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Singing, Tap Dancing And Romance GaloreNews, Page 4

Public Weighs in onBudget PrioritiesNews, Page 3

‘A Funny, Relatable,

Foot-TappingShow’

News, Page 13

Hannah Black (Millie) and Eric Tysarczyk (Jimmy) perform a dance number from Woodson’s upcoming musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

2 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

Talk about a fun night.The excitement atFairfax High Schoolwas absolutely electric

on Thursday, April 11, 2019 dur-ing the sixth annual charity bas-ketball game between the MosbyWoods Mustangs and ProvidenceElementary Panthers. About 1,000people, mostly elementary stu-dents and their parents, helpedraise $1,000 for the Lamb Center,a charity that does outreach for thepoor in Fairfax. Organized byMosby Woods teacher Taylor

Gaddy, the game ended with ascore of 67-40, with Mosby Woodswinning.

According to Gaddy: “The No. 1thing is to raise funds for charityand for the community. Also, thisshows the students selflessness,which is one thing we talk to thestudents about all the time — self-lessness and doing for others, andthis can encourage those conver-sations to take place, so it’s a win-win all the way around.”

About 50 volunteers helpedstage the event, including teacherbasketball players and cheerlead-ers. And during the halftime break,several student groups from bothschools gave spirited perfor-mances. “The kids really enjoy see-ing their teachers in a differentenvironment like this and doingsomething good for the commu-nity as well,” Gaddy added.

Added Mosby Woods PrincipalMahri Aste: “This is a fantasticcommunity event for both of ourschools, Mosby Woods and Provi-dence, and we’re so happy to cometogether as a school community to

Charity Basketball GameHelps Lamb CenterMosby Woodstakes on Provi-dence Elemen-tary School atFairfax HighSchool.

Debbie Key, Providence Elementary Music teacher, leadsthe Sixth-Grade All-County Chorus students from MosbyWoods and Providence Elementary schools.

About 1,000 fans cheered on the charity basketball gamebetween Mosby Woods and Providence ElementarySchools.

Mosby Woods ElementarySchool Principal Mahri Astewith Providence Elemen-tary Principal Dan Phillipsat the charity basketballgame on Thursday, April11, 2019, at Fairfax HighSchool.

play this game so that all the pro-ceeds could go to the Lamb Cen-ter, which helps the homeless inour area.”

Providence Elementary PrincipalDan Phillips added: “We love theopportunity to get together withour Mosby Woods friends. Someof our students who go to the Ad-vanced Academic Center at MosbyWoods have siblings at our school,

so it’s just a great partnership. Welove them. We love their principaland we love doing the whole thingfor charity as well.”

At-Large School Board Repre-sentative Ryan McElveen added:

“I think it’s great to see our com-munity engaged in this broad,wide-ranging event with faculty,parents, students, all involved insupporting efforts in our commu-nity.”

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Fairfax Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

On Thursday, April 12, at 4:27p.m., Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors chair SharonBulova brought down the

gavel that ended her last Budget PublicHearings – a circumstance not lost on manyof the 150 or so speakers who addressedthe board over the three days of public tes-timony.

Most of the speakers, even those who at-tended to express objections to County Ex-ecutive Bryan Hill’s Advertised Fiscal Year2020 Budget, took part of their preciousallotment of speaker’s time to thank Bulovaand fellow retiring board members JohnCook (Braddock), Cathy Hudgins (HunterMill) and Linda Smyth (Providence).

The proposed Budget was presented tothe board by the County Executive on Feb.19, without seeking any increase in the cur-rent residential tax rate of $1.15 per $100of assessed property value. Even withouta tax rate increase, the averagehomeowner’s tax bill would still rise byapproximately $150, since the averageresidential assessment would increase byalmost 2.4 percent because property val-ues are increasing.

Since then, there have been numeroustown hall budget meetings around thecounty, allowing residents from the ninemagisterial districts to hear more and askquestions of county staff and their own dis-trict supervisors.

THE PUBLIC HEARINGS began on Tues-day, April 9, around 4:30 p.m. just afterregular board business was concluded. Overthe course of three days, there were doz-ens of pros and cons argued in regards tothe overall budget of $8.86 billion.

Representatives from unions, councils,organizations, civic associations, social ser-vices, nonprofits, parks, environmentalgroups, and private citizens came before theboard. Most were there to bring light totheir cause and to request additional finan-cial support, or reconsideration where fund-ing had been cut or reduced.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)Board chair Karen Corbett Sanders was thefirst speaker of record, providing lengthytestimony describing the achievements ofthe school system and its importance to thewelfare of the county, thanking Hill for abudget that includes the FCPS full fundingrequest, and urging the board to vote theirapproval when the final budget comes be-fore them on May 7.

The $2.35 billion transfer to the schoolsystem, up more than $86 million over lastyear, comprises almost 53 percent of thecounty’s general fund budget. The total

number of students in the school system for2018-19 was 188,018, about 1,000 studentsfewer than projected.

Kevin Hickerson, president of Fairfax Edu-cation Association (FEA), and KimberlyAdams, the president-elect of FEA werepleased that the budget included the fullamount of funds requested, to include wageincreases for teachers, but expressed con-cern that the funds would not allow suchincreases for support personnel.

The Fairfax County Council of PTAs alsosupported the Advertised Budget and ap-plauded the new era of collaboration be-tween the FCPS School Board and theCounty, but urged the board to “think intothe future.” In her testimony, Council presi-dent Jane Miscavage said the needs of thecounty’s schools were only growing, espe-cially in the areas of “special educationwhere we face a shortage of teachers, inmental health issues among our students,in the areas of safety and security and in

the need to reduce class sizes, to name justa few.” Miscavage says that today’s budgetresponses are promising, but will fall shortof future needs. “The time to plan is now.”

Others who support the school’s piece ofthe budget pie asked for funding beyondwages, reporting that schools in the countyneed physical improvements and upgradesto maintain the premier status of educationthat is conducted within their walls.

Tina Williams with the Federation ofTeachers urged the board to find the meansto fund universal Pre-K, and to restore payrates for substitute teachers.

ARTHUR PURVES, representing theFairfax County Taxpayers Alliance, pre-sented an argument against the monies di-rected toward the FCPS, saying that schooland other county employees earn more thanthe average private sector worker in theregion and “without such a generous pen-sion and benefits package.”

Purves questions why the school systemneeds $114 million more to “serve 1,000less students in the coming year.” He pre-sented several statistical charts to defendhis statements that Fairfax County schools“are not providing the education they saythey are. Where is the excellence [in theSAT-related numbers he offered]? Where isthe equity?”

The other “elephant in the room” as it wasdescribed by Randy Crueller, Vice Chair ofthe Fairfax County Employee AdvisoryCouncil, is the gap between the expected2.51 percent Market Rate Adjustment forcounty employees, including law enforce-ment and first responder personnel, and theactual 1 percent MRA included in Mr. Hill’sbudget.

Crueller was joined by numerous repre-sentatives of Fairfax County employees ofevery level and every job description in de-nouncing this decision. Even candidatesseeking to fill the seats of the outgoingboard members’ seats – like AliciaPlerhoples who has set her sights on thechairmanship of the board, and JamesWalkinshaw, running for Braddock DistrictSupervisor - expressed support for a fullyfunded MRA in remarks for the record.

Plerhoples and Walkinshaw were also justtwo of dozens who hammered home theneed for more affordable housing in FairfaxCounty.

Mary Paden, chair of the South CountyTask Force for Human Services, warned thesupervisors that “gentrification” could pushmany lower income residents out of thecounty “that they work in and that their taxdollars have helped grow,” especially in ar-eas like the Route 1 corridor. Paden says allof the expensive efforts to improve the area,widening Route 1 and investing billions inlocal development will “certainly benefitsome, but harm many more without equalinvestment in affordable housing.”

Members of the Community Action Advi-sory Board echoed those concerns, includ-ing Elethia from Reston. “I am a CAAB mem-ber, but I speak for myself today,” she said.Elethia is worried for the county’s seniorresidents like herself who more and moreare being forced to sacrifice other essentialsin order to pay for housing.

On the topic of funding legal services forimmigrants in detention, the speakers wereoften passionate in their views.

Several groups and individuals pleadedfor the $200,000 to fund such legal services,while others strenuously objected to usingtaxpayer’s dollars to provide services theysay are not offered to legal residents andcitizens of the county.

The public hearings are over, althoughthere is still time for residents to make theiropinions known via the county’s website.The Board of Supervisors Budget Commit-tee meets on April 26 to discuss possiblechanges to the proposed Budget, then willhold their Budget mark-up meeting on April30 before final adoption at the Board meet-ing on May 7.

Schools, market rate adjustments, affordable housing,immigrant services dominate public response.

Public Weighs in on Budget Priorities

Halleluiah! Finally something to sing about during the Budget PublicHearings. Musical director David North of Oakton brought a portion ofhis Mosaic Harmony choir to illustrate the power of music and song ashe thanked the board for their support of the Arts in Fairfax. North gotboard members on their feet and clapping along with the choir.

A contingent of supporters of Fairfax County Parks attended the budgethearings, praising the current support of the board and encouragingfuture funds and endorsement.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection


News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

A 1920s musical comedy in a col-lege setting, “Good News” isFairfax High’s upcoming showand Cappies entry. It will be pre-

sented over two weekends, starting April26.

“This show was first introduced to me atmy own performing-arts college, and I in-stantly fell in love with it,” said DirectorErich DiCenzo. “It’s a classic, Broadway pro-duction where song, dance and humor takecenter stage.”’

Featuring a cast and crew of 54, the storytakes place at Tait College in New England.The star football player fails his astronomytest, so he gets tutored by a student namedConnie. She helps him pass his test so hecan play in the school’s big game and, alongthe way, he falls in love with her.

“The cast is a special group of studentswho were hand-picked since the talentsneeded for a show like this are heightenedbecause of its style, comic timing and –above all else – tap dancing,” said DiCenzo.“And most of these kids have owned theirtap shoes less than a year, but they’vequickly become young professionals, mas-tering intricate choreography and rhythm.”

He said the audience will be surprisedthat, “Even if they haven’t seen ‘Good News’before, they’ll perk up with every number.And it’s because they’ll recognize the songs– such as, ‘Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries’and ‘The Best Things in Life are Free’ – butjust didn’t know what show they werefrom.”

THE SCENES take place all over the cam-pus and quad, including the college library,locker rooms, astronomy classroom andfootball stadium. And, said DiCenzo, “Thecrew has done an incredible job building amulti-level, stationary set that allows forimaginative staging and creativity.”

As for the costumes, girls will be adornedin handsewn-and-designed, 1920s daywearand flapper dresses, and the boys will bedecked out in authentic, 1920s footballuniforms, complete with leather helmets.

“I’m excited to introduce a new show toour already supportive community,” saidDiCenzo. “And I hope they’ll enjoy it asmuch as I did when I first worked on it incollege.”

Playing tutor Connie Lane is freshmanMadeleine Tyler. “She’s a nerdy, book-lov-ing girl who loves astronomy,” said Tyler.“And like so many other people on campus,she dreams about having someone to loveher. She can have a sarcastic tone, at times,but is comedic and playful about it. She’ssmart and selfless, always doing things for

others, and her close friend isthe astronomy professor.Connie thinks she knows thetype of person she wants –until she meets football starTom Marlowe.”

Tyler loves her role because“Connie’s such a dreamer, andI like playing an ingenue likethat,” she said. “My favoritesong is ‘The Best Things in Lifeare Free,’ which Tom andConnie sing together. I love theacting we do with it becausethey’re falling in love duringthe song, and the music’s verypretty.”

The show actually containsthree romantic stories; besidesTom and Connie, the othertwo couples are the astronomyprofessor and the footballcoach, and two studentsnamed Babe and Bobby. Tylersaid the audience will enjoywatching these romances un-fold. “They’ll also like the ar-ray of music from slow numbers to upbeatand jazzy, 1920s style, and the fun and up-lifting dances,” she said.

Senior Matt Sikes portrays Marlowe.“When he meets Connie – who’s also thecousin of his current girlfriend – he findssomething that isn’t football to fall in lovewith,” explained Sikes. “He’s pretty chill;he knows he’s a good athlete, but he’s mod-est about it. He’s also a kind, friendly per-

son who accepts everyone for who they are.”Sikes said it’s a great experience playing

Tom. “I’m more of a nerd, so it’s enjoyableto explore something different,” he said.“It’s cool being the center of the college’sattention because I’m normally in the back-ground, in real life.”

He especially likes the song, “Lucky inLove,” which Tom and Connie sing. “It’sreally uptempo, and Connie and Tom start

to realize they like each other,” said Sikes.“But they’re interrupted, and it ends withhim looking back at her, trying to regainthat feeling.”

Sikes said people will love the show’senergy. “Almost everyone’s happy, and theexcitement builds toward the big, footballgame at the end,” he said. “And we play alot of the jokes to the audience. They’ll alsoget the 1920s references to, for example,the stock market crash and other things thathappened then. They’ll also love the dy-namic between the couples.”

PORTRAYING ASTRONOMY PROFES-SOR Charlotte Kenyon is senior MarinBronaugh. “She’s Connie’s mentor, is ex-tremely intelligent and ambitious andknows what she wants,” said Bronaugh.“But she also has a soft side and is ready tolove someone. I enjoy playing her becausea lot of what she says about women – suchas women having careers and being empow-ered – is relevant to right now. I love thatabout her.

“And although she seems un-approachable, she’s actuallyvery fun,” continuedBronaugh. “It just takes awhileto break through her outershell. My favorite song is‘Cream in my Coffee,’ whichher love interest, CoachJohnson, sings to her. It’s a tapnumber, upbeat and lively, anda fun-to-do, romantic, partnernumber.”

She said the audience willlove the show because “Eachnumber tops the one before.The love stories are sweet, andthe big ensemble numbers –both tap and jazz – are hugeand super-fun.”

Sophomore MikhailGoldenberg plays footballCoach Bill Johnson, who’s de-termined to win the big gameagainst Colton. “He and Pro-fessor Kenyon were in a rela-tionship, 15 years ago, andthings progress between themonce they meet again,” saidGoldenberg. “He’s a little stub-born, but a sweetheart, andalways has good intentions.He comes off as a bit gruff, buthe’s soft inside.”

Goldenberg said it’s one ofhis favorite roles because “Thecoach is a mature characterand gives me the opportunity

to try something new. And it’s fun tap danc-ing during ‘Cream in my Coffee.’”

He also likes the opening song, ‘GoodNews,’ because “It’s a flashy, tap number withall the characters in their college spirit-wear.It has both powerful and softer, impactfulmoments and sets the scene for the show.”All in all, he added, “People will enjoy “see-ing a show they haven’t seen before and get-ting a glimpse of the 1920s jazz era.”

Fairfax High presentsmusical comedy,“Good News.”

Singing, Tap Dancing and Romance Galore

Photos Courtesy of Erich DiCenzo

Clockwise from top are “Good News” cast members Seth Strong,Kamila Adamczyk, Marin Bronaugh, Eli Nygaard, Sierra Kaplan andMadeleine Tyler.

Eli Nygaard and Madeleine Tyler are in Fairfax High’smusical, “Good News.”

To GoShow times are Friday-

Saturday, April 26-27, andThursday, Friday, Saturday, May2, 3, 4, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday,April 28, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15at the door or $10 viawww.fxplayers.org.


See Bulletin, Page 15

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

HOLY WEEK SERVICESHoly Week at Kings Lutheran Church, 4025

Kings Way, Fairfax. All are welcome. Visitwww.kofk.org or call the church office 703-378-7272.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18 – 7 p.m.❖ Good Friday, April 19 – 12:15pm and 7pm❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 – Festival Worship, 8

and 10 a.m.❖ Dulles South Easter Sunrise Service – 7

a.m. at Brambleton Golf Course Pavilion.

Holy Week at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church,5800 Backlick Road, Springfield. Visitwww.stmarks-elca.org.

❖ Holy Thursday – 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.(English)

❖ Good Friday – noon and 7:30 p.m. (English)and 6:30 p.m. (Spanish)

❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 – 6:30 a.m. (Spanish);8:30 a.m. (English); 10:30 a.m. (English).Potluck Easter breakfasts served betweenservices.

Holy Week at Historic Pohick Church, 9301Richmond Highway, Lorton. Call 703-339-6572or visit www.pohick.org.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18 – MaundyThursday Liturgy and Holy Communion at 7:30p.m.

❖ Good Friday, April 19th – Good FridayObservance at noon-2 p.m.

❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 – Festival HolyEucharist at 7:45, 9:15, and 11:15 a.m.

THURSDAY/APRIL 18District Supervisor Candidate Meet and

Greet. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Sherwood RegionalLibrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria.Meet the candidates who are running for theFairfax Board of Supervisors: Braddock District;

Lee District; Mason District; Mt Vernon District;and Springfield District. Free. RSVP atwww.eventbrite.com/o/naacp-fairfax-county-12397167937.

FRIDAY/APRIL 19Application Deadline. Leadership Fairfax is now

accepting applications for its premierprofessional leadership development programs –Leadership Fairfax Institute and EmergingLeaders Institute. The 10-month programs beginSeptember 2019. Classes meet once a monthand participants work outside of class to planand implement projects. Limited scholarshipsavailable. Applications are due April 19. Call703-752-7555 or visit leadershipfairfax.org.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Holy Meditation Retreat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unity

of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. HolySaturday Meditation Retreat: Spend the day innoble silence, meditating and creating a space tobe still and listen. Donations accepted. Registerat unityoffairfax.org/events.

SUNDAY/APRIL 21New Thought Easter. At Unity of Fairfax, 2854

Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. New Thought EasterService: 6:15 a.m. outdoors on the Labyrinth(weather permitting), 9 and 11 a.m. An Easteregg hunt for the younger members of the Unitycommunity will follow the 11 a.m. service. Free.Visit unityoffairfax.org.

Easter Sunday Service. 10-11:30 a.m. atHarvester Presbyterian Church, 7800 RollingRoad, Springfield. Harvester PresbyterianChurch is a congregation of the PresbyterianChurch in America (PCA). All are welcome. Nocharge; offering will be taken. Visitwww.harvesterpca.org or call 703-455-7800 formore.

Bulletin Board


Opinion

By Mary Supley

Fairfax for All

Fairfax County residents in deportationproceedings are not guaranteed ac-cess to free legal counsel. Accordingto Department of Justice data, such

legal representation dramatically increases thelikelihood that an individual will have a hear-ing, be released from detention, and be grantedrelief from deportation.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors isconsidering limited, temporary, one-time fund-ing for legal representation for county residentsin deportation proceedings. Without also en-acting a policy that ends the county’s volun-tary collaboration with ICE (U.S. Immigrationand Customs Enforcement), this proposal ismerely a band-aid that would offer assistanceto fewer than 1 percent of the people who needit. A band-aid on a wound that the Board ofSupervisors and Sheriff Stacey Kincaid deepenevery day as they put more people into the

arrest-to-deportation pipeline.Currently, more than 11,500 county residents

are in deportation proceedings. This is becauseFairfax County voluntarily collaborates withICE in the detention and deportation of its resi-dents and visitors. This collaboration harms mi-grants residing in Fairfax County and weak-ens our community. Every day that county lead-ership fails to act, more people live in fear andmore residents are detained. Data from Syra-cuse University’s TRAC program show thatFairfax County ranks 13th in the country forits compliance with voluntary detainer requestsissued by ICE (view data directly at bit.ly/de-tainer-compliance-rates).

While funding for legal representation wouldbe commendable, it’s not enough. By itself, thisproposal alone offers more comfort to the poli-ticians who want to appear to stand with ourimmigrant neighbors than it does to people vul-nerable to those politicians’ policies. Real andlasting change will only come by ending thecounty’s voluntary collaboration with ICE.

In late 2017, attorneys working in concertwith the Fairfax for All coalition drafted theOrdinance to Protect Equal Justice for All. Thiscountywide policy, which would end this rac-ist collaboration and create some equity for ourimmigrant neighbors, will:

1. Prohibit the county from being involvedin civil immigration enforcement;

2. Limit the collecting and sharing ofinformation with ICE;

3. Expand the list of documents that areacceptable as proof of identity; and

4. Establish permanent funding for legalrepresentation for county residents indeportation proceedings.

The complete ordinance can be read atfairfaxforall.org/pledge.

It is long past time for Board ChairmanSharon Bulova, the Board of Supervisors, Sher-iff Stacey Kincaid, and other officials to endthe county’s voluntary collaboration with ICE.A collaboration that furthers thecriminalization, incarceration, and deportationof valued Fairfax County families and commu-nity members.

Fairfax for All is a coalition of grassroots,civil rights, immigrant rights, and faith-basedorganizations dedicated to building sanctuaryin Fairfax County. Visit fairfaxforall.org.

Comprehensive change — not one-time funding— needed to support Fairfax County immigrantfamilies and community members.

Supporting Immigrant Families, Community

By Tarrence Taylor

Fairfax County resident and

employee

Frontline Fairfax County em-ployees work hard everyday to make our commu-

nity a better place for all people.We are nurses, educators, librar-

ians, first responders, parks staff,sanitation workers, engineers andmore. We are your friends, familyand neighbors. And we want whateveryone wants: the ability tomake a difference, financial secu-rity, and a better life for our kids.

Unfortunately, the proposedFairfax budget breaks the county’spromise to workers like me by notfunding the agreed-upon MarketRate Adjustment.

The Market Rate Adjustment issimilar to a cost-of-living adjust-ment (COLA), and it is intendedto help employees keep up withthe high cost of living in this area,as well as to keep up with ourneighboring counties. That’s whythe Board of Supervisors voted toadopt a pay plan which includes ayearly Market Rate Adjustment.

The agreed-upon formula saysthe MRA should be 2.51 percentthis year, but the proposed bud-get only offers 1 percent. That issimply not enough.

The Market Rate Adjustment isnot just a number to me. I’m thefather of seven wonderful chil-dren, and I’ve made a promise thatnothing will get in the way of themachieving a college education.That’s why I’ve worked hard myentire life.

However, if the county does notkeep its promise and fully fund theMarket Rate Adjustment, then Imay not be able to keep my prom-ise to my kids.

Not fully funding the MarketRate Adjustment also hurts thelocal families who use our servicesto get ahead, because it keeps usfrom recruiting and retaining thequality workforce we need.

We are losing good employeesevery day. Employees gain experi-ence and training here in Fairfax,and then leave for the surround-ing counties that pay more. Thatcosts us money and time, as weare forced to constantly train newemployees.

Fully funding the Market RateAdjustment will help keep the ex-perienced employees that we workhard to train, right here in FairfaxCounty, helping Fairfax Countyfamilies.

The Board of Supervisors has anopportunity to do something aboutthis. It is their job to make changes

Fully Fund the MRA toSupport Our Community

to the budget to ensure it meetsthe needs of our community.

Please join us in calling onChairman Sharon Bulova and theFairfax Board of Supervisors tofully fund the Market Rate Adjust-ment so that our community can

continue to be a wonderful placeto live, work and play.

Tarrence Taylor is a FairfaxCounty employee, resident and tax-payer, and a proud union memberof SEIU Virginia 512.

Notre Dame,Two Weeks AgoReston resident FranLovaas: This is how theiconic Notre Dame Cathe-dral looked from the mainplaza just two weeks ago.April 2, 2019.

Notre Dame,Two Weeks AgoReston resident FranLovaas: This is how theiconic Notre Dame Cathe-dral looked from the mainplaza just two weeks ago.April 2, 2019.

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Opinion

By Joe Fay

Executive Director/FACETS

When Richard lost his sight, his long careeras a handyman came to an end. Whatbegan was a journey into homelessness.

Despite his skills and dedication, blindness pre-vented him from continuing in the building mainte-nance field. As his funds ran low, Richard, who isnow 58, struggled and found himself moving fromshelter to shelter around the county and sleeping inother places not meant for habitation. Then he wasreferred to FACETS, a Fairfax nonprofit working toprevent homelessness, and resided for some time atFACETS’ Linda’s Gateway Woodbine House with fiveother men who were medically and physically vul-nerable.

Linda’s Gateway is a program meant to help peopletransition to permanent housing. Working with aFACETS case manager, residents receive budget coun-seling, housing location services, connection to com-munity resources, basic needs and transportationassistance. All FACETS programs operate using a“Housing First” approach, focusing on first gettingpeople into housing and then working with a casemanager to address barriers to housing stability, ca-reer development, child care, medical assistance andother basic needs.

Working with his case manager Ruben, Richard

pulled his life back together and now lives indepen-dently in his own apartment through FACETS’ per-manent supportive housing program. He is stillhelped by Ruben who checks in with him and makessure he can get to medical appointments and is hope-ful and more confident.

With the second largest homeless population in theregion, homelessness is a real problem in the FairfaxCounty-Falls Church community where nearly 1,000people are homeless. A majority of these are in work-ing families with children. Some like Richard aresingle and also facing challenges. FACETS connectednearly 400 single adults with life-saving services lastyear.

Richard will be joining several other FACETS’ cli-ents to share his courageous story about overcom-ing homelessness at FACETS’ Hope in Bloom Break-fast.

The free event on April 25 at 7 a.m. at FairviewPark Marriott provides an opportunity to learn moreabout neighbors in need and meet fellow commu-nity members who are helping end homelessness inthe region. Attendees will be uplifted and inspiredand discover how we can ensure everyone has a placeto call home in our county.

If you have an interest in learning more about theeffects of poverty in Fairfax County, we encourageyou to join us along with other community, businessand political leaders at this 8th annual breakfast.Register at www.FACETSCares.org.

One of the homes used for transitional housing.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

Never Losing Sight of Ending Homelessness


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Elizabeth and Kent Hillegass noticed thattheir 6th grade son’s grades began to dropwhile the number of times they receivednotices from the school regarding his mis-

behavior had increased. He was also having chal-lenges socially.

“He was really unhappy, the other kids made funof him, he didn’t have any friends and to top it offhis grades were awful,” said Elizabeth. “I would lieawake at night crying because I felt helpless.”

After a series of neuropsychological tests, theHillegasses learned that their son had ADHD. Thetesting psychologist advised them to see an educa-tion consultant who helped them determine that aquiet school environment with small class sizes wouldbest suit their son’s needs. The Hillegasses ultimatelydecided to send their son to a private school with astudent-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.

“We’ve always been supporters of public education,but the class sizes and noisy environment were toooverwhelming for him,” said Kent. “It was like hewas lost and unable to focus when he was at school.He couldn’t sit still and pay attention in classes andwas always getting into trouble, which made himfeel ostracized, like he was the bad kid in school.”

A parent’s decision to move a child from public toprivate school can be based on factors that run thegamut from smaller class sizes to tuition that cancost as much as $50,000 annually. Although it’s achoice that should not be taken lightly, there are signsthat it might be time to make the change if it’s pos-sible, say education consultants.

“I suggest to parents that they focus on the needsof their child, not on the prestige that they think aprivate school holds or the sticker on the back ofyour car that lets everyone know that your child at-tends a certain school,” said Kim Hardy who was theeducation consultant to the Hillegass family. “There’sa range of factors that parents should take into con-sideration.”

The first, advises Hardy, is whether their child is

happy and well adjusted. “If a child is bored or frus-trated at school, not just because their grades aren’tgood and they’ve given up, but there are also caseswhere students are making straight As without mucheffort and are bored because they aren’t being chal-lenged.”

When the accommodations that a school can offerdon’t meet the needs of one’s child, that’s anotherclue that a change is necessary, suggests Arlington-based education consultant Rita Fetters.

“Some children need to be in a classroom with alow student teacher ratio so that teachers have timeto redirect students who have trouble staying fo-cused,” she said. “Other students need a lot of exer-cise and outdoor activity to release energy so thatthey can focus better in class. Public schools maynot be able to offer that.”

The Heights in Potomac, Md. builds activity andexercise into each school day including outdoor re-cess and a challenging physical education programthat not only releases energy, but teaches importantlife skills.

Fetters says some parents make the change becausethey want specialized opportunities that a publicschool might not offer.

“If religious education is important to a family, thatis certainly one reason to leave a public school,” shesaid. “If a family wants their child to be involved inpublic service beyond what is required to graduate,they might choose a private school that has commu-nity service built in to the curriculum.”

One such school is is St. Stephen’s and St. AgnesSchool (SSSAS) in Alexandria, Va. “Our school of-fers religion classes and weekly chapels,” said MandiSapp of SSSAS. “We also have a ton of service-learn-ing opportunities that students ... do throughout theyear, including global service trips offered in Middleand Upper School. We have done a lot of work withALIVE (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically) in Al-exandria.”

If a child is unhappy and asks repeatedly to changeschools, Fetters believes that is a reason to give seri-ous consideration to academic switch.

“At the end of the day, parents have to take a long,hard look at their child and their family, “ Fetterssaid. “They have to find the best school for their fam-ily, not the one that’s most prestigious or most popu-lar. Does what the school offers as a whole align withyour family’s values and your child’s needs. Whetherit’s public or private, that’s what a parent must de-termine.”

Signs that a public schoolisn’t meeting yourchild’s needs.

Making the Leap fromPublic to Private School

Opportunities forcommunity serviceand/or religiouseducation are some ofthe reasons thatparents might con-sider switching achild from public toprivate school.

Photo courtesy SSSAS


News

The National Associa-tion of the RemodelingIndustry (NARI)Metro DC Chapter

named Daniels Design & Remod-eling, in Fairfax 2019 Capital Con-tractor of the Year winner in theResidential Exterior Over$200,000 category of its annualawards competition at their“Evening of Excellence” held inFebruary at the Westwood Coun-try Club in Vienna.

Contractors from the Metro DCarea vie for Contractor of the YearAwards each year. Judging is basedon problem-solving, functionality,aesthetics, craftsmanship, innova-tion, and degree of difficulty by animpartial panel of industry ex-perts. NARI Metro DC named 84Capital Contractor of the Year win-ners from the 2019 competition,with 12 team members. SeveralCapital CotY winners were alsonamed NARI Regional winnersand will advance to the final com-petition of being named a Nationalwinner.

Each year NARI Metro DC pre-sents Capital CotY awards to mem-bers who have demonstrated out-standing work through their re-

modeling projects. The entries ofthis year’s competition totaledmore than $26 million worth ofremodeling projects.

Daniels Design & Remodelinghas created award-winning re-modeling projects in the NorthernVirginia area for more than 20years. The boutique architecturalhome remodeling firm consistentlywins awards, such as COTY (Con-tractor of the Year), Best of Houzz,Angie’s List Super Service, Guild

Quality, Virginia Living Top of theTrades & Best of Virginia awardsand many others, for both the cus-tomer service provided as well astheir pioneering designs.

Some of the projectshomeowners look for (illustratedin photos above) include: Improv-ing the curb appeal of their home,enhancing the space of their break-fast room area, and enlarging theirkitchen, which necessitates theexterior addition and renovation.

They wanted minimal mainte-nance and maximumsustainability.

The firm added square footageto the existing structure at thehome’s rear exterior, solved waterdrainage issues, and improved theaesthetic look of their home —es-pecially in the rear portion.Daniels Design & Remodeling re-placed all visible exterior finishesof the house except for the brickfireplace, including windows, ga-

rage door, siding, cornice, paint,shingles, gutters and light fixturesto durable and low maintenanceproducts.

They changed the rooflines toenhance the aesthetic of the rearof the house, to match the styleand detail in the front.

Visit Daniels Design & Remod-eling atwww.danielsremodeling.com, orreach them by phone at 703-239-2700.

Daniels Design & Remodeling Wins Contractor of the Year Award

Photos courtesy of Daniels Design & Remodeling

Photos “before” and “after” illustrating Daniels Design & Remodeling award-winning work.


ONGOINGArt Exhibit: Collect. Through April 26 in the

McGuireWoods Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center,Lorton. The COLLECT! 2019 exhibition featuresmore than 70 original works of art generouslydonated by the community of artists atWorkhouse Arts Center. This year’s collectionincludes painting, sculpture, fiber art, jewelryand more with subject matter varying fromtraditional figuration, natural landscapes, brightand bold abstraction, eclectic clay wares toconceptual collage. Visitwww.workhousearts.org for more.

Dynamic Dimensions: Layered Meanings inAfrican Art. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, through April29, in the Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery, FairfaxCampus, George Mason University. Led byAfrican art historian Dr. LaNitra Berger, studentsparticipating in Objects and Archives in ArtHistory: Curating an Exhibit, spent two monthsusing the Fine Arts Gallery as a laboratory inwhich to discover the essentials of researchingand curating an exhibition. Students learnedabout provenance, original functionality, andthe formal features of African art, in addition tovaluable technical skills needed to put togetheran art exhibition. Visit www.facebook.com/Dynamic-Dimensions-Layered-Meaning-in-African-Art-403224373588514, or call NaomiArlund, student curator, at 703-993-8756.

Art Exhibit: [Land]scape. Through May 19, inthe Art Lab Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center,Lorton. Curated by GMU MFA Candidate, EmilyFussner. The [Land]scape exhibition asksvisitors to engage the notion of landscape onmultiple levels. Featuring a range of painting,photography, mixed media, printmaking,sculpture, and video works, the exhibition itselfbecomes a landscape revealing a strata ofemerging art practices. Visitwww.workhousearts.org for more.

Group Exhibition: Degrees of Honor.Through May 19 in the Warrior Way Gallery, 1stFloor, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton. Degreesof Honor is a group exhibition surveying theworks of artists addressing the concept of honorin different perspectives. Explore works withexpressions of separation, pain, loneliness,turmoil, stories and memories. Featured artistsinclude Rene Vincit, Gene Moty, Karen Chin andChrista Turpin. The Warrior Way is anexhibition space designated for artwork byactive duty, retired and veteran servicemembers. Visit www.workhousearts.org

Floating Garden. Through May 26, in the VulcanGallery, 2nd Floor, Workhouse Arts Center,Lorton. Toronto-based Artist Amanda McCavourcreates experiential, immersive environmentsthat represent places in her memory. Her threedimensional, embroidered art installations aremade up of fabric designs that float within thespace. Motifs included in her works are flowers,birds, plants and replications of living roomfurniture. Visit www.workhousearts.org

FRIDAY/APRIL 19Plazapalooza Music Festival. 1-10 p.m. at

George Mason University, 4400 University Drive,Fairfax. Music Productions Club of GMU hosts afree on-campus day of music featuring studentbands and local musicians – 15 acts perform onthe Sub 1 Quad (Rain Location: Lecture Hall).Free. Email [email protected] or visitwww.facebook.com/MusicProductionsGMU

B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee,entertaining callers, a friendly atmosphere,$1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good food available forpurchase. All proceeds go to purchasing fire andrescue equipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com orcall 703-273-3638 for more.

Various Chamber Ensemble Concert I. 7 p.m.in the deLaski Performing Arts Building, A323,Music Studio, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. Jointhe Mason Chamber Ensemble as they present avariety of works. Free and open to the public.Free and open to the public. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/various-chamber-ensemble-concert-i for details.

APRIL 19-MAY 25The Full Monty. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.;

Sundays, 2 p.m. at Workhouse Arts Center, W-3Theater. Based on the cult hit film of the samename, The Full Monty, a 10-time Tony Awardnominee, is filled with honest affection,engaging melodies and the most highly

anticipated closing number of any show. Due tomature language and situations, this productionis intended for adults and not suitable foryounger audiences. $20-$35. Visitwww.workhousearts.org.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Easter Egg Hunt. 9-11 a.m. at Franconia United

Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road,Alexandria. Join Franconia UMC for an EasterEgg Hunt for toddlers to 12th grade. Thefestivities start at 9 a.m. with breakfast andEaster egg hunting starts at 10:30. Free. Visitfranconiaumc.org or call 703-971-5151.

Model Classic 2019. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at FairfaxHigh School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. NorthernVirginia Modelers Chapter, International PlasticModelers Society presents an annual exhibit ofscale models, an educational and fun event forthe entire family. The event features a display ofhundreds of museum quality scale models; amodeling contest, with over 80 categories;model kit, book and supplies vendors; raffleprizes; demonstrations; and a make and takeevent for children. Adults, $8; under 18 free;$10 per family; contestants, $10 (includesadmission). Visit www.novaipms.org for more.

Pet Adoption Event. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pet

Supplies Plus, 11054 Lee Highway, Fairfax. Finda new forever animal friend with the help of theCity of Fairfax Animal Control and AnimalShelter. Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/government/police/programs/animal-control/adopt-a-pet

Easter Eggstravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at the FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Fairfax. Jubilee ChristianCenter is sponsoring its annual EasterEggstravaganza, in the grassy area behind theFairfax County Government Center. The event isfree, including egg rolls, moon bounces, facepainting, games, and door prizes (at 1:45 and2:45 p.m.). Call 703-383-1170 or visitwww.jccag.org for more.

Parsons Dance. 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts,Concert Hall, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. NewYork City-based Parsons Dance is internationallycelebrated for creating and performing Americanmodern dance that is positive, life-affirming,enriching, and accessible. This ensemble hasspread the joy of dance in more than 447 cities,30 countries, and five continents. A pre-performance discussion with a member of thecompany begins 45 minutes prior to theperformance. Family-friendly. $48, $41, $29.Visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/parsons-dance fortickets.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 24Lysistrata. 8 p.m. at deLaski Performing Arts

Building, A105, TheaterSpace, on GMU’s FairfaxCampus. Lysistrata persuades the women ofGreece to withhold sexual privileges from theirhusbands and lovers as a means of forcing themen to negotiate an end to the PeloponnesianWar – a strategy, however, that inflames thebattle between the sexes. $20 adults, $10students, staff, seniors and groups. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/lysistrata for tickets.

THURSDAY/APRIL 25Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic

Band. 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, ConcertHall, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. The MasonUniversity Wind Symphony, led by composer-conductor Mark Camphouse is a select ensemblecomprised of outstanding wind, brass, andpercussion players in the School of Music andthe University. The ensemble’s mission is tostudy and perform the best literature availablefor wind band, while emphasizing soloistic andorchestral performance practice. $12 adults, $8seniors, $5 youth through grade 12. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/mason-wind-symphony-and-symphonic-band for tickets.

The Wolves. 8 p.m. at deLaski Performing ArtsBuilding, A105, TheaterSpace, on GMU’s FairfaxCampus. A timely play about a girls’ indoorsoccer team that illuminates with theunmistakable ping of reality the way youngselves are formed when innate character clasheswith external challenges. $20 adults, $10students, staff, seniors and groups. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/the-wolves for tickets.

THURSDAY/APRIL 25-28Huge Book Sale. Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 10

a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. andSunday, noon-5 p.m. at George Mason RegionalLibrary, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale.Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and more atthe George Mason Friends Spring Book Sale.Come early for the best selection, then comeback on Sunday for half-price bargains. Freeadmission. Call 703-813-6616 or visitgeorgemasonfriends.blogspot.com

FRIDAY/APRIL 26Valor Awards. 8:30 a.m. at the Springfield Golf &

Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield. Fairfax County first responders willbe honored at the Greater Springfield Chamberof Commerce Valor Awards Breakfast. The eventrecognizes police, fire and sheriff deputies in theGreater Springfield area who selflessly serve andprotect residents and businesses in the localcommunity. To register, visitwww.springfieldchamber.org/events/details/valor-awards-5760.

Girl Scout Daisies. Noon-1 p.m. at PohickLibrary, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke. Withso many new experiences to conquer and lessonsto learn, a trusted partner and all-things-girlexpert like Girl Scouts can be exactly what a girlneeds to succeed in and out of the classroom.Learn more about Girl Scout Daisies, to playgames, to sing songs, and more. Free. ContactCheryl Osborne at [email protected] or 703-372-4341.

B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee,entertaining callers, a friendly atmosphere,$1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good food available forpurchase. All proceeds go to purchasing fire andrescue equipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com orcall 703-273-3638 for more.

Lysistrata. 8 p.m. at deLaski Performing ArtsBuilding, A105, TheaterSpace, on GMU’s FairfaxCampus. Lysistrata persuades the women ofGreece to withhold sexual privileges from theirhusbands and lovers as a means of forcing themen to negotiate an end to the PeloponnesianWar. $20 adults, $10 students, staff, seniors andgroups. Visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/lysistrata

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 26-28The Medium and Suor Angelica. Friday-

Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. at HarrisTheatre, on GMU’s Fairfax Campus. Two one-actoperas: Menotti’s The Medium and Puccini’sSuor Angelica. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 youththrough grade 12. Visit cfa.calendar.gmu.edu/opera-the-medium-and-suor-angelica for tickets.

SATURDAY/APRIL 27ECHO Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at St. Bernadette

Catholic School Gym, 7602 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield. Huge Yard Sale featuringtable after table of fashion accessories, toys,home decorations, kitchen utensils, more.Proceeds benefit ECHO, an all-volunteerorganization aiding people in need in thecommunity. Admission free. Call 703-239-1678or visit www.echo-inc.org.

Calendar

Photo by Jordan Ingram

Abby Rasheed and the Sundry Collective perform at Plazapalooza 2018.

Plazapalooza Music FestivalMusic Productions Club of GMU hosts a free on-campus day of music featuring student bands and

local musicians – 15 acts perform on the Sub 1 Quad (Rain Location: Lecture Hall). Friday, April 19, 1-10 p.m. at George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Free. Email [email protected] orvisit www.facebook.com/MusicProductionsGMU for more.

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The deadline is noon onFriday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

George MasonFriends Book Sale

Thousands of books, CDs, DVDs,and more at the George MasonFriends Spring Book Sale. Comeearly for the best selection, thencome back on Sunday for half-pricebargains. Thursday, April 25, 3-9p.m.; Friday, April 26, 10 a.m.-6p.m.; Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-5p.m.; and Sunday, April 28, noon-5p.m. at George Mason Regional Li-brary, 7001 Little River Turnpike,Annandale. Free admission. Visitgeorgemasonfriends.blogspot.comor call 703-813-6616.

Visitors browsing atthe George MasonFriends Book Sale

Photo courtesy of George Mason Friends


By David Siegel

The Connection

The Fairfax SymphonyOrchestra (FSO) willbe presenting an inno-vative concert featur-

ing the 2019 Fairfax SymphonyAll-Stars. The All-Stars feature out-standing high school studentsfrom across Fairfax County. Eachstudent receives personalizedmentoring from FSO musicians,and the opportunity to performside-by-side with the FSO.

In addition, honoring Chairmanof the Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors Sharon Bulova’s longdedication and support of arts edu-cation, the FSO has named its mu-sic education program, the FairfaxSymphony All-Stars: SharonBulova Young Artists’ Program.

The 2019 All-Stars will performin a collaborative performancewith the FSO featuring program ofHolst’s The Planets, JonathanLeshnoff ’s Starburst, and

Smetana’s The Moldau under di-rection of FSO Maestro Christo-pher Zimmerman. During the con-cert, Chairman Bulova will con-duct the encore movement of “Ju-piter” from Holst’s The Planets.

“I am humbled by this incred-ible honor,” Chairman Bulova said.“The Fairfax Symphony Orchestrahas always been near and dear tomy heart, and is a reflection ofFairfax County’s talented,hardworking and creative commu-nity. I have always beeninspiredºby FSO’s outreach to theyoung people in our community,and I am so excited to be a part ofthis year’s Young Artists’ Program.”

“On behalf of the Fairfax Sym-phony Board of Directors, we canthink of no better way to honorChairman Bulova than to namethis important program in recog-nition of her immense support anddedication to arts education,” saidJonathan Kerr, Executive Director,Fairfax Symphony. “Inspiring thenext generation of young artists is

Entertainment

Introducing 2019 Fairfax Symphony All Stars:Sharon Bulova Young Artists’ Program.

Concert ‘Inspiring the Next Generation’

vital to the FSO’s mission, and thisprogram honors ChairmanBulova’s lasting-legacy of further-ing artistic excellence and artseducation.

The 2019 Fairfax Symphony AllStars include Abigail Leary, AdamKurtz, Aislin Carpenter, Anna Paek,Ben Afferton, Caitlyn Clingenpeel,Cole Terpenning, Ethan Grundvig,George Pekarsky, Jacob Fujioka,Justin Park, Justin Vu, MatthewVice, Michelle Song, Nick Brenner,Olivia Bond, Owen Wetterhan,Paul Cutler Williams, Sophia Leyvaand Yilun Zhou.

“I’m always impressed with thestudents I coach and mentor.They’re always prepared and ea-ger to learn,” said FSO’s TimWade, violinist and stage manager.“It’s heartening to know thatFairfax County is so invested in itsmusic programs. The County ben-efits immensely from the program,as well, as high-quality music pro-grams are an incredible callingcard to anyone searching for an

excellent school system for theirchildren and themselves.”

“The FSO and our All-Stars are

proud to serve as Fairfax County’sdynamic music ambassadors,”added Kerr.

2019 FSO All Star Ben Afferton

2019 FSO All Star Yilun Zhou

2019 FSO AllStar Anna Paek

Photos courtesy Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

Where and WhenFairfax Symphony Orchestra

presents “Inspiring the NextGeneration” featuring the 2019Fairfax Symphony All-Stars:Sharon Bulova Young Artists atGeorge Mason University Centerfor the Arts, 4400 University Drive,Fairfax Performance on April 27 at8 p.m. Tickets $25, $39, $53 and$65. Students: $15. Tickets call703-9993-2782 or visitwww.fairfaxsymphony.org


ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

SPECIAL SAVINGS

5/31/19.

5/31/19.


News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Featuring a cast and crew of 70,Woodson High will present theboisterous musical, “ThoroughlyModern Millie.” It’s the school’s

Cappies show and will run two weekends,beginning April 26.

“The characters really come to life,” saidDirector Terri Hobson. “It’s a funny, relat-able, foot-tapping and enjoyable show,reminiscent of classic, American musicals.The audience will see the actors having fun,so they will too – it’s contagious.”

There’s a 20-piece, pit band conducted byWoodson alumni Bao Vo, now a teacher, andthe music director is Woodson Choral Di-rector Amy Moir. “Things are going greatand the cast is amazing,” said Hobson. “Wehave both experienced and novice dancers,and several learned tap just for this show.”

Set in 1922, the story is about a womannamed Millie who moves to New York, aim-ing to marry a rich man. Portraying her isjunior Hannah Black. “She’s independentand strong-willed,” said Black. “She’s alsobold, sassy, sarcastic and not afraid to speakher mind.”

At first, said Black, Millie is “emotionallyclosed-off; but she eventually becomes moreopen. She came from Salina, Kan., and plansto find a rich man to marry. So she wants toget a job and marry her boss. I love playingher. It’s a dance-heavy musical, which I love,since I’ve done all types of dances with theVirginia Ballet Co. for the past 12 years. Andsince Millie’s so outgoing, I can tap into herfiery spirit – and whenever I do, it’s an ad-venture.”

BLACK’S FAVORITE SONG is “Forgetabout the Boy,” her solo with the ensembleand a big, tap number. “It has a lot of en-ergy, and Millie gets so angry and full ofpassion,” she said. “She and the female en-semble are ranting about how they hatemen, so they all bond together.”

She said this show has many layers. “It’sfull of comedy, but the audience will alsoget invested in the characters and theirlives,” said Black. “And there are lots of plottwists they won’t see coming. We’re alsoexcited about our set, and our cast is justphenomenal – especially Sara Willcox, whoplays [evil] Mrs. Meers, who runs The Ho-tel Priscilla for actresses. Because Sara’s sogood, she really makes you enjoy hatingher.”

Black also choreographed all 13 of thisshow’s dances. “It was tough finding timeto choreograph, between school, play re-hearsals and dance classes,” she said. “Butthe cast worked really hard and did anamazing job learning all the moves. I lovewatching the big, ensemble numbers look-ing so good; and seeing the end productmakes me proud of the entire cast.”

Sophomore Dylan Dipasupil plays Bun

Foo, one of Meers’s henchmen. Meers takesin actresses without families, but then drugsthem and sells them into white slavery inHong Kong. “Bun Foo is only helping her sohe can make money to bring his mother overfrom Hong Kong,” said Dipasupil. “He’shardworking and goal-oriented, unlike hisbrother, who falls in love with one of thegirls.”

He said his character is also headstrong,but compassionate. In fact, he said, “In asong Bun Foo and his brother [played byGin Choi] sing, called ‘Not for the Life ofMe,’ we talk about how there can be moreto life than what we’re doing. It’s interest-ing playing someone who did bad thingswith good intentions, and he eventuallystands up to Meers.”

Dipasupil said the show has “positivemessages about life and how people canchange for the better. The dances and mu-sic are very energetic, and people will en-joy that upbeat style. It also gives people

insight into the 1920s time period throughthe costumes, as well.”

Portraying Rita, an actress living at thehotel, is freshman Hannah Fidler. “She’s afriend of Millie’s and is lighthearted, ditzy,fun and friendly,” said Fidler. “I like play-ing ditzy characters because I can add littlequirks to her that set her apart from theother actresses there.”

Her favorite song is “Falling in Love withSomeone,” because “The two people sing-ing it are really good vocalists and I liketheir harmonies,” said Fidler. “And theirdance is fun to watch because it has lots offlips, lifts and tricks.”

She said the audience will enjoy follow-ing the storyline and seeing how everythingturns out. “The singers are very talented,”she added. “And they’ll especially love thedancing because Hannah Black is an amaz-ing choreographer.”

Senior Kelly Ward is the stage managerand set designer. Scenes take place in aspeakeasy, a jail and the Hotel Priscilla. “Weinstalled four, track walls that are movableand can be rotated,” said Ward. “It enablesus to have a variety of different backgroundsfor the various scenes. And at one point,three of them are used at once. Two showthe sides of buildings on a city street, andthe one between them is ostensibly a movie

poster of a man’s torso. But when the ac-tors push on his tie and tie clip, the wholewall opens and lets them into the secretentrance of the speakeasy.”

THERE’S ALSO A HALLWAY UNIT thatdoes double duty. One side has three doorsthat open to the hotel rooms. But on theother side of it is the jail, also with workingdoors, and Ward is pleased with how thisturned out, too.

As stage manager, Ward cues all the soundeffects, lighting changes, projections and setchanges. “We currently have over 100 setchanges – which is significantly more thanwe’ve ever done,” she said. “We also haveabout 70 projection cues for the videos andpictures projected on a background duringthe scenes.”

For example, mugshots will be projectedto look like they’re on a jail wall. And asthe policeman takes someone’s photo, theaudience will see and hear the camera flashand then see the mugshot projected. “Allthese actions involve three cues done atonce – and that happens 10 times, because10 photos are taken,” said Ward. “Being astage manager is acting through the sound,projections, lighting and set.”

Overall, she said, “This show is impres-sive. Forty people rehearsed their dancing,singing and acting while sets were built,lights were focused and costumes weresewn. Yet when we bring everything to-gether, it’s so cohesive, it seems like theywere never separate.”

Woodson High presents ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie.’

‘A Funny, Relatable, Foot-Tapping Show’

To GoShow times are Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m.;

Saturday, April 27, at 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday,May 3, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, May 4, at 3and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, adults; $10,students and $5, senior citizens, at the door andvia www.wtwdrama.org.

Hannah Black (Millie) and Eric Tysarczyk (Jimmy)perform a dance number from Woodson’s upcomingmusical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Singing one of the numbers in “Thoroughly ModernMillie” are (from left) Dylan Dipasupil and Gin Choi.

Photo Courtesy of

Alexandra Jennings


11th Annual Easter

EGGSTRAVAGANZASat. April 20, 1 to 3pm

Family Fun! All Activities are FREE!Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax(Grassy Area behind building)

Sponsoredby

visitjccag.org

JUBILEECHRISTIANCENTER

News

Photo Courtesy of Erin Molek

The Fairfax Academy’s Music and Computer Technologystudents had a full day of hands-on, career experiencesduring their recent field trip. The first stop was OmegaStudios, a professional recording studio in Rockville, Md.,and a leader in training professionals for the entertain-ment industry (specializing in the music, television,radio, video game, and corporate audio industries). It hasfour, state-of-the-art recording studios.MCT students continued their day at Chuck Levin’s MusicCenter, a longtime, family-run operation featuring a hugestock of musical instruments. Last stop was The House ofMusical Traditions in Takoma Park, Md., which stocksunusual folk instruments from around the world.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Thankfully I woke up today (duh!) – without the crushing, incapacitating fatigue that I woke up with two weeks ago, post-my-last-immuno-therapy infusion.

As I have written previously, I did not alert my oncologist to my bedridden status then or since as I have been trying not to worry that I had crossed some Rubicon-type line concerning my treatment and its side/straight-on effects. Appar-ently, and I will continue to believe (cling to this belief) that my inability to get out of bed two Sat-urdays ago was indeed an aberration rather than an actualization, of life in this new Kenny lane.

So here I sit at my desk writing away, fully dressed, teeth-brushed and clean-shaven, all by 8:15 am, pill-popping as I go.

-moned the strength to extricate myself from un-der the covers to get dressed and attempt to walk downstairs and restart my day (I had gotten up earlier to feed our cats breakfast and give Chino his insulin shot), “The clock on the wall” (clock radio, actually), to quote George Thorogood, said 3:53 p.m. (And other than bathroom breaks, that was all I could muster in the nine hours since I woke up at 7 a.m.)

No pain, just zero energy. It was almost as if I was paralyzed.

Writing back to the present, anticipating this morning, I’ve been a bit apprehensive the last few days – fearful that when I awoke today, I would

considering a new reality in my cancer existence. When my eyes popped open at 6:30 this

morning, I was grateful (as my father used to say: “Any day that I wake up is a good day”) and relieved that when I raised my right arm to roll back the covers, I did so with relative normalcy; and even more relieved when I was able to swing my legs out from underneath the covers and

getting my bearings. Before too long (maybe 30 seconds or so), and after a few deep breaths, I

any further adieu. Although I hadn’t taken any Rolaids: “Oh, what a relief it is!”

Dare I say then it will be a normal day, up and at ‘em with nary a hint of fatigue in the forecast.

Rain, however, is in the forecast and given the date on the calendar: April 13, 2019, I have to face an even greater challenge than the fatigue I experienced two weeks ago: clothes shopping.

well as some upgraded good-looking casual attire which my wife, Dina will approve and that Kenny’s budget will tolerate, as I’ll be attending a family wedding and rehearsal dinner beginning May 3, 2019.

One more concern: my weight. It’s not good. It’s the talking-scale-joke-will-one-of-you-please-get-off, bad. But I have no choice. Today’s the day (for availability reasons) or it will be “Good night, Irene.” Is there a tent sale going on anywhere?

You know, now that I think about it – and feel it, I may be feeling a little fatigue.

Maybe it’s not the best day to be trying on

the manual dexterity to be in and out of dressing rooms, up and down while in them and back and forth to the clothing racks with shoes, slacks, shirts and suits?

What if today is another day in my life – which seemingly began at birth, where I spent hours in the “Husky”/”Portly” departments at Jordon Marsh, Filene’s Basement and Kennedy’s

AGAIN? Granted, it wasn’t cancer then as it is now, but for an overweight young boy, it was

me for life as a serial-clothes-shopping-hater.Got to go. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.

As It IsHappening

Fairfax History Dayat Historic Blenheim

The second annual Fairfax History Daywill be held Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., at Historic Blenheim, 3610 OldLee Hwy. in Fairfax. Admission is $5, adults,and $3, children ages 3-12; children 2 andunder are free. Proceeds benefit the resto-ration of the Historic Blenheim house.

This family friendly event focuses on theentire 19th century, and the festivities willinclude music, dancing, hayrides, games,living-history interpreters and demonstra-tions of skills such as blacksmithing andbeer-making. Historic artifacts will be ondisplay, and visitors may take tours of theHistoric Blenheim house, itself.

Free parking and full-accessibility, shuttle-bus service are available at Fairfax HighSchool, 3501 Rebel Run. There is no park-ing at the event site.ºFor more information,go to www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-591-0560.

Week in Fairfax

From Page 5

Bulletin Board

MONDAY/APRIL 22Sleepy Hollow Road Walkway Project

Community Meeting. 7:30 p.m. in the MasonDistrict Governmental Center, 6507 ColumbiaPike, Annandale. Mason District SupervisorPenelope A. Gross and the Fairfax CountyDepartment of Transportation (FCDOT) willhold a community meeting for the SleepyHollow Road Walkway Project. FCDOT haschanged plans for the project based oncommunity feedback, including the width ofwalkways, removal of retaining walls, additionalsidewalk and pedestrian crossings, and more.Learn more at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/projects/sleepy-hollow-walkway.

TUESDAY/APRIL 23Student Environmental Action Showcase

2019. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at George Mason Centerfor the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax.Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS)is a regional event welcoming students toamplify the youth voice in environmentalproblem-solving. Student presenters, green/ecoteams, and classroom groups share their projectsreducing waste, conserving energy, improvingwater quality, and preserving natural habitat intheir schoolyards and communities. Visitwww.novaoutside.org/events/school-environmental-action-showcase for more.

Lighting at Hooes Road Park PublicMeeting. 7 p.m. in the West SpringfieldElementary School cafeteria, 6802 Deland Drive,Springfield. The Fairfax County Park Authorityand the Springfield District Supervisor’s officewill hold a public meeting to discuss a proposalto install lighting at Hooes Road Park. Theproposal also calls for lighting the parking lotand the path leading to the fields. For moreinformation about the meeting, call MohamedKadasi at 703-324-8693.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 24Greater Fairfax Community Job Fair. 1-4

p.m. at Virginia International University, 4401Village Drive, Fairfax. An opportunity foremployers and prospective employeesthroughout the region to meet, discuss jobopportunities and find employment. Job-seekersare encouraged to complete the optionalregistration, however walk-ins are welcome.Free. Visit www.FairfaxJobFair.com.

THURSDAY/APRIL 25Award Ceremony. 7 p.m. at Mason District

Government Office, 6507 Columbia Pike,Annandale.

The Springfield-Annandale Branch of AmericanAssociation of University Women will distributeawards to local high school juniors for theirachievements in promoting inclusion at theirschools. All are welcome. Free. [email protected] for more.


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