Mclean Church Serves the Community on Martin Luther King Day St

Tara Stewart landing after her routine on the uneven bars as Carolyn Brown-Kaiser cheers her on.

Winter Fun & Entertainment Page 6 State Champions Classifieds, Page 10Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, 6 Classifieds, Twitter: @BurkeConnection on Follow Win Final Home Meet Sports, Page 8

Talent on Display At Saxon Stage News, Page 9 Promoting Safe Bicycling News, Page 3 Photo by Jennifer Kaye/The Connection by Jennifer Kaye/The Photo January 24-30, 2018 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News

Photo by Catherine Marzin Parishioners from St. John’s Episcopal Church help out at SHARE as part of Martin Luther King Day activities. McLean Church Serves the Community on Martin Luther King Day St. John’s Episcopal Church in McLean marked the Martin Luther King Day with service projects to involve all ages. Fami- lies prepared snack packs to be delivered to Ronald McDonald House in Washington, D.C. Volunteers helped out at SHARE in McLean, sorting clothing and restocking food shelves. And parishioners knitted and crocheted red hats for newborns, in support of the American Heart Association’s Heart Month. In total, almost 50 parishioners partici- pated. Photo by Ed Miller This is the eighth year that St. John’s Mis- St. John’s Church Hall was busy on sions Committee has organized service MLK Day, with youngsters and projects for MLK Day. The church is located families preparing snack bags for at 6715 Georgetown Pike in McLean. Ronald McDonald House.

Photo by Rosemary Tripp Young parishioners show the hats they and others knitted for the Ameri- can Heart Association’s Heart Month. St. John’s Episcopal Church marked the Day of Service with several activities for families, children, and adults.

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic 703-778-9414 or News [email protected]

Apparently it’s always cycling weather. Bitter temperatures and slick roads did not keep Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling member Ken Lutz of Vienna from riding his bike to the January meeting from work Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection in Falls Church and then to his home afterwards. At the meeting, Lutz From left: PFC Christina Gaizick and PFC Sheila Ayers of Traffic Safety indicated he was ready and willing to help advocate for “Safe Towns” Services, Fairfax County Police Department, were the guests at the Janu- — training facilities that are designed to look like mini-towns so that ary meeting of Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, held at the Patrick youngsters, in particular, can learn safe riding techniques and habits Henry Public Library in Vienna. in a realistic setting. Cycling advocacy group hosts county law Promoting Safe Bicycling enforcement reps at monthly meeting. By Andrea Worker crease in cycling-related incidents, with only The Connection one fatality recently reported in 2015. Early do was “get out of the way and be safe.” figures for 2017 indicate 72 reportable bi- Even when the incident is not deemed “re- t its first monthly meeting of the cycle incidents, although the fact that there portable,” the officers still encouraged the New Year, the Fairfax Alliance for are no clearly defined categories for bicycle riders to “be the best witness you can be ABetter Bicycling (FABB) got right accidents in the statewide reporting system and call it in.” Calling in and providing as to work, inviting two Fairfax TREDS (Traffic Records Electronic Data much detail about the alleged offender is County Traffic Safety Police Officers to at- System) and that “reportable” incidents still helpful, and could cause the police to tend and expand the dialogue between law must meet a $1,500 damage or a report- issue a “look out” for the vehicle. enforcement and cyclists in the county. able injury threshold in order to be included In addition to the presentation and con- FABB member Charlie Bobbish introduced in the TREDS data, left some attendees versation with Ayers and Gaizick, a report Officers PFC Sheila Ayers, and PFC Chris- somewhat in doubt as to the accuracy or by Sally Smallwood, Safe Routes to School tina Gaizick and began the conversation by usefulness of the information. Sally Smallwood is the Safe Routes coordinator for Fairfax County Public asking them to comment on the “state of Jeff Anderson, president of FABB, Steve to School coordinator for the Schools was on the agenda. Smallwood traffic safety” in Fairfax County. Ward, the organization’s secretary, and Fairfax County Public Schools. brought the members up to speed on edu- Safety of all county residents is a priority, board member Bruce Wright all indicated Smallwood brought the FABB cational events scheduled for Fairfax County according to Ayers, be they drivers, cyclists that advocating for more specific reporting members up to speed on school- schools, a significant donation that would or pedestrians, but the officer added that tools might be on the FABB work menu in related bicycling events and activi- allow for a number of shareable bicycles to she and her colleague were particularly the future. ties and encouraged people to be purchased for several elementary and pleased to be invited to the FABB meeting nominate a School Crossing Guard middle schools, and preparation for this to gain a better understanding of the con- SEVERAL QUESTIONS were posed to the of the Year by the Jan. 26 deadline. year’s “Bike to School Day” scheduled for cerns of the pedal-powered citizenry and officers regarding how to stay safe as a cy- May 18. to have an opportunity to discuss safe cy- clist on the road, and what to do when wit- Although the answers did not provide the Smallwood also wanted to spread the cling practices and education. nessing or experiencing interaction with cyclists with many solutions, Ayers and According to Ayers, statistics show a de- aggressive drivers. Gaizick both stressed that the first thing to See Bicycling, Page xx

Iconic Potomac School Statue Vandalized A statue that has long had a place of honor on reading or chatting. And when Potomac alumni come the campus of The Potomac School in McLean was back to visit the campus, they almost invariably stop

damaged on Dec. 21, 2017. Sometime between to take a photo with the llamas – often perching their Photo courtesy of The Potom dusk on the Dec. 21 and 5 a.m. on the Dec. 22, own young children up there for the picture. To see the concrete statue of three llamas in a circle was something that holds memories and meaning for so vandalized, with all three heads forcibly broken many people senselessly destroyed is heartbreaking.” off. Two were left on the ground nearby, and the Fairfax County Police are investigating the vandal- third has not been recovered. ism, and The Potomac School is offering a $5,000 The llama statue, created by noted artist Una reward for information leading to the arrest and pros- Rawnsley Hanbury, has been at Potomac since ecution of the individual or individuals responsible. 1970. Originally located on a campus playground, Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer it served as a climbing and play structure for young A. Block of the Fairfax County Police Department at children. When the school underwent significant 703-556-7750. renovation in the early 2000s, the statue was The Fairfax County Police Department also accepts ac School moved to the front of the campus. anonymous tips, providing cash rewards of $100- Dr. Marjorie Brennan, chair of Potomac’s Board $1,000 if the information leads to an arrest. Tips can of Trustees, notes, “It really is a beloved icon for be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers our community – something that generations of by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, or text-a-tip The Potomac School is offering a $5,000 reward for Potomac students remember. On sunny days, it’s by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES information leading to the arrest and prosecution of not unusual to see students sitting on the llamas, (274637). the individual or individuals responsible. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 ❖ 3 Opinion McLean

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weekly What’s Wrong with This Picture? newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. in TJHSST are: Arlington County, Fairfax Published by Local Media Connection LLC Male, 60 percent; female 40 percent; County (includes City of Fairfax), Falls Church City, Loudoun County, Prince William County. 1606 King Street less than 2 percent poor; less than 2 percent We’ve said this before, because these demo- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 graphics have been trending in this direction Free digital edition delivered to African American; less than 2 percent Latino. for more than a decade. your email box. Go to Fairfax County Public Schools has a single connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe f these are the demographics to some- by introducing SB787, Governor’s Schools; elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ thing, you know it needs to be fixed, no enrollment, which would use both economics is frequently referred to as the top high school NEWS DEPARTMENT: Imatter what “it” is. Especially something and geography to change the admissions dy- in the country. Dramatic disparity in the [email protected] paid for with public dollars. namics at Jefferson. makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of Male, 60 percent; female 40 percent. Summary: disparity in early identification of students as Kemal Kurspahic Editorial Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 Less than 2 percent poor. “Requires any academic school gifted and talented, of access to advanced [email protected] Less than 2 percent African Ameri- Governor’s School that has a focus on classes and enrichment, and in the basic edu- can. math, science, and technology and that has an cation that the Fairfax County Public school Fallon Forbush Reporter Less than 2 percent Latino. overall enrollment of over 1,000 students to system offers to all of its students. [email protected] These are the demographics of this year’s accept for enrollment (i) a sufficient number School leadership can’t continue to act like freshman class at our Governor’s school, Tho- of students eligible to receive free or reduced there are things they can’t do anything about. Andrea Worker mas Jefferson High School for Science and price meals such that the total of such students Surovell deserves credit for giving an incen- Reporter [email protected] Technology, known as TJ. is at least 50 percent of the weighted average tive to get started. We also know that there are geographic dis- of the participating divisions’ percentage of Learn about the referral and screening Mike Salmon parities (some middle schools have many more such students in the previous school year and and selection process for full-time (Level IV) Editorial Assistant students admitted than others; some have (ii) at least five students but no more than 15 and school-based (Levels II-III) Advanced [email protected] none). students from each middle school in each Academic Programs at www.fcps.edu/reg- State Sen. Scott Surovell represents a part school division eligible to matriculate students istration/advanced-academics-identifica- ADVERTISING: of the county that tends to be under repre- to such Governor’s school who have completed tion-and-placement. For advertising information — Mary Kimm [email protected] sented at Thomas Jefferson, and he is kicking at least two full years at such middle school.” 703-778-9431 off what no doubt will be a lively discussion The school divisions currently participating [email protected] Trisha Hamilton Display Advertising Letters 703-624-9201 [email protected] Our American A Matter of Style Debbie Funk National Sales 703-778-9444 Story By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum worked energetically to get all he could done [email protected] To the Editor: State Delegate (D-36) in the relatively short four-year term. David Griffin One hundred years ago, my He pushed the legislature to get things done, Marketing Assistant grandparents left eastern Europe he experiences of the Virginia and he did not hesitate to use executive author- 703-778-9431 to take a chance in making it in Tcolonists with King George III ity when necessary. He was taken to court by [email protected] America. They were poor, spoke no taught them a lesson not for- the Republicans for restoring citizenship rights English, had little formal educa- gotten even until today. Executive au- to those who had been incarcerated, but he won Editor & Publisher tion and were probably not seen thorities are not to be trusted. Mon- and restored citizenship rights to 172,000 ex- Mary Kimm as particularly desirable immi- archies are likely to try to take away felons. He brought about a New Virginia [email protected] @MaryKimm grants. the people’s rights and property. Economy of high employment, job growth, and They worked hard and started The assertions of the Declaration of attractiveness to those seeking to locate a com- Executive Vice President small businesses, a laundry and a Independence were to make it clear that the people pany here. Jerry Vernon candy store. Their sons fought in of America had sworn off monarchial government. Governor Ralph Northam who served under the 703-549-0004 [email protected] WWII and then they, our parents, They were not about to replace a king with a presi- shadow of Governor McAuliffe as lieutenant gover- got mostly blue-collar jobs. They, dent or a government who might try to exert the nor was always recognized as being extremely able Editor in Chief in turn worked hard, made sure kind of absolute executive power they had under but without the show of high-energy and flair of the Steven Mauren Managing Editor we studied hard and we all got col- the king. Governor. No one questioned his ability, but it was Kemal Kurspahic lege educations. Instead, controls were incorporated in the U.S. widely concluded that he would bring a different style Art/Design: Now, three and four (and begin- Constitution as well as state constitutions to keep to the governorship. Most expected a mild-mannered, Laurence Foong, John Heinly, ning five!) generations into our the executive authority in check. Virginia’s limita- cordial leader who would govern more by consen- Ali Khaligh Production Manager: American Story, we are teachers, tions on the governor were especially limiting. For sus. Geovani Flores social workers, engineers, counse- example, the governor’s term was one year. He could Clearly the styles are different, but there may have lors, and business people, work- run for re-election more than once, but likewise he been a bit of selling short Governor Northam because Special Assistant to the Publisher Jeanne Theismann ing to improve our country and could be turned out after just one year. of his easy Eastern Shore manner. His inauguration [email protected] our communities. We have loosened up somewhat in modern times speech as well his first speech to the General Assem- @TheismannMedia Our family story has been re- by extending the term to four years, but there is a bly was anything but mild or equivocal. It was as peated millions of times over. It limitation of one consecutive term. The governor can strong and as direct as any that Governor McAuliffe CIRCULATION may be your story, too. run for an additional term, but it cannot be con- delivered. [email protected] All because America saw the secutive with the first. I think the one-term limita- Calling upon his background as a physician, he built value of allowing a large, diverse tion is unnecessarily restrictive and have voted on a hard case for the expansion of health services to influx of people who were willing more than one time to allow the governor to run for the people in need in the Commonwealth. He is as to work hard for the American a second consecutive term. One term may keep a direct as anyone I have heard speak about the need Dream. The value of continuing governor under control, but it can also limit his or for common-sense gun control measures. He is em- that diversity is as true today as it her effectiveness. phatic in his defense of women’s reproductive rights. was 100 years ago. Governor Terry McAuliffe was a high-energy, We may not have a second term for the governor strongly motivated, hard-charging governor whose in Virginia, but we have a governor taking over who Mark Menzer accomplishments exceeded those of his predecessors. is going to continue the policies of the first. The dif- Reston He accepted the fact he had just one term, and he ference in the two will simply be a matter of style.

4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Week in McLean Fundraiser Supporting Haycock PTA Now Enrolling for 2018-2019 HBC Group’s (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Cham- pions will raise money for Haycock PTA. Come to dinner on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean to support Haycock PTA. Bring the event flyer, enjoy dinner and ap- proximately 70 percent of the pro- ceeds from food and drink will go directly to Haycock PTA. Contact HBC Group at 703-734-0192 or visit www.HBCGroupKW.com to receive a flyer. The Haycock PTA is a supportive group of parents, teachers, and community members that work hard to make Haycock Elementary School a wonderful place to learn and grow. • Mommy & Me Sponsors of the event are: • Preschool Ages 16 months & Up Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy • Montessori Preschool with the HBC Group of Keller Wil- • Extended Day Programs liams Realty, Marcus Simon with EKKO Title, Kevin Dougherty of • School Age Childcare K-6 Pillar to Post, Kathy and Justin Neal of The Neal Team/SunTrust 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, Virginia Mortgage, Jim Harris of BOWA, The McLean Chamber of Com- www.vgdsva.com merce, and Moe Jebali with 703-759-4049 Pulcinella Italian Host.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 ❖ 5 Winter Fun and Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcements at McLean Orchestra presents A Winter Serenade www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Programme Musicale, a wine and hors’deuvres The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork reception with Carlos Ibay, pianist and tenor. encouraged. With a special preview of Patrons’ Gala 2018 “April in Paris.” $80 per person, $150 per

Photo by Katelyn Reiss Photography couple. RSVP by Saturday, Jan. 20 to 703-893- ONGOING 8646. The 2018 Eclectic Essentials production “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron features four plays that focus on relationships: Burgundy.” 8 p.m. at The Old Firehouse, 1440 For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls, Death Be Chain Bridge Road, McLean. This 2004 comedy Not Loud, Capsmittment and One Click Away. film starring Will Ferrell is a tongue-in-cheek Eclectic Essentials: Relationships runs through take on the culture of the 1970s, particularly the Sunday, Feb. 4. Tickets are general admission new “action news” format. Join The Alden staff and available for $14 at the Vienna Community to quote along with the dialogue, recreating Center, online at viennava.gov/webtrac, or at scenes with the help of props and onscreen the door, if still available. Visit subtitles and cues. Admission and popcorn are viennatheatrecompany.org or e-mail free. Prop bags are $5 each. Visit [email protected] for more information. www.mcleancenter.org or for Old Firehouse Friday Night Telescopes. The Roll-Top activities, call 703-448-8336. observatory is available to the public for viewing Helping Hearts and Changing Lives. Alpha the skies on Friday Jan. 26, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chi Beta Omega Analemma Society holds Friday Night Public Chapter of Falls Church City is partnering with Viewing Sessions at Turner Farm on Springvale Lilly Pulitzer of Tysons Corner to elevate Road in Great Falls. The public may use the Combining Irish and American folk styles, The John Byrne Band is led awareness of heart health to the Northern newly mounted telescopes or bring their own Virginia community. The Lilly Pulitzer store of telescope or binoculars to use outside. There is a by former Patrick’s Head front man and Dublin native John Byrne. Tysons Corner will host an all-day shopping lot to see in the night sky. Events are weather event with 10 percent of retail sales for the day dependent. Please check the Analemma tweet going directly to the American Heart page (or directly at @AnalemmaSociety) for Association. Visit www.chibetaomega-aka.com. updates on Friday viewing if the weather looks questionable. Visit www.analemma.org. Winter Traditional “Local Color.” Through Jan. 31, Wednesdays 12- SUNDAY/JAN. 28 4 and Saturdays 10-2 at The Art of Great Falls Celtic Concerts 7th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival. 11 School Gallery, located at 756 Walker Road, The Old Brogue presents a series a.m.-5 p.m. at at McLean High School, 1633 Great Falls. NOVA Plein Air Artists is a group of Davidson Road, McLean. Taste the specialties of of six celtic concerts beginning Sun- Northern Virginia artists who regularly paint 17 area chocolatiers and the Children’s Game together in outdoor settings; in local public and day, Feb. 4, 4 and 6 p.m. Tickets Room features the bluegrass music of local artist private gardens, parks, farms, wineries, and at must be purchased in advance Mike Mitchell, popular with all ages at last other local sites. This show features their recent through the link at oldbrogue.com: year’s festival. Admission is $2. Visit paintings showcasing floral still lifes, landscapes $18 general admission/$12 children twww.mcleanchocolatefestival.com for more. and florals, painted en plein air. Visit under 12. Season ticket: $96/$60 “Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have www.greatfallsart.org/school-of-art. children. The Old Brogue Irish Pub, Happened.” 2 p.m. at The Old Firehouse, Art Exhibit. Through March 31 at Great Falls 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls.Call 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. “Best Worst Library (Small Conference Room), 830 703-759-3309. Thing That Ever Could Have Happened” tells the Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. View an exhibit of story of “Merrily We Roll Along,” the Stephen watercolors by Artist Betty Ganley featuring her Sondheim/Hal Prince musical that opened to love of nautical scenes. Visit bettyganley.com. enormous fanfare and closed after just 16 The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior performances. Directed by one of the musical’s women’s softball league, is looking for players original cast members, it features interviews through April. Any woman over the age of 40 is with the creators and original cast of the now- encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. classic show as well as rare and never before Games are on Wednesday evenings and Multi-instrumentalist Beth seen footage from the rehearsal process. Free Saturday mornings in Vienna. Visit Patterson, formerly of the admission. Visit www.mcleancenter.org or for

www.goldengirls.org. Photo contributed Old Firehouse activities, call 703-448-8336. Great Falls Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m.- New Orleans based band, 1 p.m., 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. Music, The Poor Clares, brings vendors, fresh produce, fresh prepared food, MONDAY/JAN. 29 delightful bakery, spices from around the world, her traditional and origi- Teacher Workday Trip: Skiing & wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats, nal mix of her own com- Snowboarding. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. leaving from organic-fed poultry and eggs. Email positions, Celtic, Cajun The Old Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, [email protected] for more. McLean. Let’s hit the slopes! Ski/snowboard Free Tai Chi. Every Saturday, from 7:55-9 a.m., and folk music back to the rental, lift ticket and charter bus transportation Introduction and Beginners’ Practice, meet on Old Brogue. are included in the fee. Participants should dress the outdoor basketball court located directly appropriately for the weather, including warm behind the Dolley Madison Public Library, 1244 coat, gloves, hat, pants and waterproof clothing. Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean Central Park, Goggles highly recommended. Helmets are McLean. Call 703-759-9141 or visit Ave., McLean. Meg MacKenzie, known for her available upon request. $140/$120 MCC district www.FreeTaiChi.org for more. THURSDAY/JAN. 25 paintings of horses, will be the featured artist. residents. Visit www.mcleancenter.org or for The Freeman Store & Museum Wednesday Genealogy Meeting/Program. 7:30-9 p.m. at Vsit www.mcleanartsociety.org. Old Firehouse activities, call 703-448-8336. through Sunday noon-4 p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Kilmer Middle School, 8100 Wolftrap Road, Artists Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Vienna. The Freeman Store & Museum is Vienna. Fairfax Genealogical Society monthly Artists @ Mosaic, 2905 District Ave, Suite 115, dedicated to Preserving and promoting Vienna’s member meeting and program. Librarian Leslie Fairfax. Artist Susan Gulick will be there MONDAY-TUESDAY/JAN. 29-30 heritage through the identification, preservation, Anderson will discuss the Alexandria Library’s discussing her show “Uncommon Visions,” which Open Auditions for The Alden Spring and interpretation of history significant places, resources and help available to family history will be on display Jan. 24-Feb. 25. Visit Production. 7-9 p.m. at MCC Class Programs events, and persons. Historicviennainc.org and other researchers. Open to members and torpedofactory.org for more. Office, 6645 Old Dominion Drive, McLean. The Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. Flame Room, public. Snow date, Feb. 1. Free. Email Alden’s spring production is “The Snow White Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, 400 Center [email protected], call 703-644-8185 or visit Variety Show” with a script by Brian D. Taylor. St. S, Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html. www.fxgs.org for more. SATURDAY/JAN. 27 Students between the ages of 10-16 who live in Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Emmaus The Unruly Theatre. 7 p.m. at Genealogy Education Session. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. the MCC tax district may audition for this United Church of Christ, 900 E Maple Ave. E., MPA@ChainBridge, 1446 Chain Bridge Road, at Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station, 2149 production. Rehearsals will be held Tuesdays, Vienna. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Unitarian McLean. The area’s hottest professional teen Gallows Road, Vienna. Librarian Leslie Anderson Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., from early Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 improv troupe will bring you a hilarious night of presents “Private Live, Public Records, and the February through mid-March. Performances will Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Gentle Kundalini comedy. Come help them spread some joy while ‘Free Negro’ Dilemma in Virginia—a discussion be on Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11, and Yoga, one free introductory session, senior being wildly entertained. Sponsored by The of the history and records available on the US 17-18, at 2 p.m. at the Old Firehouse Center. To discounts. Increase flexibility, improve breathing Alden. Free admission. Visit mcleancenter.org. Colored Cavalry, as well as on the Free Black schedule an audition time, contact Alden Youth and health, reduce stress. $15 per session. community in Virginia. Snow date, Feb 3. Email Theatre Programs Director Danielle Van Hook at www.edimprovement.org. 571-213-3192. [email protected], call 703-644-8185 or visit [email protected]. Colvin Run Mill open 11 - 4 p.m. daily, closed FRIDAY/JAN. 26 www.fxgs.org for more. Tuesday. 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Splitsville & Paragon Village. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at Painting in Great Falls. 3-5 p.m. at Great Falls Fairfax County’s operational 19th century water The Old Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, Meeting Room, Great Falls Library, 9830 TUESDAY/JAN. 30 powered gristmill, offers recreational and McLean. The Old Firehouse teacher workday Georgetown Pike A, Great Falls. Learn the basic Once in a Blue Moon at Riverbend. 5:30-7:30 educational activities for all ages through daily trip. Teens can experience glow-in-the-dark elements and techniques of watercolor painting. at Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac tours, school programs and special events. Fees: bowling with big screen video walls and a Sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Hills St., Great Falls. Plan for great viewing of $7/adult, $6 students 16+ with ID, $5 children booming surround sound system that plays their Library. Adults. Visit the next supermoon in the dark skies at & seniors. Admission to park is free except for favorite songs. It’s a non-stop, high-fiving, librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/ Riverbend Park. It will be the third supermoon some special events. unforgettable good time. Following bowling, the 3652946?. in a row, and because it’s the second full moon group will unwind with a movie. $65/$55 MCC Artists Reception. 4-6 p.m. at Vienna Art Center, in one month, that also makes it a blue moon. district residents. Fee includes bowling, shoes, 115 Pleasant St., NW. Jazz It Up! Exhibit open This program is designed for participants age 3 CLASSES, CAMPS & WORKSHOPS lunch and movie tickets. Bring additional money until March 3. Free and open to the public. Call to adult. $10 per person. Children must be The Arts of Great Falls School offers winter for movie concessions as desired. Visit 703-319-3971 or visit accompanied by a registered adult. Meet at the classes for adults and children of all skill levels. mcleancenter.org. www.ViennaArtsSociety.org for more. visitor center at Riverbend Park. Call 703-759- Visit www.greatfallsart.org for more. McLean Art Society Meeting. 10 a.m.-noon at A Winter Serenade. 4 p.m. at Carderock Falls 9018 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ the Dolley Madison Library,1244 Oak Ridge Manor, 1323 Calder Road, McLean. Tysons riverbend. 6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Faith Notes

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community. Send to [email protected]. Deadline is Friday at noon. SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE: DAILY EUCHARIST: Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM Weekdays Vienna Assembly of God, 100 Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM Ayrhill Ave, NE, Vienna, will hold 1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy Saturday, 8:30 AM Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year’s All Are Eve, Dec. 31, services on Sunday morn- 5312 North 10th Street, Welcome! ing at 10:30 a.m. There will be no Arlington, Virginia 22205 evening services. Installation of new Parish Office: 703-528-6276 Pastor Brenda Burns will occur on Janu- ary 7, 2018 during the 10:30 a.m. PARISH WEBSITE: service. www.stannchurch.org

Wesley United Methodist Church located at 711 Spring St., SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180, at the corner of Spring Street and Moore Avenue. 10:30 To highlight your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420 a.m. fellowship time in the fellowship hall; 11 a.m. traditional family worship in sanctuary. If you are seeking a church home which encourages: caring and supportive fellowship, an active and devoted prayer life and study of scrip- ture, support for local and world missions, an open, responsive awareness to the presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Youth Activities at Wesley United Methodist Church. Activities are open to all 6th-12th graders. Youth Sunday School meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. in the upper room. Youth Bible Study will meet every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. off-site. Following bible study, ride together to the church for youth group. Email the Youth Ministry Staff for the address. The Anchor meets every Sun- day from 6-8 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Join us for dinner, games, worship, and diving deeper into the Word. During the summer, Youth Sunday School meets most Sundays at 9 a.m. in the upper room. To receive the newsletter or for more information contact [email protected].

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 ❖ 7 Sports

Seniors Samantha Simon, Jennie Korb, Carolyn Brown-Kaiser, Anna Brower Photos by Jennifer Kaye/The Connection and Lola Amaya were each given a team photograph with messages from The McLean Highlands Gymnastics team celebrating after winning the all their teammates before the meet to celebrate Senior Night. six-team meet Thursday night. State Champions Win Final Home Meet

he reigning gymnastics State Champions, McLean High TSchool, took on Battlefield High School, Fairfax High School, Chantilly High School, Herndon High School and Wakefield High School on Thursday night. The meet marked the final regular season home meet for the Highland- ers, and also Senior Night. Led by all-around champion Samantha Simon, McLean placed first with a total score of 143.350. Senior Carolyn Brown-Kaiser, who is currently out recovering from a torn achilles, describes her team as a group of extremely driven girls. She said, “I have absolute faith for them to do as well as they can, and as well as last year, if not better.” Team scores for the meet: 1. McLean High School, 143.350 2. Battlefield High School, 130.200 3. Fairfax High School, 129.700 4. Chantilly High School, 129.550 5. Herndon High School, 123.600 6. Wakefield High School, 113.650 The next meet for the Highlanders is Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at West Potomac High School. Anna Brower swinging through the air during an uneven — Jennifer Kaye bars routine. Anna Brower jumping high on the balance beam.

Tara Stewart jumping back- Senior Jennie Korb with a Lola Amaya performing a wards during her first place perfectly executed hand- jump on her balance performance on the balance stand during her routine on Lola Amaya giving a powerful performance on her floor beam routine. beam, scoring a 9.55 the balance beam. routine.

8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Talent on Display at Saxon Stage Langley High drama students present four “one-acts.” By Shanzeh Umerani The Connection

rom tales of insanity to those of love, the drama students at Lan- Fgley High School put their skills to use by directing and putting on their own shows on Friday, Jan. 19. A total of four “one-acts” flowed through the night as the Saxon Stage’s students directed and performed their sets without the help of an adult supervisor or teacher. Theatre director of the Saxon Stage Valerie Karasek wanted to give this platform a go for her students so that they may be Actress Danielle Generous plays a paranoid and able to experience the responsibility as well cautious Mary Girard who is surrounded by five as the excitement of all aspects of theatre “furies” (Evelyn Marzol, Jessica Peros, Mary Peterson, from costumes to stage management. Photos by Shanzeh Umerani/The Connection Rachel Lesan and Samuel Buroker) that are fueling “[This] was a bit of an experiment,” said The character called “The Soldier,” played by Aidan the idea of her mental insanity. This one-act will be Karasek as she watched her students per- Herzig, converses with Major Harris (Michael recorded and submitted to VHSL (Virginia High form their given acts. “We usually do a win- Hoeymans) as the Major finds his man stuck in one School League) in hopes that the Saxon Stage will win ter selection of student chosen one-acts, place when he mistakenly sat on a landmine. State Championships. [however] this year we didn’t have as many student directors who had the time to put it on — so we did something a little different,” Karasek explained. The plays consisted of a comedy called “Goldilocks on Trial,” a drama named “Booby Trap,” a love story titled “The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year,” and a thriller captioned “The Insanity of Mary Girard.” Anneka Noe is an advanced drama student at the Saxon Stage and was the director for the VHSL chosen piece, “The Insan- ity of Mary Girard.” The act takes place in the year 1790, where Mary Girard has been The Three Bears (from left: Manasi Uprety, Ben Hauptlil, She (Jane Gerrard) is peacefully feeding her pigeons seemingly imprisoned in an insane asylum and Ana Grajdeanu) stand as they present their side of on a park bench. The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year due to her husband declaring her insane the story that Papa Bear (Hauptlil) is explaining to the cast only has two members, She (Gerrard) and He after figuring out she will have a child of court and Judge Wallabee (Brooke Siegel). (Ryan Wilson, not pictured). another man. Mary Girard is wary and paranoid of her surroundings due to five “fu- Mary Peterson, Rachel Lesan and Samuel dently knows what is going to happen and Molly (Mariana Pava), Mark (Lawson ries” that are fueling the idea of insanity Buroker). starts looking back at his past and wonders Haynes), Stephanie (Kimmy Tallant), and around her, of which Mary eventually gives Drama one students, most of whom are how his wife and son back home will take the Soldier’s Mother (Lily Calderwood). in to believing. The story is compelling and freshman, were part of the first two acts — the painful news. “Booby Trap” is a capti- This series of one-acts allows the students haunting as you begin to see the small trans- “Goldilocks on Trial” and “Booby Trap.” vating and heart-breaking one act that was in the Saxon Stage to be themselves and do formations in the character; actress Danielle “You get a lot of freedom [doing this],” beautifully performed by Herzig, Johnson, what they love most. “It’s the most amaz- Generous surprises the audience with a said Devran Johnson, a freshman at Lan- Michael Hoeymans (Major Harris), Cole ing feeling [being on stage]; you get to build powerful performance acting as the sane gley High School and member of the Saxon Sitilides (Captain Gruss), Cathy (Kaylie a[n] ensemble family and are able to per- turned insane character alongside her Stage. Johnson plays the role of Caitlyn in Gibbs), Tom (Kathryn Skeen), The Lieuten- form and work together,” said Johnson af- castmates Will Baruch (The Warder), Claire the one-act titled “Booby Trap.” The act re- ant (Luke Flaxman), Drill Instructor (Ander- ter her performance in “Booby Trap.” The Goldhush (Mrs. Lum), Mark Bosset volves around a character called “The Sol- son Hauptli), Caitlyn’s Mother (Jenna members of the Saxon Stage will be put- (Stephen Girard), Adam Taffel (Mr. dier,” played by Aidan Herzig, who finds Khatib), The Corporal (John Colligan), The ting on their Spring play of Agatha Christie’s Phillips), Sofia Duque (Polly Kenton), and himself stuck in one place when he mistak- Professor (Sam Chagoury), Sister Anne “And Then There Were None,” and tickets The Furies (Evelyn Marzol, Jessica Peros, enly sat on a landmine. The Soldier evi- (Abby Dickerson), Abby (Julia Sensiba), are available at www.saxon-stage.com.

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Fairfax-Loudoun Site Makes First Cut for Amazon HQ2 A site straddling Fairfax and Loudoun counties is Phyllis Randall, the chair of the Loudoun County one of the locations that has been selected for fur- Board of Supervisors, said, “This is a great example ther consideration as Amazon’s second headquarters. of how a region working together can tell a power- Fewer than 10 percent of the 238 sites proposed for ful story. The partnership between Loudoun and “HQ2” are on the short list of locations that Amazon Fairfax County on a metro accessible site highlights announced last week. our commitment to provide the best solution where As part of the northern Virginia proposal, Loudoun Amazon and their employees can live, work, learn and Fairfax counties collaborated with developer and play.” Open-Rebees to submit the largest non-developed site Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the on Metro that checks all of the boxes that Amazon Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, and other corporate users want and need. As home noted that Amazon already has chosen Fairfax County to a major backbone of the Internet, a top-notch for an east coast campus of Amazon Web Services workforce and Washington Dulles international Air- (AWS). “We are excited to learn that Fairfax and port, the two counties are convinced that northern Loudoun counties made the short list of sites that Virginia has all of the assets needed to merit serious Amazon will consider for HQ2,” Gordon said. “The consideration. Economic Development Authority, Loudoun County “We are very excited that northern Virginia is in- and partners stand ready to demonstrate to the com- cluded on the short list as a potential location for pany why our combination of business and quality- Amazon’s second headquarters. Fairfax and Loudoun of-life assets make this a great location for HQ2 in counties are able to offer a great quality of life addition to the mission-critical services AWS provides coupled with an innovative and business friendly to the private and public sectors.” culture for future Amazon corporate neighbors and Buddy Rizer, executive director of Loudoun Eco- employees. With our highly educated and talented nomic Development, explained, “The site Amazon is workforce and a location close to Dulles International considering is near Loudoun’s Data Center Alley – Airport and a new Silver Line train station, we hope the largest and fastest-growing data center market we will have the opportunity to welcome Amazon in the world. It will be more than fitting for an inter- HQ2 to Virginia,” said Sharon Bulova, chairman of national e-commerce corporation of Amazon’s stat- the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. ure to locate its second headquarters here.”

Photo by Rob Paine/RSVP Northern V

irginia/Volunteer Fairfax

Peter Beeman of Oakton and his daughters Charlotte, a sixth grader at Waples Mill Elementary School and Grace, a senior at Oakton High School (and a Waples Mill alumni) make Valentine’s Day cards during Volunteer Fairfax’s Give Together 2018 event, held Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia in Annandale. The deadline for nominations for the 26th annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards presented by Volunteer Fairfax is Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at 5 p.m. Deadline Nears for Volunteer Service Awards Nominations The deadline for nominations for the 26th an- There are now more than a dozen competitive nual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards pre- categories open for nominations including for sented by Volunteer Fairfax is Thursday, Feb. 1, at awards that recognize the top adult and youth 5 p.m. volunteer groups; a lifetime achievement honor If you know of a deserving volunteer or volun- that recognizes an individual for his or her entire teer group that has made a positive impact on the body of volunteer work and the RSVP Volunteer Fairfax County community you are encouraged to of the Year award that recognizes an outstanding visit www.volunteerfairfax.org and complete a RSVP Northern Virginia senior volunteer. service award nomination form today. The Fairfax For a complete list of categories and guidelines County Volunteer Service Awards is a community- and to access a short podcast that includes help- wide celebration of volunteerism that culminates ful tips on how to make a nomination shine, visit in a breakfast hosted by Volunteer Fairfax, Friday, www.volunteerfairfax.org or call Kristen Moore at April 27, 2018, at The Waterford at Springfield. Volunteer Fairfax at 703-246-3531.

10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board Lost in Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and Space artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Child turning 5 years old by Sept.30? If so, Not a reference to the iconic television contact your child’s school to make series of my youth, but there was “danger,” arrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Most Ken Lourie, and it wasn’t caused by Dr. schools begin getting information together now Zachary Smith nor by “robot,” (Robbie) either. for parents of incoming kindergartners, and And it wasn’t a conspiracy. It was simply a many host an orientation or open house. All confluence of absenteeism by my health care kindergarten programs are full-day and located providers. Both my oncologist and internal in FCPS elementary schools. Check your school’s medicine doctor were absent with leave and webpage or contact the school directly for yours truly was caught in the crossfire, so to specific enrollment information and dates of speak. Let me provide some context to help orientationor visit www.fcps.edu/registration/ kindergarten-registration. you appreciate my dilemma. I have chemotherapy every six weeks. Accordingly, I have lab work the Wednesday FY 2019 SCHOOLS BUDGET before the Friday to check for anomalies – FCPS Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand will present anomalies which over the years have occa- the 2018-19 school year (FY 2019) sionally delayed my infusion by up to two Proposed Budget at the School Board weeks waiting for my body to settle. In the meeting on Thursday, Jan. 11, at Jackson early days of treatment, my white blood cell Middle School at 7 p.m. The School Board plans count was crucial; too low and no treatment; to hold a budget work session on Jan. 22, and a too high, it was never too high. No treatment public hearing on the Proposed Budget on Jan. and the cancer was left unchecked. An 29, with additional hearings on Jan. 30 and Jan. incredibly stressful occurrence when your 31, if needed. Get more information on the FCPS budget at www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/ treatment is stopped. Whether or not a week budget/fy2019. or two delay ultimately mattered in checking the cancer, it certainly mattered – emotionally, to the patient. You feel adrift, sort of, which is WEDNESDAY/JAN. 24 exactly how I felt during the first two weeks of MCC Monthly Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at MCC January. Administrative Offices, 6631 Old Dominion Typically, what my current lab work pre- Drive, McLean. All meetings of the Governing sents is my creatinine level and the associated Board are open to the public. Tax district glomular filtration rate, measuring kidney residents (Dranesville District-1A) who wish to function/efficiency. After nearly nine years of speak during the “Citizen Comment” portion of infused toxicity, I have suffered some collateral the meeting, should call the Center at 703-790- damage to a major organ. My oncologist and 0123, TTY: 711, to be placed on the agenda. internal medicine doctor are incredibly sensi- tive and concerned about this damage. Per FRIDAY/JAN. 26 these results, every medical decision made Nomination Deadline. Nominations are being concerning me; from prescriptions approved accepted by the Virginia Department of to “normal” internal medicine stuff to whether Transportation for Virginia’s 2017 Outstanding I get “contrast” when I have my scans and Crossing Guard of the Year. Parents, students, MRIs to what chemotherapy drug I infuse and and teachers are welcome to submit a how frequently its infused, is decided with my nomination and photo online. Visit kidneys in mind. Nothing happens medically www.fcps.edu/news/nominations-open-2017- until my kidneys sign off on it, if you know virginia-outstanding-crossing-guard for more. what I mean? As it happened, my creatinine level for my SATURDAY/JAN. 27 Jan. 12 infusion was higher than usual. When Hospice Philosophy/Hospice 101. 10-11:30 this measure occurs, I know to call the a.m. at Charles Wesley United Methodist Infusion Center and ask the head nurse if I Church, The Hunger Church, 6817 Dean Drive, should come in for treatment. She will contact McLean. Local professional speakers to walk my oncologist and with his direction, will participants through the process of putting advise me what to do, except for this week. affairs in order and to answer questions. Free. My oncologist was away and though another Visit www.TheHungerChurch.org. oncologist – whom I’ve never met – was cov- ering, I’m not really sure she knows enough about my situation. Specifically that I’m a bit of a special case, per my oncologist’s own Bicycling characterization of me, and I’ve never gone From Page 3 seven weeks, let alone eight weeks without treatment. Delaying my infusion would break a multi-year precedent. In fact, around the word that nominations for Out- holidays when I asked my oncologist if I could standing Crossing Guard of the Year extend my infusion interval from six to seven weeks (to accommodate life), he emphatically for 2017 were still wanted, with the said “No.” Moreover (to complicate a cover- deadline being Jan. 26 for the Feb. 14 ing physician’s decision), my oncologist has announcement of the honorees on also told me that if I were a new patient with Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. creatinine levels as chronically high as mine, he wouldn’t/couldn’t treat me until those lev- Anyone can nominate a crossing guard els reduced. by going to the Virginia Department So not only was I in the middle of an of Transportation website at unprecedented one to possibly two-week www.virginiadot.org and searching delay in my infusion, but I also needed an Safe Routes to School. oncologist – who I don’t know and who does- n’t know me – to decide/make an excep- tion/maybe risk her medical license (if some- FAAB encourages all cycling enthusi- thing were to happen to me), to authorize asts of all levels of ability and cycling treatment for a patient whose creatinine levels usage to join their organization to stay fall outside of protocol, and me not having either of my two primary-care physicians informed, to be better educated on available for consultation. And other than the cycling safety, and to participate in default emails advising that both were out of social rides and other FABB activities. town, I had nowhere to go and no one to turn FABB is on the web at www.fabb- to. Heck, I might as well have been on bikes.org and has a Facebook page, as another planet, given the limited choices I well. Its next meeting is Feb. 21 at had. 7:30 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Public Library in Vienna. Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 ❖ 11 12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ January 24-30, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com