Nallely Soto and daugh- ter Mya, 8, attend the inaugural Internation- al Women’s Day 2019 HomeLifeStyle Reception featuring Page 8 Charlotte Geary Pho- tography’s works, “The Women of Lake Anne, a Portrait Series of Talent- Herndon, Reston ed Business Leaders in This Vibrant Community” and a Panel Discussion Students Win

Classifieds, Page 6 Opinion, Page 2 v Entertainment, 4 Classifieds, on Lake Anne Plaza wom- en entrepreneurs. Peace Awards News, Page 3 Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women Opinion, Page 2

Requested in home 3-14-19 home in Requested Time sensitive material. material. sensitive Time

Are Running Postmaster: Attention

ECR WSS ECR

Postal Customer Postal

permit #322 permit

Easton, MD Easton,

Lake Anne Plaza PAID U.S. Postage U.S.

News, Page 8 STD PRSRT Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection by Mercia Hobson/The Photo March 13-19, 2019 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com Opinion Reston

A+ Primer for Our Neighborhoods www.ConnectionNewspapers.com @RestonConnect

cluding defining your area, recruiting leaders, An independent, locally owned weekly County Community Emergency Response Guide knowing your area, building an emergency newspaper delivered response team, and planning your approach. to homes and businesses. strengthens community, builds local resiliency, Everything is laid out in this step-by-step guide, Published by and mitigates potential risks. including how to organize an emergency team, Local Media Connection LLC creating a family emergency kit, and adding 1606 King Street disabled residents to a functional needs regis- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 By John C. Cook That’s why I am so thrilled that Fairfax try. It even lists the most likely emergencies Braddock District Supervisor (R) County has published its first ever Community and explains how to prepare for, respond to, Free digital edition delivered to Emergency Response Guide from the Office of and recover from them. Users can also find your email box. Go to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe ur Fairfax County government is Emergency Management. The publication of information on local volunteer groups who can well prepared to deal with emer- this document, and the plan behind it, fulfills assist in these emergencies, such as the Com- gencies, both large and small, a goal of mine that even predates my election munity Emergency Response Team (CERT). By NEWS DEPARTMENT: O [email protected] from large storms to disease out- to the board. When I served as president of filling out the Community Emergency Response breaks to criminal and even terrorist events. the Kings Park Civic Association I recognized Guide will give you a never-before-seen view Kemal Kurspahic But our communities are not so prepared. In the great need for a citizen-focused emergency of your own neighborhood. Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 the first 72 hours after a major emergency planning tool. As a supervisor I have pushed You can find the Community Emergency [email protected] event, governmental ser- for this program for years. Now the Office of Response Guide online at https:// Commentary vices may not be available. Emergency Management made this idea a re- www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Mercia Hobson Power may be out, trans- ality. The end result is a comprehensive plan- emergencymanagement/cerg. The Office of Community Reporter [email protected] portation blocked, medical ning tool that will strengthen community, build Emergency Management offers community services overwhelmed, and food, gas, and even local resiliency, and mitigate potential risks. workshops to those who would like extra help Andrea Worker money difficult to find. Community coordination is needed in mak- in creating their emergency response plan. The Contributing Writer In those first few days, communities would ing a successful community emergency plan. request form can be found on the Office of [email protected] need to come together so neighbors can help It requires citizens to take initiative, reach out Emergency Management website. Jean Card each other. And even during those lesser emer- to their peers, and work together to identify I encourage all residents to work within their Production Editor gency events which occur with some regularity local risks and assets. The Community Emer- particular communities to create an emergency [email protected] — snowstorms, serious thunderstorms, and the gency Response Guide breaks down emergency response program appropriate for your neigh- like — neighbors need to help each other out. planning into easy-to-follow steps. These in- borhood. We are here to help. ADVERTISING: For advertising information [email protected] Women’s History Month 703-778-9431 Debbie Funk of elections with their tireless work in making Display Advertising/National Sales Eleven new women members were elected to the 703-778-9444 calls, knocking on doors, and working on be- [email protected] half of the candidates they support. Organiza- Virginia House of Delegates in 2017, all of whom tions like Indivisibles, with Herndon-Reston David Griffin Indivisibles being a model organization, and Marketing Assistant ousted male incumbents. Moms Demand Action among others are mak- 703-778-9431 [email protected] ing their influence felt on policy issues like By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum Even more significant in recog- ending the epidemic of gun violence. Classified & Employment State Delegate (D-36) nizing women in Virginia is the The big disappointment in celebrating Advertising fact that there is historic represen- women in history is the refusal of the Virginia 703-778-9431 arch is Women’s His- tation of women in the Virginia House of Delegates to ratify the Equal Rights Mtory Month. Before House of Delegates, including the Amendment. Ratification failed on a tied vote Editor & Publisher women had the whole election of 11 new women mem- on a procedural matter that makes it even more Mary Kimm month, the U.S. recognized bers in 2017, all of whom ousted frustrating that the amendment was not al- [email protected] Women’s History Week; before male incumbents. The House lowed to be debated on the floor of the House @MaryKimm that, a single International Democratic Caucus is almost 45 of Delegates. There is more women’s history Executive Vice President Women’s Day. Dedicating the percent women, including 11 to be written in Virginia, and I suspect the next Jerry Vernon whole month of March in honor women of color. The House Re- step will be election of even more women this 703-549-0004 of women’s achievements was publican Caucus is less than 10 fall and ratification of the ERA next year! [email protected] seen “as a way to revise a written and social percent women. Caucus Chair Charniele Her- American history that had largely ignored ring is the first woman to chair a caucus in the Editor in Chief Steven Mauren women’s contributions,” according to an article House of Delegates throughout its 400-year Managing Editor in Time magazine. The first Women’s Day took history. Leader Eileen Filler-Corn is the first Kemal Kurspahic place on Feb. 28, 1909 to honor the one-year woman to be elected leader of a caucus in the Write Art/Design: anniversary of the garment workers strikes in General Assembly. Laurence Foong, John Heinly, The Connection welcomes views on any New York, when thousands of women marched Recently I served on a panel, “Can Women Ali Khaligh public issue. Production Manager: for economic rights and to honor an earlier Save Democracy? We’re counting on it!” at the The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Geovani Flores 1857 march when garment workers rallied for Schar School of Policy and Government at Letters must be signed. Include home equal rights and a 10-hour day, according to George Mason University along with Charniele address and home and business numbers. Letters are routinely edited for libel, the article. Herring, Eileen Filler-Corn, and Congress- CIRCULATION grammar, good taste and factual errors. [email protected] Recognizing the achievement of Virginia woman Jennifer Wexton. There was a clear Send to: women goes beyond naming a month. A monu- consensus in the room that women will play a ment is under construction on Capitol Square, pivotal role in getting our country back on the Letters to the Editor The Connection “Voices from the Garden,” which will be the right track. Witness this year’s state and local 1606 King St. first monument of its kind in the nation. Rep- elections when there are record-breaking num- Alexandria VA 22314 resentative of the state’s regions, the monu- bers of women lining up to run in primaries Call: 703-917-6444. By e-mail: ment recognizes the 400-year history and the and the general elections. [email protected] diversity of achievement, ethnicity and thought Not only are women running and winning that women have made to the Commonwealth. races, but they are determining the outcome

2 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected] Students Who Work for Peace Honored By Andrea Worker The Connection A senior at Herndon High School, Lydia Goff is the t’s not easy to be the peace president of her school’s Best Buddies Chapter and maker. Sometimes it is really works hard to foster real friendships between people Ihard, especially when you with and without intellectual disabilities. make those around you, even friends, angry when you speak out and stand up for what Herndon, Reston is right. And sometimes it can be dangerous. But in all instances, Peace Awards Winners being the peacemaker “requires Herndon and Reston both flict Resolution Youth Summit courage and commitment,” U.S. saw students achieve the Peace and in the Capital Region Lead- Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) told Awards honor. ership Academy, Kamila has or- the crowd gathered at the ❖ Lydia Goff, a Senior at ganized projects to raise funds Sherwood Community Center in Herndon High School, is the and collect needed items for Fairfax on Sunday, March 9. president of her school’s Best Sudanese children, Syrian child Connolly, along with a host of Buddies chapter, in which vol- refugees, and victims of Hurri- sponsors, elected officials and a The winners of the 2019 Fairfax Student Peace Awards. unteers seek to foster genuine, cane Irma and the earthquake cheering collection of family and The students from all around the county are honored one-on-one friendships be- in Indonesia. friends, had come together to for the work they do to sow the seeds of peace, resolve tween people with and without Last summer, Kamila met honor the 23 young recipients of conflict, and promote understanding among the di- intellectual disabilities. with the staffs of U.S. Sen. Mark the 2019 Student Fairfax Peace verse people of Fairfax County, in their schools and in With 90 students registered in Warner and U.S. Rep. Gerry Awards at a ceremony led by Mar- the community. the program, Lydia stays busy Connolly to advocate for U.S. garet Fisher of program-founder Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection organizing monthly social border policy reform. Herndon Friends Meeting. events, after-school meetings ❖ Sophia Liao, a senior at In addition to garnering kudos from the congress- and one-on-one get togethers. South Lakes High School in man, state Del. Ken Plum (D-36), Fairfax County Last year, Herndon Best Bud- Reston, where she founded the Supervisor Penny Gross (Mason District), Scott dies was selected as the Most Young Democrats Club, served Brabrand, Fairfax County Public Schools superinten- Outstanding High School chap- on the Student Council, and dent, and Karen Corbett Sanders, Mount Vernon Dis- ter in the Capital Region and represents South Lakes on the trict representative and vice chair of the FCPS board Lydia was awarded the D.C. Superintendent’s Student Advi- also officially offered their congratulations and ad- United Community Star Award sory Council. miration for the young activists. in recognition of her service. Her organizational skills must Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon, members-at- ❖ Kamila Elyazgi is a Se- be legendary, as she took the large of the FCPS board, and Tamara Denerak Kaufax, nior at King Abdullah Academy, reins on a trip for 12 students FCPS board Lee District representative were also on a private school in Herndon. to China to volunteer at a panda hand to show their support. She formed a global charity center. She also organized club at her school called Project South Lakes’ participation in THE EVENT’S KEYNOTE SPEAKER was David Humanity. A participant in the the National Walkout Day Swanson, an author, activist, journalist, radio host George Mason University Con- against gun violence last year. and co-founder and director of World Beyond War, a “global nonviolent movement to end war and estab- lish a just and sustainable peace.” U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) offered his Swanson, a 1987 graduate of Herndon High School congratulations to the winners of the 2019 who identifies as a “world citizen,” presented his Fairfax Student Peace Awards at their argument of “no justification for war, ever,” while reception on March 10. “Standing up for admitting that his remarks could make his audiences peace takes courage and commitment.” uncomfortable, but asserted that they were words that need to be said and a conversation that needs cifically for peace or to identify and resolve conflicts to happen. … demonstrating commitment to peace by engag- The Fairfax Student Peace Awards started in 2006 ing in activities that strive to end conflict … seeking as one school, Herndon High School, and one spon- to bridge language, ethnic, racial, religious, gender, sor, the Herndon Friends Meeting, but has grown to sexual orientation, or class differences … and/or as- Kamila Elyazgi, Sophia Liao is a 19 sponsors and is now offered to every public high sist to resolve conflicts among students or members Peace Award senior at South school in Fairfax County, as well as two private of the community who feel isolated or alienated.” recipient and Lakes where she schools. senior at private founded the The goal of the program is to encourage young THE WINNERS received certificates of achieve- King Abdullah Young Democrats people to think more about peace “both as a means ment, a monetary gift and an additional $100 to be Academy formed Club. Sophia has and as an end” and to recognize their achievements donated to any nonprofit organization of the a global charity taken her peace- when they turn those peace-making thoughts into student’s choice that operates in a spirit that is in club at her school maker efforts actions in their schools, their communities, and even keeping with the Peace Awards and this year, an and has been global, organizing around the world. autographed copy of the book, “Sweet Fruits From active in Conflict a trip to China The program is open to area high school juniors The Bitter Tree” by Mark Andreas, stories of “cre- Resolution and for 12 students to and seniors. In October, each school is invited to ative and compassionate ways out of conflict.” leadership work- volunteer at a choose either an individual or a group recipient with Read more about the Peace Awards and the recipients at shops. panda center. the guidelines that the students have worked “spe- www.fairfax.studentpeaceawards.org. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 ❖ 3 Entertainment Home LifeStyle Submit entertainment announce- Visions. The exhibition will be on ments at connectionnewspapers.com/ view March 2–30, 2018 at the Calendar/. The deadline is noon on gallery located at the Reston Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged. Town Center. Visit www.restonarts.org. St. Patrick’s Day / St. Joseph’s WEDNESDAY/MARCH 13 Day Party. 6-9:30 p.m. at St. Senior Social: St. Patrick’s Day Veronica’s Church parish hall, Style. 12-2:30 p.m. At RCC at 3460 Centreville Road, Chantilly. Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck This is a family event that Road, Reston. It’s never too early includes food, drink, sing-alongs, to celebrate the luck o’ the Irish. Irish dancers and plenty of Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with smiling Irish eyes. Adults $8, friends while enjoying traditional Children $6, drinks extra. Visit Irish fare and beautiful Irish www.stveronica.net/ or call 703- music and entertainment. Plan 773-2000. your social calendar while you Common Ground Concert. 7 and learn about upcoming 55+ trips, 9 p.m. At ArtSpace, 750 Center classes and events. This event is St., Herndon. Featuring Candice co-sponsored by Reston Bostwick & Friends. Four friends Community Center and Reston coming together and finding Association. Registration required. common ground in music. You

Photo courtesy of the Nest Egg Cost is $8/RA members; $15/non- can expect an array of music members. Register through including jazz and pop from these RestonWebTrac account or email talented local musicians. Visit [email protected] or call 703- www.artspaceherndon.org. 435-6577. Panel Discussion: Women SATURDAY-SUNDAY/MARCH 16-17 Playing in Reston. 7 p.m. at at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery RCC Lake St. Patrick’s Day at Lake Anne. Anne the Reston Historic Trust & Bring the whole family to Museum. Reston Historic Trust & Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza for Museum will host a panel Irish-inspired activities, including discussion titled “Women Playing photo opportunities with the Lake in Reston: The Effect of Title IX Anne Leprechaun, face painting, on Women’s Sports.” Panelists and Irish Dance demonstrations. Vicky Wingert, Skye Eddy Bruce, Kalypso’s will feature live music Valerie Lister, and Jennifer both Saturday and Sunday. Lucky Volgenau Wiley will bring their Dog Animal Rescue will be on-site Pet owners should look for stain-resistant and durable upholstery fabrics when creating personal experiences with a noon-2 p.m. Saturday with dogs a stylish and animal-friendly interior. variety of athletic programs to ready for adoption. Free discuss how the implementation admission. Rain or shine. Visit of Title IX affected their careers www.kalypsossportstavern.com. and women’s sports as a whole. Free, open to the public. Visit SUNDAY/MARCH 17 Pet-Friendly Decor www.facebook.com/events/ 1979425375503721/. Lucky Leprechaun 5K. 8 a.m. At Bingo Fundraiser. 7 and 9 p.m. At Reston Town Center, Reston. Run which is often,” she said. “Rugs made from sisal are Crooked Run Brewery, 22455 like you’ve got the luck of the Pet-owning designers also good choices if you have pets. I encourage my Davis Drive, Suite 120, Irish on your side! Enjoy a fun- Sterlington. All proceeds from filled celebration at the finish pet-owning clients to purchase inexpensive rugs be- purchased Bingo sheets will go line. Kids Fun Run at 9 am. offer advice on practical cause if you have dogs or cats, rug stains are inevi- towards helping to further the Presented by Potomac River table. It’s just a waste of money to invest in a high- arts in Herndon. Come grab a Running. Visit Prraces.com/ design choices that beer and some tacos and have fun luckyleprechaun. end rug if you have pets. There so many ways that while raising funds for Arts Purim Palooza. Noon-2 p.m. at they can be ruined and there are plenty of rugs that Herndon. Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 don’t sacrifice style. Lawyers Road, Herndon. don’t cost a lot, but have a high-end look to them.” Congregation Beth Emeth’s When choosing fabrics for furniture or throw pil- THURSDAY/MARCH 14 “World-Famous” Purim Carnival By Marilyn Campbell lows, pet owners should steer clear of textures like National Pi Day Celebration. and more. Opens at 11:15 a.m. velvet or chenille, which can be magnets for pet hair, Amphora Bakeries celebrate for preschool-1st grade and National Pi Day with iconic pies in families. Carnival games, or pet owners, creating a home décor that’s advises designer and corgi owner, Tami Evers of The their Vienna and Herndon inflatables, crafts and more - with both aesthetically appealing and pet-friendly Simply Elegant Home. “You also want to avoid silk locations. Call 703-964-0500 to a prize room. Lunch with F can be a delicate balance. From muddy paw and other delicate fabrics that could tear easily,” she pre-order or visit hamentaschen, costume contest, amphorabakery.com/pie-landing- raffle with prizes. $15-$25 prints on an heirloom area rug to a velvet sofa cov- said. “There are so many options now for durable, page. includes children’s lunch. Call ered in cat hair, three local designers — all of whom stain resistant upholstery fabric that’s as elegant and 703 860 4515, ext 101, or visit bethemeth.org/purim. own pets — share their best advice for addressing tasteful as its more traditional counterparts. Believe SATURDAY/MARCH 16 History of WWII. 2-4 p.m. at animal dilemmas and styling a chic interior that ac- it or not, I finished a project for a client who had GRACE Family Art Day. 11 a.m.-3 Reston Regional Library, 11925 commodates both man and his best friend. two giant labradoodles, and her living room furni- p.m. At GRACE, 12001 Market Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. “There are so many ways that pets enhance our ture is entirely of Sunbrella fabric.” Street, #103, Reston. Celebrating Dr. Harry Butowsky of George Youth Art Month on St. Francis Mason University presents part 1 quality of life in the same way that a serene, well- Other durable and easy to clean options that Evers Street and in the gallery featuring of his 6-part lecture series on designed home might be a sanctuary for relaxation recommends include leather and Crypton. “The only student artwork from the GRACE World War II: On Our Way, USA after a long day,” said Karen McBride of Inspired issue with leather is that it will scratch easily if you Art program and art-making 1939-1942. Adults, Teens. Free. activities for the whole family. Call 703-689-2700 or email Spaces. “The good news is that you really don’t have have pets with sharp nails, but some people think Free. Call 703-471-9242 or Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/library/events. to choose one or the other. The key is to make sure scratched leather has character,” she said. “Crypton www.restonarts.org. Princesses & Lollipops. 4-5:30 everything is durable and easily can withstand almost anything. If Family Day: Emerging Visions. p.m. at Reston Community Center 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at GRACE, 12001 Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck cleaned.” you have a dog or cat that barfs a Market Street #103, Reston. The Road, Reston. A concert for the Flooring that can withstand paws “Rugs made from lot or has lots of accidents, Cyrpton Greater Reston Arts Center royal young ladies in the with claws top the list of consider- is the way to go. It’s stain-proof, presents Emerging Visions, a kingdom. Dress in glittering group exhibition featuring select gowns and tiara’s, come enjoy an ations for McBride. “Hardwood sisal are also good tear-proof and comes in a wide artwork by students participating afternoon of Disney movie and floors are beautiful, but they’re eas- range of patterns and colors.” in the Center’s signature theater favorites including a ily scratched and dinged,” she said. choices if you Built-in eating spaces and pet education program, Emerging parade of Princesses. Admission is Visions. The exhibition will be on free; donations are appreciated. “Stone or ceramic tile flooring are beds for her two Bichon Frises are view March 2–30, 2018 at the Visit ideal for pets owners. You can wipe have pets.” ways that personal home organizer gallery located at the Reston restoncommunityorchestra.org. up puddles and mop up muddy paw — Rochelle Clark Becca Anderson of The Organized Town Center. Visit prints easily. Hardwood requires Life streamlines her pet spaces to www.restonarts.org. MONDAY/MARCH 18 Open Mic: Emerging Visions. 2- immediate cleaning because they absorb liquids and maintain her home’s aesthetic. 4 p.m. at GRACE, 12001 Market Reston Photographic Society. odor.” “Pet owners love their animals, but no one wants Street #103, Reston. The Greater 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Room 6 at the Reston Arts Center presents Reston Community Center Rugs with patterns that can hide pet stains are what their home to look and smell like it’s been overrun Emerging Visions, a group Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck designer Rochelle Clark uses in the Fairfax home that with animals,” she said. “I advised one of my clients exhibition featuring select Road, Reston. The Reston she shares with her two Italian Greyhounds, Lola and to add a custom, built-in litter box space to her laun- artwork by students participating Photographic Society invites in the Center’s signature Fiona. “My dogs are not housebroken, so I have to dry room for her three cats. She even invested in a education program, Emerging See Calendar, Page 7 use indoor-outdoor rugs made of polypropylene be- self-cleaning litter box, and those two features were cause I can just hose them down when they get dirty, transformative.” 4 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Same Company, Same Employees, Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! Select your 10% down nothing until the job TWO POOR TEACHERS products from isis completecomplete forfor thethe Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile past 17 years Showroom and Design Center Fully Insured & Class A Licensed Since 1999

Free Estimates 703-214-8384 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

/VTLÄLSK HK]HU[HNL

Kyle Knight Ins Agcy Inc I understand you work really Kyle Knight, Agent hard for your home and car, 11736 Bowman Green Drive and I’m here to help protect them Reston, VA 20190 STOP IN OR CALL ME TODAY. ACROSS FROM RESTON TOWN CTR. WWW.KYLEKNIGHT.ORG 703-435-2300

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company Bloomington, IL

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 ❖ 5 6 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar Talk About Wishful Thinking From Page 4 photography enthusiasts of all skill levels to attend By KENNETH B. LOURIE meetings. RPS is a special-interest group of the League of Reston Artists. Nonmembers are Every morning, at the very least, I look into the welcome. Visit www.leagueofrestonartists.org. bathroom mirror to brush my teeth and shave my stub- ble. And there, right below my Adam’s apple, in plain site, is the tumor we’re attempting to stabilize, and in TUESDAY/MARCH 19 a perfect scenario: shrink. Fundraiser: Helping Hungry Kids. 11 a.m.-7 As I’ve said many times before during my 10 years p.m. at Not Your Average Joes Restaurant, 1845 of treatment: “I can live with ‘stable,’” and/or “Stable Fountain Drive, Reston. Tuesdays in March PZT`UL^MH]VYP[L^VYK¹)\[[OLVUS`^H`0ÄUK Helping Hungry Kids of Northern Virginia is holding a fundraiser at NYAJ Restaurant. They out if my lung cancer tumors are stable/have shrunk/ will donate 15 percent of your bill from lunch or grown is when my oncologist tells me/I read the dinner to HHK. Diners need to tell their server radiologist’s report. they are there to support HHK. Visit During this quarterly interval between scans, I’m www.helpinghungrykids.org. like Sergeant Schultz from “Hogan’s Heroes: “I see Live Music: Ryanhood. 7:15 p.m. at Amphora’s nothing.” The tumors in my lungs are “like weeds,” Diner Deluxe, 1151 Elden St., Herndon. Acoustic (meaning they’re everywhere), said my oncologist at duo Ryanhood got their first break more than a the initial Team Lourie meeting in response to one decade ago as street performers at Boston’s Quincy Market. Ryanhood is on tour promoting of my wife, Dina’s, questions about whether surgery their latest album, Early Best. Suggested was an option; “no” was that answer. But obviously, I donation is $10 for members of the Folk Club of can’t see them and what feelings I’ve experienced in Reston/Herndon and $11 for non-members. my mediastinum have likely been scar tissue forming Visit www.restonherndonfolkclub.com. (according to my oncologist) and not indicative of too much too often. WEDNESDAY/MARCH 20 So, I’ve learned to not overreact to any discomfort I might experience. It might mean something or it might Bingo Fundraiser. 7 and 9 p.m. At Crooked Run Brewery, 22455 Davis Drive, Suite 120, Sterling. mean nothing. I’ve been to both places already. All proceeds from purchased Bingo sheets will However, the “Adam’s apple” tumor is front and go towards helping to further the arts in center. When I brush my teeth, I see it. When I shave I Herndon. Come grab a beer and some tacos and have to nearly shave over it. It’s impossible to miss. It’s have fun while you help raise funds for Arts not exactly a goiter but it’s more than a lump. Herndon. Visit www.artspaceherndon.org. It’s not painful, but it’s completely opposite to the tumors in my lungs; they’re out of sight and because THURSDAY/MARCH 21 of that, occasionally out of mind. The “Adam’s apple” tumor is totally in sight and because of that, is always Weekend Food for Kids. 10-11:30 a.m. at Dominion Energy, 3072 Centreville Road, VUT`TPUK0[»ZOV^0Z[HY[T`KH`HUKOV^0ÄUPZO Chantilly. Assistance League of Northern my evening. And in the hours between, I’m touching Virginia, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, my throat to feel what I can feel and hope what I can invites community members to help pack food hope. The effect is I’m reinforcing a negative every for its Weekend Food for Kids program. This time I touch the tumor. critical program provides nonperishable food If I can’t see the tumor (like the ones in my lungs), over the weekend to children who receive free and I can’t touch the tumors (like I can the “Adam’s or reduced-price meals during the school year at apple” tumor), I can delude myself more easily into Title I schools in Fairfax and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria. May arrive not thinking/remembering I even have cancer; and at 9:30 to help with setup. Free. Visit alnv.org. more importantly, not thinking that I’m “terminal” as It’s Not You, It’s Me – The Second City. 6:45- my oncologist characterized me all those years ago 10:45 p.m. with bus pickup at RA Headquarters. when he gave me a “13 month to two year” prognosis Bus trip to the Barns at Wolf Trap for an evening – on Feb. 27, 2009. Then I can pretend to live life as if full of live and in-your-face entertainment. This the Sword of Damocles is not hanging over my head. comedy performance takes shots at heartbreak, But, being able to touch the very thing that might missed connections and the mire of human be shortening my life makes it more real than it’s relationships. Show begins at 8 p.m. Ages 18 and older. $45 RA members; $55 non-members. ever been. And it’s that reality that is making Kenny a Register through RestonWebTrac account or very dull boy (no comments from the peanut gallery, email [email protected] or call 703-435- please?). 6577. 0»SSRUV^ZVTL[OPUNKLÄUP[P]LVU4HYJO Ä]L KH`ZHM[LYT`4HYJO*;ZJHU[OLÄYZ[ZJHU0^PSS SUNDAY/MARCH 24 have had since I began the immunotherapy. That’s when we’ll have our usual post-scan appointment Live Music: Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. 7 with my oncologist to learn results and discuss alter- p.m. (doors open at 6) at Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon. natives, if necessary. Make plans to “hitch up the team” and head to Surgery, as we’ve inquired about previously is out Frying Pan Farm Park this season for Bluegrass of the question. Therefore, we’ll either continue to Barn. Food and beverages available for do what we’ve been doing, or start doing something purchase. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. we’ve never done before (you have to keep the cancer Purchase tickets online at fairfaxcounty.gov/ guessing). parks/frying-pan-park/bluegrass-barn or by On my most recent appointment, when asked phone at 703-222-4664 or 703-437-9101. by yours truly, my oncologist said we have lots of non-surgical options should change be warrant- TUESDAY/MARCH 26 ed. (There was a time in the past when I asked my Fundraiser: Helping Hungry Kids. 11 a.m.-7 oncologist a similar question and he was not nearly p.m. at Not Your Average Joes Restaurant, 1845 so encouraging. In fact, he was downright discourag- Fountain Drive, Reston. Tuesdays in March ing when he told me that the drug he was giving me Helping Hungry Kids of Northern Virginia is at the time was the last drug he had for me.) Having holding a fundraiser at NYAJ Restaurant. They been dangling previously at a near end, I’m sure you will donate 15 percent of your bill from lunch or can appreciate how a patient knowing there are other dinner to HHK. Diners need to tell their server choices available should a drug fail to stop the growth, they are there to support HHK. Visit www.helpinghungrykids.org. is very reassuring. Nevertheless, facing off with this tumor every day and being able to touch it morning, noon and night, TUESDAYS/MARCH 26-APRIL 30 presents a real problem: how do I avoid thinking I Tai Chi. 7-8 p.m. in the Glade Room, 11550 Glade have cancer? Drive (above the Glade Pool bathhouse). It’s always been my goal to try and assimilate the Practiced by millions the world over as a gentle, facts and hope not to be overwhelmed by the feelings. weight-bearing callisthenic or “moving But how do I think it’s nothing when it’s obviously meditation,” Tai Chi is an ancient “internal” martial art and mind-body discipline rooted in something? Chinese tradition. Questions for this class can be I mean, it wouldn’t be there if it was just minding directed to [email protected]. Ages 55+. its own business, would it? $70 RA members; $90 non-members. Visit Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for www.reston.org, email [email protected] or The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. 703-435-6577 to register. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 ❖ 7 News Women Are Running Lake Anne Plaza Local dimensions of International Women’s Day: Gender parity rises as women business leaders smash glass ceiling. Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection By Mercia Hobson The Connection

he Lake Anne Merchants and Professional Committee cel Tebrated International Women’s Day 2019 on a hyperlocal scale the weekend of March 8 -March 10, high- lighting achievements of women who helped shape businesses at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Events began Friday evening with the opening reception for “The Women of Lake Anne, a Portrait Series of Talented Business Leaders in This Vibrant Commu- nity,” by Charlotte Geary Photography, fol- lowed by a four-member panel discussion moderated by Bonnie Haukness, board Charlotte Geary stands beside a member, Reston Historic Trust & Museum. photograph she took for her por- “Tonight’s event focuses on our amazing trait series, “The Women of Lake community of women; their life stories and Anne,” featured at International gifts to be shared with us,” said audience Women’s Day 2019, Lake Anne member Melanie Meren of Vienna before Plaza, Reston. the start of the event. Nearby sat Nallely Soto of Reston with her daughter, Mya, 8. at Lake Anne Plaza can be an advantage. Asked why she came, Mya did not hesitate. Patrons attend the reception and panel discussion for International “It is easier for women to start small ... it’s “Women have equal rights like men. Just Women’s Day 2019 at Lake Anne Plaza. a reasonable venture ... and it appeals to because someone tells you can’t do some- women that they can do it; can get started.” thing, it doesn’t matter. Justice Ruth Bader Susan Burwell of Reston Used Book Shop Ginsburg is interested in equal rights,” said discussed an often-key issue for any small Mya referencing the book “I Dissent.” business, whether to buy the building or “Celebrating International Women’s Day rent. She said when she looked into buying here at Lake Anne Plaza is a perfect fit, as the company and the store nearly twenty 75 percent of the businesses are either years ago, purchasing the established busi- owned or managed by women,” said ness left little capital for purchasing the Alexandra Campbell, executive director of property it occupied.” We couldn’t afford the Reston Historic Trust & Museum, dur- both, so we found a friend that was willing ing her opening remarks for the kick-off to purchase the property for us … we paid event. “This plaza and our events [for In- Linda Fuller, Susann Susan Burwell, Panel discussion rent … and now we own the building.” ternational Women’s Day 2019] are all former owner of Gerstein, Small Reston Used moderator Burwell reiterated, “You can’t do it by your- about women supporting other women,” Lake Anne Change Con- Book Shop tells Bonnie self. You need support from other people said Campbell, who spoke about the signifi- Florist, de- signment an- the importance Haukness asks and other organizations.” cant role female entrepreneurs played in the scribes how she nounces her of managing why Lake Anne “The key about women on the plaza to development of the Lake Anne Plaza and grew the busi- business is capital. Plaza is condu- me is … there is something about us roll- how they rapidly broke through the com- ness. closing in three cive to female ing up our sleeves and saying we can do monly held male-dominated business mod- months, but entrepreneurs. this … a sense of women coming together els. another woman- and just making it happen,” said Gerstein. “Since Reston’s beginning in the early owned business signed for people to engage and mingle; As the panel discussion closed, 1960s, women have played a significant role would occupy how one must park away from the busi- Gerstein took the opportunity to intro- in [the plaza’s] development including ... the space, nesses fronts and must enter the village duce an upcoming woman-owned business. commercial contributions. ... In 1977, center walking by them, offering opportu- She announced Small Change is closing. women owned just 7 percent of all busi- Bonnie Haukness, board member of nities for interactions. Gerstein described Mary Marchetti, president of the non-profit nesses in the U.S; … by 1987… 30 percent Reston Historic Trust & Museum, intro- the aesthetics of Lake Anne, the beauty of organization, Toys for Life, will occupy the of all American businesses,” Campbell said. duced the panel, the Lake Anne business the lake, nature and the manmade environ- space. She added that the number of women- owners, Linda Fuller, former owner Lake ment. Nathan Hagan of Lake Anne Brew House owned businesses, “has only increased since Anne Florist; Susann Gerstein, Small Fuller recalled her passion, drive to edu- created the poster for Lake Anne Plaza In- then and Lake Anne business ownership Change Consignment; Susan Burwell, cate herself and as the business prepared ternational Women’s Day Poster. Proceeds proves this.” Reston Used Book Shop; and Charlotte and got off the ground, surrounding her- from its sale will partially support Reston During her remarks, Campbell motioned Geary, of Charlotte Geary Photography. self with people and organizations to lend Historic Trust & Museum’s Women’s History toward the dozens of portraits on easels sur- a hand. “I didn’t know anything about busi- Month Programs. rounding the gallery’s audience, each a per- EACH PANELIST offered thoughts on why ness, but I soaked it all up. I self-educated, sonal image-narrative capturing the dynamic female entrepreneurship works so well at took classes … and worked with others. GENERAL DONATIONS collected during spirit of each woman business owner color- Lake Anne, how to recognize and seize op- Lake Anne has an extraordinary merchants International Women’s Day benefited Shel- fully and unexpectedly. Professional photog- portunity and tips to create a successful association which not a lot of strip malls ter House, which serves families in the com- rapher Charlotte Geary took the images. business. have. There is a lot of support here … sup- munity experiencing homelessness and do- “This plaza and our events [for International “I think there is something here that might port is very important going into business.” mestic violence. “Ninety percent of the house- Women’s Day 2019] are all about women appeal to a community-oriented woman,” Fuller warned not to overextend and rec- holds are women-led,” said Dani Colon, supporting other women,” Campbell said. said Geary, adding that Lake Anne is de- ognized the small square footage offered deputy executive director of Shelter House. 8 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 13-19, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com