NOVA Art Professor Studies in the Netherlands
Barbara Lash of Burke, art history professor at the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), recently returned from a two-week visit to the Netherlands that she described as ³beyond a dream come true.²
The trip was sponsored by the VaCIE-CEMP Professional Development Exchange, an annual program of exchanges between educators from the Virginia Community College System and their counterparts in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The program pairs participants who have similar interests. Lash stayed with Lidwein and Marcel Mulders at their home in Oldenzaal, near the German border. Lidwein is a teacher at ROC Oost-Nederland College, located in Hengelo, and Marcel is the cultural director of Oldenzaal.
³Oldenzaal recently celebrated its 750th anniversary,² Lash said. ³I was living in a Romanesque wonderland! A 12th century church and bell tower is located in the center of town, typical for the time period when life centered on the church. There was enough education in this one city to satisfy this art historian. It was, however, just the beginning of the adventure.²
The efficient, affordable Dutch transportation system allowed Lash and her hosts to crisscross the country visiting numerous sites. Lash toured several Dutch museums, including the Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt¹s studio in Amsterdam.
³The Rijksmuseum is a beautiful Neo-Gothic building with a touch of the Empire architectural style,² Lash said. ³I stood before Rembrandt¹s Night Watch, which is revered by the Dutch, and saw a figure of a boy in blue behind the little girl that I have never seen in books or slides. The colors are brilliant and Rembrandt¹s subtle tones show his genius. The museum has other wonderful works, including many by Vermeer. The installations are masterful and the baroque still life paintings are magnificent. There are Dutch artists I have never heard of so I will be doing some research.²
In The Hague, Lash toured another museum. ³We visited Mauritshuis, the museum that exhibits Vermeer¹s Girl with the Pearl Earring, as well as Rembrandts, Hals and so much more. Buying the various museums¹ collection books is the only way I¹ll remember where everything is exhibited.²
Lidwein and Marcel Mulders had a special surprise for Lash on her last night in the Netherlands.
³The Oldenzaal carillon player performed a private evening concert in the 12th century bell tower of St. Plechimus to end this unbelievable visit,² Lash said. ³This talented musician has been all over the world playing carillons. He played Yellow Submarine and other pop tunes before playing music written specifically for the carillon. I watched the town from above wondering what the townsfolk thought of hearing Beatles tunes coming out of such a historic tower but Marcel said they were used to it since the carillon is an integral part of the town and a variety of music is enjoyed by the inhabitants.²
Lash flew home tired but thrilled with her experience. ³I have traveled to Europe before but had never had the opportunity to live with a family.
³Picking up a language is much easier when you are submerged in it. Staying in someone¹s home allows you to see their lifestyles, and even their appliances. I¹ll never take my washing machine and dryer for granted again!"
On June 4, 2002, Broadway Gallery hosted an opening for artist Ken Strong at the Australian Embassy. Over 40 new paintings by the artist were on display, many of which depict the local landscapes of Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. The evening began with a speech by Ken Strong describing his newfound inspiration in American landscapes. The event was co-hosted by Mrs. Deborah Thawley and Catherine Gross, and approximately 200 guests attended.
King¹s paintings will be featured for the month of July at the Broadway Gallery Fairfax, 12231 Fair Lakes Promenade Drive in Fairfax. For more information call 703-549-1162.
Military Notes
Do you know someone who should be featured in Military Notes? Graduations? Deployments? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991. Or call Sarah Lucas at 703-917-6440.
Army ROTC Cadet David G. Stone, son of Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. George Stone, graduated on June 7, 2002, from the 3-week US Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. David is a 2000 graduate of Robinson Secondary School and will soon begin his third year at the University of Virginia.
Marine Corps Pvt. Damien S. Bell, son of Catherine E. and Malcolm J. Bell of 7757 Tiverton Drive, Springfield, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Marine Corps Pfc. Lucas L. Rueda, son of Sara P. and Jaimie R. Lopez of 5700 Belfast Lane in Springfield, recently graduated from the Bulk Fuel Specialist Course. Rueda is a 2001 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield.
Marine Corps Pfc. Matthew B, Myers, son of Linda B. and Gary V. Meyers of 7306 Byeforde Court in Springfield, recently graduated from the Light Armored Vehicle Repairman Course. Myers is a 2000 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield.
Army Pvt. Samuel D. Hillmon Jr. has arrived at Fort Knox, Ky., to complete One Station Unit Training, which will include basic military training and advanced individual training. Hillmon is the son of Samuel D. and stepson of Stephanie D. Hillmon of 6508 Castine Lane in Springfield. He is a 2001 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield.
Army Pvt. Darin R. Test, son of Rory Test of Manassas and Catherine Tucker of Kingstowne, has graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, Ky., which included basic training and advanced individual training.
Air Force Cadet Michael T. McFarland, son of Ted M. and Carmella McFarland of Springfield, has earned honors with placement on the dean¹s list at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., for demonstrating excellence in academic studies and maintaining a 3.0 or better grade point average for a semester.
Navy Ensign Michael B. Stanfield, son of Mary S. and Harvey Stanfield of Springfield, recently graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned to his current rank. Stanfield successfully completed four years of academic, physical and professional training, resulting in a bachelor of science degree with a major in aerospace engineering. Stanfield is a 1998 graduate of West Springfield High School of Springfield.
Army Pvt. Gregory L. Clifford, a 2001 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Terry Clifford of Springfield.
Army Pvt. Daniel P. O¹Keefe, a 1994 graduate of Paul VI High School in Fairfax, recently graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. He is the son of Martin and Marilyn O¹Keefe of 7604 Mulberry Bottom Lane in Springfield.
Army National Guard Pfc. Richard K. Cobban, son of Richard and Terri Cobban of Springfield, graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Cobban is a 1999 graduate of Lake Braddock High School, Burke.
Army Pvt. Michael D. Bedsole, son of Michael Bedsole of Springfield and Beth McMahan of Humble, Texas, graduated from a nine week basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
Marine Corps Pvt Donald R. Elder, son of Donald R. Elder of Springfield and Deborah Elder-Cahill of Virginia Beach, recently completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Elder is a 2001 graduate of Green Run High School of Virginia Beach.
Navy Airman Apprentice John P. Nguyen, a 2001 graduate of Fairfax High School, Fairfax recently reported for duty at Undergraduate Pilot Training, Naval Air Station, Meridian, Miss.
Navy Ensign Dong H. Park, son of Mi Sei and Jung H. Park of Burke, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned to his current rank in the United States Navy. Park, a 1998 graduate of Fairfax High School, Fairfax, received a bachelor of science degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Navy Ensign Michael F. Gast, son of Virginia W. and Paul F. Gast of Fairfax, recently graduated from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., and was commissioned to his rank in the United States Navy. Gast, a 1998 graduate of Chantilly High School, Chantilly, received a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science.
Andrew W. Lander, son of Stephen W. and Linda K. Lander of 6317 Karmich St. in Fairfax Station, was recently commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. Andrew is a 1999 graduate of James W. Robinson High School in Fairfax.
College Notes
Know something that should be featured in College Notes? Awards? Honors? Special events? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991. Or call Sarah Lucas at 703-917-6440.
Patrick Robert Jensen, son of Neal and Molly Jenson of West Springfield, graduated with honors from the University of Dayton School of Law on May 11. Jensen is a 1992 graduate of West Springfield High School and a 1996 graduate of Virginia Tech. He plans to take the Virginia bar exam this summer and practice in Virginia.
Helen Claire Majette of Fairfax recently graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC. Helen was also named to the Dean¹s List at Furman University. To receive this honor, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point scale. Helen is the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. L. Dean Majette of 3453 Briargate Ct. in Fairfax.
Margaret A. Dahm of Springfield was recently named to the Dean¹s List at Furman University in Greenville, SC. To receive this honor, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point scale. Margaret is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony E. Dahm of 7429 Hastings St. in Fairfax.
Alan J. Schuster recently graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC. Alan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Schuster of 6402 Wyngate Dr. in Springfield.
Elizabeth L. Sutton recently graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC., where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Elizabeth is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Sutton of Willow Pond Ln. in Burke.
Catherine E. Erhardt recently graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. Catherine is the daughter of Ms. Janet Ziros of Cogswell Place in Fairfax Station.
The following students from Fairfax Station were recently named to the Dean¹s List at the College of William and Mary for the spring 2002 semester: Amrita Kaur Sodhi, Christopher Scott Koves, Corrine Lenore Belt, Elizabeth Kathleen Culyba, Kirstjen Adena Rose Anderson, Lauren Rachel Dana, and Paul L. E. Grieco. Students receiving this honor must take at least 12 credit hours and maintain a 3.6 Quality Point Average during the semester.