‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ At Westfield...

Chantilly Connection ❖ February 10-16, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.comFebruary 10-16, 2016 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Meet Centreville High’sWildcats vs. Cancer ClubNews, Page 2

ProffersIn Danger?News, Page 5

From left: Eni Oyeleye (as the defen-dant) with Zachary Szmerekovsky (his

attorney, Atticus Finch) and Kaley Hallerand Andrew Sharpe (Finch’s children) in

Westfield’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’At Westfield High

News, Page 3

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’At Westfield High

News, Page 3

2 ❖ Chantilly Connection ❖ February 10-16, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

See Joining Together, Page 4

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Centreville High sophomoreValerie Nguyen founded theWildcats vs. Cancer club at herschool to help others. But for

her, the battle against this disease is alsopersonal.

“I’m the sister of a sibling battling cancerand I was inspired by a one-week, residen-tial camp I attended for brothers and sis-ters of cancer patients,” she said. “I was acounselor-in-training there, working withother siblings like me. And I realized that,no matter the age, we all faced the samestruggles daily. So I wanted to give back toother families in the same situation.”

The result was Wildcats vs. Cancer, whichclub president Nguyen started with her bestfriend, junior Shannon Lyons, the vice presi-dent. It began in October 2015 and nowhas 42 members.

“At the same time Valerie’s sibling wasdiagnosed, I had a friend battling cancer,”said Lyons. “So I scheduled and participatedin Pajama Day for him. Kids come to schoolin pajamas on a Friday and each donates$1 or more for childhood-cancer research.”

The club meets once a month and usu-ally holds monthly events. In January, itteamed up with DC Candlelighters and Pe-diatric Specialists of Virginia (PSV) — agroup of Inova hospital doctors who treatchildren with cancer. Nguyen spoke to themabout the club and also told parents howteens can become involved in it.

“And while she was speaking, our club

members did activities with their childrenat the Life with Cancer facility in Fairfax,”said Lyons. And in mid-December, the stu-dents also helped with Life with Cancer’sholiday party for children. They also hostedand sponsored a toy collection and gift-wrapping event with CYA (the ChantillyYouth Association) for that party.

“It was so nice to see the kids sit on Santa’slap and open their presents,” said Lyons.“And we also volunteered at the DCCandlelighters Halloween party.”

“We played games, told fortunes, gave outcandy and did face-painting,” addedNguyen. “And we had a photo booth anddid crafts, like decorating pumpkins.”

In November, Ellie’s Hats talked to theclub members about its hat collection for

pediatric cancer patients. “And then, withthe help of the Centreville High Key Club,we collected 150 hats for children fightingcancer,” said Nguyen.

“We got to see them pick up the hats we’dcollected at the Christmas event,” saidLyons. “And it was exciting to see them withtheir hats on. I brought one with a Super-man cape on the back, and a little boy wasrunning around trying to make it fly.”

“There was also a Build-a Bear station,and it was fun to see the children’s faceslighting up with joy while stuffing theirbears,” said Nguyen.

At the club’s Jan. 20 meeting, the mem-bers put together goodie bags for cancerpatients and their siblings at Inova FairfaxHospital and the PSV clinic in Falls Church.

They contained craft kits and small gamesfor Valentine’s Day.

“We’ll also participate in the Relay for Lifein June with students from our school, plusChantilly and Westfield high schools,” saidLyons. “And in the spring, I’ve planned acarnival for the pediatric oncology patientsat their new building connected to InovaFairfax Hospital.”

She said she and Nguyen “didn’t expectas many kids to have the same feelingsabout the club as we do and to be excitedabout helping at our events. So it’s good toknow how many people care.”

“And it’s great to see people who’ve alsobeen touched by cancer — or know some-one who has — give back,” said Nguyen.“And seeing the children’s joy at, for ex-ample, the holiday party, we realize that —although people may have cancer — theystill laugh and enjoy the same things everyhuman being does. And it spurs people’scompassion.”

“It also opens their eyes to see patients indifferent stages of their cancer journey,”added Lyons.

“And it was really touching to see thestrength of families and how a terrible dis

Wildcats vs. Cancer club members with some of the hats they collected for young cancerpatients.

Wrapping gifts with CYA for the holiday party forpediatric oncology patients are (back row, from left)Nathan Pedro, Diana Rodriguez Rosales, JacindaHuynh, Melody Sepehrar and Rithika KormathAnand; (front row, from left) Dayana Bustillos,Valerie Nguyen, Shanon Lyons, Gianna Cooper andCrystal Kim.

Joining Together to Help, Support OthersMeet CentrevilleHigh’s Wildcats vs.Cancer club.

Wildcats vs. Cancer club members volunteering at a pediatric oncologyHalloween party. Back row, from left, are Jean Lee, Sarah Yum, NickWeidmann, Madeline Garcia, Mikayla Alberico and Catherine Peretti,and, front row, from left, are Valerie Nguyen, Dana El-Zoobi, EmmaOdom and Julie Vo.

Valerie Nguyen (left) andShannon Lyons

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Chantilly Connection ❖ February 10-16, 2016 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

A volatile courtroom drama in1930s Alabama comes to life inWestfield High’s production ofthe Harper Lee classic, “To Kill a

Mockingbird.”The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, Feb. 19-

20, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2p.m. Seating is reserved. Tickets are $12 atthe door and $10 viawww.westfieldtheatreboosters.com andwith a student ID.

“This show takes the audience back to oneof the most pivotal times in American his-tory,” said Director Susie Pike. “It tells thestory of Scout and Jem Finch and their jour-ney to figure out who people really are.When their attorney father, Atticus, defendsa black man accused of raping a white girl,they struggle to see the best in other people.At the same time, they’re busy trying to getthe mysterious Boo Radley to come out ofhis house.”

Senior Zachary Szmerekovsky portraysAtticus Finch. “He’s a gentle, reserved, wiseman, passionate about his family and jus-tice,” said Szmerekovsky. “He’s moral,stands up for the truth and strives to teachhis children the importance of courage,empathy and honesty. He’s the moral cen-ter of the town of Maycomb and the towns-people look up to him. Atticus also valueseducation and teaches his children his be-liefs and values.”

Playing such a strong and moral man, saidSzmerekovsky, “I focus on my core beliefsof justice and morality to help guide me.He’s very deep, and I like bringing to lifethe famous character people have come tolove from the book and play. We all triedour best to keep our characters as real asthey are in the book, so this play will beiconic, nostalgic and memorable for theaudience.”

Junior Kaley Haller plays Scout, 6. “She’san outgoing tomboy who matures as thestory progresses and she deals with thestruggles of a divided town,” said Haller.“She gains insight about the world aroundher as the trial forces her to understandracism and bigotry. Her father raised her tostand her ground and not be afraid to speak

her mind.”“I’m excited to play this character because

of her complexity,” continued Haller. “Scouthas a fearlessness and special awarenessabout her that I really admire. I’ve grownup with the story and relate to the messagesScout conveys. She brings a sweet inno-cence to the show’s heavy plot. This is hon-estly my dream role, and I’m thrilled foreveryone to see it. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ issuch a classic story, and the message kindof still applies to today’s society, so I thinkthe audience will take something away fromit.”

Portraying the defendant, Tom Robinson,is senior Eni Oyeleye, who’s also assistantdirecting. “Robinsion is unfairly targeted fora crime he didn’t commit and is found guiltysimply because he’s black and his accuseris white,” said Oyeleye. “In the 1930s deepSouth, that’s all that’s needed to ensure hisconviction. Atticus Finch is determined tomake sure justice is served. But unfortu-nately, his passionate plea for equality un-der the law is no match for the prevailingsocial currents of the time.”

As assistant director, said Oyeleye, “It’sbeen incredibly exciting to help shape ourproduction of one of the 20th century’s mostbeloved and iconic stories. I feel a sense ofduty to tell this story well because the is-sues it talks about are important, not onlyfrom a historical perspective, but also froma modern one. Much progress hasundisputedly been made since the days of

Jim Crow laws; but sadly, much of the vola-tility and tension present in the 1930sdoesn’t seem to have abated.”

Noting that an actor’s job is to tell an“honest and compelling story,” Oyeleye saysthis cast is doing just that. “The audiencewill be moved and impressed by the abilityof the actors to display immense, emotionaldepth and to play their roles as real charac-ters, rather than caricatures,” he said. “AndI believe the audience will leave the audi-torium as hopeful and joyous as they aretouched and sad.”

Senior Andrew Sharpe plays Jem. “He’s amature 10-year-old who lives an imagina-tive life with his sister, creating stories abouttheir so-called crazy neighbor, Boo Radley,”said Sharpe. “He becomes disenfranchisedwith the justice system when he discoversthe inequality that exists in the world andin his own town. But he admires his father’sefforts to defend Robinson despite the hope-lessness of a fair trial.”

Sharpe’s “thrilled to play this role” be-cause he believes Jem has the greatest char-acter arc in the play. “His loss of innocenceis something truly tragic,” said Sharpe. “Ilove this story and how it will never becomeirrelevant in the world. With so much in-equality still existing in America, I hopeeveryone can once again learn the timelesslesson of loving one another.” Besides that,he added, “Our beautiful set and wonder-ful cast will really appeal to the audience.”

Playing Scout and Jem’s friend Dill is se-

nior David Johnson. “Dill accompanies themon many adventures,” said Johnson. “He hasan oddball personality — imaginative andfun-loving while wise beyond his years —which makes him fun to play.”

“The audience will like the show becauseit has a lot of depth,” continued Johnson.“It tackles the serious topic of race, but thereare light moments along the way. And ourimmensely talented cast and crew are put-ting their all into this play. The audiencewill laugh, maybe even cry, but will defi-nitely leave the theater with food forthought and fuel for discussion. That’s whatmakes this show extra-special.”

Narrating and playing the Finches’ neigh-bor Maudie Atkinson is senior Alexa Tucker.“She’s sensible and wise, but has a sharpwit and some sass,” said Tucker. “She’s pro-tective over Jem and Scout, but knows whento let them fight their own battles.

“Miss Maudie feels strongly that Robinsondeserves a fair trial, yet she knows thedeeply ingrained racism of the townspeoplewon’t allow justice to be served. But sheremains optimistic for the future. I like por-traying her wisdom, sensibility and kind-ness — qualities I hope to emulate both onand offstage.”

Tucker believes audiences will enjoy see-ing this “classic novel brought to life. Theissues in the play are as relevant today asthey were in 1935, and I think people willappreciate the chance to observe what haschanged — and what has stayed the same.”

‘Seeing What’s Changed And What Has Not’

Back row, fromleft, are GabbyMoses, EniOyeleye, ZachSzmerekovsky andAlexa Tucker; and(front row, fromleft) are AndrewSharpe, KaleyHaller and DavidJohnson.

Photo by

Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Westfield Highpresents “To Killa Mockingbird.”

See Roundups, Page 4

WFCWC Hosts CPRDemonstration

The GFWC Western Fairfax CountyWoman’s Club (WFCWC) will host a CPRdemonstration at the Cale CommunityCenter, 4615 Stringfellow Road, at 7p.m., Feb. 16, presented by Rebecca P.

Kelly, Captain II, EMS supervisor, with theFairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.Captain Kelly, a paramedic for 23 years anda CPR instructor for 24 years, will discussthe science of “compressions only” CPR.

This method focuses on saving a life bydoing only compressions when those offer-ing assistance are not comfortable doingmouth to mouth ventilations.

Kelly will demonstrate both conventionalCPR and compressions only CPR. She willalso discuss the importance of calling 911and of using an Automated ExternalDefibrillator if one is available. Guests arewelcome and admission is free.

For more information, visitwww.wfcwc.org or call Mary Jane at 703-378-4250.

Free CarseatInspections

Certified technicians from the SullyDistrict Police Station will perform free,child safety carseat inspections Thursday,Feb. 18, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station,

Roundups


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4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is neces-sary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselvesso technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.

Because of time constraints, only the first 35 vehicles arrivingon each date will be inspected. That way, inspectors may haveenough time to properly instruct the caregiver on the correct useof the child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm datesand times.

Garza’s 2016 Listening ToursFairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza

will hold five listening tours in 2016, and invites students, par-ents, employees, and community members to participate. Thelocal session will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 29 atCentreville High School.

Garza, accompanied by the regional assistant superintendents,will provide an update on the budget, Strategic Plan, classroominitiatives, and other happenings in FCPS and listen to ideas,comments, and questions from the audience. Those planning toattend are asked to register in advance online atwww.surveymonkey.com/r/2016ListeningTour6YZ7PCY and in-dicate if an interpreter is needed.

Moving Equipment Is SoughtThe Centreville Labor Resource Center is in need of moving

equipment to add to its tool supplies. Requested items are backbraces, lift belts, sliders and straps that are used for moving jobs.

This equipment can be checked out by workers and broughtback when they complete jobs. It will ensure that they’re able tocomplete moving jobs more safely. In addition, the CLRC is seek-ing Spanish-speaking people to fill a number of volunteer posi-tions. Contact Molly Maddra-Santiago [email protected].

Food Donations for WFCMWestern Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry needs dona-

tions of 1-2 pound bags of rice, canned fruit (all types), cannedpastas, canned meats (tuna, ham, chicken), cold and hot cere-als, spaghetti and sauces, peanut butter, canned vegetables (in-cluding spinach, collar greens, beets) and cooking oil.

Toiletries needed, which WFCM clients cannot purchase withfood stamps, include facial tissues, toothpaste, shampoo and soliddeodorant.

Bring all items to WFCM’S food pantry, weekdays, 9 a.m.-1:30p.m., at 13888 Metrotech Drive, near Papa John’s Pizza andKumon Learning Center, in Chantilly’s Sully Place Shopping Cen-ter. A volunteer stocker/bagger is needed Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m.Contact Annette Bosley at 703-988-9656, ext. 110, [email protected].

Meals on Wheels VolunteersFairfax County needs Meals on Wheels drivers in Chantilly and

group Meals on Wheels coordinators in both Chantilly and Fairfax.Contact Volunteer Solutions at 703-324-5406, TTY 711,[email protected] or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/volunteer-solutions.htm.

Long-Term Care AdvocatesThe Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

needs volunteer advocates for residents in assisted living andnursing facilities. Training is provided in September. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email [email protected].

Drive Seniors to AppointmentsFairfax County needs volunteers to drive older adults to medi-

cal appointments and wellness programs. Call 703-324-5406, TTY711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volun-teer Solutions or email [email protected].

News

Joining Together to HelpFrom Page 2

Jay Coakley CEO/founder of Ellie’sHats, discusses Centreville High’s hatdrive for pediatric oncology patients.From left are Shannon Lyons, Coakleyand Valerie Nguyen.

Valerie Nguyen showing the front and back of the club’sT-shirt.

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ease brought them together,” said Nguyen. “It makesthem treasure and value every, single moment to-gether.”

Lyons said they learned that, “Whenever we talkto cancer patients, we never say, ‘Goodbye,’ but ‘Seeyou later.’ It makes me more grateful about the regu-lar activities I can do that others may not be ableto.”

“And it makes me see how important family is andthat they’ll always be there for you,” said Nguyen.“And, at the end of the day, they’ll always love you.Having cancer touch my family definitely broughtus closer together and gave us a better, mutual un-derstanding of each other.”

Lyons said the club members make friends witheach other and bond by sharing their personal ex-periences. And members who’ve had cancer in theirfamily “feel good about being able to give back inways they couldn’t to their own loved ones,” saidNguyen. “I like being able to help others like mebecause no one should ever have to fight canceralone. When one person in a family has it, the wholefamily goes through it together. And it makes youappreciate what you have.”

Club sponsor is P.E. and health teacher KatherinStrobl. “There’s simply nothing that stops Valeriefrom reaching a goal,” she said. “Last year, she initi-ated a tutoring club for athletes.She saw a need and acted on it.Wildcats vs. Cancer has been nodifferent.”

“The members have volunteeredat Halloween and Christmasevents, made crafts, donated hatsand given up a lot of their time tohelp with this club,” continuedStrobl. “That can be rare at thisage. Kids are traditionally egocen-tric and have little time to dedi-cate themselves to anything out-side of sports, academics, familyand friends. It’s been refreshing tosee kids involved in something soimportant and meaningful. It re-stores a teacher’s faith in teenag-ers sometimes.”

Although Strobl’s the club spon-sor, she says Nguyen and Lyons have done all thework. “These girls and the club members are so spe-cial,” said Strobl. “They’ve accomplished so much ina short time. I’m hard to impress, and they’ve doneit.” Lyons hopes someone will take on the club aftershe and Nguyen graduate. “We hope to leave a legacyfor others to give back to their community and ad-vocate for awareness of how cancer affects patientsand their families,” said Nguyen. “And I can hon-

estly say this is one of my proudest achievements. Iwas able to not let something that happened to medefine me, but to use it to help others in similar cir-cumstances.”

For more information about the Wildcats vs. Can-cer club or to join, email her [email protected]. “You don’t have to betouched by cancer to join,” said Nguyen. “Anyone’swelcome.”

Email announcements to [email protected].

DONATIONSThe student Auto Sales Program

operating from Centreville HighSchool works in conjunction with theCVHS automotive technology classesto bring in donated automobiles,boats and motorcycles for students towork on. Some refurbished vehiclesare sold, with 75 percent of theproceeds going back to the auto techprogram. The program is in need ofcars, trucks or motorcycles, which arefully tax deductible, for student

training. Contact Lyman Rose at 703-802-5588 or by [email protected] for more.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is acceptingdonations of old cellphones so thattroops can call home. Patrons maydrop off donations at 14215ECentreville Square, Centreville.

SUPPORT GROUPTelephone Support Group for

Family Caregivers of OlderAdults. 7 p.m. every second Tuesdayof the month. This telephone supportgroup is designed to help caregiversof older adults share experiences,

gain support and get importantinformation without having to travel.These are one-hour free sessions.Find out more and register atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ and click onCaregiver Telephone Support Group.

Fair Oaks Parkinson’s SupportGroup for people living withParkinson’s disease, caregivers andfamily, meets on the fourth Saturdaymonthly, 10 a.m.-noon at Sunrise atFair Oaks, 3750 Joseph SiewickDrive, Fairfax. Call 703-378-7221 orvisit www.fairoaksparkinsons.com formore.

Bulletin Board


See Proffers, Page 11

News

By Ken Moore

The Connection

Richmond caught the attention ofthe Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors this week specificallywith House Bill 770 (Gilbert)

and Senate B 549 (Obenshain), bills SharonBulova says will place “significant restric-tions” on development, specifically citing“unreasonable proffers.”

The Board of Supervisors drafted anemergency letter during its board meetingFeb. 2 to the Fairfax County delegation tothe General Assembly opposing the twobills.

“Please oppose HB 770/SB 549, or seekamendments to safeguard Fairfax County’sproffer authority,” according to the letter.

“Virtually all development in the countyis infill development. In these types of cases,proffers are critical in meeting infrastruc-ture and compatibility needs of surround-ing areas. If enacted, these bills may requireus to rewrite entire sections of our Com-prehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance,”wrote Sharon Bulova, chairman of theboard.

The board detailed the way the countyworks with developers to balance the im-pact of new development with “added de-mand for county services and public facili-ties that result from that development.”

“We do that through the proffer system,which provides an opportunity for devel-opers to work with the county to addresscommunity concerns related to the in-creased density of such development,” ac-cording to the Board of Supervisors. “InFairfax County, our collaboration with ourpartners in the development community hasled to successful, innovative plans such asthe redesign of Tysons, construction of theMosaic District, and the revitalization ofSpringfield.”

The board approved drafting the letterduring its regularly scheduled meeting onFeb. 2.

The House of Delegates passed the billlater that day, 68-27. Local delegates vot-ing in favor of the bill restricting local prof-fer authority included Dave Albo (R-42),Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), Charniele Herring(D-46), Patrick Hope (D-47), Tim Hugo (R-40), Paul Krizek (D-44), Mark Levine (D-45), Ken Plum (D-36) and Vivian Watts (D-39).

Local delegates who voted against the billincluded Jennifer Boysko (D-86), DavidBulova (D-37), Mark Keam (D-35), KayeKory (D-38), Jim LeMunyon (R-67), AlfonsoLopez (D-49), Kathleen Murphy (D-34),Mark Sickles (D-43), and Marcus Simon (D-53).

Lobbying continued on the Senate ver-sion of the bill but it was expected to passin the Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The Sen-ate version would exempt developmentaround current or planned Metro stations.

Simon said he voted against the bill be-cause it wasn’t ready. “Fairfax uses proffersystem as it currently exists to be creativein developing areas like Tysons and theMosaic District,” he said.

“We have to communicate how bad thisbill is,” said Dranesville Supervisor JohnFoust. “It flies in the face of everything weare trying to do for the economic success ofFairfax County.”

“The more I thought about this bill, theworse it seems to get,” said Providence Su-pervisor Linda Smyth, warning of profoundeffects on in-fill development. “We will nolonger get proffer features on design issues.”Later version of the bill in the Senate ap-pear to allow architectural and design prof-fers.

“If enacted it may require us to rewriteour entire Comprehensive Plan. We willhave to rewrite our entire ordinance,” said

Lee Supervisor Jeff McKay.“This is major in terms of the repercus-

sions we will face here in Fairfax County,”said Smyth. “This will be huge, it will betime consuming, and it will be expensiveto us.”

Smyth and other supervisors discussedthe ability of developers to work with thecommunity during the proffer process.

“There may be a unique opportunity, acommunity that may need a stream re-stored, and all that will be gone, and wewill have to rewrite our residential zoning,”said Smyth.

“Our development community does notsupport this. What they are seeing is some-thing set up in other parts of the state thatwill undermine what we are doing here,”she said. “We have a very responsible de-velopment community.”

Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity votedagainst the letter.

“I think we have gone too far with prof-fers,” he said. “This will lower the cost of

housing in Fairfax County.”“I agree with Supervisor Herrity that we

have to be careful about the requirementswe put on builders. It is expensive to buildin this county,” said Braddock SupervisorJohn Cook.

“The answer to this problem is not ask-ing Richmond to fix this problem for us,”Cook said. “Going to Richmond for the an-swer is a bad, bad, bad idea.”

But legislators in Richmond who supportthe bill said localities have gone too far withproffers, using them in ways that were neverintended.

“What businesses have repeatedly told meabout being able to work with the govern-ment, whether it’s zoning, procurement,public-private partnerships, etc., is that theyneed to have fairness, predictability, andsystems that work,” said state Sen. ScottSurovell (D-36). “Otherwise, they don’twant to put the time into trying to get tothe end zone. Right now the litigation check

State seeks to rein incounty’s power.Proffers in Danger?

Tying County Hands in Development?HB 770 Conditional zoning; provisions appli-

cable to all proffers.SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:Conditional zoning. Provides that no locality

shall (i) request or accept any unreasonable prof-fer in connection with a rezoning or a proffercondition amendment as a condition of approval ofa new residential development or new residentialuse or (ii) deny any rezoning application, includ-ing an application for amendment to an existingproffer, for a new residential development or newresidential use where such denial is based on anapplicant’s failure or refusal to submit, or remainsubject to, an unreasonable proffer. A proffer shallbe deemed unreasonable unless it addresses animpact that is specifically and uniquely attributableto a proposed new residential development orother new residential use applied for. An off-siteproffer shall be deemed unreasonable pursuant tothe above unless it addresses an impact to an off-site public facility, such that, (a) the newresidential development or new residential use cre-

ates a need, or an identifiable portion of a need,for one or more public facility improvements inexcess of existing public facility capacity at the timeof the rezoning or proffer condition amendment,and (b) each such new residential development ornew residential use applied for receives a directand material benefit from a proffer made with re-spect to any such public facility improvements. Inany action in which a locality has denied a rezon-ing or an amendment to an existing proffer and theaggrieved applicant proves by a preponderance ofthe evidence that it refused or failed to submit, orremain subject to, an unreasonable proffer that ithas proven was suggested, requested, or required,formally or informally, by the locality, the courtshall presume, absent clear and convincing evi-dence to the contrary, that such refusal or failurewas the controlling basis for the denial. The billalso provides that certain conditional rezoningproffers related to building materials, finishes,methods of construction, or design features on anew residential development are prohibited.

The Board of Supervisors wrotethe Fairfax County General As-sembly Delegation Members on

Tuesday, Feb. 2, to oppose HB 770 (Gil-bert) and SB 549 (Obenshain), or “seekamendments to shield Fairfax Countyfrom the significant restrictions thesebills would place on development.”

Verbatim:“As you know, Fairfax County works

closely with our development commu-nity to balance the impacts of new de-velopment with the added demand forCounty services and public facilities thatresult from that development. We do thatthrough the proffer system, which pro-vides an

opportunity for developers to workwith the County to address communityconcerns related to the increased den-sity of such development.

“In Fairfax County, our collaborationwith our partners in the development

community has led to successful, innova-tive plans such as the redesign of Tysons,construction of the Mosaic District, and therevitalization of Springfield, among others.

“Though the bills apply only to residen-tial development, that also includes the resi-dential components of mixed use develop-ments, as well as multi-family residentialdevelopment. “Proffers for such develop-ment could only include public facility im-provements for schools, transportation, andpublic safety (under the current House ver-sion parks would also be included).

“However, developers often tell us thatthey prefer flexibility to negotiate a widerrange of items — this bill would limit thatflexibility by prohibiting them from includ-ing libraries, workforce housing, and otherpublic facilities in those negotiations.

“Passage of this legislation would severelyhinder our ability to work with developersto address the concerns of our shared con-stituents. In addition, developers will be

negatively impacted if they no longer havethe flexibility to negotiate a wider range ofproffered improvements, because they maybe precluded by this legislation from quali-fying for density bonuses or similar higherdensity redevelopment options in theCounty’s Comprehensive Plan.

“As you may know, the County has workedclosely with industry and community stake-holders to amend our Comprehensive Plan,as we continue to prepare for exceptional,innovative growth in the coming years. Wehave already seen success in the transfor-mation of Tysons, which is the most publi-cized new development in the County; theHouse bill addresses concerns about thatarea by exempting it from the legislation.

“However, Tysons is only one part of theCounty. We also continue to make progressin planning communities through transit-oriented development, by enhancing thegrowth and success of our newer develop-ments while revitalizing our older commer-

cial areas, ensuring active and vibrantdistricts throughout Fairfax County.

“Virtually all development in theCounty is infill development. In thesetypes of cases, proffers are critical inmeeting infrastructure and compatibil-ity needs of surrounding areas. If en-acted, these bills may require us to re-write entire sections of our Comprehen-sive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

“We know that these new develop-ments will augment the strong businessclimate we have already created — abusiness climate that helps us attract andretain both Fortune 500 companies andentrepreneurial start-ups every year,benefitting the entire Commonwealth.“Retaining our land use authority is es-sential to that effort, and we need yourhelp to make that happen — please op-pose HB 770/SB 549, or seek amend-ments to safeguard Fairfax County’sproffer authority.”

Emergency Letter


Opinion

In Virginia, a Dillon Rule state, local gov-ernments have only the powers explic-itly granted by the General Assembly.And what the assembly gives, the assem-

bly can take away.It’s the reason, for example, that localities

have limited means of raising revenue and lim-ited taxing authority. And those limited meansare one reason localities have turned to prof-fers, payments and improvements to infrastruc-ture agreed to by builders as part of approvaland zoning changes for new development.

Members of the General Assembly,including many who represent onlyFairfax County districts, agree withbuilders that in many places, the waylocal governments are using proffers is unfair,even out of control.

Many point to Loudoun County, where build-ers pay substantial cash proffers, as an ex-ample. And to other counties where large, offsite intersection improvements were required.

Everyone seems to agree that the “abuses”are not taking place in Fairfax, Arlington andAlexandria. But the restrictions apply to theseareas as well.

How are local governments supposed to payfor the costs of growth? Should the lion’s sharebe paid by existing residents through increase

property taxes?This is a complex question, not one that

should be rushed.But right now, the General Assembly is rush-

ing to restrict proffers and to give developersand builders substantial clout in legal chal-lenges to local government action. And theyare doing this without any consideration tohow localities will replace the resources theywill lose.

It’s time to slow this process down, and for areasoned consideration. What exactly are the

abuses that require action? Look at spe-cific examples and address the specif-ics.

Local delegates voting in favor of thebill restricting local proffer authority includedDave Albo (R-42), Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41),Charniele Herring (D-46), Patrick Hope (D-47), Tim Hugo (R-40), Paul Krizek (D-44),Mark Levine (D-45), Ken Plum (D-36) andVivian Watts (D-39).

Local delegates who voted against the billincluded Jennifer Boysko (D-86), David Bulova(D-37), Mark Keam (D-35), Kaye Kory (D-38),Jim LeMunyon (R-67), Alfonso Lopez (D-49),Kathleen Murphy (D-34), Mark Sickles (D-43),and Marcus Simon (D-53).

The Virginia Senate was expected to vote for

an amended version of the bill on Tuesday, Feb.9.

Reasonable action will fall to the confereesin reconciling the House and Senate versions,and to the governor, who would be able toamend the bill before signing or veto.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Pet Photos for thePet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly specialedition, will publish on Feb. 24, and photosand stories of your pets with you and your fam-ily should be submitted by Feb. 17.

We invite you to send us stories about yourpets, photos of you and/or your family withyour cats, dogs, llamas, alpacas, hamsters,snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whateverother creatures share your home or yard withyou.

Please tell us a little bit about your creature,identify everyone in the photo, give a briefdescription what is happening in the photo,and include address and phone number (wewill not publish your address or phone num-ber, just your town name). Email [email protected] or onlineat www.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.

For advertising information, [email protected] or call 703-778-9431.

Limiting Local AuthorityAssembly rushes bill limiting proffers withoutaddressing who will pay for infrastructure.

Editorial

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Chantilly

TriumphantChantilly HighSchool’s ChargerDancers made aclean sweep inevery categorySaturday, Feb. 6 atthe Gar-field HighSchool “Sweet-heart Invitational”Cheer and DanceCompetition.Officers placed 1st

with a lyricalperformance andthe team earnedfirst place in boththe Large VarsityJazz and the SmallVarsity Pom cat-

egories. Above, from left, are, first row, OfficersEmily Ready, Sano Nagai, Tatiana Elizarova, IvaShuping; second row, Jessica Liu, Claire Craig, AlaynaLee, Erika Roach; third row, Anna Dolen, KatieGallagher, Emily Huo. Not pictured: Jordan Greenlee,Mallory Bedford, Milei Krantz, Alice Wang, MelanieHillelsohn, Jordan Beeker and Anna Homan. ChargerDancers is coached by Melissa Weber.

Pho

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tributed

Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two

weeks before event.

THURSDAY/FEB. 11Sully Democratic Showdown. 8

p.m. at The Bungalow, 13891

Metrotech Drive, Chantilly. Watchthe last Democratic debate before theIowa caucuses, conduct a Sully strawpoll of the candidates, meet newDemocratic friends and enjoy freeappetizers. The event is open toanyone who wants to participate.RSVP to sullydems.org/showdown oremail to [email protected].

SATURDAY/FEB. 13Concerto Competition. 2 p.m. at

John Philip Sousa Band Hall, 10537th Street, SE, Washington, D.C.Centreville-native oboe player OliviaJohann, a sophomore at ThomasJefferson High School of Science andTechnology, will compete thisSaturday as a finalist in “ThePresident’s Own” U.S. Marine Band’sConcerto Competition for HighSchool Musicians. She is one of sevenfinalists, out of a pool of 80, vying fora $2,500 scholarship from the MarineCorps Heritage Foundation and theopportunity to perform as a soloistwith the Marine Band. The ConcertoCompetition final recital will streamlive at www.marineband.marines.miland www.youtube.com/usmarineband.

Tax Considerations for MilitaryFamilies and Veterans. 4-5 p.m.at Liberty Tax Service, 5622-G OxRoad, Fairfax Station. Liberty TaxPreparers provide tax-saving tips andanswer questions from militaryfamilies, veterans, public. Free. Pre-register by Feb. 12 at 703-323-5580or [email protected].

MONDAY/FEB. 15Garden Club. 7 p.m. at Sully

Government Center, 4900 StonecroftBlvd., Chantilly. Horticulturist andlandscape designer, Joanne

Shumpert, of Treefrog Nursery,presents “Designing with Eco-friendlyand Native Plants.” Visitors arewelcome. Learn more atcentrevillegardenclub.blogspot.com.Email [email protected] or call 703-266-9233.

TUESDAY/FEB. 16CPR Demonstration. 7 p.m. at Cale

Community Center, 4615Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. TheGFWC Western Fairfax CountyWoman’s Club will host a CPRdemonstration presented by RebeccaP. Kelly, Captain II, EMS supervisor,with the Fairfax County Fire andRescue Department. Kelly willdemonstrate both conventional CPRand compressions only CPR. She willalso discuss the importance of calling911 and of using an AutomatedExternal Defibrillator if one isavailable. Guests are welcome andadmission is free. Visitwww.wfcwc.org or call Mary Jane at703-378-4250.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 17Tax Considerations for Military

Families and Veterans. Noon-1p.m. at Liberty Tax Service, 5622-GOx Road, Fairfax Station. Liberty TaxPreparers provide tax-saving tips andanswer questions from militaryfamilies, veterans, public. Free. Pre-register by Feb. 16 at 703-323-5580or [email protected].

THURSDAY/FEB. 18Scholarship Application Deadline.

The Joyce-Gillespie-HarringtonEducational and CharitableFoundation, Inc., invites applicantsfor its 36th Annual Jewel Scholarshipaward. Visit www.JGHFDN.org.

Bulletin Board


Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.

ONGOINGOpen Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30

p.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.

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.Saturdays, 3 p.m. at the CentrevilleRegional Library, 14200 St. GermainDrive. Practice English with a groupof students and adults. Free. Call703-830-2223 for more.

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.

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.

ESL Book Club. Every other Saturday,11 a.m. at the Chantilly Library, 4000Stringfellow Road. Adults learningEnglish are welcome to meet anddiscuss 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.

Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m.at The Winery at Bull Run, 15950 LeeHighway. Every Friday night a bandplays on the patio of the winery. Freeto attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com.

Singing. 7:30 p.m. at Lord of LifeLutheran Church, 13421 Twin LakesDrive, Clifton. The Fairfax Jubil-Airesrehearse every Wednesday whichincludes training by an award-winning director. Visitwww.fairfaxjubilaires.org for more.

MONDAYS/THROUGH MARCH 7Castles & Catapults Workshops. 1-

2 p.m. or 4:45-5:45 p.m. atChildren’s Science Center, 11948 FairOaks Mall, Fair Oaks. Children willlearn about science and engineeringprinciples, like gravity, buoyancy,and simple machines, presented in

the context of medieval times.Activities include building towers,boats, draw-bridges, and catapults aswell as designing medieval coats ofarms and jewelry. The earlier sessioncan be customized for homeschooledchildren ages 7-12, the secondsession is for grades 4-6. The priceper participant is $160. Visitwww.childsci.org for more.

Science Solutions Workshops.2:15-3:15 p.m. at Children’s ScienceCenter, 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, FairOaks. Children will apply science,math and engineering solutions tohelp the owners of the “E.Z. ScienceJournal.” They will create sandclocks, design an experiment, build astronger egg carton, solve knotpuzzles, design journal cover art,sketch and construct a newinvention, and develop more efficientdelivery routes. The price perparticipant is $160. Visitwww.childsci.org for more.

WEDNESDAYS/THROUGH MARCH 9Science Solutions Workshops.

4:45-5:45 p.m. at Children’s ScienceCenter, 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, FairOaks. Children will apply science,math and engineering solutions tohelp the owners of the “E.Z. ScienceJournal.” They will create sandclocks, design an experiment, build astronger egg carton, solve knotpuzzles, design journal cover art,sketch and construct a newinvention, and develop more efficientdelivery routes. This session is forgrades 1-3. The price per participantis $160. Visit www.childsci.org.

SATURDAYS/THROUGH MARCH 12Castles & Catapults Workshops.

10-11 a.m. at Children’s Science

Center, 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, FairOaks. Children will learn aboutscience and engineering principles,like gravity, buoyancy, and simplemachines, presented in the context ofmedieval times. Activities includebuilding towers, boats, draw-bridges,and catapults as well as designingmedieval coats of arms and jewelry.This session is for grades 1-3. Theprice per participant is $160. Visitwww.childsci.org for more.

Science Solutions Workshops.11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Children’sScience Center, 11948 Fair OaksMall, Fair Oaks. Children will applyscience, math and engineeringsolutions to help the owners of the“E.Z. Science Journal” They willcreate sand clocks, design anexperiment, build a stronger eggcarton, solve knot puzzles, designjournal cover art, sketch andconstruct a new invention, anddevelop more efficient deliveryroutes. The price per participant is$160. Visit www.childsci.org

THURSDAY/FEB. 11Civil War Lecture. 7-9 p.m. at

Centreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville. KevinKnapp will give a presentation titled,“The Use of Balloons by Union andConfederate Armies During the CivilWar.” Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ce.

FRIDAY/FEB. 12Friday Night Flights: Chocolate. 7

p.m. at The Winery at Bull Run,15950 Lee Highway, Centreville. FindBull Run wines paired. with AbbyRose Chocolates. Tickets are $20-30.Visit www.wineryatbullrun.com.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 13-14

Presidential Trivia. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. atSully Historic Site, 3650 HistoricSully Way, Chantilly. Brush up onyour knowledge of the Declaration ofIndependence, discover what kinds ofanimals the presidents had for pets,and test knowledge with earlyAmerican presidential and politicaltrivia games, such as the PreambleScramble. Tickets are $7 for adults,$6 for students, and $5 for seniorsand children. Call 703-437-1794.

SUNDAY/FEB. 14Valentine’s Day Tea. 2:30 p.m. at

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 5040Walney Road, Chantilly. Listen topoetry and drink tea at the MachenFarm with your favorite sweetheart.A costumed interpreter will share aWalney mystery love poem, theninvite participants to write and shareverses with the group. Leave with apoem framed in Valentine-card style.Tickets are $10. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.

Valentine Wine Pairing Dinner.6:30 p.m. at The Winery at Bull Run,15950 Lee Highway, Centreville. Finda four-course wine pairing dinnerwith Bull Run wines. Tickets are$115 for members, $130 fornonmembers. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for more.

Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner. 8p.m. at Paradise Springs Winery,13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton. Finda four-course dinner paired withParadise Springs wine. VIP tickets are$149, $129 for wine club members.General admission tickets are $129,$119 for wine club members. Call703-830-9463 for reservations.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 17Relay for Life Kick-Off Meeting.

7:30-9 p.m. at Westfield High School,4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly.Come and learn about this localRelay (coming to Westfield HighSchool on June 11) and the AmericanCancer Society. Free. Visitrelayforlife.org/chantillyva for more.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 19-21“To Kill a Mockingbird.” 7:30 p.m.

on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. onSunday at Westfield High School,4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly.Watch a stage adaptation of theclassic novel. Tickets are $10 inadvance, or with student ID, $12 atthe door. Visitwww.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.

SATURDAY/FEB. 20Heritage Family Day: African

American Pioneers in Aviationand Space. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. atSteven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390Air & Space Museum Parkway,Chantilly. Learn more about theaccomplishment of African Americansin the fields of aviation and spaceexploration. Free. Call 703-572-4118or visit airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy.

“The Work of Their Hands.” 1-4p.m. at Sully Historic Site, 3650Historic Sully Way, Chantilly. Manyof the technologies that help predictthe weather, cook, process materialand thread into clothing, and helpcure ills, were founded in earliercenturies. Learn what new andinteresting 18th century itemsRichard Bland Lee had in his housethat reflected the current scientifictechnologies. Learn how they wereused and make some of them to takehome and use. Tickets are $6. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.

Entertainment

C E N T R E V I L L ECOMMUNITIESOF WORSHIP

To highlight your faith community,call Karen at 703-917-6468

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


Sports

By Will Palenscar

The Connection

The Westfield boys’ basketballteam took to the hardwoodthree times last week. Two ofthe three games were games

originally scheduled as home games. How-ever, a leaking roof at Westfield, the resultof melting snow from the January winterstorm forced the games location to bechanged.

In the first game, Westfield traveled tocrosstown rival Chantilly on Feb. 2 and de-feated the Chargers 69-57.

Westfield would start a little slow in thefirst quarter as Chantilly jumped to an early17-15 advantage. In the second quarter,things changed as Westfield would registerthree consecutive quarters registering 18points, while holding the Chargers to eightpoints. In the third quarter, Chantilly alsoadded 18 points. Trailing 51-43 to start thefourth, Westfield would outscore the Charg-ers 18-14, and Westfield completed the firstof three consecutive road wins.

Tyler Scanlon led Westfield with 20 pointsand Blake Francis finished with 19.Chantilly was led by Zach Crenshaw’s 16points and Daniel Carmichael’s 13.

The following evening, Westfield headedto Fairfax to take on Robinson, a team theydefeated on the road less than one monthearlier, 70-51. Again, Westfield was able tojump out to a quick advantage in this gameas they did in the first meeting and eventu-ally won 67-58.

This time, Westfield started with a 20-8first quarter lead. In the second quarter,Robinson would cut the lead, outscoring theBulldogs 17-14 and going to halftime down

34-25.In the third, each team would score 12

points and 21 points in the fourth quarter.Francis and Scanlon scored 18 pointsapiece, and Hank Johnson added 15.Robinson was led by Markos Eyob’s 18points and Danny Krug added 13.

On Feb. 5, Westfield traveled to Herndon,for the second matchup between the two

conference foes, Westfield winning the first74-65. The Bulldogs won the rematch, aswell, 84-80.

Herndon early seemed to ignite theHerndon crowd as they would take an early49-40 advantage to halftime. The Bulldogsfought back even after having trailed bydouble digits. Scanlon scored a game high32 and teammate Kory Jones added

16.Hank Johnson added 14 and BlakeFrancis 12.

Herndon was led by James Lees 22 pointswhile teammates Michael Griffin and ColbyGardner each added 16 apiece. Herndonfalls to (9-5) while Westfield improved to(14-2) and (6-0) in Conference 5. Westfieldwill take on Chantilly at home on Feb. 9 forsenior night.

The Westfield girls’ basketball teamlaced them up three times lastweek, all of which were played on

the road.On Feb. 2, Westfield took on crosstown

rival Chantilly. After being outscored 30-17in the first three quarters, the Lady Bull-dogs had a valiant comeback come up justshort, falling to the Lady Chargers 35-33.

Westfield was led by Nikki McNamara’s11 points and Mia Savoy’s seven points.Chantilly was led by Mary Clougherty’s 13points and Grace Rauch’s eight points.

On Feb. 3, the Lady Bulldogs traveled toplay another conference game at Robinson.This time, Westfield came away with a 52-46 win. After one quarter, Westfield led 10-7. In the second quarter, Westfield scored20 points while holding the Lady Rams to10 points. In the third quarter, both teams

would add 10 more points. In the fourth,Robinson outscored Westfield 19-12.

Danielle Little led Westfield with 16points and McNamara added 14. Robinsonwas led by Tyler Seay’s 21 points and JalynSeale’s 13. The two combined for seven ofthe team’s nine three pointers. AlthoughWestfield did not connect from long range,they managed to go 20-for-27 from thecharity stripe and nine Lady Bulldogs scoredin the game.

Finally, on Feb. 5, Westfield traveled toHerndon to play the Hornets. Westfieldjumped out to a 26-24 advantage at halftime.However, the Lady Hornets duo of JanieceLoney and Indeya Sanders combined for five3-pointers. Sanders would end up with agame-high 24 points, while Loney would endup with 15 as Herndon won 63-51.

Westfield’s Mia Savoy would score a team-

Westfield Girls Drop 2 of 3

Westfield’s Tory Martin drives tothe basket.

Westfield’s Nikki McNamara goesup for a shot against Herndon.

Bulldogs beatChantilly, Robinson,Herndon.

Westfield Boys Win Three Straight

Hank Johnson and the Westfield boys’ basketballteam defeated Herndon on Feb. 5.

Westfield guard Blake Francis shoots a jumperagainst Herndon.

Pho

to

s by W

ill Palen

scar

high 16 points and McNamara would add13.

Westfield (7-8) will host Chantilly (14-5)on Feb. 9 for senior night.

Chantilly Connection Sports Editor Jon Roetman

703-752-4031 or [email protected]


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Advertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted.

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SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDAR

Award-WinningAward-

Winning

HomeLifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Fresh flowers and candles are an easy wayto add elegance and romance to aValentine’s Day table. From dramatic to understated, local tastemakers offer sugges-

tions for setting the mood for a memorable dinner.“Candles are key to set a romantic atmosphere,”

said Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors inBethesda, Md. “Soft lighting is flattering to all of usand creates a sense of intimacy for conversations.”

The ambience is enhanced, says Meyer, when thecandlelight glints off of metallic accessories likecandlestick holders. “You can use silver, mercury,glass or even gold or brass to help move the light,”she said.

In fact, gold accents are a current trend, says An-gela Phelps of Le Village Marche in Arlington. “Theypair well with pinks, reds, and fuchsias,” she said.“So, as you’re planning a romantic dinner at home,think about incorporating china, vases, candlevotives, trays, and glassware with a gold trim for astunning table.”

Metallics combined with a few pops of a soft colorhelp create an elegant setting. “White and silvertables can be very romantic — for example, a whitetablecloth, mirrored or silver placemats, silver flat-ware and crystal stemware,” said Fay Johnson, aninterior designer with J.T. Interiors in Potomac, Md.“The centerpiece [could be] a silver ice bucket withwhite and blush colored roses and a array of assortedsize candles and votives.”

For a more traditional table, Johnson stated that“a black, white and red table can be very dramati-cally romantic. A black and white tablecloth [suchas] a houndstooth or herringbone … pattern withred, glass stemware, white dinner plate, a ruby-redglass salad plate and silver flatware.”

Johnson suggests completing the look with a crys-tal or silver vase filled with red roses and accentedwith few red glass votive candles.

Johnson believes that not all centerpieces need tobe flowers. She suggests filling three compote dishes,graduating in size, with chocolates and red and pinkrose petals for table design with a touch of whimsy.

A vase can add a powerful style impact. “A vase islike a frame for a picture,” said Linda Wilson-Vertin,

floral designer with Merrifield Garden Center in FairOaks. “A clear vase is like not having a frame on thepicture.”

Instead, choose a vase that has visual interest orone that is meaningful on a personal level. “I likeusing things that are special to the individual,” saidWilson-Vertin. “I ask clients to bring in a containerthat they like so that I can create an arrangementthat works with it.”

While red is often the go-to floral color forValentine’s Day, Wilson-Vertin says that shades ofpink, peach and purple can offer elegance and ro-mance. “Go with what works for you and what worksin your home,” she said. “For example, red doesn’twork in my home, so I use watermelon and apricot.”

Consistency adds an unexpected touch of enchant-ment. A monochromatic palette conveys more ro-mance than contrasting colors,” said Wilson-Vertin.She recommends using “red roses with deep bur-gundy mini carnations to vary the size of the flowerhead and texture. Mini carnations have ruffled tex-ture.”

For the ultimate in texture and color variety, “thinkEnglish garden, like roses, hydrangeas, lisianthus andsnapdragons,” said Wilson-Vertin. “Add berries andeucalyptus” to complete this elegant floral arrange-ment.”

Linen napkins offer a finishing touch to an eleganttable setting, says Kelley Proxmire of Kelley InteriorDesign in Bethesda, Md.

“Use pretty salt and pepper shakers, festive nap-kin rings, and if you have fancy water or wine glasses,now is the time to use them,” she said. “And don’tforget the champagne bucket nearby for coolingwhite wine or champagne.”

Flowers and candlescreate romantic designs.

Stylish Valentine’s Day Table Settings

Floral ar-rangementscan offer apowerful styleimpact.

Photo courtesy

of Merrifield

Garden Center


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26 Antiques 26 Antiques

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ABC LICENSE Food3group LLC trading as The Spice Route, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Unit J-141, Fairfax, VA 22033. The above estab-lishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer on premises license to sell or manufacture alcohol-ic beverages. Gopal Kapoor, memberNOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 dates from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Ob-jections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

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By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Not Snow Fast

As an originally diagnosed-as-terminal,lung cancer patient, I try not to panic or worryunnecessarily or be a harbinger of doom or apurveyor of gloom. Unfortunately, the provid-ers of the news/weather reports of “accumula-ting” (that seems to be the popular phrase oflate) snow in the forecast currently and ingeneral, apparently are of the opposite opin-ion. Rather than make light of the inches pre-dicted, the common (as if they’re all readingfrom the same script) presentation is typicallyfraught with inferences of impending disasterand/or catastrophic loss. Not only is the mes-sage tiresome, its redundancy is downrightdistressing, as if the goal is to strike such fearinto the local population that toilet paper,bread, water, and batteries aside; it’s themedia that will be the most important must-have.

Do you know what my most important“must-have” is? Sanity, and calm in the face ofadversity; logical and rational behavior in themidst of over-the-top reporting of events(maker that snow/weather predictions) des-tined to change lives – of the media, for themost part. Granted, there’s lots of valuableinformation that must be disseminated whena storm of generational proportions smothersthe area. Nevertheless, don’t burden us withemotional baggage in the interim. The weightof the snow, especially for us manual shovel-ers, will do more than enough to keep us“sheltered in place.” Sometimes, the messageis lost in the hyperbole, or in the “emergency”programming as seen on the non-stop, ’roundthe clock reporting. The sheer volume of itdiminishes its impact. Quite frankly, less ismore, and more manageable, too.

What us viewers and listeners endure inthe Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area, orwhat it has increasingly become known as:“The D.M.V;” (yet another media creationforced upon us residents) is above andbeyond the call of citizen duty. Being called asa juror appeals to me more than being sub-jected to the media maelstrom that precedes(and of course, follows), these “weatherevents.”

Yet here I sit and write, approximately twoweeks after the “Blizzard of 2016,” trying tofilter out fact from fiction concerning nextweek’s “snowcast.” And even though the two-plus feet of snow is mostly long gone (but notforgotten), I fear its effect on our preparationsand predictions will inhibit us for years:fueled in no small way by the media’s fascina-tion with itself and its presumptive place inthe world as well as its presumptive place inthe lives of thousands of local residents forwhom they feel uniquely responsible.

Not that I totally understand many of theulterior motives behind the means and meth-ods of communication when snow is in theatmosphere, but the pattern seems familiar:create the fear, report the fear, and then coverthe effects of the fear; and then in anotheroccasional adjunct: the after-the-fact self-analysis of the fear that was created, thereporting of that fear, and then a post-mortemon all the fear and its consequences.

I have to tell you; as a cancer patient, Ican’t live my life this way. Every day, I have tobuck up and not look for trouble – and notmake any trouble, either; not exactly the mis-sion of the media. Ergo, I don’t need to makematters any worse than they might otherwisebe, nor can I presume and anticipate theworst, or create consequences in advance ofthem being consequential. Since I’m a greatbeliever in context, having an incurable formof cancer (NSCLC, stage IV) may make meless tolerant of the snow coverage by themedia. Then again, maybe I’m just a victim ofcircumstance, tired of being made to feel likethe victim.

OBITUARY

Helen C. (Gomulka) Longworth, 83, passed awaypeacefully on Tuesday, February 2 in Fairfax, VA. Born in Glen Lyon on Apr. 21, 1932, she was thedaughter of the late John & Angela (Chlepala)Gomulka. Helen was a graduate of Newport Twp. HighSchool. She was employed as a nurse by theRetreat State Hospital, Hunlock Creek, and as aLPN at Sacred Heart Hospital, Chester. She servedmany with a smile at Yom’s Deli, Swarthmore andBurger King, Springfield. She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish/St.Adalbert’s Church, Glen Lyon. Helen performed with the Notre Dame deLourdes Players Club & the Bell Choir, Swarthmore.In Virginia, she helped outreach to active military viathe Little River Glen Senior Center. Helen sang tostaff and other participants of the PACE InovaCares for Seniors program. She enjoyed bingo atSunrise George Mason, Fairfax. She was preceded in death by her husband;George A. Longworth; her step-brother, JosephKorshalla and his wife Lillian. Surviving is her loving family, daughter, RobertaA. Longworth, granddaughter, Michelle L. Opdahl(Thomas R. Bowser), great-grandchildren, Elise O.Bowser and Thomas G. Bowser and brother,Edward J. Gomulka. Family and friends are invited to attend a Massof Christian Burial on Saturday at 10 am in HolySpirit Parish/St. Adalbert’s Church, with Rev. LouisKaminski officiating. Interment will follow in St.Adalbert’s Cemetery, Glen Lyon. There are no pub-lic calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made in memory of Helen to Little River GlenSenior Ctr. Advisory Council (4001 Barker Ct.,Fairfax, VA 22032) or Family Services Assn. of NEPA, (31 West Market St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706). Arrangements are by the George A. Strish, Inc.Funeral Home.


21 Announcements


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EmploymentEmployment

Engineering

CHIEF ENGINEER/Operations Manager

A large, multi-location, listed andreputed industrial firm is looking foran individual for this key leadershiprole. Will review & delegate daily workactivities, manage shift supervisors,and track production and mainte-nance activities. Broad backgroundin plant operations with a minimum of5 years hands-on experience and/orsupervision of Power Plant machineryrequired. A general supervisory back-ground in an electrical generatingfacility is most preferred. Generalknowledge and/or experience inindustry safety are required or equiva-lent combination of education andexperience. Experience in a Solid Fuelfacility is highly desirable. Associate’sDegree, ASME QRO CFO Licenserequired.

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Dental Front Desk/Scheduler

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Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn manyaspects of the newspaper business.Internships available in reporting,photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and foradults considering change of career.Unpaid. E-mail [email protected]

News

From Page 5

Profferson [proffers] is totally tilted towards the

localities. That can’t continue.”State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) admit-

ted that one reason localities turned to prof-fers was because of severely limited taxauthority. But he supports the bill, withamendments, in part because the costs ofproffers add to the cost of housing, makinghouses less affordable. Proffers should alsoserve the area around the new develop-ment, not the other side of the county, hesaid.

“I did feel like something needed to bedone on behalf of the builders,” Marsdensaid. “It’s a depressed industry.”

Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34) votedagainst the House bill, but added it is a workin progress. “The abuses that have driventhis bill are not centered on NOVA,” shesaid. “We are working with supervisors andthe business community to make sure thisis done right because it is so important toeconomic development.”

Reporting contributed by Mary Kimm

Email announcements to [email protected]

The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected].

The Shepherd’s Center of Western FairfaxCounty (SCWFC) needs volunteer drivers formedical/foodbank appointments. SCWFC servesage 50+ residents in Chantilly, Centreville,Clifton, and western Fairfax/Fairfax Stationhelping them remain independent and age inplace at home. Visit www.scwfc.org or contact703-266-3548or [email protected].

Homeless Animals Rescue Team is looking forvolunteers to hold dogs at adoption events,Saturdays noon-3 p.m. Volunteers must be 18 orolder. Events will be held at Petsmart, 13866Metrotech Drive, Chantilly. Call 703-691-HARTor visit www.hart90.org for more.

Sully Historic Site needs volunteers to help planand present programs. Volunteers who enjoygardening, working with children, learning newrecipes and cooking methods, or just like to bearound interesting people are needed bothweekdays and weekends. Sully is a historichouse museum owned and operated by theFairfax County Park Authority. Volunteer atSully can choose an aspect of historicinterpretation, event support or any other areato make a difference for visitors. Call 703-437-1794 for an interview. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-sitefor more.

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum needsvolunteer docents on Sunday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. Greet museum visitors and tell themabout the exhibits, the Museum and the itsrailroad and Civil War history. Docents shouldpossess good people skills. Opportunity for thoseinterested in railroads, the Civil War andNorthern Virginia history. Training andorientation provided. Other volunteeropportunities are gardening, publicity andexhibit planning. The Museum is located at11200 Fairfax Station Road in Fairfax Station.Call Michael at 703-945-7483 for moreinformation, or visit Fairfaxstation.org

Northern Virginia Family Service is seekingvolunteers to organize collection drives oftoiletries products for clients in need. Requesteditems include shampoo, soap, lotion, deodorant,hand sanitizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste.Learn more about Northern Virginia FamilyService at www.nvfs.org and contact ColleenRoss [email protected] if interested.

Volunteer Opportunities

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ At Westfield...

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