Great Falls - Ellington...

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 5-11, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Great FallsGreat Falls WellbeingPage 13

WellbeingWellbeingPage 13

How to Fix I-66?News, Page 3

Langley High WinsTheatre FestivalNews, Page 10

How to Fix I-66?News, Page 3

Langley High WinsTheatre FestivalNews, Page 10

Great FallsElementaryHolds STEMCareer NightNews, Page 4

Great FallsElementaryHolds STEMCareer Night

Great FallsElementaryHolds STEMCareer NightNews, Page 4

Astronaut Dan Tani explains the physicsof a space shuttle launch to Great FallsElementary students during the Mondayevening’s STEM Career Night.

Astronaut Dan Tani explains the physicsof a space shuttle launch to Great FallsElementary students during the Mondayevening’s STEM Career Night.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 5-11, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 5-11, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Sully District Transportation Commissioner Jeff Parnes (on left) makes apoint while Young Ho Chang, a VDOT consultant, listens. In background,at right, is Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield).

News

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

It’s said that nothing’s certain butdeath and taxes – but most of thetime, traffic congestion on I-66 canbe added to that list. So VDOT’s seek-

ing input from the public on how best toalleviate it.

Last Thursday, Jan. 30, in the OaktonHigh cafeteria, VDOT revealed 10 conceptsidentified by it and by the Department ofRail and Public Transportation to increasecapacity within the I-66 Corridor. It alsopresented options for more travel-modechoices, improving troublesome inter-changes, addressing spot safety needs andmaking travel more efficient.

“This is the first of many meetings,” saidPaul Nishimoto, VDOT project managerwith Mega Projects. “We’ll also meet withthe local politicians and, eventually, a deci-sion will be made about which conceptsshould go forward.”

He said no timeline has been establishedyet for when this decision will happen. Fur-thermore, said Nishimoto, “We also needto decide how these concepts could befunded.” But whichever concepts are cho-sen will then be subjected to a Tier II Envi-ronmental Impact Study (EIS).

THE 10 CONCEPTS (see sidebar) weredeveloped during the Tier I EIS to addressexisting and future transportation needs inthe I-66 Corridor from Route 15 in PrinceWilliam County to I-495 in Fairfax County.

In addition, in June 2013, innovative andworkable ideas were sought from citizensand the private sector. The suggestions in-cluded creating a public-private partnershipto implement the multi-modal improve-ments.

Several private-sector firms expressedinterest in developing and operating tolllanes along I-66, and some wanted to con-struct – but not operate – a bus rapid tran-sit (BRT) system in the Corridor. It was sug-

gested that this system operate in managed(toll) lanes and that both buses and tollroads could potentially be replaced by afuture extension of Metrorail.

At Oakton High last week, local officialsand residents alike came from several ar-eas of Fairfax County to see display boardsof the 10 concepts and discuss the propos-als with VDOT representatives and consult-ants. Among them were Supervisor PatHerrity (R-Springfield) and Sully DistrictTransportation Commissioner Jeff Parnes.

“Since 2008, I’ve advocated for an ex-press-lanes-type project,” said Herrity. “Itgives you additional capacity, congestion-free mass-transit and carpooling. And if youdon’t want to pay to take the express lanes,you’ve still got a faster way to get to work.It’s all about choices.”

He said I-66 is such a gridlocked Corri-dor that, if it’s fixed, it’ll also improve manyother roads in Fairfax County that driversare using instead to avoid the I-66 traffic.For example, said Herrity, “I use BraddockRoad all the time when I should use I-66.And the express lanes on I-495 have been ahuge success and also relieved congestionon the side streets.”

Adding that BRT could also be part of thesolution, Herrity said express lanes provide

“a guaranteed speed to run express buses.But for rail to be practical, you need TysonsCorner densities, so it wouldn’t work wellin places like Centreville and Fairfax Cor-ner.”

He suggested that express lanes could beimplemented via a public-private partner-ship. “It’s a good way to finance the project,”said Herrity. “We need creative solutions.My hope is that we see an express-lanesproject underway as soon as possible so wecan improve the lives of our citizens.”

While noting that the long-term solutionto I-66’s congestion is rail, he said expresslanes “can be done quickly and are sup-ported by the Board of Supervisors as theinterim solution.”

Parnes, though, doubted that VDOTwould take action anytime soon. After all,he said, the idea of fixing I-66 has beenlooked at in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s,to no avail.

“Thirty-five years of study – and we stilldon’t have the process going forward,” hesaid. Calling the 10 new proposals “justconcepts to be advanced,” Parnes said, “Wedon’t know which ones will go forward orwhen a decision will be made. We’re stillup in the air.”

Regarding his own preferences, he said,

“I favor rapid transit down the I-66 Corri-dor – VRE to Gainesville, bus rapid transitor light rail or Metrorail to Centreville.”

In the interim, said Parnes, “I can sup-port BRT or managed lanes, but I can’t en-vision them ripping up the managed lanesand putting Metrorail in their place. They’dhave to be complementary. I’m looking for-ward to VDOT’s solution – it’s been a longtime coming.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the I-66improvement project, go towww.helpfix66.com and click on “I-66 Cor-ridor Improvements.”

More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail,spot improvements proposed.How to Fix I-66?

VDOT’S 10 PROPOSEDIMPROVEMENT CONCEPTS❖ General Purpose Lanes: Construction of

additional highway lanes open to all traffic.❖ Managed Lanes: Conversion of the existing HOV

lane into either a one or two lane (in eachdirection) facility that would operate as a high-occupancy toll facility where only high-occupantvehicles would be exempt from paying a toll.

❖ Metrorail Extension: Metrorail service extendingwest from Vienna to either Centreville orHaymarket.

❖ Light Rail Transit: Light rail service extendingwest from Vienna to either Centreville orHaymarket.

❖ Bus Rapid Transit: Separate guideway bus rapidtransit extending west from Vienna toHaymarket; service could extend east of Vienna.

❖ VRE Extension: Extension of existing VRE servicefrom Manassas to Haymarket.

❖ Improve Spot Locations/Chokepoints:Improvements that address operationsconstraints at discrete locations (chokepoints)such as individual interchanges or specificjunction points within the interchanges (i.e.,merge, diverge or weaving areas).

❖ Intermodal Connectivity: Availability of a fullrange of travel modes within the corridor, aswell as availability and functionality ofconnections between travel modes. For example,both lane and transit improvements could bedone together.

❖ Safety Improvements: Safety improvements thataddress both location-specific and corridor-widesafety concerns. These could include adding anauxiliary lane between two, heavily traveledinterchanges.

❖ Transportation Communication and Technology:Continued enhancements to ITS technology forall modes in the corridor, including travelerinformation, corridor and incident management,and transit technology.

VDOT Project Manager Paul Nishimoto discusses the I-66 Corridor withtwo people attending the informational meeting.

Photos by Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection

Toward themeeting’s end,residents look atthe 10 improve-ment conceptsproposed for I-66.


McLean resident JoeBroom, a junior atThomas Jefferson

High School for Science andTechnology, has won the U.S. AirForce Band’s Colonel George S.Howard Young Artist Competi-tion for 2014. In addition, Broomrecently learned he’s been se-lected as a finalist in the U.S.Marine Band Concerto Competi-tion to be held next month.

“This was one of the bestcompetitions we’ve ever had,”said Captain David Alpar, Of-ficer in Charge of the U.S. AirForce Concert Band. “The levelof play was very high. Joe’s per-formance was excellent — trulyenjoyable.”

As winner, Broom will per-form as a soloist with the U.S.Air Force Concert Band at a con-cert later this year.

“It’s a real thrill and anhonor,” said Broom. “I can’twait to perform with such anoutstanding ensemble.”

Judges said Broom’s winningperformance exhibited, “Greatcommand of the instrumentand wonderful artistry.”

Broom’s euphonium coach,UK-based international soloistSteven Mead, said, “Simplygreat news. I’m very proud ofJoe. It’s another great successon which to build.”

For Broom, it’s the latest in agrowing list of musical honors.

In 2012, he won a seat in theNational Symphony OrchestraYouth Fellowship program —the only euphonium player inthe fellowship’s 34-year history.Last summer, he became thefirst consecutive winner of theInternational Euphonium Insti-tute Festival (first, winning thestudent division, and then com-peting against adults to win thecompetition’s artist division).

In addition to performing,Broom, a member of the Na-tional Honor Society, shares hislove of music by teaching acourse he developed for KentGardens Elementary School’sSaturday STEM (Science, Tech-nology, Engineering, and Math)Academy. Broom’s class, “FullSTEAM Ahead: Adding the Artsto STEM,” uses music to teachscience and math concepts, andmarks the first time Kent Gar-dens has included the arts aspart of its STEM series.

Broom performs regularly asa soloist and with local en-sembles, including the Brass ofPeace Scholarship Ensemble,directed by Sylvia Alimena, andthe Capital Wind Symphony,under the baton of GeorgeEtheridge. Broom studies withLee Rogers, principal tromboneof the Washington NationalOpera, and UK-based interna-tional euphonium soloistSteven Mead.

Broom Wins YoungArtist CompetitionMcLean resident to perform withthe U.S. Air Force Concert Bandlater this year.

Joe Broom

News

By Ethan McLeod

The Connection

Students packed the GreatFalls Elementary gymna-sium on the evening of

Monday, Feb. 3, to learn the an-swers to questions such as “Whatis a polymer?” and “How is a vor-tex ring made?”

Great Falls parents and organi-zations organized the STEM Ca-reer Night to challenge studentswith fascinating questions andeven more fascinating answers.Main speaker Dan Tani, a NASAastronaut and engineer, awed stu-dents with stories of his timeaboard the International SpaceStation, which he traveled to in2001 in the Endeavor SpaceShuttle.

“What’s different about space than here on Earth?”asked Tani to a crowd of students that included hisdaughters Keiko and Lily. “Up in the InternationalSpace Station you don’t stand, because there’s nogravity to pull you down. We had areas all over thewalls where you would put your toes in so you couldstand on the walls or the ceiling.”

In addition to hearing from a real astronaut, stu-dents and volunteers enjoyed presentations by areaprograms focused on STEM education. Digital Kidz,Faifax County’s official provider for children ages 4-14, operated a stand featuring robots that studentscould build out of simple materials like Legos, andthen control with software on tablet computers.

“Showing the kids robotics is awesome because,in addition to learning engineering skills, we canintroduce them to computer programming concepts,”said Program Director and Founder Sandra Beyer. Inaddition to gaining an early understanding of com-puter science concepts, Beyer said kids can also takeclasses in game design, digital art, animation,Photoshop, moviemaking and special effects.

STUDENTS from Langley and Thomas Jeffersonhigh schools, known as STEMbassadors, also gavedemonstrations with robotics and included students

in hands-on activities.Great Falls Elementary Principal

Ray Lonnett pointed out the di-verse array of STEM profession-als whose children are students atthe school. In addition to Tani,parents such as journalist AsraNomani, as well as physicists, en-gineers, and patent lawyers,manned booths around the gym-nasium ranging from ScienceJournalism to Weapons Technol-ogy and Engineering of the 2014Olympic Winter Games.

“Tonight is really a way of bring-ing together that parental supportand showing the kids the rel-evance of what they’re learning atschool, how the things their par-ents do for a living apply whatthey learn in math and science tothe real world,” said Lonnett.

The Children’s Science Center, a Herndon-basednonprofit that aims to expand hands-on STEM edu-cation activities to Northern Virginia, hosted STEMCareer Night last year, and helped by bringing vol-unteers this year. Board Member Lee Ann Brownleesaid that while the Center was unable to host theevent for 2014, she was able to work with the PTAby emailing parents in STEM professions to put to-gether another evening filled with hands-on learn-ing and interesting speakers. “We had such a greatturnout last year and so many people were excitedabout hands-on science,” said Brownlee. “The par-ents really are the key to the success. They came upwith all of the activities here on their own,” she con-tinued, gesturing to a STEMbassador closeby pro-ducing airborne smoke rings with a Vortex Cannon.

PRINCIPAL Lonnett and Brownlee both stressed thevalue of problem-based learning, which gives stu-dents opportunities to learn about subjects firsthandthrough problem-solving activities, rather than sim-ply through lectures.

“It’s neat because we’re getting to see the volun-teers do hands-on activities with the kids,” saidBrownlee. “It’s been a very fun experience to see itall come together tonight.”

STEMbassador Andrew McCausland, a junior at Langley High School, shows how soundwaves travel with the Vortex Cannon.

Astronaut Dan Tani ex-plains the physics of aspace shuttle launch toGreat Falls Elementarystudents.

Great Falls ElementaryHosts STEM Career Night

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NEW LISTING IN GREAT FALLS2 Acres of Gorgeous

703.679.8511 [email protected]

Faith Notes are for announcementsand events in the faith community.Send [email protected] is Friday.

The Jewish Social ServicesAgency (JSSA) offers a wide varietyof support groups for those withemotional, social, and physical chal-lenges. www.jssa.org/growth-learning.

HAVEN of Northern Virginiaoffers a variety of free bereavementsupport groups, meeting on a weeklybasis. 703-941-7000 orwww.havenofnova.org.

McLean Bible Church FitnessClass at Body & Soul Fitness.Gain balance, energy and strength at9:45 a.m. Mondays and Fridays. Freechildcare for registered [email protected].

St. Dunstan’s EpiscopalChurch, 1830 Kirby Road inMcLean, holds a third Sunday serviceevery month at 10:15 a.m. which al-lows children to play active roles inthe music and as greeters and ushers.Traditional services are every Sun-day at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m.

Vienna Christian HealingRooms are open, every Saturday, 1-

5 p.m., at 8200 Bell Lane. A team ofChristians is available to anyone re-questing prayer. Free and open to thepublic. 703-698-9779 orwww.viennachristianhealingrooms.com.

Chesterbrook United Meth-odist Church is at 1711 KirbyRoad, McLean. Worship service is at 11a.m. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. foradults and children. 703-356-7100 orwww.ChesterbrookUMC.org.

Centering Prayer Groupmeets Fridays, 9:30 a.m. at An-drew Chapel United MethodistChurch, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna.The hour includes a brief reading re-lated to Centering Prayer, followedby a 20-minute prayer period. E-mailMartha Thomas [email protected] or callthe church at 703-759-3509.

The Jewish Federation ofGreater Washington and the Jew-ish Outreach Institute offer theMothers/Parents Circle, an umbrellaof free educational events and re-sources. Jewish rituals, ethics and thecreation of a Jewish home, regularmeetings and group Shabbats andholidays. Participants include Sha’areShalom, Congregation Beth Emeth,Temple Rodef Shalom and the Jew-ish Community Center of NorthernVirginia. ShalomDC.org.

Faith Notes

Come out for a fun ArtNight Out with artists,art enthusiasts and the

community as we raise money tosupport the Great Falls Foundationfor the Arts (GFFTA) and GFSchool of Art on Saturday, Feb. 8at 6:30 p.m. The event will fea-ture wine & chocolate tastingsalong with a variety of romancefoods. Guests can enjoy the “Flow-ers, Chocolate & Romance” Exhibitin the Gallery and art demonstra-tions by working artists.

The event will take place at Art-ist s’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road,3rd Floor, Great Falls. Tickets:Guest - $75, VIP - $100 (includes1 year GFFFTA membership), Pa-tron - $200 (includes 1 yearGFFFTA membership and specialrecognition), Sponsor - $500 (in-cludes 1 year GFFFTA membershipand sponsor promotion).

A portion of the ticket price is

tax deductible, amounts providedwith ticket purchase. A portion ofthe ticket price is tax deductible,amounts provided with ticket pur-chase.

GFFFTA was formed in 2007, bymembers of the Board of Directorsof Great Falls Studios who wantedto establish a not-for-profit artsorganization in Great Falls. As anon-profit, GFFFTA is able to raisemoney to realize its dream of es-tablishing a center for the arts inGreat Falls. “Art Night Out” is anevent coordinated by Great FallsFoundation for the Arts (GFFFTA)a local 501(c)(3) with the missionto expand opportunities for arteducation, expression and profes-sional development in the GreatFalls community, and networkwith individuals and organizationsthat share these goals. http://www.greatfallsart.org/art-night-out-fundraiser/

Flowers, Chocolate and RomanceFundraiser in Great Falls

To the Editor:Hooray for Gene Phillip for his

letter to the editor [“DevelopmentTaking Wrong Direction,” GreatFalls Connection, Jan. 22-28,2014]. For months I wonderedwhat on earth was going on andwhen I saw the completion of theWalker Road project I was simplyaghast. Who came up with thisenormous waste of resources tomake our community more of a

traffic and safety hazard? Howabout we take a vote next time onsuch a hair brained idea. We’velived here for 21 years and I havenever seen such idiocy. There aremany things this community reallyneeds but we’re wasting precioustax dollars on making a roadwaysmaller. Truly unbelievable!

Leesa K. DonnerGreat Falls

Letters to the Editor

Unbelievable


The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themededition, will publish Feb. 26.

We invite you to send us storiesabout your pets, photos of you and/or yourfamily with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes,lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other crea-tures share your home or yard with you.

Tell us the story of a special bond between achild and a dog, the story of how you came toadopt your pet, or examples of amazing featsof your creatures. Can your dog catch a Frisbee10 feet in the air, or devour an entire pizzawhen you turn your back for less than aminute?

Do you volunteer at an animal shelter ortherapeutic riding center or take your pet to

Send Photos for Pet Connectionvisit people in a nursing home? Tell us aboutyour experience.

Have you helped to train an assistance dog?Do you or someone in your family depend onan assistance dog?

Or take this opportunity to memorialize abeloved pet you have lost.

Send photos and identify everyone in thephoto including the pets and tell us what ishappening in the photo, and include your ad-dress (we will only print the town name).

Submissions should arrive by Feb. 19.Email [email protected],

or submit photos and stories directly on ourwebsite at www.connectionnewspapers.com/pets/.

Opinion

It’s possible that this is not the right billexactly, and in general, we favor localcontrol. But it is wrongheaded of publicschools to force families into a take-it-

or-leave-it position.Families that homeschool their children are

likely saving localities more than$10,000 a year in operating costs andtake some pressure off overcrowdedschools. It makes sense that these stu-dents should not only have access to sports, ifthey can meet the requirements, but theyshould also have access to other extracurricu-lar activities and even some classes.

Public schools need to provide for the bestfor all students in their jurisdiction.

This is HB63.

Are We Barbarians?Testimony stated that on occasion the cloth-

ing of the person in the electric chair wouldburst into flames and the man throwing theswitch for an execution feared the person be-ing executed might burst into flames as well.

There have been problems acquiring thedrugs needed for lethal injection for execution,so the Virginia House of Delegates passed thefollowing: HB1052 Method of execution. Pro-vides that if the Director of the Department of

Corrections certifies thatlethal injection is notavailable as a method ofexecution, electrocutionshall be used instead.House: VOTE: PASSAGE

(64-Y 32-N)How local Northern Virginia delegates voted:YEAS: Albo, Comstock, Hugo, LeMunyon and

Rust.NAYS: Brink, Bulova, Filler-Corn, Herring,

Hope, Keam, Kory, Krupicka, Lopez,Plum, Sickles, Simon, Surovell andWatts.

Please No Huntingon Sundays

For those who enjoy a hike or a ride throughthe Virginia countryside, it’s good to know thaton Sundays during hunting season, one canstill enjoy the outdoors without worrying aboutbeing mistaken for a deer. On Saturdays, vigi-lance, bright colors, loud talking and some-times even jingle bells hung on clothing orsaddles helps provide a sense of safety. Thisbill already passed the House of Delegates, andwill likely proceed in the Senate.

Few Thoughts on General Assembly ActionYes, allow homeschoolers accessto programs in public school.

Editorials

More than 50 volunteers who are helpinglocal residents sign up for health care in-surance were recognized by state and localleadership last Saturday. To date, these Cer-tified Application Counselors (CACs) havehelped more than 500 individuals with thenew Marketplace system, overcoming bar-riers of language, technology and under-standing the new health care law. The vol-unteers were thanked for the commitmentand service:

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) offered a his-torical perspective to the Affordable CareAct, reminding the audience that there wasinitial push back regarding Medicare in 1939and Social Security in 1965, which are nowconsidered “third rails” of our society. Theretiring Congressman predicted a similar ac-ceptance for the Affordable Care Act, origi-nally passed in 2010, to fundamentallychange our society.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly added that evenin affluent Loudoun, Fairfax and Arlingtoncounties, more people declare bankruptcydue to healthcare costs than any other rea-son. He mentioned that the Act will nowprovide health care for the many veteransin our community.

Del. Ken Plum (D-36) shared with the vol-unteers that even with a Democratic-ledgovernor and Senate, Medicaid expansionin the Commonwealth will be a struggle, andif it is passed, will not take effect right away.

Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance

Photo by Jacqueline Pujol

Rep. Gerry Connolly and Rep. Jim Moran thank Northern Virginia FamilyService’s Health Access team for their leadership in helping NorthernVirginians successfully enroll in the new health care system: Cyndy Dailey,NVFS director of health and mental health services; Terry Goplerud andKen Sharma, NVFS Marketplace coordinators; and Carmen Aponte, NVFSMarketplace assistant.

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:

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Great Falls

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Send Your Photos & Stories Now [email protected]

or complete our online form atgreatfallsconnection.com

Be sure to include your name,address and phone number, and

identify all people and pets in photos.Submission deadline is February 20.

Be Part of ThePet Connection

in February

By Amna Rehmatulla

The Connection

Start planning your romanticValentine’s Day from now with yourloved one by heading off to one of theseevents…

❖ Friday/Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Chocolate Buf-

fet. 6-10 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, 1700Tysons Boulevard, McLean. Entyse, WineBar & Lounge will offer an impressivechocolate buffet with seven differentdessert options crafted by their pastrykitchen. Satisfy your loved one’s sweettooth with their dessert creations. $25per person, seating on first come, firstserve basis

Valentine’s Day Latin Style. LaSandia Mexican Kitchen, 7852L TysonsCorner Center, McLean. Show someLatin Love this Valentine’s Day with a 3-Course dinner and signature beverage orcocktail for $29 per person. A taste ofwhat’s on the menu: Shrimp and CrabEmpenadas, Chile Relleno, Pasilla LavaCake, and more. Call for reservations703-893-2222.

Chaise Lounge. 8 p.m. Wolf Trap,1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Love andKisses, Swings and Misses A Valentine’sDay Celebration Smooth ’60s-inspiredbig-band jazz featuring a sultry femalevocalist and a sophisticated “sound thatis musically tight and always swinging”(Fanfare Magazine). Tickets: $25. http://www.wolftrap.org

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides.5:30-9:30 p.m. Reston Town Center,Market Street, Reston. Spend Valentine’sDay the old-fashioned way this year bytaking a stroll in a horse-drawn carriagethrough the streets of Reston Town Cen-ter. Pick up location by Talbots onMarket Street. All proceeds benefit Vol-unteer Fairfax. Tickets: $5/person.Children under 5 ride free.

❖ Saturday/Feb. 15Valentine’s Wine Dinner. 8 p.m.

Paradise Springs Winery, 13219 YatesFord Road, Clifton. Enjoy a 4-coursemeal paired with your favorite ParadiseSprings wines. $119/person; $109 forwine club members; $149 VIP seating inBarrel Room. 703-830-9463.

“Music of the Heart.” 8 p.m.George Mason University Center for the

Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax.Take part in an evening of romanticmusic that blends popular and classicalstyles with pianist Peter Nero. Tickets are$30-$60. Tickets are half price for youththrough grade 12. Visit the box office(open Tuesday through Saturday, 10a.m. to 6 p.m.) or charge by phone at888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu.

Partner Yoga. 2-3 p.m. WorkhouseArts Center, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Part-ner poses are a great way to learn moreabout how to communicate more effec-tively with your partner and have funwhile improving your body health. $20per couple, no experience is necessary—both beginners and master yogis areinvited to join. Register online: http://www.workhousearts.org/

A Valentine’s Sweetheart. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 OxRoad, Lorton. The Workhouse is offeringa Seasonal Camp for kids, ages 6-10. AValentine’s Sweetheart will give kids theopportunity to learn how to bake sweettreats, draw and paint portraits, and par-ticipate in other Valentine’s Dayactivities. Tuition is $65 per child andincludes the materials fee. Registeronline: http://www.workhousearts.org/

Date Night: Chef’s Table. 7-9 p.m.Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road,Lorton. A casual cooking class with a pro-fessional chef, where participants will beworking in pairs to create menu items. Atthe end of the class, the participants willbe served a tasting portion. Tuition is $85per person, which also includes a glass ofwine and all materials fees. Please registeronline at least 2 days prior to event date.http://www.workhousearts.org/

Ballroom Social Dance. 7:30 p.m.Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road,Lorton. Get on the dance floor with yourValentine at the monthly Ballroom SocialDance. Each month features a shortmini-lesson covering a specific style ofdance at 7:30 p.m. (February will beSwing) and then the dance floor is openfrom 8-10:30 p.m. $5 for the mini less, $10admission to the dance.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Buffet.7-10 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, 1700 TysonsBoulevard, McLean. Entyse, Wine Bar &Lounge will offer an impressive chocolatebuffet with seven different dessert optionscrafted by their pastry kitchen. Satisfy yourloved one’s sweet tooth with their dessertcreations. $25 per person, seating on firstcome, first serve basis

What to Do This Valentine’s Day Romantic events happeningin the Fairfax County area.

Send announcements [email protected] is Friday for the followingweek’s paper. Photos/artwork encour-aged.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 5Midday Movie Musicals: “Pippin.”

1 p.m. McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Thismonth’s pick by Technical DirectorJennifer Garrett is the latest in aseries of favorite movie musicalspersonally chosen by The Alden staff.

FRIDAY/FEB. 7-SATURDAY/FEB. 8“THIS.” 8 p.m. Vienna Community

Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna.“THIS” is a bright, tart, andmelancholy comedy that captures theuncertain steps of a circle of friendsentering the choppy waters of middleage. Contains adult language; fortheatre-goers over 16.www.viennatheatrecompany.org/

La Cage aux Folles. 8 p.m. AldenTheatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.Georges, the owner of a popular dragnightclub in San Tropez, and Albin,the club’s star, have lived inunwedded bliss for twenty years.Jean-Michel, the son they have raisedtogether, throws the happy householdinto hilarious turmoil by announcingthat he is going to marry the daughterof an ultra-conservative politician.www.McLeanPlayers.org or 866-811-

4111.

SUNDAY/FEB. 9 McLean Orchestra Celebration. 4

p.m. St. Luke Catholic Church,McLean. Tickets: $60-$160. http://mclean-orchestra.org/tickets/

Joshua Redman Quartet. 8 p.m. TheBarns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road,Vienna. One of modern jazz’s mostheralded saxophonists, JoshuaRedman will be performing alongsidejazz pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassistReuben Rogers and percussionistGregory Hutchinson. Tickets $42-$45.www.wolftrap.org/

La Cage aux Folles. 2 p.m. AldenTheatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.Georges, the owner of a popular dragnightclub in San Tropez, and Albin,the club’s star, have lived in

unwedded bliss for twenty years.Jean-Michel, the son they have raisedtogether, throws the happy householdinto hilarious turmoil by announcingthat he is going to marry the daughterof an ultra-conservative politician.www.McLeanPlayers.org or 866-811-4111.

“THIS.” 2 p.m. Vienna CommunityCenter, 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna.“THIS” is a bright, tart, andmelancholy comedy that captures theuncertain steps of a circle of friendsentering the choppy waters of middleage. Contains adult language; fortheatre-goers over 16.www.viennatheatrecompany.org/

Great Falls United MethodistChurch Sermon Series: UpsideDown. 10 a.m. Great Falls UMC,10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.

Topic for this week is: love the onesyou hate.

“New Era” Art Exhibit OpeningReception. 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. TheChurch of the Good Shepherd (UnitedMethodist) in Vienna. An art exhibitby South Korean artist Lyn J. Kang.

TUESDAY/FEB. 111964 The Tribute. 8 p.m. The Barns at

Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.Salute the 50th anniversary of The Fab

Four’s first live U.S. performance inD.C. with some “Rock and Roll Music”from the “Best Beatles Tribute onEarth” (Rolling Stone). Tickets $38-$42. www.wolftrap.org/

THURSDAY/FEB. 13Code 20: Proceed to Improv. 7-9

p.m. Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440Chain Bridge Road, McLean. A free,coffeehouse-style night of improv andopen mic performances hosted byStudio Rep. Audience members areencouraged to join in the improv orjam out during open mic.

Buckwheat Zydeco. 8 p.m. The Barnsat Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road,Vienna. Free.

THURSDAY/FEB. 13- SUNDAY/FEB. 16Wildfire’s Special Valentine’s

Menu. $85 per couple. WildfireRestaurant, Tysons Corner, 2001International Drive, McLean. Guestscan indulge in all of their Wildfirefavorites, including Crab StuffedMushrooms, Spinach & ArtichokeFondue, Wildfire Chopped Salad,Roasted Prime Rib of Beef orParmesan Crusted New York Strip.Call 703-442-9110 for reservations.

“Mushroom in green,” by artist Lyn J. Kang. See more ofher work this weekend at her art exhibit opening recep-tion at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Vienna.

Calendar

By Ryan Dunn

The Connection

On Saturday, Feb. 1, ap-proximately 40 localartists and jewelers

from the Virginia and Washing-ton, D.C. metro area came tosell their work at the McLeanCommunity Center. “All theitems at the showcase are hand-made,” said Sam Roberts, Direc-tor of Special Events for McLeanCommunity Center (MCC).

“I find my work seems to ap-peal to a lot of folk who cometo these shows,” said MelanieFerrara, a jewelry artist basedin Arlington. The showcase fea-tured a variety of quality, hand-made jewelry collections anddesigns by exhibitors fromaround the region. The selec-tion of items and designsranged for every taste and bud-get at this year’s show. Many ofthe artisans were ready to take

Midge McHugh stands by her jewelry display at theMcLean Community Center in McLean.

Visitors to the McLean Community Center could viewthe artwork and design of more than 40 artists at theFebruary jewelry showcase.

Handcrafted Jewelry Returns To McLeanMcLean Com-munity Centerhosts jewelryshowcase.

Sam Roberts, director of special events forMcLean Community Center (MCC) hasworked at McLean Community Center sinceMarch 1989.

Artist Courtney Gillen standing by herjewelry stand at McLean CommunityCenter for the annual February jewelryshowcase. Her website iswww.courtneygillen.com.

custom orders and work with cli-ents regarding jewelry design, sizeand color. “The people that run thisevent are nice and educated andappreciate hand crafted things,”

said artist Courtney Gillen. “TheMcLean Jewelry Showcase servesas a great complement to our longrunning Holiday Crafts Show,” saidPaul Koulenberger, a member of

the McLean Citizens Associationand Friends of the McLean Com-munity Center. To learn moreabout McLean Community Cen-ter, visit www.mcleancenter.org.

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• Weekly field trips to enhance hands-on-learning

• Daily communication with parents

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11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

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Be the first to know – get yourpaper before it hits the press.

Complete digital replica of the printedition, including photos and ads,delivered weekly to youre-mail box.

Questions? E-mail:[email protected]

CelebratingVictoryPictured are mem-bers of the Langleyboys’ basketballteam after defeat-ing McLean 50-47on Jan. 24 atMcLean HighSchool.

Photo

contributed

News

Saxon Stage’s production of “Fearful Symme-try,” written by Alan Haehnel and directed bysenior Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf, won the VHSL

Conference 6 One Act Competition at James Madi-son High School on Saturday, Jan. 25. It is the firsttime in Saxon Stage history that Langley has wonthis event. Langley competed against Yorktown HighSchool, Hayfield Secondary School, James MadisonHigh School, Fairfax High School, McLean HighSchool, South Lakes High School and Washington-

Lee High School.Langley High School along with the runner-up,

Washington-Lee High School, will go on to competeat the Regional event at Lake Braddock SecondarySchool on Saturday, Feb. 8. The cast in this produc-tion include: Madeleine Chalk, Mary Long, MaryMargaret Chalk, Nick Regan, Rachel Mayman, AlexisApostolou, Natalie Harris, Hayley Wenk, KathleenWelch, Lily Brock, Bridget Fitzgerald, TylerLarkworthy, Jamie Goodson, Vivian Vaeth, SydneyCopp, Sivan Tretiak, Andal Paul and AndrewWantula. Katie Studabaker is the stage manager andMikey Mellis ran the sound and lights. Kathryn Baileycomposed and directed the music and KirstaHackmeier was the costume designer. Valerie Karasekis the theatre teacher and director at Langley HighSchool.

Langley High Wins Theatre FestivalThe school will competeat the Regional eventon Saturday, Feb. 8.

Photo by

Andrew Wantula


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Winter Wine TastingSaturday, February 22 2014

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To have community events listed in the Connec-tion, send to [email protected] deadline for submissions is the Friday prior topublication.

THURSDAY/FEB. 6Great Falls Writer’s Group. 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Great Falls Writer’s Group, Great Falls PublicLibrary, 9830 Georgetown Pike (largeconference room), Great Falls.

Writers of all experience and skill levels are invited

to listen to a panel of experts discuss the secretsto successful book publishing. Q&A session tofollow the expert panel. No registrationnecessary; no charge.

SUNDAY/FEB. 9Dating Abuse Stops Here - 4th Annual DASH

at Dulles 5K Mall Walk in memory ofSiobhan Russell. 9-10 a.m. Dulles TownCenter Mall, 21100 Dulles Town Circle,Potomac. $15. More info:www.datingabusestopshere.com

Bulletin Board

News

Thanks to the leadership of fifthgrade teacher Allison Hutchins andEF Educational Tours, a group of

Colvin Run Elementary School studentswent on an incredible adventure to CostaRica during the week of Jan. 25-31.

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most pro-gressive countries in its efforts to save theearth’s endangered rain forests. The trip wasdesigned to give students an appreciationfor the planet’s varied ecosystems, a newcultural experience and a chance to prac-tice Spanish which is offered to all studentsat Colvin Run. The trip included twelve cur-rent and former Colvin Run students withparent chaperones, Colvin Run teachersAllison Hutchins and Joan Andrade, formerPrincipal Stephen Hockett and current Prin-cipal Ken Junge.

Highlights of the trip included: a visit toSan Jose, the country’s bustling capital andcultural center; hikes to learn about theecosystems and wildlife of Costa Rica in-cluding INBIOparque, a research stationcreated by the National Institute ofBiodiversity where the group saw sloths andiguanas, the Butterfly Garden atMonteverde which showcased 40 species oflocal butterflies, and the Ecological Sanc-tuary where the group found a playful groupof capuchin monkeys; scenic views of the

Poas Volcano, a still-active volcano that ispart of Costa Rica’s most developed nationalpark and the Arenal Volcano which contin-ues to spew great clouds of ash and occa-sional lava. In Arenal, students visited LaFortuna waterfall and enjoyed one of thearea’s many natural hot springs heated bythe nearby volcano and channeled intopools. Students made a visit to an orphan-age in the Arenal region where studentsplayed soccer and shared smiles with chil-dren from the ages of 2 through 8.

They also planted trees to encourage re-forestation in the Santa Elena Cloud ForestReserve near the Continental Divide. Windsfrom the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Oceancool and condense to bathe the forest in aconstant soft mist. Thanks to Colvin Runstudents, future generations will benefitfrom new trees that produce oxygen to re-new our air supply. Thrilling views of theforest canopy flying through the treetopson ziplines in both the Arenal region andMonteverde. The ziplines unveil CostaRica’s ecological systems from a uniqueperspective.

The students returned to Virginia with arenewed appreciation for our planet and asenthusiastic ambassadors for future inter-national programs sponsored by ColvinRun.

Students planting trees in Santa Elena Cloud Forest. Top from left-Caroline Simone, Greta Beggs, Susan Suh, Anna Grace Hopkins, Mor-gan Billingslea, Claire Bonadio, Kate Van Meter, CRES Principal KenJunge. Bottom from left- Carter Lewis, Emma Frank, Alex Braswell,Rocco Bognet, and Kimiya Afsharnia.

Colvin Run ElementaryStudents Visit Costa Rica

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Sports

By Jon Roetman

The Connection

After the conclusion of the Con-ference 6 gymnastics championship meet, Washington-Lee headcoach Joe D’Emidio wrapped up

an interview with a reporter as McLeancoach Courtney Lesson approached.

“I want to say congratulations toMcLean,” D’Emidio said. “They’ve been go-ing after us for a couple years.”

After finishing runner-up to Washington-Lee at regionals each of the last two sea-sons, McLean finally finished ahead of theGenerals with a championship on the lineas the Highlanders captured the Conference6 title on Monday night at McLean HighSchool.

McLean finished with a score of 144.475,besting second-place Washington-Lee’s to-tal of 140.925. Each team earned a berthin the 6A North region meet on Feb. 12 atLake Braddock Secondary School.

“They always have a really great team,”Lesson said, “so it’s hard to compete againstthem.”

The Highlanders put on a strong perfor-mance on Feb. 3, led by junior Lizzy Brown-Kaiser, who placed second in the all-around.McLean posted the top team score in threeof four events and finished second behindWashington-Lee on vault.

“We’ve never performed this well before,”Brown-Kaiser said. “This was definitely ourbest. We didn’t count a single fall for theentire competition. That’s a huge deal. Defi-nitely a confidence booster and we’re all justso happy.”

Brown-Kaiser produced an all-around to-tal of 37.025, finishing second to Fairfaxjunior Rachel Barborek.

“She did a great job,” Lesson said. “She’sreally a team leader and she inspires a lotof the girls.”

Brown-Kaiser tied for second on vault(9.4), placed second on beam (9.425), fin-ished third on bars (9) and took fourth onfloor (9.15).

“I think we all really appreciate W-L as astrong competitor, but it feels really goodto finally move past that and do what we’vebeen striving for for several years,” Brown-Kaiser said. “… This was definitely the bestmeet I’ve ever had. … The girl who got first,Rachel, is an amazing gymnast, so I’m justglad that I even got so close to her.”

Brown-Kaiser wasn’t the only Highlanderperforming at a high level. JuniorJacqueline Green placed sixth in the all-around, qualifying for regionals with a scoreof 35.675. She placed seventh on floor(9.05), ninth on vault (9.05), tied for sev-enth on bars (8.6) and tied for 11th on beam(8.975).

McLean sophomore Nathalie Thomas fin-ished first on floor with a score of 9.475and freshman Calista Pardue took fifth(9.1). Sophomore Delaney Gallagher placedfourth on bars (8.8).

“They did really well,” Lesson said aboutthe Highlanders’ performance. “They hit lotsof routines. Everyone stuck their beam rou-tine. They did really great. The team spiritwas there. They had each other’s backs.”

W-L twin sisters Sophie and AnnieHatcher each qualified for regionals in theall-around. Sophie Hatcher placed fourthwith a score of 36.125. She finished sec-ond on floor (9.25), fourth on vault (9.375),tied four eight on beam (9.075) and fin-ished 12th on bars (8.425).

Annie Hatcher placed fifth with a total of35.825. She finished fourth on beam

(9.225), tied for eighth on floor (8.95) andfinished 14th on bars (8.2). She placed firston vault with a score of 9.45.

Two weeks prior, D’Emidio said AnnieHatcher was a potential state-title con-tender on vault after the senior won at theW-L Invitational.

“She’s right up there,” D’Emidio said Mon-day. “She’s coming along really well. … Shetook first on vault. This is one of the hard-est conferences … so she has a goodchance.”

W-L freshman Sylvia Shea’s all-aroundscore of 34.875 fell just short of the regionalqualifying score of 35. She placed sixth onvault (9.15) and bars (8.625).

W-L’s team score was a season best.“We broke the 140 mark. We’ve been try-

ing to hit that all year,” D’Emidio said. “Wedid it at the right time. … We did fantasticvaulting. We still have some more room toimprove for regions and we’re going toshoot for [the region title].”

Fairfax’s Barborek won the all-aroundconference title with a score of 37.1. Sheplaced first on bars (9.475), tied for sec-ond on vault (9.4), finished third on beam(9.275) and tied for eighth on floor (8.95).

“I’d like to go,” Barborek said, “all the wayto states.”

Brown-Kaiser placed second in the all-

around, followed by Yorktown freshmanJuliette Mitrovich (36.2) and W-L’s SophieHatcher.

Yorktown placed third as a team with ascore of 137.25. South Lakes finished fourth(121.425), followed by Fairfax (117.775),Hayfield (114.525), Langley (109.575) andMadison (106.55).

Mitrovich had a strong showing forYorktown, placing fifth on vault (9.275),bars (8.65) and beam (9.2), and sixth onfloor (9.075). Teammate Sophie Zidlicky, ajunior, placed seventh on vault (9.125) andfreshman Olivia Zavrel tied for eighth onbeam (9.075)

South Lakes’ Jasmine Shuey finished firston beam with a score of 9.55. The seniorfinished ninth in the all-around (34.075),including a third-place performance on floor(9.2).

Langley junior Natalie Volpicelli finished14th in the all-around (31.85), including a12th-place finish on vault (8.675) and a13th-place finish on bars (8.25).

Madison junior Julie Collier qualified forregionals on beam, placing sixth with ascore of 9.175. She finished with an all-around total of 32.85, good for 13th place.Collier finished 12th on floor (8.55), tiedfor 17th on vault (8.45) and took 25th onbars (6.675).

Highlanders winConference 6 title,W-L runner-up.

McLean, W-L GymnasticsTeams Qualify for Regionals

McLean junior Lizzy Brown-Kaiser helped the Highlanders win the Con-ference 6 championship on Feb. 3 at McLean High School.

Langley junior Natalie Volpicelli competes on beam during the Confer-ence 6 championship meet on Feb. 3 at McLean High School.

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Wellbeing

See Experts, Page 15

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

When the clock strikes 9 onany given evening, 13-year-old twins Timothy andDanny Gulyn and their 11-

year-old twin brothers, Christopher andJonathan, know that it’s time for bed.Whether they are on vacation during thesummer or at their Arlington home on aschool night, the siblings follow a consis-tent routine that has them tucked-in at thesame time every day.

“I am a big believer in structure and rou-tine,” said the boys’ mother, Linda M. Gulyn,Ph.D., a professor of psychology atMarymount University in Arlington. “Bed-time should be absolutely rigid, the stricterthe better. We all need structure, but chil-dren need it especially.”

Researchers say going to bed at a regulartime can have a positive impact on a child’sbehavior and overall health. In fact, a re-

cent study of 10,000 children by UniversityCollege London found that a child’s behav-ior improved when a consistent bedtimewas established. Local childcare expertsagree, saying a regular bedtime routine,

such as a bath followed by reading, is animportant factor in establishing a consistentlights-out time.

Kathryn Cogan, Ph.D., a Bethesda-basedpsychotherapist, says that a lack of adequate

sleep can affect a child’s physicalhealth. “If they don’t get enough sleep,it affects their immune system andtheir ability to pay attention,” she said.

Child psychiatrist Dr. Bruce P. Pfeffer,of Pfeffer Psychiatric Associates inPotomac, said a structured bedtime ispart of what he calls “good sleep hy-giene,” which can impact a child’soverall wellbeing. “Often in my prac-

Local experts offersuggestions for helpingyoungsters get a goodnight’s sleep.

Consistent Bedtimes Linked to Improved Wellbeing in Children

Photo courtesy of Linda Gulyn

From left: twins Christopher and Jonathan, 11, and their 13-year-oldtwin brothers, Timothy and Danny, pictured with parents Linda andPeter Gulyn have a consistent bedtime and structured bedtime routine.Experts say a regular bedtime can have a positive impact on a child’sbehavior and overall health.

“Bedtime should bevery soothing.They take a bath, brushtheir teeth and put ontheir pajamas.A high-energy child willneed more lead time toslow their motor down.”

— Dr. Bruce P. Pfeffer,

child psychiatrist


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HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

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Photo by Laura Ingoldsby

Special Olympians Celebrate SuperbowlTom and Pat Ingoldsby of McLean held their traditional Syperbowl party for their son, Tommy,

and his teammates from the Special Olympics basketball team (the Wolverines). Each year, theymeet at the Ingoldsby house to cheer on their favorite team in the Superbowl.

Wellbeing

From Page 13

tice I see children with attention problems,behavior problems, irritability, who aren’tgetting enough sleep,” he said. “I’ve hadchildren fall asleep in class because of sleepdeprivation.”

Experts say that while older children alsoneed a good night’s sleep, the demands ofschool and extracurricular activities canmake getting needed rest more challeng-ing. “Failing to get adequate rest can be anextreme stress on one’s body and mind, re-sulting in a frantic attempt to complete aca-demic tasks in an active rather than con-templative manner,” said Michael S.Moynihan, head of the Upper School, TheHeights School in Potomac.

Cogan stressed that teenagers actuallyneed a similar amount of sleep as newborns,“generally 12-14 hours of sleep at nightbecause they are growing so fast, and theirbrains are growing so fast. Your brain worksbetter and functions better when you havea regular sleep schedule.”

For long-term success, experts like Pfefferand Moynihan underscore the importanceof a regular bedtime routine. It should “fol-low a short time of quiet reading, along withexercise,” said Moynihan.

ESTABLISHING A REGULAR BEDTIMEcan be challenging, but not impossible.Child development experts say that a struc-tured bedtime routine should include a fewkey components. “Build it into their dailyroutine and give them a lot of advancedwarning,” said Gulyn. “If I you just pluckup a kid from the middle of an activity andjust say ‘Go to bed,’ that is upsetting to achild and it is not fair. They need an oppor-tunity to make the transition psychologi-cally. If they’re playing a game and they geta bedtime warning, they can say ‘Ok, I needto finish this game before bed.’”

When it comes to bedtime, it is impor-tant that children know what to expect, she

Experts Argue forA Good Night’s Sleep

said. “You have to make it consistent everynight, even on Christmas. Give them achance to decide how they want to spendtheir last half hour so they can prepare psy-chologically.”

Pfeffer said, “It is important to establisha comfortable environment for very youngchildren. If they start as toddlers with anestablished routine, they are comforted asthey get older by reading a book and play-ing soft music in a room that is not filledwith light. Bedtime should be very sooth-ing. They take a bath, brush their teeth andput on their pajamas. A high-energy childwill need more lead time to slow their mo-tor down. ”

Len Annetta, Ph.D., a professor in theCollege of Education and Human Develop-ment at George Mason University, said,“High energy kids need to blow off steamand tire their muscles. Routine and consis-tency are critical. It’s not easy, but you haveto shut them down at the same time everynight and wake them at the same time ev-ery morning. It’s not a debate. The parentis in charge and has to stand firm on therules. Rewarding the child for getting to bedand staying in bed…helps the child knowyou appreciate their effort and are proudof their accomplishment.”

Kensington-based psychotherapist KarenPrince cautions, “Screen time makes itharder to fall asleep. Start the bedtime rou-tine a minimum of an hour before the ac-tual bedtime. It shouldn’t include television,video games or screen time of any sort.”

While a regimented bedtime may sounddranconian, it can actually be comforting.“Children thrive on structure and expecta-tion,” said Gulyn. “For many young children,this can be a time of uncertainty, insecurityand separation anxiety. Establishing a struc-tured bedtime routine brings comfort to thechild. If you have a structured routine andstrict bedtimes, it makes it easier for a childto get to sleep and rest better throughoutthe night.”

EmploymentEmployment

Medical Receptionist/

Optometric Assistantneeded for a friendly small optometric office in McLean, VA. Duties include gen-

eral office tasks such as answering phones, greeting patients, making appointments, etc. in addition to assisting the doctors in patient care. Experience is helpful but we

are happy to train the right individual. This full time position offers a competitive salary, vacation/sick pay, bonuses health

insurance, and a pension plan.Please email or fax your resume to our

office.Email: [email protected]: 703-893-4757

Auto/Equipment MechanicSeeking self-motivated, energetic individual to perform

maintenance and repair of Estate vehicles and equipment.Minimum of 2 years combined experience in automobile mechanicand equipment maintenance trades. Excellent benefits package.

See website www.MountVernon.org<http://www.MountVernon.org>

For details. To Apply: [email protected]

<mailto: [email protected]>or Fax: 703.780.8320. EOE

Programmer Analyst (2 open'gs) Analyze, evaluate & devise computer pro-grams, systems & related procedures to process data. Code, test, debug, modify & install operating programs & procedures in coordination with computer operations & user depts using Java, T-SQL, JavaScript, HTML, PL/SQL, Visual Stu-dio, .Net, & Eclipse. Perform duties using Windows 2008 Server, Windows 2008 Server R2, Oracle Application Server. Da-tabase development including creation of databases in SQL Server 2008. Develop & customize reports. Assist in modification or creation of computer programs & best practices to meet user needs. Provide end user training. Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent degree in Comp. Science, Info. Tech. or Business Admin. w/conc. in Man-agement Information Systems or a related field; 2 yrs exp. as Programmer, System Support Engineer or rel. job position which must include 2 yrs exp. w/ software application deveopment using J2EE, T-SQL, PL/SQL, Web Services, C#, Struts, JavaScript & related tools & technologies; translating business requirements into technical requirements & must be Micro-soft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) for Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation & Maintenance. Employ-er will accept any suitable combination of education, training, or experience. Job in McLean, VA. Mail resume to Digital Intel-ligence Systems LLC, Attn: James Fields, HRD, 8270 Greensboro Drive, #1000, McLean VA 22102, must incl. ref. #12032013

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

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BUSINESS OPP

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Today I was eating a Tootsie Roll, and whilechewing it, felt something sharp against mygum. Knowing my candy, sharp I should notfeel, so immediately I stopped chewing inhopes of locating the sensation; which I did. Itturns out that I broke off the top half of a previ-ously (years ago) installed dental crown.Fortunately, the crown was still in my mouth, soI was able to retrieve it. Upon closer examina-tion of it and the now crown-less tooth, itappears that the crown and the tooth are com-pletely intact (undamaged) and perhaps a sim-ple re-cementing at the dentist’s office awaits, arepair achieved much less expensively thanreplacing the entire crown. (I can hope, can’t I?After all, I am a cancer patient; hope is what Ido.)

As soon as I realized what had happened, Ibegan to remember – and laugh. Approximately4 months into my initial chemotherapy infu-sions nearly five years ago in the first quarter of2009, I shared a dental concern with myoncologist. I had broken off the top half of atooth and it needed a crown. Concerned thatsomehow the chemotherapy would affect thecrown’s cementing, I had waited until this pointto ask my oncologist’s permission to have therepair. I offered to him that since I had onemore heavy-duty chemotherapy infusion sched-uled (boy was I naive), could I schedule thedental-crown appointment with my dentistnow? My oncologist looked up at me as I sat onthe examining table and hesitated and thenasked: “How long does a dental crown last?” Isimilarly hesitated and said: “I don’t know.About 10 years, I guess.” To which he replied,“Maybe you don’t need a dental crown.”Perplexed as to why he was advising me not toseek a medical/dental solution, I thought for afew seconds while I processed his answer: Whydid he ask about how long the crown lasts andhow come he’s not encouraging me get thecrown…Oh, I get it. He doesn’t think I have 10years. Then I laughed and said I understood. Afew weeks later, against my oncologist’s advice,I got the crown. And now five years later, thecrown has fallen off. Not only did it not last 10years, it barely lasted five years. Moreover, Ilasted five years, three years longer than theback end of the “13 months to two years” prog-nosis I was given by this oncologist. Not that Inecessarily wanted to prove him wrong and/orget my money’s worth out of this crown, butthe fact that I have outlived both my crown andmy original terminal prognosis has brought megreat joy. Not a sense of self-satisfaction per se,but more a sense of irony. Given the rather grimstatistics attached to a stage IV lung cancer diag-nosis, the relative significance of a dental crownrepair is practically zero. Still, it feels good.(Moreover, my philosophy was and is: given theextreme negative that a terminal cancer diagno-sis/prognosis imposes, anything the patient, inthis case me, can do to act/live normally, thebetter/more optimistic I’ll feel to counter theweight of a cancer diagnosis. Giving in to it isnot an option.)

So I’ll be calling my dentist this week toschedule a consult/fix. However, consideringthe fact that February 27, 2014 will be my five-year survival anniversary, an accomplishmentthat few – less than 5 percent – of stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer patients ever realize, itwill give me pause once again as to whether therepair is truly necessary. Now whether it turnsout to be a waste of time, energy and money, asmy oncologist originally presumed it might be,the repair is necessary for one main reason:peace of mind. It’s my life and I want to live it.The heck with the diagnosis/prognosis.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Pieceof Mind


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