delivering holiday joy to...
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online at www.connectionnewspapers.com January 8-14, 2020
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WellbeingPage 4
A Place for People to Honor, Remember their PetsNews, Page 2
Centreville Man Is Charged with MurderNews, Page 6
Delivering Holiday Joy to Families
News, Page 3
From left, Jeannie Benedet-to and Caroline and Carla Nelson prepare to distribute wrapping paper to go with each family’s gift packages. On Dec. 15, Our Neighbor’s Child delivered Christmas presents to more than 800 local families in need.
2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Bonnie Hobbs
The Connection
Friends of the Fairfax County Ani-mal Shelter (FFCAS) – the shelter’snonprofit, fundraising partner –ensures that animals needing life-
saving medical care beyond the shelter’sbudget limitations, receive it. And with theshelter opening its doors and its heart tomore than 5,000 animals a year, that’s a tallorder.
But by making this money available – aswell as funds for animal behavior-training,parasite prevention, dental care and com-munity outreach – the Friends help the shel-ter in its efforts to offer each animal thebest opportunity to find a permanent, lov-ing home. And toward that end, FFCAS re-cently established a tribute garden at theshelter to help raise money for the animals.
THE NEW GARDEN is at the shelter’sfront entrance, and shrubs, plants andbenches will also be added. But besidesbeing an attractive addition, it’s also a spe-cial way for people to honor and remembertheir own pets while helping other animalsget adopted.
“For years, we wanted to do somethingat the entrance and also give people anopportunity to make donations in honor oftheir pets, friends, family members, etc.,”said FFCAS President and co-founder EvelynGrieve. “We’re very excited about this. Wethank the Fairfax County Board of Supervi-sors and the shelter for supporting it. We’rehoping this will be a really pretty place forpeople to come.”
The idea is for the garden to serve as aplace for visitors to rest and reflect, a thank-you for contributions and a garden for ev-eryone to enjoy. So the community is in-vited to be part of a limited, commemora-tive opportunity by purchasing personal-ized, engraved bricks.
The bricks may be inscribed in honor orin memory of an animal or animal lover, orwith the donor’s name or the name of a fam-ily or business. Each brick is 4x8 inches; costis $200/brick, and each has up to three lines– with 12 characters per line – available forinscription. For more information, email theFriends at [email protected] or go towww.ffcas.org for ordering instructions orto donate to the tribute garden.
The shelter’s logo – a dog and a cat – isreplicated in bricks in the garden, and theseare the bricks that will be engraved. “Itbrightens up the building and calls moreattention to it,” said Grieve. “And since it’salso a patio with a quiet place to reflect,it’ll be a nice place for people to think abouttheir former pets, as well as a spot whereothers can take photos of their newlyadopted animals.”
DIGNITARIES at the garden’sgroundbreaking included then-FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors ChairmanSharon Bulova, former Sully District Super-visor Michael Frey and former shelter Di-rector Karen Diviney, plus several FFCASmembers and volunteers. And despite be-low-freezing temperatures, they were alldelighted to participate.
“I’m thrilled,” said Frey, after whom theshelter is named and who’s also on theFFCAS Board. “It’s a creative way to try toraise money, and that’s our purpose. We doa lot of things that many people assume thecounty pays for, such as flea-and-tick treat-ment, dental work, behavioral training andsurgeries to make the animals more adopt-able.”
“And for me, it’s a continuation of my life-long cause [to improve animals’ lives], butI realize there are limits to what the countycan fund,” he continued. “So this gardenprovides an opportunity for us to raisemoney, while enabling people to have a spe-cial place to go and remember the pets andother loved ones in their lives. It’s also anice enhancement for the shelter and a re-ally pretty addition to the front.”
New tribute garden is built outside the animal shelter.
A Place for People to Honor, Remember their Pets
The Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, including (in frontrow) former shelter Director Karen Diviney, then-county SupervisorsChairman Sharon Bulova, Evelyn Grieve and Michael Frey, break groundfor the shelter’s tribute garden.
Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection
The weather was below freezing, but spirits were warm and cheerfulduring the groundbreaking for the Animal Shelter’s new, tribute garden.
From left, are FFCAS Operations Manager Lindsey Kellogg, Evelyn Grieve,Sharon Bulova, former Shelter Director Karen Diviney and FFCAS Boardmember Michael Frey.
News
The bricks in the tribute garden are contained within these images of adog and a cat – the shelter’s logo.
Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
GreenDrop, the organization revolutionizingcharitable giving, announced the opening of itsCentreville donation center. The second site inFairfax County will provide residents an easy wayto declutter their homes and earn tax deductionsearly. Conveniently located behind Chipotle andBonefish Grill, the company began accepting do-nations on Jan. 1, 2020 at 6317 Multiplex Drivein Centreville.
As local residents resolve to start the new yearright, the center will offer another safe and con-venient way to organize after the hectic holidayseason and recycle gently used items. The dona-tions will provide critical funding for recognized,national charity partners including American RedCross, Military Order of the Purple Heart andNational Federation of the Blind.
This is GreenDrop’s second launch in the FairfaxCounty area in four months as the company openedthe doors of its Springfield donation site a few milesaway at 8094 Rolling Road in October.
“We’re continuing to expand our commitment toproviding donation options for northern Virginia resi-dents,” said GreenDrop CEO Tony Peressini. “It is ourmission to become an integral part of the commu-nity and serve for years to come.”
GreenDrop makes it easy. Upon arriving to theCentreville location, a friendly uniformed attendantwill meet donors at their vehicle to collect gentlyused items while they select their partner charity ofchoice. In return, donors will receive tax deductiblereceipts for the value of the items donated.
With more than 28 charitable donation centerslocated throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Dela-ware, Virginia, Maryland and New York, GreenDropis transforming the way consumers support their fa-vorite charities by donating lightly worn clothing,used electronics and household goods at conve-niently-located, free-standing locations throughoutthe Mid-Atlantic region.
For more information about GreenDrop, visit theweb site at www.GoGreenDrop.com.
GreenDrop Donation Site Opens in Centreville
Photo contributed
GreenDrop announced the opening of its Centrevilledonation center.
Thanks to an army of volunteers, on Dec. 15,Our Neighbor’s Child delivered Christmas presentsto more than 800 local families in need.
ONC DeliversHoliday Joy toFamilies
From left, Owen Yoham and Jacob Suskoare about to fill up a car with gifts.
Ready to fill a box with giftbags to take outside towaiting vehicles areWestfield High lacrosseteam members (from left)Liam Santilli, Michael Hart,Aidan Todd, ThomasSpengler, Andrew Boyle,Andrew Van Lahr andRobert Parker.
Each gift recipientreceived a box ofhandmade cookies.Manning the cookiestation on deliveryday are (from left)the Gunn family:Catie, Charlie,Carole, Sean andCharlie Sr.; plusMegan Girardin anddaughter Julia, 7,and Mary Allison.
Posing with some of the bicycles before delivery are(from left) Cordelia and Gillian Pon.
Bill Hughes is ready to deliver presents toseveral families.
Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/
The Connection
4 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
After a season filled with Champagne, Whis-key Sours, Gingerbread Martinis and otherlibations, some might need a break frombooze. Dry January, a public health cam-
paign that encourages giving up alcohol until the firstof February – can help with that effort. The healthbenefits of staying dry for a month range from thin-ner thighs to a fatter wallet.
“It’s very common for people to come home aftera stressful day and unwind with a glass of wine ortwo,” said Alexandria-based substance abuse coun-selor Sarah Brewer, Ph.D. “But the reality is that whilealcohol does seem to make you more relaxed at first,it can lead to anxiety or a depressed mood.”
Weight loss can be a pleasant side effect of abstain-ing from an evening pour, says nutritionist KathrynArmstrong, who sites a report by the National Insti-tutes of Health that showed a strong link betweenweight gain and alcohol. “Ba-sically, the cocktail or winethat you’re drinking hasempty calories,” she said.“Also, many people tend toeat, especially junk food whenthey drink.”
“Another benefit of being al-cohol-free for a month is thatpeople often find that theydon’t need that glass of wineto relax and unwind from astressful day,” added Brewer.“Giving up alcohol for amonth might give you an op-portunity to find explore otherrelaxation methods like medi-tation or going for a walk orsome other type of exercise.”
For those who regularly attend happy hourswith friends or have a glass of wine to relax,abstaining during one of the longest months ofthe year might seem unpleasant or unappeal-ing, says Bethesda-based therapist CarolBarnaby, LCSW. “You might to find things todistract you,” she said. “If you’re used to hav-ing a drink or going to a happy hour at the sametime every day, you can schedule something elseduring that time so you’re mind isn’t on alco-hol. People who enjoy the taste of alcohol mighttry eating fruit or drinking a fruit flavored spar-kling water.”
Attempting to take abreak from alcoholmight unmask deeper is-sues, suggests Brewer.
“If you find that youcan’t stop drinking, itcould mean that youhave a problem with al-cohol consumption,”she said. “By not drink-ing you might find thatyou’ve been using alco-hol to help deal withother issues like depres-sion, PTSD or anxiety. Inthose cases you shouldget help from a medicalor mental health profes-sional.”
The benefits of andstrategies for taking amonth-long booze break.
Dry January?
Wellbeing
“By not drinking youmight find that you’vebeen using alcohol tohelp deal with otherissues like depression,PTSD or anxiety. In thosecases you should get helpfrom a medical or mentalhealth professional.”
— Sarah Brewer, Ph.D.
“If you’re used to having adrink or going to a happy hourat the same time every day, youcan schedule something elseduring that time so you’remind isn’t on alcohol.”
— Carol Barnaby, LCSW
Giving upalcohol during“Dry January”can havepositive healthbenefits.
Photo by
Marilyn Campbell
Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Calendar
Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.
WEDNESDAY/JAN. 8History Tots-Winter. 10-10:45 a.m. At E.C.
Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Ellanor C. Lawrence Park offers the “HistoryTots-Winter” program each month through thecold season. Adults are invited to come withtheir toddlers and explore history through sight,sound, smell and touch. This program is for kidsage 1 to 3. It includes indoor and outdooractivities, and topics vary with the season. Thetopic will be toys. Cost is $8 per child. Call 703-631-0013 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
SUNDAY/JAN. 12Catching Soviet Spies. 2-5 p.m. At Old Bust
Head Brewing Company, 1734 Farm StationRoad, Warrenton. The Cold War Museum, incooperation with Old Bust Head BrewingCompany, invites you to attend a presentationby John Fox, the Historian of the FBI, on U.S.Counterintelligence During the Cold War: ItsOrigins in WWII and the Cold War CI Successesand Failures of the FBI and Its Partners. Cost is$35. Event seating at the brewery is limited, andmany prior presentations have sold out well inadvance, so we suggest that you secure yourtickets promptly. Call or email Jason Hall, 703-283-4124 (cell), [email protected].
WEDNESDAY/JAN. 15Free Photography Class. 7-8:30 p.m. At
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. Learn photography basics andtell us what you would
like to learn in future photography classes at thelibrary. Teens and
adults. Free. Call 703-830-2223.
FRIDAY/JAN. 17Winter Bird Walk. 11 a.m. to noon. At E.C.
Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Take a hike through the woods with a naturalistto listen and look for Ellanor C. Lawrence Park’swinter avian residents and migrants. Find outwhat birds do to survive the winter weather. It’sdesigned for participants age 4 to adult, and thecost is $7 per person. Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
JAN. 17-19Home and Remodeling Show. At Dulles Expo
Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center,Chantilly. More than 300 companies will be onhand at the event offering the latest productsand services in home remodeling, renovation,home décor and redesign. Headlining the showis host of PBS’ “This Old House,” KevinO’Connor. O’Connor has hosted “This OldHouse” for 17 years as only the third host of thepioneering home improvement show that hasbeen showcasing remodeling on nationaltelevision since 1979. Hours are Friday, Jan. 17from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 18 from10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 Box Office adultadmission; $9 Adult online; $3 Children age 6-12, Children 5 & under free. Tickets may bepurchased online at https://homeandremodelingshow.com/show-features
JAN. 17-26Joshua’s Hands Quilting Event. Location TBA
in Purcellville. Joshua’s Hands is a non-profit inLoudoun County that hosts free quilting eventsto support wounded servicepeople. Joshua’sHands will host 10 days of quilting fun to makehandmade quilts for servicemen and womenwounded while serving our country. All arewelcome. No sewing experience or registrationneeded. All materials are provided butdonations are appreciated. Come for an hour orthe day. Monday-Saturdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.;Sundays 1-9 p.m. Purcellville. Check website forexact location. [email protected], or call540-454-7827, or visit www.JoshuasHands.org.
THURSDAY/JAN. 23Centreville Choir Concert. 7-9 p.m. At
Centreville High School, 6001 Union Mill Road,Centreville. Centreville High School Choirs
present their annual winterconcert. Come enjoy the soundsof the season. Free. EmailJennifer Copeland [email protected].
JAN. 24-26Jurassic Quest. At Dulles Expo
Center, 4320 Chantilly ShoppingCenter, Chantilly. Jurassic Questis America’s largest and mostrealistic Dinosaur event. It is theonly dinosaur event that hastrue to life size dinosaurs.Guests will walk through theCretaceous period, the JurassicPeriod and The Triassic periodand experience for themselveswhat it was like to be amongdinosaurs of all kinds. Hours areFriday 3-8 p.m.; Saturday 9a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-7p.m. Tickets: $22.50 to $39.50.
SATURDAY/FEB. 1Groundhog Day History. 1-2
p.m. At E.C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Punxsutawney Phil may hog allthe glory on Groundhog Day,but Fairfax County hasburrowing critters of its own. OnGroundhog Day eve, come toEllanor C. Lawrence Park andlearn the story behindgroundhog weather forecastingand visit the home of theWalney garden groundhog.Learn some interesting factsabout groundhogs and playgroundhog games. For childrenage 4 to 12. Cost is $7 per child.Children must be accompaniedby an adult. Call 703-631-0013or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
ONGOINGDiabetes Sisters PODS
Meetup. Meets the first Monday from 7-9 p.m.At Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad, Chantilly. An evening of sisterhood,encouragement, and peer support. Opportunitiesto share experiences, peer support, and livedexpertise with others who have been there too.Meet with other women living with diabetes forencouragement, education, and empowerment.Women age 18+ living with any type of diabetesor prediabetes are welcome, regardless ofwhether they were diagnosed yesterday or 40-plus years ago. They strive to create an open,respectful environment for women with diabetesor prediabetes to truly focus on their health.Free. Visit the website: https://diabetessisters.org/pods-meetups
Fitness for 50+. Daytime hours, Monday-Fridayat Sully Senior Center, 14426 Albemarle Point
Place, Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, Zumba Gold,Hot Hula Fitness (dancing Polynesian style),Strength Training, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more.Membership is $48 a year, and waivers areavailable. Email [email protected] orcall 703-322-4475 for more.
History Volunteers Needed. Fairfax StationRailroad Museum needs history buffs. TheMuseum offers a variety of volunteeropportunities in Museum events, programs andadministration. Email [email protected] or call 703-945-7483 to exploreopportunities. The Museum is located at 11200Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station. It isopen every Sunday, except holidays, from 1-4p.m. www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.
Art Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at
Clifton Wine Shop, 7145 Main St., Clifton.Includes oil paintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops. Free. Call703-409-0919 for more.
Carolina Shag Dance. Wednesdays, 6:30-10p.m. at Arlington/Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421Arlington Blvd., Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30p.m.; no partners needed; dinner menu at 6:45p.m. Tickets are $8. Visit www.nvshag.org formore.
Open Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. at Lordof Life church, 13421 Twin Lakes Drive,Centreville. The Fairfax Jubil-Aires barbershopchorus invites men of all ages who enjoysinging. Free. Visit www.fairfaxjubilairs.org formore.
Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m. at TheWinery at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway,Centreville. Every Friday night a band plays onthe patio of the winery. Free to attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for a full schedule.
Mondays are Family Night. 5-7 p.m. at Villagio,7145 Main St. $45 for a family of four. Call 703-543-2030 for more.
LIBRARY FUNToddlin’ Twos. Tuesdays, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
at the Chantilly Library, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Early literacy storytime with songs and activitiesincluded. Age 2 with caregiver, free. Call 703-
502-3883 to reserve a spot.Storytime for Three to Fives.Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Stories and activities for childrenage 3-5 with caregiver. Free. Call703-502-3883 to reserve a spot.Plant Clinic. Saturdays, 10:30a.m. at the Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. A neighborhoodplant clinic with horticultural tips,information, techniques, andadvice. Free. Call 703-502-3883 toreserve a space.Lego Block Party. Every otherSaturday at 10:30 a.m. at theChantilly Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad. Legos will be provided for anafternoon of building. Grades 3-6.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reservea spot.Duplo Storytime. Every otherWednesday, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.at the Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Develop andreinforce early literacy skills forreading success. Ages 1-3 withadult. Free. Call 703-502-3883 toreserve a spot.Legos Kids Club. Every otherTuesday, 10:30 a.m. at theCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Thousands ofLegos for children to play with.Ages 6-12. Free. Call 703-830-2223to reserve a space.Starlight Storytime. Every otherWednesday, 7 p.m. at theCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Stories under thestars for ages 4-8. Wear pajamasand bring stuffed friends. Free. Call703-830-2223 to reserve a space.
IMPROVING ENGLISHOne-on-One EnglishConversation. Various times atCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Spend an hourwith a volunteer tutor to practiceconversing in English. Various timesand days. Reservations are required.Call the library at 703-830-2223 to
make a reservation.ESL Book Club. Mondays, 7 p.m. at the
Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive. Meet and discuss a book chosen by group.Free. Call 703-830-2223 with questions and toreserve a spot.
English as Second Language Book Club.Mondays, 7-9 p.m. at Centreville RegionalLibrary, 14200 St. Germain Drive. Adultslearning English meet to discuss a book chosenby the group. Call the library 703-830-2223 forbook title.
Advanced English Conversation Group.Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at CentrevilleRegional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive.Drop-in conversation group for adult English asSecond Language speakers who want to improvetheir skills. Call 703-830-2223 for more.
Spy TalkHistorian of the FBI John Fox and the Arrest of Key SovietSpy Robert Hanssen.
SUNDAY/JAN. 12Catching Soviet Spies. 2-5 p.m. At Old Bust Head Brewing Company, 1734 Farm Station Road,
Warrenton. The Cold War Museum, in cooperation with Old Bust Head Brewing Company, invites youto attend a presentation by John Fox, the Historian of the FBI, on U.S. Counterintelligence During theCold War: Its Origins in WWII and the Cold War CI Successes and Failures of the FBI and Its Partners.Cost is $35. Event seating at the brewery is limited, and many prior presentations have sold out well inadvance, so we suggest that you secure your tickets promptly. Call or email Jason Hall, 703-283-4124(cell), [email protected].
Home and Remodeling ShowKevin O’Connor, host of PBS’ “This Old House,” will beat the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly from Jan. 17-19.
JAN. 17-19Home and Remodeling Show. At Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping
Center, Chantilly. More than 300 companies will be on hand at the eventoffering the latest products and services in home remodeling, renovation, homedécor and redesign. Headlining the show is host of PBS’ “This Old House,”Kevin O’Connor. O’Connor has hosted “This Old House” for 17 years as only thethird host of the pioneering home improvement show that has been showcasingremodeling on national television since 1979. Hours are Friday, Jan. 17 from10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 19from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 Box Office adult admission; $9 Adultonline; $3 Children age 6-12, Children 5 & under free. Tickets may bepurchased online at https://homeandremodelingshow.com/show-features
6 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Fairfax County police have arrested JeremiahMouzon, 20, of Centreville, in connectionwith the Dec. 30 murder of an Alexandriaman. Detectives from the Major Crimes
Bureau began investigating, early that morning, af-ter receiving a report about two people who wereshot in a residential neighborhood in Mount Vernon.
Officers responded to the 7900 block of SausalitoPlace around 2:30 a.m. and found Kamren Quick,18, of Alexandria, outside. Police say he was suffer-ing from an apparent gunshot wound, and officersremoved Quick to a safe area nearby for treatmentby members of the Fire and Rescue Department. Af-terward, he was taken to a local hospital with seri-ous injuries that were later determined to not be life-threatening.
However, inside a home, police discovered the body
of Jayden Quick, 20, of Alexandria, dead from anapparent gunshot wound. According to police, de-tectives do not believe this crime was a random actof violence; and after the incident, they worked ex-tensively to identify the suspect. Once they did soand determined he was Mouzon, detectives from theFugitive Unit began tracking his whereabouts.
Through their investigative leads, they receivedinformation that he was in Maryland. Detectives co-ordinated his arrest with the Prince George’s CountyPolice Department, and Mouzon was safely taken intocustody by police there, pending his extradition backto Fairfax County. He was charged with second-de-gree murder, malicious shooting and use of a fire-arm in the commission of a felony.
— Bonnie Hobbs
Centreville Man Is Charged with Murder
Area Scouts Join Wreaths Across America CeremoniesOn Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, Boy Scout Troop 1995, Venture Crew 5, Troop 2 andTroop 893G from the Chantilly/Centreville area headed out to Cheltenham VeteransCemetery in Maryland to participate in the Wreaths Across America event.
Roundups
Sully CAC Meeting Jan. 8The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Sully Dis-
trict Police Station will meet this Wednesday, Jan. 8,at 7 p.m., at the station at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. inChantilly. MPO Sabrina Ruck will discuss respond-ing to an active-violence situation.
Paint Rocks with Cops The Kindness Rocks Project encourages people to
“leave rocks painted with inspiring messages alongthe path of life.” People are playing hide-and-seekwith painted rocks in hopes of spreading kindnessand joy to those discovering them.ºSo police officersat the Sully District Station invite the community tojoin them Saturday, Jan. 18, anytime between 10 a.m.and 12 noon, to Paint Rocks with Cops.ºThe addressis 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.
Supplies will be provided, but people may alsobring their own. RSVP to http://bit.ly/rockswithcops2 to ensure there’ll be enough rocks
for everyone.For any questions, email Community Outreach
Officer Meg Hawkins [email protected]. One message atjust the right moment can make someone happy andchange their entire outlook on life.
WFCM’s Stuff the BusFood Drive
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) willhold a Stuff the Bus food drive on Saturday, Jan.18, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Walmart at 4368Chantilly Shopping Center in Chantilly. This eventis in partnership with Fairfax County’s Departmentof Neighborhood and Community Services and MVTransportation. Incoming customers will receivelists of the most-needed food items and may pur-chase and donate any of them while shopping atthe store. All the food collected will go to local fami-lies in need.
Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Are you sitting down? I wasn’t when I got the call from my oncologist after hours this past Thursday. He was calling me with the results from the previous week’s biopsy. He said he had “exciting news.” He said the biopsy was not only “typed” (genetic mutation/biomarker) but, as he continued to bury the lead using
got around to it: I may not have (or have had, still to be discussed/possibly determined) non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV. Instead, I may
papillary thyroid cancer, referred to as “the friendly cancer,” by my oncology nurse the following infusion when I shared with her these
survival/life expectancy after diagnosis.
working diagnosis, I had an ultrasound of my
week, Team Lourie will be meeting with an endocrinologist. She (I saw her picture on the
had a discussion, or at the very least, received an email/referral from my oncologist citing chapter and a few verses about who I am, how I’ve been treated, what scan/results I’ve had and of course, the news of this most recent biopsy, explaining why he reached out. I really don’t expect, given my oncologist’s excitement, and the fact that he called me (only the second time in nearly 11 years) that the endocrinologist will be likewise informed and possibly even excited to share a similar diagnosis with a previous-ly-characterized as “terminal” patient who (yours truly) might not be “terminal” after all.
Somehow, I have to slow my roll and pull back on the reins. We’re still early days here.
miracle.” Though at present it all sounds fairly promising, it’s not exactly cast in stone. and nei-ther has a revised Thyroid-cancer-treatment plan been put in place. I’m still a lung cancer “diag-nossee” and one still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Therefore, until I’m told otherwise, as of now, I’m scheduled for my bi-weekly opdivo immunotherapy infusion on Jan. 3, 2020.
Now, why all of this is worth writing about, prematurely as it is, is that oncologists, almost
“exciting news.” Generally speaking, they are giving bad news and saying it very directly at
“Why not take that vacation you’ve always dreamed of while you’re still feeling good?” The implication being quite clear that it’s likely to get worse from here. To receive a call like I did Thursday from my oncologist now implying that it might get better from here is completely out of the ordinary. Moreover, if he initiated such a communication, I should probably take him at his words and take him very seriously.
Right now, I am possibly elated to be over the moon. However, it’s not as if I’ve been given a clean bill of health. Cleaner, yes, but one still
endocrinologist in her stethoscope and hear some magic words, I am keeping my powder dry and not shouting off my mouth - too much.
Cancer is a funny business. There are twists and turns and unexpected results, much of it not controlled by the doctors. And though I may be on the precipice of being blessed with some amazing, life-altering news, this time for the un-believably good, I am still a week, maybe even weeks away from knowing with any certainty. In the interim, however, I am certain of one thing. If this change in my status does occur and I’m given back my life expectancy, somehow, I will try and return the favor.
OMGSubmit civic/community announcements at
ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
GREENDROP DONATION CENTER OPENSGreenDrop, the organization revolutionizing
charitable giving, has opened its Centrevilledonation center. The second site in FairfaxCounty will provide residents an easy way todeclutter their homes and earn tax deductionsearly. Located behind Chipotle and BonefishGrill, the company began accepting donationson Jan. 1, at 6317 Multiplex Drive inCentreville. The donations will provide criticalfunding for recognized, national charity partnersincluding American Red Cross, Military Order ofthe Purple Heart and National Federation of theBlind.
NOW THROUGH JAN. 13Evergreen Christmas Tree Disposal. The
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative willaccept evergreen Christmas trees and greens atits technical center at 5399 Wellington BranchRoad in Gainesville, near I-66. Trees and greens— free of all decorations, ornament hooks, wire,and light strings — may be left in the parking lotin the area designated by orange safety cones.By recycling greens into woodchips and mulch,NOVEC’s tree crews will reduce the amount ofdebris added to landfills after the holidays.Contact NOVEC’s Vegetation Managementdepartment at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500, extension 1600, [email protected].
WEDNESDAY/JAN. 8New Volunteer Orientation. 7:30-9 p.m. At
Providence Community Center, 3001 VadenDrive, Fairfax. You and your dog, cat or bunnyare needed to join other Fairfax Pets on Wheelsvolunteers who make a difference in thecommunity by visiting residents of long termcare facilities. Visit the website, fpow.org.
TUESDAY/JAN. 14American Legion Meeting. 7:30-9 p.m. at Sully
District Government Center, 4900 StonecroftBlvd., Chantilly. American Legion Post 1995Centreville and its Auxiliary Unit meetseparately the second Tuesday of each month..All veterans and spouses interested learningmore about how the Legion supports veteransand impacts the Centreville-Chantillycommunities are welcome to attend. Free.Contact Steve Hunter at [email protected] or703-314-3795.
THURSDAY/JAN. 16Car Seat Safety Check. 5-8:30 p.m. at the Sully
District Police Station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd.Fairfax County Police Department offers freesafety check and install events throughout theyear to ensure children travel safely. Inpreparation for inspection, install the seat usingthe instructions that came with the car seat.Trained officers will review the car seatinstructions and car owner’s manual to becertain that they are being followed as theyshould.
PICKLEBALL FACILITY COMINGLocally-owned-and-operated Pickleballerz signed a
lease on Dec. 17 to become the Washington,D.C. region’s first-ever dedicated indoorpickleball facility. The company will open itsalmost 20,000 square-foot facility located at14424 Albemarle Point Place, Chantilly, VA. inthe Spring, 2020.
Pickleballerz will feature a state-of-the-art six-courtfacility for players of all abilities to hone theirskills, socialize, and be a part of an inclusivecommunity within the fastest-growing sport inAmerica.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLINGResidents Can “E-cycle” at the I-66 transfer
station. It is free but residents may be asked toshow proof of residency. Personal waste only.The I-66 station is located at 4618 West OxRoad, Fairfax and open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. fromMonday-Saturday and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. onSundays. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/electric-sunday.htm for more.
Bulletin
8 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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ChantillyOpinion
By Pat Herrity
Springfield District Supervisor
The past year was a greatyear here, and as a num-bers guy, here are a fewof the many highlights I
would like to share with you:❖ In 2019, Fairfax County re-
cycled over 3 million pounds ofclean glass with the new Purple BinProgram with plans in place to start true glassto glass recycling in 2020.
❖ We started a pilot program with two non-profit partners modeled after the “There’s aBetter Way” program to provide the dignity ofwork for people who are unemployed and be-tween housing to clean up our streams.
❖ Our police department collected over4,694 pounds of unused prescription drugs inthe fight to prevent and end opioid addiction,with many police stations participating in twoDrug Take Back Days.
❖ We had over 1,500 students engage withover 100 businesses to find their first job at
our annual Fairfax County Teen Joband Opportunity Fairs.
❖ In the summer, over 2,500people enjoyed the Free Concert inthe Park Series at one of the state’spremiere parks, Burke Lake Park,with shows by local artists andopening acts by local high schoolstudents.
❖ Members of the West Spring-field community celebrated the com-
pleted renovation of West Springfield HighSchool with over 2,000 students benefiting frombetter lighting, improved science classrooms,learning labs, and better gymnasium space.
❖ The Board adopted the plan for the SHAPEthe Future of Aging plan which will update theaward winning 50+ Community Action Planto address the challenges of growing olderadult population that now makes up over 25%of the County including initiatives to addressisolation, dementia and mobility.
❖ We are moving forward on over $460Mworth of transportation improvement projectsin Springfield District, including:
2019 By the Numbers❖ Fairfax County Parkway Widening Project
including a grade separated interchange at thePopes Head intersection,
❖ Widening Route 29 between Union MillRoad & Buckleys Gate
❖ Widening Route 28 between Prince Will-iam County & Lee Highway
❖ Widening Rolling Road between Old KeeneMill Road & Hunter Village Dr.
❖ Eliminating the dangerous curve on BurkeRoad
❖ Numerous bicycle and pedestrian projects❖ I was honored to be reelected as Spring-
field District Supervisor and to be named SunGazette’s Best Public Servant in Fairfax Countyfor the third year in a row.
As we welcome in 2020, we have a lot tobe proud of, a lot of challenges to addressand a lot of work to be done to make FairfaxCounty a better place for all our residents. Ilook forward to working with you in the newyear. Please don’t hesitate to contact myoffice at 703-451-8873 [email protected] if I can be ofservice to you.
By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
State Delegate (D-36)
Last Sunday I made my an-nual winter trek south toRichmond for the General
Assembly session. My two-hour tripis not far enough to get me to sunnyweather, but it is far enough for meto be in some hot debates. I stay ina hotel with such proximity to myoffice that my daily commute is just a walk ofa couple of minutes. Going south in the wintermay be a vacation for some but for the next 60days, it is the most intense period of work thatone can imagine. Fortunately, I get home mostweekends for a brief reprieve.
This trip south has been one filled with greatanticipation. For the first time in two decadesI am not in the minority! I chair a committeenow, the Agriculture, Chesapeake and NaturalResources Committee, that will be acting onmany environmental bills. I can expect thatbills I introduce will get a fair hearing and mostof them will pass. My colleagues and I reflectthe population of the Commonwealth morethan any previous General Assembly sessionever. Not only do we have more women in thelegislature, but we have the first ever womanSpeaker of the House!
Being a member of the majority partybrings enormous responsibility. As the party“in power,” we must exercise our duties inways that are judicious and fair. There is notime for political pay-back. We must shiftfrom campaigning mode to governing mode.Although it may be tempting to do otherwise,we must conduct ourselves in ways towardsthe minority party members that would bethe way we want to be treated in the distantfuture when we may find ourselves the mi-nority again. Yes, the golden rule should ap-
ply even in the legislature.How exciting it is to realize that
in a few short months we will beable to add Virginia to the list ofstates that have ratified the EqualRights Amendment even if we arethe last needed for ratification. Wewill strengthen our existing antidis-
crimination laws and add to them. We willmake our communities safer from gun vio-lence. We will add essential funding increasesto our educational and human service pro-grams. We will make critical decisions on pro-tecting our environment and responding toclimate change. And more. When all this workis done we have a governor who has pledgedto sign our bills into law!
Last Saturday’s public hearing by the FairfaxGeneral Assembly delegation reminded us that
there is not total accord on what we will bedoing. About half the audience of around 300people in attendance seemed to be there toshout down those with whom they disagreed.Their efforts to show support for what theydefine as their second amendment rights wasto violate the first amendment rights of oth-ers. The lack of civility in public discourseacross the country has found its way to Vir-ginia. What a shame.
I am honored to be here, and I am going todo my best to fairly represent your interests.Make a trip south to see me and the legislativeprocess over the next couple of months. To live-stream the legislative sessions, go to https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/chamber/chamberstream.php for the House and to http:// v i r g i n i a - s e n a t e . g r a n i c u s . c o m /ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3 for the Senatesessions. To follow the progress of bills, visithttp://lis.virginia.gov/.
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