Vienna Connection

Although rain forced the cancellation of Centreville Day last Saturday, Oct. 14, the awards ceremony went forward – just indoors, inside St. John’s Episcopal Church in Centreville’s Historic District. Two individuals and one group were honored for their longtime service and contributions to the community.

Playing strings and keyboard, members of the Magic Hand Orchestra from Harmony Road music school in Centreville opened the ceremony, and Boy Scouts from the Order of the Arrow presented the colors. Then St. John’s new pastor, the Rev. Kevin Laskowski, wished all those attending “the beauty of the unplanned, the surprising and the unexpected that leads to something true and good.”

Next, Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) thanked Centreville Day’s many sponsors. “It takes so many hands and groups to bring this all together,” she said. “The festival wouldn’t be possible or free without the support of the business community.”

Then the Revs. Eugene Johnson and Bill Hatcher, plus local musicians, the VaDeatles, were recognized by Smith and the Centreville Day Planning Committee. Johnson received the Centreville Day Lifetime Leadership Award; Hatcher, the Centreville Day Lifetime Service Award; and the VaDeatles were named Centreville Day Entertainers with Heart.

* Bill Hatcher, Lifetime Service Award 

Some years ago, when Hatcher was offered thanks for his support and service, his reply was that it was his joy to serve the community. He’s been a part of the Centreville community since 1960, since moving here at age 6. He later began his lifetime of service working as a lifeguard at Chantilly National Country Club.

In 1975, Hatcher joined Centreville Baptist Church and, in 1990, became a full-time pastor. As outreach pastor, he organized church members to support the community in a variety of ways. For example, in 2011, he and the church were recognized as Outstanding Volunteers for helping the Walney Garden Guild create and maintain gardens over several years at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. 

And for many years since then, Hatcher and his team of dedicated volunteers have lent critical support to Centreville Day by providing the free, shuttle-bus service to and from the event. “There’s even a rumor that Bill drove that bus, a time or two,” said Centreville Day Chair Cheryl Repetti in her award writeup about Hatcher. “We appreciate Bill’s lifetime of altruistic service in support of the places, people and events that are the best of Centreville.” 

Eugene Johnson, Lifetime Leadership Award 

Johnson grew up in Louisiana but has lived in Centreville with his family for many years. He served as pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church from 1992-2023. And in 2018, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam noted how Johnson led efforts to make the church a “model of civic engagement.” 

Over the past 31 years, he spearheaded Mount Olive’s rebuilding after a devastating fire. During his tenure, the church saw unprecedented growth in its membership, ministries and outreach programs. And when it was time to move to a new building on Old Centreville Road, Johnson even put his architectural degree and experience to use when he helped design that building and all six of its 18x7-foot, stained-glass windows.

Mount Olive also assisted with HIV-AIDS prevention, served as a community site for COVID vaccinations and provided food baskets for community members during the pandemic. It’s also been an enthusiastic partner to Centreville Elementary by collecting food for students in need to take home in their backpacks, so they won’t go hungry over the weekend. 

Said Repetti: “We wish to thank and honor Rev. Johnson for his 30-plus years of selfless giving and leadership to benefit the wellbeing of our community.” 

The VaDeatles, Entertainers with Heart 

Now known as RearVue, the VaDeatles made their debut performance 10 years ago when six teachers took the stage during the Stone Middle School talent show. They taught music, English and civics at the school and came together over their love of The Beatles and their passion to perform. 

In fact, the VaDeatles wowed their middle-school audience so much that their students asked that they be invited to perform at Centreville Day. For 10 years now, even with changes in membership, the VaDeatles have entertained the crowds each Centreville Day with their vivacious music and personalities, as well as with their songs full of energy and joy. Said Repetti, “It is with gratitude in our hearts that we recognize the The VaDeatles as Centreville Day Entertainers with Heart.”

Johnson and Hatcher Say Thanks

The VaDeatles weren’t able to attend Saturday’s awards ceremony, but Hatcher and his wife Grace were there, as were Johnson and his wife June. And after Smith told attendees about their accomplishments, each pastor addressed the audience.

Johnson said he was being recognized for something that was such a natural part of his life – identifying and empathizing with others. “As I received this honor, I was thinking of someone who held the highest esteem of presidents, John F. Kennedy, when he said some words that still resonate in our minds: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do [for your country,’” said Johnson.

“For community, we don’t have to search to find out what we have to do,” he continued. “We know what we can do and what’s appropriate to be done. So I thank you for this recognition and honor, and I also praise God for the accomplishments He’s enabled I and others to do. Bless you.”

Hatcher noted how much Centreville his changed since he and his family moved to Stone Road – then, just two lanes and made of gravel – in 1960. “I grew up on 5 acres, had lots of animals and it was just a great place to grow up,” he said. “Centreville is still very special to me.”

However, said Hatcher, “I have to give credit where credit is due. If there’s anything good or honorable about me, it’s because of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When I went to Virginia Tech at age 20, I had a personal experience with God, through Jesus, and He’s changed my life.” 

Also acknowledging his wife, Hatcher added, “Nothing’s possible without our spouses.” He then thanked the Centreville Day Planning Committee for his award, saying, “I’m very honored and humbled by this.”
Ending the ceremony on a lighthearted note, Repetti presented Centreville Day’s “coveted pineapple award” to Smith; musician Ryan Kwon and Sol Jun, Magic Hand Orchestra president; Eric McDonnell, Order of the Arrow Scouts associate chapter advisor; and Laskowski.

“Usually, at 3 o’clock, we would have had the Hula Hoop Contest, and this would have been the 9th annual,” explained Committee member Carol Robinson. “So, instead, we’re presenting pineapple awards to these five people for coming here this morning and sharing their gifts and talents. We really appreciate it.”