<bt>Anita J. Moore, a Fairfax resident and author, used her life experiences after raising 11 children of her own to write her recently published book "The Keystone." Moore is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community: I have lived in Fairfax County for 17 years.
Family: I am a single parent of 11 children — Trina Honesty, Jaja Moore, Ayana Moore, Jonathan Moore, Jason Moore, Jordan Nuri, Muhammad Mays, Haleema Mays, Mariyam Mays, Dhaakira Mays, 15, and Mustapha Mays, 13.
Education: I graduated from Germantown High School and attended Bible College for two years at the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia.
Current job/primary occupation: I am currently employed at the Merrifield Home Depot in Fairfax.
Achievements: I had my first book published through Dorrance Publishers and I am near completion of my second book.
Activities/interests/hobbies: I enjoy writing, cooking, sewing and taking walks with my daughters and youngest son around the track at Fairfax High School. I hope to grow a successful herb garden this summer.
Favorite local place or restaurant in Fairfax? My favorite local restaurant is Bombay Bistro on Chain Bridge Road.
What are your community concerns? What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? My biggest concern is increased gang activity. Because we're all affected, we all must get involved. One solution would be to mentor a teen in your neighborhood. Like my mom used to say, "Charity begins at home, and home is our community."
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? My hidden treasure would be Luria Park located in Fairfax County at the end of Hemlock Drive off Gallows Road. I remember my children and I walking the entire length of the park one day and then unexpectedly discovering for the first time a very large pond. I stood there staring at my children as they marveled at its beauty. They used to believe that we had reached the end of the Earth. That was our secret paradise.
Goals: I want to travel someday and continue to write about the people whose lives I've touched, and those who continue to touch mine.
Know of someone who should be spotlighted for his or her achievements or contributions to the community? Send People Profile nominations to fairfax@connectionnewspapers.com or call Nina M. Dry at 703-917-6422.