PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Easton, MD PERMIT #322 Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material. Requested in home 3-30-17 Opinion, Page 8 ❖ Entertainment, Page 16 ❖ Classifieds, Page 18 Photo by Alina Lemay online at www.connectionnewspapers.com March 29 - April 4, 2017 McLean McLean Inside Inside Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 1 ConnectionNewspapers.com Page 10 Monica Gibson of New Dominion Women’s Club models at the 10th annual Spring Fling Fashion Show at Bloomingdale’s. McLean Community Center Closed For Renovation News, Page 3 McLean Teen Goes to Maccabiah Games News, Page 14 McLean Community Center Closed For Renovation News, Page 3 McLean Teen Goes to Maccabiah Games News, Page 14 Fashion Show To Help Local Charities News, Page 15 Fashion Show To Help Local Charities News, Page 15 Family Connection Family Connection
Transcript
McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Easton, MD
PERMIT #322
Attention Postmaster:
Time sensitive material.
Requested in home 3-30-17
Opinio
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online at www.connectionnewspapers.comMarch 29 - April 4, 2017
McLeanMcLean InsideInside
Great Fal
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Monica Gibson ofNew DominionWomen’s Clubmodels at the 10thannual Spring FlingFashion Show atBloomingdale’s.
McLean Community CenterClosed For RenovationNews, Page 3
McLean Teen Goes toMaccabiah GamesNews, Page 14
McLean Community CenterClosed For RenovationNews, Page 3
McLean Teen Goes toMaccabiah GamesNews, Page 14
Fashion ShowTo Help Local Charities
News, Page 15
Fashion ShowTo Help Local Charities
News, Page 15
Family
Connection
Family
Connection
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McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Ground was broken for the 18-month renovation of theMcLean Community Center onWednesday, March 22. “The
McLean Community Center is certainly ahub for McLean’s community, but that hubhas been looking a bit tired lately,”Dranesville District Supervisor John Foustsaid at the groundbreaking. “But that isgoing to change very quickly.”
The Sorensen Gross Company will bedoing the work for the renovation for $5.1million. The center’s budget for the reno-vation project and temporary relocation ofall its programs is $8 million, which hasalready been allocated and is ready to bespent.
The current building, built in 1975, isapproximately 51,000 square-feet. Theproject will renovate approximately 33,000square-feet of the original building.
The indoor work will improve the admin-istration suite and bring the building up tocompliance with the federal Americans withDisabilities Act. The work will allow theconsolidation of all staff members into oneadministration office area.
“We have staff all over this building — inclosets, in storage rooms — not really de-signed for an environment of being in anoffice area,” George Sachs, executive direc-tor of the center, said during thegroundbreaking.
NEW MEETING ROOMS, a multipurposeroom and an expanded lobby will also beadded to the building, providing it with7,700 square-feet of additional space.
“Our rehearsal hall that was downstairsis overbooked,” Sachs said. “It’s one of theonly rooms that we really have access tothat can do our dance programs.”
The multipurpose room will be outfittedwith flooring and mirrors to accommodatethe center’s dance programs, according toSachs.
center’s registration office.However, all the center’s dance programs
will need to be moved to a separate loca-tion in the Langley Shopping Center at 1374Chain Bridge Road. Last week, the commu-nity center announced that these classes willbe held at the Color Wheel, a paint store.
“Color Wheel was approached by theMCC to see if we might provide space forsome of its classes,” Roberta Recor, thestore’s spokesperson, said in a press release.“As our community has always been so goodto us, we want to be a good neighbor inreturn.”
The paint store will be reducing the sizeof its showroom so that the community cen-ter can lease space for the dance classes.
The community center’s administrativeoffices will also be temporarily moved tothe shopping center at 6631 Old DominionDrive on the first floor of the Century 21New Millennium building. This space willhouse the executive director, finance, facili-ties and public information offices.
“I can’t wait to present this facility to ourcommunity at our next grand event, whichwill happen here in we’re saying about ayear and a half, and we’re going to stick tothat,” Sachs said.
MCC Closed 18 Months For Renovation
McLean Community Center staff members, Governing Board members, Virginia Delegates Richard “Rip”Sullivan, Jr. and Kathleen Murphy and renovation donors break ground for the work to begin.
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A McLean man was sentenced to fiveyears in prison for collecting tensof thousands of images and videos
of child pornography since 2004.“For the last 12 years Seth Thornton vis-
ited depraved corners of the Internet to huntfor images and videos of young girls beingsexually exploited and abused,” said DanaJ. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern Dis-trict of Virginia. “It is beyond dispute thatchild pornography trafficking crimes aregrievous offenses that deserve serious pen-alties. The distribution and receipt of childpornography fuels a market for further pro-duction and abuse, while continuing thevictimization of children depicted in theimages. While these crimes can be very dif-ficult to talk about, we must continue to
McLean Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Crimesbring awareness to these prosecutions withthe goal of protecting our children fromsexual predators by deterring others fromcommitting similar crimes, online and else-where.”
Seth Aaron Thornton, 43, pleaded guiltyon Nov. 2, 2016. According to court docu-ments, Thornton, an information technol-ogy consultant who has worked for promi-nent consulting companies as well as thefederal government, had been using peer-to-peer networks to amass a collection ofimages and videos of minor girls, primarilyaged approximately 8 to 14 years old,though many featured even younger chil-dren. Some child exploitation files inThornton’s collection depicted sadistic,masochistic, or other violent imagery.
“Child pornography, in any form, hauntsits victims for their entire lifetime,” saidPatrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent inCharge of U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement’s (ICE) Homeland SecurityInvestigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “Ourspecial agents are dedicated to identifyingand investigating individuals who prey onchildren, and we will ensure they’re pros-ecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the East-ern District of Virginia; Acting AssistantAttorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of theJustice Department’s Criminal Division; andPatrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent inCharge of U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement’s (ICE) Homeland SecurityInvestigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.,
made the announcement after sentencingby Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M.Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D.Song and Special Assistant U.S. AttorneyJames E. Burke IV prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood,a nationwide initiative to combat the grow-ing epidemic of child sexual exploitationand abuse launched in May 2006 by theDepartment of Justice. Led by U.S. Attor-neys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation andObscenity Section (CEOS), Project SafeChildhood marshals federal, state and lo-cal resources to better locate, apprehendand prosecute individuals who exploit chil-dren via the Internet, as well as to identifyand rescue victims. For more about ProjectSafe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
George Sachs, executive director ofthe center, speaks to the long-awaited renovation project thatwas years in the making.
Robert “Bob” Alden — whom thecommunity center’s Alden Theaterwas named after — and his wifeDiane Alden were were specialguests at the groundbreakingceremony.The Duval Art Studio, Alden Theater and
recently-renovated kitchen will not beworked on during the project.
Exterior work includes an upgrade to thecenter’s existing stormwater managementsystem, additional parking spaces, a newfront entrance design and the enclosure ofthe existing outdoor courtyard.
The community center has been an in-vestment for the McLean community eversince the residents voted to establish a spe-cial tax district to fund it more than 50 yearsago.
“They agreed to a real estate tax sur-charge so that the McLean Community Cen-ter could be built and funded,” Foust said.“Think about that, residents who were will-ing to agree to tax themselves. Aren’t weglad they did?”
DURING THE RENOVATION, most of thecenter’s classes will be held at 6645 OldDominion Drive in the McLean SquareShopping Center. The temporary locationhas four classrooms and will also house the
4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
On March 21, high school seniors from four Northern Virginia schoolsspent the day shadowing bankers at United Bank as part of Bank Day,a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia Bankers Association. Thepurpose of the day is to expose students to the banking industry andprovide them with an opportunity to learn about banking, financialservices and the vital role United Bank plays in its community. Thestudents toured United Bank’s Tysons Corner branch and posted withbranch staff.
The students enjoyed hearing insights and career guidance from UnitedBank President & CEO Jim Consagra (pictured).
Seniors Shadow BankersO
n March 21, high school seniorsfrom four Northern Virginiaschools spent the day shadowing
bankers at United Bank as part of Bank Day,a statewide effort sponsored by the VirginiaBankers Association (VBA) Education Foun-dation and the VBA Emerging Bank Lead-ers. The purpose of the day is to expose stu-dents to the banking industry and providethem with an opportunity to learn aboutbanking, financial services and the vital roleUnited Bank plays in its community.
The third Tuesday in March was declaredBank Day by the Virginia General Assem-bly in 1991.
From their experience, participating stu-dents will write an essay for the chance towin a scholarship. Six regional scholarshipsof $2,500 each will be awarded, and fromthose six winners an overall statewide win-
ner will be chosen. The statewide winnerwill receive an additional $5,000 scholar-ship. There will also be six honorable men-tion scholarships of $1,000 each. In all, 12students will receive scholarships totaling$26,000.
During their visit to United Bank, studentsmet with senior representatives from thebranch administration, loan, credit, humanresources and marketing departments. Af-ter an introduction to the basics of bankingand a tour of the branch, students learnedabout the loan process, the importance ofgood credit, the profile of a qualified bor-rower, tips on navigating a corporate hir-ing process, how United Bank is involvedin the community and more. Students alsospent time with United Bank President andCEO Jim Consagra, who shared career ad-vice and insights into the industry.
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6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
By Fallon Forbush
The Connection
Fairfax County residents are majorusers of the Nextdoor social networkand the Fairfax County Police De-
partment has taken advantage of it to con-nect with the communities they patrol andprotect.
Nextdoor spokesperson Joseph Porcellijoined the FCPD at the McLean District Po-lice Station on Thursday, March 23, for apress conference to acknowledge thecounty’s widespread adoption of its freeservice.
“Over the past year, we have seen thecommunity embrace Nextdoor as a valuableand reliable communication tool,” DeputyChief of Police for Administration Lt. Col.Tom Ryan, said during the press conference.“In fact, resident adoption has been sostrong that Fairfax County is now the fast-est growing county using Nextdoor in theMid-Atlantic and Northeast.”
Adoption of Nextdoor by neighbors acrossFairfax County has more than doubled overthe past year. Now more than 100,000 resi-dents, in more than 760 neighborhoods, areconnected to each other and the police de-
partment.These neighborhoods were acknowledged
for their adoption of Nextdoor at the pressconference:
❖ Most Members Enrolled – Fort Hunt-Stratford, Alexandria
❖ Most Talkative Neighborhood –Bentana Park, Reston
❖ Most Supportive Neighborhood – Hunt-ers Green Cluster, Reston
❖ Most Social Neighborhood – Reflection,Herndon
❖ Most Helpful Neighborhood – Memo-rial Heights, Alexandria
❖ Most Generous Neighborhood –
Chantilly Highlands, Herndon❖ Most Watchful Neighborhood – Old
Trail, Reston❖ Most Welcoming Neighborhood –
WVPCA, Annandale❖ Nextdoor Neighborhood Champions –
Burning Bush, Fairfax
EVER SINCE the department started us-ing Nextdoor a year ago, the social networkhas given them access to communicate withmore people than ever before, according toRyan.
“The residents need to understand thatwe work for them,” Ryan said. “They do not
work for us, we do not control them. Wework for them. We are your police depart-ment. I can’t emphasize that enough andtherefore you have a right to know what’sgoing on in your neighborhood. You have aright to know what’s going on in your com-munity.”
When crimes happen, crime preventionofficers use the social network as anotherplatform to post alerts and warnings thatare intended to keep their communities safeand help officers locate suspects.
These crime prevention officers alsomonitor the social network for chatter tostay abreast of happenings in their commu-nities.
“We could not do our jobs without thehelp of Fairfax County residents,” Ryan said.
Ryan then told the audience that he wouldlike to replace the term “community polic-ing” with the term “community engage-ment.”
“Nextdoor allows us to do that,” he said.“Nextdoor allows us to get the word out toa multitude of neighborhoods and a lot ofpeople in just a short amount of time.”
“Being proactive is getting the word outquickly,” Ryan said. “We can target infor-mation to certain neighborhoods that aremore impacted [by crime or crisis].”
The department created an Instagramaccount in September and also uses Twit-ter and Facebook.
Police Stations Turn To Their ‘Nextdoor’ NeighborsCops tout bettercommunity policing.
A year after the Fairfax County Police Department started usingNextdoor, the social network thanked officers and community membersfor helping the county become one of its top user areas in the country.
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Fundraiser SupportsMcLean Little League
A fundraiser for McLean Little League has been announced byHBC Group’s (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Cham-pions. Come to dinner on Tuesday, April 4, from 5-8 p.m. atPulcinella Italian Host in McLean to support McLean Little League.Enjoy dinner and know that approximately 70 percent of the pro-ceeds from food and drink will go directly to McLean Little League,as long as the diner brings the flyer for the event.
Contact HBC Group at 703-734-0192 or visitwww.HBCGroupKW.com to receive a flyer.
Sponsors of the event are: Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy withthe HBC Group of Keller Williams Realty; Marcus Simon with EKKOTitle; Kevin Dougherty of Pillar to Post; Kathy and Justin Neal ofThe Neal Team/SunTrust Mortgage; Jim Harris of BOWA; TheMcLean Chamber of Commerce; and Moe Jebali with PulcinellaItalian Host.
Cooper Middle to HelpChildhood Cancer Foundation
Cooper Middle School is hosting a Lip Sync Battle for Stillbrave,a childhood cancer foundation. Stillbrave’s mission is to help thefamilies of children with cancer while they are fighting battles oftheir own. They are not only there to support the children, butalso their families. The event is on April 5, 2:30-4:30 p.m., at Coo-per Middle School in McLean.
Tickets are $5 and there are snacks for sale as well. The moneyearned goes to the Stillbrave foundation. You will be watchingCooper Middle School students and staff compete in the lip syncbattle. Come to Cooper to support childhood cancer.
Week in McLean
8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
Virginia’s General Assembly has refusedto accept one of the key provisions ofthe Affordable Care Act, expansion of
Medicaid at almost no cost to Virginia thatcould have covered 400,000uninsured Virginians and wouldhave brought more than $10billion into the state. It has also
cost lives.Ironically, the failed bill to “repeal and re-
place” the Affordable Care Act includedchanges to Medicaid that would have penal-ized states, like Virginia, that did not expandMedicaid, permanently reducing federal fund-ing.
On Monday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe proposeda budget amendment restoring his authority
Expand Medicaid NowVirginia has missed outon $10 billion, 30,000jobs and care for400,000 citizens.
to pursue planning for Medicaid expansion inthe wake of the failed repeal effort in Congress.
Kansas and North Carolina are taking stepsthis week to expand Medicaid, hoping to jointhe 31 other states plus the District of Colum-bia that have already done so.
More than 140,000 residents of FairfaxCounty have no health insurance. More than40,000 residents of Arlington and Alexandriahave no health insurance. That’s more than 12percent of the people who live in one of thewealthiest areas in the nation.
A Harvard Medical School study determinedthat the decision by 25 states to reject the ex-pansion of Medicaid coverage under the Af-fordable Care Act would result in between7,115 and 17,104 more deaths than had allstates opted in. In Virginia, the number ofdeaths due to failure to expand Medicaid: be-tween 266 and 987.
From a practical perspective, declining fed-eral money to provide healthcare to uninsuredVirginians makes no more sense than declin-ing federal funds for transportation or educa-tion.
In Virginia, 102,000 uninsured people with
a mental illness or substance use disorder couldqualify for coverage if Medicaid were expandedunder the Affordable Care Act.
As Virginia and the rest of the nation wrestleswith heroin and opioid addiction, expandingMedicaid would allow for expanding treatmentprograms. One of the big obstacles to helpingpeople who are fighting addiction is the avail-ability of treatment when it is most needed.
“The time has come for us to bring our tax-payer dollars back to serve the individuals whoneed them the most,” said McAuliffe. “With thisamendment, I’m asking the General Assemblyto work with me to pursue Medicaid expan-sion and put this funding to work for our mostvulnerable Virginians.”
Primaries for candidates for the House ofDelegates plus governor, lieutenant governorand attorney general are in June, with all seatson the ballot in November. An important ques-tion as voters choose: What is their positionon Medicaid expansion? How did incumbentsvote?
Surrounded by all the dark newsof hate crimes, anti-Muslim slurs,and anti-immigration racist at-tacks, like the ones at Tysons mallin November and against an Asianman in Reston earlier this month( w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m /watch?v=TWxKPhSTPls), we arein desperate need of positive newsand shining the spotlight on effortsto spread healthy understandingand create healing bonds. I mettwo young people in our commu-nity, part of a small, but engaginggroup called #AskAMuslim, whoset up a table in front of the GreatFalls Library on March 18, offer-ing conversation, over donuts andcoffee, in an effort to build under-standing and start a dialogueabout what it is to be a Muslim andanswer questions about Islam.
#AskAMuslim seeks to tell you“Everything you wanted to knowabout Islam and Muslims but wereembarrassed to ask.” You can goto the website —www.AskAMuslim.net — air yourquestions/concerns, and someonewill respond. NPR did a segmenton AskAMuslim, on March 15,answering basic questions like:“What do Muslims believe?”“What is jihad?” “Are Muslims ac-cepting of other religions?” (Here’s
the link: the1a.org/shows/2017-03-15/ask-a-muslim).
I was surprised to hear thatAskAMuslim was turned away byother venues in the area. Obvi-ously, we need more such friendlyconversations to dispel some of theIslamophobia in our society, cre-ate awareness, and close the gapsin our understanding of eachother. The sticker I received says:“It’s all good - I asked a Muslimtoday!” So, go ahead, ask yourquestions and talk to some of thesewonderful people to see that it’snot “all bad.”
Shaila MuralidharGreat Falls
DisappointingVirtual TownHallTo the Editor:
For those of us who waited forU.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock’s (R-10) highly-anticipated virtualTown Hall meeting — it was a dis-appointment. Her teleconferencecenter connected me and manyother constituents 20 minutes af-ter the call had already started. Iattempted to get into the queue toask a question but was unable todo so.
Logistics aside, the call wasdominated by questions about therepeal and replacement ofObamacare, a topic important tothe 10th District. Unfortunately,
Ms. Comstock did not provide sub-stantive answers to any of thequestions of the call participants.Her responses about the GOP “Pa-tient-Centered” were echoes fromthe past eight years such as sell-ing insurance across state lines,tort reform, wellness programs,and, get this one — curing dis-eases.
None of these tactics have anychance of addressing the healthcare needs of working class folksin the near term.
Another constituent’s questionwas related to why Comstockvoted “yes” to implement theHolman Rule which gives Con-gress the power to reduce the sala-ries of individual federal workersto $1.
Ms. Comstock responded to theinquiry claiming that the HolmanRule implementation was tempo-rary for one year and she “hoped”it would not get abused. This isrisky business when a member ofCongress is casting votes in “hope”of things working out later.
After listening to the town hall,I now understand why Comstockwas a no-show at two previousconstituent meetings and thenused a virtual forum that insulatesher from serious questions of heraccountability to her constituents.We deserve better representationin the 10th District. We can startnow and demand more than vir-tual meetings and pre-screenedquestions. Given all the importantissues before Congress this year we
want a representative who willengage face-to-face with her con-stituents.
Jalmeen SoniMcLean
The BeesAre HungryTo the Editor:
In addition to pesticides andherbicides that kill bees, this year’slate hard freeze has turned brownmany of the nectar laden blossomsof our flowering trees. These flow-ers provide early food for our pol-linators, think bees. Trees that arenot adapted to this type of “Vir-ginia Freeze Surprise,” mainlynon-native trees such as star mag-nolia and Japanese cherry hadtheir blossoms turn brown in ourarea.
Bradford Pear trees, also suf-fered the brown blossom treat-ment. I was cheering these lessonsfor the people that plant the non-native and Bradford Pear treesuntil I remembered that if they arenot sterile, these flowers have nec-tar accessible to our bee popula-tion and now they are useless. So,we have choices, continue to planttrees and plants that are notadapted to our environment andwill not feed our pollinators, thinkbees, or plant the trees and plantsthat will feed our pollinators andcan handle our climate.
Kathryn FowlerHerndon
Letters to the Editor
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News
By Fallon Forbush
The Connection
Great Falls-based Traveling PlayersEnsemble put on two shows for itswinter tour. The children started
rehearsing in January, said Jeanne Harrison,producing artistic director for the organi-zation.
“The Wizard of Oz” was performed by thegroup’s elementary and middle school stu-dents and “The Taming of the Shrew” wasperformed by its advanced high schoolShakespeare group.
Both casts opened their shows on Satur-day, March 11, at the Latin American YouthCenter in Riverdale, Md. The kids alsotoured with their shows, performing for lo-cal retirement communities and schools.
The high schoolers performed for VinsonHall in McLean and the Ring House inRockville, Md. The younger children per-formed at the Burgundy Farm Country DaySchool in Alexandria and the School With-out Walls at Francis Stevens in Washington,D.C.
Last weekend, they finished their showsby performing on Sunday, March 19, at theMadeira School in McLean for friends, fam-ily and the community.
The Traveling Players Ensemble puts the-ater programs that last from one week toseven weeks, which range from $475 to$5,100 per student.
More students could participate this win-ter, thanks to a $25,000 grant the organi-zation received from the Jack Kent CookeFoundation. The grant helped pay for 20students from grades 5 through 12 fromlow- and moderate-income families in theD.C. metro area to participate in its theaterprograms last summer and this winter.
“While an individual scholarship is not agreat deal of money, it can fund a transfor-mative experience for students whose par-ents can’t afford to send them to a theatercamp,” Harrison said. “Several of the kidswho are in these shows are actually onscholarship.”
More than $3,500 of scholarship monieswere awarded to cast members of the
shows.Arts enrichment is happening outside of
school more and more as school budgetsare cut or decreased, according to Harrison,who said her organization is a way for morekids to participate in private programs, evenif they don’t have the financial means.
Even if schools have drama programs, itmay be hard to get cast without the train-ing these types of camps provide.
“This is a way to increase and deepentheir skills so that when they do go into theirschool auditions, they’re able to benefitfrom the public system that actually doesexist,” Harrison said.
The Traveling Ensemble Players has morespots and more scholarship money to pro-vide for its next summer program.
“We have not yet expensed out all of ourscholarship for this summer,” Harrison said.
The scholarship priority deadline is April15.
Traveling Players EnsembleFinishes Winter Tour
Isabella Jackson of Fairfax, whoplays the Lion, is caged by theWitch of the West after the wingedmonkeys captured her, Dorothy,Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman.
Kassi Elliot,who plays theScarecrow,talks to the TinWoodman,played byAlexander Vannof McLean,after shehelped oil someof his stuckmetal joints.
Photos by
Fallon Forbush
The Connection
10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Family Connection
See Spring Break, Page 11
By Tim Peterson
The Connection
Constance “Connie” Cordovillaremembers signing up for col-lege courses in the mid-’60s and
being interested in taking electrical en-gineering. “Nice girls go into English,”her counselor told her. “What makes youthink I’m a nice girl?” she said she re-sponded.
Cordovilla is associate director, HumanRights and Community Relations, Ameri-can Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFL-CIO. She was recognized as one of seven“Trailblazing Women in Labor and Busi-ness” for 2017 by the Fairfax CountyCommission for Women.
The recognition ceremony was re-scheduled due to snow and held Wednes-day, March 22 at the county governmentcenter.
Sondra Seba Hemenway, women’scommission vice chair and at-large com-missioner, said the evening was aboutrecognizing how women had made sig-nificant contributions in labor and busi-ness, and had an impact on history andthe lives of others.
“Women have always worked, and notalways been paid the same, or at all,”Seba Hemenway said. “This year we’ve
This year was the first for which the com-mission accepted nominations for honorees.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisorschairman Sharon Bulova said her path forbeing elected and serving as both a super-visor and chairman — as a woman — wasmade easier by “strong women who came
before me.” Previous chairs Jean Packard,Audrey Moore and Kate Hanley helped resi-dents to be more comfortable with womenrepresenting them in local government.
“But there’s still work to do,” Bulova said.Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter
Mill) added they need to “work to makecertain, continue to see that everyone hasthe opportunity to excel.”
“This year, women’s rights and issuesare front and center,” said honoreePatricia “Pat” Saah Bayliss, former ex-ecutive director, office manager and sec-retary, American Federation of State,County and Municipal Employees(AFSCME). “These are some things weneed to be more aware of.”
Bulova and Hudgins helped present aBoard of Supervisors proclamation nam-ing March 2017 Virginia Women’s His-tory Month.
In addition to Cordovilla and SaahBayliss, the other award honorees in-clude:
❖ Dolores Trevino-Gerber, First VicePresident, NOVA Labor Federation; Sec-retary, Tenants-Workers United
❖ Staci L. Redmon, president, CEOand owner, Strategy and ManagementServices, Inc.
❖ Ashley W. Chen, president and CEO,ActioNet
❖ Siobhan Green, co-owner, CEO,Lead Technology and Open Data Strate-gist, Sonjara, Inc.
❖ Lovey Hammel, president, Employ-ment Enterprises, Inc.
More information about the Commis-sion For Women’s 2017 honorees isavailable online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/cfw.
Commission for Womenhonors trailblazers.Excelling in Business and Labor
Seven women from around Fairfax County were recognized March 22 as“Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business” by the Fairfax CountyCommission for Women. From left are Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill), Siobhan Green, Ashley W. Chen, Connie ConstanceCordovilla, Staci L. Redmon, Lovey Hammel, Patricia “Pat” Saah Bayliss,Board Chairman Sharon Bulova and Sondra Seba Hemenway.
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By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
For Katie Wendel, a spring break va-cation this year won’t mean load-ing up the car and driving severalhundred miles or waiting in long
lines at the airport. While the Bethesdamother of five is planning to enjoy somerelaxing downtime with her family, shewon’t venture far from home.
“We’re going to be tourists this year andvisit the monuments and museums in Wash-ington. We’re also going to try to find everyavenue in the city that’s named after astate,” said Wendel. “If you think about it,there’s so much to do in this area that weall take for granted. You really don’t haveto leave the area to feel like you’re in an-other city.”
From museum exhibits to adventure cen-ters, a goldmine of family getaways aboundslocally. There are even activities for familybonding available without leaving home.
“Ask the kids what they would like to do.Involve them and give [them] a choice.Whatever it is they suggest, come up with aplan to document their adventure so theycan share it with grandparents or siblingsaway at college, said Lois Stover, Ph.D.,dean, School of Education and Human Ser-vices at Marymount University. “Let them
help plan the Metro route or just look atthe Metro map and randomly pick a stationand explore that area.”
“A lot of adults assume that kids want abig trip, but a lot of times a kid will say, ‘Iwant to blow bubbles in the back yard.’ It’s
important for children to have a say in howthe family uses its free time,” said CarolynLorente, Ph.D., professor of psychology atNorthern Virginia Community College.
Among the recommendations that Stoveroffers are activities at one’s neighborhood
library and trips to indoor public swimmingpools. For animal-loving families the Na-tional Zoo offers beasts ranging from el-ephants and eagles to tigers and frogs.
Ideas for a springbreak family staycation.Backyard Adventure
Local national parks like Theodore Roosevelt Island are ideal for family staycations, says LoisStover, Ph.D. of Marymount University.
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McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Easter Egg-Stravanza
and choose
April 8, 9, 15 or 16
Advanced tickets required.
Bring Your Own Basket!
9am-6pm
Free Face Painter,Bounce House &
Open Air Safari TourCamel Rides, Giraffe
and Camel Encounters extra.
Go to the booking calendar at:
roerszoofari.com
Hourly Easter Egg Hunts for separate age groups 10a-4p
Family Connection
Spring Break IdeasFrom Page 10
“Get outside and take the family to oneof the lesser known national parks, likePrince William, or walk the C&O Canal,”said Stover.
There’s also Gravelly Point Park nearReagan Washington National Airport in Ar-lington, which is ideal for family picnics,games of kickball or simply watching air-planes take off and land.
“If it’s warm, do a beach day in the back-yard [or] set up an indoor mini-golf coursewith Nerf balls [or use] Wiffle balls andbats,” said Stover. “Have a dance party, ascience day. Have a ‘Today is Blue, or what-ever color works, Day,’ so everyone wearsblue, all foods are blue, you ride the blueline Metro just to see where it goes, [forexample].”
The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory onthe National Mall is where StephanieKleinman is planning to take her twindaughters during spring break.
“The girls call it a museum for plants, andit’s neat to go from the desert to the jungleall within one building,” said Kleinman wholives in McLean. “We’ll probably check outsome of the other museums while we’redowntown.”
There are times when a staycation canbe more relaxing than travel, says Lorente.“If you look at the list of the top 100 stres-sors in life, taking a vacation is on the list,”
she said. “A staycation, when done withpurpose, can really be good.”
Advanced planning is a key to making thattime spent together meaningful, advisesLorente. “A lot of times people say they’retaking a staycation and they end up doingchores around the house. And everybody ison their electronics,” she said. “But it’s re-ally about family bonding and everyonecoming together and creating shared expe-riences as a family.”
“Ask the kids what theywould like to do. Involvethem and give [them] achoice. Whatever it isthey suggest, come upwith a plan to documenttheir adventure so theycan share it withgrandparents or siblingsaway at college.”
— Dr. Lois Stover,Marymount University
12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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People
By Colin Stoecker
The Connection
This month, ColeSitilides, 14, a Coo-per Middle schoolstudent in McLean,
will be starring in an off-Broadwayproduction of Neil Simon’s,“Brighton Beach Memoirs” at The-ater J in Washington, D.C.
“I like to tell the character’sstory, to get up there and enter-tain everybody,” said Sitilides.
Cole found out about the playwhile looking online for auditionsin the D.C. Metro area. “I liked theidea of playing Eugene, because hewas around my age and he alsolikes baseball,” said Sitilides.
Laurie Levy-Page, Communica-tions and Marketing Director atTheater J spoke to the difficultyof finding age appropriate actorsfor the roles in a play about com-ing of age in a cramped poor NewYork apartment.
“Using teenagers in actual rolesis a new idea, audiences can tell,and there is a certain authenticityto these roles that will serve themwell,” said Levy-Page.
“This is the perfect show for kids11 and up, middle and highschoolers can come and see theplay with their parents, it is a greatintroduction to theater,” she said.“And it’s funny!”
Creative Director AdamImmerwahr, 34, is in charge ofcasting for the play, rehearsing, setdesign, and hiring. Currently, theplay is still hiring actors. There areseven characters in the play, fourteenagers and three adults.
“We are down to four or fivepeople,” said Immerwahr.
Participating in the productionof “Brighton Beach Memoirs” wasactually Sitilides’s idea. He hadread the play in middle school andcould identify with the lead char-acter Eugene. Immerwahr hadheld informational sessions in thesurrounding suburbs of Washing-ton, D.C., and Sitilides attendedand was offered a callback.
“Cole is a terrific performer. Hereally tapped into Eugene’s humor,empathy, and depth with a combi-nation of talent for acting and hisown personality.”
The set is also very complex andis undergoing final stages of con-struction. Theater J set designersTom Howley and Kevin Laughonwield drills and work hastily withthe help of assistants to put thefinal touches on the cramped NewYork city apartment.
Immerwahr got his start at as anassociate artistic director at a the-ater in New Jersey and has beenthe artistic director at Theater J foralmost two years.
As this is a story of coming ofage, Immerwahr wanted to cast anactor in the lead role who would
entertainment, lighting and evendirecting in his career.
“I’m close with members of thecast, we came from the same train-ing program, but this is my firsttime with Theater J,” he said.
When asked if he ever gets ner-vous before going onstage, Colesaid, “You get the off stage jitterssometimes, but once you get outthere it goes away.”
Immerwahr and his cast are op-timistic about the debut of“Brighton Beach Memoirs.”
“We are a family and we all sup-port each-other in the cast,”Sitilides said.
The show will run from April 5to May 7 with 30 productions to-tal. Tickets can be found on The-ater J’s website at edcjcc.org. The-ater J offers pay what you can,preview performance, Sundaynight, and weekly matinée dis-counts. The production will takeplace in the 240-seat GoldmanTheater in Washington, D.C. The-ater J is located at 1529 16th St.NW, Washington, D.C. Call 202-518-9400 or visit edcjcc.org.
Cooper Student to Star in ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’Cole Sitilides, 14, participates inTheater J’s Production of NeilSimon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”
ColeSitilides,14, middleschoolstudent inMcLeansmiles forthe camera.He playsEugene, the lead in TheaterJ’s production of “BrightonBeach Memoirs.” The playwill run 30 times betweenApril 5 and May 7.
From left: Theater J Director of Communications and Marketing, Laurie Levy-Pageand Theater J Artistic Director Adam Immerwahr, 34, are excited about the upcom-ing production.
From left: Theater J set designers Kevin Laughon andTom Howley pose for a shot in front of their set for NeilSimon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” The set is in finalstages of construction.
be the right age. “Getting an actorof the right age is better than hav-ing somebody else pretend,” saidImmerwahr.
Sitilides has been acting forthree years, or since he was in the
fifth grade. Stitildes got his ownstart at the McLean CommunityCenter where he took part in amusical called “13” with theMcLean Community Players.
Sitilides is interested in acting,
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Faith
Faith Notes are for announcements and events inthe faith community. Send to [email protected]. Deadline is Friday at noon.
FRIDAY/APRIL 14Good Friday Services. Noon-3 p.m. at Oakton
United Methodist Church, 2951 Chain BridgeRoad, Oakton. The service will be the Seven LastWords of Christ featuring six half hour serviceswith six local clergy. Visit oaktonumc.org/ orcall 703-938-1234 for more.
First Baptist Church of Vienna located at 450Orchard Street, NW Vienna. Sunday services areheld at 7:45 and 10 a.m. weekly. WednesdayNight with the Family service is held at 6 p.m.followed by corporate singing at 7 p.m. Biblestudies take place Tuesday’s at noon.
Wesley United Methodist Church located at711 Spring Street SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180, atthe corner of Spring Street and Moore Avenue.10:30 a.m. fellowship time in the fellowshiphall; 11 a.m. traditional family worship insanctuary. If you are seeking a church homewhich encourages: caring and supportivefellowship, an active and devoted prayer life andstudy of scripture, support for local and worldmissions, an open, responsive awareness to thepresence and power of God’s Holy Spirit.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at theintersection of Lewinsville and Brook Roads inMcLean, just a mile west of Tysons, invites youfor a casual Saturday Service at 5 p.m., followedby conversation and fellowship or for SundayServices at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Sunday School forYouth and Children takes place during the 10a.m. Service. Look for our Pumpkin Patch thisOctober, and check www.stthomasmcleanva.orgfor Special Events and Services through theyear. St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 8991 BrookRoad, McLean, 703-442-0330.
Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 BeulahRoad, NE, Vienna offers a monthly HealingEucharist with the Laying on of Hands and
Anointing for Healing (first Sunday of themonth, 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel. The HealingMinistry is led by the Rev. Valerie Hayes andAlexandra MacCracken and includes a team oflay healers who have gone through intentionaltraining and formation. Contact the Rev. ValerieHayes at [email protected].
Yoga Class with a Christian Focus is heldSaturdays, 3-4 p.m., McGill Hall or the Libraryat the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 BeulahRoad, NE, Vienna. This group is suitable forthose with beginner and/or intermediate yogaexperience. Dress comfortably and bring a mat.Feel free to bring a towel, block(s) or strap ifyou have them. Contact the Church Office at703-938-6521.
Mom’s Group meets second and fourth Thursdayof the Month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Church ofthe Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE,Vienna. Join the group for coffee and fellowship.The group meets in the Lillian Croy Room, nearthe Church Office. Childcare will be availablejust across the hall in the Childcare Center. Ifyou are interested in joining the group, contactthe Church Office at 703-938-6521 so that wecan plan for materials and childcare.
St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, has Sundayservices at 7:45, 9 and 11 a.m. with nursery careprovided. In the summer, they offer musical,educational, outreach and fellowship ministriesin addition to worship services, including an 8a.m. worship service without music and a 10a.m. worship service with nursery care. 703-759-2082.
The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA)offers a wide variety of support groups for thosewith emotional, social, and physical challenges.www.jssa.org/growth-learning.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia offers a variety offree bereavement support groups, meeting on aweekly basis. 703-941-7000 orwww.havenofnova.org.
14 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Colin Stoecker
The Connection
Liana Keesing, 16, ofMcLean, sophomore atThomas Jefferson High
School for Science and Technol-ogy was selected to take partin the 2017 Maccabiah Gamesin Israel this summer. She willbe joining the junior under 20-year-old Women’s foil fencingteam.
“I am really excited but I’mnot coming into it with big ex-pectations,” said Liana Keesing.
The Maccabiah games, whichare referred to as the JewishOlympics are in their 20th year.
The Maccabiah Games heldby the Maccabiah World Unionare intended to utilize sports asa way of bringing Jewish peopleof all ages closer to Judaismand Israel in addition to vari-ous informal educational activi-ties in a manner that surpassespolitics and sectarianism.
Her father Ron Keesing, 48,a computer researcher, has re-cently taken up the sport offencing in support of his daugh-ter. “Fencing over the last 5years has really grown,” saidRon Keesing senior.
Fencing is one of the oldestOlympic sports, up there withtrack and field, swimming, andwrestling. “Everything else hascome and gone, but thosesports have stayed,” said RonKeesing.
“When people think of fenc-ing, they usually think of thesword fight in the Princess
Bride,” said Liana Keesing. “Ididn’t consider myself an ath-lete, but my parents were al-ways pushing us to try newthings.”
Liana Keesing has been train-ing at the Virginia Academy ofFencing for the past five yearswith Russ Wilson. She startedout in a beginner class andmoved through the ranks.
“Russ told me ‘I think you’vegot something for this.’ He is asupportive coach. He reallyloves his students” said LianaKeesing.
Wilson also took part in theMaccabiah games in 1986, andis considered one of the bestfencing referees in the world.
Liana Keesing likes to thinkof fencing more as a mentalgame when she is competing.“As a sport, fencing is very in-tellectual. It is like a physicalgame of chess, and it’s aboutassessing what your opponentis doing.” This weekend, LianaKeesing won the Cherry Blos-som Open Women’s Foil tour-nament. She earned her “B”rating, the second highest rat-ing a fencer can hold.
She will be one of fourwomen on the junior under-20women’s fencing team takingpart in the Maccabiah Gamesthis summer. She will arrive aweek before the games start.
Liana Keesing is consideringstudying engineering in collegeand fencing is something shewants to stick with.
“People fence for their wholelives,” said Ron Keesing.
Liana Keesing, 16, of McLean, sophomore at ThomasJefferson High School, and her father Ron Keesingpose for a picture.
McLean Teen GoesTo Maccabiah GamesLiana Keesing will join thejunior under 20-year-oldWomen’s foil fencing team.
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The McLean High School’s Highlandernewsmagazine staff was presented with aGold Crown at the Columbia Scholastic
Press Association journalism convention at Colum-bia University in New York City on March 17. This isthe second year in a row the McLean High magazinereceived this award. The Highlander is the only high
school newspaper/newsmagazine in the state of Vir-ginia to win a Gold Crown this year. The Gold Crownis one of the highest honors in scholastic journalism.According to the Columbia Scholastic Press Associa-tion website, “publications are judged on their ex-cellence as shown by their design, photography, con-cept, coverage and writing.”
Sabrina Vazquez, Alex Mandanas, Emily O’Keefe, Anya Chen and Nick Monroy acceptedthe CSPA Gold Crown on behalf of The Highlander staff at Columbia University onMarch 17.
The Highlander Magazine Wins Gold Crown
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The BASIS Independent McLeanMATHCOUNTS team placed first in theMATHCOUNTS state championships in
Richmond, its first time participating in the annualstatewide MATHCOUNTS competition. BASIS Inde-pendent McLean MATHCOUNTS members include:Austin Feng (grade 8), Joshua Fu (grade 8), PravalikaPutalapattu (grade 7) and Ethan Zhou (grade 6),and are led by coaches Tyler Sullivan and RikkiMcCullough, BASIS Independent McLean mathteacher. MATHCOUNTS state champions head to the2017 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competitionin Orlando, Fla., in May.
In the individual MATHCOUNTS competitions,Putalapattu and Zhou placed first and second, re-spectively, which places them on the four-person Vir-ginia state team. Both were awarded a Disney Hop-per Pass award and will be flown, with a parent, tothe 2017 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Com-petition in Orlando. As coach of the winningMATHCOUNTS team, McCullough will also be flownto Orlando to coach the Virginia state team.
“As first-time competitors, we were thrilled to seeour school win our regional MATHCOUNTS champi-onship, but to see them succeed at the state leveland have the opportunity to compete nationally istruly an outstanding achievement, and we’re soproud of our student-teacher team that made thispossible,” said Sean Aiken, head of school of BASISIndependent McLean.
For more information on BASIS IndependentMcLean, go to mclean.basisindependent.com.
BASIS Independent McLean Earns FirstPlace at MATHCOUNTS State Competition
McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
The New Dominion Women’s Club hostedits 10th annual “Spring Fling FashionShow” on Sunday, March 26 and raisedmoney for community organizations. For
the first time, the show was held at Bloomingdale’sin Tysons Corner. Guests enjoyed watching modelshit the runway wearing the latest trends for springin casual, business, and resort fashion. There wasalso a raffle and lite fare served.
Groups benefiting from the event’s proceeds wereFriends of Pleasant Grove Church, McLean Projectfor the Arts, Safe Community Coalition, and SHARE,Inc.
“Our event Chair, Jennifer Salopek, did a remark-able job re-tooling the fashion show this year withEffie Elkorek and the rest of the crew atBloomingdales. We owe a special thanks to Bill PageToyota this year for their extraordinarily generousPlatinum sponsorship. I appreciate the communitygoodwill shown by the so many non-club memberswho simply want to help — like Bill DuBose, ourmaster of ceremony,” said Desi Woltman, presidentNew Dominion Women’s Club.
State Sen. Barbara Favola, who served as a modelin the past, said, “It is wonderful to support causes
that help our community in areas that promote thearts, assist lower income residents, preserve history,or help our youth. ” After the show, Mariann Polito,Member of the Greater McLean Chamber of Com-merce said, “It was a wonderful afternoon, the fash-ions were so spring-like, it was just so pleasant.”
“Working with Bloomingdale’s to introduce thisnew in-store format for our annual fashion show hasallowed us to open up the event to a wider audienceand to attract a new group of valuable corporatepartners,” said Jennifer Salopek, co-chair of the fash-ion show committee and former chair of the first fash-ion show fundraiser in 2007.
Models included Monica Gibson, Erika Keough,Lisa Lannin, Irene Tennant, and Laura Warren as wellas Bloomingdale’s models. The fashion show com-mittee included Heather Ortiz, co-chair; CarolBrunner; Anne Deger; Kitty Gonzalez; Sherri Heile;Kim Marinus; Karen Martins; Mary Ann Miller;Marianne Polito; Carrie Sallaway; and Desi Woltman.
For more information, visit www.ndwc.org.
From left: Monica Gibson, Lisa Lannin, Erika Keough, Laura Warren,Irene Tennant model at New Dominion Women’s Club’s Spring FlingFashion Show.
From left: Jennifer Salopek, Co-Chair of fashion show; Bill DuBose; stateSen. Barbara Favola; Desi Woltman, president of New DominionWomen’s Club.
Spring Fling Fashion Show to Help Local Charities
Erika Keough models the latest off-the-shoulder trend. Models showcased the latest trends to help raise money for charity.
Model in cherry blossomdesign from Bloomingdale’s.
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16 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
To highlight your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-778-9422
DAILY EUCHARIST:WeekdaysMonday-Friday, 8:30 AMSaturday, 8:30 AM
5312 North 10th Street,Arlington, Virginia 22205Parish Office: 703-528-6276
PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org
All AreWelcome!
Entertainment
By David Siegel
The Connection
In a seductive confessional of a theater produc-tion, 1st Stage embraces the audience with awarm blanket of knowing insights about grow-
ing up and getting comfortable in one’s skin. Thedelightful production is “Well,” written by TonyAward-winner Lisa Kron.
Director Michael Bloom provides a loving touchfor “Well,” plumbing the depths of a complicateddaughter-mother relationship over time. Bloom hasa gift for keeping a topsy-turvy work on course evenwith its unconventional structure.
“Well” is a play-within-a play, with characters mov-ing through time fluidly. At times characters evenleave the confines of acting to stop being charactersso as to address one another and the audience.
The play begins before any first words are uttered.A woman is quietly nap-ping on a recliner in acozy room. She is sur-rounded by books andshelves of knick-knacks.The eye-popping de-tailed realistic set designis by Luciana Stecconiwith props by Kay Rzasaand pin-point lighting by Catherine Girardi.
Enter a young woman named Liza (winningly por-trayed by Audrey Bertaux as an angst-filled, bundle
of nervous energy, out to make her points to the au-dience). Lisa points to the napping woman identify-ing her as Ann, her mother. Reading from 3x5 notecards as if at a seminar she says, “this play is notabout my mother and me.” Needless to say, thosewords are far from the truth.
Over the course of “Well,” Lisa is asking herselfand the audience: “If I got better, why couldn’t she?”How could her once energetic mother be so ill? Withaffection, Lisa even wonders if she could have beallergic to her own mother.
Other characters appear to provide recollections.Lisa’s childhood friends pop-up with humorous andsometimes annoying perspectives. Doctors, patientsand others appear with sharp-eyed views. LauraArtesi, Edward Christian, Marquis D. Gibson andLolita Marie are terrific at portraying these multiplecharacters.
But the key to the wondrous nature of “Well” isthat mother Ann asserts herself with her own memo-ries. As Ann, Elizabeth Pierotti is a charmer; a like-able, decent, engaging soul. Moving from mere ob-server to active participant, Peirrotti’s Ann with one
mesmerizing monologueopens her daughter’sgrudging eyes to livinglife.
1st Stage’s “Well” is fas-cinating and absorbing. Itis chock-full of well-ac-complished humanityand humor. It provides an
audience plenty of reasons to recall their own child-hoods, and perhaps wonder what their own childrenthink.
Wise, Comic Memory of Family Life1st Stage at Tysonspresents “Well.”
From left:Edward Chris-tian, MarquisD. Gibson,ElizabethPierotti, LauraArtesi, andLolita Marie in“Well” at 1stStage inTysons.
Where & When1st Stage presents “Well” at 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons.
Performances through April 23, 2017. Thursday at 7:30 p.m.,Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets: $15-$30. Call 703-854-1856 or visitwww.1ststagetysons.org Note: Venue is wheelchair accessible.
Photo by
Teresa Castracane
Courtesy 1st Stage
Calendar
Send entertainment announcements toconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.Deadline is Friday at noon for the follow-ing week’s paper. Photos/artworkencouraged.
ONGOING“Birds Eye View” Exhibit. Through
April 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays -Saturdays at Vienna Arts Center, 115Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. 703-319-3971 www.ViennaArtsSociety.org
“No Place Like Home.” Juried artshow on exhibit through April 8. atArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center St,
Herndon. Great Falls Studiospresents. Visit www.artspaceherndon.com/ for more.
Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive. ThroughApril 15, various times at Christ theKing Lutheran Church, 10550Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. A fooddrive for non-perishable items tosupport Arlington Food AssistanceCenter. There will be drop off boxesfor donations of non-perishable foodthroughout the church. Then, onApril 1, look for the school busparked in front of the church. Call703-759-6068.
The Golden Girls of Northern
Virginia, a senior women’s softballleague, is looking for players. Anywoman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels arewelcome. Play on Wednesdayevenings and Saturday mornings inVienna. Visit www.goldengirls.org.
First Sunday Jazz Brunch 11-2 p.m.Recurring monthly on the 1st Sundayat Bazin’s on Church 111 Church StN.W., Vienna. Enjoy brunchaccompanied by the soft jazz soundsof Virginia Music Adventure. Visitwww.fxva.com/listing/bazins-on-church/1686/
The Freeman Store & Museum
McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 17www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
Wednesday through Sunday noon-4 p.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
Weekly Storytime. Wednesday andSaturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble,7851 L Tysons Corner Center,McLean. Themes and titles vary. Freeadmission.
Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. FlameRoom, Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S,Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.
Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Emmaus United Church of Christ,900 E Maple Ave. E., Vienna.Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax,2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one freeintroductory session, seniordiscounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reducestress. Ravi Kaur has 15 yearsexperience teaching yoga. $15 persession. www.edimprovement.org.571-213-3192.
Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice.Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. St. Luke’sCatholic School Gymnasium, 7005Georgetown Pike, McLean. WeeklyTai Chi practice. Group has met forover 20 years. Free. FreeTaiChi.org.703-759-9141.
Fishing Rod Rentals 8700 PotomacHills St., Great Falls. Rentalsavailable during visitor center hours.Fishing tackle and live bait areavailable for purchase. Reservationsrequired for group rentals. $6/rental(2 hour max). Valid driver’s licenserequired. Rod/reel combinations areperfect for beginners and children. AVirginia or Maryland freshwaterfishing license is required for those16 years or older. The park does notsell fishing licenses.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/
Colvin Run Mill open 11 - 4 p.m.daily, closed Tuesday. 10017 ColvinRun Road, Great Falls. FairfaxCounty’s operational 19th centurywater powered gristmill, offersrecreational and educationalactivities for all ages through dailytours, school programs and specialevents. Fees: $7/adult, $6 students16+ with ID, $5 children & seniors.Admission to park is free except forsome special events.
Fundamentals of Watercolors.Mondays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Artsof Great Falls, 756 Walker Road,Great Falls. Artist Lorrie Herman willhelp students get comfortableworking with watercolors andunderstanding this medium. Visitwww.greatfallsart.org for more.
Still Life Painting. Tuesdays 10:30a.m.-1 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. Stilllife provides a great tool to honeskills. Recommended for students ofall levels. Visit www.greatfallsart.org.
Evening Painting. Tuesdays 6:30 -9:30 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. JillBanks focuses on oil paintingfundamentals with two sessions eachof still life, landscapes, and portrait/clothed figure from a live model.Visit www.greatfallsart.org for more.
Intro to Jewelry Design. Tuesdays 9a.m.-noon at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. JJSingh teaches a class for anyoneinterested in exploring the world ofmetal clay and its design possibilities.Visit www.greatfallsart.org for more.
FRIDAY/MARCH 31Gluten Free Evening. 6:30 p.m. at
Wildfire, Tysons Galleria, 3rd floor,2001 International Drive, McLean.Chefs Moreno Espinoza and Edwin
Amaya will prepare a custom five-course menu, each paired with agluten free wine to complement. $80.Make reservations at 703-442-9110.
Family Fun Bingo. 7-9 p.m. at the OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Players will have freepopcorn and winners will take theirpick of prizes. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org or call 703-448-8336 for more.
MARCH 31-APRIL 8In Living Sound. Various times in the
Flame Room at the Vienna VolunteerFire Department, 400 Center St. S.Four short radio plays from early 20th
century American entertainment.Friday tickets are $14; Saturdaytickets are $25 and include the showas well as dinner at 7:15 p.m.Visitviennava.gov/webtrac for more.
SATURDAY/APRIL 12017 Vienna Town Cleanup Day. 8
a.m.-noon at the Town Green, 144Maple Ave. E. For safety reasons,volunteers may wish to wear longpants. To sign up or for details,contact John King [email protected] or call 703-255-6336.
Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Great Falls Village Centre,778 Walker Road Parking Lot.Opening day. Visitgreatfallsfarmersmarket.org.
Chance for Life Poker Event. MGMNational Harbor, 101 MGM NationalAve., Oxon Hill, Md. BradNierenberg, Mclean, resident andPresident/CEO of RedPeg Marketing,is holding a poker fundraiser where100 percent of all proceeds raisedthrough CFL are donated to directlyfund cancer research throughChildren’s National Hospital Centerand Alex’s Lemonade StandFoundation. Visit chanceforlife.net.
Warrior Chorus at Alden. 8 p.m. atThe Alden in McLean, 1234 InglesideAve. Area premiere of “The TrojanWar: Our Warrior Chorus,” aproduction that features Americancombat veterans. $35, $25 forveterans and current military and$20 for McLean Community Centertax district residents. Visitwww.aldentheatre.org or call 703-790-0123.
APRIL 1-2Potomac River Convention. 10 a.m.-
3:30 both days at the Great FallsGrange, 9818 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. 28th annual PotomacRiver Shape Note Convention, withsinging, bring a dish to share bothdays. Sponsored by the FolkloreSociety of Greater Washington. Visitvisit fasola.org orshenandoahharmony.com for more.
Organ Music.7 p.m. ViennaPresbyterian Church, 124 Park St.NE, McLean.The Organ, theOrchestra, and the Youthful Originals
show. Call 703-938-9050 for more.
APRIL 1-30Ed Behrens’ Photographs. Various
times at Katie’s Coffee House, VillageCentre, 760 Walker Road, GreatFalls. The showing will celebrate Ed’sten years as a member of Great FallsStudios, his very active 80th birthday.Call 703-759-0927 for more.
SUNDAY/APRIL 2Tours of Marie Butler Leven
Preserve. 1-4 p.m. at Marie ButlerLeven Preserve, 1501 Kirby Road,McLean. Tour guides Matt and EarthSangha; volunteers have been doinginvasive management and plantingnative plants there for 10 years. Free.Call 703-324-8702 for more.
MONDAY/APRIL 3Tyson’s Girls Night Out. 5-8 p.m. at
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 7900Tysons One Place, McLean. Meet-upand networking social sponsored byMedical Aesthetic Center andNorthern Virginia Housewives. Emailwww.novahousewives.com for more.
SATURDAY/APRIL 8Becky Love Foundation Run. 8 a.m.
at at Turner Farm Park, 925Springvale Road, Great Falls. Runsupports a family bereavement camp,which follows the run from noon-4p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church,9970 Vale Road, Vienna. Visitwww.beckylovefoundation.org.
Notable Women Speakers. 8:30a.m.-6 p.m. at Madeira School, 8328Georgetown Pike, McLean.Headliners Include MSNBC’sBrzezinski and Elle Décor’s JuliaReed. $100. To register, visitwww.madeira.org.
Tree Giveaway. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at GreatFalls Village Centre, 778 WalkerRoad, parking lot. Fairfax ReLeaf isgiving away trees, including RiverBirch, Sugar Maple, Virginia Pine,Redbud, Black Chokeberry, and RedOsler Dogwood. First come, firstserved. Visit greatfallsfarmersmarket.org/ for more.
The Great Falls Garden Club. 9a.m.-1 p.m. at the Great FallsFarmers Market, 778 Walker Road.Accepting donations to fund theSTREETSCAPE Project along WalkerRoad. The Garden Club will fund andcoordinate the entire project. Visitgreatfallsfarmersmarket.org/ formore.
SUNDAY/APRIL 9Easter Spring Festival. 12:30-4:30
p.m. at Great Falls Village Centre,776 Walker Road, Great Falls.Games, rides, food and egg hunt at 4p.m., proceeds directly benefit thecommunity through the Great FallsOptimist Club. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.
SUNDAY/APRIL 9Easter Spring Festival. 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Great Falls Village Centre, 776
Walker Road, Great Falls. Games, rides, food and egg hunt at 4 p.m.,proceeds directly benefit the community through the Great Falls OptimistClub. Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org/ for more.
SATURDAY/APRIL 15Easter Egg Hunt. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9537 Courthouse
Road, Vienna. Bring a basket and hunt for candy and eggs filled withtreats, win door prizes and visit the Easter bunny. $10. Call 703-324-8569for more.
Holy Saturday Silent Retreat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Free. Spend a day in noble silence, meditatingand creating a space to be still and listen. Our day will be spentalternating between sitting and walking meditation with some periods ofstretching. Only a small fraction of meditation practices will be guided.Call 703-281-1767 or register online at unitysilentretreat.eventbrite.com.
Celebrate Easter
18 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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OBITUARY Abraham Tsu-hsing Shen, age 67, died peacefully in his sleepat his home in Great Falls, VA on March 25. He is sur-vived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Sharon; his son Aaron; his daughter Jennifer; two older brothers; and two older sisters.
Abraham was born on December 6, 1949 in Taipei, Taiwan, the son of G.V. and L.F. Shen. He graduated from Jen-Guo High School and National Taipei University of Tech-nology. After university, Abraham met his wife, Sharon, at the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation where they bothworked. He and Sharon married in 1979 in Taipei.
In 1977 Abraham came to the United States to study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, where he received his master's degree in computer science. Abraham moved his family to Monroe, CT, where he worked as a soft-ware engineer for ITT and General Datacomm. In 1995 he joined Alcatel and later moved with his family to Great Falls, VA, where he resided for 20 years and worked for several companies.
Abraham was a Christian. He was saved while in high school by the Church in Taipei. In Virginia, he attended church services at the Church in Dunn Loring. Besides attend-ing church meetings and services on Lord's Day, Abraham greatly enjoyed traveling and working on do-it-yourselfprojects around his home. He was a devoted husband and fa-ther and was always diligent and responsible when dealing with others.
Throughout most of his life Abraham was in good health. In the spring of 2016 his health unexpectedly began to decline. His family sought treatment from several doctors but he was unable to recover, and in the early morning of March 25, 2017, Abraham went to be with the Lord.
A celebration of Abraham's life will be held at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA on April 1 at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church in Dunn Loring.
21 Announcements 21 Announcements
21 Announcements
ABC LICENSE The Beer Lot, LLC trading as
The Lot, 3217 10th Street North. Arlington VA 22201. The above establishment is
applying to the VIRGINIA DE-PARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC)
for a Wine and Beer On Premises; Mixed Beverage
license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Michael Bramson and Naeem Mohd, Managing Members NOTE:
Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 dates from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper
legal notices. Objections should be registered at
www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
I am easilysatisfied with the very best.
-Winston Churchill
McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 19www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
EmploymentEmployment
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIERecently I went online to book a trip to
Topeka, Ks. to meet our new niece, SabellaRey. I went to Trivago for the hotel reserva-tions and Expedia for the plane/rental car res-ervations. That’s what I’m supposed to do,right? The process seemed simple enough andwithout too-much further adieu, I was able tomake all the arrangements, including renting acar for the four days we’d need one. And Ieven booked my father-in-law’s hotel reserva-tions as well, almost as if I knew what I wasdoing. Subsequently, I received all my emailconfirmations indicating that I had in fact suc-ceeded in one of my least favorite endeavors:computing my way to safe and secure travelplans.
For a few days, especially after receivingthe site’s emails and reviewing them for accu-racy, I thought all was right in my travel-plan’sworld. Then I started receiving multiple emailsand pop-up ads from sites promoting theirhotel and flight reservations/rates. Expedia, thesite on which I made my plane reservationsbegan bombarding me with flight and rentalcar deals. Trivago, the site on which I madeour hotel reservations, began bombarding mewith hotel and rental car deals. None of whichI needed. All of which had been completedwhen I went on their sites originally and mademy hotel, flight and car rental reservations.
Given the way in which the Internet haschanged the world and provided computer-ized access to almost everything, I was onlyslightly surprised by the bombardment. I’mclear on the concept, just not confident in theprocess. Nevertheless, I realize there reallyisn’t any alternative these days to researchinggoods and services — and prices. My dilemmaarose after the fact when I received all theseoffers on the exact goods and services I hadALREADY booked. What had I done, and howmuch extra money — and hassle had I donedoing it?
I thought I was solving a problem (travelplans which involved coordinating our flightarrival in Kansas City from Baltimore, with myfather-in-law’s flight arrival from New YorkCity), not creating one. After receiving allthese offers and inducements from Expedia,Trivago and others, I’m now wondering if Imissed an opportunity to simplify our travelplans and spend less for having done so?Obviously, I don’t have an answer since Inever clicked through the ads/opened theemails to see what the solicitation was allabout. I didn’t have the patience and besides,certainly concerning the airlines, wouldn’tthere be penalties for changing/canceling aflight? And what about my father-in-law’s air-line reservations? It was all too much to juggleso I stood pat. Soon, the ads and emailsslowed down to a trickle and I was no longerremained — regularly, about my presumptiveincompetence.
But I’m thinking about the next trip now,and perhaps that was the point. Maybe thereis a better way to minimize travel expensesand maximize benefits? But how do I accom-plish that, really? It’s not like I can fakehotel/plane/car rental reservations in hopesthat the site’s artificial intelligence will thinkI’m still a potential buyer rather than onewho’s already bought. What good would thatdo? The solicitations are designed for currentaction not for a definite maybe sometime inthe future, aren’t they?
I’m certainly more aware now of how theprocess sort of works. But I’m less certain howI could actually change my behavior in orderto become less of a victim and more of abeneficiary. I imagine it has to do with makingmy computer more of a friend, which doesn’tinterest me in the least. Of course, I want topay less for my travel plans, but I’m not sure ifthe cost of doing business that way is worththe pain and suffering it inevitably will cause.
How Do I KnowThen What IDon’t Know Now?
Adobe Systems, Inc. seeks applicants for the following F/T position at its McLean, VA worksite:
Sr. Migration Engineer (Job Code # 47321): Manage client migration from Digital Analytix platform to Adobe Analytics. Work w/clients, coordinating teams, to understand the technical nuances of both applications as well as customer specific requirements. Up to 25% travel. Ed or exp background must include: C# ASP.NET, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, R, Python; MS SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Greenplum; etc. Reqs: MS or Equiv & 3 yrs exp.
To apply, applications must indicate Job Code and mail resume and cover letter to: Adobe Systems, Attn: Arlene Batten, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Principals only. EOE.
PART-TIME RETAILEnergetic and friendly individual needed
for busy backyard naturestore in the Reston area. Must have knowledge of backyard birds and be
customer service oriented. 15-20 hours per week. Weekday & weekend
hours required. ph 703-403-1283
PEDIATRIC RN/LPNOur busy happy stimulating pediatric practice in Alexandria and Fairfax has an opening for a FT/PT position with some travel between offices. Ideal for
nurses returning to the workforce. Competitive salary with benefits.
Orientation provided. Fax resume to 703-914-5494 or email to [email protected].
RECEPTIONISTA Private Practice in McLean Virginia is
currently seeking for a receptionist. Responsibilities include, scheduling,an-swering the phone, checking in and out
of patients, calling insurance for coverage, etc. If you are interested
Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learnmany aspects of the newspa-per business. Internshipsavailable in reporting, pho-tography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students,and for adults consideringchange of career. Unpaid.E-mail [email protected]
To have community events listed in the Connec-tion, visit connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline for submissions is noon on Friday.
at American Legion McLean Post 270, 1355 BallsHill Road, McLean. Public Safety PreparednessProgram, co-sponsored by the Greater McLeanChamber, the McLean Citizens Association, theGreat Falls Citizens Association and the FairfaxCounty Federation of Citizens Associations. Visitwww.mcleanpost270.org for more.
THURSDAY/MARCH 30Caregiver Seminar. 6:30-8 p.m. at Kensington
Falls Church, 700 West Broad St., Falls Church.“A Caregivers Guide to Behavior andCommunication Issues in Dementia.” Learn whathappens when a loved one passes through eachstage of dementia. Topics to be covered:Understanding changes in the brain, How toaddress behavioral and communicationdifficulties that commonly occur, drawingboundaries that honor loved ones whilepreserving a caregivers well-being and more.RSVP to [email protected] or 703-992-9868.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDShepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-
Falls Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd.,McLean continues to have an urgent need fornew volunteers to help area senior citizens getto and from their medical and therapyappointments. To find out more about theShepherd’s Center and how you can volunteer toprovide transportation and other services, callthe Center at 703-506-2199 or e-mail the Centerat [email protected]. The Center’s website iswww.scmafc.org
THROUGHOUT MARCH 2017Free Public Service Seminars. March 1, 8, 15,
21, 29, at 7 p.m. on Selling Your Home, Aging inPlace, Downsizing, Retirement CommunitiesSeminars. Free public service seminars onSelling Your Home (March 1, McLean HighSchool, 1633 Davidson Rd., McLean), WorkingWith Builders (March 8, Falls Church HS, 7521Jaguar Trail, Falls Church), Financing YourRetirement (March 15, Marshall HS, 7731Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), Tax & EstatePlanning (March 21, Madison HS, 2500 JamesMadison Dr., Vienna), and Decluttering &Organizing (March 29, Oakton HS, 2900 SuttonRd., Vienna). For more information and seminarregistration go to RetireeRealEstate.org, or call703-772-3033.
ONGOINGMaster Gardener Training. The Fairfax County
Master Gardener Association offers plant clinics,home turf training or speakers for homeowner’smeetings. Fees vary. Visit fairfaxgardening.orgor call Dora Lockwood at 401-864-4778.
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.The games are on Wednesday evenings andSaturday mornings in Vienna. For moreinformation, visit www.goldengirls.org
Passages DivorceCare If you are experiencingthe pain of separation or divorce, the caringcommunity at Vienna Presbyterian Churchinvites you to attend Passages DivorceCare. Thisprogram offers a path toward healing. The next15-week DivorceCare series will be heldTuesdays from 6:45 to 9 p.m. beginning on Feb.21. Vienna Presbyterian Church is located on thecorner of Maple Avenue (Rt. 123) and ParkStreet in Vienna. Cost to cover materials is $20,scholarships available. For more information orto register call 703-938-9050, go towww.viennapres.org, or send an email [email protected].
Are You A Caregiver? Shepherd’s Center ofOakton Vienna Caregivers’ SupportGroup takes place first & third Thursday ofeach month. February 2nd and 16th, 2017 from10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us at theUnitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax(UUCF) - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRd, Oakton, VA. For more info contactfacilitator, Jack Tarr, [email protected].
Volunteers Needed. PRS is looking for
empathetic and caring volunteers to make phonecalls to older adults who may be feeling sociallyisolated. The commitment is one 3-hour shift perweek for one year. Located in Arlington. Ages 21& up. Intensive training provided. Learn moreand apply: https://prsinc.org/carering-volunteering/. Questions? [email protected].
The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected]. Also visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/.
Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive olderadults to medical appointments andwellness programs. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.
Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers ofa frail older adult a well-deserved break so theycan go shopping, attend a doctor’s appointmentor just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visitand oversee the safety of the older adult for afew hours each month. Support and training areprovided. Contact 703-324-7577, TTY 711, [email protected].
The Lewinsville Senior Center in McLeanneeds a Certified Arthritis ExerciseInstructor. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna hasan urgent need for volunteer drivers to take areaseniors to medical appointments and otheractivities. Opportunities to volunteer for otherservices are also available. No long-termcommitment and hours are flexible to fit yourschedule.Visit www.scov.org or contact theVolunteer Coordinator at 703-281-5086 or [email protected].
Vienna Toastmasters. 2nd and 4th Wednesdaysfrom 7:30-9 p.m., at the Vienna CommunityCenter on the 2nd floor room opposite theelevator, 120 Cherry St., S.E., Vienna. A friendlyplace to get comfortable with public speakingand impromptu speaking for new andexperienced speakers. Open to the public.
Run With the Doctor. Every other Saturday at 7a.m. 8230 Boone Blvd., Tysons Corner. TheCenter for Orthopedics and Sports Medicineoffers its services in a convenient format torunners at this running event. Free.facebook.com/runwiththedoctor.
Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute ScholarshipProgram. Those enrolled in a Virginia collegeor university who are pursuing a degree in thefield of criminal justice are eligible for theVirginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship Program;recommendation letter needed. 703-246-3251,[email protected] or http://vasheriffsinstitute.org/scholarship/.
Volunteers for Change. A program for adultswhich offers more than 50 weekend and eveningvolunteer opportunities per month.www.volunteerfairfax.org.
Haven of Northern Virginia Support Group.703-941-7000, www.havenofnova.org [email protected].
Brinker Toastmasters. 2nd and 4th Saturday,9:30 a.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124Park St. N.E., Vienna. Brinker.wordpress.com.
Pauline Shirley Toastmasters Club Meeting.2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m. McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Develop better speaking andpresentation skills, learn to think quickly andclearly on your feet. 703-893-5506 orpaulineshirley.freetoasthost.info.
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.
Potomac Paddlers Volunteer Corps. ThePotomac Paddlers Corps is a volunteer groupwith the National Park Service under sharedmanagement between Great Falls Park and theC&O Canal national Historical Park. The primarymission of the Corps is to have trained,uniformed park volunteers on the Potomac Riverto assist the park in identifying and reportingincidents, watch out for risky park visitorbehavior, and to deliver safety messages to thepublic about the dangers of the Potomac Riverin the Potomac Gorge. Contact: VolunteerCoordinator 703-285-2965 ext. 225 or visitwww.nps.gov
Bulletin
20 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Great Falls“Egg Hunt” 2017
Welcome!!
WOW...33 years ago we invited the children of thecommunity to a small “EGG HUNT” to show ourgratitude to Great Falls for making us feel so
welcome when we decided to open our doors in the VillageCentre. Look where we are now!!! 32 amazing years laterand eventually with the wonderful partnership of the Opti-mist Club and the support of many many local businesses,friends and neighbors, this event has become a tradition ofthis community.
We feel honored and proud to be able to bring this to thefamilies of Great Falls and we hope that through this festi-val we are able to show our tremendous gratitude and ap-preciation for your continued support of our family andour business. We would not be here were it not for yourloyal patronage. Enjoy the day and Happy Hunting!
**Just as a reminder, 100% of the ticket sale proceeds are collectedby, and benefit the Great Falls Optimist Club Youth Fund and stay inGreat Falls too!
–Jorge Adeler
Visit the Great Falls Village Centre!The Great Falls Village Centre is located around the
lovely village green in the heart of Great Falls, Virginia. Wehave been part of Great Falls, Virginia throughout its exten-sive growth and development and have worked hand inhand with the residents of Great Falls to enhance and buildthe sense of community that is prevalent today. We offerboutique shopping, delicious restaurants and quality servicesright in the center of town.
There is always something fun going on at the VillageCentre, from weekend events like Cars & Coffee and theFarmers Market to Summer Concerts on the Green, 4th ofJuly Parade, annual Christmas Tree Lighting, HalloweenSpook-tacular, art exhibitions and more! Visit our Website:www.GreatFallsVillageCentre.com or just stop by and seewhy the Great Falls Village Centre is not only located in thecenter of town, but truly is the “heart” of the community.
Professionals (AHCP), for over 20years has provided home health careand hospice for all of Northern Virginia.
Founded in 1995, AHCP is a CommunityBased Organization (CBO) and is Joint
Commission Accredited. AHCP specializes in SkilledNurses (RN), Physical Therapists (PT), Mental Health Nurses and Home Heathaides. They are providers of medicare/medicaid and all major insurances. Thecompany provides a comprehensive, patient-centric model inclusive of: HomeHealth, Telehealth, Mobile Health, Global Health, and Wellness Programs.AHCP’s expert staff also serves as great resource concerning health care needs foryou or your family.
Your most reliable choice for com-puter repair in Great Falls Village Centreand surrounding northern Virginia. AtGeekABC Computer Repair, fixesWindows and Mac desktop and laptopcomputers, and provides network sup-port for homes and businesses. Theyunderstand that computers are a vital
part of your life, and they know how everything can come to a standstill even ifthe slightest problem occurs in your computer or network. GeekABC techniciansare experienced in repairing both PC and Mac computers, upgrading and replac-ing memory, addressing issues with operating systems, hard drives, motherboards,power supplies, viruses, spyware, and malware, and configuring software, databackups, data recovery, network security, wireless networks, and more with in-shop, on-site, and remote tech support. Services provided at a low price and nohidden fees.
River Nails & Spa is a new kindof neighborhood nail salon founded onthe idea that getting a manicure andpedicure should be downright lovely.River is your new luxury nail care desti-nation that will redefine what amani/pedi means to you. Sanitationand satisfaction is our priority.
Collaborations with our favorite beauty companies ensure our signature servicesand exclusive products deliver results. Get River Nails & Spa treat you!
Adeler Jewelers...............................703-759-4076AdGen Telecom..............................703-757-6757Allstate Insurance/Doug White.........703-759-7700Aquarian LLC .................................. 703-438-8838Artists on the Green.........................703-609-3092Arts of Great Falls ............................703-232-1575Capital Realty Services ................... 703-759-4900Dent Asset Management.................703-286-7555Dr. C. Ayers ..................................... 703-757-6445Executive Suites at Great Falls .........703-865-2500First Line Financial, Inc. ...................703-757-7393Geek ABC. ......................................703-828-1649Georgetown Learning Centers ........ 703-759-3624Great Falls Creamery. .....................703-272-7609Great Falls Cycle Studio..................703-585-5631Great Falls Family Dentistry..............703-759-4707H2O Pools ....................................... 703-250-5585Jinny Beyer Studio...........................703-759-0250Katie’s Coffee House.......................703-759-2759Lauren Liess Interiors........................571-926-7825Loebig Chiropractic........................703-757-5817New Paradigm Capital Mgmt..........703-757-4802Old Brogue Irish Pub........................703-759-3309Pilates Place, LLC............................703-405-3371Pio Pio Restaurant ........................... 703-865-7700Postmodern Foods...........................213-440-2257River Nail and Spa .......................... 571-257-6744Robert Mobley, AIA Architect...........703-759-1927School of Theatrical Dance.............703-759-5652Spectrum Property Management .... 703-307-2965The Great Falls Salon.......................703-759-4758Village Centre Mgmt Office ............ 703-759-2485Village Retreat/Massage Therapy....703-638-4852Wells Fargo Bank.............................703-757-1040Wild Ginger Restaurant ................... 703-759-5040
Retail • Office Space • Available for Lease • 703-759-2485 • [email protected]
Wal
t Law
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4 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
President Message
Great Falls Optimist ClubFoundation 36th Anniversary
And Great Falls Childrens Festival33rd Anniversary
What a great time to reflect and bethankful to Jorge Adeler of Adeler’sJewelers, The business community,and the multigenerational families
that have continued to come and contribute to whathas become an annual tradition at this time of yearin our community.
Adeler Jewelers hides 500-800 gemstones in the8000 plastic eggs stuffed with candy in the excitingegg hunt at the end of the festival to the delight ofchildren and parents alike! All profits are contrib-uted to Great Falls Optimist Club Children’s Fund togive back to the community.
The Great Falls Optimist Club continues to spon-sor programs such as Scholarships for winners ofOratorical and Essay contests among teens includ-ing deaf and hard of hearing, Respect for Law, Bi-cycle Safety, and Child identification programs.
Youth Groups such as ROTC High School Programs,Great Falls Rugby, and Great Falls Little League havereceived contributions to help the youth of our com-
munity learn discipline, commitment and Commu-nity.
The Helping Hands program recognizes youth whohave acted above and beyond in their schools andare given funds to be used as they please for theirschools.
We deliver Holiday and Week End Meals and holi-day gift cards to those families who are strugglingto make ends meet. We have paid for equipment thatallows home bound cancer students to remain au-dio/ visually in touch with their peers at school. TheOptimist International has a huge Childhood Can-cer Research Initiative with John Hopkins. We In-vite You and Your Friends to Join Us in our efforts tosupport the youth of today in an effort to invest in aBetter Tomorrow! The more members we have, themore youth can be supported!
Please contact Linda Thompson, membership chairat 703-850-5676 for inquiries into membership.
Call Wendy Adeler at 703 759 4076 to volunteerfor the Children’s Festival.
703-759-SOLD Office • 703-850-5676 Linda Cell • 703-568-5162 Reid Cell
Linda Thompson, Associate Broker
NVAR Top Producer, CRS, GRI, CIPS, ABR, SRES
Great Falls $990,000Come Home to FUN!
Lovingly and Tastefully Updated, this stately all brick home has beenmeticulously redone inside and out from Kitchen to Baths to Flooring,Fixtures, and Doors to Fenced Heated Pool. From two story coveredfront Porch, Witness Soccer, LAX, or Football games every day onexpansive lawn and Enjoy Al Fresco Dining Poolside or extended DiningArea. Walk to Riverbend Park or Quick drive to the Village for shoppingand Community Events!”
Alexandria - Quaker HillTownhouse – $550,000
New Flooring, Kitchen, and BathroomPriced to sell quickly, this 3br + den,3ba End unit Two Sides Brick TH inperfect location for commuting andescaping is move-in ready with privacyand great floor plan. Open HouseSunday – April 2nd.
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890 Proudly Selling Great Falls for 33 yearsFor those who live here, you know:We boast Top Schools, Low Density, Semi-rural feel, Small town atmosphere,Personal connection to Local shop owners, National and Local Parks right here,Little to no crime, Potomac River Access, Equestrian Park and Walking Trails,Local Festivals and Celebrations, Focal Art Center and Exhibitions, EasyCommute and Dual Airport Access.
For those who don’t yet live here:Please call for an insider tour of our great little town.
For those of you who are sadly leaving:Please call for a Consult to make your move as seamless, stressless, and finan-cially productive as possible!
“Before Diving into Unknown Waters,Let the Thompson Team’s Experience Guide
You Safely through the Transaction”
Other homes Coming SoonTwo Reston Condos Coming Soon:
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Edgewater at Town Center: Top Lvl One bedroom withPond views, Loft and great master bath.
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The Thompson TeamThe Thompson Team
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9912B Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Va. 22066 703 539-1500
Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
BirthstonesJanuary - Garnet
Garnet, the birthstone for January, signifies eternal friendship andtrust and is the perfect gift for a friend. Garnet, derived from the wordgranatum, means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone's re-semblance to a pomegranate seed. References to the gemstone datesback to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays jewelry.Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow ofcolors, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green oftsavorites.
February - AmethystAmethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to
ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep thewearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the gem-stone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, andnumerous cultures. English regalia were even decorated with amethystsduring the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been associated withmany myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst ispurple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in ev-ery corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found inRussia and were featured in much royal European jewelry.
March - AquamarineThe two birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone.The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, mean-
ing water, and marina, meaning the sea. This gemstone was believedto protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene colorof aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remaincalm and levelheaded. Its pale, cool color beautifully complementsspring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in toneand ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is moreintense in larger stones.
The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasperflecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. This ancient stone was usedby the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to havehealing powers - especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes calledthe martyr's stone as legend tells that it was created when drops ofChrist's blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross.
April - DiamondAs the April birthstone, diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one.
And now you have more choices than ever. Get creative and give theultimate gift of beauty: a fancy-color diamond. Fancy-color diamondsare natural, rare and truly exotic gem of the earth. Diamonds in huesof yellow, red, pink, blue, and green range in intensity from faint to vivid See Bithstones, Page 8
and generally the more saturated the color, the higher the value. In fact,diamonds sparkling with intense color are rare and may be priced higherthan a colorless diamond of equal size. Because fancy-color diamondsare very desirable, color is sometimes introduced in a laboratory.May - Emerald
As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believedto grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derivedfrom the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egyptas early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world's emeralds are mined inColombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia.
June - Pearl and AlexandriteJune counts three gems as birthstones, pearl, Alexandrite, and moon-
stone.Historically, pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries.
They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; laterin Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age. Pearls areunique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and requireno faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty.
AlexandriteA relatively modern gem, Alexandrite, was first discovered in Russia
in 1831 during the reign of its namesake, Czar Alexander II, and is anextremely rare chrysoberyl with chameleon-like qualities. Its color is alovely green in both daylight and fluorescent light; it changes color toa purplish red in incandescent light.
MoonstoneThe third birthstone for June is the Moonstone. It was given its name
by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone's ap-pearance altered with the phases of the moon - a belief that held untilwell after the sixteenth century. A phenomenal gemstone, moonstonesshow a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes showeither a multirayed star or a cat's eye. Considered a sacred stone in In-dia, moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacredcolor) and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whosepurpose is to bring good fortune. Part of the family of minerals calledfeldspar, moonstone occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks andcomes in a variety of colors such as green, blue, peach, and champagne.
July - RubyThere's no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby
in celebration of a July birthday. Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagi-
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For 21 years we have been providing professionalcare to one of the most important values of yourproperty, “Trees.” Whether maintenance, diagnosis,or removal is needed, call us for the guaranteedquality of service you deserve.
6 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Important Information*** PLEASE NOTE: Candy in the Egg Hunt may contain nuts! We doour best to avoid this, but we cannot guarantee it because even nut-freecandy MAY HAVE BEEN MADE on machines that previously processed candythat did contain nuts.
scheduling requirements for the Village Centre and volunteer staff, we are unableto provide a rain date for the egg hunt. Please call 703-759-4076 after 9:00 am onApril 9th to verify the status of the event if you are concerned about cancellation dueto inclement weather.
The egg hunt includes over $8000 worth of gemstonesdonated by Adeler Jewelers, mixed with candy and
stuffed into 8,000 plastic eggs that will be scatteredaround the Village Centre for children ages 1-10 to find.
All Rides at own risk.
If you would like to know whatyour "gem" is, please go to
www.AdelerJewelers.comand follow the linkunder Learn More.
jobs, including staffing an entrance, helping with set up and clean up the dayof the hunt, and other activities. If you are interested in helping with this fun,family-friendly event, please contact us at 703-759-4076 [email protected]. This is a terrific opportunity for Scout troops andstudents looking for community service opportunities!NO RAIN DATE: Due to the size of this ever-popular event, and to VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We can always use more volunteers to help with a range of
TICKETSTickets go on sale at 12:30
Games and rides are from 1:30-4The egg hunt from 4:00-4:30
Thank You toOur Sponsors
•The Great Falls Village Centre• Great Falls Family and Cosmetic Dentistry• Linda Thompson Realtor• The Old Brogue• Great Falls Eyecare• S.A.B. Tree Service• Deli Italiano• Loebig Chiropractic and Rehab• Village Green Day School• Elan Magazine• G. Stephen Dulaney/State Farm Insurance• Bob Nelson Realtor• Great Falls Exxon• John Nugent & Sons• Rossen Landscape• Great Falls Creamery• Brix Great Falls• Megawatt• AstroJump• Great Falls Swim and Tennis• Jan and Dan Laytham & Dianne Van Volkenburg
$10 per childAges 1-10 and
Parents are freeDonations welcome...
Go on sale at: 12:30
EntranceToddlersNo Parents
1-2on greenwith rides
33rd Annual Egg Hunt brought to you by Adeler Jewelersand the Great Falls Optimist Club at the Village Centre
33rd Annual Egg Hunt brought to you by Adeler Jewelersand the Great Falls Optimist Club at the Village Centre
8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
BirthstonesFrom Page 5
nation, and are said to guarantee health, wis-dom, wealth and success in love. Ruby is avariety of the gems species corundum. It isharder than any natural gemstone except dia-mond, which means a ruby is durable enoughfor everyday wear. Fine-quality ruby is ex-tremely rare, and the color of the gem is mostimportant to its value.
August - PeridotTwo birthstones are available for August
birthdays: Peridot and Sardonyx.Peridot is said to host magical powers and
healing properties to protect against night-mares and to bring the wearer power,influence, and a wonderful year. As peridot isa gemstone that forms deep inside the Earthand brought to the surface by volcanoes, inHawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele,the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today, mostof the peridot supply comes from Arizona;other sources are China, Myanmar, and Paki-stan.
SardonyxSardonyx is a form of onyx and is recog-
nized by its layers of reddish brown and whitebanding. It was popular with the ancientGreeks and Romans who carried into battletalismans of sardonyx engraved with images ofheroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing thatthis would bring courage and victory. Becauseof its attractive banding, sardonyx has longbeen used to fashion cameos (carved raisedfigures) and intaglios (the reverse of cameos).This gemstone is found throughout the world.
September - SapphireSapphire, the September birthstone, has
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Join us after the Egg Huntat our Spacious Great Falls Location
ARLINGTON6505 29th Street N.Williamsburg Center(703) 300-9578
LEESBURG19329 Winmeade Drive
Lansdowne Town Center(571) 333-0222
GREAT FALLS9911 Georgetown Pike
(Formerly Arby’s)(703) 759-6782
STERLING46580 S Cottage RdSterling, VA 20164
(703) 444-1400
EASY ORDERING ONLINE www.DeliItaliano.com
FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!
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Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Hoping the weather willbe fantastic, the GreatFalls Optimist Club and
Adeler Jewelers are ready for theannual Children’s Spring Festivalto take over the Village CentreSunday, April 9th, a sure signSpring is here in the community.
We’ll have rides and games andend with the Easter Egg Hunt, eggsfilled with candy and gems.
The Children’s Festival is thelargest fund raiser for the GreatFalls Optimist Club with proceedsbenefitting children locally. This isa great inexpensive family outing!
THE GREAT FALLS OPTIMISTCLUB provides Thanksgiving andHoliday Meals and Gifts for thoseless fortunate; in the past we’veprovided school supplies, equip-ment, word processors, LCD pro-jectors, etc for special educationclasses, as well as children’s can-cer, private injured parties, andmany more.
This year, we are supporting, theLittle League, the Great FallsRugby teams, the local HS ROTCprogram, and our Junior OptimistClub of Langley High School. Theyare currently working on blanketsfor the homeless.
Sometimes we have oratoricaland essay contests to compete forScholarships and help them gainleadership skills.
Linda thanks the many volun-teers who come out every year tohelp with the festival, whether it’sstuffing eggs on Thursday, Apr 6th
or setting up, and cleaning up theday of the Festival! These are theones who make it a success!
“The festival began as a way forSee Grand Opening, Page 11
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The Great FallsOptimist Club and
Adeler JewelersInvite You, YourChildren, Your
Grandchildren to:
The GrandOpening of
Spring with the33rd AnnualChildren’s
FestivalSunday, April 9th,
2017 1:30 – 4:30 PMat the
Village Centrein Great Falls
10 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
BirthstonesFrom Page8
cording to folklore, will protect your loved onesfrom envy and harm. Medieval clergy woresapphires to symbolize heaven, while common-ers thought the gem attracted heavenlyblessings. Blue sapphires range from very lightto very dark greenish or violetish blue, as wellas various shades of pure blue. The most prizedcolors are a medium to medium dark blue orslightly violetish blue.
October - Tourmalineand Opal
October is another month with two birth-stone choices - Tourmaline and Opal.
Tourmaline has become a favorite gemstoneamong jewelry designer, and gem collectorsthe world over. Since it is available in a widevariety of colors, it is ideally suited to almostanyone's taste.
Tourmaline also is known for displayingseveral colors in the same gemstone. These bi-color or tri-color gems are formed in manycombinations; gemstones with clear color dis-tinctions are highly prized. One multi-colorvariety is known as watermelon tourmaline,and features green, pink, and white colorsbands; to resemble its namesake, the gemstoneis cut into thin slices having a pink center,white ring, and green edge.
The name opal derives from the GreekOpallos, meaning "to see a change (of color)."Opals range in color from milky white to blackwith flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, andblue. An opal's beauty is the product of contrastbetween its color play and its background. Opalis a formation of non-crystalline silica gel thatseeped into crevices in the sedimentary strata.Through time and nature's heating and mold-ing processes, the gel hardened into the formof opals.
November - Topaz and CitrineTwo gems are appropriate for November
birthdays - Topaz and Citrine.Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rain-
bow of colors. Prized for several thousandyears in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquitywere called topaz. Often confused with citrinequartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown),quartz and topaz are separate and unrelatedmineral species. The most prized color of topazis called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czarsof the 1800s and features a magnificent orangebody color with pinkish undertones.
Citrine, the other birthstone for Novemberis known as the "healing quartz". This goldengemstone is said to support vitality and healthwhile encouraging and guiding hope, energyand warmth within the wearer. Citrine can befound in a variety of shades ranging from pas-tel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one ofthe most affordable of gemstones and plenti-ful in nature.
December - Tanzanite,Zircon, and Turquoise
The three birthstones associated with De-cember are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise.
Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania,and found exclusively in this tiny area of theworld, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-bluecolor for which the gemstone is treasured; of-ten it is heat-treated to achieve this color.Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzan-ites that are medium dark in tone, vivid insaturation, and slightly violet blue commandpremium prices.
Derived from the Arabic words zar and gun,meaning gold and color, zircon is found in awide range of colors such as: blue, yellow, or-ange, brown, green, colorless, and red (themost prized color). For many years colorlesszircon was used to imitate diamonds. Folk wis-dom grants zircon the power to relieve pain,whet the appetite, protect travelers from dis-ease and injury, to ensure a warm welcome,and to prevent nightmares guaranteeing adeep, tranquil sleep.
The name turquoise, from the French ex-pression Pierre tourques or Turkish stone,originated in the thirteenth century and de-scribes one of the oldest known gemstones.Turquoise varies in color from greenish blue,through robin's egg-blue, to sky blue shadesand its transparency ranges from translucent toopaque.
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Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Through The Years
The Grand Opening of Spring with the33rd Annual Childrens Festival, April 9th.From Pag 9
Adeler Jewelers to thank the com-munity for its support”, saidWendy Adeler Hall, whose fatherbegan the celebration over 30years ago. “He’s very communityminded” she said.
There are four age groups for theegg hunt at 4 PM: 8-10 Years tothe north of the green, 5-7 yearsin the middle, 3-4 years to thesouth of the green. The Toddlersand younger are free to pick upeggs near the Festival rides andgames during the festival 1-4. Thechildren 4 and younger can have
one parent with them, the olderones will be only allowed on thegreen by themselves. Parents canwatch behind the ribbons.
The eggs contain candy, butsome of the 8,000 eggs will con-tain gems donated by Adeler Jew-elers. “We usually hide about$8000 of gems mixed in”, Adelersaid. “Typically the gems includeamethyst, garnet, peridot, bluetopaz, citrine, some rubies andemeralds, all the typical birth-stones”, she said.
In addition local vendors havesponsored rides, like a moon
of Great Falls,Virginia
www.MegawattUSA.com202-438-8766
“We’re proudto support the
Great FallsSpring Festival”
PROFESSIONALDISC JOCKEYS
PROFESSIONALDISC JOCKEYS
ASTROJUMP.COM1-800-244-5867
Thank You foryour Sponsorship!
bounce, a maze and a giant slidefor the children to enjoy. The $10per child admission gives eachchild a bracelet that’s good forunlimited rides and the egg hunt.“We don’t charge the parents ad-mission, but they’re free to makedonations”, she grinned!
The event will take place rain orshine, and parents can call 703-759-4076 starting at 9 AM on thatSunday if the weather is poor tofind out details. Tickets will be-come available to purchase at12:30 behind the village centerwhere the rides will be set up.
TENNIS CLASSES & TEAMS • SOCIAL EVENTS • SWIM & DIVE TEAMS • FUN FOR KIDS • PRO-SHOP
Membership has its privileges!Openings are limited and fill quickly…
For membership information please call the Club’s General Manager,Jennifer Beets, at 703-759-7156 or email [email protected].
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to join Great Falls’ premier family club.
Welcome to Great Falls Swim & Tennis,your home away from home. We’re tucked away on four beautifully
landscaped acres within walking distance of Great Falls Village.Our club offers its members year-round entertainment
and activities for the whole family.Join us for a complimentary visit & tour!
12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
