‘don’t be afraid chantillyconnectionarchives.com/pdf/2014/072314/chantilly.pdf · 2020. 7....

Chantilly Connection ❖ July 24-30, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.comJuly 24-30, 2014 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Fair Oaks ❖ Fair Lakes

Chantilly‘Don’t Be AfraidTo be Different’News, Page 3

Ted and Tami TroscianeckiReceive McDonnell AwardNews, Page 4

Tax and Wire Fraud:Three Years PrisonNews, Page 4

Westfield Rising SeniorGibson Commits to ArmySports, Page 12

From left are Glynn Cosker,Jennifer LePaige andDevyn Tinker, who portrayShrek, Princess Fiona andDonkey, respectively.

2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ July 24-30, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Chantilly Connection ❖ July 24-30, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Bonnie HobbsThe Connection

When audiences enjoy The Alli-ance Theatre’s Summer Starsshow, “Shrek the Musical,” itwon’t just be because of the acting andstoryline, but also because of all the workthat goes on behind the scenes.

For example, said producer Maggie Swan,“Each piece of the set was made by a differ-ent person. And it all had to be easily mov-able so Chantilly High’s band can practicehere during the weekdays, between ourweekend performances.”

“Whenever we do a play, there are alwayslots of unsung heroes,” she said. “They in-clude the people who spend countless hourscreating and sewing the costumes, and ahairstylist who styled some 20 unusualwigs.”

Swan said 21 of the characters wear pros-thetics to make them into more believableogres and fairytale characters, and theywere all created by a professional in thatfield. In addition, she said, “It takes a wholeteam to put the makeup on the actors be-fore every show.”

As for the set builders who’ve constructeda fanciful world of trees, a swamp, a castleand even a dragon’s lair, they’re dads, ac-tors and students.

And, said Swan, “They’ve created pieces

that have to not only be visually appealing,but sturdy, safe and functional, as well.”

Annie Ermlick and Josh Nixon developedthe choreography for all the musical num-bers and then taught it to all those who’llbe performing it. Kurt Gustafson designedthe show’s sound and lighting, and Ermlick’sson Billy helped him with the latter.

Another invaluable member of the techcrew is Chantilly High sophomore MichaelRosegrant, who created many of “Shrek the

Musical’s” props. Among his proudest ac-complishments are a plush, gingerbread-man puppet with an expressive face andmovable eyebrows, and a gray, shaggy-haired, remote-control mouse. “I took a re-mote-control car and sculpted the mousearound it,” he said. “It was really fun.”

Looking forward to seeing everythingcome together onstage when the curtain

rises, Swan says it’s going to be a terrificshow that’s not to be missed. It’s taken agreat deal of time and effort but, she said,it’ll all be worthwhile.

“It really does take ‘a village’ to put on ashow like this,” said Swan. “There are somany elements that go into creating the fi-nal product, but it’s really going to be won-derful. We hope everyone will come see it.”

Alliance SummerStars presents“Shrek the Musical.”

‘Don’t Be Afraid To Be Different’

Behind the Scenes at ‘Shrek the Musical’

Bonnie Hobbs/The ConnectionChantilly High sophomore MichaelRosegrant created this remote-controlled mouse, which willskitter across the stage.

The head of the huge dragon, who develops a crush on Donkey.


A big green ogre, a princess, a wise-cracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all beonstage when The AllianceTheatre’s Summer Stars program presents“Shrek the Musical.”

The cast and crew of nearly 100 have beenworking on the show since May and, whenthe curtain rises, they’ll be joined by a 13-piece pit orchestra.

Helming his fourth Alliance show, Direc-tor Scott Olson says things are going reallywell.

“I’ve got an insanely talented cast,” hesaid. “My leads are spot-on for their char-acters, and 30 members of our SummerStars theater camp – from third througheighth grade – are in the show, too. They’redoing really high-level dances, tight chore-ography and even marching.”

Olson said special prosthetics were cre-ated to transform actors into ogres andfairytale characters, and the costumes andmake-up will be “amazing,” as will the 26-foot-long, light-up, dragon puppet that ex-

hales smoke. The scenes take place in aswampy forest, a castle, a dragon’s lair, achurch and at Shrek’s house – an oversizedtree stump.

There’s also a moral to the story. SaidOlson: “This show’s about understandingand appreciating others’ differences andaccepting and appreciating yourself for who

you are.”Playing Shrek is Oak Hill’s Glynn Cosker.

“He’s an ogre who likes living by himself ina swamp,” said Cosker. “So he’s surprisedto one day find dozens of fairytale creaturesthere. But he’s not immune to adventure.Yet when he falls in love with Fiona andforms a friendship with Donkey, you see a

different side of him and learn that he ac-tually has a big heart.”

Cosker’s been in 30 shows, but calls Shrekone of the most fun roles he’s ever played.“He’s such a big, full-of-life character,” saidCosker. “And the whole experience – work

Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

The show’sthree leads withmany of theSummer Starsactors beforerehearsing the“Freak Flag”dance number.

See Stage, Page 5

To Go“Shrek the Musical”

will be performed byThe Alliance Theatre atChantilly High, 4201Stringfellow Road inChantilly. Show timesare: Friday, Aug. 1 and8, at 7:30 p.m.; Satur-day, Aug. 2 and 9, at 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; andSunday, Aug. 3 and 10,at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $16 viawww.TheAllianceTheatre.orgor 703-220-8101.


News


Each year, the West Fairfax CountyCitizens Association (WFCCA)presents the James D. McDonnellAward to honor a local resident’soutstanding service to the community. Mon-day night, July 21, it was given jointly, forthe first time.

Receiving it were husband and wife, Tedand Tami Troscianecki, of Centreville’s Vir-ginia Run community. They were honoredfor their work to inform the citizens anddecision-makers about all the facts to betaken into consideration regarding theBraddock/Pleasant Valley Road roundaboutissue.

“Jim McDonnell set the bar high, as hewas instrumental in ensuring that the de-velopment of the Western Fairfax area wasnot overwhelming and provided the asso-ciated amenities necessary for a livable com-munity,” said WFCCA Land-Use ChairmanJim Katcham.

Speaking during the WFCCA’s quarterlymeeting, he said this year’s award recog-nizes the Troscianeckis for their work in

reviewing the roundabout’s impacts. “Thejoint efforts of Ted and Tami regarding thecommunity’s opposition to the proposedroundabout were extraordinary,” saidKatcham.

He said the couple met with communityleaders, elected officials and county staff toobtain extensive data regarding traffic flowthrough the intersection.

They also investigated the adverse envi-ronmental impact on the area and expressedthe community’s concerns about the effectthis project will have on both local trafficand the environment.

“This information and data was presentedat a WFCCA quarterly meeting, thus pro-

viding the community with a greater un-derstanding of the overall impact of theproposed road modifications,” saidKatcham, “In particular, [the Troscianeckisillustrated] the fact that much of the in-creased traffic flow would be coming fromLoudoun County.”

“Their joint efforts resulted in a clear andconcise understanding of the potential im-pact the roundabout will have on FairfaxCounty,” he continued. “While the final de-cision wasn’t favorable to the community, atremendous effort was made to convinceelected officials that the proposed changeswill adversely affect Fairfax County citizens.However, as Ted has said, ‘It’s not over, yet.’

Ted and Tami, congratulations, and thankyou for your exemplary community service.”

Katcham then presented them with aplaque, and Planning Commissioner JimHart – a past chairman of the WFCCA Land-Use Committee – recalled what impressedhim about Ted Troscianecki, the first timehe saw him at a WFCCA meeting.

“It was 1997 or ’98, and he and Tami hadjust moved back here,” said Hart. “He saidthey wanted to be part of this area and con-tribute to it, and that speaks volumes abouttheir commitment. Jim McDonnell wouldbe proud that this award went to them. Herecognized that the community would bebetter off if we weren’t partisan and weworked with both sides.”

“We wanted to take an active role in guid-ing the quality of life here,” said TedTroscianecki. “We felt a responsibility andwanted to participate.”

Speaking on behalf of both of them, hesaid he and Tami “truly appreciate thisaward. Jim McDonnell cared very muchabout the quality of life in Western Fairfaxand we feel the same way. He embodiedthe spirit of community, and to be acknowl-edged with an award that bears his namemeans a lot to us. Thanks to all in theWFCCA, as well as to Planning Commission-ers Jim Hart and John Litzenberger, for rec-ognizing us.”

Ted and Tami Troscianecki receiveMcDonnell Award.

‘Thanks for Exemplary Community Service’

From left: Ted andTami Troscianeckireceive the James D.McDonnell Awardfor outstandingcommunity servicefrom Jim Katcham.

Photo by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

See Prison, Page 15


Although she received a sentence be-low the state guidelines, a formerFair Oaks tax preparer will bespending the next three years in prison. Sheis Thuy Tien Le, 40, who learned her pun-ishment last Friday, July 18, in U.S. DistrictCourt in Alexandria.

She’d pleaded guilty April 30 to prepar-ing false income tax returns and commit-ting wire fraud. Le admitted to committingthese crimes while running her Fair Oaks-based, tax-return preparation businesscalled T2 Advantage Services LLC.

“Over 100 clients of hers were victims,”said Assistant U.S. Attorney PaulNathanson. “And they were particularlyvulnerable because they didn’t speak En-glish. She caused them pain and stress thatwill continue as they try to straighten outtheir finances.”

In a statement of facts filed with her pleaagreement, Le, now of Sterling, admittedthat, from 2005 through 2013, she ownedand operated her business out of her homeon Madeley Court in Fairfax. She prepared

federal income-taxreturns for her cli-ents and led them tobelieve she’d electronically filed legitimatereturns with the IRS.

But before filing these returns, she alteredthem by adding false itemized deductionsso she could generate large income-tax re-funds. But instead of this money going toher clients, it instead went to her.

Le told federal authorities she’d preparedand filed the false income tax returns with-out her clients’ knowledge or consent andthat she had their refunds deposited elec-tronically into her own bank accounts. Shefurther admitted that the IRS sustained$454,455 in losses because of what she’ddone.

The investigation into her suspectedcriminal activities began in early July 2013when Fairfax County police received a re-port from a resident that Le had preparedtheir income taxes. That person received theprepared documents, including a statementindicating exactly what federal and staterefunds to expect.

Fair Oaks tax preparer filedfalse returns with the IRS.

Tax and Wire Fraud:Three Years Prison

Le


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)

From Page 7

News

ing with the kids and seeing their reactionsto Shrek – has been wonderful. It’s about 180degrees from my own, nice and introvertedpersonality. As Shrek, I do lots of yelling andscreaming, so it’s quite therapeutic.”

His favorite song, which he sings, is “WhenWords Fail.” In it, said Cosker, “Shrek’s tryingto get the courage to ask Fiona to spend timewith him – and worrying what he’ll do if hiswords fail him. The song speaks to his humil-ity as you see him shedding the ogre shell andbecoming more human.”

Cosker said the audience will also enjoy theshow’s energy and focus, plus the singers anddancers in the ensemble. “The choreographyand costumes are awesome,” he said. “Peoplewill step into a different world for two hoursand have a good time.”

Jennifer LePaige, who studied at the Ameri-can Musical and Dramatic Academy, portraysPrincess Fiona. “She’s a sassy ball of fire, inde-pendent and a spitfire with her words,” saidLePaige. “She just wants to find her true love;it’s her motivation for everything. She finds herstorybook romance – which is different fromwhat she expected – but turns out to be betterthan anything she’d wished for.”

As one of her “dream roles,” said LePaige, “Ilove it; I’ve wanted to play her forever. We havea lot of the same characteristics. In my daily

Bringing a Big, Green Ogre to Stagelife, I feel like I fit Fiona because we’re bothstrong women.”

She especially likes her song, “This is How aDream Comes True,” because “It tells a lot ofFiona’s story quickly, and Shrek’s playing withthe dragon while I sing. This show is so muchfun and really brings the screenplay to life. Thecharacters are loveable, we have a great castand adults will love it as much as children will.”

Playing Shrek’s sidekick, Donkey, is 2013Chantilly High grad Devyn Tinker. “Donkey’sa free spirit, very talkative and energetic allthe time, no matter how he’s feeling,” saidTinker. “He always questions the obvious sohe can wrap his head around things. He’s alsoa little slow to get jokes. He starts out com-pletely opposite of Shrek because he loves be-ing around people.”

Tinker loves his role, too, because “I get tobe energetic, with arms flailing all over theplace. It’s just a lot of fun.” His favorite num-ber is “Who I’d Be,” which Donkey sings withShrek and Fiona. “We sing about whom eachof us would be if we could just escape thedragon,” said Tinker. “We’re expressing ourdreams and thinking about who we’d be in thefuture.”

He said the audience will like the show’s hu-mor and “the fact that it’s based on a moviethey already know. The music’s upbeat, there’snever a dull moment and the cast has a lot of

chemistry.”New Robinson Secondary grad Spencer

Boyd, majoring in musical theater at JMU,portrays Lord Farquaad. “He’s the Lord ofDuloc, but is constantly searching for power,”said Boyd. “He’s over-compensating for hisshort height, so he wants perfection. He’s ban-ished all the fairytale creatures from his landbecause he only wants to rule over perfectpeople.”

However, the only way he can become kingis by marrying a princess like Fiona. “He’s veryproud and can be charming and charismatic,”said Boyd.

“But he’s also mean, strict and ill-tempered– and the subject of his height is off limits.”

“It’s great playing him because he’s just over-the-top with everything,” continued Boyd. “Hehas a regal air of royalty, but is touchy abouthis height, so he’s a very funny character toplay.” But Since Boyd is actually tall in reallife, he’ll be walking on his knees during theshow to be short.

He especially likes the number, “What’s Up,Duloc?” which he sings. “It’s Farquaad’s en-trance song, makes fun of other Broadway num-bers and is very humorous,” said Boyd. Over-all, he said, “This is a really funny, family-friendly show with a great message – let yourfreak flag fly and don’t be afraid to be differ-ent. And it’ll be really enjoyable to watch.”


Opinion

The Virginia General Assembly’s re-fusal to expand Medicaid, extend-ing health coverage to as many as400,000 Virginians has resulted inthe loss of about $1 billion in direct payments.

But that understates the loss, failingto 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 9

By Mary AgeeNorthern Virginia Family Service

President and CEO

On the surface, Martha Ordon is liv-ing the typical Northern Virginianlife. She works as a medical recep-tionist at a doctor’s office in Fairfax, and talksproudly about her 16 year-old daughter, a so-cially-active junior who plans to study busi-ness in college when she graduates. The real-ity is a little bit more complicated.

Martha and her daughter moved to Fairfaxin 2008 from Louisiana. Her friend had urgedher to make the move to Northern Virginia,telling her about the fantastic quality of life:the great schools, the strong job market andthe sense of community. What her friend hadn’tmentioned was the high cost of living. In Loui-siana, Martha had worked as a cook in a Catho-lic school and always made enough to pay herbills. In Fairfax, she took a full-time job as acook making $10.50 an hour and a part-timejob as a retail sales associate making $8 anhour. With two jobs, Martha could pay her bills,but she rarely got to see her daughter. WhenMartha lost her job as a cook, she began work-ing retail full-time but could no longer makeends meet.

In 2012, Martha and her daughter wereevicted from their apartment. They lived in ahotel until a space became available at a localfamily shelter. Martha recognized that in or-der to pull her life back together and providea stable home for her daughter, she would needa living-wage job. She also realized that herprevious experience as a cook was not going

to help her rise above the poverty line. Duringher shelter stay, Martha discovered TrainingFutures, the nationally-recognized, workforcedevelopment solution of Northern VirginiaFamily Service.

Training Futures is a free program for adults

Housing and jobopportunities neededto relieve poverty.

‘Living Wage’ Tough to Achieve in Northern Virginia

Photo contributedTraining Futures is a free program for adults who are determined to gain theskills to excel in professional, administrative roles.

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns, Call:

703-778-9410e-mail:

[email protected]

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[email protected]

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Chantilly


WEEKDAYS • SATURDAYS • EVENINGS 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CAREMET LIFE, DELTA, BCBS/CAREFIRST, & UNITED CONCORDIA PROVIDER

The Rocky Run MiddleCyberRams team is one of fourteams nationwide to win a STEM-in-Action grant fromeCybermission, an educationaloutreach program of the U.S.Army focused on using science,technology, engineering, and mathto solve a real problem in the com-munity.

Adam Friedman and TonyXiao won college-sponsoredscholarships by the National Merit

Scholarship Corporation.

Carina Nur from HerndonHigh School, Carolina Sosafrom Westfield High School andDaniel Ricks from ChantillyHigh School are learning how topreserve and interpret cultural re-sources as interns at Sully HistoricSite in Chantilly. For more aboutthe Margaret C. Peck Internshipprogram at Sully Historic Site, call703-437-1794 or visitwww.fairfaxcouty.gov/parks/sully.

SchoolsDavid Bussell has graduated

from Bard College at Simon’s Rockwith an Associate of Arts degreein liberal arts.

Kim P. Dockery, FairfaxCounty Public Schools Chief Aca-demic Officer, has been named tothe Virginia Standards of LearningInnovation Committee

David Salmon was named tothe dean’s list at Salisbury Univer-sity.


By Janelle GermanosThe Connection

Express lanes and rapid-bus tran-sit could be coming to Interstate66, Gov. Terry McAuliffe an-nounced on July 17.“Interstate 66 is broken. Commuters are

stuck in traffic, limited in the travel choicesthey can make and unable to predict howlong their trip will take on any given day,”

McAuliffe said. “Giving Virginians morechoices and a better, safer travel experienceon I-66 is one of my top priorities, and to-day I am proud to announce the beginningof that effort.”

The plan, which includes three regularand two express lanes in each direction, busservice, and improved commuter parking,would be implemented from the CapitalBeltway to Haymarket

“Today’s announcement that we could bestarting construction by 2017 on Expresslanes like solution to I-66 congestion is out-standing news. I-66 is our most congested

Express Lanes, Rapid-Bus Transit Planned for 1-66Improvements willbe made fromCapital Beltwayto Haymarket.

News

This map demon-strates the areawhere expresslanes and otherimprovementswill be madealong Interstate66.

The proposed express lanes for Interstate 66 would be similar to those on Interstate 495 and those beingconstructed on Interstate 95 in Springfield, pictured here.

corridor and this gives me great hope thatwe can improve the quality of life for allNorthern Virginians,” said Supervisor PatHerrity (R-Springfield.)

The project, which spans 25 miles, willcost an estimated two to $3 billion. The ex-press lanes would operate similar to thoseon Interstate 495 and those being con-structed on Interstate 95, which base thecost of the toll on time of day and conges-tion.

“I have been a longtime advocate for an‘Express Lanes’ like solution for I-66 whichwould open this corridor up to reliable timeadvantaged mass transit and carpooling, ex-tend a growing network of lanes dedicatedto mass transit and carpools, and ease con-

“Over the last coupleof months the VirginiaDepartment ofTransportation hasworked closely withthe Department of Railand PublicTransportation, theOffice ofTransportation Public-Private Partnershipsand Fairfax and PrinceWilliam counties todevise a plan that willreduce congestion onI-66 by increasingcapacity and givingtravelers morechoices.”

— Virginia Secretary ofTransportation Aubrey Layn

gestion on I-66 and surrounding roads likeRoute 50, Route 29 and Braddock Road,”Herrity said. “I want to thank Transporta-tion Secretary Layne for continuing to keepthis project a priority for the Common-wealth of Virginia.”

Officials announced the plan at a meet-ing at VDOT’s Fairfax office on July 17.

“Over the last couple of months the Vir-ginia Department of Transportation hasworked closely with the Department of Railand Public Transportation, the Office ofTransportation Public-Private Partnershipsand Fairfax and Prince William counties todevise a plan that will reduce congestionon I-66 by increasing capacity and givingtravelers more choices. Today we kick off

17 months of rigorous environmental studyand robust community involvement. By theend of 2016 our plan is to complete envi-ronmental work, identify funding sources,receive federal approval, and move forwardon a plan to turn I-66 into the efficient,multi-modal corridor that Virginia’seconomy needs,” said Virginia Secretary ofTransportation Aubrey Layne.

Express lanes on Interstate 95, which willrun from Stafford County near GarrisonvilleRoad up to 395 near Edsall Road, are ex-pected to open in early 2015. All driverswill be required to purchase E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex in order to use the lanes, andonly vehicles with three or more passengerscan ride toll free.

Photo Courtesy of VDOT

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Opinion

From Page 6

who are determined to gain the skills to excel inprofessional, administrative roles. The 6-month cur-riculum not only teaches college-level administra-tive skills such as the Microsoft Office Suite, customerservice, records management, medical terminology,business English and business math, but also througha partnership with Northern Virginia CommunityCollege, offers eligible trainees the opportunity toearn up to 21 college credits and a Career StudiesCertificate in Business Information Technology.

Trainees come to Training Futures Monday – Fri-day, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., and often arrive early and staylate to master course work. They are outfitted in theTraining Futures Clothing Closet and expected towear business professional clothes every day. Eachtrainee reports to a “supervisor,” or staff member,who coaches them around attitude and business hab-its, encourages them and above all else, holds themto high “corporate” expectations. When trainees ar-rive for their first day at their new professional, ad-ministrative job, they not only have the skills to addvalue, but also look and act the part of an excellentemployee. Martha knew she had found the pathwayto the life she imagined for herself and her daugh-ter. Within five weeks of graduating from this excit-ing program, Martha landed her position as a medi-cal receptionist, making $14 an hour.

While at the shelter, Martha was also referred tothe Bridging Affordability Program. BridgingAffordability is administered by Northern Virginia

Family Service in partnership with Fairfax CountyDepartment of Housing & Community Development.The program combines rental subsidies and casemanagement supportive services with the intent ofmoving families forward toward self-sufficiency.Bridging Affordability has given Martha the time andfinancial breathing room to attend Training Futuresand work towards a living wage. As Martha nearsthe end of her time in Bridging Affordability she ispaying down debt which will allow her to purchasea car and further broaden her housing options. Shehas increased her income 57 percent since startingthe program, thanks to the training and subsequentemployment she found following Training Futures,but still needs to consider affordable housing options,which are rare in this area.

The comprehensive nature of NVFS programs, in-cluding Workforce Development and Housing Ser-vices, provide clients with a unique opportunity toachieve several substantial goals at one time. NVFShas made the investment to ensure that when cli-ents who seek our services for one issue may accessthe full range of our programs to increase the oddsof achieving self-sufficiency. In the community, NVFShas been working with partners in both the non-profit and government sectors who recognize thecross section between these two service areas. Fami-lies will not be able to maintain stable housing with-out living wages, and our efforts to solve the hous-ing program in Northern Virginia are contingentupon holistic solutions that address both of theseissues, together.

Creating Opportunities

WFCM To CloseThrift StoreTo the Editor:

For 27 years, Western Fairfax Christian Minis-tries has provided life-essential support to indi-viduals and families in our community with theassistance of hundreds of volunteers, churches,donors, and partner organizations. In 1998,WFCM started selling clothing to the local com-munity as a way to generate revenue to supportthe vital ministries we offer — this was the nexusof what has grown into our current thrift store.

Over the years, the community has been gener-ous with their donations of time, clothing, andhousehold goods to keep the thrift store running.We are immensely grateful for this support. Notonly has the thrift store provided low-cost, qual-ity goods for our customers, it has also allowedus to meet the clothing and household needs ofour clients seeking assistance.

For the past couple of years, however, the thriftstore has not generated enough revenue to coverthe costs of its operation. A change in locationpresented challenges to the ministry. After months

of prayerful consideration, the board of directorshas determined that operating the thrift store isno longer the right choice financially for WFCM.The thrift store will close Aug. 15.

This is a season of change for WFCM. The thriftstore has been an important part of our ministryand we are grateful for your partnership. We knowthat needs still exist in our community for assis-tance with clothing and household goods. Weknow that a need also exists for our donors whodesire to help others by contributing their useditems. And, we will continue to work to meet thoseneeds.

WFCM is developing partnerships with churchesand organizations in our community with cloth-ing closets who will be able to serve our clientsand receive in-kind donations. We will distributedetails on this new process when they are final-ized.

Although the doors of the thrift store will beclosing, WFCM is expectant to see what God hasin store for us in the future as we seek to be anextension of God’s love in this community.

Jeff RobertsonPresident, for the WFCM Board of Directors

Letter

Write The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed. Include home address and home and business

numbers. Letters are routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors.Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Connection

1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.

By e-mail: [email protected]


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C E N T R E V I L L EThe Anglican Church of the Ascension

TraditionalAnglican Services

1928 Book ofCommon Prayer

1940 Hymnal

13941 Braddock Road, (north off Rte. 29) Centreville, VA703-830-3176 • www.ascension-acc.org

Holy Communion 10 A.M. Sundays(with Church School and Nursery)

bb

All Summer One Service 10amRadical Encounters with Jesus

Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

ONGOINGArt Gallery: Panolia. Through Aug. 2.

7 p.m.-midnight. at Epicure Cafe,11104 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Acollection of paintings and mixedmedia work by local artists, curatedby The Bunnyman Bridge Collective.Free admission, one item purchaserequired. Visit www.epicurecafe.orgor www.facebook.com/TheBunnymanBridgeCollective.

Fine Arts Open Exhibition. ThroughAug. 19. at Jewish CommunityCenter of Northern Virginia, 8900Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. TheJewish Community Center ofNorthern Virginia will be opening itsannual art exhibition to highlight thework of new members, staff and thecommunity. Entry fee is $10 formembers and $18 for nonmembers.Contact 703 323-0880 or visitwww.jccnvarts.org for moreinformation.

Evenings on the Ellipse SummerConcert Series. Thursdays throughAug. 28. 5:30-7:30 p.m. FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.Whether you like jazz, big band,bluegrass, or Latin pop, there is sureto be something for everyone. Rainor shine. Free. Visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/ellipse.htm for more.

Registration for 2014 NorthernVirginia Senior Olympics. Onlineregistration for the 2014 NorthernVirginia Senior Olympics is opennow. Events will take place Sept. 13-

24 at 19 different venues throughoutNorthern Virginia. Registration formsare available at senior centers,community centers and seniorresidences or by calling 703 228-4721. Deadline to register is Aug. 29by mail and Sept. 5 online. Adults 50years of age by Dec. 30, 2014,residing in a sponsoring jurisdiction,are eligible to compete. Fee is $12.Visit www.nvso.us for more.

Sully Historic Site. 3650 HistoricSully Way, Chantilly. Enjoy guidedtours of the 1794 home of NorthernVirginia’s first Congressman, RichardBland Lee. $7/adult; $6/student; $5/senior and child. Hours are 11 a.m.-4p.m. 703-437-1794.

CAMPS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPSBoys Basketball Camp. Centreville

and Westfield High School worktogether to offer three sessions ofbasketball camp for ages 7-15.Session III July 28-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-3p.m. daily. Cost is $150 per sessionfor May registrants, $160 per sessionfor June registrants and $170 in July.Discounts available. Contact coachDoug Ewell at 703-488-6406 [email protected] or Coach PatrickHally at [email protected] formore.

Whodunit? Mystery Workshop andPerformance. Monday-Friday, July21-Aug. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Center forthe Arts, 9419 Battle St., Manassas.Teens and adults can hone theirmystery skills at this performancecamp. Register at www.center-for-the-arts.org or call 703-330-2787.

THURSDAY/JULY 24Fairy Tale Writing Workshop.

10:30 a.m. at Chantilly RegionalLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Learn to write a fairy tale, for

children in grades 3 and 4. Call 703-502-3883.

PJ Library Book Buddies. 2 p.m. atChantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Stories and craftsrelated to Jewish culture andtraditions. Ages 2-5 with caregiver,siblings welcome. Call 703-502-3883or contact [email protected] with questions.

Eric Dobell: Mind Invader. 7 p.m. atChantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Psychic magicianEric Dobell reads minds and predictsthe future, or does he? Door prizedrawing. Call 703-502-3883.

FRIDAY/JULY 25Dairy Days. 1, 2 or 3 p.m. at Sully

Historic Site, 3650 Historic SullyWay, Chantilly. Make ice cream andbutter the old-fashioned way. $5 forin county, $7 for out of county. Visitwww.fairfax.gov/parks/sully.

Bouncin’ Babies. 3 p.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Rhymes, songs, stories andactivities for babies up to 11 monthswith adult. Call 703-502-3883.

Small Wonders. 4 p.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Rhymes, songs, stories andactivities for children 12-23 monthswith adult. Call 703-502-3883.

SATURDAY/JULY 26Plant Clinic. 10:30 a.m. at Chantilly

Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Master gardeners providehorticultural tips, information,techniques and advice to homegardeners. Call 703-502-3883.

Peaceful Paws. 10:30 a.m. atChantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Children can meetand read to a trained therapy dog fora 15-minute session. Especially for

children with developmentalchallenges meet and read to a trainedtherapy dog. Bring a book or chooseone from the library. Call 703-502-3883.

Paws for Reading. 3 p.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Children can meet and read toa trained therapy dog for a 15-minute session. Bring a book orchoose one from the library. Call703-502-3883.

Arts in the Park Performance. 10a.m. E.C. Lawrence ParkAmphitheatre, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. Featuring GoodLifeTheater. Free. Call 703-631-0013.

SUNDAY/JULY 27Udvar-Hazy Center Summer

Concert Series. 6-7 p.m. atUdvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air andSpace Museum Pkwy., Chantilly.Loudoun Jazz Ensemble will play aconcert. Free. Visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/calendar/?month=7&year=2014 for more.

Benefit Concert. 6 p.m. at EpicureCafe, 1104 Lee Highway, Fairfax.Allison Ashforth for The World Race,featuring Dr. Robinson’s Fiasco.Donations accepted to support an 11month mission trip. Visit www.allisonashforth.theworldrace.org for more.

MONDAY/JULY 28The Barker of Seville. 2:30 p.m. at

Chantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Blue Sky PuppetTheatre presents this musicalcomedy, all ages. Please register eachchild and adult separately. Call 703-502-3883.

TUESDAY/JULY 29Toddlin’ Twos. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

at Chantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Early literacystorytime with stories, songs andactivities. Age 2 with adult. Call 703-502-3883.

Storytime. 1:30 p.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Early literacy program withstories and activities for children age3-5 with adult. Call 703-502-3883.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 30Bouncin’ Babies. 3 p.m. at Chantilly

Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Rhymes, songs, stories andactivities for babies up to 11 monthswith adult. Call 703-502-3883.


THURSDAY/JULY 31Fairy Tale Writing Workshop.

10:30 a.m. at Chantilly RegionalLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Learn to write a fairy tale, forchildren in grades 3 and 4. Call 703-502-3883.

Ask an Expert. 12:30-1 p.m. at Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and SpaceMuseum Pkwy., Chantilly. adiscussion about “The Caudron G.4.”presented by Christopher Moore.Meet at the nose of the SR-71 in theBoeing Aviation Hangar. Free. Visithttp://airandspace.si.edu/events/ask-an-expert/#hazy for more.

THURSDAY/JULY 31-SUNDAY/AUG. 34-H Fair. July 31-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-3

p.m.; Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Aug. 3,11 a.m.-5 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park,2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Comejoin the old-fashioned, country fun atthe 4-H Fair. $7 parking fee. Call703-437-9101.

FRIDAY/AUG. 1Ready for School Storytime. 2 p.m.

at Chantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Early literacystorytime program for children readyto be on their own without caregiversor siblings. Age 4-5. 703-502-3883.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 1-3Musical Theater. Several showtimes.

at The Alliance Theater, ChantillyHigh School, 4201 Stringfellow Road,Chantilly. A production of “Shrek:The Musical.” $16. Visitwww.thealliancetheatre.org.

SATURDAY/AUG. 2Crime Solvers 5K. 8 a.m. at Fairfax

County Government Center, Fairfax.The 2nd Crime Solvers 5K race andfree kids run. $25 through July 4,$30 after, $35 the morning of theevent. To register visitwww.crimesolvers5k.com.

Plant Clinic. 10:30 a.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Master gardeners providehorticultural tips, information,techniques and advice to homegardeners. Call 703-502-3883.

Bouncin’ Babies. 3 p.m. at ChantillyRegional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Rhymes, songs, stories andactivities for babies up to 11 monthswith adult. Call 703-502-3883.


Drive-in Movie. Food and children’sactivities 6-8 p.m., movie begins atdark. Starlight Cinema, 5860 TrinityParkway. “Casablanca,” watch fromthe car or bring blankets. Bring aradio to listen outdoors. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances or call 703-324-8662.

Entertainment


News

By Michael Lee PopeThe Connection

When Lola Arce de Quintelafirst moved to Oakton 20years ago, she noticedsomething about the waymen 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-time jobs, she says, they would often se-lect positions that were not as demand-ing so they could focus their time and at-tention on their children while husbandsand fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.

“The other women who live on my blockare teachers,” said de Quintela, afreelance translator. “Their husbands areattorneys or they work for the WorldBank.”

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 workersis $77,000. The men in that ZIP code pullin almost $130,000. That means womenwho live in Oakton and are full-time, per-manent workers earn 60 percent of whatmen earn.

“It’s very difficult to have a family andraise kids when you have two people withhigh-powered careers that demand a lotof time and attention,” said de Quintela.“So a lot of women tend to find workthat’s more flexible and not as demand-ing, which means 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 force

than men.“Given the traditional understandings

about who cares for children or aging par-ents, what we often see is that women takeon 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 areeven 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 Fairfax

County 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 men

and women canbe explained bylooking at howthe genders par-ticipate in the la-bor force differ-ently. A recentstudy by theGeorge MasonSchool for Re-gional Analysisconcluded thatA r l i n g t o nCounty has thehighest laborforce participa-tion rate forwomen in theregion while theDistrict of Co-lumbia has thelowest. Mean-while, suburbanareas of FairfaxCounty havemuch lower fe-male participa-tion rates thanurban areassuch as Arling-ton or Alexan-dria.

“If you’relooking at whymen are earningmore, it’s be-cause in thosecases womenwho might havea higher earningpotential are notin the laborforce, they are

staying home to raise a family,” said DavidVersel, senior research associate at the Cen-ter for Regional Analysis. “That’s obviouslyless true than it was a generation or twoago, but that’s the easiest way of looking atthis.”

Although the disparity between salariesearned by men and women are glaring,researchers who look at the data warn notto jump to conclusions about gender in-equality. These numbers show that menand women who live in the same ZIPcodes earn different salaries, it does notsay that they receive different salaries fordoing the same work. They probably saymore about how women and men ap-proach the labor force differently thanhow employers choose to compensatetheir employees.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean that weare talking about any active gender in-equality in the sense of discrimination ormen and women being paid differentamounts for the exact same labor,” saidRorem. “One thing that’s important tokeep in mind when you are looking at allfull-time year-round workers is that onething you don’t pick up is experience be-tween 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

After playing defensive end andrunning back in his early years,James Gibson made the switchto free safety as a sophomore tojoin the Westfield varsity football team. Theresults have been fruitful for Gibson, whoreceived first-team all-district and second-team all-region accolades. On July 21,Gibson, a rising senior, committed to playfor Army.

Westfield has reached the region cham-pionship game three years in a row, twowith Gibson at free safety, but each year theBulldogs have ended their season one winshy of the state playoffs. Gibson is hopingexperience gained can help propel the Bull-dogs further in 2014.

Gibson recently participated in a Q&A viaemail.

Q: You committed to Army onMonday. What made Army the rightchoice for you?

Gibson: Great combination of academicsand football. Loved the place overall. Espe-cially because I expected it to be prison-likewhen you hear military school. Beautifulplace overall. Coaches made me feel com-fortable and the players were comfortablearound them even though they were newcoaches.

Q: Westfield has lost in the regionchampionship game each of thelast three seasons (Gibson playedin two of those games). How did itfeel to finish one win shy of statesmultiple years in a row? How dothose experiences affect youroutlook on this season?

Gibson: To make it that far each year andlose is bittersweet. This season we plan onwinning and advancing past that game. Alot of experience was gained in each of thosegames, which will help us moving forward

this year.

Q: At what age did you start play-ing football? Have you always beena safety? When did you realizeplaying college football was apossibility for you?

Gibson: I started playing football at 7years old. I was a defensive end at first, thenrunning back up until my sophomore yearwhen I made the switch FS to play on thevarsity team. I realized playing college foot-ball [was a possibility] the spring of mysophomore year when a few colleges cameby the school to meet me.

Q: What qualities, physical ormental, does it take to make agood safety?

Gibson: Mentally, in our system atWestfield playing safety takes a lot becauseyou are an extension of the coaches on thefield. Physically, you just need the right tech-

niques and everything will be fine. It’s ademanding position, but at the same timevery fun.

Q: Do you play any other sports atWestfield?

Gibson: Yes, I ran track my first two years.I played lacrosse this past year and will playlacrosse and run track my senior year, aswell.

Q: What is your favorite athleticmoment from your first three yearsat Westfield?

Gibson: My favorite moment was the LakeBraddock game (2013 region semifinals).We came back and made it past Thanksgiv-ing which we had not done the past twoyears. Scoring the touchdown with the[field goal] block from Chase [Koon] wasamazing, as well to see all 10 guys runningdown to help me, especially Donteiro[Moore] at the end. That game created a

buzz around the school even more thanusual, which was unfortunately ruined thenext Saturday.

Q: What is something you’velearned from your first threeseasons that can help you thisyear?

Gibson: Just play. Especially my sopho-more year, I would think way too much. I’vebeen in the system for three years now andhave it down, I just need to play and helpothers around me to ultimately reach ourgoal of a state championship.

Q: Who is your favorite musicartist? Why?

Gibson: J. Cole is my favorite artist. Partsof his music relate to me and he tells a storyabout his life and all he’s been through toget to where he is now. I always listen tohim on game day.

Q: What is your favorite movie?Gibson: Tie between “Kevin Hart: Let Me

Explain” and the James Bond movies.

Q: Do you play video games? If so,which one is your favorite?

Gibson: Yes, NCAA is my favorite.

Q: What is your favorite hobbyoutside of football?

Gibson: Playing sports with my friends.

Q: What location is the farthestyou have traveled from the Wash-ington, D.C. metro area?

Gibson: Liberia. I go every year to visitmy dad and other family.

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

Gibson: Yes: Pittsburgh Steelers and Mi-ami Heat.

— Jon Roetman

Standout free safety.

Westfield Rising Senior Gibson Commits to Army

Connection file photoWestfield free safety James Gibson makes a tackle during his sophomoreseason.

See Bulletin, Page 15

Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

SUMMER MEALS FOR CHILDRENFairfax County Public Schools will

participate in the U.S. Department ofAgriculture’s summer food serviceprogram for children who qualify forfree and reduced lunches during theschool year. Free meals that meetfederal nutrition guidelines will beprovided to children at approvedsites throughout Fairfax County. Tofind a location, contact the FCPSOffice of Food and Nutrition Servicesat 703-813-4800.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLINGResidents can now “e-cycle” at the I-66

transfer station. It is free butresidents may be asked to show proofof residency. Personal waste only.

Pet Calendar. Submit a photo of a petto us.petvalu.com for a chance tohave its picture in the 2015 calendar.Resolution must be 2200 pixels wideat 72 dpi. Minimum file size is 1MB.Photos must be horizontal, in colorand in .jpg format. Calendars on salein mid october for $5. All proceedsgo to support groups that help put astop to animal cruelty. Visit thewebsite for more.

SATURDAY/AUG. 2eBook Help. 2 p.m. at the Chantilly

Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Get eBook questions answered.Bring a tablet or digital reader andlibrary card. Call 703-502-3883.

MONDAY/AUG. 4Special Needs Workshop. 9 a.m.-

2:30 p.m. at George MasonUniversity, 4400 University Drive,The HUB - Building 56, Fairfax. Forbrothers and sisters of children with

Bulletin Board

The I-66 station is located at 4618West Ox Road, Fairfax and open from8 a.m.-4 p.m. from Monday-Saturdayand from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/electric-sunday.htm formore.

THURSDAY/JULY 24English Conversation Group. 7 p.m.

at the Chantilly Regional Library,4000 Stringfellow Road. PracticeEnglish with other students. Call 703-502-3883.

SATURDAY/JULY 26ESL Book Club. 11 a.m. at the

Chantilly Regional Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Adults learningEnglish meet to discuss a bookchosen by the group. Call 703-502-3883.

English Conversation Group. 3:30p.m. at the Centreville RegionalLibrary, 14200 St. Germain Drive.Practice English with other students.Call 703-502-3883.

MONDAY/JULY 28ESL Book Club. 7 p.m. at the

Centreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Adults learningEnglish meet to discuss a bookchosen by the group. Call 703-830-2223.

MONDAY-TUESDAY/JULY 28-29Youth Mental Health First Aid.

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the ChantillyCSB Office, 14150 Parkeast Circle,Chantilly. Public education programfrom the Fairfax-Falls ChurchCommunity Services Board Wellnessand Health Promotion. Over a two-day course, certified instructors helpyouth learn to assist someonedeveloping or experiencing a mentalhealth problem or crisis. $25. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=47.

TUESDAY/JULY 29English Conversation Group. 10:30

a.m. at the Chantilly Regional

Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Practice English with other students.Call 703-502-3883.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 30eBook Help. 1 p.m. at the Chantilly

Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Get eBook questions answered.Bring a tablet or digital reader andlibrary card. Call 703-502-3883.

THURSDAY/JULY 31English Conversation Group. 7 p.m.

at the Chantilly Regional Library,4000 Stringfellow Road. PracticeEnglish with other students. Call 703-502-3883.

FRIDAY/AUG. 1Panther Pints Blood Drive. 2:30-7

p.m. at Apostle Catholic Church,6720 Union Mill Rd., Clifton. PhotoID required. Visit inova.org/donateblood to register. Use sponsorcode 8044. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVESfor more.

Sports Editor Jon Roetman703-224-3015 or [email protected]

Q&A


ComingFall 2014

SYA’s Inaugural FallVolleyball SeasonSeptember 8th–November 7thAll practices and games will be duringthe week—your weekends remain free!

MISSIONThe mission of Southwestern Youth

Association Volleyball (SYAV) is to provideWestern Fairfax County area youth with theopportunity to play recreational and competi-tive volleyball in a controlled environment thatprovides entertainment and enjoyment. SYAVHouse Volleyball will focus on developmentof volleyball skills.

LEVELS OF PLAY• Elementary School,

4th–6th grades• Middle School, 7th–8th grades• High School, 9th–12th grades• Coed House league Play

REGISTRATIONINFORMATION

Players must register online atwww.syasports.org

BETWEEN JUNE 1 & AUGUST29, the cost of the league is $100 per player.

AFTER AUGUST 29, an additional $20 latefee will be charged.

FAIRFAX COUNTY FEE: If your child livesoutside of Fairfax County, you will be assessedan additional $30.

PLAYER ASSESSMENTSIn order to build fair teams there will be

player assessments in September, 2014 atLiberty Middle School for those 6th grade boysand girls wanting to play up and all 7th–12thgrade boys and girls.

PRACTICE/MATCH SCHEDULEPractices will be 5:45–7:15pm or 7:15–8:45pmon Monday or Tuesday. Games will take place5:45–7:15pm or 7:15–8:45pm on Wednesday orThursday. Exact time and day of the week willdepend on gym availability. The practice nightand time will be assigned on the coach’sschedule needs.

HOUSE VOLLEYBALLPROGRAM

The SYAV House Volleyball program isdesigned as a developmental, recreationalleague. Teams will be balanced as much aspossible with mixed abilities—from new-

comer to players with more advancedskills. For players who desire a levelof play where all players haveadvanced skill levels, it is recom-

mended that you should sign up for a club ortravel volleyball team instead of SYAV House.

SYAV plays as a coed volleyball league andconducts coed volleyball clinics for youngerplayers.

TRAVEL LEAGUE FORMIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS

SYAV is interested in creatinga travel league for MiddleSchool boys teams to playagainst other volleyballorganizations withinFairfax County.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact David Lacey at [email protected]


Zone 4 Ad Deadline:Monday Noon

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Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

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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

101 Computers 101 Computers26 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]

31 GiveawaysFREE FIREPLACE WOOD

703-371-5062

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!

LicensedInsured

We Accept VISA/MC

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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]

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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

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MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES

PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE

Friendly Service for a Friendly Price

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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

LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE

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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

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Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

LANDSCAPING

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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,

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703-520-4338 N-VA

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The biggest things are always the easiest to do because there

is no competition.-William Van Horne

Zone 4 Ad Deadline:Monday Noon

703-917-6400Zone 4:• Centreville

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Connection


One of my ongoing major concerns is theorigin of the miscellaneous symptoms Iirregularly experience. Obviously I don’twant to think they’re cancer-related, soassessing them becomes minding whatpotentially matters. Moreover, since I don’twant to believe the cancer is actually harm-ing me, convincing myself that what I feelmight be important to share with my oncolo-gist is almost a fool’s errand. Though I’vebeen in this situation going on nearly five andone half years now, I am still stubborn andstupid about my reality. And though I furtherrealize that pretending doesn’t work, anddenial is hard to maintain when you receivechemotherapy every three weeks, still,accepting the various symptoms as cancerhas been too scary for me to consider; so Ihaven’t/don’t.

Perhaps it’s the treatment (I tell myselfconstantly), and the cumulative effect on mybody of non-stop chemotherapy every threeweeks for five-plus years, save for a yearwhen I was able to take a “targeted therapy”pill, Tarceva, at home every day, that is mani-festing itself? As I may have joked, being acancer patient is all it’s cracked up to be. Inone delivery system or another, I have beenreceiving treatment for almost 64 months. Itseems only logical that my body would atsome juncture begin to feel the effects fromthat kind of long-term exposure, though mylab work doesn’t necessarily reflect it, otherthan for the kidney and liver issues withwhich you regular readers are familiar. Iwould imagine there has to be some wear-and-tear-type fatigue. I mean, 64 months offairly toxic materials swirling around in yourblood system and interacting with all yourorgans; not exactly a recipe for normalcy. Itcan’t be one big happy family in there, if youknow what I mean. There has to be somedisagreements. So far, however, apparentlynot; at least as indicated by my labs andscans, which if certain levels changed wouldlikely warrant a retreat of some kind.

Perhaps what I feel is simply my age. Howwould I know? I’ve never been this agebefore; but certainly it’s possible, maybeeven probable. For all I know, this is what age60 feels like. Maybe all that I feel – and allthat I worry about – is simply the aging proc-ess, and this allows me to rationalize awaymy worst fears. Or, and this is the worst-casescenario, the age symptoms could be mask-ing the cancer symptoms, and yours trulycontinuing to do nothing about either is waypast pretending and denying; it’s almost irre-sponsible, and disrespectful even, to theefforts being made – by myself and others, tokeep me alive. After all, keeping a stage IV,non small cell lung cancer/terminal patientalive for as long as I’ve survived doesn’texactly happen by accident. Stage IV lungcancer is a killer, almost always, and one’samazing good fortune shouldn’t be taken forgranted.

Shouldn’t I be paying closer attentionhere? If I feel something, shouldn’t I allow myoncologist the opportunity to evaluate me?Who am I, a writer/salesperson, to determinewhat is medically significant (cancer-related),and what is not (age-related)? As I’ve said ahundred times in my life, I know about twothings: sports and chocolate, neither of whichhas much to do with cancer and its treat-ment. Concerning science and medicine, Iknow very little. Usually at least, I knowenough to follow directions. Therefore, if I’vebeen told to do something (by my doc-tor/health care team), maybe it’s time I did.It’s likely to be important living forward,especially considering I’ve reached an age noone expected me to be.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

A Battle—Hopefully Not tothe PrematureDeath

From Page 4

Shortly thereafter, say police, the resident“was in the process of refinancing a mort-gage and discovered that the tax documentsthe mortgage company obtained from theInternal Revenue Service were differentthan the ones Le provided to [him or her].”

Detectives, working with IRS specialagents, eventually pieced together the de-tails and extent of Le’s illegal actions. Po-lice arrested her Aug. 6, 2013, later turn-ing over her case to federal authorities.

In court Friday, defense attorney RichardMacDowell said Le told her mother is un-able to take care of that son, who’s 8. So heasked U.S. District Court Judge ClaudeHilton to consider giving his client a sen-tence below the 57-71 months guidelinesor probation.

“She’s already been punished,”MacDowell said. “In 2007-08, they werevictims of a Ponzi scheme and lost over$250,000. She’s had to file bankruptcy andlost properties.”

He also said paying restitution will be a“huge burden” for her in the future. “Pay-ing $23,000/year, without interest, will takeher 20 years,” said MacDowell. “She’s lostso much already. For her son’s welfare, sheasks for probation or house arrest.”

But, countered Nathanson, “She has ahistory of recidivism. She committed fraudin the 1990s against the Fairfax County Fed-eral Credit Union and [later] against theFairfax County welfare program. And all thefraud proceeds [from her most-recent of-fenses] went into her bank account.”

Before sentencing, Le stood and apolo-gized, saying, “I’m sorry for all the pain and

Tax and Wire Fraud: Three Years PrisonNews

stress I caused my family and clients, andfor defrauding the government.” She thenasked Hilton to consider letting her stayhome to take care of her son.

But he declined to do so and, instead,sentenced her to prison. For preparing falseincome tax returns, he sentenced her to 36months incarceration, followed by one yearof supervised release. For the wire-fraudcharge, the judge gave her another 36months, plus 3 years supervised release.

Hilton then ran the sentences concur-rently, for three years total to serve, on thecondition that Le make $200/month resti-tution payments, beginning 60 days afterher release. “I’ll waive the interest,” he said.“And I’ll recommend a [penal] facility nearNorthern Virginia.”

Afterward, MacDowell called the sentence“understandable, under the circumstances.”

From Page 16Bulletin Board

special needs: Unique Concerns, UniqueOpportunities. Free. Visit fcps.edu/cco/prc/resources/events/ for more.

ESL Book Club. 7 p.m. at the Centreville RegionalLibrary, 14200 St. Germain Drive. Adultslearning English meet to discuss a book chosenby the group. Call 703-830-2223.

TUESDAY/AUG. 5English Conversation Group. 10:30 a.m. at the

Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Practice English with other students. Call703-502-3883.

THURSDAY/AUG. 7English Conversation Group. 7 p.m. at the

Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow

Road. Practice English with other students. Call703-502-3883.

SATURDAY/AUG. 9ESL Book Club. 11 a.m. at the Chantilly Regional

Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road. Adults learningEnglish meet to discuss a book chosen by thegroup. Call 703-502-3883.

English Conversation Group. 3:30 p.m. at theCentreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive. Practice English with other students. Call703-502-3883.

MONDAY/AUG. 11ESL Book Club. 7 p.m. at the Centreville Regional

Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive. Adultslearning English meet to discuss a book chosenby the group. Call 703-830-2223.

TUESDAY/AUG. 12English Conversation Group. 10:30 a.m. at the


THURSDAY/AUG. 14English Conversation Group. 7 p.m. at the


eBook Help. 7 p.m. at the Chantilly RegionalLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road. Get eBookquestions answered. Bring a tablet or digitalreader and library card. Call 703-502-3883.

Civil War Lecture. 7 p.m. at the CentrevilleRegional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive. “Battleof the Crater/Petersburg, July 1864” by NPSRanger Emmanuel Dabney. Call 703-830-2223.

Police SeekWoman’s Assailant

Fairfax County Police are investigating theassault of a woman last Thursday, July 17,around 7 p.m., while she was jogging on apath in Chantilly. The path travels betweenresidential neighborhoods in the 12900block of Point Pleasant Drive, and thewoman reported that her assailant was aman on a bicycle.

The suspect is described as possibly His-panic or white and in his 20s, approximately5 feet 9 inches, with an average build. Hewas clean-shaven and wore a neon-yellowshirt.

Anyone with information is asked to con-tact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477,e-mail www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, text“TIP187” plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131.

Farmers MarketOn Thursdays

Each Thursday, from 3-7 p.m., the FairfaxCounty Government Center hosts a farm-ers market in its parking lot. The Govern-ment Center is at 12000 Government Cen-ter Pkwy. in Fair Oaks, and the next mar-kets are slated for July 24 and July 31.

Backpack DonationsNeeded

WFCM (Western Fairfax Christian Minis-tries) is collecting 2,000 new backpacks forchildren in need who attend schools in theCentreville, Chantilly and Westfield highschool pyramids. But it needs thecommunity’s help to accomplish such alarge task.

Especially needed are large backpacks.They should have at least two compart-ments to hold multiple books and bindersand should be 18-19 inches tall, 13 incheswide and 8-10 inches deep.

The backpacks may be brought to WFCMat 13888 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (nextto Papa John’s Pizza), Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-2 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday,4-7 p.m., until Aug. 13. For more informa-tion, go to www.WFCMVA.org or [email protected].

Free CarseatInspections

Certified technicians from the Sully Dis-trict Police Station will perform free, childsafety carseat inspections Thursday, July 31,from 5 p.m. to dusk, at the station, 4900Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appoint-

ment is necessary. But residents should in-stall the child safety seats themselves sotechnicians may properly inspect and ad-just them, as needed.

Because of time constraints, only the first35 vehicles arriving on each date will beinspected. That way, inspectors may haveenough time to properly instruct thecaregiver on the correct use of the child seat.(The inspection may be cancelled in theevent of inclement weather). Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.

Host a WFCMFood Drive

WFCM needs the community’s help overthe summer months when it has a criticalshortage of food. “For instance, of the 24schools that we serve, one has over 900 stu-dents who count on free and reducedlunches during the school year,” said WFCMCommunity Outreach Manager JennieBush. “This creates a financial strain onfamilies looking for food help.”

But she said local residents can make atremendous difference by hosting a fooddrive with their sports team, camp, swimteam or place of employment.

To arrange a food drive for WFCM, con-tact the organization’s summer intern,Annie Cecil, at [email protected].

Roundups


ApplebeesBaskin Robbins

Berman and Lee OrthodontistBernie Kagan / Samson Properties

Bob EvansBonefish

Buffalo Wing Factory - GreenbriarBungalow Billiards

Burdette Smith & Bish LLCChick-fil-A - Chantilly

CHS FamiliesCiCi’s Pizza - Chantilly

College of William and MaryDomino’s

Ellen Weeren / A Reason to WriteFamous Dave’s

Fancy NailsFirehouse Subs - Sullyfield Circle

Firehouse Subs - Fairfax Town CenterFirst Watch

George Mason UniversityGiant - Franklin Farm

Giant - GreenbriarHair By Danielle

IHOPJMU/University Outpost

Jerry’s Subs and PizzaJersey Mike’s / Lori Kollar

Kathleen Peters / Studio 61Longhorn SteakhouseLongwood University

Lynchburg CollegeMary Washington College

Maude HairMcDonald’s / Von Management

NOVA Community CollegeOld Dominion University

Olive GardenPapa John’s - ChantillyPapa Murphy’s Pizza

Pepsico Foodservices, Inc.Piero’s

Pinky NailsPizzarella - Greenbriar

Plato’s ClosetPohanka Acura

Potomac NationalsPR Partners Hair Salon

Radford UniversityScitor

Shiang YuSnap Fitness

Starbucks - Franklin FarmSweet Frog

United Flooring & RugVirginia Tech Bookstore

WalmartWashington Capitals

Washington NationalsWashington RedskinsWashington Wizards

Waterford Receptions -Fair Oaks

Wegmans - FairfaxWendy’s

Westfield DentalZinga Frozen Yogurt

Chantilly Connection ❖ Pet Connection, Summer 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC


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Dogs, CatsAnd Even HorsesPets/page 2

Puppies DestinedFor Important WorkPets/page 4

Dogs, CatsAnd Even HorsesPets/page 2

Puppies DestinedFor Important WorkPets/page 4

Rose Ramey, a 3-year-oldpointer mix, was adoptedfrom Forever Friends.

Pet ConnectionSummer 2014

2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ Pet Connection, Summer 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Kara ColemanThe Connection

According to the Humane Societyof the United States 2013 AnnualReport, 118,328 animals werecared for last year by the Hu-mane Society and its affiliates, through di-saster relief, cruelty interventions, wildliferehab centers and more. But that numberdoesn’t count the local rescue groupsaround the country who work to protect,shelter, and rehabilitate animals and adoptthem out to homes, including many inNorthern Virginia.

Marlene Hammer, corresponding secre-tary for the Humane Society of FairfaxCounty, said that the local organization cur-rently has dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and a

ferret up for adoption.“Our main goal is to adopt as many ani-

mals as we can out,” she said. “By havingpeople adopt, we can take in more animals.”

The Humane Society of Fairfax Countyhas a main office in Fairfax and a farm inCentreville. The farm is home to horses aswell as 27 dogs.

A full-time manager lives on the farm tocare for the animals, and if people want toadopt a horse or dog from the farm, theymust go through the manager to apply.

The Fairfax office is also a home for catswho are waiting to be adopted out to fami-lies. “The cats have it very nice,” Hammersaid. “It’s not like being in their own home,but it’s the best thing to it.”

According to Hammer, the cats are not incrates, but instead are housed in rooms atthe shelter. Four or five cats, usually mem-bers of the same litter, share a room. Care-takers clean the cats’ rooms every day, in-cluding changing litter and blankets, andmopping the floors. Volunteers that the shel-ter refers to as “socializers” also come in toplay with the cats.

Humane Society ofFairfax Countyseeks adopters.

Dogs, Cats and Even HorsesHammer said that occasionally, animals

will be dropped off at the Humane Societyof Fairfax County with no note.

“One Sunday morning a few years ago,someone left a tiny dog on the porch,” Ham-mer said. “I found him, and took him to thevet as we always do. My daughter had beenlooking for a small dog, and she ended upadopting that one.”

Hammer said thatdrop-offs don’t hap-pen often. Many ofthe animals the Hu-mane Society re-ceives are given upwhen an owner hasto move to a nursinghome or is not ableto keep the animalanymore. But otherdogs are rescued,such as one Hammer adopted that had beenleft tied up outside for a long period of time.

The Humane Society of Fairfax Countyoperates almost entirely on a volunteer ba-sis. Operating a thrift shop in the building

next door to its main Fairfax office, its vol-unteers sort donations, operate cash regis-ters, and wait on customers. With the ex-ception of one paid staff member, the pro-ceeds from thrift shop sales go toward theshelter’s operating costs.

The Humane Society also offers a pet foodpantry as a service to the community.

“People who are inneed of assistanceand are unable tobuy food for theirpets can come hereand get free petfood,” said Hammer.She said that most ofthe people whocome to the pet foodpantry for help areresidents of FairfaxCounty, but that

sometimes people come from a little far-ther away. Hammer also said that most ofthe food is donated to the pantry by BoyScouts and Girl Scouts who organize petfood drives as a service project.

“Our main goal is toadopt as many animalsas we can out. By havingpeople adopt, we cantake in more animals.”

— Marlene Hammer

Becoming Best FriendsFrodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted

Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon andpart American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by aprevious owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quicklybecame comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”

We adopted “Sam” in September of 2012. She was an adorable tabby kitten, partof a feral litter living outside of a restaurant in Washington D.C. Lee District SchoolBoard Member Tammy Kaufax and her two high school aged kids, Halle and Mat-thew, were fostering the litter as part of a school project. Tammy showed me aphoto of the kittens in August of 2012 during the Springfield Bridge Walk and I fellin love with the smallest kitten with tiger markings. As soon as Sam had gainedenough weight to be adopted we brought her home as a companion for Frodo.

It took a few weeks for the two cats to get used to each other, but now they playtogether and chase each other around all the time. They are so cute together, espe-cially when Sam hides behind the bedroom door and ambushes Frodo when hewalks into the room. Ani

‘don’t be afraid chantillyconnectionarchives.com/pdf/2014/072314/chantilly.pdf · 2020. 7....

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