calendar, page 8 job fair helps...

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Expressions in ArtNews, Page 2

Job FairHelps Students

News, Page 3

Student Tayelor Thrash-er-Walker displays a job appli-cation from the nZone during Westfield High’s job fair.

2 ❖ Centre View ❖ June 27 - July 3, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Chantilly High’sPyramid Art Showin April.

Expressions in Art at Chantilly

TUESDAY/JULY 3Rotary Club Meeting. 11:30 a.m.-

12:45 p.m. at Eggspectations, 5009Westone Plaza, Chantilly. The RotaryClub of Centreville-Chantilly meetsevery Tuesday. Rotary is a serviceorganization open to anyone in thecommunity with an interest insupporting local and internationalprojects. Those who are interested inRotary are invited any Tuesday as aguest. $15. Call 703-966-6960, [email protected] or visitwww.CentrevilleChantillyRotary.comfor more.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 4Free Sober Rides. Wednesday, July 4,

7 p.m. through Thursday, July 5, 4a.m. Area residents, 21 and older,may download Lyft to their phones,then enter a code in the app’s

“Promo” section to receive a no cost(up to $15) safe ride home. WRAP’sIndependence Day SoberRide promocode will be posted at 5 p.m. on July4 on www.SoberRide.com. TheSoberRide code is valid for the first1,500 Lyft users who enter the code.

TUESDAY/JULY 10Rotary Club Meeting. 11:30 a.m.-

12:45 p.m. at Eggspectations, 5009Westone Plaza, Chantilly. The RotaryClub of Centreville-Chantilly meetsevery Tuesday. Rotary is a serviceorganization open to anyone in thecommunity with an interest insupporting local and internationalprojects. Those who are interested inRotary are invited anyTuesday as aguest. $15. Call 703-966-6960, [email protected] or visitwww.CentrevilleChantillyRotary.com

for more.

THURSDAY/JULY 12Story Time: Perspective Taking.

10-11 a.m. at The Parent ResourceCenter Library, 2334 Gallows Road,Entrance 1 - Room 105, Dunn Loring.This Story Time will highlight booksand activities to support perspectivetaking in young children. Perspectivetaking is an evidence-based executivefunctioning skill that forms the basisfor children’s understanding of theirparents’, teachers’, and friends’intentions. Registration is limited andrequired for children ages 4-6 andtheir parents. Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more.

TUESDAY/JULY 17Story Time: Making Connections.

10-11 a.m. at The Parent ResourceCenter Library, 2334 Gallows Road,Entrance 1 - Room 105, Dunn Loring.Making Connections is at the heart oflearning. This Story Time willhighlight books and activities tosupport this evidence-based executivefunctioning skill in young children.Registration is limited and requiredfor children ages 4-6 and theirparents. Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more.

Rotary Club Meeting. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Eggspectations, 5009Westone Plaza, Chantilly. The RotaryClub of Centreville-Chantilly meetsevery Tuesday. Rotary is a serviceorganization open to anyone in thecommunity with an interest insupporting local and internationalprojects. Those who are interested inRotary are invited anyTuesday as a

guest. $15. Call 703-966-6960, [email protected] or visitwww.CentrevilleChantillyRotary.comfor more.

THURSDAY/JULY 19Story Time: Taking on Challenges.

10-11 a.m. at The Parent ResourceCenter Library, 2334 Gallows Road,Entrance 1 - Room 105, Dunn Loring.This Story Time will highlight booksand activities to support taking onchallenges in young children. Life isfull of stresses and challenges.Children who are willing to take onchallenges do better in school and inlife. Registration is limited andrequired for children ages 4-6 andtheir parents. Visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center for more.

Bulletin Board Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

Vicky Coleman, Franklin Middle,7th grade

Moises Pichardo, Greenbriar EastElementary, kindergarten

Katelyn Prem, Poplar Tree Elemen-tary, 1st grade

Vaishnavi Makesh, Oak Hill El-ementary, 2nd grade

Amelie Coates, Oak Hill, 1st gradeSloane Wayment, Greenbriar East,2nd grade Lorelei Wayment, Greenbriar East,

4th grade

Kupa Mutasa, Lees Corner Elemen-tary, 4th grade

Sabrina Davis, Greenbriar WestElementary, 6th grade, ceramics

Harrison Roderick, Chantilly Highsophomore, who won a Gold Keyaward at Nationals. His photo iscalled “A Teacher’s Life.”

Ashlyn Dearing, Chantilly sopho-more, with her anti-littering photo.

Centre View ❖ June 27 - July 3, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

See Westfield’s Job Fair, Page 7

By Bonnie Hobbs

Summer is here and many WestfieldHigh students are working at vari-ous places throughout the commu-nity. And many of them connectedwith their future employers at a job fair heldin Westfield’s cafeteria before the schoolyear ended.

Some 24 employers and at least 800 stu-dents participated. Organized by theschool’s College and Career Center, theevent wasn’t just a big success, but was alsotimely.

“We thought it would be primarily forsummer jobs, but discovered some of thebusinesses had positions open immediately,”said Laura Cudahy, Westfield’s College andCareer Center specialist. “It was great forour students to make these contacts and tobring the employers to them. Many studentsdon’t have transportation, but they couldtake public transportation or walk to theirjobs.”

During the school year, she said, studentscome through the College and Career Cen-ter looking for jobs, and companies contactWestfield about various openings they have.“But they didn’t seem to be matching up,”said Cudahy. “So a job fair seemed like agood chance to make students aware ofthe opportunities in their own area.”

Luciana Barletta, with AMC Worldgate9 movie theater in Herndon, was tryingto hire part-time employees. “It’s a re-ally fun place to work,” she said. “Kids,ages 14-16, can be cashiers and sell pop-corn and tickets. And those 16 and abovecan prepare food, clean the theater andhelp in other areas.”

“They’re part of our film crew,” con-tinued Barletta. “They’re the face of AMC— the ones taking care of our guests. Sowhen we were invited to come toWestfield, we saw it as a great opportu-nity. And we gave out popcorn and ‘StarWars’ collectible buckets.”

Visiting her table, junior Nora Kellysaid, “I’d do whatever job they had open.This job fair gives teenagers opportuni-ties they might not have, otherwise. Theycome to us; we don’t have to go to them, soit’s less intimidating. I’ll look into it.”

Freshman Sara Masaki and twin sister Miaalso chatted with Barletta. “Movie ticketsare really expensive these days, and I likegoing to movies, so it would be nice to havea discount or free tickets,” said Sara. “Thepeople seem really nice, and it’s an activejob and wouldn’t be boring. I’d also learnresponsibility; I feel like I rely on my par-ents too much. This way, I’d be more inde-pendent, and it’s a good, starting job.”

“I always thought I’d have to deal withrude customers, but this wouldn’t be likethat,” added Mia. “It sounds like fun and

I’d learn social skills. I’ve been unsure aboutwhether I could get a job, and this wouldgive me experience. It’s kind of scary to lookat jobs by yourself, but this makes you feelmore relaxed and comfortable about it.”

At the Trader Joe’s table, crew memberssought people to fill entry-level positions,manning the cash registers, stockingshelves, working behind the scenes, unload-ing trucks, etc. From the Centreville store,they gave away chips, juice boxes andTrader Joe’s shopping bags.

“A good number of people have come by,”said crew member Jordan Vorgang. “A lotof kids, 16-17, are looking for first-time,

summer jobs, and Trader Joe’s has that. Wewant them to feel comfortable. We givethem experience in the workforce; and talk-ing to customers builds their confidence andcommunications skills. They also learn todeal with unexpected situations.”

“I started there at age 15 as a shy girl,and I’m now confident and loud,” sheadded. As for the job fair, said Vorgang,“This generation, especially, needs a littleoomph to get into the job market, so wewanted to help them out a little, give themoptions and show them this is within theirreach.”

Representing Texas Roadhouse’s Chantilly

restaurant, Sydney Larrow, April Hall andKristin Rogers sought students for bothschool-year and summer, part-time jobs.“We’re trying to recruit hosts and serverassistants, 16 and up, and servers, who mustbe 18,” said Larrow. “Server assistants cleartables, take out trash and place dishes inthe dishwasher area. We have current stu-dents working for us, and the Westfield onesshow a very good work ethic.”

Hall said the restaurant wanted to par-ticipate in the job fair because “Texas Road-house is a great place to start out in the

‘This Would Give Me Experience’Westfield’s job fairhelps studentsfind employment.

Representing Texas Roadhouse’s Chantilly restau-rant are (from left) Sydney Larrow, April Hall andKristin Rogers.

From left: Sisters Mia and Sara Masaki listen to LucianaBarletta with AMC Worldgate 9.

From left: Sophomore Jalin Dew listens to SeanSchoonover talk about Jersey Mike’s.

From left are Trader Joe’s crew members JordanVorgang, Brendan Mahoney and Tyler Gleysteen.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs


Opinion

By Kathy TranState Delegate (D-42)

Many reports in the last severalweeks have brought to lightinstances of inhumane treat-ment of immigrants and asy-lum seekers in our country. National outcryabout families being torn apart and childrenkept in jails, tents, and cages at our southernborder led to the end of Trump’s “Zero Toler-ance” policy. A report from the Associated Presshighlighted allegations of abuse at a facility in

Staunton, Va.In 1979, my parents and I

were refugees, escapingfrom Vietnam on a rickety boat for several days.My mother remembers that on the night weleft our homeland, there were no stars in thesky; it was so dark that she could not tell wherethe ocean ended and the sky began. As we leftthe shores into this watery abyss, she wonderedhow we would survive.

My parents’ decision to leave their family andcountry was heart wrenching for them. Yet, the

unknown of the dangerous, open sea was apreferable alternative to the oppressive regimeat home. My family’s journey in search of hope,opportunity, and freedom is similar to onestaken by others before and after us.

Today, there are 65 million displaced peopleworldwide. Whether on the Mediterranean Seaor at our southern border, people, desperatefor a better life for themselves and their chil-dren, are risking their lives.

I am outraged by the Trump Administration’s“zero tolerance” immigration policy. This in-humane approach is tearing apart familiesseeking refuge at our southern border, leavingparents frantically searching for their childrenand children alone and terrified. We must notseparate families, and we must not rest untilseparated families are reunited.

We must not indefinitely detain people seek-ing refuge in jails, tents, or cages. In 1998, Itaught ESL to adult asylum seekers at Eliza-beth Detention Center in N.J. These jails areno place for adults fleeing terror or persecu-tion let alone children or families.

This week, Virginia demonstrated its com-

mitment to compassion and justice. GovernorNortham’s decisive decision to recall VirginiaNational Guard members who had been de-ployed to the southwest border sent a clearmessage: Virginia will not participate in activi-ties that enable family separation.

I also applaud the Governor’s swift leader-ship to investigate reports of abuse of immi-grant children held by the U.S. Office of Refu-gee Resettlement at a juvenile detention facil-ity in Staunton, Va. We need to ensure thesafety of every person — adult or child, na-tive-born or immigrant — held in custody inVirginia.

Poignantly, on World Refugee Day, the risingtide of public demand for the humane treat-ment of families seeking refuge from persecu-tion brought an end to the “Zero Tolerance”policy. We must recommit ourselves to beingsteadfast in our compassion for and dedicationto assisting those fleeing violence, terror, andoppression. For generations, the United Stateshas been a beacon of hope for many, and im-migrants and refugees have strengthened thesocial, economic, and cultural fabric of ourcountry since its founding. Now more than ever,we must continue to demand moral clarity andleadership from our political leaders.

Kathy KL Tran represents the 42nd Districtin the Virginia House of Delegates.

We must recommit ourselves to being steadfastin our compassion for and dedication to assistingthose fleeing violence, terror, and oppression.

When the Dangerous Unknown Is Preferable

Commentary

Resident Susan Marcus prepared thefollowing statement for the FairfaxCounty Park Authority’s June 21 publicinformation meeting at Greenbrier EastElementary School to discuss proposedimprovements to the Rocky Run StreamValley Trail.

Good evening family, friends,neighbors, and county officials. Iappreciate this opportunity toshare my concerns. I hope that wewill all listen and seek civil dis-course with each other.

Here are two paragraphs fromthe Fairfax County Trail Develop-ment Strategy Plan which may in-form our conversation. These werefrom a county website, accessedtoday, though I cannot confirmthat they are the current plan.

“Trails serve multiple purposesincluding exercising, walking, jog-ging, hiking, cycling, mountainbiking, bird-watching, and eques-trian use. They also provide safe,alternative, non-motorized trans-portation routes to destinationssuch as places of employment,education facilities, commercialestablishments, and recreation lo-cations. They provide connectiv-ity to other modes of transporta-tion supporting ‘green’ lifestyles.

“The 2004 Needs AssessmentSurvey for the Fairfax County ParkAuthority found that 65 percent ofthe respondents use trails, makingtrails the most widely used typeof recreational facility in the

county. Although a deficiency wasidentified in the Needs Assessmentit could not be quantified due tothe linear nature of trails and thelack of data regarding their usage.Instead, an emphasis on logicalconnections for park trails was rec-ommended. In addition, the studyidentified planned trail routes thatwere not implemented.”

I have two primary concerns, thepurpose of the park and the plan-ning related to it.

❖ What is the purpose of thisspecific piece of land in our spe-cific neighborhood? What I meanby this is, we have a county parkby a stream. It has a trail or path,bridges, and an occasional bench.It is not natural. Yet, it is differentin use, intent, and feel than theGreenbriar Commons Park, whichhas playground equipment, a laby-rinth, horseshoe pits, and a volley-ball court. The Trail Park is differ-ent than the park alongStringfellow Road and MelvilleLane, which has ball fields andcommunity center.

If the purpose of the Trail Parkis for transit, or to facilitate com-muters by bikes or other means,that is a very different intent thana park intended to provide a placeto slow down and experience thesights, sounds, and smells of natu-ral settings.

❖ What environmental studieswere done to evaluate the effects

tion or assessment of need. Lineartrails would be most suitable forquick transit; sinuous or meander-ing trails may be more suitable forleisurely experiences. Rather thanapparently ignoring a problem “Al-though an apparent defi-ciency….), the county could havesought a graduate student to takeon this matter, as a thesis or dis-sertation for her or him, and a ben-efit to the county and its residents.

I go to the park for exercise,though I also bicycle on the streetsfor that purpose, and to enjoy thewildlife there. I don’t know whichare shy and which aren’t, whichwill be frightened by increased,faster traffic and which won’t.

I noticed that the county hasprovisions for using volunteersand volunteer groups to helpmaintain parks. If maintenance, ormaintenance costs are significantdrivers of this decision by thecounty — and they seem to befrom my reading of the CountyTrail Plan, has the county lookedinto using volunteers or volunteergroups for the maintenance thatthe county feels is required?

I appreciate the fact that thecounty waited to conduct any con-struction activities until after thehawk chicks fledged. Thank youagain for listening. I hope that Iwill be able to continue to enjoythe wonderful wildlife in ourmidst.

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Responding to Proposed Trail Improvementsof paving the trail on the naturalenvironment of the park and itsnative inhabitants? There areprobably short-term effects fromconstruction and initial runoff andlonger-term effects from highervisitation, and more rapid transitsfrom those who seek paved access.I recognize that there will be posi-tive effects for some human users,though I am asking about the na-tive denizens.

What will the effects be to theterrestrial and stream residents(animals), the floodplain and run-off? Has there been any evaluationof runoff or pollution issues con-cerning the effects of the asphaltpaving? Additional water collec-tion and diversion constructionmay be necessary.

Additional concerns are:❖ The area is a floodplain, are

there issues or planning strategiesinvolving that situation, such asdesigning and planning for runoffand flooding events or diffuse andslow water-flow rates to avoid ero-sion?

❖ If the trail is to be paved, isthe county considering having thetrail system be re-constructed sothat it complies with the federalAmericans with Disabilities Act(ADA)? If this is not being consid-ered, why not?

❖ The needs assessment is in-adequate. “…an emphasis on logi-cal connections….” is not a reflec-


From Page 3

News

workforce. And we have students who’vecontinued to come back and work for us,on breaks and vacations, after graduatingfrom high school. We’re a fun company andwe’ve grown tremendously.”

Besides that, she said, “Not a lot of kidsknow what jobs are out there becausethey’re so busy with homework and socialactivities that they don’t get a chance to lookaround. High-school students are startingto think about what they want to do as acareer, and the hospitality-and-service in-dustry — hotels, restaurants, etc. — is oneof the number-one employers in the coun-try.”

Rogers said 20-30 Westfield students al-ready work as hosts and server assistantsat Texas Roadhouse, and their table received“a lot of interest” at the job fair.

Meanwhile, senior Tayelor Thrasher-Walker looked into opportunities withsports and fitness cener, nZone, and withStaffing Now, an accounting company.“They help students with front-desk jobs,”she said. “It puts you in an office settingand deals with accounting. If you want togo into the world of finance, it’s a good,first step.”

“I feel like getting this job would help medecide if I like it,” she continued. “Because

we’re students, a lot of us don’t know howto find a job or get out there, so employerscoming to us makes it more accessible.”

Sophomore Jalin Dew visited the JerseyMike’s table to speak with Sean Schoonover,who owns seven locations, including theChantilly restaurant. “I asked what theywere offering and if I could be eligible,” saidDew. “I’ve never had a job before, but thiswould be a good opportunity to learn some-thing new and develop as a young adult. Iwant a summer job so, if there’s anythingopen, I’ll definitely apply for it.”

Schoonover had both full- and part-timemanagement positions available, plus shiftrunners and crew chiefs, who superviseother staff members, keep things runningsmoothly and close up the restaurant atnight. “They could do this straight out ofhigh school — I did,” he said. “They canbecome a manager or owner; our trainingmodule sets them up for success.”

Freshman Isaiah McClain and seniorBilguun Enkh both checked out Chick-fil-A. “I could maybe be a cashier or a cook,”said McClain. “It’s a start-off job. I reallylike Chick-fil-A, and it would teach me re-sponsibility.”

Enkh wanted part-time work as a cash-ier or in customer service. “I have to makelots of money for college,” he said. “Some-times it’s hard to find a job, but this [event]

makes it easier.”Also helpful was Get a Job. “Students go

online to www.getajobdulles.com and fillout an application telling their qualifica-tions, job interests and time availability,”said NOVA junior Aran Muradi, with theorganization. “Companies post their avail-able jobs and internships there, Dulles Re-gional Chamber of Commerce membersupload them to this website and the systemmatches them to the applicants.”

Job seekers click on a star on the site toshow their interest in a position, and thenan employer sees it and can contact them.Owned by Allwyn Corp., the Get a JobWebsite has been functional for a year.

“We’re trying to get the ball rolling,” saidMuradi. “The more signups, the more jobs.Get a Job verifies the employers, so weknow they’re safe. Currently, they’re mainlyDulles Chamber of Commerce members, butwe hope to eventually expand.”

After the job fair, Westfield’s Cudahy said,“It’s gone really well; there was so muchinterest that it exceeded our expectations,as well as the employers’ — who had toreplenish their giveaways and brochures.The students and businesses seemed happy,and we’ll do a follow-up survey with thebusinesses to see how they liked it, howmany hires they got out of it and would theylike to come back.”

Westfield’s Job Fair Helps Students Find Employment

Photo by Bonnie HobbsWestfield junior Nora Kelly withthe “Star Wars” collectible bucketshe got at the AMC Worldgate 9table.

“And I hope we’ll make this an annualevent,” she added. “I’d like to see us, in gen-eral, focus a little more on careers and whatstudents want to do with their lives, andnot just on how to get into a college.”


See Riptide, Page 7

By Sarah Blansett

The Virginia Run Riptide opened its 2018NVSL season with a close win over theHiddenbrook Hurricanes on Saturday. WithMorgon Henderson-Kunz returning as head coachand Patrick Kearney returning as assistant coach, theRiptide had 62 personal bests and Nicholas Harrisbeat the 1993 record of Kyle Delquadro in the boys8 and under 25-meter butterfly with a time of 18.42.Virginia Run came away with a win of 212.5 overHiddenbrook’s 207.5.

The 8 and Under swimmers kicked off the day withEthan O’Connor placing third in freestyle and back-

stroke. The backstroke was a sweep with O’Connorin third, Brock McDonough second and NicholasHarris in first. Ryan Garcia won the breaststroke andAidan Bange was close behind in second place. Har-ris and McDonough also took first and second in thebutterfly round. Kiera McCrea and Quinn McCreaplaced first and second in the freestyle, Caitlin Dowon first in backstroke and in breaststroke, QuinnMcCrea took another first place while Anna Kimswam for second with her; Do and Kim finished outthe butterfly by placing first and second respectively.

In the 9-10’s, Kevin O’Connor placed third in

Swimming

Riptide Triumphs over Hurricanes

Sarah Boyle takes first place in thebackstroke.

Charles Beamon swims to a top threefinish in the breaststroke.

The cooler, rainy weather didn’t hold backthe Sully Station 2 Piranhas as theykicked off the season with a win overStratford Landing 215-201. Before theswimming action began, the Piranhas honored oneof its seniors, Harmon Saint Germain, for his finalswim this season. Next Saturday, Harmon will beginhis journey at West Point.

Nine swimmers were double event winners includ-ing Michael Zhang, Ella Ammons, Emma Stalfort,Simon Campbell, Hayley Norris, Collin West, Madi-son Stalfort, Delaney Kennedy and Kellen Campbell.Campbell led the sweep in the 15-18 butterfly alongwith Max Morris and Colin Brown. In freestyle, JacobGarcia, Hannah Kang and Morris secured victories intheir respective events. Lily Wilson collected a victoryin her 11-12 backstroke race. Alyssa Seng, Caden Seng,Harrison Saint Germain captured first place in breaststroke. Rounding out the individual victories for the

Piranhas was Callie Ver planck in 13-14 butterfly race.Other Piranha swimmers who contributed points

to the team victory were Connor Pond, GabrielQuitugua, Carly Logan, Jeremy Bordacs, MarkMcClendon, Anthony Kang, Zacchaeus Post, MaryCampbell, Emerson Saint Germain, Ally Introne andCarys O’Haimhirgin.

The Piranhas held their own in the relays with someexciting wins in the 11-12 Boys (Elijah Post, Seng,C., Campbell, and Saint Germain, E.), 11-12 Girls(Susana Walser, Wilson, O’Haimhirgin, and Norris)13-14 Boys (Ethan Wilson, Harrison Saint Germain,Isaiah Quitugua, and West), 15-18 Boys (BrodyCampbell, Campbell, K., Morris and Saint Germain,H.), 15-18 Girls (Nicole Phillips, Logan, Kennedy andIntrone) & the Girls 15-18 Mixed Age Relay (Norris,Ammons, Stalfort, M., and Kennedy).

The Piranhas are on the road again for the Satur-day, June 30 meet at King’s Ridge.

Piranhas Defeat Stratford Landing

Senior, Harmon SaintGermain, is honored atthe beginning of themeet. The Westfield HighSchool grad heads toWest Point next week.

A sweep of the Boy’s 15-18 50 meter Butterfly: from leftare Collin Brown, Max Morris and Kellen Campbell.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Other than my wife, Dina, and my brother, Richard, there are few people with whom I regularly discuss – in more excruciating detail than weekly I do so with you, the world in which yours truly, a non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV “diagnossee” inhabits.

It just so happens that in this past week, I interacted with three of the other most main con-

school, Cary, with whom I spoke on the phone for nearly an hour (he lives in Massachusetts), a bi-weekly occurrence generally; my oldest, best

lunch (even though she lives in Alexandria and has been local ever since college), a much rarer occurrence (though we email regularly), a lunch that lasted four hours; and Veronica, my hair stylist, who I see every eight to 12 weeks – as I have for almost 20 years, whether I need to or not. (That’s a joke. I have a full head of hair so needing a haircut is never the question, needing it is the answer.)

Over these many years, these three have heard everything I have to say; good, bad or in-different, and yet despite having heard it all, still remain interested in hearing more and judging

laughter and sorrow. Their support and encour-agement has been above and beyond the call of duty.

Interacting with all three in the course of one night and two days reminded me of the actor George Peppard because this is my “A” Team.” When I want to, they’re who I go to, whenever the need arises or when the opportunity presents itself. And though they may not solve every problem, listening to as many of them as they have certainly has provided the kind of comfort and joy that has helped sustain me through thick and thin (not talking about my weight) and most importantly, during the past nine-plus years as a cancer survivor. There’s not a “B.A.” (bad atti-tude) among them, though they all wear jewelry.

I hope I’m not speaking out of turn here but, there are some subjects which are best left for friends – and the professionals, more so than family. Some topics which might betray a

aloud might exacerbate a familial situation rarely discussed.

Sometimes, sorting through these pros and cons with friends, who likely suffer no conse-quences in the outcome, might present options that otherwise might not be heard. From the mouths of babes, so to speak. A fresh, unbiased perspective can be a welcome addition to any discussion of facts, especially when feelings are involved; and as often concerns family-oriented

Not that there aren’t feelings involved with friends; of course there are, it’s more that old friends knew you when and know you now, and the passage of that much time, separate and apart from family, can often enlighten and in-

been there and seen you do that? It’s particularly important to have indepen-

dent forces in your corner because like so many cancer patients, myself included, occasionally you exhibit signs of “chemotherapy-related cog-nitive impairment,” otherwise known as “chemo brain,” a side effect/condition of treatment which can blur a memory or two – or more. You may not even realize it when it disappears, and you may need someone to remind you of it. Hope-fully it’s not a memory gone forever, but just one gone until a friend helps retrieve it for you. And who better to retrieve these foggy memories than friends you’ve known for 49, 45 and 20 years, respectively?

And I do respect them, and appreciate them, and cherish them, as they are three of my pillars. Without them, the foundation of who I am and what I know, would likely crumble.

What Are Friends For

(Not a Question)

From Page 6

freestyle and first in breaststroke; EwanMcDonough and Kamsi Anyalebechi placedsecond and third in backstroke, and Chris-topher Thompson placed third in breast-stroke and butterfly. Charis Roundtreeplaced first in freestyle and backstroke withAnna Kelliher placing second in freestyleand third in backstroke. Jenna Van Burenswam to second in the breaststroke andCaroline Freiss took third in breaststrokeand the butterfly.

In the 11-12’s, William Whitton placedsecond in freestyle, and third in the butter-fly; Davis Collingsworth swam for third inthe backstroke and second in the breast-stroke with Charles Beamon swimmingthird in the breaststroke. Allison Nguyenplaced second in the freestyle, NehaSrinivasan took third in freestyle and sec-ond in backstroke and Angela Thompsonled a sweep of the breaststroke event plac-ing first with Nguyen second and EmmaO’Connor in third. Thompson also took sec-ond in the butterfly.

In the 13-14 competition, JacksonBlansett placed second in freestyle andbackstroke, Andrew Boyle took third inbackstroke and Michael Hart swam for winsin both breaststroke and butterfly withNathan Ryman taking second in breast-stroke. Maddie Whitton took second infreestyle and third in butterfly with CaitlinKelliher swimming to third in freestyle andsecond in butterfly. Alana Turflinger tookfirst place in the backstroke and secondplace in the breaststroke, and IsabelleCogan took third in backstroke and breast-stroke.

In the 15-18 age group, Bobby Monroeplaced second in freestyle and butterfly,Jordan Banzon took second in freestyle;Thomas Beamon and Harry Schlatter placedsecond and third in the backstroke, Beamonalso placed third in the breaststroke withAnthony Tonthat taking second. Schlatteralso placed third in the butterfly. SarahBoyle, Allison Hickey, and Chelsea Nguyenswept the freestyle with Boyle also takingfirst in backstroke. Hickey placed second inthe breaststroke and Didi Pace took thirdin the backstroke and second in the butter-fly.

Both teams were performing well but af-ter the freestyle event, Virginia Run wasbehind by 5 points. After the breaststroke,Virginia Run pulled ahead with 155 pointsto Hiddenbrook’s 124. But going into therelays, it was anyone’s guess who wouldtake home the win. Exciting swims by thegirls 11-12 medley relay team included acome-from-behind win, a close loss by the13-14 girls medley relay and a nail-biting13-14 boys medley relay that ended in atie. It all came down to the final relay, thegirls 18 and under mixed-age 200-meterfreestyle relay, which was won by the Vir-ginia Run Riptide team of Neha Srinivasan,Charis Roundtree, Alana Turflinger andSarah Boyle.

Next up, the Virginia Run Riptide willhost Vienna Woods in their second meetof the season.

Swimming

Riptide


By Teresa Carandang

The Children’s Science Center iscelebrating birds this year inconjunction with the centennialof the Migratory Bird Treaty Act(MBTA). The MBTA protects migratory birdsby making it illegal to harm them and theirhabitat. The center has partnered with sev-eral organizations to create free, fun andinformative bird-related activities this sum-mer. Located at Fair Oaks Mall, theChildren’s Science Center also organizesactivities outside the mall for children andtheir families to learn more about birds thissummer. We want to “show children, espe-cially at a young age how fun and engag-ing science is and can be,” said Director ofCommunications Dorothy Ready.

The Children’s Science Center’s annualCitizen Scientist Program this year is the“Celebrate Urban Birds” initiative. It is a part-nership with the Audubon Society of North-ern Virginia and Cornell University. Partici-pants are asked to go outdoors to the samearea to observe birds for 10 minutes for atleast three days and send their findingsonline at celebrateurbandbirds.org. Their

discoveries will be added to the Cornell Labof Ornithology’s worldwide database aboutbirds. To learn more about becoming a Citi-zen Scientist, the Children’s Science Centerhas postcards with instructions or go to its

website at childsci.org/citizen.Aspiring photographers are invited to the

Children’s Science Center on July 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nature photographer KeithFreeburn will share tips and techniques on

the best way to take pictures of birds. Hisphotographs of native birds are displayedaround the Children’s Science Center untilthe end of the summer.

The Children’s Science Center first birdwalk, and tour of the Loudoun Water facil-ity is on Sunday, July 22. Three 45-minutemorning sessions are offered. Experts fromthe Audubon Society of Northern Virginiawill guide families through paved andgravel paths on the restored wetlands be-hind the Loudoun Water Campus inAshburn. This is a chance to learn aboutnative and non-native birds in the area.There are also two morning sessions of theLoudoun Water facility for those who wantto learn more about the wetlands, waterconservation, and water treatment inLoudoun County. Though the event is free,registration is required at childsci.org/com-munity-programs/.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, there will be a Sum-mer of Science Celebration at the GrandCourt of the Fair Oaks Mall. Aside fromhands-on activities and a science show, theAudubon Society of Northern Virginia willbring raptors, such as owls and hawks tothe mall.

The Children’s Science Center is locatedat Fair Oaks Mall between Sears and Lordand Taylor. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to6 p.m. It is a non-profit organization thatrecently celebrated its third anniversary. Tolearn more about their programs and ac-tivities, visit childsci.org.

Highlighting bird-related activitiesthis summer.

Fly High with the Children’s Science Center

The Children’s Science Center at Fair Oaks Mall.

ONGOINGFitness for 50+. Daytime hours,

Monday-Friday at Sully SeniorCenter, 14426 Albemarle Point Place,Chantilly. Jazzercise Lite, ZumbaGold, Hot Hula Fitness (dancingPolynesian style), Strength Training,Qi Gong, Tai Chi and more.Membership is $48 a year, andwaivers are available. [email protected] or call703-322-4475 for more.

History Volunteers Needed. FairfaxStation Railroad Museum needshistory buffs. The Museum offers avariety of volunteer opportunities inMuseum events, programs andadministration. [email protected] or call703-945-7483 to exploreopportunities. The Museum is locatedat 11200 Fairfax Station Road inFairfax Station. It is open everySunday, except holidays, from 1-4p.m. www.fairfax-station.org, 703-425-9225.

Art Guild of Clifton Exhibit. 10a.m.-8 p.m. at Clifton Wine Shop,7145 Main St., Clifton. Includes oilpaintings of European settings;doors, windows, and flower shops.Free. Call 703-409-0919 for more.

Carolina Shag Dance. Wednesdays,6:30-10 p.m. at Arlington/FairfaxElks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax. Free lessons at 7:30 p.m.; nopartners needed; dinner menu at6:45 p.m. Tickets are $8. Visitwww.nvshag.org for more.

Open Rehearsal. Wednesdays, 7:30p.m. at Lord of Life church, 13421Twin Lakes Drive, Centreville. TheFairfax Jubil-Aires barbershop chorusinvites men of all ages who enjoysinging. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxjubilairs.org for more.

Entertainment

Live After Five. Fridays at 5:30 p.m. atThe Winery at Bull Run, 15950 LeeHighway, Centreville. Every Fridaynight a band plays on the patio of thewinery. Free to attend. Visitwww.wineryatbullrun.com for a fullschedule.

Mondays are Family Night. 5-7 p.m.at Villagio, 7145 Main St. $45 for afamily of four. Call 703-543-2030 formore.

WEDNESDAY/JUNE 27What Flies and Croaks at Dusk. 8-9

p.m. at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park,5040 Walney Road, Chantilly. Fromfireflies to amphibians, there’s a lothappening in county parks as nightfalls. Get a glimpse of park life afterpeople go home for the day. Join the“Fireflies in the Meadow” program towatch the meadow light up withfireflies as dusk descends. Bring aplastic jar with a lid to catch andthen release the lightning bugs. Dressin long pants, socks and closed shoes.Flashlights and insect repellent areuseful. Age 2-adult. $6 per person.Meet at Cabell’s Mill. Call 703-631-0013 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

THURSDAY/JUNE 28Summer Kick-off. Noon-2 p.m. at

Centrewood Plaza, 14125 St.Germain Drive, Centreville andColonnade at Union Mill, 5740 UnionMill Road in Clifton. The wholefamily is invited to enjoy aninteractive photo booth, a blenderbike that will allow participants tocreate a piece of custom artwork anda chance to be chosen by the PrizePatrol, who will randomly select

shoppers and provide merchant give-a-ways. Call 571-382-1842 or [email protected] for more.

Wonder: The Movie. 2:30-4:30 p.m.at Centreville Regional Library,14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville.Join for the movie version of thebook “Wonder” by J.R. Palacio. Bringa blanket and/or a pillow to sit on.Light snacks and drinks provided orbring your own snacks. This movie israted PG. Grades 4 and up. Call 703-830-2223 or TTY: 711 for more.

FRIDAY/JUNE 29Summer Constellation Campfire.

8:30-10 p.m. at Ellanor C. LawrencePark, 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly.The nighttime sky looks different asthe seasons change. Learn how toidentify the early summerconstellations at the “Campfire withthe Constellations.” program atEllanor C. Lawrence Park. Meet atCabell’s Mill. For participants age 2-adult. $8 per person. Children mustbe accompanied by a registeredadult. Call 703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence for more.

SATURDAY/JUNE 30Stream Life. 6-7 p.m. at Ellanor C.

Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. Freshwater ecosystems arefull of fascinating creatures. Searchfor stoneflies, hellgrammites, waterpennies, and crayfish. Explore BigRocky Run with a naturalist, use dipnets and kick nets to catch andrelease these creatures and learnabout their role in the environment.Learn stream monitoring techniquesand the impacts humans have on

these fragile ecosystems. Wear shoesthat can get wet. Meet at the pond.Ages 4 and older. Cost $6. Call 703-631-0013; TTY 711 or [email protected].

SUNDAY/JULY 1Crafts for the 4th of July. 1-4 p.m.

at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. Enjoy makingrailroad inspired, 4th of July crafts.Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/JULY 8Hands On Activities. 1-4 p.m. at the

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum,11200 Fairfax Station Road, FairfaxStation. Activities may includerailroad inspired crafts,demonstrations of railroad artifactswith visitor participation as well aspossible history challenges for thewhole family. All craft suppliesincluded with admission fees. Ages16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 andunder, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/JULY 15NTRAK Scale Model Train Show. 1-

4 p.m. at the Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 11200 Fairfax StationRoad, Fairfax Station. The NorthernVirginia NTRAK members will hold aN gauge model train show. Ages 16and older, $4; 5-15, $2; 4 and under,free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org,www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call703-425-9225.

SUNDAY/JULY 22Reading Circle. 1-4 p.m. at the Fairfax

Station Railroad Museum, 11200Fairfax Station Road, FairfaxStation.The Fairfax Station RailroadMuseum will host two 45-minuteReading Circle sessions of theCaldecott Medal winning book,“Locomotive.” One session will beginat 1:15, the second at 2:30. All craftsupplies included with admissionfees. Ages 16 and older, $4; 5-15, $2;4 and under, free. Visit www.fairfax-station.org, www.facebook.com/FFXSRR, or call 703-425-9225.

SATURDAY/AUG. 4Starlight Cinema: Little Mermaid.

Gates open at 6 p.m.; movie starts atdark at Trinity Centre, 5860 TrinityParkway, Centreville. Starlight Drive-in Cinema brings the communitytogether with features that appeal toboth children and adults. Theatmosphere is relaxed and informal.Bring your own lawn chairs, blanketsand FM radio if you wish to sitoutside. Children’s games and rides.Free. To volunteer, call 703-814-7100.

AUG. 6-10Girls in STEM Camp. Chantilly

Academy offers a new Girls in STEMcamp, providing girls with anopportunity to experience the worldof STEM with plenty of hands-onactivities. The camp is open to rising5th-8th graders. $225 for the week.Visit chantillyacademy.fcps.edu/announcements/summer-camps-chantilly-academy.

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.Calendar

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