Opinion, Page 4 Rock ‘N’ Skate Party at Reston Town...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com November 15-21, 2017

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Fairfax County Leads Blue WaveNews, Page 3

The Big GiveNews, Page 6

Rock ‘N’ Skate Party at Reston Town Center

News, 2

HolidayEntertainment

Page 9

Enjoying the Rock ‘N’ Skate Party at the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion are (from left): Tommy Edelmann, 15, of Vienna; Aidan Kenny, 15, of Great Falls; Marc James-Finel, 15, of McLean; McKean McConnell, 15,

of Great Falls; and Thomas Ryan, 15, of Great Falls.

2 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ November 15-21, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

See Advocates, Page 8

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

The agenda was full atthe 2017 Social ActionLinking Together(SALT) Fall Advocacy

Conference. The annual forumwas held at the Virginia Interna-tional University in Fairfax on Sat-urday, Nov. 11 with a packedhouse in attendance.

SALT is a non-partisan faith-based network of individuals andorganizations with the goal ofbringing “the social and economicjustice teachings of their faith tobear on public policy and legisla-tion.” What started as eight so-cially conscious people about 20years ago, has grown to a base ofabout 1,300, who educate them-selves and the public on the factssurrounding social issues, and the

actions that can be taken to ad-dress them.

“It’s education, it’s advocacy,building relationships with legis-lators, and bringing people to-gether to strengthen the voices ofall,” said SALT Founder and Coor-dinator John Horejsi, who is nostranger to the halls of theCommonwealth’s governmental

chambers and offices in Rich-mond.

Each year, SALT selects new pri-ority issues, or continues to ad-dress issues in progress, and ral-lies its troops to raise awarenessand recommend actions. Horejsiwas particularly pleased to an-nounce that largely through theefforts of SALT members, many

more Virginians in need will nowbenefit from the TANF (TemporaryAssistance for Needy Families)program, simply by having con-solidated the TANF categories.

Additional improvements toTANF, including an associatedscholarship program is one ofSALT’s priorities for the 2018 Vir-ginia legislative session.

THE GROUP has identified sev-eral other priorities upon whichthey will focus their attention inthe coming year, including:

❖ Ending school lunch shaming:SALT supports legislation thatwould prohibit identifying – andstigmatizing – children who are

SALT Holds Annual Advocacy ConferenceSocial justiceadvocates told:“Go and dogood.”

Social Action Linking Together (SALT) founder and coor-dinator John Horejsi welcomes attendees to theorganization’s 2017 Fall Advocacy Conference.

Sister Simone Campbell — often referred to as “the nunon the bus” for the bus tours she and other nuns under-take on their mission to bring about social justice — wasthe keynote speaker at the SALT conference.

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RESTON • 1480 North Point Village • 703-733-3860

Reston Connection ❖ November 15-21, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

See Blue Wave, Page 11

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

Democrats swept all three state-wide seats last week and pickedup so many seats in the Houseof Delegates that control of the

chamber is now in doubt. A week later, threeseats are too close to call, awaiting possiblerecounts.

Voters rejected Republican argumentsabout sanctuary cities and Confederate me-morials, divisive issues that had moderateRepublicans trying to win over extreme el-ements of President Donald Trump’s coali-tion. It didn’t work, and it may have sig-naled a new era in how Democrats can takeon Republicans and win at the ballot box.

“The new Democratic Party is back,” saidDemocratic National Committee ChairmanTom Perez during a raucous Election Nightparty at George Mason University. “Andwe’re back with a bang.”

Democrat Ralph Northam won 54 percentof the vote against Republican Ed Gillespie,whose performance slipped a bit from his2014 nail-biter against Democrat MarkWarner for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Backin 2014, Gillespie won 48 percent of thevote. This year he was only able to get 45percent.

“The doctor is in,” declared Northam, apediatric neurologist, after Gillespie con-cede the race.

Voters in Fairfax County helped Demo-crats run up the numbers across Virginiaand turn the blue wave into somethingDemocratic House Leader David Toscano

grow government and make life more costly,we stand ready, willing, and able to edu-cate our neighbors on the issues.”

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP was noton the ballot in Virginia this year, but heloomed over every part of this campaign.The election cycle started when manyDemocrats were still in shock that the real-estate developer turned reality TV star waselected president. A historic women’s marchafter Trump’s inauguration led to an unprec-edented number of female candidates tak-ing on entrenched Republican elected offi-cials this year, mostly men. The gamble paidoff, and many of those defeated male in-cumbents are now preparing to leave of-fice.

“Women are leading the resistance,” saidEmily’s List president Stephanie Schriock.“A record number of women ran for officein Virginia, and now a record number ofwomen will serve in the Virginia House ofDelegates, fighting for improved public edu-cation, investment in infrastructure, eco-nomic growth, and access to health care.”

Voters in key swing jurisdictions voted forNortham; he won 61 percent in Prince Wil-liam County, 60 percent in Loudoun County,60 percent in Henrico County and 52 per-cent in Virginia Beach. And althoughGillespie performed well in traditional Re-publican strongholds like Rockingham andPittsylvania, he struggled in the Richmondsuburb of Chesterfield. Party leaders on bothsides of the aisle say voters were reactingto Trump and sending a message.

“Voters turned out in droves in a directrebuke of state Republicans and the Trumpadministration,” said Jessica Post, executivedirector of the Democratic Legislative Cam-paign Committee. “Americans from coast tocoast sent a clear message that when facedwith adversity, we will step up and defendour values, safeguard the progress we have

calls a “tsunami.” Northam took 80 percentof the vote in Arlington, 78 percent of thevote in Alexandria and 68 percent of thevote in Fairfax County. He also receivedabout 40,000 more votes than Gov. TerryMcAuliffe did four years ago.

Now Republicans say they are ready to

mount their own resistance.“Our grassroots are now primed to hold

Northam accountable during his time asgovernor, and we plan to do just that,” saidAmericans for Prosperity-Virginia State Di-rector J.C. Hernandez. “If the Northam ad-ministration tries to advance policies that

Fairfax County Leads Blue WaveDemocrats sweepstatewide races, comeclose to taking overHouse of Delegates.

Photos by Michael Lee Pope/The Connection

Democrat Ralph Northam declares victory in the hotly contested race forgovernor at George Mason University.

Northam Fairfax Herring

GOVERNORRalph S. Northam (D) 1,409,086, 53.90%Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie (R) 1,175,698,

44.97%Clifford D. Hyra (L) 27,987, 1.07%In Fairfax County, Northam received 67.87%In Arlington, Northam received 80.00%In City of Alexandria, Northam received 78.36%

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORJustin E. Fairfax (D) 1,368,179, 52.72%Jill H. Vogel (R) 1,224,481, 47.18%

ATTORNEY GENERALMark R. Herring (D)* 1,385,304, 53.34%John D. Adams (R) 1,209,303, 46.56%

HOUSE OF DELEGATES34th DistrictKathleen Murphy (D)* 20,522, 60.92%Cheryl Buford (R) 13,146, 39.02%

35th DistrictMark Keam (D)* unopposed 22,566, 93.04%

36th DistrictKen Plum (D)* unopposed 21,107, 93.01%

37th DistrictDavid Bulova (D)* unopposed 18,856, 93.56%

38th DistrictKay Kory (D)* 16,023, 73.51%Paul Haring (R) 5,723, 26.26%

39th DistrictVivian Watts (D)* unopposed 21,392, 92.62%

40th DistrictDonte Tanner (D) 15,004, 49.74%Tim Hugo (R)* 15,110, 50.10%

41st DistrictEileen Filler-Corn (D)* unopposed 22,959, 90.84%

42nd DistrictKathy Tran (D) 18,761, 60.97%Lolita Mancheno-Smoak (R) 11,967, 38.89%

43rd DistrictMark Sickles (D)* unopposed 22,084, 93.34%

44th DistrictPaul Krizek (D)* unopposed 18,330, 92.81%

45th DistrictMark Levine (D)* unopposed 31,360, 95.09%

46th DistrictCharniele Herring (D)* unopposed 18,919, 96.40%

47th DistrictPatrick Hope (D)* unopposed 29,672, 96.20%

Unofficial Election Results 11-8-17SOURCE: Virginia Department of Elections, results.elections.virginia.gov

* Incumbent

48th DistrictRip Sullivan (D)* unopposed 27,625, 94.61%

49th DistrictAlfonso Lopez (D)* 19,308, 81.30%Adam Roosevelt (R) 4,391, 18.49%

53rd DistrictMarcus Simon (D)* 19,235, 74.28%Mike Casey (I) 6,362, 24.57%

67th DistrictKarrie Delaney (D) 17,036, 57.86%Jim LeMunyon (R)* 12,365, 42.00%

86th DistrictJennifer Boysko (D)* 16865, 68.52%Linda Schulz (R) 7,707, 31.31%

FAIRFAX COUNTY SCHOOL BOND,$315 MILLIONYES 262,442, 73.35%NO 95,346, 26.65%


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RestonOpinion

Editorial

❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210,Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org. Nonprofit providingsupport and advocacy for those in need of food,shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, andother human services. Programs and servicesinclude the Embry Rucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia PreventionProgram, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Gifts for Kidsand annual Coat Drive. Gifts will be collected atCornerstones main office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road,Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190 on Thursday, Dec. 7and Friday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec.9, 9 a.m. – noon. Contact Nate King, Donations andDrives Coordinator, at 571-323-9569.

❖ Share of McLean operates a food pantry; providesassistance to families to avoid eviction, keep utilitieson and meet other needs in a crisis. Share ofMcLean will provide holiday assistance to more than250 needy families (630-plus people) this year. Helpneighbors in need by donating money, fulfilling awish or donating Walmart, Target, Giant, orSafeway gift cards. Share’s Furniture Program is inmajor need of drivers and helpers. Visit theFurniture Program page. The Food Pantry is inmajor need of supplies; visit the Food Pantry pageand check Facebook to see how to help the FoodPantry. Visit www.shareofmclean.org for more infoabout Share.

❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly InstantSympathetic Help), 336 Victory Drive, Herndon,703-391-0105, herndonrestonfish.org. Herndon-Reston FISH has assisted local residents in short-term crises by since 1969. FISH provides FriendlyInstant Sympathetic Help by responding toemergency requests for rent, transportation,utilities, medical prescriptions and other needs.FISH operates The Bargain Loft, a thrift store, whichneeds donations of good quality saleable items,accepting and selling art, furniture, jewelry,household linens, dishes, pots and pans, books,women’s designer clothing (clean and on hangers),puzzles, games, collectibles, small electronics andmore. If you have store questions, call 703-437-0600. Herndon-Reston FISH also provides HolidayFood & Gift Baskets during the November andDecember season.

❖ LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly, Loudoun andmore. Every year the goal is to provide each familywith a week’s worth of non-perishable food inNovember and again in December. When fundsallow, grocery gift cards are also included. InNovember, clients also receive a voucher for coatsand warm clothing. In December, children 16 andunder receive gifts. [email protected] www.linkagainsthunger.org.

❖ Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna,organized in 1969 by a group of churches andindividuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Oakton,Vienna community to provide simple, loving charityto those in need. Last year 450 children had aspecial Christmas through the annual ChristmasStore. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com

❖ Northern Virginia Family Service. Just $50provides a complete holiday meal to a family offour. Donate at give.nvfs.org/holidaydonation or viacheck payable to “NVFS” with “Operation Turkey”on the memo line, or send grocery store gift cards.

Northern Virginia Family Service, attn: HolidayInitiatives, 10455 White Granite, Drive, Suite 100,Oakton, VA 22124.

❖ Second Story — Abused and Homeless Children’sRefuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182.703-506-9191, second-story.org. Second Story(formerly Alternative House) provides shelter andservices for homeless, runaway or abused teenagers,unaccompanied youth, and young mothers and theirchildren. Requests for food and clothing are upmore than 50 percent.

❖ Shepherd’s Center of Oakton Vienna providingservices, personal enrichment, volunteeropportunities for adults 50 and over. Currentlyserving 3,000+ mature adults in the region. 703-281-0538, www.scov.org.

❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofitorganization whose mission is to educate children tohave giving hearts. www.touchingheart.com, 703-901-7355.

❖ Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — foodpantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. Formore information or to sponsor a family, call 703-988-9656, ext. 105. To mail gift cards or senddonations by check, add a note saying “food basketprogram” and send them to: WFCM, P.O. Box220802, Chantilly, VA 20153.

❖ HomeAid builds and renovates facilities that housethe homeless, and partners with many localorganizations to do so. 3684 Centerview Drive,Suite 110B, Chantilly, VA 20151.www.homeaidnova.org.

❖ FACETS helps parents, their children andindividuals who suffer the effects of poverty in theFairfax area, a partner in efforts to endhomelessness in Fairfax County. FACETS is alwaysin need of volunteers, and offers a variety of one-time and ongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251,[email protected] or www.facetscares.org.10640 Page Ave., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030.

❖ Britepaths will have 3,000 individuals and familiesin need of holiday assistance list this fall. Sponsor afamily or donate to provide a family with aThanksgiving meal, December holiday meal and/orgifts for their children. britepaths.org.

❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (For ImmediateSympathetic Help) helps local people who are intemporary need of life’s basic necessities such asfood, clothing, and financial assistance for rent,mortgage payments, utilities, and medicaltreatments. FISH also provides limitedtransportation for doctor appointments and fooddelivery. 703-222-0880, fairfaxfish.org.

❖ Lamb Center, day center for homeless, Fairfax.703-691-3178, www.thelambcenter.org.

❖ Food for Others provides a safety net for peoplewho suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such asa family illness or the loss of a job or a spouse.Located at 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031,703-207-9173, [email protected] orwww.foodforothers.org. Hours: Monday-Friday,9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

❖ Ecumenical Community Helping Others(ECHO). 703-569-9160, www.foodforothers.org.Open to receive donations at 7205 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield. Provides food and financialassistance to those in short-term emergencies, andprovides clothing and household goods to low

income families, helping more than 5,000 peoplelast year.

❖ Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) willprovide Thanksgiving and Holiday assistance tomore than 450 families this year. Thanksgiving andChristmas food baskets along with fulfilling giftwishes for more than 1,000 children and teens willhelp low-income families More information atlortonaction.org/seasonal-assistance/. Volunteersare needed for these events as well. Register onlineat lortonaction.org or call 703-339-5161, ext. 140 oremail [email protected]. Mailing address:LCAC, P.O. Box 154, Lorton, VA 22199-0154.

❖ Assistance League of Northern Virginia is anall-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds,clothes and educates children in need. AssistanceLeague’s philanthropic programs touch the lives ofthousands of children at 11 Title I schools inNorthern Virginia, serving children most in need atselected schools in Fairfax and Prince Williamcounties and the City of Alexandria. To learn moreabout volunteer and sponsorship opportunities,email [email protected] or visitwww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org.

❖ Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services(CAUSE) ensures that recuperating service membershave opportunities for recreation and socialinteraction and receive concrete signs ofappreciation for all that they have done. 1100 NGlebe Road, Suite 373, Arlington, VA 22201.703-591-4968, cause-usa.org.

❖ Shelter House provides crisis intervention, safehousing and supportive services to promote self-sufficiency for homeless families and victims ofdomestic violence in Fairfax County.www.shelterhouse.org/

❖ United Community Ministries, Mount Vernon,703-768-7106, 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA22306 assists low-income families and individualsliving along the Route 1 Corridor, UCM providesfour different housing programs as well as aWorkforce Development Center to help preparepeople for moving forward with their jobs. For theholidays, donations of nearly 10,000 toys, books,games, clothing, and other gifts ensured a joy-filledholiday for more than 1,200 children in 600families. 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria VA 22306.www.ucmagency.org

Donations of cash/checks and gift cards are alsowelcome.

❖ National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill ParkDrive, Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia. 703-541-3063, www.capitalareafoodbank.org.

❖ Homestretch is the largest provider of transitionalhousing in Fairfax County and offers a services tohelp the homeless better their lives througheducation. Email [email protected];703-237-2035 x125; homestretchva.org/.

❖ Pathway Homes focuses on providing housing andsupport services to individuals with serious mentalillnesses, with the mission to help these individualsreach their full potential and lead stable lives. Theyoffer both in-home programs, semi-independenthouses and assisted living facilities. 10201 FairfaxBoulevard, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. 703-876-

Give Locally in Fairfax CountySchool holidays canbring uncertainty andhunger for tens ofthousands of poorchildren in our area.

The holidays are about giving, and giv-ing thanks. The holidays are aboutchildren and family. The holidays are

about sharing, about joy. The holidays areabout being thankful and about faith and ap-preciation. The holidays are about alleviatingsuffering for others.

Northern Virginia is among the wealthiest

areas in the country. Many if not most of us gothrough our daily and seasonal routines with-out encountering evidence of the needy fami-lies among us.

In Fairfax County, more than 52,000 (28percent) of FCPS students are are poorenough to receive free or subsidizedmeals.

The median family income in FairfaxCounty rose to $129,800. But among familieswith children, 6 percent have income belowthe poverty level. That’s $20,420 for a familyof three. That’s about $1,700 a month. Medianrent in Fairfax County is $1,747, meaning thecost for half the rentals is more than that.

These are children living in families who maybe on the brink of homelessness, families whomust choose between medical bills, car repair,heat and food. Some of these are children who

may not be sure that they will have a mealbetween the meals they get in school.

School holidays can bring uncertainty andhunger — a far cry from the celebrations, giftsand plenty that we associate with Thanksgiv-

ing and Christmas.Hundreds of homeless students at-

tend the public schools, and their needsare greater.

Many nonprofits in the county need yourhelp to provide a holiday meal for Thanksgiv-ing or Christmas, to provide children with gifts.

There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season. Hereare a few ideas. We will rerun this list againafter Thanksgiving, so please let us know whatwe have missed.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Where to Give Locally

See Give Locally, Page 10


21800 Towncenter PlazaSterling VA 20164703-450-5453

1051 Edwards Ferry RoadLeesburg VA 20176703-771-4688www.sterlingappliance.com

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

The recent election in Virginiabrought about significant changesin the partisan composition of the

House of Delegates. While the election ofDr. Ralph Northam as governor and attor-ney Justin Fairfax as lieutenant governor along withthe re-election of Attorney General Mark Herring keptthe executive branch of government in Democratichands, election results in the 100 House of Delegatesdistricts were dramatically different. Republicanswent into the election with a strong advantage con-trolling 66 of the 100 seats. It appears with somerecounts to take place that they will end up with 51seats or maybe even tied with Democrats at 50 seatseach. No one that I know predicted such a majorshift; some refer to the outcome of the election as apolitical tsunami. It was not simply that Republicanslost 17 seats when the most optimistic prediction wasthat Democrats would gain maybe 10 or so seats.The majority party went into the election with a 66to 34 advantage; they ended the election with thepossibility of only a one member advantage or de-pending on the recount of votes a tie with Demo-crats. Beyond the number of seats lost, the majorityparty lost their caucus whip, chairs of three majorcommittees and two members of the AppropriationsCommittee including one of its conferees. Their cau-cus chairman seemed to have lost until a transposi-tion of numbers was discovered that allowed him tohang on by a thread. I served during the term begin-

ning in the year 2000 when a power shar-ing agreement was reached allowing anevenly split body to go forward with itsbusiness. I thought the system worked ef-fectively as there was a process for work-ing together. In such an arrangement therecan be an emphasis on solving problemsrather than simply getting credit. Most en-

couraging during this election cycle was the gain inthe number of people voting in the election. The ex-perience over many decades was that about 75 per-cent of voters go to the polls in presidential electionyears and less than 50 percent in years when thegovernor is elected. That number increased to about60 percent this year.Those people who decided to goto the polls made the difference especially in theHouse of Delegates races.

A further exciting outcome of this election was thedramatic diversification of the membership of theHouse that had been dominated by white menthroughout its history. Most of the losses of incum-bents came about by women candidates defeatingthem. Not only are there more women, there are twoLatino and two Asian women, the first transgenderwoman, and a lesbian. There will be more diversityin the General Assembly than ever before in its his-tory. The Commonwealth will be better for it.

The challenge will be to bring the new membersquickly into the process and embrace the strengthsthat diversity brings. The institution can accommo-date the changes that the bloodless revolution of2017 brought about to the degree that the leader-ship will permit it.

Commentary

Bloodless RevolutionPlanning and ZoningCommittee Seeks Volunteers

The Reston Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Committee is seekingvolunteers to serve on the Committee. All residents of Restonover 18 years of age are eligible to serve on the committee. Thecommittee consists of 15 members with five positions expiringeach year, and three associate members that serve one year terms.Members’ terms run for three years beginning in January of eachyear. Associate members terms run for one year, also beginningin January. Meetings are typically held the third Monday of eachmonth at 7:30 p.m. generally in the Community Room, NorthCounty Government Center,1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.

Those interested in volunteering to serve on the Reston P&ZCommittee, may fill out an application at rpz.myreston.org andreturn it with their resume, as per the instructions on the applica-tion. The submission deadline for the application is Dec. 16, 2017.For more information about the Reston Planning and Zoning Com-mittee visit rpz.myreston.org.

Week in Reston

Faith Notes are for announcements andevents in the faith community, includingspecial holiday services. Send [email protected] is Thursday.

The Jewish Federation ofGreater Washington and the Jew-ish Outreach Institute offer theMothers/Parents Circle, an umbrella offree educational events and resources.Jewish rituals, ethics and the creation ofa Jewish home, regular meetings andgroup Shabbats and holidays. Partici-pants include Sha’are Shalom,Congregation Beth Emeth, TempleRodef Shalom and the Jewish Commu-nity Center of Northern Virginia. VisitShalomDC.org.

Hope Fellowship Church willtemporarily be meeting at Hyatt Place,21481 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling. Sundayworship services are Sundays at 9:30and 10:45 a.m., a Bible Study is onWednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and a weeklyprayer conference call is Thursdays at 9p.m. The public is invited to join a Biblebelieving, multi-ethnic/multi-culturalcongregation, with Bible-based sermonsand uplifting music. Call 703-599-3527or visitwww.hopefellowshipchurchloudoun.org.

Epiphany United Methodist Pre-school, 1014 Country Club Drive, N.E.in Vienna, is now enrolling 3- to 4-year-old students. Call 703-938-2391 or visitwww.epiphanypreschool.com.

Faith Notes


News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

The Big Give of 2016, where themembers of the Giving Circle ofHope celebrated another year ofcollective giving and invited the

community at large to understand theirmission, was such a success that, of course,the event had to become a new tradition.This year’s gathering was held at Refrac-tion in Reston Town Center on Nov. 9, andfrom the size of the crowd and the dona-tions being made, it’s clear that adoptingthe The Big Give was a good decision.

Voting members don’t have to pay to at-tend, explained Suzanne Weiss, governancevice chair of Giving Circle of Hope, “al-though they still put something in thebowl!” Non-voting members and the gen-eral public added their $25 per head to en-joy a real feast of hors d’oeuvres and liba-tions.

“It’s really great,” said Weiss, because “themore they donate, the larger the amountwe can award to our three final granteesfor this year.”

The founders of the Reston-based non-profit have long since come to realize thepower of collective giving. They began asfour civic-minded women who got togetheraround a kitchen table to ponder what theycould do to create “fun with a purpose” andactively participate in aiding those in needin their community.

In the almost 15 years since officially be-coming a 501 (c) 3 organization, GivingCircle of Hope has awarded 133 grants to55 local nonprofits with budgets under $2million. The all-volunteer group, which nownumbers over 100 members, has alsoawarded four Endowment Grants and aspecial $25,000 Impact Grant to Connec-tions for Hope of Herndon to celebrate Giv-ing Circle of Hope’s 10th anniversary. Overthe years, they have awarded more than $1

million to organizations engaged in caringfor those in need, right in our own commu-nity.

“COLLECTIVE GIVING” means exactlythat. Generous donors and variousfundraisers contribute to the coffers, butmost of the grants come from the $415minimum annual donation that individualsgive to become “Voting Members,” mean-ing that they are eligible to vote on howand to whom the funds are awarded. Witha minimum donation of only $50 per year,an individual can become a Service Mem-ber, enjoying the company of like-mindedphilanthropic neighbors, attending GivingCircle of Hope events, and volunteering forany of the service programs that are part ofthe organization’s mission.

The grants are certainly critical, and much

needed, but direct engagement is also a bigpart of what Giving Circle of Hope mem-bers do. Cyndi Shanahan, Giving Circle ofHope’s governance chair, notes that Circlemembers have volunteered thousands ofhours, and their energy and their talents indirect service of such programs as The Kids’Club at the Embry Rucker Shelter in Reston,and the annual Empty Bowls dinner thatsupports Food for Others.

In addition to raising more funds and tothank the membership for their effortsthroughout the year, the Big Give also aimsto give the general public a more in-depthlook at some of the needs of the neighborsaround us, and the opportunity to experi-ence collective giving first-hand.

At the event, three nonprofits were se-lected to pitch their projects. The attend-ees left the buffet behind for a while to lis-

ten first to keynote speaker Catherine Read,a strategist, activist, and advocate for areanonprofits, then to the presentations by rep-resentatives of Fairfax CASA (Court Ap-pointed Special Advocates) for abused andneglected children, BRAWS (Bringing Re-sources to Aid Women’s Shelters) and NAMINorthern Virginia, a local mental healthnonprofit.

Immediately following the eye-openingpresentations, the entire audience – mem-bers and visiting public alike – were invitedto cast their ballots.

All three worthy organizations receive aportion of the evening’s proceeds, but thegroup with the most votes receives twicethe amount as that which is awarded to theother two recipients.

There were a lot of “Oh, my gosh, I justdon’t know! They all deserve it!“ commentsto be heard as the audience made their se-lections, but eventually, with a champagnetoast by Suzanne Weiss, Fairfax CASA wasdeclared the winner of the largest grant.

But the representatives from the othertwo groups didn’t see themselves as havinglost. Sara Mastro and Vicky Hodges fromBRAWS were still thrilled to have had thechance to spread their message, and receivesome much needed funds for the femininehygiene products and the garments theypurchase and provide for women and girlsin shelters, schools and prisons.

Jeanne Comeau was equally pleased toshare the work of NAMI Northern Virginia,the launch of their “We are Here!” Project,and add a bit to the financial resources ofthe organization.

IN ADDITION to the funds awarded at theBig Give, Giving Circle of Hope in in theprocess of voting on grants to 31 other or-ganizations for the 2017 grant-making sea-son. Learn more about the Giving Circle ofHope at www.givingcircleofhope.org.

Giving Circle of Hope holds year-endevent to celebrate collective giving.The Big Give

From left: Priscilla Jahanian; Giving Circle of Hope Governance ChairCyndi Shanahan; Darcy Cunningham; Giving Circle of Hope Vice ChairSuzanne Weiss; Shaina Goldbergl and Ashleigh Conrad, pose after theGiving Circle of Hope’s officials announced Fairfax CASA as the event’sfirst place grant winner. Cunningham, Goldberg and Conrad made amoving and effective presentation to highlight the work of CASA.

The Giving Circle of Hope’s “Big Give” was the place to be on Nov. 9.From left: The organization’s Governance Chair Cyndi Shanahangreets newly re-elected Virginia Del. Jennifer Boysko (D-86). Boysko isa staunch supporter of the “network of community” that the GivingCircle of Hope creates. “It’s local, and shows the power of doingthings together,” said Boysko.

Vicky Hodges and Sara Mastro spokeeloquently on the work being done byBRAWS – Bringing Resources to AidWomen in Shelters – as one of theevening’s grant recipients.

Jeanne Comeau representedNAMI Northern Virginia asone of the three nonprofitsexplaining their missions andaccepting grants at the BigGive event.

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NOV 24 & 25: 10 AM – 5 PM

NOV 26: 11 AM – 4 PM

Spring Hill RECenter1239 Spring Hill Road

McLean, VA

$5 Admission

with Free Return Free Parking

Entertainment

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

ONGOINGArt Exhibit. Through Nov. 18 at

Greater Reston Arts Center, 11900Market St., Reston. Artist SueWrbican, bringing her most recentphotographic series inspired by thelandscape paintings of AmericanSurrealist Kay Sage (1898-1963).Free. Call 571-267-5000 or visitrestonarts.org.

Cotton Collective Art. Through Dec.2 at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterSt., Herndon. Exhibit called “TheFabric of Families Center StreetCotton Collective.” Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

Reston Farm Market, Saturdays,through Dec. 9, 8 a.m. - Noon, LakeAnne Village Center, 11401 NorthShore Drive, SNAP accepted, bonusdollar program. (CLOSED forMulticultural Festival Sept. 23)

THROUGH NOV. 30Sweats for Vets Drive. Not Your

Average Joe’s is partnering with theNorthwest Federal Credit UnionFoundation in Reston to raise moneyto help area veterans. Mention the“Sweats for Vets,” drive while beingserved lunch or dinner in therestaurant and NYAJ’s is donating 15percent of the cost of your meal toour Sweats for Vets veteransprogram. Visit nwfcufoundation.org.

THURSDAY/NOV. 16Meet the Poet. 7-9 p.m. at Scrawl

Books, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. How to Prove a Theory

event with poet Nicole Tong. [email protected], call 703-966-2111, or visit www.scrawlbooks.com.

An Evenin’ with Mark Twain andHenry H. Rogers. 7 p.m. at theReston Regional Library 11925Bowman Towne Drive. Take in livinghistory as actors bring Mark Twainand Industrialist Henry H. Rogers tolife. Adults, teens. 703-689-2700.

NOV. 16-18Herndon High School Theatre

presents “Twelfth Night.ÓVarious times at Herndon HighSchool Auditorium, 700 Bennett St.William Shakespeare’s holidaycomedy set in the roaring ’20s. $6 perstudent and $12 per adult. Visitwww.HerndonDrama.org.

NOV. 18-19Children’s Nutcracker. Noon, 2 p.m

and 4 p.m. shows at the ClassicalBallet Theatre, 320 Victory Drive,Herndon. The Children’s Series“Nutcracker,” is a condensed versionof the popular holiday classic. Theapproximately 40-minuteperformance followed by a shortquestion and answer session andmemorable photographs withdancers. Visit www.cbtnva.org.

SATURDAY/NOV. 18Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race. 4

p.m. at the Herndon CommunityCenter, 814 Ferndale Ave. Runnersand walkers, take your mark and getready to conquer a fun 5K trailcourse, which winds around theHerndon Centennial Golf Course.Visit herndon-va/events.

SUNDAY/NOV. 19Gray Goose Studios Class. 2-4 p.m.

at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Children and teens cancreate art in the medium of theirchoice with assistance from theinstructor as needed. Drawing,painting, collage, mosaic, andsculpture supplies provided. Artistscan choose one medium or work inmixed media. $25. Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

Meet the Cat Expert/Author. 4-6p.m. at Scrawl Books, Reston TownCenter, 11862 Market St. “Purrs ofWisdom” discussion and signing withauthor/ cat expert Ingrid King. [email protected], call 703-966-2111, or visit www.scrawlbooks.com.

TUESDAY/NOV. 21Sam’s Book Club. 7 p.m. at the

Reston Regional Library 11925Bowman Towne Drive. The formerlibrary director leads a bookdiscussion. Read “The Last Paintingof Sara DeVos” by Dominic Smith.Call 703- 689-2700.

FRIDAY/NOV. 24Black Friday Brunch. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

at the Community Canteen in RestonTown Center, 11900 Market St.Breakfast menu includes customomelets, breakfast sandwiches,Belgian waffles, and more, plus fresh-

baked treats at thecounter, Metropolis Coffee and Rishi

Tea. Call 703-707-9442 or visitcommunitycanteen.com.

27th Annual Reston HolidayParade. 11 a.m. at Reston TownCenter, 11900 Market St. Day ofholiday activities including treelighting and singing. Call 703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com.

Meet the Authors. 11:30 a.m. atScrawl Books, in Reston TownCenter, 11862 Market St. LezlieEvans and Joan Waites will bedoing a storytime and book signingwith their new Christmas books“Finding Christmas” and “AnArtist’s Night Before Christmas.”Call 703-966-2111, or visitwww.scrawlbooks.com.

NOV. 24-JAN. 4Gingerbread Village. Various times

at at the Hyatt Regency Reston,Reston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. See the annual display in thehotel lobby. Call 703-709-1234 orvisit reston.hyatt.com.

THURSDAY/NOV. 30Meet the Author. 7 p.m. at Scrawl

Books, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. Poet Alan King will readfrom and sign his new book “PointBlank.” Visit scrawlbooks.com.

SATURDAY/DEC. 2Meet the Christmas Author. 11

a.m. at Scrawl Books, Reston TownCenter, 11862 Market St. Sue Fliesswill be doing a storytime readingand book signing with her newChristmas book “We Wish for aMonster Christmas.” Visitwww.scrawlbooks.com.

Grand OpeningNando’s newest location opens Nov. 18 , 121210 SunsetHills Road, Reston. 100 percent of sales donated toHerndon High School and South Lakes High School. Thisdesign is the bottom of one of four light fixtures in therestaurant from Ashanti Design out of South Africa,upcycled and hand woven from t-shirt off-cuts. Visitwww.nandosperiperi.com for more.


News

Social Justice Advocates Told: ‘Go and Do Good’From Page 2

State Del. Ken Plum (D-36) makes a presentation to the forum attendeeson the State of the Commonwealth.

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Kevin Raymond of Fairfax listens as Gay Gardner with InternationalAction for Human Rights responds to his question on why improvementsto the Virginia corrections systems and its facilities were taking so long.

unable to pay for school meals.❖ Legislation to provide video visitation

services to inmates, and not to ban in-per-son visits where video visits are provided.

❖ Limiting, and ultimately eliminatingsolitary confinement in prisons.

❖ Opposing block grants for all humanservice programs opposing block grants forMedicaid.

❖ Supporting greater equity in KinshipGuardian situations, granting more fundsto family members caring for children —where foster carers now receive, in somecases, almost five times the funds allottedto family carers.

To illustrate the scope of the needs of thecitizens of Virginia, Horejsi recruited SisterSimone Campbell and state Del. Ken Plum(D-36) as speakers for the forum.

Sister Campbell, a member of the inter-national Roman Catholic religious congre-gation Sisters of Social Service is often re-ferred to as one of the “Nuns on a Bus.” Asthe director of NETWORK, a Catholic ad-vocacy group for social justice, SisterCampbell leads a group of nuns who, since2012, conduct bus tours around the coun-try as part of their advocacy work, educat-ing and leading discussions on a variety ofissues, from healthcare to immigration,voter suppression to advocating for a “liv-ing wage” for all.

The need to provide a “living wage” wasa central element in Sister Campbell’s key-note address on “21st Century Poverty.”

Sister Campbell advised the audience tothrow away the old stereotypes of the “typi-cally impoverished.” Today’s poor are in-creasingly “the working poor,” she said, re-counting the story of a young woman sheencountered at a special White House lun-cheon. The woman was filled with excite-ment for having been chosen to attend theevent, yet before the end of the meal, sheconfessed that despite having a “good, full-time job” at a well-known retailer, she livedat a homeless shelter because she couldn’tafford the high cost of rents in the D.C. area.Her dream was to work and save her wayout of this dilemma.

Sister Campbell doesn’t believe that any-one working a full-time job – and someworking more than one job – should not beearning enough to pay for a place to liveand the means to exist.

“There’s something wrong here. We saywe are a nation based on family, yet we doso little to support families and hardworkingindividuals.”

The “nun on a bus” expressed her scepti-cism regarding the tax reform proposalscurrently being put forth on the Hill. “Trickledown does not work. We have alreadyproven this, time and again. And you knowthe definition of insanity, right? Doing thesame thing over and over, expecting a dif-ferent result.”

Before concluding her remarks, SisterCampbell challenged the attendees to em-brace certain “virtues,” including remem-bering to keep a “modicum of joy” in your

efforts.Secondly, she added to “use your ‘holy

curiosity,’ by asking people about them-selves and their situations as the way totruly know the face of 21st century poverty.Practice “sacred gossip” by sharing the sto-ries that you hear and encouraging othersto take action, and finally, just figuring outwhat your part is and doing it.”

Sister Campbell cautioned against tryingto “do it all” or needing to take charge.“Learn whether you’re the head, the feet,the hands, whatever you do best to contrib-ute.”

She says it took awhile, but now sheknows what she does best and where shefits in. “I am the stomach acid … there tochurn everybody and everything up.”

Plum followed Sister Campbell’s address,giving a mini-history of the Commonwealth,particularly in relation to slavery, the birthof a culture of racism, and the reasons whyhe feels the issue of monuments to Confed-erate war participants is far from over.

“Virginia has more such monuments thanany other state,” said Plum, “with 223, al-

most all of them built in either the early1900s or during the Civil Rights movementof the 1960s. What’s the message there?”

Like Sister Campbell, Plum also addressedthe issue of poverty and the widening gapbetween the wealthy and the less fortunate,using a series of charts and graphs that il-lustrated how statistics may not tell thewhole story, unless you look a little deeper.

Despite always being categorized as oneof the richest states in the union, Plumshowed how the “real” numbers show onegeographically small portion of Virginia, the“Golden Crescent” of Northern Virginia toHampton Roads, having a median incomeof $150,000. “For the rest of Virginia, thatnumber is closer to $40,000. What do wedo with that information? We have to findways to share economic opportunities andall that comes with it to rural Virginia, aswell.”

LOOKING AHEAD to the 2018 legisla-tive session, Plum thinks redistricting couldbe a hot topic — and that it should be. Fight-ing for more school funding and the expan-sion of Medicaid is also on his agenda.“$10.4 billion by not expanding it. Wholeaves that kind of money on the table, es-pecially in ‘fiscally conservative’ Virginia?”

Plum warns that it “might not be pretty”when the session begins, as both partiesreadjust after the Democratic wins in theNov. 7 election, but the delegate is hopefulthat all the new faces bring fresh new per-spectives and new solutions.

The final speaker at the forum was GayGardner, from Interfaith Action for HumanRights, (IAHR) speaking about herorganization’s efforts to “make solitary con-finement truly a last resort.”

Gardner cited numerous studies that at-test to the physical and mental harm doneby long-term solitary confinement.

Kimberly Jenkins-Snodgrass, a boardmember with IAHR spoke briefly about herown son, an inmate who has been kept insolitary for four years. Other prisoners theyhave contact with have been held in isola-tion for even longer, one for 14 years.

“Getting a straight answer as to why thesemen have been so confined is not easy,”Gardner said. Sometimes, solitary is em-ployed as a response to an inmate who ex-hibits signs of mental illness or distress, “butsolitary confinement only makes the con-dition worse.” A question-and-answer ses-sion followed the speakers’ presentations.Horejsi noted that the energy in the roomremained high, despite the almost over-whelming number of issues that had beenbrought to the table. “Must be that joy thatSister Simone told us to keep handy,” hesaid, before adjourning the forum and ex-horting attendees to “Go and do good.”

Bulletin Board

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photosand artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday atnoon, at least two weeks before event.

Passages DivorceCare. For thoseexperiencing the pain of separation ordivorce, the caring community at ViennaPresbyterian Church offers PassagesDivorceCare. This 15-week program offers apath toward healing. Vienna PresbyterianChurch is located on the corner of MapleAvenue (Rt. 123) and Park Street in Vienna.Cost to cover materials is $20, scholarshipsavailable. For more information or toregister call 703-938-9050, go towww.viennapres.org, or send an email to

[email protected] Herndon Adult Day Health Care

Center needs volunteers to assist withfitness activities, arts and crafts, mealtime,entertainment and much more. For theseand other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and clickon Volunteer Solutions.

The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact LisaCallahan at 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected] . Also visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/.


NOV. 16-18Christmas Craft Show. Thursday and

Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10a.m.-4 p.m. at the Oakton Church ofthe Brethren, 10025 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Oakton Church of theBrethren’s 24th Annual ChristmasCraft Show is a three-day eventfeaturing a wide variety of handmadecreations and craft supplies forpurchase, plus a soup and sandwichlunch and bake sale. Visitwww.oaktonbrethren.org for more.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/NOV. 18-19Children’s Nutcracker. Noon, 2 p.m

and 4 p.m. shows at the ClassicalBallet Theatre, 320 Victory Drive,Herndon. The Children’s Series“Nutcracker,” is a condensed versionof the popular holiday classic. Theapproximately 40-minuteperformance followed by a shortquestion and answer session andmemorable photographs withdancers. Visit www.cbtnva.org formore.

SATURDAY/NOV. 18Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race. 4

p.m. at the Herndon CommunityCenter, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.Runners and walkers, take your markand get ready to conquer a fun 5Ktrail course, which winds around theHerndon Centennial Golf Course.Visit herndon-va/events for more.

5th Annual Snowflake Stampede.5:30 p.m. at Bull Run Regional Park,7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville. Atthe Bull Run Festival of Lights, a 2.5mile fun run or walk for holidayenthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy aspecial preview of the Festival ofLights on foot, and take a picturewith your favorite display. Parkingand check in are at the corporatebarn pavilion; follow the signs for theSnowflake Stampede. $22 per adult(13 and older); $17 per child (3-12);2 and younger, free. Visitticketfly.com to sign up (searchSnowflake Stampede). Prepaymentrequired. More atwww.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights/snowflake-stampede.

SUNDAY/NOV. 19Turkey Trot. 8 a.m. Start and finish at

the Vienna Volunteer Fire Dept., 400Center St. S., Vienna. Visitwww.viennaturkeytrot.org/ for more.

NOV. 22-JAN. 7Bull Run Festival of Lights.

Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.,$15 per car; Fridays-Sundays andholidays, 5:30-10 p.m., $20 per car.Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 BullRun Drive, Centreville. The Bull RunFestival of Lights is more than just alight show. After enjoying two and ahalf miles of light displays, stop atthe Holiday Village, complete withbonfires, s’mores, holidaymerchandise and free activities, theHoliday Village is fun for the wholefamily. Have a photo taken withSanta. Call 703-631-0550 or visitwww.novaparks.com/events/bull-run-festival-of-lights.

FRIDAY/NOV. 24Black Friday Brunch. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

at the Community Canteen in RestonTown Center, 11900 Market St.Breakfast menu includes customomelets, breakfast sandwiches,Belgian waffles, and more, plus fresh-baked treats at the counter,Metropolis Coffee and Rishi Tea. Call703-707-9442 or visitcommunitycanteen.com for more.

Holiday Celebration. 8 a.m.-11 p.m.at Reston Town Center. 27th annualReston Holiday Parade, tree lighting,

and a full day of events. Rain orshine. Ice skating all day. Festive, 1-hour procession of Macy’s-styleballoons, musicians, characters,community groups, VIPs, and thearrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus;Conservatory Ballet Performance inFountain Square. Call 703-579-6720or visit restontowncenter.com/holidays for schedule.

FRIDAY/NOV. 24-THURSDAY/JAN. 4Gingerbread Village. On display in

the lobby of the Hyatt RegencyReston. See the Hyatt’s annualGingerbread Village. Call 703-709-1234 or visit reston.hyatt.com formore.

NOV. 24-26Thanksgiving Weekend Show.

Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Spring HillReCenter, 1239 Spring Hill Road,McLean. Approximately 80 juriedartisans offering original, handmadearts and crafts, including decorativepainting, fused, etched, painted andstained glass, ceramics and pottery,hand-painted silk, woodworkinghandweaving, photography, paintingsand drawings,clothing and functionaltextiles, jewelry and much more. Allof the artists and artisans will be onhand to answer questions and talkabout their work. $5, Free forchildren 12 and under. [email protected] or call703-391-5611.

SATURDAY/NOV. 25Turkey Walk. 10-11 a.m. at Ellanor C.

Lawrence Park, 5040 Walney Road,Chantilly. Discover the wild turkey’shabits and secret ways during a walkthrough the cedar forest. Look forturkeys and their signs. This programfor participants age 3 to adult. Call703-631-0013 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/eclawrence.

SATURDAY/DEC. 2Meet the Christmas Author. 11 a.m.

at Scrawl Books, Reston TownCenter, 11862 Market St. Sue Fliess

will be doing a storytime reading andbook signing with her new Christmasbook “We Wish for a MonsterChristmas.” Visitwww.scrawlbooks.com for more.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900Market St. $5 per person; children 5and under ride free with adult.Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 3Run with Santa 5K. 8:30 a.m. at

Reston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. Jump into the season’s spirit andwear the favorite holiday gear orcostume. Free kids fun-run withfinisher medals.Call 703-689-0999 orvisit prraces.com/runwithsanta.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. 10a.m.-4 p.m. at Herndon CommunityCenter, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.Over 80 artisans and craftspeoplewill exhibit and sell their work at thisannual arts and crafts showsponsored by the Town of HerndonDepartment of Parks and Recreation.Free admission and parking.Additional parking at the HerndonCentennial Golf Course. Visitherndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/holiday-arts-and-crafts-show.

Mini-Train Rides. noon-4 p.m. atReston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.

Holiday Crafts Day. Various times atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West OxRoad, Herndon. Enjoy Christmas atthe Farm, write letters to Santa,decorate cookies, take a wagon ridewith Santa, and enjoy seasonal craftprojects. Call 703 -437-9101.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 6Supervisor Hudgins Holiday Open

House. 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the NorthCounty Governmental CenterCommunity Room, 1801 CameronGlen Drive. Email [email protected] for more.

FRIDAY/DEC. 8Santa, Stars, and S’mores. 6-7:30

p.m. at Runnymede Park in Herndon.Follow the luminaries to the campfireand Santa. He’ll be here to chat witheach child, as well as read a story.Dress for the outdoors. S’more kitsavailable for sale. In case ofinclement weather, event will be heldSunday, Dec. 10 at same time. Visitherndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/a-storybook-holiday-celebration to register.

DEC. 8-9Christmas Store Help Needed.

Friday night for set up and Saturdayto escort shoppers at ViennaPresbyterian Church, 124 Park St.NE. Call 703-938-7213 for more.

SATURDAY/DEC. 9Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9

p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900Market St. $5 per person; children 5and under ride free with adult.Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.


p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900Market St. $5 per person; children 5and under ride free with adult.Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 17Handel’s “Messiah.” 9 a.m. and 11

a.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Enjoy a freeperformance of Handel’s “Messiah”by the choirs of Unity of Fairfax andthe Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org/events.

Mini-Train Rides. noon-4 p.m. atReston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.


p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900

Market St. $5 per person; children 5and under ride free with adult.Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 24Christmas Eve Celebrations.

Celebrate Christmas in a positive,welcoming and inclusive spiritualcommunity. Meditation service at 9a.m., family-oriented service at 11a.m.; candlelight service at 7:30 p.m.at Unity of Fairfax, Oakton. Free.Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/events.

THROUGH DEC. 24Santa’s Flight Academy. Various

times at at Fair Oaks Mall, 11750Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax. Santasurrounded by a space motif. Visitwww.santaexpresslane.com for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 31Burning Bowl Ceremony. 9 and 11

a.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Experience thisritual of releasing what no longerserves you and envisioning the yearahead. Free. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org/events.

New Year’s Eve Scramble. 10 a.m.at Herndon Centennial Golf Course,909 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.Shotgun start. Entry fee includesgreen fee, cart fee, range balls andprizes. $60 per player. Call 703-471-5769 or visit www.herndongolf.com.

MONDAY/JAN. 1New Year’s Labyrinth. noon-4 p.m.

at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. Set your intentions for2018 while walking Unity’s indoorlabyrinth. Free. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org/events.

New Year’s Day 5K. 10 a.m. atReston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt., Reston. Music, food, awards, andfun celebration following the race.Presented by Potomac River Running.Call 703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com for more.

THROUGH EARLY JANUARYWinter Walk of Lights. At

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna.During the Winter Walk of Lights, thegarden is transformed into a half-mile, walk of lights. Revisit perennialfavorites such as the animatedLakeside Lights, the Fountain ofLights, and the Holiday Nature Walk– and look for new displays eachyear. Round out a visit roastingmarshmallows and sipping on hotbeverages, available for purchase.Visit www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights.

Holiday Celebrations

Holiday TrainThe train takes its laps through the Reston Town Centre during the holidays.

Gingerbread VillageGingerbread Village at theHyatt in Reston TownCenter looks like some-thing from the Dicken’stales.


ClassifiedTo Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411

WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM

Announcements

We pay top $ for STERLING, MEN’S WATCHES,

JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY,

FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS.

Schefer Antiques703-241-0790

[email protected]

Announcements Announcements



Verisign Inc. seeks Network Engineer in Reston, VA to identify & mitigate

denial of service attacks against critical infrastructure services. Mail resume to Attn: Dave Carney, 12061 Bluemont

Way, Reston, VA 20190. EOE.

Employment

0390, [email protected],www.pathwayhomes.org,www.pathwayhomes.org/support-pathway/.

❖ Good Shepherd Housing andFamily Services, 8305-17BRichmond Highway, PO Box 15096,Alexandria, VA, 22309. 703-768-9419, www.goodhousing.org/. Themission of Good Shepherd Housing(GSH) is to reduce homelessness,increase community support, andpromote self-sufficiency. GSHhousing manages more than 70housing units.

❖ Boys and Girls Clubs of GreaterWashington Fairfax Areaoperates clubs in two of the neediestareas of the county, Culmore andMount Vernon/ Route 1 corridor,focusing on character and academicsuccess. www.bgcgw.org/fairfax.

❖ Christian Relief Services, 8301RIchmond Highway, Suite 900,Alexandria, VA 22309, 703-317-9086, 703-317-9690,christianrelief.org/

❖ Friends of Guest HouseNorthern Virginia offers structure,

Give Locally

From Page 4 supervision, support and assistanceto female ex-offenders who want toimprove their lives and break thecycle of incarceration. Friends ofGuest House offers the only programfor women of its kind in NorthernVirginia. One East Luray Ave.,Alexandria, VA 22301-2025, 703-549-8072,[email protected],friendsofguesthouse.org/

❖ Wright to Read 703-299-9854,www.wrighttoread.org. Providesvolunteer-based, one-to-one tutoringand mentoring to City of Alexandriapublic elementary school children inneed. Funds are needed to providefield trips and enrichment activities,books and other resources. For moreinformation about Wright to Readand becoming a “Tutor/Mentor” seewebsite.

❖ Habitat for Humanity ofNorthern Virginia transforms thelives of lower-income families inneed by providing affordablehomeownership opportunities inAlexandria, Arlington, Fairfax andFalls Church. Learn more atwww.habitatnova.org.

❖ Alice’s Kids (@alicewillhelp)

aliceskids.org P.O. Box 60, MountVernon, VA 22121 When a child israised in poverty they suffer bothpublicly and privately. When there isno food in the refrigerator, noelectricity nor heat, these arehardships that they can keep hiddenfrom their peers. But, when thatsame child can’t afford to pay for theband field trip, a pair of glasses, achorus outfit or a new pair of shoes,these are indignities that are evidentto their classmates. Alice’s Kids paysfor these relatively inexpensive itemsin the hopes of preserving the dignityof the child. Alice’s Kids helpschildren from all over the MountVernon area through small acts ofkindness.

❖ The Community Foundation ofNorthern Virginia has launchedits Permanent Fund campaign, acommunity endowment which is aforever source to provide criticalsupport for those in need in theNorthern Virginia region; Considerleaving a legacy through a current orplanned gift to the Permanent Fundat the Community Foundation forNorthern Virginia. www.cfnova.org/permanentfund.

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

THROUGH NOV. 26Parking Garage Closing. Due to

construction of the new FairfaxCounty commuter parking garage atthe future Metrorail Silver Line’sHerndon Station site, the access roadfrom Sunrise Valley Drive to theHerndon-Monroe Park and Ridefacility will be closed starting Friday,Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 26.Commuters who wish to use theexisting Herndon-Monroe garageduring this time will need to enterand exit the facility via the DullesToll Road (Rt. 267). This detour willrequire drivers to pay a $1 toll uponexiting the garage with an E-Z Passor exact change. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov for more.

ORNAMENT FUNDRAISERWhite House Ornaments Sale.

Through Dec. 15, 2017 White HouseOrnaments available for purchasefrom Assistance League of NorthernVirginia for $22 per ornament.Proceeds benefit the nonprofit’schildren’s programs. Local deliverycan be arranged. Visitwww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.orgfor more.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDHerndon High School Library

needs volunteers. Training availableto help with re-shelving books,pulling books for teacher use, helpingto check passes, or other specialprojects. To learn more, [email protected].

DEADLINE NOV. 13Apply for Fuel Assistance. The

Virginia Department of SocialServices is currently acceptingapplications for fuel assistance. Toqualify for fuel assistance, themaximum gross monthly income fora one-person household must notexceed $1,307. For a household offour, the maximum gross monthlyincome is $2,665. Families andindividuals can apply through theirlocal department of social servicesoffice. To apply online or to checkeligibility for services, visit theCommonHelp website at

commonhelp.virginia.gov.Applications may also be submittedby telephone by contacting theEnterprise Customer Service Center,Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. at 855-635-4370.

THURSDAY/NOV. 16Blood Donations Needed. 9 a.m.-

2:30 p.m. at Amazon Web Services,12900 Worldgate Drive, Suite 800.With the holiday season comes adecline in donations. By giving bloodor platelets, donors may give patientsmore time – and more holidays –with loved ones. Make anappointment to give blood bydownloading the free Red CrossBlood Donor App, visitingredcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

DMV2Go at the Pavilion. 9 a.m.-4p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900Market St. With the DMV wirelessoffice on wheels, apply for or renewan ID card and driver’s license; getdriving records; obtain vehicle titles,license plates, decals, order disabledplates, and more. Information on allservices online at dmv.virginia.gov.

Public Hearing – PlanningCommission. 8:15 p.m. in theBoard Auditorium of the GovernmentCenter, 12000 Government CenterParkway, Fairfax. The Board ofSupervisors authorized theconsideration of a ComprehensivePlan amendment to restoreinadvertently omitted noise impactsguidance into the Transit StationAreas section of the Reston Plan. Theproposed amendment integrates theguidelines for these areas with theguidance for the Reston TransitStation areas that was adopted in2016 at the conclusion of Phase I.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/fairfaxforward/pa/restontsasnoise/.

NOV. 16-17Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive.

To support this year’s ThanksgivingBasket Food Drive, confirm yourdonation commitment by Oct. 31 atwww.cornerstonesva.org/donations/drives. Call 571-323-9569 [email protected].

DEADLINE NOV. 17Gifts for Kids Drive. Visit

www.cornerstonesva.org/donations/drives by Nov. 17 to request a child’spersonalized wish list (average $60-$75 per child). Call 571-323-9569 or

[email protected].

FRIDAY/NOV. 17Television-How to Buy and Use. 2

p.m. at Reston Community Center atHunters Woods, 2310 Colts NeckRoad. The Fairfax CountyDepartment of Cable and ConsumerServices explains the features ofhigh-definition televisions, includingthe clarity of picture, as well asadditional advantages. Visitwww.restoncommunitycenter.com ,or call 703-390-6157 for more.

MONDAY/NOV. 20Planning and Zoning Meeting. 7:30

p.m. at the North CountyGovernmental Center, 1801 CameronGlen Drive, Reston. The RestonPlanning and Zoning Committee willmeet. On the agenda: RenaissanceCentro 1801, LLC - vote. Foradditional information, visitrpz.korchy.com.

THURSDAY/NOV. 21Blood Donations Needed. 2-7:30

p.m. at Sheraton Hotel, 11810Sunrise Valley Drive. With theholiday season comes a decline indonations. By giving blood orplatelets, donors may give patientsmore time – and more holidays –with loved ones. Make anappointment to give blood bydownloading the free Red CrossBlood Donor App, visitingredcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

THURSDAY/NOV. 22Blood Donations Needed. 10 a.m.-3

p.m. at Reston Library, 11925Bowman Towne Dr. With the holidayseason comes a decline in donations.By giving blood or platelets, donorsmay give patients more time – andmore holidays – with loved ones.Make an appointment to give bloodby downloading the free Red CrossBlood Donor App, visitingredcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 6Supervisor Hudgins Holiday Open

House. 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the NorthCounty Governmental CenterCommunity Room, 1801 CameronGlen Drive. [email protected].

Bulletin Board


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Recently, as in a few weeks ago, Mindy, whonone of you regular readers know, died of lungcancer. She was my decade’s long best friend’swife. And she was my friend too, going backalmost 40 years. Married to my oldest friend (star-ting in 10th grade), Cary, for over 35 years, Mindywas originally classified as stage I five years ago.Cary didn’t tell me for a year or so after becausehe didn’t want to burden me with another pieceof bad news, and Mindy being diagnosed withlung cancer would most definitely have been badnews. She had a lobectomy (part of the lung issurgically removed), back then and that’s prettymuch all I know about the beginning stages. Afterthe surgery however, she was told she was cancerfree.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend Mindy’sfuneral. I had my own post-scan appointment onthe Monday morning following the Sundayfuneral and night-time shiva and the logistics oftraveling back and forth from Washington, D.C.,to Boston and back were unworkable. Two week-ends later, last weekend in fact, I flew up toBoston and spent four days with Cary, just himand me in the house – without Mindy, of course.We shared an awful lot about Mindy and life,reminiscing backward and contemplating for-ward. One afternoon, along with Mindy’s firstcousin, Julie, Cary and I visited Mindy’s grave,about 20 minutes from the house, where I wasable to pay my respects and say a few words inprivate. After standing alongside the grave site fora few minutes, Cary took out his smart phone,bent over toward the ground and played “their”song, sniffling and wiping away tears in the proc-ess. A very touching moment. Another afternoon,I sat with Cary at their kitchen table and readthrough all the condolence cards with Caryexplaining all the relationships to Mindy. Onenight, Cary and I went to dinner with his twosons, Jonathan and Jordon (along with Jon’s girl-friend, Coleen and Jordy’s wife, Lauren). At din-ner, I shared two jokes with the boys that Mindyhad told years ago, that to this day, I keep in myrepertoire; they had not heard them before. Oneinvolved an elephant, another had to do withJesus Christ becoming a bell ringer. Cary’s third -and oldest son, Jeffrey, was not present as he hadflown back to California on Tuesday where, afterspending three weeks at home with his father andbrothers watching his mother struggle to survive,he returned a few days after the funeral.

As for me, I teared up throughout the week-end. Over the years, especially after my parentsmoved to Florida, I didn’t see Cary and Mindy asregularly as I had while my parents were still liv-ing in Massachusetts (four times a year, generally).From 1989 on, maybe we visited one another adozen times in person: high school reunions, barmitzvahs, a couple of Celtic’s games and the oddoccasion where the timing/opportunity presenteditself. All the while, going on 45 years now, wespoke/speak every couple of weeks, picking up inconversation without ever missing a beat.

What was particularly/uniquely difficult for me– and I don’t think it is as difficult as losing one’s“soul mate,” as Cary described Mindy, just as theywere beginning to embark on their final journeytogether: retirement – was that I too have lungcancer. As such, it was a peculiar position inwhich I found myself. Not only was I grieving theloss of a close friend: Mindy, way too young; shewas younger than me by a couple of years, andthe effect it had on my best friend, Cary, I wasalso witnessing first hand, up close and extremelypersonally, the ravages and devastating impact ofa lung cancer diagnosis, a diagnosis with which Iam all to familiar. Of course, I felt bad for Carylosing his beautiful wife. Of course, I felt bad forthe boys losing a fabulous, devoted mother. Butthere was a part of me that felt bad for me. As acancer survivor, it’s easy to pretend that this dis-ease isn’t killing you until you attend afuneral/spend time with the family of someonewho has succumbed to this terrible disease. Thenit hits home, with a vengeance. “Cancer sucks,”as so many of us know, but life must go on, as dif-ficult as it sometimes is.

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made, and push onward.”

JUSTIN FAIRFAX beat state Sen. Jill Vogel(R-27). Some Democrats feared that Vogelmight end up being the lone Republican towin a statewide seat, potentially yielding akey tie-breaking vote in the state Senate onissues like immigration or reproductiverights. But Fairfax, former federal prosecu-tor, sailed to victory with 53 percent.

“As just the second African-American toever win statewide office in the Common-wealth of Virginia, Justin Fairfax has alreadymade history just by winning this seat,” saidCharles Chamberlain, executive director ofDemocracy for America. “For Democrats,he’s also made history by showing doubt-ers in Richmond and Washington thatprogressives dedicated to an inclusive popu-list political agenda can win big in Virginia.”

Democrat Mark Herring was the only partof the statewide ticket running for reelec-tion, so his campaign was largely a refer-endum on his time in office. On the cam-paign trail, Herring talked about his worktackling the opioid crisis and taking on thegun lobby. Voters agreed, and gave him 53percent of the vote against lawyer JohnAdams.

“Attorney General Mark Herring cameunder attack from the gun lobby for doingexactly what he was elected to do: priori-tizing the safety of Virginia families overgun lobby profits,” said former U.S. Rep.Gabrielle Giffords in a written statement.“I am proud to stand by Attorney GeneralHerring as a true champion for safer com-munities, and I am thrilled to see Virginiavoters stand by him as well.”

THE NEXT YEAR in Virginia politics islikely to be one of the most tumultuousperiods since Reconstruction. With Demo-crats poised to take some measure of con-trol of the House, the composition of com-mittees and their chairmen is bound tochange. Those details have yet to be workedout, a week after the election. But one thingis clear: When members of the House of Del-egates elect a new speaker of the House inJanuary, they will be setting the stage for asession that will have more liberal mem-bers than ever before.

“Voters in Virginia soundly rejected thepolitics of division and bigotry and insteadconverted hate into political power,” saidJulio Lainez, director of America’s VoiceVirginia in a written statement. “This, how-ever, is a first step, and it sends a clear mes-sage to candidates running in 2018: TheTrump/Corey Stewart Political Playbookleads to political oblivion.”

News

Blue Wave

Blue Christmas Service - a non-traditionalservice of remembrance and hope - will be held atKatie’s Coffee House 760 Walker Road, Great Fallson Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. brought to you byGreat Falls Area Ministries. For more informationcall Carol Wright 703-582-1640.

Wesley United Methodist Church locatedat 711 Spring St., SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180, atthe corner of Spring Street and Moore Avenue.10:30 a.m. fellowship time in the fellowship hall;11 a.m. traditional family worship in sanctuary.

Faith Notes


News

Cooler winter weather is coming.So that means the Reston TownCenter Ice Skating Pavilion hasofficially opened for the season

on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, with a Rock ‘N’Skate Party. The event on Fridays from 8-10 p.m. is for mostly teens but allows allage groups; and included a deejay whoplayed family-friendly music. Admission is$10, plus $6 for skate rentals. In futureevents, they will be offering games such asthe Hula Hoop Challenge and the Manne-quin Challenge as well as prizes, $5-off cou-pons, and gift certificates from local mer-chants, according to Dayna Doukara, aspokesman for Rink Management ServicesCorporation, which manages the rink.

In addition, they hold Cartoon Skates onSaturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. duringwhich performers dressed as Scooby Doo,Tweety Bird, Teddy Bear, Snowman, andDalmatian Dog entertain youngsters ages4-8 on the ice. Admission is $9; plus $6skate rental.

College Skate Night is Thursdays from 6to 9 p.m. If college students show their IDs,they get $2 off the admission, so the cost is$8; plus $6 skate rental.

The rink has a Learn-to-Skate Program onSaturday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m.; costis $125 for four lessons. They host privateand corporate parties as well; cost is $1,250for two hours for 100 people on Sundaysthrough Tuesdays from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.

For birthday parties, the cost is $175 for10 people plus skate rentals. They get atable set up for use for two hours, plus thebirthday person receives two free admis-sions for another day.

For $10, you can rent skate aids, whichare statue-like penguins and snowmen forthe little ones to help them balance on theice.

The rink, which employs a staff of 18 highschool and college students, offers ice skatesin sizes 7 Juniors to 15 Adults.

The public skating hours are: Sundays toTuesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdaysand Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Fri-days and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ice skaters enjoy the Rock ‘N’ Skate Party at the Reston Town Center IceSkating Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017.

Forming a train at the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion areMcKean McConnell, 15, of Great Falls; Marc James-Finel, 15, of McLean;Thomas Ryan, 15, of Great Falls; and Aidan Kenny, 15, of Great Falls.

Rock ‘N’ Skate Party at Reston Town Center

The pricing is as follows: adult admission$10; youth (under 12)/senior (55+)/mili-tary $9; skate rentals $6; and 10 admissionpass $85.

The Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pa-vilion is located at 1818 Discovery Street,Reston. Call 703-709-6300 or [email protected].

— Steve Hibbard

Matt Pugh, 24, of Vienna and OliviaKamm, 24, of Reston.

Melina Seng, 17, of Fairfax andMelanie Kurapatti, 17, of Herndon.

Dad Greg Fletcher with son Patrick,13, of Reston.

Lillian ClairePennington, 10,

of Reston.

Lindsay Stembridge, 17, and LukeThomas, 19, of Ashburn.

Photos by

Steve Hibbard

The Connection

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