Holocaust survivor Sam Ponczak, with daughter Raquel Hecker, talks about his family history at his home in Arlington on April 2. Classifieds, Page 6 Classifieds, v

Holocaust Survivor Recalls Flight from ‘Warsaw Ghetto’ Progress at National Airport, Page 7 Progress News, Page 3

Urgently Needed: Blood Donations

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U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 4 STD PRSRT Janet Barnett/Arlington Connection April 21-27, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com News Stop Waiting — Start Donating Blood donors suffering from COVID fatigue; visit www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/

By Shirley Ruhe Photo by Janet Barnett/Arlington Connection Arlington Connection

ust a few minutes of your time can save a life. Heath- Jer Wade, Donor Recruitment Manager for Inova Blood Donor Services says, “We need 230 do- nors a day in Northern to get 200 successful donations which yields 30 platelets, 20 double red cells and 150 whole blood (the old fashioned kind). So the power of one can save three lives.” Wade says they hold two blood drives five days a week in Northern Virginia. Due to COVID most blood drives are held at their three brick The Inova Bloodmobile is stationed across from Alexandria Town and mortar locations in Sterling, Square on Monday, April 19 to collect blood donations greatly Annandale and Centreville. How- needed in N. Virginia. ever, there are other local locations scheduled such as the Alexandria 6 p.m. and 5010 Little Falls Road each location. When the pandemic Town Square Monday, April 19 in Arlington on April 25. first hit, they had a lot of support. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Virginia Hos- Any blood donated locally is But as schools are starting to open pital Center in Arlington Tuesday, used within a radius of 40 miles and more vaccinations are taking April 20 from 10:30. a.m.-4:30 so you know your blood will be place, the response has been much p.m., Anytime Fitness Center in used to help members of your lower. the Kingstowne in Fairfax County community, Wade says. There are on Tuesday, April 20 from 12 p.m.- 32-38 appointments available at See Stop Waiting, Page 6

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Holocaust survivor recalls flight from Journey to Freedom ‘Warsaw Ghetto’ and occupied Poland. By Jeanne Theismann Arlington Connection

am Ponczak was just shy of two years old when Nazi Germany invaded Po- land on Sept.1, 1939. At the time, SPonczak was living with his parents in Warsaw in an area that would become

known as the Warsaw Ghetto, a section of Courtesy photos the city walled off by Germans in 1940 for the forced placement of Jews. Photo by Janet Barnett/Arlington Connection Four years later, on April 19, 1943, it was the site of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II. By then, Ponczak’s father Jacob had fled to Soviet-occupied Poland in search of Holocaust survivor Sam Ponczak, left, with father Jacob, safety for his family, leaving his wife and son mother Sara and sister Giselle circa 1946 in Poland. behind. “I had no idea what was going on at the time,” Ponczak recalled from his home in Ar- lington. “We lived with my mother’s brother and his family - eight people in a small place each location. When the pandemic– in the Jewish ghetto. When the war broke first hit, they had a lot of support.out my father wisely expected that when the But as schools are starting to open Germans arrived, it would not be fun.” and more vaccinations are taking Ponczak’s mother, Sara, was reluctant to place, the response has been muchleave her own parents and siblings. But in lower. November of 1940, she and Ponczak fled the Ghetto with the aid of a priest, who saw the Holocaust survivor two at the train station and shielded them Sam Ponczak, with Sam Ponczak in his from authorities. daughter Raquel 1955 high school gradu- “My mother was carrying me and wearing Hecker, talks about ation photo in Wroclaw, the Star of David on her armband,” Ponczak his family history Poland. said. “The priest told her to take the band off at his home in Ar- and get behind him. When asked, the priest lington on April 2. Sam Ponczak and said that we were from his parish. Did we his sister Giselle know him? No. Did we pay him? No. But this circa 1946. is the man that saved my life.” Part of the escape necessitated walking Sam Ponczak points to a mezuzah that across the frozen Bug River alone at night. survived the Holocaust amid his family’s Ponczak’s mother kept falling on the ice flight from occupied Poland. while holding him in her arms, which Pon- czak found amusing. Fearing that his laugh- after he retired and began volunteering at much,” Ponczak said. “I was accused that I ter would get them caught, she gave him By Janet Barnett/Arlington Connection the Holocaust Museum about 13 years ago. was not a Holocaust survivor by another sur- family photographs to play with. That’s when he started opening up.” vivor because he survived a concentration “Sadly, I do not have any photos of my Ponczak’s sister Gisele was born in 1945 and Now 83 years old, Ponczak, is still some- camp and I did not. And I understand that. family from before the war,” Ponczak said where the family remained until the end of times reluctant to share his experiences, I was in occupied Warsaw but I feel that the with regret. “Mother gave them to me to the war. which included the loss of his uncle and real Holocaust survivors were my parents, keep me from laughing. I was a kid and Ponczak and his family returned to Poland family left behind in Poland. who did not have a lot of choices but still thought it was a game and tore them up.” in 1946. With Warsaw destroyed, they set- “I believe survivors haven’t talked about did everything they could to survive. They Once inside Soviet-occupied territory, So- tled first in Reichenbach (now Dzierżoniów) the Holocaust because they suffered so are my heroes.” viet border guards arrested Ponczak and his then Wroclaw, where Ponczak finished high mother. They were reunited with Ponczak’s school. But antisemitism persisted so the father and deported to Kotlas, a labor camp family left Poland for France in 1957. Flourishing After 55 in Siberia. In 1959, they immigrated to Argentina “Kotlas was not like the German la- and in 1964 to the . They set- Office of 55+ Programs Genealogy discussion focuses on access- bor camps, but you could not escape from tled in Baltimore, where the owners of Ham- Department of Parks and Recreation ing birth and death certificates and other there,” Ponczak recalled. “My father worked 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington, VA 22207 vital statistics, Thursday, April 22, 3 p.m. burger’s Department Store offered Ponczak’s 703-228-4747 Registration # 913400-17. as a lumberjack and we lived in a Mongolian father work tailoring clothing. yurt – my family and a native woman who “In Argentina I realized that my best op- Contact: Judy Massabny, Chat with an artist about composition, was assigned to stay with us. My father got portunities would be in the United States,” [email protected] materials, technique, Thursday, April 22, 4 rations so we could eat and my mother and Ponczak said. “My father had employment 55+ Programs are virtual. A 55+ Member- p.m. Registration # 913301-21. ship is required to attend ($20 annual fee). I could walk around the camp. But the labor and I came on a student visa.” Learn more at parks.arlingtonva.us, search Style and substance, paint a favorite ob- was hard and it was a grim existence.” Ponczak, who obtained an engineering 55+ member. To join or register, go to regis- ject, demonstration by community arts pro- Eventually the family was moved to Syk- degree from the University of Maryland, tration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747. grammer, Jim Halloran, Thursday, Apr. 22, tyvkar, the capital of the Komi Autonomous met Frieda Greenblatt during his freshman 10 a.m. Registration # 913301-26. Republic in northern Russia. While there, year. The two married in 1965 and together Causes and consequences of Global Warm- Ponczak’s father and mother, an expert tai- ing, Thursday, April 22, 2 p.m. Presented by raised three children. David Herring of the National Oceanic and Travel discussion to feature historical lor and seamstress, were assigned to make “Dad didn’t talk much about the Holocaust Atmospheric Administration. Registration sites, Friday, Apr. 23, 3 p.m. Registration # military clothing. In 1944, they were sent when we were younger,” said Ponczak’s #913400-01. 913402-27. to the town of Kherson in Ukraine, where daughter Raquel Hecker. “We learned more www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v April 21-27, 2021 v 3 News Same Company, Same Employees, Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! Running for Second in Command TWO POOR TEACHERS

come in this country.” his House of Delegates in the convention, voters must register as del- trail she accuses Democrats of race baiting. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Thirteen candidates campaign, and he also egates to the convention. Voters will be asked “They’re pitting the races against each oth- Del. (D- received $25,000 from to rank the candidates from first to sixth, and er,” said Sears in a candidate forum. “You’re are running 51) was first elected to Clean Virginia. On the if no one wins a majority on the first round the heard the constant Black, white, now it’s the House of Delegates campaign trail, he ad- last-place candidate will be dropped. Asian. They’re speaking against Thomas for lieutenant in 2017, defeating in- vocates for banning as- Jefferson kids and their successes, and they cumbent Republican sault weapons, joining Former Del. Tim want quotas.” governor in Virginia. Rich Anderson. Cam- the National Popular Hugo (R-40) was first paign-finance records Vote Interstate Com- elected in a 2002 spe- Lance Allen is a Mark Levine By Michael Lee Pope show she’s received pact and abolishing cial election to fill the first-time candidate The Connection $25,000 from the envi- mandatory minimum seat vacated by Jay who is trying to use his ronmental group Clean Hala Ayala sentences for non-violent crimes. O’Brien when he was lack of political experi- he job of lieutenant governor is Virginia, and she also was able to transfer “I support no prison sentences for peo- elected to the state ence as an asset, fram- often overlooked, but it plays an $60,000 from her House campaign. On the ple who are addicted to drugs, period,” said Senate. As a longtime ing his campaign as an important role in Virginia politics. campaign trail, she talks about how being an Levine in a candidate forum. “Because if member of the House, attempt to do some- TAlthough many people view it as a Afro-Latina-Lebanese-Irish has informed her you’re an addict, you need help. You need he served as chairman thing about his frustra- stepping stone to running for governor, the view of politics. health care. You don’t need to go to prison.” of the House Republican Caucus and was tion with politics. He lieutenant governor has a critical role in the “For a long time, I did not feel like politi- able to raise large amounts of money to help doesn’t have any big Lance Allen • Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed day-to-day proceedings of the General As- cians looked like me or had a lived experi- Del. Elizabeth candidates across Virginia. On the campaign name endorsements, and he hasn’t raised • Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999 10% down sembly. ence like mine,” said Ayala in a candidate fo- Guzman (D-31) was trail, his pitch to Republican delegates is that much money. But on the campaign trail, he’s • Heating Ventilation and Air He or she presides over the Senate, which rum. “My family struggled growing up, and I first elected in 2017, he’s a Republican who has a history of win- trying to connect with voters by tapping into nothing until the job often means making procedural rulings lost my father to gun violence. defeating Republi- ning in Northern Virginia, where he was re- their frustration with Republican leadership Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the about whether motions can proceed or not. can incumbent Scott elected eight times before being unseated by in the General Assembly. • Plumbing (PLB) past 17 years Perhaps more importantly, though, the lieu- Norfolk City Coun- Lingamfelter. Cam- in 2019. “We caved on issue after issue, and I’m • Residential Building (RBC) tenant governor gets to break tie votes in a cilwoman Andria paign-finance records “You never thought a decade ago or 15 tired of compromising my values just so we chamber where Democrats hold a two-vote McClellan was first show she’s taken large years ago that you would have Democrats can have a little bit of power,” said Allen in majority. Because the chamber is home to Free Estimates 703-999-2928 elected in 2016, and campaign contribu- Elizabeth Guzman talking casually about infanticide,” said a candidate forum. “It’s time to stand up and some conservative-leaning Democrats, the as an at-large mem- tions from several Hugo in a candidate forum. “You never say the things we know as Republicans that Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level lieutenant governor has many opportunities ber of the council rep- unions, and she’s also taken $25,000 from thought you’d have Beto O’Rourke going we need to say.” http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov to step in and break a tie vote. resents more people Clean Virginia. On the campaign trail, she’s door to door against us to talk about taking Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com Earlier this month, Lieutenant Governor than anybody else in styled herself as the Bernie Sanders candi- our guns, and you never thought you’d be Puneet Ahluwalia Justin Fairfax broke a tie vote on legalizing the race. Her biggest date in the race who will abolish Virginia’s talking about defunding the police. But that’s is an activist who marijuana after two Senate Democrats voted contributor is the Nor- Andria McClellan so-called right-to-work law. what Democrats are doing now.” has been involved with Republicans. The next election for sen- folk-based PAC Access for Virginia. On the “I’m ready to go to the Senate and to be in Northern Virgin- ators isn’t until 2023, so the next lieutenant campaign trail, she talks about how her ex- the voice to educate the senators on how Del. ia politics for years governor will walk into a Senate cham- perience in local government would inform it’s important to repeal the right to work,” (R-84) is a former trying to build an im- ber where he or she could end up being a her performance as lieutenant governor. said Guzman in a candidate forum. “Repeal- member of the Virgin- migrant base for the tie-breaking vote on almost any issue. “We need a statewide database of afford- ing the right to work is providing workers a ia Beach City Council Republican Party. As able housing, where people can search and voice at the table, to fight for better equip- who was first elected to a first-generation im- Puneet Ahluwalia find opportunities,” said McClellan in a can- ment, to better their salary and for training the House of Delegates migrant, he’s hoping Democratic didate forum. “It needs to be searchable and purposes as well.” in 2013. Campaign-fi- his personal story might resonate with voters available for all throughout the common- nance records show who want to expand the range of the party. Candidates for wealth.” Xavier Warren is an he was able to transfer On the campaign trail, he talks about how NFL player agent and about $350,000 from Glenn Davis critical race theory is a threat to Virginia Lieutenant Governor Sean Perryman is lobbyist for nonprof- his House campaign account, giving him schools. Democrats will choose their nominee for the former president its. Campaign-finance an early edge over other other candidates. “All it does is teach children to divide, to lieutenant governor in a June 8 statewide of the Fairfax NAACP, records show he’s tak- As a member of the House, he has a voting hate, to see themselves as victims of oppres- primary. (Absentee voting begins April 23.) a role that’s put him en money from people record that’s a bit more moderate on issues sors,” said Ahluwalia in a video posted to Seven candidates will be on the ballot. The at the center of the who work in sports involving gay rights and labor issues. On the YouTube. “It leads to lower achievement and seat will be open because incumbent Lt. Gov. debate on ending qual- management, and he campaign trail, he’s positioning himself as a more quotas. America can’t lead when we Justin Fairfax is running for governor. ified immunity and received a $10,000 in- moderate alternative to the other candidates don’t even believe in our own values.” Xavier Warren defelonizing drugs. A kind contribution from who are more closely aligned with former Del. Sam Rasoul significant portion of communications firm Capture Create Media. President . Maeve Rigler is a (D-11) was first elect- his campaign contribu- Sean Perryman On the campaign trail, he advocates for end- “I want to go to the middle because the lawyer who wanted to ed to the House of Del- tions come from law- ing the cash-bail system and investing in so- middle is where you win elections,” said Davis run as a Republican egates in 2013 to fill yers and lobbyists, and he’s taken $25,000 lar farms. in a candidate forum. “The middle is where a candidate against U.S. the seat vacated by On- from Clean Virginia. On the campaign trail, “Virginia is in a covid crisis, a climate cri- lot of Republicans have gotten way too un- Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) zlee Ware. He’s raised he’s called for allowing incarcerated people sis and an economic crisis,” said Warren in a comfortable being, and what’s why we lose.” but she was unsuc- more money than any to vote, abolishing qualified immunity for candidate forum. cessful in securing the of the other Democrats police and limiting campaign contributions. “I want to be the leader in technology, Former Del. Win- nomination in the con- in the race, and his “I don’t think corporate donations are a healthcare innovation and also clean energy some Sears (R-90) vention. She’s now po- Sam Rasoul campaign contributors problem. I think the problem is contribution and helping families to build generational served one term in the sitioning herself as the Maeve Rigler include donations from limits,” said Perryman in a candidate forum. wealth.” House of Delegates 20 candidate who will fight for election security, the health-care sector, physicians, pharma- “Whether you’re getting $100,000 from an years ago. Since that arguing that she’ll fight against voter fraud. cists and dentists. On the campaign trail, he LLC or from Joe Smith down the block, they time, she waged an “We need a candidate who will stand up talks about how his experience as a Muslim are still having influence over you. And so Republican unsuccessful campaign against voter fraud,” said Rigler in a YouTube has informed his view of politics. we absolutely need to have limits on our con- in 2004 against Con- video. “Look, we’ve all had some vulnerable tributions.” Candidates for gressman Bobby Scott “The Democrats stole the election from the Winsome Sears moments over the past several years,” said and an unsuccessful Republicans. I’ve been expecting Virginia Re- Rasoul in a candidate forum. “And a big vul- Del. Mark Levine (D-45) was first elected Lieutenant Governor write-in candidacy in 2018 as an alternative publicans to stand up and speak out while nerable moment for me was in December of in 2015, filling a seat vacated by Democrat Republicans will choose their nominee in an to , whom she called a “charla- the Democrats keep spewing their socialist 2015 when a then-candidate for president Rob Krupicka. Campaign-finance records unassembled convention on May 8, which will tan.” Sears has the endorsement of state Sen. agenda, I’ve heard nothing but silence from said people who worship like me are not wel- show his largest donation is $40,000 from be at 37 locations throughout Virginia. To vote Amanda Chase (R-11), and on the campaign Republicans.” 4 v Arlington Connection v April 21-27, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v April 21-27, 2021 v 5 Classified News WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM Janet Barnett/Arlington Connection To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411

Legals Legals

Notice of Availability: Draft Environmental Assessment, Pentagon Remote Delivery Facility Roof Structural Strengthening Project

Agency: Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services

Public Comment Period: April 15 – May 4, 2021

Summary: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Parts 1500-1508), the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) has prepared and issued Jessica Willis-Schnitz, Blood Do- a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of the Pentagon Remote Delivery nor Services Account Manager, Facility (RDF) Roof Structural Strengthening Project. says the goal is to collect roughly The Pentagon RDF Roof Structural Strengthening Project’s purpose is to retrofit and convert 30 units of blood in Alexandria the existing Pentagon Heliport, located on the roof of the RDF just north of the Pentagon and they have 33 donors signed Building, into a permanent facility that sustains the safe operations (e.g., landing, takeoff, and up so she is looking forward to a parking) of aircraft that land at the Pentagon and of applicable emergency support vehicles. Furthermore, the project is intended to enhance the structural integrity of the RDF Roof. To great day for patients. meet the needs of the Department of the Army and other military branches that operate flights at the Pentagon, the strengthening of the RDF Roof must also meet parameters to support certain helicopter vehicle weights under both landing and operation conditions. Stop Waiting

Structural strengthening is necessary because the RDF structure was not initially designed From Page 2 with the intent of supporting a helipad. System adjustments to the exterior site, as well as to environmental, air traffic control, electrical, drainage, backfill, waterproofing, and irrigation- ele “Now we are struggling. The ments, are also necessary to sustain safe heliport operation. In addition, the heliport requires need has grown exponentially but several upgrades to convert it to a permanent facility that meets air traffic control requirements. the effort is down. Truly there are The No-Action Alternative would not implement strengthening and retrofit of the RDF Roof. people waiting on a blood dona- Rather, the No-Action Alternative would retain the existing temporary helipad without any air tion.” Wade says she thinks people traffic related improvements. This alternative would not meet the purpose and need defined by WHS and therefore, the No-Action Alternative is not the preferred alternative. are struggling with COVID fatigue. “It is difficult to let the community As described in the Draft EA, the proposed project is not expected to result in any significant know how much this is needed.” adverse effects or impacts on the natural or human environment. It is anticipated that this EA will result in a Finding of No Significant Impact. She says they have a number of appointment cancellations “but we To request a copy of the Draft EA: Please contact Joe Eichenlaub, Environmental Branch don’t know why.” Manager, WHS/Facilities Services Directorate (FSD)/Standards and Compliance Division (SCD)/Environmental, Sustainability, and Energy Branch (ESEB); telephone: 703-614-9583; The whole process takes an hour email: [email protected]. or less start to finish. “We think about it in 15 minute increments: Send Comments To: Written comments may also be emailed to [email protected]. 15 for filling out the questionnaire, 15 for a screening mini-physical For Further Information Contact: Joe Eichenlaub, Environmental Branch Manager, WHS/ with blood pressure, temperature FSD/SCD/ ESEB; telephone: 703-614-9583; email: [email protected]. and finger prick to test for iron, 15 for donation “needle in arm” and 15 for snack and drink to replenish the body,” Wade said. Laura Watchman, who is orga- nizing a Blood Drive on Little Falls Road in Arlington on Sunday, April 25 in conjunction with Inova Blood Donor Services, says most people who donate blood say they do it because it is something you can do that directly saves lives. Watchman has recently organized a number of blood drives through her church and says they have one man who has donated 60 times. The Inova Blood Donor Services Bloodmobile will be located at 5010 Little Falls Road on April 25. Watchman says you must register and make an appointment ahead of time. “We have 32 slots available and usually fill up but currently have nine left to fill.” She says giving blood is easy with many of the prescreening questions now done online at home in order to cut down the time a person spends at the site. “And a bonus to your good deed is you get to take home a T-shirt.” The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Rock Spring An expert is someone who knows some UCC sponsors it with support from of the worst mistakes that can be made Arlington Rotary Club. in his subject and how to avoid them. -Werner Heisenberg Wade adds, “Stop waiting-start donating.” 6 v Arlington Connection v April 21-27, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Wanna Take

Janet Barnett/Arlington Connection Business A Chance? Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE I’m sort of invoking Southwest Airlines here, WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM but not exactly. What I am invoking are the in- credible number of television and radio commer- Call 703-549-0004 cials for legal gambling sites and for car insurance. for advertising information Both offer rewards while requiring payment upfront. In anecdotal fact, if it wasn’t for these two entities advertising on television especially, and on radio to a lesser degree, the airwaves would be a ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL lot less redundant. I’m so used to seeing Flo from Photo contributed Progressive, LiMu Emu and Doug from Liberty Mutual and all sorts of familiar characters from Geico that I am actually contemplating making an insurance inquiry. Together, these insurance com- panies in particular have combined to nearly beat me into insurance-quote submission. The last time I changed car insurance companies was after see- ing a plane at the beach flying a banner for all of us who could see encouraging us to make a call. It Looking from the air, the new terminal is at the northern end of the airport. was - for me, the last straw. I called the company the following week and was indeed rewarded for LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING that call: hundreds in premium savings. Stop Waiting Likewise, DraftKings, Fanduel and BetMGM New Terminal Opens at have combined to nearly entice me into entering their world of online, sportsbook betting. Unfor- “Now we are struggling. The tunately, I have a much better grasp of the jargon need has grown exponentially but and issues addressed by car insurance advertis- Reagan National Airport ers (having been a Certified Financial Planner the effort is down. Truly there are people waiting on a blood dona- in my previous profession). With respect to the sportsbooks, even though I’m a long time “sports tion.” Wade says she thinks peopleThe new concourse is another step towards Summer Cleanup... guy,” and as such understand the nature and risks are struggling with COVID fatigue. of anticipating a desired outcome, I’ve rarely ven- “It is difficult to let the communitymodernization for this urban airport. tured outside the lines. Those lines being an NFL know how much this is needed.” most-winners pool held weekly in season at my She says they have a number of By Mike Salmon wife Dina’s former employer, a season-ending Su- The Connection per Bowl point-totals-at-end-of-each-quarter thing, appointment cancellations “but we and a yearly participation in the annual NCAA’s don’t know why.” “bracketology,”(which I’ve actually won once).

The whole process takes an hour he north end of Photo by Mike Salmon/The Connection But the modern sportsbook and even the indi- or less start to finish. “We think Reagan National viduals hired by the radio and television networks about it in 15 minute increments:T Airport stretched a to discuss/albeit recommend the various “plays;” 15 for filling out the questionnaire,little closer to Roslyn with the over-under, the parlays and all the extra-spe- cial, apparent can’t-miss, 15 for a screening mini-physicalthe recent partial comple- opportunities for new/first-time bettors/gam- with blood pressure, temperaturetion of “Project Journey,” blers hyped as if there really is nothing to lose by and finger prick to test for iron, 15a modernization project Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage playing and only money to win, is all too much for donation “needle in arm” andconsisting of a new ter- for me to process and understand. After listening 15 for snack and drink to replenishminal to take the place of to all the noise, I really feel a need to take a class to protect myself from simply losing/throwing the body,” Wade said. Gate 35X, 14 new gates money away because I think I understand, but Laura Watchman, who is orga-that provide a spot for air- likely understand very little of the actual risk/ nizing a Blood Drive on Little Fallslines like American Eagle reward dynamic. Certainly, I can appreciate the Road in Arlington on Sunday, Aprilto call home, and expand- excitement of winning money at the expense of 25 in conjunction with Inova Blooded security checkpoints others, but as most would attest, at the very least; Donor Services, says most people which will open in the expecting outcomes will satisfy your financial needs is a slippery slope at best and a rabbit hole who donate blood say they do it summer-fall timeframe. at worst (why else the “If you become afflicted to because it is something you can do Where once the termi- Currently the American Eagle airplanes are using the gambling” advisories on all the advertisements). that directly saves lives. Watchmannals 1-45 ended at Termi- existing gates. The car insurance companies are certain we all has recently organized a numbernal C, it now goes on to want to save money on such necessary got-to- of blood drives through her churchterminals 46-59, allowing American Eagle the project timeline, added Malandrino, haves like car insurance. And the sportsbooks are betting (pun intended) that we all want to find free and says they have one man whoto use bigger regional aircraft with 70 or 90 who called it “the only good thing out of the money and are not opposed to taking a chance to has donated 60 times. seats and a first-class section. pandemic.” get it. A chance which if successful, might actually The Inova Blood Donor Services Before the new concourse was built, pas- The first airplane used one of the new provide the extra money needed to pay their car Bloodmobile will be located atsengers had to get on a shuttle or go outside gates on April 20, and the new concourse insurance premiums. I fear however, that once 5010 Little Falls Road on April 25.to get on airplanes at 35X, exposing them will only see more action as time goes on. dipping my wallet into the gambling waters, and win a little, but likely lose more, it might be diffi- Watchman says you must registerto the elements. During rain or cold weath- There are still signs the project is not com- cult to extract myself from their figurative clutches. and make an appointment aheader, this was a challenge for passengers. Now pletely finished though, and there is another The car insurance companies are sort of the same. of time. they’ll be able to board the airplane directly big hurdle to clear this July, when addition- They entice us by advertising lower prices then “We have 32 slots available andfrom the terminal like they do at other gates. al concessions like a new coffee shop, pizza hope to retain customers by offering various other usually fill up but currently have Another big element of Project Journey is place and gift store will open in the new con- incentives such as “accident forgiveness,” “van- nine left to fill.” She says givingthe introduction of upgraded security gates course. All 230,000 square feet of terminal ishing deductibles” and the like. In effect, they’re both trying to bait us and hope we don’t switch. blood is easy with many of thethat will allow more freedom for passen- space is enclosed in 82,477 square feet of Their motivation is quite similar: they want our prescreening questions now donegers who were already through security but glass similar to the rest of the airport. money and they want us beholden to them. it’s online at home in order to cut would like to do more shopping or dining. not ideal, but it sure is prevalent. In each instance, down the time a person spends “This is all to improve customer service,” Airport Grows you’re “betting” money on an outcome which is at the site. “And a bonus to yoursaid the Metropolitan Washington Airports The facilities at Reagan National Airport totally out of your control: predicting scores and predicting whether you’ll have a car accident or good deed is you get to take homeAuthority Vice President Paul Malandrino. were designed to handle 15 million passen- not. Whose to know? Not me. In addition, I’ve a T-shirt.” American Airlines is the dominant carrier gers a year, but in 2019, pre-pandemic, the grown weary - and skeptical of the never-ending The blood drive will be held at Reagan National Airport, and since they airport saw 23 million passengers, so this pursuit of my dollars. Besides, I got out of the from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Rock Springwere merged with USAir a few years ago, was a sign an addition was needed. predicting business as soon as I received my “ter- UCC sponsors it with support fromthey’re even more so. Officials stopped short Previously the last major upgrade was in minal” cancer diagnosis in late Feb., 2009. Arlington Rotary Club. of calling it an “American hub,” though. 1993 when the construction of terminals B Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for Wade adds, “Stop waiting-start The pandemic last year, and early this year and C started, and an area called National The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. donating.” has enabled construction crews to speed up Hall. This terminal opened on July 27, 1997. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v April 21-27, 2021 v 7 8 v Arlington Connection v April 21-27, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com