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FAIRFAX STATION Neighbors of

Photo by Diana Bellack Photography

© Best Version Media

NoVa Meet the Author Events

Fairfax County libraries are hosting several upcoming Meet the Author events. Max Meow is a superhero with cat-itude! Author John Gallagher will lead a session for school age kids on how to draw Max Meow and other Cat Crusader characters! Space is limited, first come first serve on Wednesday, August 7, 4:00pm - 5:00pm at the Great Falls Meeting Room at Great Falls Library.

Local author Zachary Ford will talk about some of the crimes presented in his book, ‘True Crime Northern Virginia in the 50s and 60s.’ This is a session for adults on Monday, August 19, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm

By Carla Olivo

at the Patrick Henry Meeting Room at the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. Register here: www.librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event

Local author Hannah Levin will speak on her debut novel “The Treasured One” with a Q&A session and book signing to follow. This event is Saturday, September 7, from 2:00pm - 3:00pm at the Chantilly Regional Library.

For more information on library events and programs for kids and adults, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

© Best Version Media

PUBLICATION TEAM:

Publisher: Abbey Nasino

Content Coordinator: Carla Olivo

Designer: Justine Behm

Contributing Photographer: Diana Bellack

Photography

ADVERTISING:

Contact: Abbey Nasino

Email: anasino@bestversionmedia.com

Phone: 262-287-0553

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS:

Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: colivo@bestversionmedia.com.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

Emergency 911

Fairfax County Police Department Non-Emergency

...........................................................................

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

Fairview, Fire Station 32

703-691-2131

703-246-2126

703-250-8900

Crosspointe, Fire Station 41 ............................ 703-493-8990

Fairfax County Government

Pohick Regional Library

Burke Centre Library

Fairfax County Park Authority

703-324-7329

703-644-7333

703-249-1520

703-324-8702

Fairfax County Public Schools: Region 4 571-423-1140

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

Content Due

December 10

January 10

February 10 March

March 10 April

April 10 May

May 10 June

June 10 ................................................................................ July

July 10 August

August 10 September

September 10

October 10

November 10

Hello Neighbors!

I hope you are enjoying these last few weeks of the Summer of 2024! Those with school age kids are already hitting those back-to-school sales! And those with college age kids are getting ready to pack the car up and head back to campus. This month we offer some tips to keep everyone safe as school buses hit the local roads around NoVa.

We’ve got news from Inova as they recognize their local nonprofit partners, and we have news on several ‘Meet the Author’ events across Fairfax.

We are looking for content so please continue sharing your neighborhood activities and personal proud moments. We are also always looking for families to grace the cover for our holiday issues and your fur-persons for our pet feature. Send your information and photos to colivo@bestversionmedia.com.

Happy Reading!

Carla Olivo Content Coordinator

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

Nicely Done Kitchens & Baths

Evelyn Nicely

Founded by Evelyn Nicely in 2003, Nicely Done Kitchens and Baths has grown into one of the most respected and trusted names in kitchen and bath remodeling. Family owned, the team at Nicely Done Kitchens and Baths will be with you from start to finish of your remodeling project.

703-764-3748 | nicelydonekitchens.com | info@nicelydonekitchens.com

LEGAL SERVICES

Ben Glass Law

Ben Glass, Attorney

Ben Glass Law is a personal injury and disability law firm in Fairfax. We help clients tell their stories to skeptical insurance companies. Let’s chat.

703-991-4880 | www.BenGlassLaw.com | ben@benglasslaw.com

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Abbey Nasino at anasino@bestversionmedia.com or 262-287-0553

A LOVE OF FAST CARS, SPORTS, AND ANIMALS WITH

The Haar Family

By Carla Olivo | Photos by Diana Bellack Photography

Diana Bellack Photography

In the summer of 2006, amidst the revving engines and shared enthusiasm for fast cars, Natalie and Dave’s story began. Little did they know this chance meeting through mutual friends would lead to a journey filled with love, friendship, and countless memories.

Their initial connection over a mutual interest in cars, and a shared passion for speed and adrenaline set the stage for what would become a lifelong partnership.

Although they didn’t officially start dating until 2010, Natalie and Dave’s bond grew stronger over the years. From thrilling weekends spent at the racetrack to quiet moments at home with their beloved pets, Natalie and Dave’s relationship blossomed over shared experiences and cherished moments. Their love for fast cars, sports, and animals further solidified their connection, creating a bond that has stood the test of time.

After nine years of dating, to the delight of friends and family, Dave and Natalie tied the knot in the spring of 2021. Their wedding, a celebration of their love and individuality, was a reflection of their personalities and shared experiences. “We’re like ying and yang,” says Natalie, “We balance each other out. I can get a little wild and he brings me back to earth or at least makes his best attempt at it!” Natalie’s custom ring, incorporating diamonds from her grandmother’s ring and a stunning princess-cut morganite stone in pink, symbolized not only their love but also their family ties and cherished memories. “I still catch myself staring down at this beautiful ring customized for me,” says Natalie. “I get to carry my grandma and my mom with me every day. I was raised by my mom who was Miss Teen United States in 1977.”

She says they both always have wanted to get married near water, so they ended up choosing their ultimate favorite vacation spot the Outer Banks in Nags Head. “We wanted it to be chill and fun for all, so we settled on a house with a big backyard to have to the reception,” says Natalie.

RESIDENT FEATURE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Courtesy of Ryan & Rach Photography

© Best Version Media

Their wedding day, set against the ocean backdrop of the Outer Banks, was a dream come true. Surrounded by family, friends, and their beloved pets, Dave and Natalie exchanged vows and embarked on the next chapter of their lives together. The Haars were both born and raised here in northern Virgia and attended Lake Braddock secondary school. David was always number one on the golf team and still plays today. “He still amazes everyone who plays with him,” says Natalie. Following high school Natalie got her cosmetology license. She opened Natalie Haar Hair at TJ’s hair studio in Alexandria. “I love to watch people open gifts and doing hair has the ultimate gift back, being able to help someone see their own individual type of beauty come out.”

Dave’s grandfather started the family gas/service station business in the 60’s. His first station was in Washington D.C. Dave says almost everyone in the family has at some point either owned or worked at

one of the family service stations. His dad owns the KC automotive in Burke where Dave is learning another side of the industry. He will be taking over the business when KC retires.

The Haars welcomed a baby girl Lorelai in September 2023. She won’t get lonely as she grows up. The Haars have two parrots, Jeffrey, a 15-year-old African Grey Parrot and Rose, a 13-yearold - Eclctus Parrot. They are joined by three cats, Lord Voldemort, a 10-year-old domestic short hair orange cat, Leeroy, 6-year-old domestic short hair black cat, and Leia, a 1-year-old domestic short hair black cat which was a gift for Lorelai so she can grow up with her own kitten. Two dogs Legolas, a 7-year-old long haired rottweiler and Larry, a 5-year-old rottweiler round out the Haar pets. “Full disclosure, the parrots are SUPER smart and can sound exactly like me or my husband, so naturally Jeffrey can call all the animals in my voice,” says Natalie. “Jeffrey can also bark and meow which sometimes confuses the neighbors!”

The Haars and their menagerie of pets live in Havenwood neighborhood. “We love the space, the quiet and having great neighbors has been a bonus,” says Dave. “The Clifton and Fairfax Station area is a great community tucked in between the hustle and bustle of city life in D.C.”

The Haars are diehard Commanders fans. “My grandpa never missed watching a game,” says Natalie, “and Dave’s grandpa had season tickets for years that all of us in the family would share and go watch them. She says he also had Nationals season tickets. “We were lucky enough to go to a World series game a few years ago!”

One of Natalie’s hobbies is helping her best friend with a dog training business. “She is the best in the area. I grew up around both dogs and cats and saving all types of animals with my grandma,” says Natalie.

From their cozy home in Havenwood to their adventures in the Outer Banks, the Haars create lasting memories together, embracing every moment with gratitude and love.

Diana Bellack Photography

Call for Handcrafters

By Carla Olivo, Photos by Lorton Holiday Extravaganza

on Saturday, December 7 from 9a-3p at South County High School.

The organizing committee is currently accepting vendor applications from those who make or create handcrafted items. Director Renee Flynn says the committee is looking for variety. “We look for quality in craftsmanship and uniqueness. We have vendors selling everything from refinished furniture to one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures to homemade baked goods.”

The Extravaganza is a juried show so the committee limits vendors in each category to provide a balanced shopping experience. “Our shows have become very competitive for vendors,” says Flynn “and we sell out vendor spaces very quickly. It is NOT first come, first served.”

The event has sold out every year for the last twelve years and usually within weeks of the application opening up. Flynn says popular categories fill up very quickly so do not delay. Interested handcrafters can go www.southcountyptso.org for the link to the vendor application. Questions about the event can be emailed to SCHScraftshow@gmail.com. Updates on the event are on the Facebook page. Just search for Lorton Holiday Extravaganza.

PUBLISHER WANTED

Above: Paloma Vintage Designs Below: Battleborn Brew Coffee

Above: VA Arts & Pottery Below: Pink Lemonade Crochet

Above: Santa shopping for holiday decor!

Cape Coral Florida

Story and Photos by Carla

Olivo

Cape Coral is located in Lee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. It is the 130th most populous city in the United States and the largest city in Southwest Florida covering 114 square miles of land. The city offers a variety of recreational activities, including golf courses, tennis courts, boat ramps, athletic parks, natural preserves and of course beautiful beaches! Cape Coral’s primary beach is at the Yacht Club Community Park on the Caloosahatchee River. Two fantastic beaches nearby are the beaches of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. Other nearby beaches include:

• Four Freedoms Beach

• Bowditch Point Regional Park Beach

• Barefoot Beach

• Cayo Costa State Park

SHARE YOUR RECENT TRAVELS!

• Gulfside City Park Beach

• Bonita Beach Park

• Lover’s Key State Park and Beach

• Captiva Island

Send photos and information to colivo@bestversionmedia.com. We would love to see photos from your travels! And for more photos from far off places check out “View of My World”, a Facebook group with photos from around the world!

Carla and Ken Olivo

Fort Myers Beach

Sunset on the Caloosahatchee River

Lisa, Kris and Carla

Your Favorite Fur-Persons & 4-Legged Friends!

Story and Photos courtesy of Gigi Soteropoulos

We would love to feature your favorite Fur-persons and 4-legged friends in an upcoming issue! Send an email and your original photo to Carla Olivo at colivo@bestversionmedia.com with “Fairfax Station Fur-persons” in the subject line.

MEET ARCH!

Gigi Soteropoulos tells us about her 3 1/2-yearold cat named Arch, long haired Tabby mix.

My cat, Arch, does so many tricks to make me laugh. He greets me when I come home from school with loud meowing. Sometimes he jumps on me. We are so happy to see each other. He rubs against my legs because he wants to be picked up and held.

At about 5 am, he’ll come to my bedroom and wants to be fed by meowing very, very loudly. He puts his paw on my face to get me out of bed. We decided to name my cat Arch because my family and I liked that name. His prior owners gave him up when he was 6 months old. When my mother and I saw Arch, we immediately fell in love with him. We took him home and he has been treated nicely and very lovingly.

I know he was in another life. I think he could have been a royal cat in an aristocrat Italian family because he is so handsome and aristocratic. Arch is so sweet; he makes me happy.

Thank you, Gigi, for sharing Arch with us!

Gigi cuddling with Arch

Sharing the Road with Fairfax County School Buses

By Carla Olivo

In just a few weeks, the kids head back to school across Fairfax County. On September 5, teachers and their students return to the classroom to embark on another year of learning. As the school doors reopen, the number of school buses on the road increases significantly across northern Virginia. Ensuring the safety of children during their commute to and from school is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a parent, a school bus driver, or a regular motorist, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to keep everyone safe on the road.

Here are some important tips for drivers to keep in mind:

1. Understand School Bus Signals

School buses use several signals to communicate with other drivers:

• Yellow Flashing Lights: The bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

• Red Flashing Lights and Extended Stop Arm: The bus is stopped, and children are getting on or off. Drivers must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

2. Maintain a Safe Distance

When following a school bus, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance. This allows for adequate reaction time if the bus stops unexpectedly. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least three car lengths behind the bus.

3. Be Extra Cautious in Fairfax County School Zones

School zones typically have reduced speed limits during school hours. Always adhere to these limits and be vigilant for children who may be crossing the street or walking along the road.

4. Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is dangerous under any circumstances, but it’s especially hazardous near school buses and in school zones. Put away your phone, avoid eating or drinking, and stay focused on the road.

5. Be Patient

School buses make frequent stops, and loading or unloading children can take time. Exercise patience and do not try to overtake a stopped school bus, as this can be dangerous for children crossing the road.

6. Be Mindful of Blind Spots

School buses have large blind spots, and bus drivers may not always see smaller vehicles or pedestrians. Avoid driving in the bus’s blind spots and be cautious when a bus is making turns.

Ensuring the safety of our Fairfax County school children on their daily commute is a collective effort. By following these tips and being mindful of school buses and school zones, drivers can contribute to a safer environment for everyone on the road. Remember, the extra caution you take today could prevent an accident tomorrow.

South Fairfax Business Networking

By Casey Whitmarsh, SFCC Chair

Photos submitted by the SFCC

On a recent warm summer evening, the South Fairfax business community came together for the largest networking event of the summer. The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (SFCC) held their annual meeting for member businesses and invited guests.

SFCC Chair Casey Whitmarsh says, “It’s been a busy, yet fruitful year here at the Chamber. Over the last year, sustaining annual membership has grown nearly 30 percent.”

Whitmarsh says membership dues help the Chamber to plan and allocate resources effectively, ensuring long-term viability in the community. “We are very proud that we are able to keep our membership dues very reasonable especially for our entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

The SFCC Board works hard to keep the Chamber very involved in the South Fairfax community. The Chamber participates in several community events including the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza, the Tour de Mount Vernon, the Fairfax Teen Job Fairs and the Spring Fling. Members have the opportunity to participate in these events to increase their brand awareness.

“Our aim is not to be the largest Chamber in northern Virginia,” says Whitmarsh. “We merely want to serve the businesses of South Fairfax and provide the support they need whether it’s social media assistance, marketing help, or networking opportunities.”

For more information on the current Membership Special at the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, go to www.southfairfaxchamber.org.

Chamber members networking

Mike Needham and Ken Olivo

Fairfax County Supervisor Dan Storck with Chamber members

Inova Recognizes Local Nonprofit Partners

By Tony Raker, Inova

Each year Inova provides over $1 million to nonprofit organizations working to address health equity and social drivers of health in Northern Virginia. In June, Inova’s Division of Community Health and Health Equity celebrated twenty-three (23) community partners who received Inova’s Health Equity Opportunities funding. Selected from more than one hundred applications, these local nonprofits provide vital services to address essential health needs of under-resourced communities.

“The Inova Health Equity Opportunities reflects our commitment to not only recognize but invest in nonprofit community partners,” commented J. Stephen Jones, MD, FACS, President and Chief Executive Officer, Inova. “These colleagues have aligned with us to reduce health disparities for communities throughout Northern Virginia and address individuals’ social drivers of health. We thank and support each for their commitment and service.”

Inova requests proposals for Health Equity Opportunities annually, encouraging nonprofit organizations to expand services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of our communities. Applicants are required to propose impactful projects in their community that address issues identified in the Inova Community Health Needs Assessments and demonstrate good stewardship of resources. All recipients join Inova in the commitment to improving access to care and supporting the wellbeing of the Northern Virginia community.

For more information on the Health Equity Opportunities and other Inova community programs, visit inova.org/inova-community.

Nonprofit Recognition Courtesy of Inova

By Madison Farkas

I grew up eating a lot of spaghetti and meatballs with pasta sauce straight out of a jar. For a long time I thought I didn’t like it – the sauce was too sharp and acidic, and often had an almost metallic undertaste. It took some tinkering to come up with this homemade version, but now I’ve completely changed my tune! It’s rich and tangy with a milder tomato flavor than most traditional red pasta sauces, but that’s exactly what I was going for. The best part is that it’s mostly hands-off to make from scratch!

Ingredients

• 2 cans good quality whole San Marzano tomatoes, with liquid

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 stick celery, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 tsp red chili flakes

• ¼ cup white wine

• 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 1 tsp fennel seed

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 large sprig basil, whole

• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Crush the tomatoes to your preferred texture, either by hand or with an immersion blender. I prefer whole tomatoes rather than crushed, since they give you more control over the final texture of the sauce. Pre-crushed tomatoes are usually puréed almost to a liquid and often have added salt, sugar and citric acid. Look for brands that list tomato as the only ingredient.

2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add the onion, celery and carrot and sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.

3. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to a minute until just fragrant, then add the fennel, chili flakes and tomato paste. Stir to combine and sauté briefly.

4. Deglaze with the wine, then add the crushed tomatoes, basil and cheese rind, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for an hour to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove the basil sprig and the Parmesan rind, then use an immersion blender to purée the sauce to your desired texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cook enough of your favorite variety of long pasta for two people according to the package directions until a minute or two shy of done. While the water boils, heat about a third of the sauce in a small saucepan. You can increase the portion of sauce if you need additional servings – it makes enough for about six total.

7. Add the partially cooked noodles along with about ¼ cup of pasta water and a pat of butter and finish them in the sauce, tossing frequently to emulsify. This makes sure the sauce is silky and that each noodle is deeply and evenly flavored.

8. Serve with cooked meatballs and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, some sliced fresh basil, and a sprinkling of cracked black pepper.

15 Minutes of Fame!

By Carla Olivo

Has your family had their 15 minutes of fame? We are looking for families to grace our cover during the upcoming fall and holiday issues! Being on the cover of Neighbors of Fairfax Station magazine offers your family a treasured family keepsake for years to come! And the process is easy!

Does your family have any special fall activities or traditions you’d like to share? Do you go all out at Thanksgiving, or would you like to show off your family’s ugly holiday sweaters? We would love to feature your family on an upcoming cover!

What are your holiday traditions? Like to get together to bake as a family or is your yard the star of the neighborhood during the holidays? Do you have a unique New Year’s tradition? This is an opportunity to feature your extended family too. Invite your in-laws or grown children and their families to join you. We’ve had some fun multi-generational cover families in the past.

A nice bonus to being one of our cover families is that you receive a photo session with a professional photographer! And when the magazine is published you have a great keepsake for your family!

Let your neighbors get to know your family a bit better by sharing your story. If you are interested in being on the cover of an upcoming issue or would like to nominate a neighbor, contact Content Coordinator Carla Olivo at colivo@bestversionmedia.com. If nominating a neighbor, please include their email address. If you have a specific month you would like to be featured, please let Carla know. We depend on the local community to help us make Neighbors of Fairfax Station a helpful, informative and entertaining monthly magazine. Email colivo@bestversionmedia.com.