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A long line awaits in-person early voters in Great Falls on Saturday, Oct. 17, the first day the satellite voting location at Making Sure Their the Great Falls Library opened. Votes Are Counted

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U.S. Postage U.S. News, Page 9 STD PRSRT Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection by Mercia Hobson/The Photo October 21-27, 2020 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com 2 v Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Hiding at the Top of the Ticket Race for Senate features two-term incumbent versus first-time candidate.

By Michael Lee Pope Gazette Packet

hen ran for governor in 2001, opponents knocked him for wanting to Wbe governor without having ever run for office before. Now, almost 20 years later, Warner is seeking a third term in the Senate. His Republican opponent in the race, Daniel Gade, has never held elected of- fice before. And Gade’s closing argument to voters as the campaign draws to a close is that they should reject Warner because he’s a “career politician” who is little more than a partisan hack masquerading as a moderate. “When he says he’s going to work across the aisle, what we really see is him retreat- ing into his partisan positions,” said Gade in the third and final televised debate earlier this week. “He gets bipartisan only in an election year.” Warner rejects this line of argument. When questioned about his willingness to work across the aisle, Warner mentions prominent Republicans he’s worked with in the Senate, including John McCain and Orrin Hatch. He also points to support from his predecessor in office, Republican Senator John Warner. During his first campaign for the Senate he positioned himself as a “rad- ical centrist,” an approach he continues to take 12 years later. “Virginians know my record,” says Warner. “They know my record as governor, when as a Democrat with a two-to-one Republican legislature, we made record investments and remained the best-managed state, best state for business and best state to receive a Photo contributed public education.” Photo contributed Republican candidate for Senate Daniel Gade lost a leg in com- The race for Senate in is not on Sen. Mark Warner at Belle Haven to talk about the Great Amer- bat in Iraq. the national radar as a race to watch, and ican Outdoors Act. Republicans have not identified Warner as an incumbent who might be vulnerable. “When he says he’s going to Polls show Warner consistently with a dou- “Virginians know my record.” ble-digit lead over Gade. The most recent — U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D) work across the aisle, what poll is from Christopher Newport University, which shows Warner with a 17 point lead. was running another race that few people now at the Schar School we really see is him retreating Despite the outsized lead, the airwaves have identified as a race to watch. But in the final of Policy and Govern- been buzzing with ads in the race — includ- days of the campaign, Republican Ed Gilles- ment at George Mason into his partisan positions.” ing spots on broadcast pie surged and came University. “Mark War- — Republican candidate Daniel Gade television where Warner close to beating Warner ner wins this one with a attacks Gade. Mark Warner in an upset. Warner ul- landslide.” debate at Norfolk State University, Gade ac- “That suggests to me raised: $14 million timately prevailed, but knowledged that he probably shouldn’t have that there’s something spent: $5 million the unexpectedly close THE CANDIDATES have presented a con- said wearing a mask during the pandemic there. Why go negative cash on hand: $9 million margin in that race gave trast that’s personal and political. Gade, 45, was what government overreach and tyran- unless you have to?” Republicans hope they is a combat-wounded vet who now teaches ny feels like. asked Quentin Kidd, might be able to unseat at and lives in Mount “In May of 2020, what you saw there director of the Wason Daniel Gade him this year if they Vernon. Warner, 65, is a resident of Old was me at a sort of philosophical point that Center for Public Policy raised: $993,000 were able to find the Town who made a fortune as a founder of a government that is powerful enough to at Christopher Newport spent: $768,000 right candidate. Nextel before becoming state party chair- make you do little things is also powerful University. “I have not cash on hand: $225,000 “This is beyond an man and launching a campaign for gover- enough to take your liberty in other ways,” thought of this race in uphill race for any Re- nor. On the campaign trail, they’ve disagreed said Gade. “Maybe I mangled the point. I’m any sense as being com- publican running, espe- on everything from the Affordable Care act not a career politician.” petitive, but I don’t know why Warner would cially candidates who have never held elec- to the Trump administration’s response to The moderators of that debate also got run a negative ad.” tive office and have no name recognition,” coronavirus and the vacancy on the United Warner to admit to making a mistake in Six years ago, when Warner was cam- said David Ramadan, a former Republican States Supreme Court. They’ve also admit- paigning for a second term in the Senate, he member of the House of Delegates who is ted a few mistakes along the way. During a See Hiding at the Top, Page 7 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 v 3 Opinion Great Falls

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An independent, locally owned weekly Project Community Connect Supports newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. Published by Those Struggling to Afford Basic Needs Local Media Connection LLC 1606 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 By Rosie Allen-Herring afford the basic household necessities including week to the people they serve including food, President and CEO, United Way of the Na- housing, food, childcare, transportation, health winter clothing and hygiene kits. Additionally, Free digital edition delivered to tional Capital Area care, and a basic smartphone plan. virtual workshops will cover budget-friendly your email box. Go to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe In October of each year, your United Way of meals, eviction and rental assistance, education he impact of COVID-19 has deepened the National Capital Area is usually preparing resources, opportunities to save and manage the economic hardship for residents for its flagship event, Project Homeless Con- bills or start a new career, and health. NEWS DEPARTMENT: in the DMV area. Prior to the pan- nect. However, given this unprecedented time, We know that the issues of inequity in our [email protected] demic, many residents were living it was imperative for us to pivot our flagship systems for employment, education, health and T Kemal Kurspahic paycheck-to-paycheck but were not eligible for event to be accessible to more communities food access, financial stability and opportuni- Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 assistance because their household income did and include not only those at-risk of or experi- ties for all to grow to the best of their abilities [email protected] not fall below Federal Poverty Guidelines. In encing homelessness, but anyone impacted by are not going to change unless we do the work. fact, our recent ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income COVID-19. We are looking to partner with community Mercia Hobson Constrained, Employed) reports show that 39 With our new charge in mind, we have re- members who are ready to join our efforts as we Community Reporter percent of the total population in VA and MD named Project Homeless Connect to Project mobilize and make bold strides until we achieve [email protected] and 55 percent in DC are unable to afford ba- Community Connect. Instead of one day of equity for all of our community members, re- sic household essentials in their communities. programs and services at one location, Project gardless of race, gender, income and ability. Ken Moore Contributing Writer In Fairfax County specifically, 23 percent are Community Connect is a weeklong series, Octo- Please join us for Project Community Connect [email protected] ALICE households. We know that after several ber 19 – 23, 2020. if you are in need of resources or services, or if months of business closures, layoffs, furloughs During this time, United Way NCA is working you would like to give back to the communi- or reduced work hours, these numbers have in- with partners across the region in delivering ty. For more information, please visit: United- ADVERTISING: For advertising information creased with more residents finding it harder to hundreds of basic needs items throughout the WayNCA.org/PCC. [email protected] Letters to the Editor 703-778-9431 Salome Howard-Gaibler Display Advertising Why Hillary unimaginable damage to the cred- ton entitlement class for almost 50 rendering the ’ lead- 703-415-5394 ibility of the FBI. James Clapper years with little or no accomplish- ership role in the world. Never [email protected] Lost in 2016? lied to congress (metadata) when ment other than to enrich himself mind his use of unrequested mili- To the Editor: he appeared under oath during and his family. If Donald Trump tarized Federal agents on peaceful Debbie Funk gets a second term there is no one Display Advertising/National Sales I would like to respond to the congressional hearings with no re- protestors. Never mind all that if 703-778-9444 letter “We Need to Start Talking percussions for lying under oath to to blame other than the entitle- you want. [email protected] About The Emotional Impact of congress on TV. Bill Clinton met ment mentality of the self appoint- Now his willful inaction on Election Day” (October 14-20, with Loretta Lynch on the tarmac ed ruling class. the COVID-19 pandemic has cost David Griffin 2020). Just to clarify, Trump did in Phoenix to talk about family and In conclusion, regardless of who more than 200,000 American Marketing Assistant not win the election - Hillary lost children during the Hillary Clinton wins one can only hope that one lives, record breaking unemploy- 703-778-9431 [email protected] the election! It started long before email investigation (if you believe party or the other wins big and for ment, national fear and ongoing 2016 with her entitlement mental- that I have a bridge for sale). Lois the good of America so we avoid unrest. Our country cannot take Classified & Employment ity and risking the lives of those Lerner denied and targeted 501C’s the rioting, looting to protest the four more years of this. You al- Advertising serving overseas with her callous that did not meet the standards of outcome of a close election will ready know the answer to that 703-778-9431 behavior towards what one should the Obama administration (she re- bring. age-old question: No, we are not consider normal and good for the tired with full pension). better off now than we were four Editor & Publisher country. I was in intelligence for Eric Holder’s rogue operation Dudley Losselyong years ago. Mary Kimm 30+ years and at any time during (Fast and Furious) cost at least one Great Falls Don’t let anything keep you [email protected] my career if I handled classified known border agent his life (how from voting. @MaryKimm information the way she and her many Mexican civilians lost their staff did (personal unsecured serv- lives with the guns provided under We Are Not Barbara Glakas Executive Vice President Jerry Vernon er as a starting point) I would have the fast and furious operation is Herndon 703-549-0004 lost my Top Secret clearance, my unknown to this day). Better Off Now [email protected] job and probably ended up in jail. So as one looks back as to why To the Editor” The entitlement mentality of the Hillary lost, one only has to look Regarding this 2020 election… Correction Managing Editor self appointed ruling class seems at the abuse of the self appoint- never mind that President Trump In the Oct. 14 article, “Ad- Kemal Kurspahic Art/Design: to have no shame or limits. ed “ruling class” which continued took children away from their vancing Diversity and Inclu- Laurence Foong, John Heinly, I spent 18 of those 30+ years until the American people said, parents at our southern border. sion Through Changes in Ali Khaligh serving oversea from Africa, Asia, “enough” in 2016. Donald Trump Never mind his withdrawal from TJ Admissions,” the quote Production Manager: Europe to the Middle East often was elected and Hillary lost pri- the Paris climate agreement, the attributed to Brandon Kim Geovani Flores in quite dangerous situations. To marily because this entitlement Iran nuclear deal and the World came from Srinivas Akella. It quote some in politics; “no one is mentality of the self appointed Health Organization. Never mind should have read: CIRCULATION above the law.” However, in Hil- ruling class that became so en- that he continually attempts to “Countering, Srinivas [email protected] lary’s case the same laws that ev- trenched in Washington. abolish the Affordable Care Act. Akella questioned the racial eryone in the intelligence commu- “No one is above the law” unless Never mind his self-inflicted trade code-based system saying it nity abides by when handling and you are part of that special class. war with China. Never mind that would institutionalize the dealing with classified traffic did So what is picked to run against he has led our country into hav- very racism that it claimed not apply to her. Handling clas- Donald Trump in 2020 but part ing unprecedented national debt. to fight. You are putting sified information the way Hillary of the Washington corrupt estab- Never mind his inaction when for- the future of our kids in the did was not “driven to govern for lishment instead of someone with eign governments killed American hands of administrators who the good of the country.” She put honest integrity such as former citizens. Never mind his support are tone deaf to the needs in danger my life while serving senator Jim Webb of Virginia or of the “very fine people” in white and concerns of (the) Asian in the Middle East along with the Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. No, in- nationalist groups. Never mind American community (and) lives of my fellow diplomats. Com- stead the democratic party picks that he turns his back on our al- have an anti-Asian bias.” ey then gave her a pass which did one who has been in the Washing- lies and kowtows to dictators, sur- 4 v Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 v 5 Graphic novels and audiobooks on top- ics students enjoy can help engage those who don’t enjoy reading or find it difficult.

Photo by Marilyn Campbell National Book Month Month-long celebration focuses on engaging families in reading, writing and literature.

By Marilyn Campbell National Book Month is also a time to underscore The Connection the connection between avid reading and the quality of one’s writing skills. “While we don’t have a lot of t’s a line from the Pulitzer Prize winning classic, empirical data, we do see that people who are pro- To Kill a Mockingbird that is at the heart of the lific or creative writers are also voracious readers,” literary philosophy of Anne Briggs, web services said Michelle LeFrance, an associate professor in the Iand communications librarian at Montgomery Department of English at George Mason University. College Library “People with an exposure to a wide variety of books “The character Scout Finch says, ‘Until I feared I also have a great sense of curiosity.” would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love For students who have difficulty reading or simply don’t breathing,’” said Briggs. “This National Book Month, enjoy it, Le France says, “Let them read what they are in- help make reading as natural as breathing for your terested in and worry less about the quality. Audiobooks children.” and graphic novels, which don’t Established by the National get enough credit, can share sto- Book Foundation in 2003 and “While we don’t have a ries in deep ways. I would sug- held each October, National gest them for kids who tend to Book Month was created to lot of empirical data, be reluctant readers.” celebrate the importance of “Reading allows readers reading, writing and litera- we do see that people to learn and to grow and to ture. Educators and librarians imagine and to use their cre- such as Briggs, are encourag- who are prolific or cre- ativity and to be moved,” add- ing families to celebrate the ed education consultant Karen month together. ative writers are also Gross. “It’s key is to increas- You can read any of this week’s “Use [this] month as an ing vocabulary and a love of opportunity to refocus on the voracious readers.” words and a sense of the pow- 15 papers digital editions here: importance of reading in your — Michelle LeFrance, Ph.D., er of words.” family,” she said. “Take time George Mason University While a family trip to the www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/PDFs to read or listen to audiobooks library might not be an op- with your children, working tion during the pandemic, lo- with your child to pick the books that interest them.” cal public libraries are offering virtual access. From In fact, some educators encourage parents to focus an All American Girl Club event in Alexandria and a on helping children choose books that spark curiosity. parent-child book clubs in Fairfax County to a family “Just because a book is award-winning and highly rec- story time in Montgomery County, and middle school ommended by your friends doesn’t necessarily mean science fiction and fantasy book clubs in Arlington, your child will latch onto it,” said education consul- families can enjoy literature without leaving home. tant Arash Fayz, co-founder and executive director of “Most public libraries are offering free virtual events LATutors123. “Encourage your child to identify topics to help families remain engaged with reading during that they enjoy learning about or would like to learn the pandemic,” said Briggs. “Making time for reading about and let them pick out a book themselves. This and storytelling in your family can help you raise life- will empower them to feel a sense of ownership over long readers and learners, and enjoy the educational the book choice.” and emotional benefits that come with reading.” 6 v Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News State Farm Insurance

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Senator Mark Warner, left, and Republican Daniel Gade debate at the studio of WTVR in Richmond. Hiding at the Top of the Ticket

From Page 3 “Generally speaking, businesses like to have state rules preempt- 731-C WALKER RD.· GREAT FALLS, VA being slow to criticize the name ed so they can have a single stan- State Farm Insurance Companies of the Washington football team, dard,” said Warner when asked Home Office Bloomington, Illinois which continued to use a racial about Gade’s comments. “If Mr. slur as the team’s nickname until Gade is suggesting that we ought Proud Supporter of Military Appreciation Mondays the Black Lives Matter movement to have 50 different sets of rules forced a national conversation or maybe 50,000 different sets of about white privilege. During rules because every locality ought the debate, which was held on to be able to make those rules, that the campus of one of Virginia’s would be an area I just respectfully Same Company, Same Employees, HBCUs, Warner said he took the disagree.” wrong position by being one of Perhaps the biggest point of Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! the few Democrats who failed to distinction between the candi- demand the team ditch its racist dates has been over the Afford- former name. able Care Act. A Republican-led TWO POOR TEACHERS “I probably should have lawsuit challenging the law is weighed in earlier,” said Warner on the calendar for the Supreme during the televised debate. “But Court this fall, and candidates Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling you learn and you grow, and I for office are using the issue as think you look at people’s history an appeal to voters on both sides. and record.” During the first televised debate The role of government has hosted by the Northern Virginia been a central defining theme of Chamber of Commerce, Warner the campaign, perhaps best illus- says Gade’s opposition to the trated by a debate over something ACA would undermine protec- that happened in 2016. tions for preexisting conditions. That’s when a woman was killed Daniel Gade responded that was by a beach umbrella in Virginia offensive. Beach. Warner reacted by urging “There were 25 states when the the Consumer Product Safety Com- ACA was passed that already pro- mission to step in and potentially tected people with preexisting con- help save lives. Gade said that was ditions,” said Gade, who lost a leg the wrong response. as a combat vet in Iraq. “And the “That’s maybe a local gov- idea that I would take away pro- ernment responsibility or state tections for people with preexist- • Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed government maybe,” said Gade ing conditions is offensive and it’s • Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999 10% down shortly after securing the Republi- false and it’s defamatory.” • Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job can nomination over the summer. Warner says Gade can’t have it Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the “But the idea that this overarch- both ways. past 17 years ing, over powerful federal govern- “If my opponent wants to change • Plumbing (PLB) ment would reach into our lives his position and say he supported • Residential Building (RBC) in a way that would tell us how my decision along with John Mc- deeply we should drill our beach Cain to keep the ACA, he can make umbrellas into the sand; that’s’ that change,” said Warner. “But Free Estimates 703-999-2928 Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level absurd.” you can’t go out and criticize me Warner says it’s probably a bad for the ACA and then cherry pick http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov idea to let local or state govern- which parts of the ACA you want Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com ment regulate beach umbrellas. to preserve.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 v 7 News

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

A long line awaits in-person early voters in Great Falls on Saturday, Oct. 17, the first In-person early voters socially distanced outside the Great Falls Library on Saturday, day the satellite voting location at the Great Falls Library opened. Oct. 17, the first day the satellite voting location opened. Making Sure Their Votes Are Counted Great Falls Library location sees long lines for early in-person voting. By Mercia Hobson The Connection

he need to drop their ballot into a secure drop-off box or slide it into a voting machine spurred hun- Tdreds of individuals to wait in the long line on the first day of in-person early voting at the Great Falls Library satellite vot- ing location on Saturday, Oct. 17. One hour after opening, the line reached the intersec- tion of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. “I’m here today because I feel it is important to vote in-person to ensure my vote is count- ed,’’ said Angela Bongiorno of Great Falls. For Jane and Dan Tani of Great Falls, con- venience and getting the job done mattered. Masked and socially distanced, couples, multi-generational “This is the first Saturday (the voting loca- Kimberly Kelly of Great Falls drops her absentee ballot in the families and individuals wait in line at the Great Falls Library tion) opened here in Great Falls. I wanted to Fairfax County Office of Elections drop-off box. on Saturday, Oct. 17, ready to cast their ballots and have their do it as soon as I could in Great Falls,” Jane voices heard. said. “We’re eager to vote to get it done,” the ballots dropped in the absentee ballot ON ELECTION DAY, Tuesday, November 3, said Dan. Voter Kimberly Kelly jumped the box, first reviewing and sorting, then the County Government Center’s location open polling places in Fairfax County will be open line and the wait. She walked up to the offi- ballots are tallied by running them through 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and Satur- as usual, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Fairfax cial Fairfax County Office of Elections Drop- a high-speed scanner. “The votes are tabu- day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. County Park Authority will host six new poll- off Box for Fairfax County Absentee Ballots lated... on Election Night, if you look at CAP The Great Falls location is open two more ing locations. The action was taken to ensure and dropped her envelope into it. “ I’m vot- (Central Absentee Precinct) … your vote is Saturdays, Oct. 24 and 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. maximum available parking, enhance public ing absentee because of the line, and I want- included in that count,” said Kelly. Voting times at the other 14 new locations safety relative to traffic and COVID-19 so- ed to get it in early. My husband and I work In addition to expanding the number of are weekdays, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Satur- cial distancing, and allow election officials for the government and we wanted to make polling locations, Fairfax County instituted days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any registered Fairfax to accommodate potentially large crowds. sure our votes are in. It makes me so very curbside and drive-up voting at these sites, County voter can vote early and at any early These six sites, Cub Run RECenter, South happy,” she said. a critical resource for voters unable to enter site. The last day to vote at any early loca- Run RECenter, Oak Marr RECenter, Spring Nearby, Larry Kelly, 82 years old (not re- an in-person polling place to cast their vote. tion is Saturday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. Hill RECenter, Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor lated), guarded the drop-off box. “If you re- There are three ways to vote in the up- Center and Green Spring Gardens Horticul- tire, and you sit, you die, but I’m limited in VIRGINIA’S NEW STATE LAW permitted coming elections on November 3, according ture Center, will be closed to customers to the number of hours to work for the admin- registered voters to use absentee/early bal- to Fairfax County. To vote absentee by mail, facilitate voters. istration of the Fairfax County Office of Elec- lots and allowed an additional 14 in-person individuals should apply now. The deadline Visit Office of Elections Fairfax County for tions.” According to Kelly, the office mailed early voting satellite locations to open ear- is Friday, Oct. 23. The fastest and most se- more information about early voting, vote 250,000 ballots, and 30 percent to 35. are lier in the week on Wednesday. The 15 new cure way to apply is online on the Virginia by mail, sample ballots, track ballots, regis- back. Kelly said that the office preprocesses sites were in addition to the Main Fairfax Department of Elections website. tering to vote and election results. 8 v Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Real Estate

Real Estate Market 1st to 3rd Quarter Photos contributed Comparison 2020 to 2019 to 2010 in Scouts and families McLean and Great Falls. Great Falls Scouts Clean ‘Adopted Road’ On Saturday, Oct. 10, eight children and 10 adults of Cub Scout Pack 55 met at Forestville Elementary school and picked up trash on Utterback Store Road from Georgetown Pike to Leesburg Pike. Pack 55 has adopted that stretch of Utterback Store through VDOT. Each Scout and their family was assigned a section of road to clean up, and they picked up 7 bags of garbage. “Everything went off well and it looks nice and clean now,” said Pack 55 Cubmaster Darius Sarraf, “and we’re glad that we can help make our home school look good too.”

Home As a Safe Haven Home sales in McLean and Great Falls in 2020 similar in total count with 2019. By Karen Briscoe

he first three quarters of 2020 have come to a close and the number of real estate transactions in McLean and Great Falls Thave been tallied. Year over year, sales are relatively similar in total count with 914 in 2020 com- pared to 920 in 2019. The even better news is the lo- cal real estate market has considerably improved over 2010, which came in at only 706. That represents an increase in sales of almost 30 percent over the last Forestville first grader Hasan Khawaja and third grader Finn decade. Sarraf. The first quarter was more springlike than is typical for the Northern Virginia winter season. There was Photo contributed a lot of pent-up buyer demand in many segments of Karen Briscoe with her business partner Lizzy Bulletin Board McLean and Great Falls. The emergence of COVID-19 Conroy. later in the quarter led to volatility in the stock market Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/ Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least demand and lower supply, many segments are expe- and many people sought the security of a home as a two weeks before the event. safe haven. The US Department of Homeland Secu- riencing price appreciation for the first time in over a rity Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA) decade. These market conditions are advantageous HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Breathe! - A breath and meditation recognizes housing as a basic human need and thus for Sellers considering a move. CANCELLED break- Katie Courlander, Katie includes residential real estate activities in the list of The real estate community continues to serve cus- The Halloween Spooktacular that is Courlander Yoga. Call 703-281- 0601. essential services during the crisis. tomers and clients in almost all capacities. Industry usually presented by Celebrate Great Falls at The Village Green Home for many now represents the place where professionals have responded quickly to provide the is cancelled this year due to WEDNESDAY/OCT. 21 people live, work, play, educate their children, as well safest and most secure service to all. Agents continue Covid-19. After much discussion, Active Aging Wellness Exercise Class as enjoy physical activity and entertainment. As our to list houses for sale, show houses to buyers, write the organizers determined that -- A Program of the Shepherd’s nation and world navigate the impact of COVID-19, contracts and settle on transactions. Meeting the de- there was just no way to offer the Center serving Oakton-Vienna-Res- mand to use technology and go virtual, the real estate Spooktacular events in a safe and ton-Herndon (SC) people still find themselves in situations where they compliant manner. $40 payable to Sun Fitness LLC. Reg- have a need to make a move! arena has shifted to offer Zoom meetings, eSigning, ister with Casey Tarr, eileentarr1@ In the local McLean and Great Falls area, the great- and online notary cam closings. When activities are NOW THRU DEC. 8 verizon.net or 703-821-6838 est impact for the first three quarters was in the upper best conducted in person, real estate and related pro- Just Breathe!....We’ve Got You! Tues- brackets, priced over $1.25 million. In particular, the fessionals follow CDC guidelines to take necessary days 9:45 to 12 p.m. Via Zoom. WEDNESDAY/OCT. 21 $1.25 million to $2 million price range realized the precautions for the safety of all parties. A Program of the Shepherd’s The free webinar entitled: “Immigrant Center serving Oakton-Vienna-Res- Community of Northern Virginia: most significant gain with 286 sales in 2020 which ton-Herndon (SC). Three-part Economic Impact and COVID19” Karen Briscoe with HBC Group at Keller Williams is an represents a 39 percent increase over 2019 of 206 webinar series to learn how to get will take place on Wednesday, active and experienced Realtor® in the Northern Virginia sales. The upper brackets most commonly include started for your next chapter in October 21 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. marketplace. Karen, alongside her business partner Lizzy estate type properties which offer the advantages of life. Each session is hosted by a Event details and registration can Conroy and team, works with sellers, buyers, investors professional and will allow time for be found at the following link: more physical space for interior living as well as out- and builders in all price ranges. We are available to assist Q & A. Series sponsored by Navy https://www.novaregion.org/118/ door areas. Homes in good show condition and priced with your real estate needs. www.HBCGroupKW.com, Federal Credit Union; AARP; Kens- correctly for the market are in low supply. With strong 703-734-0192, [email protected]. ington Reston Senior Living. Just See Bulletin, Page 11 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 v 9 Classified Calendar WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411 NOW THRU NOV. 5 Cutbacks was commissioned by age groups will be mailed to each Haunted Wine Tours. 6:30 p.m.; 7:30 The Alden to write the new show, winner: 10 and under, 11 – 12, 13 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. At The Winery “Objects in Mirror May Be Spookier - 14, 15 – 18, 19 – 29, 30 – 39, Announcements Announcements at Bull Run, 15950 Lee Highway, Than They Appear.” The show will 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 69, 70 +. Centreville. The Haunted Wine be presented over three weekends, Register on-line at www.Ghost5k. Tours are back for the fifth year in from 6 p.m.-8:15 p.m., Friday-Sun- com. For more information email: a row, in a new condensed version, day, Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1. [email protected] so you can enjoy real ghost stories Tickets are $20 per car/$15 MCC Connect on social media: www. and award-winning wine all while tax district residents. The perfor- facebook.com/ghost5k, @Ghost- staying safe. Due to the restrictive mances will be held in the parking 5kandScarecrowSprint environment surrounding COVID, lot of MCC at 1234 Ingleside Ave. there are far less tickets available Visit: www.aldentheatre.org or call SATURDAY/OCT. 24 this year. Therefore priority access 703-790-0123, TTY: 711. ”An Evening with Jim Van Slyke.” 7:30 to tickets go to wine club members. p.m. At NextStop Theatre, 269 FRIDAY/OCT. 23 AND NOV. 6 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Award NOW THRU DEC. 7 Evening Campfire. 7 to 8:30 p.m. winning singer, songwriter and MCC Fantastic Fall Scavenger Hunt. At Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake recording artist, Jim Van Slyke has Join your friends, family and Fairfax Drive, Reston. Come to headlined sold out appearances on community for McLean Community Lake Fairfax Park for an evening concert stages around the globe Center’s Fantastic Fall Scavenger campfire the whole family can including New York’s historic Friars Hunt. This exciting fall virtual enjoy. Explore the wonders of the Club, Feinstein’s at Lowes Regency, event allows for you and your team natural world through activities, and Birdland Jazz Club. Visit www. to compete against others and win such as nature walks, animal nextstoptheatre.org/the-parking- prizes. This is the perfect event to presentations and interactive lot-concerts. stay local and have fun with your fun. Learn about nature and our Announcements Announcements friends and family. The Fantastic place in it. Topics vary by date. SATURDAY/OCT. 24 Fall Scavenger Hunt is a game Of course, no campfire would be Making a Scarecrow. At Sully Historic played on a smart phone in which complete without s’mores. The cost Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, teams complete 75 missions (or is $12 per person, and the events Chantilly. Family members of all challenges) both indoors and out- are designed for participants age 3 ages are invited to celebrate the doors. Missions include answering to adult. Children must be accom- season by creating a scarecrow to questions, taking specific photos panied by a registered adult. Call use for a fall decoration. Just bring or videos, finding a specific item, 703-471-5414. some old clothing to stuff with hay, geocaching or completing specific and afterward, pose with your new tasks as given in a list provided by FRIDAY/OCT. 23 friend and take a picture in front of the Game Master. The scavenger Fine W(h)ine: Cabaret. 7-8 p.m. our 1794 Federal style home. hunt will take place in and around Online. Rev. Russell and Amy Family or pod groups of up to six McLean and from your own home. have long histories with wine people will have their own area Participants work in small teams of and whining. Tune in to this live outside for creating their friend. 4-10 players. Team captains must fundraiser comedy show, and There will be six family groups per be 16 years old or older. Visit the donate according to how hard you 45-minute session. Slots are still website www.McLeancenter.org. laugh (or groan). Visit the website: available; make your reservation https://2020-10-fine-whine. at least two days before the event. NIGHTMARE ALLEY eventbrite.com/?aff=cxnnews The cost is $20 per family. The rain The Workhouse Arts Center announces date is Oct. 25, 2020. Call 703- that “Nightmare Alley” Haunted SATURDAY/OCT. 24 437-1794. Drive-Thru is coming to Lorton You’re Majoring in What? -- The for this year’s Halloween season. Journey to Become a Theatre Artist SUNDAY/OCT. 25 Announcements Announcements “Nightmare Alley” is the first Against Your Parents’ Wishes. 2 Virtual: McLean Uncorked. 5-6 p.m. immersive drive-thru Halloween p.m. Part of the Virtual Round Wine Down the Fall—A Wine experience in the region. Zombies, Table Discussion Series at 1st Stage Tasting Experience at Home. Enjoy swamp creatures, creepy clowns, in Tysons. Free. In these forums, a true wine experience, one sip at and scary dolls are among 13 dif- they’ll talk and share questions a time, connecting with wonder- ferent scary scenes taking up resi- and thoughts with artists, actors, ful wines and fellow wine lovers. dence on the Workhouse campus. designers, musicians and direc- Unique wines will be available These new campus inhabitants tors about experiences they have to pre-purchase by registrants at will scare and entertain visitors faced as professional artists. Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean. experiencing the attraction from Artists participating include Debra For beginners and connoisseurs the safety of their cars. There will Kim Sivigny, Bob Barlett, Ron OJ alike, this wine experience will be 13 nights of fright, now through Parsons, José Carrasquillo, Thembi not disappoint! A wine expert Saturday, Oct. 31. Fridays and Duncan, and more. Pre-registra- will lead this session and explore Saturdays from 7-11 p.m. each tion is required and space is limit- various aspects of the art of wine weekend in October, and Sun- ed. Registration is available now at including terroir, production, days in the middle of the month www.1ststage.org. grape varietals, structure, food/ (October 25) from 7-10 p.m. Visit wine interaction, pairing and much https://www.workhousearts.org/ SATURDAY/OCT. 24 more. Participants must purchase nightmare-alley/ Running of the Ghost 5K. 4 p.m. wine separately. Free; registration At House 6 Brewing Company, is required. OCT. 22-25 Ashburn. With Halloween in the Calling all runners. The Ethiopian air, they are celebrating the 11th SUNDAY/OCT. 25 Community Development Council, running of the Ghost 5k. Runners McLean Uncorked. 5-6 p.m. Virtu- Inc. will have its National Run are encouraged to run in costume. al. Wine Down the Fall—A Wine for Refugees, a virtual 5K. Over 3 The event centers on the spook- Tasting Experience at Home. Enjoy days you can run (or walk) your tacular theme of Halloween and a true wine experience, one sip race wherever you are and submit incorporates a virtual costume at a time, connecting wonderful your time miles to the ranking. contest, and a “haunted” 3.1 mile wines and fellow wine lovers. You can also set up your own peer course! Great fun for the entire Unique wines will be available fundraising page. Through your family. All registered runners to pre-purchase by registrants at participation you can help raise will receive a commemorative Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean donations and awareness for refu- technical long sleeve glow in the for this tasting. Selected wines are gees. Please sign up here: https:// dark race shirt, glow in the dark from regions and wineries, famous www.jbsports.com/ecdc-virtual-na- medal, and Halloween candy and under the radar—all with tional-run-for-refugees mailed to their home. The ghostly great stories to tell. A wine expert 5k lollipop style course through will lead this session and explore OCT. 23-25; AND OCT. 30-NOV. 1 the surrounding neighborhoods various aspects of the art of wine The Alden Theatre at the McLean of One Loudoun will be open for including terroir, production, grape Community Center (MCC) is one hour after the start of the varietals, structure, food/wine in- presenting its third and final race. Digital timing will be used teraction, pairing and more. Free; fall performance of its popular, to capture finishing time. Awards registration is required. Activity socially distanced theater program, to overall & overall second place No. 2010.220. Participants must An expert is someone who knows some Drive-Thru Drama in October. New Male and Female, first and second purchase wine separately. Visit of the worst mistakes that can be made York City-based company Recent male and female in the following www.mcleancenter.org. in his subject and how to avoid them. -Werner Heisenberg 10 v Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters Business “I’ll Think About Opposing County Bond Measures That Tomorrow” To the Editor: dents. Tax revenues are going to be down and Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE Please VOTE NO on all 4 Fairfax Coun- are used to fund essential county services. If What I’m thinking about - and being thankful for, ty Bond Measures. You cannot vote yes to these bond measures support essential com- WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM today, is the disappearance of all the side effects I’ve support almost a half billion dollars in new munity needs then Fairfax County should been experiencing during the last four weeks or so County debt if you have not invested the stop unnecessary expenditures and, in doing Call 703-549-0004 since I began my pill regimen for my papillary thy- for advertising information roid cancer treatment. Too many to list but upwards time to read the County budget. so, there will be money in the base budget to of a dozen side effects which encompass all activities Don’t mirror the irresponsible behavior pay for what is needed. Just read the budget from those of daily living to others pertaining to just of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. and see for yourself. plain living. Let me reprint the warning that came There is no such thing as free money and ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL with the pills: “People using this medication may these bond measures create more unnec- Ethel Pascal have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged essary debt burdening the future of all resi- Great Falls that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.” Put that in your pipe and smoke it. That’s Bulletin Board what I have to smoke every day, if you know figura- From Page 9 substances, and over the counter drugs may tively what I mean? Demographics The Northern Virginia Region- be turned in anonymously at 215 Center The bigger question, the overriding concern/anx- al Commission is co-sponsoring this event Street, South, Vienna. iety is what exactly the thyroid cancer is doing now with the Partnership for a New American having been left unmedicated for the last nine days? Economy and the Community Foundation for SATURDAY/OCT. 31 How irreparable is the damage being done when Northern Virginia. Virtual 5K/1K Walk-Run-Roll. 10 a.m. to 10 the cancer has been left unchecked? Moreover, to p.m. Join in the Unity Halloween Virtual LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING the extent there has been some damage, is restarting THURSDAY/OCT. 22 5K/1K Run, Walk, and Roll. Sign up, dress treatment even an option or have I already failed the Blood Drive at the Boro. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Boro up for Halloween (optional), and move your tolerance test? Being a cancer patient is a never-end- Place, Conference Room E/F, 1775 Greens- body! Then post your pictures on the Face- ing series of questions and/or concerns for which boro Station Place, McLean. The Boro is part- book Event page for all to see #Unity5K1K there is hardly clarity. As I have been led to believe/ nering with The American Red Cross to host #UnityWalkRunRoll #UnityVirtualHalloween. educated since my initial lung cancer diagnosis, Cost is $25. Visit the website: https://virtu- a Blood Drive. Individuals who would like to there will be no more guarantees coming. al5k-1k-walk-run-roll-halloween.eventbrite. donate are asked to make an appointment on- But of course improvements in cancer treatment com/?aff=cxnnews line at American Red Cross Blood Services to and ongoing research have improved survivability,

schedule their donation. Appointments allow Summer Cleanup... and with many patients, myself included, turned the the American Red Cross to exercise hygienic JOIN CUB SCOUTS cancer treatment into a chronic disease type proto- practices and provide donor services. Visit K-5 students are invited to join Cub Scout Pack col, like diabetes. Nevertheless, cancer is in control, theborotysons.com. 55 of Great Falls for fun, community service, the doctors are not. There are no slam-dunks in can- hiking, campfires, and more! Children from cer treatment. How would I ever be able to unwind Forestville Elementary, other area schools, FRIDAY/OCT. 23 myself from years of stress and fear just because? I McLean Art Society Meeting. The Mclean Art So- and home school are welcome. The pack meets virtually once a month, for an optional couldn’t. A cancer patient today sort of means, I’ll ciety Membership team will meet from 10:30- likely be a cancer patient tomorrow. I don’t see how I 11 a.m. This will be followed at 11 a.m. by masked, socially distanced outdoor activity, could shake that self-image. a one-hour presentation and demonstration and the dens meet at least once a month. Somehow, I must, as I’m trying to do now, exult by Nancy King Mertz, a nationally acclaimed Contact Cubmaster Darius Sarraf at cubmas- artist in pastels and oil painting. Ms. Mertz [email protected]. in the joy of a semi uncomplicated, side-effect free has a B.F.A. in Painting from Eastern Illinois existence because ..., it’s not guaranteed. I must University and is the recipient of the Prix de NOW THRU DEC. 1 try even harder to compartmentalize the unknown Pastel from I.A.P.S. in 2018 and has been a White House Ornaments. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Assis- while savoring this known, relatively easy time. Chicago Artist of the Year. Newcomers wish- tance League of Northern Virginia. P.O. Box It’s not promised and it’s not necessarily likely to ing to attend this session are welcome and 209, Herndon. 2020 White House Ornaments occur again, certainly not after I return to treatment. will be added to the Zoom list by contacting available for purchase. This year’s ornament Patios & Drainage But maybe, my new normal will be switching on the Mclean Art Society President Ray Good- features John F. Kennedy’s official posthu- Your neighborhood company since 1987 and off treatment, sort of like I did while being row at [email protected]. mous White House portrait. Cost is $22 per infused with alimta. Though I still had my CT scans ornament plus shipping if applicable. To view -- quarterly, so long as the scans showed stable, we VIENNA LAUNCHES SATURDAY ‘SHOP & the ornament and information on ordering, kept extending the interval between infusions. The STROLL’ CAMPAIGN visit www.alnv.org. Proceeds support com- goal being to balance effect on the tumors with the munity-based programs for local Children. The Town of Vienna announced the launch of quality of life (freedom from side effects and infusion

a new campaign to encourage visitors to J.E.S. Services appointments). Eventually, we stretched the interval TUESDAY/NOV 3 to as much as seven weeks from the original three explore the town’s diverse shopping centers. Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured The initiative titled Vienna Shop & Stroll The Woman’s Club of McLean hosts a speaker on enabling me to live - occasionally, a semi cancer free will take place on select Saturdays starting U.S. presidential wives on Tuesday, November • Planting & Landscaping Design life. Perhaps this on-again, off-again schedule might • Drainage & Water Problems Saturday, October 24 through December. Each 3rd, at Garfield Memorial Christian Church, apply to this recent thyroid treatment. I have to hope 1731 Great Falls Street, McLean, at 12 p.m. • Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New month, designated shopping centers will host • Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid because the side effects, as I alluded to initially, have safe and socially distant seasonal activities Andrew Och, an award-winning media pro- • Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose been affecting my quality of life. And if there’s one and in-store promotions for all to enjoy. ducer, is the author of two books on American • Retaining walls of all types factor driving my better-than expected survival, it has presidential wives, from Martha Washington Locals and visitors can get to know business All work Guaranteed been my attitude, which has derived directly from my owners and learn more about the history of to Melania Trump. Visit www.mcleanwoman- management of side effects. Anecdotally speaking each shopping center. Visit ViennaVA.gov/ sclub.org. (or presuming) being in a good mood, being able to shopandstroll. function with normal parameters (to quote Data from Schedule: Select Saturdays 12–4 p.m. NOW THRU NOV. 12 “Star Trek: Next Generation”) has been a tremendous October 24 -- ViennaShopping Center Adventures in Learning. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. contributor to my life expectancy (my oncologist November 7 -- Danor Plaza Virtual via Zoom. Adventures in Learning -A refers to me “as his third miracle”). November 14 -- Cedar Park Program of the Shepherd’s Center serv- But I can’t know for sure. And of course, that’s the November 21 -- JadesShopping Center + Vienna ing Oakton-Vienna-Reston-Herndon (SC). crux of the problem for many of us cancer patients. Plaza Offering T’ai Chi; Health & Wellness;Arts One can never know for sure if you’re hindering or November 28 -- Small Biz Saturday on Church & Entertainment, World Affairs: Past & helping; and since guarantees stopped being made Street and surrounding streets off Church Present. Sample classes: Moo-ving Toward on the ground-zero day you were diagnosed with a December 5 -- Village Green a Plant-Based Diet, Medicare 101, Masters “terminal disease”’ it’s often difficult to know which December 12 -- Glyndon Plaza of Baroque-Rembrandt, Chamber Dance Project, Discovery of Planets Outside our path to follow. Right now, it’s easy to follow the path Solar System, My Three Years in Vietnam. which is creating a more normal/pleasant quality of SATURDAY/OCT. 24 life. But at what cost? I can’t know what the tumors The Vienna Police Department will participate For list of full class schedule, visit www.scov. are doing. Perhaps, in taking a break from treatment, in the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Ini- org. Tuition for 8 week course: $45. Call I have unleashed the cancer once again. That’s my tiative on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 703-281-0588 or mail to Shepherd’s Center, 2 p.m. In conjunction with the United States 541 Marshall Rd. SW, Vienna, VA 22180. dilemma: reconciling the present with the future, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and fear with the familiar, the hope with the inevitable. state and local law enforcement agencies, the SUNDAYS THRU OCT. 25 And it’s likely I’ll never know if what I’ve done has Vienna Police Department will again partici- CROP Hunger Walks. 2 p.m. At CHO, Vienna been a help or a hindrance. Yet somehow, I have to pate in a one-day initiative to remove poten- Court Condos, 133 Park Street, NE, Vienna. make plans and decisions.”Tomorrow is another day.” tially dangerous controlled substances from The annual Vienna CROP Hunger Walk, a Lest, I be gone with the wind. area homes. The Vienna Police Department hybrid virtual/in-person event, will be held will have a collection site for old, expired, Sundays through October 25. Register for, Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for unused, or unwanted medications. Prescrip- donate to, or find more information about the The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. tion medications, controlled or non-controlled Walk at www.crophungerwalk.org/viennava. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 v 11 12 v Great Falls Connection v October 21-27, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com