otos by Bonnie Hobbs/centr Getting Dirty for a Good Cause

Centre View ❖ April 1-7, 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Centreville ❖ Clifton ❖ Little Rocky Run

SeniorLivingSeniorLivingSeniorLivingSPRING 2015

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By Bonnie Hobbs

Centre View

Wearing sturdy boots andwielding shovels andwheelbarrows, some twodozen people recently left

their comfortable offices to dig in the soilat Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. When theywere done, a variety of native grasses hadbeen planted to beautify the Big Rocky Runstream valley and help stabilize the banks

there.Participating were staff members and vol-

unteers from Fairfax County’s Departmentof Public Works and Environmental Services(DPWES), Stormwater; Park Authority; andthe Northern Virginia Soil and Water Con-servation District (NVSWCD).

“It’s a community-building event betweenagencies,” said Charles Smith, the DPWES,Stormwater, project manager. “And it’s a lotof fun.”

Centreville’s Big Rocky Run Stream wasrestored last year to provide a stable chan-nel. The work also improved the habitat forthe animals in the stream — mainly insectlarvae which provide food for fish — andthe plants and animals outside it.

“As part of that project, we planted seed-ing grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs,”

said Smith. “But we compete with an inva-sive species — Japanese stilt grass — thatE.C. Lawrence has been battling for 20years; it’s pervasive and widespread. Thedeer eat all the native plants and the stiltgrass forms a mat preventing these plantsfrom growing back.”

So on March 11, the staff members andvolunteers put in 400 plants — all nativegrasses — that they believe can competewith the stilt grass. They planted wild ryeand sweet wood reed — tough grasses deerdon’t like because they contain silica (foundin sand and glass) which hurts their teeth.

Noting that the various counties oftenwork together, Smith said MontgomeryCounty propagates local, native grassesfrom seed. “They produced more last year

Hard at work planting are (from left) Matt Meyers, Joe Riley-Ryan andSuzy Foster, all with DPWES, Stormwater.

Planting along the Big Rocky Run Stream are (from left) Jim Dewing,resource manager, E.C. Lawrence Park; Dwayne Bowman, DPWES,Stormwater; and Rachel Griesmer-Zakhar, urban forestry division ofDPWES, Stormwater.

Getting Dirty for a Good CauseStaff and volunteersplant native grassesalong Big Rocky Run.

By Bonnie Hobbs

Centre View

Members of the SullyDistrict PoliceStation’s Citizens Ad-

visory Committee (CAC) recentlytoured Fairfax County’s heliport,got to speak with a pilot and sawthe Fairfax One helicopter upclose.

It’s a twin-engine, Bell 429 anddoes both police and medivac mis-sions for the county. And one ofits pilots, PFC Nick Taormina, is aparamedic as well as a police of-

ficer.“We go on several thousand po-

lice missions a year,” he said. “Wetry to find criminals, such as bur-glars, and search for missing chil-dren and adults. The aircraft has acamera, a spotlight and an ad-vanced navigation system.”

It’s also equipped inside with acot and medical equipment, in-cluding a defibrillator and a medi-cal monitor that displays thepatient’s vital signs. SaidTaormina, “It’s like an ambulancein the air.”

Each time the helicopter flies, it’s

Holding a shovelful of earth isAsad Rouhi, with NVSWCD.

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‘An Ambulance in the Air’

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A close-up look at FairfaxCounty’s police helicopter.

staffed with a crew of three — thepilot and two flight officers — andall the flight officers are paramed-ics. “Paramedics take a year ofclasses to be certified,” saidTaormina. “Then they undergotraining with the aircraft for threemonths before they can go up inthe air.”

Also inside the helicopter arevarious radios to communicatewith fire and police personnel, airtraffic control and hospitals. “We’llalert a hospital about the condi-tion of a patient we’re bringing in,”said Taormina. “Working together

as a crew is key.”Two mechanics are on duty to

keep Fairfax One in tip-top shape.“And we have a second aircraftbecause we work 24/7,” said

Taormina. “So one gets main-tained while the other flies. We canget into the air two minutes aftergetting a call. We use road maps

2 ❖ Centre View ❖ April 1-7, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Email announcements to [email protected]. Photos wel-come.

HomeAid Northern Virginia hasbeen honored for the second consecu-tive year with the 2014 Top-RatedAward by GreatNonprofits, the leadingprovider of user reviews about nonprofitorganizations.

The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award isbased on the number of positive reviewsthat were posted online about HomeAid.

The Fair Oaks office of Weichert,Realtors, was recognized for outstand-ing performance in September. Theoffice led the region, which is comprised

of offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun,Fauquier and Delaware counties, fornew home dollar volume.

Sales Associate Courtney ClimeRiley of the Fair Oaks office was indi-vidually recognized for her exceptionalindustry success during the month ofSeptember. A top producer, Clime Rileyled the region for new home dollar vol-ume.

Jane Garrell, a case worker forGreenspring’s hospice program, hasbeen selected as the Virginia Associationfor Home Care and Hospice’s Employeeof the Year.

Garrell joined Greenspring nearlyseven years ago to launch the

Greenspring Hospice program. Duringthe early stages, she functioned as theprogram’s Clinical Manager/HospiceRN; she realized that her calling wastruly in patient care, so she returned tothe role of a Hospice RN Case Manager.Garrell was also selected as a finalist forthe 2014 Virginia March of Dimes Nurseof the Year Award, which recognizesnurses who demonstrate an extraordi-nary level of patient care, compassionand customer service.

Mica Stramel Jr. and JesseStramel, lifelong residents of theChantilly area, have recently started anew business. Alpine Chem-Dry pro-vides Chem-Dry services to FairfaxCounty residents.

The National Association of Countieshas awarded a 2013 OutstandingAchievement Award to the ChantillyRegional Library for “KaleidoscopeStorytime: Adaptive Programming forChildren on the Autism Spectrum,” amonthly storytime and other activitiesadapted to children on the autism spec-trum and with other developmentalchallenges.

The project was spearheaded by staffmember Gail Wellock and has sincebeen adopted by other library branches.It evolved as staff at the branch noticeda growing number of children on theautism spectrum in the building and inprograms.

They also became aware that tradi-tional storytimes did not always meetthe needs of some young attendees withdevelopmental challenges and thatsome parents were reluctant to bringtheir special needs children tostorytimes.

To prepare for the program, staffpartnered with Fairfax County PublicSchools, attending a full day of traininggiven by Office of Special Educationstaff as well as meeting with the schoolsapplied behavior coaches and observingspecial education classrooms. Wellockalso met with the Parents of AutisticChildren group to survey the membersand ask for suggestions and comments.

HomeAid Northern Virginia, whichbuilds and renovates facilities for thehomeless, announced today that TerriStagi, president and founder of theorganization’s Women Giving Back pro-gram, has been named a finalist inPANDORA Jewelry’s PANDORA Heartsof Today contest. The initiative cel-ebrates women who are working toimprove the lives of women and chil-dren in their communities and aroundthe world. As a finalist, Women GivingBack will receive $25,000 fromPANDORA.

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News

See Finding Homes, Page 4

By Tim Peterson

Centre View

Joseph McHugh has lived at theNorthern Virginia Training Centerfor 35 years, moving in when hewas a teenager. McHugh has ce-

rebral palsy and colostomy and severe spas-ticity issues.

At the training center, McHugh workswith a speech pathologist, nurse, on-cam-pus dietician and is close to an X-ray ma-chine, dental facility and clinic on thegrounds.

“My brotherwould’ve beendead without thetraining center,”said ChrisMcHugh, wholives in San Fran-cisco. “He was al-most pronounceddead a coupletimes, except forhis proximity to a

nurse, the clinic right there.”Chris McHugh and his sisters Kim Arthurs

McHugh of Arlington and Donna McHughof Centreville are Joe’s legal guardians, andgrew up together in Arlington. They’re skep-tical about whether there are appropriateplacement options so Joe can live success-fully outside of the training center, whichis slated to close next year.

“I want to be their biggest cheerleader,”said Chris McHugh. “I want to be wrong, tobe excited about my brother’s choices andhis peer’s choices, but I’ve seen people who

don’t have a family advocating for them slipthrough the cracks, wither on the vine.”

The training center, one of five large re-gional institutions in Virginia that are op-erated by the state’s Department of Behav-ioral Health and Developmental Services,was built to house and provide services forpeople with intellectual and physical dis-abilities. The Northern Virginia facility, lo-cated on more than 80 acres off BraddockRoad in Fairfax, has offered medical, den-tal and nursing services, physical and oc-cupational therapy, social work and psychol-ogy services since opening in 1973.

Though the training centers provided anarray of services, the institutional environ-ment also moved people with disabilitiesout of their communities.

In June 1999, the U.S. Supreme Courtruled in Olmstead v. L.C. that segregatingpeople with disabilities from society is tan-tamount to discrimination and a violation

of Title II of the Americans with Disabili-ties Act. Governments or other public orga-nizations, it said, must therefore offer moreintegrated, community-based services topeople with disabilities.

Virginia Code § 37.2-319 calls for a Be-havioral Health and Developmental Ser-vices Trust Fund that “shall be used formental health, developmental, or substanceabuse services and to facilitate transitionof individuals with intellectual disabilityfrom state training centers to community-based services.”

Then in a 2011 letter, Assistant U.S. At-torney General Thomas E. Perez notifiedthen-governor Bob McDonnell that the U.S.Department of Justice Civil Rights Divisionhad conducted an investigation into theCentral Virginia Training Center in Madi-son Heights, questioning the state’s com-pliance with the Americans with Disabili-ties Act.

The investiga-tion concludedthat Virginia “failsto provide servicesto individuals withintellectual anddeve lopmenta ldisabilities in themost integratedsetting appropri-ate to their needsin violation of the [American with Disabili-ties Act],” Perez’s letter read.

“The inadequacies we identified have re-sulted in the needless and prolonged insti-tutionalization of, and other harms to, in-dividuals with disabilities in [Central Vir-ginia Training Center] and in other segre-gated training centers throughout the Com-monwealth who could be served in the com-munity.”

The other segregated training centers in-cluded the one on Braddock Road.

In January 2012, the U.S. Department ofJustice and Commonwealth of Virginia filedsettlement in U.S. District Court, calling onthe state to “create or expand a range ofsupports and services to individuals with[intellectual disabilities or developmentaldisabilities] and their families.”

The settlement summary referred to thecontinued operation of all five regionaltraining centers as “fiscally impractical” andthat the state should submit a plan for con-sidering closing all but one institution. Inhis 2012 letter, Perez wrote the average costof serving one person in a training centerwas $194,000 per person annually, whileoffering them services outside the centeraveraged $76,400.

According to the Department of Behav-ioral Health and Developmental Services,the average cost of care per individual forFY2014 was $342,504. For FY2015(through October 2014), the cost rose to$359,496 per individual.

Dr. Dawn Adams, director of health ser

Northern VirginiaTraining Center toclose by March 2016.

Moving: From Institution to Community

(Rear, from left) Donna A. McHugh, Kim McHughArthurs, Joseph F. McHugh Sr. and Chris McHugh cel-ebrate with their brother and son Joseph F. McHugh Jr.,who has been a resident at the Northern VirginiaTraining Center for 35 years.

From left: Joseph McHugh Jr. and Yvette Roberts,students at the Co-op School for Handicapped Chil-dren in Arlington, meet with First Lady Pat Nixonand Secretary of the Interior Rogers C.B. Morton atThe White House in 1972 as poster children for aUnited Way campaign.

Dr. Dawn Adams

Jean Hartman

Photo by Tim Peterson/Centre View

The Northern Virginia Training Center on Braddock Road is scheduled to close in March 2016.

“It’s not an easy decision; they must bematched with folks who do have thecapacity to serve them.”

— Jean Hartman, assistant deputy director of the FallsChurch-Fairfax Community Services Board

BudgetFY2015 budget for Northern Virginia Training Center:

$34,014,013.Projected expenditures: $34,478,068.

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See Finding, Page 13

vices with Department of Behavioral Healthand Developmental Services helps overseethe clinical organization of Northern Vir-ginia Training Center, making sure the newcommunity settings for transitioning resi-dents meet their specific needs.

Adams says that of the 73 people still liv-ing at the center, down from 152 residentsin 2012, more than half have already starteda 12-week discharge process.

“It’s a very thoughtful, specific process toensure there is choice, that there’s a goodfit with the provider and they’re able to of-fer specific supports for that unique indi-vidual,” Adams said.

Since October 2011, the state agency hasidentified 106 community options forNorthern Virginia Training Center residents.The options include using individualizedMedicaid waivers to acquire services eitherat home, in a group home setting, or at an-other intermediate treatment facility.

The key is that residents, their parents andassociates should have more choices about

how and where they live, ones that are in-tegrated rather than segregated.

“While the training center model devel-oped over time, it didn’t necessarily keepup with the idea that health services havechanged quite a bit,” said Adams. “Theseare individuals, they’re people, their spe-

cial issues are around the potential vulner-ability and a whole bunch of different di-agnostic items they embody. The challengeis working towards bringing people into thecommunity, so it’s no longer so foreign, dueto lack of exposure.”

Another challenge is the number of waiv-ers; there’s a waiting list, said JeanHartman, assistant deputy director for theFairfax-Falls Church Community ServicesBoard. “The need far exceeds the numberof waivers by the General Assembly everyyear,” said Hartman.

The Community Services Board runs anintake for people with intellectual or physi-cal disabilities, then determines whetherthey have an urgent or non-urgent need fora waiver based on the acuity of their condi-tions.

“The waiver has made it possible for in-dividuals to live and work with their friendsand families in their home communities,and made those communities stronger andhealthier as a result,” Hartman said.

By Tim Peterson

Centre View

When the new residents ofMarian Homes’ latest re-modeling project move into the Gresham Street

house in north Springfield, Fairfax residentand Marian volunteer John Germain hopesthey feel at home.

The retired Marineengineer has beenhelping supervise theremodel of the morethan 60-year old struc-ture, retrofitting it forthe specific needs offive people with intel-lectual and or physicaldisabilities. Some ofthe most noticeablechanges are doorwaysthat have been wid-

ened to 42 inches to accommodate wheel-chairs and a wide-open entryway leadingto a main dining room bathed in sunlightfrom numerous windows.

“When they come in, this will help themfeel welcome,” said Germain, “that this is ahome, not an institution.” The remodel be-gan Feb. 25 and the team expects residentswill be able to move in by July.

More than re-painting, Marian Homes isconverting it from three bedrooms to five,adding a walkout entry, putting in all newflooring, super-sizing the bathroom with ahoist mechanism and redoing the kitchen.

This is the third private residence MarianHomes has bought and redesigned. Its firstis a home for five women in the BreconRidge subdivision of Fairfax, dedicated in1998. The second, a home for five men, is ahouse in the Fairfax subdivision ofGreenbriar, purchased in 2010. All 10 resi-

dents were formerly living at the NorthernVirginia Training Center on Braddock Road.

The all-volunteer, non-profit organizationwas started by Knights of Columbus St.Mary of Sorrows Council 8600. They pur-chase and maintain homes for people withdisabilities; Chimes of Virginia takes refer-rals from Fairfax County to select individu-als for the homes and independently man-ages the round-the-clock care for the resi-dents.

Chimes of Virginia is part of the larger,Baltimore-based nonprofit corporationChimes Foundation. Before Marian Housepurchased its first group home, the FairfaxCommunity Services Board assigned Chimesof Virginia to provide services once thehouse was completed.

People with intellectual or physical dis-abilities were once centralized in large in-stitutions around the country, where it wasbelieved more robust infrastructure andstaffing could better meet the diverse healthneeds. The Northern Virginia Training Cen-ter, opened in 1973, is one example.

But over the last several decades, stateshave been closing their larger institutions

in favor of finding smaller housing and ser-vice alternatives that are more integratedinto communities. The Northern Virginiacenter, scheduled to close in March 2016,has been discharging residents and cur-rently has 74 remaining.

“This isn’t anything new, in terms of fed-eral standards,” said Chimes Chief Operat-ing Officer Nancy Eisele. “We just want tomake sure we do it right in Fairfax County.We look at it as permanent housing forpeople, we want this to be their home.”

TO FUND the first two residences it remod-eled, Marian Homes has depended on rentalpayments from Chimes of Virginia, volun-tary donations and grants from the Knightsof Columbus Council and St. Mary of Sor-rows Parish. The state-level Knights of Co-lumbus organization KOVAR, dedicated tohelping people with intellectual disabilities,has also offered Marian Homes loans andgrants.

For the Springfield house, Marian Homesreceived financial assistance from FairfaxCounty’s Department of Housing and Com-munity Development.

In September 2014, the county issued aRequest for Proposals to take advantage of$1.8 million in federal funding for acquir-ing and rehabilitating affordable housing.The Fairfax County Housing Blueprint pri-oritized expanding housing options for thepeople with disabilities as well as homelesspeople.

In December, Marian Homes, along withthe non profit organizations CommunityHavens in Chantilly, Cornerstones HousingCorporation in Reston and Good ShepherdHousing and Family Services in the MountVernon area of Alexandria, was awardedfunding in the form of deferred loans fromthe Fairfax County Redevelopment andHousing Authority.

“This funding not only ensures personswith disabilities, the homeless and otherpeople with special needs have a place tocall home in Fairfax County,” Kurt Creager,director of Fairfax County Department ofHousing and Community Development, saidin a statement. “It also supports efforts toprovide a wide variety of affordable hous-ing types and sizes to meet the diversity ofneeds in our community.”

The $510,000 mortgage Marian Homesreceived from the Redevelopment andHousing Authority helped cover the cost ofthe Springfield house, while the organiza-tion says it is costing $103,000 to remodelit. Marian Homes president Bill Crowdercalled it “a very workable model, from thecounty standpoint and our standpoint.”

Crowder said Marian Homes is beginningto reach out to local corporations for assis-tance as well. “This is a community effort,”he said, “not just one organization. This issomething we got underway but there’smore than enough space for you to get inand help.”

To find out more about Marian Homes,visit www.marianhomes.org.

Remodeling project to provide for residentswith intellectual and or physical disabilities.Getting into Marian Homes

Marian Homesvolunteers fromFairfax (fromleft) — WalterPurdy, MichaelPerri and JohnGermain —work on con-verting a northSpringfieldhome to make itaccessible forpeople withintellectualdisabilities.

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Finding Homes for Those Hard To Place

Photo courtesy of Judith Korf

Judith Korf’s son Adam Bertmancelebrates his 43rd birthday in aNorthern Virginia Training Centerdining room, August 2014.

Training Center TimelineApril 1973: Northern Virginia Training Center

opens.1977: Average residents numbered 230.1989: Average residents numbered 263.1999: Average residents numbered 185.June 1999: In Olmstead v. L.C. ruling, the U.S.

Supreme Court calls for public entities toprovide community-based services for personswith disabilities.

June 2011: 157 residents2011: Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas E.

Perez notified then-governor Bob McDonnellthat the U.S. Department of Justice Civil RightsDivision investigated Virginia’s training centersand concluded that Virginia “fails to provideservices to individuals with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities in the most integratedsetting appropriate to their needs in violation ofthe ADA. … The inadequacies we identified haveresulted in the needless and prolongedinstitutionalization of, and other harms to,individuals with disabilities in CVTC and inother segregated training centers throughout theCommonwealth who could be served in thecommunity.”

July 2012: 152 residents.January 2012: Settlement reached between

Virginia and the U.S. Department of Justiceregarding violation of the Americans withDisabilities Act.

June 2014: Southside Virginia Training Center inPetersburg, Virginia, closes.

March 2015: Initial scheduled closing for NVTC.73 current residents.

March 2016: Current scheduled closing for NVTC.

Bill Crowder


People

DAR ConferenceIn March, members ofthe Centreville based

Lane’s Mill Chapter,National SocietyDaughters of the

American Revolution,attended the Virginia

State Conference heldin Norfolk. Represent-ing the chapter were,

from left: HeidiHaynes, Clara Karbine,

Van Lee, EleanorHahne, and JenniferSmith. Not pictured:

Bonnie Henn.

Email announcements to [email protected]. Photos arewelcome.

Deer Park Elementary Schoolreceived a $1,000 donation fromCentrewood Plaza in Centerville, ownedby the Rapport Company. The donationwas part of the company’s holiday shop-ping spree giveaway. Customers enter adrawing and, if they win, they can des-ignate a local school to receive $1,000.The donation will be used to purchaseschool supplies. Recently, fifth-gradestudent at Deer Park were engineers fora day. Students in Jeri Thomas’ classgave her students simple materials, such

as spoons, rubber bands, and binderclips and allowed them free access toany materials in the classroom to buildcatapults. Students tested their catapultusing mini marshmallows and collecteddata to track patterns and make changesin their designs.

The following students have beennamed to the 2015 Virginia All-StateHonors Choir: Kayla Ebright, JoshuaEwalt, Jared Knutti, ZoeCostanza, and Gabriela Nicchitta,and alternates Nancy Brittain,Karsten Kim, Gillian Snell, andBree Verrill of Centreville HighSchool.

The following students have beennamed to the 2015 Middle School Hon-ors Chorus: Emma Wolfe and AlanGutierrez, and alternate Erica Aba,of Stone Middle School.

Anna Berg of Centerville has beenaccepted to Luther College (Decorah,Iowa) for the 2015-16 school year. Shehas been awarded the Founders Schol-arship.

Connor Tabarrok, of Centreville,has been named to the president’s list atRandolph-Macon Academy (FrontRoyal, Va.) for the second quarter of the2014-15 school year.

School Notes

Be a part of ourWellbeing pages,the first week ofevery month.

Delight in ourHomeLifeStylesections, thesecond week ofevery month.Peek at the topreal estate sales,glimpse over-the-top remodelingprojects, get prac-tical suggestionsfor your home.

Celebratestudents, camps,schools,enrichmentprograms,colleges andmore in ourA-plus:Education,Learning, Funpages, the thirdweek of everymonth.

Questions? [email protected] call703-778-9431


Opinion

Mother’s Day is May 10, 2015,and every year at this time, TheConnection calls for submis-sions to our Mother’s Day

photo gallery. Send photos of mothers, grand-mothers, great-grandmothers, with children orwithout children in the photos. Please nameeveryone in the photo, the approximate date,describe what is happening in the photo andinclude your name, address, email address andphone number. (We will not print your fulladdress or contact information.)

You can upload photos and information di-rectly to our website at www.connectionnewspapers.com/mothersday/ or email [email protected].

Mother’sDay Photos


@CentreView

Newspaper ofCentreville

Little Rocky RunA Connection Newspaper

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by


1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415

[email protected]

Bonnie HobbsCommunity Reporter, [email protected]

Jon RoetmanSports Editor, 703-752-4013

[email protected]@jonroetman

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

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Karen WashburnDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9422

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Andrea SmithClassified Advertising, [email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

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David GriffinMarketing Assistant

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Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

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Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:

Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

CIRCULATION: [email protected]

A Connection Newspaper

Free CarseatInspections

Certified technicians from the Sully DistrictPolice Station will perform free, child safetycarseat inspections Thursday, April 9, from 5-8:30 p.m, at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd.in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. Butresidents should install the child safety seatsthemselves so technicians may properly inspectand adjust them, as needed.

Because of time constraints, only the first35 vehicles arriving on each date will be in-spected. That way, inspectors may have enoughtime to properly instruct the caregiver on thecorrect use of the child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.

CAC DrugMeeting for Adults

The Sully District Police Station and the Citi-zens Advisory Committee will host an adults-only look into organized crime and narcotics.It’s set for Wednesday, April 8, from 7:30-9p.m., at the Sully District Governmental Cen-ter, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. Gaininsight into how drugs are acquired, manu-factured, concealed and sold. Learn aboutdrugs in Fairfax County and what police aredoing to prevent them. RSVP [email protected].

Meeting aboutLeland Road

A meeting about the future of Leland Roadin Centreville will be held Monday, April 13,at 7 p.m., at the Sully District GovernmentalCenter, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.Hosting it are Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) and the Fairfax County Department ofTransportation (FCDOT).

Currently, the county’s Transportation Com-

prehensive Plan calls for the extension ofLeland Road, known as the Leland Road con-nector. It would connect to Old CentrevilleRoad at the present 90-degree turn withBraddock Road, traversing the edge of theRoyal Oaks property.

However, Frey made a motion to considerremoving the extension from the plan. FCDOTreviewed his request and has proposed an al-ternative for Leland Road. The purpose of themeeting is to present and discuss both plansand obtain community input on them.

Learn aboutRoundabout Plan

VDOT will hold a “Pardon Our Dust” infor-mational meeting about the roundabout slatedto be built at the Braddock /Pleasant Valleyroads intersection. It’s scheduled for Tuesday,April 14, from 6-8 p.m., at Stone MiddleSchool, 5500 Sully Park Drive, in Centreville.

Learn about PoliceDepartment

Throughout the year, the Fairfax County Po-lice Department will host a series of lecturesas part of its 75th anniversary.

❖ April 20 – Public Safety Communications– Call taking, Dispatching, and Technology, 2p.m. at MPSTOC community room

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-safety-communications-call-taking-dispatch-ing-and-technology-tickets-15373766349

❖ May 22 – The Police Canine (K-9) Team, 1p.m. at OSB https://www.eventbrite.com/e/t h e - f c p d - c a n i n e - k - 9 - t e a m - t i c k e t s -15373824523

❖ May 25 - The Development of the FCPDBadge, noon at the Massey Building A Levelsmall conference room https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-development-of-the-fcpd-badge-tickets-15373875676

❖ June 11 – 2002 Washington area Sniper

Task Force Investigation, 10 a.m. at the MasseyBuilding A Level conference room https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2002-washington-area-sniper-task-force-investigation-tickets-15373977982

Food DonationsFor WFCM

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ foodpantry needs donations of canned fruit (alltypes), fruit juices, cooking oil, sugar, cannedmeats (tuna, chicken), hot cereals, pasta sauce,flour, canned or dry beans, and small bottlesdish soap. Also needed are toiletries, whichWFCM clients cannot purchase with foodstamps. Especially needed are shampoo andsolid deodorant.

Bring all items to WFCM’S food pantry, week-days, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at 13888 MetrotechDrive, near Papa John’s Pizza and KumonLearning Center, in Chantilly’s Sully PlaceShopping Center. A volunteer stocker/baggeris needed Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. ContactAnnette Bosley at 703-988-9656, ext. 110, [email protected].

How to Hire at CLRCThe Centreville Labor Resource Center

(CLRC) serves businesses and homeownersneeding help with just about any home remod-eling or maintenance project. And local resi-dents who’d like to hire a worker from theCLRC may do so easily. Either call 703-543-6272 or go to www.centrevilleLRC.org andclick on the “How to Hire” link. Tell what kindof work is required, how many workers areneeded and when.

The CLRC will match the needs to its regis-tered workers’ skills and set up the job. Theprice for work will be negotiated. After the jobis completed, employers are encouraged toprovide the CLRC with feedback to ensure thatthe work was done well and to their satisfac-tion and to make sure workers are fairly paid.

Roundups

Mother’s Day 2014Little Rocky Run resident and AWANA Bible quiz coach, KariPewett, with her son, Sam, following a fun competition amonglocal churches in early February.


Entertainment

Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date, time, location, de-scription and contact for event: phone, email and/or website. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadlineis Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

ONGOINGSully Historic Site. 3650 Historic Sully Way,

Chantilly. Enjoy guided tours of the 1794 homeof Northern Virginia’s first Congressman,Richard Bland Lee. $7/adult; $6/student; $5/senior and child. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-437-1794.

Singing. 7:30 p.m. at Lord of Life LutheranChurch, 13421 Twin Lakes Drive, Clifton. TheFairfax Jubil-Aires rehearse every Wednesdaywhich includes training by an award-winningdirector. Visit www.fairfaxjubilaires.org formore.

“Creating Across the City.” Through June atDulles International Airport. Threeorganizations; Critical Exposure, The NationalBuilding Museum and ARTLAB+ have teamedup for “Creating Across the City: A Teen ArtShowcase,” which provides an outlet through artand design for creative local teens.

CAMPS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS2015 Summer Programs. Registration is now

open for the following Fairfax County PublicSchools summer camps. Students should registerfor programs based on the grade they are induring the current 2014-15 school year. Visitwww.fcps.edu/is/summer/index.shtml for more.

❖ Tech Adventure Camp will be held July 20-31at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m.-2p.m. for students currently in grades 5-7. Thiscamp allows students to explore careers andtechnology by rotating through eight areasincluding graphic design, automotivetechnology, culinary arts, television production,robotics, and computer technology.

❖ STEM Camp. Held in two sessions at RobinsonSecondary School: July 6-10 and July 13-17both from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., daily. STEM(science, technology, engineering, and math)Camp is a one-week camp for students currentlyin grades 3-5 to explore careers and technologyas they rotate through activities focused onscience.

❖ Elementary Institute for the Arts. Held July13-24 at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30a.m.-2 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday.Designed for students currently in grades 3-5, E-IFTA offers participants a total immersion in thearts as they rotate through classes in dance,drama, music, and visual art.

❖ Institute for the Arts. Held July 6-30 atRobinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m.-2p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. Designed forstudents currently in grades 6-11, IFTA allowsstudents to create, perform, experiment, andexplore—all in various music, dance, visual art,and theatre venues.

❖ Robinson Extended Day Adult andCommunity Education Enrichment.Programs will be held July 6-31 at RobinsonSecondary School and will begin after TechAdventure Camp, STEM Camp, IFTA and E-IFTAend. These programs are for students currentlyin grades 1-11 and will provide a continuum ofactivities for students who want additionalprograms and activities. Programs will includethe Foreign Language Experience Program(FLEX), Culinary Adventure Camp, LanguageImmersion Camp, Creative Writing, ComputerGraphics, and Chess.

❖ Credit Recovery Academy. This program willbe held at Fairfax High School for studentsseeking credit for high school level courses.Students will be able to take one course duringeach of the two sessions from June 29-July 16and July 20-Aug. 4.

❖ Online Campus. For credit recovery,acceleration, and enrichment for middle schooland high school students. Health, PhysicalEducation, and Geometry Honors run June 29-Aug. 4; all other courses run July 6-Aug. 4.

❖ SOL Remediation. For FCPS high schoolstudents who passed an SOL course but did notpass the SOL test. Held at Fairfax High School.

❖ SOL Test Only. This program is for FCPSseniors who plan to graduate by Aug. 28 andpassed an SOL course but failed the SOL test.

❖ ESOL Numeracy and Literacy. The ESOLNumeracy and Literacy class provides currentlyenrolled FCPS high school ELP Level 1 studentswith the opportunity to develop their numeracyand literacy skills. Students will meet face-to-face with their teachers daily. This is a noncredit

class. Held at Fairfax High School July 6-24.❖ Online ESOL-Through this three-week class,

students will continue developing theiracademic and reading and writing skills in anonline discussion with an ESOL teacher. This is anoncredit class. Held July 6-24.

❖ Extended School Year LearningCommunities. Services for identified studentswith disabilities in accordance with theirindividualized education programs (IEPs).

SATURDAY/APRIL 4Amazing Container Gardens. 10 a.m. at

Merrifield Garden Center, 12101 Lee Highway,Fairfax. Learn how to combine plants forintense, striking displays of color and review soilmixtures, planting and care instructions to makesure plants stay beautiful throughout the season.Visit www.merrifieldgardencenter.com or call703-968-9600.

Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. atTiconderoga’s Amazing Farm Fun,

26496 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly. $12.95 perperson. Visit www.ticonderoga.com.

SUNDAY/APRIL 5Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at

Ticonderoga’s Amazing Farm Fun,26496 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly. $12.95 per

person. Visit www.ticonderoga.com.

THURSDAY/APRIL 9Kid’s Korner. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Ellanor C.

Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Preschool-aged kids will learn about Bluebells.Admission is $5 per child. Call 703-631-0013.

FRIDAY/APRIL 10Wagon Ride and Campfire. 6:30 p.m. at

Cabell’s Mill, 5235 Walney Road, Centreville.Take a wagon ride, enjoy a campfire and makes’mores. There is a $6 fee. Call 703-631-0013.

SATURDAY/APRIL 11Animal Search. 8-9 a.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence

Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. NaturalistJim Dewing will lead a trek to discover theanimals that inhabit the park. The fee is $5. Call703-631-0013.

Historic Tour of Southern Maryland. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Walney Visitor Center, 5040 WalneyRoad, Chantilly. Visit the homes of PresidentLincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators Mary Surrat and Dr. Samuel Muddand more. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

Build Your Own Birdhouse. 2-3 p.m. at EllanorC. Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Learn to build a nest box for your backyard. Kitsare $15 each. Bring your own hammer. Call 703-631-0013.

Pink Floyd Tribute. 9 p.m. at The Bungalow,13891 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly. Hear localmusicians Nikhel Susm, Jon Brady, BrianZupruk, Jeff Hunter and Brian Paubacher give atribute to Pink Floyd. Free. Visitwww.headyentertainment.com.

SUNDAY/APRIL 12A Touch of Japan. 3-5 p.m. at 3650 Historic

Sully Way, Chantilly. Experience traditionalJapanese teas, treats and trinkets. Tickets are$27. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 15Nature Tots. 10:15-11 a.m. at Ellanor C.

Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.Toddlers may explore the park through sight,sound, smell and touch. Cost is $4 per child. Call703-631-0013.

SATURDAY/APRIL 18Tree Trek. 9:30-11 a.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence

Park, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Jim Dewingwill lead a tour of the biggest, oldest and raresttrees in the park. Tickets are $6. Call 703-631-0013.

Earth Day. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Ellanor C. LawrencePark, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Learn aboutthe changing environment and how to recyclehousehold items. Tickets are $5. Call 703-631-0013.

See Entertainment, Page 12


News

Digging in the ground is Steve Hamrickwith DPWES, Stormwater.

Three government agencies united to plant along the stream valley.

Planting Native GrassesFrom Page 1

than they needed, so they gave them to us,” hesaid. “And it’s a great benefit to Fairfax County toget these free plants; otherwise, they’d cost $2,000.”

Normally, they’d also cost another $4,000 to plant.But, said Smith, “We’re doing this as a team-build-ing project. A lot of these people work at desks, andthis gives them the fulfilling experience of gettingdirty, putting their hands in the soil and plantingsomething that’ll produce benefits for many years.”

And after all the snow and cold, he added, “It’sgreat to be outdoors.” The plants were dormant atthe time; but when the soil temperature hit 50 de-grees, the plants began to germinate and grow.

Laura Grape, NVSWCD executive director, was oneof 15 people from her agency doing the planting.“We’re planting grasses found in wetlands areas toemulate what’s naturally found in Big Rocky Run,”she said. “This restoration is really remarkable; andit’s large scale — all the way [about a half mile]from Route 28 to Braddock Road.”

That area’s not always seen by the public, saidGrape, “But it’ll make a huge difference in the eco-logical restoration. I’m pleased that my staff and Iare here to help lend a hand.”

Matt Meyers with DPWES, Stormwater, said his

With tools and wheelbarrow in hand,Charles Smith and Laura Grape areready to work.

division implements watershed-management plans.“A lot of what we do is in-house designs and projectmanagement,” he explained. “So when we get to dofield work, it’s actually nice to do something first-hand and get your hands dirty.”

“In 2002-03, we originally walked all 805 miles ofstream countywide to assess the streams’ erosion andoverall health,” he said. “Ecologists sampled and iden-tified the fish and bugs in the streams to help us iden-tify their overall water-quality.”

As stormwater runoff increases, said Meyers,streams get deeper and wider, eroding their banks.That also buries the habitat with sediment, and thesediment nutrients eventually move downstream andcan affect the water quality of the Potomac River andChesapeake Bay. “So the natural grasses we’re plant-ing filter the water and help clean it before it reachesthe stream and continues downstream,” he said. “Andthey help restore the floodplain here, too.”

Rachel Griesmer-Zakhar, urban forestry division ofDPWES, Stormwater, said it was great being outsideand “interacting with people I don’t usually see. I’mlearning about the plant species we’re planting andwhy. I like contributing firsthand to the restoration— it’s more rewarding. And it’s nice knowing whatother parts of the county are doing.”

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Chantilly Boys’ Lax BouncesBack from First Loss

The Chantilly boys’ lacrosse team suffered its first loss of theseason on March 26, falling to Robinson, 7-4, in a matchup ofstate powerhouses.

The Chargers quickly righted the ship, however, beating Battle-field, 10-1, two days later. On March 30, Chantilly defeated rivalLangley, 10-6.

While the Chargers secured a victory against the Saxons, a teamChantilly has faced in numerous big games over the years, headcoach Kevin Broderick said the timing of the game carried moresignificance than the opponent.

“[W]e are in the midst of a four-game stretch in seven days, soplaying Langley doesn’t have the same significance,” Broderickwrote in an email. “This will be a good test as the regional formatthis year is May 26, May 28, May 30 and June 2.

“We are proud of our players’ effort, especially in the secondhalf. We lacked focus early, failed to convert some opportunitiesand found ourselves behind at the half, 4-3, and 5-4 in the thirdquarter with 5:29 left. We then scored five straight goals, includ-ing the fifth as time was expired in the third quarter.”

Colin Zimmerman scored three goals and had two assists forChantilly. Ryan Rizzo finished with four goals and one assist. DavisZaman had one goal and won 11 of 15 faceoffs.

Chantilly (4-1) will face Williamsburg LC at 6 p.m. on Wednes-day, April 1 at Robinson Secondary School.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Broderick wrote, “to becomethe team we want to be in June.”

Langley defeated Chantilly in the 2009, 2011 and 2012 statechampionship games, and in the 2014 region semifinals. TheChargers knocked off the Saxons in the 2013 regional semifinalson their way to winning the state title.

Chantilly BaseballFalls to Stone Bridge

After starting 4-0, the defending 6A North region championChantilly baseball team lost to Stone Bridge 5-3 on March 30.

The Chargers opened the season with wins over South County,Edison, Yorktown and Woodson.

Chantilly faced Lake Braddock on Tuesday, after TheConnection’s deadline. The Chargers will travel to face OsbournPark at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6.

Centreville Boys’ SoccerTies Defending Champ

The Centreville boys’ soccer team played to a 1-all tie againstdefending 6A state champion T.C. Williams on March 24.

The Wildcats are off to a 0-3-1 start, with losses against Wash-ington-Lee, Woodson and Lake Braddock.

Centreville will host Hayfield at 7 p.m. on April 13.

Brad Sechler and the Chantilly boys’ lacrosse teamare off to a 4-1 start.

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Sports Briefs


5649 Mount Gilead Rd • Centreville, VA 20120-1906703-803-7500 • www.StJohnsCentreville.org

Wednesday, April 1 – Holy Eucharist at 9:15 AM and 6:00 PMMaundy Thursday, April 2 – 7:30 PM. Service of Holy Eucharist,

Foot Washing, and Stripping of the AltarGood Friday, April 3 – 12:00 noon and 7:30 PM, Good Friday LiturgySaturday, Easter Vigil, April 4 – 8:00 PM, Lighting of the New Fire,

Holy Baptism and the first Eucharist of EasterEaster Day, April 5 – 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM, both with Holy Eucharist,

sermon and music

The Rev. Carol Hancock, Interim Rector

We cordially invite you to join us for the followingHoly Week and Easter services at

St. John’s Episcopal Church

From Page 4

According to Hartman, in Fairfax County there are450 people receiving services in the communitythrough Medicaid waivers, from 30 providers inFairfax County. However, 858 people are still on the“urgent” waiting list for waivers and 375 are on thenon-urgent list.

Once you have a waiver, it’s a matter of matchingup with the right provider and environment. For this,the Community Services Board, Northern VirginiaTraining Center staff and family or guardians col-laborate to find the right fit.

“Those are hard times,” said Hartman. “It’s not aneasy decision; they must be matched with folks whodo have the capacity to serve them.”

SOME FAMILIES of residents of the Northern Vir-ginia Training Center have viewed the closing as toohasty, that more time is needed to identify propersupport providers. Several parents and guardianstestified at the public hearing before the northernVirginia delegation headed to Richmond for the 2015General Assembly session in January.

At the session state Sen. Stephen D. Newman (R-23) introduced SB1300, which sought to extend theNorthern Virginia Training Center closing until Dec.31, 2016, prevent the land from being declared sur-plus once it’s closed and keep three of the remainingregional centers open. The bill, which was co-patroned by numerous Northern Virginia senatorsand delegates, only made it as far as the FinanceCommittee.

Reston resident Judith Korf, co-president of theParents and Associates of Northern Virginia Train-ing Center group, spoke at the hearing on behalf ofher son Adam. Adam is 43 and diagnosed with au-tism and mild learning disability; he has severe be-havioral issues and requires a high level of skilledsupervision.

“The hardest ones to place are the ones that areleft,” said Korf.

Chris McHugh is hopeful the process will be suc-cessful, but has seen his brother passed up for dis-charge from the center for more than two decades.

“His friends and peers, some would find appropri-ate group home placements,” said Chris McHugh.“They would go through his checklist of needs andJoe would never make the cut. He requires a bit more

in terms of therapy and care. A day at the bathroomwith my brother is an adventure.”

However Adams remains confident all the residentswill be able to find proper home and service combi-nations by the training center projected closing ofMarch 2016.

ONCE THE LAST RESIDENT leaves. the North-ern Virginia Training Center, the campus’ future isstill uncertain. Dena Potter at the Virginia Depart-ment of General Services said the campus is currentlyin “the surplus property review process to make adecision on whether the property would be sold.”The state owns the land; several properties werepurchased for the site from private owners while onewas obtained under eminent domain.

Because the 1973 opening predates the county’sZoning Ordinance of 1978, the underlying zoningfor the property is R1, meaning new constructionwould be limited to one house per acre, without be-ing subject to public hearings and a change to thecomprehensive plan.

According to the Virginia Code, if the buildings orproperty are sold, the money must first be used tomake sure the same level and variety of services of-fered at the training center are available for formerresidents.

Parents and associates of center residents werescheduled to meet with the Department of Behav-ioral Health and Developmental Services Commis-sioner Dr. Debra Ferguson at the end of March tolearn more about the plan to close the training cen-ter.

“Theoretically, we’re all supposed to get at leastthree viable options to choose from and that just isn’thappening,” said Korf. Of around 40 parents and as-sociates who attended the meeting, many, she said,were “very frustrated” with the provider optionsthey’ve been sent to assess so far. “They’ve looked ateverything there to look at and it just wasn’t pan-ning out.”

In the mean time, Adams said the campus will con-tinue to provide dental services, something more dif-ficult to establish than a primary care provider.

Joe Rajnic, the NVTC acting facility director, wasnot available to comment for this story.

The Northern Virginia Training Center website iswww.nvtc.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov.

Finding Appropriate Placement

Image courtesy of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

The Northern Virginia Training Center spreads over 80 acres along Braddock Road,including facilities for administration, food service, programs, residences, a ware-house, transportation and therapy.

News

Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We needlong- and short-term fosters for cats of all ages,mothers with litters and kittens on their own.

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer at www.lostdogrescue.org

Consider Fostering

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visit our website, cl ick on Participate


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NOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be

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I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why wouldI say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit thatcancer is having an effect on me. And I would-n’t want to admit that; admitting that wouldacknowledge my destiny and perhaps evenhasten my decline); no, more like manifesta-tions. Yeah, “manifestations,” I think I can live(no pun intended) with that admission. At leastI hope so.

The manifestations to which I refer – in theabstract, are not exactly new or out of my ordi-nary (again, if I said they were in fact new andout of my ordinary, I might have to believe thatmy underlying problem/diagnosis: stage IV,non-small cell lung cancer, is manifesting itselfin a potentially life-altering way), but they aresomething. The question is: is my body tellingme something l already know, or am I lookingfor trouble in all the familiar places?

I’d rather not be looking for trouble, giventhat trouble has already found me. I’d ratherbe minding my own business and not intro-specting so much. But the day I received acancer diagnosis is the day I lost the ability toturn the introspection switch off (if only itwere that simple). I can dim it, though, exceptwhen I experience some of my manifestations.Then I’m reminded that I’m not in Kansas any-more, especially every third Friday (lab resultsallowing) when I’m at The Infusion Centerreceiving my 10 minutes of Alimta intrave-nously. On those days, I am indeed a victim ofmy circumstances, and regardless of what I tellmyself – repeatedly, in an attempt to blur myreality – when my oncology nurse, Ron, insertsa needle into a vein in my arm and the i.v.starts dripping, the truth does not exactly setme free.

Still, I’m happy to be there (heck, I’mhappy to be anywhere, symptoms-I’m-unwilling-to-admit-I-may-have notwithstand-ing). It’s more the inevitability of my diagnosisthat wears on me. I wasn’t given a “terminal”diagnosis because I was treated at an airport. Iwas given it because I have malignant tumorsthat apparently have moved/metastasized fromone lung to the other and are inoperable. (Norwas I/am I a candidate for radiation. Thetumors are too spread out, I was told, and thusthe treatment would prove ineffective.) Thisdiagnosis and related prognosis is hardly forthe weak of heart (fortunately I’ve never beentreated for a weak heart; a weak back, maybe).But diseases are sort of like your family: youcan’t pick them. Hopefully you can live withthem, because living without them wouldlikely make an incredibly difficult situationworse. And if there’s one thing a diagnosed-as-terminal patient doesn’t need is external com-plications; we already have enough internalcomplications.

My internal complications are mostly “man-ifestations,” as I’ve described them, symptomsthat occasionally go bump in the night andoften cause me to grind during the day (“grind”is an emotional reference). I want to think, I’mdesperate to think, that the things I feel are notcancer-related but instead are being-sixty-years-old-related. But since I’ve never been 60before with or without cancer, (and neitherhave I ever experienced six years of non-stopchemotherapy), I don’t know whether my can-cer is manifesting itself and my predictedfuture is finally present, or whether I’m des-tined for an unexpected long life with all theassociated symptoms. Certainly I hope for thelatter, but it’s the former that seems to be driv-ing this bus. And though the bus may needsome paint and a bit of an overhaul, thewheels have yet to come off.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

ManifestDestiny


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An expert is someone who knows some of the worst

mistakes that can be made in hissubject and how to avoid them.

-Werner Heisenberg

News

Fairfax OneFrom Page 1

to find houses and exact addresses.”He said they fly pretty low, at an altitude

of about 1,000 feet, so they can see wellwith their camera. Certain factors deter-mine when the helicopter is used to whiskpeople to hospitals, rather than an ambu-lance.

“It depends on the time of day — for ex-ample, if there’s an accident on I-66 in rushhour — and the severity of the injuries,”explained Taormina. “If there’s a burn in-jury, for instance, it’ll take us just 10 min-utes to get to the Washington Hospital BurnCenter in D.C.”

When having to land in a spot with heavytraffic, he said, “The Fire Department willclose off the roads and establish a landingzone for us, although sometimes the policedo it, too.”

The aircraft averages 160 mph and canfly in 35-knot ground winds. Two crews aday are assigned to it, each working a 12-hour shift. There are five or six pilots, plus10 police flight officers.

“We’re involved in mutual aid with juris-dictions including Spotsylvania, Winches-ter, Prince William, Loudoun and even WestVirginia,” said Taormina. “We’re the onlypolice medivac helicopter from the Potomacto Richmond.”

Each crew receives two to three hours offlying time a day, going on four to five mis-sions.

The average call lasts an hour or two. “Butwe could be flying as much as 10 hours ona particularly busy day,” said Taormina. “Weusually burn a gallon of gas a minute and,at any given time, we normally have 100gallons [in the tank].”

He’s been with the Fairfax County PoliceDepartment’s helicopter division since2008.

The toughest part of his job, he said, isany accident involving really young chil-dren. Best, said Taormina, is “being able tofly around the area, loving aviation anddoing both police and medivac work.”

PFC Nick Taormina, a paramedicand police officer, talks about theFairfax One helicopter.

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On April 25 and 26, Pied Piper Theatre will present performances of “ShrekThe Musical” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10690George Mason Circle. The Hylton provides training to training to young ac-tors and those interested in the technical side of the theatre. The troupe, madeup of young actors aged 8-18, will present the familiar tale of an ogre namedShrek who sets on a journey to rescue a reluctant princesss. The Hylton pro-vides Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children. Visit www.hyltoncenter.orgfor more information

Entertainment

Bulletin Board

Email announcements to [email protected]. Includedate, time, location, description and con-tact for event: phone, email and/orwebsite. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

THROUGH APRIL 15Free Tax Preparation. Tuesdays, 4-

8:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m. atCentreville Regional Library, 14200St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Fortaxpayers with low and middleincome. All ages, with specialattention to seniors. Federal andVirginia tax returns prepared andelectronically filed by IRS-certifiedvolunteers. Tax questions can beanswered. Bring your photo ID(s),Social Security Card(s), taxdocuments, and your prior year taxreturn.

THROUGH APRILKindergarten Registration.

Greenbriar West Elementary School,13300 Poplar Tree Road, Fairfax, isnow accepting information for nextyear’s Kindergarten classes. Parentsof students within Greenbriar West’sboundaries, who will turn 5 years ofage by Sept. 30, 2015, should call theschool office at 703-633-6700.

MULCH SALESWestfield High School. Mulch

delivery is scheduled for April 10-11.Order early to guarantee drivewaydelivery. Delivery limited to the WHSboundary area only. High-quality,double shredded mulch, $4.95 per

limited availability. Volunteersneeded. [email protected] formore.

SATURDAY/APRIL 4Community Passover Seder. 6:30

p.m. at Temple Beth Torah, 4212-CTechnology Court, Chantilly. TempleBeth Torah celebrates their 16thAnnual Community Passover Seder.Menu includes ritual Seder items,gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup, roastchicken, begetables, kosher wine/juice and Passover desserts. $20,adults, children 13 and older; $10,12 and younger; free, 3 and younger.Call 703-217-8938 or visitwww.BethTorah.net for more.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 8Kindergarten Registration. 5-7 p.m.

at Colin Powell Elementary Schoolcafeteria, 13340 Leland Road,Centreville. Forms and otherinformation are available on line at:http://www.fcps.edu/start/kindergarten.htm. Due to the timerequired, parents only should cometo school for registration. Call 571-522-6000 for more.

FRIDAY/APRIL 10Writing Conference. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

at NOVA-Manassas, 6901 SudleyRoad., Manassas. Paul Rogers andDonald Gallehr will host workshopsdesigned for educators on how toincorporate writing into theclassroom setting. Free. Visit

www.novamawritingconference2015.eventbrite.comto register.

TUESDAY/APRIL 14Ladies’ Book Club. 7:30 p.m. at

Temple Beth Torah, 4212-CTechnology Court, Chantilly. Jointhis synagogue-sponsored “pot-luck”style book club that meets everyother month on the second Tuesdayat Temple Beth Torah. This club isopen to all women. Bring a drink orappetizer to share. April book is “TheBoston Girl” by Anita Diamant. Call703-217-8938 or visitwww.BethTorah.net for more.

THURSDAY/APRIL 16Kindergarten Orientation. 3 p.m. at

Colin Powell Elementary Schoolcafeteria, 13340 Leland Road,Centreville. Newly registeredkindergarten students and parentsare invited to attend orientation.Parents will receive an overview ofthe curriculum. Since this is a specialtime for new kindergarteners, otherbabysitting arrangements should bemade for siblings. Call 571-522-6000for more.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 15Classes for Caregivers. 1:30-3 p.m.

at Insight Memory Care Center, 3953Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax.“Dementia and Legal Concerns:Capacity, Guardianship & HealthcareDecision Making.” Free. RSVP toChristi Clark at 703-204-4664 [email protected].

Seminars for Family Caregivers. 7-8:30 p.m. at Chantilly RegionalLibrary, 4000 Stringfellow Road,Chantilly. Learn strategies about howto help your aging family memberadjust to life as a senior. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/OlderAdults.

THURSDAY/APRIL 16Kindergarten Registration/

Orientation. 2:30 p.m. atGreenbriar East Elementary School,13006 Point Pleasant Drive, Fairfax.Contact the school office at 703-633-6400.

Shrek The Musical Opens at the Hylton

Donkey (Tyler Williams), Shrek (Tyler Parowski), and Prin-cess Fiona (Sarah Jane Scott) star in “Shrek The Musical.”

SUNDAY/APRIL 19Annual 5K and Candlelight Vigil. 4:30

p.m. at 4100 Monument Corner Drive,Fairfax. Find a resource fair, live music,walk, and vigil in honor of crime victims.Free. Visit www.ovc.gov.

MONDAY/APRIL 20Centreville Garden Club. 7 p.m. at Sully

Government Center, 4900 StonecroftBlvd., Chantilly. Discover the influenceof Scottish Gardeners on Mt. Vernon’shorticulture. Free. Visitwww.centrevillegardenclub.blogspot.com.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 25-26“Shrek: The Musical.” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

at the Hylton Performing Arts Center,10690 George Mason Circle. Pied PiperTheatre presents the familiar Shrek Taleset to music. Tickets are $15 for adults,$12 for children. Visitwww.hyltoncenter.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 24-26Chantilly Library Used Book Sale. 10

a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Largeselection of fiction and non-fiction booksfor adults and children, plus DVDs, CDsand audio books. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events.

SATURDAY/APRIL 25Centreville International Showcase.

6-9:30 p.m. at Centreville UnitedMethodist Church, 6400 Old CentrevilleRoad, Centreville. Find internationalfood, music and dancing from aroundthe world. Admission is free. Visitwww.centrevilleinternationalshowcase.org.

From Page 7

C E N T R E V I L L EThe Anglican Church of the Ascension

TraditionalAnglican Services

1928 Book ofCommon Prayer

1940 Hymnal

13941 Braddock Road, (north off Rte. 29) Centreville, VA703-830-3176 • www.ascension-acc.org

Holy Communion 10 A.M. Sundays(with Church School and Nursery)

COMMUNITIESOF WORSHIP

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

15450 Lee HighwayCentreville, VA 20120

703.830.0098

www.CentrevillePres.com

Come Celebrate Easter Week with theCentreville Presbyterian Church Family!

April 3- Good Friday 7:30pmApril 5- Easter Services 8:45am and 11am

Centre View ❖ Senior Living April 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC

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SeniorLivingSeniorLivingSeniorLivingSPRING 2015

2 ❖ Centre View ❖ Senior Living April 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Improve Your Hearing withthe Hearing Aid Test DriveHow can you be sure which hearing aidis right for you?Make an Informed ChoiceAt Family Hearing Centers, we believe the only way toknow which hearing aid is right for you is to experience thebenefits in your day-to-day life. That is why we created a hassle-free,no-pressure process that truly puts you in the driver’s seat.

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By Ken Moore

Centre View

Richard Graff didn’t hesitate todescribe his darkest days whileserving in World War II. “Everycombat soldier has to get used

to the bodies,” he said.“Whenever I think back to that one day

when I didn’t think I would have anotherday, you bet, I’m glad to be here,” Graff said.

When speaking about World War II, Graff,formerly of Vienna, also brings a portraitphoto taken on V-E Day, May 8, 1945, when

war in Europe came to an end nearly 70years ago. He has a captured Nazi flagwhich is signed by comrades he served with.

Seventh and eighth graders from TheNysmith School in Herndon visited AshbyPonds retirement community to record one-hour interviews with six veterans for The Li-brary of Congress’ Veterans History Project,including Graff, formerly of Vienna, Al Burris,formerly of Springfield, Keith Wilkinson, AlBeyer, Lee Holmberg and Bruce Petree.

More than one-quarter of the 850 resi-dents at Ashby Ponds are military veterans,said Jessica McKay, public affairs manager.

“Who wouldn’t want to hear the experi-ence of a veteran?” said Nysmith studentEmily Elkas, who talked to and recordedKeith Wilkinson. Wilkinson, formerly ofNew Hampshire, spent 32 years in the mili-tary, “mostly in the Air Force,” he said.

“As we talked more and more, his storygot so interesting,” said Emily Elkas.

“I think it’s wonderful that we live in a timethat we have technology so we can recordtheir stories on video,” said Anika Schipma,who talked with Al Burris. Burris brought amodel of the helicopter he flew to help evacu-ate soldiers who needed medical attention.

“Thank you so much. And thank you somuch for your service,” Alexandra Murphy,told Burris. “I learned a lot, so much that Ididn’t learn from textbooks at school.”

Graff also told the Nysmith students someadvice he learned from war and from therelationships through serving in the war.

“Learn all you can about every subject youcan,” Graff said. “Next, make all the friendsyou can. It always helps.”

Finally, “have all the fun you can,” he said.Nysmith students will return to Ashby

Ponds, located on a 132-acre campus inAshburn, throughout the spring.

First Hand Experience with World War

Richard Graff, formerly of Vienna, showed Nysmith studentsfrom Herndon a photo taken of himself on V-E Day in 1945. Hestill wears his uniform when sharing experiences of the war.

Al Burris, formerly of Springfield, helpedevacuate medical patients in the KoreanWar. He is pictured here with AlexandraMurphy and Anika Schipma, students atThe Nysmith School in Herndon.

Keith Wilkinson enlisted in WorldWar II when he was 17 years old.Nysmith Students from Herndonrecorded veterans’ experiences fora Library of Congress VeteransHistory Project.

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Centre View ❖ Senior Living April 2015 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Senior Living

See ‘Your Life,’ Page 4

By Andrea Worker

Centre View

“I didn’t want to come here,” saidBill Woessner, referring toBrightview Assisted Living Com-munity in Great Falls.

“That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife ofmore than 50 years, with plenty of her na-tive Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice.“He really didn’t. We have a lovely househere in Great Falls and I don’t think he wasready to budge. But how long after we gothere did that change?” she turned to herhusband and asked.

“At least a day,” he laughingly replied.“Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probablywasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”

What changed his mind, especially afterwhat many would call a major life-up-heaval?

“The food!” was his answer. “We have

gourmet food at every meal, served by thenicest people in the most beautiful sur-roundings, and we never have to cook it orclean up afterwards.”

According to Sheila, while the food re-ally is that good, what probably im-pacted her husband’s initial attitudewas “the amazing staff, the friendlyand interesting residents, and thefreedom. Of course, we’re retired, sowe’re not bound to the responsibili-ties of work.” But neither are theWoessners bound to home mainte-nance concerns, housekeeping, cook-ing and cleaning.

Or “shoveling snow, like we wouldhave been doing last month if weweren’t right here,” gloated Bill. “Wehave the time to do what we like, totry new things and meet new people,without that worry.”

Bill and Sheila Woessner chattedabout their experiences as residentsin a senior living community withfriends and fellow residents PortaNickles and Sophia Coulopoulos, overlunch in the Brightview dining room.

Porta Nickles, who is 99, admittedto a bit of a sweet tooth. “My fatherowned a candy and ice cream shopin upstate New York,” she said, rec-ommending the homemade coffee icecream for dessert.

The ice cream is made using therecipe of the area’s beloved ThelmaFeighery. Brightview is built on thesite of Thelma’s Ice Cream, once thehotspot for local gathering in GreatFalls. Thelma and her husband Frank

started with a gas station on the site in1950. Thelma took over and served her ownrecipe ice creams and other goodies afterFrank’s death in 1988, until her own in2001.

Long-time Great Falls resident SheilaWoessner said she used to go to Thelma’s“just to catch up on all the local doings”even though she’s not one for sweet treats.“I think Thelma would be pleased. Not onlydo we have our own “Thelma’s” on site andmake ice cream to her specifications, butit’s still the place for us to gather and keepup with what’s going on.”

Porta Nickles came to Brightview after liv-ing the last 70 years in Middletown, N.Y.,where she helped run the family’s ConeyIsland hot dog franchise, and later went onto enjoy a career in education with the lo-cal school district. Having lived somewherethat long, it’s understandable that the movetook some adjusting to, but Nickles foundherself comfortable and more than contentin short order. “I was lonely there,” she said.“And I didn’t even know how lonely until Igot here, starting making new friends, find-ing out there were so many things I couldstill do and learn and enjoy. And now I getto see my kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.”

“And so do we all,” added Bill Woessner.The youngsters in Porta’s extended family(many of whom live close by) are favoritesat family related social events held atBrightview, holidays, birthdays, and some“just because” occasions. Having familynearby, the visits, and having opportunitiesdesigned to promote interaction with dif-ferent age groups, all help make Brightview

a home environment in the estimation ofthis group of residents.

The Brightview Great Falls location hasonly been open since September of last year.Sophia Coulopoulos, who had lived for sev-eral years in the Maryland suburbs aroundthe District, actually came here from an-other area community, where she lived withher ill husband until his death. Speaking ofhim caused a quick smile, but also broughta hint of tears. Porta on her one side andBrightview Community Sales DirectorJoanna Banks seated on her other side, wereimmediately offering hugs, pats and encour-agement.

“Get involved and take advantage of yourtime,” was Sheila Woessner’s advice for new

Residents of localsenior livingcommunities sharetheir experiences.

‘Your Life IsToday andTomorrow’

Photos by Andrea Worker/Centre View

Always ready for a few hijinks around Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls are L-R: SheilaWoessner, Porta Nickles, Sophia Coulopoulos, Bill Woessner, and director of Community Sales, Joanna Banks.

With Dale Jarrett on the piano per-forming some of the residents’ favor-ites, Garrey Stinson, owner of DancingWith Garrey, Therapeutic BallroomDancing for Seniors, brings a smile toSophia Coulopoulos.

Senior Livingis produced by

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For more information,

call 703-778-9431 or email

[email protected]

4 ❖ Centre View ❖ Senior Living April 2015 Centre View ❖ Senior Living April 2015 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Senior Living

From Page 3

residents.Sheila Woessner has always been a game

player “and she knows the words to everysong going,” Porta Nickles said in admira-tion.

During her days with the British Informa-tion Services in New York City with Bill,Sheila Woessner took home some heftyprize money by playing on the televised“Name that Tune” game show, money thatshe used to finance their wedding. Thecouple even appeared on Johnny Carson’s“Who Do You Trust?” game show. Nowa-days, Sheila uses her ability to help out atthe community’s sing-a-longs.

Many activities are organized and facili-tated by Brightview’s Vibrant Living Direc-tor, Josh Graf.

Bingo is Sophia’s favorite. She’s beenpretty lucky, winning often enough tosplurge with her earned Brightview “bucks”at the monthly “gift shop” where you neverknow what interesting items might be onoffer.

Brightview Great Falls is part of Balti-more-based Brightview Senior Living, LLCwith a number of communities in Virginia,Maryland and beyond. Brightview GreatFalls offers independent living, assisted liv-ing, and accommodations for residents withAlzheimer’s and memory impairment. Thecommunity also offers outdoor space withunspoiled views and a Natural WildlifeHabitat accreditation.

Transitioning to senior communityliving is not always as easy as thelunch bunch at Brightview experi-

enced. Sometimes the move starts withheartache or circumstances that speed upwhat should be a more lengthy and consid-ered process. That was certainly the casefor both Jim Draper and Rachel Garbee,

residents at The Hermitage in Alexandria.Draper was a pastor for many years in

the southern portions of the Common-wealth. He and his wife of 53 years wereactually engaged in ministerial duties whenshe fell and hit her head. “It was a simplefall outside a Wendy’s, could happen to any-one.” Two weeks later, Draper was a wid-ower. He continued on, but experiencedseveral medical episodes associated with hisown health issues. Eventually, the decisionwas made for him to move to Northern Vir-ginia, close to family. “It’s been hard,” headmits. I really had my heart set on a re-tirement place near Richmond. And I missmy wife so much.” To make the transitionmore difficult, because of his medical con-dition, Draper can no longer drive. “That’sa real blow,” he said.

Rachel Garbee was living in North Caro-lina and “doing pretty good.” Then onenight her furnace exploded. Living alone,she had no one with her to handle the situ-ation. “It was very scary. I didn’t really knowwhat had happened, couldn’t figure out howto turn off the alarms. I went to my neigh-bors for help and that’s when we found outabout the furnace.” Luckily, Rachel Garbeeand her home survived the experience, butwhen her son received the call in the middleof the night, “I was packed up pretty quicklyand here I am.”

Both Jim Draper and Rachel Garbee havetaken some time to adjust, but things aregetting better with the help of staff likeLynette Mitchell, The Hermitage director ofmarketing and outreach. “She’s a speciallady,” said Draper, “really made for the job.”Other residents have also helped Jim,Rachel, and others settle in to this newphase of their lives.

Gladys Laclede knows what it’s like to bea “newbie” from out of state. Moving hereto be closer to her sons, she offers supportand assistance where she can.

Peg Bixler remembers when Jim Draper

first arrived. “I remember when we met inthe elevator,” she told him. “I could tell itwas hard.” She recalls telling him to just“Wait a bit. It does get easier.”

Of course, by the description of her dailyactivities, it sounds like Peg Bixler doesn’thave much time for waiting. A former nurse,she volunteers at the Kennedy Center, with

the Wounded Warrior andHonor Flight projects, andmore. She also fits in someserious walking to keep fitand limber, as well as ac-tivities offered at The Her-mitage and visits with herdaughter who lives in thearea. Peg is grateful thatshe is still in good healthand still able to be “a fairlyquick walker.”

She tilts her head atfriend Bea Larson, who islaughing that Peg “nearlyfinished me off” when shetook Bea for their first fewwalks together.

Rachel Garbee alsowalks, but mostly sticks toHermitage hallway strolls,often in the evenings afterdinner. “It’s quiet then, andwhere else could I take awalk in my pajamas, bath-robe and slippers?”

The Hermitage offers its residents a num-ber of activities and amenities, althoughPeg, Bea and Gladys think that more peopleshould take advantage of what’s on offer.Gladys Laclede was on the community’sactivities committee and they were alwayson the lookout for something new and funto get the residents involved.

Peg Bixler offered advice to those whomight have such a move coming in the fu-ture. “Get rid of a lot of stuff as soon as youcan. Don’t wait. And do what you can tomake it easier on your kids.” Bixler thoughtshe had done a good job of downsizing be-fore the move, but still found herself “witha lot of stuff I just don’t need.”

Rachel Garbee encourages other“newbies” to not be afraid to ask questionsor ask for help, especially if your move tosenior community living is an abrupt onelike hers.

“All of my questions and concerns havebeen met with nothing but genuine care andhelpfulness here.”

“Be open,” is what Gladys Laclede advises.Pastor Jim Draper, who has started using

more of his time to help others in needaround the community, thinks just speak-ing to everybody and actively looking forfriendship is key to making the most of thisnext life chapter.

Bea Larson certainly hasn’t lost her senseof humor with her new living arrangements.“My advice,” she said, “is don’t be hard of

hearing!”

Col. James McAllan (U.S. Army Ret.)and his wife Linda, who retiredfrom an administrative career with

the IRS, started their research on retirementliving options six years ago. As you wouldexpect from a military intelligence officer(Army, Civil Defense/FEMA) and a womanwho made order and efficiency part of herlife’s work, these two had a plan and achecklist of requirements. While living inFalls Church, they visited dozens of com-munities over the years.

“We didn’t want one of the really bigplaces,” said Col. McAllan. “We were look-ing for someplace with a diverse popula-tion and where we could comfortably re-main, even if our health circumstanceschanged.” The couple also decided theywould prefer a community that was locallyowned, and better still, locally managed.Their extensive research and personal in-spections eventually took them to TheWoodlands Retirement Community inFairfax. “It checked all the boxes.”

The community is, in fact, locally foundedand operated by the Bainum family. The sizefits for the McAllans, as well, with only 102units. The Woodlands is also what is knownas a Continuing Care Retirement Commu-nity (CCRC), meaning that residents canavail of a lifetime range of care, from theindependent living that the McAllan’s now

enjoy, to more assisted living through toadvanced nursing care without having touproot and move to a completely new com-munity.

The McAllans hadn’t planned to move inwhen they did. “My knees really made thatdecision for us,” said James. But once theydecided, they found that only one apart-ment was currently available. Not wantingto risk a long encampment on the waitinglist, they went ahead and closed the dealon their two bedroom, 2.5 bath apartmentwith separate kitchen, dining room and den.Their daughter, who lives just minutes away,told them it was “all meant to be.” And theicing on the cake was that The Woodlandswould accept the other member of the im-mediate family, 4-year-old shih tzu Riley,who has been dubbed “The Mayor” by manyof the other residents. Riley is not particu-larly fond of the only other four-legged com-munity dweller, but he adores visiting – andbeing properly fussed over by – residents,staff, and visitors.

“Coming down to the lobby is his favor-ite activity,” said Linda. “I think he fakessome of his requests for his outside needs,”she added, “since half the time when weget down here he suddenly finds plenty oftime to check out whoever is around.”

The Woodlands offers physical and enter-tainment activities, including an indoorheated pool and a well-equipped exerciseroom, but Linda noted that the variety ofgroups, clubs, lectures and discussionsavailable.

“We’ve had the first Ambassador to Israelas a speaker, a violinist whospent 40 years with theWashington Opera orches-tra, a retired opera singer,and so many more, in ad-dition to book clubs, poetryclubs, gardening,” LindaMcAllan said. A presenta-tion by the authors of“Worry Free RetirementLiving” was on the Marchschedule, and “Aging Well:Aging is Not a SpectatorSport” is on the Aprilagenda. The McAllans alsolike that co-founder andmanager Kevin Bainumholds monthly “KevinTalks.” There are otherregular town hall-typemeeting and several coun-cils or committees, but inMr. McAllan’s words, it’s“this kind of relaxed, opencommunication that reallybrings us all together.”

Betty Marshall, whoseapartment is frequentlyused as a stop on any tourof The Woodlands, couldn’tagree more with her neigh-bors, the McAllans. AFairfax resident for morethan 25 years, Marshall,

who was born on Cyprus when her SouthCarolinian mom followed her father to hisnative Greece for a time, has also seen a bitof the world thanks to her husband’s mili-tary postings in Alaska, Okinawa, Greeceand Paris. Like the McAllans, Betty did quitea bit of planning for this move. When herhusband, Col. Charles Marshall (Ret) diedin 2013, she put those plans into action.Picking which pieces to take with her froma lifetime of international travel wasn’t ashard as she thought it would be. Of course,Betty Marshall, a music major who taughtthe instrument wherever the couple went,couldn’t leave the piano behind. Nor couldshe leave her favorite furnishings and art-work, many from her Okinawa days.

When not busy with activities outside ofThe Woodlands world like volunteering atthe Fair Oaks Hospital gift shop or headingup the Flower Guild at the Providence Pres-byterian Church, Betty is involved with thegoings on in her own community. “And thepeople here make it easy on every level.”Betty sings the praises of the maintenanceand facilities staff, in particular. “They areso willing to do anything you need. Hang apicture, move furniture, fix anything. Theyeven prepare the plots for us gardeners. Ijust have to get out there and do the plant-ing.” Of course, she does reward them withthe fruits of their combined labor. “Zucchinibread for everyone this year!”

Having learned flower arranging, Bettyteaches those skills as well as crafting tointerested residents. She’s also organizing

a Caribbean cruise for a group of residentsand family members. The Woodlands staffwill be handling the transportation to andfrom Baltimore when the travelers embarkon their sea-faring adventure.

“I would just tell people to never lookback,” Marshall said. “Keep the memories,they are what made you. But your life istoday and tomorrow. Keep looking ahead.Plan. And find a place where you can reallythrive.”

If it’s time to start contemplating thetransition to senior independent or as-sisted living for yourself or a loved one

sorting through the information and theavailable properties and options can seemoverwhelming.

There are properties that resemble four-star resorts. There are communities that areextensions of a particular faith institutionor religion. Others, like non-profit VinsonHall in McLean were founded to serve ourlarge commissioned military officers popu-lation and government workers of equalrank. There are properties set in rural loca-tions, while others like The Jefferson, aSunrise Senior Living community locatedsteps away from the Ballston Metro andBallston Common Mall in Arlington, are setright in the thick of things. Westminster atLake Ridge and Ingleside at King Farm inMaryland offer small town living right inthe Washington area. There are communi-ties offering every possible range of care,service and amenities in all price ranges.

‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’

Photos by Andrea Worker/Centre View

In the lounge at The Woodlands Retirement Community in Fairfax, Col. James McAllan (US Army-Ret) withRiley on his lap and Linda McAllan offered up some thoughts on their senior community living experience.The McAllans were celebrating their Woodlands one-year anniversary that day.

Gladys Laclede, Bea Larson, Jim Draper, Rachel Garbee and Peg Bixler share a tableand a photo op in the library of The Hermitage, a senior assisted living community inAlexandria. Peg is the veteran in the group and does her best to welcome newcomers.

Betty Marshall is so noted for her gracious hostess skills that she is often called uponas an “ambassador” for The Woodlands Retirement Community. One look around hertwo-bedroom apartment and you know why it is frequently chosen as a stop on the


Senior Living

By Mike Salmon

Centre View

At the Kingstowne Center for Ac-tive Adults, volunteer FrankBauer sees zumba and yogaclasses “flowing into the main

room sometimes,” he says, revealing howpopular those classes are at the center,which caters to seniors 55 and older. ThisKingstowne center, one of 14 senior cen-ters throughout Fairfax County, offersclasses and activities to keep seniors active.

“It keeps them mentally engaged, it’s avery friendly atmosphere,” said Bauer, wholives nearby and puts in about 30 hours aweek at the Kingstowne center.

Fairfax County’s senior centers are spon-sored by the Department of Neighborhoodand Community Services that offer classes,health and wellness programs, and internetaccess, as well as trips and tours. The ac-tivities provide seniors an opportunity tosocialize with others and stay connectedwith the community. In 2014, the atten-dance at the senior centers was 277,342,according to program officials.

“Our participants consistently rank devel-oping social connections and enhancingemotional and physical health and wellnessas the top two benefits from attending se-nior centers,” said Evan Braff, one of theregional managers at the Fairfax CountyDepartment of Neighborhood and Commu-nity Services. “We work to meet the needsand interest of our participants.”

According to the American Association forRetired Persons (AARP), senior centers arevaluable resources in communities acrossthe nation. Many centers sponsor Meals-on-Wheels programs and provide volunteeropportunities, as Bauer has found. Accord-ing to Ginger Thompson, the associate statedirector of communications at AARP Vir-ginia, “some programs in the center arefunded through the Older Americans Actwhich AARP is urging congress to reautho-rize. AARP is calling on Congress to pre-vent seniors from losing access to servicesthey count on for their health and financialsecurity by renewing the Older AmericansAct.”ºThe Older Americans Act supportsservices including Meals-on-Wheels, in-home care, transportation, elder abuse pre-vention and caregivers who make it pos-

sible for seniors to live in their homes.“The OAA also helps save federal and statetax dollars by keeping seniors out of costlynursing homes and preventing unnecessaryhospital re-admissions,” Thompson said.

In Fairfax County, officials are also tryinga different approach, called Centers With-out Walls. These are senior centers withouta county building to gather in, and a alter-nate set of basic activities the other centersmay offer. Two of these programs are inBurke/West Springfield and Great Falls. TheSenior Centers Without Walls are developedthrough a public-private partnership be-tween the county and businesses to createcenters in churches. So far, the Accotink Uni-tarian Universalist Church, the Burke UnitedMethodist Church and the Durga Templewere the first to support the Center With-

out Walls, but according to Braff,the county is looking at expandingthat program. The Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors is supportiveof that effort. “As additional needspresent themselves, we stand readyto expand implementing the Cen-ters Without Walls in another lo-cation,” said Braff.

There is a fee to participate at thecounty centers, based on income,ranging from $24 to $48 a year andmeals are provided “if they needit,” Braff said. A meal donation issuggested based on a sliding scale.Transportation to the centers isavailable through Human ServicesTransportation.

The Kingstowne Center for Ac-tive Adults is open during theweekday hours, and Bauer seesmany participants that live withtheir adult children and come overto the center when the children areat work. On the weekends though,

the center is occasionally rented for otheractivities such as board game events, orgroups to gather. For example, on a recentSaturday, an instructional bee keeping lec-ture was held by a bee keeping group inone room, while a ‘gaming club’ was hold-ing a benefit for wounded warriors in themain area.

The centers’ rental aspect came in handyfor Bauer last year when his daughter’s re-hearsal dinner picnic was threatened bytornadoes, and the outdoor location wassuddenly nixed. Bauer stopped by the cen-ter, made a call, and rented the location forthe group who got out of harms way just intime. “It worked out very nicely,” he said.

In 2014, the attendanceat Fairfax Countysenior centerswas 277,342.

County Adult Centers Offer SeniorsActivities, Social Interaction

Photo by Mike Salmon/Centre View

The Kingstowne Senior Center is in the south part of the county.

Photo courtesy of Fairfax County

One of the county’s Senior Center activities involves mural painting at a localschool.

Center LocationsBailey’s Senior Center5920 Summers Lane, Falls Church, VA 22041Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-820-2131, TTY 711South County Senior Center8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 325, Alexandria,

VA 22309Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-704-6216, TTY 711Fax: 703-704-6699Herndon Senior Center873 Grace Street, Herndon, VA 20170Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8

p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

Phone: 703-464-6200, TTY 711Hollin Hall Senior Center1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria, VA 22308Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-765-4573, TTY 711James Lee Senior Center2855-A Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22041Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-534-3387, TTY 711Kingstowne Center for Active Adults6488 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Phone: 703-339-7676, TTY 711Lewinsville Senior Center1609 Great Falls Street, McLean, VA 22101Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-442-9075, TTY 711Lincolnia Senior Center4710 North Chambliss Street, Alexandria, VA 22312Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-914-0330, TTY 711Little River Glen Senior Center4001 Barker Court, Fairfax, VA 22032Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-503-8703, TTY 711Fax: 703-653-3548Lorton Senior Center7722 Gunston Plaza, Lorton, VA 22079Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-550-7195, TTY 711Fax: 703-541-2092Pimmit Hills Senior Center7510 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22043Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-734-3338, TTY 711Providence Senior Center3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax VA 22031Operating Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 10

p.m.Phone: 703-865-0520, TTY 711Sully Senior Center5690 Sully Road, Centreville, VA 20120Senior+ ProgramOperating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-322-4475, TTY 711Wakefield Senior Center at Audrey Moore

RECenter8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA 22003Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Phone: 703-321-3000, TTY 711Fax: 703-764-2204City of Fairfax4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Phone: 703-359-2487, TTY 711City of Falls Church223 Little Falls Street (next to City Hall), Falls

Church, VA 22046Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Phone: 703-248-5020, TTY 711

Centre View ❖ Senior Living April 2015 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

To honor Mom on Mother’s Day, send us your favorite snapshots of you with yourMom and Centre View will publish them in our Mother’s Day issue. Be sure to includesome information about what’s going on in the photo, plus your name and phonenumber and town of residence. To e-mail digital photos, send to:

[email protected] to mail photo prints, send to:

Centre View, “Me and My Mom Photo Gallery,”1606 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Photo prints will be returned to you if you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope,but please don’t send us anything irreplaceable.

“Me and My Mom”

Senior Living

By Marilyn Campbell

Centre View

One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down thecourt, leading her team, the

Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who isin her 60s, is one of the youngest players inher league, the National Senior Women’sBasketball Association.

“There are women who play with me whoare 80 and living out their dream to playbasketball. We were way before Title IX,”said Thompson, who is also a professor ofphysical education at Northern VirginiaCommunity College in Annandale and Al-exandria, Va. “The women are fit, but withseniors, the social part is really important.Some of the ladies have been widowed orhave spouses with health issues. They’vereally been a support group for each other.”

According to the American College ofSports Medicine, Thompson is part of anational fitness trend: fitness programs forolder adults, including strength training andteam sports. Fitness programs for the now-retired and retiring baby boom generationare increasing in popularity.

New research continues to show the ben-efits of exercise, aerobic and strength train-ing, range from delayed cognitive declineand a boost in social functioning to an abil-ity to manage chronic diseases and eventurn back time.

“There are a lot of benefits for the agingpopulation,” said Lisa M.K. Chin, an assis-tant research professor at George MasonUniversity’s Department of RehabilitationScience in Fairfax, Virginia. Exercise “slowsphysiological changes that come with ag-ing. ... The other thing that exercise man-ages is chronic diseases that come with ag-ing, such as cardiovascular problems or dia-betes.”

Mark Brasler, a 69-year-old who lives inSpringfield, Va., has been active for most ofthe past 20 years. He moved into a retire-ment community four months ago and gota fitness assessment in the property’s gym.The results led him to up his fitness game.

“I still walk every morning and do weightsand resistance machines every other day,”said Brasler. “I was also told that I needed totake balance class. We focus on agility, howto stand up straight and how to get up whenyou fall. We also do stretching, yoga andPilates. I feel more confident about myself.”

Such fitness classes can help preservemobility and cognitive function, say re-searchers. “It helps in terms of preservingbone mass and maintaining mobilitylonger,” said Chin. “If you’re using yourmuscles, especially during weight-bearingexercises, ultimately it reduces the risk offalling and improves balance.”

An exercise class that includes both aero-bic, strength and balance exercises can helppreserve freedom and independence forseniors. “The key components of stayingphysically active are having strong muscles,reasonable flexibility and endurance, suchas the ability to keep walking or doing anactivity and not getting tired and fatiguedright away,” said Rita Wong, professor ofphysical therapy and associate dean ofgraduate and professional studies atMarymount University in Arlington. “It’sessential to keep oneself mobile and active.”

It’s almost never too late to increase fit-ness levels, Wong said. “Often with olderadults, people think that they can’t improveanymore so why bother. But research hasshown time and time again that older adultshave an ability to improve that is as similaras young adults’.”

One fitness class that is multi-genera-tional and incorporates aerobic exercise,balance and strength training is the newlyformed TRUE Fit in Arlington, Va. The goalof the all-outdoor class sessions is to marryeffective exercise with camaraderie, muchlike Brasler’s experience.

“People need community [and are] find-ing it in a holistic approach to exercise attheir own comfort level,” said Nina Elliot,founder of the TRUE Fit program and co-owner of TRUE Health and Wholeness.“People work out to the best of their abilityand everybody gets a workout that’s rightfor their body. They’re given modificationsand the focus is to do your best, have funand enjoy exercise.”

Elliot believes exercising in groups has anaccountability factor. “The number onething that can keep you from aging is exer-cise,” she said. “Aging can be very isolatingfor some people. The more people can getout and be around people, the better.”

Fitness programsfor seniors arepart of a trend.

Fit for the Golden Years

Women of theNova United, partof the NationalSenior Women’sBasketball Associa-tion get exercisewith a team sport.They are part of anew fitness trend.

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Senior Living

By Steve Hibbard

Centre View

A Creative Aging Festival will takeplace throughout the month ofMay at 100-plus local venues inFairfax County, the City of

Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. Themonth-long festival includes 114 perfor-mances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lec-tures, classes and more.

The festival isbeing sponsoredby FairfaxCounty, AARPVirginia, theFairfax CountyArts Council andseveral othercommunity orga-nizations andbusinesses, and

coincides with Older Americans Month. Itwill also include programs that unlock thecreative spirit through yoga, tai chi and evena walk through a garden labyrinth.

“What we’re hoping is that people willdiscover where the opportunities for art arefor Fairfax County. We want them to knowthat it’s here; it’s in the community andwe’re hoping they will participate,” saidGrace Lynch, manager of communicationswith the county’s Division of Adult and Ag-ing Services. She said the festival “gives uspermission to do something that we maynot have done before and to explore our-selves in a more creative and artistic way.”

“Fairfax County is home to over 200 non-profit art organizations many of them of-fering exciting events for the 50-plus com-

munity. The Creative Aging Festival is awonderful opportunity for our arts organi-zations to market their existing programsby and for 50-plus residents, encouragingolder adult participation in the county’smany arts offerings, and showcasing oppor-tunities to engage in our community,” saidLisa Mariam, grants director and master artsplan coordinator at the Arts Council ofFairfax County.

Planners are now developing the programand expect to post the full calendar of eventsin early April (see sidebar). Some of theexamples include:

❖ An open house allowing guests to par-ticipate in an organization’s dance, music,visual art, yoga, gardening programming;

❖ A speaker on art, gardening, yoga, etc.;or

❖ An older adult artist, writer, actor, poet,dancer or musician to speak about their art.

“We’re not about bingo anymore. We’vereally raised the bar. We’re focusing on yoga,tai chi, in addition to painting and music,performing arts and dance,” said Julie Ellis,Director of Hollin Hall Senior Center inMount Vernon.

Many Fairfax County programs will beheld at local libraries, 14 senior centers,adult day healthcare centers and park pro-grams are planning to be involved. For ex-ample, seniors here will have the opportu-nity to experience movement classes withprofessional choreographer Janet Storms ofthe Choreographers Collaboration Project.“She’s going to talk about the joy of move-ment as you age,” said Ellis.

The festival’s objectives are to encourageaudiences for the arts, especially for art cre-ated and performed by older adults; encour-

age older adult participation in the county’smany public and private art programs; pro-mote public understanding of the benefitsof older adult participation in the arts; es-tablish the festival as an annual event eachMay with Older Americans Month.

“Research has shown a strong connectionbetween participation in the arts and thecognitive health of older adults,” said Rich-ard Chobot, chair of Fairfax Area Agencyon Aging. “The Creative Aging Festival willprovide examples of the variety of arts ex-periences available to older adults, and in-dividuals of all ages.

“The Creative Aging Festival gives thepublic an opportunity dive into the soul ofthe many programs the area offers for adultswith dementia,” said Isabel Castillejo, CTRS,of the Herndon Adult Day Health Care Cen-ter. “Fairfax County’s Adult Day Health CareCenters understand the value behind cre-ative arts and the opportunity to seesomeone’s unique expressions through art,music and various other mediums. We en-courage the public to get a glimpse of thesewonderful gems their community has tooffer.”

“The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at(GMU) is excited to take part in the festi-val, offering four events that will showcaseour popular acting and Tai Chi classes, fabu-lous musical performers, and first rate fineartists and photographers,” said JenniferDisano, executive director.

As part of the festival, GMU will be host-ing an “Arts, Aging & Well-being” panel onMonday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, onthe Fairfax campus. “When we connect withothers through creative expression, greatthings happen,” said GMU Associate Pro-fessor Holly Matto, Ph.D. “The arts andhealth research shows that participation inthe creative arts can enhance cognitive,emotional and interpersonal functioning,

Includes 114 performances, poetry readings,art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.

Creative Aging Festival Coming in May

Photo contributed by Stan Schretter

Seniors take part in tai chi programs to stay fit at the Osher LifelongLearning Institute at GMU.

Photo contributed by Stan Schretter

Seniors take part in programs atthe Osher Lifelong Learning Insti-tute at GMU.

and studies on the arts in health care set-tings show biological effects such as painreduction and improved immune function-ing.”

Festival partners include: the Arts Coun-cil of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Area Com-mission on Aging, the Fairfax Area Agencyon Aging, Fairfax County’s Department ofNeighborhood and Community Services,Public Libraries, Adult Day Health CareCenters, Long Term Care CoordinatingCommittee, George Washington University,the National Alliance of Community Eco-nomic Development Associations, the Na-tional Center on Creative Aging, GoodwinHouse at Alexandria and Bailey’s Cross-roads, AARP Virginia, and Pure Prana YogaStudio. Most programs are free. Because ofthe variability in venue space, participantsshould call respective venues to register andinquire about program information, feesand parking.

The festival calendar will be posted byearly April at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/fairfax-creative-ag-ing-festival.htm .

Entertainment and Art Display. HerndonAdult Day Health Care Center welcomes you totheir Open House with program tours, artdisplays and entertainment courtesy of theNational Theatre (11a-12). Light refreshmentswill be offered. May 15, 10:30 a.m.-Noon; Free.At Herndon Adult Day Center, 875 GraceStreet, Herndon. Call 703-435-8729 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/adhc/

ArtSpace’s Herndon Senior Tea. Enjoy Behindthe Scenes with the Loudoun Sketch Club, lightrefreshments, and the companionship of artlovers. A local music group will offerentertainment during the tea. May 15, 1-2 p.m.;Free. At ArtSpace Herndon. 750 CenterStreet, Herndon. Call 703-956-6590 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.org

Chantilly, CentrevilleEventsQi Gong. Experience the gentle, rhythmic

movements of Qi Gong to reduce stress, buildstamina, and enhances balance. May 18, 9-10a.m. First program free, then $5. At SullySenior Center, 5690 Sully Road, Centreville.Call 702-322-4475 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs

Photography in the Natural World. Joinnatural photography expert Wayne Wolferbergerin this eight session class at Chantilly Library.May 28, 7-8 p.m. At Chantilly High School,4201 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly. Call 703-222-4664 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/

Art Exploration. Join us for an all level artexperience, where you can develop and enhanceyour skills, working with a variety of mediums,including watercolor, charcoal, and pencil. May5, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; May 12, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; May 19, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.;May 26, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. First programfree, then $5. At Sully Senior Center, 5690Sully Road, Centreville. Call 703-322-4475 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs

Gentle Yoga. Gentle Yoga is a way to open thebody through passive stretching in relaxingpostures. This practice is ideal for those seekingdeep relaxation, slower pacing or for those newto yoga. May 29, 10 a.m. -11:15 p.m.Firstprogram free, then $5. At Sully SeniorCenter, 5690 Sully Road,Centreville. Call 703-322-4475 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs

For more see http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/fairfax-creative-aging-festival.htm

otos by Bonnie Hobbs/centr Getting Dirty for a Good Cause

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