Opinion, Page 4 A Party With a Purpose

Page, 6

Great Theater Brought Into the Great OutdoorsNews, Page 7

$182 Million For ‘Public Safety’?News, Page 5

A Party With a PurposeNews, Page 3

Alisa Menshutina, 3, strikes a pose on the front of the fire truck from

McLean Tower 401 at the National Night Out gathering at Pimmit Barn in the Pimmit Hills area.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com August 15-21, 2018

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NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

Nine neighborhoods across theMcLean Police District regis-tered to officially join in thearea’s celebration of the 2018

National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, Aug.7. The activities and events that took placein each locale were as different and diverseas the neighborhoods themselves, but theywere all united by the fun that neighborsenjoyed, and by the visits they received fromtheir local law enforcement personnel andfirst responders.

Dubbed “a party with an important pur-pose” by National Night Out founder MattPeskins, the gatherings in McLean achievedboth purposes that the NNO targets – forpolice and public safety personnel to en-gage on a social level with the communi-ties they serve, and for neighbors to get to-gether to solidify old relationships, makenew ones, and just have fun.

Peskins, founder of the National Associa-tion of Town Watch, introduced the firstNNO in 1984, seeing the get-togethers asthe natural next step for the association thatwas founded to support and bring resourcesto the citizens and public service personswho were joining forces to promote crimeprevention and public safety, street bystreet.

In 1984, about 2.5 million neighbors, rep-resenting some 400 communities in 23states participated in the first event. Lastyear, about 16,000 communities sent 38million people out into their streets to meetand greet each other and local police,firefighters, and paramedics.

“It’s just great,” said Vinson Hall Retire-ment Community COO Mike Hendee. “Tak-ing the time to just get together and to havethe opportunity to thank our local publicsafety personnel.”

Quite a few officers and first respondersfrom the McLean Police District showed upto mingle with the crowd at Vinson Hall andenjoy the culinary offerings. Before theycould hit the chow line, however, they werewelcomed and given a hearty round of ap-

plause by the attendees.

VINSON HALL hosted a cookout under atemporary pavilion set up on their property,inviting not only the McLean District Policeand other public safety heroes, but also resi-dents from the surrounding neighborhoodsand members of nearby religious commu-nities. From the size of the crowd gatheredunder the tent and piling plates with Ameri-can cookout fare, it’s a safe bet to say thatat least a few of those neighbors acceptedthe invitation.

“This is an important part of our place inthe community,” said CEO Libby Bush, whowas enjoying her first NNO event at VinsonHall.

Vinson Hall residents Midge and ChrisHolmes have experienced the NNO eveningat their complex before, but this year Midgevolunteered to demonstrate her newfoundcreative talents as a face painter. “I am tak-ing the art class here and really liking it,but I am not sure I am up to this task yet,”she laughed, although her husband Chrisdidn’t seem to mind sporting the evidenceof her efforts.

While some communities like Vinson Hallhave been participating in the NNO foryears, others, like Timberly, off of Old Do-minion Drive, made 2018 the start of their

new National Night Out tradition, thanksin large part to neighborhood newcomerand event organizer Leslie Mason.

There were plenty of high spirits and spar-kling spirits at the Timberly gathering – andthe firefighters from Fairfax County Fire andRescue McLean Tower 401 took a few ofthe residents to even greater heights by giv-ing them a birds-eye view of their neigh-borhood from the platform of the extendedfire truck ladder!

Neighbors Terry Grimm and Cathy Scottwere among those who donned the “mygosh these are heavy” helmets and gotbelted in and attached to safety rings forthe climb of some 75 feet into the air thanksto Fire and Rescue Technician Wismer andMaster Tech Spinner.

While no kids were allowed to make thedizzying trip for safety reasons, the young-sters didn’t seem disappointed to take a runaround the fire truck and a crawl throughthe cabin – in between holding up theirhandmade sign thanking the public safetypersonnel and refreshing stops at the sweetstable and races across their neighbors’lawns.

“Hopefully, this is just the start of evenmore neighborhood gatherings,” said Ma-son.

“Yes, we need to make the time to bring

people together like this,” agreed long-timeTimberly resident Mildred Williamson, “andI am happy to see the police in the neigh-borhood.”

Even though dusk was approaching by thetime they had their equipment packed upand ready to roll out, the Tower 401 teamdidn’t end their community engagementshift at Timberly. Next stop for the fearlessfirefighters and rescue personnel was theNNO party at Pimmit Barn on Cherri Drivein the Pimmit Hills neighborhood wheremore than 150 locals, and Fairfax CountyDranesville District Supervisor John Foustwere on hand to welcome them.

This event was organized by the Friendsof Pimmit Barn, a group dedicated to pre-serving the historic site and structure.Friends of Pimmit Barn president ConnieCordovilla manned a table front and centerwith information about the group’s effortsto restore the barn to its 1937 glory.

“It’s a hidden treasure,” said Cordovilla.“Most people, even those who live in thisarea, don’t know it exists and now they aregetting the chance to see what a gem wehave right here in our own backyard.”

Of course there was plenty of food andbeverages available at the Pimmit Barn ver-

McLean neighborhoods celebrate2018 National Night Out.A Party With a Purpose

Vinson Hall COO, resident Midge Holmes and CEO Libby Bush madethe rounds to be sure that their special guests were well fed andfeeling appreciated.

Residents of the Timberly neighborhood in McLean gathered to expresstheir thanks to law enforcement and public safety personnel during theneighborhood’s National Night Out celebration.

From left: Fairfax County Police Chaplain Shochet andSupervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) joined in thefun at Pimmit Barn and were on hand to welcome thefirefighters, police and first responders when theyarrived to the party.

One of the event organizers, Friends of Pimmit Barnpresident Connie Cordovilla, was asked by PFC ScottReynolds about the history of the Barn and the effortsto preserve the historical site.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

See National Night Out, Page 9


Opinion

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

Last week I had the oppor-tunity to visit one of mygrandsons’ schools, and I

was genuinely impressed. Parentswere invited to come by last weekto meet the teachers because hisschool started on Aug. 15. It wasone of the friendliest environ-ments I have experienced —smiles everywhere, genuinelywarm greetings for all, and anobvious feeling of caring for allchildren and parents and grand-parents coming into the school. Mygrandson was clearly eager to getback to school and to see his teach-ers. He has some special needs thatrequire additional understandingand assistance, and he is clearlygetting it in his school setting.

The teachers and administratorswore the school’s special tee shirtand were giving high-fives allaround.

As one who taughtin the classroom forseveral years, manyold memories cameback to me. I remem-ber the need to al-ways be “on” in theschool day for stu-dents who neededhelp or attention. Inmost careers we cancoast on a bad day and make upfor it later; not so with teaching.You are always the center of at-tention and must be appropriatelyresponsive to student needs when-ever they occur. Students can learnas much about life from your bodylanguage and attitude as they canfrom the subject you are teachingthem.

While teachers are assigned agrade level or a subject area, ulti-mately teachers are teaching chil-dren more than just content. I amconvinced my son who teachesstudents in automotive technology

is teaching as muchabout attitude, workhabits, developingconfidence and beinga good citizen as heis about an automo-bile.

Our daughter whoteaches multiply chal-lenged children at theelementary level is

demonstrating for parents, theschool, and the community theinherent value and potential forevery student regardless of thechallenges they might face. Mywife who was a preschool teacherand director demonstrated howimportant it is that young childrenget off to a good start and is nowteaching other teachers to do thesame.

Increasingly school divisions aregetting an exception to the “KingsDominion Law” requiring thatschools begin after Labor Day.Fairfax County Public Schools is

To the Editor:I remain very concerned about

the Supreme Court Nomination,particularly in light of the recentlyreleased recording of Representa-tive Nunes revealing the RNC’sstrategy with regard to ending theMueller investigation. The Ameri-can people deserve to know[what] the nominee to the Su-preme Court, the highest court inthe land, [said] under oath to the

Senate in order to get his lastjudgeship. Additionally, [the ad-ministration of] our current presi-dent is under investigation for con-spiracy with a foreign governmentto throw an election. Every day wediscover new facts, many of themon tape, which further erode ourfaith that “checks and balances”are currently in place to preventthe complete destruction of our de-mocracy. Allowing Mr. Trump to

By Supervisor

John C. Cook

Braddock District

The sleepy days of sum-mer are coming to anend. In a few weekschildren will don their

backpacks and step into yellowbuses when the Fairfax CountyPublic Schools start on Aug. 28.Back to School season is a hectictime for many Fairfax families.

This increasein activitymeans we allmust take ex-

tra precautions to keep our chil-dren and neighbors safe, especiallyon the road.

Our entire community should beaware during the morning and af-ternoon school commutes. Thistime of day will bring a flurry ofbuses, carpools, cyclists and pedes-

trians all across thecounty. Morning com-mutes will be morecrowded as more than1,700 school busesget back on the road.Drivers should leave afew minutes earlier toallow for more time intheir commute.

School buses carrythousands of children to schooland back every morning and af-ternoon. Please respect their im-portant role in our community.When a school bus is stopped withred flashing lights, all cars muststop unless they are in anotherlane divided by a median. So if youare traveling in a two lane road-way that has no median, all carsgoing both directions have to stopwhen the bus is loading or unload-ing. The same goes for a two laneroadway with a center turn lane

and a four lane road-way without a me-dian separation. Theonly time you cancontinue drivingwhen a bus is stoppedis if you are drivingon the other side ofthe median.

It is important toalso keep in mindthat many children

will be walking to school and toneighborhood bus stops. Makesure to yield to children crossingthe streets, especially near schools.Look out for crossing guards andfollow their instructions. Keepyour car off the cross walk whenstopped. Be prepared to stop forchildren who may make unex-pected movements into roadways.And finally, follow the school zonespeed limits when the signs areflashing. Most school zones have

a 25 mph speed limit, but they mayvary.

Parents, please remind your chil-dren about street, pedestrian, andbus safety.

Try to get to the bus stop earlyso no one gets hurt while rushingto catch the bus. If you are cross-ing a roadway, make sure that carsare stopped in both directions be-fore crossing. Teach them to usedesignated crosswalks if they areavailable and only approach thebus once it has come to a full stop.If you have young drivers in thefamily, take time to review therules about school zones andschool buses.

Every Fairfax County child hasthe right to an education. We allmust work together to protect thatright by making sure studentstravel safely to and from school.Please help us keep Fairfax Countystudents safe this year.

Back to School Safety Tips

Commentary

Back to Schoolone district now starting beforeLabor Day.

I have always opposed the cur-rent law and have voted to repealit many times.

A bill carried over from the pastsession for further considerationwould leave the decision of thestarting date for schools up to thelocal school division based on theunique circumstances of the com-munity.

The legislature can do muchmore to support education of ourchildren than dabble in the start-ing date for schools. Pay for Vir-ginia teachers lags below the na-tional average by about $4,000.Clearly teachers do not stay in theprofession for the money, but theyshould not have to suffer with lowpay because they chose to educateour children. At least in the com-munity we can express apprecia-tion and offer our thank you to ourteachers for the important workthey do!

Letters to the Editor

Democracy Threatenedchoose the man who will ulti-mately be charged with decidingif a sitting president can be in-dicted is simply not acceptable. Ivery much appreciate the integrityof my representatives and willwork tirelessly to get you re-elected. Please continue the fighton our behalf.#ReleaseTheRecords

Sue GleasonVienna

The Connection welcomes viewson any public issue.

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signed. Include home address andhome and business numbers.

Letters are routinely edited forlibel, grammar, good taste and

factual errors. Send to:Letters to the Editor

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McLean


By Ken Moore

The Connection

The county will ask voters to ap-prove $182 million to renovate,expand and replace fire and po-lice department and Circuit

Court facilities on Election Day, Nov. 6.Fairfax County Board of Supervisors autho-

rized the $182 million public safety bond ref-erendum at its July 31 and June 19 meetings.

$73 million would be earmarked for im-provements to four fire stations — MountVernon ($16 million), Fairview ($16 million),Gunston ($13 million), and Seven Corners($13 million) — that are all 37 years or older.

The county fire stations require the re-placement of major building subsystems,such as HVAC and electrical systems. Andfacility improvements would expand equip-ment bays to provide adequate space forapparatus and space for staffing require-ments, as well as to enhance bunk-roomsand locker facilities for male and femalepersonnel, according to county documents.There were few if any female fire and res-cue personnel 37 years ago.

An additional $15 million would be used

to improve one of the eight volunteer sta-tion that is more than 40 years old.

“Staff is currently reviewing the variouscapital needs of these eight volunteer sta-tions and would return to the board withthe follow-on recommendation for stationspecific capital improvements,” accordingto county documents. “In addition, the bondincludes temporary fire stations to maintainoperations during construction.”

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT would re-ceive $59 million: $18 million to renovateand expand the Mason District Stationwhich was built in 1975; $18 million torenovate and upgrade its Criminal JusticeAcademy used to train 2,300 officers, depu-ties, and police and sheriff’s recruits fromthe county police and sheriff offices as wellas the towns of Herndon and Vienna; and$18 million to renovate, expand or replacethe Police Evidence Storage Building usedto store evidence for court cases.

The Mason District Station, built in 1975,does not have adequate office, storage,workout, or interview spaces to supportoperations, according to county documents,and needs upgraded building systems and

infrastructure improvements.The Police Evidence Storage Building also

houses the warrant desk and the victim ser-vices section.

“Adequate climate controlled storage isneeded to properly store this property in anorganized manner. Strict accountability andoversight are also necessary to meet accredi-tation standards,” according to county docu-ments. Currently, “the second and thirdfloors are not able to adequately supporthigh density storage, which limits storageabove the first floor of the building.”

THE ADULT DETENTION Center needs$45 million of improvements to three wingsof the detention center, including plumb-ing, electrical, HVAC, elevator and fire pro-tection systems as well as security and cam-era equipment. $5 million would be usedto improve the Jennings Judicial Center.

“The original Jennings Building was com-pleted in the early 1980s and the courtroomshave been in constant use by the public sincethat time. To keep them operational andenhance their efficiency, these courtroomsrequire improved lighting, ductwork realign-ment, ADA upgrades, carpeting, wall and

ceiling replacement/repairs, refinishing ofthe gallery benches, renovation of the juryrooms and technology upgrades,” accord-ing to county documents.

BY LAW, the money from the bonds mayonly be used for the purpose stated in theballot question.

“While the project lists for the publicsafety bonds represent the current propos-als regarding what projects to fund, theballot question is phrased more generally,to allow the board flexibility as to preciselywhich projects to fund with the bond pro-ceeds,” according to county documents.

The Office of Public Affairs traditionallyprepares and distributes an informationalpamphlet that is mailed to all county house-holds to help inform the public about thereferendum. The pamphlet will be trans-lated into the most widely spoken non-En-glish languages in the county, includingKorean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Voters will be asked to vote “yes” or “no”on the public safety bond question. If ulti-mately approved, the county plans to sell$182 million in general obligation bondsto make the renovations and improvements.

Voters to decide bond referendum to fund improvements tofire stations, criminal justice academy, and courthouse.

$182 Million Sought for Public SafetyBOND REFERENDUM VERBATIMShall Fairfax County, Virginia, contract a debt, borrowmoney, and issue bonds in the maximum aggregateprincipal amount of $182,000,000 to provide funds,in addition to funds from public safety facilities bondspreviously authorized, to finance, includingreimbursement to the County for temporary financingfor, the costs of public safety facilities, including theconstruction, reconstruction, enlargement, renovationand equipment of civil and criminal justice facilities,police training and operational facilities and stations,fire and rescue training facilities and stations,including fire and rescue stations owned by volunteerorganizations, and the acquisition of necessary land?

News


By Marilyn Campbell

For many children, one of the exciting back-to-school rituals is selecting a new lunchbox. Forparents, that means choosing midday fare to

pack in those lunch-pails. While fresh ideas forhealthy and satisfying meals may flow freely at thebeginning of the school year, as the weeks pass, itcan become easy to slip into a lunchtime rut of dailyturkey sandwiches. Local nutritionists and culinaryinstructors offer ideas designed to serve up lunchboxlove all year long.

“Making healthy lunches isjust about parents educatingthemselves on the healthy foodoptions that are available andthen teaching their kids tomake healthy food choices,”said Mary Murray of Reston-based Teri Cochrane, BeyondNutrition. “With my own kids,I just kept bad food choices outof the house so they didn’t havethose options.”

Trade junk food favorites likepotato chips for healthy alternatives like plantainchips, advises Murray “Plantain chips are actuallyvery good and they’re also good for you and still havethe crunch. If kids were to bring some extra to sharewith their friends, more kids will see that they’reactually delicious.”

“Protein and vegetables are remarkably important,but underrepresented,” said Sara Ducey, professor,Nutrition and Food at Montgomery College. “A lot ofcarbs or snacks, stuff like chips, end up in children’slunchboxes because they have a social value for kidswho feel like they’re open to being judged.”

There is a social component to lunchbox fare thatshould not be overlooked, continues Ducey. “Lunchesshould be exciting and appealing, especially whenchildren are feeling like they might be judged,” she

said. “Cutting fruit into larger pieces for example,keeps them from turning brown as quickly. A GrannySmith apples for example is less likely to turn brownthan a Red Delicious apple.”

Packing a lunchbox with foods that are hearty andnutrient-dense is a key to maintaining a feeling ofsatiety throughout the day, advises Ducey. “You wantyour kids to have a stable blood sugar,” she said.“Beans are good for protein and keeping their bloodsugar stable. Try things like white bean hummus,chili and stews and soups that are made with beans.”

Involving children in the process of selecting andpreparing the items that go into their lunch boxes isa key to increasing the chances that those healthyitems will actually be consumed, advises Terri Carrof Terri’s Table, a cooking school in Potomac, Md.“Children love to cook and the desire for cooking

classes in this area is tremen-dous. Carr offers classes oncooking with children.

“Many kids will eat freshbaby carrots, celery and cu-cumber, which are also hydrat-ing,” added Carr. “Crunchydried fruit like blueberry,apples and mangos can go intheir lunchboxes instead ofchips and they’re usually a hit.”

Replacing fruit juice withnatural fruit water by soakingfresh fruit in water to add aburst of flavor without added

sugar is another option offered by Cochrane’s firm.Stevia or monkfruit can also been added to sweetenthe taste without increasing the sugar content.

“When it comes to beverages, children should onlyhave whole milk and water in their lunchboxes,” saidDucey. “Whole milk keeps the child fuller longer. Skimmilk actually spikes sugar and they’re full at first,but hungry soon after. And a hungry kid doesn’t learnas well.”

As important as the food that goes into a child’slunchbox are the containers that hold each dish, sug-gests Ducey. “Invest in good quality stainless steelcontainers and utensils rather than plastic,” she said.“Plastic can transmit chemicals into your food, sostainless steel is a good alternative.”

Cutting fresh produce into bite-sized pieces can make school lunches appealing tochildren, advises Terri Carr of Terri’s Table.

Lunches That Make the GradeIdeas for packing healthyfoods that children won’twant to trade.

“Lunches should beexciting and appealing,especially whenchildren are feeling likethey might be judged.”— Sara Ducey, Professor, Nutrition

and Food at Montgomery College

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By Carlyn Kranking

The Connection

When Jeanne Harrison founded theTraveling Players Ensemble 16 yearsago, she wanted to find a way toteach kids what it means to be in an

ensemble. She wanted to emphasize togethernessand teach the importance of the journey of puttingon a show.

“I found that actors needed the experience of car-ing as much about the process as they did the prod-uct,” Harrison said. “I thought, ‘What’s the best wayto teach ensemble? You take kids backpacking.’ Inbackpacking, you remember that the journey is asimportant as the destination.”

The Traveling Players Ensemble provides summercamps to children in third grade through 12th gradewith a focus on bringing theater into the outdoors.Though it is a day camp, the young actors spend onenight a week camping outside, complete withs’mores.

Friday, this summer’s second session of campersperformed three plays in a showcase of their work atThe Madeira School. The Middle School Ensembleperformed Molière’s “The Bourgeois Gentleman,” theHigh School Ensemble performed WilliamShakespeare’s “Love’s Labor’s Lost” and the highschool Commedia Troupe performed an original ver-sion of “Sleeping Beauty.”

These three ensembles had worked for four weeksto put on these productions. Through this time, theactors developed a strong sense of togetherness.

“It’s a really fun community to be part of,” saidCommedia Troupe member Soven Bhagat of MarshallHigh School. “You feel supported here. There’s a like-mindedness to it, but you’re with very differentpeople that you get to learn a lot about.”

After their performance Friday, the CommediaTroupe left on a nine-day tour, performing aroundVirginia. Prior to Friday’s show, the High School En-semble spent two nights on Skyline Drive and per-formed in Luray.

For the young actors, these performances arememorable and valuable. McLean resident MaddyWakefield, 13, participated in this summer’s first ses-

sion of camp, playing the role of Madame Jourdainin “The Bourgeois Gentleman.”

“One of my favorite memories was when I put onour show this year,” Wakefield said. “It was reallyfun because the show went super well, and it wasreally funny.”

The middle school ensembles from each camp ses-sion will have the opportunity to perform their showagain: They have been invited to perform “The Bour-geois Gentleman” at the Reston Multicultural Festi-val on Sept. 22. Harrison said she will invite bothcasts and give a role to everyone who can go. TheTraveling Players, she said, will be the only organi-zation at the festival representing a culture that theyare not from – the play represents France, but thecast is not French.

Though the play has themes of wealth and class, itis nevertheless a lighthearted comedy with singingand slapstick humor. That is one of the thingsHarrison enjoys about the Traveling Players En-semble.

“I love what we get to work on. We get to tell someof the world’s most complicated stories, and we putthem in the mouths of teenagers,” Harrison said. “Andthey do it. They do it well.”

Traveling PlayersEnsemble performsThree Classical Comedies.

Great TheaterBrought Into theGreat Outdoors

News

The fairy Veruca (Soven Bhagat) casts aspell on Aurora (Katie Conner).

The Middle School Ensemble per-formed ‘The Bourgeois Gentleman’ onFriday. Jeebu Foraida (center) playedMonsieur Jourdain.

Photos by Carlyn Kranking/The Connection

Shakespeare’s‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’was broughtto life by theHigh SchoolEnsemble.


Entertainment

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

ONGOINGArt Exhibit: “Too Much of Too

Much.” Through Aug. 18, galleryhours in the Bullock | Hitt Gallery atMPA@ChainBridge, 1446 ChainBridge Road, McLean. McLeanProject for the Arts will open “TooMuch of Too Much: Overstimulated,Overexposed, and Overextended,”featuring works by mid-Atlanticartists whose works explore the ideasof overstimulation, excessiveness andbombardment, be it through toomuch information, activity,expectation, or by any other means.Visit mpaart.org.

Row by Row Junior. Through Oct.31, local quilt shop proprietors likeJinny Beyer Studio (776 WalkerRoad, Great Falls) are welcomingchildren participating in Row by RowJunior to their shops. It’s the juniorversion of the summertime travelevent for quilt making fans known asRow by Row Experience. Kids visitshops in person, collect a free sewingpattern, and find inspiration incolorful, creative world of sewing. Athome, families can find free tutorialsupport and activities online byvisitingwww.rowbyrowexperience.com orjinnybeyer.com for local quilting.

Vienna Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, through Nov. 3 atVienna Community Center, 120Cherry St. S.E., Vienna. The ViennaFarmers Market, hosted by theOptimist Club of Greater Vienna, hasmore than 30 vendors from acrossthe region, the Vienna FarmersMarket provides locally-sourced fruitsand vegetables and homemade eats.Throughout the year, great musicwill be featured to accompany yourshopping. Visitoptimistclubofgreatervienna.org/.

Oakton Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1p.m. at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Year-round weekly farmers market inOakton. Local produce, meats/eggs,dairy, baked goods, and more.Admission is free. Visit community-foodworks.org.

Great Falls Farmers Market.Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Music, vendors,fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from aroundthe world, wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats, organic-fedpoultry and eggs. [email protected].

Free Tai Chi. Every Saturday, from7:55-9 a.m., Introduction andBeginners’ Practice, meet on theoutdoor basketball court locateddirectly behind the Dolley MadisonPublic Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.in McLean Central Park, McLean. Call703-759-9141 or visitwww.FreeTaiChi.org.

The Freeman Store & MuseumWednesday through Sunday noon-4p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. TheFreeman Store & Museum isdedicated to Preserving andpromoting Vienna’s heritage throughthe identification, preservation, andinterpretation of history significantplaces, events, and persons.Historicviennainc.org

Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. FlameRoom, Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S,Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.

Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Emmaus United Church of Christ,900 E Maple Ave. E., Vienna.Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax,2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one freeintroductory session, senior

discounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reducestress. Ravi Kaur has 15 yearsexperience teaching yoga. $15 persession. www.edimprovement.org.571-213-3192.

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia,a senior women’s softball league, islooking for players. Any woman overthe age of 40 is encouraged to join.All skill levels are welcome. Gamesare on Wednesday evenings andSaturday mornings in Vienna, April-October. Other activities during theyear. Visit www.goldengirls.org.

Colvin Run Mill open 11-4 p.m. daily,closed Tuesday. 10017 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Fairfax County’soperational 19th century waterpowered gristmill, offers recreationaland educational activities for all agesthrough daily tours, school programsand special events. Fees: $7/adult,$6 students 16+ with ID, $5 children& seniors. Admission to park is freeexcept for some special events.

Fishing Rod Rentals. Riverbend Park,8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls.Rentals available during Visitorcenter hours. Fishing tackle and livebait are available for purchase.Reservations required for grouprentals. $6/rental (2 hour max).Valid driver’s license required. Rod/reel combinations are perfect forbeginners and children. A Virginia orMaryland freshwater fishing licenseis required for those 16 years orolder. The park does not sell fishinglicenses. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/.

REGISTRATION OPENVienna Youth Soccer Fall 2018.

House Soccer is Vienna YouthSoccer’s recreation soccer program.House is open to all boys and girlsages 3-18 years old who wish to playand learn soccer while having fun,making friends, and developingsportsmanship in a non-pressureenvironment. Visit www.vys.org.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/AUG. 15-16Studio Ghibli: Howl’s Moving

Castle. Wednesday, 7 p.m.(Japanese with English subtitles);Thursday, 11 a.m. (English dubbed)at Angelika Film Center – Mosaic,2911 District Ave., Fairfax. TheAngelika Mosaic will featureanimated films from the celebratedStudio Ghibli praised for theiroriginality, stunning animation, andambitious storytelling. All tickets areregular admission. Visitwww.AngleikaFilmCenter.com.

THURSDAY/AUG. 16Nottoway Nights. 7:30-8:30 p.m. at

Nottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Featuring Seldom

Scene (Bluegrass). Bring blanketsand chairs and enjoy music fromaround the world every Thursdayevening at Nottoway Park. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/nottoway-nights.

FRIDAY/AUG. 17Chillin’ on Church with the Josh

Christina Band. 6:30 p.m. arearesidents can catch a new and diversemusical act every Friday at the TownGreen or at Chillin’ on Church. Bringblankets and chairs, but please leaveFido and any other pets at home. Theconcerts are free and open to thepublic. Visit www.viennava.gov.

SATURDAY/AUG. 18Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. 10 a.m.

at Safeway – Chesterbrook, 6244 OldDominion Drive, McLean. Safewaywill unveil renovations to itsChesterbrook store. Local dignitariesare expected to join Safeway officialsfor the ceremony, with live musicpresented by McLean High Schoolband students.

Paddle the Potomac . 5:30-7:30 p.m.at Riverbend Park, 8700 PotomacHills St., Great Falls. Watch for deerforaging on the islands and ospreyand bald eagles searching for fish asyou paddle a kayak through awildlife-rich section of the PotomacRiver. This is not a whitewater tour,and no previous experience isrequired. Kayaks will be provided –one person per kayak. Forparticipants age 14 to adult runs.Download the waiver at go.usa.gov/xnFNc and bring the completed formto the tour. $40 per person. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

SUNDAY/AUG. 19Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon at

Vienna American Legion Post 180,330 Center St., N. Vienna. Getomelets, scrambled eggs, blueberrypancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuitsand gravy and more. Adults $10,children 12 and under $4. Call 703-938-6580.

Concerts on the Green: VinylInvention. 6-8 p.m. on the GreatFalls Village Centre Green. Sundaysthroughout the summer, bring apicnic and chairs for an evening offree, live music. Visitcelebrategreatfalls.org.

MONDAY/AUG. 20Ann Wilson & Jeff Beck. 8 p.m. at

Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1551 TrapRoad, Vienna. Ann Wilson of Heart isgearing up for a busy summer thatwill see her performing on the “StarsAlign Tour” with Jeff Beck and Paul

Rodgers and prepping the release ofher new solo album, IMMORTAL, dueout Sept. 14. $35-$75. Visitwww.wolftrap.org for tickets.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/AUG. 22-23Studio Ghibli: From Up On Poppy

Hill. Wednesday, 7 p.m. (Japanesewith English subtitles); Thursday, 11a.m. (English dubbed) at AngelikaFilm Center – Mosaic, 2911 DistrictAve., Fairfax. The Angelika Mosaicwill feature animated films from thecelebrated Studio Ghibli praised fortheir originality, stunning animation,and ambitious storytelling. All ticketsare regular admission. Visitwww.AngleikaFilmCenter.com.

THURSDAY/AUG. 23Games at Riverbend Park. 4:30-6

p.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills St., Great Falls.Looking for new ways to keepchildren entertained this summer?Play traditional Eastern WoodlandIndian games of skill and luck thatwere popular at the time the firstEuropeans reached this area. Enjoythe tradition of oral storytelling andmake a game to take home. For ages4-adult. $12 per person. Childrenmust be accompanied by an adultregistered for the program. Call 703-759-9018 or visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

SoberRide Fundraiser. 6-9 p.m. atGlory Days Grill, 3059 Nutley St. SW,Fairfax. The Washington RegionalAlcohol Program’s (WRAP) third-annual “Football & Fundraising”event features former WashingtonRedskin Gary Clark, a sportsmemorabilia silent auction and doorprizes. Open to the public. Visitwww.wrap.org for tickets.

Nottoway Nights. 7:30-8:30 p.m. atNottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Featuring The AmishOutlaws (Amish cover band). Bringblankets and chairs and enjoy musicfrom around the world everyThursday evening at Nottoway Park.Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/nottoway-nights.

FRIDAY/AUG. 24River Fishing by Boat. 5:30-7:30

p.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Fishfor smallmouth bass and sunfish froma canoe or boat with an introductoryclass on boating and fishing basics.No previous experience paddling orrowing is required. Boats andpersonal flotation devices (PFDs),fishing rods and bait are provided.Designed for participants age 5 toadult. Maximum of three participantsper boat, one of whom must be 16 orolder. $16 per person, and each

participant must register. Call 703-759-9018 or visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Theater Under the Stars. 8 p.m. atthe Vienna Town Green, 144 MapleAve. E., Vienna. The Town of Viennaoffers “Paddington 2” on the BigScreen on the Green at 8 p.m. Friday,August 24. The 2017 movie, which israted PG, follows the adventures ofPaddington the bear, who spreadsmarmalade and joy wherever hegoes. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.Free popcorn and water will beavailable while supplies last. Raindate: Sunday, Aug. 26. Freeadmission. Visit www.viennava.gov.

SUNDAY/AUG. 26Concerts on the Green: Mike

Terpak Blues Explosion. 6-8 p.m.on the Great Falls Village CentreGreen. Sundays throughout thesummer, bring a picnic and chairs foran evening of free, live music. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

TUESDAY/AUG. 28Dance Open House. 4-6 p.m. at

Cuppett Performing Arts Center, 135Park St. S.E., Vienna. CuppettPerforming Arts Center’s hosts andopen house for prospective studentsto learn about their programs:beginner through pre-professionaldance classes in ballet, tap, jazz,modern, lyrical, hip hop, acro andmusical theatre. Free. Call 703-938-9019 or visit cuppettpac.com.

WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 5Newcomers & Neighbors Coffee. 11

a.m.-12:30 p.m. at in the CommunityRoom of the Regency at McLean,1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean.The McLean Newcomers andNeighbors will host a coffee formembers and for non-members whomight be interested in joining. Visitwww.McLeanNewcomers.org.

THURSDAYS/SEPT. 13, 20 & 27Mah Jongg for Beginners. 6:30-9:30

p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100Westmoreland St., Falls Church. Athree-session Mah Jongg class forbeginners. Enrollment is limited. $85includes nine hours of lessons with aMah Jongg card. To register, send acheck made out to WoTRS to IvaGresko, 120 N. Fairfax St., FallsChurch, VA 22046. Include your e-mail address, home address, andyour home and cell telephonenumbers. The check is registration.Email [email protected] or 703-328-1606.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 15Tea Tasting Seminar. 1-3 p.m. at

Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Teas from AcrossAfrica a tea tasting seminar withCertified Tea Specialist Chef LaurieBell. The diversity of Africa’s teaproduction is evident from the blackteas of eastern Africa to SouthAfrica’s Rooibos and Honeybush, toMorocco’s famous mint tea, andEgypt’s chamomile. Tea infusedtreats and a take home tea samplerincluded. $35. Use class activity code266 407 0401 and visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call 703-222-4664 toregister.

Model Railroaders Open House. 1-5 p.m. at the Vienna Depot, 231Dominion Road NE. NorthernVirginia Model Railroaders hold anopen house at the Vienna Depot eachmonth and on Vienna celebrationdays, including Viva! Vienna and theVienna Holiday Stroll. Freeadmission. Call 703-938-5157 or visitwww.nvmr.org.

Ann Wilson& Jeff Beck

Ann Wilson of Heart is gear-ing up for a busy summer thatwill see her performing on the“Stars Align Tour” with Jeff Beckand Paul Rodgers and preppingthe release of her new solo al-bum, IMMORTAL, due out Sept.14. Monday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m. atWolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1551Trap Road, Vienna. $35-$75.Visit www.wolftrap.org for tick-ets.

AnnWilson

Photo by

Kimberly Adamis


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sion of National Night Out, including a col-lection of cakes baked by residents and bystudents from Marshall High School asmuch-coveted prizes for an old-fashionedcake walk.

THE LAWN in front of the Barn was thesetting for lots of interaction between thegathered neighbors and the Tower 401 gangand other members of the public safety com-munity. Yes, there were more tours throughthe command center cabin of the fire truck,although the tight quarters and moredensely populated location made any high-flying ladder demonstration a no-go. Butthe kids seemed happy to hang with theirblue-uniformed heroes, as well as a surprisevisitor – the Chick-fil-A giant red cow!

At times at the McLean events it was hardto tell who was having the most fun – theneighbors or their visiting law enforcementand first responder guests, but maybe thatmeans the National Night Out mission tobring citizens and public safety personneltogether as a community was being accom-plished, one neighborhood at a time.

Other NNO gatherings took place aroundthe district, including at Tysons Glen,

From Page 3

News

Jefferson Park Condos and Jefferson Village.Did your neighborhood miss out on host-ing a “party with a purpose” this year? Visitthe website www.natw.org to find out moreand how to register for next year’s event –then get out there and start meeting yourneighbors to get things going.

Vinson Hall resident Chris Holmesgot himself decorated for thecommunity gathering. And, yes,Chris assures us that “pickleball”is a thing at Vinson Hall.

National Night OutCelebrated in McLean

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

FC Fire and Rescue Tech M. Wismer escorts Timberly residents TerryGrimm (left) and Cathy Scott (right) on a ladder extension ride abovetheir neighborhood.

The juvenile taken to the hospital after Sun-day, Aug. 5 fatal shooting died early morningAug. 11 — according to FCPD Media RelationsBureau. Additional charges are anticipated forVeronica Youngblood as the investigation contin-ues.

Youngblood, of McLean, was facing a murdercharge after a shooting in the 1500 block of Lin-coln Circle lAug. 5 around 10:15 p.m. Whenofficers arrived, they discovered two juvenilevictims in an apartment. One victim was takento the hospital in life-threatening condition. Thesecond victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, 33-year-old VeronicaYoungblood, was found in Loudoun County af-ter an acquaintance called police whenYoungblood knocked on their front door. Withthe assistance of Loudoun County Sheriff’s Of-

fice, Youngblood was taken into custody withoutincident. Multiple press reports indicate that sheis the mother of the two murdered children.

She was taken to the Fairfax County AdultDetention Center, where she is being held with-out bond. A firearm, believed to be involved, wasrecovered when Youngblood was arrested. De-tectives are continuing their investigation intothe events leading up to the shooting. The Officeof the Chief Medical Examiner will be conduct-ing an autopsy.

Per Virginia Code 19.2-11.2, police are prohib-ited from providing information about juvenilevictims unless parental consent is provided. Thislaw went into effect on July 1 of last year. It pro-hibits Virginia law enforcement agencies fromdirectly or indirectly identifying deceased juve-nile victims of a crime.

Second Victim Dies in McLean HomicideWeek in McLean


News

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

Three non-profit organizations havebanded together to sponsor the firstHome Run for the Homeless 5k run on

Saturday, Sept.15. Community Lodgings, Home-stretch and Bridges to Independence are all orga-nizations which provide housing, employment,youth education and outreach and child care toparents and children as they move toward selfsufficiency in the City of Alexandria, and Arling-ton and Fairfax counties.

Mark Riley, volunteer coordinator of the event,says this is rare if not unprecedented, thatnonprofits come together in this kind of effort.

In an area known for its wealth, the 2018 Pointin Time survey identified 1,434 individuals ashomeless in Northern Virginia. “The Home Run isa great opportunity for people to support not justone, but three organizations working to helpNorthern Virginia families overcomehomelessness,” according to Sam Kelly, chief ex-ecutive officer, Bridges to Independence.

Lynn Thomas, executive director of CommunityLodgings, said, “The primary goal of the race is toinform community members about homelessnessand encourage them to become involved.”

Riley said, “It would be nice to net, say, ten grandbut this isn’t about the money; it’s about the vis-ibility for the good work of these organizations.”Riley said their goal is to get 250 participants, themaximum allowed. “But it is difficult to go to 250the first year from scratch.”

Riley says the race is scheduled to begin at 9a.m. at Bluemoont Park shelter on Manchester

Street in Arlington. Itwill follow theW&OD trail almost toFalls Church and endback at Bluemont Park.

Riley says he has orga-nized other races such as theThanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. His role forthis race is to be the coordinator go-to guy. He saysthis race involves getting three permits: for the trail,the shelter and the overall special events permit. “Youhave to make sure it is on the county calendar.”

“Then you get your people lined up” — the hostbeneficiaries and leadership group and the spon-sors. “I help with the parking, the food and themusic. It sets a mood.” Two other essential piecesare the race management company to help timethe race and provide the cones and barrels andother necessary equipment. And, of course, the T-shirts for people and this year “really nifty med-als. The children love the medals more.”

Riley says County Board member John Vihstadtprobably inspired the impetus for this event. “Twoyears ago he contacted me to find out about Home-stretch because they were doing a fundraiser fortheir childcare.” One thing led to another andthese three groups got together.

Register for the race at https://goo.gl/GtrFqe.Registration fees are $40 for 18-years and olderand $25 for 6-17 years. Online registration endsSept. 13 unless it has already sold out. Packet pickup will be Friday, Sept. 14 at Christ Church inArlington from 5-7p.m. And on Saturday beforethe race starting at 7 a.m.

Is Riley running the 5k? “Those days are over,but I did sign up.”

Combined effotrt to raise funds.

Nonprofits Initiate 5k HomeRun for the Homeless

Apply forCitizens FireAcademyAn eight-weekCitizens Fire &Rescue Academy(CFRA) program willshow participantswhat firefightersand paramedics doevery day. The CFRAis open to countyresidents 18 andolder. Each sessionwill cover differentaspects of theorganization, pro-viding an overviewof the departmentand its uniformedand civilian workforce. Program topics include: fire suppression, emergency medicalservices, training, recruitment, special operations, and other interesting topics. CFRAapplications will be accepted until Aug. 31. The Academy will begin Sept. 20 and willmeet for eight consecutive Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and ending on Nov. 8. Seehttps://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/cfra.

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Photo


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

“Slow progression” does not mean we are now progressing slowly. Quite the opposite in fact. During this past Monday’s “Phoning It In” appointment when the three semi-amigos – me, my wife Dina, and my oncologist – discussed/assessed my most recent CT scan results, a

In effect, we are doubling down, decreasing my present every-seven-week infusion schedule back down to every three weeks and likewise reducing my three-month CT scan interval to two months. All of which changes my “man-ageable” life to one more cancer centric. Not all appealing but as the South Korean woman driving the white Cadillac told “Hawkeye” in a long-ago M*A*S*H episode: “That’s where the water is.”

And so we are returning to the scene of the crime (three week intervals) so to speak, and hoping we can nip this tumor growth in the bud thereby enabling yours truly to live longer and hopefully prosper (and live long enough as well to see the new Star Trek series with Patrick Stewart returning as Jean Luc Picard).

I don’t want to be totally naive and presume that since the same medication has worked for

tweaking, it can’t continue to work for another

had patients where a similar approach worked

period of stability like me) so to quote my late father: “The idea has merit.”

Ergo, the honeymoon is over. Now the hard part begins, again. One week not feeling well, two weeks feeling pretty well. Then waiting for scan results as if my life depended on it (duh!).

It’s nothing my family and I haven’t experi-enced off and on going on nine and half years since my diagnosis/prognosis. Still, after the last

-ized and began the “miracle” drug alimta), life has been normal-ish with infusion intervals wid-ening and scan results indicating some initial shrinkage (“like a frightened turtle), followed by

But so what else is new in the cancer-patient world? (That’s a rhetorical question.)

Cancer returning with or without a ven-geance to patients who perhaps had expected otherwise. Cancer is not exactly a disease you forget you had or one that you presume you’ll never see or worry about again. Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth being: you are scarred for life – sort of. You become a life-long member of the biggest club in the world. A club, as Grouch Marx might joke, you’d rather not join, especially if they’d have you as a member.

“Cancer Sucks” as a meme is the most insin-

Cancer leaves a wake and in its path devastation and destruction. Its swath cuts across gener-ations, cultures, demographics, ethnic back-

If there’s any fear we share collectively it is a diagnosis of cancer. Living with it and trying not to die from it has been the bane of my exis-tence – and millions more, many of whom have already succumbed to its ravages. Continuing research into the cause and effect has given me years my oncologist told me I probably didn’t have. (“13 months to two years” was my original prognosis.)

How lucky am I. (Not a rhetorical question.)Now I face another hurdle. Or rather, more

of the same hurdle I’ve managed to jump over for nine-plus years. Whether the 10 percent-ish tumor growth is the real deal or merely just a blip on the cancer radar, only time and treat-ment will tell. This is the uncertainty all of us cancer patients endure. It’s not ideal, but ideal left the building on Feb. 27, 2009.

Progressing, But So Am I

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDAARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to

expand its team of volunteers for the upcomingtax season. Tax-Aide, now in its 51st year, offersfree in-person preparation and assistance toanyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’tafford a tax preparation service. Volunteersmake a difference in their communities byassisting many older, lower-income taxpayers,and their families, who might otherwise miss outon the tax credits and deductions they’veearned. To learn about volunteer opportunities,visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESThe Fairfax-Falls Church Community

Services Board’s Merrifield Center offers anew stand-up information kiosk. Part of a pilotproject, the new feature aims to improve thecustomer service experience and decrease waittimes for individuals who are seeking mental(behavioral) health services. To check in,individuals respond to five simple questions,then the CSB’s Patient Track software alertsstaff. Based on clinicians’ schedules andavailability, as well as the needs of the client,individuals are triaged and seen by the nextavailable staff member. For more information onavailable services, call the CSB at 703-383-8500(Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). In anemergency 24/7, call CSB Emergency Services at703-573-5679 or the Fairfax Detox Center at703-502-7000 (TTY 703-322-9080).

THURSDAY/AUG. 16Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Macy’s Hiring Event. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Jobcandidates may visit the following Macy’s storesto be considered for full- or part-time positions:Macy’s Fair Oaks, Macy’s Tysons Corner Center,Macy’s Westfield Montgomery, Macy’s TysonsGalleria and Macy’s Fashion Center At PentagonCity. Candidates should apply in advance atmacysJOBS.com.

After Work Networking Mixer. 5:30-7:30 p.m.at 8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 150, McLean.Wine Tasting and Networking Event, hosted byDr. Nicole Van, DDS, PC. Wine tasting will beserved by Vienna Vintner and appetizers will becatered by Purple Onion Catering. Visittysonschamber.org to register.

THROUGH FRIDAY/AUG. 17Disaster Preparedness Kits. Community

members are invited to visit participatingAllstate agencies to receive free AllstateFoundation disaster preparedness kits, whilesupplies last, and localized information from theAmerican Red Cross. Visit www.allstate.com.The following allstate agents are participating:

❖ Robin Hill: 5222 Rolling Road, Burke❖ Denni Cravins: 203 Elden St., Suite 304, Herndon❖ Ray Manfredi: 6506 Loisdale Road, Springfiled❖ Joe Nadimi: 8212-C Old Courthouse Road, Suite

1, Vienna

SATURDAY/AUG. 18Write Away Stress. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Unity

of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Learn how in a writing workshop featuring theall-new Write It Away method of stressmanagement. Facilitator is Sue McCollum, LPC,therapeutic writing coach and co-author of asoon-to-be-published book on how to usewriting to tame the tension in your life. $30.Email [email protected].

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