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Herndon Town Councilmember Faces Civil Suit
News, Page 4
‘Other People Make Me a Senior’
Opinion, Page 8
Arts Herndon to Host ‘Children’s Literary Festival’
News, Page 6
Newbery Medalist and Herndon resident, Kwame Alexander, author of the New York Times Bestseller,
“Rebound,” holds a copy of his and Mary Rand Hess’ new book, “Swing” after he and Jo Ormesher, CEO
and President of Arts Herndon prepared for Arts Herndon’s inaugural “Children’s Literary Festival.”
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com October 3-9, 2018
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Page 2
Senior Living
2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
The Herndon Senior Center, Fairfax County Department of Neighbor-hood and Community Services is one of 14 county senior centers, all ofwhich provide a welcoming and safe environment for older adults tosocialize and engage.
Senior Living
Mercia Hobson
The Connection
This week is the Connec-tion Newspapers Se-nior Living Focus edi-tion. The Connection
invited local senior programspecialist(s) and citizens of all agesto engage in open conversation onhow seniors experience well-beingon a personal level, how best topromote well-being later in lifeand what factors might be culpritsfor lower well-being.
The following were possible‘Conversation Starters given toDonna Lopez, Assistant Director atthe Herndon Senior Center, FairfaxCounty Department of Neighbor-hood and Community Services onSaturday, Sept. 29, 2018, as sheworked with seniors at the center.
❖ Although you are as only asold as you feel, what age do youconsider to be the senior-citizen
threshold and why?❖ What factors might be
culprits for lower well being,those that have the most sub-stantial negative impact ona senior’s well-being?
❖ How best in the localcommunity, are factors suchas physical, mental and spiri-tual needs, the more “subjec-tive factors of a senior’s well-being,” met or not met?What about more objectiveneeds, such as financial sta-bility/ wellbeing
❖ On a scale of 1-10, howwell do you think a senior’s voiceand opinions, talents and skills aresolicited and respected in the com-munity and ultimately incorpo-rated?
Donna Lopez is Assistant Direc-tor at the Herndon Senior Center,Fairfax County Department ofNeighborhood and CommunityServices. The following reflects
Fairfax County’s50+ CommunityAction Plan, aswell as thebroader varietyof programs notonly at the Herndon Senior Cen-ter but at all of the county’s 14senior centers including the Sully
Senior Center, as presented byLopez.
Fairfax County’s population ofadults aged 50 and older is esti-mated to reach around 452,000 by2040 – that’s about 33 percent ofthe total county population. Withthis trend in mind, Fairfax Countyhas adopted the 50+ CommunityAction Plan to identify and addressthe needs and interests of olderadults 50 and over, and to plan fortheir continued engagement in thecommunity.
In the September 2017 report ofthe 50+ Community Action Plan,several of the common challengesfacing older adults in FairfaxCounty include health-related is-sues, isolation and loneliness,mobility and transportation, lim-ited financial resources and beingthe target of criminal activity.
Fairfax County’s 14 senior cen-ters provide a welcoming and safeenvironment for older adults tosocialize and engage.
Programs, activities and events– each tailored to the specific in-terests and needs of the center’ssurrounding community – affordolder adults opportunities to pur-sue hobbies, set and achievehealth and fitness goals, learn newskills, and cultivate friendshipswith others in the community.
All centers offer inclusion ser-vices, which provide assistance toparticipants with minor cognitiveand physical disabilities to partici-pate in day-to-day activities as wellas offer guidance and referrals toadditional programs and servicesthat meet evolving needs. We pro-
Donna Lopez, Assistant Director at theHerndon Senior Center, offers insight on whatis available at all Fairfax County Senior Centers.
Reflection of Fairfax County’s 50+ Community Action Plan
vide participants with options fortransportation and meals as well.
Each senior centers has a par-ticipant-led advisory council,which offers insight into the needsand interests of each community.Together with our advisory coun-cils, our center staff plan activities,guest speakers and workshops toaddress a myriad of topics such aslearning about how to use asmartphone or email, understand-ing Medicare, or even learning toprotect themselves from potentialscammers.
Speaking for Fairfax County’ssenior centers, we certainly valueour participants’ talents and wel-come their suggestions and en-gagement. The opportunities weprovide are the result of constantcollaboration and partnership withthe communities we serve, and wemake every effort to ensure thatour spaces afford everyone, re-gardless of age, background orability, the chance to share theirtalents, cultivate new ones andenjoy being part of a communityof fellowship. We welcome anyand all suggestions and questions,just contact your local senior cen-ter to learn more.
You can find us online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov, just usethe search tool and look for seniorcenters.
For more information on ser-vices, recreational activities andvolunteer opportunities, go tow w w. f a i r f a x c o u n t y. g o v /OlderAdults. You will also find asubscription link to the freemonthly Golden Gazette.
Donna Lopez,Assistant Directorat the HerndonSenior Center
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsHerndon Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
By Victoria Ross
The Connection Newspapers
Like many Americans,State Sen. JenniferWexton (D-33) said shewas riveted by Dr.
Christine Blasey Ford’s testimonybefore the Senate Judiciary Com-mittee last Thursday accusing Su-preme Court nominee Brett M.Kavanaugh of sexual assault.
“I believe Dr. Christine BlaseyFord,” Wexton said, adding thatshe was impressed with Ford’s“courage and grace” as Ford qui-etly detailed her allegationsagainst Kavanaugh.
On Friday, Wexton declared itwas “time for people of good con-science to take a stand,” praisingFord for her historic testimony.
“Her courage in a situation de-signed to put her at a disadvan-tage, and her grace in the face ofpowerful men who refused to in-vestigate her claims, allow inter-views of key witnesses, or evenspeak to her were extraordinary,”Wexton said.
U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) Comstock, who is friends withKavanaugh and said he was “anexcellent choice” when he wasnominated for the high court inJuly, did not walk back that en-dorsement when she issued astatement a few hours afterWexton’s statement on Friday.
Ford-Kavanaugh Hearing ExposesSharp Divide in 10th District Race
Both candidates had busy weekends, attending back-to-back events and greeting supporters throughout thesprawling 10th Congressional district.
Photos contributed
“I believe Dr. ChristineBlasey Ford.”
—Jennifer Wexton
“Both Judge Kavanaughand Dr. Ford have been illserved by this process.”
—Barbara Comstock
“Both Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford have been illserved by this process,” Comstock said.
Comstock blasted Senate Democrats, accusingthem of abusing the confirmation process and creat-ing an “overall toxic partisan environment” by with-holding Ford’s sexual assault allegations “from bothRepublican committee members as well as the FBI,”and then leaking the information to the press “againstthe explicit request of Dr. Ford…rather than allowfor a confidential review.
“This partisan abuse of the process has been a trav-esty for all involved,” Comstock said.
On Sunday night, Wexton responded to TheConnection’s request for a comment on Comstock’sstatement.
“Barbara Comstock purports to be a champion ofthe ‘Me Too’ movement and would have a real op-portunity here to stand up for the victim and to standup to members of her party and take a leadershiprole, but she’s not doing that,” Wexton said.
“Instead, she isºholding her old friend, Judge BrettKavanaugh, to a much lower standard than the oneshe set for members of the opposing party. Womenwho are the victims of alleged sexual violence, likeDr. Blasey Ford, deserve our support.”
Political experts said the Ford-Kavanaugh hearingscould have a profound effect on the Nov. 6 midtermelections, in which a record number of women – morethan 200 – are running for house seats.
Virginia’s 10th Congressional District has been held
by a Republican for 38 years, but Democrats believedemographic shifts in the sprawling district - whichinclude sections of Fairfax and Prince William coun-ties and all of Loudoun County – and growing oppo-sition to President Trump’s politics, will lead to aDemocratic victory on Nov. 6.
In the 2016 election, Trump lost the district by tenpercentage points while Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam,a Democrat, won the district by double digits in 2017.
VA 10TH DISTRICT – BY THE NUMBERSTotal population: 827,27921% Foreign-born, 37% Virginia-born61% White non-Hispanic, 6.5% Black or African American,
14% Hispanic,18.3% Other (including Asian)54.3% BA or higher$120,384 Median income,3.6% Poverty rate93% have health insurance*Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The Ribbon Cutting Cer-emony to officiallyopen the newly reno-
vated Fairfax Connector Reston-Herndon Operating Facility inHerndon, located at 268 SpringStreet occurred Wednesday,Sept. 19, 2018. The NorthernVirginia Transit CommitteeState Aid and the voter-ap-proved 2007 bond referendumfunded the $14 million renova-tion project. The facility re-quired updates to the exteriorsite and interior space, as wellas some system upgrades.
With a fleet size of 80 busesand reported capacity of 100buses, a phased design ap-proach to the renovation al-lowed operations to continuewithout interruption.
“Traffic and Transportation ...Two things that will keepHerndon moving,” said BillMcKenna. “It was an honor tobe part of the Fairfax CountyConnector Reston-Herndon Ga-rage expansion and upgrade.This will be a vital part of howHerndon will move forwardwith Metro and traffic by help-ing to move our residents effi-ciently and reducing our trafficfootprint,” McKenna added.
Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) posted that theworking environment was nowsafer, more efficient and morecomfortable than before. “Theimproved facility will also helpthe Connector meet increasingtransit needs in the area,” Foustposted on Facebook.
Others on hand at the RibbonCutting were Del. Kenneth R.“Ken” Plum (D-36), Del. Jenni-fer Boysko (D-86), FairfaxCounty Board of SupervisorsChairman Sharon Bulova,Dranesville District Supervisor
John Foust, Hunter Mill DistrictSupervisor Cathy Hudgins, andHerndon Councilmembers Ri-chard B, Kaufman and William“Bill” McKenna.
Renovation Highlights as re-ported by Fairfax County:
❖ An existing open bay wasenclosed to create a new drive-through bus wash.
❖ A small addition was con-structed for exterior tire stor-age.
❖ Vehicle lifts and serviceequipment were upgraded.
❖ An automated parts stor-age system was created.
❖ The drivers’ lounge andadministration areas were mod-ernized.
❖ A new covered fueling sta-tion was added.
❖ The bus parking lot surfacewas replaced with new heavy-duty concrete.
❖ A new parking lot wasadded for staff.
❖ A new restroom was con-structed.
— Mercia Hobson
The Fairfax Connector Reston-Herndon operatingfacility officially opens with a Ribbon Cutting Cer-emony Wednesday, Sept. 19, after a $14 millionrenovation.
Ribbon Cutting held for Renovationof the Fairfax Connector Reston-Herndon Operating Facility
Photo courtesy of
William “Bill” McKenna
Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors ChairmanSharon Bulova speaks atthe Ribbon Cutting heldfor $14 million renova-tion of the Fairfax Con-nector Reston-Herndonoperating facility onSept.19, 2018.
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4 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Grace Wolf Cunningham, a Herndon TownCouncilmember since 2010 and candidatefor Town Council of Herndon in the Novem-
ber 2018 general election, is named as Defendant ina Complaint filed Sept. 24, 2018, by three other can-didates for Herndon Town Council, Cesar Del Aguila,Sheila Olem and Signe Friedrichs. Like Cunningham,Olem and Friedrichs are current Herndon TownCouncilmembers.
The nature of the Complaint is Malicious Prosecu-tion with damages of $150,000 sought.
According to the obtained Complaint, in the sum-mer of 2018 on different dates, Cunningham filed“Stand by Your Ad” complaints with the VirginiaBoard of Elections under Virginia Code 24.2.956against Friedrichs, del Aguila and Olem.
The Complaint details that Cunningham allegedthe following: there was no identification of whosecampaign committee paid for and authorized a palmor “grip card” for Friedrichs; there was no campaigncommittee named “Friends of Cesar,” del Aguila hadnot filed required campaign finance disclosure re-ports; and Olem handed out grip cards titled, “Mov-ing Herndon Forward” at a meeting of the DranesvilleMagisterial District Democratic committee.
ALL THREE CASES came before the Virginia StateBoard of Elections on September 20, 2018, and sum-marily dismissed by the Board.
In addition, the Complaint states that beforeCunningham filed her Complaints with the VirginiaState Board of Elections, she, del Aguila, Olem,Friedrichs and other candidates for Herndon TownCouncil attended the Dranesville District Commit-tee meeting in Herndon on June 21, 2018.
According to the Complaint: “The purpose of themeeting was to determine which of the candidatesfor Herndon Town Council would receive the six rec-ommendations for the Dranesville District Commit-tee to the Fairfax County Democratic Committee forendorsement for the November 6, 2018, general elec-tion.” Cunningham, the Complaint states, “was theonly candidate who did not receive a recommenda-tion from the Dranesville District Committee at thismeeting.”
In addition, the ComplaInt says that Cunninghamfiled the three State Board of Election Complaintsabout del Aguila, Friedrichs and Olem, “not in fur-therance of a bona fide claim of Virginia campaignadvertisement law, but instead for a personal vindic-tive reason related to her failure to obtain a recom-mendation from the Dranesville District Committee.”
The Complaint goes on to state that Cunninghamdamaged del Aquila’s, Friedrich’s and Olem’s elec-toral prospects in the November 6, 2018, generalelection subjecting them to “unfounded allegationsof campaign advertisement violation and by forcingthem to defend themselves at a public hearing be-fore the Virginia State Board of Elections.”
Plaintiffs del Aguila, Olem and Friedrichs requesteda judgment of $50,000 in compensatory damagesand $100,000 in punitive damages, as well as costs
incurred.When asked for a comment on the Complaint,
Cesar del Aguila responded: “The complaints filedagainst Sheila, Signe and me by Grace WolfCunningham were deliberate and malicious. Thecharges were reviewed and unanimously dismissedby the state board of elections. I hope the release oftheir findings clears our names and exposes a pat-tern of behavior by Grace. This is another exampleof her abusing process and demonstrates actionsunbecoming of an elected official.”
Sheila Olem stated, “The complaint against GraceWolf Cunningham is for Malicious Prosecution, re-garding the Complaints she brought against myself,Signe and Cesar, which were unfounded and dis-missed.”
“This should not have been necessary,” said SigneFriedrichs. “A respectful dialog is the answer to dis-agreement, not filing an anonymous complaint.”
While the Stand by Your Ad Complaint Form, avail-able online through the State Board of Elections asksif the person filing the complaint wants to keep theircontact information private, in the Notice section, itstates “Records of alleged Stand by Your Ad viola-tions are available to the public under the Freedomof Information Act.”
When asked for a response, Grace WolfCunningham said, “I can’t comment.” Merkel, Bakerand McKenna did not respond to a request for com-ment as of Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.
IN AN INTERVIEW the morning of Oct. 2, 2018,del Aguila confirmed that after the Herndon TownCouncil Public Hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 25, Lisa C.Merkel, Mayor of Herndon, Vice Mayor JenniferBaker and Herndon Town Councilmember, WilliamMcKenna were each served a subpoena related tothe Plaintiffs case by a private process server.
Herndon Town CouncilmemberFaces Civil Suit
Grace WolfCunningham
Cesar A. Del Aguila Signe V. Friedrichs
Sheila A. Olem
Co
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Grace Wolf Cunningham sued for MaliciousProsecution by three Herndon Town Councilcandidates, $150,000 sought in damages.
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Route 7 Westbound over Sugarland Run Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening
Fairfax County Design Public Hearing
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Presentation starts at 7 p.m.
Dranesville Elementary School
1515 Powells Tavern Place
Herndon, VA 20170
Find out about plans to rehabilitate and widen the westbound Route 7
(Leesburg Pike) bridge over Sugarland Run in order to improve safety, extend
the overall life of the bridge and add capacity. The bridge was built in 1947.
The planned improvements include a new, wider concrete bridge deck and
widening and repairing the bridge pier and abutments. The project will also
extend the acceleration lane from the Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) on-
ramp to Dranesville Road (Route 228) to improve operations. Other improve-
ments include guardrail upgrades and new curb and gutter in the area of the
bridge.
Pursuant with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 CFR 771,
a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) was prepared under agreement
with the Federal Highway Administration. In compliance with the National His-
toric Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concern-
ing the potential effects of the proposed improvements on properties listed in
or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places will be available
with the PCE.
Stop by between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to view displays and learn more
about the project. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Project staff will be avail-
able to answer your questions.
Review project information at the VDOT project website
(www.virginiadot.org/projects), at the information meeting, or during busi-
in Fairfax. Please call ahead at 703-259-2304 or TTY/TDD 711 to ensure
appropriate personnel are available to answer your questions.
Give your written comments at the meeting, or submit them by November
2, 2018 to Mr. Shahrad Behboodi, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation,
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or email meetingcomments@VDOT.
virginia.gov. Please reference “Route 7 Westbound over Sugarland Run Bridge
Rehabilitation and Widening” in the subject line.
VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and
activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities
State Project: 0007-029-113, P101, UPC: 104556
Federal: STP-PM09 (324)
Entertainment
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.
ONGOINGThe Elden Street Tea Shop.
Saturdays in ArtSpace Herndon, 750Center St., Herndon. Sip tea andenjoy a variety of locally made snacksand pastries while enjoying the latestart installations in the gallery. Visitwww.eldenstreettea.com.
SATURDAY/OCT. 6Dog Paddle. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ridge
Heights Pool, 11400 Ridge HeightsRoad, Reston. Bring dogs for a finaldip this season. Current Dog Licenserequired. Dogs must remain undercontrol and sociable at all times orwill be asked to leave withoutrefund. Female dogs in heat are notpermitted. Fees are per dog. Registeronline at www.restonwebtrac.org($8) or walk up ($10) on the day.
YMCA Community Celebration. 10a.m.-1 p.m. at YMCA Fairfax CountyReston, 12196 Sunset Hills Road,Reston. Free community grand re-opening. Everyone welcome. Thecelebration includes an open houseand activities for children and adultsof all ages. Tours, demonstrations,activities, giveaways, refreshments,and a new member special offer arescheduled. Call 703-742-8800 or visitwww.ymcadc.org/locations/ymca-fairfax-county-reston/.
SUNDAY/OCT. 72018 Arts Herndon Children’s
Literary Festival. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. In collaboration with localauthor, Kwame Alexander, TheNational Endowment for the Arts andArts Herndon presents the first ArtsHerndon Children’s Literary Festival.A Newbery Medalist, Alexanderfounded the Capital BookFest in2005, and has brought thousands ofpeople year after year to variousliterary events. Panels and authorconversations, featuring adult andteen authors; featuring food, liveentertainment, authors and artisans;purchase books, illustrations,specialty artwork, and gifts; strollingentertainment and more. Free andopen to the public. Visitwww.artspaceherndon.org/arts-herndon-childrens-literary-festival.
Pitchapalooza. 11 a.m. at on theGallery Stage at ArtSpace Herndon,750 Center St., Herndon.Pitchapalooza is American Idol forbooks (only kinder and gentler).Twenty writers will be selected atrandom to pitch their book. Eachwriter gets one minute—and onlyone minute. Dozens of children’sbook writers have gone from talentedamateurs to professionally-publishedauthors as a result of participating inPitchapalooza. Visitwww.artspaceherndon.org.
SUNDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 7-132018 Herndon’s Arts Week –
celebrating the arts in Herndon. Withan event every day of the week andsomething for everyone it promises tobe special. Bring the family out forthe Children’s Literary Festival orKids Day at Frying Pan Farm Park.Have a night out with friends at aJazz Concert, take a SwirladelicDesign & Wine class or find out thewinners of the 10th AnnualExpressions Portrait Competition.Visit www.artspaceherndon.org.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 12-14Carnival & Harvest Fun. Frying Pan
Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Road,Herndon. Carnival games and rideswill be open from Friday, 5-9 p.m.;Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; andSunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Carnival-goers of all ages will enjoy “FallCarnival Fun” with games, rides andfair foods and beverages. Tickets are$1 each or 24 for $20. Rides takethree to five tickets. In addition tothe Fall Carnival, Frying Pan ishosting “Farm Harvest Days” onSaturday and Sunday. Fall is a busyand exciting time at the park. Watchthe cider press in action, milk a goat,shell corn, peel apples, meet the farmanimals and see traditional farmdemonstrations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.For a fee, take a wagon ride or aspin on the carousel. Admission andparking are free. Call 703-437-9101or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/fall-carnival-harvest-days.
SATURDAY/OCT. 13Family Fitness & Fun Fest. 9 a.m.-
noon at Town Hall Square, 730 EldenSt., Herndon. Bring friends andfamily for a superhero themed event
to include fitness and nutritionstations, interactive themed games,fitness class demonstrations, and aninflatable obstacle course. Put downthe electronics, get outside to moveand have fun. Free admission andfree parking. Visit herndon-va.gov/recreation or call 703-787-7300.
LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. 10 a.m.-4p.m. at all Fairfax County FireStations. In celebration of FirePrevention Week, all Fairfax CountyFire and Rescue Stations will behosting an Open House. Stop by alocal station that day to meetfirefighters, see the fire trucks, joinin the activities and learn about firesafety. Find a local Fairfax CountyFire & Rescue Department FireStation at bit.ly/2ReXaHk.
Reston Home Tour. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. inReston. The Reston Historic Trust &Museum’s 17th Annual Reston HomeTour focuses on six homes that haveundergone major redesign in theform of renovations, additions,complete remodels, extensivelandscaping, hardscaping andinterior decor. Travel in architecturaltime from a South Reston 1968Dutch Colonial to Reston’s newestluxury apartments, Signature, atReston Town Center where a “tasteof autumn,” catered by Balducci’s,will be offered. Tour these homes atyour own pace, in any order duringthe tour. $30. Call 703-709-7700 orvisit restonmuseum.org/hometour.
Prose and Poetry. 2-3 p.m. at RestonRegional Library, 11925 BowmanTowne Drive, Reston. Author AlfredoDel Arroyo will present his novelMartes de Infamia: y Otros diasfatales, and poet Fernando Gudielwill share his poetry in celebration ofHispanic Heritage Month. Adults,teens. Free. Call 703-397-0412.
THURSDAY/OCT. 18Weekend Food for Kids. 10-11:30
a.m. at Dominion Energy, 3072Centreville Road, Herndon.Assistance League of NorthernVirginia, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofitorganization, invites communitymembers to help pack food for itsWeekend Food for Kids Program,which provides nonperishable foodfor low income children at severalTitle I schools in Fairfax and PrinceWilliam Counties and the City ofAlexandria. Free. [email protected] or visitwww.alnv.org.
Carnival & Harvest FunCarnival-goers of all ages will enjoy “Fall Carnival Fun” with games, rides and fair foods and beverages. Tickets are $1
each or 24 for $20. Rides take three to five tickets. In addition to the Fall Carnival, Frying Pan is hosting “Farm Harvest Days”on Saturday and Sunday. Fall is a busy and exciting time at the park. Watch the cider press in action, milk a goat, shell corn,peel apples, meet the farm animals and see traditional farm demonstrations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For a fee, you can also takea wagon ride around the park or a spin on the carousel. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 12-14 at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Carnival games and rides will be open from Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Call 703-437-9101 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/fall-carnival-harvest-days.
6 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of the internationalbestseller read-aloud book, “Goodnight,Goodnight, Construction Site,” is coming to
Arts Herndon’s inaugural “Children’s Literary Festi-val,” as is Newbery Medalist, Kwame Alexander, au-thor of the tween favorite, “Rebound,” and the au-thor and illustrator of the 2015 Caldecott Honor-winning book, “Nana in the City,” Lauren Castillo.
They, along with 2018 Newbery Honor AuthorRenée Watson, “Piecing Me Together” and other fa-vorite authors and illustrators will be on hand to meetand talk with festival-goers at ArtSpace Herndon, 750Center Street in Historic Downtown Herndon, Sun-day, Oct. 7, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arts Herndon, in collaboration with Alexander andthe National Endowment for the Arts, will presentthe one-day Children’s Literary Festival, rain or shine.There are no admission or parking fees, and the eventis open to the public.
Celebrating literature as an art form and promot-ing literacy in the community is one of the goals ofArts Herndon. Alexander founded the popular “Capi-tal BookFest” in 2005 which attracts thousands ofpeople year after year.
Families will enjoy the original programming, tra-ditional readings, panels and author conversationsfeaturing both adult and teen authors. In addition,there will be food and all-day strolling entertainment.Books, illustrations, specialty artwork and gifts byartisans will be available for purchase.
Visit www.artsherndon.org for more informationor call 703-956-6590.
Arts Herndon to Host‘Children’s Literary Festival’
Newbery Medalist and Herndon resi-dent, Kwame Alexander, author of theNew York Times Bestseller, “Rebound,”holds a copy of his and Mary RandHess’ new book, “Swing” after he andJo Ormesher, CEO and President of ArtsHerndon prepared for Arts Herndon’sinaugural “Children’s Literary Festival.”The event will be on Sunday, Oct. 7,2018, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center Street in HistoricDowntown Herndon.
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By Mercia Hobson
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On Sunday, Oct. 7, Green Lizard Cycling inHerndon is hosting the 3rd Annual FunRide Bike-a-Thon, co-sponsored by
Herndon Rotary Club. All proceeds from the eventwill help support the Pride of Herndon MarchingBand’s trip to Normandy, France in 2019. There theywill represent the United States at the 75th anniver-sary of D-Day and pay recognition to the veteranswho served on the U.S.S. Herndon, the destroyer thatled the Allied naval flotilla in the assault on France.
EOTH, one on the event supporters writes on theirwebsite: “Join us as we ride 25 or 50 miles to raisemoney for the Pride of Herndon Marching Band torepresent the U.S. at the 75th Anniversary of D-Dayin Normandy France. Entry fee is $60, and all pro-ceeds go to the band. We will be raffling off a 2019Cannondale Quick 6 bicycle, graciously donated byCannondale DMV. There will be a lunch after the rideand drawings galore! Participants get a t-shirt and agoody bag and post-ride lunch.”
Green Lizard Cycling will provide pre-ride tirechecks at the start line and the Purcellville water stop.The W & OD Trail Patrol will be out assisting Bike-A-Thon cyclists as needed.
Although the regular registration fee is $60, cy-clists may participate for free if they secure a mini-mum of $75 in pledges. Registration forms, pledgesheets, sponsorships and raffle tickets are availableat Green Lizard Cycling, 720 Lynn Street, Herndonor by contacting either Beth Meyer [email protected], 907-317-0016 orVicky Robertson, Rotary Club of Herndon [email protected] and 703-867-0271.
Green Lizard Cycling to HostBike-A-Thon for Herndon High Band
Green Lizard Cycling is raffling a 2019Cannondale Quick 6 bicycle, donated byCannondale DMV to help support fundsneeded for HHS Bands’ D-Day 75thAnniversary Trip to Normandy 2019.
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Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Having checked my email inbox fairly regularly (that’s an understatement if there ever was one) since my Wednesday morning CT scan
fact that it’s Saturday morning and my column is requested to be in-house on Friday mornings, I am compelled nonetheless to submit one despite its incompleteness.
I would expect that by the time the newspa-pers go to press (Tuesday) and you regulars read this column (sometime after), to invoke Mark Twain – the results of my scan will not have been exaggerated. They will have been made known via email, with the radiologist’s report likely attached, for my review (at least that’s what happened the last time, in July).
Not that this method of communication and/or these daze of waiting is atypical of the process. It’s not. It is the process.
And not that I’m unable to function/maintain my focus/keep my sense of humor, I am.
It’s more that when the stakes are higher than they’ve been in a few years, this one’s ability to
almost as if there’s an emotional-governor embed-ded in my brain to control my speed, so to speak. I just can’t break out in uncontrollable laughter. Somehow, I’m refrained/disinclined from doing so.
I imagine my subconscious is involved but I’d
believe he’s seeing patients any more.Still, in the midst of this information void, I feel
duty bound to put pen to paper – literally – and try to write some “thoughtful commentary and insightful humor” as my columns have been char-acterized by great friend and fellow writer, E.A. Faine rather than writing “Everything in general about nothing in particular,” as I once described them.
-umns I’ve published since June 2009, they’ve rare-ly been about “nothing in particular.” Nor have they been about “everything in general.” They’ve been about one thing in particular: cancer, and
And while I’ve re-mentioned cancer, I’ve just taken another moment to check my inbox again to see if there’s any Saturday-morning news, but unfortunately there’s not. I’m still in the dark, sort of, even though the lights are on in the room where I’m writing.
However, all is not lost. “Chino,” the brother of “Biscuit,” the other of the buff-colored brothers we rescued back in May 2007, is cuddled up against my left forearm as I block his desire to roll on top of my writing tablet. And in his desire to be with me at this stressful time, I am able to draw some comfort as her purrs himself to sleep.
Now let me ask you all a few questions: How many times/how often should I check
my inbox for results? Do I presume my oncologist
me? Is he even aware, given how many patients he cares for, of the time-sensitivity of me wanting to know my results before the weekend? Not knowing the answer to any of these questions, is it possible for me to stop wondering about the answers and get on with my life and let the chips fall where they inevitably will?
If you can’t answer any of these questions either then you know how I feel.
I’ve been down this road before though. It’s sort of like mental gymnastics. Trying to contort myself emotionally into positions/moods from which there’s no rational escape. Occasionally I will get blue and feel the weight of the worry, but mostly, I’m able to put one foot in front of the other and try not to take two steps forward while taking one step backward.
No News is No News
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
SOBER-RIDE FOR HALLOWEENFree Sober Rides. Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 p.m.
through Sunday, Oct. 28, 4 a.m. Area residents,21 and older, may download Lyft to theirphones, then enter a code in the app’s “Promo”section to receive a no cost (up to $15) safe ridehome. WRAP’s Halloween SoberRide promocode will be posted at 5 p.m. on Oct. 27 onwww.SoberRide.com. The SoberRide code isvalid for the first 1,500 Lyft users who enter thecode.
THROUGH DECEMBERWhite House Ornaments. Assistance League of
Northern Virginia has begun its annualfundraising sale of White House Ornaments. The2018 ornament honors Harry S. Truman,highlighting changes made to the White Houseduring his administration. One side features theTruman Balcony and the reverse features theBlue Room. Assistance League is an allvolunteer, non-profit organization. Proceedsbenefit our community-based programs thatsupport local low income children. $22 (+shipping if mail delivery required). [email protected] or visit www.alnv.org.
VOTER REGISTRATION AND ID EVENTSThe Fairfax County Office of Elections
(12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 323,Fairfax) is open daily during normal businesshours to provide county residents theopportunity to register to vote or obtain a freevoter photo ID if needed. Applicants will need tocomplete a photo voter ID application, have aphoto taken and sign a digital signature pad.Call 703-222-0776.
The following special events will also provideopportunity to register to vote and/or get aphoto Virginia Voter card.
❖ Wednesday/Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., HerndonSenior Center, 873 Grace St #1, Herndon.
VOLUNTEERS WANTEDAARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to
expand its team of volunteers for the upcomingtax season.
Tax-Aide, now in its 51st year, offers free in-personpreparation and assistance to anyone, especiallythose 50 and older, who can’t afford a taxpreparation service. Volunteers make adifference in their communities by assistingmany older, lower-income taxpayers, and theirfamilies, who might otherwise miss out on thetax credits and deductions they’ve earned. Tolearn about volunteer opportunities, visitaarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESThe Fairfax-Falls Church Community
Services Board’s Merrifield Center offers anew stand-up information kiosk. Part of a pilotproject, the new feature aims to improve thecustomer service experience and decrease waittimes for individuals who are seeking mental(behavioral) health services. To check in,individuals respond to five simple questions,then the CSB’s Patient Track software alertsstaff. Based on clinicians’ schedules andavailability, as well as the needs of the client,individuals are triaged and seen by the nextavailable staff member. For more information onavailable services, call the CSB at 703-383-8500(Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). In anemergency 24/7, call CSB Emergency Services at703-573-5679 or the Fairfax Detox Center at703-502-7000 (TTY 703-322-9080).
THURSDAY/OCT. 4Enjoy Your Strong-Willed Child. 7-8:30 p.m.
at Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 100, DunnLoring. In this workshop with Celebrate Calm’sKirk Martin, learn specific strategies to:understand a strong-willed child; motivatewithout power struggles; stop yelling, lecturing,and nagging; enjoy a strong-willed child. Forparents of children ages 2-22. Visitwww.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center to register.
Bulletin
8 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ October 3-9, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
@HerndonConnect
An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered
to homes and businesses.Published by
Local Media Connection LLC
1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314
Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to
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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]
Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414
Mercia HobsonCommunity Reporter
Andrea WorkerContributing Writer
Jean CardProduction Editor
ADVERTISING:For advertising information
Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales
David GriffinMarketing Assistant
Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431
Editor & PublisherMary Kimm
[email protected]@MaryKimm
Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon
Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren
Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic
Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Ali KhalighProduction Manager:
Geovani Flores
Oak Hill & HerndonOpinion
Cindy S. Roeder, Directorof Parks and Recreation Townof Herndon:
The Herndon Parks and Rec-reation Department programsand facilities are designed tomeet the recreation and fitnessneeds of all segments of ourcommunity. For seniors, pro-grams encourage socialization,active lifestyles, and lifelonglearning. The community cen-ter features dedicated land andwater-based fitness classes forseniors as well as group exer-cise classes for all ages.
Instructional activities liketennis, martial arts, yoga, anddance or art programs like pot-tery, photography, and knittingencourage adults to recreatewith those having similar inter-ests. Independent activities likeswimming, walking and use ofthe strength and cardio equip-ment are also highly encour-aged.
For specific interests or moreinformation contact us [email protected] visit www.herndon-va.gov/recreation for more details.
Parks and Recreation Programs forSeniors in the Town of Herndon
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
The Connection invitedlocal senior programspecialist(s) and citi-zens of all ages to en-
gage in conversation on how se-niors experience well-being on apersonal level, how best to pro-mote well-being later in life andwhat factors might be culprits forlower well-being.
The following were possible‘Conversation Starters.’
* Although you are only as oldas you feel, what age do you con-sider to be the senior-citizenthreshold and why?
* What factors might be culpritsfor lower well-being, those thathave the most substantial negativeimpact on a senior’s well-being?
* How best in the local commu-nity, are factors such as physical,mental and spiritual needs, themore “subjective factors of asenior’s well-being,” met or notmet? What about more objectiveneeds, such as financial stability/wellbeing?
* On a scale of 1-10, how welldo you think a senior’s voice andopinions, talents and skills are so-licited and respected in the com-munity and ultimately incorpo-rated?
Julie Nash, 68, Reston“I’ll say 60 is the senior citizen
threshold. I retired from the gov-ernment at 57. Physical age is justone factor. I think some seniors aredeluding themselves. They feelentitlement. A lot of the elderlybecome ridged and narrow-minded, and some are looking foran argument. I used to do a lot ofbicycling touring, but I had to ad-just and instead began walking onthe trails.
“Reston feels comfortable andsafe for me. I’m doing much edu-cational learning because of a re-cent surgery. I’ve been to some ofthe OLLI classes, the Osher Life-long Learning Institute; it’s a non-profit. I also work with educationprograms in D.C., and there areconcerts in Reston.
“I had a bad time with myReston condo association. I stoodup for others, and myself, and itmade an impact. Reston Hospital’s
age. I believe loneliness and help-lessness are factors for lower well-being among seniors, as physicallyseniors cannot always do thingsthey want to do. I even feel thatsometimes.
‘I feel Reston is a great place forseniors and if finances allow it,Reston is a great place to retire.Reston Association arrangesevents, senior movies, trips toD.C., things that seniors love. Andthe events allow seniors to social-ize.”
Karen Kan, 78, Reston“Sometimes I don’t even feel like
I am a senior because I’m still ac-tive and want to do the things Ilike. Although I feel aches andpains, I still want to be very ac-tive. What has the most substan-tial negative impact on a senior’swell being? I don’t like to losefriends. It really brings me down.”
Eleanor Benedict, 90 at the endof October, Herndon
“I don’t consider myself a seniorcitizen. I think it’s just a number.Other people make me a senior.(As for lower well-being) health isone culprit. People not acknowl-edging me (makes a substantialnegative impact.) They are ab-sorbed in themselves.
“Ninety percent (of my physical,mental and spiritual needs aremet) through the Herndon SeniorCenter with their classes. I takelocal transportation. I do it all thetime, the buses and the Metro. It’savailable and up to others to takeadvantage of it.
“At the Senior Center, we havebook clubs, puzzles, dance, Zumbaand computer courses. So manythings that I can’t do them all. Fri-day Night Live is here within walk-ing distance. We can listen to livemusic.
(As for financial stability/wellbeing), there are discountsavailable in the community forseniors depending on income.Even here in the Senior Center,there are discounts. Buses and res-taurants have discounts too. It’s upto you to take advantage of them.
“Senior voices are heard in theTown of Herndon. The Mayor andTown Councilmembers are awareof our needs. They’ve been here.They honor us for our past accom-plishments and listen to our ideas.The biggest thing is that the townput lights on the W& OD Trail. Itcan be used after dark and thepolice patrol it. There will be vol-unteers to take us to vote. Andour Police Chief, Maggie DeBoarddoes ‘Coffee with a Cop.’ There’sone this week at Starbucks.”
‘Other People Make Me a Senior’Locals speakout on seniorwellbeing inthe community.
Julie Nash, 68 ofReston believes physicalage is just one factor toconsider when labelingsomeone a “senior.”
Cheryl Chen, 48, ofReston believes loneli-ness is one factor forlower well-being amongseniors. A second factor ishelplessness, as seniorsphysically may not beable to do things theywant or used to do.
Eleanor Benedictwill be 90 at the end ofOctober and lives inHerndon, “I don’t con-sider myself a seniorcitizen. I think it’s just anumber. Other peoplemake me a senior.”
Karen Kan, 78, of Reston does not feel like she’s a senior. Kan enjoys ridingcamels on vacation. “Although I feel aches and pains, I still want to be very active.”
outpatient physical therapy, ortho-pedic department has an excellentrapport. It has a wonderful atmo-sphere for healing. During my re-cent surgery and rehab, I felt very
cared for.”
Cheryl Chen, 48, Reston“I consider the senior citizen
threshold to be over 60 years of
Pho
to
co
ntributed
Photos by
Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Have you been dreaming about a remodeling project? If so, please join us for a seminar where we’ll discuss concepts, inspiration, and industry insight! Our talented design consultants will provide you with fun and educational information to help you understand the trends, terminology, and materials to get you started. We’ll also discuss the common kitchen and bath challenges that we, as designers, have encountered. See how we have overcome them using our design expertise and industry resources.
Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc. | 7211-H Telegraph Square Drive | Lorton, VA 22079703-672-2249 | FosterRemodeling.com
Saturday, October 13th 2018 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Kayla ShoffDesign Consultant
Rachel MignognaDesign Consultant
Please RSVP
FosterRemodeling.com
or online at
Seats are limitedCall to reserve your spot!703-672-2249
under the Seminars tab
Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc. | 7211-H Telegraph Square Drive | Lorton, VA 22079703-672-2249 | FosterRemodeling.com
SATURDAY, October 13th, 201812:00pm - 4:00pm
This dazzling first floor remodel includes the kitchen, dining room, hall bath and living room with fireplace! This remodel touches every room on the first floor and the results are simply gorgeous! Meet the Foster design team, the homeowners and see our work firsthand. Whether you are in the preliminary stages or simply looking to stay in the loop of the latest trends, we guarantee you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge, sure to ease you into your next remodeling project. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to (703) 550.1371 for address.
Come and See the Transformation!
Meet the Designer! • Get a tour of the newly remodeled first floor
• Meet the Foster Design Team
• Meet our client and learn about their experience
• Food and Drinks will be served
and much more!Chris ArnoldDesign Consultant
Please RSVP
FosterRemodeling.com
or online at
Seats are limitedCall to reserve your spot!703-672-2249
under the Seminars tab
Come Join us in West Springfield!!
