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Hidden Pond Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New PlaygroundNews, Page 3
A Night to Help End Human TraffickingNews, Page 7
Star-SpangledBabies Shower
News, Page 4
Some 50 women from military families were treated to a Baby
Shower sponsored by Operation Homefront on Saturday, June 16,
at the Springfield Hilton.
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com June 28-July 4, 2018
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2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsSpringfield Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
Jenneth Dyck
The Connection
The Hidden Pond Nature Centerin Springfield announced thecompletion of their newchildren’s playground and pic-
nic shelter Saturday, June 23, with a shortceremony and ribbon cutting event.
The $1.1 million playground was partiallyfunded by the 2012 Park Bond, which origi-nally provided for building the shelter andrepaving the parking lot. With extra moneysaved on the parking lot, the new nature-themed playground could be constructed ona flat patch of land near the park entrance.
The new Hidden Pond playground, con-structed for children ages 2 to 12, wasmeant to replace a wooden “tot lot” donatedby the Saturn Corporation. Because the oldplayground was “no longer meeting safetystandards,” according to Park Manager MikeMcCaffrey, the public and park authoritydetermined to replace it with modern equip-ment that complied with the Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Hidden Pond has its origins set in 1940when a farmer built the original pond forhis horses. Since then it’s grown into a be-loved park in the Springfield communitywhere children and families can enjoy thenew playground, participate in nature andeducational programs, and explore thepond.
Dawn Campbell, who has been bringingher children to Hidden Pond weekly for fiveyears, says that she and her family “lovecoming here, and we’re grateful to havesuch an awesome park so close to wherewe live.”
Under the newly-constructed park shel-ter, Mike Thompson, representing the ParkAuthority Board, gave opening remarksbefore the ribbon cutting, calling HiddenPond a “very special place.”
“This nature center has introduced natureto so many different children here in thedistrict and here in the county,” said Th-ompson, insisting that “this investment isworth its weight in gold.”
Deputy Director Aimee Vosper followedup Thompson’s opening statements bypraising the Fairfax County Park Authoritystaff and volunteers for their excellenceduring FCPA’s re-accreditation process.
“Projects such as this exemplify the stan-dard of excellence that we strive for everyday,” said Vosper.
State Sen. David Marsden (D-37) ex-plained to staff, volunteers and visitors thatFairfax County used to be only small dairycounty.
“The county has done just a fantastic jobpreserving these kinds of spaces for peopleto recreate, to learn [and] to develop com-munity. . . . It’s one of the reasons thatFairfax County is one of the best places inAmerica to live,” said Marsden.
Hidden Pond Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New PlaygroundCompleted nature-themed play equipment to replace previous wooden playground.
From left: Cindy Walsh, Director of Resource Management; Isabel Villarroel, Project Manager; AimeeVosper, Deputy Director; Mike Thompson, Park Authority Board; State Sen. David Marsden (D-37); BillMcCabe, Legislative Aide; Mike McCaffrey, Park Manager; and Michelle Alexander, Assistant Manager withvolunteers and park visitors cutting the ribbon for the new playground.
Four-year-old Charlie Rockowitz enjoys the com-pleted nature-themed playground at Hidden Pondby climbing a log wall.
Florence Liu explores the new play equipment forages 2-12.
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The Connection
4 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Steve Hibbard
The Connection
Some 50 military moms receivedsome great baby gifts at the Star-Spangled Babies Shower sponsored by Operation Homefront on
Saturday, June 16, at the Springfield Hilton.Seated in tables of 10, the moms-to-be andnew moms were military spouses (Juniorranks of E1-E6) from all branches of the U.S.Armed Forces who came from Quantico,Fort Belvoir and Andrews Air Force Base.
After being treated to a catered breakfastwith fruit, muffins, juices and coffee, therewere raffles for big-ticket items, games, andprizes. The moms were given play moneyand could shop for nine items; the roomwas styled like a boutique filled with giftbaskets, baby clothes, layette sets, and dia-pers. Each person was surprised with a carseat. There was also an educational com-ponent — moms could learn about lacta-tion support, baby CPR, child safety andcare for their baby.
“Operation Homefront works very hardto build strong, stable and secure militaryfamilies, and one of the challenges for mili-tary families is in the frequency that theyrelocate — they’re leaving behind their fam-ily, their friends and their network. So, whenthey find that they’re going to have a baby,what more do you want than people toshare it with,” said Vivian Dietrich, SeniorDirector for Operation Homefront, whichwas founded in 2002.
New mom Olivia Tousignaut of Frederick,Md., who gave birth to son Ian 13 weeksago, said: “Events like these are great fornew moms — especially to meet othermoms in the military community whenyou’re moving a lot. It’s a great way to bondand have the whole mom experience to-
50 military moms getfree baby gifts, learnbaby CPR and otherchild-care tips.
Operation Homefront Hosts Star-Spangled Babies Shower
gether and really benefit from it becausethere are a lot of things you don’t get be-cause they are expensive. But they’re sohelpful in the early mom stage and thenwhen the babies get older, so these eventsare wonderful for bonding and knowing youhave friends.” She is stationed at FortBelvoir with her military police officer hus-band.
Added new mom Alice Silver of Brigan-tine, N.J., who gave birth 10 weeks ago todaughter Emma: “I think this event is great;I think it’s wonderful for military familiesthat don’t have family close to have a babyshower and someone to support them whenthey’re a new mom. I just think it’s a won-derful event put on by OperationHomefront.” Her husband is in the U.S.Coast Guard in Alexandria.
Sponsors of the event includedVolkswagen, which provided the car seats,Buy Buy Baby, Pumping Essentials, NavyFederal Credit Union, Walmart, local Spouseclubs, the Carrying Project, Airgas, NationalCharity League, DRS, Mead Johnson, andBroad Run DECA.
Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection
Operation Homefront volunteers at the Springfield Hilton.Some of the 50 women participating in the Baby Shower sponsored byOperation Homefront at the Springfield Hilton.
Prae Borg (center) plays the Pass the Baby Bottle Game with KathrynMason and Kaela Wood. Prae won the prize of a diaper cake centerpiece.
Olivia Tousignaut of Frederick,Md., with her new baby, Ian, who is13 weeks old.
Alice Silver of Brigantine, N.J,,with her new baby, Emma, who is10 weeks old.
Sherry Stewart and Brooke Bianco,stationed at Joint Base Andrews,with their Ergo Baby Carriers.
Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Preparing to combat that timeof year when, according to theNational Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA), morethan 40 percent of all U.S. trafficdeaths involve drunk drivers, freeIndependence Day Lyft rides willbe offered to deter impaired driv-ing throughout the Washington-metropolitan area beginningWednesday, July 4.
Offered by the nonprofit Wash-ington Regional Alcohol Program(WRAP), the 2018 IndependenceDay SoberRide program will be inoperation beginning at 7 p.m. onWednesday, July 4 (IndependenceDay) and continue until 4 a.m. onThursday, July 5, as a way to keeplocal roads safe from impaireddrivers during this traditionallyhigh-risk holiday.
During this nine-hour period,area residents age 21 and oldercelebrating with alcohol maydownload Lyft to their phones,then enter a SoberRide code in theapp’s “Promo” section to receivetheir no cost (up to $15) safetransportation home. WRAP’s July4 SoberRide promo code will beposted at 5 p.m. on Wednesday,July 4 on www.SoberRide.com.
Last year, 513 persons in theWashington-metropolitan area
used WRAP’s Independence DaySoberRide program rather thanpossibly driving home impaired.The charity also offers itsSoberRide program on St. Patrick’sDay, Cinco de Mayo, Halloweenand the winter holidays.
Last year, WRAP announced apartnership with the ridesharingservice Lyft to provide WRAP’sSoberRide service in the Washing-ton-metropolitan area. SoberRide,the free safe ride service to pre-vent drunk driving, is now solelyavailable via the Lyft mobile appridesharing platform.
“Over 40 percent of all U.S. traf-fic fatalities during the Indepen-dence Day holiday in 2016 in-volved drunk drivers according tothe National Highway TrafficSafety Administration,” said KurtGregory Erickson, WRAP’s presi-dent. “Worse, two-thirds of thosekilled in drunk driving crashesduring the 2016 IndependenceDay period had BACs of .15 orhigher.” Since 1991, WRAP’sSoberRide program has provided72,377 free safe rides home towould-be drunk drivers in theGreater Washington area.
More information about WRAP’sSoberRide initiative can be foundat www.SoberRide.com.
SoberRide Offered onIndependence Day
6 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
By Kathy Tran
State Delegate (D-42)
Many reports inthe last severalweeks havebrought to light
instances of inhumane treat-ment of immigrants and asylumseekers in our country. Nationaloutcry about families beingtorn apart and children kept injails, tents, and cages at oursouthern border led to the endof Trump’s “Zero Tolerance” policy. A reportfrom the Associated Press highlighted allega-tions of abuse at a facility in Staunton, Va.
In 1979, my parents and I were refugees,escaping from Vietnam on a rickety boat forseveral days. My mother remembers that onthe night we left our homeland, there were nostars in the sky; it was so dark that she couldnot tell where the ocean ended and the skybegan. As we left the shores into this wateryabyss, she wondered how we would survive.
My parents’ decision to leave their family andcountry was heart wrenching for them. Yet, theunknown of the dangerous, open sea was a
preferable alternative to theoppressive regime at home. Myfamily’s journey in search ofhope, opportunity, and freedomis similar to ones taken by oth-ers before and after us.
Today, there are 65 milliondisplaced people worldwide.Whether on the MediterraneanSea or at our southern border,people, desperate for a better
life for themselves and their children, are risk-ing their lives.
I am outraged by the Trump Administration’s“zero tolerance” immigration policy. This in-humane approach is tearing apart familiesseeking refuge at our southern border, leavingparents frantically searching for their childrenand children alone and terrified. We must notseparate families, and we must not rest untilseparated families are reunited.
We must not indefinitely detain people seek-ing refuge in jails, tents, or cages. In 1998, Itaught ESL to adult asylum seekers at Eliza-beth Detention Center in N.J. These jails are
no place for adults fleeing terror or persecu-tion let alone children or families.
This week, Virginia demonstrated its com-mitment to compassion and justice. GovernorNortham’s decisive decision to recall VirginiaNational Guard members who had been de-ployed to the southwest border sent a clearmessage: Virginia will not participate in activi-ties that enable family separation.
I also applaud the Governor’s swift leader-ship to investigate reports of abuse of immi-grant children held by the U.S. Office of Refu-gee Resettlement at a juvenile detention facil-ity in Staunton, Va. We need to ensure thesafety of every person — adult or child, na-tive-born or immigrant — held in custody inVirginia.
Poignantly, on World Refugee Day, the risingtide of public demand for the humane treat-ment of families seeking refuge from persecu-tion brought an end to the “Zero Tolerance”policy. We must recommit ourselves to beingsteadfast in our compassion for and dedicationto assisting those fleeing violence, terror, andoppression. For generations, the United Stateshas been a beacon of hope for many, and im-migrants and refugees have strengthened thesocial, economic, and cultural fabric of ourcountry since its founding. Now more than ever,we must continue to demand moral clarity andleadership from our political leaders.
Kathy KL Tran represents the 42nd Districtin the Virginia House of Delegates.
We must recommit ourselves to being steadfastin our compassion for and dedication to assistingthose fleeing violence, terror, and oppression.
When the Dangerous Unknown Is Preferable
Commentary
For months, members of the Fairfax Fraternal Orderof Police Executive Board have attended meetings withthe Fairfax County Personnel Committee, researchingand negotiating proposed changes to the retirement sys-tems, to which the following letter was recently sent tothe Supervisor Pat Herrity. This letter does not reflect justone agency, retirement changes are being discussed forall Fairfax County departments and employees.
Dear Supervisor Herrity,The Fairfax Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge
77, represents Police Officers and Deputy Sher-iffs in Fairfax County. Our membership takesgreat exception with your misguided initiativeto reform the Fairfax County Police Officers Re-tirement System (PORS) and the Uniform Re-tirement System (URS). The topic of pensionreform comes up every few years and eachtime, the Retirement Agency and County staffreport that our systems are healthy, growingand sustainable. This was reinforced by the2012 study by an outside consultant and re-cent comments by the Retirement Agency andCounty CFO.
You have stated several times that you be-lieve that new employees want more pay nowand less pension later. This would create twoclasses of employees, it will be detrimental tomorale, and it will hurt our recruiting efforts.Paying new officers a higher salary than cur-rent employees who have had their pay frozenfor many years will kill morale. At the sametime, those new officers’ higher pay will beabsorbed by the increased contribution ratethat they will have to pay. At the end of their
careers, after paying more, they will be receiv-ing significantly less.
In your newsletters, you have used broadstrokes to paint the employee pension systemsby misstating several facts and failing to ac-knowledge that the cost savings for your pro-posals are negligible while the potential costsare extremely high. Recruiting a diverseworkforce of police officers and deputy sher-iffs has become extremely challenging over thelast few years, especially with the negative sen-timents towards law enforcement pushed bythe media. Additionally, all law enforcementagencies are aggressively recruiting for diver-sity and our pension system is one of the fewbenefits that make Fairfax County stand out.Taking away retirement benefits for new em-ployees will hurt our ability to recruit minori-ties.
The current pay philosophy that the Boardof Supervisors has in place calls for our sala-ries to be within 5 percent of the market aver-age. As you know, the pay for our police of-ficer ranks are only average for the region atmidpoint and at top pay, they drop well belowaverage. Our first line supervisors are not only8-12 percent below average at mid-point, butit only gets worse when they reach the top ofthe pay scale. It is the final pay when the em-ployee is at the top of the pay scale that getsfactored in to their retirement. Not only is theirpay the lowest in the region after dedicating20-30 years of service to Fairfax County, but
their pensions end up being lower because ofit. Additionally, the rising cost of healthcarealready diminishes current retiree income byas much as 40 percent.
Working in public safety in general and lawenforcement in particular, the job takes a tollon the health of the employee’s body. PoliceOfficers are continually exposed to the portionof the population which, because of theirlifestyle choices and/or circumstances, are of-ten carrying infectious diseases and choose toassault officers. The constant exposure to thisenvironment is compounded by the equipmentthat every police officer has to wear on theirbody to include a ballistic weight bearing vest,duty belt and an assortment of equipment. Sci-entific studies show that law enforcement of-ficers have a significantly higher rate of sui-cide, divorce, health and mental health prob-lems as well as an increased risk of some can-cers. It is insulting to change our pension fornew employees who will ultimately have to paymore and receive less.
The cost savings from the proposed changesto all of the retirement systems is minimal andit won’t even cover the cost of the high costbody worn cameras that are being forced ontothe police department. Do we really need todrastically change the retirement benefit to payfor body worn cameras that are not needed asan additional layer of oversight?
Police: Don’t Change Retirement
See Retirement, Page 11
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Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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www.drsweetnam.com • www.sightforvision.comSee Trafficking, Page 10
News
By Steve Hibbard
The Connection
In an effort to combat human sex trafficking, theJust Ask Prevention Project and Airline Ambas-sadors hosted the ‘A Night to End Human Traf-
ficking’ reception on Friday, June 8, 2018, at theSpringfield Hilton Hotel, which donated the space.The evening included live music by the bandDownland, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, horsd’oeuvres and a cash bar for more than 50 people. Italso helped raise awareness and funds for educational
videos and curriculum development for the Just Askprogram.
“Our main focus areas are educating youth andthe communities about the issues of human traffick-ing so we’ve developed some pretty comprehensiveand robust prevention programs that we’ve imple-mented throughout the Northern Virginia region andin other parts of the United States,” said Bill Woolf,Founder of the Just Ask Prevention Project, whichstarted in 2013.
“We’re bringing the community together to raise
(From left):Kavita Nanavati,
Mrs. District ofColumbia USA
Ambassador2018 who
emceed theevent; NancyRivard, Presi-
dent of AirlineAmbassadors;
Bill Woolf,Founder of Just
Ask; and JodiO’Hern, Direc-
tor of Just Ask.
A Night to Help End Human TraffickingJust Ask Prevention Project and AirlineAmbassadors host reception at Springfield Hilton.
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8 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See Calendar, Page 9
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
CAMPYouth Arts Summer Camps. At
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Road, Lorton. Multiplesessions available for ages 3-17.Themes include Doodle Tots (ages 3-5), Visual Arts Explorers (ages 6-10),Fine Arts Innovators (ages 11-13),Summer Arts Intensive for YoungAdults (ages 14-17), Short Film, andGame Design. New Music andTheatre Camps include Let’s PlayGuitar Camp, Vocal Arts Camp,Performing Arts Summer CampChallenge, and Experimental TheatreProject Camp. Visitwww.workhousearts.org.
Art Camp 2018 in Burke for 5-8 yearolds, 8 years and up. One-weeksessions take place Monday-Friday,July 16-20, and July 23-27. Camp isheld through Burke CentreConservancy at the WoodsCommunity Center, 10100 WardsGrove Circle, Burke. Second locationis Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690Oak Leather Drive, Burke. Callinstructor at 703-250-6930 or visitwww.czartlessons.com. Campsinclude:
❖ Fine Arts & Crafts Camp (8 and older)– $142 plus $25 supply fee.
❖ Drawing Camp (8 and older) – $142plus $25 supply fee
❖ Drawing Plus Color & Craft Fun Camp(5-8 years) – $120 plus $20 supplyfee
ONGOINGArt Exhibit: House, Sky and Abyss.
Through June 24, gallery hours atWorkhouse Arts Center’s VulcanMuse Gallery, 1st Floor, 9518Workhouse Road, Lorton. House, Skyand Abyss is a solo exhibitionfeaturing Gerardo Camargochronicling the relationship betweennatural environment and socialconstructs. Visitwww.workhousearts.org.
Art Exhibit: Candy for the Eye,Food for the Soul. Through July 8,gallery hours at Workhouse ArtsCenter’s Warrior Way Gallery, 1stFloor, 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton.Gene Moty, a retired Air Forceofficer, creates contemplative,whimsical paintings using traditionalmaterials. Visit workhousearts.org.
Art Exhibit: Nature’s FingerprintsI. Through July 8, gallery hours atWorkhouse Arts Center, Building 6Gallery and Studio 605, 9601 OxRoad, Lorton. Using only naturaldyes, each art quilt, silk scarf andframed work is an alchemy of colorand texture as unique as a humanfingerprint. Visitwww.MariselaRumberg.com.
The Sunday Farmers’ Market.Through Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at10500 Page Ave., Fairfax — oneblock from West and Main streetsbehind the Wells Fargo Bank andadjacent to the Historic FairfaxCounty Courthouse. Visitwww.fairfaxsundaymarket.com.
Saturday Community Farmers’Market. Through Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-1p.m. at 10500 Page Ave., Fairfax —one block from West and Mainstreets behind the Wells Fargo Bankand adjacent to the Historic FairfaxCounty Courthouse. Visitwww.fairfaxsaturdaymarket.com.
Farmers Market. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2p.m. at Springfield Town Center.6699 Spring Mall Drive, Springfield.Visit www.facebook.com/SpringfieldFoodworks/.
FRIDAY/JUNE 29Old Town Village Performances:
Fairfax/McLean Sextet. 7-8 p.m.
at Old Town Plaza, 3955 ChainBridge Road, Fairfax. The weekendstarts here – Friday night on the OldTown Village Plaza – music anddance to relax by. Fridays, June-September, weather permitting.Performances are free. Call 703-385-7858 or visitwww.oldtownplazafairfax.com.
B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoyfree coffee, entertaining callers, a
friendly atmosphere, $1,000guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good foodavailable for purchase. All proceedsgo to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit fairfaxvfd.com.
SATURDAY/JUNE 30Kidz Korner: Children’s Science
Center. 10:30 a.m. in Old Town
Entertainment
The campus green of the Workhouse Arts Center inLorton was packed with families setting up theirblankets and lawn chairs before the fireworks beganon Saturday, July 1 for the 2017 Independence DayCelebration.
Celebrate Independence DaySATURDAY/JUNE 30Workhouse Fireworks 2018. 5-9:30 p.m. at Workhouse Art Center, 9518
Workhouse Way, Lorton. Launched from the Workhouse Art Center’shistoric, 55-acre campus the region’s largest pre-Independence Dayfireworks show celebrates the history of this nation and honors thecourage and sacrifice that have made America a beacon of hope andfreedom around the world. Admission free; parking $20 per car. Visitworkhousearts.org/fireworks for more.
SUNDAY/JULY 1Crafts for the 4th of July. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station Railroad
Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Enjoy makingrailroad inspired, 4th of July crafts. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, orcall 703-425-9225.
WEDNESDAY/JULY 4“Red, White and Blue Tournament.” 8 a.m.-noon at Burke Lake Golf
Course, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Teams of two will compete in an18-hole scramble format in three divisions: Father/Jr. 7-12; Father/Jr. 13-17; Father/Adult partner. Teams will alternate tees depending on howwell they do. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in alldivisions. Registration begins two weeks prior to the event. $70 per team,includes lunch and prizes. Call 703-323-1641 orvisitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/burke-lake to register.
City of Fairfax Evening Show and Fireworks. 5:30-10:30 p.m. atFairfax High School. 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax. Keep an eye out forsurprises during the event. Children’s activities (inflatables, face painting,balloon artists), 5:30-9 p.m. Live music: The Rockets, 6 p.m., 8:20, 9:40;and City of Fairfax Band, 7 p.m., 9:20 (1812 Overture). Presentation ofawards, 8 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rain date, July 5 (fireworks only).Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/independence-day-celebration/evening-show-fireworks for more.
File pho
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by Steve H
ibbard
Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
703-323-1188The Heat Is On
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From Page 8
Calendar
Square at the pergola, Fairfax. A varietyof children’s activities andentertainment in Old Town Square,Saturdays June-September. Freeshow. Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/old-town-square.
Hidden Treasure at Burke LakePark. 1-3 p.m. at Burke Lake Park,7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.Become a modern-day pirate andsearch for hidden treasures. Insteadof following a map, participants age8 to adult will learn to use hand-heldGlobal Positioning System (GPS)units to locate hidden treasure cacheswithin the park. $22 per person.Bring a GPS if you can. A limitednumber will be available to borrowfrom the instructor at class. Call 703-323-6600 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake.
TUESDAY/JULY 3Farm to Fairfax Market. 10 a.m.-2
p.m. at Old Town Square, 10415North St., Fairfax. The market, willbe producers-only – meaning that allvendors at the market may only sellwhat they raise on their farms ormake from scratch using localingredients as much as possible. May-September, weather permitting. Call703-385-7893.
Erin’s Epic Stories. 10:30 a.m. at OldTown Square, 10415 North St.,Fairfax. A variety of children’sactivities and entertainment in OldTown Square at the pergola,Tuesdays June-August. Weatherpermitting. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/old-town-square.
TUESDAY & THURSDAY/JULY 3 & 5Studio Ghibli: Porco Rosso.
Tuesday, 7 p.m. (Japanese withEnglish subtitles); Thursday, 11 a.m.(English dubbed) at Angelika FilmCenter – Mosaic, 2911 District Ave.,Fairfax. The Angelika Mosaic willfeature animated films from thecelebrated Studio Ghibli praised fortheir originality, stunning animation,and ambitious storytelling. All ticketsare regular admission. Visitwww.AngleikaFilmCenter.com.
THURSDAY/JULY 5Evenings on the Ellipse with
JunkFood. 5:30-7 p.m. at theFairfax County Government Center,12000 Government Center Parkway,Fairfax. The Evenings on the Ellipsesummer concert series is a family-friendly event featuring a wide rangeof musical genres. Paradise SpringsWinery and The Winery at Bull Runwill be providing complimentarytastings; glasses of wine and fullbottles available for purchase. AFarmers Market (2:30-6:30 p.m.) willalso be on site selling fresh fruit andsavory snacks. Rain or shine. Free.Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
FRIDAY/JULY 6B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,
4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoyfree coffee, entertaining callers, afriendly atmosphere, $1,000guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good foodavailable for purchase. All proceedsgo to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.comor call 703-273-3638.
SATURDAY/JULY 7Singles Dinner and Movie Night. 5
p.m. at Uncle Julio’s at FairfaxCorner, 4251 Fairfax Corner Ave.,Fairfax. Fixed price dinner, followedby choice of movie at Rave Fairfax
Corner 14. $35 at door includesdinner, soda, tip and movie ticket.RSVP required. Sponsored by NewBeginnings, a support group forseparated/divorced men and women.Call 301-924-4101 or visitwww.newbeginningsusa.org.
Country-Western Dance. 6:30 p.m.at Accotink Unitarian UniversalistChurch, 10125 Lakehaven Court,Burke. The Northern VirginiaCountry-Western Dance Associationwill hold a dance with lessons: 6:30-7:30 p.m. and open dancing, 7:30-10p.m. A DJ provides music. Couplesand singles of all ages welcome.Admission for NVCWDA members,$10; non-members, $12; childrenunder 18 accompanied by a payingadult $5. Smoke-free, alcohol-free.BYO refreshments. Visitwww.nvcwda.org.
Mount Vernon Nights. 7 p.m. atWorkhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Road, Lorton. This seriesof free, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
SUNDAY/JULY 8Hands On Activities. 1-4 p.m. at the
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road, FairfaxStation. Activities may includerailroad inspired crafts,demonstrations of railroad artifactswith visitor participation as well aspossible history challenges for thewhole family. All craft suppliesincluded with admission fees. Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.
MONDAY-FRIDAY/JULY 9-AUG. 3“The Wizard of Oz” Performing
Arts Camp. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. atTruro Anglican Church, 10520 MainSt., Fairfax. City of Fairfax TheaterCompany offers a four week campwill present a The Wizard of Oz -Young Performers’ Edition at theconclusion of a four-week summpercamp for ges 7-13. Tuition: $800.Aftercare available. Visitwww.fairfaxcitytheatre.org.
Summer Drama Camp. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.at Lanier Middle School, 3801Jermantown Road, Fairfax. City ofFairfax Theater Company offers itsTraditional Summer Drama Campwith week long sessions in July andAugust. The Summer Drama Campteaches children to create a stagedperformance at the end of each week.$170 per camper for any one-weeksession, $600 per camper for all foursessions. Visitwww.fairfaxcitytheatre.org forweekly themes and registration.
TUESDAY/JULY 10Farm to Fairfax Market. 10 a.m.-2
p.m. at Old Town Square, 10415North St., Fairfax. The market, willbe producers-only – meaning that allvendors at the market may only sellwhat they raise on their farms ormake from scratch using localingredients as much as possible. May-September, weather permitting. Call703-385-7893.
Erin’s Epic Stories. 10:30 a.m. at OldTown Square, 10415 North St.,Fairfax. A variety of children’sactivities and entertainment in OldTown Square at the pergola,Tuesdays June-August. Weatherpermitting. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/old-town-square.
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/JULY 11-12Studio Ghibli: Kiki’s Delivery
Service. Wednesday, 7 p.m.(Japanese with English subtitles);Thursday, 11 a.m. (English dubbed)at Angelika Film Center – Mosaic,2911 District Ave., Fairfax. TheAngelika Mosaic will featureanimated films from the celebratedStudio Ghibli praised for theiroriginality, stunning animation, andambitious storytelling. All tickets areregular admission. Visitwww.AngleikaFilmCenter.com.
THURSDAY/JULY 12Evenings on the Ellipse with The
Beat Hotel. 5:30-7 p.m. at theFairfax County Government Center,12000 Government Center Parkway,Fairfax. The Evenings on the Ellipsesummer concert series is a family-friendly event featuring a wide rangeof musical genres. Paradise SpringsWinery and The Winery at Bull Runwill be providing complimentarytastings; glasses of wine and fullbottles available for purchase. AFarmers Market (2:30-6:30 p.m.) willalso be on site selling fresh fruit andsavory snacks. Rain or shine. Free.Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances.
FRIDAY/JULY 13B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,
4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoyfree coffee, entertaining callers, afriendly atmosphere, $1,000guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good foodavailable for purchase. All proceedsgo to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit fairfaxvfd.com or.
Movies Under the Moon: ET – theExtra Terrestrial. 8 p.m. at VanDyck Park, 3740 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Enjoy a night under the starsin Van Dyck Park with family andfriends with a movie for all ages toenjoy. Free admission, bring chairsand blankets.
SATURDAY/JULY 14Japanese Obon Festival. 3-9 p.m. at
Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 6500Lakehaven Lane, Fairfax Station.Celebrate with Japanese drumming,a Hawaiian band, participate intraditional Japanese dancing allwhile enjoying traditional Japanesefood and desserts such as chirashi,yakisoba, huli huli, daifuku. Therewill also be children’s games, achallenge course, and vendors sellingauthentic Japanese items. End theevening by lighting a candle in theJapanese garden to remember aloved one who has passed away. Freeadmission. Call 703-239-0500 or visitekojiobonfestival.weebly.com.
Mount Vernon Nights. 7 p.m. atWorkhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Road, Lorton. This seriesof free, public concerts features avariety of musical performancesreflecting Fairfax County’s diversity,culture and community spirit. Bring apicnic dinner and a blanket and enjoyone of Fairfax County’s specialsummer traditions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/mt-vernon-nights.
Stories of the Stars. 8:30-9:30 p.m.at Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road,Fairfax Station. Stroll with anaturalist along the lakeshore atBurke Lake Park and learn about theconstellations. An astronomicalnaturalist will identify the stars, andthere will telescopes for use. Theevening concludes with a campfireand s’mores. For participants age 3-adult. $6 per person; children mustbe accompanied by a registeredadult. Call 703-323-6600 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake.
10 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
From Page 7
Trafficking
Sex trafficking survivors and book au-thors Barbara Jean Wilson, who wrote“Mute But Now I Speak,” and BarbaraAmaya, who wrote “Nobody’s Girl.”
(From left): Sondra Hemenway and LisaSales of the Fairfax County Commission forWomen with Jim Hemenway.
some money but also to raise awareness about howprevalent the issue of human trafficking is — par-ticularly in Northern Virginia and domestically inthe United States.”
He continued: “We want people to be able to comeout and enjoy themselves and support this cause.Unfortunately, human trafficking is such a terribleissue that so often it’s very depressing and we wantto try to bring an event like this where we can do itin a good environment, people can enjoy themselvesand we can also educate them about the realities ofthe issue.”
According to Nancy Rivard, President of AirlineAmbassadors: “Tonight we’re so thrilled to be herewith Just Ask because we’re looking at ways theytake our efforts, awareness and prevention on hu-man trafficking global. Just Ask is doing it locally;Airline Ambassadors is doing it globally. We hopetonight to raise money for some more videos to edu-cate the travelling public and the general public.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Barbara Jean Wilson, a vic-tim of sex trafficking from age 8-13, shared her storyof how her mother trafficked her out to help pay therent. “Because I was introduced to drugs at such anearly age — because some of the abusers were feed-ing me drugs and alcohol, I got into the drugs, thealcohol, and the prostitution,” she said.
Her life changed in 1993 when she gave it over toChrist, she said. “God’s just been opening up doorsfor me to go speak at different places,” she said. “He’sbeen with me ever since and I’ve been sharing mystory.” In 2003, she started writing her book, “MuteBut Now I Speak,” and then doing public speaking.And three weeks ago, she was invited to talk at theUnited Nations.
Kavita Nanavati is a certified trainer for AirlineAmbassadors and the Mrs. District of Columbia USAAmbassador 2018 who emceed the event. “I saw(trafficking) happening in an airport and I didn’tknow how to go about handling the situation, whatthe different things you look for, how to approachsomebody, what are the right questions to ask. I willnever forget that girl. When I won my title, I wanteda platform that meant something to me and so hu-man trafficking felt right at home,” she said.
She continued: “Now I have the training and I ama certified trainer for Airline Ambassadors teachingother people and other airline crew members andother people in the community about the importanceof human trafficking awareness.”
JUST ASK Prevention comprises a multidisciplinarygroup with experience in fighting human traffick-
ing. Since it was founded, Just Ask Prevention hasheld more than 90 school campaigns, allowing itseducational materials to reach more than 90,000teens. Its programs educate about human traffick-ing, along with teaching the warning signs, to helpprevent youth from falling into a trafficker’s traps. Inaddition, Just Ask Prevention has educated more than800 organizations, offering tools and resources, whileequipping professionals with the skills to safeguardcommunities.
Airline Ambassadors International has been a lead-ing advocate for awareness of human trafficking inthe aviation industry since correctly identifying traf-ficking on four different airlines in 2009. They de-veloped the first industry-specific training which hasbeen provided to more than 6,000 front line person-nel at airports in the United States and across theglobe, enabling the scanning of 144,000,000 passen-gers. Their TIP Line App has generated 1,000 “tips”to law enforcement, helping to intercept traffickingsituations and save lives.
Pho
to
s by Steve H
ibbard/T
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Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Other than my wife, Dina, and my brother, Richard, there are few people with whom I regularly discuss – in more excruciating detail than weekly I do so with you, the world in which yours truly, a non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV “diagnossee” inhabits.
It just so happens that in this past week, I interacted with three of the other most main con-
school, Cary, with whom I spoke on the phone for nearly an hour (he lives in Massachusetts), a bi-weekly occurrence generally; my oldest, best
lunch (even though she lives in Alexandria and has been local ever since college), a much rarer occurrence (though we email regularly), a lunch that lasted four hours; and Veronica, my hair stylist, who I see every eight to 12 weeks – as I have for almost 20 years, whether I need to or not. (That’s a joke. I have a full head of hair so needing a haircut is never the question, needing it is the answer.)
Over these many years, these three have heard everything I have to say; good, bad or in-different, and yet despite having heard it all, still remain interested in hearing more and judging
laughter and sorrow. Their support and encour-agement has been above and beyond the call of duty.
Interacting with all three in the course of one night and two days reminded me of the actor George Peppard because this is my “A” Team.” When I want to, they’re who I go to, whenever the need arises or when the opportunity presents itself. And though they may not solve every problem, listening to as many of them as they have certainly has provided the kind of comfort and joy that has helped sustain me through thick and thin (not talking about my weight) and most importantly, during the past nine-plus years as a cancer survivor. There’s not a “B.A.” (bad atti-tude) among them, though they all wear jewelry.
I hope I’m not speaking out of turn here but, there are some subjects which are best left for friends – and the professionals, more so than family. Some topics which might betray a
aloud might exacerbate a familial situation rarely discussed.
Sometimes, sorting through these pros and cons with friends, who likely suffer no conse-quences in the outcome, might present options that otherwise might not be heard. From the mouths of babes, so to speak. A fresh, unbiased perspective can be a welcome addition to any discussion of facts, especially when feelings are involved; and as often concerns family-oriented
Not that there aren’t feelings involved with friends; of course there are, it’s more that old friends knew you when and know you now, and the passage of that much time, separate and apart from family, can often enlighten and in-
been there and seen you do that? It’s particularly important to have indepen-
dent forces in your corner because like so many cancer patients, myself included, occasionally you exhibit signs of “chemotherapy-related cog-nitive impairment,” otherwise known as “chemo brain,” a side effect/condition of treatment which can blur a memory or two – or more. You may not even realize it when it disappears, and you may need someone to remind you of it. Hope-fully it’s not a memory gone forever, but just one gone until a friend helps retrieve it for you. And who better to retrieve these foggy memories than friends you’ve known for 49, 45 and 20 years, respectively?
And I do respect them, and appreciate them, and cherish them, as they are three of my pillars. Without them, the foundation of who I am and what I know, would likely crumble.
What Are Friends For
(Not a Question)
From Page 6
The Police Department pension isstrong and stable. We implore you andthe board to make no changes to oursystem. Recruiting and retaining newofficers is already difficult given thelack of competitive pay, increasing andredundant oversight as well as a chal-lenging political environment. TheFairfax FOP Lodge 77 cares about re-cruiting and retaining the best talentto help keep Fairfax County a safecommunity. We know that you careabout keeping Fairfax County safefrom crime, we ask that you considerthe impact his initiative will have onfuture Fairfax County Police Officers.
We thank you for your continuedsupport of the men and women of theFairfax County Police Department.
Fairfax Fraternal Order ofPolice, Lodge 77
Executive Board and Members
Retirement
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
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).
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDHaven of Northern Virginia is committed to
offering, support, compassion, information andresources to the bereaved and seriously ill.Volunteers provide individual and group supportto those suffering from a loss. Volunteers mustparticipate in a 30 hour training. Training willbe offered in October 2018. To volunteer, callHaven at 703-941-7000.
Assistance League of Northern Virginia, avolunteer nonprofit, invites community membersto join the organization to participate in itsReading Express program. Volunteers provideone-on-one tutoring to first grade studentsduring the school year. To learn more contactVP Membership Mary Gronlund [email protected] or Program Coordinator LynnBarron at [email protected].
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChild turning 5 years old by Sept.30? If so,
contact your child’s school to makearrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Mostschools begin getting information together nowfor parents of incoming kindergartners, andmany host an orientation or open house. Allkindergarten programs are full-day and locatedin FCPS elementary schools. Check your school’swebpage or contact the school directly forspecific enrollment information and dates oforientationor visit www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration.
Bulletin
12 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ June 28 - July 4, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA
FOR YOUR TOYOTA
WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE
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