Wellbeingconnectionarchives.com/PDF/2020/030420/Great Falls.pdfRoudah Chaka, Senior, ... slim...

Student Peace Awards PresentedNews, Page 3

Great Falls Author to Discuss His New BookNews, Page 12

Opioids and Drug Abuse

Escalate LocallyNews, Page 8

“Everybody knows about southwest Virginia; it’s their problem. But look right here. This is where we are,” said Keynote Speaker, William Ha-zel, Jr. M.D., at the Operation Drug Prevention forum, Feb. 29, in Great Falls.

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2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ March 4-10, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ March 4-10, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News McLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Mercia HobsonThe Connection

The 2020 Student Peace Awards of FairfaxCounty, held Sunday, March 1, recognizedhigh school junior and senior students at24 public and two private high schoolsin the county who made a positive contribution totheir school or wider community by promoting mu-tual understanding and respect for all people. Heldat the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center inFairfax, sponsors, family and friends celebrated theaccomplishments of the recipients at a public recep-tion.

Last fall, organizers asked the schools’ principalsto nominate one outstanding student or studentgroup for the award, proactively seeking a likelynominee. This year’s recipients worked as peacemak-ers in a variety of settings according to emcee, Mar-garet Fisher, who during her remarks at Sunday’sreception gave a brief overview of each student’s ac-complishment.

According to Fisher, in Vienna at Cedar LaneHigh School, Senior Sage Quick and Junior WillLaWalt volunteered to serve as peers in a Personal

Development class that taught social skills, decision-making, and coping strategies for difficult or con-fusing situations. “Peers model communication skillsas they listen to students talk about their interestsand concerns. They then help the students in the classremain calm and focused,” Fisher said.

Sarah Gu is a Senior at McLean HighSchool. When she visited her family in China therethe last five summers, she offered the children freelessons in English and current affairs. According toFisher, Gu eventually grew her program into an or-ganization called “The Windows,” which served over600 children.

At Oakton High School, Fisher said thatRoudah Chaker put in hundreds of volunteer hourspacking meals, participating in back-to-school drivesfor orphanages, distributing needed items to thehomeless, and raising $3000 for Syrian refugees. “Sheis also active politically, working to correct policiesthat directly harm those who want to come to theU.S. for its promise of peace,” said Fisher.

Senior and junior high school students honored.

Student Peace Awards Presented

See Peace Awards, Page 13

From left: Vice-Chair of theFairfax County Board ofSupervisors Penny Gross(D-Mason District), Chair ofthe Fairfax County SchoolBoard Karen Corbett Sand-ers (Mount Vernon), U.S.Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11),Fairfax County SchoolBoard Members KarenKeys-Gamarra (At-Large)and Melanie Meren (HunterMill District).

Family, friendsand loved onespack the com-munity centerat the 2020Student PeaceAwards ofFairfax County.

What Do Award Recipients Say?

Viewpoints

Daniel Mousavi,Senior, Langley HighSchool is joined byhis brother Aiden,Cooper MiddleSchool:Together (we)created a board game,Immigrant’s Nightmare,to focus on the chal-lenges faced by peopleseeking immigration inthe United States. Welive in a nation ofimmigrants. In a worldtorn by an increasingnumber of global mi-grants and not enoughplaces willing to acceptthem. Our game helpsteach the next generation of lawmakers our country’straditions of accepting others and not further dividing us.Ignorance of the root cause of the immigrant’s crisis doesn’tmake it disappear!

Zamir Ticknor,Junior, George C.Marshall HighSchool: When I wasnominated, the word“peace” really stuck withme, because it empha-sizes the values I hold:encompassing inclusion,environmental protec-tion, human rights,tolerance, and intercul-tural understanding. Allof these concepts arewhat I value in thispeace award…I sincerelybelieve that by helpingothers, encouragingtolerance, and mutualunderstanding shape society into a more welcoming environ-ment that accepts everyone of all backgrounds. These are someof the elements that encourage peace.

Sarah Gu, Senior, McLeanHigh School

Roudah Chaka, Senior,Oakton High School

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection


Opinion

By Kenneth R. “Ken” PlumState Delegate (D-36)

The General Assembly isin the final week of itsscheduled 60-day annual session—sched-uled to adjourn sine die on March7. The session has already madehistory with the actions that havebeen taken, and that history willbe added to in its last week. Resolution of re-maining issues will determine just how historic

the session will be and howstrong the forces of “wehave always done it thisway” are.

A majority of both the House and the Senatemembers agree that the minimum wage shouldbe increased—actually should have been in-creased years ago. The current minimum of$7.25 is an embarrassment. But discussionscontinue to be held on how much the increaseshould be. Should there be incremental in-creases over time? Should increases be state-wide or regional? What jobs should the in-crease cover?

Almost every member ran for office with a

promise to clean up the environ-ment. How should we get to acleaner economy in the state?What should be the timeline onenvironmental legislation as ex-perts advise us on the impendingclimate change crisis? Are con-sumers willing to pay more to getcleaner electricity?

How strict should backgroundchecks be for firearm transfers? A

slim majority support my bill to require a back-ground check on all firearm transfers. Othersare vehement about having background checksfor only firearm purchases. Should compro-mises be made on gun safety measures de-signed to reduce gun-related violence?

Should public employees be allowed to bar-gain with local governments on the conditionsand compensation for employment? Or shouldthey only be able to meet and discuss theirwages and conditions with local governmentswith no power to bargain? Should all employ-ees be required to pay dues to unions that arerepresenting their interests?

How often should vehicles have a safety in-spection? For many years the requirement wastwice annually. Most recently it has been once

annually. Most states have dropped the require-ment. Would every other year be adequate?

With gasoline tax revenues declining as au-tomobiles get more mileage per gallon, shouldthe gas tax be increased to make up for theloss? Or should cars be taxed on the distancethey travel in a year? And what about electricvehicles that do not burn any gas? Should webe making a greater investment in our trans-portation infrastructure?

Should a constitutional amendment be ap-proved setting up an independent redistrict-ing commission or is there another way to trymake sure districts can be drawn fairly with-out incumbents alone picking their voters?

I have made my views public on these andother issues over the years. In a legislative ses-sion all views must be considered: urban, sub-urban, rural; Democratic, Republican, Social-ist (there is one); conservative, moderate, lib-eral; etc. In most instances a compromise canbe reached in conference committees such asthose that are now meeting. Other issues willbe put off for another year. Regardless of whathappens with remaining issues, the 2020 ses-sion will go down in history as truly a remark-able one with the many tough issues that havealready been resolved.

Work Is Not Yet Done

Letters to the Editor

Commentary

Dear Parents and Staff,

FCPS is working closely with theFairfax County Health Departmentto monitor the latest updatesabout the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are reinforcing the im-portance of ensuring students arefollowing proper handwashingprocedures before eating and af-ter sneezing, coughing, or usingthe bathroom. We realize that timeis a valuable commodity duringthe school day, and in today’s en-vironment, hand washing shouldbe a priority, so we are encourag-ing staff to provide ample time for

students to wash their hands. Weare reinforcing with our custodialteams the importance of followingour standard cleaning protocols byusing hospital-grade disinfectantson frequently-touched surfacessuch as doorknobs, faucet handles,and handrails. Hand sanitizer isavailable in all schools and if a stu-dent is showing signs of a cold orthe flu, they should stay home.

As indicated in my message toyou last week, FCPS is in the pro-cess of reviewing and updating itsexisting pandemic influenza re-sponse plan. The plan addressesthe specific activities necessary to

Coronavirus Update - Message from the Superintendent - March 2keep schools open and operatingwhile providing a clean and safeenvironment during an outbreakand the essential functions thatmust be performed by FCPS ifschools are closed. FCPS will con-tinue to work closely with healthofficials to prepare for various sce-narios that could develop.

Our overall goal would be to doall we can to maintain continuityof operations while minimizingstudent and staff exposure.

As of today, there are no con-firmed COVID-19 cases in FairfaxCounty or the D.C. region. Up-dated information is being posted

to this webpage: FCPS coronavirus-update and additional informationis available from the Fairfax CountyHealth Department .

To date, FCPS has cancelled in-ternational field trips and short-term visitations to and from somecountries, based on CDC guide-lines.

We will continue to provide youregular updates as this situationcontinues to rapidly evolve.

Sincerely,

Scott BrabrandSuperintendent, Fairfax

County Public Schools

To the Editor:We don’t have time to waste in

the face of the climate crisis. A re-cent climate report from the Na-tional Audubon Society revealedthat two-thirds of North Americanbird species are vulnerable to ex-tinction from climate change, in-cluding nearly 70 species found inVirginia.

From the coasts of the Chesa-peake Bay to the forests of the BlueRidge Mountains, birds like theField Sparrow and Cerulean War-bler may lose nearly all of theirseasonal habitat range. We needpractical, ambitious climate solu-tions to protect our state’s birds.

The Virginia Clean Economy Act

(HB 1526 / SB 851) can help byleading our state on a path toachieve a 100 percent carbon-freeeconomy that will help our birds,our environment, and our commu-nities thrive.

This bill is not the only step Vir-ginia should take to address cli-mate change—but it’s a great firststep. I urge Senator Barker and the

General Assembly to make cut-ting carbon emissions a top prior-ity. We must act now to make Vir-ginia a climate leader and preventanother year of inaction.

Nikka De MesaNational Audubon Society

Springfield

The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must besigned. Include home address and home and business num-bers. Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar,

civility, good taste and factual errors. Send to:

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Alexandria VA 22314

By email: [email protected]

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Great Falls


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NewsStuff the Truck for ShareNew Dominion Women’s Club is sponsoringa food drive for Share, Stuff the truck, withdonations to fill the Share food pantry. Thedrive is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, atGiant (1454 Chain Bridge Road), 9 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Share serves more than 200 fami-lies in the 22101 and 22102 zip codes whoneed food, clothing, or housing assistance.Middle school and high school students arewelcome to volunteer and will receive ser-vice hours. A maximum of three studentsmay volunteer for each shift. For moreinformation/sign-up, go to NDWC.org

See Bulletin, Page 15

Submit civic/community an-nouncements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Cal-endar. Photos and artworkwelcome. Deadline is Thursday atnoon, at least two weeks beforeevent.

SATURDAY/MARCH 7Recycling Day. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Town of Vienna’s first2020 Quarterly Recycling Daytakes place at the NorthsideProperty Yard, 600 Mill StreetNE, Vienna. Load upelectronics, used motor oil,antifreeze, and discarded carbatteries. Televisions andhazardous waste products,such as insecticides, paint, andother chemicals, are notaccepted. As a reminder, toensure that glass products getrecycled, the best option is todispose of clean jars andbottles in one of FairfaxCounty’s new, large, purpleglass recycling dumpsters; oneis located in the Town ofVienna on Mill Street NE nextto Capitol Building Supply.Fairfax County picks up theglass weekly and recycles itfor use as a substitute forstone in county projects.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMPLETEA new traffic signal aimed at

improving safety for drivers,bicyclists and pedestrians iscomplete at Westpark Driveand Westbranch Drive inTysons, according to theVirginia Department ofTransportation. The project’sother safety improvementsinclude:

❖ Four Accessible PedestrianSignal (APS) crossings(expected to be active in thecoming weeks);

❖ Bicycle detection;❖ Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA) compliant curb rampupgrades;

❖ Pavement markings;❖ Signage.

DEMENTIA CONSULTATIONSCaring for a person with

Alzheimer’s disease or otherdementia is a life-encompassing experience thatspans generations. Everyonehas a role: spouses, siblings,children of all ages, andfriends each play a part on thecare team. It requires thought,strategy and, mostimportantly, a plan. Careconsultations with theAlzheimer’s Association are afree Chapter service that offers

Bulletin Board


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Caleb O’Cain, Great Falls resident whoattends TJHSST has won first place in boththe 2020 District and Regional Champion-ships and third in the State. He walked awayfrom basketball in his sophomore year onlyto join wrestling the same afternoon. Thengot a fractured hip after his first tournamentin his first season ever of wrestling. He came

back the next season in 2019 to overcomeadversity and place sixth at States only af-ter several ER visits after the District andRegional Championship tournaments and ahospital visit days before the State Champi-onships. And, this year 2020 he had a ca-reer record of 70-11 and captured third inhis senior year at the State Championship.

District and Regional Champion, Third in State

Caleb O’Cain ofGreat Falls,right, won firstplace in bothDistrict andRegional Cham-pionship 2020.

Photos contributed

Caleb O’Cain ofGreat Falls, right,won third place atthe State Champi-onship held atRock Ridge HighSchool in Ashburn.


News

By Mercia Hobson The Connection

K9 Doby, Fairfax County Po-lice Department, Virginia,died after suffering amedical emergency while on anactive track of two robbery sus-pects in the 2000 block of Arling-ton Drive in the Mount Vernonarea of the county. K9 Doby, a Bel-gian Malinois-German Shepherdmix, was two years old and serveda tour of 11 months.

According to Officer Down Me-morial Page, Remembering All ofLaw Enforcement Heroes, fallenofficers and K9s, “(K9 Doby) andhis handler had tracked the sus-pects several buildings away andwere attempting to reacquire theirscent when K9 Doby suddenly col-lapsed. His handler immediatelyinitiated CPR before transportinghim to an emergency veterinaryclinic. K9 Doby was not able to berevived.” K9 Doby served with theFairfax County Police Departmentfor 11 months and was certifiedin patrol and narcotics detection.

Like other fallen K9s, K9 Dobygave his life to ensure his handler,fellow officers and citizens staysafe. “Today, we remember K9Doby, our four-legged brother whodied unexpectedly while respond-ing to an armed robbery due to anundiagnosed medical condition.We honor K9 Doby today and ev-ery day. Rest in peace, Doby,”tweeted @FairfaxCountyPD.

K9 Doby-End of Watch: Feb. 22Police canine served alongsidelaw enforcement officers.

K9 Doby is remembered byFairfax County Police afterhe died unexpectedly dueto an undiagnosed medicalcondition while respondingto an armed robbery.

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8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ March 4-10, 2020 Great Falls Connection ❖ March 4-10, 2020 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Mercia HobsonThe Connection

Part one of the two-part series

The opioid and drug abuseepidemic is not “there;” it’shere in Northern Virginia. Theabuse knows no demographicor socioeconomic boundaries. Six organi-zations, all stakeholders in three FairfaxCounty communities, Great Falls, McLeanand Herndon, took on opioids and drugabuse at the primary level, education.They co-sponsored a 90-minute, fourperson-panel featuring state, regional, andlocal experts. The goal was to educate thepublic about the epidemic plaguingNorthern Virginia, share novel ways tocontrol it, and ultimately eradicate theproblem.

“This isn’t about crime-fighting; it isn’tabout prescribing; it isn’t simply aboutmedicine. It’s about how we work togetherto solve problems in ways that we don’tnormally do,” said Keynote Speaker,William Hazel, M.D. at the Public Forum-Operation Drug Prevention held Feb. 29,in Great Falls, organized by Rotary Club ofGreat Falls and Great Falls Citizens Asso-ciation.

Hazel, an orthopedic surgeon, servedtwo terms as the Commonwealth’s Secre-tary of Health and Human Resources, firstappointed in 2010 by Gov. RobertMcDonnell (R) and then reappointed in2014 by Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D). Cur-rently, Hazel is the Senior Advisor forInnovation and Community Engagementat George Mason University, where hisinitial focus was to spearhead amultidisciplinary initiative to fight theopioid epidemic in Northern Virginia. “Weneed to understand; this is not simply amoral failure; it’s a disease. It’s not simplyabout opioids; it’s a number of substancesamongst them...We need to think a littlebit about how people with substances cancome back into their community and havehope and have a life. We need to thinkabout those types of things if we’re goingto solve this. And we need to make newrelationships,” he said.

HAZEL did not mince words describingopioids and drug abuse that is runningrampant in Northern Virginia. “People talkabout substance use addiction as a diseaseof despair,” said Hazel. He referencedstatistics dating back to 2013 and south-western Virginia. “We were losing morepeople to opioid overdoses than caraccidents and gun violence...That hascontinued into 2019...And Fairfax Countyhas a similar path with the emergence offatal opioid overdoses as the leading cause

of unnatural death in Fairfax County,” hesaid, citing data from the Chief MedicalExaminer, 2007-17.

According to Hazel, one of the thingspeople in Northern Virginia have tochange in their thinking is “that thishappens to them, but it is actually us.”

Hazel said while some may considercurrent drug abuse a heroin problem, it’snot. “They’re dying from prescriptiondrugs; WE are dying from prescriptiondrugs,” said Hazel Trends in opioid deathssince 1999 show three waves. Wave 1-1999: Rise in prescription opioid overdosedeaths; Wave 2-2010: Rise in heroinoverdose deaths; and Wave 3- 2013: Risein synthetic opioid deaths.

According to Hazel, opioids are not asingle drug but a class of drugs. The classincludes natural and semi-syntheticopioids, like oxycodone and hydrocodone,and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, 80-100times stronger than morphine, accordingto a DEA.gov fact sheet, and fentanylanalogs like carfentanil used to sedateelephants. It is estimated to have 10,000times the potency of morphine, accordingto Suzuki J, El-Haddad S. in A review:Fentanyl and non-pharmaceuticalfentanyls (2016). “Very, very potent stuff,even to come in physical contact with,”Hazel said, referencing first responderexposure to the powder form. Then therewere other substances like Pentazocineand Valium, as well as Cocaine, a drug ofthe affluent.

Using data science, Hazel displayedmaps of Virginia, color-coded to indicatenumbers and types of drug-related deaths.One slide showed the rate of methamphet-amine overdoses, 2016-18 by locality, withhigh markers clustered up and down thewestern state line of the Commonwealth.“Anyone know what this is,” Hazel asked—(the I-81 corridor.) Hazel said following aleveling off of opioid deaths in FrederickCounty and Winchester, they then sawincreased methamphetamine and cocainedeaths as the drug(s) traveled eastward.Drug distribution networks, patterns oftraffic mattered.

While certain age groups such as 18-25-year-olds were more likely to experimentwith and abuse prescription and illegalopioids, no age group in Fairfax Countywas immune. “We all think about perhapsyounger folks, but it does happen in olderfolks,” Hazel said, calling attention to thehealth crisis of rising older adult drugoverdoses. A lot of prescription medica-tions out there, and that matters,” Hazelsaid.

“We have data from surveys, whichshow that kids are using opioids more ormisusing prescription medications, at avery high rate and young age... It’s that

available out there,” Hazel said. Hedescribed pill parties (pharming parties)with their peer pressure. “You bring ahandful of pills; you put them in the bowl.You take some, and that’s your admissionto the party on Friday night,” he said.

“Where are the pills coming from,”asked Hazel. Over 50 percent of opioid-misuse, in the U.S. in 2016, got them fromsomeplace else, not through a prescrip-tion, stolen or bought according to Hazel.“You know, we prescribe it, and it sits inthe medicine cabinet, and someone elsetakes it,” he said.

ACCORDING TO HAZEL, when he wasSecretary, they had to put in rules aboutpeople coming in to refill prescriptions fordeceased relatives; they had to have thedrug. The drive to get narcotics onceaddicted was significant; however, addic-tion is a disease, like other diseases suchas breast and lung cancer. Physicians knowthe cells are different in individual re-sponses to treatment. “There will be somepeople that will respond to absencetreatment and 12-step programs that work(for addiction), but others won’t.” Hazelshowed slides of decreased metabolicactivity in a healthy brain vs. a diseasedbrain of cocaine abuser and said, “Yourbrain changes... We know that when youcome in and have surgery, and I give younarcotics, within 48 hours, your bodybegins to adapt to those, and you begin todevelop tolerance...We know that some-where along the line, some people becomehabituated, even addicted, even that early.And we know that when you withdraw it,it creates symptoms... “dopesickness...Atsome point, the craving for the substanceis no longer to get high; it’s to avoidfeeling awful - the most miserable feelingof the world...when you talk to peoplewho have had it, they’ll do anything toavoid it.” Hazel said how people commit-ted the crime of breaking and entering toget pharmacological treatments likeSuboxone to prevent that feeling. Headded that as Secretary, regulations wereput in place to prescribe such medicationsto treat people in jail, “to meet themhalfway... so they would feel more com-fortable with the treatment.”

As for who gets addicted and why Hazelsaid it might be genetic, environmental, ahost of other factors. “We don’t know, andwe also don’t know today who needs howmuch medication and for how long. We doknow whether it’s in the criminal justicepopulation, or the non-criminal justice-involved population that medically -assisted treatment gets a much, muchhigher rate of stay in recovery for longerperiods.”

In addressing Virginia’s Response to

taking on Opioids and Drug Abuse, Hazeldiscussed five areas.

The first, Harm to Addicts and Others,beginning with the addict. “Oh, you’regoing to give needles to addicts. Right?Well, the reason you think about that is sothat you’re not transmitting hepatitis andHIV and endocarditis,” he said. There arenow four sites in Virginia that have chosento do that. Law enforcement and thecommunity agreed that this would be thecase. According to Hazel, incarcerationbecame a major place for people withsubstance use and mental illness to reside,but that brought inherent harm-to-selfdangers. Thirty days of drug absence wasnot thirty days of treatment; thirty days ofabsence reduced the tolerance to drugs byabusers. When they went back out, sinceabusers had burned bridges with theirfamilies, they turned to people theyassociated with before and got the samesubstance. “The first 14 days out of jail areone of the highest rates of fatal overdose.We don’t think about that as well as wecan probably in incarceration,” he said.

According to Hazel, it was a physician’sresponsibility to practice “good medicine,”and if the patient was substance usedisorder with treatment not available, andthey needed the medication, “far better for

them they have a prescription medicinethan go to the street.”

AS FOR “OTHERS,” Hazel said that theleading cause of children coming into thefoster care system was substance abuse.Eventually, the numbers overwhelmed thesystem. Addiction harmed others, childrenimpacted by ACEs, Adverse ChildhoodExperiences.

“This may be the most important thing Imention today... We know...childrenexposed to certain non-physical traumas,develop physical symptoms earlier in life,children exposed to three or four andwhat we call Adverse Childhood Experi-ences- homelessness, hunger, familyviolence, substance use, incarceratedparents, those types of things. Greatstresses in the growing body, whichcreates changes in the brain... And weknow that those... kids who are exposed tothis will develop the earlier onset ofcardiovascular disease and diabetes...Theydon’t have a chance.”

The second Virginia Response centeredon Prevention-getting prescriptions out ofmedicine cabinets, especially for first-timeusers. Disposal boxes such as the onescountywide accept drugs no questionsasked, making it easier for community

residents to dispose of unusedmedicines from their homes.

The third Virginia Response,Initiating and Maintaining Recovery,meant not treating in jails, especiallywith all the contraband issues there.“When you’re an officer... you takethem to booking... It is hard in mostplaces to get people into treatment...we have to think about making thatmore available... The best treatmentis medically assisted.

The fourth Virginia Response wasto Interdict the Illegal Supply. “Wehave to work with our law enforce-ment because the bad guys are outthere and they’re predatory. We needto get it stopped. This flow offentanyl that comes in can bedelivered to your house from Mexicoor China. It’s there. Internationaltreaties are involved. The samegroups do drugs, human trafficking,money laundering, huge complexwebs of crime. We can’t deal withthat, but we have to separate thecriminals, the bad guys,” he said.

According to Hazel, the fifth andfinal Virginia Response was therehad to be a Culture Change, and wehad to get rid of the stigma. He said,“It ain’t okay, to put stuff in yourbody that you shouldn’t...If it hurts,it’s going to be okay...Understandnarcotics don’t work any better thanibuprofen or Tylenol for most things.Stop demanding drugs. If someone isin recovery, comes back into thecommunity, and they’re not accepted- they can’t get a job. They can’t takecare of themselves... their familypays for that. We need our peopleback and being productive. So wehave to think about how we welcomepeople in recovery. We have to getrid of the stigma. That is the biggestfront we face.”

Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection“Everybody knows about southwest Virginia; it’s theirproblem. But look right here. This is where we are,” saidKeynote Speaker, William Hazel, Jr. M.D., OperationDrug Prevention, Feb. 29, Great Falls.

Drug Prevention Public ForumOpioids became the leading cause of unnatural death in Fairfax County in2014 and the numbers are skyrocketing, outnumbering deaths by motorvehicle accident and gun violence

Drug Prevention Public Forum1999 saw a rise in prescription opioid overdose deaths, 2010 saw a risein heroin overdose deaths; 2016- current sees an escalation in syntheticopioids overdose deaths.

Drug Prevention Public ForumWhere are the pills coming from for people aged 12 and over? Doctorsprescribe them; they sit in medicine cabinets, and people are taking themfrom a friend or relative.

Three NOVA communities, six organizations hostPublic Forum-Operation Drug Prevention in Great Falls.

Opioids and Drug Abuse Escalate Locally

“This isn’t about crime-fighting; itisn’t about prescribing; it isn’t simplyabout medicine. It’s about how wework together to solve problems inways that we don’t normally do.”

—Keynote Speaker, William Hazel, M.D.


See Calendar, Page 14

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGHogwart’s Vacation Bible School

Registration. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. Thecamp dates are June 22–26, 2020 for morningor afternoon sessions. Children 5 through 11years old are invited to participate in thispopular and unique summer camp experiencewhich explores the Christian themes and lessonsin the Harry Potter stories. Holy ComforterEpiscopal Church in Vienna is magicallyconverted into Hogwarts School where childrenattend “classes” taught by favorite professorsincluding Professors McGonagall, Snape, Hooch,and Binns. Teenage prefects lead age levelgroups to their activities and all students share aclosing snack in the Great Hall. This year’stheme will be based on book 2, Harry Potter andthe Chamber of Secrets. Registration forms willbe in the Church Office and online. Moreinformation: http://www.holycomforter.com/Children/Vacation_Bible_School/

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, asenior women’s softball league, is looking forplayers. Any woman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome.They play on Wednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. For more information, visitthe web site www.goldengirls.org

ReelAbilities Film Festival. Now thru March 1.The 8th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival:Northern Virginia, powered by the Pozez JewishCommunity Center of Northern Virginia, willpresent a lineup of 17 films in select venuesacross Northern Virginia, Maryland, and theDistrict from Feb. 20–March 1. The festival iscomprised of contemporary international filmsand post-film programs as well as a fine artsexhibit, all selected to be engaging,empowering, and championing the lives, stories,and artistic expressions of people with differentabilities. Visit the website https://www.thej.org/reel-abilities/reelabilities-film-festival-northern-virginia/

FEB. 26 TO APRIL 1221st Lenten Devotional. At The Church of the

Good Shepherd (United Methodist), 2351Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. The church ispublishing its 21st annual Devotions for Lent.The publication will be available on the church’swebsite at www.GoodShepherdVA.com,beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, throughEaster on April 12. The church also will posteach day’s devotion on its Facebook page atwww.Facebook.com/goodshepherdvienna.Printed copies will be mailed to neighborhoodssurrounding the church, and a limited numberof copies will be available at the church.Additionally, the church plans to hold weeklygatherings in members’ homes to discuss thedevotionals. Free. Visit the website:www.GoodShepherdVA.com

SUNDAYS: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5Discover Who You Are with LifeKeys. 12:30-

2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. LifeKeys is aprogram designed to assist you in exploring thegifts God has given you—life gifts, spiritual gifts,personality, values, and passions. Different toolsilluminate the ways in which you are unique andwonderfully made, encouraging you to godeeper as you seek to discover what God may becalling you to do. All can benefit from thisjourney of exploration. Register by February 23.The materials fee is $30. Light snacks provided.Bring a bag lunch. For more information and toregister, email [email protected] www.HolyComforter.com.

MONDAY’S 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6Centering Prayer with the Rev. Jon Strand.

1:30-2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Rd, NE, Vienna in the newContemplative Prayer room on the third floor.Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer inwhich one may experience God’s presencewithin us, closer than breathing, closer thanthinking, closer than consciousness itself. Thismethod of prayer is both a personal relationshipand a discipline to deeper foster one’srelationship with God. Visitwww.HolyComforter.com.

selection is “Bogleheads’ Guide to the Three-Fund Portfolio: How a simple portfolio of threetotal market index funds outperforms mostinvestors with less risk” by Larimore Taylor.Adults.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 11Mystery Book Club. 1 p.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Join in themonthly unraveling of a whodunit or thriller.The March selection is The Janus Stone by EllyGriffiths. Adults.

THURSDAY/MARCH 12Dungeons and Dragons. 5 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Playthe Dungeons and Dragons game. Beginnerswelcome! Age: 12-17.

SATURDAY/MARCH 14Craft Show. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Park View High

School, 400 W. Laurel Ave., Sterling. The showincludes 75 vendors in the school’s gym with avariety of jewelry, accessories, soaps, candles,wreaths, pet treats, and more. There issomething for everyone. Proceeds from vendorfees benefit Park View’s Project Graduation.Free. Email:[email protected] the website: https://www.facebook.com/ParkViewCraftShow/

SATURDAY/MARCH 14Read to the Dog. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gain readingconfidence by reading to one of our therapydogs. Age 5-11.

SATURDAY/MARCH 14The ABC’s of CBD and Medical Marijuana. 2

p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Learn from a medical expert about thebenefits of medical marijuana, how to obtain itlegally and whether it can help you or someoneyou know. Adults. No registration required.

MONDAY/MARCH 16Handcraft Club Open House. 7 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Drop-in anytime and bring your favorite project orstart a new one. Beginners welcome. Learn fromother handcrafters about skills like crochet,knitting, weaving, and jewelry making. Teens-adults.

TUESDAY/MARCH 17Job Club. 4 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have questions aboutfinding or excelling in a job? Receive one-on-onehelp from a specialist. Presented by ServiceSource. Age 16-Adult.

THURSDAY/MARCH 19Oakton Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. At

Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. The March selection is “The Overstory”,a novel by Richard Powers. Everyone is welcometo join! Adults.

FRIDAY/MARCH 20Free Bird-Watching Class. 8-10 a.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Birding is a hobby that can last alifetime, and Riverbend Park is a great place toget some of the basics down as you start youradventure. The park is offering a free class thatcovers information a beginning birder shouldknow. Pick up tips on how to use binoculars forbird watching. Learn the importance of having afield guide and discover other ways to identifydifferent types of birds. The class is designed forparticipants age 14 to adult. Be an early birdand head to the park. The program runs from 8to 10 a.m. Call 703-759-9018 or visit RiverbendPark.

MARCH 25-28Oakton Friends Book Sale. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Members Pre-Book Sale—March 25 at 2-5:30 p.m.; BookSale—March 26 at 1-8 p.m.; March 27 at 10a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and March 28 at 10 .a.m-3 p.m.

SATURDAY/MARCH 28Free Black History Concert. 3 p.m. At Historic

Pleasant Grove Church, 8641 Lewinsville Road,McLean. Featuring the Washington RevelsJubilee Voices in a free concert celebratingAfrican American musical traditions. This event

TUESDAY/MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 31Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun withyour child and build early literacy foundationsfor reading success. Age 18 months-3 years withan adult.

TUESDAY/MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 31Canasta Group. 12:30 p.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Enjoysocializing while you play Canasta. Beginnerswelcome. Adults.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 4, 11 AND 18Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Havefun with your child and build early literacyfoundations for reading success. Age 3-5 withadult.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 4Chair Yoga. 3 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Learn relaxation andexercise techniques through Chair Yoga. Adults.

Best Spring Brunch. 7-10 p.m. At McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Enjoy timeless brunch classics,including eggs, sausage, home fries, fruit saladand coffee cake. Instructor: Chef John Bauhs.Cost is 1 lesson @ 3 hrs, $80/$65 MCC districtresidents.

THURSDAY/MARCH 5Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gainleadership experience and discuss what thelibrary can do for you. Grades 7-12.

FRIDAY/MARCH 6Free Bird-Watching Class. 8-10 a.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Birding is a hobby that can last alifetime, and Riverbend Park is a great place toget some of the basics down as you start youradventure. The park is offering a free class thatcovers information a beginning birder shouldknow. Pick up tips on how to use binoculars forbird watching. Learn the importance of having afield guide and discover other ways to identifydifferent types of birds. The class is designed forparticipants age 14 to adult. Be an early birdand head to the park. The program runs from 8to 10 a.m. Call 703-759-9018 or visit RiverbendPark.

Bilingual Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.Bilingual Storytime in English and Hindi. Enjoystories, songs and activities. Birth-5 with adult.

Singer Gina Chavez. 7 p.m. At Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave., East, Vienna. VisitGinaChavez.com.

MARCH 6-8Tysons Library Book Sale. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At

Tysons Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 LeesburgPike, Falls Church. Hours are Friday, March 6,

2020, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, March 7,2020, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, March 8 , 2020,1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Half Price / $10 per Bag Sale.Large selection of books and media for all agesand interests. Email:[email protected], or call 703-790-4031 or 703-338-3307.

SATURDAY/MARCH 7Family Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Stories andsongs for the whole family. All ages.

Norooz. 1 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Celebrate the PersianNew Year and day of the vernal equinox,marking the beginning of spring, symbolizingrebirth and renewal. Please join us to enjoymusic, crafts and delicious sweets! Local authorArsia Rozegar will be reading an excerpt of hischildren’s book series, “Shahnameh for Kids”.For all the family.

Explore the Night Sky. 6-8 p.m. At TurnerFarm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls.Observatory Park at Turner Farm will be hostingan “Astronomy Festival.” Enjoy activities such asguided star gazing, looking through a telescope,and listening to ancient stories about theconstellations as you warm up around acampfire. There will be activities and gamesthroughout the evening. Hot chocolate andsnacks will be available for purchase. The cost is$10 per person, and the event is designed forparticipants age 3 to adult. This festival will becanceled in the event of rain or snow. Call 703-324-8618 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.

SUNDAY/MARCH 8Women’s Choral Festival. 4-6 p.m. At

Community of Faith United Methodist Church,13224 Franklin Farm Road, Herndon. Join in anafternoon celebrating International Women’sDay featuring the voices of Capital Harmoniaand Freedom High School Bella Voce.Premiering local composer Lee Larson’s “AWinter Dawn. Free. Visit the websiteCapitalharmonia.org.

MONDAY/MARCH 9Legos in the Library. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Buildanything with Duplos and Legos! Age 2-12.

TUESDAY/MARCH 10 AND 17Code Club. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Learn Scratchprogramming with our team of experts! Ages 9-11.

TUESDAY/MARCH 10Money Matters Financial Book Discussion. 7

p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Monthly group discussion focuses onpersonal finance and investing. The March

Calendar

Reston ChoraleReston Chorale presents Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” on Sunday, March 8 atSt. Luke Catholic Church in McLean.

SUNDAY/MARCH 8Reston Chorale. 4-6 p.m. At St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The Reston

Chorale presents Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” featuring Baritone James Martin and Organ Virtuoso AdamBrakel. Cost: $0-$30. Tickets/information at restonchorale.org.


News

The League of Women Vo-ters of the Fairfax Area(LWVFA) celebrated the100th anniversary of the League ofWomen Voters on Feb. 23, 2020.More than 100 LWV members at-tended the afternoon tea, held atthe Country Club of Fairfax. TheLeague was founded by CarrieChapman Catt in 1920, just sixmonths before the 19th Amend-ment to the U.S. Constitution wasratified, giving all Americanwomen the right to vote after a 72-year fight for women’s suffrage.

Vivian Watts, Member, VirginiaHouse of Delegates, was the fea-tured speaker and described herown more than 50 years as aLeague member, including asPresident of LWVFA (1975-77).She recounted the strong influenceand encouragement of Leaguementors as she launched her po-litical career and how greatly shebenefitted as a delegate from thesubject-matter expertise she haddeveloped during her years as aLeague member. Watts describedmembers as “engaged with energyand spirit” as they “not just en-sured that people vote but that thevoters are informed.”

LWVFA Co-President NancyRoodberg honored the 28 womenwho have been members of theLeague for 50 or more years. Oneof them, Leslie Byrne, formermember of the U.S. House of Rep-resentatives and LWVFA President(1982-83) described the criticalsupport she had received fromVivian Watts in starting her ownpolitical career. She also creditedthe League in providing her withher first experience in fundraising.

In a congratulatory letter readat the event, United States Sena-tor Mark Warner praised the “ex-traordinarily important role” theLeague has played in U.S. democ-racy. “You have worked to em-power citizens by helping themunderstand policy issues andthrough your advocacy efforts.”

Capital Harmonia, a communitywomen’s chorus based in North-ern Virginia, dedicated to bring-ing music written for women’svoices, opened the event by per-forming songs that celebrate andinspire women.

The League of Women Voters isa nonpartisan citizens’ organiza-tion that has fought since 1920 toimprove the government and en-gage all citizens in the decisionsthat impact their lives. The Leagueoperates at national, state and lo-cal levels through more than 700state and local Leagues, in all 50

Del Vivian Watts (D-39) describes her own morethan 50 years as a League member.

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League of Women VotersCelebrates 100th Anniversary

states as well as in DC, the VirginIslands and Hong Kong. Member-ship in the League of Women Vot-

ers is open to anyone — men andwomen — age 16 and older.. Moreat http://www.lwv-fairfax.org/


By Kristin Clark Tay-lor

Great Falls author Rid-ley Nelson will discussand sign his newestbook, “Echoes from Far Lands:Stories on Culture, Farming,and Life,” on Thursday, March19, at 7 p.m., at the Great FallsLibrary in Great Falls.

The idea for the book itself,Nelson says, was first born inthe basement of his Great Fallshome, when, taking a breakfrom his gardening, the semi-retired agricultural economiststretched out on the sofa andreached for the nearest book offof his bookshelf, which turnedout to be an Australian anthol-ogy of poems. Nelson says thepages of the book opened tothese words from JudithWright’s, “South of my Days”:

“Seventy years of stories heclutches round his bones. Sev-enty years are hived in him likeold honey.”

Wright’s words resonateddeeply with Nelson, as he re-counts in the opening para-graph of his book: “It occurredto me that I, too, felt ‘hived’ fullof stories, and, as it happened,about seventy years’ worth, too.So, unable to hold them in anylonger, I started writing.”

Nelson, who has both Britishand Australian citizenship andlives in Great Falls, has lived inEngland, Australia (his place of

birth), Egypt, India, Tanzania,and Kenya, and has visitedninety-five countries. Many ofthese global encounters – allrichly-textured and meticu-lously crafted – are woven intothe fabric of his book.

“I appreciate the opportunityto discuss my work at this greatcommunity forum,” Nelson sayswith enthusiasm. “I’m lookingforward to an active dialogueand discussion,” he says.

Nelson’s book, published byMascot Books in Herndon, ispowerful and compelling. Withheart, humility, and often withhumor, the author guides thereader on a globe-trotting jour-ney from the halls of his En-glish boarding school to thesheep stations of his nativeAustralia, from a dimly-lit En-glish pub to a peaceful villagechurch, and even on an excit-ing lion-hunting expedition inAfrica.

During the March 19 event,which will be hosted by theGreat Falls Writers Group andthe Great Falls Library, Nelsonwill discuss his writing process,engage in Q&A with the audi-ence, and read from his work.Copies will also be available forsigning and purchase. Theevent is open to the entire com-munity and free to the public.

Because a capacity crowdis expected and seating isopen, an early arrival (6:45p.m.) is recommended.

Great Falls Author toDiscuss His New Book

Photo by Kristin Clark TaylorGreat Falls author Ridley Nelson will discuss his newbook on March 19 at the Great Falls Library.

Wellbeing

By Marilyn CampbellThe Connection

March is self-injury prevention month,a time when mental health profes-sionals work to raise awareness ofthe condition, recognize the signs and work toremove the stigma. Known by clinicians as non-suicidal self-injury, the behavior is described asintentionally harming oneself without intend-ing to end one’s life. The population most likelyto engage in self-harm behaviors range frommiddle school through college, according to theAmerican Psychological Association.

“When teens begin engaging in cutting be-havior it is typically because they are feelingoverwhelmed by intense feelings or emotionsand don’t have the coping skills to manage orrespond to how they feel, said therapist CarolBarnaby, MSW, LCSW.

“Adolescents might self-injure to distractthemselves from intense negative emotions ofsadness or anger, or emotional numbness,added Jerome Short, Ph.D., Associate Profes-

self-harming releases the body’s natural opiates andendorphins that help them manage their feelings,”said Joanne Bagshaw, Ph.D., Professor of Psychol-ogy at Montgomery College. “On the flip side, a teenwho is shut down or who feels numb might self-harmto feel their feelings. Alternatively, self-harm may befor the teen to communicate that they need help.”

Several factors might trigger self-inflicted injuries.“Childhood abuse and conflicted parental relation-ships may trigger self-injury,” said Short. “Self-injurymay be a sign of depression, anxiety, substance use,or post-traumatic stress disorders.”

Parents who suspect that their child might be en-gaging in intentional self-injury should avoid criti-cism and seek mental health treatment. “Parentsshould not ignore the problem,” said Short. “If chil-dren engage in life threatening behavior, they shouldtake them to a hospital.”

Noticing those marks, however,could require careful attention.“Teens who self-injure often hidethe marks that self-injury mightcause,” said Child PsychologistStacie Isenberg, Psy. D. “For ex-ample, they may wear a long-sleeved shirt in hot weather ifthere are marks on their arms ormultiple bracelets if there aremarks on their wrists.”

“If parents feel that their teen is engaging in self-harm behaviors they should show compassion fortheir child and get help, added Barnaby. “Self-harmbehavior is very treatable with early intervention.“

Inflicting Pain to Gain ReliefSelf Injury Awareness Month is a timeto learn about the condition and erase the stigma.

“Self-injury may be a sign ofdepression, anxiety, substanceuse, or post-traumatic stressdisorders.”

— Jerome Short, Ph.D., Associate Professorof Psychology at George Mason University

sor of Psychology at George Mason University.“They may also want to punish themselves orexpress a need for help.”

Cuts and burns on the wrists or thighs areamong the most common signs of self-injury.“Parents may notice their children have unex-plained cuts, burns, or bruises,” said Short.“Adolescents may wear clothing or bracelets tocover themselves even in very warm settings.Parents may find knives or razors in theirchildren’s rooms or notice they are missing fromthe home.”

“Other signs that your child may be cuttinginclude marks on the skin from scratching, us-ing a paper clip or skin picking, advises Barnaby.“Multiple similar marks on the skin in closeproximity for which your child has no explana-tion,’ said Barnaby.

While cutting and burningoneself causes pain initially,that pain can evolve into re-lief. “Sometimes cutting canbe habit-forming or becomecompulsive, said Barnaby.“This in simple terms, meansthat the more the personcuts the more they feel theneed to do it and their brainassociates cutting with re-lief.”

Teens might turn to self-injury as a way ofregulating their emotions. “For teens who arefeeling a lot of strong and intense emotions,

StacieIsenberg

“Self-harm behavioris very treatablewith earlyintervention.”

— Carol Barnaby, LCSW

JeromeShort


News

The massive crowd assembled at The St. James listens to Sanders.

Bernie Sanders Rallies with ThousandsAt St. James Sports in Springfield

Democratic presidential candidate Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT) held a rally withU.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) in Springfield on Saturday, Feb. 29. Sanders ad-dressed the thousands of supporters packed onto theindoor field at The St. James Sports, Wellness, andEntertainment Complex as he made a final push forvotes before the Super Tuesday primaries.

Rep. Ilhan Omar energizes the crowdbefore introducing Democratic presi-

dential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders.Sen. Bernie Sanders delivers his speech to the thousandsin attendance.

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South Lakes High Schoolin Reston is where LindseyHirshfeld goes to school andis a senior. “Hirshfeld feels em-pathy for classmates who arestruggling to overcome a vari-ety of issues that make themfeel isolated. She helped raisemoney for children with braintumors, organized cultural fes-tivals to showcase diversity, andhelped stage a school-wide si-lent protest against gun vio-lence,” said Fisher.

At South County HighSchool in Lorton, SiedeenAhmed, Senior foundedSouth County’s Interfaith Clubto provide a safe space for stu-dent-led discussions. “She isalso the President of Stallionswith Refugees. Her goal is tospread the message that all stu-dents, including immigrantsand refugees, are welcome andvalued,” said Fisher.

One after another, Fisher readprofiles of youth who made adifference, some locally likeCatherine Soto, Senior atLee High School in Spring-

field. “Soto helped create theBest Buddies chapter at Lee HighSchool. Soto and her fellow BestBuddies leaders were responsiblefor recruiting general educationstudents who wished to build a re-lationship with the special needsstudents who might not otherwisehave had the opportunity to en-gage with the student community,”said Fisher.

Others made differences toworld neighbors, like BetsabePardo, Senior at MountainView High School inCentreville. Pardo raised moneyto bring safe drinking water tocommunities around the world.

Dignitaries acknowledged theachievements of the recipients.U.S. Rep. Gerry Connelly (D-11)said, “I congratulate this year’s re-cipients of the Student PeaceAwards. Their leadership and com-mitment to being peacemakersand fostering mutual respect forour differences are bringing posi-tive change and inclusivity to ourcommunity.”

Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Ma-son District) shared a letter fromChair of the Fairfax County Board

From Page 3

Peace Awards Presented

of Supervisors, Jeffery McKay. Sheread: “I am always proud to seethe level of commitment our stu-dents in Fairfax County put towardimproving our community. It is thisinspiring energy and action, com-bined with Fairfax County resi-dents’ diverse experiences that al-low us to consistently strive to-ward creating a better community

for all.”In her remarks , Gues t

Speaker Kendyl Crawford, Di-rector of Virginia InterfaithPower & Light addressed theeffect of climate change onpeace.

Crawford sa id she wasamazed at the students’ effortsto care not only for their neigh-

bors but to repair relation-ships with Mother Earth.

The awardees received $250,plus another $100 to be givento any nonprofit organizationof their choice that operated inthe spirit of the Peace Awards.The students also received thebook, Sweet Fruit from a Bit-ter Tree by Mark Andreas.

Margaret Fisher emcees the 2020 StudentPeace Awards of Fairfax County held at theStacy C. Sherwood Community Center,Fairfax, on Sunday, March 1.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) offershis congratulations to the recipients ofthe 2020 Student Peace Awards ofFairfax County.

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection


From Page 10

Calendar

will take place in a quaint 1895church setting, now an historic site.For information, seewww.HistoricPleasantGrove.org.

SATURDAY/APRIL 1832nd Annual Potomac River

Watershed Cleanup. 9 a.m. to 12p.m. Hosted by the Alice FergusonFoundation, 2001 Bryan Point Rd,Accokeek. The Annual Potomac RiverWatershed Cleanup has become acatalyst for progress that ignitespeople’s interest and passion for theenvironment and community action.The largest regional event of its kind,the Cleanup provides a transformingexperience that engages residentsand community leaders andgenerates momentum for change.ThePotomac River Watershed Cleanuphas grown from a small shorelinecleanup at Piscataway National Parkto a watershed wide network. Whatstarted as a few cleanup events alongthe Potomac River is now a regionalevent spanning Maryland, Virginia,the District of Columbia, WestVirginia, and Pennsylvania. If youcan’t make this date or location checkout PotomacCleanup.org to findanother cleanup near you.

SATURDAY/APRIL 25Order Spring Native Plants. 8 a.m.

to 11 a.m. At Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Dosomething good for yourself and theenvironment. Put your shopping listtogether for the annual Native PlantSale sponsored by the Friends ofRiverbend Park (FORB). Choose fromnative plants, ferns and shrubs thatare suited for the climate in Fairfax

County and benefit local wildlife.Proceeds from the sale benefitRiverbend Park, too. You can pre-order online through March 21,2020, and the plants will be availablefor pickup at the park’s OutdoorClassroom on Friday, April 24, theday before the sale for the generalpublic. Go to FORB’s website (http://www.forb.wildapricot.org/Native-Plant-Sale) for all the details. Thepublic sale takes place on Saturday,April 25 from 8 to 11 a.m. Call 703-759-9018.

ONGOINGDrop-in Mah Jongg. Wednesdays,

9:30 a.m.-noon at McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 InglesideAve., McLean. Players should have abasic understanding of the rules andshould bring their current AmericanMJ League card. For McLean Districtresidents. [email protected] for more.

Camp Grow Registration Open.Camp Grow at Meadowlark BotanicalGardens, in Vienna, invites childrento explore nature through hands-onactivities, gardening, discoverywalks, crafts, music, storytelling, andanimal programs. Camp Grow isdesigned to engage, challenge,educate and encourage a sense ofcommunity. Camp Grow values andencourages inclusion of all campersin every activity. Visitwww.novaparks.com/things-to-do/camps/ for more.

The Golden Girls of NorthernVirginia, a senior women’s softballleague, is looking for players. Anywoman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels arewelcome. Games are on Wednesdayevenings and Saturday mornings inVienna, April-October. Other

activities during the year. Visitwww.goldengirls.org.

Free Tai Chi. Through Oct. 26,Saturdays, 7:55-9 a.m., meet on theoutdoor basketball court locateddirectly behind the Dolley MadisonPublic Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.,McLean Central Park, McLean.Introduction and beginners’ practice.All are welcome. Moves indoors forfall and winter. Call 703-759-9141 orvisit www.FreeTaiChi.org for more.

Trivia Night. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at LostDog Cafe - McLean, 1690 AndersonRoad, McLean. Trivia featuringmultiple winners and fun door prizes.Free to play. Visitwww.facebook.com/EarthTriviaDc/for more.

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

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

Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Emmaus United Church of Christ, 900E Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Saturdays,9:30 a.m. Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax, 2709 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Gentle KundaliniYoga, one free introductory session,senior discounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reducestress. Ravi Kaur has 15 yearsexperience teaching yoga. $15 persession. Visitwww.edimprovement.org or call 571-213-3192.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

this previously written article from July 2019:

Presumably, most of you readers are aware that many supermarkets have a rack located somewhere near the rear of the store that is stocked with off-price merchandise: discontin-ued items, items with damaged packaging, out of season products, etc. Over the years, I have been a regular checker of this rack looking for such bargains. I have purchased breakfast cereal, soup, cookies, candy, and miscellaneous other non-perishables. I’ve even purchased two bags of Kingsford charcoal. In addition, I’ve seen household products, health and beauty, school supplies; and everything else you can imagine, running the gamut from “A” to “Z,” for sale. Recently however, in this rack I saw a product I’m not sure I even thought was available to the general public, and if it was, would not have thought buying it from the discontinued mer-chandise rack at the supermarket would not have been the way to go. But what do I know? As has been proven many times: not much.

The item? A DNA Paternity Test Kit. I guess I thought, if this test was necessary, it would involve a physician or at least be administered by a health care professional and/or involve witnesses/legal representation (at least a notary). Going to the supermarket or even the drug store? And then testing yourself without necessarily knowing the precautions and proper procedures appropriate for the task at hand? There seems as if there’s a bit more at stake here than an at-home pregnancy test, a test with which many of us are familiar. But DNA testing at home? What is this, the Maury Povich Show?

Having not traveled down this particular road myself, perhaps I’m unaware of the realities. All I know is what I’ve seen on television or read about in the papers. I guess I just assumed (generally a bad thing), that the steps one takes

were a bit more involved than a visit to the supermarket. Apparently, this subject is just another where I know very little about, like tools and how to use them, automobile repair, home maintenance, lawn and garden, cooking, and on and on and on. But enough about me.

What about those wanting answers to extraor-dinarily important questions: Who’s the father? And is that my child? Looks can be deceiving so a professional, or so I thought, incorrectly, is brought in to oversee the process. Nope. No professional need apply. Just go to your local “chemist,” as they say in England. No need to visit “the surgery,” as they also say over there.

go back to your home/work and swab, stick, pin-prick or whatever and the results will be known soon enough if you or someone else is whomever they claim to be or not to be. That is the question which begs an answer. Shakespeare notwithstanding

It seems only fair that one’s birthright should be gotten wrong. And not that home-testing can’t be trusted. Just the opposite. Nevertheless, some things, like circumcisions, though they can be performed at home (see “Shaky the mohel” from a long ago Seinfeld episode). I would have thought, a DNA Paternity test, given the need/

possibly impact multiple individuals/families over generations, be similarly performed in the most careful of conditions. This kind of test has no margin for error - or humor. “Bought the kit in the discount rack at my local supermarket.” Is that the answer you want to give when all eyes are on you? And saying how much you saved over regular price is unlikely to endear you to any and all of the interested parties on hand. After all, money really isn’t the issue.

Money For What, Exactly?

From Page 5

Bulletinin-depth, personalized care planning, educationand support. A consultation is more than just ameeting with a dementia expert. Highly trainedstaff help to develop a road map to navigatethrough the thoughts, emotions and questionsthat family members, care partners and thediagnosed person may have, including:

❖ Assessment of the functional status of the personwith dementia;

❖ Navigating difficult caregiving decisions and rolechanges in the family;

❖ Information and resources to assist with legal andfinancial matters;

❖ Available community resources;❖ Partnering with the physician and/or health care

provider;❖ Safety concerns.To schedule a consultation, call the Alzheimer’s

Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

TUESDAY/MARCH 31GFES Kindergarten Orientation. 9:15 to 10:15

a.m. At Great Falls Elementary School, 701Walker Road, Great Falls. Children who are fiveby September 30, 2020 are eligible to enterkindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Toconfirm Great Falls Elementary School servesyour particular address, please visit the FCPSwebsite, click on the boundary link, and type inyour address. Parents and eligible children areinvited to an overview of the Great FallsElementary School kindergarten program. Risingkindergarten students will meet ourkindergarten teachers in the classroom for aspecial welcome and activities. Parents will meetin the cafeteria to receive an overview of thekindergarten program, including curriculum andthe daily schedule. This is an excellentopportunity for parents unsure of whether ornot their child is ready for kindergarten to come,listen, and make an informed decision.Registration packets are available onlinewww.fcps.edu

SUPPORT GROUPSParent Support Partners, a service of the

Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parentswho have received training and are qualified tooffer education, support and assistance at nocost to families or caregivers. They providereliable information that families can use indecision-making and are familiar with servicesand resources that can help families in distress.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton ViennaCaregivers’ Support Group takes place firstand third Thursday of each month, 10-11:30a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregationof Fairfax (UUCF) - Program Building, 2709Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. For caregivers toadult family members with dementia. First andthird Thursdays of every month. Hosted byShepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org.Contact facilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Haven of Northern Virginia Support Group.703-941-7000, www.havenofnova.org [email protected].

Virginia Chronic Pain Support Group Meetsfrom 1:30-3 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of eachmonth at Kaplan Center for IntegrativeMedicine, 6829 Elm St., Suite 300, McLean.Group leader, Jodi Brayton, LCSW. 703-532-4892.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDSTEM Professionals Needed. Volunteers are

needed to assist K-12 STEM teachers in northernVirginia as part of the American Association forthe Advancement of Science’s STEM VolunteerProgram, stemvolunteers.org, during the 2019-20 school year, beginning in September. Pleasecontact Don Rea at 571-551-2488 [email protected].

Assistance League of Northern Virginia, avolunteer nonprofit, invites community membersto join the organization to participate in itsReading Express program. Mary Gronlund [email protected] or Program Coordinator LynnBarron at [email protected].

Volunteer Adult Mentors Needed. Help assistthe Department of Family Services’ BeFriendA-Child mentoring program. The mentors provideopportunities for companionship, guidance andsupport to children who have been abused andneglected, or who are at risk of abuse andneglect. Contact Ibrahim Khalil [email protected] or 703-324-4547.

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