703-491-3888 …also at Occoquan
TEX-MEX Chile Parlor
13275 Gordon Blvd, Woodbridge, VA
Tel : (703) 491-3271
Activity Calendar with new April events added with some new May.
send your greater Lorton area events to publisher@lortonvalleystar.com
What You Might Call a Working Vacation
Kim Dryden (Junior), 24, who grew up here and graduated from Hayfield High School, caught a 7 foot Bull Shark while with the family on annual vacation this summer about a mile off the Ft. Lauderdale Beach. The fishing guide said “He is one strong young man to be able to hold that shark on the line and pull him in.” Kim married the daughter of Mari Barr Santangelo also of Lorton.
Boateng Appointed Executive Director at Lorton Sunrise
Kawku T. Boateng has been appointed as the Sunrise of Lorton senior living community’s new Executive Director. Kwaku started his career at Lorton Station, so this is a truly a homecoming!
A native of Ghana, West Africa he has a Bachelors in Agricultural Science & a Masters Degree in Health Systems Management from George Mason University. He also has a Certificate in Assisted Living Management. He is married to Maame, and they are the proud parents of 10 months old Megan. Kwaku has been with Sunrise Senior Living since Jan of 2002 and has served in numerous positions within the community.
Kwaku and his family currently reside in Dumfries, Virginia. He was most recently the Assisted Living Coordinator at Sunrise of Falls Church. The public is invited to visit Sunrise of Lorton senior living community to meet Kawku and the staff.
Reckless Discharge Near School, Arrest
A man standing near the Lorton Station Elementary School allegedly fired a shot into the air. Police responded to the 7800 block of Lewis Chapel Circle on Friday, September 14 around 8:24 p.m.
An investigation led to the arrest of Clarence Nelson, 39, of 7810 Lewis Chapel Circle #301. Nelson, an employee of Fairfax County Public Schools, was arrested at his home, taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a public school. There were no injuries, according to a report released by Franconia VIPS.
New Occoquan Historical Markers
The town of Occoquan has dedicated Occoquan’s 18th century Mill Conduit display and fourteen local history markers. Both the town’s Mill Conduit display and the local history markers program are Legacy Projects of Occoquan’s Virginia 2007 Commemoration Committee completed in honor of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia.
For additional information and other upcoming Virginia 2007 Commemoration events in the Town of Occoquan please visit www.occoquan2007.com.
First Criminal Prosecution by Enhanced Code Enforcement
Fairfax County’s Enhanced Code Enforcement Strike Teams successfully prosecuted their first criminal case last week. Raimundo Guevara, co-owner of 6306 Dana Ave., Springfield, was convicted in circuit court for violating the fire safety code. His misdemeanor conviction resulted in a $1,000 fine. The county also is pursuing a civil case against Guevara for overcrowding, a violation of the county’s zoning ordinance.
“This conviction sends a message that illegal boarding houses and unsafe living conditions will not be tolerated in Fairfax County,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly.
Guevara was issued a criminal summons on March 29 for violating section 1027.3 of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. He failed to appear in court on June 12, and the case was tried in his absence.
Fire marshals cited Guevara for a blocked emergency exit in the single-family house at 6306 Dana Ave. A door — the only means of escape from two bedrooms during a fire — was locked with a deadbolt and blocked with furniture.
To date, the strike teams are pursuing investigations or prosecutions in 47 cases. The teams are responsible for inspecting residential properties suspected to be illegal boarding houses or with suspected violations. As part of the initiative, the county also will seek to prosecute landlords who are profiting from systematically violating zoning, building and safety ordinances. Residents can report a suspected illegal boarding house at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/striketeam. For more information, call Merni Fitzgerald, Office of Public Affairs, at 703-324-3187, TTY 711.
Lorton Woman Recognized For
Student Exchange
Officials from the U.S. State Department recently recognized Mason Neck,Va.resident Susan Brock for her dedication to matching students with area host families as part of an international youth exchange program. Brock, who just completed her first year with AYUSA Global Youth Exchange, received the Cluster Leader Rookie of the Year Award at AYUSA’s Annual Conference in San Francisco this past weekend.
“Because my family has lived in several countries around the world, I know how important it is to give students real-world experiences with international issues and cultures,” Brock said upon receiving the award. “I’m honored that I get to make that a reality for my community. I thank all of our wonderful host families that open their hearts and their homes so students can enjoy the opportunities in the DC area.”
Brock placed 18 students with host families in the DC area. Throughout the year, Brock has also provided outstanding support to host families, students and schools. She organized several events for exchange students to deepen their experience.
Brock also placed a student for AYUSA’s signature program, The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. Sponsored by the State Department, YES is a unique program that brings students from predominantly Muslim countries to the United States to live, learn and study for a year.
“I will never forget the great advices Susan (Brock) gave me, not only to deal with life here, but to deal with my whole life and future. I learned a lot from Susan: how to face my problems and the most important is how to solve them. I want to thank her for opening her heart and house for me,” remarked Halla a YES exchange student from Gaza that Susan placed with a local host family.
Based in San Francisco, AYUSA is a leading youth exchange non-profit organization and successfully matches host families with the best and brightest exchange students age 15 to 18. The award ceremony was part of AYUSA’s annual conference, which focused on ways to improve youth exchange programs and increase cultural understanding.
AYUSA administers the Youth Exchange and Study Program which is funded by the U.S. State Department. To learn more, visit www.AYUSA.org
‘Simple Changes’ Gets Accreditation
Simple Changes, the therapeutic riding service in Lorton, has scored 100% on all standards of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Two representatives from NARHA spent an entire day assessing the facility, horses, teaching methods, volunteers, business practices and overall professionalism.
Simple Changes is proud to share the good news of their perfect score and waiting for official documentation from NARHA. The accreditation committee meets quarterly to review assessments and give formal notice of accreditation.
“Simple Changes Thanks everyone who helped on the journey to becoming a NARHA Premier Accredited Center. “It definitely takes a village to make this program happen. Jenny and I so appreciate all of the riders, volunteers, Meadowood staff and boarders, BLM, donors and most of all our wonderful horses.” Said Corlis Wallingford. “We are hopeful that this new level of professionalism will make it easier for us to achieve greater degrees of community involvement.”
If anyone has friends or knows of businesses that might be willing to help sponsor one of the horses, contact “Simple Changes” <simplechanges@hotmail.com>. Increased community support will enable Simple Changes to continue to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities through exceptional equine-assisted activities.
Pohick Road
Speed Trap Limit Increasing
The speed limit increase on Pohick Road bridge between Alban and Lorton Station Blvd has been recommended by local VDOT traffic engineer Don Moyer. The limit was low giving police a convenient trap and action was initiated by a local citizen.
The swayback bridge across Shirley Highway is down the hill from 40 mph Rolling Road and 45 mph Alban Road both two lane with blind curves. The bridge looks like 50 mph build being four lanes with median and turn lanes at either end yet it’s speed limit is currently 35 mph. At every change of the lights, police are able to pick off two vehicles crossing the span to ticket. By VDOT’s own standard, this needed a change. That this is unfair is not a defense.
Lorton citizen and publisher Floyd Harrison, contacted Joan Morris of the VDOT local office of public affairs making the point that the sign-age was inconsistent with the road build, misleading to motorists. It tempted police to use the easy trap thus causing the wrong people to have their insurance rates increased instead of punishing the aggressive, belligerent and habitual abusers who cost all of us.
“This is still too low for the road build and grade, says Harrison.” Road marking should assist motorists to drive safely and efficiently, but this situation just sets motorists up for abuse.”
If, VDOT headquarters accepts the recommendation, the limit on the half-mile section will be increased to 40 mph to match with the limit up the hill on Rolling Road. Now, if residents could only get 5 mph credit on their judgements for the last year, that would be something like justice.
If you see a road marking situation which is unsafe and inefficient, contact the public affairs office “Joan Morris” <Joan.Morris@VDOT.Virginia.gov>, Office 703.383.2465 or Cell 571.238.5030.
County Impliments Statewide Voter Registration System
Fairfax County’s Office of Elections will be unable to process any new voter registration applications or update registration records through Feb. 1, 2007. During this time, the office will be transitioning to a new centralized, statewide voter registration database.
The Virginia State Board of Elections is in the final stages of implementing a new statewide registration database to comply with the Help America Vote Act, which was passed by Congress in 2002.
However, residents may continue to submit new applications or make changes to their voter records. The Office of Elections will remain open during regular business hours — Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. — throughout the transition period. Qualified voters will receive a Voter Information Card by mail after their applications have been processed in February. Registration rolls also will be updated after Feb. 1.
For more information, contact the Fairfax County Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711.
Simple Changes in Lorton for a Better World
Story & Photos by: Lori Craddock
Saturday October 14, 2006 the Simple Changes Therapeutic Riding Program’s Picnic and Silent Auction went off without a hitch. The public filtered into Meadowood Farm to view a therapeutic horse riding demonstration that exhibited the organization’s efforts. Simple Changes was founded in April 2005 by Jenny Spain and Corliss Wallingford helped with backing from the Bureau of Land Management with the knowledge that riding and caring for horses significantly improves the lives of individuals with physical, emotional and developmental disabilities.
Inside the nearby barn, a silent auction was held to raise funds for the organization. Included were such items as children’s toys, spa packages, artwork, and riding lessons. People perused and bid on the goods, watched the magician, and got their faces painted, all while listening to the wonderful sounds of The Gray Brothers band’s bluegrass music resonating from outside. A barbecue buffet was provided by Famous Dave’s restaurant and included in the small entrance fee. All proceeds of the event went to Simple Changes and donations were much appreciated as they make up one half the cost of a client’s riding lesson.
The staff of Simple Changes consists of generous volunteers giving up on average one to two days per week of their time to help out. A range of zero to three volunteers is needed for each lesson depending on the severity of the client’s disability. At most, one person leads the horse while two “side walkers” walk on each side of the horse help balance the rider on top. In just over one year, Simple Changes’ volunteers have contributed over 3,000 hours of time.
The horses themselves are the key ingredient to this process. They range in breeds from draft horse, pony, to thoroughbred. No matter the size, color, shape, it is their temperament that is most important. They must be calm and obedient, able to deal with all situations, commands, crowds, loud noises, and exercises that include throwing balls near their heads.
Simple Changes began with 15 riders and now has 27 with a waiting list of one to two years. Riders are taught balance, focus, strength, and stamina among other benefits of the experience. An indoor ring provides the ability to keep the program running all year.
There has been great success seen in the clients they have worked with over the years. For the autistic, riding forces them to focus on multiple things at once where their tendency is usually on one. Focus is now on the environment outside, animals, people, as well as their own movement. Riders are taught signs and vocal commands to urge the horse to perform each desired action. Two of the young riders were inspired to speak their first words with these commands. Co-founder Jenny Spain explains, “ the person has the motivation, we just provide the outlet.”
The mission of Simple changes is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families and the community through exceptional therapeutic programs, especially therapeutic horsemanship. This organization is wonderful to donate to if you are the type of person who likes to see a face for where their funds go. The smiling faces at this event were contagious and left one feeling the words of Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” This program is in need of further donations and volunteers. To find out more about the organization and how you can help, contact Meadowood Farm at (703) 402-3613, e-mail simplechanges@hotmail.com or visit the Web site www.simplechanges.org.
Rehabilitated Eagle Released To Winds On Mason Neck
Story & Photo by Floyd Harrison
What’s the difference? Illicit is against the law, ill-eagle, is a sick bird. This Bald Eagle has rejoined her wild family after being found too weak to fly in the Kingstown area.
Officer Lugo, of the Fairfax County Police department called animal control which contained and stabilized the fine feathered lady until the Wildlife Center of Virginia could pick her up for treatment in Waynesboro. Anyone finding a disabled wild animal should leave it alone and call local animal control for the safety of the animal and the finder.
The eagle, which wasn’t given a name, had an enlarged heart, a sign of respiratory distress. It was given drugs for a fungus infection and cared for until it had regained a normal weight. The Wildlife Center treats wild animals as wild avoiding creating dependent behavior.
Finally, Ed Clark, director of the Wildlife Center brought the eagle to Mason Neck State Park to release her. She was strong again, still wild and raring to get free. It seemed that she realized that she had been cared for and didn’t show aggression but yet was not comfortable with being handled and so she struggled. Ed wore very thick long leather gloves and goggles.
When she was out of the cage and the wing bumpers were removed, there was nothing to do but say good-bye. It was best to let her go and so with a light toss she was released. She immediately beat the howling breeze coming off Belmont Bay with powerful wings and was out of sight in a few seconds. It was bitter-sweet success.
The Bald Eagle has made a marvelous comeback since being placed on endangered species status. By population, they could nearly be considered not endangered. However, the encroachment of human development on wild areas continues to challenge their survival. It is expected that this rehabilitated eagle will return to her nesting territory and find her mate.
Revolutionary History Marches Through Lorton
Two hundred and twenty-five years ago the allied armies of General George Washington and French General comte de Rochambeau maneuvered towards their rendezvous with destiny at the battle of Yorktown, Virginia in 1781.
On Sunday, a group of Revolutionary re-enactors marched through Mt. Vernon District along the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route on their way to Yorktown, Virginia. The marchers began their journey on June 18th in Newport, Rhode Island and after walking 600 miles, expect to arrive in Yorktown, Virginia on October 7th.
After leaving George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plantation the re-enactors marched for eleven miles following Mt. Vernon Memorial Parkway passing Washington’s Grist Mill, along Richmond Highway, Fort Belvoir, Pohick Church, Old Colchester Road and on to the Occoquan River. The re-enactors camped for the night at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
The Revolutionary Route commemorates a Franco-American campaign to immobilize the British in New York City and the ensuing victory at Yorktown over British General Charles Lord Cornwallis which effectively ended the Revolutionary war. Without this first alliance of the new American republic there would not have been that victory of liberty and democracy over tyranny.
The epic Franco-American journey was an amazing feat of endurance and military achievement with British armies at both ends of the route. Elements of the French Army marched 629 miles from June until September 1781 through six states from Providence, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia. Americans made the march of over 400 miles from Phillipsburg (Greenburg), New York, to the York River. Together, they attacked and held under siege the British-fortified town of Yorktown. A French fleet under the command of Admiral de Grasse blocked the Chesapeake Bay to either reinforcement from New York or sea escape from Yorktown. On October 19, 1781, after three weeks of siege, General Cornwallis surrendered to general Washington, marking Yorktown as one of the most decisive American victories in the War for Independence.
In 1782 the French Army retraced its steps back to Boston, Massachusetts to board ships to the Caribbean. The French Expeditionary Corps used thirty-eight camps in its march to Virginia and fifty-four on the return.
The Lorton Heritage Society proposes to commemorate the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route with a wayside historical site on Old Colchester Road. The planned project is a wayside to be located near the original revolutionary route. The wayside exhibit will have interpretive signage and a roadside marker for visitors to experience the historic significance of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolu
tionary Route in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Mason Neck residents Mary Edith Roysdon, Ruth Harley and Donna Parker met the re-enactors as they marched to Old Colchester. Mrs. Roysdon displayed a “Bennington ‘76 Flag”. Joe Chudzik provided refreshments for the marchers and delivered food supplies to their encampment at Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Tragedy Remembered on Redskins Season Opening: Hail to the Healing
Story and photo by Lori Craddock
September 11, 2006, a day of mourning was turned into a celebration of life. FedEx Field was full of people, dreams, and high expectations for this night marking the start of the Washington Redskins football season.
I entered the stadium not knowing what to expect from the crowd, the team, or how I myself should act. Usually, a football game entails jeers, sneers, and yelling, but this game, falling on an annual day of tragedy remembered, left me unsure of what would occur or would even be appropriate behavior. I found my seat and soaked in my surroundings.
After the recent heat wave, Mother Nature picked the perfect time to bring brisk fall weather to complete the true football experience. Many donned their Redskins apparel with a mix of joy and trepidation for the team upon their face as they settled into the stadium seats with friends and family.
Halftime showed the true colors of the football fans with flags that had been distributed to every seat waved proudly in the air in memory of the fallen on September 11, 2001 and those they left behind. The stadium was filled with pride, not only for the teams, for our nation as a whole. Opposing team fans set aside their differences and united under one notion of peace and celebrating our strength through adversity.
Although the Redskins lost, 19 to 16, they walked proudly across the field. A nearby fan explained, “They played hard at a game they love, who could ask for more? September 11 is a time to appreciate the fact that we can be here and continue to have many more games this season together. This is what we are celebrating.”
This spirit seemed to echo in the crowds that filtered out from the stadium. Families and friends huddled close, smiles were seen from near and far, and one could really feel the celebration of life. I walked away from the stadium with a renewed sense of hope. The unity I witnessed lets me know that no matter how hard life gets, no matter what great a loss we have suffered or wrong has been done, life goes on and there will be good ti
Pandemic Flu Planning Continues
Over 200 business leaders and owners attended the Pandemic Flu Business Summit sponsored by the Fairfax County Government. Attendees heard speakers and panelists discussing a variety of issues relevant to business planning in case of a pandemic flu.
“Today’s pandemic flu business summit was an important step in the emergency planning process for Fairfax County businesses,” said Gerald E. Connolly, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “To have this many of our corporate leaders participate in a dialogue on pandemic flu planning will pay dividends as the businesses continue their planning efforts. I’m pleased that the county could play such a vital role in bringing the business community together to lay the groundwork for such planning.”
The Fairfax County Pandemic Flu Business Summit follows the county’s Pandemic Flu Town Meeting held in April. The county’s pandemic flu planning began in fall 2005, and involves numerous county agencies, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, the towns of Herndon and Vienna, as well as private sector groups and partner organizations. County planning initiatives are being undertaken in accordance with the emergency plans of the Virginia Department of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. In addition, county officials are involved with the National Capital Region’s efforts being led by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Information about pandemic flu and additional resources are available on the Fairfax County Pandemic Flu Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/pandemicflu, the Fairfax County Health Department Web page at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd, the Virginia Department of Health Web site at www.vdh.state.va.us, the CDC Pandemic Flu Web page atwww.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic and the official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu at www.pandemicflu.gov.
Lorton Valley Star Newspaper
monthly and on the web
www.LortonValleyStar.com
Covering the greater Lorton, VA area from Fairfax/Franconia Parkway to Prince William Parkway.
Contact Information:
Floyd Harrison,
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Lorton Valley Star Communications, LLC
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© 2005 Floyd Harrison T/A
Lorton Valley Star Comm.
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On November 10, 2000 Maria's daughter Crystal was killed in a terrible accident. Maria went through what no mother in the world wants or expects to go through.
Go To Site…
To moms who have suffered the loss of a child:
When Maria was faced with the death of her child, all the books she read provided the same answer. This answer was not good enough. She began to write poetry. Her poetry was a way for her to find the answers to the terrible crisis that she could not find in any book. Through writing her poetry, Maria became closer to God and she found during her journey, that God's mercy is a sufficient answer to any crisis or devastating situation.
Those poems are now available in the book, "Crystal, A Mother's Grieving Heart" published by Lorton Valley Star. It is available in Occoquan at the Coffee House of Occoquan and at Attic Treasures. It is also available online from Maria's web site.
Copyright © 2003 Maria Carneiro, of Montclair, Prince William County, Virginia, USA
All international rights reserved.
94 Pages
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1994 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Catalog Data:
Carneiro, Maria A.
Crystal, A Mother’s Grieving Heart
Original Publication:
A.D. 2005
ISBN 0-9764770-0-9
Grief, Poetry
Library of Congress Number TXu1-189-869
Cover Art:
Michelle Carneiro
Graphics and Layout:
Floyd Harrison
Publisher:
Lorton Valley Star Communications
P.O. Box 1436
Lorton, VA 22199
USA
