Opinion, Page 6 ❖ Entertainment, Page 12 ❖ Classifieds, Page 14 Photo by Colin Stoecker/The Connection online at www.connectionnewspapers.com September 6-12, 2017 Wellbeing Page 9 Wellbeing Page 9 McLean McLean From left are Donna Carlson, baker and cashier; Sonia McCormick, publicity chair; Joellen Quint, head kitchen coordinator; and David Baroody, protodeacon, at Holy Transfiguration’s 27 th annual Middle Eastern Food Festival Saturday. Cultures Meet, Blend at Middle Eastern Food Festival News, Page 10 Cultures Meet, Blend at Middle Eastern Food Festival News, Page 10 Democratic-Endorsed Candidate Wins School Board Election News, Page 8 Gun Store Leaves Community After 2 Years News, Page 3 Democratic-Endorsed Candidate Wins School Board Election News, Page 8 Gun Store Leaves Community After 2 Years News, Page 3
Transcript
McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinio
n, Page 6
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Entertainm
ent, Page 12
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lassifieds, Page 14
Pho
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by C
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online at www.connectionnewspapers.comSeptember 6-12, 2017
WellbeingPage 9
WellbeingPage 9
McLeanMcLeanFrom left are DonnaCarlson, baker and cashier;Sonia McCormick, publicitychair; Joellen Quint, headkitchen coordinator; andDavid Baroody,protodeacon, at HolyTransfiguration’s 27th
annual Middle EasternFood Festival Saturday.
Cultures Meet, Blend atMiddle Eastern Food Festival
News, Page 10
Cultures Meet, Blend atMiddle Eastern Food Festival
News, Page 10
Democratic-Endorsed CandidateWins School Board ElectionNews, Page 8
Gun Store LeavesCommunity After 2 YearsNews, Page 3
Democratic-Endorsed CandidateWins School Board ElectionNews, Page 8
Gun Store LeavesCommunity After 2 YearsNews, Page 3
2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NOVA Firearms, which was lo-cated directly behind theFranklin Sherman Elementary School on Chain Bridge
Road, has left McLean for Falls Church.Hundreds of people protested outside of
the store when it first opened in September2015 because of its location.
Victoria Manoogian of McLean, who or-ganized the protest two years ago, starteda Change.org petition, “Keep Nova Firearmsout of Franklin Sherman Elementary’s Back-yard,” which received 2,638 supporters outof its goal to reach 5,000 supporters.
Though opponents of the firearms storelost the battle, they were relieved to hearthe store was relocating.
“We are relieved that the gun store ismoving out of the building next to FranklinSherman Elementary School,” Jane Strauss,who represents the Dranesville District onthe Fairfax County Public School Board andwas a past president of the elementaryschool’s parent-teacher association, wrotein an email. “Many parents of students werevery uncomfortable with a store so close tothe school and playground.”
Strauss demonstrated outside of the shoptwo years ago. John Foust, who representsthe Dranesville District on the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors, also showedup to protest two years ago. He was alsoglad to see the gun retailer move its brickand mortar store.
“I believe it’s inappropriate to operate agun shop next door to an elementaryschool,” Foust wrote in email. “I and othercommunity leaders tried to stop the gunshop from opening next to the FranklinSherman Elementary School. Unfortunately,
state and federal law did not support ourefforts and the owner refused to voluntar-ily consider moving the gun shop to anothersite. That was very disappointing. Two yearslater, I am pleased to hear that the McLeangun shop has closed and re-located fromthe school site.”
The Connection was unable to secure aninterview with representatives of NOVAFirearms.
THE GUN RETAILER’S new location at412 W. Broad St. in Falls Church is nostranger to firearms. Since 2012, the spotwas home to The Gun Dude, which sold fire-arms, espresso and coffee, until it closedon Aug. 31.
“By now you have likely heard that TheGun Dude is closing its Falls Church loca-tion as of Aug. 31,” Joshua Karrasch, theowner of the store, posted on the homepage of TheGunDude.com. “It has been ourpleasure to serve the Northern Virginia fire-arms community and we wish you the bestin the future.”
Karrasch listed his espresso maker, cof-fee grinder and accessories for sale onFacebook Marketplace and Craigslist for$3,000. He also listed a refrigerator for sale.
“I need some help selling these items tocover debts as we close,” said an Aug. 30post from The Gun Dude Facebook page.
Coordination with the government is re-quired to run a firearms business.
The Virginia Department of State Policedeveloped the Virginia Firearms TransactionProgram in 1989 to enforce legal mandatesinvolving the sale and possession of fire-arms with licensed firearms dealers in thecommonwealth.
All firearms sellers and employees in Vir-ginia are required by law to submit to anational and state criminal history recordinformation check by the Department ofState Police and Federal Bureau of Investi-gation in order to be issued an EmployeeIdentification Number (EIN) by the Depart-ment of State Police.
Licensed firearms dealers are also re-quired by law to perform a criminal history
record information check on their custom-ers prior to the sale, trade or transfer of afirearm, according to the Virginia Depart-ment of State Police.
Sellers can conduct these checks on pro-spective purchasers over the Internetthrough the Department of State Police’sVCheck system or by calling the VirginiaFirearms Transaction Program’s 800-tele-phone number. For sellers to enroll in theVCheck system, they must complete a Fire-arms Dealer Registration application, FormSP-69, and submit a completed fingerprintcard to the Virginia Firearms TransactionProgram. Dealers who have a valid federalfirearms license issued by the federal Bu-reau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearmsagency may submit a sworn and notarizedaffidavit to the Department of State Policewith a Firearms Seller Exemption Request,Form SP-69B, in lieu of submitting finger-prints, according to the Department of StatePolice.
There are also age restrictions for thosewho want to buy guns.
TO PURCHASE OR POSSESS a firearmin Virginia, a person must be at least 18years old, according to the Virginia Depart-ment of State Police. To purchase a hand-gun from a licensed firearms dealer, a per-son must be at least 21 years old, pursuantto federal law.
Virginia law does not address age require-ments for purchasing ammunition, but fed-eral law requires that an individual mustbe at least 21 years old to purchase hand-gun ammunition and at least 18 years oldto purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition,according to the Virginia Department ofState Police.
Machine guns in the commonwealth arerequired by law to be registered with theDepartment of State Police within 24 hoursof acquisition. A certificate of registrationis issued once the Machine Gun Registra-tion Application, Form SP-115, is completed.Failure to do so is a Class 3 misdemeanor,which is punishable by a fine of up to $500,but no jail time.
In honor and remembrance of GeraldT. Halpin (Feb. 15, 1923 – Aug. 14,2017), the Greater McLean Cham-
ber of Commerce will host a breakfast tohear about his contributions to theGreater McLean community. Jerry Halpinwas among those most responsible forthe development of the Tysons Cornerarea as a preeminent commercial hub.Halpin co-founded West*Group in 1962,starting with the purchase of 125 acresbetween Lewinsville and Tysons Cornerfrom the Ulfelder family. Within 15 years,West*Group had purchased 560 acres
and developed two McLean office parks,West*Gate and West*Park, that representedover half of the office space in FairfaxCounty. In recent decades, Halpin was aleader of efforts to adapt the Tysons Cor-ner area to future needs and opportunities,including advocating for the extension ofheavy rail. John Ulfelder will speak aboutJerry Halpin and his legacy, and about thedevelopment of West*Group over the de-cades. Ulfelder, a former Partner and Se-nior Vice President at West*Group, cur-rently serves the Dranesville MagisterialDistrict on the Fairfax County Planning
Commission. A past-president of the GreatFalls Citizens Association, Ulfelder has adistinguished record of civic engagement,and has served on the boards of: WETA,Inova Health System Foundation, McLeanProject for the Arts, McLean Historical So-ciety, and Great Falls Heritage, Inc.
“Mr. Halpin and West*Group had a tremen-dous impact on the Greater McLean businesscommunity, and Mr. Halpin made enormouscontributions to the civic and cultural life ofNorthern Virginia. We are delighted topresent this opportunity to learn about hislegacy and enrich our understanding of our
past as we look forward to the excitingchanges going on about us,” said PaulKohlenberger, President of the GreaterMcLean Chamber of Commerce. “We arehonored to have Mr. Ulfelder share hisexperiences, and the story of West*Group,with us,” Kohlenberger added.
Breakfast – Remembering Jerry Halpinand the West*Group Legacy will be heldat j. Gilbert’s Wood-fired Steaks & Sea-food – 6930 Old Dominion Drive,McLean, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017;7:30-9 a.m. Fees: Chamber Members:$20; Future Members: $30.
Chamber to Honor Gerald T. Halpin
NOVA Firearmsmoves from McLeanto Falls Church.
Gun Store Leaves Community After 2 Years
Photos by Fallon Forbush/The Connection
A “For Lease” sign has been placed over a sign at its former retail loca-tion, which bordered the Franklin Sherman Elementary School, afterNOVA Firearms announced it was relocating to retail space at 412 W.Broad Street in Falls Church.
4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See September, Page 5
By Andrea Worker
The Connection
At its meeting on July 11, theFairfax County Board of Super-visors presented a proclamation,designating September 2017 as
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death
in Virginia. On average, one person dies bysuicide every eight hours in the state. Ac-cording to the statistics published for 2017by the National Capital Area branch of theAmerican Foundation for Suicide Preven-tion (AFSP), suicide is the second leadingcause of death for ages 15-34 in Virginia,third for ages 10-14, and fourth amongpeople 35-54.
“So many of these tragedies are prevent-able,” said Ellen Shannon, area director forthe region’s AFSP chapter, “if only we canend the stigma and get people talking. It’snot a conversation that we’re comfortablehaving, but if we listen, and talk, we mightjust save a life.”
Studies show that more than 50 percentof all people who attempt suicide tell some-one about their intentions, but too oftenpeople considering suicide are afraid to askfor help, and those who think they see thesigns of trouble are reluctant to be wrongand then offend, or cause embarrassment.
Wendy Gradison, CEO of Psychiatric Re-habilitation Services, Inc. (PRS) that runsNorthern Virginia’s crisis hotline andtextline, agrees. Gradison said that by “turn-ing up the volume, we can make it OK tohave a conversation, make a call or send atext. Making a call or sending a text [to ourCrisisLink] saves lives.”
PRS reports that for every death, 278people are able to move past that crisismoment, and the numbers could increaseto the positive if more people can bereached. The nonprofit has contributed tothose survival statistics, handling nearly34,000 crisis calls and exchanging morethan 33,000 crisis text messages from the
Northern Virginia region in 2016alone through its CrisisLink pro-gram.
All of the area organizationsthat support mental health andfight against suicide are activelyengaged in that battle all yearlong, 24/7, but during SuicideAwareness and PreventionMonth, those efforts get magni-fied to engage as many citizensas possible in the conversation.
Who’s doing what to promotesuicide awareness and preventionduring September, and how canto get involved? Here are just afew of the events and activitiestaking place in the area:
Out of the Darkness WalkThe 10th annual Fairfax/NoVA
Out of the Darkness CommunityWalk to benefit the AmericanFoundation for Suicide Preven-tion, National Capital Area Chap-ter, (AFSP) takes place on Satur-day, Sept. 16, starting at 11 a.m.Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Thewalk begins and ends at theFairfax County Government Cen-ter in Fairfax.
Online registration for theevent atwww.afsp.donordrive.com isopen until noon on the Friday be-fore the walk, but individuals andteams can still register in personat the walk from check-in untilthe start of the walk.
The event is family and pet friendly. Walk-ers and spectators are encouraged to comeearly in order to explore the resources area.Representatives from local agencies andnon-profits will be on hand to offer infor-mation and news about upcoming events.The organizers say it’s also a good time tosimply “connect and gain support” fromothers with similar experiences.
Working closely with the AFSP and lead-ing the charge for the walk for the secondyear in a row is retired Fairfax Countyfirefighter, Karrie Leigh Boswell, who hasbeen an advocate for firefighter line-of-dutydeath benefits during her 27-year career.She got involved in the cause to preventsuicide deaths when “trying to make sense”of the suicide “of one of our own, NicoleMittendorf.” Mittendorf was a firefighter
from Woodbridge, who took herown life in April last year andwhose death sparked investiga-tions into cyberbullying as a pos-sible contributing factor in herdeath.
Boswell says she felt compelledto get involved and do her partfor suicide prevention for every-one, but particularly for her“brother and sister” firefightersand rescue personnel. “If youthink there’s a stigma among thegeneral public when it comes totalking about your mental healthor feelings of suicide,” saidBoswell, “it’s even greater inthose ranks and with law enforce-ment. We feel like we’re supposedto be the ones helping, not theones needing help.”
Boswell is committed to doingwhat she can personally and tobuilding a community to tacklethe tragedies of suicide. “Nothingever gets done without a broad-based coalition,” she said.
“Last year we had about 1,000walkers and raised about$150,000,” said Boswell. Thosenumbers made the Fairfax Walknumber 18 of the 411 AFSP-spon-sored walks that took place acrossthe country in 2016. Her goals forthis year? “Double? Triple? Ulti-mately to break a million dollars.”Boswell is pleased that half of thefunds raised will remain here in
the community, with the other half goingto fund scientific research, and national sui-cide prevention and advocacy efforts.
AFSP.org offers seminars and workshopsfor clinicians as well as the general public.The group also raises funds for research andresources and advocates at all levels of gov-ernment to “find better ways to prevent
Area agencies, organizations and citizens engage to raise awareness and prevent deaths.
September Is Suicide Prevention MonthThe Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation todeclare September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.
The walk in 2016 raised awareness and funds to help preventsuicide.
From left: Capt. II Dennis Kotecki, Wellness andFitness Program Manager, Fairfax County; KarrieLeigh Boswell, retired Fairfax County firefighter andchair of the Out of the Dark Community Walk; andEllen Shannon, area director, National Capital Area,American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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September Events HighlightSuicide Prevention Month
Photo contributed
Rowing to raise funds — from the2016 “Work-Out of the Darkness,which precedes the Out of theDarkness Walk to prevent suicide.For the second year, Fairfax Countywill host a 24-hour workout eventfor county employees, familymembers and firefighters and lawenforcement from neighboringjurisdictions, from 8 a.m. on Fri-day, Sept. 15, until 8 a.m. on Satur-day, Sept. 16.
24 Hour Work-Out of the DarknessOrganized by Fairfax County’s LiveWell
program and Fire and Rescue’s Well-Fit pro-gram, this 24-hour workout event is a “greatcompanion piece” for the Out of the Dark-ness Walk,” said Capt. II Dennis Kotecki,wellness and fitness program manager withFairfax County. The action also takes placeat Government Center, starts at 8 a.m. onFriday, Sept. 15, and concludes an hourbefore the Walk check-in begins on Satur-day morning.
“We are really looking for ways to helpour county employee community stay fit,physically and mentally … and it’s just agreat, fun experience and way to supportefforts to prevent suicide.”
The Workout is open to all Fairfax Countygovernment employees, retirees, familymembers and first responders from sur-rounding jurisdictions. The activities aredivided into 30-minute sessions and includeopportunities for individual exercise as wellas group fitness classes.
“We’ll have it all going on,” said Kotecki.There will be cycling, Zumba, a walkinglabyrinth, a kids’ fitness zone, kettleballsand routines using TRX equipment.
Like the Out of the Darkness Walk, theWork-Out will also have a mental wellbeingexpo, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, withinformation about community resources, aswell as county employee benefits.
Eligible participants can learn more, reg-ister and select workout activities andtimeslots at m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/20f04aaba92fa1fbg-work-out2.
#CallTextLivePRS, Inc. Is launching its third annual
#CallTextLive campaign, using that hashtagto reach out directly through social mediato engage the community and encouragethose in need to make contact with peoplewho can help. The campaign works to edu-cate the community about what resourcesare available, and what they can do to gethelp, or give it.
On the PRS website, the organization hasposted an interactive Calendar of Events.Throughout the month of September on thecalendar, viewers can click on links thatguide them to resources, training classes,ways to volunteer or donate, inspirationalmessages, and actions that anyone can taketo help raise awareness and prevent suicide.
On Sept. 10 on the PRS calendar, there’sinformation about World Suicide PreventionDay. Sept. 21 invites people to join in on“Selfie Day!” by sharing pictures on PRS’ssocial media platforms dressed in a#CallTextLive T-shirt. Sept. 16 and 17 di-
rect viewers to information about, and reg-istration for, a two-day ASIST training ses-sion. ASIST is a suicide intervention work-shop. The sessions are open to “virtuallyanyone older than 16, regardless of priorexperience or training.”
In addition to running the CrisisLinkHotline and Textline, PRS offers trainingworkshops and programs such as “CareRingServices” to maintain supportive contactwith area older adults.
Contact information: Website –prsinc.org. The Crisis Hotline number is703-527-4077. Text “CONNECT” to 85511to reach the PRS Textline.
NAMI Northern Virginia“Help Shine a Light” Walk
The local affiliate of the National Allianceon Mental Illness will host its annual Walkon Saturday, Sept. 23, in Tysons Corner,with check-in starting at 9 a.m.
NAMI Northern Virginia has been serv-ing residents of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexan-dria, Falls Church and Loudoun County for40 years. They offer numerous classes,clubs, and support for individuals livingwith mental health conditions, as well assupport groups, sessions and resources forthe families, partners, and friends of thoseindividuals.
Contact information: Website www.nami-northernvirginia.org. Helpline 571-458.7310 Email at [email protected].
Other mental health resources are avail-able through the county on line atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov, and through theFairfax-Falls Church Community ServicesBoard. Emergency mental health serviceswith the CSB are available 24/7 by calling703-573-5679, or coming directly to theMerrifield Center at 8221 Willow OaksCorporate Drive, lower level, rear en-trance, in Fairfax.
6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
By Stephanie Berkowitz
Northern Virginia Family Service
The U.S. Census Bureauconfirmed in July whatwe already know: manyNorthern Virginia resi-
dents are doing well financially. Infact, Loudoun County, the City ofFalls Church and Fairfax County arethe three wealthiest jurisdictions in the U.S.while Arlington and Prince William countiesand the City of Fairfax also rank in the top 20.
The new Census Bureau numbers mask thefact that there are pockets of poverty through-out our region, and many of our neighbors arestruggling.
Having worked at Northern Virginia FamilyService (NVFS) for 18 years, I have met count-less residents who come to us for help findingaffordable housing, food, healthcare, medica-tions and job training. Without support, theseissues continue to negatively impact the fami-lies around us, creating larger barriers to self-sufficiency and the opportunity to thrive in ourbooming region.
I’m thinking of Zaheer Iqbal, who emigratedto the U.S. from Pakistan with a master’s de-gree in English literature, a Fulbright scholar-
ship and having worked with the U.S. militaryin Pakistan fighting the Taliban. In spite of hisexperience and education, the best job he could
find was cleaning toilets and work-ing as a cashier at an Annandale gasstation. (Did I mention he also speaksseven languages?) Zaheer “gradu-ated” to a job as a hotel night clerkin Fairfax, leaving that job everymorning to go to our six-monthTraining Futures job program. Train-ing Futures saw his potential andhelped him make valuable connec-tions within the business community.
He recently landed a job with a governmentcontractor. But it took Zaheer four years ofsleepless nights and uncertainty about how hewould support himself and his twin boys toget to that point.
When I think about the disparity in our re-gion, I think of the 77-year old woman whohas been coming to our Hunger Resource Cen-ter in Manassas on and off for 20 years as hersituation changes. (She asked that I not use hername because she doesn’t want her family toknow she continues to rely on the food bank.)When she was raising her son as a single motherand working as a waitress, there were timeswhen she had to choose between paying themortgage and feeding her family. At one point,her house was in foreclosure. Today, she is liv-ing off her monthly social security check, whichdoesn’t cover her basic expenses. She is drawn
to the fruits and vegetables at the Hunger Re-source Center and, on the days they have eggs,she “celebrates” by making an omelet. As a se-nior living alone, she says she feels invisible toher neighbors. “How hard would it be for some-one to check up on me or invite me in for abowl of soup?” she asks through tears.
And when I think of the challenges facing somany of our neighbors I am thinking of CarlaRocha, who grew up in Reston and graduatedfrom high school in Sterling. All she wantedwas a safe, affordable place to live with herson. Instead, she lived in her car, slept onfriends’ floors and stayed in transitional hous-ing provided by Second Story – one of manyoutstanding nonprofits in Northern Virginiathat provide a safety net for vulnerable chil-dren and youth.
Carla moved five times in six years. “I couldadapt easily,” she told me. “It was harder onmy son. That is a lot of change for a kid.”
With support from nonprofits like NVFS andSecond Story, Carla has a great job and hasbeen able to buy her own place. But for manyother residents, living wage jobs and afford-able housing remain elusive.
For nearly 100 years, NVFS has been com-mitted to helping vulnerable residents becomeself-sufficient. If you are proud to call North-ern Virginia home, help us in creating a stron-ger community where all families and individu-als can thrive. Maybe you can start by invitingsomeone in for a bowl of soup.
The writer is president and CEO of NorthernVirginia Family Service.
“How hard would it befor someone to invite mein for a bowl of soup?”
Disparity, Poverty Hidden by Communities’ WealthCommentary
FomentingDisunity andHateTo the Editor:
I was appalled to read the letter(“American Values,” Aug. 30) by agroup of Democrat politicians, li-beling Donald Trump. No fair-minded person could honestlyconstrue anything Mr. Trump saidas a “defense of Nazism.”
Mr. Trump’s initial response was:“We condemn in the strongest pos-sible terms this egregious displayof hatred, bigotry, and violence onmany sides.” Who but an actualfascist could disagree?
Trump then re-stated: “Racismis evil — and those who cause vio-lence in its name are criminals andthugs, including KKK, neo-Nazis,white supremacists, and otherhate groups are repugnant to ev-erything we hold dear as Ameri-cans.” No honest person — politi-cian or not — could interpret thisas support of Nazism.
As to the facts in Charlottesville,many of the original protestorswere not neo-Nazis or Klansmen,but simply there to protest the re-
moval of Robert E. Lee’s statuefrom the park named after him.Similarly, not all the counter-pro-testors were club-wielding, rock-throwing antifa — some just be-lieved the statue should be re-moved. So again, Mr. Trump wasundeniably correct that some [notall] on both sides were fine people.
It’s hard to avoid the conclusionthat the Democrat politicians whosigned the defamatory letter to theConnection are primarily inter-ested in fomenting disunity andhate by hyping fears of neo-Nazisamong the voters.
Michael CrawfordGreat Falls
For Tax ReformBenefiting AllTo the Editor:
Trump wants to cut taxes for therich who already have too much— who already translate theirwealth into power to pervert ourpolitical and economic systems.
If Republicans are serious abouttax reform, then why not go backto their favorite period in history— when Ike was president?
Under Ike’s 90 percent top in-come tax, we had world-class liv-ing standards, science and re-search, public schools, road andmedia — we had Fairness Doctrinereporting with real investigativejournalism.
Why?Because, instead of stealing
from innocent hardworkingAmericans like my dad, the richpaid their fair share for member-ship in the society that benefitsthem most.
Go ahead and reform taxes, butdo it to benefit all Americans, notjust the top 1 percent.
A.J. O’BrienHerndon
Deer HuntingEffectsMisrepresentedTo the Editor:
Did you receive a disturbingflyer in the mail about archeryhunting in Fairfax County? Theflyer displays a graphic depictionof a deer with an arrow throughits face (from N.J.) and claims that
Letters to the Editor
bowhunting is responsible for deervehicle collisions (DVCs). Thisflyer from an anonymous sourcehas raised many questions, as itwas designed to do. However, thequestion you should be asking is:Are these claims true?
To not bury the lead, the answeris no. This flyer goes beyond asimple misunderstanding of eco-logical systems or DVCs. It falselyrepresents an analysis of VDOTdata and takes a single sentencefrom the scientific literature out ofcontext with the dubious intent ofconvincing you that the sciencesupports their position when itdoes not. This flyer is full of lies.
But how do we know? TheVDOT data used in the flyer wereacquired through a Freedom of In-formation Act request. The DVCsin the data were mapped againstthe Fairfax County Deer Manage-ment Program in order to investi-gate the flyer’s claim that 92 per-cent (287 of 310) of the DVCs oc-cur within 1 mile of a park under-going deer management. Wefound that claim was false. In or-der to include 287 DVCs, we hadto count DVCs within one and a
See Letters, Page 7
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Public MeetingsFall Transportation Meeting
You are invited to participate in public meetings held by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The meetings will begin with an open house followed by a town hall style meeting. The open house will provide information on various transportation initiatives including proposed changes to Virginia’s project prioritization process (SMART SCALE), recently funded projects in the Six-Year Improvement Program, Virginia’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, VTrans Multimodal Transportation Plan, and Scenario Planning and Freight plans. Representatives from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, Departments of Transportation and Rail and Public Transportation, along with Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Planning District Commissions, and Transit organizations will be in attendance to highlight their transportation programs and to discuss your ideas and concerns on Virginia’s transportation network The open house will be followed by a town hall session, where you can engage in discussion and ask questions about the various initiatives. Comments will be accepted informally at the meeting and may also be submitted via email, or online.
Meeting Dates and Locations Open House begins at 4:00 pm in each of the locations:
Meeting materials will be available at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/planning/fallmeetings/ beginning August 29, 2017. If you cannot attend a meeting, you may also send your comments on highway projects to Infrastructure Investment Director, VDOT, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219, or [email protected] and on rail, public transportation and transportation demand management to Public Information Officer, DRPT, 600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or [email protected]. Comments will be accepted until October 20, 2017. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need further information on these policies or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Title VI Compliance Officer at 804-786-2730 or the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s Title VI Compliance Officer at 804-786-4440 (TTY users call 711).
From Page 6
half miles from parks, not onemile. Why does that matter? First,it is a blatant lie in the flyer andshows the author’s willingness toreject reality and replace it withtheir own fantasy. Second, 92 per-cent of Fairfax County is withinone and half miles of a propertyin the Deer Management Program.Therefore, 92 percent of the DVCshappen on 92 percent of the areaof Fairfax County. The VDOT datado not support the claim that DVCsincrease because of deer manage-ment activities.
There is a research project in theCity of Fairfax investigating anexperimental deer sterilizationmethod. The flyer claims that onlythree DVCs occurred in the cityduring the time of the study. How-ever, the VDOT data shows seven.The flyer goes on to attempt toclaim that the sterilization studyhas decreased DVCs. To investigatethis claim, I used VDOT data from2005 to 2016 for the City ofFairfax. Prior to the study beingimplemented in 2014, the City ofFairfax averaged 1.3 DVCs per year(12 DVCs in 9 years). During thestudy, the City of Fairfax averaged2.3 DVCs per year (7 in 3 years).The number of DVCs has actuallyincreased during the time of thedeer sterilization study.
However, as an honest man, Icannot suggest that this slight in-crease is a result of the steriliza-tion project. The increase, whilereal, could be caused by any num-ber of factors.
The flyer goes on to claim thatan article published in the Jour-
nal of Wildlife Management in1985 supports the long-held be-lief by those that oppose huntingthat bowhunting actually in-creases deer populations. The ar-ticle in question is “ReproductiveDynamics and Disjunct White-tailed Deer Herds in Florida” byRichter and Labisky. This studydid find that female deer inhunted populations had an insig-nificant increase in fawns versusdeer in non-hunted populations.Why? Here is where we lose theauthors of the flyer because wehave to apply a little ecologicalknowledge, or maybe read theentire article they misrepresent.This article goes on to explain thathunted deer populations are morehealthy deer because they are inbetter balance with their environ-ment and are better capable ofreproducing than non-hunteddeer because non-hunted deer areless healthy. That does not meanthat hunting will increase the deerpopulation. In fact, hunting re-duces the deer population becauseit overcomes the slight increase inreproduction associated withhealthy deer. Hunting is how deerpopulations are managed in Vir-ginia and the declining deer herdin the state is testament to the ef-ficacy of the method.
There are other false claims inthe anti-hunting flyer, but I hopethat I have made my point. Per-haps there is a reason the authorof the flyer did not sign their work.They knew they were lying to you.I will sign mine.
U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) announced that the deadlinefor students interested in applying for a nomination by the 10th Dis-trict Service Academy Advisory Board to one of the nation’s militaryacademies for the Class of 2022 is 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, in herSterling district office.
“Our Service Academies depend on young men and women whoembody hard work, honor, and integrity to answer the call of service.Virginia’s 10th District has distinguished students whom I have greatconfidence will lead our next generation. I hope each of our studentswho are inspired to serve their country will apply to be a part of theClass of 2022 so they can create their own legacy of excellence in aService Academy. The 10th District Service Academy Advisory Boardhas the experience and commitment necessary to finding this year’sdedicated class of students.”
Applications can be mailed or hand delivered to Comstock’s Ster-ling office at 21430 Cedar Drive, Suite 218, Sterling, Virginia 20164.Interested students can request an Academy Nomination Applicationfrom Comstock’s Web site at comstock.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. The selection process is strictly a competitiveone.
For more information about the congressional nominating process,contact Mary Ann Cannon in Comstock’s Sterling office at 703-404-6903, or go to comstock.house.gov/ and click on Military AcademyNominations under the Services section.
Week in McLean
8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Michael Lee Pope
The Connection
Guardian ad litem and FairfaxCounty Planning Commissionmember Karen Keys-Gamarraswamped Republican Chris
Grisafe and two other candidates in a specialelection Aug. 29, one that Democrats say is asign of strength for their party heading intothe fall. The seat was vacated by Republican-endorsed former School Board memberJeanette Hough in May, days before the dead-line for the race to be on the ballot in Novem-ber. Democrats cried foul, attacking the Re-publicans throughout the campaign for try-ing to rig the vote by engineering an Augustspecial election so the voters would be olderand whiter and ostensibly more inclined tovote Republican than the much larger pool ofvoters in November.
“It backfired,” said at-large School Boardmember Ryan McElveen, adding that thecost to taxpayers was about $300,000 forthe special election. “That became the nar-rative, and it’s what people were talkingabout.”
After it was clear that she had won morethan 60 percent of the vote, Keys-Gamarraarrived to a raucous crowd of campaignvolunteers and party faithful assembled atthe Elks Lodge in Pine Ridge. Lt. Gov. RalphNortham introduced the victorious Demo-crat with a speech that some in the crowdcompared to the kind of delivery popular-ized by professional wrestlers, a newfoundsense of ebullience for the typically but-toned-down candidate for governor. Keys-Gamarra thanked those who worked on hercampaign without the benefit of a list, whichshe said she said she had been too busy to
write.“Today is so much bigger
than me,” said Keys-Gamarra.“This sends a message thatevery student, every citizen,deserves a voice.”
ON THE CAMPAIGN trail,Keys-Gamarra focused on atheme of leveling the playingfield for students across thecounty. She would frequentlysay that all students deservethe same opportunities nomatter what ZIP code they livein. That was a message thatresonated with voters inVirginia’s most populouscounty, which has pockets ofpoverty scattered aroundsome of the wealthiest neigh-borhoods in the county. Sup-porters say that was the rightmessage for an at-large seat onthe School Board, which rep-resents all parts of the county.
“Karen was really focusedon this issue of equity,” said Tamara DerenakKaufax, who represents the Lee District onthe School Board. “She understands thatpoverty brings challenges, and that wassomething she talked about at every cam-paign appearance.”
Some Democrats were worried that thecontroversy surrounding the recent vote onrenaming J.E.B. Stuart High School mightundermine Keys-Gamarra, who agreed withthose wanting to change the name. But asthe precinct numbers rolled in Tuesdaynight, it became clear that issue might nothave been the flashpoint some had feared.
Democrats were closely watching precinctslike Belvedere and Barcroft for a sense thatvoters there might be pushing back againstthe move to strip the high school of its con-troversial Confederate name.
“If there was going to be a backlash, that’swhere you would have seen it,” said U.S.Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11). “But she wonthose precincts.”
Campaign manager Peter Dougherty ac-knowledged that turnout for the Augustspecial election was low compared to No-vember. But he said the numbers this weekexceeded his expectations, which he as-
The McLean Orchestra has namedGerald Fowkes the music direc-tor of its McLean Youth Orchestra
(MYO). He has begun his duties over thesummer and will conduct rehearsals andconcerts beginning in September. He alsowill hold auditions at The Old Firehousein McLean on Sept. 10. Fowkes is currentlyDirector of Orchestras at Fairfax CountyHigh School. Prior to his tenure at Fairfax,he taught at Gar-Field High School,Woodbridge Senior High school and Stone-wall Middle School. As a member of theartistic staff of the Youth Orchestras ofPrince William, Fowkes is the conductorof the Concert Orchestra. He has conducted
recently completed its 46th season of pre-senting fine orchestra repertoire. The MYOcomprises auditioned high-school age mu-sicians, who rehearse weekly during theschool year and perform three concerts inthe community building of Vinson Hall inMcLean. Concerts include classical orches-tra and concerto repertoire, giving youngmusicians high level ensemble and perform-ing experience. These concerts are free tothe community. The younger Repertory Or-chestra of the MYO gives middle schoolmusicians high-quality ensemble training,under the leadership of Veronica Jackson.
On Sept. 25 the McLean Orchestra willchange its name to the Tysons McLean Or-
chestra. After 46 years of performing andnow becoming a fully professional or-chestra, this group finds itself in a posi-tion to need larger performance venuesand increased support from the businesscommunity and residents from the grow-ing Tysons area. The Tysons McLean Or-chestra hopes to perform at some newperforming arts centers planned forTysons in the future. The Youth Orches-tra will always be a part of the TysonsMcLean Orchestra and the young musi-cians will have continued opportunitiesto perform side by side with the adultorchestra.
Visit www.mclean-orchestra.org.
All-County Orchestras in Albemarle, Fauquier,Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, andStafford Counties and the 2014 VBODA Dis-trict X Senior Honor Orchestra and 2016VBODA South East.
Fowkes is a graduate of Louisiana StateUniversity where he graduated summa cumlaude in Cello Performance. He is an alum-nus of both the Youth Orchestras of PrinceWilliam and the American Youth Philhar-monic, and is a past Virginia Governor’sScholar at the National Music Camp inInterlochen, Mich.
The McLean Orchestra, led by music di-rector Miriam Burns, is the fully-profes-sional orchestra in the McLean area, and
Mclean Orchestra Names Gerald Fowkes MusicDirector of the McLean Youth Orchestra
Keys-Gamarra overcomes Republican-advantage in low-turnout August.
Democratic-Endorsed School Board Candidate Wins
sumed would be maybe 6 percent or 7 per-cent of registered voters. Instead turnoutwas closer to 10 percent. Keys-Gamarraended up with more than 41,000 votes —64 percent, almost doubling the turnout ofher Republican-endorsed opponent.Dougherty said he was surprised to see hiscandidate win in precincts like Fairfax Sta-tion, which is traditionally GOP territory.
“I think this shows that Democrats are re-ally excited right now,” said Dougherty. “Vot-ers wanted someone who would stand up towhat we saw in Charlottesville, and I thinkKaren’s message was the antidote to that.”
Photo by Andrea Worker
Karen Keys-Gamarra won the special election to fill theopen school board seat vacated by Jeanette Hough.
“Today is somuch bigger thanme. This sends amessage thatevery student,every citizen,deserves a voice.”
McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Marilyn Campbell
With her one-yearold daughter intow, Ellen Knightpoked at apples
and caressed peppers on a Sundaymorning at the Bethesda FarmersMarket. The activity is part of herweekend ritual, searching for thefreshest, most flavorful seasonalfruits and vegetables to use inmeals throughout the rest of theweek.
“I’m a little neurotic about pro-duce and farmers markets,” shesaid. “I try to only buy at farmersmarkets and only buy what’s inseason. I’m excited about fall andthe new changes in what’s com-ing in from the local farms.”
As the weather gets cooler andtemperatures drop, the bumpercrops of fall can be found in fla-vorful abundance at farmers mar-kets, grocery stores and even back-yard gardens. Among the mostnutritious and readily availableproduce are cabbage, peppers,squash, beets and other root veg-etables, says Chef Pete Snaith ofCulinaria Cooking School inVienna.
“The fall harvest is a glorioustime for peak-of-the-season veg-etables and fruits,” he said. “Farm-ers markets will be piled high ….”
With a flavor that can be thebasis of both sweet and savorydishes, sweet potatoes are one ofthe most nutritious foods to debutin fall, says nutritionist AllisonSpeer of the Speer Nutrition Groupin Alexandria. “They’re loadedwith potassium and vitamin E,”she said. “In fall there’s a greatervariety available like PurpleStokes, Garnet and Hannah.
Choose small or medium-sizedsweet potatoes that feel heavierthan they look, advises Speer.“Store them in a dark place andkeep them cool, but not cold,” shesaid. “Letting them get cold ruinsthe flavor.”
Winter squash is an umbrella
term for a wide-range of squashvarieties with thick, tough skins,such as butternut and acorn. Mostreadily available beginning inearly fall and slow to go bad, win-ter squash can be stored whole forseveral weeks, says Arlington-based dietitian Melissa Hawkins,RD. “They are full of vitamins Aand C,” she said. “The also have alot of potassium and fiber, whichcan make you feel full and satis-fied for a longer time.”
Hawkins also touts the versatil-ity of winter squash. “I like to usebutternut squash or pumpkin insoup,” she said. “Acorn squash canbe made into a puree. One of myfavorite things to do is to spiralizewinter squash to make spaghettior noodle-like strands that I useinstead of pasta. It’s super easy anddeeply satisfying.”
Though its trendier cousins kaleand Brussels sprouts get morehype, Hawkins says that cabbageis a versatile superfood that shouldnot be overlooked. “There are somany varieties like Savoy andNapa and it’s full of vitamins C andB6 and fiber,” she said.
Cabbage and other greens arelow and calories and can be pre-pared in a myriad of ways, addsSpeer. “One of the simplest waysto cook them is to roast them orstir fry them,” she said. “Cabbagecan also be stuffed or turned intoslaw.”
Most commonly seen in darkred, beets come a variety of colorslike white, pink and orange.They’re earthy, sweet and nutri-tious, says Hawkins. “Eating beetsis almost like taking a big multivi-tamin,” she said. “You’re gettingvitamins, A, B and C, plus iron, po-tassium, folic acid and beta-caro-tene.”
Beets can be eaten raw or pre-pared in a variety of ways, saysSpeer. “You can roast them, pureethem or even make beet chips,”she said. “They can stain yourhands and clothing so you have tobe careful when handling them.”
Among the foods most often as-sociated with fall are apples. Withvarieties ranging from tart GrannySmiths to sweet Fujis, there’s anorb for every palate, says Speer.“Apples are packed with fiber andvitamin C,” she said. “You can slicethem or eat them while, so they’reaccessible and easy to carry andeat.”
From juicy apples to hearty cabbage, howto reap the health benefits of fall produce.Healthy and in Season
Wellbeing
Roasted Beet Salad2 each, red and golden beets, wash but
not peeled.2 TBSP, olive oil3 oranges, peeled and segmented1/4 cup, fresh mint, chiffinade4 oz., feta cheese, sliced into 1/2” cubes
or crumbledº1 mango, sliced in 1/2” cubesmicro greens or pea shoots (optional)
Vinaigrette1/2 cup, olive oil2 TBSP., balsamic vinegar1 TBSP., orange juicesalt and pepper to taste
quick, simple, healthy prepara-tion,” said Snaith “Steaming,blanching, grilling, and roastingquickly come to mind. Apples,watermelon, and peaches areabundant now as well. You can topoff a delicious meal with a lightdessert of baked apples or grilledpeaches with homemade vanillaice cream.”
1. Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.2. Coat the beets with the olive oil and
season with salt and pepper. Placethe beets in a roasting dish andcover. Place in the oven and roast forabout 1 to 1 and a half hours or untiltender. Remove from the beets fromthe oven and let cool. Peel whencooled. Cut into 1/2” pieces
3. While the beets are roasting, preparethe vinaigrette. Place the ingredientsin a bowl and whisk to combine.
4. Place the beets, mango, orange, andpea shoots in separate bowls. Drizzleeach with a tablespoon of vinaigretteand toss to coat.
5. Arrange the salad attractively on theplate. Top with pea shoots anddrizzle with the vinaigrette and topwith the mint.
Select apples that are firm andwithout blemishes or bruises, andcoat them with lemon juice afterthey’ve been cut to keep themfrom turning brown, advises Speer.
Choosing produce that is freshand in-season, makes it easier toprepare them with little fuss sothat their nutritional value is pre-served. “Fresh vegetables deserve
10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Colin Stoecker
The Connection
Father Joseph Francavilla, a McLeanresident, has been the pastor atHoly Transfiguration Greek Ortho-dox Church in McLean for 45
years, and for 27 of those has been leadingthe Middle Eastern Food Festival at hischurch. The Middle Eastern Food Festivalthat took place Saturday and Sunday at-tracted community members, churchgoers,and politicians like U.S. Rep. BarbaraComstock (R-10) and gubernatorial candi-date Ed Gillespie to enjoy the wonders oftraditional Middle Eastern cooking inMcLean.
The Middle Eastern food served symbol-izes the bringing together of Holy Trans-figuration and the local community, but italso represents the roots of Christians whobrought their religion west where it washistorically practiced in ancient places likeSyria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine.
“Sometimes people mistake our outreachfor the notion of all middle easterners be-ing Muslims. But this is not true, Christiansare in the Middle East too and we want to
Baba ganoush, were also available. So werethe grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice.
Washington D.C. has a large Middle East-ern population and that has expanded inrecent years to outlying communities likeMcLean.
“Our festival has become the thing to doon labor day weekend, as in the past it hasbeen an orphaned weekend with not a lotgoing on for people,” said Francavilla.
“This festival really shows how interna-tional our community is in McLean,” saidComstock. “The food is great; these aresome of the best meals you can get in thearea!”
Homemade pastries hand-made frompancakes, called Atayef and stuffed withclotted cream, dates, and pistachios wereavailable for lunch and for sale. Baklawawas present in its traditional form.
“The women of the church are proud oftheir hospitality, and in Middle Eastern cul-tures it is important for the host to be hos-pitable even if he doesn’t agree with thevisitor in politics,” said Francavilla.
Kimberly Metzger, a Vienna resident, whobelongs to the church, was new this year asa volunteer. “It’s been wonderful. I met alot of people, for the first time in 18 years Ifelt like I belong!” she said.
McLean Transfiguration Church festival brings together communities.
Cultures Meet, Blend at Middle Eastern Food Festival
From left: Jill Garcia of California and Oakton residents Sofia Upchurch,8, her mother, Natalia Upchurch, Andrew Upchurch, 1, NathanielUpchurch, 3, and father, Chris Upchurch at Holy TransfigurationChurch’s 27th annual Middle Eastern Food Festival Saturday.
Photos by Colin Stoecker/The Connection
From left: U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10); Ash Youssef, church mem-ber; Muhammad Akbar; and Ed Gillespie, Virginia gubernatorial candi-date, at Holy Transfiguration’s 27th annual Middle Eastern Food FestivalSaturday.
News
be conscious of our biblical past,” saidFrancavilla.
The festival was focused around the food,and there was a lot of it handmade treats
by the women church members. TraditionalKibbee is the most popular, and is some-times served raw, although it was cookedat the festival. Pita bread, rice, and eggplant
Father Joseph Francavilla, pastorat Holy Transfiguration for 45years poses for a picture at the 27th
annual Middle Eastern Food Festi-val Saturday.
Pastries made by women of HolyTransfiguration Church for 27th
annual Middle Eastern Food Festi-val Saturday. Baklawa, AtayefPancake stuffed with clottedcream, and pistachio and datestuffed pastries are pictured here.
Vienna resident and Holy Transfiguration member, Kimberly Metzgerworked to organize pastries at Holy Transfiguration’s 27th annual MiddleEastern Food Festival Saturday.
From left: McLean residents, Joe Baker of the Knights of Columbus, andChris Hudson, grill chicken kabobs under a tent at the HolyTransfiguration’s 27th annual Middle Eastern Food Festival Saturday.
McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
I-66 Eastbound Connector Rampto West Falls Church Metro Garage
Fairfax CountyFind out about plans to provide direct access from
eastbound I-66 to the West Falls Church Metro sta-
tion by constructing a new ramp connection between
two existing ramps (eastbound I-66 to Route 7 and
the eastbound I-66 collector-distributor road adja-
cent to the station’s parking garage). Currently, ve-
hicles on eastbound I-66 traveling to the West Falls
Church Metro exit from I-66, turn right to head south
on Route 7, turn left at the signalized intersection at
Haycock Road, and then turn left onto Falls Church
issues with this maneuver, especially during AM and
PM peak periods. All improvements will be performed
within existing VDOT right-of-way.
Review project information at www.virginiadot.org/projectsDrive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Please call ahead at
personnel are available to answer your questions.
-
lic hearing be held by sending a written request to Mr.
Andrew Beacher, P.E., Virginia Department of Trans-
portation, at the above address on or prior to Sep-
is deemed necessary to hold a public hearing, notice
of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.
VDOT ensures non-discrimination and equal employ-
ment in all programs and activities in accordance with
you need more information or special assistance for
Learn About Adver� sing in the Connec� on
and Digital Op� ons!Adver� sing in the Connec� onAdver� sing in the Connec� on
and upcoming special sec� ons: and upcoming special sec� ons:
The Police Benevolent Founda-tion (PBF) and the Virginia Divi-sion of the Southern States PBAwould like to express their deep-est sympathy and compassion tothe family, friends and fellow lawenforcement officers of FairfaxCounty Detective Paul “Tony”Basham. Basham, a Centrevilleresident, was assigned to theCriminal Investigation Section ofthe McLean District Station andwas a 20+ year veteran of theFairfax County Police Department.Basham died suddenly on Aug. 28according to his obituary, and issurvived by his wife, two youngchildren and sister who is also apolice officer.
Virginia PBA President JoeWoloszyn said, “Our thoughts,prayers and support go out toTony’s family during this difficulttime. We are now calling on thecommunity that he valiantlyserved to step up and help his fam-ily in this time of need. DetectiveBasham was a beloved officer, hus-band, father, son and brother whowill be missed tremendously by allwho knew him.”
An account has been establishedunder the Police Benevolent Foun-dation titled the Detective Paul“Tony” Basham Memorial Fund.Donations can be made throughthe account link on the Police Be-nevolent Foundation’s website atwww.pbfi.org. All donations madeto this memorial fund are tax-de-ductible, and 100 percent of themoney will go to Basham’s family.The PBF is asking everyone toplease pass this information alongto friends and family. It is with aheavy heart that the PBF andVAPBA now ask for the help of thecommunity to aid in efforts to pro-vide much needed support forBasham’s family.
Faith Notes are for announcements andevents in the faith community. Send [email protected] is Friday at noon.
First Baptist Church of Viennalocated at 450 Orchard St., NW, Vienna.Sunday services are held at 7:45 and 10a.m. weekly. Wednesday Night with theFamily service is held at 6 p.m. followedby corporate singing at 7 p.m. Biblestudies take place Tuesday’s at noon.
For those struggling physically orspiritually, on the first Sunday of eachmonth, Christ the King LutheranChurch offers a rite of healing as partof worship; the opportunity to beanointed with oil and prayed over. Dur-ing the healing rite, the pastor oranother person says a short prayer whiletwo people lay hands on the recipient.Then the pastor or helper anoints themwith oil as a sign of God’s healing and
Faith Notes
See Faith, Page 13
12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
CalendarSubmit entertainment announcements at
www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.
1 p.m., 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. Music,vendors, fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from around the world,wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats,organic-fed poultry and eggs. [email protected] for more.
Free Tai Chi. Every Saturday, from 7:55-9 a.m.,Introduction and Beginners’ Practice, meet onthe outdoor basketball court located directlybehind the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean Central Park,McLean. Call 703-759-9141 or visitwww.FreeTaiChi.org for more.
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.Play on Wednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. Visit www.goldengirls.org.
Weekly Storytime. Wednesday and Saturday. 11a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7851 L Tysons CornerCenter, McLean. Themes and titles vary. Freeadmission.
Fishing Rod Rentals 8700 Potomac Hills St.,Great Falls. Rentals available during visitorcenter hours. Fishing tackle and live bait areavailable for purchase. Reservations required forgroup rentals. $6/rental (2 hour max). Validdriver’s license required. Rod/reel combinationsare perfect for beginners and children. AVirginia or Maryland freshwater fishing licenseis required for those 16 years or older. The parkdoes not sell fishing licenses.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/
Colvin Run Mill open 11 - 4 p.m. daily, closedTuesday. 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.Fairfax County’s operational 19th century waterpowered gristmill, offers recreational andeducational activities for all ages through dailytours, school programs and special events. Fees:$7/adult, $6 students 16+ with ID, $5 children& seniors. Admission to park is free except forsome special events.
WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 6McLean Newcomers and Neighbors. 11 a.m.-
12:30 p.m. in the Community Room, Regency atMcLean, 1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean. Visitwww.McLeanNewcomers.org for more.
SEPT. 7-9Quarterly Book Sale. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday
10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tysons Library, 7700 and7704 Leesburg Pike. Large selection of booksand media for all ages and interests. [email protected] or 703-338-3307 for more.
leaving from The Old Firehouse, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. 7th- through 9th-graders,teens will have all access to Dave & Buster’sprivate dinner buffet and a $25 game card withunlimited arcade game play is included in thetrip fee. $55/$45 MCC district residents. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org for more.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 9Virginia Indian Festival. 10 a.m. at Riverbend
Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls.Activities include hands-on activities and livedemonstrations such as American Indianstorytelling, shooting bow and arrows, throwingspears and making stone tools. Additionalactivities include building a dugout canoe, and avisit to a marketplace of American Indian crafts,pottery and jewelry. $8. Call 703-759-9018 orvisit online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park for more.
End of Summer Community Picnic. 4:30-6:30p.m. at The Hunger Church - Charles WesleyUMC, 6817 Dean Drive, McLean. Free. Food,games, moon bounce. Visitwww.thehungerchurch.org for more.
SEPT. 9-20Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. Various
times and locations, more than 50 differentevents taking place at more than 25 venuesacross Northern Virginia. Call 703-403-5360 orvisit www.nvso.us for more.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 10The Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society.
2:30 p.m. at at the Falls Church CommunityCenter, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church. Adiscussion and demonstration on preparing andpresenting Mums for a flower show. Free. Call703-560- 8776 or visit www.odcsmums.org.
WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 13Riverboat Cruise. 10-11:30 a.m. at Shepherd’s
Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) 541 MarshallRoad SW, Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Viennahosts day trip to Georgetown Harbor viariverboat cruise from Alexandria to Georgetown
for shopping, exploring and lunch. Will returnby riverboat to Alexandria, then the bus triphome to Vienna. $85 includes transportationand riverboat cruise. Call 703-281-0538 or visitwww.scov.org.
Live after Five. 6-9 p.m. at Jammin Java, 227Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Hors d’oeuvres and localmusicians highlight the tour. Visitwww.jamminjava.com for more.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 14Remembering Jerry Halpin. 7:30-9 a.m. at J.
Gilbert’s Wood-fired Steaks & Seafood, 6930 OldDominion Drive, McLean. Chaired by JohnUlfelder, former West*Group SVP and Partner,currently Dranesville Planning Commissioner.$20, future members $30. Visitwww.jgilberts.com or call 703-893-1034 formore.
SEPT. 14-16Fall Book Sale. Various times at Oakton
Community Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/friends/ok/ or call 703-281-0300 formore.
FRIDAY/SEPT. 15Tequila Tasting. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Härth
Restaurant, Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, 7920Jones Branch Drive. A free tasting eventunveiling a new proprietary tequila fromHerradura. Free, and open to anyone 21+ Call703-847-5000 for more.
Family Fun Bingo. 7-9 p.m. at The OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Players can win prizes, play guessing games andenjoy light refreshments. Advance registration isrequired. Visit www.mcleancenter.org for more.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 16American Legion Breakfast. 8 a.m.-noon at
Post 180, 330 Center St., N., Vienna. Buffetincludes omelets, blueberry, pancakes, sausage,bacon and more. Adults $9, children 12 andunder $3. Call 703-938-6580 for more.
McLean Community Fall Garage Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the parking lot, 1420 Beverly Road,McLean. This year’s sale features a Kids’ Cornerarea where children will sell their toys, clothes,games and other items. The deadline to registeris Wednesday, Sept. 13. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org for more.
John Eaton in Concert. 2 p.m. at Vinson HallAuditorium, 6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean.Jazz pianist, brilliant historian and local legendJohn Eaton will perform a concert of GreatAmerican Songbook tunes. $20/$14 MCCdistrict residents. Visit www.mcleancenter.orgfor more.
SEPT. 16-17Bonsai Show and Auction. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna. Sponsoredby the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society and thePotomac Bonsai Association. Visitwww.potomacbonsai.com for more.
Harvest HappeningsOn Saturday, Sept. 30, it’s outdoors for “Harvest Happenings,” 11 a.m.-2p.m. at St. Luke’s School, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Live entertain-ment, a petting zoo, crafts and games. All activities are free, except forthe cost of purchasing pumpkins for crafts activities and food conces-sions. Visit www.mcleancenter.org for more.
Garage SaleThe McLean Garage Sale is on Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at theparking lot, 1420 Beverly Road, McLean. The deadline to register isWednesday, Sept. 13. Visit www.mcleancenter.org for more.
Vivian AttermeyerPainting Demonstration on Thurs-day, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at ViennaArt Center, 115 Pleasant St., NW,Vienna. Learn how award-winningartist Vivian Attermeyer createsher original artworks capturingdifferent seasons and light condi-tions. Visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org or call703-319-3971 for more.
McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
To highlight your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420
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!
News
forgiveness. Christ the King LutheranChurch, 10550 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls. Call 703-759-6068 or visitwww.gflutheran.org.
Wesley United MethodistChurch located at 711 Spring St., SE,Vienna, Virginia 22180, at the corner ofSpring Street and Moore Avenue. 10:30a.m. fellowship time in the fellowshiphall; 11 a.m. traditional family worshipin sanctuary. If you are seeking a churchhome which encourages: caring andsupportive fellowship, an active anddevoted prayer life and study of scrip-ture, support for local and worldmissions, an open, responsive aware-ness to the presence and power of God’sHoly Spirit.
Youth Activities at WesleyUnited Methodist Church. Activitiesare open to all 6th-12th graders. YouthSunday School meets every Sunday at
10 a.m. in the upper room. Youth BibleStudy will meet every Sunday at 4:30p.m. off-site. Following bible study, ridetogether to the church for youth group.Email the Youth Ministry Staff for theaddress. The Anchor meets every Sun-day from 6-8 p.m. in the fellowship hall.Join us for dinner, games, worship, anddiving deeper into the Word. During thesummer, Youth Sunday School meetsmost Sundays at 9 a.m. in the upperroom.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, atthe intersection of Lewinsville and Brookroads in McLean, invites you for a casualSaturday Service at 5 p.m., followed byconversation and fellowship or for Sun-day Services at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. SundaySchool for Youth and Children takesplace during the 10 a.m. Service. Checkwww.stthomasmcleanva.org for specialevents and services through the year. St.
Church of the Holy Comforter,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna, offers amonthly Healing Eucharist with the Lay-ing on of Hands and Anointing forHealing (first Sunday of the month, 5p.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel). The HealingMinistry is led by the Rev. Valerie Hayesand Alexandra MacCracken and in-cludes a team of lay healers who havegone through intentional training andformation. Contact the Rev. ValerieHayes at [email protected].
Yoga Class with a Christian Fo-cus is held Saturdays, 3-4 p.m., McGillHall or the Library at the Church of theHoly Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE,Vienna. This group is suitable for thosewith beginner and/or intermediate yogaexperience. Dress comfortably and bringa mat. Feel free to bring a towel,block(s) or strap. Contact the ChurchOffice at 703-938-6521.
From Page 11
Faith Notes
McLean CommunityFoundation Awards$4,500 to McLeanHigh School
The McLean Community Founda-tion recently awarded $4,500 toMcLean High School for their recy-cling program pushing the totalamount of grants awarded to McLeanHigh School to more that $50,000 inMCF’s history and the total for grantsto McLean area FCPS schools to morethat $100,000.
In total for the recent grant period,MCF distributed $10,150. In addi-tion to McLean High School, granteeorganizations include the New Do-minion Chorale, Insight MemoryCare, and furniture for the children’splay area at Halquist Memorial Inpa-tient Center, which often serves as“home” to families visiting patientsin hospice.
The McLean Community Founda-tion (MCF) is a nonprofit formed in1978 by the McLean Citizen’s Asso-ciation to meet the philanthropicneeds of a growing McLean commu-nity. The focus is entirely on effortsthat benefit the McLean community.
Photo contributed
Check presentation to the McLean High.
14 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
An expert is someone who knows some of the worst mistakes that can be
made in his subject and how to avoid them.
-Werner Heisenberg
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This summer the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) hosted a Minister’s Breakfast withlocal clergy attending. The purpose of SCOV’sMinister’s Breakfast was to provide an opportunityfor local clergy to introduce the “old and the new”pastors currently serving in the Northern Virginiaarea to each other and to share the many servicesoffered by the Shepherd’s Center. The event wassponsored by The Arbor Terrace of Fairfax SeniorLiving and held in the Vienna Baptist Church fellow-ship hall. For more information about SCOV’s ser-vices and programs for seniors (50+), visit theirwebsite at www.scov.org or their Facebook pageatwww.facebook.com/scov.org.
Founded in 1998, the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna is a volunteer-based nonprofit organizationdedicated to providing opportunities for adults (50+)to seek rewarding lives and to live independently intheir homes for as long as possible. The unique ap-proach employed by SCOV has also allowed for ma-ture adults to volunteer their time and skills provid-ing vital services to the more vulnerable seniors need-ing assistance. In 2018 SCOV will be celebratingtwenty years of service to the community.
As the country’s population is living longer andoftentimes isolated from family support, “aging inplace” becomes a challenge. The concept of “Seniors
Helping Seniors” truly defines the spirit and purposeof the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna. Theirpersonal enrichment and volunteer opportunitiesreaches more than 3,000 older adults (50+) in theregion.
Each year more than 250 volunteers at SCOV serveas medical drivers, companion drivers, friendly call-ers and visitors, health and wellness educators, of-fice assistants, fundraisers, and grant writers. Vol-unteers also run programs such as SCOV’s Lunch n’Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, spe-cial events, and the caregivers’ support group andcaregivers treat event. Please LIKE and SHARE theirFacebook page www.facebook.com/scov.org
Brought back by popular demand, SCOV’s signa-ture fundraiser to be held on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017,3 p.m. will again feature the Capitol Steps – MakingDC laugh for over 35 years. Tickets are $35. Orga-nizers are suggesting tickets be purchased early asthis show is expected to sell out. Visit www.scov.org/fundraiser-tickets or call 703-281-0538. Sponsorshipsare still available. Visit www.scov.org/Fundraiser-Sponsorship to view the corporate benefits providedwith a sponsorship.
To volunteer, donate or learn more about how youcan help, visit www.scov.org or contact the office at703-281-0538, [email protected].
Local Clergy and Guests Gather for a Minister’sBreakfast Networking Event
From left: Pastor KyungsukCho, Wesley United Method-ist Church; Rev. DustinParson Schwarz, EmmausUnited Church of Christ;Pastor Jeff Haugh, ValeUMC; Pastor AustinAlmaguer, Vienna BaptistChurch; Rev. KristinMcBrayer, Emmaus UnitedChurch of Christ; PastorCarl Sweatman, AntiochChristian Church; Rev.Jamie Samilio, Holy CrossEpiscopal; Pastor CJ Cous-ins, Vienna Seventh DayAdventist; Rev. WilliamMetzger, Our Lady of GoodCounsel; Michelle Scott, EDShepherd’s Center ofOakton-Vienna; and Rev.John Dolan, Our Lady ofGood Counsel.
Photo courtesy of SCOV
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) will welcomeDavid E. Hoffman as its guest speaker for Oct. 17event. Hoffman is an American writer and a contrib-uting editor at the Washington Post and has been ajournalist for 30 years. He won a Pulitzer Prize in2010 for a book about the legacy of the nuclear armsrace.
Hoffman came to Washington, D.C., in 1977 towork for the Capitol Hill News Service. He coveredRonald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. In1982 he joined the Washington Post to help coverthe Reagan White House; he also covered the firsttwo years of the George H.W. Bush presidency. HisWhite House coverage won three national journal-ism awards. Later, he was diplomatic correspondentat the time the Soviet Union collapsed, and thenserved as Jerusalem correspondent, covering the Oslo
peace accords. From 1995 to 2001, he served asMoscow Bureau Chief. He was also the Foreign Edi-tor and Assistant Managing Editor for Foreign News.His first book was “The Oligarchs: The Wealth andPower in the New Russia” followed by “Dead Hand:The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and itsDangerous Legacy,” and “The Billion Dollar Spy: ATrue Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal.”
The Oct. 17 event will be held at St. Francis Epis-copal Church, Great Falls, 9220 Georgetown Pike,11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and includes lunch. Reservationsare required, contact Karen Emami [email protected] or call 703-938-6411. Visit gfseniors.org.
The event sponsor is Adams-Green Funeral Homeand Crematory, family owned and operated since1885, 721 Elden St., Herndon.
Senior Center to Host David E. Hoffman, Author
McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
How lucky am I? In the last two days, I have beenthe extremely lucky, though presumably random,recipient, of not one but two unsolicited phone callsoffering me FREE accommodations at any number ofMarriott and Hilton hotels, fairly reputable brands, I’dsay. All I have to do is transport my wife, Dina, andmyself to the agreed-upon hotel during the desig-nated window of opportunity and voila, a semi-unen-cumbered vacation for two awaits. And believe me,the offer couldn’t have come at a better time. Let’sbe honest, what more than a cure does a “terminal”cancer patient need than a reasonably priced, stress-free get away from his every day? Need I even char-acterize that previous question as rhetorical?
Now since I hung up rather quickly, I don’t have allthe details, other than their phone numbers ofcourse. Because, as you might imagine, I still have afew questions I’d like answered — you know, to opti-mize the benefits/coordinate the timing of our vaca-tion. But the ‘unsolicited’ nature of the call didn’tenable me to organize my thoughts and ask all theappropriate questions. Nevertheless, the opportunityseems worthy of a follow-up phone call.
Ideally, what I’d like to do is bracket my vaca-tion/air fare and the miscellaneous travel expensesI’m undoubtedly going to incur around the respectiveproperties’ availability. Meaning, I’d like to fly onceand stay twice; staying in their respective propertiesin the same city/location switching out of Marriottafter my first free weekend stay and then bookinginto the Hilton for my next free weekend stay (andI’d be willing to pay for my mid-week excursion dur-ing the transition). In effect, making the trip a two-for-one as opposed to a not-going-at-all. And in soarranging, using as much of corporate America’s lar-gess and marketing budget as is cleverly possible for anon-corporate America employee to exploit.Not having pursued this possible presumption quiteyet because I’ve just had chemotherapy on Fridayand I’m not really in the mood to tangle with a fast-talking, smooth operator, who though he/she mayhave my best travel plans at heart, may not exactly befeeling my strain. So I’m going to wait a few daysuntil I regain my bearings — and patience, and toler-ance and call them back unsolicited at a time con-venient for me but possibly not so for them and see ifwe can make a deal.
Because, to tell you the truth, if I could coordinatetwo hotel reservations — along with all the amenitieswith which I’m likely to be showered for acceptingthese extraordinarily generous offers, combined withsome free air miles I’ve accumulated with UnitedAirlines/their travel partners, this indeed could be thetrip that my oncologist encouraged us to take whenhe first delivered the life-changing/life-ending prog-nosis: “13 months to two years” back in late February2009. Further adding that, before starting chemother-apy, was as good as I would likely feel for a long time.And as I have come to learn, the quality of my life isvery important to my oncologist.
At that time however, I didn’t feel the need and/orwasn’t motivated to follow my oncologist’s sugges-tion; I wanted to get started on my treatment. Now,eight and half years later, perhaps the timing is better,especially given that it presents itself at the beginningof a new Redskins football season. And if I may quotethe late, great, former, head coach of the “Over thehill gang,” George Allen: “The future is now.” So letme sift through the offers this week and see if canindeed take the “trip we’ve always dreamed of.” Iknow it’s often said that you can’t go back. Maybewe can still go forward.
Nothing To DoWith Cancer,Almost
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An expert is someone who knows some of the worst mis-
takes that can be made in his subject and how to avoid them.-Werner Heisenberg
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
SENIOR VOLUNTEERSRSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking
service opportunities in and around FairfaxCounty, Arlington County and the City ofAlexandria, offers a wide array of opportunitiesfor volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteersenjoy flexible schedules, free accident andliability insurance while serving, optionalmileage and meal reimbursement and areinvited to volunteer group projects and socialgatherings. To sign up for an upcomingorientation, email Carly Hubicki [email protected] or call RSVP at703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visitwww.rsvpnova.org.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 7Shepherd’s Center Caregivers Support
Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at UUCF UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax - ProgramBuilding, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Thissupport group is designed for caregivers of adultfamily members. For more info contactfacilitator, Jack Tarr, 703-821-6838,[email protected].
Adventures In Learning. 10 a.m.-noon atUnitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax,Program Building, 2709 Hunter Mill Road,Oakton. Open House to see what’s on theShepherd’s Center’s fall semester of Adventuresin Learning. Call 703-281-0538 or visitwww.scov.org.
MONDAY/SEPT. 11Grupo Hispano de Unity of Fairfax. 7-9 p.m.
at Unity of Fairfax, Conference Room, Unity ofFairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Thisnew ongoing Spanish-speaking group willcelebrate spirituality with music, messages fromThe Daily Word, guided meditations andprayers. Weekly event every Monday. All arewelcome. Free. [email protected] for more.
at MCC Administrative Offices, 6631 OldDominion Drive, McLean. Residents ofDranesville District 1-A are invited to attend ameeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12,when the full MCC Governing Board will meetas a Finance Committee of the Whole to work onthe details of the Center’s FY 2019 draft budgetproposal. Visit www.mcleancenter.org for more.
Emergency Preparedness Class. The FairfaxCounty Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) will offer CERT 129, a basic trainingclass, on seven Tuesday evenings in Septemberand October at the McLean Fire Station, 1445Laughlin Ave., McLean beginning Sept. 12 from7-10:30 p.m. Students are required to attend allseven class sessions and the final. This trainingdoes not require any physical strength or agility.For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/2tXrP3L
IN-PERSON, TV DEBATESThe League of Women Voters of the Fairfax
Area (LWVFA) will hold four in-person forumsand three televised forums for the public and thepress to learn about the candidates who arerunning for election to the Virginia House ofDelegates. The League invited all certifiedcandidates campaigning for office in theirrespective districts. At the in-person forums,question-and-answer sessions will be followedby an opportunity for informal conversationswith individual candidates. The public and pressare encouraged to attend. For more informationabout the candidates’ priorities and positions,visit www.vote411.org.
In-person forums:❖ Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Reston
Community Center: Hunters Woods VillageCenter, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.
❖ Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at ProvidenceCommunity Center: 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax.
The televised forums at Fairfax County PublicAccess are on Channel 10 or livestreamed onYouTube “Inside Scoop Livestream.” The publiccan submit questions by email [email protected] or call 571-749-1142 between 7-8:30 p.m. Tune in on:Monday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.; Monday, Sept.18 at 8 p.m.; and Monday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.
Bulletin Board
16 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ September 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
