Vienna - Ellington CMSconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/...2014/12/22 ·...
Transcript of Vienna - Ellington CMSconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/...2014/12/22 ·...
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comDecember 31, 2014 - January 6, 2015
By Gillian Hughes, 18, of Vienna.
ChildrenChildren’s Connection 2014s Connection 2014Children’s Connection 2014
ViennaViennaand Oaktonand Oakton
2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
The Virginia
Paid for by the Southern States PBA, Inc. PAC Fund. 2155 Hwy 42 S, McDonough, GA 30252. Chris Skinner,president; Dave Soderberg, senior vice president; Donald Scott, vice president; Joe Naia, secretary.
VOTE TUESDAYJanuary 6th
House of Delegates, 34th DistrictCRAIG PARISOT
Police Benevolent Association, Inc.
Urges you to support strong, effective law enforcement by votingfor the following candidate on Tuesday, January 6th, 2015.
The Fairfax County Chapter
Children’s Connection
By Luke, grade 7, OurLady of Good Counsel.
By Trudy, grade8, Our Lady ofGood Counsel.
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Vienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
Children’s Connection
By Madison Knapp, grade 8, Thoreau Middle School.
Welcome
Dear Readers: This week, theVienna and Oakton Connec-tion turns over its pages to theyouth and students.
We asked principals and teachers fromarea schools to encourage students to con-tribute their words, pictures and photos forour annual Children’s Issue.
The response as always was enormous.While we were unable to publish everypiece we received, we did our best to puttogether a paper with a fair sampling ofthe submitted stories, poems, drawings,paintings, photographs and other works ofart.
We appreciate the extra effort made byschool staff to gather the materials duringtheir busy time leading up to the holidays.We’d also like to encourage both schoolsand parents to mark their 2015 calendarsfor early December, the deadline for sub-
missions for next year’s Children’s Connec-tion. Please keep us in mind as your chil-dren continue to create spectacular worksof art and inspiring pieces of writing in thecoming year.
The children’s issue is only a part of ouryear-round commitment to cover educationand our local schools. As always, the Con-nection welcomes letters to the editor, storyideas, calendar listings and notices of localevents from our readers. Photos and othersubmissions about special events at schoolsare especially welcome for our weeklyschool pages.
Our preferred method for material is e-mail, which should be sent [email protected], butyou can reach us by mail at 1606 KingStreet, Alexandria, VA 22314 or call 703-778-9414 with any questions.
Editor Kemal Kurspahic
By Allie Reback, 8, Wolftrap Elementary.
By Dave, grade3, Our Lady ofGood Counsel.
By Abigail Paredes,12, of Great Falls.
By MadelineDoherty,grade 3,
ViennaElementary.
4 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Lowes
t Pric
es
Since
2008
!
$29.99
Playground Chips& Organic Compost
cu. yd.
FREE Fill
BulkMulch$24.99 cu. yd.
Bagged,ShreddedHardwood
Mulch$3.49
OFF-S
EASO
N
PRIC
ING
9023 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax, Virginia
2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50. 1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro)
Open 7 days a week703-573-5025
Visit our new Web site: www.cravensnursery.com➠
Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls,Paver Driveways, Landscaping!
Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls,Paver Driveways, Landscaping!
Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls,Paver Driveways, Landscaping!
Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls,Paver Driveways, Landscaping!
FreeEstimates
FreeEstimates
FreeEstimates
FreeEstimates
FreeEstimates
Tree Clearance Sale30% OFF
All Trees 2013 & Prior
Tree Clearance Sale30% OFF
All Trees 2013 & Prior
Tree Clearance Sale30% OFF
All Trees 2013 & Prior
Tree Clearance Sale30% OFF
All Trees 2013 & Prior
Fragrant,blooming CitrusPlants 10% Off
Fragrant,blooming CitrusPlants 10% Off
Fragrant,blooming CitrusPlants 10% Off
Fragrant,blooming CitrusPlants 10% Off
Fragrant,blooming CitrusPlants 10% Off
50-75% Off Pottery50-75% Off Pottery50-75% Off Pottery50-75% Off Pottery50-75% Off Pottery60606060606060
1616 Anderson Road • McLean, VA 22102
As You Make Your End-of-YearCharitable Donations…
Please consider children in need of medical and dentalcare right here in Fairfax County.
Each year, the Medical Care for Children Partnership(MCCP) Foundation provides care to thousands of children inlow-income working families right in our own community.These children do not qualify for government programs orprivate insurance, and without MCCP, they would havenowhere to go.
To learn more and todonate, please go towww.mccpfoundation.org orcall 703-286-0881.
Thank you for joining yourneighbors in supporting thiscause so that all our localchildren can go to school ingood health!
Special Thanks to The Connection Newspapers
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered
to homes and businesses.Published by
Local Media Connection LLC
1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314
Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to
connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]
Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414
Amna RehmatullaEditorial Assistant
703-778-9410 [email protected]
Bonnie HobbsCommunity Reporter ❖ [email protected]
Donna ManzContributing Writer
Jon RoetmanSports Editor ❖ 703-752-4013
[email protected]@jonroetman
ADVERTISING:For advertising information
Don ParkDisplay Advertising
Andrea SmithClassified Advertising
Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444
David GriffinMarketing Assistant
Editor & PublisherMary Kimm
[email protected]@MaryKimm
Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon
Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren
Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:
Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:
Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:
Geovani Flores
Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann
[email protected]@TheismannMedia
CIRCULATION: [email protected]
Vienna & Oakton
Be a part of our Wellbeing pages, the first week of every month.
Delight in our HomeLifeStyle sections, the second week ofevery month. Peek at the top real estate sales, glimpse over-the-top remodeling projects, get practical suggestions foryour home.
Celebrate students, camps, schools, enrichment programs,colleges and more in our A-plus: Education, Learning, Funpages, the third week of every month.
Questions? [email protected] call 703-778-9431
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Children’s Connection
By ThomasMcIntyre,
grade 8,Thoreau
Middle School.
By IsabelleBellegarde,grade 7,ThoreauMiddle School.
By JaydeThomas, grade
7, ThoreauMiddle School.
6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Children’s Connection
By KatieStemp,grade 7,ThoreauMiddleSchool.
A Fearful Polar BearBy Luke Caplan
Grade 5, Louise Archer Elementary
Wandering through the icy snow,I’ve lost my cubs, I don’t know where to go.The wind is howling to and for,I’m wandering through the icy snow.A snowflake lands upon my nose,It flies away when a strong wind blows.I would follow that snowflake wherever it goes,When the snowflake lands upon my nose.I stumble on, towards the sun,The wind strikes me like a deadly stun.I’ll tell you that it isn’t fun,When I stumble on, towards the sun.I see my cubs playing happilyAt the base of a frozen tree.The ice and cold don’t scare me,As I watch my cubs playing happily.
I really want to be the World’s bestsoccer player. These are some rea-sons why. First, if you are really
good, the club owner will pay you a lotof money.
Second, my league (Great Falls soccer)
is probably the worst in the All Starsgroup. So if I train harder, that hard train-ing might help me be the best.
— Youngmin Hong, grade 4,
Churchill Road Elementary
When I Grow Up
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Children’s Connection
By Bridget Frank,grade 2,Flint Hill El-ementary School.
By Percy Park, grade 4,Cunningham Park Elementary.
By Geneva, grade 3,Cunningham Park Elementary.
By Jordan Forrester, grade 6,Cunningham Park Elementary.
By Alec Thompson, grade 1,Cunningham Park Elementary.
8 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Hours of Operation:Mon.–Sat.: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Birdbaths • Feeders • Nest BoxesBinoculars and more!
Great selection, Great prices!
396 Maple Avenue EastVienna, Virginia 22180
703-242-4565www.birdwatchersvienna.com
396 Maple Avenue EastVienna, Virginia 22180
703-242-4565www.birdwatchersvienna.com
Our Lady ofGood Counsel School
Established 1957
Developing character,faith and life-long learnersin the Salesian tradition
We have been providing aquality Catholic educationfor over 50 years...
www.olgcschool.org
Find out whyOLGC School isthe right choice
for your children.
Come to ourOPEN HOUSE
Sunday,January 25, 2015,
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
8601 Wolftrap Rd.Vienna, VA 22182
703.938.3600
Full Day Grades K-8
Nationally recognizedfor academic excellence
Children’s Connection
By Emilia Kim,grade 3, ColvinRun Elementary.
By Taylor Adeli,kindergarten,Colvin RunElementary.
By William Gotts,grade 3, ColvinRun Elementary.
By Amanda Mullins, grade 5, Colvin Run Elementary.
lostdogandcatrescue.org
lost (adj): 1. unable to findthe way. 2. not appreciatedor understood. 3. no longer
owned or known
AdoptDonate
VolunteerVolunteers needed for
adoption events,fostering,
transportation,adoption center
caretaking and more.
10 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
StormBy Alexandra Radt,
grade 4, Colvin Run Elementary
The storm came down from the moun-tains old, through the forest it roared androlled;
the tree trunks groaned,the forest moaned,trees fell down upon the mold.The storm went on from west to east,all movement in the forest ceased;but the storm went on across themarsh,and its shrill voice was released.The reeds hissed, their tassels bent,the grasses rattled, on it went;from north to south and east to west,disaster struck wherever it went.The storm blew on from west to east,then it blew off the Earthand finally ceased.
USBBy Seongjun Lee,
grade 5, Colvin Run Elementary
Thumbnail, thumbdrive, flash drive,hardware,I keep my memories in youWhen I need I take it out from youShhh...This is top secret,Many names you have.Where is it?It’s in here.Where did I put?It’s in me.Give me the File.Just pick me up.I’ll keep it safe.
Children’s Connection
Alexia Russo,grade 6, ColvinRun Elemen-tary.
By Elsa Billingslea,of Great Falls,grade 5, ColvinRun Elementary.
By Michael Yao, grade 3, Colvin Run Elementary.
By Lily Cohen, kindergarten, Colvin Run Elementary.
By Theresa Ryan, grade 4, Colvin Run Elementary.
By Tyler Abele, grade 4, Colvin Run Elementary.
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
COME EXPERIENCETHE DIFFERENCE
TODAY.CALL
Custom Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling and Project ManagementVisit Our Showroom at 8934 Burke Lake Rd. in Kings Park Shopping Center
Hours: 9:30 am - 6 pm Mon.-Fri.; 10 am - 3 pm Sat.
Children’s Connection
By Isabella Zhang, grade 1, Colvin Run Elementary.
By Cate Poliquin,
Spring Hill
Elementary
In 2008 there was a hugesnowstorm in McLean.The snow measured up
to be as high as 2 ft. tall. Play-ing in the snow the nextmorning was super fun but,staying up through the nightturned out to be super scaryfor my family. My family washaving a nice time watchingthe snowfall, and listening toChristmas music. The firewas so warm, but we used upa lot of wood. I watched as thepiles of snow grow bigger andbigger. Soon my dad becameworried. We had used up mostof our wood! Then one of theworst things happened, thepower went out. My dad soonbecame super worried, be-cause all we had to eat wascereal and cold food.
As time passed by, thehouse became colder andcolder. Then my parentshopes came true, the powercame back on! The nextmorning my sister and Iplayed in the snow all day.Now my family knows to beprepared for a snowstorm.
The Storm
By Emilie Kim
Grade 5, Churchill
Road Elementary
It was a winter night, bone-chilly and the ground wascovered with milky white
snow. A wavy, steep slopeawaits the people who weregoing to go sledding or skiingthe next day. At ten o’clock p.m,any five year old kid would befast asleep, but not me. I wasgoing to go animal watchingwith my father. My stomachwas filled with butterflies andthey seemed to kick my stom-ach very harshly. My heart wasthudding with an unusually fastpace. As I was wide awake, Iwaited as my father was com-ing in my room. We were goingto go animal watching.
As my father and I steppedout into the moonlight, thegrass crunched and made beau-tiful, ruffling sounds. I stared atthe moon for a few seconds. En-chanted by its radiant light, Istepped forward. The moonwas magnificent and mysteri-ous to me as I moved closer andcloser. The stars seemed todance around me as I glancedaway from the moon. My mis-ery had suddenly vanished. It
was replaced with hope. I think itis from the amazing moon andstars. Then, I remembered why Iwas outside with my father. As afrightening cloud had stolen mymoon, I sprinted across my yardand I leaped into my father’sawaiting arms after a quick glanceat the shining moon and stars.
I grasped my dad’s navy blueshirt and I ran to our small, butpretty, stone pond. I gasped as Isaw that the moon was on thepond.
My father said reassuringly, “Itis just the moon’s reflection on thepond. The water acts like a mir-ror.”
I understood, and I went towardthe pond. I was silent as a shadowas I scurried across the lawn.Then,a gust of wind blew me off course,and it took away my courage as itflew past me. I ran with all mymight to my father.
He asked, “Are you okay?”I nodded silently and we contin-
ued our sightseeing for animals.My father and I were filled with
joy as we saw some animals as wewalked away from our quiethouse. There were raccoons andsquirrels along our sight. I hearda low hoot and I knew that wewere not alone in the darknessthat gave me goosebumps. As we
walked for miles it seemed, Idug my heels into the soft, am-ber-brown mud and my fatherwas concerned. We were aboutto enter the woods.
The woods is a terrible night-mare, and darkness surroundsyou in that creepy place. I frozeand I whispered that I wouldnever go in that place. My fa-ther noticed that and he saidthat we weren’t going into thewoods. As my father was check-ing the time, I tumbled down ahill and I was terrified.I shut mybig golden brown eyes, and assoon as I landed, my eyesslowly blinked and then Iopened my eyes out of curios-ity. I stared at the place I hadlanded on. My father had fol-lowed me and started scoldingme. I shushed him and we bothstared at the place I had fallen.It was beautiful with a snowcovered slope that was filledwith trees that were the colorof an emeralds. The part I likedbest was that there were somany animals in my sight.
That was the most amazingthing that has happened to me.I enjoy being around animalsand even when I was reallyyoung I loved to pet and seemany different animals.
Sights
12 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Select yourproducts from
our MobileShowroomand Design
CenterFully Insured &
Class A LicensedEst. 1999
Free Estimates703-999-2928
Celebrating 15 Years in Business!
Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com
Bathroom Remodel Special $6,850
TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Children’s Connection
By Ejun Kim, grade 8, Westminster School.
StarsThe stars smile down at meThey rock me to sleepAt night they wake me upThey go back to sleep at daybreakThey have bright, sparkly eyesI love the stars,They love me back
— Catherine Kim, grade 4
WinterWinter comes, pushing fall awayIt breathes its icy cold breathChilling my spineCrying, rain turns to snowIt sleeps with a blanket of whiteAs it comes, it freezes the landThe world feels blankThere is nothing in sightWinter takes over day and nightThe cold winter
— Alexander Hearn,
grade 4
GrandmotherHer gray dry hands holding mineResting so quietly on a blue quiltAfter dinner she turned and whis-
peredNot all bruises hurtDivine in the day all dressed upSo many years agoOlder now but laughingThe cancer did not get herHow come she feels so tiredEvery minute countsRemember
— Michael Pandula,
grade 6
The SeaThe wind blows through my wavyhair here and there I listento the sounds of the EarthI jump happily through the wickedsandTumbling to my feet and tasting theairSeeing the sea and sungleaming bright like shining startsfish swimming bybeauty strikes everywherebut my happiness beats it allwith my moonlight fun
— Christina Buravtsova,
grade 7
A MomentAlong the Way
Trudging along an endless and un-known path
Eyes cast towards the concreteground
Mind filled with idle and unimportantchores
Never once looking up and glancingaround
Suddenly, I halted to sweet sounds ofwind chimes
I looked up and glimpsed at streaks ofrainbow birds flying by
I stood in surprised awe of the emer-ald land
A land of wonders and magic in everybend
I took a moment to stop along the dullway
Breathing in sweet fragrance of alluringflowers
Mesmerized by the trees as they gentlysway
Stumbling upon a world of filteringlight
Tranquil lullabies sang the soft chorusof a breeze
Exquisite decoration of floral andleaves
The sun shone a spotlight, for this wasthe day
When I took a moment along theendless way
— Rosy Sultana, grade 8
A Bike RideNeedles spin around a metal centerBlack rubber covers the spokesMy feet rest on the pedalsAs I steer towards the distant dunesWisps of smoke fade around meAnd the skyscrapers disappearThe shore finally in viewAs the concrete slips beneath meI reach the sandy knollsAnd swiftly hop off my bikeA spray of sea salt mists my faceAs the azure tide froths at the shoreThe air slowly becomes grey and hazyShrouding the streaks of early sunHeavy clouds begin to trudge inAnd tiny droplets of rain tap meI rush out of the tumbling seaAnd am loath to get on my wet bikeTo return to the grey buildingsThat will never satisfy me
— Ejun Kim, grade 8
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
USA Financial Planning Partners10640 Main Street, Suite 203Fairfax, VA 22030703-821-7676
It’s vital to plan carefully for your financial future. But, as in climbing amountain, you also need an effective strategy to get back down safely.
Call 1-800-560-0218www.my-wealth-summit.com
At this seminar, there are NO slick sales presentations.Just sensible information about financial strategies.
Class space is limited. FREE REFRESHMENTS SERVED.Reservations Required.
$50 tuition WAIVED for Connection readers: Use code CP1Q15.
• Thursday, January 15 at 7 pm• Saturday, January 17 at 10 am• Tuesday, January 20 at 7 pm (Ladies Only Event)
Attend one of ourFREE My Wealth
Summit seminars
Bring this ad to your appointment& receive a 90-minute Traditional Thai (reg $120)
or Malee Signature Deluxe (reg $130) for $90!3 locations to Relax:
Falls Church, Fairfax and our newest locationin Old Town Alexandria.
Call 703-237-0105 to make your appointment now!Thai Massage…Like No Other
www.malee-thaimassage.com
Children’s Connection
Doing WhatYou Love
Something that I wouldadore doing as an occupationis to be an author. I would liketo be an author because I loveto read and I am frequentlyanxious to pour out my imagi-nation onto a piece of paper.The single piece of paper be-comes two, and soon enough Ihave a story before my eyes.What I think a lot of people dowhen they are choosing a jobis to see how much money theywould get for it.
But the most important thingabout a job is if you love doingit all the time.— Aidan DiConti, grade
5, Vienna Elementary
LoveThe best gift I have ever given
someone is love and hope.Hope gives people inspiration
and determination to do betterthings and to keep going. Lovehelps people when they’re downor when they’ve suffered from aloss.
They’re both important becausewhat would happen if we didn’thave them? Everyone would hateeach other. All in all love helps theworld and makes it a better place.— Ciaran Sullivan, grade
5, Vienna Elementary
The Best GiftLast Mother’s Day, I gave my
mom a book of quotes that I wroteentitled “Waiting for Thunder.” Ifilled it with quotes that I had ei-ther heard, or conjured up myself.My favorite quote of mine was “Bethe is, not the was.” I think I haveprobably given gifts that are bet-ter, but this was really special tome, and my mom. On the after-noon of Mother’s Day, I presentedthe printed and final copy to mymom. While reading it, right thenand there, Shani Horne was
brought to tears.—Kai McCloskey, grade
5, Vienna Elementary
The Best PresentThe best present I have ever
given someone was a puzzle Imade out of pictures I drew. Icarefully drew blue birds at thetop of the page facing in twodifferent directions.
Even though they aren’t fac-ing the same way, somehowthey are connected. Betweenthe birds I wrote “We Are AllConnected Together.” Belowthat I drew the best picture ofmy family in Sunday clothes Icould.
I drew a picture of a creeknext to it that held familymemories deep in the roots ofthe trees that grew over into thecreek so that the memoriesflooded out.
— Ashley Schroder,
grade 5,
Vienna Elementary
By Arden Lee, grade 6,Vienna Elementary.
By Laura Balle, grade 1,Vienna Elementary.
ByHunterMoss,grade 6,ViennaElemen-tary.
14 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Zone 6 Ad Deadline:
Monday Noon
703-778-9411
Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls
• McLean • Vienna/Oakton
Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com
Recessed LightingCeiling FansPhone/CATVComputer Network CablingService UpgradesHot Tubs, etc…
Office 703-335-0654Mobile 703-499-0522
Licensed/Bonded/Insured
ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL
GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned
Small Repairs • Gutter Guards
PINNACLE SERVICESlic/ins 703-802-0483 free est.email [email protected]: lawnsandgutters.comFriendly Service with a Friendly Price!
GUTTER GUTTER
Fall Special!
10% off
IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS
LicensedInsured
We Accept VISA/MC
703-441-8811
You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.
The HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION
BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE
R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting
We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic
Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: [email protected]
www.rncontractors.com
IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS
Remodeling Bathrooms, Kitchens & Basements
Picture PerfectPicture Perfect
Exterior & Interior Repair, Painting, Carpentry,Wood Rot, Drywall, All Flooring, Decks
Licensed – Bonded – Insured“If it can be done, we can do it”www.pphionfine.com
•FREE Estimates•FAST & Reliable Service
•EASY To schedule•NO $$$ DOWN!
Handyman Services Available
(703) 590-3137(703) 590-3137
R&N Carpentry
✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing
✦Exterior Wood Rot More!Deck & Fence repair, Screen Porches
No jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured
703-987-5096
MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES
PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE
Friendly Service for a Friendly Price
703-802-0483703-802-0483
LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE
Custom Masonry703-768-3900
www.custommasonry.infoPatios, Walkways, Stoops, Steps, DrivewaysRepairs & New Installs•All Work Guranteed
BRICK AND STONE
MASONRY MASONRY
GOLDY BRICKCONSTRUCTION
Walkways, Patios, Driveways,Flagstone, ConcreteFREE ESTIMATES
Licensed, Insured, Bonded
703-250-6231
PAVING PAVING
Quality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insured
24 Hour Emergency Tree Service
25 years of experienceFree estimates
703-868-5358
Leaf RemovalGutter Cleaning
TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE
Quality Tree Service& Landscaping
Reasonable prices. Licensed & insured.
24 Hour EmergencyTree Service
25 years of experience – Free estimates 703-868-5358
Fall Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,shrubbery trimming, mulching,leaf removal, planting, hauling,gutter cleaning, retaining walls,
drainage problems, etc.
HAULING
ANGEL’S HAULING
703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182
Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction
Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,
Furniture & Appl.
LANDSCAPING
JUNK HAULINGJunk, Rubbish,Homes, Offices,
Commerical,Yard/ConstructionDebris, Lot Clearout, 24 hrs day,
General Hom Work.
703-520-3205 N-VA
TREE SERVICE
ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL
Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com
Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping
Gutters & Hauling
703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182
The biggestthings arealways the
easiest to dobecause there isno competition.
-William Van Horne
If I wanted to rationalize the benefit ofdelaying my heretofore every-three-weekchemotherapy infusion from three weeks tofour and now on to five, possibly six – andthat’s dependent on improved results froma second/maybe even third retest upcom-ing (this retest a bit more involved thandrawing blood) – I would say it’s only fittingthat I should have a break/brake; after all, itis the holiday season when all good things;yada, yada, yada. If only it were thatsimple.
But simple is the last thing that a cancerpatient’s life can be characterized as being;whether they have been “prognosed” as“terminal” as I was, or are at the beginning(diagnosis), middle (under treatment andsurviving under circumstances too numer-ous and varied to list) or end of theircancer-affected life. And so for me toexpect smooth sailing at any time duringthis process is totally and entirely unreason-able – and mostly, I haven’t. I’m just luckyto be in a boat with a few provisions stillleft in it. Ergo, this column is not a com-plaint, just an update, as the previous fewcolumns had sort of led you regular readerson a bit of a walk in my shoes, althoughone likely without the neuropathy nearlysix years of non-stop chemotherapy canexact. Still, I am mostly upright, up andabout and able to handle any and all activi-ties, especially those relating to daily living.However, right now I worry that after twoconsecutive three-week-interval, pre-che-motherapy lab results specifically measur-ing my cretanine levels (which reflects kid-ney function), and a second retest as well,all indicated too high/abnormal (a first-timeoccurrence), thereby preventing my regu-larly scheduled Alimta infusions – twice – ifI have indeed crossed the Rubicon, so tospeak. Obviously, it serves no particularpurpose for me to invoke history, especiallyhistory with which I have very little familiar-ity. However, if some of what I’ve read con-cerning this historical event is true – theevent’s significance notwithstanding, it haspartially led to the creation-and-then-acceptance of a word’s/phrase’s figurativemeaning – then I sure hope my die has notbeen cast.
But who knows, really? And eventhough this cancer stuff is all very personal– and my circumstances are unique to meas a cancer patient – I try not to take it per-sonally, if that makes any sense? Somehow,I try to minimize the negative effect of anyof it, mentally, that is. As concerns me andmy treatments (starts, stops and fits), it hasalways been about what happens next.Until there’s no more next, there’s alwayswhat’s next. Now I have a third round oflab work next week and a 24-hour creati-nine clearance collection in the interim tomeasure my levels as accurately as possibleto help determine what happens next.Hopefully, levels will reduce, and more ofthe same treatment which has resulted inmy unexpectedly long life expectancy andmost recent “shrinkage,” can continue. Butof course, there are no guarantees either.Oh, there is one: this process isexcruciating.
Nevertheless, somehow the patient (orat least this patient) has to be patient andlife has to be lived. Otherwise the cancerwins. And to quote Brian Dennehy, a/k/aSheriff Cobb, from the movie “Silverado,”completely out of context: “We can’t behaving any of that now, can we?”
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Level Best
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
ClassifiedClassified
Falls Church AntiqueS
Christmas Shop Now Open!
Best Kept Secret of The Metro Area!
Falls Church Antique Co.250W. Broad St. Falls Church, Va • 703-2419642
Unique collection of antiques and collectibles,including furniture, jewelry, glassware, pottery,
sterling silver, paintings, prints and more!Fun home and gift ideas!
26 Antiques 26 Antiques
HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995
➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup
(571) [email protected]
101 Computers 101 Computers
26 Antiques
We pay top $ for STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES,
JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, FURNITURE,
PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS.Schefer Antiques
Do what you can, with
what you have,where you are.
-TheodoreRoosevelt
EmploymentEmploymentBUSINESS OPP
NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!
Weekdays 9-4
TELEPHONE
☎☎301-333-1900
A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!
☎☎
BUSINESS OPP
NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!
Weekdays 9-4
TELEPHONE
☎☎301-333-1900
A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!
☎☎
CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon
E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected]
or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411
EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon
E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411
ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/
Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet
The Mount Vernon GazetteZone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection
The Vienna/Oakton ConnectionThe McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection
Newspapers & Online
HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO
DesireBy Emily S., grade 7,
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
The aching desires of the few,include the necessities for me and you,but the vast majority want the new,they want the luxury and they lust,because they must,they need the future in the past,they need products that must last,for as long as they want them to.What happened to this world, what must we do?release the greed,make a creed,and find the greatness in giving and not wanting,loving not taunting,and fulfill the deserved desires of peace, nourishment, and fair
treatment for others,for the fathers, children, brothers, sisters, and mothers.
The Substance of LifeSylesh S., grade 8,
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
Time, the substance of lifeAppears to be rifeBut passes byIn a blink of an eyeEach moment that we wasteIs forever erasedEvery second well-spentWill make us contentLife is a dreamIn which time reigns supremeMake the best use of timeMake each moment sublime
TimeBen M., grade 8,
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
They say time is never ending,but is that really truethey say the end is impending,like the damp morning dewBut have you a cluewhat’s coming for youa hurricane of sadnessa whirlpool of despairunnecessary illnesseven though it isn’t fairbut maybe life is just unfinished business,and happiness is just around the chair.
“A Fleeting Glance at the Past”Sofia F., grade 8,
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
When one finds oneself longing for a certain time,Remember that the time we have now is ephemeral,And even though it’s an uphill climb,The here and now must be treated like an emerald.In the words of Penn,“Time is what we want most, but what we use the worst”So remember now and then,To remind yourselves that time can’t be reversed.And though now we may trudge along,Recall dear cohorts,That though the days are long,The years are short.
TattoosBy Julia K., grade 8, Our Lady of Good Counsel
All the inkthat covers my bodyare all the stories
I could never tellSecrets I always keptEvery confession I never madeTons of memoriesmade into drawingswill stay with me foreverAll the things that have hit me so hardAre now visibleYou look at me and you might judgeBut I am coveredWith the stories of my life
PaperBy Tommy F., grade 7,
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
It looks like a magic carpet floating in the windpaper is a tree that was once skinnedIt was recently the stem of a treethere are two sides of paper, not threeand as you may overlook this piece of artit has lots of history and the idea is smartIn China paper was made out of bambooand that’s about it, as I think it throughIt started as papyrus in Egyptthey were smart and strategicpapyrus was a good-sized plantbut not used by Ulysses S. GrantUlysses S. Grant used something else, I thinkmaybe he used parchment, pens, and inkBut now it’s just paper and a ballpoint penpaper is pushed to its limits by menSo paper could be a very useful thingso don’t overlook it as you overlook string
NatureBy Donald W., grade 7,
Our Lady of Good Counsel School
The crisp wind blows,The ocean’s limits no one knows,The fields of grass,Green with grace,Nature fills all,Earth and Space,The clouds,A wisp of white,They’re in the air,Until night,The sky the sky,Filled at night,With gleaming stars,That shine so bright,Until day,We wait in fright,The sun has risen,It beholds such light,It shines all day,With all its might,Until it goes down,Out of sight
By Dave, grade 3, Our Lady of Good Counsel
Children’s Connection
16 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Children’s Connection ❖ 2014 - 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com