Sarah Turner of The Oakton Condos, a volunteer to Save Blake Lane Park, plays with a dog in the Dog Park. More than 50 people attended a rally to Save the Park on Saturday, April 27, in Oakton.

Wellbeing Page 6 Rally to Save Blake Lane Park News, Page 3 Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, 8 Classifieds,

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U.S. Postage U.S. Dining, Page 12 STD PRSRT Photo by Steve Hibbard/The Connection by Steve Photo MAY 1-7, 2019 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com 2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection Supervisor Jeff McKay, who is a candidate for the Board of Supervi- Residents take a guided walk through the nature trail at Blake Lane Park sor Chairman, addresses the rally to Save Blake Lane Park in Oakton on Saturday. on Saturday. Rally to Save Blake Lane Park

that we do it right… Let’s save our green 40-year-old, 10-acre park may be demolished to build a school. spaces in Fairfax County.” Paul Bolon of Oakton, Republican candi- By Steve Hibbard date for Providence District member of the The Connection Board of Supervisors, added: “Our schools are very overcrowded and I think we’ve n a sunny and windy after done a really bad job of increasing facili- noon, more than 50 people ties, but I really question, I really don’t like Oattended a rally to Save Blake the idea of taking parks away in order to Lane Park on Saturday, April solve the problem of school overcrowding. 27, in Oakton. The 40-year-old, 10-acre There’s got to be another place to build out park on Blake Lane has a dog park, soccer and create space.” field, trails and open green space that Added Linh Hoang, candidate for Board Fairfax County Public Schools wants to turn of Supervisors, Providence District: “For me, into an elementary school. About a dozen this is about protecting our natural envi- people spoke at the meeting, including can- ronment and our quality of life. We only didates for the Board of Supervisors from have so much green space that’s left and the Providence District; candidates for we need to protect the green space that’s Board Chairman; and School Board candi- already here in our community. As Super- dates as well. Currently, there are six el- visor, I will fight to make sure we continue ementary schools in the Vienna-Oakton Linh Hoang, candidate for Erika Yalowitz, candidate for to keep Blake Lane Park as natural as pos- area; the land was deeded to Fairfax County the Board of Supervisors, the Board of Supervisors, sible and accessible to everyone in the Public Schools in 1977 and transferred to Providence District. Providence District. county.” the Board of Supervisors in 2006. Erika Yalowitz, candidate for Board of According to Sarah Turner of The Oakton Supervisors, Providence District, added: “I Condos and volunteer to Save the Park, the believe that saving Blake Lane Park is the surrounding neighborhood has high-density right thing to do. Because 40 years ago townhouses and condos without backyards; when the plans started, it seemed like a this is the only green space in the area that good idea to build a school in this area. is still available for recreation. However, now that the whole neighborhood “People use this park all the time for soc- is developed, this is the back yard of these cer leagues, kite flying, just relaxation; it’s condos and townhouses. So, we can’t bring a great place for people to relax,” she said. a fifth school to the area and remove the “We also have a dog park that’s been here only park that’s left, that’s why I’m support- for 20 years that was started by Congress- ing Saving Blake Lane Park.” man [Gerry] Connolly so we want to pre- Added Edythe Frankel Kelleher, candidate serve that as well.” for Board of Supervisors, Providence District: Speaking to the crowd, Del. Mark Keam “Just like New York City preserved space for (D-35) said: “If you want to save Blake Lane Central Park even when there was a lot of Park, you have the power to do so… If open pressure to develop it — because they real- space is important, conserving nature is ized it was important for the quality of life important, protecting our environment is Paul Bolon of Oakton, Republican Edythe Kelleher, candidate for to have that green space in the urban envi- important, keeping sustainable climate is candidate for the Board of Supervi- the Board of Supervisors, ronment; we need to preserve Blake Lane important, and making sure that the future sors, Providence District. Providence District. Park. The neighborhood here is denser than generations have more than what we have, in a lot of other parts of the county and Blake then you have to step up. …. We have to who is running for Board Chairman: ronmental treasure in a community, we Lane Park is the back yard for the neighbor- put our foot down and say no more devel- “Clearly we all know that green spaces are need to be able to do that. And frankly, we hood and it is an essential part and I fully opment; our schools can be found in differ- limited and seem to be getting limited more need to hit reset on evaluation of schools support retaining it as a park.” ent ways.” and more every day, and so where we have and capacity in this area; make sure the For more information, visit https:// Added Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, opportunities like this to protect an envi- community is involved in the process and www.saveblakelanepark.org/ www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 ❖ 3 Opinion Vienna & Oakton

Black or Blue: Lessons Learned from How Virginia www.ConnectionNewspapers.com An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered Democrats Handled the Ralph Northam Debacle to homes and businesses. Published by Local Media Connection LLC from the fact that he had a lot of black friends due to his love of basketball. 1606 King Street Let’s get something straight, this is not a Alexandria, Virginia 22314 As if insulting our intelligence wasn’t bad blackface controversy, this is a KKK controversy. enough, many within the Democratic Party felt Free digital edition delivered to it necessary to go after those amplifying the your email box. Go to By Kofi Annan by minorities. call for the governor’s resignation. Following connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe President, Fairfax County NAACP This certainly appears to be the case in Vir- a protest led the Fairfax County National As- ginia. Most of us are familiar with the contro- sociation for the Advancement of Colored NEWS DEPARTMENT: uring a 1960 speech to a mixed au- versy surrounding Governor Northam and his People (NAACP) at a Democratic fundraiser [email protected] dience in New York City, Dr. Mar- possible Ku Klux Klan (KKK) affiliation by now, where the governor was scheduled to attend, tin Luther King Jr. said, “There is a right? Perhaps I shouldn’t assume. Maybe you Democratic Party loyalists and leaders alike Kemal Kurspahic D Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 pressing need for a liberalism in were one of those that ignored the Klan mem- attacked the NAACP for doing the very thing [email protected] the North which is truly liberal.” While Virginia ber in the photograph, and instead saw this the organization was founded for - standing is a southern state, it gets bluer with each elec- incident as a [less harmful] ‘blackface’ contro- up against racism. Its members were described Andrea Worker tion, therefore we should take heed to MLK’s versy that could be explained by innocent cul- as “troublemakers” and “bullies”; and the Contributing Writer words, which essentially challenges liberals to tural insensitivity. But let’s get something nation’s oldest and most successful civil rights [email protected] fight the gravitational pull to the right on is- straight, this is not a blackface controversy, this organization is described as a “fringe element” Jean Card sues of civil rights and equity. It is difficult to is a KKK controversy. A lot of people - includ- by one party leader. Production Editor see both the election of Ralph Northam, his ing the governor - would rather focus on the One of the talking points coming from [email protected] subsequent actions, and the actions of the party person in blackface because it’s a slightly more Virginia’s Democrats is that “the governor isn’t to protect him as anything but the party sig- tolerant form of white supremacy, and conve- going anywhere, so we might as well work with naling to the center-right that they have their niently ignore the terrorist next to the indi- him.” This intentionally alleviates the burden ADVERTISING: For advertising information back and are willing to sacrifice a few black vidual in blackface. But the governor should of responsibility from the rest of the party lead- [email protected] voters if need be. not be let off the hook that easily. The KKK is ership, because it makes them seem powerless, 703-778-9431 Liberals have long sought to convince Afri- America’s original domestic terrorist group when in reality they really don’t want to chal- can Americans that they alone can shield us (despite what the laws say), having killed well lenge him anyway. As the reaction to the pro- Don Park from conservative’s intent on rolling back the over 4,000 Americans that we know of, and tests demonstrated, real challenges to the gov- Display Advertising 703-778-9431 hands of time. And African Americans normally our governor either is or was associated with ernor will not be looked upon favorably by the [email protected] respond to that message, having never wavered them. Let that sink in, particularly as we still Democratic Party. If they’ll publicly assassinate in our loyalty for the last half century. Every mourn the loss of another group of innocent the NAACP, one could only imagine what pri- Debbie Funk election cycle we make or break elections in lives at the hands of other terrorist groups in vate pressure is being placed on African Ameri- National Sales favor of the Democratic Party, even though for New Zealand a few weeks ago, Pittsburgh, can legislators who dare break ranks. This 703-778-9444 [email protected] the most part we get marginal improvement Charlottesville, and most recently Sri Lanka. likely explains the deafening silence and ac- in our quality of life overall, and in many mea- The leader of the Democratic Party in Virginia quiescence from most black elected officials on David Griffin surable ways we actually regress. Our average has yet to offer a sensible explanation for why this issue. Marketing Assistant collective net worth remains a fraction of a terrorist was in his yearbook, and the Demo- Not enough black leaders (elected and com- 703-778-9431 whites, our employment rate remains half that cratic Party is okay enough with this that munity leaders alike) stand with the black com- [email protected] of whites, our neighborhoods are still gentrified they’re now openly not only defending him but munity on principle when it matters most; and Classified & Employment in the name of progress, predominantly black trotting him out at political fundraisers. if they can’t stand on principle when it comes Advertising public schools are still underfunded, we still To most the case against Northam seemed to the KKK, when will they? If they can’t break 703-778-9431 make up 40 percent of the nations’ incarcer- open and shut, and his resignation seemed in- ranks with the party now, when will they? Black ated, and school administrators still consis- evitable. One would imagine that an elected leaders stood next to Hillary Clinton when she Editor & Publisher tently dole out harsher punishments to our kids official who represents the party which prides called our youth “super predators”, and they Mary Kimm compared to their white counterparts, even in itself on its diversity, that routinely secures over stood next to Bill when he doubled down on [email protected] districts dominated by Democratic Party lead- 90% of the African American vote, and counts Reagan’s mass incarceration policies. We’re @MaryKimm ership. A report from the Institute for Policy on that constituency to win key battleground often told that the solution is electing more Studies, released to coincide with what would territories in a purple state that was red just a African American to office; but if this is the Executive Vice President Jerry Vernon have been MLK’s 90th birthday, demonstrated few elections ago, would certainly recognize best they can do when faced with a such a 703-549-0004 that over the past few decades, black wealth that defending the governor is not a hill worth clear-cut choice in a time of crisis, then their [email protected] actually fell by 50%. dying on and step aside as quickly and as grace- true value to the African American community On the other hand, Republicans haven’t pre- fully as possible. is questionable. Editor in Chief sented a particularly appealing message to Af- Well we’re now approaching May and not If these officials don’t have what it takes to Steven Mauren Managing Editor rican Americans voters at any point during this only has Northam refused to step aside, but tackle overt headline-grabbing racism within Kemal Kurspahic time period either, and even less so during the even more unfortunate the Democratic Party their own ranks, how can they be trusted to Art/Design: Trump Administration, which uses racism and has begun to rally around him in a show of tackle systemic racism that doesn’t make head- Laurence Foong, John Heinly, xenophobia to collect votes as effectively as solidarity. First came the slow drip of messages lines. The numbers highlighting African Ameri- Ali Khaligh any administration in recent history. However, of appreciation from members of the General can wealth decline speak for themselves. They Production Manager: Geovani Flores what’s more intriguing is the possibility that Assembly for one bill after the other on social can’t. Democrats like Northam view Trump’s success media. Then the ridiculous Michael Jackson as a reason to shift focus on securing the white impersonation story that once seemed straight Share The Connection welcomes views on any CIRCULATION middle-class vote even if that means sacrific- out of a bad SNL skit became the official party public issue. Send to: [email protected] Letters to the Editor ing some of the African American vote, or at line. As for the “Coonman” nickname in his The Connection least taking the black vote for granted. Afterall, VMI yearbook that never received a formal 1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314 the politics of “fear the racist Republican” is a explanation from the governor? Well one ex- By email: [email protected] lot easier to sell today than it was just a few planation floated to me by a Democratic mem- Online: www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/contact/letter years ago. This might explain why presiden- ber of in the Virginia House of Delegates - who Letters must be signed. Letters are routinely edited tial favorite Pete Buttigieg felt comfortable pro- happened to be African American - was an even for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. posing that he would undo decades of work to greater insult to our intelligence, and full of Read more Opinion and letters online at expand voting rights to those convicted of even more racist stereotypes. According to the www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Comment on FaceBook crimes, who are disproportionately represented delegate the governor’s nickname stemmed www.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers 4 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board

Submit civic/community announce- Governmental Center, 6507 ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/ Columbia Pike, Annandale. The Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Peripheral Neuropathy Support Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two Group for greater Washington meets weeks before event. the first Saturday of the month. All are welcome. RSVP for available THURSDAY/MAY 2 seating. Call 301-263-0616 or visit Caregivers Support Group. 10- www.dcpnsupport.org for more. 11:30 a.m. at UUCF Unitarian District Supervisor Candidate Universalist Congregation of Fairfax - Meet and Greet. 4-6 p.m. at Great Program Building, 2709 Hunter Mill Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Road, Oakton. For caregivers to adult Great Falls. Meet the candidates who family members with dementia. First are running for the Fairfax Board of and third Thursdays of every month. Supervisors: Dranesville District; Hosted by Shepherd’s Center of Hunter Mill District; Providence Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contact District; and Sully District. Free. facilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/o/ or [email protected]. naacp-fairfax-county-12397167937. Memory Cafe. 2-4 p.m. at Andrew SUNDAY/MAY 5 Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna. Connect Eclectic Accessory Extravaganza with others living with loved ones Sale. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Temple with dementia. Helping those with Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland dementia and their caregivers find St., Falls Church. Wide assortment of fun, resources and “family.” Email previously owned “treasures” such as Carol Blackwell at [email protected] ladies’ fashion accessories (designer or call at 571-236-6933. handbags; scarves; high quality costume jewelry), decorative home SATURDAY/MAY 4 and household accessories and UUCF Yard Sale. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at children’s play items. Free admission. Unity of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Email Road, Oakton. All proceeds benefit - [email protected] or UUCF Social Justice Council; call 571-319-0587 for more. Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic. & National Alliance on Mental Illness Noon-2 p.m. at Mount Vernon (NAMI-Northern Virginia). Email Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers [email protected] or call Lane, Alexandria. Cost is $15 per pet, 703-281-4230. cash and check only. Dogs, cats, and Mindful 365 Meditation. 10 a.m.- ferrets may be vaccinated at the noon at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 clinic. Dogs must be on leashes; cats Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Monthly and ferrets must be in carriers. All meditation group focused on pets will receive a 1-year rabies mindfulness. Newcomers welcome. vaccination. To obtain a 3-year $10. Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/ vaccine, bring pet’s rabies certificate events for more. Reserve a spot at (not tag) showing the current rabies sittingroup-2019.eventbrite.com. vaccination expiration date. 2019 Peripheral Neuropathy Support county dog licenses will be sold for Group. 2-4 p.m. at Mason District See Bulletin, Page 11

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“BEST ORTHODONTIST” 703.281.4868 >HZOPUN[VUPHU4HNHaPUL [email protected] -HTPS`3P]PUN4HNHaPUL Vienna www.BracesVIP.com Great Falls 427 Maple Ave West 9912D Georgetown Pike “TOP ORTHODONTISTS” 5VY[OLYU=PYNPUPH4HNHaPUL Vienna, VA 22180 Great Falls, VA 22066 =PYNPUPH3P]PUN 703-281-4868 703-281-4868 /LHS[O )LH\[`4HNHaPUL www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 ❖ 5 Wellbeing

Courtesy photo

Schar Cancer Institute rendering. Schar Cancer Institute Opens to Patients May 13 Institute becomes a landmark for health care and research in Fairfax County

he Inova Health System will usher in a diversification of Fairfax County’s workforce. new level of medical treatment and pa- “We’re very excited about the research and Ttient care when the Inova Schar Cancer development aspect of the Schar Institute and Institute opens to patients May 13 on its the ways in which it will help diversify our lo- Merrifield campus. cal economy,” Riley said. “It will attract new “The Schar Cancer Center raises the already-high doctors and scientists. In partnership with fa- level of health-care facilities in Fairfax County,” said cilities like the University of Virginia Medical Catherine W. Riley, interim president and CEO of the School, those researchers will be applying for Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “As new grants and developing the kinds of pro- part of the Inova Center for Personalized Health it grams that will make Fairfax County known as can make Fairfax County a destination for world-class a medical research and development center.” research and clinical work.” Dedication ceremonies took place Wednesday, April 24, for the $150 million center for care and research “We are so fortunate in that is anchoring the 117-acre Inova campus, fulfill- ing a vision that began with the acquisition of the Fairfax County to have former Exxon Mobil site. The institute was made pos- access to such world class sible, in part, by a $50 million contribution from Dwight Schar and wife Martha, whose legacy will medical care and treatment.” extend beyond Fairfax County-based NVR home builders. Sharon Bulova, Chairman, County Board of Supervisors MEMBERS OF THE SCHAR FAMILY were joined by others, including U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy and wife Marcelle, political commentator Cokie Roberts, DURING THE DEDICATION, Jones an- and Lara Hopewell, a local hockey mom-turned-cru- nounced that Dr. John Deeken, who had been sader for cancer research — all cancer survivors. Also serving as acting president of the Inova Schar participating in the ceremonies were U.S. Rep. Gerry Cancer Institute, is named permanently to the Connolly, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair- president’s role. Deeken said the institute would man Sharon Bulova and Inova CEO Dr. Stephen continue stress its “patient-first” philosophy, Jones. The ceremonies featured more than 100 can- building on its ability to provide one-stop care cer patients and their family members, who became through teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, the first to walk through the front door of the newly- researchers and specialized counselors. dedicated facility. “The vision and the spirit is that the patient “We are so fortunate in Fairfax County to have ac- is at the center of everything we do,” said cess to such world class medical care and treatment,” Deeken, who previously served as COO of the said Bulova, who presented a proclamation from the Inova Translational Medicine Institute. “Fun- Board of Supervisors congratulating Inova. “We have damentally, that’s the difference in the model amazing facilities, doctors and cutting-edge technolo- of care at Inova. gies that are right here, literally in our own back- “This is the culmination of years of effort in yard, and that is so incredibly valuable.” planning and design and recruiting – to make Riley echoed the importance of having a first-class real what we’d hoped to have for all the pa- cancer facility in the county, offering residents the tients in Northern Virginia, which is expert care highest quality care without requiring them to travel, close to home. Nobody in Northern Virginia often hundreds of miles for treatment. She also em- should think they need to go to Houston, New phasized the importance of the research that will take York or Baltimore to get world-class cancer care. place at the facility, creating a new horizon in the We have it right here.”

6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com MAIN STREET HOME IMPROVEMENT Siding - Decks - Roofing – Windows – Patios

Join us for a live event, “You and Your MS Fingerprint,” and learn what makes your RMS unique, and how understanding the ĐŽŵŵŽŶŐŽĂůƐĂŶĚůĂŶŐƵĂŐĞŽĨLJŽƵD^ĐĂŶŚĞůƉLJŽƵĮŶĚƚŚĞ treatment that’s right for you. You’ll also hear about a relapsing MS treatment you may not know about.

Date and Time: Speaker: Date and Time 05/09/2019 James Simsarian, M.D., The Capital Grill at 12:00pm Fairfax, VA ϭϴϲϭ/ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂůƌ McLean, VA 22102 Event Code: Route 7 Corridor Improvements PEP-14233 Fairfax County Public Information Meetings Attend one of two public information meetings near you. Reserve your seat today. 1-877-895-1136 • relapsingMSevent.com All meeting times are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Presentation starts at 7:30 p.m. Registration is limited to 2 people per RSVP. Guest is limited to only 1 per registrant. Photo ID may be requested Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at event entrance. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Forestville Elementary School  .LUa`TL*VYWVYH[PVUH:HUVÄJVTWHU`(SSYPNO[ZYLZLY]LK:(<:4: 1HU\HY`  1085 Utterback Store Road, Great Falls, VA 22066 Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Colvin Run Elementary School 1400 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Find out about the latest design and construction plans to widen about seven miles of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) from four to six lanes between Jarrett Valley Drive and Reston Avenue. The project also includes shared-use paths along both sides of the road, turn lanes at PU[LYZLJ[PVUZHUKHIYPKNLYLWSHJLTLU[V]LY+PɉJ\S[9\U

Stop by between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to view displays and learn more about the project and upcoming construction activities. VDOT ^PSSOVSKHWYLZLU[H[PVUILNPUUPUNH[!WT7YVQLJ[Z[HɈ^PSSIL available to answer your questions.

Review project information on the project website (www. connectroute7.org), at the information meetings, or during business OV\YZH[=+6;»Z5VY[OLYU=PYNPUPH+PZ[YPJ[6ɉJL (SSPHUJL+YP]L in Fairfax. Please call ahead at 703-259-1940 or TTY/TDD 711 to ensure appropriate personnel are available to answer your questions.

Give your written comments at the meeting, or submit them by May 24, 2019 to Mr. Arifur Rahman, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, or email [email protected]. Please reference “May 2019 Public Information Meetings” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures non-discrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special HZZPZ[HUJLMVYWLYZVUZ^P[OKPZHIPSP[PLZVYSPTP[LK,UNSPZOWYVÄJPLUJ` contact Arifur Rahman at 703-259-1940.

State Project: 0007-029-942, P101, R201, C501, B610, D606, D608; 0007-029-225, P101, R201, C501, D607 UPC: 99478, 106917 Federal: STP-5A01 (745), STP-5A01 (790)

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 ❖ 7 Society to hear local historian and award- Calendar winning author, Greg Wilson, discuss “Conflict and Rebellion in Fairfax County, 1860-1861.” Free and open to the public. Visit gfhs.org Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The WEDNESDAY/MAY 8 deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork Bike to School Day. Fairfax County Public encouraged. Schools (FCPS) will participate in Bike to School Day to promote physical activity and reduce ONGOING traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Student Art Exhibit. Through Wednesday, May 8 Parents are encouraged to work with their at Starbucks, 9863 Georgetown Pike, Great school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains Falls. Currently exhibited at the Great Falls or walking groups for the event. Visit Starbucks are 15 examples of students at Colvin www.walkbiketoschool.org/. Run Elementary. Call 703-438-8389. Movie Series: New Disney Classics. 12:30 Art Exhibit: “Taking Territory.” Through June p.m. at The Alden Community Hall, McLean 1, gallery hours at MPA@ChainBridge, 1446 Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Taking Territory: McLean. The Alden is kicking off a new film New Works by Susan Goldman, Barbara Kerne, series with “new Disney Classics” – those that Eve Stockton and Patricia Underwood. Visit were loved during the 1990s. The films will be mpaart.org for more. shown at 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of the month through June. Free admission. Visit THURSDAY/MAY 2 mcleancenter.org/performing-arts for more. Business Leadership Luncheon: Mental THURSDAY/MAY 9 Health in the Workplace. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Tysons, 7901 Tysons One Historian William Connery. 7:30-9 p.m. at Place, Tysons. CEOs, managers, HR and other Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave. E., professionals will take away ideas for developing Vienna. Meet the author of Civil War Northern and strengthening workplace mental health Virginia 1861 as he recounts the notable events initiatives. Attendance is open to anyone with an and battles that occurred in Northern Virginia interest in mental health in the workplace. Visit after the firing on Fort Sumter in 1861. Books www.NAMI-NorthernVirginia.org. available for sale and signing. Free. librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/ FRIDAY/MAY 3 4878628 or call 703-938-0405 McLean Farmers Market Opens. Fridays, ‘I’ve Got a Little Twist’ FRIDAY/MAY 10 through Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-noon at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Sixteen New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players present “I’ve Got a Little Twist,” a cabaret evening featuring 6th Annual Casino Night. 6-10 p.m. at local farmers and producers will sell fresh rewritten lyrics for G&S tunes, G&S numbers that are juxtaposed with more modern musical theatre and Volkswagen Group of America Headquarters, produce; meats; breads, ; jams; dairy sometimes, classic Gilbert and Sullivan that is left intact and allowed to speak for itself. Saturday, May 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive, Herndon. 6th products and eggs; herbs; flowers, coffee, more. 4, 7 p.m. at The Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $40/$30 Annual Casino Night fundraiser supporting the The Market will be closed on May 17 for McLean MCC tax district residents; running time: 120 minutes (all ages). Visit www.aldentheatre.org for more. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington/ Day setup. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Fairfax County Region. Hosted By LaVar farmersmarkets/mclean. Arrington with special guest “Secretary of Intro to Djembe Drumming and Drum Defense” Dexter Manley. Visit one.bidpal.net/ Circle. 7-8:30 p.m. at McLean Community casinonight2019 for tickets. Center’s Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Movie: Instant Family. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Unity McLean. Join The Alden for a creative (and de- of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Join stressing) Friday evening master class for Unity of Fairfax on the second Friday of the families. Participants will learn the elements of month for mindful movies. “Instant Family” A Djembe Drumming from artist Kofi Dennis and couple adopts three young children. Free, then use those skills in a group drum circle. donations welcome. call 703-281-1767 $12/$8 MCC district residents, includes www.unityoffairfax.org/events admission and drum rental. Call 703-790-0123 SATURDAY/MAY 11 or visit www.mcleancenter.org for more. Old Firehouse 5th and 6th Grader Parties: Plant Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Freeman Store, Luau. 7-9 p.m. at the Old Firehouse, 1440 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. The Ayr Hill Garden Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Participants will Club will host its annual spring plant sale with a enjoy free catered food and beverages, an open focus on plants native to Virginia. Plants dance floor with music played by a popular DJ available include those that thrive in sun or and a variety of party attractions. $35/$25 MCC shade, are deer resistant, and tolerate drought. district residents; preregistration is highly Native plants attract beneficial birds and insects recommended. Call 703-790-0123 or visit to your garden. Proceeds help maintain five www.mcleancenter.org for more. Vienna area gardens. Free admission. Email [email protected]. FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 3-5 Learn About Pollinators & Build a Bat “Ripcord.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 House. 9-10:30 a.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Pollinators power Cherry St., SE, Vienna. The Vienna Theatre food production. Bats help eat mosquitoes, as Company’s production of Ripcord centers on Photo by Lucia Bacon well as pollinate plants, but they are having a retirement home roommates, Abby and Marilyn, Hundreds of healthy, beautiful and well-priced plants donated by Club hard time. Help these animals thrive by building a bat house to hang at home. For participants 3- who mix together about as well as oil and water, members will be offered at the plant sale. getting into Odd Couple-esque situations. adult. $8 per person, and everyone must Tickets are $14 at viennava.gov/webtrac or in register. A fee of $15 per bat house should be person at the Vienna Community Center. paid to the instructor Call 703-759-9018 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend. SATURDAY/MAY 4 Plant and Yard Sale “All the Way Live.” 1 p.m. at The Alden, 1234 Native Plant Sale. 8-11 a.m. at the Riverbend Not sure what to get for Mother’s Day? Come to the Great Falls Garden Club’s popular plant and yard Ingleside Ave., McLean. In this interactive show, Park Outdoor Classroom picnic shelter, 8700 sale for a new plant or item for mom’s garden. Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Great Falls Library, world-renowned hip-hop artists collaborate on Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Native plant sale 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Free admission. Call 703-757-7360 or visit gfgardenclub.org for more. the spot to “remix” everything from the alphabet from the Friends of Riverbend Park supports to folktales. $15/$10 MCC district residents. Riverbend Park. These plants thrive in Northern composer whose music lies at the intersection of from noon-3 p.m. See 19th century technology Visit mcleancenter.org. Virginia because they are native to the area, jazz, classical, and electronic music. All ages. at work as the miller grinds wheat or corn into Mad Hatter Tea Party. 2-4 p.m. at Lewinsville which means they’re good for the plants and $15-$20. Call 703-255-1566 or visit flour and meal that can be purchased at the Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, wildlife around them, too. Call 703-759-9018 or www.jamminjava.com for more. park’s General Store. Call the site to confirm McLean. Calling all children age 4 through visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend. New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. 7 grinding is on. $8 for adults, $7 for students 16 grade 6. Bring a parent, grandparent, aunt, World Vision Global 6K for Water. 8:30-10 p.m. at The Alden Theatre at McLean and up with ID, and $6 for children and seniors. uncle, or some other significant adult to the Mad a.m. at W&OD Trail (Vienna West), Ayr Hill Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., No reservations are required. Call 703-759-2771 Hatter Tea Party. Reservations are required and Road, Vienna. Vienna Presbyterian Church McLean. “I’ve Got a Little Twist,” See above, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill. space is limited. Reservations close May 8. Visit partners with World Vision to provide children Visit www.aldentheatre.org for more. Gardening With Kids. 1-4 p.m. at the Freeman www.lewinsville.org/event-items/mad-hatter- Store, 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. The Ayr Hill tea-party. in developing countries access to clean water in SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 4-5 their villages. Food, face-painting, educational Garden Club, in celebration of 90 years of PRS’ Springtopia. 6-9:30 p.m. at Hyatt Regency tent, music and information about World Vision. Book Sale. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 gardening in Vienna, presents Gardening With Tysons Corner, 7901 Tysons One Place, McLean. Walk, run, or stroll this 6K and invite family, a.m.-2 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Kids. Free and open to the public. RSVP to PRS, Inc., a nonprofit helping those living with neighbors, and friends. $50 Race registration Ave. East, Vienna. Featuring thousands of [email protected]. serious mental illness or facing life crises, is fee. TeamVienna by registering at quality used books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks. Teen Acting Audition. 2-5 p.m. at Old Firehouse hosting its 2nd annual Springtopia: A Season of www.teamworldvision.org/team/10917. Prices remain the same: hardbacks $2, trade Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Hope. $175. Call 703-531-6321 or visit Ribbon Cutting and Open House. 11 a.m.-3 paperbacks $1, pocket paperbacks 50 cents, Audition for Traveling Troupe, a pre- prsinc.org/springtopia for more. children’s books 25 and 50 cents. CDs and professional summer theatre program for 9th – p.m. at Oak Marr Golf Complex, 3136 SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 11-12 Jermantown Road, Oakton. Discover the new videos $1-$2. Credit cards accepted. All 12th graders. Perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth and improved double-decker driving range, proceeds benefit the library. Night on tour throughout Virginia. Prepare a Relay for Life. At Langley High School, 6520 Shakespearean monologue (min. 14 lines). $50 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Relay for Life of learn more about offerings and instruction and SUNDAY/MAY 5 then help officials cut the ribbon at Oak Marr in advance, $60 at the door. Call 703-987-1712 Langley McLean will have its 2019 relay, an all Golf Complex. The Burger Shack food truck will Visit Colvin Run Mill. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Colvin or visit www.travelingplayers.org. night event to raise money for the American Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Cancer Society. Planned by students from be on-site for lunch. Call 703-324-8662 or visit TUESDAY/MAY 7 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/oak-marr. Don’t miss the chance to see, hear and taste McLean and Langley but open to the entire Live Music: James Fernando. 1 p.m. (doors at history with a Sunday visit to Colvin Run Mill. Historical Society Presentation. 7-9 p.m. at community.Free registration. Call 703-213-5386 noon) at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Stop by the mill for a grinding demonstration Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, or visit secure.ascevents.org. Vienna. James Fernando is a pianist and Great Falls. Join the Great Falls Historical 8 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com People

Oakcrest Teacher Receives Dissertation Award from Georgetown Photo contributed Dr. Celia Zamora, For- eign Languages Master Teacher at Oakcrest, has been named the recipient of Georgetown University’s 2019 Harold N. Glassman Distinguished Dissertation Award in the Social Sci- ences. This award is in- tended to honor truly dis- tinguished dissertations in the humanities, social sci- ences, and sciences, with one award available in each of theºthree broad disciplinary areas. Dr. Zamora’s dissertation is titled “The Secret is in the Processing: A Study of Levels of Explicit Comput- Dr. Celia Zamora will be recognized for her erized Feedback in Heri- achievement at Georgetown’s Graduate Com- tage and L2 Learners of mencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17. Spanish.” She holds several advanced degrees in- cidental Learning” in The Routledge Hand- cluding a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics from book of Instructed Second Language Acqui- Georgetown University; M.S. in Spanish Lin- sition, and “Does, um, the medium, uh, guistics, Georgetown University; M.A. in matter? Measuring fluency through filled Linguistics, Florida International University; pauses in Face-to-Face and Teletandem com- and B.A. in English Literature and Japanese municative groups.” Culture Studies, Florida International Uni- Dr. Zamora will be recognized for her versity. Other publications include Leow, R. achievement at Georgetown’s Graduate Com- & Zamora, C. (2017). “Intentional and In- mencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 ❖ 9 Opinion Blake Lane Park Should Not Be Used as a School Site

By Phil Niedzielski-Eichner

airfax County is at an historic inflection point. Residents are demanding more open Fspace for recreation and leisure enjoyment than ever before. At the same time, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is moving to build a new school on land that has been a public park for decades. Blake Lane Park is the largest open space available for public use in the Oakton area and is home to the only off-leash dog park in Providence District. If I am elected to become the Providence Supervi- sor, I will oppose conveying the property to FCPS for this purpose. Forty years ago, when development was booming and land was plentiful, the prospect of maintaining in inventory a 10-acre parcel as a school site was appropriately viewed as good planning. Fast forward to today and the Blake Lane “school site” is surrounded by high-density development, consisting of townhomes, condominiums, and single- Photo contributed family houses that are home to hundreds of fami- Phil Niedzielski-Eichner lies. This area has evolved into one of great ethnic and economic diversity. The area is also an enclave ❖ Land scarcity and the community’s expectation of affordable housing, another increasingly scarce for keeping an inventory of open space and parks community resource. should drive a more vertical school design on a What was once for FCPS an easy business decision smaller footprint. to build an elementary school on a site dedicated for ❖ Additionally, FCPS should consider repurposing school use is now a much more complicated one in empty or obsolete commercial or office buildings which community values are in conflict. and/or reuse already developed “brown fields” to Blake Lane Park represents a convergence of Fairfax meet its facility needs. commitments to (a) quality public education; (b) Finally, I was surprised to learn that the decision environmental quality — including protecting the to transform Blake Lane into a school site – a matter wildlife and natural vegetation; and (c) equity, as of great consequence to the area residents – was espoused through the Board of Supervisors and made before the community was informed of the School Board’s joint commitments in their One project. The community mistrust and anger result- Fairfax Policy. ing from the lack of communication on this matter In weighing these competing values, the scale tips could and should have been avoided. in favor of maintaining scarce open space over build- FCPS must pursue alternatives to building the new ing an elementary school. school at Blake Lane Park. The permanent loss of ❖ Once this “green field” is developed it will be this park land and open space is not justified. Use of lost forever. park land to meet another public need should only ❖ FCPS maintains an imbalance in the use of its ever be considered as a very last resort and only then school facilities. Simply put, FCPS has overcrowded after early engagement – and in partnership — with schools and underutilized schools, often within geo- the community. graphic proximity. The School Board should insti- tute a program to adjust boundaries so that all schools Phil Niedzielski-Eichner Providence Planning are in relative balance. Commissioner and Candidate for District Supervisor.

Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft Rides Offered to Prevent Drunk Driving Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft rides will be offered to download Lyft to their phones, then enter a deter impaired driving throughout the Washing- SoberRide code in the app’s “Promo” section to ton-metropolitan area beginning Sunday, May 5, receive their no cost (up to $15) safe transporta- 2019. tion home. WRAP’s Cinco de Mayo Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional SoberRide®promo code will be posted at 3 pm Alcohol Program (WRAP), the 2019 Cinco de on Sunday, May 5 on www.SoberRide.com. Mayo SoberRide program will be in operation for Last year, a record 897 persons in the Washing- 12 hours beginning at 4 pm on Sunday, May 5th ton-metropolitan area used WRAP’s Cinco de (Cinco de Mayo) and continue until 4 am on Mon- Mayo SoberRide program rather than possibly day, May 6 as a way to keep local roads safe from driving home impaired. The charity also offers its impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk SoberRide program on St. Patrick’s Day, Indepen- holiday. dence Day, Halloween and the winter holidays. During this twelve-hour period, area residents More information about WRAP’s SoberRide® age 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may initiative can be found at www.SoberRide.com.

10 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin As Luck From Page 5 Has Had It an additional $10 per license. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/ communityassistance/rabiesclinics for more. By KENNETH B. LOURIE 22 Proven Processes. 1-3 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. A class Aside from the fatigue I experienced a few that focuses on abundance processes and based columns ago, this immunotherapy infusion is, on the book “Ask and It Is Given” by Esther and and has been, quite manageable. Jerry Hicks. By donation. Visit My biggest take away so far is that I’ve had unityoffairfax.org/events or 22-proven- no real quality of life issues, as had been the processes.eventbrite.com. case with my previous chemotherapy/alimta WEDNESDAY/MAY 8 infusions. With that drug, I had post-infusion Fairfax County Park Authority Board eating challenges and for nearly a week after Meeting. 7:30 p.m. in the Herrity Building, the fact, felt less than mediocre. 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 941, Moreover, I wouldn’t say I felt like I had Fairfax. The Park Authority Board is a 12- cancer, but I certainly was reminded of it — if member board appointed by the Fairfax County that makes any sense. Board of Supervisors to set policy and establish And even though I do have some minor strategic policy and direction for the Park side effects from my current immunotherapy Authority. Open to the public. For information regarding meeting agendas, Park Board infusion, I am reminded nevertheless, that I members, opportunities for public comment, or have cancer. Not because of how I feel, as was to view meeting materials, board minutes and the case previously, but because of how I look archival materials, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ — and because of what I feel. parks/boardagn2.htm or call 703-324-8662. I am referring to my “Adam’s apple” tumor. THURSDAY/MAY 9 Not only can/do I ‘look’ it all the time but quite often, depending on how I move my head: The Opportunity in Opportunity Zones. 8- forward/downward, I can feel it too. 10:30 a.m. at Valo Park - Tysons Corner, 7950 Jones Branch Drive. A new community I have to tell you, feeling it as I do, and investment tool was created by the 2017 tax looking at it as often as I do: every day, is law. Opportunity Zones are census tracts that unsettling. state and federal governments have targeted for My whole approach to this living-with-can- economic development, and several exist in cer life has been to compartmentalize it a la Northern Virginia. Join the Community Jerry Seinfeld and “the vault.” Out of sight has Foundation for Northern Virginia and learn helped keep some things out of mind. And about this new investment tool. $40; includes when things are out of mind, it’s much easier to continental breakfast. Visit www.cfnova.org to make believe. register. And making believe has been one of my FRIDAY/MAY 10 methods of “operandi” since Feb. 20, 2009. Digital Citizenship:Tips for Parents. 10 a.m.- That’s the date (you bet I remember) when my noon at at Dunn Loring Center for Parent internal medicine doctor called me at work Services, 2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 – with the results of my previous week’s biopsy: Room 100, Dunn Loring. As parents in the “malignant,” he said. digital age, being aware, alert and involved in a Up until that call, the previous six weeks’ child’s use of the internet is crucial. Digital diagnostic pursuit had been interesting in a Citizenship can be described as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior, its positive curious kind of way wondering what all the and negative impact on self and others, with goings on were about and when all these regard to technology use. Free to parents, inconveniences would end. And not for a min- educators and community members. Call 703- ute during this entire process did I ever think 204-3941 or visit www.fcps.edu/resources/ I’d be diagnosed with a “terminal” disease: family-engagement/parent-resource-center for UVUZTHSSJLSSS\UNJHUJLYZ[HNL0=0ÄN\YLK more or to register. [V[OLL_[LU[0ÄN\YLKH[HSS[OH[[OLWYVJLZZ FRIDAY-SATURDAY/MAY 10-11 would result in much having been done about District29 Toastmasters Conference. At nothing. Capital One Headquarters, 1680 Capital One Boy was I wrong! Drive, McLean. District 29 Toastmasters are I still remember — and laugh when I recall having their annual conference (theme: the phone conversation I had with my thoracic “Embracing Change”). All are welcome. The surgeon after he had received the results of my conference includes speakers, leadership and PET scan: “You lit that thing up like a Christmas education sessions, speech contests, food, tree,” he said. networking, and more. You do not need to be a Presuming that wasn’t good news, I replied: current member of Toastmasters International. $0-$124. Visit tmd29.org/2019ConfTMD29/ to “I hear there are false positives all the time register. which is why these scans aren’t used a lot.” (A perfect example of a little knowledge in the SATURDAY/MAY 11 wrong mouth.) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Letter carriers I can’t recall if the doctor snickered before will pick up donated food. Leave donations he said the following: “Well, then your scan before your typical mail delivery time. All food was a world record false positive.” I don’t know stays in the local community. The top requested if I grasped the obvious at that point but soon non-perishable food items are: cereal, pasta, a surgical biopsy was ordered and the rest is pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals (such as Kenny-with-cancer history, a history with which soups, chili and pasta), 100 percent juice, many of you regular readers are all too familiar. peanut , macaroni & cheese, canned And that’s a familiarity which I hope has not protein (, chicken and turkey), beans bred contempt. Because even though it’s my (canned or dry). You also can donate healthy, life — and I’m stuck with it (as the old saying low-sodium, low-sugar items such as beans, says), it need not be yours. I can well imagine oatmeal and other whole grains, and canola or and appreciate how living with and/or seeking oil. Specific questions regarding the Food out negativity is not likely to improve any one’s Drive should be directed to 202-662-2489. Family Caregiver Expo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at lot in life. (I try to avoid it every day.) Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center at To that end, I have always tried to tread Northern Virginia Community College, lightly and write with a soft touch since I’ve Annandale Campus. Capital Caring will host its been cancer-centric beginning June 10, 2009, first Caregiver Expo in partnership with AARP ^OLU0W\ISPZOLKT`ÄYZ[JVS\VU[OLZ\I- and Virginia Hospital Center. The expo is free ject: “Dying To Tell You, Sort Of.” And in so do- and will feature information highlighting ing, I’ve tried to see the light amid the darkness resources and support programs available to and be thankful for any in between. family caregivers, including home care services, financial and estate planning, elder law, and I can’t say it’s been fun, but it’s funny how information sessions on such topics as things have turned out: alive and reasonably Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Preservation of well, 10-plus years later. Assets, and Caring for the Caregiver. Free health screenings will be offered as well as free massages. Contact Amy Shields at Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for [email protected] or call 703-531-6095 The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. for more. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 ❖ 11 News Bards Alley Celebrates Independent Bookstore Day

By Lisa Fay The Connection

aturday, April 27, marked the fifth annual nationwide Independent SBookstore Day. According to the Indie Bookstore Day website, Inde- pendent Bookstore Day is a one-day na- tional party that takes place at indie book- stores across the country on the last Satur- day in April. Vienna bookstore, Bards Alley, took part in this national celebration by hosting ac- tivities throughout the day such as talks with authors, children’s performances, games, and an all day book scavenger hunt. Books wrapped up in brown paper were hidden in local shops where people could go and find them. “There are so many rea- Amy Lane, a book buyer at Bards sons why this bookstore is important for the Photos by Lisa Fay/The Connection Alley, holds up an appropriate community,” said Jen Morrow, owner of ‘Groovy Nate’ entertains children in Bards Alley. book for the spring weather. Bards Alley. “If offers different things for different people. In a town like Vienna, it of our customers say they come in because offers a place where we can celebrate what they don’t even know what book they’re reading and literature does for the commu- looking for but because we’ve curated the nity. It is a place where people can gather, selection for this specific community, and whether it’s just for pure entertainment, Jen Morrow, we employ people who really know books, because they’re in a book club, or if they owner of that’s our speciality and that’s what differ- want to learn about something so that Bards Alley, entiates us from Amazon.” Morrow says they’re educating themselves.” and Gina people ask her consistently why she opened Independent bookstores, such as Bards Warner, Bards Alley in the age of the Barnes and Alley, bring communities together, espe- creator of the Noble Nook or the Amazon Kindle. “I cially a town like Vienna where it is very ‘Bad Ass opened the store because Amazon ... doesn’t community based. “I think it’s about, not Women’ book participate in things that directly impact the just the words on the page, but what it does club. community,” said Morrow. “I employ people for the sense of community as you connect that live in Vienna and I pay taxes to the through books,” said Morrow. “I added the Town of Vienna, so it generates a lot of a wine bar and cafe because I wanted to have ‘shop local’ attitude. It’s all about our great event space where people could linger customers who give back to the store as rather than just come to find books. A lot much as we give to them.” Vienna: International Food Scene

good beginning are the fritters Restaurants Review: Plaka Grill and Istanbul Blue. with and mint. Somewhat offbeat and Latino sounding is the tyrokafteria By Alexandra Greeley hangout likely won’t offer. But that should to select from among six different sand- dip, made with feta cheese, jalapeño, and The Connection not hinder taking chances on the unknown. wiches, all of which sound quite familiar. red pepper and served with bread. And after all, their menu offerings are not And for a pick that seems totally Turkish, For entrées, patrons can make up their he upscale town of Vienna has only tempting but many are self-explana- try the adana sandwich, made of beef and own salad bowls, big a main course such Tbecome an international food tory. ground lamb grilled on a skewer and topped as beef , mixed grill, or lamb scene—restaurants from Thai, Take, for example, the appetizer, with a scoop of their ezme salad (mix of kapama (lamb ). But skipping by one Mexican, American, Japanese, British, , a gently seasoned purée of chopped tomatoes, , and ). of their special wraps would be a mis- and Indian to Chinese, Middle Eastern chickpeas that is such a popular offering And do not skip : Six choices are take. Especially good for take-out, one and Italian—provide a global culinary that most supermarkets carry different listed, but the best of the best is the of these sandwich wraps, served with a tapestry. Add to the list the follow- brands and flavors. What is on offer restaurant’s . A rectangle of phyllo side of salad or fries, fit the bill. Their ing international eats: the Greek Dining here is a blend of fresh lemon juice, layered with sweetness and baked featured Plaka with pork is obvi- Plaka Grill and the Mediterranean (sesame seed paste), and gar- with , it is one of the best treats ously popular, but if a combo of lamb and Turkish Istanbul Blue, and you can lic, and is served with pita bread imaginable. Take two, just for the fun of it. beef appeals, do order their Chicago forget updating your passport. You can slices. Less well-known appetizers can chal- For a very different and much more ca- Gyro. eat globally but stay local. lenge the palate: baba ganoush (roasted sual destination, try the Greek Plaka Grill. Their Greek selection is limited If Mediterranean flavors appeal, plan puréed with tahini), falafel (fried It’s eat-in or take-out, and if you arrive mid- to baklava, galaktoboureko (), a lunch or dinner at Istanbul Blue, an balls of seasoned ground chickpeas), and day, chances are the place will be packed rizogalo (rice with cream), and Greek yo- upscale, sit-down eatery that proclaims cigari borek (cigar-shaped phyllo dough with take-outers, but finding seating may gurt. Craving a sweet? Go to the baklava! the restaurant’s national identity with a stuffed with cheese and fried.) still be a challenge. However, its casual fare, menu that features many native dishes— Entrées include salads, , seafood especially the sandwich wraps, are worth Istanbul Blue, 523 Maple Ave. West, Vienna, 703-938-8948. Hours: lunch and dinner daily. , falafel, imam bayildi, and dishes, and lamb, beef, and chicken offer- the wait. Plaka Grill, 110 Lawyers Rd. NW, Vienna, yaprak —that your local American ings. But patrons who stop by for lunch get Dips and appetizers start the meal, and a 703-319-3131. Hours: Lunch and dinner daily.

12 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ May 1-7, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com