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Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Ending Homelessness:‘It Can Be Done’News, Page 8
From Hiking Appalachian TrailTo Biking across AmericaPeople, Page 5
Putting Faith into ActionNews, Page 3
Ending Homelessness:‘It Can Be Done’News, Page 8
From Hiking Appalachian TrailTo Biking across AmericaPeople, Page 5
Putting Faith into ActionNews, Page 3
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April 5-11, 2017 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
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ChantillyFair Oaks❖Fair Lakes
ChantillyFair Oaks❖Fair Lakes Shari Zamarra, a Catholic in-
volved with the Fairfax CountyCommunities for Action YouthTask Force, participated in“Activism Through Faith: HowWomen Make an Impact” at theMubarak Mosque in Chantilly.
Page 6
Senior Living
2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsEditor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or
By Bonnie Hobbs
In today’s political climate, women canoften feel powerless. But more than100 women of various faiths came together recently to learn how they can
and are making a difference in the worldaround them.
Hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary of theAhmadiyya Muslim Community, the eventwas held March 18 at the Mubarak Mosquein Chantilly. It’s presented each year in com-memoration of Women’s History Month, andthe theme this time was “Activism ThroughFaith: How Women Make an Impact.”
Welcoming everyone was SaharChoudhary, regional president of theAhmadiyya Muslim Community’s Virginiachapter. She said her religion “categoricallyrejects terrorism in any form and endorsesthe separation of church and state. Wechampion universal human rights, protec-tion of minorities and the empowerment ofwomen through education.”
Ananda Vrindavan, temple president ofthe International Society of Krishna Con-sciousness in Washington, D.C., was the firstspeaker. Born and raised in Ireland, shetaught in India for 21 years. “It’s sad thatevil happens when good people don’t standup and say something,” she said. “But youdon’t want to lose yourself in the process,so it’s a balance.”
In Krishna Consciousness and the
Bhagavad Gita(Hindu scripture),she said, “Some-times activism maydemand that wefight or that wewalk away. Ulti-mately, we’re soulsbeyond our bodies,and the Gita alsoteaches compas-sion — you can’teven kill an ant. Sothe challenge for usas women is to discern the best impact wecan have in any given situation.”
So, said Vrindavan, “My faith is in bothstepping back from the world and steppinginto the world, from a place of good inten-tion, and seeing where I can best serve. Sohow do you take the principles of your spiri-tual practice into the world? To help us de-cide, we have six Gita values: Equal vision– we’re all equal; choice – we have free willand must live with the results of our choices,affection and humility – deal with eachother with [both these things], live life with-out cruelty, and live by example.”
“When you live in the real world, blackand white disappear and there’s a lot ofgray,” she added. “So be alive and awakeand as active as you can.”
Pediatrician Susan Kohn belongs toTemple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station and
is a member of the Sisterhood of SalaamShalom — a group of Muslim and Jewishwomen. Representing the Jewish viewpoint,she said, “Women must not be silent in theface of discrimination or injustice to oth-ers. We believe in caring for the strangerand repairing the world.”
Noting that Emma Lazarus was the Jew-ish woman who wrote the words inscribedon the base of the Statue of Liberty, Kohnsaid many other Jewish women, such as[Supreme Court Justice] Ruth BaderGinsberg, work to better people’s lives ev-ery day. “We have to try to make a differ-ence, even when the task is daunting,” saidKohn. “And we have to speak up when ourleaders don’t. Salaam Shalom was foundedto bring Jewish and Muslim women to-gether and speak out against injustice.”
Next came Shari Zamarra, a Catholic in-volved with the Fairfax County Communi-ties for Action Youth Task Force. She’s alsoa member of Virginians Organized in Com-munity Engagement. She’s also marchedand protested and does so monthly outsidethe NRA building.
Matthew 25 is her parish’s mission state-ment. “God judges us by asking what we’vedone for the poor and the most vulnerableamong us,” she said. “Now my work is serv-ing poor pregnant women and supportingeducation in Guatemala.”
Zamarra said she’s inspired by DorothyDay, a famous Catholic who helped es-tablish special houses of hospitality tohelp those in need. Day was also an ac-tivist who worked for social causes suchas pacif ism and women’s suffrage.Zamarra also follows the words of PopeFrancis, who said, “Each person has amission of social responsibility.”
Women gather toshare their wisdom.Putting Faith into Action
Dr. Susan Kohnlistens to aspeaker.
Photos by Bonnie Hobbs
Ananda Vrindavan makes a point.
By Bonnie Hobbs
During the March 18 event at theMubarak Mosque in Chantilly,women representing a variety of
religions explained their beliefs to others.They also illustrated how what women doin their daily lives can impact the future.
Nakasha Ahmad, of the Ahmadiyya Mus-lim Community, has a master’s in philoso-phy and is a former college professor. Shesaid Ahmadiyya Muslims view activism as“campaigning for social change, socialprogress and a most just society to rightwrongs and alleviate injustices.”
She said the five pillars of Islam are adeclaration of faith, prayer, giving to thepoor, fasting during Ramadan and going toMecca. Also important are connecting withothers and being empathetic and sympa-thetic. For example, said Ahmad, “We fastto empathize with and be compassionatetoward people who are hungry.”
She also said criminal justice should be
aimed at reforma-tion, rather than pun-ishment, and mercyshould be used to getpeople back on theright path. “Pardonand forgiveness arejust as important aspunishment,” shesaid. Regarding racial inequality, saidAhmad, “We believe no one people has su-periority over another. We are diverse, butwe’re one human community.”
“So what is the role of women?” sheasked. “Men and women have equal respon-sibility to work for social justice.” In addi-tion to the Holy Quran, she said Ahmadiyya
Muslims also rely on the hadith — oral tra-ditions from their prophet. “It’s importantto speak truth to power,” added Ahmad. “Ifyou see something you disapprove of — andyou see injustice — act and speak up againstit.”
While noting that Islamic women may gointo whatever profession they want to, she
said the importance of motherhood isalso emphasized. She said it’s seen asa way “to create a more just and peace-ful society by raising children who havea conscience and are morally engagedwith their communities.”
Citing activist Malala Yousafzai as anadvocate for girls’ education, Ahmadsaid women in general “write lettersand op eds to make their voices heard.We also meet with people on CapitolHill to discuss issues important to us.”
She further noted Ahmadiyya Mus-lims’ involvement in Humanity First, anon-religious, international nonprofitthat runs programs such as Water forLife, which brings clean drinking wa-ter to poor areas of Africa. “We alsobelieve that prayer is more effectivethan fire or water,” said Ahmad. “Andwe all are able to pray to advocate forsocial change.”
Next at the podium was countyBoard of Supervisors Chairman SharonBulova. Recalling the vandalism to theMubarak Mosque shortly after its speciallymade windows were installed, she stressedwhat happened afterward.
“The community came out with flowers
See Women, Page 12
Women of differentfaiths discusshelping others.
‘We’re Diverse, but One Human Community’
Board of Super-visors ChairmanSharon Bulova
Photos by Bonnie Hobbs
April Dalton is seeking baby items for Afghani women.
4 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
The first paragraph of Virginia Free-dom of Information Act, passed bythe General Assembly in 1968,states that all public records “shall
be presumed open.” But the legislation includesan exception that allows police to withhold
“complaints, memoranda, cor-respondence, case files or re-ports, witness statements andevidence.”
As a result, many police departments aroundthe Commonwealth, including Alexandria, Ar-lington and Fairfax, have adopted what theycall a “blanket” approach to using their exemp-tion. That means they have decided to with-hold any document they can without any analy-sis of whether they should. Police chiefs andprosecutors from across the commonwealthhave spoken out against any effort to under-mine their broad power of exemption.
To its credit, the Fairfax County Police De-partment has committed to “release police re-
ports with redactions rather than creating asummary document,” and the new policy is inprogress.
During the 2017 session of the General As-sembly, state Sen. Scott Surovell’s bill, SB1102,passed both the House and Senate without anyvotes in opposition. The bill would requirepolice to release the records of investigationsof deaths by suicide to the closest family mem-ber.
The bill summary: “Virginia Freedom of In-formation Act; completed unattended deathinvestigations; mandatory disclosure. Requiresthat records of completed unattended deathinvestigations be released to the parent orspouse of the decedent or, if there is no livingparent or spouse, to the most immediate fam-ily member of the decedent.”
Gov. Terry McAuliffe proposes to gut the billby amending it to only require the police toprovide a summary of the report.
Families deserve to have access to completedpolice reports about the death of a loved one.(This is also an issue for murder victims andother situations, but is not addressed by thisbill.)
The General Assembly meets for its veto ses-sion Wednesday, April 5, and we urge everymember who voted in favor of Surovell’s bill
to vote to block the amendment.We note that police departments do not have
to withhold these reports; nothing in the cur-rent law prohibits their release. Police depart-ments could choose the compassionate andtransparent approach by releasing reports, re-dacting the names of witnesses and other in-formation as reasonably necessary. This is whatthe FCPD is working towards.
— Mary Kimm
Opening up records of“unattended deaths”to families.
Tune into BudgetHearings This Week❖ Tuesday, April 4, 4 p.m., Public Hearing
before Fairfax County Board of Supervisors;School Board presents budget to Board.Fairfax County Government Center,Boardroom, 12000 Government CenterPkwy., Fairfax.
❖ Wednesday, April 5, 1 p.m., Public Hearingbefore Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
❖ Thursday, April 6, 1 p.m., Public Hearingbefore Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
All meetings streamed live online and availableto view on demand.
Residents can listen to any meeting live in theBoard of Supervisors boardroom by calling 703-324-7700.
Another Step to Police Transparency
Editorial
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Chantilly
To the Editor:When it comes to women of character, cour-
age and commitment, the first thought thatcomes to my mind is, “that’s the definition ofpractically every American Muslim woman Iknow.” Islam being a religion of peace consumesthe character of these women. Attributes such ashonesty, humility, a drive to seek education, help-ing others, and integrity in all aspects of life arejust a few of the many traits that define Muslimwomen who follow the teachings of Islam.
This unique set of women is not afraid tostand out or stand apart. This era of Muslimextremism and its inseparable Islamophobia,only strengthens a cause to help society un-derstand the true Islam. American Muslimwomen of today are not afraid of their hijabs(head coverings) or outer garments and theysurely are not afraid to tell you that they do soin strict obedience to God’s commandments aslaid out in the Holy Qur’an. Take a look aroundyou — shopping malls, restaurants, the metro,buses, cars, universities, business complexes— you will see them all around you. They arethe teachers at the child’s school, the doctoror nurse at your local hospital, the teller at the
bank, the pharmacists, the sales representative,or the engineer. And they are not afraid to standout and excel to be the best that they can beand to be contributing citizens of this society.The courage to be different, especially whenthe majority of people will profile, stereotypeand succumb to prejudice in a blink of eye, isnot something to be taken lately. These womenare proud of their faith and wear it as theiridentity. The Holy Qur’an gives guidance onthe various roles of Muslim women as daugh-ter, wife and mother. It also gives them spiri-tual, educational, economic and social rights.It is this belief that drives these women to bethe best that they can.
Being born and raised in the USA, I havenever seen myself to be different than every-one else. I was an athlete in high school play-ing sports while wearing the hijab. Being aMuslim woman did not hinder me from gradu-ating in the top of my class or going to a col-lege on full scholarship where I received abachelor’s degree with a double major which Icompleted in three years. I went on to get mymaster’s degree and graduated at the top ofmy class. I have been working as security en-
gineer consulting for the federal governmentfor the last 8 years.
But if you were see to me on the street, whatwould my head covering say to you? Whatwould the blocks on my calendar for prayertimes say? Would you judge me to be ill-man-nered if I didn’t shake a male boss’ hand? Orwhat if I told you that I had an arranged mar-riage and am madly in love with my wonder-ful husband? Would these differences speakvolumes to the fact that it’s my faith that hasset me free and enabled me to excel? To some,my declarations are a whole different perspec-tive — but we are really not that different. Inthis life I expect good from others and do good;where I harness my equality, liberty, and cour-age into my every action. Where I am fullyaware of my purpose in life and work everyday to make a difference in this world. That itis my commitment to my faith and commu-nity that is my eternal drive to be the bestdaughter, older sister, wife, mother, friend anddevoted Muslim.
Maliha Amjad AhmadChantilly
Letter to the Editor
Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChildren who will be 5 years old on or
before Sept. 30, 2017, are eligible toattend kindergarten. Find the correctneighborhood school by enteringyour address at http://boundary.fcps.edu/boundary/.Complete a packet of registrationforms found at www.fcps.edu/it/forms/enroll.pdf or in the schooloffice. Gather supporting documents:proof of residence in the school
boundary, a certified copy of thechild’s birth certificate, parent/guardian photo ID, and any custodyorders. Certificate of physical examand immunization will be requiredbefore the student may start school,but is not required for registration.Parents who choose to delayenrollment in kindergarten by oneyear are required to notify the schoolin writing of their intent.
Greenbriar East Elementary
School, 13006 Point Pleasant Drive,Fairfax, is now accepting registrationfor rising Kindergarteners. Visitgreenbriareastes.fcps.edu to sign upfor an appointment or call MelissaDicker, School Registrar at 703-633-6400.
Greenbriar West ElementarySchool is now accepting informationfor next year’s Kindergarten classes.Call the school office at 703-633-6700 as soon as possible.
APRILCoffee for Campers. April is the
Month of the Military Child, and tohonor our nation’s littlest heroes, theNational Military Family Associationis asking if you’ll give up your coffeeshop coffee and donate that extra $5a day to send a military kid toOperation Purple Camp. Visitwww.militaryfamily.org/get-involved/donate/coffee-for-
Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.
Bulletin Board
See Bulletin, Page 11
Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
People
See Jackson Clark, Page 11
By Nancy Yenke
Ever wanted to hike the AppalachianTrail? Well, last February about thistime, 18-year-old Greenbriar resi-
dent Jackson Clark decided to do just that.He wanted to find a purpose in life. He sawan article about people who hiked the trail,and looked into it. He decided to set off insearch of his passion; and one more thing… this tall, red-headed adventure-seekerhad never backpacked before.
Since it was late February, the hikers startfrom the warmer climate of northern Geor-gia. Jackson came prepared with clothingfor both warm and cold weather, food andwater supplies, as well as water filters foruse with natural water sources when bottledwater runs out. He also packed first aid sup-plies, a tent, and a cell phone.
The Appalachian Trail is 2,189 milesthrough 14 states from Georgia to Maine.When Jackson started out in Georgia, hisparents went with him to see him off andsay good-bye. He admitted to being a littlenervous. Asked about his parents’ reaction,he replied without hesitation, “My mom wasa wreck.” He texted his parents every fewdays, so that helped them keep in touch.
Jackson remarked that about 50 peopleleave that north Georgia starting point eachday. He explained that you’ll always run intopeople on the trail eventually. There areothers along the way who will offer help tothe hikers by leaving food supplies in largebuckets on the trail. “These people werecalled Trail Angels.” he said. “There was onecrossing near a road on the trail in Pennsyl-vania during the drought last summerwhere they left 30 [single] gallon jugs ofwater for the hikers. That was a lifesaver.”
He talked about the kind of food one takeson such a hike as this. “When it came tofood I was boring. In the beginning I wouldcook a little bit like oatmeal for breakfastand ramen or mashed potatoes for dinnerwith Clif [protein] Bars thrown in through-out the day. I would focus on cooking simplefoods that wouldn’t require too much ef-fort and that were easy to clean up. After awhile I decided to … just eat cold meals. Iwould make tacos that would consist of atortilla with peanut butter, honey, andcream cheese (yummy!). For snacks I wouldeat Pop Tarts and granola bars and PeanutM&M’s. The thing I ate the most through-out the trail was almonds. They are ex-tremely high in calories and not too heavy.The only problem with eating almonds so
often is you start to hate almonds with apassion.”
Jackson learned he needed to makechanges along the way. He only reallyneeded two changes of clothes, a betterwater filtration system, and a much lightertent. He found other ways to cut even smallamounts of weight to lighten his load, evento the point of cutting the handle off histoothbrush and only keeping the brush endto use. He also left some of his extra cloth-ing in boxes along the trail just for thatpurpose. It was a way to share with otherhikers. He wanted to be one of the 30 per-cent who actually succeed in “thru-hiking”the whole trail.
Jackson related a few encounters with thewildlife in the mountains. He explained thatbears won’t bother you, if you don’t botherthem. Otherwise, if you see a cub with itsmother roaming around, you just have towait them out, let them go where they want,then move on. Any pictures are taken froma healthy distance, no close-ups. He men-tioned that some hikers had a bull horn-type device to scare bears or other preda-tors away, but Jackson didn’t. He just usedcommon sense.
Asked if he had hiked with anyone hemade friends with on the trail, whether forall or part of the trip, Jackson said, for thefirst month or so, he hiked with a friendwho went by the “trail name” Casey Jones.Jackson’s was Nutella. Trail names are ac-quired like any nickname.
“My favorite views would have to be inNew Hampshire or in Maine. Those twostates have some of the highest mountainson the whole AT (Appalachian Trail) andyou are rewarded with the best views,” Jack-son said. “If I had to pick one spot on theAT I would say Mt. Katahdin had the bestview. At 5,269 feet you [get] one of the bestviews on the whole AT. On days where theskies are clear and visibility is high you can
From Hiking Appalachian Trail... to Bikingacross America.
Jackson Clark on the Appala-chian Trail.
Jackson Clark
Pho
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6 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Senior Living
By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
At 7 a.m. each weekday, a group of Del Rayseniors meet at Starbucks to embark on abrisk, 45-minute walk. The women returnto their starting point for coffee and conversa-
tion. Their goal is to stay active and socially engaged“Even those of us who’ve never exercised and aren’t
necessarily fit enjoy our walks,” said JoyceHerrington, one of the group members. “It’s mostlysocial and we enjoy it. The fact that we’re gettingsome exercise is a bonus.”
Late last month, representatives from Go4Life, aprogram created by the National Institute on Aging(NIA), held a pilot workshop in Potomac, Md., thatwas designed to test methodsfor motivating older adults toincrease their physical activ-ity. Workshop participantswere from Potomac Commu-nity Village, one of severalGo4Life partner organiza-tions of seniors who are help-ing to design strategies toengage seniors in exerciseprograms.
Sheila Moldover, PotomacCommunity Village Commu-nications Chair believes thatlocal seniors can benefit fromGo4Life.
“We’re going to include some easy and simple flex-ibility, balance and strength exercises at each of ourPotomac Community Village meetings, and distrib-ute Go4Life materials to our members, including tothose who are already exercising,” she said. “We wantto encourage everyone to pay attention to their bal-ance, flexibility and strength as well as to endurance.We see that as enabling us to age in place, to thrivein place, and be healthy and active.”
Go4Life, an exercise and physical activity campaignfrom the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at theNational Institutes of Health (NIH), is designed tohelp those who are over 50 incorporate exercise andphysical activity into their daily lives.
“We want people to know that it’s never too late tostart an exercise program, and we focus on four typesof exercise: strength, endurance balance and flex-ibility,” said Stephanie Dailey of the Go4Life programat the NIA. “It’s important that they’re doing all fourcomponents. Older adults can gain a lot from exer-cising. In fact, people have a lot more to lose by notexercising than by starting exercising.”
WHEN BEGINNING an exercise program, Daileyrecommends guidelines established by the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention.
“About 150 minutes per week of moderate activityis recommended for adults,” she said. “If you aregoing to start a fitness program, see your doctor first.”
For older adults exercise is important for maintain-ing function, physical strength and fitness, manag-ing and preventing diseases, improving your moodand giving you more energy.
In spite of a popular misconception, older adultscan gain strength and improve their muscles withthese exercises, says personal trainer Christian Elliot,CEO, Founder TRUE Health and Wholeness in Ar-lington, Va. “I work with people who are in their 60s,70s, 80s and 90s and I’ve never met a person whocouldn’t improve their fitness,” he said. “We’re notgoing to stop aging, but you can certainly slow it.”
Elliot recalls a client who was in her late 50s whodidn’t have a history of physical fitness, but wantedto get in shape. “She has hit some of the most phe-nomenal milestones, like being able to hold a 12-minute plank, do 50 push-ups and five push-ups onone arm,” he said.
FOR THOSE WHO are new to fitness, there is goodnews. “There’s a lot of evidence that middle age is agreat time to get fit,” said Julie Ries, Ph.D, professorof physical therapy at Marymount University. “Youwant to be active and healthy in your middle age sothat will keep dementia at bay in your old age. Exer-cise is not only for your physical health, but also yourcognitive health.”
A well-rounded exerciseprogram should include ex-ercises that focus on aerobicexercise, flexibility, muscularstrength and muscular en-durance, and balance, saysSusan P Thompson, Ph.D.,assistant dean, Health Physi-cal Education at NorthernVirginia Community College.
“Cardiovascular exercisesshould be done most days ofthe week for a minimum of20-30 minutes,” she said.“Walking, swimming, cy-cling, dancing, hiking andany activity that uses your
large muscles in a continuous movement will increaseyour heart rate and improve circulation.”
Stretching and moving your joints through theirrange of motion will keep the joints lubricated andless stiff. “Stretching will also help decrease pain andstiffness in the back, neck, hip and feet,” said Th-ompson. “For the sportsman it will increase yourpower and ability to improve your follow throughmotion. For the hiker, it will let you lift your armsand legs higher. You can stretch daily. Yoga and danceare activities which focus on stretching.”
Improved muscular strength and endurance willallow you to do everyday tasks with less energy withless chance of injury, advises Thompson. “Legstrength will enable you to walk faster, get up anddown from chairs with more ease,” she said. “Forresistance, [you can use] hand weights, resistancebands, weight machines, water walking and exer-cise or your own body weight. Resistance trainingshould be done two-three times a week working themajor muscles. Pilates and other floor work focus onthe core muscles.”
Balance training is important to prevent falls, oneof the leading causes of death and disability in thesenior population. “Although muscular strength,muscular endurance, flexibility and cardiovascularexercises contribute to better balance, specific bal-ance training is focused on body awareness, control-ling your center of gravity, being able to navigateyour environment and react quickly,” said Thomp-son. “The most important thing is to find an exerciseor activity that you enjoy. If you enjoy what you aredoing, you will be more likely to continue.
Exercises for strength,endurance, balance andaerobics are key.
Fit for the Golden Years
“The most importantthing is to find an exerciseor activity that you enjoy.If you enjoy what you aredoing, you will be morelikely to continue.”— Susan P Thompson, Ph.D., Northern
Virginia Community College.
Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Senior Living
By John Byrd
Blissful retirement often validates of the oldhomily: “Busy hands mean happy hearts.”
On this point, it is hard to imagine a morefruitful environment than the home of
Kirby and Helen Thornton, two 70-something retir-ees who recently completed focused renovations toa log cabin style home in Lorton they have occupiedfor more than 20 years.
The changes were all about tweaking to evenhigher relevance aspects of the home that had gradu-ally become a sources of distinctively personal satis-faction to both seniors.
Kirby Thornton, a former electrical engineer, hasbeen exploring his passion for woodworking for manyyears. Helen Thornton, a one time research analyst,revels in creating shimmering objets d’arte from fusedglass. When not pursuing their hobbies, the couplemight otherwise be found taking in the scenery fromthe wide, rustic-style front porch that now gracesthe home’s front elevation.
For all the quiet simplicity that abounds in everydirection though, the Thornton’s lifestyle accommo-dation has been decades in the making, beginningwith purchasing the 2,900 sq foot house and garagein the late 1990s.
“We were attracted to the relaxed ambiance of alog home,” Kirby Thornton said. “There were changeswe wanted to make from the first, but since we wereboth busy, modifications would have to occur inphases.”
The first step was acquiring more storage space.As Kirby Thornton tells it, the couple hired Foster
Remodeling Solutions of Lorton to remove an un-needed balcony, add a floor above the open garageand apportion the space for storage and other usesto be determined.
Soon Kirby Thornton decided that the windowlessgarage loft would work fine as a place to take upwoodworking. He had actually purchased a lathefrom the home’s previous owner. Helen Thornton,seeing the loft’s potentials as a studio, acquired akiln and began fusing glass.
The pursuit of one’s muse being all-absorbing, thepair spent little time worrying about the fact thatthe workspace provided zero natural light, or that itwas hard to stand erect under the four foot high ceil-ing that dominated much of the floorspace.
About the only change to the physical space in thisinterval was the introduction of a partition designedto keep wood dust on Kirby Thornton’s side of thestudio.
Even so, as full retirement dawned, both saw therewas now time to reconsider the larger “wish list” ofremodeling preferences.
“We knew we would have to change the studio roofline to get the head room and natural light wewanted,” Kirby Thornton said. “About this time, Helenwas looking into front porch ideas in log home maga-zines. We sketched out several designs of what we
thought we wanted. That’s when we called FosterRemodeling back in.”
But the first surprise inspired another pause:Turned out the front porch seen as spanning the en-tire front elevation couldn’t be built because of itsproximity to a part of the home’s septic system.
“The symmetry, the curb appeal, was important tous,” Helen Thornton said. “We wanted a balancedfacade on both the house and the garage. We werekind of at a loss.” Fortunately, Foster’s team led byChris Arnold came up with an innovative solution.
Foster’s architectural concept call for a faux peakon the main house at exactly the same pitch as theone above the garage which is, in turn, reinforcedby the peak of a front-facing archway that definesthe ground-level entrance to the porch.
A porch swing occupying the far corner nowfleshes-out the portrait of a restful carefree idyllamidst flowers and trees. For an expanded view,there’s a large Velux skylight overhead.
Rough-hewn timbers, the handiwork of Fostermaster carpenter Mike Borman, is integral to theaesthetics of a new front elevation that is both invit-ing and whimsical. Red cedar trim and molding,meanwhile, provide sympathetic color accents.
To fashion studio space useful to all, Foster founda way to elevate the headroom to fully six feet, free-ing up all 770 square feet of floorspace. A front-fac-ing dormer featuring a pair of double hung windowsinvites generous southerly light. Kirby’s wood shop— equipped with a lathe, a drill press and table saw— is tucked snugly behind a new partition. HelenThornton uses two kilns to produce her work.
Matching the logs needed to “pop up” the secondlevel also entailed a close look at existing details.
“We spent quite a while researching options withvarious vendors, which is a challenge when you’reworking with a 30-year-old exterior,” said projectmanager Chris Arnold.
Summarizing the well-planned lifestyle shift, KirbyThornton says the couple are frequently in the stu-dio at the same time. A window in the interior parti-tion allows each spouse to witness the other’sprogress, if so inclined. It’s a working environment,but also a place of interaction and play.
The distinctive by-products of the Thornton’s la-bors are mostly donated to friends, children andgrandchildren. Kirby Thornton is keen on pictureframes and book cases; Helen Thornton recently com-pleted a glass bird bath.
“This is a very sweet place to be spending this timein our lives, “Kirby Thornton said. “Perfect in fact.”
Foster Remodeling Solutions will be holding anopen house in its expanded design and selection cen-ter Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Therewill be three seminars. A workshop on Aging-In-Placewill be held at 1 p.m. The design center is located at7211-H Telegraph Square Drive, Lorton, VA 22079.To RSVP call: 703/550-1371, or contact us atwww.fosterremodeling.com
John Byrd ([email protected]) has been writing abouthome improvement for 30 years.
Retirees find satisfactionin a pair of art studios, anda front porch with a view.
Elaborating aLog Cabin
Photo by Larry Golfer
By raising the roof above the garagestudio six feet (right) and adding win-dows, the remodeler freed up 770 squarefeet of floorspace which is now used fortwo art studios and storage space.
8 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Senior Living
By Andrea Worker
HomeAid Northern Virginia(HANV) brought togetherabout 100 housing andhomeless service providers
from a variety of public, nonprofit and faith-based organizations at its annual HousingForum on March 30, giving them the op-portunity to share their challenges and bestpractices with their peers, while learningabout some of the latest trends in the fightto end homelessness.
Newly appointed HANV executive direc-tor Kristyn Burr opened the event beforeturning the program over to moderatorKaren Cleveland of the Cleveland Group.
Samantha Batko, director of the Home-less Research Institute, National Alliance toEnd Homelessness, was the program’s key-note speaker and started her section withpositives, noting that Virginia was the firststate to functionally end homelessnessamong veterans. “On Tuesday,” she added,“Bergen County, New Jersey announced thatthey were the first to end chronichomelessness. We know it can be done.”
How were these successes achieved?“Through ‘Rapid Rehousing,’ the value ofdata, and a determined community-basedpartnership,” said Batko.
The switch to a focus on the Rapid Re-housing model was a major topic at lastyear’s forum and the cause for considerableconcern among some of the providers. Thestrategy represents a paradigm shift in pre-vious methodologies to end a person’s orfamily’s homeless situation by pulling outall the stops to first find suitable housingfor the client(s) and then wrapping any ser-vices they may need — financial assistance,help finding employment, overcoming pastcredit problems, mental health treatments,etc. — around them once they have beenplaced in a stable housing environment.
THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH tohelping the homeless in the past has beento take them into shelters and then workwith them to resolve issues and obstaclesbefore placing them in an independent liv-ing situation. While this strategy can makefinding them suitable housing less challeng-ing, the process could take months, some-times years. Remaining in shelter for thatlong creates a different set of problems,from overcrowding or impossible waitinglists for shelter placement, to potentiallyexacerbating the anxiety of the homeless,particularly children and youth, who findit difficult to adjust and face the stigma oftheir situation at school or during othersocial activities.
Rapid Rehousing also put further pressureon service providers. It’s easier to provideservices and to monitor progress when theclients are grouped in shelter facilities andhave the benefit of supervision and readily-accessible support. Monitoring hundreds of
people scattered around the region in avariety of housing situations can be a chal-lenge.
But the housing and homeless serviceproviders have, for the most part, risen tothe challenges. The official statistics for thehomeless population for 2016 are not yetavailable, but the anecdotal evidence sharedby the attendees indicate a positive resultto the shift in strategy.
“Trust and a good relationship with land-lords is essential,” said one attendee. Whentrying to place clients who are still workingthrough obstacles, or who have credit prob-lems, who have been evicted — possiblymore than once — who have served prisonterms, or who may be registered sex offend-ers, requires getting out into the rental com-munity and honestly addressing thelandlord’s concerns and responding swiftly
Housing and homeless services providers discuss “Complex needs and promising solutions.”
Ending Homelessness: ‘It Can Be Done’
and appropriately when there are problems.Batko also commented on the current
political climate, highlighting several top-ics of much discussion by groups like theNational Alliance to End Homelessness.According to Batko, although federal dol-lars allocated toward homeless preventionand remediation make up the smallest per-centage of the federal budget at approxi-mately $2.5 billion, predictions for theFY2018 budget call for the lowest level offinancial support since 1962.
Potential cuts to the agencies that helpprovide services to the homeless or thosewho are only a step away from that condi-tion, changes in health care laws and inother social safety net programs couldgreatly increase the numbers of people thatsuddenly find themselves without a placeto live.
Batko stressed two main points beforeconcluding her remarks. First, she noted,“Efficiency. Agencies have to use the data,work together, re-think strategies” to de-crease the length of time that people spendhomeless, she said, and the organizationsmust be prepared to validate the outcomesof their efforts.
Secondly, Batko called upon the attend-ees to learn how to advocate. Manynonprofits operate under the misconceptionthat they risk their exempt status if theytake, and voice, a position on politically con-troversial issues. There are rules and limi-tations, but Batko urged the attendees tospeak out and find ways to magnify theirvoices. “You are the experts,” she said, andshould be able to offer that expertise to thelawmakers.
Batko suggested developing stronger re-lationships with local elected officials toinform them and to ask for their support,and the support of faith-based communi-ties, in advocacy efforts. “Call now,” shesaid, to ask Virginia lawmakers to pass theextension of Medicaid in the state. Startefforts now to protect funding and to resist“block grants” as funding solutions, sincethey are often seen as “funding cuts.” Intheir take-home packets, the attendees re-ceived a primer on how to avoid any pit-falls when publically addressing policy is-sues.
BEFORE THE PANEL DISCUSSION gotunderway, there was a reminder that as ofJune 30, organizations seeking HUD fundswill have to have adopted the standards ofpractice set forth by the National Allianceto End Homelessness — a requirement ofwhich not everyone in the audience seemedto have been aware. The Alliance hastoolkits for implementation and measure-ment available on their website atwww.endhomelessness.org.
Attendees at the Housing Forum divided into round table groups totackle some of the issues they all face, like “Landlord Engagement,” and“Resource Gaps and Needs.”
Photos by Andrea Worker
Newly appointed HomeAid Northern Virginia execu-tive director Kristyn Burr welcomes the participantsto the organization’s annual Housing Forum forhousing and homeless services providers.
Shelter House chief operating officer Jamie Ergaspresents the summary from the round table discus-sion on “Implementing Coordinated Entry” whileprogram moderator Karen Cleveland captures the keypoints on the flip chart.
Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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St. John’s Episcopal ChurchApril 12 6:00 PM Wednesday - Holy EucharistApril 13 7:30 PM Thursday - Maundy Service & Holy EucharistApril 14 12 Noon & 7:30 PM Friday - Good Friday ServiceApril 15 8:00 PM Saturday - Easter Vigil & Holy EucharistApril 16 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM Sunday - Easter Service & Holy Eucharist
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Submit entertainment announcementsat ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar.Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.
ONGOINGArt Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10
a.m.-8 p.m. at Clifton Wine Shop,7145 Main St., Clifton. Includes oilpaintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops.Free. Call 703-409-0919 for more.
Carolina Shag Dance. Wednesdays,6:30-10 p.m. at Arlington/FairfaxElks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30 p.m.; nopartners needed; dinner menu at6:45 p.m. Tickets are $8. Visitwww.nvshag.org for more.
Open Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30p.m. at Lord of Life church, 13421Twin Lakes Drive, Centreville. TheFairfax Jubil-Aires barbershop chorusinvites men of all ages who enjoysinging. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxjubilairs.org for more.
Toddlin’ Twos. Tuesdays, 10:30 and11:30 a.m. at the Chantilly Library,4000 Stringfellow Road. Earlyliteracy storytime with songs andactivities included. Age 2 withcaregiver, free. Call 703-502-3883 toreserve a spot.
Storytime for Three to Fives.Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Stories and activities for children age3-5 with caregiver. Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a spot.
English Conversation Group.Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Practice English with a group ofstudents and adults. Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a space.
English Conversation Group.Selected Saturdays, 3 p.m. at theCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Practice Englishwith a group of students and adults.Free. Call 703-830-2223 for dates.
English Conversation Group.Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Practice English with a group ofstudents and adults. Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve a space.
Plant Clinic. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. atthe Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. A neighborhoodplant clinic with horticultural tips,information, techniques, and advice.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve aspace.
ESL Book Club. Mondays, 7 p.m. atthe Centreville Regional Library,14200 St. Germain Drive. Meet anddiscuss a book chosen by group. Free.Call 703-830-2223 with questionsand to reserve a spot.
ESL Book Club. Every other Saturday,11 a.m. at the Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Adults learningEnglish are welcome to meet and
discuss a book chosen by the group.To find out book title, call 703-502-3883.
Lego Block Party. Every otherTuesday, 3 p.m. at the ChantillyLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road.Legos will be provided for anafternoon of building. Grades 3-6.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve aspot.
Duplo Storytime. Every otherWednesday, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. atthe Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Develop andreinforce early literacy skills forreading success. Ages 1-3 with adult.Free. Call 703-502-3883 to reserve aspot.
Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m. atThe Winery at Bull Run, 15950 LeeHighway. Every Friday night a bandplays on the patio of the winery. Freeto attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for a fullschedule.
Mondays are Family Night. 5-7 p.m.at Villagio, 7145 Main St. $45 for afamily of four. Call 703-543-2030.
Legos Kids Club. Every otherTuesday, 10:30 a.m. at theCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive. Thousands ofLegos for children to play with. Ages6-12. Free. Call 703-830-2223 toreserve a space.
Starlight Storytime. Every otherWednesday, 7 p.m. at the CentrevilleRegional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive. Stories under the stars for ages4-8. Wear pajamas and bring stuffedfriends. Free. Call 703-830-2223 toreserve a space.
Over-40 Softball League. A Fairfax-based league is looking for enoughplayers to form another team. Playersmust be at last 40 years of age to beeligible. All games are doubleheaders-played on Sundays at Bready Park inHerndon between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.If interested, [email protected] for more.
SATURDAY/APRIL 8Easter Eggstravaganza Wagon
Rides. 10:30 a.m. at Frying PanPark, 2709 West Ox Road. Start with
the egg hunt and then ride aroundthe crop fields. $2. Ages 2 and older.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
APRIL 8-9Mother’s Day Art Show. 1-6 p.m. at
6540 Jerome Court, Manassas.Original paintings, photography,fused glass, prints, and hand-craftedjewelry. Visit visitmanassas.org.
SUNDAY/APRIL 9Festival of Color. noon-7 p.m. at Bull
Run regional park, Centreville.Celebration of festival of colors, Holi,with the sensational Bollywoodsinger Mika Singh. Visitwomenmpower.org/ for more.
Model Train Show. 1-4 p.m. at theFairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road in FairfaxStation. The Northern VirginiaNTRAK members will hold an Ngauge T-TRAK model train show.Museum members and ages 4 andunder, free; ages 5-15, $2; 16 andolder, $4. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
SATURDAY/APRIL 15Celebrate 275 Years of History. 1-4
p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. It’s aparty to celebrate 275 years ofhistory at the site, mingle withhistoric reenactors, enjoy visits withthe Walney Visitor Center animals,play historic games and try yourhand at woodworking. Delve into thepast with history tours, archaeologytalks, and Civil War drilling demos.Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
Civil War Soldier Campfire. 5:30-7p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Learnabout the lives of the soldiers whofought during the Civil War. Practicedrilling with a soldier and see amusket firing demonstration. $10.Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.
Entertainment
On Sunday, April 9, theNorthern VirginiaNTRAK members willhold an N gauge T-TRAK model trainshow,1-4 p.m. at theFairfax Station Rail-road Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road inFairfax Station. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.
10 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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EmploymentEmployment
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIEMan o’ man was I sick last weekend (that was
not a question). It began as a runny nose, fol-lowed by an annoying hacking cough, com-pounded by sneezing and watery eyes, an occa-sional headache, with zero interest in food andhardly any energy to get myself out of bed whereI spent practically the entire two days. I haven’tbeen that sick/incapacitated since, I don’t knowwhen. Thankfully, there was no temperature, sorethroat or nausea to further complicate my inabil-ity to move off the bed. And most thankfully,there was no urgency to visit the bathroom (Idon’t know if I would have had the wherewithalto even get there). Otherwise, I mighty have actu-ally had to call/email the doctor and/or make anappointment at the Emergency Room. After all, Ido have cancer so I really shouldn’t ignore —totally — the times when I’m feeling uncharacter-istically bad. This past weekend, had I gone frombad to worse, I would have called.
However, my symptoms, as miserable as theywere, especially for two days, didn’t meet thethis-is-it threshold as set forth by my oncologist.Though the symptoms were new and differentversus the everyday norm, they certainly weren’tuniquely different (lung cancer related) for aseasonal-type cold. Moreover, thepain/discomfort/cough wasn’t coming from mylungs, and the symptoms had only lasted afew days, not a few weeks. I therefore deter-mined that unlike Babe Ruth who felt “just asbad” as he sounded in his famous Babe Ruth Dayfarewell speech at Yankee Stadium on April 27,1947, I wasn’t dying. I was just sick with a badcold, one that was worse than any I remember(although maybe I’ve forgotten. See column titled“I Can’t Forget What I Don’t Remember” pub-lished 3/22/17).
Nevertheless, since I’m not a doctor, just apatient, presumably I should know what my bodyis telling me. However, I may not be so inclinedto listen (fear mostly). Though my life may occa-sionally be at stake, I still struggle with the facts ofmy case. I delude myself into thinking that if Idon’t give in to the pain and suffering — as rareas they usually are, then I won’t suffer the conse-quences: dying before my time. I don’t want tobelieve the worst so I don’t. I wouldn’t attributemy above-average life “unexpectancy” sincediagnosis (eight years — AND ALWAYSCOUNTING) as the power of positive thinkingsince I never read the book written by NormanVincent Peale. But I try not focus too much onmy diagnostic reality.
I mean, it’s not as if I laugh in the face ofdeath; heck, I cry more than ever, especiallywhile watching programs on television whenheartstrings are pulled. Somehow though, I trynot to take my cancer personally, if that makesany sense? I try to take it the same way CurlyHoward of The Three Stooges took his many slap-stick pratfalls: “I’m a victim of soycumstance.”
But when I get sick, whether or not I feel any-thing in my chest/lungs, I cross over into anentirely new realm. No more am I able totalk/humor myself into or out of things, no moream I able to deny my cancer reality and no moream I able to pretend that all is right in my world.It’s during these situations when the metaphori-cal/proverbial you know what hits my emotionalfan that I suffer the most. Unfortunately, there’snot a shut-off button. I just have to ride it out, asbumpy as it typically is, and hope I come out theother end in better shape than when I went in.
So far, so good. Although I’m still coughing abit and blowing my nose, all the other symptomshave subsided and no more do I feel worse forthe wear. I don’t suppose it’s cancer-related, butof course, what do I know? What I do know isthis: if the remaining symptoms linger, I’ll worry,and on Wednesday, April 19 — and for the fol-lowing week, I’ll worry even more awaiting theresults from the CT Scan and lower abdomenMRI I have scheduled that day (it’s a special: twofor one). Granted, these tests are not any newerthan catching a cold, but still, I can’t help won-dering: since I was diagnosed as “terminal,” thiscan’t keep going on forever, can it?
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Jackson Clark takes a break from hike.
Pho
to
C
on
tributed
Jackson Clark Aims To Give BackFrom Page 5
see all the way to the ocean.”At one point Jackson got so sick, with
headache, and soreness, that it was diffi-cult to even walk, but the closest town was10 miles away. Jackson explained that whenyou first start on the trail as an inexperi-enced hiker, they tell you to pace yourself,don’t try to go too fast — no more than 8-10 miles a day. After you get your “trail legs”you can pick up the speed or hike longerperiods. The best advice, Jackson said was“to listen to your body.”
For the last month of his trip he hikedwith a group of people who he said helpedto support each other, shared supplies ifothers ran short, and were basically like afamily for each other. Throughout his hike,he saw wonderful natural sights, andlearned to appreciate the simplest things oflife, “like a dry pair of socks and a warmbed.” He came away from the experiencefeeling lucky for the help he received allalong the way, and decided he wants to starton another journey of a different sort thisyear.
At 19 now, Jackson hopes to raise enoughfunds to go on a Bike and Build trip acrossthe country this spring. He found out aboutit through a coworker at REI. All bikers start
from Virginia Beach on May 22 and bikethrough 12 states for a total of 3,875 milesto end in Oregon on Aug. 6.
Besides the adventure part of the trip,Jackson and other participants will be giv-ing back to the common good. Along theway, he and the group of bikers will stop tobuild 12 affordable houses at predeter-mined sites in coordination with other or-ganizations such as Habitat for Humanity.This is Jackson’s chance to see the much ofthe rest of America. Jackson cited a few factsabout the affordable housing crisis in ourcountry.
Affordable housing is that which themonthly mortgage payment is 30 percentor less of a person’s monthly income. Fortymillion households in the country do notfall within those parameters. Twenty mil-lion pay more than 50 percent of theirmonthly income to meet the monthly mort-gage payment. So the need is great.
Jackson said he will be posting periodi-cally on his blog for those who wish to fol-low his progress. To support his efforts, visithttps://classic.bikeandbuild.org/rider/9240.
This story was originally printed in the GreenbriarFlyer.
Bulletin Board
From Page 4
campers.html to learn more.
VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS NEEDEDThe Sully Senior Center in Centreville is
looking for the following instructors: Zumbagold, basic art, Tai Chi/Qigong, and apersonal trainer. Meals on Wheels drivers,substitute drivers, and co-coordinators areneeded for routes throughout the county.Much of the coordination can be completedvia phone and computer. Call 703-324-5406,email [email protected] visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm
FRIDAY/APRIL 14Westfield Mulch Order Deadline. Have
your mulch delivered right to your drivewayon April 21 or 22. Your order will raise thefunds needed to provide a safe and sober AllNight Grad Party for Westfield Seniors andsupport other vital PTSA programs. Order
early, there is a limit on the total number ofbags that can be delivered. $5 per bag. $2per bag, for students to spread mulch, alsolimited number of slots. Order today atbit.ly/2kAh4fb.
MONDAY/APRIL 17Emergency Preparedness Lecture. 7 p.m.
at at the Cale Community Center, 4615Stringfellow Road. Guest speaker is GreliaSteele, the new Community OutreachManager for the Fairfax County Office ofEmergency Management. Visitwww.wfcwc.org or call 703-378-4250.
SATURDAY/APRIL 227th Annual Immigration Forum. 5:30-9
p.m. at Korean Central Presbyterian Church,15451 Lee Highway, Centreville. Join theCentreville Immigration Forum incelebration of the dance, music, food anddiverse community of Northern Virginia.Free. Visitwww.centrevilleinternationalshowcase.org.
12 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ April 5-11, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
From Page 3
News
and wishes of good will, as did the countygovernment,” she said. “And that speakstoward the type of people we have here inthe county; activism was when our neigh-bors spoke up [against the vandalism]. Andwhen, more recently, threatening phonecalls were made to Jewish community cen-ters, all religions came out to express theirsupport and concern.”
Bulova said all issues are women’s issuesand require “a moral prism through whichwe look at them. But a key element in ac-tivism is also listening and understandingwhere other parties are coming from.”
A teacher in the audience told Bulovathat, over the past few months, she’d been“bombarded with national issues” and won-dered how to respond on a local level.“Right now, the Board of Supervisors is con-
sidering the FY ’18 budget, so we’re hear-ing from people concerned that financeswon’t be provided for the services impor-tant to them,” replied Bulova. “But it’s alsoabout what we don’t hear; and if we don’thear from people, we assume everything isOK.”
As for the larger issues, she said, “I’m alsoconcerned about what’s happening nation-ally. I’m glad people in Fairfax County arespeaking out against hate speech when oth-ers feel liberated to say ugly things theynever would have said before. And whenthey hear it, they need to say, ‘That’s notOK; that’s not the way I feel.’”
Pediatrician Susan Kohn belongs toTemple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station andis a member of the Sisterhood of SalaamShalom – a group of Muslim and Jewishwomen. She said, “Doing little kindnessesto people you see every day” is also activ-
ism.And April Dalton, of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared that, ayear ago, her church was called on to helprefugees fleeing to Greece. “I was so upsetand wanted to help them,” she said. “I gota list of things to do from Catholic Migra-tion and Refugee Services, and it’s been soempowering to bring an international issueto our, little city. We now need 20 cribs andother baby items for 20 women who justgot here from Afghanistan.” Anyone wish-ing to donate toward this effort may con-tact her at [email protected].
Dalton said she can also do her part tohelp the world by going to PTA meetings,writing her congressmen and raising herchildren to be nice to people who aren’t niceto them. Agreeing, Ananda Vrindavan,temple president of the International Soci-ety of Krishna Consciousness in Washing-
ton, D.C., said, “Conversation is a powerfulthing. And creating opportunities for chil-dren to talk to others can help them becomeindependent [thinkers].”
“We tend to hang out with our owngroups,” added Kohn. “But we can teachchildren there are lovely people outsidetheir own group. After 1-1/2 years of exist-ence, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalombrings people together who wouldn’t nor-mally talk to each other. And in the pastfew months, our membership has grownbecause they know this is an organizationthat watches each other’s backs. So I en-courage people to find organizations likethis.”
Summing up, Ahmadiyya Muslim FazeelaWadan said, “We need to feel the pain ofothers, create compassion in our childrenand become advocates for them in theworld.”
Women of Different Faiths Discuss Helping Others
Learn aboutAddiction
The Sully District Police Station’sCitizens Advisory Committee(CAC) will meet Wednesday, April12, at 7:30 p.m.in the Sully Dis-trict Governmental Center, 4900
Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.Does someone in your life
struggle with addiction? Wonderhow it begins? Attend this meet-ing to learn about the power ofaddiction and how one localwoman turned her life around.This is an opportunity to speakwith someone who fought heroin
addiction at a young age and won.Learn about Nora’s story and howthose in her life impacted her re-covery. Experts will be on hand toanswer questions and address cur-rent trends. The public is encour-aged to bring loved ones, friendsand family who may benefit fromhearing her story.
Free CarseatInspections
Certified technicians from theSully District Police Station willperform free, child safety carseatinspections Thursday, April 13,from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station,
4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.No appointment is necessary. Butresidents should install the childsafety seats themselves so techni-cians may properly inspect andadjust them, as needed.
The first 35 vehicles arriving oneach date will be inspected so in-spectors have time to properly in-struct the caregiver. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm datesand times.
Prepare forEmergencies
The GFWC Western FairfaxCounty Woman’s Club (WFCWC)will host a presentation on “Emer-gency Preparedness” on Monday,April 17, at 7 p.m. Guest speakerGrelia Steele is the new commu-nity outreach manager for theFairfax County Office of Emer-gency Management. She will dis-cuss personal preparedness andprovide an overview on family andemergency preparedness re-sources to help people becomeready for unforeseen disasters.
Steele is an emergency manage-ment professional with six yearsof experience in two Northern Vir-ginia jurisdictions and interna-tional experience. She holds twoBachelor Degrees from VirginiaCommonwealth University inHomeland Security and Emer-gency Management and in Politi-cal Science. She also holds numer-ous local, state, and federal certi-fications in public safety.
WFCWC usually meets at 7 p.m.on the third Monday of the month,September through May, at theCale Community Center, 4615Stringfellow Road. Guests are wel-come and admission is free. Visitwww.wfcwc.org or 703-378-4250.
Roundups
C E N T R E V I L L ECOMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP
To highlight your faithcommunity,call Karen at703-778-9422b
The Church of the AscensionTraditional Anglican Catholic Services
1928 Book of Common Prayer, 1940 Hymnal,and the King James Bible with Apocrypha
www.ascension-acc.org (703) 830-3176
Holy Communion 10 a.m. Sundays (with Church School and Nursery)
13941 Braddock RoadCentreville VA 20120
in the “Old Stone Church”of Historic Centreville
