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2 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News<strong>Burke</strong> Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic703-778-9414 or south@connectionnewspapers.comPhotos courtesy of Jeannie Winslow, <strong>Burke</strong> Centre Festival<strong>Burke</strong> Centre Festival-goers experienced plenty of sunshine in 2013.Organizer Jeanie Winslow and her staff are hoping for similar conditionsthis year.Festival enters its 37th year.By Tim PetersonThe Connection<strong>Burke</strong> Centre Festival coordinatorJeannie Winslow is downrightcalm when estimating attendancethis year. “Police guestimate wehad 10,000 over the whole weekend lastyear,” she said. “Maybe we’ll get a few thousandmore.”Since it started at the <strong>Burke</strong> Ponds communitycentre almost four decades ago, the<strong>Burke</strong> Centre Festival has steadily grown inpopularity — first around <strong>Burke</strong>, and theninto neighboring areas of Northern Virginia,and eventually Maryland.Cook Kicks off Anti-Speeding CampaignPolice demonstrationintroduces “SlowDown: You live here.We live here.”By Tim PetersonThe ConnectionThe speed limit sign in your neighborhoodmay be smarter thanyou think. To kick off SupervisorJohn C Cook’s anti-speeding campaignon Thursday, Aug. 28, FairfaxCounty police officers flexed the musclesof eight new radar signs they’ve purchasedfor the county.“With school starting, it’s a good timeto be focused on safety,” said Cook onthe timeliness of the kickoff. His campaignis intended as an education-basedinitiative to encourage drivers to slowdown in their communities. TheThey all come for two September days ofcarnival rides, food, face-painting, live music,pony rides — you name it, it’s probablyat the festival.Admission is free, though rides can rangefrom $1 to $3 per go around. With the helpof local business sponsors, the festival organizershave been able to keep those coststhe same for the last 10 years.“You could come here and not spend anymoney and still have a great day,” saidWinslow. “That’s what the community’sabout. It’s not a money-maker.” Though ata cost of roughly $50,000 to put on, breakingeven is a great success.“It’s pretty much a wash,” said BrianPhoto by Tim Peterson/The ConnectionFairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. speaks at the SullyDistrict station.campaign’s motto is “Slow Down: You livehere. We live here.”The new signs will not only flash theGrammy-nominated kids entertainers the Milkshake Duo performed atthe <strong>Burke</strong> Centre Festival in 2013. They return for 2014 as the MilkshakeTrio.Face Paint, Pony Show at <strong>Burke</strong> Centre FestivalEngler, Landings Trustee and liaison to BCFfrom <strong>Burke</strong> Centre board of trustees. “It’s afun event that ultimately pays for itself.”With the help of sponsors and vendors,which buy table space at the event.David R Hughes Orthodontics sponsorsface-painting, which is done by PicassoFacepainting and Sunrise Facepainting.“They do really high quality work and itlooks fantastic,” said Winslow. “I have funwith that personally.”Managing the increasing crowds has beena challenge for Winslow and her team. Toalleviate parking around the <strong>Burke</strong> CentreConservancy — home of the festival sincethe 1990s — they’ve developed a shuttleroute with stops around the <strong>Burke</strong> Centreneighborhoods (except for the Woods andCommons).driver’s speed back to them, but recordwhether that caused them to change theirspeed or not. That data, along with the date,They also expect a volunteer corps ofabout 90 community members to help managethe sheer number of visitors.Another chronic issue is long lines for thefree activities. The staff’s solution? Moreactivities. Some of Winslow’s favorites thatare new for this year include hair-painting(“That’s the new hot thing, we’re told.”),an open-air photo booth complete withfeather boas and silly hats, and free massagesoffered by the Massage Envy <strong>Burke</strong>location. Yes: free massages, all day, bothdays of the festival.TO HELP NAVIGATE the activities, crafttables and packed performance schedule,Winslow and company will have a pocketSee Festival, Page 11time and location of each recording willbe transmitted back to the police foranalysis.Officers at the Emergency Vehicle OperationCenter at the FCPD Sully DistrictStation demoed the new signs whileshowing the effects of speed on stoppingdistance.“People might say, ‘Oh, I was only goingten over,’” said Master Police OfficerJoe Moore. “Well, ten over might be thedifference between hitting an object, hittinga kid, another vehicle, and not.”“Most of these issues are bad habits byall of us,” said Fairfax County Police ChiefEdwin C. Roessler Jr., “and we need tochange our habits and improve our cultureof safety.”“It’s not just about writing the ticket,”Roessler continued. “It’s making all of ussafe so we can get home at the end ofthe day.”More information on the initiative canbe found online at fairfaxcounty.gov/slowdown.www.ConnectionNewspapers.com<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 3
NewsFollowing in Her Father’s FootstepsLt. Barbara Colberg, of <strong>Burke</strong>, helps bring Navy’snewest aircraft carrier into service.A<strong>Burke</strong> native and 2003Thomas Jefferson HighSchool for Science andTechnology graduate, isserving in the U.S. Navy as part ofa hand-picked crew charged withbringing the Navy’s newest aircraftcarrier into service.Lt. Barbara Colberg, who joinedfour years ago, is the deputy commandjudge advocate aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R.Ford (CVN 78), the first ship in itsclass and the successor to theNavy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriersthat have been in operation forthe last half century.Colberg, who followed in herfather’s footsteps by joining theNavy, and the rest of the 1000-Sailor crew are slowly bringing theship to life, a crew that will eventuallygrow to more than 4,500when the ship is at sea. When complete,the aircraft carrier, poweredby two nuclear reactors, will measuremore than three footballfields long at 1,092 feet in lengthand will weigh more than 100,000tons. It will be capable of sailingat nearly 35 mph and will carrymore than 75 Navy aircraft.“Lt. Colberg plays a vital role inpreparing our Nation’s newest andmost technologically advancedwarship for sea,” said Ford’s CommandingOfficer, Capt. John F.Meier. “We have the opportunityto build this command with theideals of our namesake and we arecreating the command climate anda culture of excellence that wehave always wanted. This crew issetting that standard, a standardthat will last for the 50-plus yearlife of the ship.”AS ONE OF THE SAILORS whowill commission the ship, Colberghas the opportunity to see firsthandthe innovations being incorporatedinto the design of the ship;from a redesigned flight deck toallow for more efficient aircraftteaching the Navy how tooperate this new class of aircraftcarriers.”COLBERG said it is an excitingoperations to equipment thatrequires less maintenance.As the crew grows andworks toward the goal ofjoining the fleet in 2016,Colberg and other Gerald R.Ford sailors will be acceptingspaces on the ship, trainingto operate it and buildinga legacy that will lastbeyond their lifetimes.Training for the crew hasto come from some uniquesources. There are no Navyschools for some of the newequipment, so the crew ispartnering with HuntingtonIngalls Newport News Shipbuildingand other vendorsto master the new systems.“This is a unique opportunityto see first-hand howthe systems are installed andPhoto courtesy of U.S. NavyLieutenant Barbara Colbergtime to be in the Navy,helping to build a crew anda ship from scratch, somethingshe never expected tobe doing just a couple yearsago. She also said she isproud of the work she is doingto help commission andman the Navy’s newest aircraftcarrier. As a 28-year-oldwith numerous responsibilities,Colberg said she islearning about herself as aleader, sailor and a person.“I’ve learned how to be moreindependent, self-reliantand to trust my own judgment,”said Colberg.Colberg added she is enjoyingbeing part of theGerald R. Ford crew as everyoneis helpful and willingto work with each other,tested, which is an advantage thatfuture crews won’t have an opportunityto experience,” said Meier.“Lt. Colberg and her shipmates arebecoming the subject matter experts.They are working hand inhand with the shipyard throughoutthe testing phase and in turnwhich makes for a cohesive, productivecommand.The ship is scheduled to commissionin Spring 2016.www.ConnectionNewspapers.com<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 5
Opinion<strong>Burke</strong>Back to SchoolBy Kenneth R. “Ken” PlumState Delegate (D-36)Although it has beenmany years since I wasa teacher in the classroom,I still get a nervousstomach around Labor Dayeach year in anticipation of the beginningof a new school year.Teaching is the hardest work Ihave ever done in my life includingbeing a legislator. I taught beforethe era of Standards of Learning(SOLs) and massive standardized testing.The challenge I and my colleagues had in ourtime was to recognize, nourish and expand individualstudents’ knowledge, talents and abilities.Today’s teachers have unfortunately beenforced to teach to standardized tests that donot recognize individual student’s knowledge,talents and abilities nor do the tests or the assessmentprocess of teachers recognize theirunique skills and talents.I attended the annual meeting of the NationalConference of State Legislators (NCSL)recently where Sir Kenneth Robinson, notedauthor and speaker, spoke about the need forLetters to the EditorCitizen OversightNeededTo the Editor:I rarely agree with Connectioneditorials, but the one deploringhow our police have become militarized(“Accountability for Policein Northern Virginia,” Connection,Aug. 20-26, 2014) is praiseworthy.I’m a retired Navy officer and havehad no run-ins with any police.Your editorial should have mentionedthe mindless opposition ofour Fairfax Co. Police Dept.(FCPD) to any sort of citizen oversightcommittee who might exposethe facts behind the dirty laundryyour editorial highlighted. A relatedproblem is the number ofaccidents caused by speeding policecars.The Fairfax Co. violent crimerate is happily quite low, yet wehave a bloated PD. Recent mediareports noted that the number ofmurders in our county is tiny, yetinexplicably two different sets ofstatistics exist.Why does Fairfax Co. need policehelicopters? What crimeshave they solved?Why do we need a FCPD marinepatrol when most of the Potomacbelongs to Maryland and armed,US Coast Guard boats patrol itfrom Station Washington? Whatterrorist attacks has our marinepatrol intercepted?Commentaryrevolution—not reform—in publiceducation. (www.ncsl.org/research/education/q-and-a-sirken-robinson.aspx)He expressedconcern that schools are organizedon an industrial model—I have describedit as a factory—where allthe children are expected to comeout alike at the end of schooling.At the same time we recognize insociety the special talents individualsmay possess, the orientationof many schools for too many years hasbeen to ignore individual differences and tohave identical expectations for all students.Schools cannot operate successfully as a factoryof the past where every student becomesthe same widget, but schools need to adopt amass customization model where every studentis recognized as a unique being.As Sir Kenneth Robinson expressed it, “educationis meant among other things to developpeople’s natural abilities, and I believe it reallydoesn’t do that…To focus on them in thetraditional school setting, very many brilliantpeople are weaned away from the very talentsFCPD have so little serious crimeto address that it wastes time onrevenue generators like the annual“50 Means 50” to intimidate driverson Fairfax Co. Pkwy where thespeed limit could be 55 if not 60.When our police devote massiveresources to minor speeding infractionsone wonders if reasonablebudget cuts couldn’t be made.Why does GMU have police?Why not just private securityguards? GMU police harassed amale, Moslem student in the libraryand shot at a car near oneof the parking garages. Campuscrime is so low that Mason copswrite tickets on Braddock Rd. Cananyone recall one positive anticrimeaccomplishment of the GMUpolice? Crossing a campus streetin a crosswalk I was nearly hit bya fire chief’s car on a Sundaymorning. When I reported it atthe huge new GMU police station,zero action was taken to contactthe Fairfax City FD.Uniforms set a tone. Some policeforget that they are “peace officers”and should do all they canto diffuse a situation. When youcome in dressed like a member ofthe military of a banana republic,don’t you set a confrontationaltone? Are brown shirts the bestchoice for our sheriffs? Do theyand the state police wear drill sergeant-likehats to intimidate? Whydo they need a hat? Contrasttoday’s militarized police uniformswith those worn in 19th C.America. In that era, our policelooked like today’s Bobbies in theUK. Why can’t today’s police wearslacks and a polo shirt?I suggest your reporters askwhat things have been transferredto FCPD by DOD, DOJ and DHS.Don’t assume that military gearcomes solely from DOD. Thencontrast with what has been transferredto Vienna, Fairfax City, FallsChurch, Clifton, Herndon, andFairfax Co. Sheriff.Aside from intimidation and belligerence,there’s “professionalcourtesy,” a euphemism for policeignoring violations by police. Islugged into D.C. in August androde in an ex-police car that stilllooked the part (antenna, searchlight, gray paint, etc.). The ownersaid he blew thru a Reston speedtrap doing 85 and the FCPD justwaved. Driving into Arlington at6:30 a.m. on the HOV stretch of I-66E, a single D.C. cop in an unmarked,white SUV roared up ontomy tail then flipped on his blueWritethat excite them.” For Robinson, schoolsshould focus on awakening creativity and developingnatural curiosity. “Much of the presenteducation system in the United States fostersconformity, compliance and standardizationrather than creative approaches to learning,”he says.Clearly the standards and testing programshave gone too far, and fortunately the pushback from students, parents and teachers is finallybeing recognized by legislators. The GeneralAssembly reduced the number of SOL testsrequired, and a commission established to lookat the issue is likely to recommend even morereduction. Graduation requirements need tobe made more flexible in order that studentscan more fully develop their individual talents.Sir Kenneth Robinson’s curiosity and creativityneed to be rewarded in the classroom.The anticipation I feel with back-to-schooltime is shared by parents, students and teachersalike. The excitement needs to be recognitionof the great things that happen in classroomsevery day. The managers of that process—theteachers—deserve our gratitude, recognitionand better pay. When you talk with ateacher, please join me in thanking them fortheir dedication and hard work.lights so he could pass. I’ve hadD.C. cops in marked cars speed upon me on I-66W in Ballston withtheir blue lights on. Recall the incidentwith D.C. cops escortingCharlie Sheen from Dulles intoD.C. in a high-speed motorcade?Various non-VA police with a singleoccupant drive with impunity inthe I-395 HOV lanes during commutetime. Do folks drive aroundwith those black-blue-black “ThinBlue Line” stickers on their rearbumper indicating they are connectedto the police so they won’tbe ticketed? Does the notion ofthe Thin Blue Line reinforce themilitarization your editorial deploredby implying our police areall that separate us from the barbariansat the gate?Wouldn’t we all be better offwith a county where our policeapply the rule of law impartiallyand aim to defuse situations ratherthan aiming at citizens?The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed.Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters areroutinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors.Send to:Letters to the EditorThe Connection1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.By e-mail: south@connectionnewspapers.comMichael ShumakerFairfaxwww.ConnectionNewspapers.com@<strong>Burke</strong>ConnectionAn independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered tohomes and businesses.Published byLocal Media Connection LLC1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go toconnectionnewspapers.com/subscribeNEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:burke@connectionnewspapers.comKemal KurspahicEditor ❖ 703-778-9414kemal@connectionnewspapers.comAmna RehmatullaEditorial Assistant703-778-9410 ext.427arehmatulla@connectionnewspapers.comJanelle GermanosCommunity Reporter703-364-8161jgermanos@connectionnewspapers.comJon RoetmanSports Editor ❖ 703-752-4013jroetman@connectionnewspapers.com@jonroetmanVictoria RossCounty Reporter ❖ 301-502-6027vross@connectionnewspapers.comADVERTISING:For advertising informatione-mail:sales@connectionnewspapers.comSteve HoganDisplay Advertising, 703-778-9418shogan@connectionnewspapers.comAndrea SmithClassified Advertising, 703-778-9411classified@connectionnewspapers.comDebbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444debfunk@connectionnewspapers.comEditor & PublisherMary Kimm703-778-9433mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com@MaryKimmExecutive Vice PresidentJerry Vernonjvernon@connectionnewspapers.comEditor in ChiefSteven MaurenManaging EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:Geovani FloresSpecial Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann703-778-9436jtheismann@connectionnewspapers.com@TheismannMediaCIRCULATION: 703-778-9426Circulation Manager:Ann Olivercirculation@connectionnewspapers.com6 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
LetterOpposingMedicaidExpansionTo the Editor:For those who have vocally criticizedRepublican misgivings aboutGovernor McAuliffe’s desires toexpand Medicaid in Virginia —including the Connection Newspapers— one need look no furtherthan the past couple weeks of statenews to understand the fiscal irresponsibilitythat would have befallenVirginia had the expansiontaken place. Governor McAuliffe’sannounced state budget deficits ofroughly $880 million and his ordersto agency chiefs to come upwith suggestions on how to cutfive percent from their budgetsthis year and 7 percent next yearcome before any Medicaid expansionput additional strains on theState budget. This is particularlytrue when the federally-promisedMedicaid — start-up — fundsdried up (as they were probablyintended to do) and those expansioncosts rapidly became a newline item in the Virginia state budget,along with the additional possibilitythat actual costs almostassuredly would have exceededestimates.Governor McAuliffe’s proposalto expand Medicaid with its associatedcosts while likely knowingfull well that the state faced significantbudget shortfalls speaksfor itself as another case of ideasexceeding the balance in the checkbook. Thank goodness for Republicanfiscal prudence and goodjudgment.Chris J. KrisingerCol./USAF (Ret.)<strong>Burke</strong>LakeBraddock StudentShinesLake Braddock SecondarySchool’s Nathan Bender was selectedto represent his school at anall expenses paid Hugh O’BrianYouth Leadership Conference onthe campus of James Madison Universityin Harrisburg, Va. Benderwas selected after providing hisresume, writing an essay discussing“what leaderships means tome” after being interviewed byLBSS school staff and administration.Bender was also selected toattend the weeklong intensive2014 USMC Leadership and CharacterDevelopment Academy inthe Marine Crops Base Quantico.USMC Summer Leadership andCharacter Development programis built around Character Leadershipand Ethics the three pillars oflife students can use down theroad as CEO of Apple or in someposition of authority.www.ConnectionNewspapers.comSpecializing in Local Property ManagementFOR RENT5835 Cove Landing Rd. #202<strong>Burke</strong>, VA 22015 • $1,450 MonthlyBeautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in the heart of<strong>Burke</strong> Centre. Take a pathway through the neighborhoodon your way to the lake, VRE, pool, tenniscourts, etc. Please call the first showing contactbefore going to view the property.Sales and Property ManagementResidential Property ManagementAssociation ManagementResidential Preferred Properties703-239-1234Pat.richter@richter1.com • www.Richter1.com5631-I <strong>Burke</strong> Centre Parkway, Suite I • <strong>Burke</strong>, VA 22015Just Arrived: Pansies and Mums!Hosta Special!25% Off All VarietiesFree EstimatesPatios, Walkways, RetainingWalls, Landscaping& so much more!6050-75% OffPotteryFollowus:• Souvlaki• Spanakopitaand more!50% OFF LunchBuy one and get 50% Off2nd item of equal or lesser value.Offer expires 9/30/14Not valid with any other offers.Pansies $1.29Lowest PricesSince 2008!Playground Chips& Organic Compost$29. 99 cu. yd.SeptemberSailingto theGreek Islands5765-C <strong>Burke</strong> Centre Pkwy • <strong>Burke</strong> • 703-239-9324Blooming Tropicals25% OffWe haveCitrus9023 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax, Virginia2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50.1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro)➠• Pastitsio• BaklavaSunday Brunch10 a.m. to 3 p.m.10% OFFEntire CheckOffer expires 9/30/14Not valid with any other offers.Clearance Sale30% OFFAll Trees 2013 Stock & PriorBulkMulch$24. 99 cu. yd.703-573-5025Open 7 days a weekVisit our new Web site:www.cravensnursery.com<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 7
News$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police2013 shooting victim’sfamily seeks damagesin wrongful death case.By Tim PetersonThe ConnectionThe year-long silence surroundingthe police shooting of JohnGeer has been broken — but notby Fairfax County Police or theU.S. Department of Justice. John Geer wasshot to death by Fairfax County Police onAug. 29, 2013.On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Geer family’slawyer, Michael Lieberman, filed a civil suitin Fairfax Circuit Court seeking $12 millionin damages from Fairfax County Police. Inthe suit, Lieberman is demanding a jurytrial.The 29-page complaint lists MauraHarrington, Geer’s domestic partner of almost24 years and mother of their twodaughters, as the representative of the JohnGeer estate. According to the document,Geer had been speaking with his daughtersbefore police arrived.For the now-fatherless girls, the damagessought in the complaint are meant to compensatefor “sorrow, mental anguish andsolace which include society, companionship,comfort, guidance, kindly offices andadvice” of Mr. Geer as well as the loss of hisfinancial support.The complaint specifically targets twoFairfax County police officers, and theirsupervising officer and Chief Edwin RoesslerJr. It contains eight counts of wrongfuldeath, gross negligence and failure to returnpersonal property taken from JohnGeer’s home.ON AUG. 29, 2013, a Fairfax County policeofficer shot Springfield resident JohnGeer in the doorway of his home. In thehour before officers entered Geer’s hometo check on him, he died.Harrington had called police after Geerbecame angry over her saying she was goingto end their relationship, throwing herclothes out into the street.“They responded with a SWAT team, ahelicopter, an armored vehicle and otherresources that were just totally outrageousfor a call such as this,” said NicholasBeltrante, executive director and founderof the Virginia Citizens Coalition for PoliceAccountability (CCPA).Two officers confronted the unarmedGeer at his threshold, before one of themfired at Geer’s chest at close range.“HE WAS A SOCIABLE GUY,” said JerrySantos, a friend of Geer’s. “Relaxed. Charismatic.He was just confident — never sawhim upset, angry.” The two shared an affectionfor fishing, going out for deep sealike tuna and mahi mahi together numeroustimes.A longtime photojournalist and broadcastnews editor, Santos said, “I’ve spenta lot of time, in a lot of situations where Ihave to deal with the cops. This has absolutelywarped my perspective when itcomes to the way America does policing.“There’s nothing worse,” he continued,“than when the state kills a citizen andthere’s no appropriate process of justicethat takes place.”The police have not released the namesof the officers, incident reports or any explanationof the events that led to Geer’sdeath.Fairfax County police detectives initiallyconducted a criminal investigation andhanded their findings over to the state’sattorney’s office. They otherwise kept thepublic out of the loop, in similar fashion tothe 2006 shooting of optometrist SalvatoreCulosi.In that case — another where SWAT wasinvolved —Culosi’s parents settled withFairfax County for $2 million after filing awrongful death suit.“They have all been stonewalling,” saidBeltrante. “It’s just outrageous.”“I filed a heavy Freedom of InformationAct,” Santos said, of an attempt toobtain information on the Geer shootingfrom Fairfax County police, “and I got aletter basically telling me to go poundsand.”Beltrante said he has spoken with Geer’sfather Don — as well as several witnesses— numerous times to create a case file forthe CCPA. He founded the organization in2010 after the police shooting of DavidMasters, with the main objective of gettingthe Board of Supervisors to appoint a citizens’complaints oversight board for thepolice.In February 2014, about five months afterthe Geer shooting, Fairfax County CommonwealthAttorney Raymond Morroghcited conflicts of interest and said he washanding the case to the U.S. attorney’s officein Alexandria.The attorney’s office for the eastern districtof Virginia has declined to comment.NOW, MORE THAN A YEAR after the deathof Geer, a 46-year-old father of two daughters,the unnamed officer involved is stillon desk duty and a federal criminal investigationhas had all local parties “in a holdingpattern,” according to Roessler.“Based on the policeman’s bill of rights,”said Roessler, “I have to wait for the criminalinvestigation to be concluded before Ican launch one. There needs to be a firewallthere.”“It frustrates me, but that’s the way ourlaw is written,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity(R-Springfield). “It’s moving. We need toget it right. But a year is way too long. Forthe family, we need to reach resolution.“The county has provided all the informationthat’s required, been asked to provide,”Herrity added. “It’s now in the handsof the justice department.”That information — whatever the countyknows — has yet to be made public. Forthe next Board of Supervisors meeting onSept. 9, Herrity said he’s asked for an update“on what, if anything we know.”Roessler said he’s continuing to communicatewith both the officer and the Geerfamily. Their most recent contact was Aug.28, he said. “I’m their police chief,” he said.“I feel I have an obligation to make sure wedialogue. If we have any concerns we discussit.”For citizens like Beltrante and Santos, thatisn’t enough from their police chief or theirsupervisors.“Their silence is absolutely deafening,”said Santos.Justice Delayed Is Justice DeniedBy Nicholas R. BeltranteOn Friday, Aug. 29, was oneyear since a still unidentifiedFairfax County policeofficer shot and killed aninnocent, non-violent, unarmed JohnGeer as he stood in the doorway of hisSpringfield home.Fairfax County Chief of police EdwinC. Roessler, Jr. has not charged the officerwith misconduct nor a violation ofhis department’s policies or standard operatingprocedures. Additionally, he hasrefused to disclose the findings of hisdepartment’s Internal Affairs Bureau investigation.Many Fairfax County citizensfind his refusal to address this tragicevent appalling and overriding thepublic’s interest.Fairfax County Commonwealth’s AttorneyRaymond F. Morrogh has turned overthe investigation of this fatal shooting ofthe Springfield man to the U.S. Attorney’soffice for the Eastern District of Virginia inAlexandria. Morrogh cited “complicationswith the case.” “There is a conflict of interestthat has arisen in this case.” Morroghalso said, “and there is a second potentialconflict of interest that has arisen out of myoffice.” Morrogh declined to describe thenature of the conflicts. Many Fairfax Countycitizens are asking “why didn’t Morroghturn this case over to a Fairfax CountyGrand Jury that would have given thecitizens of Fairfax County a voice inthis matter?” They are also asking“why Morrogh failed to turn this case overto the Virginia State police for an investigation?”In February 2014, Morrogh turned thiscase over to the Acting U.S. Attorney in Alexandria.After nearly six months actingU.S. Attorney Dana Boente remains silent.With all the resources of his office, includingthe FBI, this case remains unresolved.OpinionDuring this past year, the Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors has remained silent.The question is: Why? Some FairfaxCounty citizens have speculated the policeunion has had a major impact on theFairfax County Board of Supervisors.Many criminal justice experts have longagreed that police unions have been amajor obstacle to police accountabilityand transparency.In contrast, the Ferguson, Mo., recentshooting death of MichaelBrown by a police officer has ignitednational attention. Within a few daysof this incident the officer was identified asOfficer Darren Wilson. Shortly thereafter,the case was referred to a Grand Jury. Inless than two weeks the wheels of justicewere put into motion. This incident is beinginvestigated by state and federal authorities.The question raised is “Why havethe Fairfax County authorities avoided alocal or state investigation — and whyhaven’t they referred this matter to aGrand jury that would have allowed localcitizens to have a voice in a local matter?”The citizens of Fairfax County deservean answer.Since 1979, the citizens of FairfaxCounty have sought to have the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors appoint aCitizen Complaint Oversight Board thatwould accept and investigate citizen allegationsof police abuse, misconduct,negligence and report its findings to theChief of Police and/or the Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors. The Virginia CitizensCoalition for Police Accountability,Inc. proposed this same request to theFairfax County Board of Supervisors inMarch 2010 with no results. Why?The author is Executive Director/Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability,Inc.8 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsPhoto by Marissa Beale/The ConnectionLake Braddock Secondary Principal Dave Thomas has been at the schoolfor 22 years. This is his eighth year as principal.Gifted and TalentedProgram ExpandsBy Marissa BealeThe ConnectionStudents enrolled in the Gifted andTalented (GT) Program at CardinalForest, Keene Mill, Rolling Valley,and West Springfield Elementaryschools will no longer have to transfer tonearby Lake Braddock Secondary to continuein the program. At Irving, there willbe a team of teachers for seventh graderswho will focus on teaching the advancedacademic curriculum that was, previously,only offered at Braddock for the aboveschools. “The requirements for getting intothese programs are generally higher. Theseteachers are going through a lot of trainingand certification is required to teach,” saidAssistant Principal Mondloch. Irving, whichfeeds directly into West Springfield HighSchool, will now help the students enrolledin the GT Program, remain in the WestSpringfield High School pyramid.When asked his thoughts on Irving becomingan AAP center, Braddock PrincipalDave Thomas said that he welcomes thisopportunity for students over at Irving. “Theidea is that all kids ought to have access tothese programs. This is a welcome opportunity—it’sa great opportunity.”The Friends of Irving Initiative, anotherchange for this middle school in the upcomingyear, will provide an opportunity forparents to make donations that, in the past,were done through magazine drives. Different“sponsor levels” will be used to identifythe dollar amount given in donations.For example, donations of $100 will be designated“blue,” while donations for $500are called “The Rock,” which comes withthe distinction of having one’s name paintedon the rock that sits in front of Irving. Donorsare free to give as much as they like,and all funds go toward supporting theschool.www.ConnectionNewspapers.comPhoto by Tim Peterson/The ConnectionStudents get dropped off for theirfirst day at Lake Braddock SecondarySchool.While there are no major staff changes atIrving, Braddock Secondary School wasbusy hiring teachers for the upcomingschool year, focusing on teachers for theseventh and eighth grade course offerings.“It comes down to putting the best teachersin front of kids,” said Thomas, who hasbeen the principal of Braddock for the pasteight years. With 1,380 middle school studentsfilling the halls on Tuesday, Sept. 2,they are working to ensure that class sizesdo not exceed 30 students. “It’s just nice tohave the kids back. It’s neat to watch theseventh graders because there’s, all of asudden, this newfound freedom. I love towatch our seventh graders grow over thecourse of the year because they grow themost,” said Principal Thomas. Like allschools in the County, Braddock is focusingon meeting the needs of students.For a free digitalsubscriptionto one or allof the 15ConnectionNewspapers,go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribeBe the first toknow – get yourpaper before ithits the press.Complete digitalreplica of theprint edition,including photosand ads, deliveredweeklyto your e-mailbox.Questions?E-mail:goinggreen@connectionnewspapers.com<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 9
From Page 3FaithSend notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call703-778-9416. Deadline is Friday. Dated announcements should besubmitted at least two weeks prior to the event.Temple Beth Torah, a Reform Jewishcongregation and member of theUnion for Reform Judaism (URJ), holdsservices and Religious School in the heartof Chantilly. The congregation offers theNorthern Virginia Jewish communityservices that provide numerous spiritual,educational, support and social opportunitiesincluding religious school formember children age 3 through Bar/BatMitzvah and confirmation. Our congregationwelcomes all members of thecommunity to attend any of our servicesor events. For more information, a newsletter,or a membership package callJennifer Harding, 703-217-8938 or visitwww.BethTorah.netUpcoming service and event schedule:❖ Shabbat Service, Friday, Sept. 5,7:30 p.m., New/Prospective MemberShabbat*Religious School, Sunday, Sept. 7,10:30 a.m. - First day of religious school❖ Picnic, Sunday, Sept. 7, 12:30 p.m.- Annual Brotherhood Picnic, Frying PanFarm Park❖ Ladies’ Book Club , Tuesday, Oct.14, 7:30 - Join us for this “pot-luck” stylebook club that meets every other monthon the second Tuesday of the month.This club is open to all women. Plan tobring a drink or appetizer to share. Wewill be discussing “This is Where I LeaveYou” by Jonathan Tropper.Fairfax Baptist Temple, at the cornerof Fairfax County Parkway and <strong>Burke</strong>Lake Roads, holds a bible study fellowshipat 9 a.m. Sundays followed by a 10a.m. worship service. Nursery care andchildren’s church also provided. 6401Missionary Lane, Fairfax Station, 703-323-8100 or www.fbtministries.org.The Guhyasamaja BuddhistCenter, 10875 Main St., Fairfax Cityprovides free classes to both newcomersand advanced practitioners of TibetanBuddhism. The center emphasizes workingwith the mind and learning how tounderstand the workings of the mind,overcoming innner causes of suffering,while cultivating causes of happiness.Under the direction of Lama ZopaRinpoche, the center is a place of study,contemplation and meditation. Visithttp://www.guhyasamaja.org for moreinformation.Lord of Life Lutheran offers servicesat two locations, in Fairfax at 5114Twinbrook Road and in Clifton at 13421Twin Lakes Drive. Services in Fairfax areheld on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundaysat 8:30 and 10 a.m. Services inFestivalguidebook available.Live performance is anotherstaple of the festival. “What’s greatis the diverse entertainment,” saidMichelle Kingham of Stafford,Community Services. “There’sdrumming, Japanese dancers, localdance groups, bands, Irishdancers.”“We’re on a reggae kick rightnow,” said Winslow, referring toTrinidadian artist Sam’O & theJFC, who performs Saturday at3:15 p.m.www.ConnectionNewspapers.comClifton are held on Sundays at 8:15 and10:30 a.m. 703-323-9500 orwww.Lordoflifeva.org.First Baptist Church of Springfieldoffers Sunday school at 9:15 a.m.,followed by a 10:30 a.m. worship serviceat 7300 Gary St., Springfield. 703-451-1500 or www.fbcspringfield.org.Clifton Presbyterian Church,12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, offersSunday worship services at 8:30 a.m.and 11 a.m. Nursery care is provided.Christian education for all ages is at9:45 a.m. 703-830-3175.St. Andrew the Apostle CatholicChurch, 6720 Union Mill Road, Clifton,conducts Sunday masses at 7:30 a.m.,8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Italso offers a Saturday vigil at 5:30 p.m.and a Thursday Latin mass at 7 p.m.703-817-1770 or www.st-andrew.org.Prince of Peace LutheranChurch, 8304 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield, offers casual worship serviceson Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m.featuring contemporary music. Moretraditional services take place on Sundaymornings at 8:15 and 11 a.m.Sunday School is from 9:45-10:45 a.m.for children and adults. The church alsooffers discussion groups for adults. 703-451-5855 or www.poplc.org.Kirkwood Presbyterian Church,8336 Carrleigh Parkway in Springfield,supports a Mothers of Preschoolers(MOPS) program on the first and thirdWednesday of each month. Meetings are9:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. All mothersand children are welcome. Theprogram provides mothers an opportunityto get to know other mothersthrough discussions and craft activities.Register. 703-451-5320.JCCNV Mother’s Circle program,for women who are not Jewish but areraising Jewish children. Free education inJewish rituals, practices and values, whilerespecting the participant’s choice to retainher own religious identity. JewishCommunity Center of Northern Virginia,8900 Little River Turnpike in Fairfax.Contact Laurie Albert, 703-537-3064 orHYPERLINK “mailto:LaurieA@jccnv.org”LaurieA@jccnv.org.The Jewish Social ServicesAgency (JSSA) offers a wide variety ofsupport groups for those with emotional,social, and physical challenges.www.jssa.org/growth-learning.One thing that festival-goersshouldn’t expect to change is thestrong sense of community thatWinslow and company say is aninherent part of the festival.“Being a part of it and watchingit all come together, that’s my favorite,”said Kingham. “I enjoy seeingeverybody smiling and havinga good time.”THE BURKE CENTRE FESTI-VAL runs Saturday, Sept. 6 from9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday,Sept. 7 from 11a.m. – 5 p.m. Formore information, visitwww.burkecentreweb.com.5911 Fairview Woods DriveFairfax Station, Virginia 22039PHONE: 703/503-9210FAX: 503-2846E-mail: spwmain@gmail.comWeb site: www.spiw.orgFree Estimates703-969-1179Sunday Worship ServicesNew Schedule begins September 14th7:45 am A quiet, contemplative focus9:00 am Contemporary service10:15 am Education time for adultsand children11:15 am Traditional choral worship5:00 pm Contemporary serviceCome, all are welcome here!Bathroom Remodel Special $6,850Celebrating 15 Years in Business!TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom RemodelingSelect yourproducts fromour MobileShowroomand DesignCenterFully Insured &Class A LicensedEst. 1999Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.comCOMMUNITIES OF WORSHIPLooking for a New Place of Worship?Visit Antioch Baptist Church!All Are Welcome!Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.Sunday School for Children & Adults 9:30 a.m.Married Couples Sunday School 11:30 a.m.703-425-0710 • www.antioch-church.org6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 220399800 Old Keene Mill Rd.703-455-7041Sunday School9:15 AMWorship Service10:30 AMwww.calvaryfamily.com“Continuing the ministry ofChrist on earth”JubileeChristian Center“Experience the Difference”Worship Gathering – Sunday 8:45 & 11 AMSunday School 10:10 AMSunday Evening – Realtime Worship& Youth 6 PMFamily Night – Wednesday 7:15 PMHome Life Groups & College/Young Adult MinistriesVisit our Website: www.jccag.org4650 Shirley Gate Road, FairfaxBill Frasnelli, PASTOR 703-383-1170To AdvertiseYour Communityof Worship, Call703-778-9418<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 11
Zone 2: • <strong>Burke</strong>• Fairfax • SpringfieldHome & Gardenconnectionnewspapers.comCONTRACTORS.com703-917-6400Zone 2 Ad Deadline:Tuesday NoonELECTRICALRecessed LightingCeiling FansPhone/CATVComputer Network CablingService UpgradesHot Tubs, etc…GUTTERELECTRICALLicensed/Bonded/InsuredOffice 703-335-0654Mobile 703-499-0522lektrkman28@gmail.comGUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts CleanedSmall Repairs • Gutter GuardsPINNACLE SERVICESlic/ins 703-802-0483 free est.email jamie@lawnsandgutters.comweb: lawnsandgutters.comFriendly Service with a Friendly Price!HANDYMANGUTTERHANDYMANSPRINGFIELD HANDYMANSmall Home RepairsGood RatesExperienced703-971-2164RCL HOME REPAIRSHandyman ServicesSpringfld • <strong>Burke</strong> • KingstowneLight Electrical • Plumbing •Bathroom Renovation • Ceramic Tile •Drywall Repair703-922-4190LIC. www.rclhomerepairs.com INS.Good is not good,where better is expected.-Thomas FullerIMPROVEMENTSThe HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTIONBATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MOREYou have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.LicensedInsuredWe Accept VISA/MC703-441-8811A&S Landscaping• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl.screened) • Erosion &Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt SealingIMPROVEMENTSR&N Carpentry✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing✦Exterior Wood Rot More!Deck & Fence repair, Screen PorchesNo jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured703-987-5096703-863-7465LICENSEDServing All of N. VirginiaIMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTSIMPROVEMENTSIMPROVEMENTSR.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, PaintingWe Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A LicPhone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: rncontractorsinc@gmail.comwww.rncontractors.comLAWN SERVICELAWN SERVICEPINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICEMOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGESFriendly Service for a Friendly Price703-802-0483MASONRYMASONRYBRICK AND STONECustom Masonry703-768-3900www.custommasonry.infoPatios, Walkways, Stoops, Steps, DrivewaysRepairs & New Installs•All Work GuranteedPAVINGPAVINGGOLDY BRICKCONSTRUCTIONWalkways, Patios, Driveways,Flagstone, ConcreteFREE ESTIMATESLicensed, Insured, Bonded703-250-6231TREE SERVICETREE SERVICEQuality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insuredSpring Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,shrubbery trimming, mulching, leafremoval, planting, hauling, gutter cleaning,retaining walls, drainage problems, etc.25 years of experience – Free estimates703-868-535824 Hour Emergency Tree ServiceHOW TO SUBMIT ADS TONewspapers & OnlineCLASSIFIED • CHOOSE 1 TO 6 ZONESE-mail classified@connectionnewspapers.comor call Andrea @ 703-778-9411EMPLOYMENT • CHOOSE 1 TO 6 ZONESE-mail classified@connectionnewspapers.comor call Andrea @ 703-778-9411HAULINGAL’S HAULINGJunk & RubbishConcrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debrisLow Rates NOVA703-360-4364703-304-4798 cell7 DAYS A WEEKANGEL’S HAULINGJunk Trash Removal,Yard/ConstructionDebris, Garage/ BasementClean Out,Furniture & Appl.703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182LANDSCAPINGA&S CONSTRUCTIONBathrooms, Kitchens,Flooring, completeremodeling.703-863-7465LANDSCAPINGJUNK HAULINGJunk, Rubbish,Homes, Offices,Commerical,Yard/ConstructionDebris, Lot Clearout, 24 hrs day,General Hom Work.703-520-4338 N-VAPAVINGJoseph SealcoatingSpecialistPAVING35 YearsExperience! FreeEstimates!703-494-5443TREE SERVICEANGEL’S TREE REMOVALBrush & Yard DebrisTrimming & ToppingGutters & HaulingAngeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182Employers:Are your recruiting ads notworking in other papers?Try a better way to fill youremployment openingsDullesAirportChantillyCentrevilleNorthClifton1Herndon4RestonOaktonHistoricCliftonGreatFalls6FairfaxNorthPotomacRockville5ViennaPotomacBethesda ChevyChaseMcLean<strong>Burke</strong>Fairfax SpringfieldStation2LaurelHillArlingtonWashington,D.C.• Target your best job candidateswhere they live.• Reach readers in additionto those who are currentlylooking for a job.• Proven readership.• Proven results.703-917-6464classified@connectionnewspapers.comGreat Papers • Great Readers • Great Results!312 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
EmploymentBUSINESS OPPTELEPHONEA great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!301-333-1900☎☎Weekdays 9-4☎☎Lead Teacherfor 2 1⁄2 year old class 5 days a weekfrom 9-12:45, Sept - May. We followFCPS school calendar with paid holidaysand teacher work days. E-mail:preschool@saintchristophers.netMedical OfficeBookkeeping ClerkImmediate PT opening in busypediatric office in Alexandria.Mon-Fri 9-2, some Saturday hoursPlease call Lee-Ann at703-914-8989, ext. 128.Chuy’s authentic Tex-Mex restaurant fromAustin, TX is opening its first Northern Virginialocation in Fairfax, VA on Sept. 16. Now hiringexperienced servers! Must be hard workerswith big smiles. Prepare for high volume and fun.Apply in person at:11213 Lee Highway, Suite N • Fairfax, VA 22031Now Hiring for Springfield Location at:The Comfort Inn Springfield6560 Loisdale Court, Springfield, VA 22150Monday-Saturday from 9am to 5pmwww.Chuys.com Facebook.com/ChuysNorthernVAwww.ConnectionNewspapers.comBUSINESS OPPTELEPHONEA great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!301-333-1900☎☎Weekdays 9-4☎☎Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn many aspects ofthe newspaper business. Internships availablein reporting, photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and for adultsconsidering change of career. Unpaid. E-mailinternship@connectionnewspapers.comEmployers:Are yourrecruiting adsnot working inother papers?Try a betterway to fillyouremploymentopeningsDullesAirportChantillyCentreville1NorthCliftonHerndon4RestonNorthPotomacRockvillePotomacGreat BethesdaChevyFallsChaseMcLeanViennaOakton 6ArlingtonHistoricCliftonFairfax5<strong>Burke</strong>Fairfax SpringfieldStation2LaurelHillWashington,D.C.• Target your best jobcandidates wherethey live.• Reach readers inaddition to thosewho are currentlylooking for a job.• Proven readership.• Proven results.703-917-6464classified@connectionnewspapers.comGreat Papers • Great ReadersGreat Results!3Zone 2: • <strong>Burke</strong>• Fairfax • Springfield21 AnnouncementsABC LICENSEVirginia CVS Pharmacy LLC,trading as CVS Pharmacy#5467, 12734 Shoppes Lane,Fairfax, VA 22033The above establishment isapplying to the VIRGINIADEPARTMENT OFALCOHOLIC BEVERAGECONTROL for a Beer andWine off Premises license tosell or manufacture alcoholicbeverages. Linda M. Cimbron,Asst. SecretaryNOTE: Objections to the issuanceof this license must besubmitted to ABC no later that30 days from the publishingdate of the first of two requirednewspaper legal notices.objections should be registeredat www.abc.virginia.govor 800-552-3200.26 AntiquesWe pay top $ for antiquefurniture and mid-centuryDanish/modernteak furniture, STERLING,MEN'S WATCHES, jewelryand costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.Email:theschefers@cox.net28 Yard SalesYard sale 9/6 dishes decorClothes books kids toysFurniture. All must go!4261 Allison Cir Ffx 22030An expertis someonewho knowssome of theworst mistakesthat can bemade in hissubject and howto avoid them.-WernerHeisenbergClassified703-917-6400Zone 2 Ad Deadline:Tuesday Noon12 Commercial Lease 12 Commercial Lease<strong>Burke</strong> - 650 to 1,080sf2nd floor office spaceavailable in thriving mixed use shopping center.Perfect for a move from a home office.Kevin Allen / Kimco Realty 410-427-4434101 Computers 101 ComputersHDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup(571) 265-2038jennifer@HDIComputerSolutions.com27 Hobbies & Crafts 27 Hobbies & CraftsBARBARA WAGNER POTTERYbarbarah.wagner@verizon.netPottery Hand-Buildingand Tile Making Classes:Tuesday OR Wednesday mornings.9:30 – 12:30 for 10 weeks, beginningSeptember 16 OR 17, 2014. $250.00fee includes 25 lbs. of Clay, Glazes and firing.Call Barbara Wagner,703-503-9037 for further information.202 Domestic Auto 202 Domestic AutoFOR SALE-1994 GEO PRIZM LSi95.6K miles (white/minor dings). Runs great! 5-spd. StandardTransmission; Sunroof; AM/FM/Cassette Deck/4 Speakers;Power Side Mirrors; 1-yr. old tires; Pampered with SyntheticOil every 3 mos./3K mi. for 20 yrs; Fully Detailed; Price: $2K.Call: 571/338-1576 or 703/222-4492 (Fairfax)21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 AnnouncementsBulletin BoardSend notes to the Connection atsouth@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. The deadline for submissions is the Fridayprior to publication. Dated announcements should besubmitted at least two weeks prior to the event.THURSDAY/SEPT. 4English for Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL) Class Registration. 9:30 a.m. - 12p.m. or 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Church of the GoodShepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, <strong>Burke</strong>. Fee of$60 due first day of class. Includes textbook,workbook, snacks. Class ends Dec. 4. 703-323-5400 or www.good-shepherd.net.SATURDAY/SEPT. 6Lake Braddock Crew Boosters Yard/GarageSale. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. White Oaks Elementary,6130 Shiplett Drive <strong>Burke</strong>. Want to donateitems? Email: lbcrewfundraising@gmail.com bySept. 4.Dog Adoption. 12 - 3 p.m. PETCO, 13053 LeeJackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. 703-817-9444 or http://www.hart90.org/TUESDAY/SEPT. 9The Wakefield Chorale Rehearsal. 7:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m. United Baptist Church, 7100Columbia Pike, Annandale. Member recruitmentfor Christmas program for retirement homes. Noaudition required. Dues $25 for season plus costof sheet music. Call Susan, 703-255-3489.WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 10Parenting: The Early Years Bible Study.Sign up by Sept. 10. Franconia United MethodistChurch, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria.Video-driven study. Classes start Sept. 21 at9:45 a.m. Free. 703-971-5151,admin@franconiaumc.org, or http://www.franconiaumc.org.“I Wish Jesus Hadn’t Said That!” BibleStudy. Sign up by Sept. 10. Franconia UnitedMethodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road,Alexandria. Book study. Sundays at 6 p.m.starting Sept. 21 and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. startingSept. 23. Free. 703-971-5151,admin@franconiaumc.org, or http://www.franconiaumc.org.NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 Speaker.American Legion Post 176, 6520 AmherstAvenue, Springfield. Chapter member BarbarDieker will provide info on fraud, scams andfinancial exploitation. Free. Contact Pat Harahanat 703-569-9684 or harahan@verizon.net.SATURDAY/SEPT. 13Multi-Family Yard Sale. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. DanielsRun Elementary School, 3705 Old Lee Highway,Fairfax. Sales benefit Fairfax High School CrewTeam. Rain or shine.Louis Bayard. 2 p.m. Richard Byrd Library, 7250Commerce Street, Springfield. Author LouisBayard discusses his latest book, Roosevelt’sBeast.Dog Adoption. 12 - 3 p.m. Sat. PETCO,Greenbriar Towncenter, 13053 Lee JacksonMemorial Highway, Fairfax. Call 703-817-9444or visit http://www.hart90.org/HIV/AIDS Prevention Faith Summit forAdults and Teens. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. AntiochBaptist Church, 6531 Little Ox Road, FairfaxStation. The summit will address how stigmadrives the HIV epidemic and examine HIVstigma experiences through different lenses.Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/registration.aspx?groupid=26 to register.MONDAY/SEPT. 15American Red Cross Blood Donation. 8:30a.m. - 2 p.m. Noman M. Cole Jr. PollutionControl Plant, 9399 Richmond Highway, Lorton.redcross.org or 1-800-RED-CROSS.TUESDAY/SEPT. 17Connected on the Homefront. 7-9 p.m.Immanuel Bible Church, 6911 Braddock Road,Springfield. Monthly meetings that providedinner, fellowship and guest speakers tominister to wives and women of active duty,reservists and retired military. Visitwww.immanuelbible.net or 703-941-4124.Hospitalization Happens. 1:30 p.m. InsightMemory Care Center, formerly Alzheimer’sFamily Day Center, 2812 Old Lee Highway,Suite 210, Fairfax. A trip to the hospital for aperson with dementia can be stressful foreveryone; join in to discuss ways you canprepare for both planned and unexpectedhospital visits. Call 703-204-4664 to RSVP andfor more information.<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 13
SportsLake Braddock’s Edwards Makes First Start at QBBruins defeat WestPotomac in seasonopener.By Jon RoetmanLake Braddock junior Kyle Edwards made his first start at quarterback against West Potomac on Aug. 29.Lake Braddockrunning backDejoun Leerushed for 147yards and twotouchdownsagainst WestPotomac onAug. 29.Photos byCraig Sterbutzel/The ConnectionThe ConnectionKyle Edwards started 13 games atsafety and outside linebackerduring his sophomore year, butthe experience failed to fully preparehim for Aug. 29.After an offseason of hype and questions,Edwards made his first start at quarterbackfor the Lake Braddock football team. Hereplaced All-American Caleb Henderson,now a freshman with the University ofNorth Carolina Tar Heels. Facing WestPotomac on the Bruins’ home field, Edwardsassumed his role as field general for a LakeBraddock program that has won five consecutivedistrict championships.“I started 13 games last year but not atthe position I’m playing right now,” Edwardssaid following Friday’s season opener. “Definitely,that first quarter, throwing the ballwas kind of awkward. … Playing 13 gameson the defensive side of the ball, that’s awhole different mindset. I was definitelyprepared for the speed and the physicality,but I had to get used to throwing in front of2,000 people.”Edwards struggled at times, but the juniordid enough to lead Lake Braddock to a30-6 victory over Conference 7 foe WestPotomac. Edwards had a rough night in thepassing game, completing just 8 of 19 attemptsfor 104 yards, but had multiplethrows dropped by receivers. Edwards alsolost a pair of fumbles.On the positive side, No. 12 rushed 15times for 109 yards and two touchdowns.His 32-yard scoring scamper early in thefourth quarter gave Lake Braddock a 24-0lead.“I thought the quarterback did well [forhis] first time out,” Lake Braddock headcoach Jim Poythress said. “We dropped alot of balls.”What has Poythress told Edwards aboutreplacing Henderson?“Be himself, that’s it,” the coach said. “Really,what else can you say? We’ve producedquite a few quarterbacks and we expect himjust to maintain the status quo and get itmoving. … I thought he ran the ball well,he was effective on most of the passes. Howmany were dropped?”After the game, Edwards discussed howhe’s handled the repetitive questions aboutreplacing Henderson, who led LakeBraddock to a 21-3 record over two seasonsand helped the Bruins reach the 20136A North region semifinals.“As many times as I’ve been asked aboutit, it doesn’t cross my mind when I’m outon the field,” said Edwards, who is listed at6 feet 2, 210 pounds. “We’re trying to dosomething ourselves. I was part of a teamlast year, we were 12-1, and now we haveto start from scratch. … People ask me questions,but I’m not really thinking about it,honestly.” Edwards won’t have to carry theoffensive load by himself. Against WestPotomac, senior running back Dejoun Leerushed 16 times for 147 yards and twotouchdowns. His 60-yard touchdown rungave the Bruins a 30-0 advantage with 6:20remaining in the fourth quarter.“[West Potomac was] running after himall night,” Poythress said. “… When he getsloose, he’s a problem for people.”Lee has faith Edwards can perform at ahigh level.“We can’t live in the past,” Lee said. “Wehad a great quarterback, we’re going todevelop a just-as-good quarterback, hopefully,for Kyle’s sake. I think he can be thatgood, and I think he will be that good.”Senior receiver/defensive back AJAlexander, listed at 6 feet 4, 225 pounds, isa Division I recruit. On Friday, he caughttwo passes for 54 yards and finished witheight tackles and a pass break-up.What has it been like transitioning to anew quarterback?“It’s different. It’s not better, it’s not worse,it’s just different,” Alexander said. “You’vegot to work on your timing. [It was] twoyears … with Caleb Henderson, getting thesame kind of ball every time, as opposed to<strong>Burke</strong> Connection Sports Editor Jon Roetman703-752-4031 or jroetman@connectionnewspapers.comhaving someone come in and throw you aball differently.”Lake Braddock’s next challenge is a homegame against Stone Bridge at 7:30 p.m. onFriday, Sept. 5. Edwards figures to get morecomfortable in his prominent position as theseason progresses. Maybe he’ll even havefewer questions to answer about replacingCaleb Henderson.“Caleb Henderson is a heck of a playerand his legacy deserves to be asked aboutand I hope he does well at UNC,” Alexandersaid. “But it’s on to a new chapter now forhim and Lake Braddock football with KyleEdwards as our new quarterback.”14 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
ALEXANDRIATOYOTA3750 Jefferson Davis Hwy.Alexandria, VA 22305703-684-0710www.alexandriatoyota.comALEXANDRIATOYOTAPOTOMACRIVERService Department Hours:Monday – Friday, 7:00am to 9:00pmSaturday, 8:00am to 5:00pmServiceCentersKeep Your Toyotaa Toyota27 YEARS OFRECEIVING THISHONORTOYOTALIFETIME GUARANTEEMufflers•Exhaust Pipes•Shocks•StrutsToyota mufflers, exhaust pipes, shocks, strutsand strut cartridges are guaranteed to theoriginal purchaser for the life of the vehiclewhen installed by an authorized Toyota dealer.See us for full details.Let’s Go PlacesYou Have Saturdays OffThat’s Exactly Why We Don’t!www.ConnectionNewspapers.com<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ September 4-10, 2014 ❖ 15
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SeniorLivingSEPTEMBER 2014<strong>Burke</strong>www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Local Media LLConline <strong>Burke</strong> at Connection www.connectionnewspapers.com❖ Senior Living September 2014 ❖ 1
Senior LivingTaking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’By Tim PetersonThe ConnectionThe “Silver Tsunami” iscoming, the steep increase in the 50-anduppart of the countypopulation.“It’s here,” said Supervisor PatHerrity (R-Springfield). “We’re alreadyliving in it.”Between 2005 and 2030, the<strong>Burke</strong>Senior Livingis produced byConnection Newspaperswww.ConnectionNewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLCFor more information,call 703-778-9431 or emailsales@connectionnewspapers.comnumber of individuals 50 andolder is projected to grow by 40percent in Fairfax County and thenumber 70 and older is projectedto grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributesthe changes to both theaging of Baby Boomers, and thegeneral increase in life expectancy.With those significant changesto community demographics alreadyunderway, the Board of Supervisorsand Fairfax Area Commissionon Aging initiallydrafted a plan back in2007 to make sure theSilver Tsunami was a factorin county planning.In 2013, Herrity andthe commission decidedthe plan needed a majorfacelift. They spent thesummer reaching out tocommunities aroundFairfax County throughpublic forums, includinggroups that speak Korean,Vietnamese, Spanishand Arabic. (Accordingto the 2011 AmericanCommunity Survey bythe U.S. Census Bureau,26.7 percent of residentsin Fairfax County speak a languagebesides English at home.)The idea was to facilitate dialogon how to make the county moreaging-friendly and to considercost-effective strategies to helppeople manage their housing andtransportation needs and age inplace.“The need is clearly there for usto take action,” said Herrity. “Wewent to the communities, heardtheir concerns. This is our attemptfor an attainable, affordable, actionableplan to address what weheard.”Now Herrity and the commissionare ready to present the newand improved 50+ CommunityAction Plan to the Board of Supervisorsat their meeting on Sept. 9,and expect the board to approvethe plan at the Sept. 23 meeting.The plan in its entirety is availablein PDF form through thecounty’s website atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults. The plan addressesaging-friendly needs in six key areas:Transportation, Housing, Safeand Healthy Community, CommunityEngagement, Services forHerrity to present 50+ Plan to Boardof Supervisors next week.Older Adults and FamilyCaregivers, and LongtermPlanning.Within each of thesecategories are a range ofcommunity-driven initiativesdesigned tofunction with little or nogovernment direction. Inmost cases, a local civicleader or “champion”would coordinate with acounty staff member ifnecessary, but otherwisework independently, andrequire a lot of engagementfrom the community.THE INITIATIVESRUN THE GAMUTfrom simply encouragingpeople to volunteerfor Meals on Wheels andmedical appointmentdriving programs, to creatingpartnerships thatwould offer low cost or free casemanagement and mental healthtreatment.In the transportation category,Courtesy photoJim LindsayCourtesy photoDr. ThomasProhaskaone facet includes supportingthe Jewish CommunityCenter of NorthernVirginia’s effort toprovide a ride schedulersystem for communitybasedorganizations,partnering with multiplenonprofits. It won’t exactlybe Uber for the elderly,but federal grantmoney will help maketheir services muchmore widely available toget seniors to doctor’sappointments, the grocerystore, etc.Home Sharing is anexperimental initiative.Many older adults live inhomes with extra bedroomsand want to remainthere as long aspossible. At the sametime, many adults withlimited income are lookingfor affordable rent.The guide will provide advice onhow to safely share a home. Theidea is to match aging adults withSee 50-Plus Page 7A healthy body starts with a healthy mouth!At Peter K. Cocolis, Jr. and Associates, we believeoptimum oral health is key to total body health andwell-being. These days, going to the dentist is notjust about taking good care of your teeth; it isabout taking good care of your health. Problemsin your mouth can be signs of trouble elsewherein your body. 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Our skilled andcompassionate team pairs patienteducation with the latest dentaltechniques and technology, offeringan extensive array of dentalservices including digital x-rays,injection-free laser procedures,CAD-cam same-day porcelaincrowns, tooth whitening, Invisalign, andveneers. We offer a variety of sedationoptions including oral sedation and nitrous oxide(sleep dentistry) and are dedicated to easing all aspects ofyour dental experience.Visit us on the Web or give us a call to discover what ourpatients are saying and to make your appointment.Our Services:• Routine cleanings andcheck-ups• Fillings and sealants• Sedation “sleep” dentistry• Nitrous oxide• Crowns, bridges, inlays,onlays• Extractions• TMJ/TMD therapy• Endodontic (root canal) therapy• Periodontal (gum) therapyincluding scaling androot planing• Custom partial and full dentures• Custom occlusal andsport guards• Implants• Bonding and veneers• In-office professional whitening• Invisalign (clear braces without the wires)5803 Rolling Road, Suite 211Springfield, VA 22152703-912-3800 • www.smiles4va.comMonday–Thursday 8 A.M.–5 P.M.; Friday* 8 A.M.–1 P.M. *Once monthly for sedation appointments2 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Senior LivingTime to Downsize?By Marilyn CampbellThe ConnectionPhoto courtesy of Four SaleDaniel Sanders, president and CEO of Four Sales LTD, a professionalestate sales, auctions and personal property appraisals company, helpsclear out a garage. Such services make it easier for seniors down movefrom a large home into a smaller house.modate.”When tackling the downsizing process,Sanders suggests a few guidelines: “Westrongly recommendusing anemotional yardstick to determinewhether tokeep or not keepsomething,” hesaid. “Look forthings that have amemory associatedwith them.Like, ‘Rememberwhen Mom andDad went to Rehoboth [Beach] and boughtthis Murano glass bird? It was one of thebest days of their lives.’”Those mementosgo on a list of“A personal space is like anautobiography. People arecomplex so it is oftendifficult to find just one stylethat fits every impulse.”— Susan Hergenrather, Ph.D., professor ofinterior design, Marymount UniversitySuggestions for seniors lookingfor homes to fit the next phaseof their lives.When Beverly Quinn’s fourthchild, a daughter, got married,she decided it was timeto downsize. The 69-yearoldwidow moved out of the 4,000-squarefoothome in Vienna, Va., where she andher husband raised their children and intoa 1,300-square-foot townhouse in NorthPotomac, Md., which meets her new needsperfectly.“It’s a big change,” she said. “But I guessthat is part of downsizing.”One of the most difficult parts of Quinn’stransition was boxing up more than 30 yearsof memories, and deciding which items tomove into her new home, which to give toher children and deciding which to donateor discard. It’s a familiar conundrum formany seniors: organizing, decluttering andresisting the desire to take more than theirnew, smaller homes can accommodate.“We see it all the time with our members,”said Barbara Sullivan, executive director ofMount Vernon At Home, a nonprofit thathelps senior citizens age in their ownhomes. “Our volunteers help withdownsizing by reorganizing, cleaning outclosets, and decluttering.”Downsizing is also emotional: “Movingfrom a 4,000-square-foot home into a retirementcommunity or small 800- to 1,200-square-foot apartment can be difficult,” saidDaniel Sanders, president and CEO of FourSales LTD, a professional estate sales, auctionsand personal property appraisals company.“There is often a conflict betweenwhat Mom and Dad want them to take withthem and what they can actually accomthreehour shifts, take a break and do anothertwo to three hour shift.“We want to build mild frustration becauseyou begin to make decisive decisionsthat are more precise,” he said. “And youare less likely to rethink and over-think.”When cleaning a larger home in preparationfor a downsize, Sanders suggests thatfamilies go through each room of the housein a systematic fashion, collecting familyphotos; family records like birth, death andmarriage certificates; and financial records.“You’d be surprised by how much youaccumulate over the years,” said Quinn.“The process is draining, both physically andmentally. The only bright spot was that Iwas going to be living closer to my childrenand grandchildren and I liked my new townhouse.”Once seniors have pared down their belongingsand begun the moving process,some, like Quinn, begin to look forward tostarting anew and designing their newhomes to reflect their new styles and needs.However, it’s not only important to arrangefurniture and accessories tastefully, but ina way that takes issues like safety hazardsand new lifestyle issues into consideration.“The best advice is understanding thatpersonal style is rooted in your past, placesthat you love, the present, what you lovetoday, and the future,” said SusanHergenrather, Ph.D. associate professor ofinterior design at Marymount University inArlington, Va. “A personal space is like anautobiography. People are complex, so it isoften difficult to find just one style that fitsevery impulse.”When it comes to creating a comfortableitems to considerkeeping, saidSanders. He recommendswaiting24 hours andthen trying to cutthe list in half.“Depending onthe age of theparent, it’s goodto work in two to See Downsize, Page 5Quilting Studio Adds to Dream HomeAt 72, Wanda Rogers engages in anearly American craft she first learnedfrom her grandmother.www.ConnectionNewspapers.comBy John ByrdThe ConnectionQuilting takes patience; ditto thesteps entailed in setting up aquilting studio all of one’s own.Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers,72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professionalcareer, and increasing precioushours spent in the pursuit of a mountainstatehandicraft she learned from hermother and grandmother.“We were all quilters where I grew up inWest Virginia,” Rogers recalls. “My mother,my grandmother, my aunt. The originalityof a quilt’s pattern is the larger artistic goal,but it takes a lot of concentrated quiet timeto achieve it. Between raising children,moving frequently and then working, therejust weren’t a lot hours for quilting beforenow, much as I love it.”The particularly hectic phase of Rogers’young married life included setting up 18different households in places where husbandTed, an Air Force pilot, was stationed.In the early 1980s, the family finally settledinto a 2,533-square-foot ranch house on twoacres near Springfield.Three years ago, when Ted retired, thecouple collaborated with remodeler DavidSee Quilting Studio, Page 4Photo courtesy of Home Fronts NewsWanda and her daughter Janyce preparing fabrics at the studio’s worktable. The marble counter surface also has a role in the studio’s kitchenette.<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 ❖ 3
Senior LivingQuilting Studio Adds to Dream HomeFrom Page 3Foster in transforming the ranch into a substantiallyenlarged and upgraded “dreamhouse,” complete with a two-car garagetopped by a future quilting studio.“I knew my plans were getting closer toreality when we added drywall to the atticroom above the garage, “ Rogers says. “Oncethe space was shelled-in, I began to see howthe studio would look and function.”For the next three years, however, Rogerskept up her a daily work schedule with ahealthcare consulting firm, a job that requiredfrequent out-of-town meetings.“We had installed temperature controlsin the studio when we remodeled thehouse,” Rogers says. “Everything was wellinsulatedand bright, so I moved-in an easychair and started thinking about what Iwanted to do.”Last year, Ted presented Wanda with aprofessional quality Bernina Sewing Machine,and the studio makeover got underwayin earnest.“We designed the suite specifically to supportWanda’s creative process,” says Foster,who has operated Foster Remodeling Solutionsfor more than 35 years. “We had toallocate enough floor space in the middleof the room so she could completely lay outa quilt in progress. Her process also requiresa way to keep carefully catalogued materialswithin easy reach.”AT 400 SQUARE FEET, with large windowson both the eastern- and western-facingwalls, the studio is flooded with naturallight during the day, an effect Wandafinds inspiring. The hickory wood flooring,apart from its lovely asesthetics, is entirelyfunctional as a surface for cutting and assemblingfabrics. Built-ins on either side ofthe assembly area have been custom-designedto hold specific fabrics and otherPhotos courtesy of Home Fronts NewsThree generations (from left): Janyce Rogers, Wanda Rogers and JuliaWalker display recent handiwork.essentials. Rogers says some of the fabricsdate back to the 1930s and were passeddown from her grandmother.“All the women in the family were activein quilting bees” Rogers recalls. “One of myaunts’ designs was featured over the coverof a national magazine. We were also activein the National Quilting Symposium”.But for all its delicacy of color and pattern,a quilt must also be functional as abed cover. To assure the end-product is wellmade,Rogers employs a Bernina “surger”which stitches finished overlock seams onthe side of the quilt opposite from the displaypattern. Since Rogers likes to regularlyconsider fabrics in a variety colors, shadesand textures, the studio offers some 64 cubicfeet of additional storage space behindeach wall.Like most dedicated artisans, Rogers insistedon a self-sufficient studio that wouldallow her to stickwith a developingvision without interruption.Hence,the kitchenette, thefull bath with walkinshower. Also, theAdvantium oven;two-burnercooktop; the WiFihook-up, thelaptop.“I don’t have torun back to thehouse for lunch, orPattern originality is one of quiltingsprimary artistic goals, Rogerssays, adding: “it’s a process thatcan’t be rushed.”a cup of tea,” Rogers says. “The amenitiessimply allow me to concentrate on theproject at hand. That’s what it takes to dothis kind of work well.”While the full bath and refined finishworkwill also allow the attic to double as a guestroom when needed, Rogers says the studiois fundamentally designed for quilting. Byinserting a specially designed cutting boardover the sink, for instance, the L-shapedkitchenette surface converts to a work table.There’s even an unseen custom niche tohold the ironing board Rogers uses to flattenfabric.“I see the studio as an integral part tomy life ahead,” says Rogers, adding that thather 10-year old granddaughter now wantsto learn quilting from her. “This kind offullfillment isn’t just good luck; it’s somethingyou have to plan.”On a related note, David Foster observesthat the studio is consistent with the kindbroader-scale retirement home upgrades hisfirm has been seeing in the recent past. Seventy-fivepercent of his current clients arenow over 55; as of last year, 44 percent hadcome back to him for a second project.“We’re seeing a lot more interest in aphased development approach to retrofittingthe family house for retirement,” Fostersays. “To save money on future projects,a remodeling clientsometimes asks usto insulate and drywalla part of thehouse they don’tplan to actually usefor a while. This isa simple way ofthinking ahead thatadds value and usuallydoesn’t appreciablyincrease theexisting remodelingbudget. There’s akind of generationalsearch formore enduringhousing solutions that’s now underway, andit’s evolving rapidly.”Foster Remodeling Solutions periodically offersworkshops on home remodeling topics. Call703-550-1371 or visit www.fosterremodeling.com for more. John Byrd (byrdmatx@gmail.com) has been writing about home improvementtopics for 30 years.Situated above the family’s two car garage, the new quilting studioprovides the privacy Wanda Rogers was seeking when she decided toresume the craft she learned from her grandmother more than 60 yearsago.Wanda Rogers, 71, displays some of her quilts.4 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Senior LivingTips for Right-sizing the Next PhaseFrom Page 3but elegant living space, Hergenrather says,“First, think about the work the space needsto do.”WAITING TOO LONG before making thedecision to downsize can complicate theprocess. “It’s always better for someone todownsize to a smaller home before they arein a crisis situation, [for example] suddenly,they can no longer climb a lotof stairs and must move to a singleleveldwelling, but often a person willput off that decision until it’s nearlytoo late,” said Cele Garrett, ExecutiveDirector of At Home in Alexandria.“We have some members facing thatdecision right now and they’ll oftenadmit they should have done itsooner.”For many seniors, a living spaceneeds to keep them safe. “You mightneed to add grab bars,” said Sullivan.“Also watch for trip hazards like throw rugsand clutter. Check for furniture that needsto be moved back to make the house moreaccessible for moving around. Relocateplates, cups and sauces so that they are ineasy reach for seniors.”Sullivan’s organization has volunteerswho can help with enlarging bathrooms andwidening doorways to accommodate wheelchairsand walkers.When designing a new, smaller space,Sanders recommends interior design magneticfloor planning kits, which help determinea person’s furniture needs and placementbefore they actually move. “The startingpoint for every good move is the floorplan at the receiving location,” he said.When moving out of a familiar environmentand into new surroundings, there area few factors that can be overlooked whenstriving to maintain one’s quality of life.“Personal style is rooted inyour past, places that youlove, the present, what youlove today, and the future.”— Susan Hergenrather, Ph.D., professor ofinterior design, Marymount UniversityIf a senior chooses to live alone, there areseveral issues that should be monitored,advises Maura Barillaro, a registered nursewith Home Care Assistance in Bethesda,McLean and Fairfax. “Basically, there are somany needs that we see in the elderly, includingboredom, frailty, loneliness, mobilityissues, progressing illnesses,” she said.“We would all like to maintain cognitivefunctioning throughout our lives and thisis especially important late in life,” said PamGreenwood, Ph.D., associate professor ofpsychology, George Mason University inFairfax, Va. So when looking for a new placeto live, make sure there are opportunitiesfor physical exercise, mental stimulationand social stimulation.“The strongest evidence concerns aerobicexercise – there are real benefits formind and brain of moving physically daily,”said Greenwood.“There is also growing evidence of thebenefits of cognitive training for everydayfunctioning – perhaps the strongest evidenceis perception training – visual andauditory perception. Several studies, includingour own, have shown broad transfer ofbenefits from perception training to everydayfunctioning.”When remodeling this bathroom, Glickman Design Build added a benchto this shower. Such features can help seniors to downsize and livealone safely.Photos courtesy of Glickman Design BuildAn Alexandriaat Home volunteerhangs apainting forone of theorganization’sseniors whochose todownsize andlive alone.Photos courtesy of Alexandria at HomeAlexandria atHome volunteershelps amember withyard work.Such servicesallow seniorsto downsizeand live alonemore easily.Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon At HomeA volunteer helps change a light bulb for a MountVernon at Home member.www.ConnectionNewspapers.com<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 ❖ 5
Senior LivingEngaging over the New YorkerBy Marilyn CampbellThe ConnectionThere was a time when 83-year-old Bob Kanchugerspent most Friday morningson a 30-mile bike ride withfriends. The group of retirees wouldpedal toward a local destination –Bethesda, Md., to Old Town Alexandria,Va., was a favorite trek — where theywould have coffee and spirited debateson everything from foreign policy to economicinequality before making the returntrip.“One of the things that kept peoplecoming together is that we would havea defined day of riding and we wouldmake sure we had an interesting placeto stop and have coffee and discussions,”said Kanchuger, a resident of Potomac,Md., and an attorney who retired fromthe World Bank Group.While outdoor exercise was a definitebenefit, it wasn’t the best part for all ofthe group members. “The most enjoyablepart was the discussion at our midwaypoint,” said Dr. Elliot C. Wilner, aretired neurologist who lives inBethesda.Kanchuger wanted to preserve thestimulating discussions even after the bikerides were no longer possible. “It was likelythat biking would come to an end becauseof our age and physical health,” saidKanchuger. “Several of us subscribed to theNew Yorker and enjoyed discussing the articles,and that was an activity that wouldmeet some of our social needs of retirement.”So Kanchuger approached Wilner withthe idea of forming a New Yorker magazinediscussion group. They invited a few likemindedfriends from the biking group. Themen meet on the first Wednesday afternoonPhoto courtesy of Dawn LandsmanBefore the New Yorker Group, spirited discussions took place as part of theFriday morning bicycling group. Here, Tony Abroms, Dawn Landsman, MarkZweig, Elliot Wilner, Ian McDonald and Bob Kanchuger pictured in 2009.of each month for two hours of insightfulconversation. Group members choose threeto four stories from the magazine to readand analyze. Each article discussion is ledby a group member who prepares ideas foranalysis ahead of time and emails them tothe group.“I’ve gained and reinvigorated friendships,”said Wilner. “I enjoy the intellectuallystimulating discussions with bright,educated, well-informed people.”FOR THE SEPTEMBER MEETING,Wilner suggested two of James Surowiecki’sMembers enjoy intellectual stimulation,camaraderie over long term.columns. “Because they present both sidesof an important issue,” Wilner said. “CorporateAmerica has, over the past 40 yearsor so, evolved a business model that hasbeen almost totally devoted to the personalenrichment of executives and shareholders,with very little concern for the welfare ofworkers or the nation; and yet there is another,more socially conscious businessmodel that has been shown to be successfulbut is not widely emulated,” said Wilner.The men are united, in part, by their affinityfor mental rigor. “We all enjoy theintellectual stimulation, but the camaraderieis one of the best aspects,” said PeterKimm of Potomac, a retired foreign aidofficial who was for 30-years Director ofHousing and Urban Programs at the U.S.Agency for International Development.“We like each other. We’re a diversegroup of people – retired doctors, lawyers,engineers … with a ride range ofinterests. Everybody in the group is successful.”Light snacks, coffee and spirited debatescharacterize most of the meetings.“We don’t agree on everything,” said80-year-old Victor Kimm, Peter Kimm’sbrother, of McLean, Va., an engineer andretired senior executive for the EnvironmentalProtection Agency. “We’ve seenpeople who’ve had very different views,but there is a mutual respect. We havedifferent ways of looking at an issue andmoving on. I think it has something todo with the age of the group members.”Victor Kimm, who is also the executivedirector of SHARE, a non-profit organizationin McLean that helps meet theemergency needs of those with limitedfinancial resources, says the men haveexplored articles ranging from the growinginequity of income in the UnitedStates to stories about the group of Chileanminers trapped underground formore than two months.“There is a certain rigor or discipline inhaving a monthly meeting where you readand prepare in advance,” he said. “You haveto stick with it.”The bond between the men, however,extends beyond erudition.“We all greatly value the friendships ofthis group,” said Ian MacDonald, a residentof Chevy Chase, Md., a former journalistwho retired from the International MonetaryFund and who grew up in Great Britainand graduated from the University ofOxford. “And we’ve been there for eachother during difficult times.”Photo courtesy of Elliot WilnerElliot Wilner reads to his granddaughter, Yael Fritschie, who is not yet amember of either the New Yorker or bicycle group.Peter Kimm6 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Senior LivingPlanning for 50-PlusFrom Page 2unused space in their home withtenants looking for affordablehousing.“We think it’s an idea where thetime has come and we’re pursuingit,” said Jim Lindsay, vice presidentof Adult Companion Care andhome sharing champion. Thoughthe concept of matching grad studentsand grandparents isn’t withoutits wrinkles.“Who’s going to pay for a backgroundcheck?” said Lindsay.“Who’s going to provide care? Ifshe falls down, a college grad studentisn’t going to be there.”That’s where home care groupslike Adult Companion Care comein. They’re qualified to and regularlyperform background checks,and rent money could offset thecost of home care medical service.“This gives them a mechanismto age in place and keep up withthe burdens,” said Herrity.According to the same 2011Census Bureau study, 76.8 percentof Fairfax County residents 80 orolder live in single family homes.The Commission on ag will regularly— either quarterly or annually— fill out a scorecard of sortsfor each of the initiatives and reportback to the board.To help with evaluating the effectivenessof the plan, Herrity enlistedthe help of ThomasProhaska, Dean of the GeorgeMason University College ofHealth and Human Services. Ateam of gerontologists fromProhaska’s department will helpgather and analyze data from thevarious initiatives.Prohaska said the county hassome work to do. “They’re definitelynot dead last,” saidProhaska, referring to FairfaxCounty’s aging-friendliness comparedwith the rest of the country,“but definitely not up in front. Thisis a serious effort they’re doinghere. If it all comes into place, itwill definitely be an improvementin the quality of life.”But Fairfax county isn’t far behindwith its 50+ plan. “They’vegot quite a menu of things goingon here,” Prohaska said. “It will befascinating. This isn’t a one-timething; this is a sea change.”SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDARAdvertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted.You Can Make a DifferenceCats benefit from being in a fosterhome. We need long- and short-termfosters for cats of all ages, motherswith litters and kittens on their own.Email cats@lostdogrescue.org.www.ConnectionNewspapers.comConsiderFosteringvisit the website, click on ParticipateAdopt/Donate/Volunteer atwww.lostdogrescue.orgSEPTEMBERPublishingDatesHomeLifeStyle..............................9/10/14A+ Camps & Schools..................9/17/14Fall Fun & Arts Preview..............9/24/14OCTOBERWellbeing......................................10/1/14HomeLifeStyle PULLOUT:Deadline is 9/25/14....................10/8/14A+ Camps & Schools................10/15/14Election Preview I .....................10/22/14Election Preview II.....................10/29/14NOVEMBERAward- Election Day is Tuesday,Winning November 4.Wellbeing..............11/5/14Newspapers & Online703-778-9431www.ConnectionNewspapers.comPublishingDatesHomeLifeStyle............................11/12/14Holiday Entertainment &Gift Guide I.............................11/19/14A+...............................................11/25/14Thanksgiving is November 27.DECEMBERWellbeing......................................12/3/14HomeLifeStyle: Home for theHolidays...................................12/10/14Hanukkah begins December 16.Holiday Entertainment &Gift Guide II............................12/16/14A+ Camps & Schools................12/16/14CHILDREN’S CONNECTION..........12/24/14E-mail sales@connectionnewspapers.com for more information.Reaching Suburban Washington’s Leading Households• Alexandria Gazette Packet• Arlington Connection• <strong>Burke</strong> Connection• Centre View• Chantilly Connection• Fairfax Connection• Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection• Great Falls Connection• McLean Connection• Mount Vernon Gazette• Oak Hill/Herndon Connection• Potomac Almanac• Reston Connection• Springfield Connection• Vienna/Oakton Connection<strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 ❖ 7
By Ann EmmonsPetriSenior LivingAfter The FallIt started off like anyother February daywith our usual trip tothe fitness club formorning exercises. Whatmade this day differentwas that Bill, my 93-yearoldhusband, slipped andfell on some ice on ourdriveway, striking the backof his head. He said itdidn’t hurt.But the next day he complainedof feeling tired andeach day after that he felta little worse. Still, wedidn’t see any connectionto his fall. By the fourthday, however, he was soweak he couldn’t even getout of his chair for lunch.It finally dawned on methat something was seriouslywrong and I neededto call 911.It turned out I was fourdays too late. All this time,because he was on a bloodthinner for his high bloodpressure, he had been bleeding in his brain.The neurologist at the hospital where theambulance took him later told me that itwas one of the worst cerebral hemorrhagesshe had ever seen.The symptoms areIn MyOwn WordsAnn and Bill Petrisimilar to those of astroke and by then he wasunable to talk coherently,remember things, orwalk. This was a man, who, before he retired,had been a successful United StatesGovernment chemical and aeronauticalengineer, someone who had his own chemlab in the basement next to a beautifulwoodworking shop furnished with toolshanded down from his craftsman father. Aman who could fix anything.After the first week in Intensive Care hewas moved to a floor which specialized instroke victims where he spent the nextmonth. Little by little he began to showimprovement. His next stop after six weeksin the regular hospital would be a rehabilitationfacility where he could receive thedaily intensive speech, physical, and occupationaltherapy he needed. There he wouldhave to relearn the simplest tasks like howto speak, how to feed himself, how to getout of a bed and into a wheelchair, and howto care for himself in general.A rehab hospital very close to our homein McLean, Virginia was found which had abed available and he was transferred thereby ambulance. Here, he was kept busy mostof the day with one kind of therapy or another.After several weeks he graduatedfrom using a wheelchair to a walker andwhen he wasn’t occupied with therapy wePhoto by William Arthur Petri, Jr.practiced using his walker in the halls andsome days we even had time to take in amovie in the rehab center’s small theater!There was also a Happy Hour on Tuesdaysthat I especially liked with wine, snacks, andlively conversation!As I look back during all this time, probablythe most positive factor in his long slowrecovery has been his attitude. He neverstops trying, no matter how discouraginghis progress must seem. His attitude is simplyamazing. He is always upbeat.Another positive aspect is that we are theparents of three doctors (and one lawyer)which kind of made us celebrities in a medicalsetting. One or the other of them wasoften visiting and conferring with the rehabstaff on their father’s care even thoughtheir specialties (rheumatology, infectiousdiseases, and oncology) were far afield.After several months, it was decided thatBill could continue his recovery at home.And so, on May 8, 2014, exactly threemonths after the initial injury he returnedhome.While he was in the rehabilitation hospitalI had taken the opportunity to prepareour two story home for his return with grabbars in the bathrooms and shower, and astair lift so that he could sleep in his ownbed.So, now, here we are, six months later,settled in our own house, with Bill dependenton me for almost everything, includingsomething I was not expecting: making allthe decisions by myself. I won’t say it’s beeneasy. It hasn’t. I have to say, though, that after61 years of being the dependent one, Iam getting pretty good at being the boss!Senior Living CalendarSUNDAY-SATURDAY/SEPT. 7-13The Magic of Music. At Spring Hills MountVernon, 3709 Shannons Green Way,Alexandria. A flurry of musical activities willbring a broad spectrum of entertaining andeducational musical events to Spring HillsMount Vernon Assisted Living Community.The highlight of the week is the “Spring HillsGot Talent Show,” featuring performances byresidents, staff and community members onSunday, September 7 at 6 p.m. The public iswelcome. Call 703-780-7100 or visitwww.springhillsmountvernon.com.SATURDAY-WEDNESDAY/SEPT.13-24Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.Online registration open. Various venuesaround Northern Virginia. Events includebadminton, volleyball, cycling, a 5k roadrace, and many more. $12 per person toregister, free to spectators. Visitwww.nvso.us for more.MONDAY/SEPT. 15Adult Resource Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or 6-8:30 p.m. at Gum Springs CommunityCenter, 8100 Fordson Road. Get informationon training programs, employment, academicresources and more. Call 703-324-4600 or703-360-6088.WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 17Providing Health Care Information. 1-2:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library,2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Marie Woodward,RN, presents information on creating andmaintaining a personal health care record toprovide critical health care information to anew doctor, physical therapist or anemergency responder. Call 703-383-9300 formore.THURSDAY/SEPT. 18Lunch N’ Life. 12 - 2 p.m. Jubilee ChristianCenter, 4650 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax. Areyou 50 or better? Enjoy lunch while listeningto featured speaker ABC Channel 7’s WeatherTeam and Meteorologist Brian Van de Graff.$10. For reservations call 703-620-0161 bySept. 12. If transportation is needed, call703-323-4788. For more information visit,www.scfbva.org.FRIDAY/SEPT. 26“Fall-Risk” Assessment. 1-4 p.m. at CarlinSprings Health Pavilion, 601 S. CarlinSprings Road, Arlington. Virginia HospitalCenter and Marymount University willprovide comprehensive examinationsmeasuring your risk for falling down. Theappointment includes a one-on-onemedication review, blood pressure check,vision screening, and six physical therapytests to assess balance and risk for a fall. Aphysical therapist will review results and givea personalized evaluation, recommendationson how to reduce or eliminate those risks,and provide education about successfulindependent living. To schedule anappointment, call 703-558-6861.SUNDAY/SEPT. 28Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 3 p.m. RestonTown Center, 11900 Market St., Reston.Walk and fundraise to further the care,support and research efforts of theAlzheimer’s Association. Visit http://act.alz.org.SATURDAY/OCT. 4Lovely Low-Maintenance Gardens. 10:30a.m.-12 p.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603Green Spring Rd, Alexandria. Gardensmarter, not harder with Brenda Skarphol,who leads you to sunny plant combinationsand eco-friendly gardening techniques.Admissions: $18/person. Register atwww.fairfaxcountygov/parks/greenspringusing code 290 488 5401 or call 703-642-5173.FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 17-19FreedomWalk Festival. The USFreedomWalk Festival is a weekend long,non-competitive, social walking challengebringing participants of all ages and abilitiestogether for fun, fitness, and internationalfriendship.Different trails will be offeredeach day, and a variety of distances rangingfrom 3-27 miles (5-43 kilometers) starting atthe Holiday Inn Rosslyn, 1900 N Fort MyerDrive. Visit www.rosslynva.org/do for more.A sampling of calendar items fromaround the region.FRIDAY/OCT. 24Healthy Aging Lecture Series. 11 a.m.-noon at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road,Arlington. 2014-2015 Medicare Update withJohn Glowacky of Arlington County ADSD.Every year there are changes made with theMedicare coverage. It is always advised tostay up to date with these changes to avoidany medical billing mishaps. Free. Call 703-558-6859 to RSVP.THURSDAY/NOV. 13Memory Screening. 9. a.m.-noon at LangstonBrown Senior Center, 2121 N Culpeper St.,Arlington. Virginia Hospital Center and CareOptions will be sponsoring free, confidentialmemory screenings to promote detection ofmemory problems and provide educationabout successful aging. The one-to-one,noninvasive screening takes only about fiveto 10 minutes administered by a qualifiedhealthcare professional. For moreinformation or to schedule an appointment,call 703-237-9048.FRIDAY/NOV. 21Healthy Aging Lecture Series. 11 a.m.-noon at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road,Arlington. Nutrition: Living Healthy withHeart Disease with Mary Ann Petryszyn, RD.One of the nation’s biggest killers is diseasesrelated to lifestyle choices. What we eat ismuch more impactful on our long-termhealth than any medicine that we take.Making appropriate nutrition choices as partof our daily routine is an important step inthe right direction. Learn about maintaininga healthy diet with VHC’s registereddietitian. Free. Call 703-558-6859 to RSVP.ONGOINGYoga for Everybody. Wednesdays, 7-8:30p.m.; Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Thistraditional approach to yoga reduces stressand increases strength and flexibility. Classesbegin Wednesday, July 9 and Saturday, July12. $66. Health Pavilion, 601 S. CarlinSprings Road, Arlington. Call 703-558-6859.Adaptive/Seated Yoga. Tuesdays, 11:15a.m.-12:15 p.m.; Sundays, 3-4 p.m. For olderor physically challenged adults with limitedmobility, chronic pain or neuropathy.Adaptive yoga emphasizes breathing, gentlestretching and going at your own pace.Classes begin Sunday, July 13. $66. HealthPavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road,Arlington. Call 703-558-6859.Alzheimer’s Association Support Grouphas meetings on the third Wednesday at10:30 a.m. at Carlin Springs Health Pavilion,601 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington andalso the first and third Thursday at 10 a.m.at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000Lorcom Lane, Arlington. They are open topeople with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers,family members and friends. Free. Call theAlzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at703-359-4440 or 800-272-3900 beforeattending a group for the first time to verifymeeting information, obtain directions orother information about the group. Acomplete list of all groups in the NationalCapital Area region can be found atwww.alz.org/nca.Lifeline Personal Alert System. VirginiaHospital Center Senior Health staff locallymanage the personal emergency responsesystem. Help is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week. Monthly cost starts at$42. Call 703-558-6859 for moreinformation.Instruments Wanted. Instruments of anytype or size — from a piano to a piccolo, inresponse to school’s needs. Donations are taxexempt. Contact Miriam Miller, Opera NOVAfor pick up. 703-536-7557;mcdm1@verizon.net;www.operaguildnova.org.Singers Wanted for the CelebrationSingers. The women’s show choir isinterested in new talent to perform at variousNorthern Virginia community sites. Practicesare Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in<strong>Burke</strong>. Contact Gayle Parsons, 703-644-4485or email gparsons3@cox.net.Senior Fall Prevention Classes. 1:30-2:30p.m., at the Woodlands RetirementCommunity, 4320 Forest Hill Drive, Fairfax.Tuesday and/or Thursday classes in a heatedpool designed to work on balance and coremuscles for injury prevention. $10. 703-667-9800.8 ❖ <strong>Burke</strong> Connection ❖ Senior Living September 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com