Mcleanmclean Insideinside

McLeanMcLean InsideInside

1 ❖ 2017 ival g Fest prin ren's S hild ist C ptim ls O Fal reat s/G eler Jew eler ❖ Ad ion nnect Co alls at F Gre

om ers.c ewspap ionN nect Con

Monica Gibson of New Dominion Women’s Club models at the 10th annual Spring Fling Fashion Show at Bloomingdale’s.

Classifieds, Page 18 Classifieds,

❖ FashionFashion ShowShow

Entertainment, Page 16 ❖ ToTo HelpHelp LocalLocal CharitiesCharities News,News, PagePage 1515

Opinion, Page 8 FamilyFamily McLean Community Center ConnectionConnection Closed For Renovation Page 10

News, Page 3

Requested in home 3-30-17 home in Requested Time sensitive material. sensitive Time

McLean Teen Goes to Postmaster: Attention

PERMIT #322 PERMIT

Easton, MD Easton,

Maccabiah Games PAID

U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 14 STD PRSRT

Photo by Alina Lemay www.ConnectionNewspapers.comMarch 29 - April 4, 2017 onlineMcLean at Connectionwww.connectionnewspapers.com ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 1 2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected] MCC Closed 18 Months For Renovation By Fallon Forbush

The Connection Photos by Fallon Forbush/The Connection

round was broken for the 18- month renovation of the GMcLean Community Center on Wednesday, March 22. “The McLean Community Center is certainly a hub for McLean’s community, but that hub has been looking a bit tired lately,” Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said at the groundbreaking. “But that is going to change very quickly.” The Sorensen Gross Company will be doing the work for the renovation for $5.1 million. The center’s budget for the renovation project and temporary relocation of all its programs is $8 million, which has McLean Community Center staff members, Governing Board members, Virginia Delegates Richard “Rip” already been allocated and is ready to be Sullivan, Jr. and Kathleen Murphy and renovation donors break ground for the work to begin. spent. The current building, built in 1975, is center’s registration office. approximately 51,000 square-feet. The However, all the center’s dance programs project will renovate approximately 33,000 will need to be moved to a separate loca- square-feet of the original building. tion in the Langley Shopping Center at 1374 The indoor work will improve the admin- Chain Bridge Road. Last week, the commu- istration suite and bring the building up to nity center announced that these classes will compliance with the federal Americans with be held at the Color Wheel, a paint store. Disabilities Act. The work will allow the “Color Wheel was approached by the consolidation of all staff members into one MCC to see if we might provide space for administration office area. some of its classes,” Roberta Recor, the “We have staff all over this building — in store’s spokesperson, said in a press release. closets, in storage rooms — not really de- Robert “Bob” Alden — whom the “As our community has always been so good signed for an environment of being in an George Sachs, executive director of community center’s Alden Theater to us, we want to be a good neighbor in office area,” George Sachs, executive direc- the center, speaks to the long- was named after — and his wife return.” tor of the center, said during the awaited renovation project that Diane Alden were were special The paint store will be reducing the size groundbreaking. was years in the making. guests at the groundbreaking of its showroom so that the community cen- The Duval Art Studio, Alden Theater and ceremony. ter can lease space for the dance classes. NEW MEETING ROOMS, a multipurpose recently-renovated kitchen will not be “They agreed to a real estate tax sur- The community center’s administrative room and an expanded lobby will also be worked on during the project. charge so that the McLean Community Cen- offices will also be temporarily moved to added to the building, providing it with Exterior work includes an upgrade to the ter could be built and funded,” Foust said. the shopping center at 6631 Old Dominion 7,700 square-feet of additional space. center’s existing stormwater management “Think about that, residents who were will- Drive on the first floor of the Century 21 “Our rehearsal hall that was downstairs system, additional parking spaces, a new ing to agree to tax themselves. Aren’t we New Millennium building. This space will is overbooked,” Sachs said. “It’s one of the front entrance design and the enclosure of glad they did?” house the executive director, finance, facili- only rooms that we really have access to the existing outdoor courtyard. ties and public information offices. that can do our dance programs.” The community center has been an in- DURING THE RENOVATION, most of the “I can’t wait to present this facility to our The multipurpose room will be outfitted vestment for the McLean community ever center’s classes will be held at 6645 Old community at our next grand event, which with flooring and mirrors to accommodate since the residents voted to establish a spe- Dominion Drive in the McLean Square will happen here in we’re saying about a the center’s dance programs, according to cial tax district to fund it more than 50 years Shopping Center. The temporary location year and a half, and we’re going to stick to Sachs. ago. has four classrooms and will also house the that,” Sachs said. McLean Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Crimes McLean man was sentenced to five bring awareness to these prosecutions with “Child pornography, in any form, haunts made the announcement after sentencing Ayears in prison for collecting tens the goal of protecting our children from its victims for their entire lifetime,” said by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. of thousands of images and videos sexual predators by deterring others from Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. of child pornography since 2004. committing similar crimes, online and else- Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Song and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney “For the last 12 years Seth Thornton vis- where.” Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security James E. Burke IV prosecuted the case. ited depraved corners of the Internet to hunt Seth Aaron Thornton, 43, pleaded guilty Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. “Our This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, for images and videos of young girls being on Nov. 2, 2016. According to court docu- special agents are dedicated to identifying a nationwide initiative to combat the grow- sexually exploited and abused,” said Dana ments, Thornton, an information technol- and investigating individuals who prey on ing epidemic of child sexual exploitation J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern Dis- ogy consultant who has worked for promi- children, and we will ensure they’re pros- and abuse launched in May 2006 by the trict of Virginia. “It is beyond dispute that nent consulting companies as well as the ecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attor- child pornography trafficking crimes are federal government, had been using peer- Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the East- neys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and grievous offenses that deserve serious pen- to-peer networks to amass a collection of ern District of Virginia; Acting Assistant Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe alties. The distribution and receipt of child images and videos of minor girls, primarily Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Childhood marshals federal, state and lo- pornography fuels a market for further pro- aged approximately 8 to 14 years old, Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and cal resources to better locate, apprehend duction and abuse, while continuing the though many featured even younger chil- Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in and prosecute individuals who exploit chil- victimization of children depicted in the dren. Some child exploitation files in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs dren via the Internet, as well as to identify images. While these crimes can be very dif- Thornton’s collection depicted sadistic, Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security and rescue victims. For more about Project ficult to talk about, we must continue to masochistic, or other violent imagery. Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 3 News

Photos contributed

On March 21, high school seniors from four Northern Virginia schools spent the day shadowing bankers at United Bank as part of Bank Day, a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia Bankers Association. The purpose of the day is to expose students to the banking industry and provide them with an opportunity to learn about banking, financial services and the vital role United Bank plays in its community. The students toured United Bank’s Tysons Corner branch and posted with branch staff. Seniors Shadow Bankers n March 21, high school seniors ner will be chosen. The statewide winner Ofrom four Northern Virginia will receive an additional $5,000 scholar- schools spent the day shadowing ship. There will also be six honorable men- bankers at United Bank as part of Bank Day, tion scholarships of $1,000 each. In all, 12 a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia students will receive scholarships totaling Bankers Association (VBA) Education Foun- $26,000. dation and the VBA Emerging Bank Lead- During their visit to United Bank, students ers. The purpose of the day is to expose stu- met with senior representatives from the LEARN ABOUT LIVING WITH dents to the banking industry and provide branch administration, loan, credit, human RELAPSING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS them with an opportunity to learn about resources and marketing departments. Af- (MS) AT THIS LIVE EVENT. banking, financial services and the vital role ter an introduction to the basics of banking United Bank plays in its community. and a tour of the branch, students learned Join us to hear an MS expert The third Tuesday in March was declared about the loan process, the importance of discuss an oral treatment option Bank Day by the Virginia General Assem- good credit, the profile of a qualified bor- bly in 1991. rower, tips on navigating a corporate hir- for relapsing MS. From their experience, participating stu- ing process, how United Bank is involved dents will write an essay for the chance to in the community and more. Students also win a scholarship. Six regional scholarships spent time with United Bank President and of $2,500 each will be awarded, and from CEO Jim Consagra, who shared career ad- those six winners an overall statewide win- vice and insights into the industry. DATE AND TIME: 04/03/2017 at 6:30 PM SPEAKERS: Mark Landrio, MD Neurologic Associates Meagan Adamson, NP Fairfax, VA LOCATION: Mon Ami Gabi 11950 Democracy Drive Reston, VA 20190 EVENT CODE: TR411440 (1374598)

PLEASE RSVP*: • RelapsingMultipleSclerosisEvents.com • 1-866-703-6293 • [email protected] *Registration is limited to two people per RSVP. Photo ID may be requested at event entrance. Complimentary parking or valet available. A light meal or snack may be provided. Copyright ©2015 The students enjoyed hearing insights and career guidance from United GZUS.MS.15.05.1439(2) Bank President & CEO Jim Consagra (pictured). 4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 5 News Police Stations Turn To Their ‘Nextdoor’ Neighbors work for us, we do not control them. We Cops tout better work for them. We are your police department. I can’t emphasize that enough and community policing. therefore you have a right to know what’s By Fallon Forbush going on in your neighborhood. You have a The Connection Photo by Fallon Forbush right to know what’s going on in your community.” airfax County residents are major When crimes happen, crime prevention Fusers of the Nextdoor social network officers use the social network as another and the Fairfax County Police De- platform to post alerts and warnings that partment has taken advantage of it to con- are intended to keep their communities safe nect with the communities they patrol and and help officers locate suspects. protect. These crime prevention officers also Nextdoor spokesperson Joseph Porcelli monitor the social network for chatter to joined the FCPD at the McLean District Po- A year after the Fairfax County Police Department started using stay abreast of happenings in their commu- lice Station on Thursday, March 23, for a Nextdoor, the social network thanked officers and community members nities. press conference to acknowledge the for helping the county become one of its top user areas in the country. “We could not do our jobs without the county’s widespread adoption of its free help of Fairfax County residents,” Ryan said. service. partment. Chantilly Highlands, Herndon Ryan then told the audience that he would “Over the past year, we have seen the These neighborhoods were acknowledged ❖ Most Watchful Neighborhood – Old like to replace the term “community polic- community embrace Nextdoor as a valuable for their adoption of Nextdoor at the press Trail, Reston ing” with the term “community engage- and reliable communication tool,” Deputy conference: ❖ Most Welcoming Neighborhood – ment.” Chief of Police for Administration Lt. Col. ❖ Most Members Enrolled – Fort Hunt- WVPCA, Annandale “Nextdoor allows us to do that,” he said. Tom Ryan, said during the press conference. Stratford, Alexandria ❖ Nextdoor Neighborhood Champions – “Nextdoor allows us to get the word out to “In fact, resident adoption has been so ❖ Most Talkative Neighborhood – Burning Bush, Fairfax a multitude of neighborhoods and a lot of strong that Fairfax County is now the fast- Bentana Park, Reston people in just a short amount of time.” est growing county using Nextdoor in the ❖ Most Supportive Neighborhood – Hunt- EVER SINCE the department started us- “Being proactive is getting the word out Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.” ers Green Cluster, Reston ing Nextdoor a year ago, the social network quickly,” Ryan said. “We can target infor- Adoption of Nextdoor by neighbors across ❖ Most Social Neighborhood – Reflection, has given them access to communicate with mation to certain neighborhoods that are Fairfax County has more than doubled over Herndon more people than ever before, according to more impacted [by crime or crisis].” the past year. Now more than 100,000 resi- ❖ Most Helpful Neighborhood – Memo- Ryan. The department created an Instagram dents, in more than 760 neighborhoods, are rial Heights, Alexandria “The residents need to understand that account in September and also uses Twit- connected to each other and the police de- ❖ Most Generous Neighborhood – we work for them,” Ryan said. “They do not ter and Facebook.

® ®

WORLD’S BEST SINCE 1957 THIS EASTER, SERVE THE MOST Any Bone-In Half Ham TENDER, FLAVORFUL HAM 8 lbs or Larger or Whole Boneless Ham Valid through 5/21/17 at participating HoneyBaked Ham locations (not valid Online). This coupon may not be combined with other offers nor applied to the Purchase of any item other than the item that is specified on the coupon. Limit one per customer, per visit. While supplies last.

Any Quarter Ham or Half Boneless Ham

Valid through 5/21/17 at participating HoneyBaked Ham locations (not valid Online). This coupon may not be combined with other offers nor applied to the Purchase of any item other than the item that is specified on the coupon. Limit one ® per customer, per visit. While supplies last.

RESERVE YOUR EASTER HAM FOR PICK UP AND SEE EXTENDED EASTER HOURS AT HONEYBAKED.COM DOWNLOAD THE APP & GET REWARDED Any Turkey Breast, FOR YOUR EASTER PURCHASE Smoked or Roasted Valid through 5/21/17 at participating HoneyBaked Ham locations (not valid Online). This coupon may not be combined with other offers nor applied to the Purchase of any item other than the item that is specified on the coupon. Limit one RESTON • 1480 North Point Village • 703-733-3860 per customer, per visit. While supplies last.

6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Week in McLean

Fundraiser Supports McLean Little League A fundraiser for McLean Little League has been announced by HBC Group’s (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Cham- pions. Come to dinner on Tuesday, April 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean to support McLean Little League. Enjoy dinner and know that approximately 70 percent of the proceeds from food and drink will go directly to McLean Little League, as long as the diner brings the flyer for the event. Contact HBC Group at 703-734-0192 or visit www.HBCGroupKW.com to receive a flyer. Sponsors of the event are: Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy with the HBC Group of Keller Williams Realty; Marcus Simon with EKKO Title; Kevin Dougherty of Pillar to Post; Kathy and Justin Neal of The Neal Team/SunTrust Mortgage; Jim Harris of BOWA; The McLean Chamber of Commerce; and Moe Jebali with Pulcinella Italian Host. Cooper Middle to Help Childhood Cancer Foundation Cooper Middle School is hosting a Lip Sync Battle for Stillbrave, a childhood cancer foundation. Stillbrave’s mission is to help the families of children with cancer while they are fighting battles of their own. They are not only there to support the children, but also their families. The event is on April 5, 2:30-4:30 p.m., at Coo- per Middle School in McLean. Tickets are $5 and there are snacks for sale as well. The money earned goes to the Stillbrave foundation. You will be watching Cooper Middle School students and staff compete in the lip sync battle. Come to Cooper to support childhood cancer.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 7 Opinion McLean

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered Expand Medicaid Now to homes and businesses. Published by Local Media Connection LLC to pursue planning for Medicaid expansion in a mental illness or substance use disorder could Virginia has missed out the wake of the failed repeal effort in Congress. qualify for coverage if Medicaid were expanded 1606 King Street Kansas and North Carolina are taking steps under the Affordable Care Act. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 on $10 billion, 30,000 this week to expand Medicaid, hoping to join As Virginia and the rest of the nation wrestles Free digital edition delivered to the 31 other states plus the District of Colum- with heroin and opioid addiction, expanding your email box. Go to jobs and care for bia that have already done so. Medicaid would allow for expanding treatment connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe 400,000 citizens. More than 140,000 residents of Fairfax programs. One of the big obstacles to helping County have no health insurance. More than people who are fighting addiction is the avail- NEWS DEPARTMENT: 40,000 residents of Arlington and Alexandria ability of treatment when it is most needed. [email protected] irginia’s General Assembly has refused have no health insurance. That’s more than 12 “The time has come for us to bring our tax- to accept one of the key provisions of percent of the people who live in one of the payer dollars back to serve the individuals who Kemal Kurspahic V Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 the Affordable Care Act, expansion of wealthiest areas in the nation. need them the most,” said McAuliffe. “With this [email protected] Medicaid at almost no cost to Virginia that A Harvard Medical School study determined amendment, I’m asking the General Assembly could have covered 400,000 that the decision by 25 states to reject the ex- to work with me to pursue Medicaid expan- Fallon Forbush Reporter Editorial uninsured Virginians and would pansion of Medicaid coverage under the Af- sion and put this funding to work for our most [email protected] have brought more than $10 fordable Care Act would result in between vulnerable Virginians.” billion into the state. It has also 7,115 and 17,104 more deaths than had all Primaries for candidates for the House of Kyle Kincaid Editorial Assistant cost lives. states opted in. In Virginia, the number of Delegates plus governor, lieutenant governor [email protected] Ironically, the failed bill to “repeal and re- deaths due to failure to expand Medicaid: be- and attorney general are in June, with all seats place” the Affordable Care Act included tween 266 and 987. on the ballot in November. An important ques- changes to Medicaid that would have penal- From a practical perspective, declining fed- tion as voters choose: What is their position ADVERTISING: For advertising information ized states, like Virginia, that did not expand eral money to provide healthcare to uninsured on Medicaid expansion? How did incumbents [email protected] Medicaid, permanently reducing federal fund- Virginians makes no more sense than declin- vote? 703-778-9431 ing. ing federal funds for transportation or educa- — Mary Kimm Trisha Hamilton On Monday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe proposed tion. Display Advertising a budget amendment restoring his authority In Virginia, 102,000 uninsured people with [email protected] 703-624-9201 [email protected] Letters to the Editor Andrea Smith Classified Advertising the link: the1a.org/shows/2017- Ms. Comstock did not provide sub- want a representative who will 703-778-9411 Friendly 03-15/ask-a-muslim). stantive answers to any of the engage face-to-face with her con- [email protected] I was surprised to hear that questions of the call participants. stituents. Debbie Funk Conversations AskAMuslim was turned away by Her responses about the GOP “Pa- Jalmeen Soni National Sales other venues in the area. Obvi- tient-Centered” were echoes from McLean 703-778-9444 Needed ously, we need more such friendly the past eight years such as sell- [email protected] To the Editor: conversations to dispel some of the ing insurance across state lines, David Griffin Surrounded by all the dark news Islamophobia in our society, cre- tort reform, wellness programs, The Bees Marketing Assistant of hate crimes, anti-Muslim slurs, ate awareness, and close the gaps and, get this one — curing dis- 703-778-9431 [email protected] and anti-immigration racist at- in our understanding of each eases. Are Hungry tacks, like the ones at Tysons mall other. The sticker I received says: None of these tactics have any To the Editor: in November and against an Asian “It’s all good - I asked a Muslim chance of addressing the health In addition to pesticides and Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm man in Reston earlier this month today!” So, go ahead, ask your care needs of working class folks herbicides that kill bees, this year’s [email protected] (www.youtube.com/ questions and talk to some of these in the near term. late hard freeze has turned brown @MaryKimm watch?v=TWxKPhSTPls), we are wonderful people to see that it’s Another constituent’s question many of the nectar laden blossoms in desperate need of positive news not “all bad.” was related to why Comstock of our flowering trees. These flow- Executive Vice President Jerry Vernon and shining the spotlight on efforts Shaila Muralidhar voted “yes” to implement the ers provide early food for our pol- 703-549-0004 to spread healthy understanding Great Falls Holman Rule which gives Con- linators, think bees. Trees that are [email protected] and create healing bonds. I met gress the power to reduce the sala- not adapted to this type of “Vir- Editor in Chief two young people in our commu- ries of individual federal workers ginia Freeze Surprise,” mainly Steven Mauren nity, part of a small, but engaging Disappointing to $1. non-native trees such as star mag- Managing Editor group called #AskAMuslim, who Ms. Comstock responded to the nolia and Japanese cherry had Kemal Kurspahic set up a table in front of the Great Virtual Town inquiry claiming that the Holman their blossoms turn brown in our Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Falls Library on March 18, offer- Rule implementation was tempo- area. Ali Khaligh ing conversation, over donuts and Hall rary for one year and she “hoped” Bradford Pear trees, also suf- Production Manager: coffee, in an effort to build under- To the Editor: it would not get abused. This is fered the brown blossom treat- Geovani Flores standing and start a dialogue For those of us who waited for risky business when a member of ment. I was cheering these lessons Special Assistant to the Publisher about what it is to be a Muslim and U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock’s (R- Congress is casting votes in “hope” for the people that plant the non- Jeanne Theismann answer questions about Islam. 10) highly-anticipated virtual of things working out later. native and Bradford Pear trees [email protected] #AskAMuslim seeks to tell you Town Hall meeting — it was a dis- After listening to the town hall, until I remembered that if they are @TheismannMedia “Everything you wanted to know appointment. Her teleconference I now understand why Comstock not sterile, these flowers have nec- about Islam and Muslims but were center connected me and many was a no-show at two previous tar accessible to our bee popula- CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 embarrassed to ask.” You can go other constituents 20 minutes af- constituent meetings and then tion and now they are useless. So, [email protected] to the website — ter the call had already started. I used a virtual forum that insulates we have choices, continue to plant www.AskAMuslim.net — air your attempted to get into the queue to her from serious questions of her trees and plants that are not questions/concerns, and someone ask a question but was unable to accountability to her constituents. adapted to our environment and will respond. NPR did a segment do so. We deserve better representation will not feed our pollinators, think on AskAMuslim, on March 15, Logistics aside, the call was in the 10th District. We can start bees, or plant the trees and plants answering basic questions like: dominated by questions about the now and demand more than vir- that will feed our pollinators and “What do Muslims believe?” repeal and replacement of tual meetings and pre-screened can handle our climate. “What is jihad?” “Are Muslims ac- Obamacare, a topic important to questions. Given all the important Kathryn Fowler cepting of other religions?” (Here’s the 10th District. Unfortunately, issues before Congress this year we Herndon

8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Kassi Elliot, who plays the Scarecrow, talks to the Tin Woodman, played by Alexander Vann of McLean, after she helped oil some of his stuck metal joints.

Photos by Fallon Forbush The Connection Traveling Players Ensemble Finishes Winter Tour

By Fallon Forbush The Connection

reat Falls-based Traveling Players GEnsemble put on two shows for its winter tour. The children started rehearsing in January, said Jeanne Harrison, producing artistic director for the organization. “The Wizard of Oz” was performed by the group’s elementary and middle school students and “The Taming of the Shrew” was performed by its advanced high school Shakespeare group. Both casts opened their shows on Satur- day, March 11, at the Latin American Youth Center in Riverdale, Md. The kids also toured with their shows, performing for local retirement communities and schools. The high schoolers performed for Vinson Hall in McLean and the Ring House in Rockville, Md. The younger children performed at the Burgundy Farm Country Day School in Alexandria and the School With- Isabella Jackson of Fairfax, who out Walls at Francis Stevens in Washington, plays the Lion, is caged by the D.C. Witch of the West after the winged Last weekend, they finished their shows monkeys captured her, Dorothy, by performing on Sunday, March 19, at the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman. Madeira School in McLean for friends, family and the community. shows. The Traveling Players Ensemble puts the- Arts enrichment is happening outside of ater programs that last from one week to school more and more as school budgets seven weeks, which range from $475 to are cut or decreased, according to Harrison, $5,100 per student. who said her organization is a way for more More students could participate this win- kids to participate in private programs, even ter, thanks to a $25,000 grant the organi- if they don’t have the financial means. zation received from the Jack Kent Cooke Even if schools have drama programs, it Foundation. The grant helped pay for 20 may be hard to get cast without the train- students from grades 5 through 12 from ing these types of camps provide. low- and moderate-income families in the “This is a way to increase and deepen D.C. metro area to participate in its theater their skills so that when they do go into their programs last summer and this winter. school auditions, they’re able to benefit “While an individual scholarship is not a from the public system that actually does great deal of money, it can fund a transfor- exist,” Harrison said. mative experience for students whose par- The Traveling Ensemble Players has more ents can’t afford to send them to a theater spots and more scholarship money to pro- camp,” Harrison said. “Several of the kids vide for its next summer program. who are in these shows are actually on “We have not yet expensed out all of our scholarship.” scholarship for this summer,” Harrison said. More than $3,500 of scholarship monies The scholarship priority deadline is April were awarded to cast members of the 15. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 9 Family Connection

Ideas for a spring Backyard Adventure break family staycation.

By Marilyn Campbell The Connection

or Katie Wendel, a spring break vacation this year won’t mean load- Fing up the car and driving several hundred miles or waiting in long lines at the airport. While the Bethesda mother of five is planning to enjoy some relaxing downtime with her family, she won’t venture far from home. “We’re going to be tourists this year and visit the monuments and museums in Wash- ington. We’re also going to try to find every avenue in the city that’s named after a

state,” said Wendel. “If you think about it, Photo Contributed there’s so much to do in this area that we all take for granted. You really don’t have to leave the area to feel like you’re in another city.” From museum exhibits to adventure centers, a goldmine of family getaways abounds locally. There are even activities for family bonding available without leaving home. Local national parks like Theodore Roosevelt Island are ideal for family staycations, says Lois “Ask the kids what they would like to do. Stover, Ph.D. of Marymount University. Involve them and give [them] a choice. Whatever it is they suggest, come up with a help plan the Metro route or just look at important for children to have a say in how library and trips to indoor public swimming plan to document their adventure so they the Metro map and randomly pick a station the family uses its free time,” said Carolyn pools. For animal-loving families the Na- can share it with grandparents or siblings and explore that area.” Lorente, Ph.D., professor of psychology at tional Zoo offers beasts ranging from el- away at college, said Lois Stover, Ph.D., “A lot of adults assume that kids want a Northern Virginia Community College. ephants and eagles to tigers and frogs. dean, School of Education and Human Ser- big trip, but a lot of times a kid will say, ‘I Among the recommendations that Stover vices at Marymount University. “Let them want to blow bubbles in the back yard.’ It’s offers are activities at one’s neighborhood See Spring Break, Page 11

Commission for Women Excelling in Business and Labor honors trailblazers. By Tim Peterson “This year, women’s rights and issues The Connection are front and center,” said honoree

Photo by Patricia “Pat” Saah Bayliss, former ex- onstance “Connie” Cordovilla ecutive director, office manager and sec- remembers signing up for col- retary, American Federation of State,

C Tim Peterson lege courses in the mid-’60s and County and Municipal Employees being interested in taking electrical en- (AFSCME). “These are some things we gineering. “Nice girls go into English,” need to be more aware of.” her counselor told her. “What makes you Bulova and Hudgins helped present a think I’m a nice girl?” she said she re- Board of Supervisors proclamation nam-

/The Connection sponded. ing March 2017 Virginia Women’s His- Cordovilla is associate director, Human tory Month. Rights and Community Relations, Ameri- In addition to Cordovilla and Saah can Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFL- Bayliss, the other award honorees in- CIO. She was recognized as one of seven clude: “Trailblazing Women in Labor and Busi- ❖ Dolores Trevino-Gerber, First Vice ness” for 2017 by the Fairfax County President, NOVA Labor Federation; Sec- Seven women from around Fairfax County were recognized March 22 as Commission for Women. retary, Tenants-Workers United “Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business” by the Fairfax County The recognition ceremony was re- ❖ Staci L. Redmon, president, CEO Commission for Women. From left are Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D- scheduled due to snow and held Wednes- and owner, Strategy and Management Hunter Mill), Siobhan Green, Ashley W. Chen, Connie Constance day, March 22 at the county government Services, Inc. Cordovilla, Staci L. Redmon, Lovey Hammel, Patricia “Pat” Saah Bayliss, center. ❖ Ashley W. Chen, president and CEO, Board Chairman Sharon Bulova and Sondra Seba Hemenway. Sondra Seba Hemenway, women’s ActioNet commission vice chair and at-large com- identified seven truly remarkable women” before me.” Previous chairs Jean Packard, ❖ Siobhan Green, co-owner, CEO, missioner, said the evening was about to recognize. Audrey Moore and Kate Hanley helped resi- Lead Technology and Open Data Strate- recognizing how women had made sig- This year was the first for which the com- dents to be more comfortable with women gist, Sonjara, Inc. nificant contributions in labor and busi- mission accepted nominations for honorees. representing them in local government. ❖ Lovey Hammel, president, Employ- ness, and had an impact on history and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors “But there’s still work to do,” Bulova said. ment Enterprises, Inc. the lives of others. chairman Sharon Bulova said her path for Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter More information about the Commis- “Women have always worked, and not being elected and serving as both a super- Mill) added they need to “work to make sion For Women’s 2017 honorees is always been paid the same, or at all,” visor and chairman — as a woman — was certain, continue to see that everyone has available online at Seba Hemenway said. “This year we’ve made easier by “strong women who came the opportunity to excel.” www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cfw.

10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Family Connection Spring Break Ideas From Page 10 “Ask the kids what they “Get outside and take the family to one of the lesser known national parks, like would like to do. Involve Prince William, or walk the C&O Canal,” said Stover. them and give [them] a There’s also Gravelly Point Park near Reagan Washington National Airport in Ar- choice. Whatever it is lington, which is ideal for family picnics, games of kickball or simply watching air- they suggest, come up planes take off and land. with a plan to document “If it’s warm, do a beach day in the backyard [or] set up an indoor mini-golf course their adventure so they with Nerf balls [or use] Wiffle balls and bats,” said Stover. “Have a dance party, a can share it with science day. Have a ‘Today is Blue, or whatever color works, Day,’ so everyone wears grandparents or siblings blue, all foods are blue, you ride the blue line Metro just to see where it goes, [for away at college.” example].” — Dr. Lois Stover, The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory on Marymount University the National Mall is where Stephanie Kleinman is planning to take her twin daughters during spring break. she said. “A staycation, when done with “The girls call it a museum for plants, and purpose, can really be good.” it’s neat to go from the desert to the jungle Advanced planning is a key to making that all within one building,” said Kleinman who time spent together meaningful, advises lives in McLean. “We’ll probably check out Lorente. “A lot of times people say they’re some of the other museums while we’re taking a staycation and they end up doing downtown.” chores around the house. And everybody is There are times when a staycation can on their electronics,” she said. “But it’s re- be more relaxing than travel, says Lorente. ally about family bonding and everyone “If you look at the list of the top 100 stres- coming together and creating shared expe- sors in life, taking a vacation is on the list,” riences as a family.”

Free Face Painter, Bounce House & Open Air Safari Tour Camel Rides, Giraffe and Camel Encounters extra. Bring Your Own Basket! Easter Egg-Stravanza Go to the booking calendar at: roerszoofari.com and choose April 8, 9, 15 or 16 9am-6pm Advanced tickets required. Hourly Easter Egg Hunts for separate age groups 10a-4p www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 11 People Cooper Student to Star in ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ Cole Sitilides, 14, participates in Theater J’s Production of Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” Photos by Colin Stoecker/The Connection By Colin Stoecker Cole The Connection Sitilides, 14, middle his month, Cole school Sitilides, 14, a Coo- student in T per Middle school McLean student in McLean, smiles for will be starring in an off-Broadway the camera. production of Neil Simon’s, He plays “Brighton Beach Memoirs” at The- Eugene, the lead in Theater ater J in Washington, D.C. J’s production of “Brighton “I like to tell the character’s Beach Memoirs.” The play story, to get up there and enter- will run 30 times between tain everybody,” said Sitilides. April 5 and May 7. Cole found out about the play From left: Theater J Director of Communications and Marketing, Laurie Levy-Page while looking online for auditions and Theater J Artistic Director Adam Immerwahr, 34, are excited about the upcom- in the D.C. Metro area. “I liked the Participating in the production ing production. idea of playing Eugene, because he of “Brighton Beach Memoirs” was entertainment, lighting and even was around my age and he also actually Sitilides’s idea. He had directing in his career. likes baseball,” said Sitilides. read the play in middle school and “I’m close with members of the Laurie Levy-Page, Communica- could identify with the lead char- cast, we came from the same train- tions and Marketing Director at acter Eugene. Immerwahr had ing program, but this is my first Theater J spoke to the difficulty held informational sessions in the time with Theater J,” he said. of finding age appropriate actors surrounding suburbs of Washing- When asked if he ever gets ner- for the roles in a play about com- ton, D.C., and Sitilides attended vous before going onstage, Cole ing of age in a cramped poor New and was offered a callback. said, “You get the off stage jitters York apartment. “Cole is a terrific performer. He sometimes, but once you get out “Using teenagers in actual roles really tapped into Eugene’s humor, there it goes away.” is a new idea, audiences can tell, empathy, and depth with a combi- Immerwahr and his cast are op- and there is a certain authenticity nation of talent for acting and his timistic about the debut of to these roles that will serve them own personality.” “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” well,” said Levy-Page. The set is also very complex and “We are a family and we all sup- “This is the perfect show for kids is undergoing final stages of con- port each-other in the cast,” 11 and up, middle and high struction. Theater J set designers Sitilides said. schoolers can come and see the Tom Howley and Kevin Laughon The show will run from April 5 play with their parents, it is a great wield drills and work hastily with to May 7 with 30 productions to- introduction to theater,” she said. the help of assistants to put the From left: Theater J set designers Kevin Laughon and tal. Tickets can be found on The- “And it’s funny!” final touches on the cramped New Tom Howley pose for a shot in front of their set for Neil ater J’s website at edcjcc.org. The- Creative Director Adam York city apartment. Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” The set is in final ater J offers pay what you can, Immerwahr, 34, is in charge of Immerwahr got his start at as an stages of construction. preview performance, Sunday casting for the play, rehearsing, set associate artistic director at a the- night, and weekly matinée dis- fifth grade. Stitildes got his own design, and hiring. Currently, the ater in New Jersey and has been be the right age. “Getting an actor counts. The production will take start at the McLean Community play is still hiring actors. There are the artistic director at Theater J for of the right age is better than hav- place in the 240-seat Goldman Center where he took part in a seven characters in the play, four almost two years. ing somebody else pretend,” said Theater in Washington, D.C. The- musical called “13” with the teenagers and three adults. As this is a story of coming of Immerwahr. ater J is located at 1529 16th St. McLean Community Players. “We are down to four or five age, Immerwahr wanted to cast an Sitilides has been acting for NW, Washington, D.C. Call 202- Sitilides is interested in acting, people,” said Immerwahr. actor in the lead role who would three years, or since he was in the 518-9400 or visit edcjcc.org. Robert Beatson II Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel Attorney/Accountant, Former IRS Attorney From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars Select your IIt’st’s NNeverever TToooo EEarlyarly All Types of Federal, State, 10% down nothing until the job TWO POOR TEACHERS products from to schedule your Local & Foreign Taxes isis completecomplete forfor thethe Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile pool opening for 2017 Individual • Business past 17 years Showroom Trusts • Estates • Wills and Design Call Jonathan Ruhe Amended & Late Returns Center & Team Back Taxes • IRS Audits Fully Insured & at Anthony & Sylvan Pools • Civil Litigation Class A Licensed Since 1999 Opening and Closing Packages Business Law • Contracts (4th season free if booked before April 1) 703-798-3590 or Annual Pool Maintenance Contracts 301-340-2951 Free Estimates 10% off if booked by April 1 www.beatsonlaw.com 703-999-2928 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com 703-803-7374 Ext. 3140

12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Faith

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in Anointing for Healing (first Sunday of the the faith community. Send to vienna@connection month, 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel. The Healing newspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon. Ministry is led by the Rev. Valerie Hayes and Alexandra MacCracken and includes a team of lay healers who have gone through intentional FRIDAY/APRIL 14 training and formation. Contact the Rev. Valerie Good Friday Services. Noon-3 p.m. at Oakton Hayes at [email protected]. United Methodist Church, 2951 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton. The service will be the Seven Last Yoga Class with a Christian Focus is held Words of Christ featuring six half hour services Saturdays, 3-4 p.m., McGill Hall or the Library with six local clergy. Visit oaktonumc.org/ or at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah call 703-938-1234 for more. Road, NE, Vienna. This group is suitable for those with beginner and/or intermediate yoga First Baptist Church of Vienna located at 450 experience. Dress comfortably and bring a mat. Orchard Street, NW Vienna. Sunday services are Feel free to bring a towel, block(s) or strap if held at 7:45 and 10 a.m. weekly. Wednesday you have them. Contact the Church Office at Night with the Family service is held at 6 p.m. 703-938-6521. followed by corporate singing at 7 p.m. Bible studies take place Tuesday’s at noon. Mom’s Group meets second and fourth Thursday of the Month, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Church of Wesley United Methodist Church located at the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE, 711 Spring Street SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180, at Vienna. Join the group for coffee and fellowship. the corner of Spring Street and Moore Avenue. The group meets in the Lillian Croy Room, near 10:30 a.m. fellowship time in the fellowship the Church Office. Childcare will be available hall; 11 a.m. traditional family worship in just across the hall in the Childcare Center. If sanctuary. If you are seeking a church home you are interested in joining the group, contact which encourages: caring and supportive the Church Office at 703-938-6521 so that we fellowship, an active and devoted prayer life and can plan for materials and childcare. study of scripture, support for local and world missions, an open, responsive awareness to the St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit. Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, has Sunday services at 7:45, 9 and 11 a.m. with nursery care St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at the provided. In the summer, they offer musical, intersection of Lewinsville and Brook Roads in educational, outreach and fellowship ministries McLean, just a mile west of Tysons, invites you in addition to worship services, including an 8 for a casual Saturday Service at 5 p.m., followed a.m. worship service without music and a 10 by conversation and fellowship or for Sunday a.m. worship service with nursery care. 703-759- Services at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Sunday School for 2082. Youth and Children takes place during the 10 a.m. Service. Look for our Pumpkin Patch this The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA) October, and check www.stthomasmcleanva.org offers a wide variety of support groups for those for Special Events and Services through the with emotional, social, and physical challenges. year. St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 8991 Brook www.jssa.org/growth-learning. Road, McLean, 703-442-0330. HAVEN of Northern Virginia offers a variety of Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah free bereavement support groups, meeting on a Road, NE, Vienna offers a monthly Healing weekly basis. 703-941-7000 or Eucharist with the Laying on of Hands and www.havenofnova.org.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 13 News

By Colin Stoecker/The Connection

Liana Keesing, 16, of McLean, sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School, and her father Ron Keesing

Photo contributed pose for a picture. McLean Teen Goes To Maccabiah Games Sabrina Vazquez, Alex Mandanas, Emily O’Keefe, Anya Chen and Nick Monroy accepted the CSPA Gold Crown on behalf of The Highlander staff at Columbia University on Liana Keesing will join the March 17. junior under 20-year-old The Highlander Magazine Wins Gold Crown Women’s foil fencing team. By Colin Stoecker he McLean High School’s Highlander school newspaper/newsmagazine in the state of Vir- Bride,” said Liana Keesing. “I The Connection newsmagazine staff was presented with a ginia to win a Gold Crown this year. The Gold Crown didn’t consider myself an ath- T lete, but my parents were al- Gold Crown at the Columbia Scholastic is one of the highest honors in scholastic journalism. Press Association journalism convention at Colum- According to the Columbia Scholastic Press Associa- iana Keesing, 16, of ways pushing us to try new bia University in New York City on March 17. This is tion website, “publications are judged on their ex- L McLean, sophomore at things.” the second year in a row the McLean High magazine cellence as shown by their design, photography, con- Thomas Jefferson High Liana Keesing has been train- received this award. The Highlander is the only high cept, coverage and writing.” School for Science and Technol- ing at the Virginia Academy of ogy was selected to take part Fencing for the past five years in the 2017 Maccabiah Games with Russ Wilson. She started in Israel this summer. She will out in a beginner class and BASIS Independent McLean Earns First be joining the junior under 20- moved through the ranks. year-old Women’s foil fencing “Russ told me ‘I think you’ve Place at MATHCOUNTS State Competition team. got something for this.’ He is a “I am really excited but I’m supportive coach. He really he BASIS Independent McLean not coming into it with big ex- loves his students” said Liana T MATHCOUNTS team placed first in the pectations,” said Liana Keesing. Keesing. MATHCOUNTS state championships in The Maccabiah games, which Wilson also took part in the Richmond, its first time participating in the annual are referred to as the Jewish Maccabiah games in 1986, and statewide MATHCOUNTS competition. BASIS Inde- Olympics are in their 20th year. is considered one of the best pendent McLean MATHCOUNTS members include: The Maccabiah Games held fencing referees in the world. Austin Feng (grade 8), Joshua Fu (grade 8), Pravalika by the Maccabiah World Union Liana Keesing likes to think Putalapattu (grade 7) and Ethan Zhou (grade 6), are intended to utilize sports as of fencing more as a mental and are led by coaches Tyler Sullivan and Rikki a way of bringing Jewish people game when she is competing. McCullough, BASIS Independent McLean math of all ages closer to Judaism “As a sport, fencing is very in- teacher. MATHCOUNTS state champions head to the and Israel in addition to vari- tellectual. It is like a physical 2017 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Competition ous informal educational activi- game of chess, and it’s about in Orlando, Fla., in May. ties in a manner that surpasses assessing what your opponent In the individual MATHCOUNTS competitions, politics and sectarianism. is doing.” This weekend, Liana Putalapattu and Zhou placed first and second, re- Her father Ron Keesing, 48, Keesing won the Cherry Blos- spectively, which places them on the four-person Vir- a computer researcher, has re- som Open Women’s Foil tour- ginia state team. Both were awarded a Disney Hop- cently taken up the sport of nament. She earned her “B” per Pass award and will be flown, with a parent, to fencing in support of his daugh- rating, the second highest rat- the 2017 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Com- Photo by Jia Hong ter. “Fencing over the last 5 ing a fencer can hold. petition in Orlando. As coach of the winning years has really grown,” said She will be one of four MATHCOUNTS team, McCullough will also be flown Ron Keesing senior. women on the junior under-20 to Orlando to coach the Virginia state team. Fencing is one of the oldest women’s fencing team taking “As first-time competitors, we were thrilled to see Olympic sports, up there with part in the Maccabiah Games our school win our regional MATHCOUNTS champi- track and field, swimming, and this summer. She will arrive a onship, but to see them succeed at the state level wrestling. “Everything else has week before the games start. and have the opportunity to compete nationally is From left: BASIS Independent McLean come and gone, but those Liana Keesing is considering truly an outstanding achievement, and we’re so students Austin Feng, grade 8; Ethan sports have stayed,” said Ron studying engineering in college proud of our student-teacher team that made this Zhou, grade 6; Joshua Fu, grade 8; Coach Keesing. and fencing is something she possible,” said Sean Aiken, head of school of BASIS Tyler Sullivan (back); Pravalika “When people think of fenc- wants to stick with. Independent McLean. Putalapattu, grade 7; Coach Rikki ing, they usually think of the “People fence for their whole For more information on BASIS Independent McCullough, BASIS Independent McLean sword fight in the Princess lives,” said Ron Keesing. McLean, go to mclean.basisindependent.com. Teaching Fellow in Math. 14 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Photos by Mitch Jones

From left: Monica Gibson, Lisa Lannin, Erika Keough, Laura Warren, From left: Jennifer Salopek, Co-Chair of fashion show; Bill DuBose; state Irene Tennant model at New Dominion Women’s Club’s Spring Fling Sen. Barbara Favola; Desi Woltman, president of New Dominion Fashion Show. Women’s Club. Spring Fling Fashion Show to Help Local Charities

he New Dominion Women’s Club hosted that help our community in areas that promote the its 10th annual “Spring Fling Fashion arts, assist lower income residents, preserve history, TShow” on Sunday, March 26 and raised or help our youth. ” After the show, Mariann Polito, money for community organizations. For Member of the Greater McLean Chamber of Com- the first time, the show was held at Bloomingdale’s merce said, “It was a wonderful afternoon, the fash- in Tysons Corner. Guests enjoyed watching models ions were so spring-like, it was just so pleasant.” hit the runway wearing the latest trends for spring “Working with Bloomingdale’s to introduce this in casual, business, and resort fashion. There was new in-store format for our annual fashion show has also a raffle and lite fare served. allowed us to open up the event to a wider audience Groups benefiting from the event’s proceeds were and to attract a new group of valuable corporate Friends of Pleasant Grove Church, McLean Project partners,” said Jennifer Salopek, co-chair of the fash- for the Arts, Safe Community Coalition, and SHARE, ion show committee and former chair of the first fash- Inc. ion show fundraiser in 2007. “Our event Chair, Jennifer Salopek, did a remark- Models included Monica Gibson, Erika Keough, able job re-tooling the fashion show this year with Lisa Lannin, Irene Tennant, and Laura Warren as well Effie Elkorek and the rest of the crew at as Bloomingdale’s models. The fashion show com- Bloomingdales. We owe a special thanks to Bill Page mittee included Heather Ortiz, co-chair; Carol Toyota this year for their extraordinarily generous Brunner; Anne Deger; Kitty Gonzalez; Sherri Heile; Photos by Alina Lemay Platinum sponsorship. I appreciate the community Kim Marinus; Karen Martins; Mary Ann Miller; goodwill shown by the so many non-club members Marianne Polito; Carrie Sallaway; and Desi Woltman. who simply want to help — like Bill DuBose, our For more information, visit www.ndwc.org. master of ceremony,” said Desi Woltman, president New Dominion Women’s Club. Model in cherry blossom State Sen. Barbara Favola, who served as a model design from Bloomingdale’s. in the past, said, “It is wonderful to support causes

Erika Keough models the latest off-the-shoulder trend. Models showcased the latest trends to help raise money for charity. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 15 Entertainment

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE: DAILY EUCHARIST: Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM Weekdays Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM 1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy Saturday, 8:30 AM All Are 5312 North 10th Street, Welcome! From left: Arlington, Virginia 22205 Edward Chris- Parish Office: 703-528-6276 tian, Marquis PARISH WEBSITE: D. Gibson, www.stannchurch.org Elizabeth Pierotti, Laura Artesi, and Lolita Marie in To highlight your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-778-9422 “Well” at 1st Stage in Tysons.

Photo by Teresa Castracane Courtesy 1st Stage Wise, Comic Memory of Family Life

st of nervous energy, out to make her points to the au- 1 Stage at Tysons dience). Lisa points to the napping woman identifying her as Ann, her mother. Reading from 3x5 note presents “Well.” cards as if at a seminar she says, “this play is not By David Siegel about my mother and me.” Needless to say, those The Connection words are far from the truth. Over the course of “Well,” Lisa is asking herself n a seductive confessional of a theater produc- and the audience: “If I got better, why couldn’t she?” Ition, 1st Stage embraces the audience with a How could her once energetic mother be so ill? With warm blanket of knowing insights about grow- affection, Lisa even wonders if she could have be ing up and getting comfortable in one’s skin. The allergic to her own mother. delightful production is “Well,” written by Tony Other characters appear to provide recollections. Award-winner Lisa Kron. Lisa’s childhood friends pop-up with humorous and Director Michael Bloom provides a loving touch sometimes annoying perspectives. Doctors, patients for “Well,” plumbing the depths of a complicated and others appear with sharp-eyed views. Laura daughter-mother relationship over time. Bloom has Artesi, Edward Christian, Marquis D. Gibson and a gift for keeping a topsy-turvy work on course even Lolita Marie are terrific at portraying these multiple with its unconventional structure. characters. “Well” is a play-within-a play, with characters mov- But the key to the wondrous nature of “Well” is ing through time fluidly. At times characters even that mother Ann asserts herself with her own memo- leave the confines of acting to stop being characters ries. As Ann, Elizabeth Pierotti is a charmer; a like- so as to address one another and the audience. able, decent, engaging soul. Moving from mere ob- The play begins before any first words are uttered. server to active participant, Peirrotti’s Ann with one A woman is quietly nap- mesmerizing monologue ping on a recliner in a opens her daughter’s cozy room. She is sur- Where & When grudging eyes to living rounded by books and 1st Stage presents “Well” at 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons. life. shelves of knick-knacks. Performances through April 23, 2017. Thursday at 7:30 p.m., 1st Stage’s “Well” is fas- The eye-popping de- Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 cinating and absorbing. It tailed realistic set design p.m. Tickets: $15-$30. Call 703-854-1856 or visit is chock-full of well-ac- www.1ststagetysons.org Note: Venue is wheelchair accessible. is by Luciana Stecconi complished humanity with props by Kay Rzasa and humor. It provides an and pin-point lighting by Catherine Girardi. audience plenty of reasons to recall their own child- Enter a young woman named Liza (winningly por- hoods, and perhaps wonder what their own children trayed by Audrey Bertaux as an angst-filled, bundle think. Calendar Send entertainment announcements to Herndon. Great Falls Studios Virginia, a senior women’s softball connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. presents. Visit www.artspace league, is looking for players. Any Deadline is Friday at noon for the follow- herndon.com/ for more. woman over the age of 40 is ing week’s paper. Photos/artwork Stuff-a-Bus Food Drive. Through encouraged to join. All skill levels are encouraged. April 15, various times at Christ the welcome. Play on Wednesday King Lutheran Church, 10550 evenings and Saturday mornings in Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. A food Vienna. Visit www.goldengirls.org. ONGOING drive for non-perishable items to First Sunday Jazz Brunch 11-2 p.m. “Birds Eye View” Exhibit. Through support Arlington Food Assistance Recurring monthly on the 1st Sunday April 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays - Center. There will be drop off boxes at Bazin’s on Church 111 Church St Saturdays at Vienna Arts Center, 115 for donations of non-perishable food N.W., Vienna. Enjoy brunch Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. 703-319- throughout the church. Then, on accompanied by the soft jazz sounds 3971 www.ViennaArtsSociety.org April 1, look for the school bus of Virginia Music Adventure. Visit “No Place Like Home.” Juried art parked in front of the church. Call www.fxva.com/listing/bazins-on- show on exhibit through April 8. at 703-759-6068. church/1686/ ArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center St, The Golden Girls of Northern The Freeman Store & Museum

16 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment

Wednesday through Sunday noon-4 p.m. Celebrate Easter 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. The Freeman Store & Museum is dedicated to Preserving and SUNDAY/APRIL 9 promoting Vienna’s heritage through Easter Spring Festival. 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Great Falls Village Centre, 776 the identification, preservation, and Walker Road, Great Falls. Games, rides, food and egg hunt at 4 p.m., interpretation of history significant proceeds directly benefit the community through the Great Falls Optimist places, events, and persons. Club. Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org/ for more. Historicviennainc.org Weekly Storytime. Wednesday and Saturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, SATURDAY/APRIL 15 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, Easter Egg Hunt. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9537 Courthouse McLean. Themes and titles vary. Free Road, Vienna. Bring a basket and hunt for candy and eggs filled with admission. treats, win door prizes and visit the Easter bunny. $10. Call 703-324-8569 Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. Flame for more. Room, Vienna Volunteer Fire Holy Saturday Silent Retreat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Department, 400 Center St. S, Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Free. Spend a day in noble silence, meditating Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/ and creating a space to be still and listen. Our day will be spent bingo.html. alternating between sitting and walking meditation with some periods of Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. stretching. Only a small fraction of meditation practices will be guided. Emmaus United Church of Christ, Call 703-281-1767 or register online at unitysilentretreat.eventbrite.com. 900 E Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Amaya will prepare a custom five- show. Call 703-938-9050 for more. Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one free course menu, each paired with a introductory session, senior gluten free wine to complement. $80. discounts. Increase flexibility, Make reservations at 703-442-9110. APRIL 1-30 improve breathing and health, reduce Family Fun Bingo. 7-9 p.m. at the Old Ed Behrens’ Photographs. Various stress. Ravi Kaur has 15 years Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, times at Katie’s Coffee House, Village experience teaching yoga. $15 per McLean. Players will have free Centre, 760 Walker Road, Great session. www.edimprovement.org. popcorn and winners will take their Falls. The showing will celebrate Ed’s 571-213-3192. pick of prizes. Visit ten years as a member of Great Falls Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice. www.mcleancenter.org or call 703- Studios, his very active 80th birthday. Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. St. Luke’s 448-8336 for more. Call 703-759-0927 for more. Catholic School Gymnasium, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Weekly Tai Chi practice. Group has met for MARCH 31-APRIL 8 SUNDAY/APRIL 2 over 20 years. Free. FreeTaiChi.org. In Living Sound. Various times in the Tours of Marie Butler Leven 703-759-9141. Flame Room at the Vienna Volunteer Preserve. 1-4 p.m. at Marie Butler Fishing Rod Rentals 8700 Potomac Fire Department, 400 Center St. S. Leven Preserve, 1501 Kirby Road, Hills St., Great Falls. Rentals Four short radio plays from early 20th McLean. Tour guides Matt and Earth available during visitor center hours. century American entertainment. Sangha; volunteers have been doing Fishing tackle and live bait are Friday tickets are $14; Saturday invasive management and planting available for purchase. Reservations tickets are $25 and include the show native plants there for 10 years. Free. required for group rentals. $6/rental as well as dinner at 7:15 p.m.Visit Call 703-324-8702 for more. (2 hour max). Valid driver’s license viennava.gov/webtrac for more. required. Rod/reel combinations are perfect for beginners and children. A MONDAY/APRIL 3 Virginia or Maryland freshwater SATURDAY/APRIL 1 Tyson’s Girls Night Out. 5-8 p.m. at fishing license is required for those 2017 Vienna Town Cleanup Day. 8 Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 7900 16 years or older. The park does not a.m.-noon at the Town Green, 144 Tysons One Place, McLean. Meet-up sell fishing licenses. Maple Ave. E. For safety reasons, and networking social sponsored by www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ volunteers may wish to wear long Medical Aesthetic Center and riverbend-park/ pants. To sign up or for details, Northern Virginia Housewives. Email Colvin Run Mill open 11 - 4 p.m. contact John King at www.novahousewives.com for more. daily, closed Tuesday. 10017 Colvin [email protected] or call 703-255- Run Road, Great Falls. Fairfax 6336. County’s operational 19th century Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.- SATURDAY/APRIL 8 water powered gristmill, offers 1 p.m. at Great Falls Village Centre, Becky Love Foundation Run. 8 a.m. recreational and educational 778 Walker Road Parking Lot. at at Turner Farm Park, 925 activities for all ages through daily Opening day. Visit Springvale Road, Great Falls. Run tours, school programs and special greatfallsfarmersmarket.org. supports a family bereavement camp, events. Fees: $7/adult, $6 students Chance for Life Poker Event. MGM which follows the run from noon-4 16+ with ID, $5 children & seniors. National Harbor, 101 MGM National p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, Admission to park is free except for Ave., Oxon Hill, Md. Brad 9970 Vale Road, Vienna. Visit some special events. Nierenberg, Mclean, resident and www.beckylovefoundation.org. Fundamentals of Watercolors. President/CEO of RedPeg Marketing, Notable Women Speakers. 8:30 Mondays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Arts is holding a poker fundraiser where a.m.-6 p.m. at Madeira School, 8328 of Great Falls, 756 Walker Road, 100 percent of all proceeds raised Georgetown Pike, McLean. Great Falls. Artist Lorrie Herman will through CFL are donated to directly Headliners Include MSNBC’s help students get comfortable fund cancer research through Brzezinski and Elle Décor’s Julia working with watercolors and Children’s National Hospital Center Reed. $100. To register, visit understanding this medium. Visit and Alex’s Lemonade Stand www.madeira.org. www.greatfallsart.org for more. Foundation. Visit chanceforlife.net. Tree Giveaway. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Great Still Life Painting. Tuesdays 10:30 Warrior Chorus at Alden. 8 p.m. at Falls Village Centre, 778 Walker a.m.-1 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls, The Alden in McLean, 1234 Ingleside Road, parking lot. Fairfax ReLeaf is 756 Walker Road, Great Falls. Still Ave. Area premiere of “The Trojan giving away trees, including River life provides a great tool to hone War: Our Warrior Chorus,” a Birch, Sugar Maple, Virginia Pine, skills. Recommended for students of production that features American Redbud, Black Chokeberry, and Red all levels. Visit www.greatfallsart.org. combat veterans. $35, $25 for Osler Dogwood. First come, first Evening Painting. Tuesdays 6:30 - veterans and current military and served. Visit greatfallsfarmers 9:30 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls, $20 for McLean Community Center market.org/ for more. 756 Walker Road, Great Falls. Jill tax district residents. Visit The Great Falls Garden Club. 9 Banks focuses on oil painting www.aldentheatre.org or call 703- a.m.-1 p.m. at the Great Falls fundamentals with two sessions each 790-0123. Farmers Market, 778 Walker Road. of still life, landscapes, and portrait/ Accepting donations to fund the clothed figure from a live model. STREETSCAPE Project along Walker Visit www.greatfallsart.org for more. APRIL 1-2 Road. The Garden Club will fund and Intro to Jewelry Design. Tuesdays 9 Potomac River Convention. 10 a.m.- coordinate the entire project. Visit a.m.-noon at The Arts of Great Falls, 3:30 both days at the Great Falls greatfallsfarmersmarket.org/ for 756 Walker Road, Great Falls. JJ Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike, more. Singh teaches a class for anyone Great Falls. 28th annual Potomac interested in exploring the world of River Shape Note Convention, with metal clay and its design possibilities. singing, bring a dish to share both SUNDAY/APRIL 9 Visit www.greatfallsart.org for more. days. Sponsored by the Folklore Easter Spring Festival. 12:30-4:30 Society of Greater Washington. Visit p.m. at Great Falls Village Centre, visit fasola.org or 776 Walker Road, Great Falls. FRIDAY/MARCH 31 shenandoahharmony.com for more. Games, rides, food and egg hunt at 4 Gluten Free Evening. 6:30 p.m. at Organ Music.7 p.m. Vienna p.m., proceeds directly benefit the Wildfire, Tysons Galleria, 3rd floor, Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. community through the Great Falls 2001 International Drive, McLean. NE, McLean.The Organ, the Optimist Club. Visit Chefs Moreno Espinoza and Edwin Orchestra, and the Youthful Originals www.celebrategreatfalls.org. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 17 Home & Garden 703-778-9411 Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls Home & Garden Zone 6 Ad Deadline: • McLean • Vienna/Oakton connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Monday Noon

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING Results! Why, TILE/MARBLE TILE/MARBLE man, I have ANTONIO LAWN & LANDSCAPING A&S CONSTRUCTION gotten a lot of results. Spring Cleanup • Edging SOD, Mulch, Clean-Up BATHROOM REMODELING I know several by Brennan Bath and Tile Mulching • Planting • Patios Leaf Removal thousand things Partial or Full. Kit. Floors, Backsplashes. Expert Trimming & Removal • New Beds Made Hauling. that won't work. Recessed Lighting Specializing in Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass Tiles -Thomas A. Edison Ceiling Fans Licensed/Bonded/Insured Outline/Extend Existing Beds 703-863-7465 and Natural Stones. Also repair work. 35 yrs exp. www.brennan-tile.com Phone/CATV Office 703-335-0654 Repairs • New Installations • & Much More Computer Network Cabling Mobile 703-499-0522 PAVING PAVING 703-250-2872 Service Upgrades CALL NOW FOR FREE ESTIMATE Licensed • Bonded • Insured Hot Tubs, etc… [email protected] 571-201-5561 703-393-1060 GOLDY BRICK GUTTER GUTTER LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE CONSTRUCTION Find us on Facebook Walkways, Patios, Driveways, and become a fan! www.Facebook.com/ GUTTER CLEANING J.E.S. Services Flagstone, Concrete connectionnewspapers Gutters and Downspouts Cleaned Your neighborhood company since 1987 Small Repairs • Gutter Guards FREE ESTIMATES 703-912-6886 Licensed, Insured, Bonded PINNACLE SERVICES lic/ins 703-802-0483 free est. 703-250-6231 www.connectionnewspapers.com email [email protected] web: lawnsandgutters.com Friendly Service with a Friendly Price! Landscaping & Construction Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured 703-778-9411 • Planting & Landscaping Design IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS • Drainage & Water Problems Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls Classified Zone 6 Ad Deadline: • Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New • McLean • Vienna/Oakton Monday Noon • Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid Power Washing • Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose • Retaining walls of all types Go from green to clean, do you have mold on your siding rotten wood that’s All work Guaranteed 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 26 Antiques 26 Antiques a hoa voilation? We do houses, decks, fences, side walks, etc. Deck and fence OBITUARY We pay top $ for STERLING, repair, deck staining and sealing. LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING Abraham Tsu-hsing Shen, age 67, died peacefully in his sleepat his home in Great Falls, VA on March 25. He is sur- MEN'S WATCHES, Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates vived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Sharon; his son Aaron; JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, email: [email protected] It’s Never Too Early to schedule his daughter Jennifer; two older brothers; and two older sisters. your pool opening for 2017 Abraham was born on December 6, 1949 in Taipei, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS. 703-987-5096 Taiwan, the son of G.V. and L.F. Shen. He graduated from Schefer Antiques Call Jonathan Ruhe & Team Jen-Guo High School and National Taipei University of Tech- at Anthony & Sylvan Pools nology. After university, Abraham met his wife, Sharon, at the 703-241-0790 Chinese National Petroleum Corporation where they both [email protected] Our Prices Are Tough to Beat Opening and Closing Packages worked. He and Sharon married in 1979 in Taipei. (4th season free if booked before April 1) In 1977 Abraham came to the United States to study Our Quality is Guaranteed! at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, where he Annual Pool Maintenance Contracts received his master's degree in computer science. Abraham 101 Computers 101 Computers 10% OFF if booked by April. moved his family to Monroe, CT, where he worked as a soft- Windows & Doors • Roofing • Gutters 703-803-7374 Ext. 3140 ware engineer for ITT and General Datacomm. In 1995 he joined Alcatel and later moved with his family to Great Falls, VA, where he resided for 20 years and worked for several (703) 587-7762 companies. HDI PAINTING PAINTING Abraham was a Christian. He was saved while in COMPUTER SOLUTIONS Quality Builds Trust high school by the Church in Taipei. In Virginia, he attended www.mainstreet-home-improvement.com church services at the Church in Dunn Loring. Besides attend- JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995 Painting & Decorating ing church meetings and services on Lord's Day, Abraham greatly enjoyed traveling and working on do-it-yourself ➣ Speed Up Slow projects around his home. He was a devoted husband and fa- Interior & Exterior ther and was always diligent and responsible when dealing Computers * Drywall with others. A&S Landscaping Throughout most of his life Abraham was in good ➣ Virus Removal * Carpentry health. In the spring of 2016 his health unexpectedly began to • All Concrete work * Powerwash decline. His family sought treatment from several doctors but ➣ Computer Setup • Retaining Walls • Patios he was unable to recover, and in the early morning of March * Cleaning/Organizing 25, 2017, Abraham went to be with the Lord. ➣ Help with Windows 8 & 10 • Decks • Porches (incl. * Roofs A celebration of Abraham's life will be held at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA on April 1 at 571-265-2038 screened) • Erosion & 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church Grading Solutions Call Jorge anytime - 703-901-6603 in Dunn Loring. [email protected] • French Drains • Sump Pumps • Driveway Asphalt Sealing TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 703-863-7465 ABC LICENSE LICENSED The Beer Lot, LLC trading as The Lot, 3217 10th Street Serving All of N. Virginia North. Arlington VA 22201. Quality Tree Service The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DE- PARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC & Landscaping BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises; Mixed Beverage Reasonable prices. Licensed & insured. license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Michael Summer Cleanup... Bramson and Naeem Mohd, Managing Members NOTE: RN. CONTRACTORS, INC. Tree removal, topping & pruning, Objections to the issuance of shrubbery trimming, mulching, this license must be submitted Remodeling Homes, Flooring, to ABC no later than 30 dates leaf removal, planting, hauling, from the publishing date of the Kitchen & Bath, Windows, first of two required newspaper gutter cleaning, retaining walls, legal notices. Objections Siding, Roofing, Additions & drainage problems, etc. should be registered at Patios, Custom Deck, Painting www.abc.virginia.gov or 800- 552-3200. We Accept All Major Credit Cards 25 years of experience – Free estimates Licensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic 703-868-5358 I am easily Phone: 703-887-3827 24 Hour Emergency satisfied with E-mail: [email protected] the very best. www.rncontractors.com Tree Service -Winston Churchill

18 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin How Do I Know Employment Then What I To have community events listed in the Connec- empathetic and caring volunteers to make phone Employment tion, visit connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. calls to older adults who may be feeling socially Don’t Know Now? The deadline for submissions is noon on Friday. isolated. The commitment is one 3-hour shift per week for one year. Located in Arlington. Ages 21 By KENNETH B. LOURIE & up. Intensive training provided. Learn more WEDNESDAY/MARCH 29 and apply: https://prsinc.org/carering- PART-TIME RETAIL Recently I went online to book a trip to Public Safety Preparedness Program. 7 p.m. volunteering/. Questions? Email Energetic and friendly individual needed Topeka, Ks. to meet our new niece, Sabella [email protected]. Rey. I went to Trivago for the hotel reserva- at American Legion McLean Post 270, 1355 Balls for busy backyard nature Hill Road, McLean. Public Safety Preparedness The Northern Virginia Long Term Care store in the Reston area. Must have tions and Expedia for the plane/rental car res- Program, co-sponsored by the Greater McLean Ombudsman Program needs volunteer knowledge of backyard birds and be ervations. That’s what I’m supposed to do, Chamber, the McLean Citizens Association, the advocates for residents in nursing homes and customer service oriented. 15-20 hours right? The process seemed simple enough and Great Falls Citizens Association and the Fairfax assisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at without too-much further adieu, I was able to 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or email per week. Weekday & weekend County Federation of Citizens Associations. Visit make all the arrangements, including renting a www.mcleanpost270.org for more. [email protected]. Also visit hours required. ph 703-403-1283 car for the four days we’d need one. And I www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ even booked my father-in-law’s hotel reserva- ltcombudsman/. THURSDAY/MARCH 30 tions as well, almost as if I knew what I was Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive older doing. Subsequently, I received all my email Caregiver Seminar. 6:30-8 p.m. at Kensington adults to medical appointments and RECEPTIONIST Falls Church, 700 West Broad St., Falls Church. wellness programs. For these and other confirmations indicating that I had in fact suc- volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY A Private Practice in McLean Virginia is ceeded in one of my least favorite endeavors: “A Caregivers Guide to Behavior and Communication Issues in Dementia.” Learn what 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults currently seeking for a receptionist. computing my way to safe and secure travel happens when a loved one passes through each and click on Volunteer Solutions. Responsibilities include, scheduling,an- plans. stage of dementia. Topics to be covered: Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers of swering the phone, checking in and out For a few days, especially after receiving Understanding changes in the brain, How to a frail older adult a well-deserved break so they of patients, calling insurance for the site’s emails and reviewing them for accu- address behavioral and communication can go shopping, attend a doctor’s appointment coverage, etc. If you are interested racy, I thought all was right in my travel-plan’s difficulties that commonly occur, drawing or just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visit please email resume at world. Then I started receiving multiple emails boundaries that honor loved ones while and oversee the safety of the older adult for a few hours each month. Support and training are [email protected]. and pop-up ads from sites promoting their preserving a caregivers well-being and more. hotel and flight reservations/rates. Expedia, the RSVP to [email protected] or 703-992- provided. Contact 703-324-7577, TTY 711, or site on which I made my plane reservations 9868. [email protected]. The Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean began bombarding me with flight and rental needs a Certified Arthritis Exercise car deals. Trivago, the site on which I made VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Instructor. For these and other volunteer our hotel reservations, began bombarding me PEDIATRIC RN/LPN Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington- opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or with hotel and rental car deals. None of which Our busy happy stimulating pediatric Falls Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and I needed. All of which had been completed click on Volunteer Solutions. practice in Alexandria and Fairfax has McLean continues to have an urgent need for when I went on their sites originally and made new volunteers to help area senior citizens get The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna has an opening for a FT/PT position with my hotel, flight and car rental reservations. to and from their medical and therapy an urgent need for volunteer drivers to take area some travel between offices. Ideal for Given the way in which the Internet has appointments. To find out more about the seniors to medical appointments and other nurses returning to the workforce. changed the world and provided computer- Shepherd’s Center and how you can volunteer to activities. Opportunities to volunteer for other Competitive salary with benefits. ized access to almost everything, I was only provide transportation and other services, call services are also available. No long-term Orientation provided. Fax resume to slightly surprised by the bombardment. I’m the Center at 703-506-2199 or e-mail the Center commitment and hours are flexible to fit your schedule.Visit www.scov.org or contact the 703-914-5494 or email to clear on the concept, just not confident in the at [email protected]. The Center’s website is www.scmafc.org Volunteer Coordinator at 703-281-5086 or email [email protected]. process. Nevertheless, I realize there really [email protected]. isn’t any alternative these days to researching Vienna Toastmasters. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays goods and services — and prices. My dilemma THROUGHOUT MARCH 2017 from 7:30-9 p.m., at the Vienna Community Adobe Systems, Inc. seeks applicants arose after the fact when I received all these Free Public Service Seminars. March 1, 8, 15, Center on the 2nd floor room opposite the for the following F/T position at its offers on the exact goods and services I had 21, 29, at 7 p.m. on Selling Your Home, Aging in elevator, 120 Cherry St., S.E., Vienna. A friendly McLean, VA worksite: ALREADY booked. What had I done, and how Place, Downsizing, Retirement Communities place to get comfortable with public speaking much extra money — and hassle had I done Seminars. Free public service seminars on and impromptu speaking for new and doing it? Selling Your Home (March 1, McLean High experienced speakers. Open to the public. Sr. Migration Engineer (Job I thought I was solving a problem (travel School, 1633 Davidson Rd., McLean), Working Run With the Doctor. Every other Saturday at 7 Code # 47321): Manage client migration plans which involved coordinating our flight With Builders (March 8, Falls Church HS, 7521 a.m. 8230 Boone Blvd., Tysons Corner. The from Digital Analytix platform to Adobe arrival in Kansas City from Baltimore, with my Jaguar Trail, Falls Church), Financing Your Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Retirement (March 15, Marshall HS, 7731 offers its services in a convenient format to Analytics. Work w/clients, coordinating father-in-law’s flight arrival from New York runners at this running event. Free. City), not creating one. After receiving all Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), Tax & Estate teams, to understand the technical Planning (March 21, Madison HS, 2500 James facebook.com/runwiththedoctor. these offers and inducements from Expedia, nuances of both applications as well as Madison Dr., Vienna), and Decluttering & Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarship customer specific requirements. Up to Trivago and others, I’m now wondering if I Organizing (March 29, Oakton HS, 2900 Sutton Program. Those enrolled in a Virginia college 25% travel. Ed or exp background must missed an opportunity to simplify our travel Rd., Vienna). For more information and seminar or university who are pursuing a degree in the include: C# ASP.NET, HTML5, CSS, plans and spend less for having done so? registration go to RetireeRealEstate.org, or call field of criminal justice are eligible for the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship Program; JavaScript, R, Python; MS SQL Server, Obviously, I don’t have an answer since I 703-772-3033. never clicked through the ads/opened the recommendation letter needed. 703-246-3251, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Greenplum; etc. emails to see what the solicitation was all [email protected] or http:// Reqs: MS or Equiv & 3 yrs exp. about. I didn’t have the patience and besides, ONGOING vasheriffsinstitute.org/scholarship/. certainly concerning the airlines, wouldn’t Master Gardener Training. The Fairfax County Volunteers for Change. A program for adults which offers more than 50 weekend and evening To apply, applications must indicate there be penalties for changing/canceling a Master Gardener Association offers plant clinics, Job Code and mail resume and cover home turf training or speakers for homeowner’s volunteer opportunities per month. flight? And what about my father-in-law’s air- www.volunteerfairfax.org. letter to: Adobe Systems, Attn: Arlene line reservations? It was all too much to juggle meetings. Fees vary. Visit fairfaxgardening.org or call Dora Lockwood at 401-864-4778. Haven of Northern Virginia Support Group. Batten, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA so I stood pat. Soon, the ads and emails The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a 703-941-7000, www.havenofnova.org or 95110. Principals only. EOE. slowed down to a trickle and I was no longer senior women’s softball league, is looking for [email protected]. remained — regularly, about my presumptive players. Any woman over the age of 40 is Brinker Toastmasters. 2nd and 4th Saturday, incompetence. encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. 9:30 a.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 But I’m thinking about the next trip now, The games are on Wednesday evenings and Park St. N.E., Vienna. Brinker.wordpress.com. and perhaps that was the point. Maybe there Saturday mornings in Vienna. For more Pauline Shirley Toastmasters Club Meeting. Educational Internships is a better way to minimize travel expenses information, visit www.goldengirls.org 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m. McLean and maximize benefits? But how do I accom- Passages DivorceCare If you are experiencing Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., Unusual opportunity to learn plish that, really? It’s not like I can fake the pain of separation or divorce, the caring McLean. Develop better speaking and community at Vienna Presbyterian Church presentation skills, learn to think quickly and hotel/plane/car rental reservations in hopes clearly on your feet. 703-893-5506 or many aspects of the newspa- that the site’s artificial intelligence will think invites you to attend Passages DivorceCare. This program offers a path toward healing. The next paulineshirley.freetoasthost.info. I’m still a potential buyer rather than one per business. Internships 15-week DivorceCare series will be held Virginia Chronic Pain Support Group Meets who’s already bought. What good would that Tuesdays from 6:45 to 9 p.m. beginning on Feb. from 1:30 - 3 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of each available in reporting, pho- do? The solicitations are designed for current 21. Vienna Presbyterian Church is located on the month at Kaplan Center for Integrative action not for a definite maybe sometime in corner of Maple Avenue (Rt. 123) and Park Medicine, 6829 Elm St., Suite 300, McLean. tography, research, graphics. the future, aren’t they? Street in Vienna. Cost to cover materials is $20, Group leader, Jodi Brayton, LCSW. 703-532- Opportunities for students, I’m certainly more aware now of how the scholarships available. For more information or 4892. process sort of works. But I’m less certain how to register call 703-938-9050, go to Potomac Paddlers Volunteer Corps. The and for adults considering I could actually change my behavior in order www.viennapres.org, or send an email to Potomac Paddlers Corps is a volunteer group to become less of a victim and more of a [email protected]. with the National Park Service under shared management between Great Falls Park and the change of career. Unpaid. beneficiary. I imagine it has to do with making Are You A Caregiver? Shepherd’s Center of Oakton Vienna Caregivers’ Support C&O Canal national Historical Park. The primary my computer more of a friend, which doesn’t mission of the Corps is to have trained, E-mail internship@connec interest me in the least. Of course, I want to Group takes place first & third Thursday of each month. February 2nd and 16th, 2017 from uniformed park volunteers on the Potomac River tionnewspapers.com pay less for my travel plans, but I’m not sure if 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us at the to assist the park in identifying and reporting the cost of doing business that way is worth Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax incidents, watch out for risky park visitor the pain and suffering it inevitably will cause. (UUCF) - Program Building, 2709 Hunter Mill behavior, and to deliver safety messages to the Rd, Oakton, VA. For more info contact public about the dangers of the Potomac River Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for in the Potomac Gorge. Contact: Volunteer The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. facilitator, Jack Tarr, 703-821-6838 [email protected]. Coordinator 703-285-2965 ext. 225 or visit Volunteers Needed. PRS is looking for www.nps.gov www.ConnectionNewspapers.com McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 ❖ 19 20 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 29 - April 4, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Welcome!! Great Falls “Egg Hunt” 2017

OW...33 years ago we invited the children of the Wcommunity to a small “EGG HUNT” to show our gratitude to Great Falls for making us feel so welcome when we decided to open our doors in the Village Centre. Look where we are now!!! 32 amazing years later and eventually with the wonderful partnership of the Opti- mist Club and the support of many many local businesses, friends and neighbors, this event has become a tradition of this community. We feel honored and proud to be able to bring this to the families of Great Falls and we hope that through this festival we are able to show our tremendous gratitude and ap- preciation for your continued support of our family and our business. We would not be here were it not for your loyal patronage. Enjoy the day and Happy Hunting!

**Just as a reminder, 100% of the ticket sale proceeds are collected by, and benefit the Great Falls Optimist Club Youth Fund and stay in Great Falls too! –Jorge Adeler

Visit the Great Falls Village Centre! The Great Falls Village Centre is located around the Professionals (AHCP), for over 20 Adeler Jewelers...... 703-759-4076 lovely village green in the heart of Great Falls, Virginia. We years has provided home health care AdGen Telecom...... 703-757-6757 have been part of Great Falls, Virginia throughout its exten- and hospice for all of Northern Virginia. Allstate Insurance/Doug White...... 703-759-7700 Founded in 1995, AHCP is a Community Aquarian LLC...... 703-438-8838 sive growth and development and have worked hand in Based Organization (CBO) and is Joint Artists on the Green...... 703-609-3092 hand with the residents of Great Falls to enhance and build Commission Accredited. AHCP specializes in Skilled the sense of community that is prevalent today. We offer Nurses (RN), Physical Therapists (PT), Mental Health Nurses and Home Heath Arts of Great Falls...... 703-232-1575 Capital Realty Services...... 703-759-4900 boutique shopping, delicious restaurants and quality services aides. They are providers of medicare/medicaid and all major insurances. The company provides a comprehensive, patient-centric model inclusive of: Home Dent Asset Management...... 703-286-7555 right in the center of town. Health, Telehealth, Mobile Health, Global Health, and Wellness Programs. Dr. C. Ayers...... 703-757-6445 There is always something fun going on at the Village AHCP’s expert staff also serves as great resource concerning health care needs for Executive Suites at Great Falls...... 703-865-2500 Centre, from weekend events like Cars & Coffee and the you or your family. First Line Financial, Inc...... 703-757-7393 Farmers Market to Summer Concerts on the Green, 4th of Geek ABC...... 703-828-1649 Your most reliable choice for com- July Parade, annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Halloween puter repair in Great Falls Village Centre Georgetown Learning Centers...... 703-759-3624 Spook-tacular, art exhibitions and more! Visit our Website: and surrounding northern Virginia. At Great Falls Creamery...... 703-272-7609 www.GreatFallsVillageCentre.com or just stop by and see GeekABC Computer Repair, fixes Great Falls Cycle Studio...... 703-585-5631 why the Great Falls Village Centre is not only located in the Windows and Mac desktop and laptop Great Falls Family Dentistry...... 703-759-4707 computers, and provides network sup- center of town, but truly is the “heart” of the community. H2O Pools ...... 703-250-5585 port for homes and businesses. They Jinny Beyer Studio...... 703-759-0250 understand that computers are a vital Katie’s Coffee House...... 703-759-2759 part of your life, and they know how everything can come to a standstill even if the slightest problem occurs in your computer or network. GeekABC technicians Lauren Liess Interiors...... 571-926-7825 are experienced in repairing both PC and Mac computers, upgrading and replac- Loebig Chiropractic...... 703-757-5817 ing memory, addressing issues with operating systems, hard drives, motherboards, New Paradigm Capital Mgmt...... 703-757-4802 power supplies, viruses, spyware, and malware, and configuring software, data Old Brogue Irish Pub...... 703-759-3309 backups, data recovery, network security, wireless networks, and more with in- Pilates Place, LLC...... 703-405-3371 shop, on-site, and remote tech support. Services provided at a low price and no Pio Pio Restaurant ...... 703-865-7700 hidden fees. Postmodern Foods...... 213-440-2257 River Nails & Spa is a new kind River Nail and Spa...... 571-257-6744 of neighborhood nail salon founded on Robert Mobley, AIA Architect...... 703-759-1927 the idea that getting a manicure and School of Theatrical Dance...... 703-759-5652 pedicure should be downright lovely. Spectrum Property Management....703-307-2965 River is your new luxury nail care desti- The Great Falls Salon...... 703-759-4758 nation that will redefine what a Village Centre Mgmt Office ...... 703-759-2485 mani/pedi means to you. Sanitation and satisfaction is our priority. Village Retreat/Massage Therapy....703-638-4852 Collaborations with our favorite beauty companies ensure our signature services Wells Fargo Bank...... 703-757-1040

Walt Lawrence Walt and exclusive products deliver results. Get River Nails & Spa treat you! Wild Ginger Restaurant ...... 703-759-5040 Retail • Office Space • Available for Lease • 703-759-2485 • [email protected] www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 3 President Message Great Falls Optimist Club Foundation 36th Anniversary And Great Falls Childrens Festival 33rd Anniversary

hat a great time to reflect and be munity learn discipline, commitment and Commu- thankful to Jorge Adeler of Adeler’s nity. WJewelers, The business community, The Helping Hands program recognizes youth who and the multigenerational families have acted above and beyond in their schools and that have continued to come and contribute to what are given funds to be used as they please for their has become an annual tradition at this time of year schools. in our community. We deliver Holiday and Week End Meals and holi- Adeler Jewelers hides 500-800 gemstones in the day gift cards to those families who are struggling 8000 plastic eggs stuffed with candy in the exciting to make ends meet. We have paid for equipment that egg hunt at the end of the festival to the delight of allows home bound cancer students to remain au- children and parents alike! All profits are contrib- dio/ visually in touch with their peers at school. The uted to Great Falls Optimist Club Children’s Fund to Optimist International has a huge Childhood Can- give back to the community. cer Research Initiative with John Hopkins. We In- The Great Falls Optimist Club continues to spon- vite You and Your Friends to Join Us in our efforts to sor programs such as Scholarships for winners of support the youth of today in an effort to invest in a Oratorical and Essay contests among teens includ- Better Tomorrow! The more members we have, the ing deaf and hard of hearing, Respect for Law, Bi- more youth can be supported! cycle Safety, and Child identification programs. Please contact Linda Thompson, membership chair Youth Groups such as ROTC High School Programs, at 703-850-5676 for inquiries into membership. [email protected] Great Falls Rugby, and Great Falls Little League have Call Wendy Adeler at 703 759 4076 to volunteer www.greatfallsfamilydentistry.com received contributions to help the youth of our com- for the Children’s Festival.

Proudly Selling Great Falls for 33 years For those who live here, you know: COMINGSOON FX9883890 We boast Top Schools, Low Density, Semi-rural feel, Small town atmosphere, Personal connection to Local shop owners, National and Local Parks right here, Little to no crime, Potomac River Access, Equestrian Park and Walking Trails, Local Festivals and Celebrations, Focal Art Center and Exhibitions, Easy Commute and Dual Airport Access. For those who don’t yet live here: Please call for an insider tour of our great little town. For those of you who are sadly leaving: Please call for a Consult to make your move as seamless, stressless, and finan- cially productive as possible!

Alexandria - Quaker Hill Great Falls $990,000 Townhouse – $550,000 Come Home to FUN! New Flooring, Kitchen, and Bathroom Lovingly and Tastefully Updated, this stately all brick home has been Priced to sell quickly, this 3br + den, meticulously redone inside and out from Kitchen to Baths to Flooring, 3ba End unit Two Sides Brick TH in Fixtures, and Doors to Fenced Heated Pool. From two story covered Linda Reid perfect location for commuting and front Porch, Witness Soccer, LAX, or Football games every day on “Before Diving into Unknown Waters, escaping is move-in ready with privacy expansive lawn and Enjoy Al Fresco Dining Poolside or extended Dining and great floor plan. Open House Area. Walk to Riverbend Park or Quick drive to the Village for shopping Let the Thompson Team’s Experience Guide Sunday – April 2nd. and Community Events!” You Safely through the Transaction” Other homes Coming Soon Two Reston Condos Coming Soon: Ivy Oak - 3 Br 2.5 Ba, 2 lvl TH with updated kitchen and lovely oasis backyard The Thompson Team $330,000 Edgewater at Town Center: Top Lvl One bedroom with Linda Thompson, Associate Broker Pond views, Loft and great master bath. NVAR Top Producer, CRS, GRI, CIPS, ABR, SRES $315,000 9912B Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Va. 22066 703 539-1500 703-759-SOLD Office • 703-850-5676 Linda Cell • 703-568-5162 Reid Cell

4 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Birthstones January - Garnet and generally the more saturated the color, the higher the value. In fact, Garnet, the birthstone for January, signifies eternal friendship and diamonds sparkling with intense color are rare and may be priced higher trust and is the perfect gift for a friend. Garnet, derived from the word than a colorless diamond of equal size. Because fancy-color diamonds granatum, means seed, and is called so because of the gemstone's re- are very desirable, color is sometimes introduced in a laboratory. semblance to a pomegranate seed. References to the gemstone dates May - Emerald back to 3100 B.C., when the Egyptians used garnets as inlays jewelry. As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed Garnet is the name of a group of minerals that comes in a rainbow of to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived colors, from the deep red of the pyrope garnet to the vibrant green of from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt tsavorites. as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world's emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. February - Amethyst Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to June - Pearl and Alexandrite ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the June counts three gems as birthstones, pearl, Alexandrite, and moon- wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the gemstone. stone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and Historically, pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries. numerous cultures. English regalia were even decorated with amethysts They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; later during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. It has been associated with in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age. Pearls are many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst is unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in ev- no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. ery corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry. Alexandrite A relatively modern gem, Alexandrite, was first discovered in Russia March - Aquamarine in 1831 during the reign of its namesake, Czar Alexander II, and is an The two birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone. extremely rare chrysoberyl with chameleon-like qualities. Its color is a The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, mean- lovely green in both daylight and fluorescent light; it changes color to ing water, and marina, meaning the sea. This gemstone was believed a purplish red in incandescent light. to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain Moonstone calm and levelheaded. Its pale, cool color beautifully complements The third birthstone for June is the Moonstone. It was given its name spring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in tone by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone's ap- and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more pearance altered with the phases of the moon - a belief that held until intense in larger stones. well after the sixteenth century. A phenomenal gemstone, moonstones The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper show a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes show flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. This ancient stone was used either a multirayed star or a cat's eye. Considered a sacred stone in In- by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have dia, moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacred healing powers - especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called color) and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose the martyr's stone as legend tells that it was created when drops of purpose is to bring good fortune. Part of the family of minerals called Christ's blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. feldspar, moonstone occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks and comes in a variety of colors such as green, blue, peach, and champagne. April - Diamond As the April birthstone, diamonds are the ideal gift for a loved one. July - Ruby And now you have more choices than ever. Get creative and give the There's no better way to demonstrate your love than by giving a ruby ultimate gift of beauty: a fancy-color diamond. Fancy-color diamonds in celebration of a July birthday. Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagi- are natural, rare and truly exotic gem of the earth. Diamonds in hues of yellow, red, pink, blue, and green range in intensity from faint to vivid See Bithstones, Page 8

Great Falls’ Irish Corner! S. A. B. TREE SERVICE A Division of S.A.B. Lawn & Landscaping, Inc.

Proudly serving the Great Falls Community • Spurless Pruning For over 36 years. • Feeding LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SUNDAY BRUNCH Thursday, 10 A.M. • Cabling 24 HOUR Friday & to 3 P.M. • Trimming Emergency Saturday Service Nights • Removals • Toppings • Stump Removal • Clearing • Complete Tree Care Breakfast Served Daily 7 – 11 A.M. “We Go Out On A Limb For You” For 21 years we have been providing professional We only use local eggs in our omelets and care to one of the most important values of your American scramblers property, “Trees.” Whether maintenance, diagnosis, or removal is needed, call us for the guaranteed Catch the local buzz” at Katie’s with one of the world’s quality of service you deserve. best coffee’s, espresso and lattes. 703-759-2759 Corner Walker Road & Georgetown Pike in The Village Center 703-661-6010 Great Falls, VA • 703-759-3309 • www.oldbrogue.com Licensed & Insured www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 5 33rd33rd AnnualAnnual EggEgg HuntHunt broughtbrought toto youyou byby AdelerAdeler JewelersJewelers Thank You to Our Sponsors andand thethe GreatGreat FallsFalls OptimistOptimist ClubClub atat thethe VillageVillage CentreCentre •The Great Falls Village Centre • Great Falls Family and Cosmetic Dentistry • Linda Thompson Realtor • The Old Brogue • Great Falls Eyecare • S.A.B. Tree Service • Deli Italiano Entrance Toddlers • Loebig Chiropractic and Rehab No Parents • Village Green Day School 1-2 on green • Elan Magazine with rides • G. Stephen Dulaney/State Farm Insurance • Bob Nelson Realtor • Great Falls Exxon • John Nugent & Sons • Rossen Landscape • Great Falls Creamery • Brix Great Falls • Megawatt • AstroJump • Great Falls Swim and Tennis • Jan and Dan Laytham & Dianne Van Volkenburg TICKETS Go on sale at: 12:30 Tickets go on sale at 12:30 $10 per child Games and rides are from 1:30-4 If you would like to know what Ages 1-10 and The egg hunt from 4:00-4:30 your "gem" is, please go to The egg hunt includes over $8000 worth of gemstones www.AdelerJewelers.com donated by Adeler Jewelers, mixed with candy and Parents are free stuffed into 8,000 plastic eggs that will be scattered and follow the link around the Village Centre for children ages 1-10 to find. under Learn More. Donations welcome... All Rides at own risk.

Important Information *** PLEASE NOTE: Candy in the Egg Hunt may contain nuts! We do scheduling requirements for the Village Centre and volunteer staff, we are unable jobs, including staffing an entrance, helping with set up and clean up the day our best to avoid this, but we cannot guarantee it because even nut-free to provide a rain date for the egg hunt. Please call 703-759-4076 after 9:00 am on of the hunt, and other activities. If you are interested in helping with this fun, candy MAY HAVE BEEN MADE on machines that previously processed candy April 9th to verify the status of the event if you are concerned about cancellation due family-friendly event, please contact us at 703-759-4076 or that did contain nuts. to inclement weather. [email protected]. This is a terrific opportunity for Scout troops and NO RAIN DATE: Due to the size of this ever-popular event, and to VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We can always use more volunteers to help with a range of students looking for community service opportunities!

6 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 7 Join us after the Egg Hunt at our Spacious Great Falls Location Mobile Ordering Made Easy Download Our Mobile App Now!

FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! ARLINGTON LEESBURG GREAT FALLS STERLING 6505 29th Street N. 19329 Winmeade Drive 9911 Georgetown Pike 46580 S Cottage Rd Williamsburg Center Lansdowne Town Center (Formerly(Formerly Arby’s)Arby’s) Sterling, VA 20164 (703)(703) 300-9578300-9578 (571)(571) 333-0222333-0222 (703)(703) 759-6782759-6782 (703)(703) 444-1400444-1400 EASY ORDERING ONLINE www.DeliItaliano.com Birthstones From Page 5

nation, and are said to guarantee health, wis- dom, wealth and success in love. Ruby is a variety of the gems species corundum. It is harder than any natural gemstone except dia- Enrolling for 2017-2018 mond, which means a ruby is durable enough for everyday wear. Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value.

August - Peridot Two birthstones are available for August birthdays: Peridot and Sardonyx. Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year. As peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today, most of the peridot supply comes from Arizona; other sources are China, Myanmar, and Paki- stan.

Sardonyx • Mommy & Me Sardonyx is a form of onyx and is recognized by its layers of reddish brown and white • Preschool Ages 2 & Up banding. It was popular with the ancient • Summer Camp Greeks and Romans who carried into battle talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of • Montessori Preschool heroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing that this would bring courage and victory. Because • Private Kindergarten of its attractive banding, sardonyx has long • Extended Day been used to fashion cameos (carved raised figures) and intaglios (the reverse of cameos). • School Age Childcare K-6 This gemstone is found throughout the world.

790 Walker Road, Great Falls, Virginia September - Sapphire Sapphire, the September birthstone, has www.vgdsva.com been popular since the Middle Ages and, ac-

703-759-4049 See Bithstones, Page 10 8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com The Great Falls Optimist Club and Adeler Jewelers Invite You, Your Children, Your Grandchildren to: The Grand Opening of Spring with the 33rd Annual Children’s Festival Sunday, April 9th, 2017 1:30 – 4:30 PM at the Village Centre in Great Falls oping the weather will Hbe fantastic, the Great Falls Optimist Club and Adeler Jewelers are ready for the annual Children’s Spring Festival to take over the Village Centre Sunday, April 9th, a sure sign Spring is here in the community. We’ll have rides and games and GREAT FALLS EXXON end with the Easter Egg Hunt, eggs filled with candy and gems. 9829 GEORGETOWN PIKE, The Children’s Festival is the GREAT FALLS, VA 22066 largest fund raiser for the Great Falls Optimist Club with proceeds 703-759-3367 benefitting children locally. This is a great inexpensive family outing! www.greatfallsexxon.com THE GREAT FALLS OPTIMIST [email protected] CLUB provides Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals and Gifts for those QUALITY CARE YOU CAN DEPEND ON less fortunate; in the past we’ve • Complete Auto Service on ALL vehicles provided school supplies, equip- • Factory Scheduled Maintenance just like the dealer ment, word processors, LCD pro- • State-of-the-art diagnostic and repair equipment jectors, etc for special education classes, as well as children’s can- • Certified Automotive Technicians at your service cer, private injured parties, and • Free pick-up, delivery & shuttle service many more. • Family owned & operated This year, we are supporting, the • VA Safety, Emissions & Certified Emission repair Little League, the Great Falls • Service Hours: M-F: 8am to 6pm, Sat: 8am to 2pm Rugby teams, the local HS ROTC program, and our Junior Optimist $19.95 OIL CHANGE Club of Langley High School. They Regularly $29.95. Includes lube (where applicable), new filter & up to 5 are currently working on blankets quarts major brand oil (brands vary). Most cars. Special diesel oil & filter for the homeless. extra. Environmental oil disposal fee may apply. Call for appointment. WITH FREE TIRE ROTATION. Great Falls Exxon only. Must present Sometimes we have oratorical coupon. May not be combined with any other offer. and essay contests to compete for Scholarships and help them gain leadership skills. Linda thanks the many volunteers who come out every year to help with the festival, whether it’s th stuffing eggs on Thursday, Apr 6 EXXON or setting up, and cleaning up the day of the Festival! These are the ones who make it a success! “The festival began as a way for See Grand Opening, Page 11 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 9 Birthstones

From Page8 cording to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while common- ers thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violetish blue, as well as various shades of pure blue. The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or DESIGN slightly violetish blue. October - Tourmaline and Opal October is another month with two birth- BUILD stone choices - Tourmaline and Opal. Tourmaline has become a favorite gemstone among jewelry designer, and gem collectors the world over. Since it is available in a wide variety of colors, it is ideally suited to almost anyone's taste. MAINTENANCE Tourmaline also is known for displaying several colors in the same gemstone. These bi- color or tri-color gems are formed in many combinations; gemstones with clear color dis- tinctions are highly prized. One multi-color variety is known as watermelon tourmaline, and features green, pink, and white colors bands; to resemble its namesake, the gemstone 703-327-2284 is cut into thin slices having a pink center, white ring, and green edge. www.rossenlandscape.com The name opal derives from the Greek Opallos, meaning "to see a change (of color)." Opals range in color from milky white to black with flashes of yellow, orange, green, red, and blue. An opal's beauty is the product of contrast Great Falls & McLean’s between its color play and its background. Opal is a formation of non-crystalline silica gel that Premier Landscape seeped into crevices in the sedimentary strata. Through time and nature's heating and mold- ing processes, the gel hardened into the form Maintenance & of opals. Horticulture Firm November - Topaz and Citrine Two gems are appropriate for November birthdays - Topaz and Citrine. Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, all yellow gems in antiquity were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones. Citrine, the other birthstone for November is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine can be found in a variety of shades ranging from pas- tel yellow to dark brownish orange. It is one of the most affordable of gemstones and plenti- ful in nature.

December - Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise The three birthstones associated with De- cember are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; often it is heat-treated to achieve this color. Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzan- ites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue command premium prices. Derived from the Arabic words zar and gun, meaning gold and color, zircon is found in a wide range of colors such as: blue, yellow, orange, brown, green, colorless, and red (the most prized color). For many years colorless zircon was used to imitate diamonds. Folk wis- dom grants zircon the power to relieve pain, whet the appetite, protect travelers from dis- ease and injury, to ensure a warm welcome, and to prevent nightmares guaranteeing a deep, tranquil sleep. The name turquoise, from the French ex- pression Pierre tourques or Turkish stone, originated in the thirteenth century and de- scribes one of the oldest known gemstones. Turquoise varies in color from greenish blue, through robin's egg-blue, to sky blue shades and its transparency ranges from translucent to opaque. 10 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Through The Years

of Great Falls, “We’re proud Virginia to support the PROFESSIONAL Great Falls DISC JOCKEYS Spring Festival” 202-438-8766 www.MegawattUSA.com

Thank You for your Sponsorship! ASTROJUMP.COM 1-800-244-5867

TENNIS CLASSES & TEAMS • SOCIAL EVENTS • SWIM & DIVE TEAMS • FUN FOR KIDS • PRO-SHOP

The Grand Opening of Spring with the Welcome to Great Falls Swim & Tennis, 33rd Annual Childrens Festival, April 9th. your home away from home. We’re tucked away on four beautifully landscaped acres within walking distance of Great Falls Village. From Pag 9 one parent with them, the older bounce, a maze and a giant slide Our club offers its members year-round entertainment Adeler Jewelers to thank the com- ones will be only allowed on the for the children to enjoy. The $10 and activities for the whole family. munity for its support”, said green by themselves. Parents can per child admission gives each Join us for a complimentary visit & tour! Wendy Adeler Hall, whose father watch behind the ribbons. child a bracelet that’s good for began the celebration over 30 The eggs contain candy, but unlimited rides and the egg hunt. years ago. “He’s very community some of the 8,000 eggs will con- “We don’t charge the parents ad- minded” she said. tain gems donated by Adeler Jew- mission, but they’re free to make There are four age groups for the elers. “We usually hide about donations”, she grinned! egg hunt at 4 PM: 8-10 Years to $8000 of gems mixed in”, Adeler The event will take place rain or the north of the green, 5-7 years said. “Typically the gems include shine, and parents can call 703- Don’t miss this rare opportunity to join Great Falls’ premier family club. in the middle, 3-4 years to the amethyst, garnet, peridot, blue 759-4076 starting at 9 AM on that south of the green. The Toddlers topaz, citrine, some rubies and Sunday if the weather is poor to Membership has its privileges! and younger are free to pick up emeralds, all the typical birth- find out details. Tickets will be- Openings are limited and fill quickly… eggs near the Festival rides and stones”, she said. come available to purchase at For membership information please call the Club’s General Manager, games during the festival 1-4. The In addition local vendors have 12:30 behind the village center Jennifer Beets, at 703-759-7156 or email [email protected]. children 4 and younger can have sponsored rides, like a moon where the rides will be set up. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 ❖ 11 Jan & Dan Laytham Dianne Van Volkenburg Call Us Today To Help you Buy or Sell Your Home

Jan & Dan Laytham 9841 Georgetown Pike Dianne Van Volkenburg Great Falls, VA 22066 Ofﬁce: 703-757-3222 703-759-9190 Susan Canis Sally Marvin Justin Scango Associate Realtor Associate Realtor Associate Realtor www. GreatFallsGreatHomes.com

12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ Adeler Jewelers/Great Falls Optimist Children's Spring Festival 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com