brayan brito is perilous - the connection...
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WellbeingPage, 2
Bargeron Honored As Officer of the MonthNews, Page 5
Focus on Heart HealthWellbeing, Page 2
Perilous Road To a
Better LifeNews, Page 3
Brayan Brito is a young man determined to succeed.
2 ❖ Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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fruits and vegetables. Commit to eight hours [ofsleep] a night and drink eight glasses of water eachday.”
While African-American have one of the highestrates of heart disease, the American Heart Associa-tion reports that anyone at any age can be affectedby cardiovascular diseases and 80 percent of cardiacevents can be prevented.
“Even making small changes like getting 30 min-utes of exercise a day can improve not just your hearthealth, but your overall health as well,” said fitnesstrainer Brendan Moore. “Find a type of exercise thatyou enjoy enough to do for 30 minutes that also getsyou to break a sweat and do it everyday. The impor-tant thing is that you get your heart rate up. If youstart to break a sweat, you know that you’re exert-ing enough energy to have an impact.”
Small dietary changes can be made gradually.“Watching your salt intake is really important,” saiddietician Caroline Knowles. “There are so many waysto prepare meals by using spices instead of salt sothat you don’t compromise the taste. With slow cook-ers and instant cookers there are so many optionsthat you no longer have to fry food to enjoy thatsatisfying taste.”
Finding creative but tasteful ways to add vibrantlycolored fruit and vegetables to one’s diet can helpprevent heart disease.
By Marilyn Campbell
Each time the doorbell rang, a guestarrived, wearingred and bringing
with her a new flavorful dishwith an aroma that filled thealready pungent air inCassandra Pope’s Arlingtonhome. One by one friendsstrolled through the livingroom and into the kitchenbearing dishes like balsamic-grilled chicken breast, cur-ried cauliflower steak andfreshly made hummus. Theyhad arrived for a potluckdinner and the theme thatevening was heart health.
“My father died of a heartattack when he was 62, andwhen he was 57 he had astroke,” said Pope. “All nineof his siblings had massiveheart attacks and all of themdied of a heart-related ill-ness. So I know that I needto focus eating better and ex-ercising and losing weight.My friends always get to-gether for dinner about onceor twice a month and usu-ally we have a theme. ForFebruary, we decided tocombine Valentine’s Day andheart health. We exchangedrecipes so that we all have astash of new recipes to try.“
Cardiovascular disease re-mains one of the leadingcause of death in the UnitedStates, and after decades of a steady decline in thiscountry, it is once again on the rise, according to astudy by the American Heart Association. The re-search also shows that approximately 80 percent ofall cardiovascular disease can be prevented by adopt-ing a healthy lifestyle and controlling high blood pres-sure, diabetes and high cholesterol. During Febru-ary, American Heart Month, health care profession-als are working to raise awareness of the importanceof making healthy lifestyle choices and managingtheir health conditions.
“February is É also Black History Month and thesetwo recognitions go hand-in-hand,” said NikkiaWilkens, Fairfax County Health Department commu-nity outreach professional. “African Americans havesome of the highest rates of hypertension and heartdisease, [but] with the right steps, we can improveour heart health.”
Some of the heart-smart lifestyle adjustments thatWilkens and other health care professionals adviseinclude staying active and exercising regularly andmonitoring one’s salt intake. “Incorporate movementinto your everyday activities, such as taking the stairsinstead of an elevator,” said Wilkens. “Maintain ahealthy diet and skip the fried foods, and eat lots of
Making healthy diet and exercise choicesare two keys to preventing heart disease.
American Heart MonthWellbeing
Photo Contributed
Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
See A Better Life, Page 7
By Bonnie Hobbs
Today, Brayan Brito is a typicalcollege student, busy withclasses and exams, and with abright future ahead of him. But
his life wasn’t always so rosy.He had a tough upbringing in his native
Guatemala and hit rock bottom before de-ciding to come to the U.S. But that decisionhas made all the difference for him.
Raised by a single mom, Brito had threehalf-brothers and one younger brother. Andhis last two years there, ages 15 and 16,were particularly depressing.
“People hated me for being my father’sson because he had another family first,with seven children,” said Brito. “So I gotbullied. Before I was born, he was in prisonfor eight years. And when he got out, heonly took care of his first family. Then hewent to the U.S. and came back when I was16.”
“I cried when I saw him because I thoughtthings would be amazing,” continued Brito.“But when I’d tell him my dreams, he’d sayI’d never be better than him, and it mademe feel so bad.” Meanwhile, the bullyingcontinued, and someone threw a Molotovcocktail at his home.
By then, he considered killing himself andset fire to a pile of clothes in his bedroom,thinking he’d die of smoke inhalation whilehe slept. “But I woke up later with peoplearound my bed,” he said. “My mom hadseen the smoke and called family membersand neighbors to come.”
“That’s when I knew I’d lost my sense oflife and had to do something to make achange,” said Brito. “So I decided to go tothe U.S. I only had a half hour before I hadto leave, and I couldn’t even say goodbye
to my littlebrother — and Ilove him. But Isaid goodbye tomy mom, and sheunderstood it wasthe best thing forme.”
Brito knewsomeone elsewho’d planned toleave the country,but couldn’t makeit, so he took hisplace. His olderbrother Alex, 18,
took him to a larger city to meet with a manwho’d take Brayan and others to the Gua-temalan/Mexican border
He’d had some money, clothes, goodshoes and his cell phone with him. Then,while still in Guatemala, he left his back-pack in a stranger’s car along the way andlost everything. “But Alex gave me themoney he’d saved for college and his favor-ite, strong shoes, in exchange for the poorones I was wearing,” said Brito. “Then Alexreturned home and eventually attended andfinished college.”
It took about 45 days to get to the bor-der, traveling by taxis, cars, buses and onfoot. “At one point, I stayed in a house inMexico with 19 people,” said Brito. “Thenit took about a month to reach Texas.”
It was 2014, and he was coming toCentreville to live with his half-brotherwho’d already been here 10 years. “It tooka long time to get here because I kept get-ting separated from my traveling group,”said Brito. “I got lost, and a wonderful,American family in Texas helped me. I re-joined the group, then got lost again in thedesert, but found the group again.”
After two more days, around 2 a.m., theywere surrounded by immigration agents.“We just gave up,” said Brito. “But I didn’twant to go back to Guatemala, so I sliddown a hill of sand and ran from tree to
tree until I got out of the area. One of theagents got close and asked me in Spanish,‘Are you sure you want to do this? Do youhave enough water?’ But I didn’t think aboutthe danger – I just wanted to escape.”
Once he did, he fell asleep in some tallgrass. “When I woke up, there was just sandand emptiness everywhere,” said Brito. “Ionly had one bottle of water, a can of juiceand some almonds for three-and-a-halfdays, alone in the desert.”
He walked in the direction his group hadbeen traveling before. “I was afraid immi-gration would find me; so in open areas,I’d run, instead of saving energy,” he said.“I conserved water, too, and only drank afew drops at a time — and it tasted deli-cious.”
At night, Brito heard animals, includingcoyotes, all around him. But he said he feltat peace and wasn’t afraid of them. Even-tually, he saw a tiny light, far in the dis-tance, so he walked toward it. It took one-and-a-half hours to get there and it was amilitary base, but he walked past it andended up on a deserted highway, walkingalmost five more hours before he was picked
up by immigration.He was arrested and placed in a camp
with other minors for 28 days. But unlikein similar camps today, Brito said he andthe others were treated well, fed and givenschool classes. “It was a good place and lessdangerous than home was,” he said. “I hada court hearing, and they eventually re-leased me to my brother.”
After a couple weeks, though, he becamehomeless. Yet once he started school atMountain View High, things started look-ing up for him. Although – like everythingelse in his young life then – it wasn’t easy.
“I rented a couch in someone’s house for$150/month,” said Brito. “I worked as abusboy in a Korean restaurant, six days aweek, 12 hours a day. I attended school from8 a.m.-2:50 p.m. and had just 10 minutesto get to the restaurant by 3 p.m. I workeduntil 3 a.m. and was very tired. I walkedback and forth from where I lived and onlygot three or four hours of sleep.”
Luckily, he said, Mountain View doesn’tgive homework, so he did all his schoolworkin class. “I was in survival mode, but was
‘I Didn’t Think about Danger, Just Escape’One immigrant’sperilous road toa better life.
BrayanBrito’s June2018 gradu-ation fromMountainView:FriendsAlice andJerry Foltzwith gradBrayanPerez Britoand hisbrother,DiegoChavezBrito.
Brayan Brito: “Ihad to do some-thing to make achange.”
Collect FoodFor WFCM
Residents, businesses and organizationscan help restock Western Fairfax ChristianMinistries’ (WFCM) food pantry with non-perishable items during an upcoming Stuffthe Bus event. It will be held this Saturday,Feb. 9, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in front of theGiant grocery store in the Colonnade atUnion Mill Shopping Center.
CAC Topic:Domestic Violence
Domestic violence will be the topic of thenext meeting of the Sully District PoliceStation’s Citizens Advisory Committee. It’sset for Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
Angela Acosta, an outreach specialist with
the Office for Women & Domestic andSexual Violence Services, will speak abouthow to identity the various types of domes-tic violence. Also presented will be by-stander information on how abuse affectsvictims and the programs/resources avail-able to help. In addition, Det. Jacqi Smith,the domestic-violence detective for the SullyDistrict, will discuss the law pertaining todomestic violence, give recent updates andexplain the process from the law-enforce-ment side.
Free CarseatInspections
Certified technicians from the Sully Dis-trict Police Station will perform free, childsafety carseat inspections Tuesday, Feb. 19,from 5-8:30 p.m., 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.Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirmdates and times.
Free TrainingClasses for CERT
The Community Emergency ResponseTeam (CERT) Program educates residentsabout disaster preparedness for hazards thatmay impact their area. CERT trains countyresidents in basic disaster response skills,such as fire safety, light search and rescue,
team organization, and disaster medicaloperations. Using the training learned in theclassroom and during exercises, CERT mem-bers can assist others in their neighborhoodor workplace following an event when pro-fessional responders are not immediatelyavailable to help. Emphasis on hands-onskill development and Fairfax County pro-tocols and procedures.
This training does not require any spe-cial physical strength or agility. For moreinformation and to register for the next classat the Fire and Rescue Academy, visit https://volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/recruiter/i n d e x . p h p ? r e c r u i t e r I D = 1 3 8 0 & class=OppDetails&oppGuid=%7b5710DACC-7 C F 8 - 4 6 9 6 - A B F F -8C00A598EC40%7d&t=0-Interested-In-CERT-or-a-CERT-Member
CERT training will be held at the Fire andRescue Academy, Monday and Wednesday,Feb, 25, 27, March 4, 6,11,13,18, 20.
Roundups
Photos by
Bonnie Hobbs
4 ❖ Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
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@CentreView
Newspaper ofCentreville
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to homes and businesses.Published by
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1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314
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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]
Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415
Jean CardProduction Editor
Bonnie HobbsCommunity Reporter, [email protected]
Andrea WorkerContributing Writer
ADVERTISING:For advertising information
Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444
David GriffinMarketing Assistant
Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431
Editor & PublisherMary Kimm
[email protected]@MaryKimm
Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon
Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren
Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic
Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Ali KhalighProduction Manager:
Geovani Flores
A Connection Newspaper
The Pet Centre View, a twice-yearlyspecial edition, will publish the lastweek of February, and photos andstories of your pets with you and
your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb.22.
We invite you to send storiesabout your pets, photos of youand your family with your cats,dogs, llamas, alpacas, ponies,
hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, orwhatever other creatures share your life withyou.
Tell us the story of a special bond between a
child and a dog, the story of how you came toadopt your pet, or examples of amazing featsof your creatures.
Do you volunteer at an animal shelter ortherapeutic riding center or take your pet tovisit people in a nursing home? Does your busi-ness have a managing pet? Is your businessabout pets? Have you helped to train an assis-tance dog? Do you or someone in your familydepend on an assistance dog?
Or take this opportunity to memorialize abeloved pet you have lost.
Just a cute photo is fine too. Our favoritepictures include both pets and humans.
Please tell us a little bit about your creature,identify everyone in the photo, give a briefdescription what is happening in the photo,and include address and phone number (wewill not publish your address or phone num-ber, just your town name).
Email to [email protected] submit online atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.
For advertising information, [email protected] or call 703-778-9431.
— Mary Kimm
Be Part of the Pet Centre View
Editorial
StrongestVoiceTo the Editor:
Dr. Ibraheem Samirah bringsenergy, enthusiasm, and ideas tothe 86th District. He is the Demo-cratic candidate, and he is sprint-ing into the special election in lessthan a month, Feb. 19. He is run-ning for the seat left vacant whenvoters chose Jennifer Boysko tomove into the Senate.
Dr. Samirah offers to voters hisexperience as a dentist and founderof a small business. He runs a com-munity-based clinic that serves itsDC neighborhood. He knows theimportance of health care, and alsothe need for good management.
Driving daily from Herndon to hisoffice, Dr. Samirah knows the haz-ards of commuting, including de-lays, traffic, and high tolls. “Thetolls need to come down” to helpnorthern Virginia commuters, hesays. Northern Virginia is the eco-
nomic engine of the state, and resi-dents here shouldn’t be punishedfor our growth and strong economy.
Dr. Samirah will also work toexpand the insurance marketplace.“Virginia can strengthen insuranceoptions, even if the federal govern-ment is unable to act,” he said. Heknows first-hand the importance ofaffordable health care for all.
Dr. Samirah is also concernedabout public education, and wantsto work for higher teacher pay,lower class sizes, and pre-K edu-cation across the state. He saysthat Virginia’s base of support forlocal schools has declined, andneeds to return to levels that makeus competitive with other states.
Because he supports growinghealth insurance options, morefunding for public schools, andlowering tolls, Dr. Samirah is thestrongest voice for all in the 86thDistrict. Vote Samirah on Feb. 19.
Alice FoltzCentreville
ImportanceOf EducationTo the Editor:
Education is a basic and criti-cal necessity which should beavailable to everyone. In order tobe successful and happy, oneneeds to be educated so as to pur-sue a fulfilling career. It is an un-deniable fact that education ismore important for children be-cause they are the future of theworld and are the key to devel-oping a thriving country andworld.
Children are the foundation forbuilding the nation with theirknowledge. But to have thisknowledge, kids need good teach-ers; and for teachers to be greateducators, they need the right re-sources and be respected for theirwork. This is sadly not happen-ing. Many teachers from Los An-geles to Denver have gone onstrike because they are not being
paid enough for their hard work.Their class sizes are too large forthem to handle and they aren’table to give enough quality atten-tion to each student. As an Ameri-can Muslim and a college student,this is greatly disappointing tome. Islam teaches that educationis a requirement of my faith, andtherefore, my teachers are to berespected. Prophet Muhammadsaid that seeking knowledge isobligatory for every Muslim manand woman. The Holy Qur’an alsoexhorts the followers to pray toGod to increase our knowledge(20:115).
Teaching children is not easy. Ifthey don’t get the right resourcesI worry that the next generationwon’t be able to shape their ownfuture. Will our country realizethe importance of education andinvest in our teachers before it’stoo late?
Sabiha BasitCentreville
Letters to the Editor
WINTER SHELTERSFind homeless and cold weather
drop-in centers and shelters thatserve Northern Virginia atwww.novaregion.org/174/Homeless-Shelter-Lists.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChildren who will be 5 years old on or
before Sept. 30, 2019, are eligible toattend kindergarten. Find the correctneighborhood school by enteringyour address at boundary.fcps.edu/boundary/. Complete a packet ofregistration forms found atwww.fcps.edu/it/forms/enroll.pdf orin the school office. Gathersupporting documents: proof ofresidence in the school boundary, acertified copy of the child’s birthcertificate, parent/guardian photo ID,and any custody orders. Certificate ofphysical exam and immunization willbe required before the student maystart school, but is not required forregistration. Parents who choose todelay enrollment in kindergarten byone year are required to notify theschool in writing of their intent.
Learn more at www.fcps.edu/registration/general-registration-requirements.
❖ Colin Powell Elementary Schoolin Centreville will conduct theirKindergarten registration on Friday,April 5, 9 a.m.-noon; parents mayalso call 571-522-6008 to schedulean appointment. Due to the timerequired to register a child, theyrequest that only parents come toschool for registration.
Greenbriar West ElementarySchool is now accepting informationfor next year’s Kindergarten classes.Families within the school’sboundaries should call the schooloffice at 703-633-6700 as soon aspossible.
VOLUNTEERS WANTEDInterested in local Civil War or
Railroad History? Considervolunteering at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum. The Museumoffers a variety of volunteeropportunities in Museum events,programs and administration. TheMuseum is also seeking an individualto coordinate the scheduling of the
volunteer staff. Training will beprovided for all positions. [email protected] or call703-945-7483 for opportunities. TheMuseum is located at 11200 FairfaxStation Road in Fairfax Station. It isopen every Sunday, except holidays,from 1-4 p.m. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.
INPUT SOUGHTShaping the Future Together.
Fairfax County Government isbeginning a strategic planningprocess with the community to shapethe future together. The goal is tohear all voices and reach all segmentsof the community. This effort willspan most of 2019, but in this firstphase, the community is being askedto visit fairfaxcounty.gov/strategicplan and:
❖ Take a short five-question onlinesurvey
❖ Join a community conversation inperson: Feb. 13 – Reston; Feb. 25 –Alexandria; Feb. 26 – Fairfax; March6 – Falls Church.
❖ Share the survey and conversation
invitation with neighbors, co-workersand county family and friends.
TUESDAYS THROUGH FEB. 19Workshop Series: Mind in the
Making. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at DunnLoring Center for Parent Services,2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 –Room 100, Dunn Loring. Mind in theMaking: The Seven Essential LifeSkills Every Child Needs by EllenGalinsky, encompasses an evidence-based list of life skills that areessential for children to succeedsocially, emotionally andintellectually in the short and longterm. Participants may register forone or all of the workshops and donot need to attend the previous class.Registration is limited. Call 703-204-3941 or visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more or toregister.
❖ Tuesday, Feb. 12 – Taking onChallenges (part 6)
❖ Tuesday, Feb. 19 – Self-Directed,Engaged Learning (part 7)
Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.Bulletin Board
Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Bonnie Hobbs
PFC ZacharyB a r g e r o nwas recentlyselected as
an Officer of the Monthfor the Sully District Po-lice Station. And assuch, he was honored ata meeting of the station’s Citizens AdvisoryCommittee.
Police 2nd Lt. Nicholas DiPippa nomi-nated him for Officer of the Month, explain-ing why Bargeron is deserving of this award.
Noting that Fairfax County police offic-
ers stop many motorists for a variety of rea-sons – mainly minor traffic infractions –DiPippa wrote, “The outcome of most traf-fic stops is a warning or a traffic citation.After conducting several hundred trafficstops and many roadside interviews, offic-ers become more in tune with behaviors thatlend to question whether additional inves-tigation is necessary.”
Accordingly, he wrote, “PFC Bargeron –who has been a member of the FairfaxCounty Police Department since 2015 andis assigned to the midnight shift – has showna great propensity to disrupt criminal be-havior in our community through traffic en-forcement. His approach has proven to beeffective. One example was recently noted:
“Bargeron observed a vehicle on a majorthoroughfare in the Sully District in opera-tion with defective equipment. He stoppedthe vehicle and, while speaking with thedriver, recognized two passengers from pastencounters – one of which was a suspectknown to carry weapons. Bargeron sepa-rated the driver from the passengers and,through conversation, determined the pas-sengers were involved in the possession anddistribution of illegal narcotics.”
DiPippa stated that Bargeron directed thepassengers to exit the vehicle. The officerthen observed “additional indications ofnarcotics,” wrote DiPippa. “Numerous pills,individually packaged material, drug para-phernalia and proceeds from narcotics dis-
tribution were collected from the suspectsand from the vehicle.
The suspects must have realized their ar-rest was imminent, as they declined an op-portunity for further conversation withBargeron.”
“With the ever-present opioid crisis, thetraffic stop initiated by PFC Bargeron – andhis willingness to look beyond the defec-tive equipment violation – may have saveda life or stopped a drug overdose,” contin-ued DiPippa.
“The investigative efforts removed twodangerous individuals from the communityand are worthy of recognition. As such, PFCBargeron has been selected as Officer of theMonth.”
Bargeron Honored as Officer of the Month
PFC ZacharyBargeron
The Sully Police District isasking for the public’shelp in its investigation a
road rage incident that occurredThursday, Jan. 31 on northboundRoute 28 between Lee Highwayand Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.Around 11:08 a.m., a traffic alter-cation occurred on Route 28 be-tween a white Kia Forte and awhite Toyota Rav4 ending in aconfrontation in the parking lot ofEllanor C. Lawrence Park. During
the confrontation, one man fireda gun twice towards another man.No one was injured during the in-cident.
Anyone who may have wit-nessed the traffic altercation orany of the subsequent events thatoccurred at Ellanor C. LawrencePark are asked to call Detective J.P.Farrell at the Sully District Stationat 703-814-7026.
Tips can be submitted anony-mously through Crime Solvers by
visiting http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, orcalling 1-866-411-TIPS. They canalso be sent in via text by texting“TIP187” plus the message toCRIMES (274637).
Text STOP to 274637 to cancel,or HELP to 274637 for help. Mes-sage and data rates may apply.Anonymous tipsters are eligible forcash rewards of $100 to $1000 iftheir information leads to an ar-rest.
Information Sought in Road Rage IncidentThe following incidents were reported
by the Sully District Police Station.
ROBBERY: 5501 Union Mill Road(Shell station), Feb. 1, 1:50 p.m. Twomen entered the Shell station armedwith a knife and announced a robbery.The men took cash from the clerk andran away. There were no injuries to thevictim.
FEB. 4LARCENIES4300 block of Chantilly Shopping
Center, merchandise from business4200 block of Galesbury Lane, medi-
cations and credit cards from residence5200 block of Rachael Alice Lane,
property from location5100 block of Westfields Boulevard,
merchandise from business
FEB. 1LARCENIES11900 block of Market Street, mer-
chandise from business
JAN. 31LARCENIES6400 block of Brass Button Court,
items from vehicle
Crime Report
6 ❖ Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
HGTV’s “Fixer Upper”star Clint Harp to head-lines the Capital Remodel+ Garden Show.
Capital Remodel+ Garden Show
HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” star ClintHarp to headlines the Capital Re-model + Garden Show. This showwill feature four large gardens show-casing garden design, landscaping,patios, water feature and furniture.Additionally, more than 300 compa-nies will exhibit the latest productsand services in home remodeling,renovation, home décor, landscapeand garden design. Friday-Saturday,Feb. 22-23, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday,Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at DullesExpo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shop-ping Center, Chantilly. Federalworkforce employee with govern-ment ID will receive free admissionthroughout the show. Single ticketsvalid for one day of show: adults,$12 at box office ($9 online); chil-dren 6-12, $3; 5 and younger, free.Visit capitalremodelandgarden.com.
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 8-10Westfield Theatre presents RENT.
Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2p.m. at Westfield High School, 4700Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. RENTbrings the atmosphere of the AIDSepidemic center stage. The studentsof Westfield Theatre portray maturethemes and accurately present theera as it was, a time ravaged byanxiety and uncertainty. But in theface of fear, this group makes themost of life with whatever they’vegot. Be it two drumsticks and abucket or a long table at a restaurant,they’re always living “la vie boheme.”There will be a silent auction at eachshow benefiting AIDS United.Reserved tickets are $10 online or$12 at the door. Visitwww.westfieldtheatre.com/rent.
SATURDAY/FEB. 9Dancing into the Chinese New
Year. 10:30-11:30 a.m. at TheCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville.Xuejan Dance Ensemble specializes inclassical Chinese dance, as well asChinese folk and ethnic dance. Learnabout the Chinese New Year, whileenjoying Chinese dance. All ages.Call 703-830-2223 or [email protected].
SUNDAY/FEB. 10T-TRAK Scale Model Train Show.
1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. TheNorthern Virginia T-TRAK memberswill hold a N gauge Model TrainDisplay. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15,$2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
Live Music: Laurie Lewis & theRight Hands. 7 p.m. (doors open at6) at Frying Pan Farm Park VisitorCenter, 2739 West Ox Road,Herndon. Make plans to “hitch up theteam” and head to Frying Pan FarmPark this season for Bluegrass Barn.Food and beverages available forpurchase. $18 in advance, $20 at thedoor. Purchase tickets online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/bluegrass-barn or by phoneat 703-222-4664 or 703-437-9101.
MONDAY/FEB. 11Little Hands Work on the Farm at
Frying Pan. 9:45 a.m. (2-3 yearolds); 11 a.m. (3-5 year olds) atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Discover whathappens on a farm during the winter.Children will learn about animals,farm chores and how farm lifechanges with the season withactivities such as stories, crafts orgames. $8 per child. Children mustbe accompanied by an adult. Call703-437-9101 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park.
MONDAYS/FEB. 11 & 25African American Family History
Research. 7-8:30 p.m. at TheCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville.African-American genealogy researchcan be challenging. In this two-partclass, learn strategies, resources, andtools to build a family tree. Adults.Call 703-830-2223 or [email protected].
WEDNESDAY/FEB. 13Pop-up Valentine. 7-8 p.m. at The
Centreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Enjoya Valentine story and make a pop-upValentine for that special someone.Grades 1-6. Call 703-830-2223 oremail [email protected].
THURSDAY/FEB. 14Make Art Inspired by History. 10
a.m. or 5:30 p.m. at Ellanor C.Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. This Valentine’s Day,gather friends and family together atthe park to create art inspired byhistory. The artwork created willreflect the season or month, and theprojects are designed for artists age6-adult. The park will be offeringtwo, one-hour sessions. $8 perperson. Call 703-631-0013 or visitfairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
SUNDAY/FEB. 17NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-
4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The NorthernVirginia NTRAK members will hold aN gauge Model Train Display at theFairfax Station Railroad Museum.Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
TUESDAY/FEB. 19Knit 2Gether. 7-8 p.m. at The
Centreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Learnthe basics of knitting or shareexpertise. Needles provided alongwith some yarn. Smooth worstedweight yarn is recommended forbeginners. Featured project: mugcozy. Teens to adult. Call 703-830-2223 or [email protected].
SATURDAY/FEB. 23Choral Cabaret. 6:30-10 p.m. at
Centreville High School Cafe, 6001Union Mill Road, Clifton. The ChoralCabaret is a highlight of the calendarand the biggest fundraiser for theCentreville High School ChoralBoosters. The night is packed withstudent performances, silent auctionitems, desserts served by chorus-member waiters, raffles, and more.$10. Visit www.facebook.com/Cvhs-Choral-Boosters-890773407795787/.
SUNDAY/FEB. 24Fire Building and S’mores. 4:30-
5:30 p.m. at Ellanor C. LawrencePark, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.
Learn the science and art of firebuilding at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park.Discover what it takes to build a fire,and then test new abilities withprimitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques and then roasts’mores. $8 per person, and childrenmust be accompanied by a registeredadult. Call 703-631-0013 or visitfairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
Live Music: Nothin’ Fancy. 7 p.m.(doors open at 6) at Frying Pan FarmPark Visitor Center, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Make plans to “hitchup the team” and head to Frying PanFarm Park this season for BluegrassBarn. Food and beverages availablefor purchase. $18 in advance, $20 atthe door. Purchase tickets online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/bluegrass-barn or by phoneat 703-222-4664 or 703-437-9101.
The Capitol Steps BenefitPerformance. 7 p.m. at FairfaxHigh School, 3501 Rebel Run Road,Fairfax. Join in for a SILLYariousevening as the Capitol Steps politicalsatire comedy troupe performs ashow to benefit high school theatrefor the Cappies of the NationalCapitol Area. Free parking. Adults,$30; students/senior citizens, $20;children 12 and under, $10; andgroups of 10 or more, $15. [email protected] or visitwww.cappies.com/nca.
MONDAY/FEB. 25Little Hands Work on the Farm at
Frying Pan. 9:45 a.m. (2-3 yearolds); 11 a.m. (3-5 year olds) atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Discover whathappens on a farm during the winter.Children will learn about animals,farm chores and how farm lifechanges with the season withactivities such as stories, crafts orgames. $8 per child. Children mustbe accompanied by an adult. Call703-437-9101 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park.
SUNDAY/MARCH 24Live Music: Valerie Smith &
Liberty Pike. 7 p.m. (doors open at6) at Frying Pan Farm Park VisitorCenter, 2739 West Ox Road,Herndon. Make plans to “hitch up theteam” and head to Frying Pan FarmPark this season for Bluegrass Barn.Food and beverages available forpurchase. $18 in advance, $20 at thedoor. Purchase tickets online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/bluegrass-barn or by phoneat 703-222-4664 or 703-437-9101.
Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
From Page 3
A Better Lifeinspired,” said Brito. “I fell in love with sci-ence when I saw documentaries aboutquantum mechanics, astronomy and famousscientists. And although I couldn’t under-stand it all, I began listening to their sto-ries with a wireless earbud while I worked.”
But speaking English was another mat-ter. “When I arrived I Centreville, I spokeno English,” said Brito. “After one-and-a-halfyears, I knew enough to comprehend thingsand interact in society. And after three years,I became fluent and it became my lan-guage.”
However, he said, “I was still full of hatebecause my family didn’t take care of meand I wanted to prove my father wrong. Hetold me I wouldn’t be anything, and I said,‘Come find me in 10 years.’” And he creditsMountain View, its teachers and counselorswith giving him the tools he needed for suc-cess. When Brito first went there, all hecould say in English was, “Does anyone herespeak Spanish?” Fortunately, his counselor,Tina Perez, and several other staff membersdid. They told him about this school of sec-ond chances guided by the motto, “Family,Love and Respect,” and said he could gradu-ate in four years.
“I was happy,” he said. “They welcomedme and made me feel like home. Goingthere every morning was a feeling of hav-ing fun and being with friends. The teach-ers believed in me, and I focused on workand studying. All the teachers became myfriends.”
Brito, a lawful permanent resident as aGreen Card holder, began working at theCentreville Immigration Forum and becamea volunteer director, using his talents to helpothers. And he participated in GMU’sDream-Catchers program, which mentorstudents needing help overcoming theirobstacles to getting an education.
He eventually became an excellent stu-dent who was honored with awards andseveral scholarships from Mountain View.In addition, he received the 10th Congres-sional District’s highly competitive Harry F.Byrd Jr. Leadership Scholarship and a checkfor $10,000.
But that’s not all. One of the panel mem-bers who interviewed Brito for that schol-arship was Shenandoah University Presi-dent Tracy Fitzsimmons. And she was soimpressed by his story that she offered hima Presidential Scholarship of $20,000 a yearfor four years — a possible total of $80,000.
He started there in August 2018, major-ing in math and hoping to someday obtaina Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and,possibly, business. “I eventually want to ownmy own business,” said Brito. “I hope tocombine the logic of math with mechanicalengineering to design things, and with busi-ness to make a profit out of my own inven-tions.”
In his 30s, he said, he might join the AirForce and possibly do a project with NASA.In his 40s, said Brito, he might go into poli-tics “to help people.” So what advice wouldhe give to others struggling to succeed? “Inanything you do, just start it,” he said. “Getinto it as deep as you can, and everythingelse will fall into place.”
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
As it happens every year around this time, the monthly calendar turns to February, and I am remind-ed of the goings on in my life Jan. 1 through Feb. 27, 2009.
I was not, as yet, in the throws of having been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, stage
shortness of breath and stinging pain in my side that
Cancer was the last word I expected to hear in
Until I received that call from my primary care physi-cian on Thursday, Feb. 20, advising me that the tissue biopsy was indeed malignant, I had been, since that New Year’s Day visit to the Emergency Room, in a diagnostic dalliance to determine what had caused an otherwise, healthy 54-and-half-year-old man, to present with such symptoms.
The Emergency Room doctor was perplexed as the chest X-Ray I had taken that day was inconclu-sive. In addition, I offered no pertinent medical histo-ry to account for the symptoms I was experiencing.
Eventually I was released and it was suggested that I return in a week, have another chest X-Ray then and see a pulmonary doctor. And so I did. After reviewing both X-Rays, and examining me, the pulm-onologist was equally perplexed. I was healthy by all appearances and I had no family history of anything.
Out of curiosity – or bewilderment – the doctor told me to get a CT scan, which I did, approximately two weeks later, at the earliest available time. Within a day of having been CT-scanned, I was called by the pulmonologist and advised to schedule an appoint-ment with a thoracic surgeon, a specialty with which I was totally unfamiliar.
I saw the surgeon. Equally befuddled, by his own admission, after reviewing my two X-Rays and recent CT scan, he equivocated on the next step: ordering a P.E.T. scan, which he did not – until a few days later when he changed his mind and told me to make the arrangements; which of course I did, and again, it was approximately two weeks later that an appoint-ment was available.
After receiving the results, the thoracic surgeon called me. He said, among other things: “Your scan lit up like a Christmas tree.”
Not good as I later learned.And so, a surgical biopsy was scheduled, upon
availability, about two weeks later, which presumably would determine the cause of my original discomfort
had been about.Within a few days of my procedure, I received a
phone call at work from my internal medicine doctor.
Sure enough, it was. He told me that the sample was malignant.
Stunned by the news, I remember asking: “What does that mean?” He might have mentioned cancer, I can’t recall. He instead deferred and referred me to an oncologist, actually making the appointment for me for the following Thursday, only a week later.
Nearly two months had passed since the original Jan. 1 visit to the E.R.
been going on – from an oncologist. And sure enough, on that following Thursday, my new-best-friend-to-be, lowered the boom: “Lung cancer.”
My prognosis he said: “13 months to two years.” Moreover, he advised: He “could treat me,” but he “couldn’t cure me.” In simple terms, he told me I was “terminal.”
Not that I don’t already think about having cancer every minute of every day but especially so at this time of the year. This is when my world, as I knew it, came crashing down. Over and over, I review the
with my oncologist and the impact the diagnosis has had on my life.
Granted, it’s nothing to laugh about, but given that I’ve survived so long, it’s certainly something to be grateful about.
My Own Sort of Groundhog Day
8 ❖ Centre View ❖ February 6-12, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
The Madison Warhawks andWestfield Bulldogs battled itout on the hardwood inChantilly on Feb. 2. The game
was a rescheduled game that was postponeddue to inclement weather on Jan. 30.
The home team Bulldogs started off withan early 7-4 lead after playing the first eightminutes.
Westfield’s Tahj Summey scored 5 points,
including a 3 pointer and two from the char-ity stripe. AJ Arnolie led Madison with twoearly baskets.
In the 2nd quarter Madison scored 20points and held the Bulldogs to 14 givingthe Warhawks a 24-21 halftime advantage.AJ Arnolie paced the Warhawks with 6points in the quarter while TJ Ulrich added5, including a 3 pointer. Westfield was ledby Marshall Reed’s 7 points, and Sam
Johnson added Westfield’s second threepointer of the game.
In the 3rd quarter Westfield was onceagain outscored by Madison, 22-13. Again,Westfield’s Reed led Westfield with 8 of histeams 13 points, but six Madison playersscored at least 2 points, including 8 pointsfrom Soren Almquist.
Down 46-34 starting the 4th quarter,Westfield did not pull any closer. Madison
outscored the Bulldogs 15-10 to take a 61-44 win. With the win Madison improved to10-9. Westfield fell to 2-17. Madison wasled by AJ Arnolie who scored 18. TJ Ulrichand Soren Almquist added 9 each. Westfieldwas led by Marshall reeds 17 points. TahjSummey scored 8 and Sam Johnson andTrent Reimonenq added 7.
— Will Palenscar
Westfield’s Marshall Reed #3 gets his shot off andavoids a charging call.
Westfield’s Taylor Morin dribbles the ballbetween Madison defenders Max Johnson#21 and Soren Almquist.
Warhawks Vanquish Bulldogs in 61-44 Win
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The Chantilly Chargersand Westfield Bulldogslaced them up for a
Concorde District game atWestfield on Jan. 31. The twoteams are separated by just un-der 5 miles.
Both teams started off to alow scoring first quarter withChantilly edging Westfield 4-3after 8 minutes of play.
In the 2nd quarter the Charg-ers would again outscore theBulldogs, this time 11-8 givingthe Chargers a 4-point advan-tage 15-11. Chantilly was ledin the quarter by Chris Miers 5points, while Westfield was ledby Taylor Morin’s 4 points.
In the 3rd quarter Westfieldadded 11 points, but Chantillyadded 12 points giving theChargers a 5-point halftimelead, 27-22. Chantilly was ledby Joe Stupak and Luke Tituseach of whom had 3 points in
the quarter. Westfield’s TaylorMorin led the Bulldogs with 3points.
In the 4th quarter Chantillywould pull ahead 29-22. Minuteslater Westfield was within a point29-28, and with 4:25 Westfieldtook the lead for good 30-29,while holding the Chargers to just4 more points for the remainderof the game. Westfield outscoredChantilly 19-6, for the 41-33 win.Westfield’s 4th quarter success wasin large part getting to the foul lineand converting where the Bulldogswent 8 of 9 for the quarter.Marshall Reed scored 5 points inthe quarter while Sam Johnsonalso scored 5 points, includingWestfield’s only three pointer ofthe game. Westfield was led byTaylor Morin’s 13 points and SamJohnson added 11. Chantilly wasled by Chris Miers and Avery Hinzwith 8 points.
— Will Palenscar
Bulldogs DefeatChargers, 41-33
Chantilly’s Derek Smith # 20 has a hand inthe sightline of Westfield’s Gavin Kiley #5as he elevates for a shot.
Westfield’s Marshall Reed powershis way to the basket with
Chantilly’s Avery Hines #32 andLuke Titus #5 defending.
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