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Centreville HighHolds Commencement

News, Page 3

Centreville High School graduates fill the GMU Eagle Bank Arena during graduation on Friday, June 7, 2019.

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Attention Postmaster:

Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 6-13-19

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDEaston, MDpermit #322

JUNE 12-18, 2019 25 CENTS NEWSSTAND PRICE

Route 28 WideningMoves ForwardNews, Page 4

‘Each Song Will Speak to You’News, Page 2

2 ❖ Centre View ❖ June 12-18, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Bonnie HobbsCentre View

Centreville’s Heidi Brown has been sing-ing, dancing and performing since age5. And she comes by her talent naturally,since her mom, AnnieErmlick, is a well-known veteran ofmany local, little-theater productions.

Now, Brown is a married mother oftwo, as well as a social studies teacherat Centreville High. She’s also continuedto perform, has directed and choreo-graphed a number of community-theatershows and is about to release her firstmusic CD.

Topping it all off, on Sunday, June 23,at 7:30 p.m., she’ll be singing in a Musi-cale at the Cascades Overlook EventCenter, 21453 Epicerie Plaza in Sterling.Tickets are $15 via https://www.grandermusic.com/events/.

“I’m so excited to start my summer off with therelease of my CD, ‘Waiting for a Moment,’ at theMusicale,” said Brown. “I think everyone, any age,will like this CD.”

She said she’s been through “significant life eventsthat really link up with some of the songs. There aremoments of happiness, of sadness, of ‘What do I donext?’ And there’s also the closing of one chapter ofyour life and moving on to the next one, plus uncer-tainty. There are a lot of emotions, and I think peoplewill be able to relate to them.

“Each of the songs will speak to you in a differentway,” continued Brown. “And I think that’s really cool– as is having a variety of songs with varying themesand messages. Life’s not perfect – it gets messy – butit’s also awesome.”

She sings under the Grander Musiclabel, founded by former Centrevilleresident Don Halterman, who began thebrand to make and promote music that’smeaningful. And its two other principals,John Nixon and Kent Washburn, still livein Centreville.

In addition, Brown enjoys singing andperforming in a mixed-Barbershopgroup called “Fantastic 4 Quartet,” aswell as with a chorus group named BellaNova. She recently performed as part ofa traditional, Bavarian, song-and-dancegroup called Alt-Washingtonia, as well

as in “A Night of Grander Music” at the State The-atre in Falls Church.

“Her music reflects the diversity that is already partof who she is, both musically and in her life,” saidNixon. “Her songs are inspirational, as well as re-flective, sad and joyful.”

Centreville’s HeidiBrown performs inupcoming musicale.

‘Each Song Will Speak to You’

PFC Kory Pfeiffer, an officer withthe Sully District Police Station, hasbeen honored with an award fromthe Sons of the American Revolution(SAR). He received it during a recentmeeting of the station’s Citizens Ad-visory Committee.

William Collier, from the ColonelWilliam Grayson Chapter of the Sonsof the American Revolution, pre-sented him with the SAR LawEnforcementºCommendation Medaland certificate for those who haveserved with distinction and devotionin the field of law enforcement.

Pfeiffer’s citation read as follows:“Private First Class Kory Pfeiffer,Fairfax County Police Department,has served with distinction for the

past three years. His professional de-meanor, technical and tacticalknowledge is an example for all tofollow. As a member of the Sully Dis-trict Neighborhood Patrol Unit, hisperformance sets the example forothers to emulate.

“PFC Pfeiffer led the district incriminal arrests with 184, which istwice the number of arrests madeby the officer with the second high-est number of arrests. PFC Pfeifferalso leads the district in felony ar-rests. Private First Class KoryPfeiffer’s continuous performanceof duty is a great credit to himself,the Fairfax County Police Depart-ment and the entire lawenforcement profession.”

Heidi Brown

PFC Kory Pfeiffer Given SAR Award

Photo Courtesy of MPO Sabrina Ruck(From left) William Collier presents the SAR LawEnforcement Commendation Medal and Certificate toPFC Kory Pfeiffer.

Centre View ❖ June 12-18, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Steve HibbardCentre View

Centreville High School held its28th commencement ceremonyfor the Class of 2019 on Friday,June 7, 2019, at GMU’s EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, where 615 studentsgraduated.

New Principal of Centreville High sinceJanuary, Chad Lehman gave the welcom-ing comments by highlighting the school’screst: “Today Decides Tomorrow.” “SinceCentreville’s opening in 1988, these wordshave been connected to the mission of theschool. And maybe you’ve never noticedthese three words or stopped to think abouttheir significance despite the placement onthe main entrance of the school wall or onyour program covers tonight. But on yourgraduation day, they could not be moreimportant,” he said.

He continued: “What I’ve learned is theClass of 2019 will be remembered as abrilliant, creative, hard-working, talentedand kind. You’ve made some major accom-plishments during your time atCentreville. You’ve earned athletic titlesand musical recognitions; you’ve con-quered the AP curriculum and SOL exams,and many of you speak multiple lan-guages. And that art that you’ve createdsimply blows my mind.”

THE CENTREVILLE CLASS OF 2019had some impressive statistics: More than$5 million in scholarships were awarded,including two full ROTC scholarships toDuke and NC State; 65 percent of grads willbe attending four-year colleges; 24 percentattending two-year colleges; and 457 areattending state institutions. In addition, 339students had one or more paid jobs whilein school; 344 seniors participated in a ser-vice learning opportunity; 176 students in-terviewed or shadowed a professional at ajob site; 96 worked with a mentor; 69 com-pleted an internship; and 336 attended acollege or career fair.

Former Centreville High Principal DaveJagels, the guest speaker who is now Re-gion 5 Executive Principal who receivedthunderous applause, added: “Being yourprincipal was the best job I ever had...I of-ten thought of you as my own kidsÉ.”

He continued: “When I reflect on my lifeand I really thought about what made methe happiest, I thought about relationshipsI’ve had with family, friends, colleagues, andcoworkers, it was really the importance ofthese relationships that resonated with myown happiness. It’s our relationships — ourconnectedness with each other where hap-piness residesÉ. you’ll find true happinesswhen you accept yourself for who and whatyou are.”

615 students graduate; class receives $5 million in scholarships.

Centreville High Holds CommencementCentreville High seniors enter the GMU Eagle Bank Arena duringCentreville High School’s graduation on Friday, June 7, 2019.

Centreville High seniors at the Eagle Bank Arena during Centreville HighSchool’s graduation on Friday, June 7, 2019.

Centreville High School seniors on the Jumbotron at the GMU EagleBank Arena during graduation ceremonies.

Centreville High School seniors stand at attention during graduationceremonies at the GMU Eagle Bank Arena.

The Chantilly Academy Air ForceJROTC Color guard duringCentreville High School’s gradua-tion ceremonies.

Cara Patrick, who gave the CentrevilleScholar Address, cited from the book, “Won-der,” about choosing between right and be-ing kind – saying that we should choosekindness.

She highlighted the constellations in herspeech by using the acronym “S-T-A-R” –saying, “You’re strong, talented, authenticand radiant (S-T-A-R) É. The fact of thematter is there are so many constellationshere tonight. We are all a star in someoneelse’s. Some might be bigger and brighterbut they are all there. Walking across the

stage tonight may not be one small step forman, one giant leap for mankind, but it is aleap into the future. As we blast off, pleaseremember that constellationÉ. care, opennew doors, never give in, spread love, throwaway doubt, eat well, live boldly, let life giveyou lemons, act with grace, take chances,involve others, overcome obstacles and nor-malize kindness,” she said.

Amy Balint presented the Faculty Awardto Alexa Cuomo for her character, scholar-ship, school and community contributions.“It is the student who best exemplifies whatit means to be a true wildcat,” she said.“When it comes down to it, this student isthe full package.”

She said Cuomo was involved in varietyof choirs, National Honor Society, GermanHonor Society, Math Honor Society, Womenin Mathematics and the Key Club. She setmultiple school records, and competed innational swim meets, including going to theOlympic trials for the 2015 Summer Olym-pics in Rio.

FOR THE MUSICAL INTERLUDE, theCentreville High School Band and ChoralDepartment performed, “America the Beau-tiful,” which was directed by Melissa Halland Lynne Babcock. And as people in thearena held up their cell phone flash lights,Cindy Tran and Sung Jeon Choi gave themusical selection by singing, “Wherever IGo,” by Hannah Montana.

Marissa Yee presented the class gift of aSpirit Wall for students to paint.


News

By Bonnie HobbsCentre View

When it’s rush hour on Route28 in Centreville, no one isgoing anywhere quickly. Buta multimillion-dollar widen-ing project will eventually improve thingsconsiderably. It won’t become a reality un-til 2023, but plans are well underway.

Route 28 will be widened from four lanesto six, for about 2.3 miles, from the bridgeover Bull Run to the interchange at Route29 at the Prince William/Fairfax Countyline. Besides adding more through lanes toRoute 28, the project will provide additionallanes on side streets to improve traffic flow.

It will also improve intersection opera-tions, upgrade existing traffic signals andimprove bicycle and pedestrian crossings.In addition, new, 10-foot-wide, shared-usepaths will be created on both sides of Route28.

LOCAL RESIDENTS learned more aboutthe proposed plans during a recent, public-information meeting at Centre Ridge El-ementary. More than 100 people attended,including Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully),Fairfax County Planning Commissioner JimHart, West Fairfax County Citizens Assn.(WFCCA) Land-Use Committee ChairmanJohn Litzenberger, Del. Danica Roem (D-13), and county transportation staff.

“This Fairfax County project is being donein cooperation with VDOT and the NVTA[Northern Virginia Transportation Author-ity],” said Todd Minnix, chief of the Trans-portation Design Division of Fairfax CountyDepartment of Transportation (FCDOT).“And we’re doing design-build to speed upthe process.”

Design-Build provides for more-rapidprogress by combining and overlapping thedesign, right-of-way, utility and construc-tion phases. As a result, many of the tasksare done concurrently, rather than one af-ter another.

“We’ve got 30-percent [design] plans,subject to change,” said Minnix. “We’ve sub-mitted them to VDOT, and they’ll be revised,based on your comments and our andVDOT’s reviews. VDOT needs to approvethem before construction.”

The roadway is being built to handle esti-mated traffic levels in 2040, but there areseveral challenges. There are streams andwetlands in the project area, and the eleva-tion difference between northbound andsouthbound Route 28 will require medianretaining walls. In addition, the southboundroad doesn’t meet current, sight-distance cri-teria. And, said Minnix, “There are a lot ofutilities, especially on the southbound side.”

Lack of funding has also forced the projectto change significantly from what was pro-

posed last summer. “We initially recom-mended a 6-7-8-lane hybrid,” said Minnix.“But we don’t have enough money to dothat, so we can only go to six lanes at thistime.”

However, he added, “We’re designing foreight lanes in the future, with as little dis-ruption to people and the environment aspossible. And we based our noise analysisand environmental impacts on eight lanesin 2040.”

UNDER THE PLAN, improvements wouldbe made at all signalized intersections byadding turn lanes and/or one or more ad-ditional lanes on side streets. Doing sowould eliminate split-phase, signal opera-tions and improve overall intersection op-erations. Being considered are:

❖ Dual left-turn lanes on northboundRoute 28 at New Braddock (which may notbe needed/required);

❖ Dual left-turn lanes on northboundRoute 28 at Machen Road;

❖ Triple left turns from westbound NewBraddock to southbound Route 28;

❖ Adding one lane on both westboundand eastbound Compton Road, eastboundOld Mill Road and westbound Old

Centreville Road (at the north end of theproject).

“We’re also removing two, median cross-overs,” said Minnix. “One is at DarkwoodDrive and the other is south of ComptonRoad.”

There’ll be some right-of-way impacts, aswell. Minnix said 36 parcels will be affectedby the road, itself, and another six will bepotentially impacted by the stormwatermanagement.

Initially, four design options were pro-posed for the intersection of Ordway,Compton and Old Centreville roads. Butagain, money may affect the final decision.“Option One seems like all we can afford,”said Minnix. “But we’d like to propose Op-tion Four.”

Option One would keep Ordway’s align-ment the same, but just add the new lanes.Option Four would realign Old CentrevilleRoad to a “T” intersection with Ordway,with a traffic signal.

Since this project contains federal money,a proposal for noise mitigation is requiredfor neighborhoods where the projectednoise levels will exceed established crite-ria. But the residents must say, in writing,that they want noise walls.

“Right now, 26 buildings meet the exces-sive-noise criteria for sound walls, and thisnumber would increase to 68 by 2040,” saidMinnix. “The face of the barrier can’t bemore than 1,600 square feet per home. Atleast 51 percent of the homes in a commu-nity have to vote for a noise barrier, andboth the home renters and owners get tovote.”

The whole road project is estimated tocost $76,625,000 and, as of now, it’s com-pletely funded from the following sources:

❖ NVTA Regional Funds - $26 million;❖ State Revenue Sharing Funds - $10

million;❖ State SmartScale Funds - $23,422,583;❖ Federal Demonstration Funds - $

9,407,418; and❖ Local Funds -$ 7,794,999.“We anticipate acquiring the land in fall

or winter of next year,” said Minnix. “Wewant the road constructed and open to traf-fic by spring 2023. But we’d really like itopen by December 2022. We hope to havea contract signed with the design-builderby January-February of next year. And at60-percent [plans], the design-builder willhold a public hearing before constructionstarts, to explain all the details to [the com-munity].”

He also noted that work could begin onthe northbound lanes first because most ofthe land-acquisition is on the south side.“The land-acquisition process will beginafter the 60-percent plans are done,” addedMinnix. “And the land acquisition will bedone for a road with all eight lanes, so itwon’t have to be done again later. Thecounty will cut the check [for it], not thedesign-builder.”

When the project does start, he said,“More than likely, there’ll be nightwork –especially between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Butthere’ll be no lane closures during peak-traf-fic hours.”

On May 24, five firms submitted state-ments of qualifications to be the design-builder. FCDOT is now evaluating these pro-posals and expects to narrow down the listto three finalists by July 14.

Route 28 wideningproject continuesmoving forward.

‘We Can Only Go to Six Lanes at This Time’

The intersection of Ordway, Compton and Old Centreville roads is aparticularly important part of the Route 28 widening project.

Todd Minnix with FCDOT discussesthe road-widening project.

FCDOT’s JimBeall, the projectmanager, satisfac-torily answered aresident’s ques-tion.

Photos byBonnie Hobbs/Centre View


CalendarSubmit entertainment announcements

at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGCrafters Wanted for 2nd Annual

Fall Craft Show. The FairfaxStation Railroad Museum will holdits 2nd Annual Fall Craft Show andLEGO (TM) Train Show on Saturday,Oct. 12, 2019 ,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forcrafters interested in joining theevent, booth space is enough roomfor a 10x10 canopy and cost is $50per space. Email [email protected] for an application andfurther information. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/JUNE 15Live Music: Andy & Judy. 2-3 p.m.

at Centreville Regional Library,14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville.Enjoy live folk music with Boston-based musical duo, Andy & Judy.They will perform traditional andfolk music with influences of country,gospel and blues. All ages. Free. Call703-830-2223 or visit /librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4534779 orwww.andyjudysing.com.

Go Wild for Photography. 1-2:30p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Join anature photographer and learn thebasics of capturing images in the wildwith the “Wild for Photography”class. Bring a smartphone, Polaroidcamera, SLR to shoot photos.Experiment with landscapes, critterclose-ups, and aquatic abstracts. Forparticipants age 8-adult. $9 perperson. Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 15-16Father’s Day Park Programs. This

Father’s Day weekend spend timewith fathers and grandfathers in aprogram just for them at a countypark.

❖ Golf Tournament. Saturday, 8a.m.-noon at Burke Lake Golf Course.Kick off the weekend with the“Father’s Day Golf Tournament.”Two-player teams compete in an 18-hole scramble format in threedivisions: Father/Jr. 7-12; Father/Jr.13-17; Father/Adult partner withclosest-to-the-pin contests and prizesfor the top three places in all threedivisions. $75 per team includeslunch. Call 703-323-1641 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/burke-lake.

❖ Wood Carving. Sunday, noon-4p.m. at Colvin Run Mill. Celebrate bytreating Dad to a free wood carvinglesson with the Northern VirginiaCarvers. There is a nominal chargefor wood blanks. While visiting themill, take a tour. Dads and grandadstour for free on Father’s Day whenaccompanied by a paying child. Call703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

❖ “Animal Dads.” Sunday, 1-1:45 atHidden Oaks Nature Center,Annandale. Children age 2-6 canpretend to be a penguin, wolf andbeaver dad as they learn about thesedoting fathers. Participants will meetlive animals and make a craft fortheir favorite father/grandfather. Theprogram at Hidden Oaks NatureCenter runs from 1 to 1:45 p.m. $8per child. Children must beaccompanied by an adult. Call 703-941-1065 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hidden-oaks.

❖ Family Fishing. Sunday, 2-3:30p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. at RiverbendPark, Great Falls. If Dad likes to fish,register for the “Father’s Day Family

Fishing” program at Riverbend Park.Supplies and equipment will beprovided, or bring a rod and reel.Pick up some fishing tips. All fishcaught will be released. Designed forparticipants age 4-adult. $12 perperson. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

❖ Father’s Day Campfire. Sunday,6-7 p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,Chantilly. Wrap up the day with the“Father’s Day Campfire.” Learn aboutsome of nature’s best fathers, take ahike near a stream and eat s’mores.Of course, moms are invited, too. $8per person. Children must beaccompanied by a registered adult.Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

SUNDAY/JUNE 16Sully Antique Car Show. 10 a.m.-

3:30 p.m. at Sully Historic Site, 3650Historic Sully Way, Chantilly. TakeDad for a stroll down memory lanethis Father’s Day with a visit to theAntique Car Show at Sully HistoricSite. Relive a time when chrome wasking and V-8 engines ruled the land.Car show tickets are $10 for adults,$8 for seniors, and $6 for children,and will be sold at the gates. Call703-437-1794.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 16-17Two-Day NTRAK Model Train

Show. 1-4 p.m. at The FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.The Northern Virginia NTRAKmembers will hold a two day Ngauge Train Show. Ages 16 andolder, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org orcall 703-425-9225.

FRIDAY/JUNE 21Celebrate the Year’s Longest Day.

8-9:30 p.m. at Ellanor C. LawrencePark, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Cozy up to a campfire at a “SummerSolstice Campfire.” Learn to separatefact and fiction regardingmidsummer and its celestial events.Head out on a hike while waitingwait for the sun to set and enjoyroasting marshmallows around acampfire. The minimum age toattend this program is 6 years. $8.Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

SATURDAY/JUNE 22Sully District Summer Open House

and Food Drive. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. atthe Sully District Government Center– Community Rooms, 4900Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly. This two-part event will feature a food drivewith Western Fairfax ChristianMinistries as well as presentations

from various environmental agencieslike the Fairfax County HealthDepartment and the Park Authority.Attendees will be able to learn aboutmosquito and tick prevention,summer REC Center information,Park Authority volunteeropportunities and more. Call 703-814-7100 for more.

SUNDAY/JUNE 23Hands On Activities. 1-4 p.m. at the

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road, FairfaxStation. Some of the activities willinclude operating model trains,decoding and writing telegraphmessages as well as observing TomBoltz, one of the Station’s volunteers,demonstrate how an old train orderhoop was used by the railroads sothat the train engineer and a trainstation employee could communicatewhen a train was entering a station.Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/JUNE 30Dog Days of Summer Craft Day. 1-

4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. Comecelebrate the Dog Days of Summerwith local rescue groups and learnabout Adopt Don’t Shop for finding anew pet. Make pull toys out of oldjeans and fleece to be donated topups waiting for their furever home.Donate old jeans or fleece on anySunday or bring it along on the 30th.Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

MONDAY/JULY 5African-American Genealogy. 7-

8:30 p.m. at Centreville RegionalLibrary, 14200 St. Germain Drive,Centreville. An African-AmericanGenealogy study group meets thefirst Monday of the month (exceptSeptember and November).Participation in the study group isfree but registration is requested. Toregister, or for more information,visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eventsor call 703-830-2223.

TUESDAY/JULY 9Photography Basics 1. 7:30-8:30

p.m. at Centreville Regional Library,14200 St Germain Drive, Centreville.“Using Fully Automated Mode” part 1of a two-part series. This class willteach participants how to takepictures with a camera or mobiledevice on full automatic mode. Teensand adults. Free. Call 703-830-2223or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5250981 for more.

Live Music: Andy & JudyEnjoy live folk music with Boston-based musical duo, Andy & Judy. They will

perform traditional and folk music with influences of country, gospel and blues.Saturday, June 15, 2-3 p.m. at Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive, Centreville. All ages. Free. Call 703-830-2223 or visit /librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4534779 or www.andyjudysing.com.

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News

Fairfax County Government Center hosted the38th annual CelebrateFairfax festival fromJune 7-9. The event was filledwith a wide range of activitiesfor the whole family includingcarnival rides and games, localvendors, and performances fromrock bands Better Than Ezra andSmash Mouth.

Father’s DayAntique Car Show

The 46th annual Father’s Day Antique Car Showwill be held Sunday, June 16, from 10 a.m.-3:30p.m., at the Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic SullyWay in Chantilly. Hundreds of antique cars willbe on display and some cars will be for sale. Thefun also includes live music, children’s activities,a flea market, food court and a tour of the his-toric house.

Admission is $10, adults; $8, senior citizens; and$6, children. Co-sponsors are the George Wash-ington Chapter Inc., Model A Ford Club, and theFairfax County Park Authority.

Sully DistrictOpen House

The Sully District Summer Open House is setfor Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at theSully District Governmental Center, 4900

Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Meet SupervisorKathy Smith (D-Sully) and her staff and bringnonperishable food items for the Western FairfaxChristian Ministries’ (WFCM) food pantry. Needed,as well, are hygiene items, baby wipes and dia-pers in sizes 4, 5 and 6. Also during the event,people may learn about Fairfax County Park Au-thority volunteer opportunities, mosquito and tickdisease prevention and summer classes offered atthe REC centers.

Chantilly FarmersMarket

The Chantilly Farmers Market is held eachThursday, from 3:30-7 p.m., in the parking lot ofSt. Veronica Catholic Church, 3460 CentrevilleRoad in Chantilly. It will run until Nov. 11 andoffers fruits, vegetables, baked goods, French past-ries, meats, wines, eggs, nut spreads and tradi-tional Mexican food. The next two markets areset for June 13 and June 20.

Roundups

Sadir Zrok and his daughter Soraya, 4, ofCentreville, pose for a photo after visitingthe face painting booth.

Emma, 9, of Chantilly flies high on theSpiderman jump ride.

Cousins Joy Mtila, 4, and Kas Kachale Banda, 5, fromFairfax, have fun riding the Frog Hopper up and down.

CelebratingFairfax

Photos By Tom Manning/The Connection


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

The least of it was my pre-immunotherapy lab work on Wednesday and then my actual immuno-therapy infusion on Friday. The most of it was my navigating websites and trying to properly complete applications/enrollment forms for the Virginia Un-employment Commission and the Maryland Health Connection.

For a man (me) who fancies himself your go-to-guy for sports and chocolate, getting immersed in policies and procedures for government agencies

– with our (my wife, Dina and I) respective lives somewhat dependent on the time-sensitive comple-tion of said documents, was akin to sending yours truly out to sing the National Anthem at the next Nationals’ game. It would be a disaster of titanic proportions (fortunately without the loss of life).

As it has been my entire life, I can’t sing any more than I can now compute.

As I sit and write this week’s column, having barely survived the excruciating ordeal of this past

Monday – I now have next week to look forward to. And what garden path am I leading you down?

Another week of time-sensitive/computer-centric tasks, of course. Once again I will be sitting at my computer attempting to navigate through another government web site and this time a private sector website, as I try to sign up for Medicare effective Sept. 1, as well as the associated but independent

in the coverage gaps that I, as a former insurance broker, know exist.

Granted, with these two tasks I do have some time. I just hope I have the wherewithal.

This past week took a toll emotionally. And I’m not sure if I really want to climb that emotional mountain yet again.

This week’s tasks are not any easier. Shooting

easier said than impossibly done. For a man who knows his limitations, the week ahead will likely test those limitations.

But if not me, then who? Unfortunately, it has to be me. The other party with whom I share a long-standing arrangement has a skill set unsuited to and incompatible with, computers, and the kind of searching/deciphering/hunting and pecking on web sites required for completion of this week’s tasks.

Moreover, if I enlist her support or insist on her participation, my present and future will not be enhanced by the experience. She may be a resource in many other respects, but in this respect, she’s not.

And I can respect that. Give me a little credit, I’ve learned something in our 40 years together.

That being said – and understood, I think I’ll take the weekend off from such endeavors and prepare myself for next week as I consider the challenges which lie ahead.

in the progress I made this past week. I’ve nearly completed both tasks, tasks which initially seemed almost insurmountable. However, if it were not for the amazingly patient, courteous and knowl-edgeable assistance I received from the call centers associated with these sites, I’d still be stumbling and stammering (literally) into oblivion.

But as of this past Friday, I’ve nearly reached the promised land. (“I can see Russia from my house.”)

I can only imagine the satisfaction I’ll feel next Friday when I anticipate I will have completed two more of these tedious tasks and secured yet another

Four huge hurdles overcome, but still with a few more yet to go: probably applying for a reverse mortgage and possibly researching a kitchen renovation.

Wait a second. Don’t I have lung cancer? Jeez, I almost forgot.

With all this other stuff going on, the cancer compartment stayed closed. Now it’s open again. Damn, now I really have problems.

What A Week!

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

FRIDAY/JUNE 14Application Deadline: Fire Academy. The

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Departmentisnow accepting applications for its Girls Fire andRescue Academy summer camp, which will takeplace July 11-13, 2019. The Academy is open tofemale students who will be in grades 7-12 inthe upcoming 2019-2020 school year.Participants must be a Fairfax County resident.Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems.

SATURDAY/JUNE 15Volunteer Habitat Heroes. 10 a.m.-noon at

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. Volunteers will remove non-nativeinvasive plants to protect native species andsupport wildlife habitat and will use tools to pullor cut invasive plants in the natural areas.Volunteers may take part in a small planting ofnative trees and shrubs to help the forestregenerate. Volunteers must be at least 13 yearsold, and those 15 years and younger must bewith an adult. For more information or tovolunteer, contact Kiersten Conley at 703-631-0013.

MONDAY-FRIDAY/JUNE 24-28Young Actors Workshop. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at

Westfield High School. This camp is for rising1st-7th grade students. For more than a decade,this dramatic arts camp has offered students thechance to sing, dance and participate in theatregames and performances. Through words,music and movement, students engage inactivities that culminate in a presentation ofsongs and dances from popular Broadwayshows.

Visit www.westfieldtheatre.com to register.

MONDAY/JULY 1DiabetesSisters PODS Meetup. 7-9 p.m. at

Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad, Chantilly. Join the first meeting of thisbrand new PODS Meetup for an evening ofsisterhood, encouragement, and peer support.Women living with any type of diabetes arewarmly welcome. Free. [email protected] or visitdiabetessisters.org/pods-part-diabetessisters-meetups for more.

THURSDAY/AUG. 1DiabetesSisters PODS Meetup. 7-9 p.m. at

Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 StringfellowRoad, Chantilly. Join the first meeting of thisbrand new PODS Meetup for an evening ofsisterhood, encouragement, and peer support.Women living with any type of diabetes arewarmly welcome. Free. [email protected] or visitdiabetessisters.org/pods-part-diabetessisters-meetups for more.

SUNDAY/OCT. 6Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic. Noon-2 p.m.

at Sully District Governmental Center, 4900Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Cost is $15 per pet,cash and check only. Dogs, cats, and ferrets maybe vaccinated at the clinic. Dogs must be onleashes; cats and ferrets must be in carriers. Allpets will receive a 1-year rabies vaccination. Toobtain a 3-year vaccine, bring pet’s rabiescertificate (not tag) showing the current rabiesvaccination expiration date. 2019 county doglicenses will be sold for an additional $10 perlicense. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/communityassistance/rabiesclinics for more.

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


Opinion

By John LovaasReston Impact Producer/Host

V irginia is on the vergeof reforming its legisla-tive redistricting pro-cess (for VA Senate,House of Delegates and US Houseof Representatives) following thenational census every ten years.The antiquated process encour-ages rampant gerrymandering,i.e., deliberate manipulation of district lines tothe advantage of the party in power and in-cumbents. Incumbents are protected; commu-nities are carved up; elections are less competi-tive; partisan gridlock is the norm and com-promise impossible. Legislators select their vot-ers instead of vice versa. Thanks to the work ofthe non-profit One Virginia 2021 and other re-form advocates, the Virginia General Assembly(Senate and House of Delegates) passed a bi-partisan constitutional amendment in 2019 toreform the process for redistricting. If enacted,it could reduce abuses with a more transpar-ent and balanced process. To be enacted, it mustbe passed again, by the newly elected legisla-ture in 2020, and then be approved by Virginiavoters in a statewide referendum in Nov. 2021.The amendment came out of a legislative con-ference. It was a compromise with provisionsfrom several proposals. The amendment cre-ates a redistricting commission composed of 8legislators and 8 citizens (the first citizen in-

volvement ever). Citizens will bebipartisan, with their final selec-tion made by a panel of 5 retiredcircuit court judges from a largepool put forth by the legislature.To pass any new district maps, asupermajority of 6 legislators and6 citizens is required. The Su-preme Court of VA. will decide if

they cannot agree. All commission meetingsand records are open to the public. The legis-lature will vote to approve or not any newmaps, but it cannot amend them.

One Virginia 2021 says categorically thatalthough the amendment does not include allthey proposed, “This will end partisan gerry-mandering in Virginia.” Del. Ken Plum sees itas a “great improvement,” but acknowledgesthat it is “not perfect.” Nevertheless, he says it“need[s] to get on the ballot for voter approvalin time for the 2020…redistricting.”

Others, like Reston’s Bill Penniman, a publicpolicy specialist, and myself believe there areserious shortcomings. For example, we thinkthere is a distinct possibility that the legisla-ture will largely still control the process. Thelegislators on the commission will have an in-terest in protecting their seats and, while di-viding them up may reduce potential for abuses,the temptation for trading among them is a realpossibility. Some partisan gerrymandering

abuses may be tamped down, but stopping in-cumbent protection will be tougher to achieve.

The citizen commissioners will be at a dis-advantage. Lacking technical support and timefor meaningful deliberation may weaken theirpotential for fair drawing of districts. The citi-zen members will be on a tight time scheduleto hold public hearings around the state anddraw maps for 140 General Assembly districtsand 11 congressional districts. This could re-sult in citizen commissioners ending up vot-ing on districts as proposed to them by the leg-islative contingent.

Fixing glitches in the operation of the com-mission will be limited to things that can bedone without having to amend the constitu-tional amendment. For example, the legisla-ture, if there is the will, can level the playingfield for citizen commissioners by providing fortechnical support and providing tools forgreater scrutiny and reporting to the public ofwhat goes on in the commission.

Perhaps we critics overestimate the flaws. Ihope so, because gerrymandering is a major tearin the fabric of our democratic form of govern-ment. In any case, we agree that the proposedamendment may lead to significant improve-ment in drawing fairer federal and state legis-lative districts, certainly enough to justify pro-ceeding. I suggest you let your legislators knowyou want them to vote for the amendment inthe 2020 session. Reform is difficult work, mademore so when it depends on some who perceiveit as not in their interest to succeed.

Constitutional Amendment to EndGerrymandering — Not Quite

Independent Progressive

By Kenneth R. “Ken” PlumState Delegate (D-36)

Virginians are lovers of his-tory, including this Virgin-ian as regular readers ofthis column know. This year Vir-ginia is celebrating 400 years sincethe first representative legislativebody met at Jamestown. Virginiais the Mother of Presidents.

One bit of history that continues to loomlarge in Virginia’s psyche these days with aslittle mention as possible from the state apolo-gists is the prevalence of gun violence in theCommonwealth. Twelve years ago the campusof Virginia Tech was the scene of the largestmass murder of its time. While other massmurders have occurred since then, VA Techthrough no direct fault of its own continues tohold the record for the most people killed on acollege campus.

Virginia last week made history again. Vir-ginia Beach was the scene of the biggest massmurder so far this year. A dubious distinctionthat we would least like to have. Virginia lost1,028 people to gun violence in 2017, and asthe Governor described it, that is almost threepeople a day; that is more deaths than thosedue to vehicle accidents.

For Governor Ralph Northamand for me and countless otherVirginians, we long ago have hadenough. As Governor Northamsaid in a press conference which Itook part in last week: “No oneshould go to work, to school, orto church wondering if they willcome home. But that is what our

society has come to, because we fail to act ongun violence. I will be asking for votes andlaws, not thoughts and prayers.”

The laws he is seeking to get passed havebeen introduced in the General Assembly dur-ing its regular sessions without success. In aspecial session that will begin in the comingweeks, only bills intended to end gun violencewill be considered. And the Governor requestedthat “members of the General Assembly engagein an open and transparent debate and thatthe bills brought before the legislature are putto a vote by the entire General Assembly.”

Bills related to gun violence that have beenintroduced in the regular session including mybill to require universal background checkshave been routinely referred by the Speakerof the House to the Militia, Police and PublicSafety Committee where they are sent to a sub-

committee of six members. The members ofthe subcommittee are appointed by theSpeaker of the House, four of whom have per-fect voting records of opposing any gun safetylegislation. My background check bill and theapproximate 15 other bills related to prevent-ing gun violence were defeated on a predict-able vote of 2 to 4 with limited discussion ordebate. Yes, that’s right. Four members whoare buddies with the NRA get to make the de-cision of 140 elected members of the GeneralAssembly.

It is time for Virginia to make historyagain by leading the nation in doing theright thing to end gun violence. Voters,please pay close attention to how yourelected representatives vote.

Special Session on Gun ViolenceCommentary “Four members who

are buddies with theNRA get to make thedecision of 140 electedmembers of the Gen-eral Assembly.”

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