South County Police Station & Animal Shelter Breaks Ground

NewsCall for School Board Member’s ResignationFosters Heated ConversationAmid division, voicesseek to be heard.By Mercia HobsonThe ConnectionWith Ramadan’s ending on May13 and on May 14, FairfaxCounty School Board (FCPS)Member At Large AbrarOmeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her personal Twitter and Facebook accounts. The Twitter pagequalified posts were her views. Omeish is aLibyan American Muslim. The timing of herposts coincided with airstrikes and rocketattacks. Civilian casualties mounted on theGaza Strip, and Hamas launched barrages ofrockets overwhelming Israel’s Iron Dome ofdefense system.On May 13, Omeish posted: “Eid Mubarak!Congrats on 30 days of worship! Hurts myheart to celebrate while Israel kills Palestinians & desecrates the Holy Land right now.Apartheid & colonization were wrong yesterday and will be today, here and there.May justice truth prevail. #EidWith Palestine,”- Twitter-Abrar Omeish@Abrar.The following day, Omeish posted: “War isterrible for everyone. I hear those hurting. Icontinue to be here for each of you. People ofall faiths deserve Holy Land peace. All formsof hate are unacceptable. Ensuring justice &honoring the humanity of everyone remainsas urgent as ever. I look ahead to robust &empathetic engagement with Jewish leadersand all allies. Let’s build together.”- May 14,Abrar Omeish [Facebook].What followed in the eight days afterOmeish’s posts were death threats to her,calls for her resignation, emails, and demonstrations. Events came full circle on May 20during the FCPS School Board Hybrid Meeting held at Jackson Middle School. 3020Gallows Road in Falls Church. It publiclyconvened shortly after 7:30 p.m.SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR Dr. Ricardy Anderson (Mason District) opened by readinga statement, “ The School Board understands that the increased violence in theMiddle East over the past weeks causes arange of emotions, including grief, anger,and fear The Fairfax County School Boarddoes not have a role in resolving geopolitical conflicts. However, we recognize thatour students and families are hurting andare fearful of what is happening abroadand locally with increased acts of aggression against our Jewish and Muslim communities In this, and every moment, it isimportant that we reject Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia.”Omeish is one of the 12 School Boardmembers elected for the four-year term2020-2024. Out of the 12 members, she isone of three elected county-wide who serveat large, representing all 1.2 million residents of the County rather than the popula-Abrar Omeish Fairfax County SchoolBoard Member At Large speaks withoutnotes during the FCPS School BoardMeeting on May 20, 2021, saying, “Iwant to listen because that is how wemove forward, and that is how we grow.”Chairman Dr. Ricardy Anderson (MasonDistrict) Fairfax County School Boardsays, “Our students and families arehurting and are fearful of what is happening abroad and locally with increasedacts of aggression against our Jewishand Muslim communities.”Photo by Mercia Hobson /The ConnectionDemonstrators in support and those against Abrar Omeish, FCBS School Board Member At Large.Mercia Hobson /The ConnectionOmar Elbaba, 15, of Vienna said, “TheFairfax GOP is trying to remove her[Omeish] from office. That is affectingthe entire community and not just her.”Mercia Hobson /The ConnectionLeslie Sandler of Fairfax Station says thatFairfax County Public Schools is not theplace to have political rhetoric.4 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v May 27 - June 2, 2021 tion of one of the nine magisterial districts.She is an FCPS 2013 graduate, Yale 2017graduate, Georgetown Law Juris Doctorate/Master of Public Policy candidate, andBlume fellow.Omeish’s social media posts resulted ina barrage of daily reactionary posts, livemedia interviews, and press releases by individuals and organizations who called forher to apologize, resign from her position asa school board member, or be recalled. Reposting these statements occurred, includingspeakers’ interpretations and perspectivesof Omeish’s views, ultimately resulting indeath threats against her.May 14, fellow school board member Melanie Meren (D-Hunter Mill) @HunterMillFCPS, posted: “As a S.B. Member I’m aghastat the alienation @AbrarOmeish’s sentimenthas cast on many in our community, including myself, & am appalled at the setback thisputs in @FCPSEquity work. Rebuilding ofrelationships will need to happen. JCRCgw@VOICEVirginia ADAMS (not on Twitter),”May 15, “Blasting the “hateful screeds” ofAbrar Omeish — and calling for the schoolboard member’s resignation,” stated PressRelease, Fairfax GOP Blasts “Israel Hater”on County School Board - Fairfax CountyRepublican Committee issued by Fairfax Republicans. “Fomenting hatred and division,”said Fairfax GOP Chairman Steve Knotts inthe Press Release.May 17, “I don’t necessarily support recallefforts unless there’s something egregious,and I think in this case there is and I willshare it publicly,” said Fairfax County BoardSupervisor Pat Herrity (R- Springfield), inthe interview on The Larry O’Connor Show.May 18, “Anti-Semitism and religious intolerance,” said Gary Aiken, 2019 Republican candidate for Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors Mason District, in a WMAL interview.May 19, “The JCRC [The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington] has cancelled its decision to honor at itsannual meeting to be held tomorrow, May20, She has not taken down her tweet,she has not taken affirmative steps to try tostem the vitriolic, hateful rhetoric on socialmedia triggered by her remarks,” said Ronald A. Paul, MD President, JCRC and RonHalber Executive Director, JCRC, in theirjoint statement.Underpinning a selection of the posts andstatements against Omeish was the call forFCPS to focus on core education. “The focusseems to be on everything but You know,anti-racism, equity agenda We need totake them [Fairfax County Public Schools]back and get them going in the right direction,” said Herrity in his interview on TheLarry O’Connor Show.While posts and media attention resultedin calls for Omeish to resign, they also triggered support on multiple fronts and for various reasons, including the May 20 demonSee Reactions, Page 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsYummy in the Tummy at Burke Farmers MarketThe direct farm-to-table approachis fresher and more nutritious.Photos by Mercia Hobson /The ConnectionBy Mercia HobsonThe ConnectionThe Burke Farmers Market, operated by FairfaxCounty Park Authorityin the VRE parking Lot,5671 Roberts Parkway was the firstto open in the County program forthe 2021 season. It will be the lastone to close, currently scheduledfor Dec. 18. The market is open onSaturdays, 8 a.m. -noon.Aimee So of Burke stood in thefirst aisle with her son, Landon, 4,enjoying the sun, the people, andthe market’s vibe. “This is his highlight of the weekend. We live nearby, and I put him in the wagon,”said Aimee.The Burke Market garnered several new vendors, a pasta maker,honey bee farmer, jam and jellyspecialist, and someone who believes he found the perfect coffeebean to roast for a great cup ofcoffee. According to the Park Authority website, Foggy Mountainwww.ConnectionNewspapers.com Hilah Kaufman of Fairfax andher daughter Maya, 6, live closeto the Burke Farmers Market.They look forward to manymore Saturday trips to theVRE parking Lot, 5671 RobertsParkway, where the County ParkAuthority holds the Saturdaymorning market.Pasta uses only local or organicflour mills, “amazing” veggies,and pasture-raised eggs. Rock HillFarmers Market shoppers enjoy the experience and local, seasonalproduce, meats, fish, and dairy at the Burke Farmers Market onMay 15.Honey Bee Farms are purveyorsof high-quality honey from Italian honey bee hives and is a 100percent Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.CAE’s Artisanal Confectionscreates small-batch “wine jellies,preserves, and confections meantto awaken the palate and indulgethe senses,” according to its vendorwebsite. Not to be outshined, theHaymarket Coffee Company crewfound what they consider the bestcoffee bean. It grows high in thevolcanic mountain jungles of ElSalvador.Market shopper Hilah Kaufmanof Fairfax watched her daughter,Maya, 6, savor a cold chocolateytreat in a cup. Quickly, it beganmelting, dripping off her spoonand across her mouth. “I came because it’s a great option and closeto us. This is our first time heresince before COVID,” said Hilah.Like all other Fairfax County ParkAuthority Markets, “By providingaccess to locally grown foods, [theFCPA] farmers market programstrives to improve the health ofFairfax County citizens, supportlocal food producers, and protectthe environment,” according to theCounty website. Market-goers can,if they choose, pre-order items byvisiting the county website, BurkeFarmers Market Park Authority.Pre-pay and pick up at the market.Donna James of Springfieldworked the market entrance table,greeting shoppers as they arrived.Given the new masking guidelinesissued by the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, some market shoppers asked James as theywere about to enter. “Can we remove our masks now?”“If you’ve been vaccinated, it’soptional. Just keep your distance,social distance, and be mindful ofthat,” said James.Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v May 27 - June 2, 2021 v 5

NewsPhoto Courtesy of Erin MolekPassey Honored as a‘Woman of Influence’then build strong communities,” she explained.“We all need people to look up to, andairfax resident Jennifer Passey was we need to see a representation of who werecently honored as the winner of want to be, what paths we want to followthe 2021 Woman of Influence award or the encouragement to create our ownpresented by Fairfax City’s Commis- paths,” continued Passey. “I think that, withGirls on the Run, I’m creatsion for Women. A wife anding that atmosphere in oura mother of four sons, sheCity and region. And I wantserved two years each onus to all take the time to lookCity Council and on the City’sbehind us and bring peopleParks and Recreation Advialong with us.”sory Board, as well as threeLater on, in a special Faceyears on the Planning Combook post, Passey sharedmission.some further thoughts aboutCalling it “a true honor”being this award’s recipient.to receive this award, Passey“Feeling a sense of belongingsaid, “We have a lot of smart,is a need we all have in life,talented, brilliant women herewhether we are young, oldin the City, and they all haveor somewhere in between,”something to contribute.” Inshe wrote. “Your local comher case, besides serving hercity, she also works with theBonnie Hobbs/ munity is where you shouldnonprofit Girls on the Run,The Connection be supported in time of need,feel safe, be able to takewhich serves all of Northern Jennifer Passeyrisks to reach new goals, findVirginia.“I believe that, when you really focus on strength in others and thrive. I want to seethe young people in a community, those girls and women of all ages, from all backstrong girls become strong women who grounds, find their place to lead in the CityBy Bonnie HobbsThe ConnectionFFairfax Academy MusicalTheater Showcase, May 28The Fairfax Academy will present a Musical Theater Showcase, this Friday,May 28, at 7 p.m. Viewers will get an inside look at the Academy’s MusicalTheater & Actors Studio through a collection of songs, monologues, andchoreography performed by the Academy students.The virtual event will be posted at tre-showcase. Or guests may go to https://fairfaxacademy.fcps.edu/ and click on the YouTube icon at the bottom of that Web page.of Fairfax.”She also expressed her appreciation to theCity’s Commission for Women for recognizing her. In addition, she thanked her friendand Councilmember, Joe Harmon, for nominating her for this honor.“And thank you to the many strong wom-en – yes, Mom, you are at the top – in mylife that invested in me,” wrote Passey. Then,directly addressing all those reading herwords, she told them, “Now is the time tocommit to investing your time and usingyour talents to leave your local communitybetter than when you found it.”PRINT ANDDIGITAL OPTIONSTO REACH YOURTARGET MARKETEmail BlastsPrintDigital BillboardsSponsored ContentExclusive Front Page ShoutoutSocial MediaNewspapers & OnlineFor Advertising:Call 703.778.9431or emailadvertising@connectionnewspapers.com6 v Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v May 27 - June 2, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsThe Weather, Tee Shirts and Fresh AirMade Bike To Work Day a SuccessNearly 10,000 riders reaped the benefits negotiatingPhotos by Mike Salmon/Connectionarea bike paths.By Mike SalmonThe ConnectionThe weather couldn’t have beenbetter for the 20th anniversaryBike to Work commuting eventin the metro area, and despitethe fact that everyone may not be headingto the office yet, it proved to be a successIt takes a little more than the promise ofa brightly colored tee shirt to make peopleclimb hills and pedal as the sun comes up,but this year they counted 9,487 participants in the event. For Kingstowne resi- The stop was close to the Franconia-Springfield Metro stadent Aspen Guthrie, the exercise, fresh air tion.and tee shirt were all reasons to participate as she has in years past. She works at the Pen- I missed one year, it was raining,” he said.Bike to Work Day is run by the Metropolitan Washtagon, but has been working from home for a whiledue to the pandemic. “Even if I’m teleworking, I still ington Council of Governments’ Commuter Conneclike the ride,” she said. In years past, she’s gone all tions program, and the Washington Area BicyclistAssociation is involved by manthe way to the Pentagon fromaging the registration process.Kingstowne, or used the MetroNicholas Ramfos, directorfor part of the way before pedof BTWD and co-organizer ataling in.Commuter Connections, bikedAlexandria resident Frankto his stop out on the W&ODReyes was also at the “tee shirttrail near Sterling. The freshpickup point” in Springfieldair and physical benefits werewhere they had tee shirts, waespecially important this yearter and granola bars. This stopbecause the event was canused to be called a “pit stop,”celled last year, and many werebut the pandemic changed that,cooped up inside from the quarand it wasn’t as social as it hasantine. “This was a big year forbeen in the past. “I try to do itus, we didn’t want to miss it,”every year,” Reyes said.Ramfos said. There are mentalIt was the same for Tombenefits for being outdoors andWoodmansee, who was headactive,” he said. “Most peopleing to his job on Fort Belvoir.know the benefits of exercise,”His collection of Bike to Work Aspen Guthrie with her new shirt athe added.tee shirts tells the story. “I think one of the two Springfield stops.PUBLIC NOTICEPopes Head RoadProposed Through Truck RestrictionFairfax CountyNotice is hereby given that the VirginiaDepartment of Transportation is acceptingcomments through June 28, 2021 regardingthe approximately 1.6-mile proposedrestriction of through truck traffic on PopesHead Road (Route 654) from Ox Road (Route123) to Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286)in Fairfax County.The proposed alternate route for trucks isapproximately 4.6 miles via Ox Road andFairfax County Parkway.Submit your written comments toMr. Nhan Vu, P.E., Virginia Department ofTransportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, FairfaxVA 22030, or emailmeetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov.Please reference “Popes Head RoadProposed Through Truck Restriction” in thesubject line.Fairfax High Staff Shows its SpiritPhoto Courtesy of Erin MolekSome Fairfax High and Fairfax Academy “E-Wing” teachers and staff members recently teamed upfor Tie-dye Day to celebrate Spirit Week during the school’s Wellness Week. (From left) are ESOLteachers Kate Scrivener and Elissa Robinson, Academy Administrative Assistant Ginny Cate, Academy Career Experience Specialist Erin Molek, Counselor Maria Martin, and ESOL teacher Sara Chae.www.ConnectionNewspapers.com VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equalemployment in all programs and activities inaccordance with Title VI and Title VII of theCivil Rights Act of 1964. If you need moreinformation or special assistance for personswith disabilities or limited English proficiency,contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775or TTY/TDD 711.Burke / Fairfax / Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton / Springfield v May 27 - June 2, 2021 v 7

NewsCommunity members join police and county officials in the official groundbreaking in Lorton.Dr. Karen Diviney, Director, Animal Sheltering and Capt. Jerry Watts, CommanderAnimal Services Division, whose departments will be served by the new facility, alongwith the police Patrol Division, stand with facility rendering.South County Police Station & Animal ShelterBreaks GroundPhotos by Susan Laume/The ConnectionBy Susan LaumeThe ConnectionCounty officials, police, and community members joined in officially breaking ground for thenew South County police stationand animal services shelter on May 22 at itsfuture site on Lorton Road, between Hooesand Workhouse Roads. The 30 million dollar, dual use facility includes 34,000 squarefeet for police, 23,000 square feet for animalservices, and 20,000 square feet of outdoorspace for use by animals, a fuel island, andparking. The facility, a two year project, isscheduled for completion in Spring 2023.Many see the irony of building a policestation on the former Lorton Workhouse/Prison site, including Fairfax County Supervisor, Dan Storck, in whose District thefacility will rest. Storck explained that in1910, the workhouse concept envisioned a“place of rehabilitation,’’ a concept he notes,the County has applied to the area with“investment of hundreds of millions in thiscommunity to create a 21st century community.” Fairfax County Board of SupervisorsChairman, Jeff McKay promised the gathered community members, “more resourcesare coming to South County” .the Boardis “investing here - all corners of the countymust succeed if the county as a whole is tosucceed.”The creation of the new police station isexpected to have a ripple effect throughoutthe county, by making possible a full policeredistricting. The area is currently served bythe Franconia and West Springfield PoliceStations. Major R.A. Blakely, Commander,Patrol Division II, indicates that the newplan will allow all station territories, not justthe two current servicing stations, to shrink,even down to the individual officers’ beat responsibility; resulting in greater police pres-Board of Supervisors Chairman JeffMcKay addresses participants promisingresources are coming to South County.ence, faster response times and better service to citizens throughout the county. Thenew South County station will include Animal Protection Police (APP) presence on sitefor significantly improved response times tolocations distance from their current WestOx Road location. APPs currently cover all391 land acres of the county from that singlelocation.ANIMALS OF ALL TYPES, and their families, too, will have better access to shelterservices with addition of the second shelter.Dr Karen Diviney, Director, Fairfax County’sDepartment of Animal Sheltering, creditsthe Board of Supervisors with understanding the value of pets in peoples’ lives; a lesson learned elsewhere in difficulty, such asduring the Katrina hurricane disaster. TheCount

law school after graduating from George Mason,” said Nick. “After my first year of law school I worked for a federal judge, Henry Hudson, in Richmond, and eventually got hired as a summer associate at a law firm.” Nick was also on the staff of the William and Mary Law Review after his first year of