants to feel better so she can attend herprayer group. She also needs to get dressed soshe can head to the bank and work on Medicaidpaperwork.

TODAY IS A GOOD DAY for this call recipient,though she has been very anxious and over-whelmed on other days, according to Crockett.

Crockett is making her calls sitting in the base-

ment below the Virginia Hospital Center’s UrgentCare facility on South Carlin Spring Road in Arling-ton. This is where PRS, Inc. runs its crisis and sui-cide prevention hotline.

While the hotline is accustomed to helping callerswith emotional trauma, family crises and suicideprevention, Crockett is helping the organization witha new endeavor. She is a volunteer of CareRing 2.0,a program that provides regular outbound telephonecalls to older Fairfax County residents who are iso-lated.

PRS CareRing clients will receive daily or bi-weeklycalls from trained volunteers like Crockett.

“It’s a neat service,” Crockett said. “People aremostly by themselves and isolated. Having peoplefeel that they’ve been heard is a rewarding experi-ence.”

There are nearly 125,000 people aged 65 and overliving in Fairfax County, according to the U.S. Cen-sus Bureau’s 2015 American Community Survey. Thatis more than 11 percent of the county’s total popula-tion.

“You realize there’s a lot of people struggling anda lot of people who don’t want to be alone,” Crockettsaid. “These people do not or cannot leave theirhome, so this phone call could be their one connec-tion.”

These people are aging in place.These are people who really don’t fit the criteria

for assisted living facilities.“These are individuals who may be quite capable

Annandale Man Arrested for Hate-Motivated Incidents“This horrific eventis just something wewill not tolerate inFairfax County, or inthis country.”— Police Chief Edwin Roessler

Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Police

On April 13, Fairfax County Police public relations bureau director JulieParker (center) announces the arrest of Dylan Mahone of Annandale inconnection with three hate-motivated incidents at the Jewish Commu-nity Center of Virginia and Little River United Church of Christ.

ceal one’s identity.FCPD public relations bureau director

Julie Parker said there could still be addi-

tional charges filed in the case.Speaking from the Jewish Community

Center “The J” at an April 13 press confer-

Photo by Fallon Forbush/The Connection

Hilary Crockett of Falls Church has been volunteeringby making phone calls for the CareRing program onFriday mornings for the past year.

Caring By CallingPRS CareRing helps people aged 65 andolder in Fairfax County to “age in place.”

See Caring, Page 5

Springfield Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]


News

RTR Team Robotics earned theirvery first invitation to the FIRSTWorld Championships in St.Louis 26-29 April. FIRST (For

Inspiration & Recognition of Science andTechnology) estimates that the WorldChampionship will have more than 65,000attendees watching 30,000 youth from1,394 teams representing 39 countries.

RTR Team Robotics is a community-basedFIRST robotics competition team acceptingstudents from all educational environments(public, private and homeschoolers). Manyrobotics teams have high school sponsor-ship, including several other local teamswho were also invited to the world stage:Teams 1418 (Vae Victus, Falls Church HS),1855 (ILITE, Battlefield HS), 4456 (St.Johns College HS, DC), and 5243(Centreville HS) are all scheduled to com-pete.

RTR’s sponsorship comes from nationaland community organizations: Federal Ac-quisition Strategies, NASA, BAE Systems,Boeing, Springfield Plaza LLC, SoftTech, andthe Air Force Officers’ Spouses Club ofWashington DC. They have dedicated adultmentors who monitor and advise the stu-dents, supportive parents, and their owndrive to learn hard.

Team 2421 RTR Team Robotics will be

sending 11 students, two mentors and twoparents to the event and could use thecommunity’s support to help them get there.For more information visit www.rtr2421.orgor email [email protected].

On April 14, Burke residentLarry Pyos, 35, received a sentence of 115 years in prison

for multiple armed robberies charges in-volving Fairfax County and Falls Churchbusinesses. The announcement camefrom U.S. Attorney Dana Boente’s office.

Pyos was indicted for conspiracy,armed robbery, using firearms in com-mitting robberies and being a felon inpossession of firearms. He shot at em-ployees in two of his spree’s robberies.The offenses began Christmas Eve 2015when Pyos robbed Good Fortune Super-market in Falls Church.

In Springfield, Pyos robbed the ShriKrishna grocery store, Dollar Power storeand Ding How Carryout.

Additional robberies included theHong Kong Palace Restaurant in FallsChurch in April 2016 and a McLean Sub-way sandwich shop in May 2016.

Pyos was arrested May 11, 2016 andfound guilty by a federal jury on Oct. 20,2016. His girlfriend and co-conspiratorbought the handguns Pyos used in thecrimes, the announcement said. She pre-viously pleaded guilty to charges relatedto Pyos’ robberies.

— Tim Peterson

Burke Man Sentenced to 115Years for Armed Robberies

The Fairfax County Police Departmentjoins the Office for Women and Domesticand Sexual Violence Services (OFWDSVS),along with other community partners inobserving April as Sexual Assault AwarenessMonth. The commemorative month beganin 2001 to recognize and remember thoseimpacted by sexual assault violence, as wellas those who strive to end it.

In 2016, the police department received276 reports of sexual assault — an increaseof 16.95 percent compared to 2015: 147 ofthese crimes (53.26 percent) have beensuccessfully closed, but that’s an average ofnearly 23 a month, close to one a day —according to FCPD Media Relations Bureau.Many incidents, however, are believed togo unreported, so FCPD is helping to raise

community awareness in a number of ways.For the first time, police vehicles, along withfleets from the county Fire and Rescue De-partment and Sheriff’s Office, will displayteal ribbon magnets as a symbol of remem-brance and support of those who have suf-fered sexual assault.

On April 29, the OFWDSVS hosts the 3rd

Annual Stop the Silence, Walk to End SexualViolence starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Gov-ernment Center, 12000 Government CenterParkway, in Fairfax. Participants can walk inhonor of one of the 276 victims who reporteda sexual assault in Fairfax County in 2016. Aresource fair will be held after the walk. Thefirst 100 participants who register will receivea free T-shirt. For more events this month,visit www.fairfaxdvcommunity.org/saam.

Walk to End Sexual Assault Is Set for April 29

Send notes to the Connection at [email protected] or call 703-778-9416.

Benjamin Levenson, of Burke, was namedto the dean’s list for fall 2016 at Seton Hall Uni-versity (South Orange, N.J.).

William Gregorits and ThomasGregorits, of Burke, were named to the dean’slist for fall 2016 at University of the Sciences(Philadelphia, Pa.).

Danielle Kats, of Burke, has been namedto the 2016 fall semester dean’s list at LafayetteCollege (Easton, Pa.).

Taryn Falkenstein, of Burke, was namedto the fall 2016 semester dean’s list at IthacaCollege’s (Itaca, NY).

Megan A. Hart, of Burke, has been namedto the dean’s list at Clemson University(Clemson, S.C.) for the fall 2016 semester.

Savannah Bolton, of Fairfax Station, madethe 2016 fall semester dean’s list at StevensonUniversity (Owings Mills, Md.).

Tehan Dassanayaka, of Burke, a second-year biomedical engineering major, hasreceived an undergraduate research award atthe University of Virginia.

Charles Pritz, of Lake Braddock Secondary,was recognized at the Virginia DECA StateLeadership Conference held March 3-5 in Vir-ginia Beach.

Thomas Boudreaux, of Burke, has made

the dean’s list at High Point University (HighPoint, N.C.) for the fall 2016 semester.

Timothy Johns Gleason, of Springfield,was named to the dean’s list at Clemson Univer-sity (Clemson, S.C.) for the fall 2016 semester.

Thomas Harwood Meiller, of Spring-field, was named to the dean’s list at ClemsonUniversity (Clemson, S.C.) for fall 2016.

Heather M. Berg, of Springfield, wasnamed to the Clemson University (Clemson,S.C.) president’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

Melissa Leigh Pratt, of Springfield, wasnamed to the Clemson University (Clemson,S.C.) president’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

Jad Ibrahim, from Springfield, graduatedfrom Davenport University (Grand Rapids, Mi.)at the end of the fall 2016 semester.

Sierra Gleason and Tania Kazi, of LeeHigh School, were recognized at the VirginiaDECA State Leadership Conference held March3-5 in Virginia Beach.

James Mosteller, of Springfield, was partof a team of undergraduates from WorcesterPolytechnic Institute (Worcester, Mass.) whowere recently recognized as the third runner-upfor the President’s IQP Award for participatingin a project titled “Evaluating the Need for aConsumer Focused Smoke Alarm PerformanceSystem in Washington, D.C.”

Madeline N. Gabriel, of Springfield, madethe Seattle Pacific University (Seattle, Wa.)2016 autumn quarter dean’s list.

School Notes

Photos contributed

RTR Team Robotics #2421 at the VA/DC/MD District Championships,from left: Standing: Dylan Shoemaker (WSHS), Christos Roulidis (WSHS),Zach Polnow (Co-Captain, LBSS), Zach Wade (LBSS), Trey Cluff (Co-Captain, WSHS), Maria Euripides (LBSS), Christian Crawford(Homeschool); Kneeling: Eric Smith (LBSS), Seth Rothstein (LBSS),MinhTu Tran (WSHS), the robot VULCAN, Andrea Hatcher (LBSS), and JRDavis (WSHS); In Front: Julian Stapleton (LBSS). Not Present: Sam Sofge(LBSS), Veronica Grant (LBSS), Robert Quinn (LBSS), Ben Durkee (LBSS),Jason Lee (LBSS), Edward Liu (LBSS), Josh Piel (LBSS), Brandon Vaca(LBSS), Andrew Watson (LBSS), Athan Rodgers (WSHS), Joseph Carley(WSHS), and Gurinder Singh (WSHS).

First-ever World Championship invitation forSpringfield-Burke RTR Team Robotics.

Springfield, Burke RoboticsTakes on the World

Getting ready to compete, fromleft: Seth Rothstein (LBSS), MinhTuTran (WSHS), Josh Piel (LBSS) andZach Wade (LBSS).


COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AMSunday School 10:10 AM

Sun. Evening – Realtime Worship & Youth 6 PMFamily Night – Wednesday 7:15 PM

Home Life Groups, College/Young AdultMinistries, and Living Free Support Groups

Visit our Website: www.jccag.org4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax

Bill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170

JubileeChristian Center

“Loving People to Life”

b

To Advertise YourCommunity of Worship,

Call 703-778-9418

From Page 3

News

of living in their own homes, keep-ing their homes and affording theirown homes, but there is concernthat they may be more vulnerablefor exploitation or neglect, ormaybe their faculties are good butnot completely in place to remem-ber to make payments on theirbills and stuff like that,” said LauraMayer, the CareRing program di-rector. “What we’re looking to dois provide a service that is for thoseindividuals who are not ready yetto need supportive care.”

The goal of the program is toenhance aging in place by address-ing social and emotional needs,providing medication reminders,helping prevent exploitation andneglect, and providing a simpleconnection with others.

“We often get adult childrenwho are looking to find other re-sources to support their aging par-ents who are concerned becausethey may not be able to check onthem every day,” Mayer said. “Wegive them peace of mind that theirmom or dad is being checked onregularly.”

This also gives clients peace ofmind because, a lot of times, olderadults don’t want to have to relyon their children for support, ac-cording to Mayer.

“They don’t want to make theirkids worry, so having a third partyto do that puts less of a burden ontheir kids,” Mayer said.

The calls are free for county resi-dents, as the program is fullyfunded through a new two-yeargrant from the county’s Consoli-dated Community Funding Poolprogram. This program funds or-ganizations to provide human ser-vices or affordable housing devel-opment for the county.

“We were really lucky to getfunding and it is unusual, but thegap is so great for older adults inthe county,” Mayer said.

Mary Havers, the CareRing su-pervisor, makes calls daily.

“I get to know these people andthey’re surface-level friends,” saidHavers. “I know how they’re do-ing. I know how their dog is. Iknow when they went to the vetand I know when they went to thedoctor. I know that they went andbought a new hat the other dayand they’re really excited aboutthat.”

Their emotions, and excitement,transfer onto her.

“Sometimes I’ll be walking downthe halls and I’ll be super excited,”she said. “People will be like, ‘Whyare you excited?’ And I’ll be like,‘Ken just got a hat!’ So, it’s reallyrewarding for me because I get tohear everybody’s stories and it’spositive for the most part.”

Primary care physicians andfaith communities often referpeople to the program, accordingto Mayer, but individuals may alsorefer themselves.

The program can support up to40 people in the program andspots are still available.

FOR INFORMATION about en-rolling or referring someone whois at least 60 years old and is ag-ing in place in Fairfax County forthe CareRing 2.0 program, visitwww.prsinc.org/crisislink/ser-vices/carering or call 703-516-6769.

PRS is also looking for more vol-unteers to help make phone callsfor the CareRing program. Thoseinterested can apply online atw w w. p r s i n c v o l u n t e e r s .a p p l i c a n t p r o . c o m / j o b s /500945.html.

Caring Connection


Opinion

County EconomyPoised forContinuedGrowthTo the Editor:

The April 12 article, “Uncer-tainty Amid Growth,” might haveleft readers wondering about thestrength and future of FairfaxCounty’s economy.

Much of the uncertainty arisesfrom concerns about the directionof the federal budget, becausemany employers in Fairfax Countyand northern Virginia are involvedin government contracting. How-ever, more than two-thirds of thefederal procurement dollars wonby Fairfax County companies infiscal 2016 involve three depart-ments for which President Trumphas indicated he would seek in-creased funding: Defense, Home-land Security and Veterans Affairs.

For that reason and others, Ithink the Fairfax County economyis poised for continued develop-ment. In 2016, the Fairfax CountyEconomic Development Authorityworked with 194 companies thatadded nearly 7,500 jobs to thecounty economy. Many of thosecompanies are in the professionaland technical industry sectors thatwill generate the most prosperityfor the community.

Just since the beginning of 2017the Fairfax County Economic De-velopment Authority has an-nounced several companies thatare adding hundreds of jobs here.Some, like Favor TechConsultingor IOMAXIS, focus on work withfederal customers. Others such asAll Traffic Solutions and GlobalGuardian, focus on private-sectorcustomers. This is the hallmark ofa mature economy: companies

working in a variety of sectors andfor a variety of customers and find-ing the kind of skilled talent theyneed to thrive. This kind of eco-nomic diversity is what every com-munity longs to attain.

This work is never done, ofcourse. In addition to FairfaxCounty’s traditional businessstrengths, my office has targetedcybersecurity, data analytics andtranslational medicine as industrysectors with great growth poten-tial here. The foundation is firmlyin place to help Fairfax Countyachieve even greater economic sta-bility and prosperity in the yearsahead.

Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D.President and CEO

Fairfax County EconomicDevelopment Authority

Tysons Corner

ShockingPensionPracticesTo the Editor:

The April 13-19, 2017 issue ofThe Connection, included an ar-ticle by Pat Herrity, Supervisor (R-Springfield) Fairfax Board of Su-pervisors, “Past Time for PensionReform in Fairfax County.” It wasa shock to learn that FairfaxCounty pays a second pension inform of a “pre-social securitysupplement” to those employeeswho decide to retire before theyare eligible to receive their SocialSecurity entitlements.

Mr. Herrity tells us these pay-ments have been going on formany years adding 6 percent taxdollars to the the Fairfax Countypayroll and its yearly budget. Thisform of generosity makes Fairfaxthe only county that pays its retir-

ees a second supplemental pen-sion. No other county, state or fed-eral governmental entity paystheir employees, who decide ontheir own to retire early, an addi-tional check until they reached theage to qualify for social securitypay. We need new leadership rep-resenting us here in FairfaxCounty. And it starts with electinga new chairperson of the FairfaxBoard of Supervisors.

Ronald L. BakerSpringfield

County Fiction*is FactTo the Editor:

One may view fiction* as factonly if the asterisk note identifiesfiction as fact. Fairfax County inits financial tables used wrongdata dates on unfunded pensionliabilities (UPL), except its tablesoften did not even include an as-terisk.

Fairfax County’s ComprehensiveAnnual Financial Report (CAFR)for fiscal year 2016 shows mislead-ing dates. The table on page 90,e.g., wrongly identifies the UPLdate as “6/30/2016” — with nofootnote. Embedded in 78 pagesof notes is an identification of re-

ported UPL as being “reportedwith a one year lag.” Thus, re-ported UPL dates, in fact, coveredthe prior year.

In its 11/18/2016 release, theCounty CAFR 2016 covers fivemain pension plans. All respon-sible public entities have good fis-cal data available within threemonths of the reporting period.Oddly, this CAFR 2016 did not re-port actual 6/30/2016 UPL data.At least, it should report correctdates for data in all its tablesrather than explain actual report-ing dates in separate notes.

Such misleading reporting im-pacts pension understandings.While the County reported UPL on6/30/2016 as $4.8 billion, theyactually were $5.6 billion accord-ing to five pension CAFRs. The FY2016 increase in UPL was an un-sustainable $0.8 billion—insteadof the County reported $0.6 bil-lion—despite 2016 cash contribu-tions of $0.5 billion.

One may ask County officialswhy reported dates for CountyUPL data were misleading. Moreimportantly, all future County fi-nancial reports should identify—accurately and transparently—UPL at the end of reported years.

Dr. David V. PritchettConcerned McLean parent

Letters to the Editor

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14 thisyear and as usual every year at thistime, The Connection calls for sub-

missions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.Send photos of mothers, grandmothers,

great-grandmothers, with chil-dren or without children in thephotos. Please name everyonein the photo, the approximate

date, describe what is happening in the photoand include your name, address, email addressand phone number. We will not print your fulladdress or contact information.

You can upload photos and information di-rectly to www.connectionnewspapers.com/mothersday/ or email to editors@connection

Mother’s Day The Connection is seeking submissionsfor its annual photo gallery.

Editorial

newspapers.com.Immediately after we publish our Mother’s

Day photo galleries, we will begin to ask forsubmissions for our annual Father’s Day gal-leries. Each year we seem to receive many morephotos for Father’s Day.

We’ve always been curious whether that isbecause it is the second of the set so readersare more aware or because mothers are morelikely to send in images of the fathers in theirlife.

Throughout the year, we ask for communitysubmissions. Twice a year we ask you to tellus stories about your pets and how they havecome into, touched and left your lives.

In late summer, we invite readers to share

what they know about their community forneighbors and newcomers alike.

And wrapping up the year, we gather writ-ing and art from local students to fill our holi-day edition. Each year, through an enormouseffort by area teachers and school staff we re-ceive more material than is possible to publishfor most of our 15 editions.

In addition, regular contributions to our en-tertainment calendars, community bulletinboards, school notes, and business notes helpus to share news in your community. We alsoalways welcome photos and captions fromcommunity organizations (Scouts, sportsteams, faith groups, school activities, etc.) andlocal businesses.

WriteThe Connection welcomes views on any public issue.

The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed.Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters areroutinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors.

Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Connection1606 King St.

Alexandria VA 22314Call 703-917-6444

Email [email protected]

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Springfield


Send notes to the Connection at [email protected] or call 703-778-9416.Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should besubmitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

Timothy Johns Gleason, of Springfield, wasnamed to the dean’s list at Clemson University(Clemson, S.C.) for the fall 2016 semester.

Thomas Harwood Meiller, of Springfield,was named to the dean’s list at Clemson University(Clemson, S.C.) for the fall 2016 semester.

Heather M. Berg, of Springfield, was namedto the Clemson University (Clemson, S.C.)president’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

Melissa Leigh Pratt, of Springfield, wasnamed to the Clemson University (Clemson, S.C.)president’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

Jad Ibrahim, from Springfield, graduated fromDavenport University (Grand Rapids, Mi.) at theend of the fall 2016 semester.

Sierra Gleason and Tania Kazi, of Lee HighSchool, were recognized at the Virginia DECA StateLeadership Conference held March 3-5 in VirginiaBeach.

James Mosteller, of Springfield, was part ofa team of undergraduates from Worcester Poly-technic Institute (Worcester, Mass.) who wererecently recognized as the third runner-up for thePresident’s IQP Award for participating in a projecttitled “Evaluating the Need for a Consumer Fo-cused Smoke Alarm Performance System inWashington, D.C.”

A team representing Springfield Estates El-ementary School achieved Highest Honors inthe recent WordMasters Challenge — a nationalvocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000students annually. The fifth grade team scored 184points out of a possible 200 in the second of threemeets this year, placing sixth in the nation.

Competing in the Gold Division of theWordMasters Challenge, fourth grader TylerWebb and fifth grader Amy Huynh each earneda perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Others fromSpringfield Estates who achieved outstanding re-sults in the meet include fourth grader Isabel Liuand fifth graders Kenny Christopher, CordeliaClayton, Anastasia Klam and Abi Little.

Madeline N. Gabriel, of Springfield, made theSeattle Pacific University (Seattle, Wa.) 2016 au-tumn quarter dean’s list.

Kami Richter, of Alexandria, graduated fromFort Lewis College (Durango, Colo.) in December.Richter received a bachelor’s degree with a majorin anthropology.

Benjamin Levenson, of Burke, was named tothe dean’s list for fall 2016 at Seton Hall Univer-sity (South Orange, N.J.).

William Gregorits and Thomas Gregorits,of Burke, were named to the dean’s list for fall 2016at University of the Sciences (Philadelphia, Pa.).

Danielle Kats, of Burke, has been named tothe 2016 fall semester dean’s list at Lafayette Col-lege (Easton, Pa.).

Taryn Falkenstein, of Burke, was named tothe fall 2016 semester dean’s list at Ithaca College’s(Ithaca, NY).

Megan A. Hart, of Burke, has been named tothe dean’s list at Clemson University (Clemson,S.C.) for the fall 2016 semester.

Savannah Bolton, of Fairfax Station, madethe 2016 fall semester dean’s list at StevensonUniversity (Owings Mills, Md.).

Tehan Dassanayaka, of Burke, a second-yearbiomedical engineering major, has received anundergraduate research award at the University ofVirginia.

Schools


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By Marilyn Campbell

As the end of the school year drawsnear, so does the beginning ofsummer camp experiences. Childdevelopment experts say that

summer camps offer more than just fun;they present opportunities for emotional,social and psychological growth and devel-opment.

“Summer camps provide children with asense of community where they can feel safeand learn through first-hand experiences,said Stacie Gottlieb, director, Bullis Sum-mer Programs at Bullis School in Potomac,Md. “Within this setting, campers developa sense of independence as they try newadventures in an environment differentfrom the norm.”

Children benefit from the nurturing struc-ture of a summer camp in a way that is dif-ferent from the structure they get during aschool year, says Jim Supple, associate deanof students and director of Summer Pro-grams at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Schoolin Alexandria. “Summer camps allow chil-dren to be children,” he said. “They allowthem to make new friends, try new things,

and learn how to be part of a group. Theseare attributes of camps that will promotenot only healthy interaction among peers,but also building a healthy image of whattype of child they want to be.”

A summer camp where children engagein new and memorable activities will sowseeds for learning during the upcoming aca-demic year, said Shannon Melideo, Ph. D.associate dean of the School of Education& Human Services and associate professorof education at Marymount University. “Forexample, if your child’s summer camp takesa field trip to a historical site that your sonfinds fascinating and then during the schoolyear, the teacher introduces [the] same his-torical events and location, he has schemafor the lessons. He is more likely to partici-pate, learn more, be better prepared to readhis social studies textbook, and even per-form better on the exam.”

“Summer camp can be a terrific opportu-nity to grow your child’s sense of compe-tence and mastery over something that theylove,” added Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D., pro-fessor of psychology, Northern VirginiaCommunity College. “By picking a campwhere your child has an interest, they can

be mentored in a passion in ways that a typi-cal school day often can’t.”

When selecting a camp, Melideo advisesparents to consider a complete picture oftheir child. “For example, while your daugh-ter, Sophia loves softball, find a summercamp where she can refine [her] batting andpitching skills and engage with books, per-form in skits, play math games, and trysomething new,” she said.

A child’s social skills can be boosted atcamps which provide children with oppor-tunities to make new friends or nurtureexisting friendships, says Colleen K. Vesely,Ph. D., assistant professor of Early Child-hood Education and Human Developmentat George Mason University. “Developingnew social and cognitive skills outside thephysical walls and social boundaries ofschool can help promote healthy self-esteemin children, while spending time in naturecan boost children’s overall health and well-being.” Camps offer an opportunity for chil-dren to gain skills that lead to indepen-dence. “For older children, over 8-plus yearsold, typically, sleep away camp offers op-portunities to develop independence andself-reliance by providing children withspace to navigate daily life away from thedirecting of parents but under the guidanceof trusted adults,” said Vesely.

For some parents, there are mixed emo-tions around enrolling a child in camp.

“Sometimes working parents feel guilty forenrolling their children in summer campsbecause of the need for child care duringthe work day,” said Ivy Beringer, Ed.D., pro-fessor of Early Childhood Education andDean for Social and Professional Sciencesat Northern Virginia Community College.“However, children are usually very excitedto attend summer camps. This is especiallytrue if the children have input into the campselection.”

“Summer camps allow for continuouslearning that extends beyond the regularschool year [and] provide a relaxed atmo-sphere that stimulates their brains for cre-ative learning without the assessment anxi-ety that often accompanies school classroomlearning,” said Beringer. “[Summer camp]enhances self-esteem by offering specialinterest learning in small group situationsand often with a lower adult-student ratioin school settings.”

“A mother recently called me with a con-cern that her son only wanted to attendsoccer camps this summer and she felt thiswas too limited of an experience,” contin-ued Beringer. “My response to her was thatif he was interested in improving his soccerskills she should view this in a positive light.After all, he will be outdoors in the freshair and sunshine everyday, exercising hisbody, and enhancing skills in a sport heloves. What’s not good about that choice?”

Camp experiences can enhance social andpsychological development, say experts.

Weighing Long-Term Benefits of Summer Camp


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Entertainment

By Tim Peterson

The Connection

West Springfield seniorDelaney Fetzer has wantedto play Ado Annie Carnesfrom Rodgers &

Hammerstein’s groundbreaking musical“Oklahoma!” since she was two. She re-members dancing around the living roomwhile her grandparents would play musicfrom the production that first opened onBroadway in 1943.

Carnes is a great character role, Fetzersaid — flirty, confident, “not like myself.”In the solo “I Cain’t Say No,” Carnes’ char-acter struggles with the trifling opposite sex.“She’s so much fun,” the senior said. “I likedhow funny she was.”

When the Spartan Theatre Company di-rector and teacher Bernie DeLeo announced“Oklahoma!” would be the spring musicalfor 2017, Fetzer knew she had to be in it.

DeLeo, in his fifth year at West Spring-field, previously taught the work at ThoreauMiddle School in Vienna. He was able tofind some of those original costumes (“me-mentos,” he said) and retrofit them for thisolder cast.

At the high school level DeLeo teaches“Oklahoma!” in his musical theater unit forbeginning theater classes.

“It’s a universal show,” he said. “The gen-esis, the catalyst of all musicals.”

Things changed after composer RichardRodgers got together with librettist OscarHammerstein II to transform Lynn Riggs’1931 “Green Grow the Lilacs” play withmelody.

“Writers didn’t care about stories somuch,” said DeLeo, “plot came after.”

But when the now-famous duo put to-gether their first musical, he continued, “itclicked, it all fell into place.”

THE PLOT UNFOLDS around love-struckcowboy Curley McLain trying to win theheart of farmer’s daughter Laurey Williams,set against the backdrop of 1906 OklahomaTerritory.

“I’m trying to embrace the idea of beinga big shot cowboy,” said sophomore BrooksTodd, who plays McLain.

In last year’s “The Wedding Singer,” Toddwas a member of the ensemble, but is tak-ing his first lead role in stride — boots, spursand all. “The rehearsal environment is dif-ferent, more mature,” he said.

Playing opposite Todd’s McLain is seniorAnna Bonavita as his pursuit Laurey Will-iams. Predominantly a singer, Bonavita hasperformed in school productions of “ThePajama Game” and as Julia Gulia in “TheWedding Singer.” But she said she also likesthe variety “Oklahoma!” offers, with theopportunity to do more acting.

Senior Lourdes Turnblom anchors thefrontier community with her Aunt Eller.“She’s supportive, very relatable,” Turnblomsaid. “She gives advice if people need it.”

Choreography for the production — mosteverything save for a ballet dream sequence— was designed by the Fetzer, who plansto study theater education at Catholic Uni-versity. The veteran cheerleader of 11 yearshas also done work for show choir, and saidhallmarks of her work are upbeat moves

The Kids are OK!Choreography for the West Springfield’s “Oklahoma!” — most everythingsave for a ballet dream sequence — was designed by the senior DelaneyFetzer, who plans to study theater education at Catholic University.

For director Bernie DeLeo, the leads say a characteristic of his shows is a highly engaged ensemble, makingnumerous lesser storylines and layers to the musical come alive through their faces and reactions.

Junior Yosef Etana’s Persian peddler Ali Hakim has big plans for AdoAnnie Carnes, played by senior Delaney Fetzer, in West Springfield’s“Oklahoma!”

West Springfield Spartan Theatre opens aRodgers & Hammerstein classic.

When & WhereThe West Springfield High School Spartan The-

atre Company presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s“Oklahoma!” Thursday-Saturday April 27-29 at 7p.m. and Sunday April 30 at 2 p.m. General admis-sion is $10. For more information and to purchasetickets ahead of time, visit spartantheatre.com.

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heel-kicks (“a lot of kicks in general”) andlots of lifts, she said.

For DeLeo, the leads say a characteristicof his shows is a highly engaged ensemble,making numerous lesser storylines and lay-ers to the musical come alive through theirfaces and reactions.

“In lots of high school shows the ensembleis not active,” DeLeo said, “but that’s whatpeople go to see. If every is person not en-gaged, it falls flat.”

Talent development from that kind ofapproach is one explanation for the upwardmobility of students like Todd and Fetzerfrom ensemble to lead in just one year. ButDeLeo said it’s bigger than that.

“I want the ensemble to feel motivated,”he said. “It’s the show that matters, not in-dividual roles.”

Right, West Springfield seniorDelaney Fetzer has wanted to playAdo Annie Carnes in “Oklahoma!”since she was 2. Left, senior AnnaBonavita as Laurey Williams.

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“with a pep in their step.”Fetzer used a combination of study of

1800s dance and peer focus groups to puther mark on “Oklahoma!” Expect a lot of


Your “Nicely Done” Kitchen or Bath is Right Around the Corner!A “One-Stop Shop” That Goes Above and Beyond Your Imagination

Fairfax-based non-profit Of-ficer Down Memorial Pagewill host its sixth annual Of-ficer Down Memorial Rideevent April 22, centeredaround a 60-mile motorcycletrek.

The day-long event is meantto honor law enforcement of-ficers who have died in theline of duty, and raise aware-ness of officers giving theirlives while serving.

In addition to the ride,which has seen more than2,000 riders in past years andraised in excess of $100,000,live music, raffles and a Policemotor unit demonstration arealso planned for April 22.

According to Officer DownMemorial Page, there aremore than 22,000 law en-forcement officers who havedied in the line of duty.

The sixth annual OfficerDown Memorial Ride is sched-uled for April 22 inHaymarket, Va. For more in-formation, visit officerdownmemorialride.com.

— Tim Peterson

Graduating fromBasic MilitaryTrainingIn March, U.S. AirForce Airman Bryce M.Wason graduated frombasic military trainingat Joint Base SanAntonio-Lackland, SanAntonio, Texas. He is a2014 graduate of WestSpringfield HighSchool.

Local CEO to Run for Albo’s SeatOptfinITy CEO Michael Drobnis is running for the Republican

nomination for the 42nd District of the Virginia House of Del-egates. Drobnis, a 15-year resident of Fairfax County, is the CEOof local technology company OptfinITy. He has served on theboards of two chambers of commerce and is past president ofthe Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. He also has servedon a Fairfax County advisory committee, is a graduate of the FBICitizens Academy, a member of the Leadership Fairfax class of2017, a coach for three SYC recreational sports teams and a fre-quent volunteer with Fairfax County Public Schools.

“As a small business owner, father, past leader of the chamberof commerce, and a community volunteer, I understand the con-cerns of the people of Northern Virginia and the 42nd District.My goal is to build upon the great work Delegate Albo has donefor the past 23 years, while bringing fresh ideas to improve edu-cation and workforce development. Innovative solutions in thesetwo areas should be one of Virginia’s top priorities. As an IT pro-fessional, I see the immense value that a highly skilled workforcebrings to our economy, and our community. The path to gettingVirginia back to #1 in economic growth starts with workforcedevelopment and education.

“Delegate Albo has been an outstanding community leader andwill be greatly missed. I join the many others who have alreadythanked Dave for his tireless efforts on behalf of the 42nd District.The next delegate needs to represent the values of all residents,and have the same work ethic and constituent services as Dave isknown for. I firmly believe that I am the best choice to continueDave’s legacy of innovative policy solutions, and a dedication tothe community,” Drobnis said in a statement announcing his can-didacy.

The Republican Firehouse Primary will be held on Saturday,June 10, at Hunt Valley Elementary School. Learn more aboutDrobnis and his campaign at www.drobnisfordelegate.com.

News

The day-long Officer Down Memorial Ride is meant to honorlaw enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty,and raise awareness of officers giving their lives while serv-ing. Here, officers lay a wreath during the 2016 event.

Officer DownMemorial Ride

In addition to the ride, which has seen more than 2,000riders in past years and raised in excess of $100,000, livemusic, raffles and a Police motor unit demonstration, likethis one from 2016, are also planned for April 22.


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Entertainment

Send notes to the Connection atconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/ orcall 703-778-9416. The deadline is theFriday prior to the next paper’s publica-tion at noon.

ONGOING“Cherry Blossom Kimonos.”

Through April 30 at the WorkhouseArts Center, Building 9, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. Thekimonos show is part of a campus-wide celebration of cherry blossomevents in the region, titled “LateBloomers.” The artists will be onhand to talk about their work at thegallery reception in the ArchesGallery in building W9 on SaturdayApril 8, 6-9 p.m. featuring lightappetizers. The reception is free andopen to the public.Visitwww.workhousearts.org/event/exhibit-late-bloomers/ for more.

“The Late Wedding.” Various timesthrough May 7, at the John SwayzeTheatre at the New School ofNorthern Virginia, 9431 Silver KingCourt, Fairfax. A play by ChristopherChen that is both a spy thriller and asci-fi love story. Visitwww.thehubtheatre.org for more.

SATURDAY/APRIL 22ECHO Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at St.

Bernadette Catholic ChurchGymnasium, 7600 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield. Collectibles,accessories and housewares tobenefit Ecumenical CommunityHelping Others (ECHO). Call 703-239-1678 for more.

Earth Day Clean Up. 10 a.m.-noon atat Daniels Run Elementary School,3705 Old Lee Highway. Park at theschool and walk over to Daniels RunTrail to help clean the trail, make

bird feeders from recycled products,decorate reusable bags, learn aboutwaste reduction. Call 703-385-1695.

Family Fun Challenge. 11 a.m-2 p.m.at Van Dyck Park, 3720 Old Lee Hwy,Fairfax. GMU Women’s basketballteam leads activities to promotecommunity through children’sactivities, hands on science, facepainting, Yoga, inflatables, andfamily sports challenges. At theevent, we will have a HomelessShelter Party drive to collect smallgifts for children and families inneed: balls, dolls, books, gift cards,jump ropes, and frisbees. Visitparties2inspire.org/ for more.

“Resilience” in Community. 7-10p.m. at the Sherwood Center, 3740Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax. The eveningwill include a juried art show withworks by local artists for sale, livemusic by local Latin-Jazz band BatidaDiferente, a live charity auction,appetizers, wine and beer tastings.The event supports Britepaths’ workto provide emergency and self-sufficiency services to workingfamilies in the Fairfax County areawho are struggling to make endsmeet. $45. Visit britepaths.org, [email protected] or call 703-273-8829.

SUNDAY/APRIL 23“Peter and the Wolf.” 2-4 p.m. at the

Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 OldLee Highway, Fairfax. TheWashington Chamber Orchestraunder the direction of Jun Kim willperform Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter andthe Wolf” Visit www.fairfaxva.gov formore.

A Film Celebrating Earth Day. 4-6p.m. at the Stacy C. SherwoodCenter, 3740 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Documentary “The

Anthropologist” views anthropologythrough the lens of a pair of femaleanthropologists and their daughters.Visit www.fairfaxva.gov for more.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 26Jazz Band Concert. 7-9 p.m. at the

Stacy C Sherwood Center, 3740 OldLee Highway, Fairfax. Fairfax HighSchool Jazz Band. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov for more.

THURSDAY/APRIL 272017 NOVA Student Film Festival.

6-9 p.m. at the Bisdorf Building,Room 196 at the Alexandria Campus,5000 Dawes Ave. Northern VirginiaCommunity College will present anumber of films created by NOVAstudents. Free. Visit blogs.nvcc.edu/lgebre/ for more.

Screenagers Documentary. 7-9 p.m.at Robinson Secondary School, 5035Sideburn Road, Fairfax. Parents andstudents invited to watch thedocumentary film “Screenagers:Growing Up in the Digital Age.” Ages10 and older. Visitwww.screenagersmovie.com.

SATURDAY/APRIL 29Run for the Children. 8-11 a.m. at

Fairfax County Courthouse Complex,4110 Chain Bridge Road. The 7thAnnual Fairfax CASA (CourtAppointed Special Advocates) Runfor the Children 8K Race and 3KRun/Walk will be held in historicFairfax City, starting and ending atthe Fairfax Courthouse complex onChain Bridge Road. Visitwww.fairfaxrunforthechildren.com orwww.fairfaxcasa.org for more.

History of Pimmit Hills. 8:30 a.m. atthe City of Fairfax Regional Library,10360 North St., Fairfax The story of

Fairfax County’s first governmentsubsidized housing development.Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library or call 703-293-6227.

Family Fun Day. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.at Providence Community Center,3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax. Foster,adoptive and kinship families gatherfor day of activities and learning atSpring Forward Family Fun Day. Dr.Bruce Thyer, professor at FloridaState University and author ofScience and Pseudoscience in SocialWork discusses “What Really Worksand What Doesn’t for Tough Kids.”www.FormedFamiliesForward.org orcall 703-539-2904 for more.

Gilbert and Sullivan. 10 a.m.-5:30p.m. (forum), 8 p.m. start(performance) at the George MasonUniversity Fairfax Campus. Forumparticipants will meet in the FenwickLibrary Main Reading Room, Room2001. Performances, exhibitions, anda forum as part of a year-longcelebration of the work of Gilbert andSullivan. Email [email protected] more.

Civil War Author. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. atHistoric Blenheim and the Civil WarInterpretive Center, 3610 Old LeeHighway, Fairfax. “Fairfax Civil WarDay” – living history programs,infantry and cannon firings, scholarlytalks, music by the 2nd SouthCarolina String Band, military drills,historic house tours, wagon rides,youth activities, and barbecue.Admission: $5/adults; $3/youth, 12and under. Visit 703-591-0560.

Craft and Vendor Spring Fair. 10a.m.-3 p.m. at Burke UnitedMethodist Church, 6200 BurkeCentre Parkway, Burke. Jewelry,fashion, home decor, kitchen, garden,gourmet, and more. Free. Visitwww.womansclubofspringfield.org.

Fairfax Civil War Day. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.at Historic Blenheim and the Civil

War Interpretive Center, 3610 OldLee Highway, Fairfax. Living historyprograms, infantry and cannonfirings, scholarly talks, music by the2nd South Carolina String Band,military drills, historic house tours,wagon rides, youth activities, andbarbecue. $5/adults; $3/youth, 12and under. Visit www.fairfaxva.govfor more.

Walk to End Sexual Violence. 10:30a.m. at the Fairfax CountyGovernment Center, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.Participants can walk in honor of oneof the victims who reported a sexualassault in Fairfax County in 2016.Visit www.fairfaxdvcommunity.org/saam for more.

Tea and Tour. 3 p.m. at HistoricPohick Church, 9301 RichmondHighway, Lorton. Living historyprogram beginning at 4 p.m. andmusic will be provided by the ApolloString Quartet. $35. [email protected] or call 703-339-6572.

U.S. Army Chorus. 5 p.m. atWestwood Baptist Church, 8200 OldKeene Mill Road, Springfield. Beyondthe traditional military music andpatriotic standards, the repertoire ofthe Army Chorus covers a broadspectrum which includes pop,Broadway, folk, and classical music.Call 703-455-2743 for more.

Coffee House/Open Mic Night.6:30-9:30 p.m. at Calvary Hill BaptistChurch, 9301 Little River Turnpike,Fairfax. Free. Music by local talent,call or text Pete at 703-955-2039 if toperform.

SUNDAY/APRIL 30Burke Historical Society. 3:30 p.m.

at Pohick Regional Library, 6450Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Learnabout the Carrington Event of 1859.Visit www.burkehistoricalsociety.org.

Pohick Church EYC Coffeehouse. 6-8 p.m. at Historic Pohick Church,9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Anevening of entertainment, snacks,coffee and hot chocolate. Performerswill include youth, adults and localmusicians. The event is free, butdonations will go toward the PohickChurch Episcopal Youth CommunitySenior High Summer Mission Trip.Email [email protected] or call 703-339-6572.

SATURDAY/MAY 6Annual Community Spring Clean.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. at RE/MAX 100, 5501Backlick Road parking lot.Documents securely shredded on site,propane tanks, electronics, householdhazardous waste safely recycled/taken to processing facility for properdisposal. Collecting coats, blanketsand sleeping bags for local charities.Free. Email [email protected] or call 703-642-3380.

Wild Horse andBurro AdoptionWild Horse andBurro Adoption onFriday, April 21 andSaturday, April 22 atthe MeadowoodSpecial RecreationArea, 10406 GunstonRoad, Lorton. Pre-view animals andsubmit applications.Available for $125 toapproved adopterson a first-come, first-served basis. VisitBLM.gov.


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Mary Barbara Scholz passed away on ThursdayApril 6, 2017 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital after anextended illness. She was predeceased by her par-ents Fritz Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Scholz, whowere lovingly cared for by Barbara, during theirhealth challenges. She is survived by her brotherFritz J Scholz III of Leesburg, Virginia.Barbara affectionately known as BB by family, grewup in Roanoke, Virginia, graduated from MaryBaldwin and received a Master’s Degree from theUniversity of Virginia. Her Career in Education tookher to Germany, Oregon, Maryland and finally toFairfax County, Virginia, where she retired as HighSchool English teacher. Anyone knowing Barbaraunderstood her passion for reading and her love fordogs, as she had many in her home and heart.A memorial service will be held at a later date. InLieu of Flowers, the family request that memorialcontribution be made to the humane Society ofFairfax County, 4057 Chain Bridge Rd. Fairfax,Virginia 22030.Please share condolences with the familywww.Loudoun Funeral Chapel.com

Obituary


Notice is hereby given that on Monday, May 1, 2017 commencing at10:30 AM, at 5801 Rolling Road, Springfield, Virginia 22152, in order toenforce the warehouseman’s lien for storage and related services, wewill sell by Public Auction the items in the accounts of: Judith Boston,Salim Cadet, William Cammett, TJ Dunlap, Douglas B. Hitt, DanielLester, New Vision Engineering Group, Thomas Pauls, Patricia Bradley,Timothy R. Doremus, DJ McMulloch, Donald Munford, Eric Fedewa,Fried & Rosefelt, Lorenzo Parker, and Sam Ponniah.

Those effects are stored with any of the following: Ace Van & StorageCo., Inc.; Boxcart Inc.; Interstate Moving & Storage, Inc.; InterstateMoving Systems, Inc.; Interstate Relocation Services, Inc. dbaAmbassador International, Ltd; Ambassador Relocations, Inc.;Ambassador Worldwide Moving, Inc.; or Interstate Van Lines, Inc., at3901 Ironwood Place, Landover, Maryland; 22455 Powers Court,Sterling, Virginia; or 5801 Rolling Road, Springfield, Virginia. All partiesin interest please take notice.

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Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) is a training program administeredthrough the auspices of the county fire andrescue department. The training preparesresidents to help themselves, their familiesand neighbors in the event of a disaster intheir community. Through CERT, residentscan learn about disaster preparedness andreceive training in basic disaster responseskills such as fire safety, light search andrescue, and disaster medical operations.

At this time, the next available CERT Classis scheduled to begin on Monday, April 24the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Acad-

The next available CERT Class isscheduled to begin on Monday,April 24 the Fairfax County Fireand Rescue Academy.

Free Training in Basic Disaster Response Skillsemy. There are two sessions each week onMondays and Wednesdays that run untilMay 17. The class is 28 hours in length, plusthe final practical exercise.

CERT training is free of charge and basicgear is provided. The minimum require-ments to participate in CERT training at anylevel is that residents be 16 years of age orolder, and either be a Fairfax County resi-dent, or work in the county.

To learn more about CERT, go to http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fr/cert/cert.htm

To sign up, visit bit.ly/2p0WUwE.

Fairfax C

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Britepaths to HostArtful Living Fundraiser

Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) will host its third an-nual Artful Living: An Evening of Art, Wine and StrengtheningCommunity, in association with the Fairfax Spotlight on the ArtsFestival. The theme is “Resilience.” The evening will include ajuried art show with works by local artists for sale, live musicby local Latin-Jazz band Batida Diferente, a live charity auc-tion, appetizers, wine and beer tastings. A Britepaths FinancialMentoring client who is now self-sufficient will share her story.

The event supports Britepaths’ work to provide emergencyand self-sufficiency services to working families in the FairfaxCounty area who are struggling to make ends meet. A portionof proceeds will also benefit the Spotlight on the Arts Scholar-ship Fund. Artful Living takes place Saturday, April 22 from 7-10 p.m. at the Sherwood Center, 3740 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax.Tickets are $45 in advance through Britepaths’ web site and

$50 at the door. Information and registration is available atbritepaths.org. Contact [email protected] or 703-273-8829.

Lorton Station Team Goes toOdyssey of the Mind Finals

A Lorton Station Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team isheading to the World Finals after placing second in their prob-lem at the state competition. The World Finals, will be heldfrom May 23-May 28 at Michigan State University. Team mem-bers advancing to the World Finals are Arjun Kumar, BaylorShier, Emily Reinert, Luis Rivera Lopez, Kody Camp, AbigailWoldgebriel, and Brent Niner. Of these members, two of thestudents, Arjun Kumar and Baylor Shier, are actually attendingtwo different world competitions, one for robotics (FIRST LegoLeague), and Odyssey of the Mind, that focuses on creative prob-lem-solving. A second Lorton Station team placed fifth in anequally competitive problem.

Area Roundups

APRILCoffee for Campers. April is the Month of the

Military Child, and to honor our nation’s littlestheroes, the National Military Family Associationis asking if you’ll give up your coffee shop coffeeand donate that extra $5 a day to send amilitary kid to Operation Purple Camp. Visitwww.militaryfamily.org/get-involved/donate/coffee-for-campers.html for more.

THURSDAY/APRIL 20Fairfax Connector Routes Meeting. 6-8 p.m.

at Laurel Hill Elementary School, 8390 LaurelCrest Drive, Lorton. Discussion of proposedRoutes 321 and 322 changes. Call 703-339-7200for more.

College Preparation Lecture. 7-9 p.m. atWoodson High School, Room D116A-B, 9525Main St., Fairfax. “ADHD and Preparing for theCollege Experience” lecture by Dr. Jon L.Thomas, LPC., part of CHADD of NorthernVirginia & DC Chapter’s “Understanding ADHD”Lecture Series. Free. Call 703-655-8095 formore.

Solar Workshop. 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax CountyGovernment Center, 12000 Government CenterParkway. Learn how to go solar by partneringwith the Local Energy Alliance Program. Visitwww.solarizefairfaxcounty.org for more.

SATURDAY/APRIL 22“Darwin or Design?” 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at

Harvester Church, 7800 Rolling Road,Springfield. Look at the beginning of everythingand how it affects our lives. Visitwww.harvester.pca.org for more.

SUNDAY/APRIL 23NOVA Summit. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Fairfax High

School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. The FairfaxDemocrats will hold a NOVA Summit, an effortby local Democratic committees to bringtogether Democrats and grassroots activists from

across the region. Visit http://www.fairfaxdemocrats.org for more.

“Creation - What’s the Big Deal?” 6:30-8 p.m.at Harvester Church, 7800 Rolling Road,Springfield. Look at the beginning of everythingand how it affects our lives. Visitwww.harvester.pca.org for more.

TUESDAY/APRIL 25Autism Awareness Month. 7-8:30 p.m. at Dunn

Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 GallowsRoad, Entrance 1 - Room 100, Dunn Loring.Glen Finland’s memoir, “Next Stop,” is a movingaccount of a family caring for a child withspecial needs. Finland will share her own hard-won lessons as well as strategies and insightsshe has learned about the individual dynamicsof families who have children with specialneeds. Register online at bit.ly/2nLCy9s or call703-204-3941.

THURSDAY/APRIL 27Autism Awareness Month. 10 a.m.-noon at

Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 100, DunnLoring. Individuals with Autism SpectrumDisorder and other cognitive disabilities may notrecognize danger, react well in an emergency orbe able to seek help. Attend this workshop tolearn safety risks for individuals with specialneeds, proactive steps to reduce the risk ofpotential dangers, information on the newYellow Dot Program and more. Register onlineat bit.ly/2ogNf84 or call 703-204-3941.

U.S. Constitution Teachings. 7 p.m. at PohickLibrary, 6450 Sydenstricker Road. The national,non-partisan Convention of States Project’sNorthern Virginia (NoVA) team will hold threeOpen House meetings to inform and discusswith Commonwealth voters its efforts to amendthe U.S. Constitution. Visitwww.ConventionofStates.com for more.

FRIDAY/APRIL 28Chamber Scholarship Application Deadline.

For the following high schools - Edison,Hayfield, Lake Braddock, Lee, South County andWest Springfield. Open to students in privateschools, and those being home-schooled, as well.Completed scholarship applications are due backto the Chamber office by Friday, April 28, 2017.Finalists will be interviewed Tuesday, May 9.Visit springfieldchamber.org, or call 703-866-3500 for more.

SATURDAY/APRIL 29Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout. 8

a.m.–2 p.m. at West Springfield District Station,6140 Rolling Road, Springfield and MasonDistrict Station, 6507 Columbia Pike,Annandale. Drop off unused or expiredmedications at a Fairfax County Police districtstation (pills or liquids only, no pressurizedcanisters or needles). Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb or [email protected] for more.

Caregiver Bootcamp: Dementia 101. 9 a.m.-3p.m. at Insight Memory Care Center, 3953Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax. Insight offersthe free Caregiver Bootcamp on essentialcaregiving topics. Learn from experts in theirfields, and gain knowledge on the basics neededas a caregiver. Topics include a dementiaoverview, financial concerns, legalconsiderations, and community resources.Contact Christi Clark,[email protected], 703-204-4664 orvisit InsightMCC.org.

Housing Fair. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the NorthernVirginia Association of Realtors, 8497 PennellSt., Fairfax. Instructional housing fair with 15-minute classes, free documents shredding,vendors, and refreshments. Free parking. call703-207-3226 or visit nvar.com/Housing Fair.

Bulletin Board Send notes to the Connection at connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/ or call 703-778-9416.The deadline for submissions is the Friday prior to publication. Dated announcements should besubmitted at least two weeks prior to the event.