12
Home Life Style Page 6 Springfield Man Sentenced For Child Pornography News, Page 2 Local Talent On Global Stage Sports, Page 9 Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- field prepares to depart Washing- ton International Airport en route to the Special Olym- pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. online at www.connectionnewspapers.com March 14-20, 2019 Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, Page 8 v Classifieds, Page 10 Follow on Twitter: @SprConnection Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection Students Who Work For Peace Honored News, Page 3

Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    0

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

HomeLifeStylePage 6

Springfield Man Sentenced For Child Pornography

News, Page 2

Local Talent On Global Stage

Sports, Page 9

Athlete Karen Dick-erson of Spring-field prepares to depart Washing-

ton International Airport en route to the Special Olym-pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com March 14-20, 2019

Opi

nio

n, Pag

e 4 v

Enter

tai

nm

ent, Pag

e 8 v

C

lass

ified

s, P

age

10Foll

ow

on T

wit

ter

: @

Spr

Connec

tio

nPhoto b

y M

ercia

Hobs

on/T

he

Connec

tio

n

Students Who Work For Peace HonoredNews, Page 3

Page 2: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

CARDIOLOGY

CATSCAN/MRI

DERMATOLOGY

EMERGENCY/ CRITICAL CARE

INTERNAL MEDICINE

NEUROLOGY

ONCOLOGY

PATHOLOGY

PHYSICAL THERAPY

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

RADIOCAT

SURGERY

WE LOVE THEM LIKE YOU DO

OPEN 24 HOURS 365 DAYS A YEAR

[email protected]

703.451.8900703.451.3343 FAX

6651 BACKLICK ROADSPRINGFIELD, VA 22150

THE REGIONAL VETERINARYREFERRAL CENTER

News

A Springfield man was sentenced on March 8to total of 16 years in prison for receipt ofchild pornography and a supervised release

violation.According to court documents, WilliamHemphill, 39, admitted that he downloaded thou-sands of images and videos of child pornography inFebruary and March 2018. Hemphill, who is currentlyserving a term of federal supervised release as partof his sentence for an earlier 2006 conviction forpossession of child pornography, fled from supervi-sion in Virginia in February 2018. He was arrestedin Utah aboard a California-bound train in March2018, in possession of cocaine and several electronicdevices, including a laptop computer. A subsequentforensic examination of these devices revealed thatHemphill had used multiple anonymous Internetservices to download and view large quantities ofchild pornography while on the run in Virginia andelsewhere.This case was brought as part of ProjectSafe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in

May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combatthe growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation andabuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the ChildExploitation and Obscenity Section, Project SafeChildhood marshals federal, state, and local re-sources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecuteindividuals who exploit children via the internet, aswell as to identify and rescue victims. For more in-formation about Project Safe Childhood, visitwww.justice.gov/psc.This case was initiated and investigated by the FBI’sWashington Field Office’s Child Exploitation andHuman Trafficking Task Force, which is composedof FBI Agents, along with Detectives from the Wash-ington Metropolitan Police Department, FairfaxCounty Police, Arlington County Police, Prince Will-iam County Police, Alexandria City Police, LoudounCounty Sheriff’s Department, Leesburg Police Depart-ment, USMS and other federal Offices of InspectorGenerals.

Repeat Offender SentencedTo Prison for Child Pornography

Page 3: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

It’s not easy to be the peacemaker. Sometimes it is reallyhard, especially when youmake those around you,

even friends, angry when youspeak out and stand up for whatis right. And sometimes it can bedangerous. But in all instances,being the peacemaker “requirescourage and commitment,” U.S.Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) toldthe crowd gathered at theSherwood Community Center inFairfax on Sunday, March 9.

Connolly, along with a host ofsponsors, elected officials and acheering collection of family andfriends, had come together tohonor the 23 young recipients ofthe 2019 Student Fairfax PeaceAwards at a ceremony led by Mar-garet Fisher of program-founder

cifically for peace or to identify and resolve conflicts… demonstrating commitment to peace by engag-ing in activities that strive to end conflict … seekingto bridge language, ethnic, racial, religious, gender,sexual orientation, or class differences … and/or as-sist to resolve conflicts among students or membersof the community who feel isolated or alienated.”

THE WINNERS received certificates of achieve-ment, a monetary gift and an additional $100 to bedonated to any nonprofit organization of thestudent’s choice that operates in a spirit that is inkeeping with the Peace Awards and this year, anautographed copy of the book, “Sweet Fruits FromThe Bitter Tree” by Mark Andreas, stories of “cre-ative and compassionate ways out of conflict.”

Read more about the Peace Awards and the recipients atwww.fairfax.studentpeaceawards.org.

Students Who Work forPeace Honored

The winners of the 2019 Fairfax Student Peace Awards.The students from all around the county are honoredfor the work they do to sow the seeds of peace, resolveconflict, and promote understanding among the di-verse people of Fairfax County, in their schools and inthe community.

Herndon Friends Meeting.In addition to garnering kudos from the congress-

man, state Del. Ken Plum (D-36), Fairfax CountySupervisor Penny Gross (Mason District), ScottBrabrand, Fairfax County Public Schools superinten-dent, and Karen Corbett Sanders, Mount Vernon Dis-trict representative and vice chair of the FCPS boardalso officially offered their congratulations and ad-miration for the young activists.

Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon, members-at-large of the FCPS board, and Tamara Denerak Kaufax,FCPS board Lee District representative were also onhand to show their support.

THE EVENT’S KEYNOTE SPEAKER was DavidSwanson, an author, activist, journalist, radio hostand co-founder and director of World Beyond War, a“global nonviolent movement to end war and estab-lish a just and sustainable peace.”

Swanson, a 1987 graduate of Herndon High Schoolwho identifies as a “world citizen,” presented hisargument of “no justification for war, ever,” whileadmitting that his remarks could make his audiencesuncomfortable, but asserted that they were wordsthat need to be said and a conversation that needsto happen.

The Fairfax Student Peace Awards started in 2006as one school, Herndon High School, and one spon-sor, the Herndon Friends Meeting, but has grown to19 sponsors and is now offered to every public highschool in Fairfax County, as well as two privateschools.

The goal of the program is to encourage youngpeople to think more about peace “both as a meansand as an end” and to recognize their achievementswhen they turn those peace-making thoughts intoactions in their schools, their communities, and evenaround the world.

The program is open to area high school juniorsand seniors. In October, each school is invited tochoose either an individual or a group recipient withthe guidelines that the students have worked “spe-

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) offered hiscongratulations to the winners of the 2019Fairfax Student Peace Awards at theirreception on March 10. “Standing up forpeace takes courage and commitment.”

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Area students who receivedPeace Awards include:

❖ Reem Ali, Senior, EdisonHigh School – Inspired by herparents, who educated her incurrent affairs from early child-hood and who ensured she wasfamiliar with her Sudaneseheritage, Reem and a fewfriends founded Project Hu-manity. The club supports chari-ties that provide internationalrelief with efforts like a bookdrive for Sudanese children,fundraising for the Red Cross,and toy, food, clothing and hy-giene supplies for Syrian refu-gees in Jordan.

Reem spent last summerworking in Sudan for a rehabili-tation center for children withdisabilities. She is currentlyworking on a drive for Syrianrefugees in Turkey.

She says her goal is “to bringattention to global crises so thatwe can be part of the solution,rather than waiting for othersto solve the conflict.

❖ Oscar Manuel LopezHernandez, Lee High SchoolSenior, was surrounded by vio-

lence in his homeland of Hon-duras. “I remember seeing thefighting,” he says, “peopleafraid to go to school.” Here, inthe U.S., Oscar embraces com-munity service to improve hiscommunity and restore hope.

At Lee, he participated in theStudent Government Associa-tion. GSA sponsor MercedesMatson praises his “innate abil-ity to perceive…he advocatesfor students from all walks oflife…looking out for studentswho might feel isolated oralienated.”

Oscar is working to organizewhole-school events to promoteinclusions and community andbridge the gaps between differ-ent groups.

❖ Delina Kiflom, Junior,Hayfield Secondary SchoolDelina and a friend started theEthiopian-Eritrean Society atHayfield. Their goal is to findways to aid the less fortunateback home and bridge the gapbetween the younger genera

Springfield AreaPeace Award Winners

Edison High School Senior Reem Ali (4th from left)accepts her Peace Award — from left — Del. KenPlum, Supervisor Penny Gross, FCPS board Vice ChairKaren Corbett Sanders, FCPS board Ilryong Moon,FCPS board member Ryan McElveen, FCPS boardmember Tamara Derenak Kaufax, and FCPS Superin-tendent Scott Brabrand.

Delina Kiflom (4th from the left) is a junior atHayfield Secondary School. Her work in starting theEthiopian-Eritrean Society is just one of the reasonsshe was chosen as a Peace Award recipient.

See Peace Awards,

Page 11

Pho

to

s by A

ndrea W

orker/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Page 4: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

4 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By John C. Cook

Braddock District Supervisor

(R)

Our Fairfax Countygovernment is wellprepared to dealwith emergencies,

both large and small, from largestorms to disease outbreaks tocriminal and even terrorist events.But our communities are not soprepared. In the first 72 hours after a major

emergency event, govern-mental services may not beavailable. Power may beout, transportation

blocked, medical services overwhelmed, andfood, gas, and even money difficult to find.

In those first few days, communities wouldneed to come together so neighbors can helpeach other. And even during those lesseremergency events which occur with someregularity — snowstorms, serious thunder-storms, and the like — neighbors need to

help each other out.That’s why I am so thrilled that

Fairfax County has published itsfirst ever Community EmergencyResponse Guide from the Officeof Emergency Management. Thepublication of this document, andthe plan behind it, fulfills a goalof mine that even predates myelection to the board. When Iserved as president of the KingsPark Civic Association I recog-

nized the great need for a citizen-focusedemergency planning tool. As a supervisor Ihave pushed for this program for years. Nowthe Office of Emergency Management madethis idea a reality. The end result is a compre-hensive planning tool that will strengthencommunity, build local resiliency, and miti-gate potential risks.

Community coordination is needed in mak-ing a successful community emergency plan.It requires citizens to take initiative, reach outto their peers, and work together to identifylocal risks and assets. The Community Emer-

gency Response Guide breaks down emer-gency planning into easy-to-follow steps.These including defining your area, recruit-ing leaders, knowing your area, building anemergency response team, and planning yourapproach. Everything is laid out in this step-by-step guide, including how to organize anemergency team, creating a family emergencykit, and adding disabled residents to a func-tional needs registry. It even lists the mostlikely emergencies and explains how to pre-pare for, respond to, and recover from them.Users can also find information on local vol-unteer groups who can assist in these emer-gencies, such as the Community EmergencyResponse Team (CERT). By filling out theCommunity Emergency Response Guide willgive you a never-before-seen view of your ownneighborhood.

You can find the Community EmergencyResponse Guide online at https://w w w . f a i r f a x c o u n t y . g o v /emergencymanagement/cerg. The Office ofEmergency Management offers communityworkshops to those who would like extra helpin creating their emergency response plan. Therequest form can be found on the Office ofEmergency Management website.

I encourage all residents to work within theirparticular communities to create an emergencyresponse program appropriate for your neigh-borhood. We are here to help.

County Community Emergency Response Guidestrengthens community, builds local resiliency,and mitigates potential risks.

A+ Primer for Our Neighborhoods

Commentary

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

March is Women’s His-tory Month. Beforewomen had the whole

month, the U.S. recognizedWomen’s History Week; beforethat, a single InternationalWomen’s Day. Dedicating thewhole month of March in honorof women’s achievements wasseen “as a way to revise a written and socialAmerican history that had largely ignoredwomen’s contributions,” according to an articlein Time magazine. The first Women’s Day tookplace on Feb. 28, 1909 to honor the one-yearanniversary of the garment workers strikes inNew York, when thousands of women marchedfor economic rights and to honor an earlier1857 march when garment workers rallied forequal rights and a 10-hour day, according tothe article.

Recognizing the achievement of Virginiawomen goes beyond naming a month. A monu-ment is under construction on Capitol Square,

“Voices from the Garden,” whichwill be the first monument of itskind in the nation. Representativeof the state’s regions, the monu-ment recognizes the 400-year his-tory and the diversity of achieve-ment, ethnicity and thought thatwomen have made to the Com-monwealth.

Even more significant in recog-nizing women in Virginia is thefact that there is historic represen-

tation of women in the Virginia House of Del-egates, including the election of 11 new womenmembers in 2017, all of whom ousted maleincumbents. The House Democratic Caucus isalmost 45 percent women, including 11women of color. The House Republican Cau-cus is less than 10 percent women. CaucusChair Charniele Herring is the first woman tochair a caucus in the House of Delegatesthroughout its 400-year history. Leader EileenFiller-Corn is the first woman to be electedleader of a caucus in the General Assembly.

Recently I served on a panel, “Can WomenSave Democracy? We’re counting on it!” at the

Schar School of Policy and Government atGeorge Mason University along with CharnieleHerring, Eileen Filler-Corn, and Congress-woman Jennifer Wexton. There was a clearconsensus in the room that women will play apivotal role in getting our country back on theright track. Witness this year’s state and localelections when there are record-breaking num-bers of women lining up to run in primariesand the general elections.

Not only are women running and winningraces, but they are determining the outcomeof elections with their tireless work in mak-ing calls, knocking on doors, and working onbehalf of the candidates they support. Orga-nizations like Indivisibles, with Herndon-Reston Indivisibles being a model organiza-tion, and Moms Demand Action among oth-ers are making their influence felt on policyissues like ending the epidemic of gun vio-lence.

The big disappointment in celebratingwomen in history is the refusal of the VirginiaHouse of Delegates to ratify the Equal RightsAmendment. Ratification failed on a tied voteon a procedural matter that makes it evenmore frustrating that the amendment was notallowed to be debated on the floor of theHouse of Delegates. There is more women’shistory to be written in Virginia, and I sus-pect the next step will be election of evenmore women this fall and ratification of theERA next year!

Eleven new women members were elected to theVirginia House of Delegates in 2017, all of whomousted male incumbents.

Women’s History Month

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@SprConnect

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered tohomes and businesses.

Published byLocal Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

703-778-9431

Steve HoganDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9418

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

CIRCULATIONCirculation Manager:

Ann [email protected]

Springfield

Page 5: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Where Your Dental NeedsCome First!

Family Dentistry

• Crowns, Bridges, Partials, Full Dentures and Implants

• Denture Relining, Dentures and Partials Repaired While You Wait

• Saturday and Evening Appointments Available

• Most Insurances Accepted

• Free Invisalign Consultation

Raja Gupta, DDSDental First Associates, LLC

6116 Rolling Rd., Suite 312Rolling Mill Professional Park

(next to West Springfield H.S.)

Springfield, VA 22152

703-323-9394yourdentalfirst.com

NEW PATIENTSPECIAL

Includes Exam,Cleaning (in absence

of gum disease)and X-rays

Se hablaEspañol

$99$99(Regularly $311)

We’veMoved!

Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedSince 1999

Free Estimates703-214-8384 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

Same Company, Same Employees,Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years!

COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

bbTo Advertise Your

Community of Worship,Call 703-778-9418

Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AMSunday School 10:10 AM

Sun. Evening – Realtime Worship & Youth 6 PMFamily Night – Wednesday 7:15 PM

Home Life Groups, College/Young AdultMinistries, and Living Free Support Groups

Visit our Website: jccag.org

4650 Shirley Gate Road, FairfaxBill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170

“Loving People to Life”

SOBER-RIDE FOR ST. PATRICK’SFree Sober Rides. Sunday, March 17,

4 p.m. through Monday, March 18, 4a.m. Area residents, 21 and older,may download Lyft to their phones,then enter a code in the app’s“Promo” section to receive a no cost(up to $15) safe ride home. WRAP’sSt. Patrick’s Day SoberRide promocode will be posted at 3 p.m. onMarch 17 on www.SoberRide.com.

WINTER SHELTERSFind homeless and cold weather

drop-in centers and shelters thatserve Northern Virginia atwww.novaregion.org/174/Homeless-Shelter-Lists.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChildren who will be 5 years old on or

before Sept. 30, 2019, are eligible toattend kindergarten. Find the correctneighborhood school by enteringyour address at boundary.fcps.edu/boundary/. Complete a packet ofregistration forms found atwww.fcps.edu/it/forms/enroll.pdf orin the school office. Gathersupporting documents: proof ofresidence in the school boundary, acertified copy of the child’s birthcertificate, parent/guardian photo ID,and any custody orders. Certificate ofphysical exam and immunization willbe required before the student maystart school, but is not required forregistration. Learn more atwww.fcps.edu/registration/general-registration-requirements.

Union Mill Elementary is currentlyregistering new students for the2019-20 school year. Find

registration forms in the Union MillElementary office or online atwww.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/enroll_0.pdf. Call 703-322-8500 or email [email protected] make an appointment to bringcompleted registration forms andsupporting documentation to school.Kindergarten Orientation will takeplace on Monday, April 1, 4-5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 13Paving and Restriping Meeting.

6:30 p.m. at Providence CommunityCenter, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax.The Fairfax County Department ofTransportation is planning to hostcommunity meetings in every districtof the county this spring with theVirginia Department ofTransportation to discuss proposed2019 paving and restriping projects.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/2019-paving-and-restriping.

Fairfax County Park AuthorityBoard Meeting. 7:30 p.m. in theHerrity Building, 12055 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Suite 941, Fairfax.The Park Authority Board is a 12-member board appointed by theFairfax County Board of Supervisorsto set policy and establish strategicpolicy and direction for the ParkAuthority. Open to the public. Forinformation regarding meetingagendas, Park Board members,opportunities for public comment, orto view meeting materials, boardminutes and archival materials, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/boardagn2.htm or call 703-324-8662.

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.

Bulletin Board

To the Editor:On March 8, Larysa Kautz, one

of four candidates running for LeeDistrict supervisor, challenged theFairfax County Board of Supervi-sors and School Board to changethe name of two buildings in LeeDistrict.

Kautz demands the changes beimplemented before she poten-tially enters office in 2020.

Please note changing the nameof a Fairfax County school in 2017-2018 cost $428,000.

Though she requires quick ac-tion in meeting her demand cost-ing hundreds of thousands of dol-lars, Kautz has no solution whenasked how to fund it.

Responsible for an $8.86 billionbudget, service on Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors requiresthoughtful, deliberative leader-ship. Good government requiresfact-based decision-making andcommunity awareness.

Kautz issued her challenge threedays after Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors voted to advertise nopossible increase in the real estatetax rate.

In making their unanimous de-cision to retain tax rates, Supervi-sors identified unmet needs to

fund early childhood education, toequip police officers with bodycameras, and to protect residentsagainst stormwater.

We must not only recognize thedirect costs, but with competingpriorities and finite resources wemust understand the opportunitycosts. If we expend hundreds ofthousands of dollars to changenames on buildings, we will not,for example, have those resourcesto help children access early child-hood education.

Lee District needs a representa-tive who works best with otherson the Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors. Unfunded demandswith quick deadlines for expensivechanges not matching communitypriorities does not portend well forthese important relationships.

With decades of successful ex-perience serving Fairfax Countysupporting a spectrum of commu-nity priorities from economic de-velopment, to affordable housingand human services, Rodney Luskis the candidate most ready andqualified to serve as Lee DistrictSupervisor. Vote June 11.

Will RadleFranconia

Unfunded Demand Poorly Timed

Letters

See Bulletin, Page 7

Page 6: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

6 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Home LifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

For pet owners, creating a home décor that’sboth aesthetically appealing and pet-friendlycan be a delicate balance. From muddy paw

prints on an heirloom area rug to a velvet sofa cov-ered in cat hair, three local designers — all of whomown pets — share their best advice for addressinganimal dilemmas and styling a chic interior that ac-commodates both man and his best friend.

“There are so many ways that pets enhance ourquality of life in the same way that a serene, well-designed home might be a sanctuary for relaxationafter a long day,” said Karen McBride of InspiredSpaces. “The good news is that you really don’t haveto choose one or the other. The key is to make sureeverything is durable and easilycleaned.”

Flooring that can withstand pawswith claws top the list of consider-ations for McBride. “Hardwoodfloors are beautiful, but they’re eas-ily scratched and dinged,” she said.“Stone or ceramic tile flooring areideal for pets owners. You can wipeup puddles and mop up muddy pawprints easily. Hardwood requiresimmediate cleaning because they absorb liquids andodor.”

Rugs with patterns that can hide pet stains are whatdesigner Rochelle Clark uses in the Fairfax home thatshe shares with her two Italian Greyhounds, Lola andFiona. “My dogs are not housebroken, so I have touse indoor-outdoor rugs made of polypropylene be-cause I can just hose them down when they get dirty,

which is often,” she said. “Rugs made from sisal arealso good choices if you have pets. I encourage mypet-owning clients to purchase inexpensive rugs be-cause if you have dogs or cats, rug stains are inevi-table. It’s just a waste of money to invest in a high-end rug if you have pets. There so many ways thatthey can be ruined and there are plenty of rugs thatdon’t cost a lot, but have a high-end look to them.”

When choosing fabrics for furniture or throw pil-lows, pet owners should steer clear of textures likevelvet or chenille, which can be magnets for pet hair,advises designer and corgi owner, Tami Evers of TheSimply Elegant Home. “You also want to avoid silkand other delicate fabrics that could tear easily,” shesaid. “There are so many options now for durable,stain resistant upholstery fabric that’s as elegant andtasteful as its more traditional counterparts. Believeit or not, I finished a project for a client who hadtwo giant labradoodles, and her living room furni-ture is entirely of Sunbrella fabric.”

Other durable and easy to clean options that Eversrecommends include leather and Crypton. “The onlyissue with leather is that it will scratch easily if youhave pets with sharp nails, but some people thinkscratched leather has character,” she said. “Crypton

can withstand almost anything. Ifyou have a dog or cat that barfs alot or has lots of accidents, Cyrptonis the way to go. It’s stain-proof,tear-proof and comes in a widerange of patterns and colors.”

Built-in eating spaces and petbeds for her two Bichon Frises areways that personal home organizerBecca Anderson of The OrganizedLife streamlines her pet spaces to

maintain her home’s aesthetic.“Pet owners love their animals, but no one wants

their home to look and smell like it’s been overrunwith animals,” she said. “I advised one of my clientsto add a custom, built-in litter box space to her laun-dry room for her three cats. She even invested in aself-cleaning litter box, and those two features weretransformative.”

Pet owners should look for stain-resistant and durable upholstery fabrics when creatinga stylish and animal-friendly interior.

Pet-owning designersoffer advice on practicaldesign choices thatdon’t sacrifice style.

“Rugs made fromsisal are also goodchoices if youhave pets.”

— Rochelle Clark

Pho

to

co

urtesy o

f th

e N

est Egg

Pet-Friendly Decor

Page 7: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanity Cabinets, Hardware, Vanity Tops, Mirrors, Kohler Sinks and Faucets... all in stock for quick delivery that finishes your kitchen,

bathroom or any project. Fast.

In Stock Products.Quick Delivery.

SPRINGFIELD, VA6790 Commercial Drive

Springfield, VA 703-245-8934Si hablamos espanol

Kitchens Bathrooms,Laundry Room Garage

,,

From Page 5

FRIDAY/MARCH 15Technology Fridays in March. 10 a.m.-noon at

the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services,2334 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Entrance 1,Room 100. Join the Parent Resource Center forthis series of technology workshops presented byFCPS Assistive Technology Services. Register forone or all of the workshops. Explore a variety oftechnology tools to support student success andindependence with reading and writing in thedigital classroom and at home. Register atwww.fcps.edu/index.php/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center. Call 703-204-3941 or email [email protected] for more.

❖ March 15 - Technology Tools to SupportExecutive Functioning

❖ March 22 - Assistive Technology to SupportCommunication

FRIDAY/MARCH 15Film and Discussion: “What Lies

Upstream.” 6:30-9 p.m. At UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709Hunter Mill Road., Oakton. The filmmaker takeshis investigatory grit to West Virginia where helooks into a mysterious chemical spill that left300,000 people without drinking water formonths. As the story deepens, we discoverscientific cover-ups and political malfeasanceacross all levels of government, poisoning theentire system meant to protect drinking water.Waste water environmental experts will providebackground on how water contamination affectsVirginia. Free, open to the public. [email protected].

Scholarship Application Deadline. TheOptimist Club of Central Fairfax is sponsoringthe Optimist International OratoricalScholarship Contest. The contest is open to anystudent under age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2018 and notenrolled in a degree seeking program at a post-secondary institution. Interested students shouldemail [email protected].

SATURDAY/MARCH 16Children’s Consignment Sale. 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

At Grace Presbyterian Chuch, 7434 Bath Street,Springfield. The Children’s Consignment Sale issponsored by Grace Weekday Preschool. Thissale will make it simple for you to shop for alltypes of infant and children’s clothing, toys,furniture and maternity items at affordableprices. They will accept cash and in-statepersonal checks with a current in-state driver’slicense or valid military ID only. No credit cardsaccepted. Email [email protected] orvisit www.gracepresby.org/preschool.

The Commonwealth Attorney CandidateForum. 2-4 p.m. at Chantilly Baptist Church,14312 Chantilly Baptist Lane, Chantilly. Thisforum will provide Fairfax County voters anopportunity to hear candidates discuss the issuesof importance to them in this critical election.All declared candidates have been invited andare welcome to participate. There will be anopportunity for the candidates to answeraudience questions. Admission is free. Registerat www.eventbrite.com/e/commonwealths-attorney-forum-tickets-57938565810.

MONDAY/MARCH 18Transitioning a Loved One to a Dementia

Care Facility. 10-11 a.m. at ViennaCommunity Center, 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna.Moving into a place can be difficult at any age.Moving a loved one with dementia can beemotional and stressful. Come learn techniquesand strategies to help give loved ones the bestpossible transition. Register online atwww.insightmcc.org, or contact Lindsey Vajpeyiat 703-204-4664 [email protected].

Paving and Restriping Meeting. 6:30 p.m. atBraddock District Governmental Center, 9002Burke Lake Road, Burke. The Fairfax CountyDepartment of Transportation is planning tohost community meetings in every district of thecounty this spring with the Virginia Department

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 11

Page 8: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

8 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

ONGOINGThe Explorer’s Club. Through March

31, Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday,2 p.m. at Workhouse Arts Center,9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.London, 1879. The prestigiousExplorers Club is in crisis: theiracting president wants to admit awoman, and their bartender isterrible. True, this female candidateis brilliant, beautiful, and hasdiscovered a legendary Lost City, butthe decision to let in a woman couldshake the very foundation of theBritish Empire, and how does onemake such a decision without adecent drink? This is the areapremier of The Explorer’s Club byNell Benjamin, directed by FrankShutts. $20-$30. Visitwww.workhousearts.org for more.

THURSDAY/MARCH 14Grand Opening: Marshalls. 8 a.m.-

10 p.m. at Marshalls, 6638 LoisdaleRoad, Springfield. Enjoy thefestivities including giveaways andmore. Visit facebook.com/marshalls.

Shen Yun. Thursday at 2 p.m. At GMUConcert Hall, 4373 Mason PondDrive, Fairfax. This epic productionimmerses you in stories reachingback to the most distant past. You’llexplore realms even beyond ourvisible world. Featuring one of theworld’s oldest art forms—classicalChinese dance—along with patentedscenographic effects and all-originalorchestral works, Shen Yun opens aportal to a civilization of enchantingbeauty and enlightening wisdom.Traditional Chinese culture, with itsprofoundly optimistic worldview anddeep spiritual roots, was displaced bycommunism in China. Tickets are$180, $140, $120, $100, $90, $80.Visit www.cfa.gmu.edu.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 14-17Citrus Fruit Sale. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the

Blue and White Sales Van in ParkingLot, 3251 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax.Charity fund raiser selling ValenciaOranges and Ruby Red Grapefruitfresh from Florida. Also buy Virginiapeanuts, Vermont maple syrup, ordiscounted carwash tickets. Visitfairfaxlions.org or call 703-745-9140.

FRIDAY/MARCH 15B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoyfree coffee, entertaining callers, afriendly atmosphere, $1,000guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good foodavailable for purchase. All proceedsgo to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.comor call 703-273-3638 for more.

SATURDAY/MARCH 16Archaeology Symposium. 9 a.m.-4

p.m. At Gunston Hall, 10709Gunston Road, Mason Neck.Symposium – Exposing A BuriedHistory: The Archaeology of SlaveLife. In commemoration of the 400thanniversary of forced migration ofthe first enslaved Africans toVirginia’s shores, the program shedslight on the history of peopleenslaved in Virginia from the 17ththrough the 19th centuries.Renowned Archaeologists andspeakers from some of Virginia’smost recognizable historic sites sharewhat they have learned througharchaeological investigation. DavidShonyo, staff archaeologist atGunston Hall, will lead the morningwith an exploration of Gunston Hall’s

recent discovery of quarters likelyassigned to enslaved workers for thehouse. Advance tickets are availableuntil 5 p.m. on March 15 and may bepurchased online atwww.gunstonhall.org, and over thephone at 703-550-9220. Tickets willbe available at the door the day ofthe symposium and are $55 full price($45 for members of Gunston Halland Friends of Fairfax CountyArchaeology).Visit the website:www.gunstonhall.org.

Pet Adoption Event. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.at Pet Supplies Plus, 11054 LeeHighway, Fairfax. Find a new foreveranimal friend with the help of theCity of Fairfax Animal Control andAnimal Shelter. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/government/police/programs/animal-control/adopt-a-pet for more.

Chorale Concert. 4 p.m. at St. Mark’sLutheran Church, 5800 BacklickRoad, Springfield. Join the NorthernVirginia Chorale as it performsBeethoven’s 9th Symphony (“Ode toJoy”), Morten Laudridsen’s O NataLux from Lux Auterna and otherchoral works. Adults $20 in advance($25 at the door), students with ID$10, Children 12 and under are free.Order tickets online atwww.northernvirginiachorale.org.

St. Paddy’s Social on the Range. 7-10 p.m. at Burke Lake Golf Center,6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.Celebrate under the stars at the newdouble-decker driving range at BurkeLake Golf Center. Enjoy unlimitedrange balls, themed food buffet , softdrinks, music, games, prizes anddrawings and one drink ticket.Limited to first 50 registered. $30.Call 703-323-1641 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/burke-lake/range-social/march2019for more.

Fairfax Band Concert. 7:30-9 p.m. atFairfax High School Auditorium,

3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. Visitvarious times, places and adventuresthrough the scores to Silverado, TheCaptain from Castille, Jurassic World,Titanic and Far and Away, and Onthe Waterfront. $15/$10. Call 571-336-CFBA (2322) or visitwww.fairfaxband.org/event/city-of-fairfax-band-goes-hollywood/ formore.

Ballroom Social Dance. 7:30 p.m. atin the McGuire-Woods Gallery(second floor of W-16), WorkhouseArts Center, Lorton. The night beginsat 7:30 with a complimentary 30-minute mini-lesson led by aprofessional dance instructor, versedin ballroom, Latin and social dancestyles. General dancing begins at 8p.m. Music, dance, food and funcontinue until 10pm. All skill levelswelcome. $10 per person. Visitwww.workhousearts.org/ for more.

KODO. 8 p.m. at GMU Center for theArts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive,Fairfax. Experience the electrifyingwall of sound that completely fills thehall when the athletic artists of Kodotake the stage to perform the ancientJapanese art of taiko drumming. Apre-performance discussion with amember of the company begins 45minutes prior to the performance.$30-$50. For tickets, call 703-993-2787.

SUNDAY/MARCH 17Animal Eggstravaganza. 1-3 p.m. at

Hidden Pond Nature Center, 8511Greeley Blvd., Springfield. Come onecome all for a spectacular spectacleof fun and eggcitement. Meet andlearn about all different types ofcritters near and far while exploringthe pond and Nature Center. Come toa book reading, come in for a Clara’sAnimal Egg Mobile Craft, an animaltalk, dance party and take a photowith a favorite animal friend. $10.

Register at tinyurl.com/y9nz9q48 oremail [email protected] call 703-451-9588.

NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The NorthernVirginia NTRAK members will hold aN gauge Model Train Display. Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

Danu. 7 p.m. at GMU Center for theArts, 4373 Mason Pond Drive,Fairfax. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Daywith an authentic Irish musicexperience the whole family willenjoy. $30-$50. A pre-performancediscussion with a member of thecompany begins 45 minutes prior tothe performance. For tickets, call703-993-2787.

MONDAY/MARCH 18Mother Daughter Sister. 7:30-9 p.m.

at Merten Hall 1201, George MasonUniversity, Fairfax. Screening andQ&A with filmmaker Jeanne Hallacy.Short documentary exposes theBurmese military’s use of rape as aweapon of war, through interviewswith Kachin and Rohingya womenactivists. Free. [email protected] or visitfams.gmu.edu/events/9099 for more.

FRIDAY/MARCH 22B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoyfree coffee, entertaining callers, afriendly atmosphere, $1,000guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good foodavailable for purchase. All proceedsgo to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.comor call 703-273-3638 for more.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 22-23Bye Bye Birdie. Friday, 8 p.m.;

Saturday, 2 p.m. at Church of theGood Shepherd (in the Grand Hall),9350 Braddock Road, Burke. Amusical comedy for the whole family.$15 adult, $10 student (18 oryounger). Purchase tickets atwww.goodshepherdplayers.com orcall 703-323-5400.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 22-24Marvel Universe Live. At EagleBank

Arena, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax.Marvel Universe LIVE is performingat EagleBank Arena. $20. Show timesSaturday, March 23 at 11 a.m., 3p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 24at 1 p.m., 5 p.m.; Saturday, March 30at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; andSunday, March 31 at 1 p.m. and 5p.m. Visitwww.marveluniverselive.com/tickets.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 23-24Virginia Opera: Madama Butterfly.

Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. atGMU’s Center for the Arts’ ConcertHall, 4373 Mason Pond Drive,Fairfax. Virginia Opera closes itsseason with Puccini’s magnificenttragic masterpiece, MadamaButterfly. Revealing the depth ofhuman emotion through lyrical duetsand heartbreaking arias including thefamous “Un bel di,” this poignant andtimeless tale of unrequited love andbetrayal is riveting, grippingaudiences right up to the intense,emotional finale. Sung in Italian withEnglish supertitles. $54-$110. Visitcfa.calendar.gmu.edu/virginia-opera-madama-butterfly.

SUNDAY/MARCH 24Winterfest – Ham Radio Fair. 8

a.m.-1 p.m. at Northern VirginiaCommunity College, AnnandaleCampus, Richard J. Ernst CulturalCenter, 8333 Little River Turnpike,Annandale. The Vienna WirelessSociety, an amateur radio club, willhold Winterfest, the National CapitalArea Ham Radio Fair, featuring: HamRadio and Electronics vendors andflea market; amateur radio licensingexams; large indoor and outdoorexhibit areas, with free parking. [email protected] visit www.viennawireless.net formore.

Spring Make ‘n Take Activity. 1-4p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. Make tissuepaper flowers to welcome spring.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.

Kings Park Band Concert. 3-4 p.m.at Lake Braccock Secondary School,Auditorium, 9200 Burke Lake Road,Burke. Kings Park Concert Band, inits 54th year, presents a Springconcert with selections such as TheMarriage of Figaro overture, MerryWives of Windsor overture, selectionsfrom My Fair Lady, Mancini’s Mr.Lucky, Grofe’s On the Trail, andothers. The auditorium is in Door#14 near the athletic fields. Free.Call 703-569-3090 or visitwww.kingsparkband.org for more.

TUESDAY/MARCH 26“Say Her Name.” 7:30-10 p.m. At

Johnson Center Cinema, GeorgeMason University, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Free. VisitingFilmmakers Series: “Say Her Name:The Life and Death of Sandra Bland.”Screening/Q&A. Investigation intowhat happened to Bland, who died inpolice custody after a traffic stop.

Entertainment

Organ MusicInternationally acclaimed or-

ganist Jeremy Filsell will performMarcel Dupré’s extraordinary LeChemin de la Croix (The Stationsof the Cross), interspersed withthe Paul Claudel poems that in-spired the work. Free (donationappreciated). Sunday, March 17,5-6:30 p.m. at Holy TrinityLutheran Church, 3022Woodlawn Ave., Falls Church.V i s i twww.holytrinityfallschurch.org/music for more.

Desert Rain by JeannePacheco.

Live Music: Lesson ZeroThe Mixing Bowl (formerly J W and Friends) presents live music with Les-

son Zero. Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m.-midnight at The Mixing Bowl, 6531Backlick Road, Springfield. Free. Visit www.jwandfriends.com for more.

Spring Marches OnThe Artists’ Undertaking Gallery in

Historic Occoquan, presents “SpringMarches On,” an exhibit featuring paint-ings by Jeanne and David Pacheco ofSpringfield. The exhibit runs throughApril 1 at 309 Mill St. in HistoricOccoquan. Visit artistsundertaking.com. Jeremy Filsell

Page 9: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Sports

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

With many hugs, high-fivesand applause, five of theseven Special Olympics Vir-ginia athletes and a coach

boarded a United flight out of Dulles Inter-national Airport on Wednesday, March 6.The athletes would be part of the 215-ath-letes in the Special Olympics USA delega-tion headed to World Games Abu Dhabi2019. Opening Ceremony is March 14 fol-lowed by six days of competition for the re-portedly 7,000 plus participating athletesfrom 190 delegations competing in WorldGames 2019. Closing Ceremony is Thurs-day, March 21. Of the five Virginia athleteswho departed Dulles, four came from theNorthern Virginia area and one fromFredericksburg.

❖ Dylan Joseph “Joey” Roney, 21, ofHerndon, will compete on the world stagein swimming, the 100m freestyle, 4x100mfreestyle relay and 200m freestyle. Roneycurrently swims with the Oakton Swim Clubthat practices alongside the Oakton HighSchool swim team. “This is an incredibleopportunity for Joey,” said his grandfather,Chuck Roney, as team members met up atDulles International Airport. “None of thiswould be possible without Special Olym-pics and the thousands of volunteers,” hesaid. Although athlete Roney said he wasexcited, he confided, “I’m feeling a littlenervous and scared because this is my firsttime.”

❖ Victoria “Tori” Martin, 24, ofWoodbridge, swam before she could walk.Through swimming, Martin reportedlyfound purpose, routine and stability accord-ing to Special Olympics. “In preparation forthis event, she has worked out six days aweek in addition to practicing with hercoaches three times a week,” said, BobMartin, her grandfather. “She is the mostdedicated athlete I have ever seen,” he said.“I’m feeling nervous, anxious and pres-sured,” athlete Martin said. She added thatshe couldn’t wait to explore Abu Dhabi.

❖ Karen Dickerson, 33, of Springfield, willrun the Half marathon, the 10,000m andthe 4x100m relay at the Special OlympicsWorld Games in Abu Dhabi. AthleteDickerson has run 27 marathons across theglobe. “I cannot say enough about Karen’sdetermination and dedication,” said hermother, Ernestine Dickerson. “It is amaz-ing what she has accomplished not onlythrough sports but in life.” AthleteDickerson provided guidance to her fellowSpecial Olympics Virginia athletes whilewaiting to leave Dulles. “You don’t have tohave a good or a bad competition or race.Just know you did the best you could. Allathletes go through ups and downs. Don’t

put yourself down,” she said.❖ Jenny Mitchell, 39, of Alexandria, is a

Special Olympics USA swimmer and one-time silver and two-times bronze medalistat Special Olympics World Games in Shang-hai and a participant in Special OlympicsWorld Aquatics Invitational in Puerto Rico.Athlete Mitchell will compete in 1600mopen water swimming and 800m freestyleat the Special Olympics World Games in AbuDhabi. “She has been training hard for this,”said her father, Terry Mitchell. “She is thefirst Special Olympian athlete to swimacross the Potomac from Jones Point toNational Harbor,” he said. “I’m ready to go,”said Jenny Mitchell.

❖ Grace Anne Braxton, 43 ofFredericksburg, Va., is looking for a top spot

on the Special Olympics podium in AbuDhabi as she was the top-rated female Spe-cial Olympics golfer in the world 2007 and2001 according to Special Olympics. “Spe-cial Olympics has helped me become anactive person in my community. I help outas a volunteer with Basketball Champion-ships and as a volunteer with new localgolfers,” Grace Anne Braxton wrote in herSpecial Olympics profile. “I’m expecting anew adventure,” she said at Dulles Interna-tional Airport.

The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation cre-ated Special Olympics. Special OlympicsTeam USA is authorized and accredited bySpecial Olympics, Inc. for the benefit ofpersons with intellectual disabilities.

Keep up-to-date on all of the information

USA Special Olympic Team heads to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesfor World Games 2019.

Local Talent on Global StageSchedule(USA- EST is 8 hours behind Abu Dhabi)HERNDON-Dylan Joseph “Joey” Roney-

SwimmingSunday, March 17, 9 a.m., 200m freestyleTuesday, March 19, 3: p.m., 100m freestyleWednesday, March 20, 3:40 p.m., 4x100m

freestyle relayWOODBRIDGE-Victoria Martin- SwimmingSaturday, March 16, 3:20 p.m., 100m

individual medleyWednesday, March 20, 3:40 p.m., 4x100m

freestyle relayWednesday, March 20,10:10 a.m., 100m

breaststrokeSunday, March 17, 9 a.m., 200m freestyleSPRINGFIELD-Karen Dickerson- AthleticsSaturday, March 16, 6:30 a.m., Half

marathonWednesday, March 20, 8 a.m. 10000 m runWednesday, March, 20, 4 p.m., 4x100m relayALEXANDRIA-Jennifer Mitchell- Open Water

SwimmingSaturday, March 16, 10 a.m. 1500m Open

Water SwimmingTuesday, March 19, 9:20 a.m. 800m freestyleFREDERICKSBURG- Grace Braxton- GolfSunday, March 17, 8:50 a.m., Level 5 -

Individual Stroke Play

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

From left, Special Olympic Athletes Grace Anne Braxton ofFredericksburg, Dylan Joseph “Joey” Roney of Herndon, Jenny Mitchellof Alexandria, Karen Dickerson of Springfield and Victoria “Tori” Martinof Woodbridge prepare to depart Dulles International Airport to head tothe Special Olympic World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

about the Special Olympics World Gameswith televised schedule and results by vis-iting, www.abudhabi2019.org.

Athlete Dylan Joseph “Joey” Roneyof Herndon gets a good luck hugfrom his grandfather, Chuck Roney,before he departs to Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates to representthe USA in the Special OlympicWorld Games 2019.

Page 10: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

10 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Sports

The (25-2) Landstown Eagles and the (26-3) LakeBraddock Bruins met up for the Virginia 6A StateChampionship on March 6, at the Siegel Center onthe Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.The Bruins advanced to the title game after defeat-ing last year’s Virginia Class 6 State Champion, SouthCounty 78-71. Landstown, from Virginia Beach, ar-rived at the final defeating Oscar Smith 64-60 indouble overtime.

The Eagles started with the game’s first two points,but Jimmy Anderson’s 3 pointer put Lake Braddockup 3-2 with 6:23 in the opening quarter. That wouldbe Lake Braddock’s only lead of the game. The Eaglesoutscored the Bruins 19-10, after playing the firsteight minutes.

In the 2nd quarter Michael Christmas #23 wassuccessful on a 3 pointer to put the Eagles up 22-10with 6:20 in the quarter. Landstown went up by as

many as 17 points and take a commanding 40-28lead at halftime.

In the 3rd quarter the Eagles continued to not bephased by Lake Braddock’s pressure, outscoring theBruins 19-16 with quarter to play, leading 59-44.

In the 4th quarter Landstown went up by as manyas 21 before game’s end, but Lake Braddock wouldget the game to within 7 points, 59-52 with 6:08 toplay. Landstown then scored 10 consecutive pointsto put the game away. Landstown outscored LakeBraddock 20-16 in the quarter for a 79-60 win.Landstown was led by Michael Christmas who scored27 points and 8 rebounds. Lamont Oliphant added13, Christian Jones 11, and Donald Hand 10. LakeBraddock was led by Quentin James 20 points. NickMargraf added 11.

— Will Palenscar

Bruins Become State RunnerupsThe Lake Braddock Bruins were the Virginia Class 6 State Runnerups.

Photo by Will Palenscar/The Connection

Page 11: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Every morning, at the very least, I look into the bathroom mirror to brush my teeth and shave my stub-ble. And there, right below my Adam’s apple, in plain site, is the tumor we’re attempting to stabilize, and in a perfect scenario: shrink.

As I’ve said many times before during my 10 years of treatment: “I can live with ‘stable,’” and/or “Stable

out if my lung cancer tumors are stable/have shrunk/grown is when my oncologist tells me/I read the radiologist’s report.

During this quarterly interval between scans, I’m like Sergeant Schultz from “Hogan’s Heroes: “I see nothing.” The tumors in my lungs are “like weeds,” (meaning they’re everywhere), said my oncologist at the initial Team Lourie meeting in response to one of my wife, Dina’s, questions about whether surgery was an option; “no” was that answer. But obviously, I can’t see them and what feelings I’ve experienced in my mediastinum have likely been scar tissue forming (according to my oncologist) and not indicative of too much too often.

So, I’ve learned to not overreact to any discomfort I might experience. It might mean something or it might mean nothing. I’ve been to both places already.

However, the “Adam’s apple” tumor is front and center. When I brush my teeth, I see it. When I shave I have to nearly shave over it. It’s impossible to miss. It’s not exactly a goiter but it’s more than a lump.

It’s not painful, but it’s completely opposite to the tumors in my lungs; they’re out of sight and because of that, occasionally out of mind. The “Adam’s apple” tumor is totally in sight and because of that, is always

my evening. And in the hours between, I’m touching my throat to feel what I can feel and hope what I can hope. The effect is I’m reinforcing a negative every time I touch the tumor.

If I can’t see the tumor (like the ones in my lungs), and I can’t touch the tumors (like I can the “Adam’s apple” tumor), I can delude myself more easily into not thinking/remembering I even have cancer; and more importantly, not thinking that I’m “terminal” as my oncologist characterized me all those years ago when he gave me a “13 month to two year” prognosis – on Feb. 27, 2009. Then I can pretend to live life as if the Sword of Damocles is not hanging over my head.

But, being able to touch the very thing that might be shortening my life makes it more real than it’s ever been. And it’s that reality that is making Kenny a very dull boy (no comments from the peanut gallery, please?).

have had since I began the immunotherapy. That’s when we’ll have our usual post-scan appointment with my oncologist to learn results and discuss alter-natives, if necessary.

Surgery, as we’ve inquired about previously is out of the question. Therefore, we’ll either continue to do what we’ve been doing, or start doing something we’ve never done before (you have to keep the cancer guessing).

On my most recent appointment, when asked by yours truly, my oncologist said we have lots of non-surgical options should change be warrant-ed. (There was a time in the past when I asked my oncologist a similar question and he was not nearly so encouraging. In fact, he was downright discourag-ing when he told me that the drug he was giving me at the time was the last drug he had for me.) Having been dangling previously at a near end, I’m sure you can appreciate how a patient knowing there are other choices available should a drug fail to stop the growth, is very reassuring.

Nevertheless, facing off with this tumor every day and being able to touch it morning, noon and night, presents a real problem: how do I avoid thinking I have cancer?

It’s always been my goal to try and assimilate the facts and hope not to be overwhelmed by the feelings. But how do I think it’s nothing when it’s obviously something?

I mean, it wouldn’t be there if it was just minding its own business, would it?

Talk AboutWishful Thinking

From Page 3

tions of the two cultures that have a longhistory of conflict between them.

She is co-founder of the First GenerationAmerican Association, a club that seeks tomitigate the difficulties faced by first gen-eration students and their families as theywork to assimilate in their new country.If all that isn’t enough, Delina is also a mem-ber of a committee that works with the Anti-Defamation League to promote “No Placefor Hate” at Hayfield.

❖ Laura Kirk, from West SpringfieldHigh School (not pictured), is a co-founderof the DMV chapter of Students DemandAction, an organization focused on elimi-nating gun violence. She helps connect stu-dents with legislators and recruits and trainsvolunteers to learn to lobby. She also orga-nizes town halls, school walkouts, marches,and vigils to reduce gun violence. As co-president of the Young Democrats, she andher cohort with the Young Conservativesbrought both groups together duringJanuary’s government shutdown to servedinner to furloughed government employ-ees and their families.

— Andrea Worker

Peace Award

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

No stranger to dangerous conflictas a native of Honduras, Lee HighSchool senior Oscar Manuel LopezHernandez wants to help others inhis new home land feel welcomeand safe.

Bulletin Board

From Page 7

of Transportation to discuss proposed 2019 pavingand restriping projects. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/2019-paving-and-restriping.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 20Education Recruitment Day. 9-11:30 a.m. at

George Mason University, Johnson Center,Dewberry Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax.This education-focused career fair is anopportunity for graduating students or anycommunity member interested in education, tonetwork and discuss opportunities witheducation recruiters from the DC Metro area andsurrounding regions. See who’s going to bethere gmu.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/7919/student_preview.

Page 12: Athlete Karen Dick- erson of Spring- ton International ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2019/0… · 13/03/2019  · pics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. March

12 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

SPECIAL SAVINGS