Vellie Sandalo Dietrich Hall, my friend, is running as Mason District Supervisor at Fairfax County. This viable candidate is a Filipina American, so vibrant and energetic with a sincere passion to make a difference in the district where she resides. She is fearless because she is facing the incumbent District Supevisor who’s been holding the position for several terms now. Going around the district and involving herself in its various events and activities, she decided to run after making an assessment that her district needs fresh and more in-depth solutions to the problems and challenges the area and its constituents are facing. Her focus and main concern is the rising problems on crimes in the district. She is also looking into meeting the needs of the diverse constituents in her district and creating projects and programs for the youth.

Talking to her, another motivation that pushed her to run was her strong desire to give something back to the community. As a new immigrant way back then, she faced personal challenges which included running away from an alcoholic and abusive husband. With a small child and a few dollars in her pocket, she ended up in the shelter for battered women where she received assistance. The rest is history. Now, she is the president of her own consultancy business, a board member of Randolph University, a White House Commissioner for Asian-Pacific Initiatives and holds positions in various civic, social and professional entities. Vellie is now married to Harry Hall, a retired businessman, and that small child, Ayn, turned out to be a smart and intelligent young lady who is now equipped with a Master’s degree and is working in a government office. This type-A woman who received her education from the University of the Philippines has finally met success and accomplishments in life through handwork, sacrifices and diligence. An accomplished woman, she has declared “pay back time.”

The Filipino Americans in the community are supporting Vellie’s campaign. She appreciates this very much but observers say that the support should be greater and our kababayans should be more involved. Respected community leaders like Gloria Caoile and Jon Melegrito are showing community bi-partisan initiative to support this viable Filipino American candidate for having the guts and drive to run for a public position. They say that It will be our pride to have another one of our own win a seat, like Kris Valderama of Maryland. I share this sentiment.

Campaign Volunteers
It is heartwarming to see volunteers of different ethnicity at Vellie’s campaign headquarter. They do office help like stuffing of envelopes, yard sign assembly, answering phones and soon phone banking. I have volunteered to support her – funds and service. I’ve been into fundraising events, sometimes as a lead person at other times a social director and even an emcee. This is a new venue for me, never been in any political events before, but it is giving me a sense of accomplishment and joy, helping a fellow Filipina win a seat. The task is big- making sure that everything goes well. They require detailed coordination which includes visiting the venue, discussing about the things required during the event and those needed by the host - food to be served, parking arrangements, the program, also contacting the office of the headliners, (example the office of Lt. Governor Bill Bolling), getting the bios of speakers, registration arrangements, etc. Very active volunteers in the community are Alma Conty, Rene and Inday Alvir, Maurese Owens, and Warie Azarcon, giving their valuable time, money and energy to the campaign. Fundraising events heavily occupy Vellie’s schedule in September and October, a couple of months away from the local elections in November. Her headquarter in Annandale is a busy place nowadays with volunteers working and supporters dropping by. Others do attend fundraising events to give donations -money and in kind. Some others accompany the candidate in door knocking, hanging of door signs and planting of yard signs along the main thoroughfares in Mason District where she is running for office. Others will walk with Vellie in the upcoming parade in Annandale late October.

A Typical Day for Vellie
She starts her day early. Her petite persona is very deceiving. From afar, she looks demure with soft ways. NOT! She is supple and full of energy, a marathon runner. She never gets tired with her door knocking activity. She covers an area everyday, walking on foot. Other people who go with her could not cope with her fast strutting. She’s up at 5:00 AM when she sets aside a couple of hours as her “personal time.” This means exercise, running and stretching activities. Then, the superwoman is off to her gigantic tasks for the day making phone calls, catching up with letters and personal thank you notes, attends meetings, appointments or events. She also visits stores and local businesses to introduce

herself, then walk the neighborhoods. She makes a quick shower, then, off again to some other events and meetings. She also finds time to study and read her speech before gong to speaking engagements. I was informed that one night, she rode around the Mason District in a police cruiser until 2:00 AM to see what the police officers do and to understand what it takes to protect people in the community On weekends, she goes to “meet and greet” events, also attends park gatherings and in the evenings, dinners and other formal events. With Vellie’s hard work and energetic campaign, like many others in the community, I would like to see her win this public office position, the next Mason District Supervisor. I wish my friend success. I would help and attend her victory party.

Birthday Celebrations

Dr. Jovy Eusebio celebrated her birthday recently with a party at her home in Bethesda, Maryland. Invited guests were mostly from the medical field. Jovy is the current president of the PMA. Lita Ramos of Burke, Virginia invited friends at her home in Burke, Virginia to celebrate her birthday. The party started at 6:00 PM and lasted till about 2:00AM with food still flowing. Email: pagsibiganr@aol.com