Opinion, Page 4 ‘The Police Department for The...

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City Council Approves New PM PediatricsNews, Page 9

Helping Start the School Year SafelyOpinion, Page 4

‘The PoliceDepartment for

The Community’News, Page 3

Police Chief Erin Schaible at her desk in Fairfax City’s police station: Schaible is the first female police chief in Fairfax City’s history.

2 ❖ Fairfax Connection ❖ August 22-28, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Fairfax Connection ❖ August 22-28, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsFairfax Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

Anyone becoming Fairfax City’snew police chief after formerChief Carl Pardiny retired hadbig shoes to fill. But don’t let Erin

Schaible’s petite stature fool you: with al-most 30 years’ experience as a police of-ficer in Fairfax County, she’s a seasonedveteran definitely up to the task.

Following a nationwide search, she tookover as Fairfax’s new police chief – the firstfemale in the City’s history to hold that po-sition – in February, and now has six monthshere under her belt.

“I love the City – it’s quaint and charm-ing and a great place to work,” saidSchaible. “And because I worked out of theMassey Building for many years, I was fa-miliar with it.”

Growing up in McLean, she originallywanted to be a clothing designer. “But mydad, who’s now retired, was in the SecretService,” she said. “Listening to all his sto-ries was fascinating, and his job soundedso exciting and intriguing. And law enforce-ment seemed like such a positive career.”

Still, Schaible majored in Clothing andTextiles at Virginia Tech, with a minor inBusiness. After graduation, she went to NewYork and tried to make a go of life there,but just didn’t like the city. So she returnedto Virginia and got into retail and securityfor Neiman-Marcus in Tysons Corner.

“I loved it and then started interviewingfor law-enforcement jobs,” she said. “I washired by the Fairfax County Police Depart-ment, went to the Academy and was withthem for 28 years.” She was the first of hersiblings to take that career path, but bothher brothers followed in her footsteps. Oneis with the Los Angeles Police Departmentand the other is with the Orange CountySheriff’s Office.

In 2007, Schaible obtained her Master’sin Public Administration from GMU. It wasa cohort program involving different disci-plines and people from various entities andperspectives.

LIKE ALL POLICE OFFICERS, she be-gan in patrol, but rose through the ranks tobecome assistant commander of the Restonand McLean district stations and com-mander of the Franconia District Station.She also served as School Liaison Com-mander over all the school resource offic-ers (SROs).

Schaible held a variety of posts during hercareer, including assistant commander ofInternal Affairs and commander of the Or-ganized Crime and Narcotics Division. As amajor, she was in charge of Patrol DivisionII and headed the Resource ManagementBureau – which oversees all the police ve-hicles and equipment and handles courtrequests for records, clothing and finger-prints.

She then served as Deputy Chief of Pa-trol for four years, commanding the largest

police patrol contingent in the state – andbeing the first female law-enforcement pro-fessional to do so. Schaible spearheadedinitiatives to increase staffing in public-safety agencies, developed a training strat-egy for new officers and directed a multi-agency effort to reform juvenile-justice pro-tocols – which culminated in a CapstoneProject and national award.

“I worked with Fairfax County PublicSchools, Juvenile Court and the Intake andProbation departments, plus Northern Vir-ginia Mediation – a public nonprofit doingconflict resolution before things come to thecourt system,” she said. “We aimed at re-ducing the disproportionality of minorityjuvenile offenders in the system. We wantedto get them to recognize why what they didwas wrong and to come to terms with thevictim – who told the offender the harm itdid to him.”

“It was a group effort,” continuedSchaible. “And it was the first time in thecountry that a school system, law enforce-ment, courts and a private entity came to-gether to collaboratively work on this prob-lem. Juveniles’ brains aren’t fully developeduntil age 26, so it hinders their processingof situations. So when you can teach themand hold them accountable, there’s very lowrecidivism.”

She said Juvenile Court Intake did a“great job” and looked at the offenders’ riskfactors and backgrounds, such as domesticviolence, poverty, substance abuse and men-tal-health problems – and tried to get themthe help they needed. The group also ap-plied to Georgetown University’s Center forJuvenile Justice and Reform (CJJR).

“We’d already been working on it for acouple years, and this program helped guideand critique us to get us to the next level ofimplementing it,” said Schaible. “We spenta year doing this, and the CJJR later selectedas the national recipient of the Capstone ofthe Year award in 2016.”

Afterward, as a lieutenant colonel, herfinal position with the FCPD was DeputyChief of Administration, in charge of thebudget, Police Academy and IT program.She retired at the end of December 2018 –but not for long. After about 1-1/2 months,she became Fairfax City’s police chief.

“I like doing things that are purposefuland helpful,” explained Schaible. “And ev-eryone I’ve met here – employees and citi-zens, alike – is very friendly and appreci-ates the police. It’s just a nice environment,and it’s fun. I love the small-town feel and,because you can connect to people on amore personal level, you feel like you makea difference. I see people more frequently,

so we know who each other is and the com-munities they live in.”

THE MAIN CRIME PROBLEMS here, shesaid, are low-level vandalism and vehicletamperings. And since the latter is a crimeof opportunity, she urges people not to leavetheir cars unlocked with valuables inside.

The City’s Police Department has 66sworn police officers and about 80 totalemployees, including civilian staff. “I’vebeen pleasantly surprised how receptivethey were to me coming in as an outsidechief,” said Schaible. “They’ve been genu-inely kind, warm and welcoming.”

As for future initiatives, she’s consider-ing having a full-time bike team, with twoofficers per 12-hour shift. “Now, we just pullsome guys from patrol and make it work,”she said. “But maybe we could do it from 2p.m.-2 a.m. during the high calls for ser-vices – school release, afternoon rush-hourtraffic and bars closing.”

Schaible also wants to explore the feasi-bility of creating speed-camera zones toslow traffic on some roadways, particularlythose with churches, parks and schools.High-density, pedestrian-traffic areas suchas Old Town would also be considered.However, she added, “We’d have to get theenabling legislation from the state to dothis.”

Furthermore, she’d also like to “use tech-nology more smartly and as a force multi-plier.” And she wants to get people to “vol-untarily comply so the roads are safer fordrivers, scooter-riders, bicyclists and pedes-trians.”

On a personal note, she and her husband,Capt. Lance Schaible – commander ofFCPD’s Criminal Intelligence Division – havefour children. Two sons and a daughter arein college and their youngest daughter is inhigh school.

Delighted to be the City’s police chief,Schaible wants to strengthen the bond be-tween the police and residents. “Our goalis to be the police department for the com-munity, and we welcome comments, sug-gestions and concerns,” she said. “We wantto get our officers more connected with thecommunity.”

In addition, she said, “We want to engagethe youth. Our officers do mentoring in theelementary schools and take students tosporting events at George Mason, and wewant to continue that. We want to let peopleknow we’re here for them.”

‘The Police Department for the Community’Meet Erin Schaible: City’s first female police chief.

“I love the small-townfeel and, because you canconnect to people on amore personal level, youfeel like you make adifference.”

— Police Chief Erin Schaible

Erin Schaible is the first female police chief in Fairfax City’s history.

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Opinion

The League of Women Voters of theFairfax Area (LWVFA) will hold can-didate forums in each of FairfaxCounty’s nine magisterial districts

for Board of Supervisors and School Boardcandidates in September and October in therun up to the Nov. 5, 2019 General Election.All certified candidates competing for seats onthe two Boards to represent their respectivedistricts have been invited. Several of the fo-rums will also include Virginia State Senateand House of Delegates candidates.

In addition, the League will hold countywide

a candidate forum for the three at large SchoolBoard seats and Chair of the Board of Supervi-sors.

The League organizes candidate forums priorto elections to give voters opportunities to learnmore about the candidates and to dive intocomplex issues like redistricting and votingrights for fact-based discussions and be betterinformed citizens in our democracy. The Can-didate Forums are non-partisan, and theLeague never supports nor opposes any candi-date. A moderator will ask the candidates ques-tions generated by the audience. Following the

Wed, Sept. 4 —- 7 p.m.Mt. Vernon District Sherwood Re-gional Library2501 Sherwood HallLn, Alexandria

Mon, Sept. 23 — 7 p.m.Countywide—At Large School Board&Chair of the Board of SupervisorsFairfax County Government Cen-ter12000 Government Center Pkwy,Fairfax

Wed, Sept. 25 — 7 p.m.Sully District—Supervisor & School

League of Women Voters to Hold Candidate ForumsBoard of Supervisors, School Board candidatesto participate in forums throughout the county.

formal session, an informal meet and greetsession will allow direct audience interactionwith the candidates. The forums are free andopen to the public.

Additional information about the candidateforums, the 2019 General Election, Leaguepublications and other events can be found at:www.lwv-fairfax.org

Questions for the candidates can be submit-ted by accessing: www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWVFA2019

Go to www.vote411.org for an online votersguide to compare candidates’ positions side-by-side.

The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area isa non-partisan political organization that encouragesinformed and active participation in government,works to increase understanding of major public policyissues.

Fairfax County 2019 Candidate ForumsBoardSully District Govt. Center4900Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly

Thurs, Oct. 3 — 7 p.m.Springfield DistrictPohick Regional Li-brary6450 Sydenstricker Rd, Burke

Sat, Oct. 5 — 3:30 p.m.Braddock DistrictKings Park LibraryCommunity Room 9000 Burke Lake Rd,Burke

Sun, Oc.t 13 —3 pm H u n t e rMill DistrictHunters Woods VillageCenterReston Community Center2310

Colts Neck Rd, Reston Wed, Oct. 16 — 7 p.m.

Lee DistrictHayfield SecondarySchool7630 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria

Wed, Oct. 16 — 7 p.m.Providence District Providence Commu-nity Center 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax

Thurs, Oct. 17 7 p.m.Dranesville District McLean CommunityCenter1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean

Thurs, Oct. 17 — 7 p.m. —Mason DistrictWoodrow Wilson Library

Community Rm 6101 Knollwood Dr,Falls Church

Wed, Oct. 23 — 7 : 3 0p.m. Sully District—Senatorsand DelegatesSully District Govt.Center4900 Stonecroft Blvd,Chantilly

Volunteers, including students,are welcome.

For more information, visitw w w . l w v - f a i r f a x . o r g /candidateforum

Commentary

We need help from ourreaders for content ofour annual Newcom-

ers and Community Guide .We’re hoping to share special

places, activities, events, organiza-tions and volunteer opportunities.What should someone new to yourneighborhood know about? Whatis it that you love most aboutwhere you live?

We will publish a selection oflocal viewpoints along with infor-

mation useful to newcomers andlong-time residents alike, includ-ing information on how to voteand more. See last year’s commu-nity guides by going towww.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/ and scrolling down to New-comers. Email tips and photos [email protected] send as a letter to the editor viathe website at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/ by Aug. 23.

Share Tips about Community

By John C. Cook

Braddock District Supervisor

Parents are smiling and chil-dren are sighing as thesummer days come to an

end. It’s as apt a time as ever forus to review the safety precautionsand changes that come with Backto School Season. It is everyone’sresponsibility to make sure theschool year starts off safely for ourchildren.

Fairfax County Public Schoolswill start on Aug. 26. More than1,700 buses will be on the road,making it particularly importantthat you know the schedules. El-ementary schools start and endtimes vary. They start from 8:10to 9:20 a.m. and end from 2:55 to4:05 p.m. Middle schools begin7:30 a.m. and end 2:15 p.m. Threesecondary schools (Hayfield, LakeBraddock and Robinson) begin 8a.m. and end 2:45 p.m. Highschools begin 8:10 a.m. and end2:55 p.m. I would advise you tocheck the Fairfax County PublicSchools website to check whenyour closest elementary schoolstarts and ends. All commutersshould prepare to leave a few min-utes early to avoid back to school

commuting.When a school bus

is stopped with redflashing lights, allcars must stop unlessthey are in anotherlane divided by a me-dian.

If you are travelingin a two-lane road-way with no median,all cars in both directions muststop when the bus is loading or un-loading.

Drivers in all directions mustalso stop when driving in a two-lane roadway with a center turnlane or in a four-lane roadwaywithout a median separation.

The only time you can continuedriving when a bus is stopped is ifyou are driving on the other sideof a physical median.

It is important to remember thatmany children will be walking toschool and to neighborhood busstops. Please yield to childrencrossing the streets, look out forcrossing guards and follow theirinstructions. Keep your car off thecrosswalk when stopped. Be pre-pared to stop for children who maymake unexpected movements intoroadways and follow the school

zone speed limitswhen the signs areflashing. Most schoolzones have a 25-mphspeed limit, but theymay vary.

Parents, please re-mind your childrenabout street, pedes-trian, and bus safety.Try to get to the busstop early to prevent

injuries caused by rushing to thebus. If you are crossing a roadway,make sure that cars are stoppedin both directions before crossing.

Teach them to use designated

crosswalks if they are availableand only approach the bus once ithas come to a full stop.

If you have young drivers in thefamily, take time to review therules about school zones andschool buses. If you drive your kidsto school, use the kiss and ride pro-cess. Do not drop off children onthe street—you create a safetyhazard for other vehicles whenyou do.

Whether you have children inschool or not, it is everyone’s re-sponsibility to follow traffic lawsand help start the school yearsafely.

Helping Start the School Year Safely

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Letter

To the Editor:“Where are you from?” That

question has always confused me.When I answer Northern Virginia,I am rebutted with: “No, where areyou originally from – like whereis your family from?” I bleed red,white and blue…and green? Yes,that’s right. I’m a proud Pakistani-American

Ahmadi Muslim. Pakistan hasgiven me a lot. It has provided mewith culture and a means to standout. I take great pride in being tri-lingual. These unique qualitieshelp me stand out from a billionother individuals.

The United States establisheddiplomatic relations with Pakistanfollowing the country’s indepen-dence in 1947. America has amulti-faceted relationship withPakistan in areas ranging fromanti-terrorism to energy to tradeand investment. The only thingPakistan hasn’t given me is thefreedom to express my religion. InPakistan I am not allowed to callmyself a Muslim because I amfrom a

sect that believes Hazrat MirzaGhulam Ahmad, the 19th-centuryfounder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

Community, is the long awaitedMessiah and that he has come torevive the religion and bring usback to the path of

righteousness when the religionneeded it the most. The secondamendment states that Ahmadisare a non-Muslim group. Since1974 members of my communityare being persecuted and accusedof violating the country’s

controversial blasphemy laws.This is also why I am so thank-

ful to call America my home — acountry that allows me to thrivehowever I want. With a hijab onmy head and with strength in myblood, I am able to live my dreamof going to medical school andbecoming a physician so that I cangive back to the

country and to humanity.

So now whenever I’m asked“where are you originally from?”I ask the same question. Theamount of melanin in your skin orthe kind of clothes you chose towear don’t make you any more orless American. Your country

is, in the end, the people thatlive in it. Sure, you might have anassociation with the geographicallocation but it’s the people as awhole that give you an identity. Ilove my Pakistani roots and I lovemy American identity. Both partshave shaped me into the head-strong and ambitious woman thatI am today. God bless America andPakistan

Zindabad.Aneela Wadan

FairfaxThe writer is a second year medical

student.

Where Are You From, Originally

The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be

signed. Include home address and home and businessnumbers. Letters are routinely edited for libel, grammar, good

taste and factual errors. Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Connection

1606 King St. • Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.

By e-mail: [email protected]

Write


By Marilyn Campbell

After summer camps and a vacation abroad,Jaclyn Wheeler is easing her children intothe new routine that they will face laterthis month when they return to school.

She’s purchased school supplies and created andlaminated a schedule of activities for before and af-ter school. “They’ve been staying up until the weehours of the morning, but I’ve been getting them tobed early and waking them up early,” she said. “I’vebought organizational supplies from the ContainerStore to help organize their desks at home so theyhave a clear workspace for doing homework.”

When months of swimsuits, summer camp and lazydays turn into early rising, classroom desks andschool bells, many families will feel the shock of asudden shift in schedule. Faced with the reality ofnightly homework, the need to perform well aca-demically and the peer pressure that often comeswith returning to school, many parents and childrencan feel anxious about starting a new school year.

“Children often worry if they will be able to copewith the demands of their new grade, said therapistCarol Barnaby, LCSW-C. “Will they be smart enough?Will they disappoint their parents? Will their teacherlike them? Will they fit in with their peers? Will theybe bullied? Will they be good enough to make thesports team? The worries can go on and on.”

The increased pressures of perfectionism in bothacademic and extracurricular endeavors can feeldaunting, especially after an easy-going summer.

“The social stressors of fitting in, being included[and] being accepted combine to create stress thatis only increased by social media,” Vicki Kirsch, Ph.D.,LCSW Associate Professor of Social Work at GeorgeMason University. ”It’s not only the difficulties of find-ing a group to sit with in the cafeteria, but also nowcriticism and bullying through social media.”

As children approach adolescence, peer pressurecan intensify such stress, suggests Linda McKennaGulyn, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at MarymountUniversity.

“In fact, new school year stress for school-agedchildren is usually more tied in with pressure to makefriends, fit in, wear the right clothes, shoes and back-packs and who will be in their class,” she said. “Forparents, stress relates more to their expectations of

school performance and other school or extracurricu-lar activities.”

Parents can comfort and support their children byacknowledging and validating a child’s angst, saysGuluyn. “Listen to their concerns and anxieties aboutsocial relationships. Help them ease into the transi-tions,” she said. “[Their anxiety] will probably berelieved after a day or two. For younger students itmight help to check in with the classroom teacherabout these concerns, then drop him or her an email.”

As Wheeler did with her children, Barnaby encour-ages parents and children to develop and discuss thenew daily routine to create a concrete awareness ofthe shifts that are about to occur. “Gradually easinginto the schedule can help kids cope with stress andencourage a return to routines, she said. “That in-cludes eight to ten hours of sleep each night, turn-ing off and putting away electronic devices 60 min-utes before bed, eating healthy meals and spendingtime together talking about plans to manage thedemands of the new school year.”

Managing such stress should include more than aca-demics, like unstructured free time suggests Barnaby.“Try not over schedule children with too many activi-ties,” she said. “Create calming spaces in the home tounwind. Sit quietly with your child to just be together.Try a guided meditation. Make time to talk about howthings are going, what things are going well and whatthings they are finding challenging.”

Learning and practicing self-care at an early age isa useful way to manage stress, advises Kirsch. “[It’s]perhaps the best way,” she said. These tools are al-ways with us and the only requirement is to practiceself-care skills to increase their effectiveness. Deep,focused breathing, meditation, and mindfulness areall ways to manage stress. People often confuse thesethree techniques with each other, but they are indi-vidual skills that can overlap but can also be prac-ticed separately.”

“For example, one can do a regular activity suchas washing one’s hands or walking to the bus stop ina mindful way by focusing in the present and exam-ining experiences utilizing the five senses. “What amI seeing, smelling, touching, hearing, and tasting?”continued Kirsch.

Gulyn encourages students to focus on the joy theywill feel when they are reunited with their friends.“Keep in mind that most other kids are a little stressedand scared about back-to-school stuff, too,” she said.“But now you are a grade higher and definitely readyfor the next year.”

Easing in to the new year.

Back-to-School AnxietyJaclyn Wheeler is helping her children transitions from a care free summer to struc-tured school year.

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COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

bbTo Advertise Your

Community of Worship,Call 703-778-9418

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

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

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

Visit our Website: jccag.org

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

“Loving People to Life”

Candace Hunstad, PrincipalCourtney Korb,Assistant Principal

Tigers KeepPracticingPositivity

Candace J. Hunstad, Prin-cipal, Fairhill Elementary: New in a New

School Year: Our Tigers are ex-cited for year three of being a part-ner school with The PositivityProject.Our staff and students really em-body the mindset that Other PeopleMatter as they continue to learnabout the 24 character strengthsof positive psychology that we allpossess.Our Tigers will also be learningthat our environment matters asthey explore environmental issues.We have built a sustainable raingarden and will build a butterflygarden to foster awareness of en-vironmental needs as our studentsuse their critical thinking skills asone of the key components of Por-trait of a Graduate.

A one-sentence message tothe school community:

Your story matters!Upcoming Events, Activi-

ties: We hope to see all of ourTigers at our Back to School Bashon Thursday, Aug. 22 from 4:30-7

p.m. Parents will visit their child’sclassroom to meet the teacher.º Wewill have staff members located inthe lobby, gym and cafeteria to as-sist families with information orwith questions about buses, forms,and other school details. We willoffer two sessions which will al-

low those with more than onechild to visit multiple classrooms.We will have much to share aboutyour child’s learning this year andhope that you will be able to at-tend. We will have food trucksavailable for families to eat andjoin in fellowship with each other.

Photos

contributed

FairhillElementary

School.

Back to School

A back-to-school updatefrom Mosby Woods El-ementary: Mosby Woods

is gearing up for another fantasticschool year. We are 1,086 studentsstrong in Headstart through sixthgrade. We are excited about somenew changes this year. We have anew STEAM (Science Technology,Engineering, Art and Math)teacher and new STEAM labwhere all students will have anopportunity to engage in enrich-ing projects and experiments in ahands-on, exciting way. We havea new four classroom quad andnewly tiled second floor class-rooms and hallway. Mosby Woodswill continue its focus on Project

Mosby Woods Assistant Principal Sarah Haroutunian,Principal Mahri Aste and Assistant Principal JoshuaRedford.

The Kleitsch family volunteering to spruce up the MosbyWoods grounds.

Mosby Woods: 1,086 Students StrongBased Learning and Arts integra-tion.

One of our school goals is accessto Advanced Academic curriculumfor all of our students. We havehigh expectations for studentachievement and positive behav-ior. Mosby Woods has an excellentstaff who is committed to helpingall of our students, learn, give andthrive. We are looking forward toour Open House on Aug. 22 at 9a.m. for Kindergarten and 2 p.m.for grades 1-6. We are also excitedabout having many students par-ticipate in the Marine Corps FunRun in October. We’re looking for-ward to an outstanding schoolyear.

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See Calendar, Page 10

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork en-couraged.

ONGOINGRegistration Open: NVSO. The Northern

Virginia Senior Olympics features more than 60events that challenge the mind as well as thebody. New games this year: jigsaw puzzle andline-dancing. The games run Sept. 14-28. Therewill be no on-site registration. Paperregistrations, available at most local recreationand senior centers, must be postmarked by Aug.24. Online registrations must be completed byAug. 31 at www.nvso.us.

Art Exhibitions. Through Sept. 15, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Torpedo FactoryArtists @ Mosaic, 105 District Ave., Fairfax. Forthe first time, the Torpedo Factory Artists’Association is sharing its gallery space with agroup of student artists. The Torpedo FactoryArtists @ Mosaic is a satellite gallery sponsoredby the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association. Visitwww.torpedofactoryartists.com/mosaic/ formore.

❖ “Make Your Mark” is part of the Torpedo FactoryArtists’ Associations’ effort to provide exhibitopportunities for gifted artists in the community.In this show, each of the 13 students takingclasses from TFAA artist and arts educatorMarsha Staiger present one painting thatrepresents their body of work.

❖ “Animal Kingdom” is the theme of the TorpedoFactory artists’ exhibit and will showcase thebest of what nature has to offer, including thewild and the tame.

(Im)Permanence Continued. Through Oct. 6 inthe McGuireWoods Gallery, 2nd Floor,Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way,Lorton. A solo exhibition featuring work byCynthia Myron. Visit www.WorkhouseArts.orgfor more.

VMFA: Futures. Through Oct. 6 in theMcGuireWoods Gallery, 2nd Floor, WorkhouseArts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.VMFA: Futures showcases artists joining the2019-2020 Fellowship Program at the VirginiaMuseum of Fine Arts in Richmond. Comprised ofa broad selection of humanizing works ofingenuity which liven the art landscape throughsculpture, videography, painting, photographyand new media, VMFA: Futures highlightsemerging talent but also explores commonalitiesamongst the artists’ work. Featured artistsinclude Soomin Ham, Rebecca Silberman, DavidFranusich and Sarah Phillips. Visitwww.WorkhouseArts.org for more.

Juried Exhibition: Clay International.Through Oct. 6 in the Vulcan Gallery, 1st Floor,Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way,Lorton. Ceramic Artist and Educator PeterBeasecker juried over 300 images to select 52pieces of art which incorporate a contemporaryspirit as well as a technical mastery of thematerial for 2019 Workhouse Clay International.Clay International represents the depth andbreadth of contemporary functional andsculptural ceramic artworks being createdthroughout the country. Visitwww.WorkhouseArts.org for more.

Crafters Wanted for 2nd Annual Fall CraftShow. The Fairfax Station Railroad Museumwill hold its 2nd Annual Fall Craft Show andLEGO (TM) Train Show on Saturday, Oct. 12,2019 ,10 a.m.-4 p.m. For crafters interested injoining the event, booth space is enough roomfor a 10x10 canopy and cost is $50 per space.Email [email protected] for anapplication and further information. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

Kingstowne Farmers Market. Fridays, throughOct. 25, 4-7 p.m. in the Giant parking lot, 5870Kingstowne Towne Center, Alexandria. Farmfresh eggs, local honey, berries, fresh pickedvegetables, fresh local fruits, baked breads andtreats, chicken, tamales, salsa, hummus,gourmet sausage, fresh roasted coffee beans,and much, more. Call 703-642-0128 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/kingstowne.

Wakefield Farmers Market. Wednesdays, 2-6p.m. through Oct. 30, at Wakefield Park, 8100Braddock Road, Annandale. Eleven local farmersand producers will sell fresh produce and fruits;meats; breads and pastries; jams; dairy productsand eggs; herbs; flowers, and more. All productsare grown or produced by the vendors and comefrom within 125 miles. The Fairfax CountyMaster Gardeners Association will be there each

week, providing horticultural information tohome gardeners in Fairfax County. Call 703-642-0128 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/wakefield.

Lorton Farmers Market. Sundays, 9 a.m.-noon,through Nov. 17, in the VRE Parking Lot, 8990Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Eleven localfarmers and producers sell fresh produce andfruits; meats; breads and pastries; jams; dairyproducts and eggs; herbs; flowers, and more. Allproducts are grown or produced by the vendorsand come from within 125 miles. The FairfaxCounty Master Gardeners Association will bethere each week, providing horticulturalinformation to home gardeners in FairfaxCounty. Call 703-642-0128 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/lorton.

Springfield Farmers Market. Saturdays,through Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at SpringfieldTown Center, 6699 Spring Mall Drive,Springfield. Vendors include Cascade Beverage,Celestial/Fossil Farms, Chilanga Tortilla,Conecopia, Greenwich Farms, Iganacio’s

Produce, Kingdom Gourmet, Lola’s Kusina,Lund’s Produce, Smiths Mecklenburg, Taste OldCountry, Three Puppies,Tyson Farm, andWindmill Meadows. Visit www.community-foodworks.org or call 202-697-7768.

Burke Farmers Market. Through Dec. 21, 8a.m.-noon at the VRE parking lot, 5671 RobertsParkway, Burke. A great selection of freshproduce, baked goods, seafood, and dairy. Allvendors make their own food or grow it locallywithin 125 miles. Call 703-642-0128 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/burke for more.

FRIDAY/AUG. 23B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3, 4081

University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy free coffee,entertaining callers, a friendly atmosphere,$1,000 guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good food available forpurchase. All proceeds go to purchasing fire andrescue equipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.com orcall 703-273-3638 for more.

SATURDAY/AUG. 24Summer Saturdays. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gunston

Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton. JoinGunston Hall for a summer of fun. EachSaturday in June, July, and August, stop by for ahistoric adventure on the grounds and in theVisitor Center. Included with regular admission.Call 703-550-9220 or visitwww.gunstonhall.org/visit/guide/upcoming-events.

Glass Harp Performance. 1-2 p.m. atCentreville Regional Library, 14200 St GernainDrive, Centreville. Join an end of summercelebration as Jamey Turner plays the glassharp, a musical instrument made with drinkingglasses filled with water. This family friendlyprogram will engage and delight all ages. Free.Call 703-830-2223 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5238367.

Children’s Business Fair. 1-4 p.m. at FairfaxClub Estates Tennis Courts, 5601 Snowy OwlDrive, Fairfax. Come out and support more than25 kid entrepreneurs in a one-day marketplaceat Fairfax Club Estates. Free admission. Raindate, Sunday, Aug. 25, 1-4 p.m. [email protected] or visitwww.childrensbusinessfair.org/fairfax-gray.

Movie Night: Ice Age. Dusk. Liberty Lorton, theformer prison turned new development, ishosting a series of events that includes barnyardyoga, outdoor movie nights, and the secondannual Turkey Trot. Events are open to residentsand non-residents of Liberty. Visitthelibertylife.com for more.

SUNDAY/AUG. 25Hands On Activities Day. 1-4 p.m. at the

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. Some of theHands On Activities at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum might include operatingmodel trains, decoding and writing telegraphmessages or doing a railroad theme or Civil Wartheme craft. No extra charge for craft supplies..Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

Burke Historical Society. 3:30-5 p.m. at PohickRegional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road,Burke. Glenn Curtis, born in 1930 in Burke anda descendant of the prominent Marshall Family,will discuss his own and his family’s experiences,with Mary Lipsey interviewing. Free. [email protected] or visitwww.burkehistoricalsociety.org.

Films in the Park: How to Train YourDragon (2010). 7 p.m. at Strawberry Park inMosaic, Fairfax. Mosaic’s summer movie lineuphas something for the whole family. Grab ablanket, friends and family and watch favoritefilms underneath the stars. Visitmosaicdistrict.com/events/event/films-in-the-park-2/.

MONDAY/AUG. 26Back to School. Fairfax County Public Schools

first day of the 2019-2020 school year. Visitwww.fcps.edu/calendars/2019-20-standard-school-year-calendar.

TUESDAY/AUG. 27Springfield Bridgewalk. 7 p.m. meet at the

corner of Amherst Avenue and Bland Street. LeeDistrict hosts its 19th Annual SpringfieldBridgewalk. This family-friendly event is open tothe entire community. At 7:30 p.m., as the lightsbegin to shine, the police will close the road andparticipants will stroll across Veterans Bridge toAmerican Legion Post 176. At the Post there willbe a brief ceremony and community covenantsigning with Fort Belvoir, followed bycommunity time and food with friends andneighbors. Visit www.springfieldchamber.org/events/details/bridgewalk-6041 for more.

THURSDAY/AUG. 29Evenings on the Ellipse: The Gibson

Brothers (bluegrass). 5:30-7 p.m. at theFairfax County Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. TheFairfax County Government Center’s backyardwill be alive with fun, music and good companythis summer as the Evenings on the Ellipseconcert series returns. Stop by and relax in style

Entertainment

Courtesy of The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

LEGO model train displays by Monty Smith.

HO and LEGO Model Trains ShowThe Potomac Module Crew will have a special HO Model Train Show as well as a custom LEGO Model

Train show by Monty Smith over the Labor Day weekend. Sunday-Monday, Sept. 1-2, 1-4 p.m. at theFairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station. Ages 16 and older, $4;5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

Push/Pull by David Franusich.

VMFA: FuturesWorkhouse Arts Center presents VMFA: Futures, showcasing a group of artists joining the 2019-2020

Fellowship Program at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. Comprised of a broad selectionof humanizing works of ingenuity which liven the art landscape through sculpture, videography, paint-ing, photography and new media, VMFA: Futures highlights emerging talent but also explorescommonalities amongst the artists’ work. Featured artists include Soomin Ham, Rebecca Silberman, DavidFranusich and Sarah Phillips. The exhibit runs through Oct. 6, in the McGuireWoods Gallery, 2nd Floor,Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Visit www.WorkhouseArts.org for more.


See Bulletin, Page 11

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

The Calico store is no longer inthe Kamp Washington ShoppingCenter. But its spot won’t stayvacant for long. In its place will

be going a medical-care facility called PMPediatrics.

At its June 25 meeting, the Fairfax CityCouncil approved the facility’s applicationto open up shop there. Since that site iszoned Commercial Retail, PM Pediatricsneeded the City’s OK for a special-use per-mit to operate a medical-care business inthat location.

“It’s an urgent-care facility for children,from birth through college,” said SupriyaChewle, a planner with the City. “It’s ex-pected to generate less vehicle trips than aretail use, and it has adequate parking.”

Several retail establishments are alreadythere, including the Earth Fare grocerystore, Pet Supplies Plus and The Nail Bar,and restaurants Cava, MOD Pizza, HHMBBQ, Chipotle and PokeHub. Drivers mayaccess and leave the shopping center’s park-ing lot via two curb cuts along Lee High-way and two curb cuts along Fairfax Boule-vard.

The medical facility’s space is 5,200square feet. It plans to have 10 examina-tion rooms, two flex examination rooms, anX-ray area, a nurses’ station, offices,

restrooms and a waiting area. Hours of op-eration will be Monday-Saturday, noon-midnight, plus Sundays and holidays, 10a.m.-midnight, to fill the need when doc-tors’ offices are closed.

PM Pediatrics offers a full spectrum ofafter-hours, urgent care, and its staff is able

to diagnose and treat all but the most criti-cal cases. Its doctors can handle illnessesand injuries, including wounds requiringstitches, broken bones and sprains, as wellas fevers, ear infections and minor traumas.

“It started as an after-hours option to theE.R.,” explained Molly Novotny, an urban

planner with Cooley LLP, in her presenta-tion to City Council. “It’s more for acute ill-nesses, X-Rays and treatment. There wouldbe no surgeries, overnight visits or anesthe-sia.” She said PM Pediatrics also has threeother locations in Northern Virginia, and allare in shopping centers. And, she added,“All of them have colorful, exciting and in-viting interiors for children.”

Councilwoman Janice Miller asked howmany employees would be there, andNovotny said they’d work in 12-hour shifts,with each shift staffed by five people.There’ll be two or three full-time employ-ees – a doctor and/or nurse practitioner anda registered nurse – plus two, part-timeemployees. And, said Novotny, “We can in-crease that number, as the need requires.”

“If a patient’s condition escalates, wouldyou send that patient to a particular hospi-tal?” asked Councilwoman So Lim. Novotnyreplied that PM Pediatrics has relationshipswith all the hospitals, so that shouldn’t bea problem, “unless a patient requests a par-ticular one.” “In that case, would you callour rescue squad?” asked Mayor DavidMeyer. Novotny answered yes. So, saidMeyer, “There would be a slight increase inthe need for their services.”

He then called for a vote on the matter ofthe special-use permit, and CouncilmanMichael DeMarco made a motion for ap-proval, which was seconded by Miller. Themotion then passed unanimously.

City Council Approves New PM PediatricsUrgent-care facility for children will open in Kamp Washington.

PM Pediatrics urgent care will open soon in the Kamp WashingtonShopping Center.

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photosand artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursdayat noon, at least two weeks before event.

DONATIONS NEEDEDSchool Supply and Backpack Drive. 8

a.m.-4 p.m. at the Parent ResourceCenter, 2334 Gallows Road, Room 105,Dunn Loring. For the nearly 56,000students in Fairfax County Public Schoolsliving at the poverty line, obtainingschool supplies can be difficult. FCPS ispartnering with roughly 20 nonprofitsand businesses to ensure that studentswill have the supplies they need this fallfor its “Collect for Kids” campaign. A $25donation will fill a backpack with FCPSapproved supplies for a student. Organizea collection drive of new backpacks inyour community and bring to one of theCollect for Kids drop off locations. Visitwww.collectforkids.org/get-involved orcall 703-204-3941.

SATURDAY/AUG. 24Large Yard Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Unity of

Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Unity of Fairfax will host a large, indoor,church yard sale with hundreds of itemsfrom many households and a restaurantliquidation. Free admission. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org.

Messy Church. 5-6:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s inthe Woods, 5911 Fairview Woods Drive,Fairfax Station. Join St. Peter’s in theWoods for their monthly Messy Church.It’s a worshiping community especiallygeared towards families and youngchildren, but welcoming to all. Bible-themed crafts and activities, casual

End of anEra and an IconThe legendary Massey

Building – once the tallestbuilding in Fairfax City – isnow being demolished. For

nearly half a century, itstood across from the

county Courthouse. From1969-92, it was the seat of

Fairfax County Governmentuntil the current county

Government Center openedin Fair Oaks. It then housed

the administrative officesof the county’s Fire and

Police departments.But since the Massey

Building’s abundance ofasbestos made it a healthhazard to those working

inside it – and the fire andpolice headquarters movedto a safe and modern homein a new building off Monu-

ment Drive – this 13-storystructure is coming down.

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From Page 8

Calendar

Photo courtesy of Lorton Station Town Center

Community FairLorton Station Community Fair features dance performance, DJ music, fitness

demos, facepainting, balloon characters and touch-a-truck. Meet and shop with localbusiness owners. Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-5 p.m. at Lorton Station Town Center, 9000Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Free admission. Food and drink available for purchase.Call 757-897-5724 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lorton-station-community-fair-tickets-66831626193.

with generous tastings and sales fromFairfax County’s two Wineries,Paradise Springs and Bull Run. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/evenings-on-the-ellipsefor more.

FRIDAY/AUG. 30B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,

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

SATURDAY/AUG. 31Summer Saturdays. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at

Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road,Lorton. Join Gunston Hall for asummer of fun. Each Saturday inJune, July, and August, stop by for ahistoric adventure on the groundsand in the Visitor Center. Includedwith regular admission. Call 703-550-9220 or visitwww.gunstonhall.org/visit/guide/upcoming-events.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 1Films in the Park: Hook (1991). 7

p.m. at Strawberry Park in Mosaic,Fairfax. Mosaic’s summer movielineup has something for the wholefamily. Grab a blanket, friends andfamily and watch favorite filmsunderneath the stars. Visitmosaicdistrict.com/events/event/films-in-the-park-2/.

SUNDAY-MONDAY/SEPT. 1-2HO and LEGO Model Trains Show.

1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum, 11200 FairfaxStation Road, Fairfax Station. ThePotomac Module Crew will have aspecial HO Model Train Show as wellas a custom LEGO Model Train showby Monty Smith over the Labor Dayweekend. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

TUESDAY/SEPT. 3Fairfax Encore Chorale. Weekly

rehearsals, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-12:30p.m. at St. George’s United MethodistChurch, 4910 Ox Road, Fairfax.Encore’s mission is to provide anexcellent and accessible artisticenvironment for older adults, 55 andover, regardless of experience orability, who seek arts education andperformance opportunities under aprofessional artist. No auditions arerequired to sing. Singers learn vocaltechnique, proper breathing andposture, and music literacy. Allconcerts are free and open to thepublic. Fee is $175 for weeklyrehearsals, sheet music, practice CD,and performances. The EncoreChorale repertoire includestraditional and secular holiday music.Visit www.encorecreativity.org or call301-261-5747.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 5Hometown Thursdays: Dirty Gold

Brass Band. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at OldTown Square, 10415 North St.,Fairfax. Fairfax’s HometownThursdays concert series takes placethe first and third Thursdays throughSeptember. A free, family-friendlyevent for all ages. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/hometown-thursdays for more.

FRIDAY/SEPT. 6Encore Rocks Fairfax. Weekly

rehearsals, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-noonat Unitarian Universalist Cong. ofFairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road,

Oakton. Encore’s mission is toprovide an excellent and accessibleartistic environment for older adults,55 and over, regardless of experienceor ability, who seek arts educationand performance opportunities undera professional artist. No auditions arerequired to sing. Singers learn vocaltechnique, proper breathing andposture, and music literacy. Allconcerts are free and open to thepublic. Fee is $175 for weeklyrehearsals, sheet music, practice CD,and performances. The EncoreChorale repertoire includestraditional and secular holiday music.Visit www.encorecreativity.org or call301-261-5747.

B-I-N-G-O. 7 p.m. at Fire Station 3,4081 University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoyfree coffee, entertaining callers, afriendly atmosphere, $1,000guaranteed jackpot, treasure chestprogressive raffles, and good foodavailable for purchase. All proceedsgo to purchasing fire and rescueequipment. Visit www.fairfaxvfd.comor call 703-273-3638 for more.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 7Ultimate Tailgate Class. 2-3:30 p.m.

at Kings Park Library, 9000 BurkeLake Road, Burke. Chef Kraft willshow you how to host the ultimatetailgate this football season. Free.Call 703-978-5600 (option 4) or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5452937.

Art Auction Fundraiser. 7:15-10p.m. at Temple B’nai Shalom, 7612Old Ox Road, Fairfax Station. Artwith Heart is an evening of art, food,wine and music featuringcontemporary, and traditional art,sports memorabilia, and Judaica.Food donations to benefit LCAC. $18donation and a can of food. Visitwww.tbs-online.org or call 703-628-6676.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 8Early Railroad Tools Exhibit. 1-4

p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The FairfaxStation Railroad Museum will have aspecial exhibit of early railroad tools.Come learn how these tools wereused to build and maintain railroadsin the 19th century. Ages 16 andolder, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org orcall 703-425-9225.

WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 11Nine and Wine. 5-8 p.m. at Laurel Hill

Golf Club, 8701 Laurel Crest Drive,Lorton. Enjoy a round on Virginia’s

newest golf course. Price includesrange balls, golf cart and nine holesof golf and a glass of wine. This eventwelcomes the first 12 people whoRSVP. Come solo or bring a friend.Payment will be made upon arrival atthe event venue. Check in at to proshop at least 15 minutes prior to thestart time. Member, $32; |non-members, $42. RSVP to RobertaKorzen [email protected] or703-324-8782.

FRIDAY/SEPT. 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 www.fairfaxvfd.comor call 703-273-3638 for more.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 15NTRAK Model Train Show at

Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum. 1-4 p.m. at the FairfaxStation Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station.The Northern Virginia NTRAKmembers will hold a N gauge TrainDisplay. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15,$2; 4 and under, free. Visitwww.fairfax-station.org or call 703-425-9225.

Community Fair. 2-5 p.m. at LortonStation Town Center, 9000 LortonStation Blvd., Lorton. Lorton StationCommunity Fair features danceperformance, DJ music, fitnessdemos, facepainting, ballooncharacters and touch-a-truck. Meetand shop with local business owners.Free admission. Food and drinkavailable for purchase. Call 757-897-5724 or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lorton-station-community-fair-tickets-66831626193.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 14Oktoberfest Volksmarch Walk. 8

a.m.-3 p.m. at Accotink UnitarianUniversalist Church, 10125Lakehaven Court, Burke. Walk, jog orrun 3 or 6 miles. German food anddrinks. Begin anytime 8 a.m.-1 p.m.Leashed dogs welcome. Trail okay forsturdy stroller. Adult mustaccompany children under 12. Walkis free. [email protected] for more.Call 703-407-7681 day of event.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

That was a close shave, if I may euphemistically characterize my most recent, blade-free brush with cancer-like symptoms, especially considering that I thought my life was at stake.

The pain was located around my left-side rib cage, exactly where the pain was on that fateful Jan.1, 2009 day when I couldn’t ignore it any longer and thus felt compelled to get off the couch and go to the emergency room.

Though I didn’t have any shortness of breath, or

of which I had back then); nonetheless, I thought the worst and didn’t fool around this time and made an appointment with my primary care physician as soon as possible, which was for the following day. I didn’t have a great sleep that night but it was somewhat improved knowing I might get an answer the next day.

To say that my life was beginning to pass by is a bit of an overstatement to be sure, but it was moving around a little bit. Trying to bury/compartmentalize what a possible recurrence/resistance to my current standard of treatment would mean before I actually

-tion was the immediate task at hand.

Rationalizing that what symptoms I wasn’t experiencing meant something positive/encouraging compared to what I felt 10 and a half years ago was one mental route I was traveling. The other was my usual and customary fall-back position: “It’s nothing until it’s something.”

However, I have to admit “something.” Though I can’t speak for all cancer patients/sur-

vivors; for me – in spite of my inherited-from-my-fa-ther positive attitude – being diagnosed with a “terminal” disease, as clearly described by my oncologist back in late February 2009, creates a sense of inevitability – as does the “13 month to two year” prognosis that followed.

the walking-down-the staircase-with-a-yo-yo exam-ple he used) and then death is only a matter of time. Time which you don’t have and quality of life which you’ll never get back.

And when that “inevitability” is most clear is

especially if those symptoms are identical to the

inevitable feelings and wondering if my amazing -

nal” disease doesn’t generally mean you go on liv-ing a normal life expectancy. Au contraire. It means you don’t! And at some juncture, the cancer spreads beyond modern medicine’s ability to manage it.

Then the patient is given a choice: stop the treat-ment and try to enjoy your remaining days without side effects, and thereby live a less cancer-centric quality of life with some freedom and indepen-dence – and hopefully feel some kind of better. And in those intervening days, try not to worry about the

again) does, which is not cure itself. Or try some experimental treatment and hope for the best.

This is the emotional concern and challenge which hangs over my head. Never more so than when I have the symptoms that I did this past week.

too much. One at a time I can handle.

and in great detail, described my symptoms, and explained what I was feeling and what I wasn’t. My internal medicine doctor listened intently as he has

He was calm and reassuring in his assessment. My symptoms he said were not cancer-related.

They “were muscular,” he continued, “on the out-side of my lungs.”

Not lung cancer at all. As such: No lab work. No X-Ray. No CT scan. No nothing. Another reprieve.

Life goes on, until ....

“Barbasoul”

From Page 9

Bulletin

worship and a free, family-style dinner. Call 703-503-9210 for more.

Registration is appreciated, visitwww.stpetersinthewoods.org/events.

TUESDAY/AUG. 27Car Seat Safety Check. 5-9 p.m. at the West

Springfield district police station, 6140 RollingRoad. Fairfax County Police Department offersfree safety check and install events throughoutthe year to ensure children travel safely. Byappointment only; call 703-644-7377 and press0 at the recording to schedule. In preparationfor appointment, install the seat using theinstructions that came with the car seat. Trainedofficers will review the car seat instructions andcar owner’s manual to be certain that they arebeing followed as they should.

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY/AUG. 28-SEPT. 25Community Emergency Response Team

Training. 7-11 p.m. at at the Fire and RescueAcademy, 4600 West Ox Road, Fairfax. TheCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT)Program trains county residents in basic disasterresponse skills, such as fire safety, light searchand rescue, team organization, and disastermedical operations. Using the training learnedin the classroom and during exercises, CERTmembers can assist others in their neighborhoodor workplace following an event whenprofessional responders are not immediatelyavailable to help. Emphasis on hands-on skilldevelopment and Fairfax County protocols andprocedures. Instructor will provide syllabus withclass schedule at first session. This training doesnot require any special physical strength oragility. Visit volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/#/opp_details/184989 to register.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 122 Proven Processes. 1-3 p.m. at Unity of

Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Thishands-on experiential class will explore provenprocesses that have been found to enhanceindividual spiritual growth and help individualswho struggle with debt, relationships, and otherlife challenges. Based on the Law of Attractionprinciples found in “Ask and It Is Given—Learning to Manifest Your Desires,” written byEsther and Hicks. Donation. Call 703-281-1767or visit 22-proven-processes.eventbrite.com.

WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 4Fairfax County 2019 Candidate Forum: Mt.

Vernon District. 7 p.m. at Sherwood RegionalLibrary, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria.These candidate forums are nonpartisan. TheLeague of Women Voters of the Fairfax Areadoes not support or oppose any party orcandidate. They invite all certified candidatescompeting for office in their respective districts.After a moderated discussion, there will be timeto meet the candidates. Volunteers, includingstudents, are welcome. Visit www.lwv-fairfax.org/candidateforum for more.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 5Car Seat Safety Check. 5-9 p.m. at the West

Springfield district police station, 6140 RollingRoad. Fairfax County Police Department offersfree safety check and install events throughoutthe year to ensure children travel safely. Byappointment only; call 703-644-7377 and press0 at the recording to schedule. In preparationfor appointment, install the seat using theinstructions that came with the car seat. Trainedofficers will review the car seat instructions andcar owner’s manual to be certain that they arebeing followed as they should.

THURSDAYS/SEPT. 5-NOV. 7“Caring for You, Caring for Me.” Noon-1 p.m.

at Fairfax County Government Center, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. FairfaxCounty and Inova Health System present free“Caring for You, Caring for Me” programs. Thisworkshop series provides a blend of support andeducation for caregivers of older adults. Respiteservices available if requested three weeks inadvance. Call 703-324-7210, TTY 711.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 7Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group. 2-4

p.m. at Mason District Governmental Center,6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale. The PeripheralNeuropathy Support Group for greaterWashington meets the first Saturday of themonth. With Dr. Perry Richardson of GWUMedical School. All are welcome. RSVP foravailable seating. Call 301-263-0616 or visitwww.dcpnsupport.org for more.

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