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Staff members from Cameron’s Chocolates greet visitors, their products enticing every passerby at Sunday’s 9th annual McLean Chocolate Festival. Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, 8 Classifieds, Sweetest Weekend in Mclean News, Page 7

County Studies

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2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected] County Studies State Budget Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee: Tracking items of interest to FX CO against

Governor’s proposed budget and specific legislation. portionately nine of the ten busiest DMVs are in Northern Virginia, two I think are By Mercia Hobson right in our area,” Dominguez said. The Connection Moving on, the Committee received de- tails on three County Initiatives of Special he Fairfax County Board of Su- Legislation that they had asked the Fairfax pervisors held their first 2020 County Delegation to move through the TLegislative Committee Meeting General Assembly, among them SB-23 by on Fri., Jan. 17 with James Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30) that prohibits Walkinshaw, (D-Braddock), chairman of the discrimination in employment and public committee, and Jeffrey McKay, (D) vice- Ellen Volo, Noelle accommodations based on sexual orienta- chairman. During the nearly three-hour Albena Assenova, Deputy Legisla- Dominguez, tion or gender identity. meeting, staff reported to the Legislative Revenue and tive Director, Legislative Liai- Chris Sigler, Next, the Committee received reports for Committee items deemed important and Economic Coordi- Office of the son, Department Assistant continuous support of historical positions specific to Fairfax County. nator County Executive of Transportation County Attorney for legislation such as Courthouse Security Staff began their presentation with items Fees SB 149 (Howell); Equal Rights Amend- on Gov. Northam’s proposed 2020-22 Bien- ment HJ 1 (Carroll Foy) (Passed House; nial Budget and amendments to the 2018- SPE)/SJ 1 (McClellan) (Passed Senate; 20 budget,” followed by House and Senate HPE) ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment bills introduced to the Virginia General As- to the Constitution of the United States that sembly by the Fairfax County Delegation. was proposed by Congress in 1972; Solar The meeting kicked off with Claudia Arko, Freedom HB 572 (Keam) and others. Legislative Director reading the Referring to the four bills in front of the Committee’s approved “Five Priority Prin- Legislative Committee that spoke to Solar ciples For Reviewing Legislation: Ad- Freedom, Vice Chair McKay said, “ I sug- equately fund K-12 education; Restore fund- gest that we do an individual letter on these, ing to the Northern Virginia Transportation what this means to Fairfax County; to come Authority; Build upon the successful enact- forward from the chairman at our next ment of significant transportation revenues board meeting, so we can be on record spe- by the 2013 General Assembly; Restore the cifically on this issue, and specifically put- funding partnership between the state and Screenshots via Fairfax County video ting it down in terms of what this means localities; and Preserve local government Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee Meeting, for Fairfax County and how far along we authority, particularly in taxation and land Jan. 17, 2020 are in this. And this would put a halt if these use; and allow greater flexibility in the ad- 2021,” she said. There would be an approxi- are not approved.” ministration of government.” said. The budget did include one new gen- mate $400,000 match required. Albena Assenova, Revenue Coordinator of eral district court judgeship and one clerk Noelle Dominguez, Legislative Liaison, Department of Management and Budget, support staff for Fairfax County, funding for Department of Transportation, said the pro- Highlights of had tracked items of interest to Fairfax local stormwater assistance, Virginia Hous- posed budget did provide about $50 mil- County that were included in the budget as ing Trust Fund and for the 2020 Presiden- lion more than the last projections for New Bills 2020 well as the impact of these relative to county tial Primary, reimbursement to localities for Northern Virginia Transportation funding and school budgets and shared updates with their expenditures. due to legislation passed in the previous General Assembly the Committee. “The governor’s budget did As for the school budget, Governor year related to sales of items to the internet HB 1391 (Leftwich) (HCT)/SB 253 not include across the board salary adjust- Northam’s Proposed Budget targeted more as well as revenue from the I-81 bill last (Chafin) (SJUD) - Recommend ments for constitutional officers and state- than one-third of new spending on educa- year that provided some funds back to oppose. supported local employees...the governor tion. According to Assenova, the governor’s Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Chris Sigler, Assistant County Attorney: I included funding to fully reimburse the gen- budget includes a total of $69.2 million in- The second item Dominguez presented think the issue with the bill is that our af- eral registrar and electoral board salaries crease for fiscal year ’21 compared to the had to do with regional transportation en- fordable housing, ADU program relies on in the localities, and we think that this current year budget…There were no tity appointments. “Two years ago the Gen- things like affordable housing restrictions would result in an increase of $41,000,” she teacher salary increase proposed for the first eral Assembly put language in the budget and covenants that don’t appear in the Deed said. year of the biennium. Assenova reminded that allowed the Speaker of the House to of Trust, but when there is a foreclosure we Assenova said, “The governor proposal the supervisors that the County did receive appoint non-legislative members to the want those restrictions and covenants to be included an increase in state cigarette tax state funding towards salary increases of Northern Virginia Transportation Commis- protected by the Trustee and honored...I rate from 30 cents per pack to 60 teachers for fiscal year 2020, and the gov- sion, the Northern Virginia Transportation think this bill may say they might not have cents...allowing the Board of Supervisors to ernor included another increase for fiscal Authority and the Potomac and to do that, and that gives us great concern increase the cigarette tax and that would year 2022. The proposed budget includes Rappahannock Transportation Commission. for the ADU Program. result in an increase of 5.4 million to Fairfax funding for additional counselors related to Some members are currently not general County...deposited in the general fund.” school safety at $2 million. assembly members,” said Dominguez. The HB 1534 (Samirah) (HCCT)/SB 649 According to Assenova, in the judicial de- In the Human Services section of staff pre- budget would remove the language for the (Boysko) (Senate Floor)-Recom- partment, the County expected they might sentations, Ellen Volo, Deputy Legislative next appointments; appointees would have mend support. see an increase in four positions, given the Director, Office of the County Executive said to be from the General Assembly. Chris Sigler, Assistant County Attorney: governor’s budget included funding for 59 the governor’s proposal would provide a 3 It allows Fairfax County, to enter into agree- additional positions for public defenders percent increase for state-supported local ONE ITEM concerned the Department of ments with towns either wholly or partially across the state. Still, it was unclear how employees of social service departments, Motor Vehicles and the proposal for 100 within its boundaries for the collection and many additional district court clerk posi- “We do think that we would get about re- more employees given the need for a REAL enforcement of property taxes. So we would tions. “We need more than 21 additional ceive $2.2 million for a 3 percent increase… ID compliant driver’s license. “About 1 mil- be able to collect those by agreement with positions in the district court and more than if this component of the budget is passed, lion or at least more than a million people Herndon. 9 positions in the juvenile court,” Assenova the County will receive $2.2 million in FY might get those licenses in Virginia... Pro- See Legislative, Page 10 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 ❖ 3 Opinion McLean

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com The People’s Business An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum we promised we were duced become law. cerning their own reproductive to homes and businesses. State Delegate (D-36) Published by going to do, and the Election outcomes health are being repealed. Laws Local Media Connection LLC legislative session is do matter for to that disproportionally affected he General Assembly the time of action to change the outcome people of color are being repealed. 1606 King Street has shifted into high deliver on our prom- of debate on impor- The criminal justice system is un- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 gear to get through its ises. tant issues it may be dergoing a major shift to make it T Free digital edition delivered to agenda of thousands With such a “meat easier to change the work more fairly for all people. your email box. Go to of bills in sixty days. The old say- grinder” approach people in the legisla- Challenges to the environment are connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe ing that you cannot be in two can we trust the out- ture through the bal- being met with meaningful legis- places at one time is disproven come of a legislative lot box than it is to lation. every day as the 140 members of session? Consider change the minds of It is impossible to list in a short NEWS DEPARTMENT: [email protected] the House and Senate scurry that in order for a bill to become a incumbent legislators. A case in column the thousands of bills be- among sub- law it must meet the approval of a point is ratification of the Equal fore the legislature. You can how- Kemal Kurspahic Commentary committees subcommittee and full committee, Rights Amendment that was de- ever review the full list with de- Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 and standing passage twice in the full house on bated for decades but approved scriptions and status at [email protected] committees on two different days, the same pro- within a week in a General Assem- lis.virginia.gov and for the first Andrea Worker which they serve and the subcom- cess in the other house of the leg- bly made up of new members sup- time this year you can see Contributing Writer mittees and committees before islature, and the signature of the porting the rights of women. livestreaming of most full and sub- [email protected] which they have to present their governor. Those same new members, join- committee meetings at bills. By strategically placing an All that time there are hundreds ing the progressives who were al- virginiageneralassembly.gov/ Jean Card assistant or intern in one meeting of advocates, constituents, lobby- ready there, have even now ap- house/chamber/chamberstream Production Editor [email protected] while the member moves quickly ists and others looking over your proved sweeping new common- and virginia-senate.granicus.com/ among several meetings, it may shoulder and providing comments sense gun safety laws such as my ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3. even appear that a member is in on what you are doing. Bills get universal background check bill And you can visit the Capitol in ADVERTISING: more than even two places at one intense scrutiny before they are that had been defeated for two de- Richmond; all meetings are open For advertising information time. The legislature is not a place passed. It is easier to describe how cades by previous members of a to the public. Some say the pro- [email protected] 703-778-9431 for lengthy contemplation but a bill does not make it than it is to subcommittee of the House. Laws cess is like making sausage. The rather is a place for action. After tell how a bill becomes a law. that put barriers in the way of important thing is it is doing the Trisha Hamilton all, we ran on a platform of what Fewer than half the bills intro- women in making choices con- people’s business. Display Advertising 703-624-9201 After Virginia Ratification Of Equal Rights Amendment [email protected] Debbie Funk National Sales Beyer: ‘Next Steps Depend On Congress’ 703-778-9444 [email protected] ep. Don Beyer (D-8), a this long-overdue legislation a top the deadline was raised most re- longtime supporter of the priority, and seeing it through suc- cently by a Trump Administration David Griffin R Marketing Assistant Equal Rights Amendment cessfully. legal opinion arguing that the ERA (ERA), and cosponsor of legisla- “The recent legal opinion issued could not be ratified because of the 703-778-9431 [email protected] tion to extend the deadline for rati- by the Trump Administration via expiration of the original deadline. fication, issued the following state- the Justice Department makes it Beyer is also a cosponsor of new Classified & Employment ment after the Virginia General clear that the next steps depend Equal Rights Amendment legisla- Advertising Assembly voted to ratify the ERA: on Congress. I am determined to tion introduced by Rep. Carolyn 703-778-9431 “Today, Virginia became the 38th do everything I can in Congress to Maloney (D-NY). state to ratify the Equal Rights help pave the way for the final rati- Beyer’s most recent Annual Editor & Publisher Amendment, and I could not be Rep. Don fication of the Equal Rights Women’s Conference and Forum Mary Kimm more proud. Ratification of the Beyer (D-8) Amendment. Equality, justice, and focused specifically on the need to [email protected] ERA is long overdue, but it is won- history demand nothing less.” pass the Equal Rights Amendment, @MaryKimm derful that Virginia took the his- “I congratulate and applaud ev- Beyer is a cosponsor of House with a panel discussion that fea- Executive Vice President toric step today which brought the eryone in the Virginia General As- legislation to extend the deadline tured speakers from VA Ratify ERA Jerry Vernon Amendment across the three- sembly, including Senator for ratification of the Equal Rights (Virginia’s campaign to ratify the 703-549-0004 fourths threshold necessary for McClellan, Senator Locke, and Amendment, sponsored by Rep. ERA) and the ERA Coalition. [email protected] ratification. Delegate Carroll Foy for making Jackie Speier (D-CA). The issue of Managing Editor Kemal Kurspahic Wexton: ‘A Historic Moment’ Art/Design: n response to the final passage Laurence Foong, John Heinly, of the Equal Rights Amend Ali Khaligh I Production Manager: ment in the Virginia General Write Geovani Flores Assembly, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D- 10) issued the following statement: The Connection welcomes views on any public issue. “Today, Virginia sent a powerful The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed. CIRCULATION Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are [email protected] message to the rest of the country routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send to: — that ‘Equal Justice Under Law’ is a constitutional right for women. Letters to the Editor “I was a sponsor of the Equal The Connection 1606 King St. Rights Amendment during my Rep. Jennifer Alexandria VA 22314 time in Richmond, and I am proud Wexton (D-10) Call: 703-917-6444. of my former colleagues in Rich- By e-mail:[email protected] mond who made this issue a pri- many trailblazers and activists ority in this year’s session. over the years, women — finally “This is a historic moment nearly — are one step closer to being in- one hundred years in the making. cluded in our nation’s founding Thanks to the tireless work of so document.” 4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Democrats poised to impose new regulations Closing All the Loopholes on high-interest lenders. By Michael Lee Pope The Connection under increasing scrutiny in recent years, session, and I hear the commercials on the and campaign-finance disclosures show radio knowing that there’s somebody listen- he days of unregulated high-in- these companies are spreading their money ing to that who desperately needs a loan to terest lending may be coming to around to Democrats and Republicans in an pay for their electrical bill, to pay a child Ta close in Virginia. Now that effort to influence the General Assembly. care payment, pay a college loan,” said Democrats have seized control During the last election cycle, the industry Bagby, who is leading the reform effort in of the General Assembly, members of the gave $1 million in campaign contributions. the House. “They are going to be calling Legislative Black Caucus say cracking down Car-title lender LoanMax was the top con- that number that’s on the radio or online to on predatory lending is one of their top pri- tributor, giving $250,000; online lender receive that loan not knowing what the rates orities for the 2020 session. Del. Lamont Enova gave $176,000; open-end-line-of- are, and not understand what the fees are Bagby (D-74) and Sen. Mamie Locke (D-2) credit lender Check Into Cash gave $88,000. associated with that.” have introduced a legislative effort they’re Michael Lee Pope/The Connection “There’s no question that when it comes calling the Fair Lending Act. The bill would Campaign-finance records show to car-title lenders, that has been contro- ONE OF THE key provisions in the Fair cap all loans at 36 percent and institute a that in the last election cycle, versial,” said Bob Denton, professor at Vir- Lending Act is that it creates a cap on how maximum monthly fee of $25. LoanMax gave $150,000 to Repub- ginia Tech. “Republicans have protected that much these companies can charge in inter- “All of these lenders make the same loans licans and $100,000 to Democrats. industry by and large.” est and fees — no more than 50 percent. in Colorado and Ohio and charge one third Republicans are no longer in charge, and This is designed to prevent these compa- as much as they charge Virginians,” said Jay register with the State Corporation Com- that has created a momentum for reform- nies from bilking consumers into forking Speer, executive director at the Virginia mission, which would track how many loans ing an industry that many lawmakers be- over significantly more money than they Poverty Law Center. “So it’s pretty clear they are made and many other details about the lieve preys on vulnerable people who are borrowed in the first place, a key feature of charge the maximum they’re allowed to transactions. Advocates for reforming the desperate for money and don’t fully under- the industry that helped earn the title charge and it has nothing at all to do with system say the current system takes advan- stand the consequences of getting caught “predatory.” market forces.” tage of people who are already in a vulner- in a debt trap. One of the key Republicans “We want to make sure that the borrow- The current state of Virginia law is a able financial situation. who helped thwart efforts was former Del. ers have terms that make sense and are rea- hodgepodge of different approaches for dif- “It’s designed to bankrupt them,” said Tim Hugo (R-40), who was chairman of a sonable because they can’t negotiate those ferent loans. Some are regulated and Mark Levine (D-45), who introduced a bill subcommittee that often served as grave- terms,” said Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-2). “All capped at 264 percent. Others are totally to regulate open-end lines of credit. “It’s yard for reform efforts. He was one of the they know is that they need the money, and unregulated, so nobody knows how many designed to take every single asset they four Republican incumbents unseated last they need it now.” of them are being made or what the inter- own.” year, giving Democrats a majority in the Current rules allow for a wide variety of est rates are. The Fair Lending Act would House and shifting the balance of power. require all lenders get a Virginia license and HIGH-INTEREST LENDERS have been “Far too often I’m riding into work or into See Loopholes, Page 11

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 ❖ 5 Senior Living Tax Season, Tax Scams The most common tricks and have to avoid them.

By Marilyn Campbell The Connection

ax season and tax scams often go hand- in-hand. Scammers will try to steal tax Tdocuments, money and even a person’s identity and seniors are often their prime target. “Con artists will target anyone, but older adults are targeted at higher rates because criminals go Photo by Marilyn Campbell where the money is, and older adults have the ma- Know the warning signs to avoid scams jority of wealth because of their years of hard work this tax season. and savings,” said Amy Nofziger, Director of Fraud Victim Support at the AARP. “Plus, older adults have not grown up with the technology of today, which For Help and More Information has grown so fast.” ❖ AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/ FraudWatchNetwork. AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline “Older Adults are often targets because they are and our trained fraud specialists can help walk you through going through life transitions and scammers can be it: 877-908-3360. very convincing,” added Rachel Coates, Director of ❖ Free Help at Montgomery County Libraries: https:// www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/ the Arlington County Agency on Aging. “Awareness Resources/Files/taxaideflyer.pdf is critical.” ❖ Tax ID Theft Awareness Week: https:// While numerous scams abound, there are some www.idtheftcenter.org/tax-identity-theft-awareness-week- 2020/ that are currently more prevalent than others. “The ❖ Arlington Adult Protective Services 703-228-1700 complaints we hear…is the IRS phone scam,” said ❖ Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign https:// Stacy Northrop of the Fairfax County Office of Pub- www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax- lic Affairs. “This is where the caller will state that a county-silver-shield-anti-scam-campaign warrant of arrest has been is- sued for the victim.” “Many older adults are un- “The crook will claim that “If anyone calls, mails, aware that criminals are lurk- the recipient in trouble for not ing on what we consider inno- paying enough in taxes or not emails or texts you cent websites or apps, like filing properly,” added Eric asking for money, that is “Words with Friends,” Friedman, Director of the Instagram or other social me- Montgomery County Office of a red flag. If they ask dia platforms,” said Nofziger. Consumer Protection. “Crooks “This is why education and instill a sense of fear and ur- you for personal warning people about the red gency, then they’ll trick the flags is crucial.” consumer into wiring money information such as Identify theft is also preva- or paying over the phone with lent during tax season, says a prepaid gift card. Consum- your Medicare number, Friedman of Montgomery ers make quick decisions that County. “Crooks will steal they wouldn’t make if there Social Security number someone’s social security num- wasn’t a sense of urgency.” or financial information, ber and file [taxes] really early, Some of the features com- like in January or February, be- monly thought to be safe- it’s a huge red flag.” fore the consumer files their guards may not be so, says return,” he said. “When the Friedman. “You cannot trust — Amy Nofziger, Director of Fraud consumer really does file, the Caller ID to tell you who’s re- Victim Support at the AARP IRS rejects it. When the prob- ally on the other end of the lem is reported, the IRS will phone,” he said. “Caller ID is of no value because have to investigate which takes months to resolve, crooks can say anything over the phone. They can which is not good if you’re getting a refund.” have IRS as the name that appears to make it look Scammers seek to obtain money from a victim official.” often in the form of wire transfers or cash, says Telephone calls and emails are two warning signs Norfziger. “It’s important to know the red flags of of a scam. scams,” she said. “Even “This is not how the gov- though the scam tactics ernment actually operates,” “Crooks instill a sense of might vary, the criminals’ said Nofziger of AARP. “You demands never change. would always first receive a fear and urgency. They want money or per- letter from the IRS, and they sonal information. So if would never threaten you Consumers make quick anyone calls, mails, emails with arrest or use foul lan- or texts you asking for guage. If you receive this decisions that they money, that is a red flag. If type of call, hang up the they ask you for personal in- phone.” wouldn’t make if there formation such as your Fraudulent emails and wasn’t a sense of urgency.” Medicare number, Social websites can be created to Security number or finan- look as though they are from — Eric Friedman, Montgomery County cial information, it’s a huge a government agency. Office of Consumer Protection red flag.”

6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

This festive children’s Valentine basket was one of the many raffle items Photos by Olivia Anello/The Connection available at the Chocolate Festival. Chocolate-covered Oreos in every color and flavor from the Capital Candy Jar quickly disappeared from these boxes. Sweetest Weekend in Mclean McLean Chocolate Festival:

By Olivia Anello customers to safely enjoy the best part of The Connection making cookies. Goldin shared how much she “loves the opportunity to connect with t’s safe to say that more than a few new people” at events like the Chocolate sweet tooth’s were satisfied this past Festival. She went on, “the traffic [in the Iweekend. stores] is not always immediate, but I love On Sunday afternoon, the Rotary when people come in weeks or months later Club of McLean hosted their 9th annual and say ‘I was at that Chocolate Festival and McLean Chocolate Festival. Held at the remember having your cookie dough.’” McLean Community Center, eighteen ven- Jan Auerbach, Treasurer of the Rotary dors from all over the DMV area came to- Club of McLean and chair of the event’s gether to share their confections with the committee, expressed her gratitude for the tri-state community. Eva Sereghy, Secretary many families and individuals who visited of the Rotary Club of McLean was “pleased the Chocolate Festival. “The beauty of this with everyone that came out, especially event is that it really is for all ages. We’ve those from Maryland and the D.C. area.” seen families with young children, teenag- She continued, “It’s a nice feeling to be sup- ers with their friends, couples, seniors…” ported by so many visitors, from McLean Auerbach said. and beyond.” The Rotary Club of McLean is a member Of the eighteen chocolate-relevant busi- of Rotary International which is a service nesses in attendance, fifteen were return- organization whose mission is to improve ing vendors, including Cameron’s Choco- Dave of Dave’s Candy Kitchen set Cake pops and chocolate-dipped the lives of others throughout the world. lates from Fairfax. Madeline Porth, a staff up shop, displaying his English rice krispie treats line the table Chocolate is certainly a great way to bring member of the Cameron’s Chocolate store- toffee candies and chocolate cov- of business, Fluffy Thoughts in people together, but the list of services the front, was eager to share the many won- ered pretzels for sale. McLean. Rotary Club has accomplished on behalf of derful qualities about the business, and not local and international organizations is truly just because fresh made baked goods are extensive. In 2019 alone, the Rotary Club available in the store every single day. of McLean devoted their service to 10 local Cameron’s Chocolates is a business that organizations, including Cameron’s Coffee employs adults with intellectual disabilities and Chocolates, and 4 international orga- and has an appreciation for the opportu- nizations, many for health-related conflicts nity for meaningful employment. Cameron’s in Africa. The Rotary Club of McLean meets Chocolates takes pride in delivering extraor- on Tuesdays at noon in the Lutheran Church dinary chocolates made by extraordinary of the Redeemer in McLean. people. Porth spoke passionately about their many homemade goods available on Sun- day, including their milk salted caramels which were worth their cost in treat tickets and more. Laid out on the raffle table A first-time vendor at the McLean Choco- was a real chocolate pearl late Festival was The Dough Jar. With stores jewelry set, as well as choco- in Georgetown and National Harbor, D.C., late baskets for all ages. All of The Dough Jar makes edible cookie dough the proceeds from the raffle in every flavor that is completely safe to eat. are going to the organizations Owner, Lindsay Goldin, skips the raw egg supported by the Rotary Club and uses a pasteurized flour, allowing her of McLean. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 ❖ 7 Calendar

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ The deadline is noon on Friday. parktakes or call 703-222-4664. Photos/artwork encouraged. Author Talk. 1:30-3 p.m. At Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Author Julianna Miner shares insights from her book on ONGOING how parents can help their kids navigate The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a childhood and adolescence while they learn to senior women’s softball league, is looking for use smartphones, apps, and websites — and players. Any woman over the age of 40 is reduce unexpected consequences. Adults. Free. encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. Visit the website: https:// They play on Wednesday evenings and Saturday librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/ mornings in Vienna. For more information, 5815506 visit the web site www.goldengirls.org Beginners Mah Jongg Class. Tuesdays thru Feb. 18. 12:30-2:30 p.m. At Great Falls Library, MONDAYS/FEB. 3, 10, 24 9830 VA-193, Great Falls. Learn to play the fun, Baby Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, fast-paced game of Mah Jongg. Registration is 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun with now open for an Adult Beginners Mah Jongg baby while building early literacy foundations class. The class will run for six weeks on for reading success. Birth -18 months with Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-2:30 p.m. adults. beginning January 14 through February 18. Attendees should plan to attend all six sessions. TUESDAYS/FEB. 4, 11, 18 Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov. Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, “We Shall Overcome” 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun with your child and build early literacy foundations WEDNESDAY/JAN. 29 Musician Damien Sneed will perform at The Alden Theater in McLean on for reading success. Age 18 months-3 years with Playdate Meetup. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, Thursday, Jan. 30. adults. 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Toys and play space for children. Birth-5 with adult. Visit THURSDAY/JAN. 30 TUESDAY/FEB. 4 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ Musician Damien Sneed. 7 p.m. At The Alden Theater, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. “We Shall branches/oakton Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring Damien Sneed” will arrive at The Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business Qigong Introduction. 2 p.m. At Oakton Library, Alden for one performance. This is the only DMV stop in the 40-city “We Shall Overcome” tour. Sneed is in Fairfax County. 7:30-10:30 a.m. At Fairfax 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Learn to a graduate of Howard University, and he will be joined by the Howard University Choir. Tickets are $45 County Economic Development Authority, 8300 practice the Ancient Chinese exercises of Qigong for the general public, $25 for seniors and students and $20 for McLean Community Center tax district Boone Blvd., McLean. Held in partnership with to improve your health and increase your residents. Visit: www.aldentheatre.org or call 703-790-0123. the Virginia Department of Small Business and vitality. Adults and Older Adults. No registration Supplier Diversity (SBSD), U.S. Small Business necessary, but space is limited to first 20 people. Administration (SBA), and Community Business First come, first served. Visit https:// Partnership (CBP), the sessions have attracted www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ nearly 4,000 attendees. The sessions provide oakton overviews of: Business start-up basics (licenses Drawing the Figure Class. 6-8:30 p.m. At The and permits); workforce services and training Arts of Great Falls School, 756 Walker Road, programs; SBA financing and resources; SDB, Great Falls. Six weekly classes with Marcia MBE and 8(a) certification. There is no charge, Klioze; cost is $275. Interested in painting or but pre-registration is required and the drawing the figure? This class is designed for all workshops almost always fill up. Visit the levels of artists. Students will be painting the website: https://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/ human figure from a model. In this class you event/5437/ will gain the knowledge of basic painting GFHS Award Dinner. 6:30-8:30 p.m. At The Old concepts and techniques such as value, color, Brogue, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls. Join The temperature, composition, and transition, Great Falls Historical Society in honoring Mike through one-on-one instruction and Henry as the 2020 recipient of the Tibbetts demonstration. Visit the website: Award. Mr. Henry works tirelessly for the Colvin www.greatfallsart.org Run Mill and they are excited to celebrate him. Cost is $50. Visit the website GFHS.org THURSDAY/JAN. 30 Lunch & Learn on Senior Housing Options. WEDNESDAYS/FEB. 5, 12, 19 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Trinity United Methodist Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean. Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have Huckaby Briscoe Conroy (HBC) Group at Keller fun with your child and build early literacy Williams McLean has organized a Lunch & Learn foundations for reading success. Age 3-5 with on Senior Housing Options. Seniors Real Estate adult. Specialist Karen Briscoe, HBC Principal, and HBC partner Lizzy Conroy are hosting this discussion for seniors in the Northern Virginia THURSDAY/FEB. 6 area. Also participating is Jeanina DiVittorio, a Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. At Oakton Senior Living Expert. Subjects to be discussed Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gain include: In-home care vs. retirement community leadership experience and discuss what the living; Elder nourish and senior community library can do for you. Grades 7-12. programs; Retirement community options and Meme Fest. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 their costs; How to decide when to downsize Lilt in Concert Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Game focused on and move; and Selling your home to help pay identifying and determining appropriate use of your long-term needs. RSVP by Jan. 23 to 703- Lilt is Tina Eck on wooden flute and whistle and Keith Carr on 10 string memes. Teens. 734-0192 or [email protected] . bouzouki, mandolin, tenor banjo and vocals. Pet Therapy for Teens. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Hang SUNDAY/FEB. 9 FRIDAY/FEB. 7, 14, 21 out with therapy dogs. Pets have been proven to Celtic Music Featuring Lilt. 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. At The Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road, Karate for Kids. 5 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 benefit mental health and they’re pretty cute! Great Falls. The Old Brogue Irish Pub and Barnaby Productions, Inc. present the 31st season of family Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Join the Karate to Teens. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ friendly, Winter Traditional Celtic Concerts. Featuring internationally recognized Celtic musicians, the gain powerful tools for self-defense, inner- library/branches/oakton concerts are performed in a listening room by the fireside. Tickets must be purchased in advance; $20 strength and a strong, healthy body. Ages 4 and Unruly Theatre Project Improv general admission/$15 children under 12. Season ticket: $108. Visit www.oldbrogue.com or call the up. Performance. 7 p.m. At McLean Project for Old Brogue at 703-759-3309. the Arts, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Free admission. The Unruly Theatre Project is The FRIDAY/FEB. 7 Alden’s professional teen improv company heavyweight champion. Show times are Orchestra Board of Trustees for an evening Waterfowl Hike. 9-11 a.m. At Riverbend Park, dedicated to bringing comedic productions to Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., reception sponsored by Merrill Lynch, where 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Some the community. Call the Center at 703-790- Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. TMO will unveil the 50th Season Repertoire, water birds stick around all winter and others 0123, or visit the website, Tickets: $42 general admission, $39 seniors Development Plan and Calendar for the year. merely pass through our region. Go on a “Winter www.mcleancenter.org. (65+), $15 students and military. Purchase RSVP to [email protected]. Waterfowl Hike” at Riverbend Park and see online at www.1ststage.org or 703-854-1856. what birds you can find. Bird lovers age 14 to adult are invited to hike with a naturalist to JAN. 30 THRU FEB. 23 SATURDAY/FEB. 1 search for winter waterfowl along the Upper ”The Royal.” At 1st Stage in Tysons, 1524 Spring FRIDAY/JAN. 31 Pairing Premium Teas and Chocolate. 1-3 Potomac River. Participants should bring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. “The Royale” by Little Explorer’s Playgroup. 10:30 a.m. At p.m. At Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run binoculars and spotting scopes. Cost is $8 per Marco Ramirez, Directed by Paige Hernandez. Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Road, Great Falls. This favorite seminar is back! person. Call 703-759-9018 or visit Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the Oakton. Join in an adventurous STEAM centered Learn about the similarities of theobroma cacao www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend. undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, playgroup that engages the senses. Age 2-5 with and camillia sinensis, from their growing regions Bilingual Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton but in the racially segregated world of boxing in adult. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ to their processing methods as you taste, Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. 1905, the odds are stacked against him. When a library/branches/oakton compare, and pair special teas and Bilingual Storytime in English and Hindi. Enjoy crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the TMO — Tysons McLean Orchestra chocolates.Taste some treats made with these stories, songs and activities. Birth-5 with adult. fight of the century,” “The Sport” might land a Reception. 5:30-7:30 p.m. At Bank of America, two delectable ingredients. A take home sampler place in the ring with the reigning white 8300 Greensboro Drive, McLean. Join the included. Cost is $35. Use ID Code 4C6.790B. See Calendar, Page 9 8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar

From Page 8

Catholic Charities Ball. 7 p.m. At the Ritz-Carlton, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for Catholic Charities, providing a significant portion of the resources needed to support 21 programs serving those in need throughout the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese. This year’s theme is “With Love and Charity.” Tickets for both events can be purchased at www.ccda.net.

SATURDAY/FEB. 8 Star Trek to Astronomy Festival. 5:30-7:30 p.m. At Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls. There will be guided stargazing and NDWC Fundraiser opportunities to get a close-up look at the stars through a telescope at the The NDWC Fundraiser will be held Sunday, Feb. 9 at Chain roll-top observatory. Join in games Bridge Cellars in McLean. and warm yourself by the campfire as you listen to ancient stories about the SUNDAY/FEB. 9 constellations. Hot chocolate and New Dominion Women’s Club Fundraiser. 3-5 p.m. At Chain Bridge Cellars, snacks will be available for purchase. 1351 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. This is a great opportunity to stock up on This event is designed for stargazers wines and bubbly prior to Valentine’s Day and the start of spring. Host Doug age 3 to adult. Cost is $10 per House will donate 15 percent of purchases from that day to the NDWC. Can’t person. The festival will be canceled make it to the event? Stop in anytime that day, mention “NWDC” and Doug will if it is raining or snowing. Call 703- apply the donation. Tickets $20. Visit the website: ndwc.org/wine-and-cheese- 324-8618 or visit party.html www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ turner-farm. Flamenco Vivo/Carlota Santana. 7 Loneliness. Entertainment will be LangleyPTSA/angp2020. p.m. At The Alden Theater, 1234 provided by Jody Marshall on Ingleside Ave., McLean. “Reflejos hammered dulcimer and Jim Queen Flamencos” (“Flamenco Reflections”), on fiddle. Tickets are $18 per person. SATURDAY/MARCH 10, 2020 the newest production by Flamenco To register, call 703-281-0601 by Free Black History Concert. 3 p.m. Vivo Carlota Santana, celebrates the Feb. 3, 2020. Registration is At Historic Pleasant Grove Church, fundamental emotions that connect required. No refunds. No walk-ins. 8700 Lewinsville Road, McLean. us while honoring the individual Featuring the Washington Revels human spirit inherent in flamenco. Jubilee Voices in a free concert Tickets are $40/$35 senior/$30 MCC THURSDAY/FEB. 20 celebrating African American musical tax district residents. Brain and Breathing. 10-11 a.m. At traditions. This event will take place Vienna Community Center, 120 in a quaint 1895 church setting, now Cherry Street, Vienna. In this course, an historic site. For information, see SUNDAY/FEB. 9 AND 23, MARCH 1 you will learn breathing exercises www.HistoricPleasantGrove.org. Maple Syrup Boil-Down. Noon to 2 designed to help support brain p.m. At Colvin Run Mill, 10017 function. Instructor: Dr. Charles Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. How Masarsky of Vienna Chiropractic. SATURDAY/APRIL 18 does maple syrup get from the tree to Free. Call 701-255-7801. 32nd Annual Potomac River your breakfast table? See the old- Acoustic Autumn Live Music. 6:30- Watershed Cleanup. 9 a.m. to 12 fashioned process from beginning to 9 p.m. At Blend 111, 111 Church p.m. Hosted by the Alice Ferguson end at the “Maple Syrup Boil-Down Street, NW, Vienna. Laissez Foure is Foundation, 2001 Bryan Point Rd, at Colvin Run Mill.” When the sap an acoustic swing quartet playing Accokeek. The Annual Potomac River starts to rise, the maple trees are classics from the ‘30s and ‘40s. The Watershed Cleanup has become a tapped at Colvin Run and the drip, group consists of acoustic bass, swing catalyst for progress that ignites drip, drip begins. Now, it’s sugaring rhythm guitar, saxophone/clarinet, people’s interest and passion for the time! Bundle up, watch and learn as and trumpet. In the tradition of New environment and community action. sap is boiled down into sweet syrup Orleans jazz, the quartet emphasizes The largest regional event of its kind, over an outdoor, open fire. Sample an acoustic sound when feasible and the Cleanup provides a transforming the delicious maple syrup served over plays charts by Armstrong, Ellington, experience that engages residents cornbread that’s made from Colvin Count Basie and others from the era. and community leaders and Run Mill’s own cornmeal. Cost is $8 The ABCs of CBD and Medical generates momentum for change.The per person. No reservations are Marijuana. 7:30-9 p.m. At Patrick Potomac River Watershed Cleanup required. Call 703-759-2771 or visit Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave., E, has grown from a small shoreline https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Vienna.The discussion will provide cleanup at Piscataway National Park parks/colvin-run-mill. medical information about CBD/ to a watershed wide network. What THC, the differences between CBD started as a few cleanup events along and medical marijuana, and how the Potomac River is now a regional MONDAY/FEB. 10 people can legally obtain medical event spanning Maryland, Virginia, English on the Go. Registration 6:30- marijuana in Virginia. Free. Visit the the District of Columbia, West 8 p.m. At James Lee Community website: https:// Virginia, and Pennsylvania. If you Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/ can’t make this date or location check Church. Do you need to learn English event/5843108 out PotomacCleanup.org to find but can’t find the time? The Literacy another cleanup near you. Council of Northern Virginia has the right course for you. Cell-Ed English FRIDAY/FEB. 21 on the Go combines a limited number Nora Jane Struthers Concert. 8 ONGOING of classes with an easy-to-follow p.m. At Jammin Java, 227 Maple Drop-in Mah Jongg. Wednesdays, home learning program. Learn on Ave., E, Vienna. Nashville-based 9:30 a.m.-noon at McLean your phone by texting, no Wi-Fi is singer/songwriter Nora Jane Community Center, 1234 Ingleside required. The class is offered at $85 Struthers is a rootsy artist with a bent Ave., McLean. Players should have a per semester. Go to lcnv.org/learn or toward mixing traditional country basic understanding of the rules and call 703-237-0866. and contemporary rock stylings into should bring their current American her passionate Americana sound. MJ League card. For McLean District Also on stage, Sarah Borges and the residents. Email TUESDAY/FEB. 11 Broken Singles. Tickets $15-$25. [email protected] for more. Valentine Senior Social Event. 12-2 Visit www.jamminjava.com Camp Grow Registration Open. p.m. At Vienna Community Center, Camp Grow at Meadowlark Botanical 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna. The Gardens, in Vienna, invites children Shepherd’s Center serving Oakton- SUNDAY/FEB. 23 to explore nature through hands-on Vienna-Reston-Herndon and Vienna Capitol Steps Performance. 7 p.m. activities, gardening, discovery Parks and Recreation will present its At Langley High School Auditorium, walks, crafts, music, storytelling, and Valentine Senior Social event. Held 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The animal programs. Camp Grow is throughout the year, The Shepherd’s Capitol Steps will perform with new designed to engage, challenge, Center Senior Socials afford guests material for the 2020 election. educate and encourage a sense of the opportunity to socialize and stay Tickets cost $37. This is a one-time community. Camp Grow values and connected in the community. These event and the main fundraiser for the encourages inclusion of all campers Senior Social events help to address Langley High School Class of 2020 in every activity. Visit the Vision Statement of The All-Night Grad Party (ANGP). Buy www.novaparks.com/things-to-do/ Shepherd’s Center: A World Without online at https://form.jotform.com/ camps/ for more. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 ❖ 9 News Legislative Committee Tracks

Priority Bills SB 297 (Favola) (SRSS)-Recommend sup- From Page 3 port. Creates the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence SB 631 (Surovell) (SLG)-Recommend Prevention Fund-Recommend support. support. Sue Rowland, State Legislative Consultant, SR Con- The County supports expanded local authority but sulting, Inc.: “This is a good bill; we recommend you has concerns about its ability to implement this au- support... The idea is that there would be funding thority. for local programs such as ours to focus on preven- Chris Sigler, Assistant County Attorney: “(May al- tion prior to the support that we give when people low by ordinance) the County to fine people who have had a bad experience. have essentially stolen or removed the shopping cart from the shop that it belongs to and can fine them HB 151 (Samirah) (HCCT)—Recommend up to $500... There’s concern that there are shop- oppose. ping carts that end up in our creeks.” Provides that all localities shall allow for the de- Supervisor Rodney L. Lusk (D- Lee): “I’m not sure velopment and use of one accessory dwelling unit if the punishment fits the crime...I have some issues (ADU) per single-family dwelling (SFD), notwith- that the $500 penalty will probably be assessed to standing any contrary provision of zoning ordinance. someone who is homeless.” Chris Sigler, Assistant County Attorney: “I think the Supervisor Dalia Palchik (D-Providence): “This is issue we have with this bill is that we are eroding penalizing poverty. This is how my family shopped our land use authority number one. And number two, when we first moved here.” I think this bill is driving at the affordability crisis… Supervisor John Foust (D- Dranesville): “If this bill to resolve some of the affordability issues…Right now, is passed, we do not have to implement any fine at our staff is looking at our accessory dwelling unit all...I support it...Fining someone $500 or any policy and will be coming back to you...This bill is a amount would be inappropriate, but putting the mandate that goes a little bit too far.” burden on the store owner to retrieve these and get them back is reasonable.” Visit http://video.fairfaxcounty.gov/ ViewPublisher.php?view_id=9 for Meeting Material HB 812 (Ward) (HPS)/SB 69 (Locke) and the archived video for the Jan. 17, 2020 Fairfax (Passed Senate)-Recommend support. County Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee The bill would reinstate one handgun a month. Meeting.

10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board Submit civic/community announcements at Can You Spell ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, Thyroidectomy? at least two weeks before event. QUICK GUIDE AVAILABLE (Or Ice Cream?) For 26 years the Northern Virginia Regional By KENNETH B. LOURIE Commission has published a Quick Guide which is a pocket index to the most frequently sought I couldn’t before, Mr. Rogers, but now I can. human services in our region. The Guide is And I even know what it means, which 10 days designed to meet the needs of all those in the region seeking to deal with difficult situations. ago, in my neighborhood, I wouldn’t have had You can search services for the Guide by visiting a clue. Now, not only do I have a clue, I have a the following link: https://novaquickguide.org/ date for surgery: Jan. 27. Moreover, in addition You can also save the link to your Smart Phone. to a date (and I don’t mean my wife, Dina), Just enter the url https://novaquickguide.org I have a time and a place, a list of pre-surgi- into the browser of your phone and save it to your home screen. You will have the full cal dos and don’ts, and a few items to buy: a functionality of the website. post-surgical healing ointment and a special scrub to help minimize the risk of infection. And RUN FOR SEAT ON GOVERNING BOARD VMJV\YZL0»]LILLUHK]PZLK[V^LHYSVVZLÄ[[PUN clothing, perhaps a button down cardigan will Are you a resident of Small District 1-A Dranesville? Are you looking for ways to make a difference in do. If all goes well, I’ll be home in my jammies the community? Consider running for a seat on the around supper time when my recovery begins. McLean Community Center’s (MCC) 2020-2021 Details of which are still a bit sketchy. I suppose Governing Board. MCC is seeking district residents 0»SSOH]L[VºYLJV]LY»[VÄUKV\[ to run for seats on its 11-member volunteer board, Let me amend that last sentence: I’ll be on which provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, including the Robert Ames HZVM[MVVKKPL[MVYÄ]LKH`Z>OH[TPNO[UV[ Alden Theatre (“The Alden”) and The Old jump at you is that I don’t eat many soft foods Firehouse Center (OFC). An agency of Fairfax (M&Ms melting in one’s mouth instead of their County Government, MCC is located at 1234 OHUKZSPRLS`KVLZU»[JV\U[4VYLZPNUPÄJHU[S` Ingleside Ave. To run for a seat on the volunteer and quite out of my ordinary, my wife, Dina board, a candidate must reside in the Center’s tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville). Three adult will be managing and controlling my menu. positions and two youth positions are open this So far that menu includes eggs, pudding, apple year. To have their names placed on election sauce; all good but her last two items: spinach ballots, candidates are required to obtain the and kale, not good at all. I imagine I’ll survive signatures of 10 McLean tax district residents in the surgery, but given how rarely Dina and have their respective categories. Candidate petition packets will be available at MCC starting at 9 a.m. shared meals together over the years, I may on Tuesday, Jan. 21. not survive the recovery. And though her heart Key Election Dates: and head might be in the right place, I’m afraid ❖ Friday, March 13: Completed Petition Packets are my knife and fork won’t be. During the best of due at MCC by 5 p.m. times, I’m challenging to feed. After my surgery, ❖ Saturday, March 14: Candidates’ Orientation. ❖ Wednesday, March 18: Absentee Voting begins at I’m likely going to be at my worst. Although I the MCC and The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 certainly don’t look it, food has always been the Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, Va. 22101. bane of my existence. ❖ Wednesday, May 13: Absentee Voting ends at 5 But at that post-surgical point, aren’t I enti- p.m. tled? I mean, when I was a little boy and had ❖ Saturday, May 16: Elections at McLean Day (Lewinsville Park) from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. my tonsils removed, I remember being given ice Call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or cream to eat - in bed. That had never happened logon to the Governing Board Candidates’ before - or since, quite frankly. Soft foods. webpage: https://bit.ly/2QwOURj. >OH[»ZZVM[LY[OHUPJLJYLHT&>O`ZOV\SK0IL deprived? I have two types of cancer. Yet so far, I don’t see ice cream on the list. Maybe Dina’s ^HP[PUNMVYJVUÄYTH[PVUMYVT[OLZ\YNLVU[OH[ cold foods are just as soft as hot. If true, I think Loopholes I’m going to need that in ALL CAPS to convince my wife to give in to my indulgences. After all, From Page 5 one’s thyroid gland isn’t extracted every day so shouldn’t I scream (perhaps whisper would be HK]PZHISLMVYPJLJYLHT&>V\SKU»[P[ZVV[OL[OL lending. Some are regulated and some savage beast that I might be after surgery? Pre- are not. For example, payday loans sumably there will be some pain or discomfort and car-title loans are monitored by and/or side effects from prescription medica- the State Corporation Commission. tions I’m obliged to take so why not humor me; But open-end lines of credit and in- I like to laugh. stallment loans made online are not, Except there’s really nothing funny about leading to confusion about the scale surgery, other than the old joke: it’s minor of the industry and what kind of in- surgery when it’s someone else, when it’s me, terest rates they charge. That’s why it’s major. So even though I’ve been told on rela- tively good authority that a thyroidectomy is not the Fair Lending Act requires all busi- exactly major surgery, it’s still me that’s being nesses making loans in Virginia get a anesthetized and operated on for four hours. license, which will allow state regula- And though I’d rather it would be somebody tors to track their activity. Critics say else, I don’t see how that would help remove this creates a new loophole. my thyroid gland which apparently has spread “We have no statute to cover some- cancer to my neck and a lymph node. I guess if body offshore,” said Terry Kilgore (R- it has to come out, it might as well come out of 1). “It’s going to drive a lot of people me. And then we can get on to the business of to the internet and offshore lending.” learning whether I have one cancer or two and perhaps get an updated assessment of my life Supporters of the bill say the legis- expectancy. If I had my druthers, I’d just as soon lation has a solution to that problem: have only one cancer. Two is too much. the attorney general. That being said/vented, right now, I just want “All you do is complain to the attor- to wake up after surgery and get home. And ney general, and you don’t have to pay when I get there, either that night or for break- a single dime,” said Levine. “Sorry fast the next day, there better be a pint or two of Russian company. Sorry German com- ice cream with my name on it. I think it’s only pany. You’re getting none of it back fair, don’t you? because under Virginia law, the loan is void.” Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 ❖ 11 12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 29 - February 4, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com