bonsai show at garden center - the connection...
TRANSCRIPT
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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April 10-16, 2014
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BurkeBurke
Burke Resident Recognizedfor Volunteer Service
News, Page 4
Burke Resident Recognizedfor Volunteer Service
News, Page 4
Bumpy Ride onArea RoadsNews, Page 3
Bumpy Ride onArea RoadsNews, Page 3
Home LifeStyleHome LifeStylePage 10
Home LifeStylePage 10
From left are Chuck Croft, Judi Schwartz,Gary Reese and Joe Gutierrez around a45-year-old Japanese white pine in Croft’syard in Burke.
Bonsai Show atGarden CenterBonsai Show atGarden Center
News, Page 13
Bonsai Show atGarden Center
News, Page 13
2 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Fairfax Rescue Dogsto Help RecoverMudslide Victims
Three dogs part of the Fairfax County fireand rescue team are now in WashingtonState helping to recover victims of themudslide that occurred March 22. The dogsinclude Bayou, Fielder and Hugo. The deathtoll of the landslide is now at 33.
Bayou is one of three canines fromFairfax County traveling to Wash-ington State to recover victims ofthe mudslide that occurred.
Photos Courtesy of Autumn Manka/Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association
Fielder is one of three canines from Fairfax County who ishelping recover victims of the mudslide in Washington State.
Community
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsBurke Connection Editor Michael O’Connell
703-778-9416 or [email protected]
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn(D-41), working withconstituents, has
spearheaded legislation aimedat helping many residents of herdistrict and across Virginia. The41st District contains severalself-managed homeowners’ as-sociations, made up of volun-teers in the community workingin the best interests of theirshared neighborhood.
Currently, the Code of Virginiarequires that all homeowners’associations respond to a writ-ten records request within fivebusiness days. While five busi-ness days is an ample amountof time for a HOA that has acommon interest communitymanager in charge of associa-tion management, these re-quirements often represent aburden and problem for self-managed communities.
HB 550 extends the time forself-managed unit owners’ asso-ciations to respond to a writtenrequest for information fromfive days to ten days. “By dou-bling the time allotted to returnrequested information by self-managed Associations, we areproviding flexibility and addedconvenience for these organiza-tions”, said Del. Filler-Corn.“Self-managed communities arerun by volunteers in the com-munity who have dedicatedtime to help their neighbor-hood. The governing members
of these associations often havefull-time jobs, which can requiresignificant commitments, in-cluding travel. Therefore, it isnot always possible for theseassociations and their membersto respond to these requestswithin five days.”
Tena Bluhm, a 41st Districtresident of Fairfax and localhomeowner association presi-dent worked with Del. Filler-Corn on this legislation. “Thepresent five day time frame toproduce copies of anassociation’s books and recordsplaces an unreasonable burdenon such an association. Thepassage of HB 550 will greatlyrelieve the burden and help self-managed associations remain incompliance with the Code ofVirginia,” said Bluhm.
“These community associa-tions are the lifeblood of manytowns and counties across theCommonwealth. I know theimportant role they play in mydistrict, and I highly value theirinput and opinion,” said Filler-Corn.
HB 550 was supported by theVirginia Legislative Action Com-mittee which is a committee ofCommunity Associations Insti-tute and the Virginia RealtorsAssociation.
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s bill,HB 550, was signed by Gover-nor Terry McAuliffe on March 7and will take effect on July 1.
Del. Filler-Corn passeslegislation to help constituenthomeowners’ associations.
Bill to Help Homeowners’Associations
Photo contributed
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), right, with Tena Bluhmof Fairfax after testifying in favor of HB 550 to ben-efit local HOAs.
“Self-managed communities arerun by volunteers in the communitywho have dedicated time tohelp their neighborhood.”
— Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41)
By Janelle Germanos
The Connection
It’s no secret that drivers traveling along BurkeCentre Parkway as it turns into Lee ChapelRoad at the intersection of Burke Lake Roadare bound to run into a few potholes.
Traveling into Springfield, Old Keene Mill Road isalso abound with potholes, making the drive a bumpyexperience.
These intersections have be-come even more of a problemarea due to the snowy winter.
But, as the weather warmsup, and if the money is there,the roads will be repaved.
The Virginia Department ofTransportation exceeded itssnow budget this year by over$100 million, but pothole re-pairs are still possible.
“Make no mistake, this win-ter has put a strain on ourmaintenance budget,” saidTransportation SecretaryAubrey Layne in a VDOTpress release in March.“However, we have suffi-cient resources to ensureour roads are well-kept andwe will continue to be goodstewards of public funds.This winter has been rough,but we’re committed to de-livering a safe and reliabletransportation system. Mo-torists and the public canexpect to see crews on theroads day in and day outworking to improve trans-portation in Virginia.”
Repaving is expected tobegin soon along Old KeeneMill Road.
“One of the major com-plaints I’ve heard is the sta-
tus of Old Keene Mill Road. This is one of many roadsin poor condition in our area. The good news is thatVDOT has completed all necessary evaluations andinvestigations on this road and has included it as apriority on the future paving schedule. So oncemoney is accumulated, this project should begin,”Del. Dave Albo wrote in an email to his constituentson April 7.
Because VDOT has said that safety is its first prior-ity, adjustments are being made to accommodate forthe costs of snow while still making pothole repairpossible.
“Like me, many of you have seen the toll the win-ter months had on the condition of our roads. Oneupcoming project many of you will be interested inis the resurfacing of the Lee Chapel/Burke Centre
Parkway/Burke Lake Road in-tersection. This intersectionshould see pavement work dur-ing the Fairfax County PublicSchools spring break of April 14– 18,” Del. Eileen Filler-Cornwrote in an email on April 4.
To report potholes to VDOT,email [email protected] or call 1-800-FOR-ROAD(800-367-7623) for the VDOToperator.
Repaving will occur whenfunds are available andweather is warmer.
Bumpy Ride on Area Roads
The intersec-tion of LeeChapel Road,Burke CentreParkway andBurke LakeRoad in Burkehas been filledwith potholesthis winter andis a problem-atic area.
Burke Centre Parkway is set to be repaved soon, when themoney becomes available.
“One of the majorcomplaints I’ve heard isthe status of Old KeeneMill Road. This is oneof many roads in poorcondition in our area.”
— Del. Dave Albo (R-42)
Photos by Janelle Germanos/The Connection
4 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Janelle Germanos
The Connection
President Barack Obama, alongwith ShelterBox USA, has recog-nized Burke resident Wayne
Chiles with the President’s Volunteer Ser-vice Award as a result of his efforts tohelp victims of disasters throughout theworld.
Chiles has worked to raise awarenessand funds for ShelterBox, an organization
Wayne Chiles, a member of SpringfieldRotary Club, raises awareness of ShelterBox.
Burke Resident Recognizedfor Volunteer Service
Courtesy of Springfield Rotary Club
Wayne Chiles, right, poses with atent used in disasters providedby ShelterBox USA.
Commentary
By Supervisor John C. Cook
(R-Braddock District)
Later this month, residentsacross Fairfax County willcelebrate Earth Day and re-new their commitment to
protect our natural resources. As youdo your part in your own homes andcommunities, I ask that you join withthe County to support initiatives that willpreserve these resources for the generationsstill to come.
As part of its Environmental ImprovementProgram, the County will continue its ef-forts to promote walkable communities anddevelop trail systems to connect them. Wewill encourage low impact development andincrease tree conservation wherever pos-sible. We will continue to promotetelecommuting to improve air quality, andensure that public parking spaces can ac-commodate electric vehicles. We will pro-mote mixed use development near transitand encourage green building practices innew construction. We will continue to fa-cilitate recycling, including fluorescentlamps, rechargeable batteries, and obsoleteelectronics at the popular monthly ElectricSundays.
Probably most important, however, wewill continue and expand our efforts to pro-tect our streams, the Potomac River, andultimately the Chesapeake Bay by imple-menting projects identified in our Water-shed Plans and enforcing our recentlypassed Stormwater Ordinance.
Fairfax County is one of 150 counties, cit-ies, and towns that were required by stateand federal law to adopt new rules to pre-vent pollutants from entering into ourstreams and rivers.
This ordinance will shift thefocus from simply detainingwater, to treating stormwaterbefore it flows off of a prop-erty during activities such asconstruction. The StormwaterOrdinance focuses on projectsthat disturb more than 2,500square feet of land. It allowsfor exemptions and
grandfathering in some cases to avoid be-ing overly burdensome on homeowners.The vast majority of the ordinance, over 90percent, addresses the specific requirementsof the Commonwealth. For the remainder,the County worked closely with environ-mental groups, the community, and thebuilding industry to develop local require-ments and processes. The creation andimplementation of the Stormwater Ordi-nance is one of the many ways that theBoard of Supervisors has lead on environ-mental protection.
As an individual, you can take small stepsin your own backyard. Replace some of yourlawn with native plants, shrubs, and treesand don’t fertilize that lawn this spring;shop with reusable grocery bags and takeadvantage of locally grown produce at ourfarmers markets; fix dripping faucets andconduct an energy audit around your homeand recycle whenever possible. You can alsospend an afternoon at one of the Friends ofAccotink Creek stream cleanups, or AudreyMoore RECenter clean up days in April andMay. For more information on these pro-grams or to learn how you can have an im-pact, please contact my office by [email protected]. Small stepswill help to ensure that Earth Day remainsa reason to celebrate for our children andgrandchildren.
Earth Day OffersOpportunity to Reflect
See Volunteer, Page 7
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-778-9416. The deadline for submis-sions is the Friday prior to publication.Dated announcements should be submit-ted at least two weeks prior to the event.
WEDNESDAY/APRIL 9Free Dual Seminar. 7-8:30 p.m. 2700
Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 120, Fairfax.Simplified Stock InvestmentManagement and 1031 Tax-FreeProperty Exchanges. Register bycalling 703-969-4966.
Issues and Activities of VirginiaState Legislature 2014. 1:30 p.m.American Legion Post 176, 6520Amherst Avenue, Springfield.Delegate Mark Sickles (D-Franconia)will report on the issues andactivities of the 2014 Virginia StateLegislature and will include histhoughts on the influence of therecent Democratic party politicalchanges in the State Legislature. Q&Ato follow.
SATURDAY/APRIL 12 Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (41st
District - Burke, Fairfax, FairfaxStation, Springfield) will hold Apriloffice hours at Panera Bread (6230Rolling Rd, West Springfield) from3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Noappointment necessary. Please dropby.
Dog Adoption. 12 to 3 p.m. PETCO,Greenbriar Towncenter, 13053 LeeJackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax.703-817-9444 hart90.org
Bulletin
Board
6 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Janelle Germanos
The Connection
There is a racial disparity in thenumber of people incarceratedin the United States. Nearly onein ten black men in their thir-
ties is in jail. This number has increased dueto the war on drugs, which has also seen aracial disparity in the numbers of those con-victed.
“Black men have the highest likelihoodof incarceration-one in three are likely toserve a prison sentence at some point intheir lives,” said Nazgol Ghandnoosh of TheSentencing Project. “For drug convictions,the racial disparities are even higher, andthis is even though there is research show-ing that people of different ethnic back-grounds use drugs at the same rate.”
Ghandnoosh joined other leaders in thecommunity at a discussion on this topic at“The Effects of Mass Incarceration: A Pub-lic Forum on Criminal Justice SentencingReform” hosted by Accotink Unitarian Uni-versalist Church in Burke.
PENALTIES FOR CRACK, the crystallizedform of the cocaine, which comes in pow-der form, are harsh compared to those forcocaine. Although the drugs are pharma-ceutically the same, a person possessing 28grams of crack faces a mandatory five yearsentence, while 500 grams of cocaine arerequired for this mandatory sentence.
Panelists also included State Sen. DaveMarsden (D-37) who prior to getting in-volved in politics worked in the juvenilejustice system.
The prison population has grown expo-nentially in Virginia, Marsden said at theforum. Virginia has over 60,000 people inits prisons and jails and spends about $1billion a year to house these prisoners.
Marsden said there are 22 people in Vir-ginia who committed a crime when theywere juveniles in which no one died, butwill spend the rest of their lives in jail withlife without parole. This includes TravionBlount, who at age 15 robbed a party withtwo adults at gunpoint. No shots were firedand he didn’t hurt anybody.
The adults were given plea bargains often and 13 years, but Blount is facing therest of his life in prison.
“Travion decided to go in and let the judgemake the call instead of making a deal withthe prosecutors, and got 146 years,”Marsden said.
Marsden introduced a bill that after 20years of a life sentence would allow thesejuveniles to receive another chance at a sen-tence from a four-judge panel, but it failedto pass the House of Delegates.
Locking those who commit crimes in jailand throwing away the key is not always thebest option, Fairfax County Deputy Execu-tive David Rohrer said at the public forum.
Rohrer, who spent 32 years in the FairfaxCounty Police Department, acknowledgedthe importance of police enforcement as
Derwin Overton, the executive di-rector of OAR, acknowledged at theforum that it can be difficult for of-fenders to return to society. This isespecially true when it comes to em-ployment, which is one area in whichOAR assists former prisoners.
EVEN IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, thereis disproportionality when it comesto mass incarceration.
The Fairfax County population isapproximately 12 percent Hispanicand 9 percent African American. Ac-cording to Overton, 37 percent of theclients receiving services from OARare African American, 33 percent areCaucasian, and 29 percent are His-panic.
“That alone lets you know there isdisproportionality as far as individu-als getting incarcerated in the com-munity,” Overton said.
Rohrer said Fairfax County is look-ing at the disproportionality with itcomes to incarceration.
As for the racial disproportionalityin prisons, Ghandnoosh said the prob-lem is a socio-economic one, as thosein less prosperous communities turnto other ways to receive income.
“Violent crime is not something weturn to in more affluent communities.In less prosperous communities, theseare the ways of solving and address-ing some of life’s problems,”Ghandnoosh said.
A public forum on Criminal Justice Sentencing Reform held in Burke.
Considering the Effects of Mass Incarceration
Derwin Overton, the executivedirector of OAR of Fairfax County,speaks about the organization’sinitiatives to break the cycle ofcrime at a public forum on April 6.
Nazgol Ghandnoosh of The Sentencing Project, Fairfax Deputy CountyExecutive David Rohrer, and Derwin Overton of OAR were among thepanelists at a public forum on mass incarceration on April 6.
State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37)speaks to an audience gathered ata public forum on mass incarcera-tion and prison reform on April 6.
Lt. Shawn Martin of the Fairfax County Police Department speaks at apublic forum on the effects of mass incarceration on April 6.
well as human services.“I do not believe in only enforcement. It’s
about education, prevention and interven-tion strategies,” Rohrer said. “Everything wedo should be systems-based.”
Rohrer said that the focus should be onmore than just reforming the prison system,but also tackling the root problems. A goodexample of this, he said, is the creation ofjobs and Fairfax County’s new housing firstinitiative.
“It’s not just about changing prisons orsystems. It’s how we invest in people,” hesaid.
Lt. Shawn Martin of the Mount VernonPolice Department said that Fairfax Countypolice are participating in a pilot programlaunched in collaboration with the juvenilejustice system, public schools, neighbor-hood community services, and NorthernVirginia Mediation Service.
The program will focus on restorative jus-tice, and will prevent juveniles from being
convicted of crimes. Both the victim and theperpetrator, who must admit to the crimeand recognize wrongdoing, are brought to-gether by mediators to discuss the problemand find a solution. The program is beingtested at the Mount Vernon sub-station.
“I’m optimistic that we’re going to launchit for the entire county,” Martin said.
“I do not believe in onlyenforcement. It’s about
education, prevention andintervention strategies.”— Fairfax County Deputy Executive
David Rohrer
Photos by Janelle Germanos/The Connection
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Passover April 15Easter April 20
Admin. Professionals Day April 23
From Page 4
that provides shelter for those af-fected by disasters and humanitar-ian crises.
“I am incredibly honored towork alongside our volunteers,including Wayne,” said EmilySperling, president of ShelterBoxUSA, in a press release. “It isthrough their continuous effortsthat we are able to bring shelter,warmth and dignity to so manyfamilies displaced by disasteraround the globe.”
Chiles has worked with theSpringfield Rotary Club and otherorganizations throughout the areato raise awareness for ShelterBox.
He participates in community ac-tivities and fairs, demonstrating thework of ShelterBox by setting up thetents and supplies that people in adisaster would use.
“I’ve been in rotary now for 30years. Back in the spring of 2004,our rotary club in Springfieldlearned about this project,” Chilessaid. “We liked what we heardabout it, we contributed and weliked the fact that at that time, theorganization sent us a notice tell-ing us where our ShelterBox hadbeen delivered, following a disas-ter in the Caribbean. We decidedto continue to support it.”
Chiles has volunteered withShelterBox through several natu-ral disasters, including the 2004Tsunami in Indonesia and Hurri-cane Katrina, encouraging groupsin the area to donate to the cause.
Chiles even joined a group fromhis church, Burke United Method-ist, on a mission trip to Mississippito help those impacted by Hurri-cane Katrina.
“It seemed like ShelterBox wasworking in that same vein. Themore I learned about it, the moredeeply I came to appreciate theproject,” Chiles said. “It was amatch made in heaven.”
The people who Chiles interactswith, he says, have made theproject successful by making do-nations.
April 6 through 12 is NationalVolunteer Week, which began in1974. ShelterBox USA respondedto over 25 disasters in 19 coun-tries last year, providing essentialequipment to survivors.
Chiles will be displaying theShelterBox at the upcoming VivaVienna event in May. “If I have thetime and space to set up the tent,I really don’t have to say a wholelot. People who see it and under-stand it as disaster response rec-ognize quickly how beneficial thematerials we provide are,” he said.
VolunteerHonored
Community
To honor Mom on Mother’s Day, sendus your favorite snapshots of you with yourMom and The Connection will publish themin our Mother’s Day issue. Be sure to includesome information about what’s going on inthe photo, plus your name and phone num-ber and town of residence. To e-mail digitalphotos, send to:
[email protected] to mail photo prints, send to:
The Burke Connection,“Me and My Mom Photo Gallery,”
1606 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314Photo prints will be returned to you if youinclude a stamped, self-addressed envelope,but please don’t send us anything irreplaceable.
“Me and My Mom”
8 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
See Virginia, Page 9
“Great work
exposing seri-ous challengesand obstacles
in the way of the public’s accessto public information. The articlesare well written and well re-searched, providing concrete andcompelling examples of the flawsin the systems.”
That was what the judge saidwhen awarding first place for In-depth or investigative reporting toMichael Lee Pope in the Arling-ton Connection.
The Virginia Press Associationannounced its press awards for2013 at the annual meeting onSaturday, April 5, in Richmond.
Pope also won first place foreducation writing, for businessand financial writing, and awardsfor health, science and environ-mental writing and for govern-ment writing. Stories appeared in the Alexan-dria Gazette Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazetteand the Connection papers.
Bonnie Hobbs won first place for generalnews writing for her coverage of the proposedroundabout in Centreville. “Good work gettingall viewpoints of the issue without assigningjudgment to who is right and who is wrong,”wrote judges.
Jeanne Theismann won first place for pub-lic safety writing and for public service writ-ing in the Alexandria Gazette Packet.
Connection Newspapers won first place forinformation graphics for the 2013 InsidersGuide to Fairfax County Parks, designed byJean Card with photos by Renee Ruggles andCraig Sterbutzel.
First place for special sections went to theConnection’s HomeLifeStyle pullout.
Victoria Ross won for feature series/continu-ing coverage for coverage of foster care. Judgesnote: “Fantastic blend of fact and narrative, andit packs an emotional punch. The stories arevery well-researched, tightly written andhighly effective.”
Ross also won for personal service writ-ing for her coverage of “digital legacy,”and control of one’s online content afterdeath.
Cartoonist Steve Artley begancartooning for the Alexandria GazettePacket in December 2013, with only threecartoons in the year, but two of them wonawards. His cartoon on the threateneduse of eminent domain in the City of Al-exandria drew this comment from thejudge: “One of the best examples of edi-torial cartooning I have seen in years andreminiscent of editorial cartoons poi-gnant and relevant enough to still be in-cluded in history texts today. Wonderfuluse of the paper boat as the flagship ofeminent domain with tons of little
touches which push the entry even higher.”Alex McVeigh won an award for investiga-
tive or in-depth reporting in Great Falls. DonnaManz won for her feature stories in Vienna.
The annual Insiders/Newcomers edition ofthe Alexandria Gazette Packet won third placefor special edition, including work by StevenMauren, Jeanne Theismann, John Bordner andJean Card.
Editorials written by Mary Kimm won sec-ond and third place awards.
For a complete list, seewww.connectionnewspapers.com
WinnersFIRST PLACE
First Place for Investigative Reporting, Un-covering Secret Government. Michael LeePope, Arlington Connection — Judge’s com-ment: Great work exposing serious challengesand obstacles in the way of the public’s access
to public information. The articlesare well written and well re-searched, providing concrete andcompelling examples of the flawsin the systems.
First Place for Education writ-ing. Michael Lee Pope, AlexandriaGazette Packet — AlexandriaEducation Dollars. Judge’s com-ment: This is by far the best entryin the contest. Michael Lee Popewrote several strong articles onthe cost of administration in hismarket. He did a very nice job ofmaking a numbers story interest-ing.
First Place for Business and Fi-nancial writing. Michael LeePope, Mount Vernon Gazette —Judge’s comment: The storyabout car title loans offers an in-teresting look at this industry,which is proliferating due to achange in state law. Kudos for
looking at how much the industry contributesto state legislators’ political campaigns. Busi-ness taxes — is it fair to charge higher ratesfor certain professions? Pope provides a bal-anced look at the pros and cons. The story ona transit study covers the debate over urbanvs. rural development in Mount Vernon. Popecombines thorough reporting with competentwriting.
First Place for Public Safety Writing, JeanneTheismann, Alexandria Gazette Packet —Judge’s comment: Creative, compelling ledes.
First Place for General News Writing, BonnieHobbs, Centre View — Judge’s comment: Thecreative lede pushed this one over the top.Good work getting all viewpoints of the issuewithout assigning judgment to who is right andwho is wrong.
First Place for Personal Service Writing.Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria Gazette Packet— Judge’s comment: Each story is an interest-ing and vivid snapshot of the deceased withgood use of quotes and anecdote to bring the
subject’s personality to life and also con-vey why he or she was valued in the com-munity. It is hard to write about some-one who has died in a way that is upbeatand positive, but this writer has achievedthis.
First Place for Informational Graphicsfor Insiders Guide to the Parks, Jean Card,Laurence Foong, Renee Ruggles and CraigSterbutzel, Mount Vernon Gazette — In-formational graphics: Fairfax Countyparks.
First Place for HomeLifeStyle, MaryKimm, Laurence Foong, Geovani Flores,Marilyn Campbell, John Byrd, TimPeterson and Jean Card, The Vienna/Oakton Connection — Specialty pages orsections: Judge’s comment: Clean design
Reporting, photography, design and editorial cartoons commended atannual Virginia Press Association meeting.
Connection Papers Win Awards
Mother’s Day PhotosMother’s Day is May 11, 2014, and every year at
this time, we call for submissions to our Mother’sDay photo gallery. Send photos of mothers, grand-mothers, great-grandmothers, with children or with-out children. Please name everyone in the photo,the approximate date, describe what is happeningin the photo and include your name, address, emailaddress and phone number. (We will not print yourfull address or contact information.)
Send photos [email protected]
Readers can also submit poetry, poetry aboutmothers and photos celebrating mothers directlythrough our website at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/
Michael Lee Pope Steve Artley Bonnie Hobbs
Victoria Ross Jean Card Mary Kimm
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon
Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren
Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:
Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:
Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:
Geovani Flores
Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann
@TheismannMedia
CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426Circulation Manager:
Burke
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
Virginia Press Association AwardsFrom Page 8
and easy to read. Choice of fontswork well together.
OTHER AWARDS:Steve Artley, Alexandria Gazette
Packet — Illustrations — EminentDomain. Judge’s comment: One ofthe best examples of editorialcartooning I have seen in yearsand reminiscent of editorial car-toons poignant and relevantenough to still be included in his-tory texts today. Wonderful use ofthe paper boat as the flagship ofeminent domain with tons of littletouches which push the entry evenhigher.
In-depth, investigative report-ing, Alex McVeigh, Great Falls Con-nection — Judge’s comment:Great work continuing to followan important environmental storythat had the potential for far-reaching impacts. These articlesalso do a good job explaining thenature of the underground con-tamination and, in understandableterms, the geology behind the waythey spread.
Alexandria Gazette Packet, In-siders/Newcomers Guide. StevenMauren, Jeanne Theismann, JohnBordner, Jean Card, GeovaniFlores and Laurence Foong, Alex-andria Gazette Packet — Judge’scomment: A good package of in-formation for newcomers. A goodarray of photos of communitymembers.
Health, Science and Environ-mental Writing, Michael Lee Pope,The Arlington Connection —Judge’s comment: Good solid sto-ries on interesting subjects. A lotof good historical backgroundadds significantly to the steriliza-tion story. The lead on the chickenstory was very good.
Government Writing, MichaelLee Pope, Alexandria GazettePacket — Judge’s comment: Wepreach to our reporters to followthe money. Michael Lee Pope doesgreat job of following the moneytrail to great news stories. Con-tinue to keep them honest.
Feature Series/Continuing Story.Victoria Ross, The Burke Connec-tion — Feature series or continu-ing story. Judge’s comment: Fan-tastic blend of fact and narrative,and it packs an emotional punch.The stories are very well-re-searched, tightly written andhighly effective.
Personal Service Writing,Victoria Ross, The Fairfax Connec-tion . Judge’s comment: Good jobusing the individual story and re-lating it to the wider issue. Wouldhave liked more follow-up detailsabout whether the social mediacompanies are complying with the
law and what the parents foundon the son’s social media sites.
Jeanne Theismann, AlexandriaGazette Packet — Column writing.Judge’s comment: These columnswere well written and informativeas well as entertaining.
Editorial writing. Mary Kimm,Alexandria Gazette Packet — Edi-torial writing. Judge’s comment:Very well done. Writer does anoutstanding job presenting the
paper’s stance on the issues of theday.
Editorial writing. Mary Kimm,The Fairfax Connection — Judge’scomment: These editorials werearticulate and to the point.
Education writing: Michael LeePope, The Arlington Connection —Judge’s comment: Concise, wellput thoughts.
Page Design, Jean Card, MountVernon Gazette — Judge’s com-
ment: Good job taking somethingthat can be boring and hard to fol-low and making it interesting andeasy to navigate.
Cartoon, Steve Artley, Alexan-dria Gazette Packet — Illustra-tions. Judge’s comment: Theshackles of the tea party! Ol’Ebenezer Elephant will be surelylistening for the chimes of the hourafter this ghost appeared beforethe foot of his bed. Fantastic work
all the way around.Feature photo. Louise Krafft,
Alexandria Gazette Packet —Summer Fun. Judge’s comment:Sweet found moment.
Feature writing portfolio DonnaManz, Vienna/Oakton Connection— Feature writing portfolio.Judge’s comment: Powerful ledes(and a great one for the ‘puppies’story) and captivating narratives.Well-informed and well-written.
10 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Home LifeStyle
By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
Betsy Fein found herself inthe middle of a springfling in Fairfax recently.She wasn’t at a festival or
involved in a new romance, but inthe midst of organizing a clutteredbedroom that was littered withpiles of shirts, pants, shoes andbooks. Spring often means renewaland local organizers like Fein areoffering suggestions for clearingout winter clutter. From closetsthat are overstuffed with woolsweaters and down coats to kitchendrawers overflowing with batter-ies and appliance manuals, theyoffer suggestions for getting orga-nized without getting over-whelmed. “Spring is a time whenyou have all the winter stuff in yourcloset and you want to change itout for summer, so you’re flingingit out,” said Fein, ofC l u t t e r b u s t e r s ! !
(www.clutterbusters.com) inRockville, Md. “Because this childwas younger, we suggested thatthey hang a lot of things,” said Feinof her recent project. She also ad-vised the parents to install a sec-ond rod in the closet. “They couldhave shirts on top and pants onbottom.” Fein recommended usingphotographs to help with organiza-tion. “They can take a picture of apair of socks, for example, and putit on the drawer so the child can seethat socks go in that drawer.”She even included an idea for out-grown clothes. “Keep a colorful binon the bottom of the closet, sowhen you realize that clothes don’tfit any more you can toss them inthe bin and donate them.”
The idea would work for adults,too. “Pack away all your winterclothing and unpack your springand summer items,” said SusanUnger, of ClutterSOS(www.cluttersos.com) in Vienna.“Be sure to evaluate each item and
ask yourself … ‘Does it fit? Do Ilove it? Is it in good shape? Do Ifeel good in it?’ If all these answersare ‘yes’ and it is a keeper, thenplace it in your closet or drawers.
“Be sure to group like items to-gether such as skirts, dresses, t-shirts, [and] shorts. Decide if thediscards should be tossed or do-nated depending on the condition,”she said. “Be sure to keep a list ofnew items to buy.”
When you store those bulky win-ter clothes, make sure you usesealed containers. “Store them inbins and make use of vertical spacethat is hard to reach or other rooms[like the] basement,” said Jody Al-Saigh of Picture Perfect Organizing(www.pictureperfectorganizing.com)in Arlington. “Before storing clothesfor next winter, be sure they arelaundered first. A little-known fact[is that] moths don’t actually goafter the clothing fibers but ratherthe human perspiration and dan-der that build on clothes.”
An easy place to start springcleaning is your file (or pile ordrawer) of appliance manuals andinstruction booklets. “Store themall in an accordion file, by brands,by type of appliance, by room orarea,” said Al-Saigh. “Or look upthe manual online, download andtoss the paper one.”
Be sure to purge often or whennew items are purchased. “Don’ttoss warranties or receipts for war-ranties or rebates. Keep those in
your file,” said Al-Saigh. “Keep theaccordion file somewhere handylike the garage shelf [or on] top offridge.”
NOW THAT THE END of theschool year is growing closer, pilesof children’s artwork are growingtaller. “We did a family room thathad a bookshelf and toys, kids’ art-work and stuff all over the place,”said Fein. “We had to help the par-ents make decisions about what tokeep. We used a method called thethree Fs: Frame-worthy, flush (ortoss) and file. With kids’ art, youhave to be ruthless and realize thatit is not all a Picasso.”
For frame-worthy artwork, Feinsuggests tape frames or inexpen-sive acrylic frames. “Tape framesare sticky on the back, but theylook like real frames. You can swapout the artwork and reuse them.”
For artwork that can be filed,Fein suggests using a keepsake boxor creating a photo book. “You cantake digital photos of the art workand put together a book on Snapfishor Shutterfly. … Your child will beproud and you won’t have stuff allover the place.” Spring’s mildweather also makes it an ideal timeto clean out a garage. “It’s not toohot and not too cold,” said Al-Saigh.“Wait for nice weather, take every-thing out and sort it in the driveway.”
Al-Saigh suggests using sidewalkchalk. “Section off areas for piles foritems to keep, donate and trash,” shesaid. “When putting back the keepstuff, group items together and cre-ate zones such as tools, gardening,sports equipment, camping, bicycles.The more you can hang on hookson the walls or from the ceiling thebetter. Floor to ceiling shelving isgood to maximize the verticalspace.
“Get creative. Use old barrels tostore hockey sticks upright, hanga mesh bag full of soccer balls,” sheadded. “Remove things that don’tbelong in your garage like photos,paperwork, fragile memorabilia.”
Fein points to a Potomac, Md.,garage that she recently helped aclient reorganize. “It was a normallooking garage where stuff waseverywhere,” she said. “Bikes andsports stuff were all over the place,so it was a matter of putting likethings together.”
It helps, Fein said, to make orga-nizing fun. “Don’t think of it as achore. … Play music and get thewhole family involved. Play gameswith your children, like beat theclock or beat the time.”
Start small. “A lot of times peoplethink ‘I have to organize my wholebasement and I have 40 years ofstuff,’ said Fein. “If you have de-cided to spend the whole weekend,three hours in you say this is toomuch and you quit. Maybe startwith a drawer.” Keep it simple.“With filing papers, sometimes aperson’s filing system is so detailedthat it is impossible to organize andmaintain,” said Fein.
Local organization experts offer tipsto help with spring cleaning.
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12 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Award-Winning Connection NewspapersMore Reasons the Connection Newspapers are the Best-Read Community PapersWinners of Awards in the 2013 Virginia Press Association Editorial Contest
www.connectionnewspapers.com
❖ Mary Kimm, Alexandria Gazette Packet– Editorial writing.❖ Alex McVeigh, Great Falls Connection –In-depth or investigative reporting.❖ Michael Lee Pope, ArlingtonConnection – Health, science andenvironmental writing.❖ Michael Lee Pope, Alexandria GazettePacket – Government writing.
First Place Winners❖ Bonnie Hobbs, Centre View –General news writing.❖ Michael Lee Pope, ArlingtonConnection – In-depth or investigativereporting: •Uncovering SecretGovernment❖ Michael Lee Pope, Alexandria GazettePacket – Education writing: •AlexandriaEducation Dollars❖ Michael Lee Pope, Mount VernonGazette – Business and financial writing:•Car Title Loans❖ Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria GazettePacket – Public safety writing.❖ Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria GazettePacket – Personal service writing.❖ Mary Kimm, Laurence Foong, GeovaniFlores, Marilyn Campbell, John Byrd,Tim Peterson and Jean Card,Vienna/Oakton Connection – Specialtypages or sections: •HomeLifeStyle❖ Jean Card, Laurence Foong, ReneeRuggles and Craig Sterbutzel, MountVernon Gazette – Informational graphics:•Fairfax County parks
Second Place Winners❖ Steven Mauren, Jeanne Theismann,John Bordner, Jean Card, Geovani Floresand Laurence Foong, Alexandria GazettePacket – Special sections or specialeditions: Insider’s Guide.❖ Steve Artley, Alexandria Gazette Packet– Illustrations – Eminent Domain.❖ Jean Card, Mount Vernon Gazette –Page design.
❖ Victoria Ross, Burke Connection –Feature series or continuing story.❖ Victoria Ross, Fairfax Connection –Personal service writing.❖ Jeanne Theismann, Alexandria GazettePacket – Column writing.
Third Place Winners❖ Steve Artley, Alexandria Gazette Packet– Illustrations.❖ Mary Kimm, Fairfax Connection –Editorial writing.❖ Louise Krafft, Alexandria Gazette Packet– Feature photo: Summer Fun.❖ Donna Manz, Vienna/OaktonConnection – Feature writing portfolio.❖ Michael Lee Pope, ArlingtonConnection – Education writing.
Louise Krafft, Alexandria Gazette Packet– Feature photo: Summer Fun.
Steve Artley, Alexandria Gazette Packet –Illustrations – Eminent Domain.
TimPeterson
LaurenceFoong
GeovaniFlores
Jean Card
CraigSterbutzel
MichaelLee Pope
JeanneTheismann
StevenMauren
AlexMcVeigh
LouiseKrafft
Steve Artley
ReneeRuggles
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Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
See Bonsai, Page 18
By Bonnie Hobbs
The Connection
The Northern Virginia Bonsai Society willhold its Spring Show this weekend at theMerrifield Garden Center. It’s at 12101Lee Hwy. in Fairfax and the free show runs
Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun-day, April 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bonsai experts will give demonstrations, and at-tendees may vote on the trees they believe shouldthen compete at the Potomac Bonsai Associationshow at the National Arboretum.
“Most, if not all, bonsai trees are regular trees that,if planted outside, would grow to full size,” said clubmember Dr. Joe Gutierrez. “But we keep them in asmall pot and purposely train them to stay small. Wedo it by repotting into appropriate-sized pots andpruning the roots and branches.”
“The trunks get bigger and older-looking, but theroots get smaller because small roots feed a tree best,”said member Gary Reese. “And the bonsai are plantedin inorganic, ground-up rock.” Formerly on theFairfax County School Board and the 67th Districtdelegate, he’s a 30-year member of the club.
They have 62 members from throughout North-ern Virginia. “We educate ourselves, the public andnew members about the styling and horticulture ofbonsai,” said Burke’s Chuck Croft.
Club President Judi Schwartz said no experience
is necessary because they have a mentoring programfor those new to the art. “We bring in some of thebest bonsai experts in the world to give lectures andworkshops,” added Reese. “You can bring in your owntrees and they’ll give you advice; it’s a tremendous,eye-opening experience.”
Bonsai are planted in crushed lava, baked clay andpumice. “The most important thing is that they drainwell,” said Croft. “So we have to feed and water themregularly.”
“You have complete control over the tree’s waterand nutrients,” said Gutierrez.
“That’s why people joke that the definition of ‘bon-sai’ is to almost kill a tree,” said Reese. But, said Croft,the actual definition is “tree in a pot.”
The art began in China and is more than 2,000years old. “It spread to Japan through the Buddhistmonks,” said Croft. “And the Japanese establishedrules, called bonsai, for designing and styling trees.The Chinese version, called ‘penjing,’ is a little morefree form.”
“But thankfully, when it came to the U.S., we usedthose rules more as guidelines and used trees thatgrew here,” said Reese.
“Bonsai is the technique of miniaturizing trees,”said Gutierrez. “The foliage and tree should be inscale with each other.”“I tell people the tree’s going to tell you what to doby its own shape and the way it’s growing,” said Croft.“We like to work with trees that nurseries have leftover and nobody else wants, or half-dead trees, sothey sell at reduced rates. Then we can nurse themback to health and style them around the character
Learn about, see and votefor favorite trees.
Bonsai Show at Garden Center
Standing near somebonsai in ChuckCroft’s yard in Burkeare (from left) JoeGutierrez, GaryReese and ChuckCroft with JudiSchwartz (seated).
Photo by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection
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14 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-778-9416. The deadline is the Fridayprior to the next paper’s publication.Dated announcements should be submit-ted at least two weeks prior to the event.
WEDNESDAY/APRIL 9 -SUNDAY/APRIL 20Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey Presents Built to AmazeCircus. GMU Patriot Center, 4400University Drive, Fairfax. Tickets:$15-$30. For more information andshow timings visit,www.ticketmaster.com.
THURSDAY/APRIL 10-FRIDAY/APRIL 11“Making Mona Lisa.” GMU, Mason
Hall Atrium Galley, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. An exhibition ofphotography and painting by PriscillaBriggs that documents the oilpainting industry in Xiamen, China.
FRIDAY/APRIL 11-SUNDAY/APRIL 13 Virginia Opera’s “Carmen.” Friday
at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. GMUCenter for the Arts, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Virginia Opera, willpresent George Bizet’s sultry tragedyabout opera’s most famous femmefatale, “Carmen.” The opera hasenthralled audiences for more than acentury and is one of the mostpopular. Tickets are Friday: $44-$86;Sunday: $48-$98. Youth Discount:tickets are half price for youththrough grade 12. Call 888-945-2468or visit cfa.gmu.edu
SATURDAY/APRIL 122nd Saturday Art Walk. 6-9 p.m.
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. The 2nd
Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouseshowcases the diverse work of morethan 100 visual artists in a uniquehistoric venue, creating anatmosphere that encourages visitorsto immerse themselves in therichness of this creative community.Guests can tour seven unique studiobuildings, mix and mingle withartists, buy original works of art,experience ever-changing.
Once Upon A Time…7:30-10 p.m.Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. A fairy talethemed costume ball. The eveningincludes music, social dancing,unique silent auction opportunities,food, laughter and special liveperformances by cabaret vocalists.
Admission includes entertainment,light refreshments and two beveragetokens. Tokens may also be used forvoting for the “Queen” of the night.Costumes are not required for entry,but do we encourage all to find somefairy tale inspiration for their attire-there will be a ‘door prize’ or two forthe most imaginative costumes!Limited admission, early reservationsstrongly recommended. $40 perperson. http://workhousearts.org/events/performing-arts/once-upon-time
Easter Egg Hunt and Bake Sale. 9a.m.-12 p.m. Franconia UnitedMethodist Church, 6037 FranconiaRoad, Alexandria. children (2 yearsold - 6th graders) are welcome to thefree Easter Egg Hunt and bake sale.http://www.franconiaumc.org.
Spring Upscale Resale. 9 a.m. -3p.m. The Salvation Army Fairfax,4915 Ox Road, Fairfax. The SalvationArmy Women’s Auxiliary is sellingnew or gently used purses, scarves,jewelry, lamps, art, silk floralarrangements, Christmas and homedecor, glassware, knick-knacks,kitchen goods, toys, furniture,sporting
goods and more.
SATURDAY/APRIL 12-SUNDAY/APRIL 13Spring Show. Merrifield Garden
Center, 12101 Lee Highway, Fairfax.The Northern Virginia Bonsai Societyis proud to announce that its SpringShow. Bonsai from beginning toexpert will be exhibited and the Clubwill be demonstrating how to make abonsai. Visitors may cast secret
ballots on which of the bonsaiexhibited should go onto thePotomac Bonsai Association show.Contact Person: Gary A. [email protected]. 703-860-3374
SUNDAY/APRIL 13Table Top N Gauge Model Train
Show. 1-4 p.m. Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road in Fairfax Station.Admission is $4
for adults 16 and over; $2 for children 5-15; free for children under5 and forMuseum members. For moreinformation on the Museum events,visit, www.fairfax-station.org. 703-425-9225.
SATURDAY/APRIL 192014 Lions Club Flea Market. VRE
parking lot, 6900 Hechinger Drive,Springfield. Cost is $20 per space,first come, first serve. Website forrules: sfhostlions.org
Family Fun. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. CherryRun Elementary School, 9732Ironmaster Drive, Burke. There willbe free pony rides, moon bounce,balloon clown, petting zoo, hot doglunch, and of course lots of eggs.
THURSDAY/APRIL 24 Deep Ocean Exploration:
Uncovering Hidden Valleys andSoviet Subs. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.Richard Byrd Library, 7250Commerce Street, Springfield. Thesecrets of the ocean – whetherhidden valleys or clandestine Sovietsubs – have been discovered. Dr.Gary Weir, NGA’s Chief Historian,will unveil these underwater storiesand surprises. If you love the oceanor history, it’s going to be an excitingevening.
SATURDAY/APRIL 26Singles Dinner and Movie Night. 5
p.m. PF Chang’s in Fairfax Corner,4250 Fairfax Corner Avenue, Fairfax.Cost of $30 at door includes dinner,soda, tip and movie ticket. RSVPrequired. Sponsored by NewBeginnings, a support group forseparated/divorced men and women.Call 301-924-4101 or visitwww.newbeginningsusa.org.
2014 Healthy Strides Community5K/10K. 7:30 a.m. Burke Lake Park.Head on out to Burke Lake Park onApril 26 and join the Fairfax CountyPark Authority for the HealthyStrides Community 5k/10k!! Enjoy ascenic run around the beautifulgrounds of Burke Lake Park. The 10kruns along a wooded path and takesrunners around the lake. While the
5k follows a scenic tree-lined roadthrough the park. Register here:http://prracing.racebx.com/events/register/5224ef94-365c-408a-b417-7f46c0a86524.
SUNDAY/APRIL 27Jeffrey Siegel, “Mistresses and
Masterpieces.” 7 p.m., GeorgeMason University Center for the Arts,4400 University Drive, MS 2F5,Fairfax. The pianist performs musicinspired by composers’ major loveinterests. $19-$38, Mason ID permits1 free ticket on April 15.cfa.gmu.edu.
Young Artists Musicale. 6 p.m.,George Mason University Center forthe Arts lobby, 4400 University Drive,MS 2F5, Fairfax. Piano students andwinners of the Northern VirginiaMusic Teachers Association HonorsRecitals perform short pieces. Freeadmission. cfa.gmu.edu.
ONGOINGWorkhouse Farmers Market. 3-6
p.m., at the Workhouse, 9601 OxRoad, Lorton. Every Thursday on thequad is a producer-only market fordiscerning shoppers featuring locallygrown fruits and vegetables, locallyraised meats and poultry and localfoods from breads to salsas andsausages. www.smartmarkets.org.
First Fridays at the Clifton ArtGuild. 6-9 p.m. at Clifton WineShop, 7145 C Main St., Clifton. Enjoya wine tasting and mix and minglewith the Art Guild of Clifton artists.703-830-1480 orwww.artguildofclifton.org/.
Saturday Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-1p.m., at the parking lot at theintersection of West and Main Streetsbehind Wells Fargo Bank in Fairfax.Every Saturday there is freshproduce, goods and wares at themarket. [email protected] www.FairfaxSaturdayMarket.com.
Sunday Farmers Market. 10 a.m.-2p.m., at the parking lot at theintersection of West and Main Streetsbehind Wells Fargo Bank in Fairfax.Every Saturday there is freshproduce, goods and wares at themarket. [email protected] www.FairfaxSundayMarket.com.
Fairfax Mosaic Wednesday NightFreshbikes Rides. 6:30 p.m., atFairfax Mosaic Freshbikes, 2910District Ave., Fairfax. Weekly bikerides leave from the Fairfax Mosaicstore, the newest addition to theFreshbikes family of stores in thearea. www.freshbikescycling.com.
Join Jewish War Veterans of theUSA. The Burke Post E 100 at 5712Walnut Wood, Burke, invites Jewishveterans and service members to join.703-209-5925.
Spring Fun
Photo by David A. Beloff.
Ginger Costa-Jackson as Carmen in Virginia Opera’sproduction of “Carmen,” playing April 11 and 13 atGMU’s Center for the Arts.
Get ready, the circus iscoming to town! Joinin on the fun withRingling Brothers andBarnum & Bailey asthey present Built toAmaze Circus, begin-ning April 9 at GeorgeMason University’sPatriot Center.
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
To Advertise Your Communityof Worship, Call 703-778-9418
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Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Datedannouncements should be submitted atleast two weeks prior to the event.
Fairfax Baptist Temple, at thecorner of Fairfax County Parkway andBurke Lake Roads, holds a bible studyfellowship at 9 a.m. Sundays followedby a 10 a.m. worship service. Nurserycare and children’s church also pro-vided. 6401 Missionary Lane, FairfaxStation, 703-323-8100 orwww.fbtministries.org.
The Guhyasamaja BuddhistCenter, 10875 Main St., Fairfax Cityprovides free classes to both newcomersand advanced practitioners of TibetanBuddhism. The center emphasizes work-ing with the mind and learning how tounderstand the workings of the mind,overcoming innner causes of suffering,while cultivating causes of happiness.Under the direction of Lama ZopaRinpoche, the center is a place of study,contemplation and meditation. Visithttp://www.guhyasamaja.org for moreinformation.
Lord of Life Lutheran offers ser-vices at two locations, in Fairfax at 5114Twinbrook Road and in Clifton at 13421Twin Lakes Drive. Services in Fairfax areheld on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sun-days at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Services inClifton are held on Sundays at 8:15 and10:30 a.m. 703-323-9500 orwww.Lordoflifeva.org.
First Baptist Church of Spring-field offers Sunday school at 9:15 a.m.,followed by a 10:30 a.m. worship ser-
vice at 7300 Gary St., Springfield. 703-451-1500 or www.fbcspringfield.org.
Clifton Presbyterian Church,12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, offersSunday worship services at 8:30 a.m.and 11 a.m. Nursery care is provided.Christian education for all ages is at9:45 a.m. 703-830-3175.
St. Andrew the Apostle Catho-lic Church, 6720 Union Mill Road,Clifton, conducts Sunday masses at7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and12:30 p.m. It also offers a Saturdayvigil at 5:30 p.m. and a Thursday Latinmass at 7 p.m. 703-817-1770 orwww.st-andrew.org.
Prince of Peace LutheranChurch, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road,
Springfield, offers casual worship ser-vices on Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m.featuring contemporary music. Moretraditional services take place on Sun-day mornings at 8:15 and 11 a.m.Sunday School is from 9:45-10:45 a.m.for children and adults. The church alsooffers discussion groups for adults. 703-451-5855 or www.poplc.org.
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church,8336 Carrleigh Parkway in Springfield,supports a Mothers of Preschoolers(MOPS) program on the first and thirdWednesday of each month. Meetings are9:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. All moth-ers and children are welcome. Theprogram provides mothers an opportu-nity to get to know other mothersthrough discussions and craft activities.Register. 703-451-5320.
Faith Easter ServicesSUNDAY/APRIL 13Palm Sunday Service. 8:30 and
11 a.m. Franconia UnitedMethodist Church, 6037Franconia Road, Alexandria. ThisSunday commemorates the entryof Jesus into Jerusalem andbegins the series of observancesfocusing on the events of HolyWeek — the beginning of thepassion or suffering of Jesusleading to and including thecrucifixion.
THURSDAY/APRIL 17Maundy Thursday Service. 7:30
p.m. Franconia United MethodistChurch, 6037 Franconia Road,Alexandria. This is a service tocommemorate Jesus’ Last Supperand the beginning of our
sacrament, the Lord’s Supper. Atthe Last Supper, Jesus gave thedisciples a new commandment tolove one another as He had lovedthem.
FRIDAY/APRIL 18Good Friday Service. 7:30 p.m.
Franconia United MethodistChurch, 6037 Franconia Road,Alexandria. Good Fridaycommemorates the crucifixion ofJesus Christ and his death on thecross at Calvary.
SUNDAY/APRIL 20Easter Sunday Services. 6, 8:30
and 11 a.m. Franconia UnitedMethodist Church, 6037Franconia Road, Alexandria. Jointo celebrate the resurrection ofJesus Christ.
Be a part of ourWellbeing pages,the first week ofevery month.
Delight in ourHomeLifeStylesections, thesecond week ofevery month.Peek at the topreal estate sales,glimpse over-the-top remodelingprojects, get prac-tical suggestionsfor your home.
Celebratestudents, camps,schools,enrichmentprograms,colleges andmore in ourA-plus:Education,Learning, Funpages, the thirdweek of everymonth.
Questions? [email protected] call703-778-9431
16 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Sports
Bowles, Berglund EarnAll-State Honors
Woodson junior point guard Eric Bowles and West Springfieldsenior shooting guard Amy Berglund were among those selectedto the 2013-14 Group 6A all-state basketball teams.
Bowles led the Woodson boys’ team to its second consecutiveregion championship before falling to Landstown in the state semi-finals. Along with Bowles, the boys’ all-state team included Colo-nial Forge’s Marco Haskins, Herndon’s Dorian Johnson,Battlefield’s Trevor Blondin, South Lakes’ Brandon Kamga,Landstown’s Darius Bolstad, Patrick Henry’s Christian Kirchmanand Woodside’s Chris Orlina.
Berglund surpassed 1,000 career points and led the West Spring-field girls’ team to the Conference 7 title, a trip to the region finaland a berth in the state tournament. Along with Berglund, thegirls’ all-state team includes Cosby’s Dorothy Adomako, Stone-wall Jackson’s Nicole Floyd, Cosby’s Jocelyn Jones, Bethel’s BritaniBryson, Madison’s Kelly Koshuta and Centreville’s Jenna Green.
Berglund plans to play for University of Northwestern St. Paul.
Capital Classic Rosters AnnouncedThe 41st Annual Capital Classic will be held April 26 at T.C.
Williams High School in Alexandria. The Classic will feature threegames, including g a pair of Metro All-Star games. North vs. Southwill tip off at 3 p.m., followed by East vs. West at 5 p.m. The mainevent, a matchup between the U.S. All-Stars and the Capital All-Stars, will begin at 7 p.m.
Robinson’s Joe Bynum, Bishop Ireton’s Daniel Noe, Edison’sChief Amoah and Oakton’s Robert Bacon are among those suit-ing up for the South all-stars.
Lake Braddock’s Will Gregorits, Woodson’s Andy Stynchula, PaulVI’s Evan Taylor, Wakefield’s Re’Quan Hopson, and Herndon’s KentAuslander and Dorian Johnson are among those who will suit upfor the West all-stars.
Tickets are available at capitalclassic.ticketsocket.com.
By Jon Roetman
The Connection
The Robinson boys’ soccer team, in themidst of a rebuilding year, entered itsApril 7 match against Yorktown in searchof its first victory.
Midway through the first half, it appeared the Ramswould play the role of speed bump to the mightyPatriots, who three days earlier knocked off defend-ing region champion Oakton. By game’s end, how-ever, Robinson had shown the kind of resilience thatcould lead to future success.
Yorktown scored in the opening minute, twice inthe first five minutes and led 3-0 in the 19th minute.Undeterred, the Rams battled back to tie the scoreat 3-all with a goal by Henry Lunario in the 72ndminute. However, Yorktown captain Joe McCrearyanswered in the 78th minute, lifting the Patriots to a4-3 victory at Robinson Secondary School.
THE LOSS dropped Robinson’s record to 0-6-1, buthead coach Robert Garza said he was pleased withthe Rams’ resiliency.
“After the game, I told them you basically won thisgame,” Garza said. “Don’t look at the score, [focuson] the fight that you guys had in you. I’m very proudof you. … To me, in my book here, forget what thescore says, we did win this because of the fight andwe came back. Such a young team, still trying tolearn to play with each other, was able to bring thatfight back.”
Garza is in his second season as head coach of theRams. He replaced Jac Cicala, a member of the Vir-ginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame who won four AAAstate championships with the Lake Braddock boys’program and took the George Mason Universitywomen’s team to the 1993 NCAA final. Cicala re-tired in 2012 after leading Robinson to the NorthernRegion title and Garza was hired after nine seasonsat Mount Vernon.
Garza has spent his first two seasons implement-ing a style of soccer which focuses on speed and pos-session. Last year, Garza’s first with Robinson, theRams finished 6-9-2, reached the Concorde Districtchampionship game and lost to T.C. Williams in theopening round of the regional tournament. This sea-son, following a 4-2 loss to Oakton that droppedRobinson’s record to 0-4-1, Garza decided to go pri-marily with young players.
“This is our rebuilding year,” Garza said. “We gradu-ated the whole team last year, as you can tell by ourroster, a lot of freshmen and sophomores. Obviously,it’s been a struggle this year. The Oakton game to us,we felt like we cracked Oakton a little bit, and it’sbeen a step up for us. We’re starting to come together.It’s a process, but they’re coming together.”
While Robinson failed to win in its first sevengames, the Rams managed to score 12 goals andshowed signs of life against Yorktown.
“[The underclassmen are] the ones fighting andwe saw right here,” Garza said after the Yorktownloss. “[We] definitely saw they have fight in themtonight.”
Yorktown improved to 5-1 with the victory, includ-ing a 1-0 win over Oakton three days earlier. ThePatriots seemingly squashed the idea of a letdownagainst the winless Rams early in the match, build-ing a 3-0 lead midway through the first half. IainHolmes scored in the opening minute, and JustinGonzales gave the Patriots a 2-0 lead with a goal inthe fifth minute. Holmes’ second goal extendedYorktown’s advantage to 3-0 in the 19th minute.
FROM THAT POINT, Robinson slowly chippedaway at the lead. Lucas Puranen scored in the 26thminute, cutting Yorktown’s lead to 3-1 at halftime.Noah Zorzi scored in the 47th minute and Lunarionetted the equalizer in the 72nd minute.
“The level dropped, big time,” Yorktown headcoach David Wood said. “… It’s tough sometimes,because we’ve been on a big-time roll of not givingup goals and scoring goals.”
Rather than letting Robinson come all the way backto win, Yorktown found a way to salvage the contestwith McCreary scoring the game-winner shortly af-ter returning from a yellow card.
Garza praised the performance of sophomore de-fender Keyvan Montero and freshman forward Nicho-las Short.
“They’re both the smallest kids on the team andthey take the most hits and they deliver the mosthits back and they have so much fight,” Garza said.“We use them as an example to the returning play-ers — bigger kids who are so scared to go in for aball. These two kids are so small and they go in hardevery single ball. They get the snot knocked out ofthem, they get right back up, they deliver a hit backand they keep going through. Those two are the fu-ture leaders of this program.”
Robinson faced Centreville on Wednesday, afterThe Connection’s deadline. The Rams will host Lan-gley at 7 p.m. on April 23.
West Springfield senior shooting guard Amy Berglundwas named to the girls’ 6A all-state basketball team.
Woodson juniorpoint guardEric Bowleswas named tothe boys’ 6Aall-state basket-ball team.
Connection file photos
Rams overcome 3-0 deficitto tie Patriots before fallingto 0-6-1.
Rebuilding Robinson ShowsResiliency in Loss to Yorktown
Robinson’s Noah Zorzi (19) scored a goalagainst Yorktown on April 7.
Robinson boys’ soccer coach Robert Garzasaid sophomore Keyvan Montero (2) is oneof the program’s future leaders.
Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 17www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Zone 2 Ad Deadline:
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21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements
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APRIL 22, 2014
Notice is hereby given that the Clifton Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 7:30
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From Page 13
they’ve developed.”Their trees stay outdoors year ’round. “We
keep the wind from drying them out,” saidSchwartz.
And, added Croft, “If it’s warm enoughand there’s enough precipitation, you don’thave to water them during the winter.”Gutierrez said freezing temperatures don’thurt them as long as the soil has moisturein it when it freezes.
However, said Schwartz, “Indoor tropicaltrees cannot survive outside in this climate.So they go indoors and need special light-ing and watering, plus regular care. Butthey’re fun because you get to play withthem all winter.”
“There’s no special, single, bonsai tree,”said Croft. “Any woody plant can be turnedinto a bonsai. The trees most forgiving ofmistakes [with their care] are Japanesemaples, conifers, azaleas and boxwood.”
Reese said pine trees also work well, al-though they require “an entirely differenttechnique to miniaturize their needles. Any-one interested in learning how should cometo our group.”
A 21-year club member, Croft said, “I en-joy the people and working with bonsaitrees. It’s relaxing and stress-reducing.Some of us have even traveled to othercountries to see other people’s bonsai. Theyall have different ways of displaying theirtrees. Some put a tree in a setting, beside asmall stature, or place a painting behind it.”
Schwartz does bonsai because “it’s an artform and I’m proud of what I can create.I’m especially proud when I get flowers tobloom on something difficult. I’ve been withthe club since 1998 or ’99; it’s like a secondfamily and I enjoy meeting people.”
Gutierrez, the club’s longest member, hasbeen with it since 1974. “I like the camara-derie, plus the intellectual challenge ofkeeping plants alive,” he said. “I’m a retiredsurgeon and I’m interested in the plants’physiology. And like I enjoyed doing sur-gery, I enjoy doing surgery on the plants.”
He’s nicknamed “The Magician,” becauseof his way with bonsai. And, said Reese, “Joecan turn a scrap tree into a beautiful workof art.” Schwartz and Reese each have 25-30 trees, Croft has 100 and Gutierrez has257.
As for Reese, he loves bonsai because ofthe trees. “They show you what you’ve doneright and wrong, teach you patience andgive you comfort,” he said. “And if you’reon the School Board or in the legislature,you need patience and comfort. Bonsai alsoteaches you persistence, focusing on thelong-term result.”
Celebrating 45 years, the Northern Vir-ginia Bonsai Society meets the second Sat-urday of the month, 9 a.m., at Walter ReedCommunity Center in Arlington.
See www.NVBS.US or [email protected] or 571-239-8821.
Bonsai ShowComes toMerrifield
News
Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 ❖ 19www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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You Have Saturdays OffThat’s Exactly Why We Don’t!
20 ❖ Burke Connection ❖ April 10-16, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Richard [email protected] is the difference I provide
Come to the HEARTof Real Estate, since 1980Proudly Serving Northern VAKAY HART, CRS, GRIAssociate BrokerLife Member NVAR Top [email protected]
ELLIE WESTER703-503-1880L&F Founder’s Club
Lifetime NVAR Top ProducerLife Member, NVAR Million
Dollar Sales [email protected]
Pep Bauman“Put Pep’s Energy to Work for You”
703-314-7055PepLnF.com
# 1 in Virginia703-425-8000
Access the Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service: www.searchvirginia.listingbook.com
BARBARA NOWAK& GERRY STAUDTE“My Virginia Home Team”703-473-1803, 703-309-8948
[email protected] www.MyVirginiaHomeTeam.com
JUDY SEMLER703-503-1885
MARSHA WOLBERLifetime Member NVAR Top ProducersTop 5% of Agents Nationallywww.marshawolber.comCell: 703-618-4397
Sheila Adams703-503-1895Life Member, NVAR Multi–MillionDollar Sales ClubLife Member,NVAR TOP PRODUCERS
JON SAMPSONjon.sampson@longandfoster.comjonsampsonrealtor.com703-307-4357
David [email protected] Virginia’s
Finest Homes
Act while the mortgagerates remain low and
before prices rise!I will help you through
the process.
Springfield $349,900A delightful, updated and sparkling townhome in convenientNewington Station. So many updates include hardwood flrs, windows,and more. A picturesque back garden professionally designed and exe-cuted by Merrifield Nursery! Will be coming on the market soon!
Your REALTORS*Next Door
Mary Hovland703-946-1775Cathy DeLoach571-276-9421
View more photos at www.hermandorfer.com
Clifton - $1,325,000Stunning “Grand Rembrandt” home on 2+ acres
Fairfax Station - $1,095,000Custom “Deck House” on beautiful 5 acre horse property
Springfield $345,000Gorgeous 2 Bedroom 2 Full Ba Townhouse in popular Springfield Oaks.Hardwood Flrs Main Level. New Carpet Upper and Lower Lvls. Kitchen HasBrand New Stainless Appliances. Fully Finished Walk Out Basement HasRemodeled Full Bath & Guest Rm. Master Ba Has Jacuzzi Tub His/HerImported Vanities & Tile. New Windows, Doors, & Much More.
STEVE CHILDRESS“Experience…withInnovation!”Life Member NVAR Top ProducersBuyer Broker since 1973!703-981-3277
Mt. Vernon Area$600,000CUSTOMBUILT!!!
Large 5 Bedrm,3.5 bathColonial onbeautiful half-acre wooded lot!Located near
end of quiet cul-de-sac, this 3 level home has an oversized2 car garage + additional off street parking. Many extrasincluding Sun Rm, Fam. Rm w/ Fireplace off Gourmetkitchen, Deck, Finished basement, and Master suite w/walk-in closet and luxury bath! 703-981-3277.
FAIRFAX COMING SOONWelcome to Kings Park West. This Duchess Model home has fourbedrooms, stainless steel appliances and gas heat. Close to theVRE, Schools, Shopping and the Lake. Call today for more details.
Richard Esposito 703-856-2529
ColchesterHunt!
$599,500RENO-mazing!Stunningremodel of themain level star-ring a chef’skitchen w/prostainless appli-ances (Wolf
cooktop and more!), granites counters, custom backsplash andamazing center island. Open floor plan featuring great roomand red oak hardwoods throughout. Sited on a fenced 1/2 acre- all the work has been done! www.6106kingscolordr.com
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Fairfax Station $745,900Beautiful 4Brm, 4.5Ba Rambler w/main level master,wonderful kitchen, Hdwd floors, on approx. 2 privateacres w/park-like setting. Circular drive, 2-car gar& 3 Fpls. Wheelchair friendly, fantastic LL, w rm suite,great workshop & walkout access. Country setting &close to everything!!
Burke $1,800Beautiful 3 finished level townhome near public transportation, commuterroutes, shopping & restaurants * 3 bedrms * 2.5 baths * Newly updatedkitchen * Step-down living room w/fireplace * Walkout recreation room.
Call Judy 703-503-1885
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Coming SoonTwo LVL Rambler on Wooded 1.4 AC parcel with stream inAnnandale. 3 BR, 3 Full Baths, Hardwood in LR, SeparateLibrary. What a View! Fantastic Opportunity in close in loca-tion. Call Kay for pre-market information 703-217-8444
Annandale $375,000Brand New on MarketStrathmeade Square
Excellent location: 1⁄4 mi to FairfaxHospital, 1⁄2 mi to Beltway; 3 Lvl TH, 3 BR2 BA on upper Lvl; Lge LR & Sep DR withHdwd floors, Half bath, Updated Kitchenopens to patio & fenced Yd on MN Lvl;
Den/FR plus Full Bath and large Util Rm on LL. Freshly painted, vacantand ready to go. Call Kay Hart, 703-217-8444 for details: Open Sunday 4/13
Springfield $479,900Beautiful expanded rambler in sought-after Ravensworth. 3bedrooms, 2.5 baths with new carpet throughout. Gorgeousmaster suite with updated master bath!! Move-in ready.Great schools.
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Call Sheila to see this 5 Level Brecon Ridge Beauty!!Sited on 40,441 Sq Ft Cul-de-sac lot, 5 BR’s, 3 Newer Baths, Fabulous RemodeledKitchen Opens to Family Rm, Huge Rec Rm w/Stone FP, Mud Rm, Lower Level forstorage w/WO-Huge 2 Car garage w/commercial Size Garage Doors
Fairfax $550,000Spacious 4BR/3BA “Regent” with 1-car garage on cul-de-sac lot infamily-friendly neighborhood. Family room has fireplace and access topatio & backyard. Newly enhanced kitchen, hardwoods, updated bath-rooms, and freshly painted. Close to Metrobus, VRE, and GMU.
Burke $675,000Sheer EleganceThis 3-lvl, 4 BR,3 1/2 BA, 2-CarGar SingleFamily Home fea-tures 1st Fl HW,upgraded Kitw/granite Ctrs,SS Appl & 2 storyLR. UL has spa-cious MBR &MBA
w/whirlpool, Sep Shwr and Dbl vanity plus huge RR w/wetbar, BR and Full BA. A must see!
ClassicHollow inManassas$765,900
Grand 8 BR, 7.5BA 3 fin lvl homeon 2 acres * 2-story foyerw/dual curvedstaircases *
Formal liv & din rms * Butler pantry * Eat-in gourmet kit w/SS appli-ances, granite, island w/prep sink * 2-story fam rm w/stone fireplace *Back staircase * 2 main lvl BR suites * Upper lvl features mastersuite w/sitting rm, 4 other BRs, 4 BAs & 2nd fam rm * W/O basementw/rec rm, BR, full BA & huge unfinished area.
Call Judy 703-503-1885
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