WellbeingPage 9

Year in Jail for Hit-and-Run DriverNews, Page 2

‘A Different Kind Of Wonderful’

News, Page 3

Students in Westfield High’s Adapted Art program created this whimsical desert scene.

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2 ❖ Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

N o matter whatsentence JudgeRobert Smithhanded downlast week, the damage was al-ready done: A 37-year-oldmother of four was dead and ayoung Centreville man wasabout to learn his punishmentfor causing her death. Nothingwould ever bring her back, yether family wanted some measure of justice.

And in the end, so did the judge. On Fri-day, April 27, in Fairfax County CircuitCourt, he sentenced Khoa Do Dang Nguyen,24, to a year in jail for the Oct. 8, 2016 hit-and-run death of Yesenia Esmeralda Funes.

In this case, the state sentencing guide-lines called for a range of one day to sixmonths. But Assistant Commonwealth’sAttorney Kathleen Bilton told Smith, “I’masking you to exceed the guidelines. Thevictim-impact letters make clear the fullmagnitude of this tragedy — four childrenlost their mother, a hus-band lost his wife, and par-ents lost their child.”

Funes, of Manassas, wasthe mother of two boysand two girls, ages 6-19.After Nguyen pleadedguilty, Jan. 16, to felonyhit-and-run, Bilton pre-sented details of the inci-dent to the court. She saidthe vehicle crash hap-pened around 2:10 a.m. Funes had a blackToyota Solara convertible, and Nguyendrove a Toyota Corolla.

“Yesenia Esmeralda Funes was driving onI-66 west, around mile-marker 56, when shepulled her vehicle over to the right shoul-der and stopped,” said Bilton. “She then got

out and retrieved a water bottlefrom the trunk. As she was ap-proaching her driver’s-sidedoor, she was struck by thedefendant’s vehicle.”

Bilton said Nguyen turnedhimself in to the Virginia StatePolice, two days later, givingthem a written statement. “Hewrote that he’d fallen asleep atthe wheel andknew he hits o m e t h i n g , ”

said the prosecutor. “Hiswindshield, bumper and sidemirror were damaged.”

“He wrote that he’d leftwork at a restaurant around12:30 a.m. and went to eatat the Silver Diner inMerrifield, leaving therearound 2 a.m.” continuedBilton. “He said he didn’t know what he’dhit; he thought it might have been a carbecause his vehicle had bounced off some-thing. But he was tired, so he kept driving

home.”Bilton said Nguyen later

discovered that his sidemirror and part of hisbumper were gone. “Hetalked about it with hisparents, who encouragedhim to tell the police whathad happened,” she said.“In addition, debris at thescene matched that of the2015 Toyota Corolla he

was driving, and DNA profiles of Funes werefound on his car.”

In court last Friday, she told Smith, “Yes,this was a terrible accident, and no racingor speeding was involved. But he struck andkilled Mrs. Funes. He was tired, had themusic turned up loud — trying to stay

awake — but he couldn’t, and he fell asleepbehind the wheel. That was his choice todrive when tired — and it had tragic conse-quences.”

Furthermore, Bilton didn’t buy Nguyen’sstatement that he didn’t realize his vehiclehad struck a car. And she said he shouldhave understood that a person might havebeen inside it.

Instead, said the prosecutor, “He didn’tstop, and he only went to theState Police at the urging ofhis parents. He fled thescene without stopping tosee if he’d hurt someone. Hehit Yesenia Funes because hewas too tired to drive safety.She died on the side of I-66while he fled the scene.”

Defense attorney PeterGreenspun, however, triedto make his client’s actions

that night relatable. “We’ve all been on theroad when we’re tired — when you nod offand something wakes you up and you go,‘Wow, that was close,’” he said.“[In this case], there was theimpact and the noise, but therewas no fleeing.”

He said Nguyen wasn’t athoughtless or uncaring person.“He works 50-60 hours a week,”said Greenspun. After leavingthe Silver Diner that night, hewas headed home to sleep.“There’s no evidence that hestrays from lane to lane. And ina compilation in the intersec-tion of the circumstances of life, he nodsoff at the exact moment Yesenia Funes getsa bottle of water. One-tenth of a second,either way, and this wouldn’t have hap-pened.”

So, said Greenspun, “While it’s under-standable that the Funes family expects a

harsher sentence, [Nguyen] has alreadyserved three months in jail. And as a con-victed felon, this will affect his life.”Greenspun then asked the judge to considera sentence of time served, but with a “sig-nificant number” of community-servicehours added on.

“[Nguyen] had zero intent [to kill or in-jure the victim],” said Greenspun. “He didn’thide, or run his car to a body shop [to bequickly repaired]. He’s a good, young manwho made a tragic mistake.”

But Judge Smith said Nguyen stated that,after the accident, he bought a cover forhis car. “There’s only one reason why youdo this — to cover up something,” saidSmith. “This lady was taken from her fam-ily far too soon.”

Then, right before sentencing, Nguyenstood and addressed the court. “I want totell the Funes family how sorry I am foreverything,” he said. “I’d give anything totake back that night. I’ll have to live withthat, the rest of my life. I promise you thatI’ll work hard to be a productive member

of society. I accept full responsi-bility for what I did.”

Smith then exceeded the sen-tencing guidelines and orderedNguyen to spend a year in jail.He also gave the defendantthree additional years behindbars, but suspended all this timeand placed Nguyen on threeyears’ post-release supervision.Nguyen’s driver’s license wassuspended for a year, as well.

Greenspun then asked thejudge if his client could serve his time viaeither the work-release program — whichis a combination of outside employmentplus jail — or home, electronic incarcera-tion. Smith had no objection, so the finalsay will be up to the county Sheriff’s Of-fice.

Nguyen’s car crashkilled a mother of four.Year in Jail for Hit-and-Run Driver

Nguyen

“She died on theside of I-66 whilehe fled the scene.”

— Kathleen Bilton,Assistant

Commonwealth’s Attorney

“He’s a good,young man whomade a tragicmistake.”

— Peter Greenspun,defense attorney

“I’d giveanything totake backthat night.”

— Khoa Nguyen,defendant

Overnight lane closures onsouthbound Route 28 betweenWestfields Boulevard andBraddock Road are scheduled tooccur Thursday night, May 3. OnFriday and Saturday nights, May4 and 5, overnight lane closuresare scheduled on eastbound I-66between U.S. Route 50 and Route123 (Chain Bridge Road). Crewswill shift travel lanes and set upwork zones for construction on theTransform 66 Outside the Beltwayproject. Details are:

Southbound Route 28 betweenBraddock Road and WestfieldsBoulevard will be shifted to allowfor barriers to be set up along theoutside shoulders for upcomingconstruction activity.Closuresinclude:Thursday, May 3: Over-night, two left two lanes will closeon southbound Route 28 in thevicinity of Willard Road to

Braddock Road starting at 9 p.m.Thursday.I-66 East between Route50 and Route 123Lanes on east-bound I-66 between U.S. Route 50and Route 123 (Chain BridgeRoad) will be shifted toward theinside median to support upcom-ing construction activity. Closuresare scheduled to occur overnightbeginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, May4 and Saturday, May 5:

❖ Single lane closure at 9 p.m.on eastbound I-66 near MonumentDrive

❖ Multi-lane closure at 10 p.m.on eastbound I-66 near U.S. Route50

❖ Closure of one of two laneson the eastbound and westboundRoute 50 ramp to eastbound I-66at 10 p.m.

Drivers are advised that oncethis lane shift is implemented, the“red X” signs between U.S. Route

Transform I-66 Project to Lead to Overnight Closures

50 and Route 123 (Chain BridgeRoad), which are part of VDOT’sActive Traffic Management (ATM)system, will be transitioned out ofservice. The signs will remain op-

erational east of Route 123.Four travel lanes will be avail-

able during peak periods through-out construction of the Transform66 Project. All work is weather

dependent, and will be resched-uled if inclement weather occurs.The I-66 Outside the Beltway Ex-press Lanes are expected to openin December 2022.

Southbound Route 28 between Westfields Boulevard and Braddock Road will closeThursday night, May 3; I-66 East between U.S. Route 50 and Route 123 (Chain BridgeRoad) will close Friday and Saturday nights, May 4 and May 5.

Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

See Westfield, Page 5

By Bonnie Hobbs

B esides teaching digital art atWestfield High, Kerry Johansonteaches two classes of AdaptedArt for students with specialneeds. And although many of them havedifficulty communicating verbally, they’reable to express themselves through art.

So imagine their joy at having their art-work on exhibit for the rest of the school tosee. “One of our goals is inclusion,” saidJohanson. “During the year, they displaytheir work in the art cases and in the li-brary, just like any other art students.”

Recently, however, they did somethingextra-special. “We’ve had art in the pyra-mid art show before,” said Johanson. “Butthis year, the students created a 20x8-foot,3D, Southwestern U.S. desert scene thatwas displayed for three weeks in the stu-dent gallery in the main foyer.” Most of theitems were paper sculpture and includedcactus, scorpions, a coyote mom and herpups, armadillos, desert owls, vultures,coral snakes, roadrunners, dead trees, liz-ards and painted rocks.

“They got a lot of compliments from stu-dents and staff, and it was delightful,” saidJohanson. “They were just thrilled to havetheir work on display; they’re kids — theybeamed. And we made signs with theirnames and faces on them, at the display, soeveryone else could see who created every-thing.”

She has 10 students in one class and sevenin the other. And since they have variousintellectual and physical disabilities, amongher goals are imparting to them both func-tional and life skills. So while creating art,they improve their fine-motor skills, suchas hand grip, control and pressure. Theyalso learn how to clean up after themselvesand protect their clothing.

Besides that, the students learnabout sequencing, colors, numbers,shapes and sorting. And they honetheir social skills — including voicevolume, personal space appropriatetouch and taking turns — while in-teracting with their classmates.“They treat others with respect andaccommodate others’ preferences,”said Johanson. “Meanwhile, they’relearning to follow through and havethe stamina to complete a task orpainting.”

“Westfield pioneered the AdaptedArt course in Fairfax County, andwe’re very proud of our program,”she said. “We want all our studentsto feel an integral part of theWestfield family.ºDisplays like thedesert scene help our kids feel thepride of accomplishment and givethem something to show off and talkabout with other students.”

Hers are studio art classes so, justlike other Westfield art students,

Johanson’s do 2D painting, drawing andprintmaking, plus 3D sculpture with vari-ous types of media. That way, they get tosample a variety of materials and techniquesto create a work of art.

“We’ve done weaving, painting with acryl-ics and watercolors, and a lot of sculpture,”said Johanson. “The kids also draw but, formost of them, it’s difficult” because of thehand coordination required. They employedtheir skills to make each part of the desertexhibit, and they dazzled even their teacherwith their talent.

She designs and engineers her students’class projects — but doing so takes extraeffort. “I have to think through how they

can do them with their particular limita-tions,” she said. “For example, folding isdifficult because it’s an abstract concept. Butwhenever I see how the students do theirartwork, I learn something new.”

They use a great deal of recycled materi-als, and Johanson said the faculty is won-derful about bring them to school. “Thenwe turn these items into something terrific,like robots,” she said. “We even just createdgiant, Venus flytraps. And whatever the stu-dents create, they also learn about. For ex-ample, they’ve learned about spiders andtheir habitat and how bats are beneficial to

people. So everything they do has someeducational component.”

All their artwork falls into four main cat-egories — nature, art history, people andthings (such as the robots). For art history,for instance, the students made totem polesand learned about different cultures aroundthe world. Johanson also taught them howthe birds and animals on their poles repre-sent the various strengths and powers of acommunity.

In addition, her students have folders thatgo with them from class to class. “I writenotes in them about what the kids did thatday, and then the parents can talk with themabout it,” said Johanson.

Before they do a new project, she showsthem PowerPoints about what they’ll makeand explains each step to them and to theiradult, instructional aides. Calling theseaides kind and amazing, Johanson said,“They know the kids so well — and even ifthey’re having a bad day or don’t feel good— because they’re with them for severalperiods a day. I honestly couldn’t do it with-out them. We’re a team and, by the end ofthe year, we’ve become like a well-oiledmachine.”

In addition, she said, “We have some won-derful, peer-helper students who come toevery class. They socialize with the kids andhelp them with their projects and, in sodoing, they become friends. I like to haveat least two peer-helpers per class, and boththey and the kids love having them there.”

For some of her students, said Johanson,“It’s about the process, not the product; theyjust enjoy manipulating the materials. Butmost also enjoy the final product; and whenthey take it into their next classes, theirother teachers and classmates praise themon it.”

Westfield’s Adapted Art students display their work.

‘A Different Kind of Wonderful’

From left: Students Jefry, Sedona, Fernando, Bruce, Brandon and Brit-tany by the display.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs

A cute armadillo, a prickly cactus and a colorful snake are among thisdesert’s denizens.

Students in Westfield High’s Adapted Artprogram created this whimsical desertscene.

4 ❖ Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

See 2018, Page 10

By Steve Hibbard

About 400 people attended the26th annual Fairfax County Vol-unteer Service Awards on Friday,April 27, at the Waterford inSpringfield where some 144 individuals andgroups were honored. With the theme“Once Upon a Volunteer, Celebrating theMagic of Giving Back,” the breakfast in-cluded the “Who’s Who” of Fairfax County’sleaders in business, education, governmentand nonprofits. It was sponsored by Volun-teer Fairfax, members of the Board of Su-pervisors and Chairman Sharon Bulova. The

‘Celebrating the Magic of Giving Back’Some 144 individuals and groups honored at Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.

Glynda Mayo Hall is an advocate andvoice for individuals in need. Her resumeincludes a lengthy list of over 20 organiza-tions she has volunteered for over the yearsincluding: Women at Work for the NationalCapital Area, the Centreville-Chantilly Ro-tary Club, the Northern Virginia Businessand Professional Women’s Club, and West-ern Fairfax Christian Ministries. She hasserved on the board of directors or trusteesfor a number of organizations helping toset and approve policies, lead fundraisers,as well as solicit stakeholders and funds.As a Fairfax County Partnership Develop-ment Manager, she recruited and engagedbusinesses, faith-based organizations,nonprofits, community partners, and stake-holders to support county programs andfind solutions to human service issues. Af-ter retiring from 28 years with the countyin December 2017, she continues to volun-teer to help the poor, homeless, disenfran-chised, and any other groups needing anadvocate. As District Supervisor KathySmith said, “Glynda’s efforts with manyorganizations have focused on bringingpeople together to provide the resourcesthat help our neediest neighbors.”

The Fairfax County Community Emer-gency Response Team (CERT) program is aCitizen Corps volunteer program managedunder the auspices of the Fairfax CountyFire and Rescue Department. The CERTprogram prepares ordinary citizens to safelyhelp themselves, their families, and theircommunities during emergencies. They alsoprovide emergency preparedness and pub-lic safety related services on an ongoingbasis.

Over the last year, 694 active CERT vol-unteers improved the county’s overall emer-gency response posture through a varietyof trainings while also providing a multi-tude of emergency preparedness and pub-lic safety related services. In addition, hun-

Fairfax County Government Volunteer Program: Fairfax County Commu-nity Emergency Response Team (CERT) with Board Chairman SharonBulova.

dreds of volunteers applied their skills tosupport community activities and eventssuch as lost child assistance and traffic man-agement. CERT members attended 47 out-reach events across the county, informingapproximately 7,653 residents about oppor-tunities and activities to better equip them-selves, their families, and their neighborsin the event of an emergency.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Depart-ment Volunteer Liaison Jeffery Katz said,“Fairfax County’s CERT program is a primeexample of ‘Neighbors helping Neighbors.’2017 was another year of unprecedentedgrowth and innovation during which ourCERTs further improved our County’s disas-ter preparedness.”

Adult Volunteer Group: PRS CrisisLink’s CareRing volunteers with BoardChairman Sharon Bulova.

The PRS CrisisLink’s CareRing programassists vulnerable older adults in maintain-ing independence and community connec-tions by increasing mental and social well-being. Through scheduled calls daily or sev-eral times throughout the week, CareRingVolunteers phone clients for social supportwhile also assessing any risk of depressionor cognitive decline. These volunteers buildtrusted and healthy social relationships withclients who may be at risk of isolation. Thevolunteers embrace clients’ thoughts and

feelings, making sure they know someonecares about them and that they are notalone. In 2017, CareRing volunteers servedover 1,000 clients, handled over 35,000calls, and exchanged over 33,000 text mes-sages. The impact of this group is best de-scribed by a CrisisLink client whose letterto volunteers read, “I love when you callme to see how I am doing. It cheers me upand gets me going for the day. I tell youwith all my heart and soul, I will never for-get your kindness and love.”

Ken Kozloff has spent the last five yearsvolunteering with Junior Achievement ofGreater Washington, an organization fo-cused on inspiring the next generation tobe financially capable and tenacious. Kozloffis a familiar face at JA Finance Park (Fairfax)where he serves as an adult role model foreighth graders who get hands-on experiencemeeting the fiscal challenges of everydaylife. He is also a volunteer instructor inFairfax County Public Schools through theJA In-a-Day program designed to foster fi-nancial literacy, work readiness, and entre-preneurship. He has also gone so far as toincorporate his other volunteer experienceinto support of JA programming. As a vol-unteer with Adaptive Aquatics at the Provi-dence RECenter, he teaches swim classes tochildren on the Autism spectrum. He par-layed his experience with Adapted Aquat-ics into expanding JA’s high school programto include students with special needs. Hedeveloped a new financial literacy curricu-lum for children with Autism, called JA LifeSkills Learning that is currently being of-fered at three local high schools.

Kozloff has taught 14 classes in FairfaxCounty schools, directly impacted 266 stu-dents, and volunteered over 1,990 hours in2017. Gayle Robinson, director of ProgramInnovation at JA said, “Ken is a go-to vol-unteer that is always happy to help. We areso thankful for Ken’s support.”

RSVP Northern Virginia: KenKozloff with Board ChairmanSharon Bulova.

Supervisor Kathy L. Smith honorsGlynda Mayo Hall, Sully District.

For the last quarter-century, Charlie Feganhas served on the Fairfax County LibraryBoard of Trustees as a reliable source ofguidance for both the board and the com-munity. He has been an invaluable sourceof knowledge and voice for both the librar-ies and the community in his role on theboard. He has put in hours of outreach, li-brary advocacy, as well as building andmaintaining relationships with members ofthe Board of Supervisors to further servethe citizens of Fairfax County. As Board ofSupervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova said,“Charlie has gone above and beyond thequality and quantity of service to the com-munity as my appointee to the LibraryBoard of Trustees for the last 25 years.”

Chairman Sharon Bulova honorsCharles Fegan, Fairfax County.

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Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We needlong- and short-term fosters for cats of all ages,mothers with litters and kittens on their own.

Email cats@lostdogrescue.org.

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer atwww.lostdogrescue.org

Consider Fostering

You Can Make a Difference

visit the website, cl ick on Participate

From Page 3

News

She’s currently in her 16th year at Westfieldand started the Adapted Art program sixyears ago. She said it takes “an enormousamount of time” designing and engineer-ing the projects and preparing the materi-als and patterns her students will use tocreate them. But she has no regrets.

“About 10 years ago, I saw the AdaptedP.E. program and wondered why therewasn’t one for art — and whether a non-special-ed teacher could teach it,” saidJohanson. “So we started it as a pilot pro-gram and it became really popular. Al-though in many ways, we still have to in-vent our own wheel.”

But, she said, “Working directly with thesestudents is just a different kind of wonder-ful than my other teaching. There’s greatjoy in little successes, and they’re often moreappreciative than the average student. Theyalso get to do a lot of decision-making, suchas choosing which colors and scissors theywant to use. And that’s important becausesome of them don’t get a lot of choices inthe rest of their lives. They’re individuals,like anyone else; they’re people — and Ilike them.”

Johanson also enjoys “figuring out andsolving the problems of how these kids cansuccessfully do a project, themselves. Some-times, they do it differently [than I envi-

sioned it], but that’s OK. If they’re happywith it, then so am I. And all the effort I putin is worth it to see their artwork delightthem — and to see their happiness in theiraccomplishments.”

“It’s just a million little things, momentby moment,” she continued. Seeing her stu-dents’ unabashed joy in expressing theiremotions is also precious to her. And, sheadded, “For those who don’t show a lot of

emotion, even a little glimmer is a victoryfor me.”

During class recently, two of them saidhow pleased they were with the desert dis-play. “I did scorpions,” said Bruce.

“I like to paint,” said Sedona. “We spenta lot of time doing our desert scene, and Itook my vulture home.”

In this class, said Rebecca Shen, one ofthe instructional aides, “The students get asense of being able to do things on theirown, and they enjoy that feeling of beingindependent. They like expressing them-selves, and I get to partake in some of thebeautiful art they make.”

Also glad to be there is peer-helper Am-ber Williams, a Westfield senior. “I’m inter-ested in teaching art to children and doingart therapy with them,” she said. “And for alot of them, that’s what this is — physicaltherapy helping their coordination.

“They seem happy to be in class and in-teract with each other; it’s a really nice en-vironment,” she continued. “And I like be-ing able to facilitate an activity they enjoydoing. I’m also passionate about art, so wehave that in common.”

Williams said these students are all “reallyunique and special” and she’s built good rela-tionships with them: “One girl can’t commu-nicate very well, but she gets really excitedwhen I come into the classroom, and thatmakes me feel like I’m making a difference.”

Westfield’s Adapted Art Students Display Their Work

Photo by Bonnie HobbsFrom left are students Zain, Daniela, Roland, Tanner and Summan by thedesert showcase.

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A Connection Newspaper

MissingNumbersTo the Editor:

County Chairman SharonBulova’s April 25 opinion piece,“Budget Hits All the Right Notes,”about the proposed FY2019 real

estate tax hike, is mis-leading. When shesays the proposedreal estate tax rate is

$1.15, she omits the stormwaterrate. When that is included theFY2019 rate will be $1.1825 in-stead of $1.15.

She states that new budget in-cludes a 2-cent increase in the realestate tax rate, but this omits theadditional tax increase due to the2.2 percent increase in averageresidential assessments. The effec-tive rate increase when assess-ments and the additionalstormwater rate increase (1/4cent) are included is 4.7 cents, not2 cents.

The typical Fairfax Countyhomeowner’s real estate tax billwill increase by $258, a 4.2 per-cent increase. Loudoun Countyreduced its average tax bill by $48,

a 1 percent decrease.Chairman Bulova states that the

tax hike fully funds the MarketRate Adjustment, Performance,Merit and Longevity increases forcounty employees and states thatthe Market Rate Adjustment is2.25 percent. She does not statethe total salary increase resultingfrom the Performance, Merit andLongevity increases. When thoseare included county employeeswill see average increases rangingfrom 4.25 to 4.50 percent.

Likewise, the school board isfunding a 2.3 percent step increaseand other salary adjustments, butdoes not say what the total aver-age raise will be when the otheradjustments are included. It islikely to be 4 percent also.

The real estate tax hike will in-crease county revenues by about$116 million. The cost of nextyear’s county and school raises is$139 million. Raises are the pri-mary driver of the county’s annualreal estate tax hikes.

Since FY2000, the supervisorshave increased real estate taxes169 percent, more than threetimes faster than inflation, whichincreased 53 percent.

If Chairman Bulova felt that thevoters who defeated the 2016meals tax, which would haveraised $100 million, would sup-port next year’s 4.2 percent taxhike to raise $116 million for 4percent raises, why didn’t she ac-knowledge those numbers in herstatement?

Arthur PurvesPresident

Fairfax CountyTaxpayers Alliance

SupportingFLE ProgramTo the Editor:

For the past 25 years FairfaxCounty Public Schools has had aFamily Life Education program inits schools that prepares youngchildren for being members offamilies, cautions older childrenabout some of the hazards ofadulthood, and contains lessonsthat encourage all children to besafer in this world. The programat the same time respects the val-ues of families of different perspec-tives and cultural backgrounds.

Most important of all, parents canexamine and opt their children outof any part or all of FLE at anygrade level — the children willreceive a well-constructed alterna-tive health lesson.

This year’s proposal will includesome tweaks to language thatmake the objectives more inclusiveof transgender students. FCPS hasadopted language in line with themajor medical professionalgroups: the American Medical As-sociation, the American Academyof Pediatrics, and the AmericanPsychiatric Association. Alas, thishas attracted a well-funded astro-turf campaign from some nationallobbying organizations opposed tosuch inclusion. Fairfax residentsshould rest assured that the FLEobjectives are closely examined bya committee representative of staffand the community; almost allresidents of the county will findnothing untoward in the objec-tives. Indeed, our Family Life Edu-cation program is something ofwhich we can be proud. The cam-paign against it is really much adoabout nothing.

Robert Rigby, Jr.President, FCPS Pride

Letters

James RiverSprintsWestfield HighSchool’s crew teamcaptures a firstplace finish in theMen’s Novice 8race during therecent James RiverSprints regatta insouthern Virginia.

Westfield High School’s crewteam captures a first place

finish in the Women’s Novice 8race during last weekend’s

regatta at Sandy Run RegionalPark and received congratula-tions from WHS principal, Dr.

Anthony Copeland. Front, fromleft, are Ishika Gupta, ModesteFolly, Isabel Yi, Rena Jornales,

Roxanna Rafat, Bella Rubijono,Maddie Tate, Dr. Anthony

Copeland, and, in back, AyannaPena and Jinjoo Noh.

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Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Andrea WorkerCentre View

Television station NBC4’s Northern Virginia Bureau Chief JulieCarey emceed the event at theMarriott Fairview Park, celebrat-ing the 30th birthday of non-profit FACETSat the group’s annual “Opening Doors”Breakfast. For its years of community ser-vice, FACETS received many kudos, but asCarey and others noted, meeting FACETS’sclients, hearing their stories of struggle andof success, and focusing on the future andunderstanding how much more has yet tobe done, was the main mission of the day.

FACETS has been tackling the causes andconsequences of poverty and homelessnessin Fairfax County since July of 1988, whenfounder Linda Wimpey started a “hot meals”program for the people she saw in need,delivering food three nights a week withthe assistance of a few area churches.

Thirty years later, that simple outreacheffort has evolved into a multi-faceted op-eration. FACETS still offers hot meals andsupplies from their emergency pantry, butnow, armed with a staff of professionals andthe aid of some 50 faith-based communi-ties and scores of volunteers, the organiza-tion can do more to support families andindividuals living in poverty, or who arehomeless or at risk of becoming so.

Case managers work with single adultsand families, helping to stabilize them,avoiding eviction where possible, offeringtemporary accommodations where neededand assisting them toward achieving per-manent housing. Parents and families re-ceive support and training in financial, com-puter and life skills and are guided in ac-cessing the tools and services needed toimprove their lives. Clients are also con-nected with medical resources, includingmental health services.

Not satisfied with addressing the needsof the moment, FACETS seeks to break thepoverty cycle by providing programs forchildren and teens — help with homework,mentoring, school supplies, and college orcareer planning — just some of the offer-ings. In FY2015, 301 youth participated inFACETS community programs. Nearly 65percent of those who had educational as-sistance achieved honor roll status, and allof the graduating seniors went on to higherforms of education.

IN THE WINTER, FACETS also partnerswith the county and a number of faith-based

communities to operate the HypothermiaPrevention Program, offering overnight ac-commodations, meals and other services tothe homeless.

Ralph Menzel, president of the WestSpringfield Rotary Club, presented Wimpeywith a certificate from the Rotarians, rec-ognizing her service to neighbors in need.

In his remarks honoring Wimpey duringthe breakfast, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) credited her with sparking his own dedi-cation years ago to solving the problem of

poverty and homelessness in Fairfax County,taking him and his young daughter on a“ride-along” to serve meals to area home-less. “It was eye-opening,” said Connolly.“People were literally coming up out of cul-verts to get a hot meal. There were men inbusiness suits. I couldn’t believe what I wasseeing in our own backyard.”

Connolly praised Wimpey and all of FAC-ETS as being instrumental in the develop-ment of the county’s official response to theissue. During Connolly’s tenure on theFairfax County Board of Supervisors, firstas Providence District supervisor and thenas board chair, the county’s governing bodyembraced the goal, establishing an Officeto Prevent and End Homelessness.

“There’s been a 47 percent reduction inhomelessness in our community,” saidConnolly.

“More to do, but good steps in the rightdirection.” Connolly also brought a recog-nition — an official Congressional Procla-mation honoring FACETS — that receivedunanimous Congressional approval. “Thatreally says something about your work.That’s not something you see these days.”Accepting the declaration was Joe Fay, ex-ecutive director of FACETS, who said thatthe credit goes to all of the staff, volunteersand supporters of the organization. “You allgive with your hearts and your hands.” Fayacknowledged that the “next 30 years willbring an even greater challenge” as the costsof housing and basic needs continue to in-crease. More education, training and sup-port will be needed to help residents gainemployment that will achieve FACETS’s

mission — a community “where everyonehas a place to call home.” Fay said that theFACETS team is working to meet those in-creasing demands.

THREE OF THE FACETS’ CLIENTSagreed to tell their stories to the attendees,although without publication of their sur-names.

Pam spoke for herself and her husbandChris. They had experienced almost fouryears of transitory housing or homelessness,even though they both worked. “It justwasn’t enough to make it,” said Pam.

Rachel, who had earned a nursing degreein Florida, fell on hard times when she es-caped an untenable family situation thereand moved to the area with her partner. “Itwas really humbling. I never thought thiscould happen to me. Now, I may not havemuch, but I have my own place and a placeto put my things.” Rachel is hopeful thatshe will one day soon be “a nurse in one ofour fine hospitals here.”

Howa, from a Somali refugee family, par-ticipated in FACETS’ youth program, cred-iting the staff and her mentors there withhelping her to graduate from Old Domin-ion University. “My case worker even cameon the admissions tour and asked all of thequestions I never thought to ask.”

As the event concluded, the attendeeswere urged to sign financial commitmentpledges before leaving the event. As formerFACETS mentor Julie Wood said, as she pro-vided the pledge instructions, “you seewhere your money goes and how muchgood it can do.”

Honoring the Past; Focused on the FutureFACETS celebrates 30th annual “Opening Doors” Benefit Breakfast.

NBC4 Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey was the emcee for theFACETS’ 30th Annual “Opening Doors” Breakfast. Carey was joined byFACETS Executive Director Joe Fay, Case Manager Robert Tindall (left)and Michael O’Reilly, chair of the Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership toPrevent and End Homelessness (right) before the start of the program.

Rachel and her husband came tobe clients of FACETS through thewinter Hypothermia Preventionprogram. At the event, she spokeabout their struggles and ultimatesuccesses. The couple experiencedfour years of housing insecurityand homelessness, despite both ofthem working.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11)was in attendance and added hispraise for Linda Wimpey, whofounded FACETS as a communityoutreach hot meals program inJuly of 1988. Connolly said thatWimpey was a driving force for thecounty’s efforts to prevent and endhomelessness, describing her as a“quiet disruptor,” finding ways toget things done.

Whether an old pro or new to the game,participants will have a chance to be a win-ner at the upcoming FrogHair Golf Tourna-ment presented jointly by SouthwesternYouth Association and Chantilly Youth As-sociation on June 22 at Twin Lakes GolfCourse. At this event, a fun twist on the

game is presented at each hole, providingboth experienced and inexperienced golf-ers with an opportunity to win a prize.What’s more, all participants will feel likechampions as they will help fund SYA andCYA youth sports scholarships, lending ahand up to those young athletes needing

financial support to play youth sports.The event will kick off at noon with a

putting and chipping contest. Then, partici-pants will enjoy lunch before the fun be-gins at 1 p.m. Once on the course, golferswill experience entertaining twists andturns throughout the event: On hole two, it

is irons only, all team members use onlyirons/wedges for the play of this hole, in-cluding putting; on hole 12, the driver isused as a putter.

Visit: www.froghairgolfclassic.com/For sponsorship opportunities, email

mabbott@chantillyyouth.org

Ready for Second Annual FrogHair Golf Tournament?

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8 ❖ Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives areinvestigating a fatal pedestrian accidentinvolving a Centreville man who was hit andkilled by a car.

The investigation has determined the manwas hit shortly before 11 p.m. April 23 whileattempting to cross Lee Highway at Stone

Road.The driver of a 2001 Ford Mustang, which

was traveling southbound on Lee Highwaywith the right-of-way, stayed at the sceneand cooperated with investigators. The pe-destrian was pronounced dead at the scene.Preliminarily, it does not appear speed was

a factor, but detectives believe alcohol mayhave been a factor for the pedestrian. Hisidentity is being withheld until his family isnotified.

Anyone with information about the acci-dent is asked to contact the Fairfax CountyPolice at 703-691-2131.

Centreville Pedestrian Killed in Crash

The young singers have been hon-ing their voices for months, sing-ing in large and small groupsevery week since January.

On Saturday, they finally got thechance to showcase their work, as nearly900 sixth-grade singers — hand-pickedby their elementary school’s music teach-ers for their vocal talent — sang togetherat Hayfield Secondary School for the 46thannual All-County Choral Festival.

“It is truly an honor for the studentsperforming today to be a member of thisselect group of vocalists,” said KellyM.Harbison, president of the Fairfax Gen-eral Music Educators Association and amusic educator at Canterbury Woods El-ementary School.

Led by guest conductor Dr. JamieHillman, the students sang a variety ofmusic — from George Handel’s classic“Sing for Joy!” to Joan Varner’s “When IAm Silent,” a tribute to young Holocaustvictims.

The song, and the voices of 900 sopra-nos, moved many in the audience totears.

“These young singers were truly amaz-ing,” said Hillman, who previously taughtmusic at Phillips Academy and Boston

University.“They’ve only had one day to practice as

a complete group, and they came togetherflawlessly. Their energy and enthusiasm wasinspiring.”

In addition to the 900 singers, Hayfield’sauditorium was packed with twice as manyfamily members, including School Boardmembers, school principals and Superinten-dent of Schools Dr. Scott Brabrand.

“I told parents ‘prepare to be wowed bythese singers.’ I think we were all blown

away by the talent and organization ittook to accomplish this, “ Brabrand said.

Organization was key as music teach-ers used songs and audience sing-offs toquickly reunite singers with their fami-lies and move 2,000 people out of theauditorium in under 15 minutes.

“The festival was a rousing success atevery level. We’re all proud of these stu-dents and our music teachers for thisfestival,” BraBrand said.

— Victoria Ross

Almost 2,000 people, including 900 singers, packed Hayfield Secondary School for the 46th annual All-County Chorale Festival.

Do-Re-Me SING!Voices ring forAll CountyChoral Festival.

Nearly 900 sixth-grade singers — hand-picked by their elementaryschool’s music teachers for their vocal talent — sang together atHayfield Secondary School.

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Fourteen Fairfax County Public Schools(FCPS) students have been awarded 2018corporate-sponsored scholarships fromthe National Merit Scholarship Corpora-tion. The students are part of a group ofmore than 1,000 National Merit finalistschosen to receive scholarships financedby corporations, company foundations,and other business organizations.

Winners of the corporate-sponsoredscholarships, with their probable careerfields in parentheses, are:

❖ Samantha Lane of Madison HighSchool (biomedical engineering), Na-tional Merit James E. Casey Scholarship.

❖ Isaac Karachunsky of Marshall HighSchool (mathematics), National MeritNorthrop Grumman Scholarship.

❖ Grant Martin of Marshall High School(pharmaceutical science), National MeritLeidos, Inc., Scholarship.

❖ Julia Van Dyke of Robinson Second-ary School (engineering), National MeritLeidos, Inc., Scholarship.

❖ Bharath Alladi of Thomas JeffersonHigh School for Science and Technology(TJHSST) (neurosurgery), National MeritLeidos, Inc., Scholarship.

❖ Kyle Gatesman of TJHSST (computerscience), National Merit Dr. James R.Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship.

❖ Charles Huang of TJHSST (computerscience), National Merit CACI Scholar-ship.

❖ Amiti Jain of TJHSST (science-re-search), National Merit Dr. James R.Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship.

❖ Anna Lulushi of TJHSST (neuro-science), National Merit CACI Scholar-ship.

❖ Niharika Vattikonda of TJHSST (pub-lic policy), National Merit Leidos, Inc.,Scholarship.

❖ Millan Welman of TJHSST (chemis-try), National Merit Senator Charles S.Robb Scholarship.

❖ Anna Zhang of TJHSST (economics),National Merit Northrop Grumman Schol-arship.

❖ Naitian Zhou of TJHSST (computerscience), National Merit Citizen WatchScholarship.

❖ Kate Schneider of Woodson HighSchool (education), National Merit Na-tional Distillers Distributors FoundationScholarship.

Corporate sponsors provide merit schol-arship awards for National Merit finalistswho are children of their employees, whoare residents of communities the compa-nies serve, or who have college majors orcareer interests the sponsors want to en-courage.

Corporate-sponsored merit scholarshipawards are renewable for up to four yearsof college undergraduate study and rangefrom $500 to $10,000 per year. Othersprovide a single payment between $2,500and $5,000.

Recipients can use the awards at region-ally accredited U.S. colleges or universi-ties of their choice.

14 ScholarsAwarded

Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

It was during college when Laura Greensteinbegan to notice that something was not quiteright. “I noticed that things that were creatinganxiety on a daily basis, they weren’t just situ-ational,” she said. “My anxiety was grabbing ontoanything that it could. If I was running late, I wouldstart to panic. Any small thing became a big issue.”

“My mother has always been supportive, but when[my anxiety] got to a certain point some close friendsand family began to stigmatize it,” said Greenstein,who now works for the National Association for theMentally Ill (NAMI) in Arlington. “They would say,‘You’re not doing enough.’ It was difficult to feel that Iwasn’t being fully accepted.”

After months of therapy and recent session with apsychiatrist who prescribed medication, Greenstein saidthat she is beginning to feel some relief. She evenbegan blogging about her experience. “This was myfirst time sharing my story,” she said. “It’s been a re-ally validating process. Being open can really improveyour outlook.”

During May, Mental Health Awareness Month,Greenstein and other mental health advocates aresharing the ways in which negative perceptions aboutmental illnesses can impact those who suffer from it.NAMI reports that approximately 1 in 5 adults andchildren in the United States are experiencing mentalillness in a given year. Only 41 percent ofthose adults received mental health treat-ment, while slightly more than half of chil-dren aged 8-15 received those services.One of the roadblocks to treatment, saymental health professionals, is the stigma surroundingmental health.

“Micro-aggressions towards individuals with mentalillness are very common, such as assuming that some-one with a mental illness is inferior, stupid, or not incontrol of their own behaviors,” said JessicaMcLaughlin, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychologyat Montgomery College. “Because of our society’smisperceptions of mental illness, many individuals strug-gling with mental health problems feel ashamed andisolated. They may even feel like it is not appropriateto seek help. “[And] being on the receiving end ofthese hurtful comments and beliefs actually worsenssymptoms.”

With a theme of “Cure Stigma,” NAMI activists areencouraging people to educate themselves and eradi-cate the stigma which can be a roadblock to thosewho suffer from mental illness to get the treatmentthey need. They were afraid of being labeled, so theysuffered in silence.

This is particularly true with teenagers and preteens,advises Stacie Isenberg, Psy.D., a child psychologistwho specializes in anxiety disorders. “A mental illnessstigma may cause a teen or pre-teen to be hesitant toadmit to her or himself that they are having a mentalhealth problem, to share with a parent, teacher, orpediatrician about their problem, and to seek mentalhealth treatment,” she said.

The stigma surrounding mental illness is an impor-tant issue that often goes unrecognized, saysMcLaughlin. “Individuals with mental illness face bothovert and covert discrimination,” she said. “For ex-

ample, there is an assumption that people with men-tal illness are violent or crazy, which is not true. How-ever, our belief in these myths can affect someone’sability to find employment or obtain housing.”

“Education is a powerful tool in combating mentalhealth stigma, and community-wide, mental healthawareness campaigns are helpful,” added Isenberg. “In-dividually, kids often search online to check out whattheir symptoms mean. Education from crediblewebsites, and those of mental health organizationsoften provide clarity and guidance for those seekinghelp.”

Allowing those who might be experiencing symp-toms of a mental illness to speak freely about theircondition without fear of judgment can remove barri-ers to treatment advises McLaughlin. “That meansasking how we can help, listening with an open mind,and being nonjudgmental,” she said. Sometimes it canbe a tremendous help just to let someone know that

they have someone to lean on and thatthey are not alone.”

People can also fight the stigma of men-tal illness by being accepting and support-ive of people who are experiencing mental

health issues, and by modeling this acceptance for theirchildren, suggests Isenberg. “Employers can encour-age employees to use mental health days as needed,and to permit longer lunch hours or flexible dismissalor arrival at times to accommodate therapy appoint-ments,” she said. “Similarly, schools can work withfamilies to allow kids to use free periods, lunch peri-ods, etc. to attend therapy when an after-school timeis not available and the need for treatment is signifi-cant.”

A family’s attitude about the mentally ill can affecta child’s willingness to ask for help, advises Isenberg.“A child who comes from a family that does not con-sider mental health issues to be real or problematicmay be reluctant to share with her or his parents,”she said. “Similarly, kids whose friends stigmatizemental health issues, or kids who don’t talk much aboutpersonal issues with friends, are often unsure aboutsharing with their friends. On the contrary, kids whobelieve their families and friends will be sensitive andsupportive to them are more likely to be open withthem about any concerns they are having.”

McLaughlin says the conversation needs to happenon a national level. “One of the most important thingsour nation could do is make therapy services moreeasily accessible,” she said. “We should encourage in-dividuals to seek treatment, not make them feel em-barrassed. There is nothing more courageous thansomeone who is willing to advocate for their ownmental health.”

Mental Health advocateswork to tear downbarriers to treatment.

Erasing the Stigma

Photo courtesy of Laura GreensteinLaura Greenstein is using her personalexperience with anxiety to help otherswho suffer from mental illness.

MoreSee www.nami.org

Expires June 30, 2018

Chantilly Professional Building3910 Centreville Road, Suite 100, Chantilly VA

703-830-6377EyeStreetOptical.comIndependently owned and operated.

• Repairs• Designer frames• Sunglasses• Children frames• Difficult prescriptions filled

accurately• Eye exams…and much more!

10 ❖ Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

2018 County Volunteer Service AwardsFrom Page 4

Corporate Volunteer Program: Fannie Mae team withBoard Chairman Sharon Bulova.

In the past year, Fannie Maeemployees have volunteered over400 hours with Pathway Homes,a nonprofit organization providinghousing and supportive services toadults with serious mental illnessand other co-occurring disabilitiesin Northern Virginia. In May, over100 Fannie Mae staff membersprovided landscaping at four Path-way homes where clients resided.Volunteers also assembled bath-rooms sets and welcome kits fornew clients moving into their newhome. In total, their contributionof time and supplies estimates toover $80,000, saving the agencyfunds that can be redirected tosupport residents. Pathway Homesalso serves as a beta site for anemerging Fannie Mae Fellows pro-gram. This involves Fannie Mae

providing an employee to serve asa Fellow at no cost to PathwayHomes for three months on-siteand an additional three monthsafter returning to Fannie Mae. TheFellow, selected through a com-petitive process of approximately225 eligible employees, will focuson identifying and mitigating bar-riers that decrease the number ofaffordable rental units availablefor special needs populations.

Pathway Homes President andCEO Dr. Sylisa Lambert-Woodardsaid, “Pathway Homes greatly ap-preciates Fannie Mae’s innovativeand thoughtful approach to work-ing with nonprofits and applaudsthe effort they put forth to makesure the individuals served by thenonprofit truly benefit from theirpartnership.”

volunteers, who do everythingfrom helping with technologymentoring, supporting at-risk se-niors and working to combathomelessness, gave a total of328,760 hours of service worth$7.9 million in support of theFairfax County community. PeggyFox, Virginia Bureau Chief atWUSA9/CBS affiliate, served asevent emcee.

Many different awards weregiven out, including 2018 Bench-mark Awards for volunteering100, 250, 500, or 1,000 hours;2018 Community Champions whowere selected by the Board of Su-pervisors honoring a volunteer intheir districts who was dedicatedto improving life in the county andbeyond; and 2018 CompetitiveAwards for youth, adult, and se-niors in individuals and groups.

“Today is all about recognizingthe wonderful volunteers we havein Fairfax County,” said Elise NeilBengtson, CEO of VolunteerFairfax. “We’re giving them a plat-form so the county can understandbetter where volunteers fill gapsand meet the needs of the com-munity and nonprofits at the sametime. Without volunteers, wecould not get everything done thatwe do. We have a tremendouswealth of experience and educa-tion in this area so even whenyou’re older and retired, you cando amazing things and feel goodand stay energized in this countyand be an active participant.”

Added Rick Garza, VolunteerFairfax board president: “This is asignature event for VolunteerFairfax and Fairfax County and theCity of Fairfax to just honor somany people who devote theirtime outside of their workinghours helping others, helping ourcommunity be a better place.”

Board of Supervisors ChairmanSharon Bulova, who offered aFairfax County Proclamation to

Volunteer Fairfax, which was es-tablished in 1975, added: “FairfaxCounty has a unique culture andthat includes volunteerismthrough the roof … We would notbe able to do as much as we dowith volunteers if we didn’t havean organizational body pulling

people together, connectingpeople and making volunteerismhappen. Congratulations Volun-teer Fairfax and thank you somuch for everything you do for ourcommunity.”

For more on Volunteer Fairfax,visit www.volunteerfairfax.org.

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Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

The following incidents were reported by the SullyDistrict Police Station.

MALICIOUS WOUNDING: 14000 block ofWoodland Ridge Drive, April 23, 1:56 a.m. Offic-ers responded to the residence for a report of ashooting. The preliminary investigation revealedthe victim came to the home to visit friends. Whenhe walked down into the basement, a man pulledout a gun and shot at the victim causing a minorgraze wound to his neck. The suspect fled from thehouse in an unknown direction.

STOLEN VEHICLE/DWI/NARCOTICS VIO-LATION/ARREST: 13000 block of Lee JacksonMemorial Highway, April 21 around 1:15 a.m. Anofficer on patrol observed a vehicle swerve out ofits lane. The officer ran the license plate andlearned the vehicle was stolen. Before he was ableto conduct a traffic stop, the driver of the stolenvehicle made a turn, pulled into a parking space,and ran towards a wooded area. Officers saturatedthe area and the suspect was found passed outbehind a townhome by a K9 unit. An 18-year-oldman of no fixed address was arrested and chargedwith grand larceny, receiving stolen property, pos-session of marijuana, two counts of credit cardtheft, DWI, fleeing from a law enforcement officer,and driving without a license. Other charges arealso possible.

TRAFFIC PURSUIT/DRIVING WHILE IN-TOXICATED: Route 28 at I-66, April 12, 3:40 a.m.An officer initiated a traffic stop but the car spedaway and a chase began. The driver failed to keepthe car on the road as it left Route 28 towardsWestfields Boulevard and crashed into astormwater retention pond. The car came to reston the embankment and the driver ran away. Af-ter a short foot pursuit, officers caught a27-year-old woman from Woodbridge and chargedher with driving while intoxicated – second offensewithin 5 years, disregarding police signal to stop,driving on a revoked license – second offense, andrefusal of blood or breath test.

BURGLARY: 4100 Chantilly Lace Court, April10 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Someone enteredthe residence and stole property. Detectives areinvestigating.

BURGLARY: 5600 Block of Gosling Drive, April9, 7 p.m. A person entered the residence and stoleproperty.

APRIL 30LARCENIES4300 block of Chantilly Shopping Center, wal-

let from business13300 block of Connor Drive, package from resi-

dence14400 block of Woodmere Court, cell phone and

plants from residence

Crime

Westfields TriathlonThis Sunday

The Westfields Triathlon is Sunday, May6, at 7 a.m. The race starts and ends at theCub Run Rec Center, 4630 Stonecroft Blvd.in Chantilly, and is organized by theWestfields Business Owners Association.Proceeds benefit Team Rubicon and PRS(Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services). Reg-ister at http://rev3tri.com/westfields/reg-istration/.

Team Rubicon’s primary mission is pro-viding disaster relief to those affected bynatural disasters, be they domestic or in-ternational. By pairing the skills and expe-riences of military veterans with first re-sponders, medical professionals, and tech-nology solutions, Team Rubicon aims toprovide the greatest service and impactpossible. For more information, see https://teamrubiconusa.org/mission/.

PRS exists so that individuals living withmental illness, substance use disorders, mildintellectual disabilities, autism spectrumdisorders, and anyone who faces life crisescan achieve safety, personal wellness, recov-ery and community integration. For furtherinformation, go to https://prsinc.org/about/our-history/.

Today, Sunday, April 22, I am not on any real – or imag-ined, deadline pressure, quite different than my previ-ous column (“You Mean Tomorrow Tuesday?”), pub-lished April 25. This column isn’t due until nine daysfrom now, since my copy editor returns from vacationthat Tuesday. And of course, since there’s no abbrevi-ated/immediate-type deadline, and it’s a relatively quietweekend at home (as opposed to the “triple threat”Tuesday I wrote about last week), Chino, in addition toany of our other four cats, are nowhere to be found.Certainly, they’re all sleeping. I mean, it is 12:30 pm. Infact, as I get up to investigate, Chino is sleeping on thevery same chair he ended up on last week. This weekhowever, when I have minimal deadline pressure, Chinohas minimal Kenny interest. At present, he is not theleast bit involved in the creative process, other than as apoint of reference, that is.And just as Chino is minding his own business – for now,I am able to mind mine and stay on task. It is so mucheasier to do so when my writing pad is not the exactmidpoint and/or crossroads for where Chino is and forwhere he wants to be. Therefore, I have no excuses fornot maintaining a creative flow as pen is put to paper.No cat interruptions or interference whatsoever. Toquote my late father, I have no “encumbrances” – at themoment.More so even than Chino walking right to left across mydesk (and back of course). I just received an email frommy oncologist, yes on the weekend, telling me that mytwo scans taken on Wednesday, April 18, continue toshow “stable.” News, with which I’m extremely fond ofwriting – properly, I can live. As much as I could likewiselive with tumor “shrinkage” as well, I am ALWAYSpleased when I see my new favorite word: “stable,” inany communication from my doctor. For a cancerpatient still undergoing treatment – as I am, or for anycancer patient in remission, a “stable” result is hardly theproblem. The problem is growth and/or movement orappearance elsewhere in the body. (For lung cancerpatients, movement to the brain, which occurs inapproximately 30 percent of patients, is the predomi-nant worry. As such, I get a brain MRI regularly.)So, no scan-result pressure. No post-chemo side-effectpressure. No newspaper and/or deadline pressure. Andno cat-related pressure compounding any of the afore-mentioned pressures. Ergo, the ‘pressure’ is officially off.And when the ‘pressure’ is off, my creativeness is on.Though this may not be the best column I’ve ever writ-ten, it’s certainly been one with the least amount of‘encumbrances.’And speaking of my father, Barry, who died in in 2006,and now my mother, Celia, who died two years later,almost to the day, what I am particularly grateful for isthe timing of my diagnosis/prognosis: it all happenedafter they had died. They never knew. My first symptommanifested four weeks after my widowed mother waslaid to rest. They both know now though as I regularlyupdate them when I visit their gravesites at the ceme-tery. And though the conversations are mostly one-sided, still, it brings me comfort and a peculiar sort of joyto share the details of my treatment and the miscellane-ous pressures I experience, some of which I’ve men-tioned and some of which I haven’t. Many of those myparents knew about, and were often topics of discussion– while they were alive.I was lucky then and I continue to be lucky now. Greatparents before and an amazingly fortunate post-cancer-diagnosis after. Whoever I have to thank: thank you.

You MeanNext WeekTuesday?

12 ❖ Centre View ❖ May 2-8, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 3-6Centreville Library Book Sale.

Thursday, noon-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 10a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-3 p.m. atCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville.Proceeds benefit the library and itspatrons. Free admission. For moreinformation call the library at 703-830- 2223 or visitfriendsofcentrevillelibrary.blogspot.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 4-6Chantilly Library Book Sale. Friday,

May 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday,May 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, May6, 1-4 p.m. Chantilly RegionalLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road,Chantilly. Great selection of gentlyused books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks for children and adults.Sponsored by Friends of the ChantillyRegional Library. Free admission. Call703-502-3883 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events.

SATURDAY/MAY 5Civil War Fortifications Tour. 8:30

a.m.-4 p.m., meet for a brieforientation at 8 a.m. at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.Blake Myers, noted Civil WarHistorian, will lead a tour of CivilWar fortifications in the Clifton areaas well as Centreville’s ConfederateMilitary Railroad, Saint John’sChurch and cemetery, Mount Gileadand several other preserved Civil Warfortifications. $20 for Museummembers, $30 for non-members. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org/tours.htmlor call 703-425-9225.

Annual Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-noon infront of Giant Food, 5615 StoneRoad, Sully Station, Centreville.Perennials, annuals and herbs forsale by Centreville Garden Club.Proceeds maintain planter boxes atSully Governmental Center and othercivic projects. Learn more atcentrevillegardenclub.blogspot.com,email

centrevillegardenclub@gmail.com orcall 703-830-3271.

Derby Day in Centreville. 5:30-7p.m. at Alto Plaza, 5800 OldCentreville Road, Centreville. NOVAGOP PAC Kentucky Derby DayFundraiser. Be on the HostCommittee as a sponsor of the eventfor as little as $100 which includes 2tickets to the event. Consider joiningthe Host Committee at the higherlevels, such as Patron ($250-5tickets), Benefactor ($500-10 tickets)or Co-Host ($1,000-20 tickets).Donate online at https://

www.campaigncontribution.com/contribution.asp?id=1556&jid= orby mailing a check toNorthernVirginiaGOP.com, 13680Bent Tree Circle, #403, Centreville,VA 20121. Call 703-502-0161.

Clifton 5K Run. 6-9 p.m. in the Townof Clifton, at the intersection ofClifton Road, Newman Road andMain Street. Calling all runners andwalkers – register for the 21st AnnualClifton Caboose Twilight Run, a 5Krun and a 1-mile run/walk that windsits way through scenic Virginia horsecountry. The family-friendly eventincludes a post-race party withrefreshments and live music. 5k run,$21; 1-mile fun run/walk, $15. Visitwww.signmeup.com/123989 toregister by Wednesday, May 2; afterMay 2, register on site. Call 703-968-0740 or visit www.cliftonva.org/events/clifton-5k-race.

Festival to Fight Cancer. 6:30 p.m.at Centreville High School track,6001 Union Mill Road, Clifton.Centreville’s Wildcats vs. Cancer clubis holding a neon, nighttime, glowrun featuring a 1-mile fun run/walkand 2-mile race. The fun includes adance party on the infield, DIY glowface-painting, a selfie station withprops, vendors, raffle-prize drawingsand free, post-race food andbeverages. Prizes will be awarded forthe best glowing costumes. Signupsare now open to participate atrunsignup.com/Race/VA/Clifton/FestivaltoFightCancer. Registration is$20 and, this year, all proceeds willgo to Team Mathias(www.teammathias.org/). Emailwildcatsvscancer@gmail.com formore.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 5-6Two-Day HO Gauge Model Train

Show. Saturday, noon-5 p.m.;Sunday, noon-4 p.m. at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

will host the Potomac Module Crewand their HO Gauge model trains.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.

WEDNESDAY/MAY 9Shore Stories. 6:30-9 p.m. at

Centreville Library, 14200 St.Germaine Drive, Centreville. Join usfor a Special Screening andDiscussion of Shore Stories, exposingthe impacts of offshore drilling oncoastal communities and the climate.Free. Email ccarver27@gmail.com orvisit virginia2.sierraclub.org/.

SATURDAY/MAY 12Liberty Vendor Fair. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

at Liberty Middle School, 6801 UnionMill Road, Clifton. Liberty MiddleSchool PTA will hold a vendor fairfundraiser with a large variety ofvendors, activities, and food items.Enjoy food, fun, and music.Admission is free. Emailsean.david.foster@gmail.com.

Fundraiser and Book Fair. AtBarnes and Noble Store, 12193 FairLakes Promenade Drive, Fairfax. TheFairfax Station Railroad Museumvolunteers will introduce visitors tolife in Fairfax Country during the1800s. Local authors will sign booksavailable for sale. The Museum willreceive a percentage of sales for mostpurchases. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, or www.facebook.com/FFXSRR. Call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY-FRIDAY/MAY 12-18Holistic Wellbeing. At Sant

Mirankari Mission, 4501 PleasantValley Road, Chantilly. Free. SwamiMukundananda is a renownedteacher of Spirituality, Yoga andMeditation. He is the founder ofunique yogic system JKYog alsoknown as Yoga for Body, Mind andSoul. Part one covers the followingfive Healthy sciences: Yoga,Pranayam, Subtle Body Relaxation,Roop Dhyan Meditation and Scienceof Healthy Diet. Part Two arediscourses on the Topic - 7 Mindsetsfor Success in Life and Beyond. Theschedule is as follows: 05/12 – 05/13 (Sat.-Sun.) Yoga & Meditation:4:30–5:45 p.m.; Discourses: 5:45–7:30 p.m.; 05/14 – 05/17 (Mon.-Thurs.) Yoga & Meditation: 6– 7:15p.m.; Discourses:7:15– 9 p.m.; 05/18 (Friday) Life TransformationalWorkshop from 6– 9 p.m. Freevegetarian dinner provided everyday. Contact 703-901-3731 or visitthe website: https://www.jkyog.org/events/7-Mindsets-Chantilly-VA-2018/

SUNDAY/MAY 13Model Train Show & Mother’s Day

Celebration. 1-4 p.m. at FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.The Northern Virginia NTRAKmembers will hold an N gauge T-TRAK model train show at themuseum. Moms receive a specialgift. Museum members and moms,free; adults 16 and over, $4; children5-15, $2; under 4, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR or call703-425-9225.

Entertainment

Jazz & PizzazzWith songs and dances by the ShowStoppers and music by the Chantilly Jazz, the 32nd

annual Jazz & Pizzazz extravaganza takes this stage this week at Chantilly High. Showtimes are Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, at 7 p.m.; tickets are $10 and are available atwww.chantillychoral.org.

Photo by Bonnie Hobbs

Photo courtesy of the Fairfax Station Railroad MuseumThe Fairfax Station Railroad Museum.

Two-Day HO Gauge Model Train ShowThe Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will host the Potomac Module Crew and

their HO Gauge model trains. Saturday, May 5, noon-5 p.m.; Sunday, May 6, noon-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, FairfaxStation. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will host the Potomac Module Crewand their HO Gauge model trains. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

Boys racing round and round at the Cub Carnival.

Cub Scout CarnivalGames, prizes, and fun. Pack 1860 invites boy and now girls (K-5th grades) and

their families for a fun evening at a scout-run carnival. Come learn about Cub Scouts– now open to boys and girls. Wednesday, May 16, 7-8 p.m. at Union Mill Elemen-tary School, 13611 Springstone Drive, Clifton. Free. Email akela@pack1860.orgfor more.

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