Celebrating Foreign Language...

Arlington Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2018 ❖ 7

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ArlingtonArlington

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HomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyle

Spring 2018Spring 2018

A two-level food prep island and

dining counter sets up thoughtful

work triangles. There are custom

cubbies for favorite wines, a shelf

for cookbooks and a built-in micro-

wave. The island’s topmost surface

serves the dining table — and

doubles as a dining counter for

anyone gathered on stools below.

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Home Life Style

Dancers from Nottingham Elementary School perform “Mexican Hat Dance” during National Foreign Language Week.

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Parents Protest Added Relocatables to SchoolNews, Page 3

Celebrating Foreign Language Skills

News, Page 2

2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Mayani Losa Munoz of Washing-ton and Lee High School plays theguitar and sings “Hallelujah” inSpanish.

School Board member ReidGoldstein listens to the languageskills of the students.

Yiming Chen plays the Gushing, a 21-string instrument that evokes theEast and is played entirely from memory.

News

By Eden BrownThe Connection

How does one say impressivein Spanish? Arabic? Chinese?French? Students from allover Arlington County show-

cased their foreign language skills and cul-tural awareness in a two-hour celebrationon March 7 at the Career Center. Those stu-dents can say impressive, and some of themcan spell it out in American Sign Language.They put on a program of entertainment incelebration of National Foreign LanguageWeek, March 4-10.

As Patricia Seidler’s Claremont Immersionstudents presented their “Persuasive Essays”in which they debated the positive andnegative effects of Christopher Columbus’sarrival in the new world, Kennedy Gilbert,9, talked about her acquisition of the lan-guage. Her classmates, for the most part,had some Spanish skills they had picked upfrom family or travel: but Kennedy speakswith correctly accented Spanish by virtueof starting Spanish immersion 4 years ago— and having some in Kindergarten too.She was able to write a persuasive essay,which is part of the curriculum for all stu-dents her age, and do it in Spanish. She wasasked if she had ever lived in another coun-try: “No, I’ve been in a bilingual school, andthat’s why I speak the language,” she said,happy that someone had noticed herprogress.

Another demonstration of skills camefrom Glebe Elementary 5th grade studentswho performed a skit in Spanish. ShelleyJennings’ class skit was “En la Tienda” (inthe store) and demonstrated skills neces-sary to shop, or in this case, to try on clothesand dramatically exclaim to the store ownerwhy they were not suitable. This classlearned Spanish through a weekly FLES

exposure: Foreign Language in the Elemen-tary Schools is a program which gives el-ementary school students basic skills. GlebeElementary was one of the first schools inthe country to adopt FLES, in 2006.

A display of American Sign Language(ASL) was put on by two Washington LeeHigh School students in Michelle Letts’class. ASL has the fourth largest languageclass enrolment in the county schools. Thesetwo students, at levels 2 and 4, looked atease using their hands to talk. As with manyprofessionals, they had trouble not usingtheir hands when talking to a “hearing”person. ASL students like the extra skillknowing sign language gives them.

Chinese students working with Janet Luuwere also present at the celebration. Oneof them, Yiming Chen, played the 21 stringGushing instrument which resembles a si-tar or a zither.

Arlington Public schools has 180 Arabicand Chinese language students enrolled. Dr.Elisabeth Harrington, supervisor of theWorld Language Program, highlighted aprogram for Arabic and Chinese students

which is funded by the U.S. government dueto a shortage in those languages. StarTalkis a three-week immersion program for ris-ing 6th-8th graders interested in the twolanguages. For more information, contactHarrington, [email protected] or call at703-228-6097.

Katy Wheelock’s French students fromWakefield High School recited anApollinaire poem “Le Pont Mirabeau”, andDemain dès l’Aube, by Victor Hugo. EthanHemmings, Liis Viira, and Meg Andersonare AP French students. There are 1,600students enrolled in French in the Arling-ton school system. Gunston Middle Schoolstudents in Maren Herzog’s class sang aFrench song called “Je te pardonne,” prov-ing that singing popular music or recitingpoetry in a foreign language remains aneffective way to absorb culture, vocabulary,and keep the language interesting for teen-agers.

Also at the celebration was the recital ofpoem “Ocean and Seagull” in Japanese byHangri Ma, and Jennifer Guzman’s singing

of “Hallelujah” in Spanish.“I am impressed,” School Board member

Reid Goldstein said at the event. “I am abig supporter of the foreign language pro-gram in our schools.” At the School Boardworking meeting on Feb. 27, where theboard was trying to decide whether or notto cut a FLES coach position, Goldstein hadasked Dr. Tara Nattrass, about the ForeignLanguage in the Elementary Schools pro-gram, and how many students continue lan-guage after the fifth grade and become flu-ent by the time they graduate.

According to the APS website, the purposeof the FLES Spanish Program is to preparestudents to begin developing functionalskills in listening, speaking, reading, andwriting in Spanish, to provide a nurturingenvironment where students feel comfort-able learning a second language, to developproficiency in oral and written communica-tion in Spanish through the integration oflanguage skills and concepts taught in thecontent areas, and to encourage all studentsto develop an openness, understanding andappreciation for other cultures.

National ForeignLanguage Weekshowcases progress,

Celebrating Foreign Language Skills

Kennedy Gilbert, 9, a student inthe Claremont Immersion pro-gram, performed with her class.She is holding the persuasiveessay she wrote, in Spanish, onChristopher Columbus.

James Nicholson, “Catch” Cassius, and Tiffany Tian help Yiming Chenfrom Yorktown High School carry the Gushing onto the stage.

Photos by Eden Brown/The Connection

Arlington Connection ❖ March 14-20, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Arlington elementary school enrollment for 2018

Arlington elementary school utilization map

News

By Vernon MilesThe Connection

Like many Northern Vir-ginia jurisdictions, Ar-lington County Schoolsare perpetually over-

crowded. An update in the enroll-ment trends for the FY 2019 showsArlington has already hit 27,000students; the highest populationfor the schools ever. As ArlingtonPublic Schools continues to try tocatch up to the demand with newschools and extensions, the in-terim solution has increasinglybecome relocatable trailers thatact as temporary classrooms.

One of the proposals in the up-coming 2019-2029 Capital Im-provement Plan (CIP) is to add anew kindergarten classes inrelocatable trailers at the Arling-ton Traditional School (ATS) andCampbell Elementary. There arecurrently four kindergarten classesat ATS and three at Campbell. Ac-cording to school documents,there are currently only fourrelocatable classrooms at ATSwhile the school is capable of sup-porting 12, and only tworelocatables at Campbell while theschool is capable of supportingeight. With new relocatables, ATSand Campbell students will add tothe 993 students served in Arling-ton schools with relocatables.

But at the School Board meet-ing on March 8, parents from ATSrallied to ask the School Board notto add a new class and newrelocatables to an already over-crowded school. Projected capac-ity utilization for the 2018 schoolyear showed ATS at 116 percentutilization, the fifth most crowdedelementary school in the system.ATS has made do, with a boardreport stating that earlier surveysfound the school was effectivelyusing its space, but parents ex-pressed concerns that new classesand new trailers could break theschool’s precarious balance.

“I have serious concerns that thistemporary fix could become a per-manent one,” said Lisa Donohue,who has two sons at ATS. “ATS willbecome the most crowded schoolin the county by 2021. It makesmore sense to wait before increas-ing ATS enrollment until after [re-districting and new schools open].

We have some of the largest classsizes, with 24 students per class.That’s increased 18 percent in thelast five years, [putting us] in thetop five most overcrowdedschools.”

Like Donohue, ATS parent HallieZimmers asked for the schools towait for further study and for othercapacity increasing projects tocome online across APS before as-sessing whether or not to addrelocatables to ATS.

“I love ATS for its outstandingacademics and diverse studentbody,” said Zimmers. “I’m veryconcerned about the prospect ofadding another kindergarten classat ATS as well as possibility of theschool being relocated. When kidsstarted ATS 3 years ago, therewere three kindergarten classes.Two years ago they added a fourth.Now, there’s potential for fifth.This only means more trailers …One year in trailer is adventure,more is unacceptable in a countywith blue ribbon schools.”

Other parents stressed that theconcerns about increasing the en-rollment at ATS wasn’t another“not in my backyard” type of ar-gument.

“We love our program and wewould love if the program was forall Arlington kids,” said LisaMoneymaker. “We want to stressthat it’s not that we don’t want totake on more kids, but that ourfacility cannot accommodate it.Our facilities are at the breakingpoint.”

After the public discussion,School Board member MoniqueO’Grady asked school staffwhether the new relocatableswould be part of a permanentpopulation increase at ATS orwhether the move was temporary.Staff answered that each of the op-tion schools would be asked totake on additional burden, andeach year projections across thecounty would be reassessed andpopulations adjusted.

“We have a lot of students thatwill be in relocatables,” saidSchool Board Chair BarbaraKanninen. “We’ll be strugglingwith this, but I’m optimistic aboutthe future as we bring these el-ementary schools online. We’llcatch up and build some new op-timal learning environments.”

Traditional StuffingArlington Traditional School parentsprotest added classes andrelocatables to overcrowded school.

Arlington Traditional School

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Arlington Connection Editor Steven Mauren703-778-9415 or [email protected]


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ArlingtonThe

Connection

Wreath-LayingThe students of Grace Christian Academy participated in a wreath-layingceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington NationalCemetery on Feb. 27. Four scholars, one from each of the upper gradeclassrooms, were selected from among their classmates to represent theschool. Grace is a preK- 8th grade private, Christian school, accredited bythe National Council of Private School Accreditation.

By Barbara FavolaState Senator (D-31)

I am proud to say thatwe worked in a bi-partisan fashion tocraft workable solu-

tions to many challengesfacing the Commonwealth.Of course, the one issue that we were not ableto gain agreement on was Medicaid Expansion,but I am hopeful that lawmakers will hear fromconstituents now that we are back in our dis-tricts.

Most legislators believe that if the Senate hadgone through a re-election in 2017, there

would be more interest onthe Republican side in find-ing a pathway forward forparticipating in expansion.

The Republican lawmakers who believe it istime to increase access to health care are work-ing diligently to make expansion a reality. How-ever, achieving this goal is very complicatedsince some of their colleagues fear primaryopponents if they vote for a new healthcareprogram, while others believe that new pro-grams should not be funded by the Federalgovernment because of the rising Federal debt.

We are studying the requirements that cer-tain Republican states have implemented intheir Medicaid Expansion plans to help guidethe conversation. Governor Northam is ex-pected to call the legislature back for a specialsession within the next 30 days with a direc-tive that we address the Medicaid Expansionissue.Energy Grid Security Bill

The legislation, which I voted for and Gov-

ernor Northam has signed, was supported byleading environmental groups as well as in-dustry experts. It is not a perfect bill but it is agood bill. My interest in supporting the En-ergy Grid Security Bill evolved around achiev-ing public policy objectives that I believe arein the best interest of my constituents and theCommonwealth, overall. These policy objec-tives are: improving grid reliability; providinga good value to the electric consumers of Vir-ginia; enhancing grid security; and decreas-ing reliance on carbon-based fuels. Perhaps wecould have achieved more in any one of theareas, but that would have been at the expenseof compromising the advancement of anotherpolicy goal. It was also important to me thatconsumers be offered rebates now that the newlegislation ends the base-rate freeze provision.To that end, Dominion will issue $200 millionin rate credits to consumers who were over-charged during the “rate freeze” period.

Although earlier versions of the bill had someprotections against “double dipping” or allow-ing Dominion to gain rate revenue twice be-cause of the way the investment language waswritten, subsequent language provides moreclarity and more protection against this. More-over, SB966 evolved as a result of a detailed,rigorous, and widely vetted process. No onegroup achieved everything it wanted, but therewere enough positive aspects to the bill thatdisparate groups such as the environmental-ists and the energy providers all agreed to sup-port the measure.

Finally, I believe that the oversight mecha-nisms and accountability requirements in thebill give us the tools to adequately monitorDominion’s activities. The State CorporationCommission must report to the General Assem-

bly, annually, regarding the appropriatenessand competitiveness of Dominion Energy’s ratestructure and Dominion’s adherence to thepolicy goals articulated in SB 966. Kinship Care

I worked on a bill, the Kinship Care Bill, forfour years to make it possible for relatives toreceive financial support if they provide a per-manent home for kin in foster care; and I wantto thank my Republican co-patron, SenatorDunnavant, for her help in getting this bill overthe finish line. Relatives willing to participatein this program would have to agree to gothrough special training and also agree to theterms of a permanency arrangement, as di-rected by a Juvenile Court Judge. So many ofthe relatives volunteering to raise the next gen-eration are grandparents living on social secu-rity or meager retirement income. The KinshipCare Bill requires Virginia to participate in aFederal program that will provide much of thefinancial support necessary to raise a child. Thebipartisan effort demonstrated to pass this billand get it funded in both the House and Sen-ate budgets was exemplaryMaking Schools More Welcoming

My bill prohibiting lunch shaming wasmerged with Delegate Hope’s bill on the sametopic and the final bill became even strongerthan the two earlier proposals. We expect ourschools to value every child and to provideevery student with an equal opportunity tolearn. Yet, when a child is singled out for aschool lunch debt, this action sends a messagethat the child is different and less likely to suc-ceed. The lunch shaming bill, soon to be signedby the Governor, prohibits the identificationor shaming of any child with an outstandinglunch debt and requires that communicationon this topic be directed to the parents.

Some Successes out of Richmond

Commentary

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and art-work welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.

SOBER-RIDE FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAYFree Sober Rides. Saturday, March 17, 4 p.m.

through Sunday, March 18, 4 a.m. Area residents,21 and older, may download Lyft to their phones,then enter a code in the app’s “Promo” section toreceive a no cost (up to $15) safe ride home.WRAP’s St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide promo code willbe posted at 2 p.m. on March 17 onwww.SoberRide.com. The SoberRide code is validfor the first 1,500 Lyft users who enter the code.

THURSDAY/MARCH 15Informational Session on Homelessness. 7 p.m.

at the Marymount University Ballston CenterAuditorium, 1000 N. Glebe Road. The annualcommunity informational session on homelessnesswill focus on the latest data and trends, biggestchallenges and a look ahead at the new strategicplan. Free with light refreshments provided. Signlanguage interpreters and alternate format materialsfor qualified individuals with disabilities areprovided by the Arlington County Government. Toarrange this in advance contact Kurt Larrick [email protected] or 703-228-1775.

SATURDAY/MARCH 17Arlington Kids’ Stuff Sale. 8 a.m.-noon at St.

Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 North LorcomLane, Arlington. Sale features gently used itemsfrom 100 consignors including clothes, toys, books,

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 11


To highlight your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420

DAILY EUCHARIST:WeekdaysMonday-Friday, 8:30 AMSaturday, 8:30 AM

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE:Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PMSunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy

5312 North 10th Street,Arlington, Virginia 22205Parish Office: 703-528-6276

PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org

All AreWelcome!

Ride the Rails in West VA, July 10-12 . .....................................................................$599Includes Motorcoach from Vienna, McLean Metro & Rockville, 2- nights hotel with

breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners, Sightseeing & Train Rides - Call for detailed itinerary.

Cape Cod, MA for Pops by the Sea, Aug. 10-13 ..................................................$969Includes Motorcoach from Vienna, McLean Metro & Rockville,3 nights hotel in Hyannis with

daily breakfast, 2 dinners & 1 lobster feast, sightseeing & Boston Pops Concert Call for itinerary.

Rhine River Cruise during Oktoberfest, Sept. 27-Oct. 7 ................................$4,299FREE AIR IF RESERVED BY MAY 31! 7-night cruise on Emerald Destiny with all meals, 2-nights

703.242-2204 1-800-556-8646100 East Street SE, Suite 202 • Vienna, Virginia 22180

Please visit our Web site at: www.shillelaghtravelclub.comfor a listing of all our upcoming trips and socials.

SHILLELAGHS TRAVEL CLUB

James Parks, born into slavery in 1843at Custis-Lee Plantation

The Black Heritage Museum held an eventFeb. 28 for invited guests to celebrate theopening of the physical museum that isreplacing the former virtual space. The

museum is located on Columbia Pike.Wall displays commemorate the story of

Freedman’s Village established on the southeast por-tion of Arlington Estate in June 1863. Freedman’sVillage was used as a camp for slaves who were freedas Union forces moved South or who escaped theirowners. It existed for over 30 years as an African-American community with housing, education andmedical care for the residents.

Descendants of residents at the Freedman’s Villageattended the opening as well as representatives fromthe three original African/American communitiesincluding Nauck/Green Valley, Arlington View/Johnson Hill and Highview Park/Halls Hill. Commu-nity groups also participated including Fire House#8, originally staffed by African-Americans, as wellas representatives from the library, historical soci-ety, and career center.

The museum is scheduled to be officially open tothe public mid-March.

— Shirley Ruhe

Special event at Black Heritage Museumfeatures history of Freedman’s Village inArlington.

Exhibit recalls Fire Station #8 staffed byAfrican-Americans during segregation inArlington

News

Recalling Arlington’s Past

Senior centers: Lee, 5722 LeeHwy.; Langston-Brown Senior Cen-ter, 2121 N. Culpeper St.; WalterReed, 2909 S. 16th St.; ArlingtonMill, 909 S. Dinwiddie St.; AuroraHills, 735 S. 18th St.

Senior trips: National Geo-graphic Museum, D.C., Monday,March 19, $14; Homewood and Ev-ergreen Museums tour and tea,Baltimore,Tuesday, March 20, $50;Sugarloaf Festival and Wegmans,Chantilly, Friday, March 23, $10;WSC Avant Bard Theatre, “The Gos-pel at Colonus,” Arlington, Saturday,March 24, $16. Call ArlingtonCounty 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748.Registration required.

NEW PROGRAMS:Simple steps to preventing

and controlling diabetes, Mon-day, March 19, 11 a.m.,Langston-Brown. Register, 703-228-

6300.Senior Boot Camps begin Mon-

day, March 19, 8:30 a.m., $35/7sessions or Thursday, March 22, 8:30a.m., $30/6 sessions, Walter Reed. Reg-ister, 703-228-0955.

Ways to stay hydrated, Monday,March 19, 1 p.m., Aurora Hills. Register,703-228-5722.

How to protect against preda-tors, general scams, Monday, March19, 10:30 a.m., Lee. Register, 703-228-0555.

Rubber Stamp workshop, Tues-day, March 20, 11:30 a.m., Lee. Details,703-228-0555.

AARP’s two-day driver safetyclass, Tuesday, March 20, Wednesday,March 21, 5:15-9:30 p.m., Langston-Brown. Cost $20 ($15 AARP members).Register, 703-228-6300.

Chair Hatha Yoga class beginsWednesday, March 21, 1 p.m., $49/7sessions, Walter Reed. Register, 703-

228-0955.Benefits of trusts in estate

planning, Wednesday, March 21, 7p.m., Arlington Mill. Register, 703-228-7369.

Classic comedy radio and TVshows, Wednesday, March 21,11:30 a.m., Aurora Hills. Register,703-28-5722.

Two-part overview of digitalmedia, Thursday, March 22 andMarch 29, 2 p.m., Arlington Mill.Register, 703-228-7369.

Learn how to ride a bike, Fri-day, March 23, 8 a.m., indoors,Arlington Mill. Details, 703-228-7369.

Ballroom dance for seniors,Friday, March 23, 1 p.m., ArlingtonMill. Details, 703-228-7369.

Lee Walkers, Lee Senior Centerwill walk in Dumbarton Oaks Park,D.C., Friday, March 16, 10 a.m. Cost$3. Register, 703-228-0555.

“Flourishing After 55” “Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programsfor March 19-24.

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News

By Eden BrownThe Connection

“I like to build stuff but I really liketo figure out why things break,”said Dr. Angela LeimkuhlerMoran with a twinkle in her

eyes. She had already caught the attentionof a room full of Arlington’s St. ThomasMore School middle schoolers. She askedhow many students in the room of about90 had a connection to the U.S. military ornaval academy, and more than 20 raisedtheir hands. “Well,” she said, “I’m an engi-neer. And our main job is to make the worlda better place, and, for the military, to makesure our materials are really strong.”

She used the example of a cell phone. “Itused to be the size of a brick, and all it didwas make phone calls, and not very well.But now,” she said, “we have smart phonesthat fit in your hand, that do everythingfrom take photos to playing YouTube vid-eos. Engineers made that happen.”

Moran, a Naval Academy materials engi-

neer, asked the students if they knew whatsilicon was. She pointed out the use of sili-con, an element on the periodic table, andhow electronic pathways could be etchedon it. “Materials is a really cool area of en-gineering,” she said. She asked the studentsif they knew how many materials therewere. It turned out there were 100,000 dif-ferent materials to select from if one werean engineer, and they all fell neatly intothree categories: metals, polymers, ceram-

ics. Moran is the kind of engineer thatmakes even categories of materials soundinteresting, and she bounced around theroom showing students materials, and, bestof all, letting them feel them, hear them,stretch them, and stomp on them. As shedescribed the properties of materials (strongand conductive, brittle but tough), she hadan attentive audience.

But when she called for volunteers fromthe audience to come up and help her withsome experiments, the most skeptical ofmiddle schoolers was entranced by a worldof science that was much more interestingthan memorizing the table of elements.

And when Moran thought she was losing

See Science, Page 15

Dr. Angela Moran explains how human bodies are made up of salt andwater, making them conductive, and, as the students hold hands theywill form a circuit that can light up her tube.

Dr. Angela Moran asks teacher Raylene Rozzi, “You aren’t afraid of fire,are you?” as she straightens out Nitinol with an electric match.

Richie Almon (left) and Silas Lesperance pay closeattention to the presentation by Dr. Angela Moran.

Cynthia Larsen and Jennifer McDermitt are called upto help demonstrate properties of materials.

Scientist also highlightsSTEM educator trainingfor teachers.

Demonstrating the Joy of ScienceMathias Blake, Kaeli Self, Cameron Cirka, and Orixa Flores go to the frontof the room and are asked to blow up balloons by Dr. Angela Moran.

Demonstrating the elasticity of polymers, Dr. Angela Moran inserts a metalstick into the balloon without blowing it up. The students are in awe.

Photos by Eden Brown/The Connection


ArlingtonArlingtonThe

Connection

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Connection

HomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleSpring 2018Spring 2018

A two-level food prep island anddining counter sets up thoughtfulwork triangles. There are customcubbies for favorite wines, a shelffor cookbooks and a built-in micro-wave. The island’s topmost surfaceserves the dining table — anddoubles as a dining counter foranyone gathered on stools below.

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HomeLifeStyle

See More Functional, Page 9

By John Byrd

When does a house becomedated? The answer may besubjective, but 60 years is along time in the life of a

kitchen. When an older home becomes an-tiquated, you want to revitalize — not justthe house — but your enjoyment of it. It’s asituation that calls for inspired thinking.

Such are the personal revelations drivingmany a sweeping makeover, says David Fos-ter, president of Foster Remodeling Solu-tions, and the professional whose designteam rehabilitated the 1,200 square footnorth Arlington rambler being featured inan open house Saturday, March 24 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

Located in Arlington’s Boulevard Manorneighborhood, the three-bedroom circa1950s brick rambler has been owned byChris and Megan Tighe since 2009. To makethe house more suitable for a family thatincludes a school-age daughter, the remod-eling entailed joining two small rooms(kitchen and dining room) and incorporat-ing the footprint of a rear-facing sunroom.

The new 350-square-foot suite is config-ured as an open floor plan that includes agourmet kitchen, family dining zone and

mudroom.Meanwhile, the suite’s eye-catching tran-

sitional-style interior is enhanced by a cus-tom-designed food prep island, built-ins anda stunning view of a leafy backyard brim-ming with mature trees.

To make the plan feasible, Foster Remod-eling Solutions removed 16 feet of rear el-evation bearing wall, raised the formersunroom floor to level with the kitchen andinstalled matching hardwood throughout.

To augment available light, a 10-foot-by-6-foot window wall, insulated with Argon-filled double ply glass, provides a spot-onview of the Tighe family garden.

“We learned early on that an open housecan help neighbors find ideas for improv-ing their own homes,” says Foster. “Peoplecan see for themselves what design stylesare being introduced, and what technolo-gies are proving practical, even life-enhanc-ing.”

Visitors searching for direct professionalinput, on the other hand, are free to exploreideas with Dory Clemens, the Foster de-signer who executed the Tighe makeover.

“This is an exceptional transformation,”said Clemens pointing to the many originalbuilt-ins and distinctive interior elevations.“The ideas implemented here respond to a

broad range of owner requirements, yetcolors and textures work together to createa warmly habitable living space.”

Looking back, Chris Tighe says he andwife, Megan, started thinking about remod-eling not long after moving into the housenine years ago.

“A childhood friend with an architecturalbackground initially helped us sketch outsome perspectives on a CADD system,”Tighe said. “We routinely discussed wayswe might make the new house feel larger,

more functional and more personal.”The Tighes learned about Foster Remod-

eling from neighbors, and decided to set upa meeting. “I showed our drawings to Doryand she immediately began pointing outoptions that improved the plans in ways Ihadn’t even considered,” Chris Tighe said.“This quickly became a very productive pro-cess for the whole family.”

The resulting space is expansive, yet inti-mate. A two-level food prep island and din

North Arlington residence open to public 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 24.How ‘Open Floorplan’ Can Enhance Classic Home

To create the newrear facing greatroom, FosterRemodeling Solu-tions removed abearing wallseparating theexisting housefrom an oldsunroom, raisedthe floor to levelwith the houseand installed oakflooring.


HomeLifeStyle

From Page 8

ing counter sets up thoughtful work tri-angles. There are custom cubbies for favor-ite wines, a shelf for cookbooks and a built-in microwave. The island’s topmost surfaceserves the dining table — and doubles as alunch counter.

Owing to limited space, persons inter-

‘More Functional, More Personal’ested in attending the open house shouldcall 703-550-1371 and ask for the address;or RSVP online at https://www.fosterremodeling.com/resources/free-educational-seminars/

John Byrd has been writing about homeimprovement for 30 years. He can be reached @703/715-8006, www.HomeFrontsNews.com [email protected]

The Arlington Home Show & GardenExpo returns on Saturday, April 14, 10a.m.-4 p.m.

Whether you are a resident looking toimprove your home, an experienced con-tractor or a landlord managing rentals,the 2018 Arlington Home Show & Expooffers a one-stop shop to “Ask an Expert”and learn of new ways to update yourhome, and add value to your property.The family-friendly event will be held atthe Kenmore Middle School, 200 S.Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington.

As with previous shows, free classesawait this year’s visitors. From learningabout how to do basic electrical andplumbing repairs to understanding con-dominium living, exploring ways to makeyour home a healthier place and master-ing Spring’s Gardening tasks, there willbe a variety of information and hands-on instruction at the Home Show. The

Landlord Seminar is back and only thisclass needs registration at http://tiny.cc/LLS2018.

Learn about remodeling kitchens andbaths, finishing or waterproofing base-ments, replacing windows, doors, floor-ing, roofing and siding, security systemsand more from a variety of top-ratedcompanies. Find out about ArlingtonCounty zoning and permit rules you needto know before starting a home improve-ment project.

The Arlington Home Show & GardenExpo is sponsored by Resilient Virginiaand the Arlington County Housing Divi-sion. For more information, call theHousing Division at 703-228-3765, or theHome Expo team at 202-599-0665.

Arlington Home Show Returns


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HomeLifeStyle

By Marilyn CampbellThe Connection

From a Sub Zero refrigera-tor and Bosch dish-washer hidden behind anoak cabinet front to a

backsplash and center island cov-

ered with slabs of marble, the op-tions for creating a dream kitchencan seem endless, say local design-ers, but they are also very per-sonal.

“A seldom used $15,000 LaCornue stove which might impressfriends may define one person’s

idea of a dream kitchen, while thedefinition of a dream kitchen foranother person might include amore practical approach to formand function,” said interior de-signer Joseph Van Goethem. “Forexample, my wife is an excellentcook, so her dream kitchen is all

Designer must-haves for building a dream kitchen.

Highlighting Features that Improve Functionalityabout spices, dishes and cook-books.”

Hand-painted Italian tile usedfor the backsplash was one of theluxuries that Van Goethem incor-porated into the design of his ownkitchen in McLean. “It infuses thekitchen with color and visual in-terest beneath the cabinetry.”

For counters toppings, quartzand butcher block are two materi-als that interior designer CarolynElleman says are at the top of herlist. Strong and durable, butcherblock is made by connecting longwooden boards. Maple and cherrywood are two of the most popularmaterials for such countertops.

“As natural stone or graniteseems to be not used as much, wehave seen a spike in the use ofquartz and butcher block,” saidElleman, who is an interiors spe-cialist at Case Design/Remodeling,Inc.

A versatile island is a kitchenmust-have for Jean P. Freeman,professor of interior design atMarymount University.

“The real rave right now inkitchens is something that I intro-duced to the Pedini [kitchen de-

sign firm] eight years ago whiledesigning my own sustainablehouse in McLean, Va.,” she said.“It was to have an island with mostof the essentials located on it.Theidea of having an island with asink, dishwasher, cook-top andplenty of storage below has beentaken by storm.”

Such a design technique reducesthe need for overhead cabinetry,advises Freeman. “The island ideauses cabinets with only pull-outdrawers for dishes, glasses, potsand pans. The drawers are so con-venient and easy to organize,” shesaid.

Features that improve function-ality top the must-haves list of de-signer Melissa Fielding of NicelyDone Kitchens and Baths.

“I love tray dividers. They canreally revolutionize the kitchenbecause you can maximize thespace for your cook and serveware,” she said. “Another one ofmy highly recommended items arekitchen drawers because thingslike that favorite mixing bowl orlarge pan, come towards you in-stead of having to reach up to getthem.”


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People

Blood driveArlington Boy Scout Zach Ojakli from Troop 111 organized a blood drive on Sun-day, Feb. 25 collecting over 85 units of blood.

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Held annually for the past 26 years, the Feel theHeritage Festival for the first time featured a SoulFood Cook-Off on Feb. 24 at the Charles Drew Com-munity Center. Categories included appetizers, en-trees, side dishes and desserts.

Some of the entries included Sweet Nauck PotatoPie, Mac and Cheese, Carrot Cake/Cheesecake andCompany Grits.

Judges included Arlington Career Center CulinaryArts Instructor Program Renee Randolph and stu-dents Delina Ogbe, Kahder Smith and Jalen Mullins.

Event emcee and former director of community andpublic affairs for CBS Radio Washington DC/WPGC95.5 FM radio host and president of “Just Ask Justine”Media Relations Justine Love also participated as ajudge.

Have a ºsoul food recipe to share? Save the datefor the next year’s Feel the Heritage Festival on Sat-urday, Feb. 23, 2019.

Learn more about the 2018 Feel the Heritage Fes-tival at parks.arlingtonva.us/feel-the-heritage-festi-val or call 703-228-3329.

Emcee Justine Love withLaVerne Langhorn, winnerin the side dish categoryfor her corn pudding.

Emcee Justine Love withCindy Isler, winner in theentrée category for herlasagna with spinach andmushroom.

Emcee Justine Love withStephanie Clifford, winnerof the dessert category forher sweet potato pie.

Soul Food Cook-Off Names Winners

videos, games, puzzles and more for kidsfor birth to teen. There’s plenty forparents as well: maternity clothes,baby gear, strollers, bottles, safetyitems and more. Cash or check only.Visit standrewsarlington.org.

Resource and Information Fair.8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the KenmoreMiddle School, 200 S. Carlin SpringsRoad. The 10th Annual “Your Child’sDevelopment: A Resource andInformation Fair for ArlingtonParents and Caregivers of Infants andPreschoolers” offers workshops thataddress developmental concerns,

SUNDAY/MARCH 18Application Deadline. Arlington

Neighborhood College, the county’sfree civic leadership program, isoffered this year on eight consecutiveThursday evenings, April 12-May 31.Healthful buffet dinners are servedfrom 6-6:30 and classes run from 6 toas late as 9:30. Childcare will beprovided if necessary. Go toprojects.arlingtonva.us/neighborhood-conservation/college/neighborhood-college-2018/ orcontact Katie Brown-Henry [email protected] or703-228-3819.

From Page 4

Bulletin Boardgetting ready for preschool, nutritionand feeding, early literacy, managingyour emotions, and positiveparenting. Free. Register online atwww.arlingtonresourcefair.com orcontact [email protected] or703-228-1549.

SALT Toastmasters Meeting. 2-4p.m. at Westover Library, 1644 NMcKinley Road. If you are someonewho is seeking communication andleadership development oppor-tunities, we invite you to visit ourToastmasters club. Free. [email protected], call 703-475-3208 or visit3953561.toastmastersclubs.org/.


Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connection newspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGFamily Skate Night. Saturdays

through March, 6:30-9 p.m. atThomas Jefferson Community Center,3501 2nd St S. Bring the wholefamily to Thomas JeffersonCommunity Center for Family SkateNight with a live DJ, moon bouncesand snack bar, this is a crowd-pleaserfor the entire family. Only $2 to skateand $3 to rent a pair of wheels(moon bounce and concessions areadditional). Cash only. Visitparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/thomas-jefferson-community-center.

Open Bounce. Saturdays, throughMarch 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 10:45-11:45 a.m. at Madison CommunityCenter, 3829 N. Stafford St. Have anactive child (3-9 years old) who lovesto bounce? Enjoy Open BounceSaturday mornings at MadisonCommunity Center. $3 per child.Purchase tickets online atparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/madison-community-center-park/.

You, If No One Else. Through March31, Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m. atArlington Arts Center 3550 WilsonBlvd. Arlington Arts Center presentsYou, if no one else, featuring 10contemporary artists and artistcollaborations. You, if no one else,looks at the ways in which artistsrecord, reflect, contribute to, railagainst, and engage with politics andcivic life, bringing dialogue, beauty,and nuance to their involvement inthe public sphere. The title of theexhibition was inspired by poet TinoVillanueva, whose poem of the samename was included in his 1994collection Chronicle of My WorstYears. Visitwww.arlingtonartscenter.org or call703-248-6800.

Michèle Colburn: The More ThingsChange. Through March 31,Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m. atArlington Arts Center, 3550 WilsonBlvd. Michèle Colburn’s workexplores socio-political themesrelated to domestic terrorism, war,and the costs associated with both. Amultidisciplinary artist, Colburnmakes mixed-media objects withforays into endurance performanceon the streets. Her two- and three-dimensional work incorporatesgunpowder, spent bullet casings, andvintage surplus military tripwire.Visit www.arlingtonartscenter.org orcall 703-248-6800.

“Personal Worlds.” Through April 2,gallery hours at The Barry Gallery inthe Reinsch Library at Marymount,2807 North Glebe Road. “PersonalWorlds,” features oil paintings,drawings and prints by facultymember Mary Proenza. Admission isfree. Visit www.marymount.edu/barrygallery.

“HALO-HALO.” Through April 7, open24/7 at Metro Micro Gallery, 3409Wilson Blvd., on the corner of KansasStreet and Wilson Boulevard. Anexhibition of new works by NicoFertakis. The exhibition’s title,“HALO-HALO,” refers to a populardessert in the Philippines and means“mix-mix” or “mixed together” in theFilipino dialect, Tagalog. With anopening reception Sunday, March 25,1-3 p.m. Visitwww.metromicrogallery.com.

Food Truck Thursdays. 11 a.m.-2p.m. at 1900 Crystal Drive and 20112th St. Actual truck schedules aresubject to change so be sure to followyour favorites. Visitwww.crystalcity.org for more.

Healthy Lifestyle Runs. Saturdays, 9a.m. at Roosevelt Island, GeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway.American Cancer Society partners

with parkrun USA to promote fitnessin the fight against cancer. Free. Visitwww.parkrun.us/rooseveltislanddc/for more.

Friday Night Live. 8 p.m. Fridays atthe Church at Clarendon, 1210 N.Highland St., Suite A. Localmusicians perform. Free. Visit1bc.org for more.

Open Mic Comedy. Wednesdays 8-10p.m. at Ri Ra Irish Pub, 2915 WilsonBlvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. Age 21and up only. Free show, $25 cashprize for best joke. Call 703-248-9888 or Visit www.RiRa.com/Arlington for more.

Invasive Plants Removal. Workparties are held every month to keepthe parks free of destructive invasiveplants. Teens, adults and familieswelcome. Every second Sunday of themonth 2-4:30 p.m. at Gulf BranchNature Center, 3608 Military Road;call 703-228-3403. Every thirdSunday of the month 2-5 p.m. atLong Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road; call 703-228-6535 or Visitregistration.arlingtonva.us. Free, noregistration required.

Pub Quiz. 8 p.m. every Sunday atWhitlow’s on Wilson, 2854 WilsonBlvd. Prizes for first place. Free. Visitwww.whitlows.com or call 703-276-9693.

Storytime. Wednesdays and Fridays,10:30-11 a.m. at Kinder Haus Toys,1220 N. Fillmore St. Storytime withMs. Laura. Call 703-527-5929.e.

Crystal City Sparket. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.on Wednesdays at 1900 CrystalDrive. Sparket — A Creative Marketis an extension of DC’s EasternMarket with arts, crafts, andhandmade goods. Free to attend.Visit www.crystalcity.org.

Art for Life. Third Thursday of eachmonth. The Hyatt Regency CrystalCity’s “Art for Life” Partnership withNational Kidney Foundation brings anew artist each month to The Hyattfor a reception. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org.

Brunch at Freddie’s. Third Saturdayof every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. atFreddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. TheArlington Gay and Lesbian Alliancegathers for an all-you-can-eatbreakfast buffet ($9.99). All arewelcome. No reservation is required.Visit www.facebook.com/events/700174390103305.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 14Tour the Solar System. 3:30-4:30

p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center,3608 N. Military Road. Ages 8 to 12.Explore the eight planets of Earth’ssolar system, and Pluto, throughinteractive activities that comparetravel distance, weather conditions,size and the lengths of days andyears. For information: 703-228-3403. $5. #632828-F. To register,call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

THURSDAY/MARCH 15Book Release Event. 7 p.m. at One

More Page Books, 2200 NWestmoreland St., #101. CelebrateWomen’s History Month with therelease of The Radical Element: 12Stories of Daredevils, Debutantes &Other Dauntless Girls, featuring adiscussion with the editor JessicaSpotswood (Wild Swans, A TyrannyOf Petticoats) and contributors RobinTalley (As I Descended) and LindsaySmith (A Darkly Beating Heart). Call703-300-9746 or visitwww.onemorepagebooks.com.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/MARCH 15-17“Almost, Maine.” Thursday-Saturday,

7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. at YorktownHigh School, 5200 North YorktownBlvd. Yorktown Theatre presents“Almost, Maine” by John Cariani. Ona cold, clear, moonless night in themiddle of winter, all is not quitewhat it seems in the remote, mythicaltown of Almost, Maine. Tickets are$10 at yhstheatre.org or tinyurl.com/yhsmaine.

FRIDAY/MARCH 16Live Comedy: T.J. Miller. 7:30 and

10 p.m. at Arlington Cinema andDrafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike.T.J. Miller LIVE from Silicon Valley,“Cashing in with T.J. Miller” andDeadpool. $35-$40. VisitArlingtonDrafthouse.com.

SATURDAY/MARCH 17Fort Ethan Allen Park Walking

Tour. 12-12:45 p.m. at Fort EthanAllen, 3829 N. Stafford St. Familiesages 7 and up. Register children andadults; children must be

accompanied by a registered adult.Fort Ethan Allen was built by theUnion Army in September 1861, tocommand the approach to ChainBridge, and has the most extensiveremaining features of any Civil Warfort in Arlington. For information:703-228-7033. Free. #632758-A. Toregister, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

“Losing the Dark” and“Stargazing 101 with GeoffChester.” Doors open 7 p.m. atArlington’s David M. BrownPlanetarium, 1426 N Quincy St.Learn about light pollution andsimple actions to take to mitigate it.Then join as U.S. Naval ObservatoryPublic Affairs Officer Geoff Chesterprovides an introduction to observingthe night sky. After the presentation,observe through telescopes outside,weather permitting. 60 minutes.Suitable for all ages. Reserve ticketsatfriendsoftheplanetarium.ticketleap.com.

Live Comedy: T.J. Miller. 7 and 9:30p.m. at Arlington Cinema andDrafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike.T.J. Miller LIVE from Silicon Valley,“Cashing in with T.J. Miller” andDeadpool. $35-$40. VisitArlingtonDrafthouse.com.

Family Concert: World Children’sChoir. 7-9 p.m. at St. Peter’sEpiscopal Church, 4250 North GlebeRoad. Enjoy an evening of songs witha Celtic spirit and love andinspiration for all the children of theworld, including an audience sing-along. Food and beverages available.$10-$30. Call 703-883-0920 or visitwww.worldchildrenschoir.org.

SUNDAY/MARCH 18Jim Thorne and the MoonDiggers.

1:30-2:30 p.m. at David M. BrownPlanetarium, 1426 N. Quincy St.Concert performance by Jim Thorneand the MoonDiggers, featuring afull-dome show set to Mission toEuropa, a song from Jim’s newalbum. Appropriate for all ages. [email protected] visit friendsoftheplanetarium.org/.

Remove Invasive Plants. 2-4 p.m. atLong Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road. Adults, teens,and families ages 8 and up. Restorehabitat and increase species diversity

in Arlington. Work parties are heldevery month. No registrationrequired. For information: 703-228-6535. Free.

“Little Bear” and “MagicTreehouse: Space Mission.”Doors open 2:45 p.m. at Arlington’sDavid M. Brown Planetarium, 1426 NQuincy St. Enjoy a short full domeshow created by the Friends of thePlanetarium, based on the song “TheLittle Bear,” written by singer/songwriter Dr. Jim Thorne. Then travelwith the brother-sister duo, Jack andAnnie, in their Magic Tree House asthey discover a note that asks themto answer a series of six questionsabout space. 45 minutes. Suitable forall ages. Reserve tickets atfriendsoftheplanetarium.ticketleap.com.

TUESDAY/MARCH 20Microgreens: What Are They and

How to Grow Them. 7-8:30 p.m.at the Shirlington Library, 4200Campbell Ave. Microgreens – Whatmakes them so good for you? Jointhis popular class to learn their manybenefits, and some simple ways togrow these delicious, nutritious andinexpensive baby plants and sproutsat home. Free. Advance registrationat mgnv.org. Questions, call 703-228-6414 or email [email protected].

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 21“Yeomanette” in World War I. 7-8

p.m. at Aurora Hills Library, 73518th St. S. Annette Benbow,Arlington Historical Society VicePresident, will share the story of JuliaKatzner Rhinehart (Powell), whoenlisted as a US Navy Yeoman (F) inWorld War I. Julia lived in theGlencarlyn neighborhood and later,with her husband, Will Powell,bought a home there in 1920 (nowthe Ball-Sellers House, the oldestbuilding in the county). Visitlibrary.arlingtonva.us/locations/aurora-hills-branch-library/.

Author Event: Brad Parks. 7 p.m. atOne More Page Books, 2200 NWestmoreland St., #101. Formerjournalist Brad Parks, “SayNothing,”) shares from his lateststandalone thriller, “Closer Than YouKnow.” Parks’ six previous novelschart the adventures of sometimes-dashing investigative newspaperreporter Carter Ross, and havecollectively won stars from everymajor pre-publication review outlet.Call 703-300-9746 or visitwww.onemorepagebooks.com.

MARCH 21-23Fundraising: Citrus Sale. 9 a.m.-5

p.m. at the Overlee Community Pool-Bath House (Lower Level), 6030 LeeHighway, lower entrance off JohnMarshall Drive. Fresh citrus (withhoneybells), pecans, and maple syrupfor sale to support NorthwestArlington Lions Club/Charities. Call703-528-1130.

THURSDAY/MARCH 22Author Event. 7 p.m. at One More

Page Books, 2200 N WestmorelandSt., #101. In honor of Women’sHistory Month, with Mary Hartnett(co-author with Ruth Bader Ginsburgand Wendy W. Williams of My OwnWords) and Debbie Levy (author of IDissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg MakesHer Mark). They’ll share little-knownanecdotes, big-picture issues, andhow their two bestselling books, onefor adults and the other for children,came about. Call 703-300-9746 orvisit www.onemorepagebooks.com.

Up Ball: Darkly Ever After. 7-11p.m. at Clarendon Ballroom, 3185Wilson Blvd. A fancy dress andliterary-themed social event foradults, presented by the Friends ofthe Arlington Public Library, andfeaturing: prizes for the best fairytale inspired attire (costumes areoptional); live music; light appetizers

World Children’s Choir, Sondra Harnes, conductor, with Barbara Harrison, Channel 4anchor following a performance at The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Wash-ington, Dr. Martin Luther King “His Voice, His Teachings, His Love for Humanity.” Thechoir performs at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 17.

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Entertainment


Jim Thorne and the MoonDiggers.

Jim Thorne and the MoonDiggersConcert performance by Jim Thorne and the MoonDiggers, featuring a full-dome

show set to Mission to Europa, a song from Jim’s new album. Appropriate for allages. $5. Sunday, March 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m. at David M. Brown Planetarium, 1426N. Quincy St. Email [email protected] or visitfriendsoftheplanetarium.org/.

and dessert; and drinks available forpurchase with cash or credit. Ticketsare $40. Visit arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/3711162.

FRIDAY/MARCH 23Survival Skills: Purifying Water. 4-

5 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Learnhands-on traditional survival skills.Humans can go days without food,but drinkable water is a survivalpriority. Use different methods tocollect and clean rain and creekwater, then drink it. For information:703-228-6535. $5. #632928-A. Toregister, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.Half Moon Hike. 7:30-8:30 p.m. atGulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N.Military Road.The half-moon is the best time forviewing the moon with a telescope –come find out why during an earlyspring hike in the forest. Then enjoyhot chocolate indoors. Teens ages 16and up are welcome, but must beaccompanied by a registered adult.For information: 703-228-3403.Adults. $5. #632848-E. To register,call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

Live Comedy: David Alan Grier.7:30 and 10 p.m. at ArlingtonCinema and Drafthouse, 2903Columbia Pike. David Alan Grierfrom Comedy Central, The Wiz andIn Living Color. $25-$30. VisitArlingtonDrafthouse.com.

SATURDAY/MARCH 24Family Bird Walk. 8:30-9:30 a.m. at

Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road. Families ages 7and up. Register children and adults;children must be accompanied by aregistered adult. Bird watching in theearly spring is a great time to start –fewer species and no leaves to hidethem. Begin with birding basics:using binoculars and field guides,identifying, and finding birds, thenpractice new skills. Beginners andexperts welcomed. Loaner binocularsare available. For information: 703-228-6535. Free. #632958-I. Toregister, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

Make Your Own Rain Barrel. 10a.m. at Walter Reed CommunityCenter. 2909 16th St. S. Come toone of these workshops and make arain barrel to collect rainwater foruse in the yard and garden. $55 perbarrel; two barrels per householdlimit. Pre-registration required atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/rain-barrel-workshop.

Vegetable Gardening Part 3. 10:30a.m.-noon at Westover BranchLibrary, 1644 N. McKinley Road.Manage and Maintain Your VegetableGarden. Discover simple, earth-friendly and smart gardeningpractices, like crop rotation andintercropping, to attract pollinatorsand other beneficial insects and tocontrol common garden pests. Learnto identify diseases and how tomanage them. Also pick up tips onspace-saving techniques for smallgardens. Free. Advance registrationrequested at mgnv.org. Questions,telephone 703-228-6414 [email protected].

Visit Our Animal Hospital. 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Long Branch NatureCenter, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road.Ages 6 to 9. Come visit rescuedanimals and see how to medicallytreat them, including reptiles andamphibians that need care. Forinformation: 703-228-6535. $5.#632928-E. To register, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

Life Under the Lens: Mosses. 3-5p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Adults.Take a close up look at mosses in thefield and under the microscope,learning about their natural history,characteristics and identify some of

the most common species. Bring a10x loupe, pencil and notebook.Teens ages 16 and up are welcome,but must be accompanied by aregistered adult. For information:703-228-6535. $10. #632948-D. Toregister, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

Live Comedy: David Alan Grier. 7and 9:30 p.m. at Arlington Cinemaand Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike.David Alan Grier from ComedyCentral, The Wiz and In Living Color.$25-$30. VisitArlingtonDrafthouse.com.

Silent Salamanders Campfire. 7-8p.m. at Gulf Branch Nature Center,3608 N. Military Road. Families.Register children and adults; childrenmust be accompanied by a registeredadult. The whole family is invited tomeet at the Gulf Branch fire ring forlots of old-fashioned fun. Thisengaging program will be filled withentertaining activities that mayinclude stories, special animal guests,games, songs and of course, S’mores.For information: 703-228-3403. $5.#632858-B. To register, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

Chamber Music. 7:30 p.m. atUnitarian Universalist Church ofArlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd.National Chamber Ensemble presents“Strings Fever.” Experience two ofthe greatest works of chamber musicby two masters: Johannes Brahmsand Felix Mendelssohn, featuring thelush sounds of the strings. Freeparking. $36 adult, $18 student.Tickets and more info atwww.NationalChamberEnsemble.orgor at box office one hour beforeperformance.

SUNDAY/MARCH 25Meet the Artist. 1-3 p.m. at Metro

Micro Gallery, 3409 Wilson Blvd., onthe corner of Kansas Street andWilson Boulevard. An exhibition ofnew works by Nico Fertakis. Theexhibition’s title, “HALO-HALO,”refers to a popular dessert in thePhilippines and means “mix-mix” or“mixed together” in the Filipinodialect, Tagalog. The exhibition runsMarch 1-April 7. Visitwww.metromicrogallery.com.

Nature Photography Close-up.2:30-4:30 p.m. at Long BranchNature Center, 625 S. Carlin SpringsRoad. Ages 10 to 14. Photographnature using the close-up camerasettings or lenses. Get naturephotography tips and photographobjects and animals inside the naturecenter and outdoors on a hike.Participants are welcome to bringcamera supplies of their choice. Forinformation: 703-228-6535. $7.#632928-G. To register, call 703-

228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

MONDAY/MARCH 26Meet the Speaker. 3-4:30 at

Arlington County Central Library,1015 N. Quincy St. Encore Learningwill present a lecture on “Civil WarWomen: Nurses, Soldiers and Spies”by Bonnie Mangan, Vice President ofSociety for Women in the Civil War,looking back at the many unsungheroines of the Civil War and willshare fascinating stories of littleknown women who playedsignificant roles in the Civil War. Thepublic is invited. Call 703-228-2144.

Author Event: Patricia Pearson. 7p.m. at One More Page Books, 2200N Westmoreland St., #101. Debutauthor Patricia Pearson will close outWomen’s History Month Programwith her book “Fly Girls: The DaringAmerican Women Pilots Who HelpedWin WWII.” Call 703-300-9746 orvisit www.onemorepagebooks.com.

MONDAY-FRIDAY/MARCH 26-30Spring Break Camp. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at

Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. FourMile Run Drive. Barky is a doggywith bad habits but the ability tolearn new tricks. Explore movement,music, visual art and physical storytelling while exploring theadventures of a special dog. $250.Call 703-933-1111 or visitwww.janefranklin.com/camps.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 28Civil War Discoveries: Infantry

Drills. 9-10 a.m. at Fort C. F. SmithPark, 2411 N. 24th St. Ages 7 to 11.Using replica wood rifles, learn howto “load in nine times” and how tomarch as a well-drilled unitconducting skirmish drills. Forinformation: 703-228-7033. $5.#632728-A. To register, call 703-228-4747 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us.

THURSDAY/MARCH 29Meet the Author. 1-2 p.m. at Walter

Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St.Dr. Charles Toftoy discusses his book,“Amazing Fireside Talks” aboutfinding inspiration and hope. Free.Call 703-228-0955 or [email protected] for more.

Live Comedy: Carlos Mencia. 7:45p.m. at Arlington Cinema andDrafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike.Carlos Mencia from Mind of Mencia.$30-$35. VisitArlingtonDrafthouse.com.


News

T he Arlingtoncounty officesare due for an

overhaul. At the March 17County Board meeting,the board will considerawarding a $2.6 millioncontract to ArchitectureInc. to redesign the inte-rior of the county officesin the Ellen M. BozmanGovernment Center onCourthouse Square. Theapproval would involvefunding for part two of atwo-part planning and de-sign process. County docu-ments show key enhance-ments identified for thebuilding include a greatercivic presence, consolida-tion of the public facing services, security and meet-ing areas. The total project renovation budget is$35.9 million.

The county recently negotiated extending its leaseon the building for 15 years in February 2017. Thecounty will pay no rent on the building from Nov. 1,2018 to Oct. 31, 2019, saving $9.9 million and gain-

ing a $2.5 million broker rebate.The County Board will also consider awarding

$289,324 to Sagres Construction Corporation tobuild a sidewalk eastbound on Old Dominion Drivebetween North Thomas Street and Fire Station 3,completing the long-term sidewalk project on thisstretch of Old Dominion Drive.

— Vernon Miles

Ellen M. Bozman Government Center.

Renovating County Offices

Section of Old Dominion to be renovated with a sidewalk.

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Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

According to my oncologist, it’s time, waypast time in fact (not so much ‘fact,’ more likehis experiences with other cancer patients)that I make more significant changes in mycancer treatment than I have diagnosis todate. What he means, specifically – and whatwe regularly discuss – is extending the intervalof my CT Scan, which currently occurs everythree months.

Not so much to minimize the radiationexposure, more so due to my continuing sur-vival. No one’s ready to characterize me as“N.E.D.,” (no evidence of disease), but neitherdoes it appear, based on the last five years –since I was hospitalized and began my alimtainfusions, that my tumors are growing and/ormoving; at least not as indicated with anyclinical significance.

Nevertheless, the prospect of waitinglonger to find out if any tumor action hasoccurred is unsettling. Currently, given that Iam generally asymptomatic, the primary waythat I learn if there’s been “progression,” is bythe computerized tomography of mylungs/upper torso. Rarely have symptomsmanifested themselves otherwise. And whenthey have, they’ve as often indicated nothingas something – and vice versa; meaning,sometimes no symptoms still showed growth.So it’s confusing, counter intuitive and contra-indicated, and I’m stuck in the middle.

While maintaining this quarterly scanschedule, I have extended the intervalbetween infusions however: from every threeweeks originally to every six weeks now.Which means I’ve reduced the amount ofchemotherapy I receive by 50 percent perquarter. Still the scans have showed “stable.”Given that I’m starting my 10th year post diag-nosis, perhaps it’s time to scan less and livemore?

Our concern has been that if the CT Scancontinues to be the first real indica-tor/confirmation that tumor growth hasoccurred – and if so, presumably differ-ent/more aggressive/life-sustaining tacticswould need to be employed (immunotherapycomes to print, which I have not yet utilized),why wait through the fourth month to findout? Maybe that month’s-long delay in scan-ning would matter in possibly nipping mytumor growth in the bud?

My oncologist’s thinking is that so littlechange has occurred during the past five yearsthat perhaps it’s reasonable to take advantageof my amazing good fortune and extend theinterval?

Moreover, with respect to my quality oflife, reducing the weeks of stress we experi-ence leading up to the scan, and of course thestress the week after, waiting for results, wouldenhance our lives; and eliminating that stressand improving the quality of our lives hasalways been an interest/concern of myoncologist.

And I appreciate his concern for our over-all well being; and I would like to have lesscancer-related impact on my life but, yes,there’s always a ‘but.’ If I extend the scaninterval, I might worry about what’s happen-ing in my lungs during the month after I wouldhave already been scanned? What if? I mean,it’s not as if we can’t go back in time, sort of.We can always restart, re-interval, re-scan, re-everything; so I’ve been reassured. Why notre-engage more with life and rearrange lessbecause of cancer?

Maybe I’ve survived nine-plus years with aterminal form of cancer because I’m meantto? Why not leverage my many good resultsand better manage my cancer commitments?Perhaps it’s time to take control of my life andlive like I’m not dying? Heck, I’ve done alrightso far. Who’s to say I can’t do better?

If my oncologist characterizes me as histhird miracle, then maybe I should start livingmore miraculously?

“Introspections”

Photo by Eden Brown/The Connection

Dr. Angela Moran lets the audiencetouch materials as she talks abouttheir properties.

From Page 6

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anyone’s attention, she knew what to do.“You know what?” she asked the room,“What we should do is get a teacher uphere!” The room erupted in approval. Sheproceeded to demonstrate the properties ofmaterials (who knew metal is elastic), andhighlighted the shape-memory-alloy NickelTitanium (Nitinol) which has a superelasticeffect. Nitinol is used in braces for teeth,eyeglasses, stents, and a multitude of otherthings used everyday.

Moran is one of several scientists who willbe visiting Arlington schools as guest lec-turers, providing insights about their careersand work as part USA Science & Engineer-ing Festival’s Nifty Fifty Program whichsends more than 200 top scientists and en-gineers into schools around the country inadvance of the festival to ignite students’passion for science and engineering. Tak-ing place April 7-8 in Washington, D.C., thefestival’s Expo, sponsored by founding andpresenting host Lockheed Martin, is a freeevent that allows youths and adults to par-ticipate in more than 3,000 hands-on ac-tivities and see live performances by sciencecelebrities and experts.

Moran had a little something extra for theteachers who attended the event: She toldteachers they can come to the U.S. NavalAcademy for an 8-hour workshop on Sat-urdays in the Fall and Spring, where theycan learn things like sensor technology andexperimental design. It’s free, participantsget a free meal, and it counts towards re-certification credits. Moran offered heremail address ([email protected]) or theUSNA STEM Educator Training email ad-dress, [email protected], as a referencefor this program. The program is open toall.

Moran closed with a pitch to study mathand science and follow in her footsteps. “I’veactually been an engineer for 37 years,” shesaid, “And

I’ve never had a day when I wasn’t ex-cited to come to work.”

Science


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