online at www.connectionnewspapers.com Opinion, Page 6 ❖ Entertainment, Page 10 ❖ Sports, Page 12 ❖ Classifieds, Page 14 December 21-27, 2016 Photo by Steve Hibbard/The Connection Vienna Vienna and Oakton and Oakton Page 8 Menorah Workshop Held in Merrifield Faith, Page 12 Menorah Workshop Held in Merrifield Rabbi Shloime Adler lights the menorah at the Chabad Tysons Jewish Center and the Chabad of Northern Virginia Menorah Workshop at the Home Depot in Merrifield on Sunday, Dec. 18. McLean Bible Church Hosts Christmas Village News, Page 6 What Do You Wish For Most This Holiday Season? Viewpoints, Page 7 McLean Bible Church Hosts Christmas Village News, Page 6 What Do You Wish For Most This Holiday Season? Viewpoints, Page 7 Holiday Calendar Page 9 Holiday Calendar Page 9
Transcript
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
Opinio
n, Page 6
❖
Entertainm
ent, Page 10
❖
Spo
rts, Page 12
❖
C
lassifieds, Page 14
December 21-27, 2016
Pho
to
by Steve H
ibbard/T
he C
onnectio
n
ViennaViennaand Oaktonand Oakton
Page 8
Menorah WorkshopHeld in Merrifield
Faith, Page 12
Menorah WorkshopHeld in Merrifield
Rabbi Shloime Adler lightsthe menorah at the ChabadTysons Jewish Center and theChabad of Northern VirginiaMenorah Workshop at theHome Depot in Merrifield onSunday, Dec. 18.
What Do You Wish ForMost This Holiday Season?Viewpoints, Page 7
Holiday
CalendarPage 9
Holiday
CalendarPage 9
2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Church of theGood Shepherdto Hold ThreeChristmas EveServices
The Church of the Good Shep-herd, a United Methodist churchin Vienna, will celebrate ChristmasEve with three worship services onSaturday, Dec. 24 and one worshipservice on Christmas morning. Thecommunity is invited to all servicesat the church, located at 2351Hunter Mill Road.
At 5 p.m. will be the Children’sChristmas Eve Service that in-cludes a giant felt board. “As chil-dren come in, we will pass outpieces of the Nativity story and willdo the felt board together withmusic,” said pastor Eric Song.Communion and candlelight ser-vices will be held at 7:30 and10:30 p.m. Childcare will be pro-vided for the 7:30 p.m. service.
Christmas morning services withcommunion will be held at 10:15a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25.
The Church of the Good Shep-herd will celebrate its 50th anni-versary in 2017. For more infor-mation, visit the church website atwww.GoodShepherdVA.com or atw w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m /GoodShepherdVienna or follow atw w w . t w i t t e r . c o m /goodshepherdva.
Titanic SecretResurrected inVienna
Chapter 227, Vietnam Veteransof America Inc., invites all veter-ans, friends, and the general pub-lic to attend the Jan. 19, 2017chapter meeting at Neighbor’s Res-taurant, 262D Cedar Lane, CedarLane Shopping Center, Vienna, at7:30 p.m. Dr. J. Robert DiFulgo,Vietnam War veteran and authorof “Titanic’s Resurrected Secret –H.E.W.” which traces the story ofa deceased Titanic crew memberwho was found with a stolen ob-ject in the cold Atlantic waters. Forthis alleged crime his name wasnot recorded on his grave. Comeand learn about this unknownstory about one of the greatestpassenger ship tragedies.
The general public, teachers,and all veterans are invited. Ad-mission is free. For information,call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353 or visit the web page atwww.vva227.org.
Week in
Vienna
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Tim Peterson
The Connection
The Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors is well on its way toimplementing all recommenda-tions from the Ad Hoc Police
Practices Review Commission. At the Dec.13 meeting of the board’s Public SafetyCommittee, they announced 88 percent ofthe commission recommendations havebeen implemented or are soon to be so.
“I am proud that 178 of 202 recommen-dations have been approved in just over ayear,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said in astatement. “The Board of Supervisors, Po-lice Department and county staff have beenmoving with deliberate speed to transformthese recommendations into actionablepolicies. By launching Diversion First, es-tablishing the Office of Police Auditor, cre-ating a Civilian Review Panel, hiring a ci-vilian FCPD Public Affairs Director and ap-plying new standards regarding release ofinformation, just to name a few, FairfaxCounty has made great strides toward en-hancing trust in and increasing transpar-ency of Fairfax County Government.”
BULOVA LAUNCHED the commission inresponse to public concern and growingdistrust of police over the 2013 shootingdeath of Springfield resident John Geer byFairfax County Police officer Adam Torres.
Fairfax County Police and the supervisorsdidn’t release case information for morethan a year after Geer’s death, even to hisfamily. A wrongful death civil suit filed bythe family and a court order finally forcedthe release of investigation files and Torres’name.
Torres was fired in July 2015 and indictedby a grand jury for murder in August 2015,an historic first charge of that kind for anyFairfax County officer. He pleaded guilty toinvoluntary manslaughter and was releasedin June of this year, after he received creditfor time served for a 12-month sentence.
The Public Safety Committee has beenreviewing the recommendations from eachsubcommittee of the Ad Hoc Commissionover the last several months, including Useof Force, Communications, Mental Health,Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting, and In-dependent Investigations and Oversight.
Michael Hershman, chair of the Ad HocCommission, said in a statement, “I notonly look back on our work as very perti-nent given today’s national attention onpolicing and community relations, but amencouraged by the seriousness with whichthe Board of Supervisors have addressedour many recommendations. Through aseries of committee meetings and hearingsfocusing on our recommendations, theboard has displayed a professional and bi-partisan effort to make a very good policedepartment into a model for the rest of thecountry.”
A presentation from Recruitment, Diver-sity and Vetting subcommittee chair ShirleyGinwright, president of the Fairfax Countychapter of the NAACP, on Tuesday, Dec. 13,marked the last subcommittee to be heardby the supervisors.
“In some fashion we’ve touched each oneof them,” said Public Safety committee chairsupervisor John Cook (R-Braddock).
Ginwright gave brief updates on the sta-tus of the subcommittee’s 14 recommenda-tions with Fairfax County Police.
“I have to thank them for doing the mostcritical pieces of our recommendationsfirst,” Ginwright said.
Among those implemented are “collabo-rate and build recruitment-oriented partner-ships” (number 5) and “establish a diver-sity goal for each commander” (number10).
Less than half of that subcommittee’s rec-ommendations are still in progress, saidGinwright.
“We realize there is more that needs tobe done, but we started,” Ginwright said ina statement. “I applaud the Board of Su-pervisors for establishing the Ad Hoc Com-mission, listening to and understanding thecries of the community for changes, andtaking some hard hits to get it done. What Ihave seen is community members, leadersand police department working together.”
Cook acknowledged that a number of theAd Hoc commission’s recommendationswere directed towards the Sheriff’s Officeand Commonwealth’s Attorney, who don’treport directly to the Board of Supervisors.
But, Cook said, the board is reaching outto them regarding those recommendationsand inviting them to present and field ques-tions related to the recommendations at thePublic Safety Committee Meeting in March,2017.
Among those recommendationsstill under review, a number relateto body cameras.
CHIEF EDWIN ROESSLER saidthe cost for cameras has been com-ing down as the number of vendorsin the market increases.
Roessler cautioned the board tolearn from the mistakes of other ju-risdictions around the United States
that have hastily implemented body cam-era programs without properly budgetingor planning to manage them.
Cook said the Jan. 31, 2017 Public SafetyCommittee meeting has already been re-served for a deeper discussion of body cam-eras.
A progress report of where different rec-ommendations from the Ad Hoc Commis-sion are in the process of implementationis available online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/policecommission/progressreport.htm. A copy of thecommission’s final report to the board ofsupervisors is available atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/pdf/adhoc-final-10.8.15.pdf.
Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.
Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented
A Dec. 13 presentation from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission,Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair Shirley Ginwright(right), marked the last subcommittee to be heard by the supervisors.
Photos by Tim Peterson/The Connection
Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler presents an update to thePublic Safety Committee on the Precision Immobilization Technique(PIT) still allowed to be implemented by FCPD.
“What I have seen iscommunity members, leadersand police departmentworking together.”
— Shirley Ginwright
Status of Ad HocCommissionRecommendations
Fairfax County released these totals, as ofDec. 12, 2016:119 (58.9 person) Recommendations are
Implemented or Implemented asModified
❖ 39 Communications❖ 54 Use of Force❖ 10 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 8 Mental Health and CIT❖ 8 Independent Oversight and
Investigations
59 (29.2 percent) Recommendations areIn Progress (Recommendation acceptedand in the implementation process)
❖ 11 Communications❖ 3 Use of Force❖ 4 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 13 Mental Health and CIT❖ 28 Independent Oversight and
Investigations
16 (7.9 percent) Recommendations areUnder Review (Recommendation needsmore review or approval by the Board ofSupervisors before the implementationprocess can begin)
❖ 1 Communications❖ 7 Use of Force❖ 0 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 5 Mental Health and CIT❖ 3 Independent Oversight and
Investigations
8 (4 percent) Recommendations are NotImplemented
❖ 1 Communications❖ 4 Use of Force❖ 0 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 0 Mental Health and CIT❖ 3 Independent Oversight and
4 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
By Barbara Comstock
U.S. Representative (R-10)
On Dec. 8, I joined witha bipartisan group ofHouse and Senatemembers, and the
Speaker of the House, as theSpeaker signed the 21st CenturyCures Act. It was a joyful occasionas we concluded this year’s sessionwith what I believe is one of the most impor-tant and game-changing pieces of legislationpassed this year. It was signed into law dayslater by the President and supported by morethan 700 research, doctor and patient advo-cacy groups and provides $4.8 billion in newresearch investments to the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH).
At the ceremony, Tennessee Sena-tor Lamar Alexander recounted thetestimony of Dr. Francis Collins, director of theNIH, who has highlighted the new, excitingcures possible within the next 10 years: an ar-tificial pancreas to help people with diabetes;medicine to limit the effects of Alzheimer’s; avaccine for Zika; a vaccine for HIV; a vaccinefor the flu; the use of regenerative medicineusing our own cells to restore a damaged heart;and non-addictive pain medicines that will helpcurb opioid addiction.
Imagine how different our health care sys-tem could be with these innovations. It is nowonder that Dr. Collins calls NIH the “NationalInstitute of Hope.” In Loudoun County, so manyof us have seen that hope in the inspirationaladvocacy work of families such as Mark andEllyn Miller, who lost their daughter, Gabriella,
to cancer, and Chris and RoyaGiordano, who lost their son,Mathias. The 21st Century Cures Acthonors their efforts with $1.8 bil-lion for cancer research, which willsupport the Cancer Moonshot ini-tiative.
Currently, there are only 500treatments for 10,000 known dis-eases. With the mapping of the hu-man genome and advances over the
past several decades, we have more geneticclues about cancer and other diseases. But westill need to remove barriers to increase re-search collaboration, identify diseases earlierthrough personalized medicine, reform theFDA and modernize clinical trials, and remove
unnecessary regulation for develop-ing new medical apps. This legisla-tion does this and streamlines theentire biomedical ecosystem.
With the 21st Century Cures Act now law,many of NIH’s initiatives will be enhanced —such as the BRAIN Initiative that will help infighting diseases like Alzheimer’s. The bill willalso concentrate funding on NIH’s PrecisionMedicine Initiative that will focus researchdollars on genetic, lifestyle and environmen-tal variations of disease.
The Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfaxis one of the premier cancer centers in our re-gion that can be part of this new era of inno-vation. Last month, they announced a new re-search partnership with the University of Vir-ginia to develop the Global Genomics andBioinformatics Research Institute, located atthe Inova Center for Personalized Health inFairfax.
I joined our private and public advocates atthe announcement where they explained themission: “The institute will recruit research-ers, scientists and investigators who will en-gage in collaborative research focused ongenomics, functional biology, bioinformatics,biologically driven engineering, precisionmedicine, translational research, developmentof targeted therapeutics and commercializationof new discoveries.” This partnership will alsowork to achieve designation by the NationalCancer Institute as a Comprehensive CancerCenter and establish a regional campus of theUVA School of Medicine at Inova. More part-nerships are anticipated, as well as supportfrom my former colleagues in the General As-sembly, led by Speaker Bill Howell. As ToddStottlemyer, CEO of the Inova Center for Per-sonalized Health, said, “This new partnershipwill further expand Inova’s ground-breakingresearch in precision medicine and help us torealize the promise of personalized health.”
While the legislation advances research andmedical breakthroughs and provides for re-forms and investments for faster cures andtreatments, it also incorporates provisions wehad passed to reform our mental health sys-tem and fight against the heroin and the opioidepidemic, which was recently declared a Pub-lic Health Emergency in Virginia.
This is just the beginning of what will be anew chapter in medical innovation. Virginiacan play a critical and lifesaving role in bring-ing faster cures and treatments to patientsplagued with these cruel diseases. We in Con-gress must continue to be partners by seekingthe best policies and investments that allowthis innovation to soar.
Congress Coming Together ToFind and Fund Faster Cures
Commentary
By Phillip Niedzielski-
Eichner
I endorse the ConnectionNewspaper’s recent editorialon the progress Fairfax
County has made implementingthe recommendations of the AdHoc Police Practices Review Com-mission, on which I had the honorof serving as chairman of the Useof Force Subcommittee. I have hadthe opportunity to interact withmany members of the Fairfax Po-lice Department, ranging fromcommanders to precinct-level su-pervisors and officers, all of whomI hold in high regard. We have afine police department that we arefortunate to have protecting usday-in and day-out.
While the August 2013 shootingdeath of John Geer was the cata-lyst for the commission’s forma-
tion, our charge was to assess theDepartment’s performance againstnational best practices. As we ex-ecuted against this charge, weidentified both areas for improve-ment and mechanisms we believedwould strengthen the public’s trustand confidence in the department.
Forming a commission is a time-honored tool by public officials todelay action — or avoid it alto-gether — since there are alwayssignificant barriers to achievingchange to deep-rooted organiza-tional practices, traditions andculture. I commend both theFairfax Board of Supervisors andthe Police Department, particu-larly its chief and command lead-ership, with ensuring that the Po-lice Commission’s work is not sit-ting on the shelf gathering dust.
With my seven-month commis-sion experience and a year’s worth
of persistent focus on implemen-tation alongside a dedicated sub-set of fellow commissioners, I canstate without reservation that boththe letter and spirit of thecommission’s recommendationshave been embraced by FairfaxCounty.
Fairfax County is well on theway toward approving and imple-menting the preponderance of thecommission’s recommendations.Of note in this regard are the fol-lowing:
❖ The two-pronged approach toindependent Police Departmentoversight advocated by the com-mission and recently approved bythe Board of Supervisors is signifi-cant in light of historical resistanceto civilian review of police actions.
❖ The changes directed by thesupervisors and Chief Roesslerwith regard to the Police
Department’s openness and trans-parency are substantial and havealready helped regain the publictrust lost, in part, because of thedismal handling of the Geer case.
❖ The county’s investment inDiversion First, which providestreatment rather than jail for non-violent people with mental illness,and broad-based police officertraining in crisis intervention tech-niques, are already paying divi-dends. Those with mental illnessare being treated with greater sen-sitivity to their affliction, easingthe potential for unnecessary suf-fering, while also reducing thepotential for officer injuries andthe need for the use of force. Ulti-mately, this will also help insure amore effective use of tax dollars.
As important and forward lean
Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway
See Police Reform, Page 5
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From Page 4
ing as these steps are, I believethe recrafting and rewriting of thePolice Department’s Use of Forcepolicy, also known as General Or-der 540, warrants particular note.The new Use of Force policy en-compasses the commission recom-mendations, which also incorpo-rated use-of-force recommenda-tions made by the independentPolice Executive Research Forum.It gives emphasis to the sanctityof human life, dignity and libertyof all persons as its overarchingvalue or driving theme; and it callsfor de-escalation as the strategy offirst resort when confronted witha threat rather than the use ofdeadly force.
Every member of the FairfaxPolice Department, from com-mand leadership to police officerwill receive training under GeneralOrder 540 by the end of January,2017. Police officer performancewill be assessed against the stan-dards set in this policy, while re-cruitment and vetting of policeofficer candidates will focus on theabilities and temperament thatcomport with the values capturedtherein.
I encourage everyone who is in-
terested to review the Police Com-mission recommendationsprogress report at http://w w w. f a i r f a x c o u n t y. g o v /p o l i c e c o m m i s s i o n /progressreport.htm. In summary,you will find that 178 of the 202recommendations (88 percent)have been approved and are eitherin process of being implementedor have already been imple-mented; 15 (7.4 percent) are stillunder review; and 9 (4.5 percent)have been rejected.
The evidence so far is that thedeep-rooted change of the natureand spirit advocated by the com-mission is more achievable nowthan even the most optimistic ex-pected.
This noted, I caution that thetransformative progress I haveobserved can only be sustainedover time with the continuedcounty and Police Departmentleadership commitment, the activeinvolvement of the police rank andfile officers and most critically con-tinued community participation,monitoring and oversight.
Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner served aschairman of the Use of Force Subcommit-tee of the Ad Hoc Police Practices ReviewCommission, and continues service on theImplementation Committee.
Police Reform UnderwayOpinion
6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Andrea Worker
The Connection
They said it was an inauguralevent, their first go at puttingtogether a free, family-friendlyholiday happening for anyone
and everyone to enjoy, but the activities, thesets, the quality and quantity of the enter-tainment and refreshments and the sheerscope of their efforts seemed anything buta novice production.
For six nights – Sunday, Dec. 11 throughFriday, Dec. 16 - every inch of the TysonsCorner location of the McLean Bible Church(MBC) at 8925 Leesburg Pike in Vienna wastransformed into a magical Christmas Vil-lage, inside and out. The organizers werehoping for a good turnout, wishing tospread the joy of the Season to as many aspossible. The opening night numbers farexceeded even their optimistic expectations.
“I think we had close to 7,000 to getthings started on Sunday night,” reportedMBC Associate Senior Pastor DaleSutherland. “That’s probably the most wehave had any Sunday in the building at onetime.”
The following weeknights saw crowds ofover 2,000 each night, though everyone waspreparing for the Friday night Grand Finale.“I have a feeling that will be a big one. Butwe’re ready,” declared Rosie Pinkerman,MBC Director of Host Teams, on Wednes-day evening. Pinkerman was speaking fromher post in the church’s upper level MainLobby - or “Village Square” for this occa-sion - where she said she was “really justkeeping out of the way of all our amazingvolunteers. They’ve got this covered.”
According to Pinkerman the event wasfirst discussed three years ago but really hitthe design board about two years later. “It’sa true testament to the great McLean BibleChurch spirit and about 800 volunteers!”Just about everything involved in the finalproduct was the result of volunteer efforts.That includes building, the set up and su-pervision of a dizzying number of activities,most of the forest of decorated Christmastrees, food and beverage offerings and serv-ing, vehicle traffic control and pedestrianflow.
OK. Back to the start of this adventure atthe “Village Square” where dozens of cos-tumed “elves” greeted, directed and gener-ally spread plenty of Christmas cheer. Theyhelped friends and families take photos infront of a massive tree and on either side ofa polar display as the crowds made theirway to a full-sized carousel for a quick spinbefore heading to the auditorium for theChristmas Show.
WITH THREE PERFORMANCES a nightand featuring the MBC Worship Band thathad the packed houses singing along, theChristmas Concert and Show included ahumorous kid-narrated film about the“Story of Christmas.” When that laughterdied down, there was interactivestorytelling by church member PaulCunningham who enthralled an audience
of youngsters surrounding him by the stage.On the lower level it quickly became clear
that there was so much to see and do thatit was no wonder why some, like the Paulsenfamily from Springfield, decided that onetrip to the MBC Christmas Village just wasn’tenough. “We were here on Sunday night,”said Howard Paulsen, with his two boysMichael and Brian in tow. “We found outwe had missed the train ride and some ofthe other activities, so we came back formore.”
A train ride? Absolutely. And a good-sizedone at that with room for the whole familyto hop on board as they were driven at apretty good speed through the “ChristmasTree Forest.” Further along the lower level“Main Street,” for those who hadn’t finished
wasn’t enough action to satisfy even themost energetic youngsters, there was stillthe “Polar Playground” complete with avariety of obstacles courses sure to havesome of those little ones falling asleep ontheir rides home.
Shows. Markets. Carousel and train rides.Lots to eat and drink. Sounds complete, andthen some. But what would a ChristmasVillage be without the chance to do a little“ice” skating? Not to worry. The MBC elvesthought of that, as well, transforming onelarge room into an indoor skating rink,where the organizers kindly provided help-ful portable hand rails for those most indanger of spending more time sitting on therink, rather than skating around it.
Just like the Christmas Show and theChristmas Experience that started Villageevent, the MBC folks capped off their pre-sentation with a reminder of what they areall about. “Our Village is for everyone, re-gardless of their beliefs. All are welcomedand will feel welcome,” said PastorSutherland, but their mission in what theydo is to “communicate the story of Jesusand what He did for Mankind.” And so thelast thing that guests encountered set upoutside the church was a live Nativity scenecomplete with Holy Family, their visitors,quite a few sheep and even a donkey. Thenit was back to their cars, with the calls of“Thanks for coming! Merry Christmas!”ringing in their ears.
INAUGURAL EVENT, remember? Thatmeans there are already plans in the worksfor next year’s Village. A word to the wise?Don’t miss it if you did this year, and if youwere part of this year’s fun, who knowswhat new adventures await you at the 2017McLean Bible Church Christmas Village?
McLean Bible Church Hosts Spectacular Christmas Village
“It’s snowing!” And so it seemed to be during one of the MBC WorshipBand’s performances. The group played to a packed house and had theaudience signing right along to some of the time-honored traditionalChristmas carols and rocking to some of the more modern numbers.
Round and round we go! The full-sized carousel brought lots of smilesand wide-eyed wonder to the guests at the MBC Christmas Village.
The Richards family of Restonpause for a photo opportunitywhile enjoying the delights ofthe McLean Bible Church Christ-mas Village. “Something foreveryone” they said, with kidsranging from 2 to 11.
their Christmas shopping, there was a“World Bazaar” featuring handcrafted giftsat booths decorated to call to mind thecountry of origin. Regions of Latin America,Asia and Africa were represented with theiritems being sold to benefit ministriesaround the world that focus on ending pov-erty.
The spirit of giving was not forgotten inthis Winter Wonderland. “Operation Christ-mas Child” was set up next door to the Ba-zaar to garner donations for children whootherwise might not see a gift beneath theChristmas tree.
Across the “street” children were lined upin “Candyland” for some time in the Bounc-ing Christmas Castle, a bit of face-painting,and a few other interactive offerings. If that
Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection
Holiday Fun
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Viewpoints
What do you wish for mostthis holiday season?
—Donna Manz
Laurie DiRocco,Mayor,
Town of Vienna“My fondest wish is
for people to gather,talk, laugh, and enjoytime with family andold and new friends thisholiday season. I hopepeople take time toreally relax and experi-ence the true joys of theseason.”
Chap Petersen,Virginia State Senate[D-34th], Fairfax
“My fondest wish for Christ-mas is to see a spirit of mutualrespect and humility when thenew administration begins inWashington, D.C. And, yes,that applies to all people.”
Peggy James, Vienna“I wish peace, happiness, and faith to my loved ones.
For the last few years, I have been a little sad at christmas,as I lost my mother to a long battle with Alzheimer’s in2013. This year, for some reason, the sadness has finallybeen lifted and I am, once again, in love with the holidaysand all of the joy and hope and peace that comes alongwith this season. As it turns out, everyone is not in thesame headspace as I am, and a few people very close tome are going through some real challenges and sorrows...So, for this year, I wish, the most, that the people I loveand cherish can find some joy and peace in this holidayseason, and that hope and faith will come to them, andgrant them peace and happiness at this holiday time andfor all of the days to come.”
Mike Davis, Vienna“I wish everyone
happy holidays, awonderful Christmas,and a fantastic newyear.”
Joan Dempsey, VVFD“Good health for my family, and
for those less-fortunate, I wish youa warm place to sleep and food onthe table. And for those fortunateto have these, I wish you to sharewith those who do not.”
Lydia Russo,Vienna
“I wish for myfamily to havegood health, and,safety for all thefirst-respondersduring the coldwinter months.”
Michelle Scott,Shepherd’s Center ofOakton-Vienna
“My fondest wish for theholiday season is that wehave good weather forFirst Night Vienna. I’ll bevolunteering for theFreeman Store - so stop byand say hi.”
8 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
The holiday season is bittersweetfor Jeanne Rorke. The days lead-ing up to Christmas are filledwith memories of her parents.
Her mother committed suicide when Rorkewas 12, and her father died on ChristmasEve eight years ago.
“No one really helped me through thegrieving process,” said Rorke, recalling hermother’s death. “My family was like, ‘Don’ttalk about it.’ … My Christmases have al-ways been kind of sad … even though I puton a happy face for my family.”
Roarke joined about two dozen others ata workshop on handling grief during theholidays called, “Facing the Empty Chair:Surviving the Holidays after Losing a LovedOne” at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Al-exandria. From those who are preparing tocelebrate a first Christmas without a lovedone to those who’ve been grieving for de-cades, participants shared experiences, sup-ported each other and gained tools for sur-viving the season while facing the realityof the empty chair in which their loved oneonce sat.
“The holidays can be time of longing forthose who’ve lost someone,” said CareyGauzens, a licensed clinical social workerat the Center for Pastoral Counseling of Vir-ginia in McLean. “The holidays are a timewhen you reflect on family, and it’s hardfor someone who’s aware that that personisn’t there.”
At the workshop, Gauzens clarified someof the misinformation surrounding grief,especially during the holidays. “First andmost important, is that normal grieving isreally hard for most people. Some peoplebelieve the myth that grief lasts only for afew months, but it’s hard to measure yourhealing because it’s an up and down pro-cess, not a smooth, straight line.”
Throughout the process, and particularlyduring the holidays, being able to tap intoa source of strength other than oneself is afactor that Gauzen underscores: “It’s impor-tant to have a support group, friends, atherapist.”
Finding someone who is also grieving can
be particularly helpful. For example, whenBeverly Bell’s husband died nine years agofollowing an extended illness, she foundstrength and comfort in a friendship withanother widow.
“[We] had a wonderful relationship … forseveral years following my husband’sdeath,” said Bell, who attended the work-shop. “We had a regular lunch date and alsoshared a number of holidays. She also dieda couple of years ago, and I realized that Iam particularly missing her presence.”
Earlier this year, Bell’s brother died aswell. “I found myself re-experiencing manyof the feelings I had had when my husbanddied, [but feeling] particularly helpless tocomfort my sister-in-law,” she said. “Perhaps[my] presence is the most important thingI can … offer my sister-in-law.”
Some of the workshop attendees wantedto learn how to better support others. “I ama member of the Community of Hope In-ternational, a group of lay pastoralcaregivers whose ministry is to visit thosewho are experiencing sickness, trauma,tragedy or loss of a loved one,” said Caroline
McCormack, one of the participants. “Iwanted to have a better understanding ofthe grieving process, so I might be a morecompassionate listener.”
She and Bell learned that process is dif-ferent for everyone. “My husband’s deathwas preceded by a long illness. My brother’sdeath was sudden,” said Bell. “I wonderedif something about the timing made a dif-ference in how we experience and cope withgrief. I learned that it really does not.”
“... We all experience grief in differentways and it can show up at unexpectedtimes and places and so we need to begentle with ourselves and find ways thatwe can express our grief in ways that feelhealing and safe for us,” added ReveredElizabeth Rees. Associate Rector, St. Aidan’sEpiscopal Church.
This is a point Gauzens tried to under-score: Grieving is an individual process andthere is no one-size-fits-all method for cop-ing. Even people who are grieving for thesame person can experience it differentlyand have different needs. “For example, oneperson might want to talk about the loss,but others might not,” she said. “It’s impor-tant to be sensitive to family members whogrieve differently and compromise so thateach person feels emotionally safe.”
Cultivating self-awareness and knowingwhat is normal to expect while one is griev-ing is important. “Sometimes the symptomsare so intense it makes people feel likethey’re going crazy and frightens themsometimes,” said Gauzens. “They might cryat the drop of a hat, get angry or feel un-able to control their emotions. There couldbecome deeply distracted or confused likeget lost going someplace they know well.
“Give yourself permission to make care-ful decisions about how you’ll spend yourtime,” she added. “It’s helpful to discernwithin yourself what feels right. Decidewhether to maintain holiday traditions ordo something completely different.”
Avoiding all festive, social activities mightdo more harm than good, however. “A per-son who’s grieving might end up isolatingbecause they won’t go to places they oncewent to with the person they’ve lost,” said
Gauzens.Instead, Gauzens suggests planning
“something to look forward to after theholiday to reward yourself for gettingthrough the holidays.”
She also stressed the need for self-care,including exercising, eating healthy andstaying hydrated. “It’s important to mini-mize your use of mood altering sub-stances like alcohol,” said Gauzens. “It’stempting to try to numb the pain, but itcomes back.”
Changing customs can make holidaysless painful, says Dr. Linda Gulyn, Ph.D.,professor of psychology, Marymount Uni-versity in Arlington. “I like to break withtraditions that are familiar and that remindus of the loved one we lost,” she said.“Sometimes it’s good to shake it up and starta new tradition, so you’re looking forwardinstead of behind you.”
“The days are darker and colder, whichexacerbates any sadness that we might befeeling anyway,” said Gulyn. “Hang in there.It will feel better and you will get throughit. The holidays will go by and we’ll get backinto our routine and productive lives thathelp with healing.
There is a point however, when assistancefrom a mental health professional is a nec-essary, Jerome Short, Ph.D., associate pro-fessor of psychology, George Mason Univer-sity in Fairfax. “People should seek profes-sional help if they have significant distressand difficulty in daily self-care and func-tioning at home or work that has lastedmore than two weeks without improve-ment,” he said. “Common symptoms fordepression are low mood, lack of pleasurein previously enjoyable activities, social iso-lation, and thoughts of hopelessness andhelplessness.”
Workshop helps others deal with loss.Holiday Grief
Photo courtesy of Carey Gauzens
Carey Gauzens of the the Centerfor Pastoral Counseling of Virginiain McLean, led a workshop ongrieving during the holidays at St.Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Alex-andria.
Combating that holiday periodwhich the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration
says is a “dangerous time to be on theroad due to a high number of drunkdrivers behind the wheel,” a localnonprofit organization will offer freecab rides to would-be drunk driversthroughout the Washington-metro-politan area during the winterholidays.
Washington Regional Alcohol Program(WRAP), operates the annual HolidaySoberRide program between 10 p.m. and6 a.m. each evening between Friday, Dec.16, 2016 and Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 as away to keep local roads safe from im-paired drivers during this traditionallyhigh-risk, holiday period.
During the evening hours, between Dec.16 and Jan. 1, Washington-metropolitanarea residents celebrating with alcohol
may call the toll-free SoberRide phonenumber 1–800–200–TAXI and be affordeda no-cost (up to $30 fare), safe wayhome.
“Last December, nearly 1,500 (1,456)Greater Washington residents did the rightthing and availed themselves of thislifesaving service rather than possiblydriving home impaired,” said Kurt GregoryErickson, WRAP’s president. “ForSoberRide’s hours of operation during just
last New Year’s Eve, alone, such rider-ship (580) translated into the removalof a would-be drunk driver from ourshared roadways every 49-seconds.”
Since 1993, WRAP’s SoberRideprogram has provided 65,385 free cabrides home to would-be drunk driversin the Greater Washington area.
More information about WRAP’sSoberRide initiative can be found atwww.soberride.com.
Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving
“The holidays are a timewhen you reflect on family,and it’s hard for someonewho’s aware that thatperson isn’t there.”
— Carey Gauzens, LCSW
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA450 ORCHARD STREET, NW
Join Us for a MemorableChristmas Eve Dinner andFabulous New Year’s Eve!
With Live Entertainment 8:00 pm into the New Year. See Web Site for Menu.
BrunchEvery
Sunday
See Calendar, Page 11
Send announcements to connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’spaper. Photos/artwork encouraged.
ONGOINGOngoing Contemplative Candlelight Service St. John’s
Episcopal Church. located at 6715 Georgetown Pike,McLean. One mile east of Beltway Exit 44. Experience Godin word, chant, and silence and pray by lighting a candle.No evening services on December 25 or January 1.www.stjohnsmclean.org
CHO Food, New Toy, and Bike Drive Nov. 1-Dec. 31 atvarious locations around Vienna. Dish soap, canned fruit,chili, canned beef stew, diapers and wipes, canned salmon,Spam, tuna, tomato sauce, and laundry detergent are inparticular need. CHO requests that no food be expired.
“Ten Best Friends” a solo show featuring Joan Fegan’s oilportraits of the ten most popular breeds of dog in the US,has been extended through the holidays. Cost: Free. Thelocation is The Frame Factory Gallery, at 212 DominionRd., NE, Vienna, VA 22180; 703-281-2350. Gallery hoursare Monday - Saturday, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, on Thursday10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Visit http://theframefactory1.com/index.htm.
Drop-off boxes are available at Town Hall, 127 CenterStreet S; Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave. E; Bikes @Vienna, 128 Church Street NW; Caffe Amouri, 107 ChurchStreet NE; Doctors Covel, Stack, and Henon, 120 BeulahRoad NE; Evolution Fitness, 216 Dominion Road NE; RexallDrug Store, 150 Maple Avenue W; Vienna Arts Center, 115Pleasant Street NE.
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark BotanicalGardens open every day beginning on Friday, Nov. 18,2016, through Jan. 8, 2017. Open Thanksgiving, Christmasand New Year’s, too. The walk of lights runs daily from5:30 - 10 p.m. Last tickets sold at 9:30 p.m. This family-friendly six-week winter wonderland of spectacle is only a
few years old but has garnered a loyal following fromthroughout the Northern Virginia area, particularly Viennaand its environs. To buy timed tickets online: https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
The Freeman Store & Museum Wednesday throughSunday noon - 4 p.m. 131 Church Street NE Vienna. TheFreeman Store & Museum is dedicated to Preserving andpromoting Vienna’s heritage through the identification,preservation, and interpretation of history significantplaces, events, and persons. Historicviennainc.org
“Ensemble” — Friday, Dec. 9 - Jan. 9 at the New Katibeh ArtCenter 2070 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 180, Vienna, VA22182.The Vienna Arts Society presents “Ensemble”, acollection of members’ artworks, to include paintings andoriginal etchings, sculpture, woven bead jewelry and fusedglass, at the Katibeh Art Center. Free and open to thepublic. 703-319-3971 www.ViennaArtsSociety.org
Weekly Storytime. Wednesday and Saturday. 11 a.m.Barnes & Noble, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean.Themes and Titles vary. Free admission.
Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. Flame Room, ViennaVolunteer Fire Department, 400 Center St. S, Vienna. $10.www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.
Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Emmaus United Churchof Christ, 900 E Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one freeintroductory session, senior discounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reduce stress. Ravi Kaur has15 years experience teaching yoga. $15 per session.www.edimprovement.org. 571-213-3192.
SATURDAY/DEC. 24Children’s Christmas Eve Service 5 p.m. The Church of
the Good Shepherd, United Methodist Church 2351 Hunter
Calendar
On Wednesday Dec. 28 there will be a Romanian holiday traditions celebration from 7 -9 p.m. at The Patriot Hall - American Legion Post 180. 330 Central Street North, inVienna. Caroling on Christmas and New Year is the most wonderful and colorful mani-festation of the Romanian folk traditions. This is a time of year filled with unique andancient rituals and customs celebrating the birth of Christ and the arrival of a new year.This show will highlight the traditional carols, dances, songs and wishes for prosperityand rich harvest, one could hear in Romania’s towns and villages and will also includethe famous Goat and Bear dances. www.youcaring.com
10 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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By KENNETH B. LOURIE
I Have Ca, Ca,Ca, Cancer
Here I am thinking, believing, writing thatI’m Mr. Well-Adjusted cancer patient and all ittook was one conversation in a restaurant theother night at the Connection Christmas partyto prove that I’m not. It was a casual, festiveatmosphere with everybody enjoying foodand drink. I was sitting in a booth with mywife, Dina, my co-worker, David, and hismother Sherry, who I had never met before,who was in-town visiting her sons and plan-ning a drive downtown to see the NationalChristmas Tree. We were all exchanging pleas-antries and getting on quite well when Iremembered that David’s mother is a nurse. Ithought she would be the perfect person toask about my oncology nurse. But to give thequestion some context, I thought I had to tellher I had cancer. And when I did, I couldbarely get the word out. After I stammered Iasked, if there was any professional rea-son/advisory explaining why I haven’t heardback from my long-time (seven years) oncol-ogy nurse who, I had learned four weeks ear-lier at my last infusion when he wasn’t there totend to me, retired early. He didn’t exactlyleave me adrift but a month later, he still has-n’t returned my cellphone message (an emailto his Verizon account bounced back and hehasn’t posted anything current on Facebook).
Obviously he’s entitled. Nevertheless, I’mperplexed. We were buddies. We wereextremely compatible: sports, humor, from theNortheast, same age, Jewish and both spoke alittle Yiddish. Heck, I had even been to hishouse for a Super Bowl party; plus we’vebeen out to lunch a couple of times after myinfusion, met locally for a medical follow up(not exactly a house call but he did come tome), and as I may have written in a previouscolumn, he likely saved my life when Ishowed up at the Infusion Center with an oxy-gen level of 85. (Subsequent to that reading,he went into high gear making the necessaryarrangements to get me transferred to on-siteurgent care and ultimately “ambulanced” toHoly Cross Hospital in Silver Spring where Ispent the next week. Though he didn’t visitme; he later explained that he rarely visitedpatients, he did call to check on me.) Theshort story is: our relationship went beyondpatient-nurse. I wouldn’t say I looked forwardto my infusions, but because of him, I didn’tdread them either.
It’s not as if he has to do anything for meor acknowledge me or even stay in contactwith me. He has his own life; he’s made achange and presumably, his oncology patientsare not part of it. I can understand that. In themedical specialty field, oncology is one of, ifnot the most, emotionally demanding/wrenching: patients with whom you’ve devel-oped a relationship often die. I can imaginehow there’s only so much loss of life one cantake. However, I thought our relationshipwent beyond that, in spite of the challengingdemands that dealing with a “terminal”patient can exact.
Oddly enough, I’m not taking it personally.My feelings are not hurt, really. Until I knowmore of the circumstances surrounding hisretirement (health, family, lifestyle, etc.), I’mnot begrudging him at all. Moreover, he does-n’t owe me an explanation. His retiring is notabout me. It’s about him and because of that,I want to know why he decided to leave andwhether we can still stay in touch. So far, wehaven’t; he hasn’t.
There’s no doubt that he’s been an impor-tant part of my cancer-patient life, and in away, I thought — through my personality andsurvival, important to him also. Perhaps I was,professionally. Personally, I thought so as well.I just haven’t heard any evidence of it in thelast month. Still, I will always be grateful forhis care and concern.
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From Page 9
Mill Road, Vienna. The Children’s Christmas EveService includes a giant felt board. As childrencome in, we will pass out pieces of the Nativitystory and will do the felt board together withmusic, said pastor Eric Song. Communion andcandlelight services will be held at 7:30 and10:30 p.m. Child care will be provided for the7:30 p.m. service.
Family Christmas Eve Service 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church. 1301Trap Road, Vienna. Come enjoy a family-friendlyChristmas Eve worship service that includes ourchildren’s nativity pageant and thecongregational singing of many wonderfulcarols. AndrewChapelUMC.org
SUNDAY/DEC. 25Christmas Morning Service 10:15 a.m. The
Church of the Good Shepherd, United MethodistChurch 2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. TheChurch of the Good Shepherd will celebrate its50th anniversary in 2017.www.GoodShepherdVA.com
WEDNESDAY/DEC. 28Romanian Holiday Traditions 7 - 9 p.m. The
Patriot Hall - American Legion Post 180. 330Central Street North, Vienna. Admission: $10 -35. Caroling on Christmas and New Year is themost wonderful and colorful manifestation ofthe Romanian folk traditions. This is a time ofyear filled with unique and ancient rituals andcustoms celebrating the birth of Christ and thearrival of a new year. This show will highlightthe traditional carols, dances, songs and wishesfor prosperity and rich harvest, one could hearin Romania’s towns and villages and will alsoinclude the famous Goat and Bear dances. Thisis a charitable event. All proceeds from thisevent will be donated to Mr. Ionel Popescul, amember of the group “Folclor,” who wasdiagnosed two months ago with colon cancer.Since the doctors gave Nelu the terriblediagnosis he has not been able to work, leavinghis five-month pregnant wife, as the only sourceof income in the family. For more information orto make a direct donation please visit: https://www.youcaring.com/ionel-popescul-663992.
Calendar
Faith Notes are for announcements and eventsin the faith community. Send [email protected]. Deadline isFriday at noon.
Chabad Tysons Jewish Center is hosting aChanukah Wonderland Dec. 25 till Dec. 30 inVienna at 226 W. Maple Ave. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.every day and a Menorah lighting at the first nightVienna.
Christmas Eve Service - Charles WesleyUMC, “The Hunger Church,” 6817 Dean Dr.,McLean is inviting community to join them in aservice of carols and candlelight - something for thewhole family, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.www.thehungerchurch.org
The Church of the Good Shepherd, aUnited Methodist church in Vienna, will celebrateChristmas Eve with three worship services on Sat-urday, Dec. 24 and one worship service onChristmas morning. The community is invited to allservices at the church, located at 2351 Hunter MillRoad.
At 5 p.m. there will be the Children’s Christ-mas Eve Service that includes a giant felt board.As children come in, we will pass out pieces of theNativity story and will do the felt board togetherwith music, said pastor Eric Song. Communion andcandlelight services will be held at 7:30 and 10:30p.m. (child care provided for the 7:30 p.m. service).Christmas morning services with communion willbe held at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25.
The Church of the Good Shepherd will celebrateits 50th anniversary in 2017. For more information,visit the church website atwww.GoodShepherdVA.com or atwww.Facebook.com/GoodShepherdVienna or fol-low at www.twitter.com/goodshepherdva.
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at the inter-section of Lewinsville and Brook Roads in McLean,just a mile west of Tysons, invites you for a casualSaturday Service at 5 p.m., followed by conversa-tion and fellowship or for Sunday Services at 8 a.m.or 10 a.m. Sunday School for Youth and Childrentakes place during the 10 a.m. Service. Look for ourPumpkin Patch this October, and checkwww.stthomasmcleanva.org for Special Events andServices through the year. St. Thomas’ EpiscopalChurch, 8991 Brook Road, McLean, 703-442-0330.
Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 BeulahRoad, NE, Vienna offers a monthly Healing Eucha-rist with the Laying on of Hands and Anointing forHealing (first Sunday of the month, 5 p.m. at St.Mary’s Chapel.. The Healing Ministry is led by theRev. Valerie Hayes and Alexandra MacCracken andincludes a team of lay healers who have gonethrough intentional training and formation. Ques-tions? Please contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes [email protected].
Yoga Class with a Christian Focus is heldSaturdays, 3–4 p.m., McGill Hall or the Library atthe Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 BeulahRoad, NE, Vienna. This group is suitable for thosewith beginner and/or intermediate yoga experi-ence. Dress comfortably and bring a mat. Feel free
to bring a towel, block(s) or strap if you have them.Questions? Please contact the Church Office at703-938-6521.
Mom’s Group meets second and fourthThursday of the Month, 9:30–11:30 a.m. atthe Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 BeulahRoad, NE, Vienna.
Please join the group for coffee and fellowship.The group meets in the Lillian Croy Room, near theChurch Office. Childcare will be available justacross the hall in the Childcare Center. If you areinterested in joining the group, contact the ChurchOffice at 703-938-6521 so that we can plan appro-priately for materials and childcare.
St. Francis Episcopal Church , 9220Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, offers musical,educational, outreach and fellowship ministries inaddition to worship services, including an 8 a.m.worship service without music and a 10 a.m. wor-ship service with nursery care available during thesummer. 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 vari-ety of free bereavement support groups, meetingon a weekly basis. 703-941-7000 orwww.havenofnova.org.
McLean Bible Church Fitness Class at Bodyand Soul Fitness. Gain balance, energy andstrength at 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays andFridays. Free childcare for registered [email protected].
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 1830Kirby Road in McLean, holds traditional servicesevery Sunday at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m.www.stdunstans.net.
Vienna Christian Healing Rooms are openevery Saturday, 1-4 p.m., at 8200 Bell Lane. A teamof Christians is available to anyone requestingprayer. Free and open to the public. 703-698-9779or www.viennachristianhealingrooms.com.
Chesterbrook United Methodist Church isat 1711 Kirby Road, McLean. Worship service is at11 a.m. 703-356-7100 orwww.ChesterbrookUMC.org.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 ChainBridge Road, Vienna, is holding Sunday eveningworship service in a less formal atmosphere andmore intimate setting to help you get ready for theweek ahead. Sundays, 6 p.m. Communion offered.No childcare. 703-938-2119 orwww.elcvienna.org.
Andrew Chapel United Methodist Churchholds Centering Prayer Group Fridays, 9:30 a.m. at1301 Trap Road, Vienna. The hour begins with a 20-minute prayer period, followed by a brief readingrelated to Centering Prayer. E-mail Chris Mason [email protected] or call the church at 703-759-3509.
Faith
12 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
About 80 members of theChabad Tysons Jewish Centerand the Chabad of NorthernVirginia attended a Menorah
Workshop at the Home Depot inMerrifield on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.
“We’re here to bring the excitement ofHanukkah to the children with a hands-on event where children build a menorah.The kids worked at their own pace. Wehave latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt,”said Rabbi Chessy Deitsch of the ChabadTysons Jewish Center. “We’re also doingan olive oil press demonstration.”
“We are very excited about the turnoutof all of the families,” said Rabbi SholomDeitsch, Director of the Chabad of North-ern Virginia. “If we could add to theirexcitement during the holiday, then wehave accomplished what we wanted to.We want each child to feel pride in theirholidays.”
Mike Anderson, Assistant Store Man-ager for Home Depot, said they do allsorts of different workshops for differentgroups, birthday parties, and WoundedWarriors; just different ways to bring thecommunity together. “It’s part of ourvalues in being able to give back to thecommunity,” he said.
Sam Kooritzky, a retired lawyer fromOakton, said the menorah workshop wasa good way to get kids interested in theJewish holidays. “It’s more than just aservice. We want to give them goodknowledge of the religion itself,” he said.The congregation is relatively smallcompared to others in the area, he said.“Here, everybody’s part of the family. It’sfamily oriented; every couple of monthswe get an invitation to have dinner withthe Rabbi. You don’t have to be religiousto belong; there’s no pressure on any-body.”
Some upcoming holiday programs fromChabad of Northern Virginia include:
❖ Hanukkah Wonderland from Dec. 25to 30, 2016, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at 226 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA.
❖ Flip Like a Latke at Flight TrampolinePark, Saturday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 8p.m., at 7200 Fullerton Road, Springfield.Cost is $10/person; $25/family. VisitChabadVA.org.
❖ Menorah Lighting on Wednesday,Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at SpringfieldMall. Includes giant menorah lighting,magic show, take a photo with JudahMaccabee and the Dreideal Man,Chanukah arts and crafts, and hot choco-late, latkes and doughnuts.
❖ Menorah Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 25at 6:30 p.m. at Fairfax Square.
❖ Menorah Lighting on Saturday, Dec.31 at 7:30 p.m. at The Greens in Vienna.
❖ Camp Gan Israel’s Winter Camp 2016from Dec. 19 through Dec. 30, daily from9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At 3939 PrinceWilliam Drive, Fairfax. Register online atwww.CGINOVA.com.
— Steve Hibbard
Calendar of otherHanukkah eventsin the area.
Menorah Workshop Heldat the Home Depot
Faith
Members of the ChabadTysons Jewish Center and
the Chabad of NorthernVirginia participated in the
menorah workshop.
Zoe Hicks, age 9, of Vienna, makesher menorah.
Ali and Eli Kulman of Falls Churchmake a menorah at the HomeDepot in Merrifield.
Members of the Chabad TysonsJewish Center and the Chabad ofNorthern Virginia participated inthe menorah workshop.
Nancy Gabriel, a Garden Associateat the Home Depot, serves latkes, apotato pancake.
Noah and Aden Mozar of Fairfaxmake their menorahs.
Rabbi Sholom Deitsch, Director ofthe Chabad of Northern Virginia,with his family members.
