From left: Taylor Maguire, Jessilyn Conicelli, Julie GreatGreat FallsFalls Casso, Alexa Gianoplus and Theresa Ryan collected the gifts in Great Falls for recipient organizations to Page 10 collect the following day.

Classifieds, Page 14 Classifieds,

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Entertainment, Page 8 ❖ WishWish ListList ProjectProject GrowsGrows

Opinion, Page 6 News,News, PagePage 44 Holiday Calendar Commission Recommendations: Calendar 88 Percent Implemented Page 8 News, Page 3 Storefronts String Up the Lights in Great Falls News, Page 8

Photo courtesy of Lissa Perez www.ConnectionNewspapers.comDecember 21-27, 2016 onlineGreat at Falls www.connectionnewspapers.com Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Photos by Tim Peterson/The Connection A Dec. 13 presentation from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler presents an update to the Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair Shirley Ginwright Public Safety Committee on the Precision Immobilization Technique (right), marked the last subcommittee to be heard by the supervisors. (PIT) still allowed to be implemented by FCPD. Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.

By Tim Peterson Michael Hershman, chair of the Ad Hoc “We realize there is more that needs to The Connection Commission, said in a statement, “I not be done, but we started,” Ginwright said in Status of Ad Hoc only look back on our work as very perti- a statement. “I applaud the Board of Su- he Fairfax County Board of Su- nent given today’s national attention on pervisors for establishing the Ad Hoc Com- pervisors is well on its way to Commission policing and community relations, but am mission, listening to and understanding the Timplementing all recommenda- Recommendations encouraged by the seriousness with which cries of the community for changes, and tions from the Ad Hoc Police the Board of Supervisors have addressed taking some hard hits to get it done. What I Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. Fairfax County released these totals, as of our many recommendations. Through a have seen is community members, leaders 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Dec. 12, 2016: series of committee meetings and hearings and police department working together.” 119 (58.9 person) Recommendations are Committee, they announced 88 percent of Implemented or Implemented as focusing on our recommendations, the Cook acknowledged that a number of the the commission recommendations have Modified board has displayed a professional and bi- Ad Hoc commission’s recommendations ❖ been implemented or are soon to be so. 39 Communications partisan effort to make a very good police were directed towards the Sheriff’s Office ❖ 54 Use of Force “I am proud that 178 of 202 recommen- ❖ 10 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting department into a model for the rest of the and Commonwealth’s Attorney, who don’t dations have been approved in just over a ❖ 8 Mental Health and CIT country.” report directly to the Board of Supervisors. ❖ year,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said in a 8 Independent Oversight and A presentation from Recruitment, Diver- But, Cook said, the board is reaching out Investigations statement. “The Board of Supervisors, Po- sity and Vetting subcommittee chair Shirley to them regarding those recommendations lice Department and county staff have been 59 (29.2 percent) Recommendations are Ginwright, president of the Fairfax County and inviting them to present and field ques- moving with deliberate speed to transform In Progress (Recommendation accepted chapter of the NAACP, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, tions related to the recommendations at the and in the implementation process) these recommendations into actionable ❖ 11 Communications marked the last subcommittee to be heard Public Safety Committee Meeting in March, policies. By launching Diversion First, es- ❖ 3 Use of Force by the supervisors. 2017. ❖ tablishing the Office of Police Auditor, cre- 4 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting Among those recommendations ❖ 13 Mental Health and CIT ating a Civilian Review Panel, hiring a ci- ❖ 28 Independent Oversight and still under review, a number relate vilian FCPD Public Affairs Director and ap- Investigations “What I have seen is to body cameras. plying new standards regarding release of 16 (7.9 percent) Recommendations are information, just to name a few, Fairfax Under Review (Recommendation needs community members, leaders CHIEF EDWIN ROESSLER said County has made great strides toward en- more review or approval by the Board of the cost for cameras has been com- hancing trust in and increasing transpar- Supervisors before the implementation and police department ing down as the number of vendors process can begin) ency of Fairfax County Government.” ❖ 1 Communications working together.” in the market increases. ❖ 7 Use of Force Roessler cautioned the board to ❖ BULOVA LAUNCHED the commission in 0 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting — Shirley Ginwright learn from the mistakes of other ju- ❖ 5 Mental Health and CIT response to public concern and growing ❖ 3 Independent Oversight and risdictions around the United States distrust of police over the 2013 shooting Investigations “In some fashion we’ve touched each one that have hastily implemented body cam- death of Springfield resident John Geer by of them,” said Public Safety committee chair era programs without properly budgeting 8 (4 percent) Recommendations are Not Fairfax County Police officer Adam Torres. Implemented supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock). or planning to manage them. Fairfax County Police and the supervisors ❖ 1 Communications Ginwright gave brief updates on the sta- Cook said the Jan. 31, 2017 Public Safety ❖ didn’t release case information for more 4 Use of Force tus of the subcommittee’s 14 recommenda- Committee meeting has already been re- ❖ 0 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting than a year after Geer’s death, even to his ❖ 0 Mental Health and CIT tions with Fairfax County Police. served for a deeper discussion of body cam- family. A wrongful death civil suit filed by ❖ 3 Independent Oversight and “I have to thank them for doing the most eras. the family and a court order finally forced Investigations critical pieces of our recommendations A progress report of where different rec- the release of investigation files and Torres’ first,” Ginwright said. ommendations from the Ad Hoc Commis- name. Among those implemented are “collabo- sion are in the process of implementation Torres was fired in July 2015 and indicted The Public Safety Committee has been rate and build recruitment-oriented partner- is available online at by a grand jury for murder in August 2015, reviewing the recommendations from each ships” (number 5) and “establish a diver- www.fairfaxcounty.gov/policecommission/ an historic first charge of that kind for any subcommittee of the Ad Hoc Commission sity goal for each commander” (number progressreport.htm. A copy of the Fairfax County officer. He pleaded guilty to over the last several months, including Use 10). commission’s final report to the board of involuntary manslaughter and was released of Force, Communications, Mental Health, Less than half of that subcommittee’s rec- supervisors is available at in June of this year, after he received credit Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting, and In- ommendations are still in progress, said www.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/pdf/ for time served for a 12-month sentence. dependent Investigations and Oversight. Ginwright. adhoc-final-10.8.15.pdf. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 3 News

Photos provided by Lissa Perez From left: Avery Perez, Alden McNulty and Brenna Smith work the From left: Caitlyn Shumadine, Christie Shumadine, Eleni Gianoplus and “thank you” table that offered donors hot chocolate and cookies at the Lissa Perez all wore red T-shirts at the project’s drop-off event. drop-off event. Reach of The Wish List Project Grows

By Fallon Forbush glove, donors put together a gift basket with Shumadine. “And then we have to go back MORE MEMBERS of the community kept The Connection not only what he asked for, but also Wash- and we say, ‘OK, that’s a need, but you also coming forward to help. ington Nationals tickets and team parapher- have to give us some wants.’ And they come For a community service project, sixth group of 225 donors and 40 vol- nalia. back with the most humble requests.” graders from the Great Falls Elementary unteers came together to make “It kind of grew and grew and grew,” says While preparing for the projects drop off School built and assembled 21 bikes. The AChristmas possible for more than Shumadine. “It was just a little community event this month, Shumadine received af- teachers reached out to Shumadine and 350 people who could not afford event where we went into the homeless firmation for helping organize the project. asked if she could use the bikes to make the luxury of celebrations this season. shelters and said ‘Give us your wish list,’ When she was in line to check out with some wishes come true. The students even The Wish List Project was started in 1999 and we’ve expanded.” over $500 worth of presents for this year’s delivered them to the recipients. to help make the holidays a little brighter list using donor money, a cashier was curi- “Can you believe that?” says Shumadine. for those in need. In its first year, the project THE PROJECT uses SignUpGenius, an ous who she was shopping for. “It was amazing.” helped 10 families, including 47 individu- online organization tool, to provide infor- “When I tell her it’s The Wish List Project,’ The Wish List Project had committed to als staying at the Embry Rucker Commu- mation to donors about who is wishing for she goes, ‘I know your charity,’” says make five “transition kits” for shelters to nity Shelter in Reston. what. Donors can then sign up to buy for a Shumadine. provide to families to help them prepare to Now in its 17th year, the project has ex- recipient. The 18-year-old cashier then told move out of homeless shelters and into per- panded to support those in need at Aldrin All donations were then dropped off at Shumadine how she was familiar with the manent housing. Elementary School in Reston and Herndon The Wish List Project’s Co-Chair Lissa project’s work. In year’s past, the cashier “These kits are like $300 to $400 and have Elementary School and Hutchison Elemen- Perez’s home in Great Falls on Dec. 10. was taking refuge in a homeless shelter. She sheets, towels, bath mats, pots and pans, tary School in Herndon, as well as seven School counselors, social workers and shel- left by the time the holidays rolled around, glassware … all of the basics,” Shumadine other local charities. ter directors can then collect the gifts— but her roommate stayed behind in the shel- says. “You wouldn’t believe what people have tagged and wrapped—the following day. ter over Christmas. That year, the project In the end, the project funded 30 kits. done,” says Christie Shumadine, co-chair of “You know a little bit about the person gave presents to those in the shelter, includ- “We kept upping the number because the the project. you’re buying for,” says Shumadine. “You ing her roommate. community kept responding,” she says. Donors paid the entire Christmas ex- know their name and their age and they The cashier shared with Shumadine how Shumadine hopes to extend the project penses for two families from the schools, put out the things that they want.” the generosity made her friend’s Christmas even further to do collections throughout including the family of a 9-year-old who has Some of the wishes that are submitted are that year and how she couldn’t believe that the year and help those in need year-round. been hospitalized with leukemia since Au- bare bones. people cared for her. “We hope to extend the Wish List Project gust, according to Shumadine. “It’s like kids just saying, ‘I just want The cashier then volunteered to buy clothes and say it’s not just for Christmas anymore,” For a little boy who asked for a baseball shampoo and a winter coat,’” says and toys for a baby who was on the list. she says.

at the intersection of drawing, painting Large-Scale Photography Exhibit Opens at MPA@ChainBridge and photography, David A. Douglas cre- The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) ates large-scale works that explore the officially opened its new location, power of place. Depicting personally sig- MPA@ChainBridge, with its inaugural ex- nificant landscapes on a monumental hibit, Moving Through: Works by David scale, Douglas offers the viewer the op- A. Douglas. Showcasing large-scale land- portunity to enter the works on their own scape art, the exhibit opened Dec. 8, 2016 terms and experience the highly charged and runs through Jan. 21, 2017. The ex- potency that lies within the ordinary mo- hibit is open to the public Monday through Photo contributed ment. To learn more about Douglas’ work, Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. visit http://davidadouglas.com. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is until 9:30 p.m. one of the mid-Atlantic region’s most re- Located in the Chain Bridge Corner spected contemporary visual arts organi- Shopping Center in the space between zations. MPA provides a number of high- CVS and Kazan Restaurant, quality educational programs, art classes, MPA@ChainBridge features an exhibition and exhibitions including: MPAartfest; art gallery as well as an art education space. Moving Through: Works by David A. Douglas is the first exhibit featured courses and a summer STEAM camp; vari- MPA, in residence at the McLean Com- at MPA’s second location, MPA@ChainBridge. ous art exhibitions showcasing the work munity Center (MCC) for more than 25 of emerging and accomplished artists; and years, must relocate temporarily while the (MPA@MCC) will remain open and active. about two years. ArtReach, an award-winning program MCC undergoes a major renovation in Once the renovation begins, Moving Through: Works by David A. Dou- serving students in grades K - 12, seniors, spring, 2017. Until then, MPA’s existing MPA@ChainBridge will serve as MPA’s pri- glas is the first exhibit featured at MPA’s sec- and people with special needs. For more galleries and DuVal Studio in the MCC mary gallery, classroom and office space for ond location, MPA@ChainBridge. Working information, visit www.mpaart.org

4 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Faith

Faith Notes are for announcements and with three worship services on Satur- 2017. For more information, visit the Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 8991 Brook McGill Hall or the Library at the Church events in the faith community. Send to day, Dec. 24 and one worship service on church website at Road, McLean, 703-442-0330. of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah [email protected]. Christmas morning. The community is www.GoodShepherdVA.com or at Road, NE, Vienna. This group is suitable Deadline is Friday at noon. invited to all services at the church, lo- www.Facebook.com/ Church of the Holy Comforter, for those with beginner and/or interme- cated at 2351 Hunter Mill Road. GoodShepherdVienna or follow at 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna offers a diate yoga experience. Dress Chabad Tysons Jewish Center is At 5 p.m. there will be the www.twitter.com/goodshepherdva. monthly Healing Eucharist with the Lay- comfortably and bring a mat. Feel free hosting a Chanukah Wonderland Dec. Children’s Christmas Eve Service ing on of Hands and Anointing for to bring a towel, block(s) or strap if you 25 till Dec. 30 in Vienna at 226 W. that includes a giant felt board. As chil- St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at Healing (first Sunday of the month, 5 have them. Questions? Please contact Maple Ave. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every dren come in, we will pass out pieces of the intersection of Lewinsville and p.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel.. The Healing the Church Office at 703-938-6521. day and a Menorah lighting at the first the Nativity story and will do the felt Brook Roads in McLean, just a mile west Ministry is led by the Rev. Valerie Hayes night Vienna. board together with music, said pastor of Tysons, invites you for a casual Satur- and Alexandra MacCracken and in- St. Francis Episcopal Church, Eric Song. Communion and candlelight day Service at 5 p.m., followed by cludes a team of lay healers who have 9220 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, Christmas Eve Service - Charles services will be held at 7:30 and 10:30 conversation and fellowship or for Sunday gone through intentional training and offers musical, educational, outreach Wesley UMC, “The Hunger Church,” p.m. (child care provided for the 7:30 Services at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Sunday formation. Questions? Please contact and fellowship ministries in addition to 6817 Dean Dr., McLean is inviting com- p.m. service). Christmas morning ser- School for Youth and Children takes place the Rev. Valerie Hayes at worship services, including an 8 a.m. munity to join them in a service of carols vices with communion will be held at during the 10 a.m. Service. Look for our [email protected]. worship service without music and a 10 and candlelight - something for the 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25. Pumpkin Patch this October, and check a.m. worship service with nursery care whole family, Dec. 24, 7 p.m. The Church of the Good Shepherd www.stthomasmcleanva.org for Special Yoga Class with a Christian Fo- available during the summer. 703-759- www.thehungerchurch.org will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Events and Services through the year. St. cus is held Saturdays, 3–4 p.m., 2082.

The Church of the Good Shep- herd, a United Methodist church in Vienna, will celebrate Christmas Eve Week in Great Falls History Alive at Great Falls Senior Center The Great Falls Senior Cen- ter (GFSC) will have Mary Ann Jung, award-winning actress, Smithsonian scholar, writer and director recreate Julia Child, an American chef, author and television person- ality who brought French cui- sine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, at the Jan. 17 event. Jung researches and writes her own scripts and performs in the authentic costumes, accents and characters’ eras. She has appeared on CNN, the Today Show and Good Morning America. She has been a lead actress and direc- tor of Renaissance History and Shakespearean Language at the Maryland Renaissance for more than 34 years. She performed as Queen Bess and was director with the Florida Renaissance Festival from 1994-2006; she was also di- rector of Street Theater and Family Performances for Artscape. The event sponsor is the Great Falls Area Ministries, formerly the Great Falls Ecu- menical Council, whose mis- sion is to love God and one another, to serve others, to worship together and to sup- port one another spiritually. The Jan. 17 event will be held at The Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike from 10 a.m. to 12; light refreshments will be served. Space is limited and reserva- tions are a must. Contact Polly Fitzgerald at [email protected] or call 703-759-4345. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 5 Opinion Great Falls

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weekly Congress Coming Together To newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. Published by Local Media Connection LLC Find and Fund Faster Cures 1606 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered to By Barbara Comstock to cancer, and Chris and Roya I joined our private and public advocates at your email box. Go to U.S. Representative (R-10) Giordano, who lost their son, the announcement where they explained the connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe Mathias. The 21st Century Cures Act mission: “The institute will recruit research- n Dec. 8, I joined with honors their efforts with $1.8 bil- ers, scientists and investigators who will en- NEWS DEPARTMENT: a bipartisan group of lion for cancer research, which will gage in collaborative research focused on [email protected] House and Senate support the Cancer Moonshot ini- genomics, functional biology, bioinformatics, O Kemal Kurspahic members, and the tiative. biologically driven engineering, precision Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 Speaker of the House, as the Currently, there are only 500 medicine, translational research, development [email protected] Speaker signed the 21st Century treatments for 10,000 known dis- of targeted therapeutics and commercialization Fallon Forbush Cures Act. It was a joyful occasion eases. With the mapping of the hu- of new discoveries.” This partnership will also Reporter as we concluded this year’s session man genome and advances over the work to achieve designation by the National [email protected] with what I believe is one of the most impor- past several decades, we have more genetic Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Kyle Kincaid tant and game-changing pieces of legislation clues about cancer and other diseases. But we Center and establish a regional campus of the Editorial Assistant passed this year. It was signed into law days still need to remove barriers to increase re- UVA School of Medicine at Inova. More part- [email protected] later by the President and supported by more search collaboration, identify diseases earlier nerships are anticipated, as well as support than 700 research, doctor and patient advo- through personalized medicine, reform the from my former colleagues in the General As- ADVERTISING: cacy groups and provides $4.8 billion in new FDA and modernize clinical trials, and remove sembly, led by Speaker Bill Howell. As Todd For advertising information research investments to the National unnecessary regulation for develop- Stottlemyer, CEO of the Inova Center for Per- [email protected] Institutes of Health (NIH). Commentary ing new medical apps. This legisla- sonalized Health, said, “This new partnership 703-778-9431 At the ceremony, Tennessee Sena- tion does this and streamlines the will further expand Inova’s ground-breaking Salome Howard-Gaibler tor Lamar Alexander recounted the entire biomedical ecosystem. research in precision medicine and help us to Display Advertising testimony of Dr. Francis Collins, director of the With the 21st Century Cures Act now law, realize the promise of personalized health.” 703-415-5394 [email protected] NIH, who has highlighted the new, exciting many of NIH’s initiatives will be enhanced — While the legislation advances research and cures possible within the next 10 years: an ar- such as the BRAIN Initiative that will help in medical breakthroughs and provides for re- Andrea Smith tificial pancreas to help people with diabetes; fighting diseases like Alzheimer’s. The bill will forms and investments for faster cures and Classified Advertising 703-778-9411 medicine to limit the effects of Alzheimer’s; a also concentrate funding on NIH’s Precision treatments, it also incorporates provisions we [email protected] vaccine for Zika; a vaccine for HIV; a vaccine Medicine Initiative that will focus research had passed to reform our mental health sys- for the flu; the use of regenerative medicine dollars on genetic, lifestyle and environmen- tem and fight against the heroin and the opioid Debbie Funk using our own cells to restore a damaged heart; tal variations of disease. epidemic, which was recently declared a Pub- National Sales 703-778-9444 and non-addictive pain medicines that will help The Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax lic Health Emergency in Virginia. [email protected] curb opioid addiction. is one of the premier cancer centers in our re- This is just the beginning of what will be a Imagine how different our health care sys- gion that can be part of this new era of inno- new chapter in medical innovation. Virginia David Griffin Marketing Assistant tem could be with these innovations. It is no vation. Last month, they announced a new re- can play a critical and lifesaving role in bring- 703-778-9431 wonder that Dr. Collins calls NIH the “National search partnership with the University of Vir- ing faster cures and treatments to patients [email protected] Institute of Hope.” In Loudoun County, so many ginia to develop the Global Genomics and plagued with these cruel diseases. We in Con- of us have seen that hope in the inspirational Bioinformatics Research Institute, located at gress must continue to be partners by seeking Editor & Publisher advocacy work of families such as Mark and the Inova Center for Personalized Health in the best policies and investments that allow Mary Kimm Ellyn Miller, who lost their daughter, Gabriella, Fairfax. this innovation to soar. [email protected] @MaryKimm

Executive Vice President Jerry Vernon Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway 703-549-0004 [email protected]

By Phillip Niedzielski- tion, our charge was to assess the of persistent focus on implemen- Department’s openness and trans- Editor in Chief Eichner Department’s performance against tation alongside a dedicated sub- parency are substantial and have Steven Mauren Managing Editor national best practices. As we ex- set of fellow commissioners, I can already helped regain the public Kemal Kurspahic endorse the Connection ecuted against this charge, we state without reservation that both trust lost, in part, because of the Art/Design: Newspaper’s recent editorial identified both areas for improve- the letter and spirit of the dismal handling of the Geer case. Laurence Foong, John Heinly, I ❖ Ali Khaligh on the progress Fairfax ment and mechanisms we believed commission’s recommendations The county’s investment in Production Manager: County has made implementing would strengthen the public’s trust have been embraced by Fairfax Diversion First, which provides Geovani Flores the recommendations of the Ad and confidence in the department. County. treatment rather than jail for non- Hoc Police Practices Review Com- Forming a commission is a time- Fairfax County is well on the violent people with mental illness, Special Assistant to the Publisher Jeanne Theismann mission, on which I had the honor honored tool by public officials to way toward approving and imple- and broad-based police officer [email protected] of serving as chairman of the Use delay action — or avoid it alto- menting the preponderance of the training in crisis intervention tech- @TheismannMedia of Force Subcommittee. I have had gether — since there are always commission’s recommendations. niques, are already paying divi- the opportunity to interact with significant barriers to achieving Of note in this regard are the fol- dends. Those with mental illness CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 many members of the Fairfax Po- change to deep-rooted organiza- lowing: are being treated with greater sen- [email protected] lice Department, ranging from tional practices, traditions and ❖ The two-pronged approach to sitivity to their affliction, easing commanders to precinct-level su- culture. I commend both the independent Police Department the potential for unnecessary suf- pervisors and officers, all of whom Fairfax Board of Supervisors and oversight advocated by the com- fering, while also reducing the I hold in high regard. We have a the Police Department, particu- mission and recently approved by potential for officer injuries and fine police department that we are larly its chief and command lead- the Board of Supervisors is signifi- the need for the use of force. Ulti- fortunate to have protecting us ership, with ensuring that the Po- cant in light of historical resistance mately, this will also help insure a day-in and day-out. lice Commission’s work is not sit- to civilian review of police actions. more effective use of tax dollars. While the August 2013 shooting ting on the shelf gathering dust. ❖ The changes directed by the As important and forward lean death of John Geer was the cata- With my seven-month commis- supervisors and Chief Roessler lyst for the commission’s forma- sion experience and a year’s worth with regard to the Police See Police Reform, Page 7

6 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Police Reform Underway From Page 6 terested to review the Police Com- mission recommendations ing as these steps are, I believe the progress report at http:// recrafting and rewriting of the www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ Police Department’s Use of Force policecommission/ policy, also known as General Or- progressreport.htm. In summary, der 540, warrants particular note. you will find that 178 of the 202 The new Use of Force policy en- recommendations (88 percent) compasses the commission recom- have been approved and are either mendations, which also incorpo- in process of being implemented rated use-of-force recommenda- or have already been imple- tions made by the independent mented; 15 (7.4 percent) are still Police Executive Research Forum. under review; and 9 (4.5 percent) It gives emphasis to the sanctity have been rejected. of human life, dignity and liberty The evidence so far is that the of all persons as its overarching deep-rooted change of the nature value or driving theme; and it calls and spirit advocated by the com- for de-escalation as the strategy of mission is more achievable now first resort when confronted with than even the most optimistic ex- a threat rather than the use of pected. deadly force. This noted, I caution that the Every member of the Fairfax transformative progress I have Police Department, from com- observed can only be sustained mand leadership to police officer over time with the continued will receive training under General county and Police Department Order 540 by the end of January, leadership commitment, the active 2017. Police officer performance involvement of the police rank and will be assessed against the stan- file officers and most critically con- dards set in this policy, while re- tinued community participation, cruitment and vetting of police monitoring and oversight. officer candidates will focus on the abilities and temperament that Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner served as comport with the values captured chairman of the Use of Force Subcommit- tee of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review therein. Commission, and continues service on the I encourage everyone who is in- Implementation Committee.

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Photos provided by the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation L’Auberge Chez Francois restaurant on Springvale Road has been nomi- Mookie’s BBQ joint on Walker Road is in the running for Best Storefront. nated in this year’s contest. Storefronts String Up the Lights in Great Falls

By Fallon Forbush Dawn McPhee, secretary of the Great Falls nesses put a lot of time and effort into deco- has been added to get even more residents The Connection Citizens Association. rating their buildings and wanted to encour- involved. “I’m a big light person, says Julie Casso. age more to participate in displaying fes- The contest’s previous winners have been udges for the Great Falls Holiday “My husband and I just put 1,000 lights on tive decorations, according to Erin Lobato, the Falls Salon (2013), Friends of the Great Decorating Contest will be driving our Christmas tree, so I’m definitely a per- the foundation’s director. Falls Library (2013), the Great Falls Fire Jaround on Wednesday, Dec. 21, son who’s all about the lights.” “It’s the type of activity that brings the Department (2014) and the Great Falls Auto night to look at Christmas lights She can’t speak for the other judges, but community together and makes people and Great Falls Fire Department (2015). to determine who has the best. she is especially drawn to white lights and think about their neighbors,” Casso says. “It Since Nov. 25, nominations could be sub- The judges for this year’s contest were twinkle lights with bulbs that flash randomly. makes it fun to drive around and look at mitted on the foundation’s website. Win- selected for their involvement in the com- “They look like diamonds,” she says. Christmas lights. It’s a little more small ners will be announced on Dec. 22 and will munity. The three judges are: Teresa Nassif, The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation’s town-ish than the metropolitan area that receive $200. president of the Great Falls Friends and annual contest was conceived by two board we live outside.” Readers can see the winning submissions Neighbors Foundation; Julie Casso, execu- members, Katie Simmons Hickey and Bev This year, in addition to “Best Storefront,” in the next issue of the Great Falls Connec- tive director of The Arts of Great Falls; and Lane. They noticed that several local busi- a “Best Neighbor/Neighborhood” category tion where they will be featured in an ad. Holiday Calendar

Send announcements to WEDNESDAY/DEC. 28 connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Romanian Holiday Traditions 7 - 9 Deadline is Friday at noon for the p.m. The Patriot Hall - American following week’s paper. Photos/artwork Legion Post 180. 330 Central Street encouraged. North, Vienna. Admission: $10 - 35. Caroling on Christmas and New Year Meadowlark is the most wonderful and colorful ONGOING Botanical manifestation of the Romanian folk Ongoing Contemplative Gardens be- traditions. This is a time of year filled Candlelight Service St. John’s with unique and ancient rituals and Episcopal Church. located at 6715 comes ablaze customs celebrating the birth of Georgetown Pike, McLean. One mile with a half-a- Christ and the arrival of a new year. east of Beltway Exit 44. Experience million color- This show will highlight the God in word, chant, and silence and traditional carols, dances, songs and pray by lighting a candle. No evening ful sparkling wishes for prosperity and rich services on December 25 or January lights in its harvest, one could hear in Romania’s 1. www.stjohnsmclean.org annual Winter towns and villages and will also CHO Food, New Toy, and Bike include the famous Goat and Bear Drive Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 at various Walk of Lights, dances. This is a charitable event. All locations around Vienna. Dish soap, beginning on proceeds from this event will be canned fruit, chili, canned beef stew, Friday, Nov. 18, donated to Mr. Ionel Popescul, a diapers and wipes, canned salmon, member of the group “Folclor,” who Spam, tuna, tomato sauce, and 2016, through was diagnosed two months ago with laundry detergent are in particular Jan. 8, 2017. colon cancer. Since the doctors gave need. CHO requests that no food be Nelu the terrible diagnosis he has not expired. been able to work, leaving his five- December Artist Showcase Dec 1 - month pregnant wife, as the only Dec. 31 Broadway Gallery Fine Art Photo by source of income in the family. For and Custom Framing 1025-J Seneca Donna Manz/ more information or to make a direct Road, Great Falls. Broadway Gallery The Connection donation please visit: https:// will host a showcase featuring new www.youcaring.com/ionel-popescul- works from several artists that will 663992. include include abstracts, landscapes, required. Our rod/reel combinations Run Rd, Great Falls. Fairfax County’s Communion and candlelight services seascapes, and photography. are perfect for beginners and operational 19th century water will be held at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Winter Walk of Lights at children. A Virginia or Maryland powered gristmill, offers recreational Child care will be provided for the SATURDAY/DEC. 31 Meadowlark Botanical Gardens freshwater fishing license is required and educational activities for all ages 7:30 p.m. service. New Years Eve 2017 10 - 2 a.m. at open every day through Jan. 8, 2017. for persons 16 years or older. The through daily tours, school programs Family Christmas Eve Service 5:30 Greenhouse Bistro 2070 Chain Bridge Open Thanksgiving, Christmas and park does not sell fishing licenses. and special events. Fees: $7/adult, - 6:30 p.m. Andrew Chapel United Road, Vienna. There will be DJs, live New Year’s, too. The walk of lights www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ $6 students 16+ with ID, $5 children Methodist Church. 1301 Trap Road, performances, party favors, runs daily from 5:30 - 10 p.m. Last riverbend-park/ & seniors. Winter Hours: January & Vienna. Come enjoy a family-friendly complimentary champagne toast at tickets sold at 9:30 p.m. This family- Great Falls Studios Virtual Gallery February, 11am-4pm, last tour 3pm. Christmas Eve worship service that midnight. Advanced tickets available friendly six-week winter wonderland Open online 24/7 at http:// Admission to park is FREE except for includes our children’s nativity for a limited time. Admission: $40 of spectacle is only a few years old www.greatfallsstudios.com/copy-of- some special events. pageant and the congregational but has garnered a loyal following virtual-gallery for the month of singing of many wonderful carols. from throughout the Northern October. The gallery features the AndrewChapelUMC.org Plan Ahead Great Virginia area, particularly Vienna and member artists participating in the SATURDAY/DEC. 24 its environs. To buy timed tickets Great Falls Studios 2016 Art Tour. Children’s Christmas Eve Service 5 online: https://www.novaparks.com/ During the month of October, in the p.m. The Church of the Good SUNDAY/DEC. 25 Falls events/winter-walk-of-lights Large Meeting room at the Great Shepherd, United Methodist Church Christmas Morning Service 10:15 Fishing Rod Rentals 8700 Potomac Falls Community Library, 9830 2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. The a.m. The Church of the Good SATURDAY/JAN. 7 Hills Street, Great Falls. Rentals Georgetown Pike, GF, member artists Children’s Christmas Eve Service Shepherd, United Methodist Church The Capitol Steps at The Alden 8 available during visitor center hours. participating in the Art Tour are on includes a giant felt board. As 2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. The p.m. 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA Fishing tackle and live bait are display. The exhibit will be open children come in, we will pass out Church of the Good Shepherd will 22101. To recover from this off-the- available for purchase. Reservations during regular library hours. pieces of the Nativity story and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017. See Holiday Calendar, required for group rentals. $6/rental Colvin Run Mill open 11 - 4 p.m. do the felt board together with www.GoodShepherdVA.com (2hr max). Valid driver’s license daily, closed Tuesday. 10017 Colvin music, said pastor Eric Song. Page 9 8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Holiday Calendar CaféCafé TattíTattí From Page 8 A Real wall election cycle, remain calm and French Bistro walk, do not run, to The Alden and shelter-in-place with these master in the Heart political satirists. $50/$35 MCC tax district residents.Visit: of McLean www.aldentheatre.org. Since 1981

SUNDAY/JAN.8 Concert: Opera Celebration 4 - 6 Open for Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve p.m. Saint Francis Episcopal Church 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Call for Reservations Cocktails The new year is the traditional time Major Credit Cards to revel in the beauty of the voice. Beloved Amadeus pianist-in- 703-790-5164 6627 Old Dominion Drive residence Frank Conlon brings McLean, VA together spectacular talent in solos www.cafetatti.com McLean Square Mall and ensembles, as well as his incomparable storytelling. Cost: Season pass $150 or $30 at the door. Visit: http://amadeusconcerts.com/

SUNDAY/ JAN. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at The Alden Center: Chuck D 2 p.m. 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101. Best known as leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group, Public Enemy, Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of Public Enemy’s explosive debut album, “Yo Bum Rush The Show,” in 1987. Speaker subject to change. Cost: $20/$10 MCC tax district residents. Visit: www.aldentheatre.org.

King’s Kids Preschool Classes for Children from 1 to 5 years old

Low Child to Teacher Ratios

Stimulating Curriculum

Loving, Nurturing Photo courtesy of MCC Environment Chuck D will be the fea- JOIN THE FUN! tured speaker at the Music • Chapel McLean Community *NEW* JANUARY CLASS Center’s (MCC) annual Dr. Spanish • P.E. Our new class for 2-1/2 to 3 year-olds Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Science • Nature starts in January on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Celebration. The celebra- Call 703-759-6935 today to tour our school and tion takes place Sunday reserve your spot! 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. Best known as leader and co- 2017-2018 REGISTRATION founder of the legendary 2, 3 and 5 day rap group, Public Enemy, • “Sneak peek” tours 10:30 a.m. to noon on programs Chuck D redefined rap January 6th and 13th music and hip hop culture • OPEN HOUSE from 10:30 a.m. to noon on with the release of Public Friday, January 20th Enemy’s explosive debut • New registrations will be processed first come, album, “Yo Bum Rush The first served starting January 20th. Show,” in 1987. Speaker subject to change. Cost: King’s Kids Preschool $20/$10 MCC tax district 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA residents. Visit: Email us at [email protected] www.aldentheatre.org. Visit our web site: kingskidspreschoolgreatfalls.org www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 9 Holiday Grief Workshop helps others deal with loss.

By Marilyn Campbell McCormack, one of the participants. “I “Give yourself permission to make care- The Connection wanted to have a better understanding of ful decisions about how you’ll spend your the grieving process, so I might be a more time,” she added. “It’s helpful to discern he holiday season is bittersweet compassionate listener.” within yourself what feels right. Decide for Jeanne Rorke. The days lead- She and Bell learned that process is dif- whether to maintain holiday traditions or Ting up to Christmas are filled ferent for everyone. “My husband’s death do something completely different.” with memories of her parents. was preceded by a long illness. My brother’s Avoiding all festive, social activities might Her mother committed suicide when Rorke death was sudden,” said Bell. “I wondered do more harm than good, however. “A per- was 12, and her father died on Christmas if something about the timing made a dif- son who’s grieving might end up isolating Eve eight years ago. ference in how we experience and cope with because they won’t go to places they once “No one really helped me through the grief. I learned that it really does not.” went to with the person they’ve lost,” said grieving process,” said Rorke, recalling her Gauzens. mother’s death. “My family was like, ‘Don’t Instead, Gauzens suggests planning talk about it.’ … My Christmases have al- “The holidays are a time “something to look forward to after the ways been kind of sad … even though I put holiday to reward yourself for getting on a happy face for my family.” when you reflect on family, through the holidays.” Roarke joined about two dozen others at She also stressed the need for self-care, a workshop on handling grief during the and it’s hard for someone including exercising, eating healthy and holidays called, “Facing the Empty Chair: who’s aware that that staying hydrated. “It’s important to mini- Surviving the Holidays after Losing a Loved Photo courtesy of Carey Gauzens mize your use of mood altering sub- One” at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Al- Carey Gauzens of the the Center person isn’t there.” stances like alcohol,” said Gauzens. “It’s exandria. From those who are preparing to for Pastoral Counseling of Virginia tempting to try to numb the pain, but it celebrate a first Christmas without a loved in McLean, led a workshop on — Carey Gauzens, LCSW comes back.” one to those who’ve been grieving for de- grieving during the holidays at St. Changing customs can make holidays cades, participants shared experiences, sup- Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Alex- “... We all experience grief in different less painful, says Dr. Linda Gulyn, Ph.D., ported each other and gained tools for sur- andria. ways and it can show up at unexpected professor of psychology, Marymount Uni- viving the season while facing the reality times and places and so we need to be versity in Arlington. “I like to break with of the empty chair in which their loved one be particularly helpful. For example, when gentle with ourselves and find ways that traditions that are familiar and that remind once sat. Beverly Bell’s husband died nine years ago we can express our grief in ways that feel us of the loved one we lost,” she said. “The holidays can be time of longing for following an extended illness, she found healing and safe for us,” added Revered “Sometimes it’s good to shake it up and start those who’ve lost someone,” said Carey strength and comfort in a friendship with Elizabeth Rees. Associate Rector, St. Aidan’s a new tradition, so you’re looking forward Gauzens, a licensed clinical social worker another widow. Episcopal Church. instead of behind you.” at the Center for Pastoral Counseling of Vir- “[We] had a wonderful relationship … for This is a point Gauzens tried to under- “The days are darker and colder, which ginia in McLean. “The holidays are a time several years following my husband’s score: Grieving is an individual process and exacerbates any sadness that we might be when you reflect on family, and it’s hard death,” said Bell, who attended the work- there is no one-size-fits-all method for cop- feeling anyway,” said Gulyn. “Hang in there. for someone who’s aware that that person shop. “We had a regular lunch date and also ing. Even people who are grieving for the It will feel better and you will get through isn’t there.” shared a number of holidays. She also died same person can experience it differently it. The holidays will go by and we’ll get back At the workshop, Gauzens clarified some a couple of years ago, and I realized that I and have different needs. “For example, one into our routine and productive lives that of the misinformation surrounding grief, am particularly missing her presence.” person might want to talk about the loss, help with healing. especially during the holidays. “First and Earlier this year, Bell’s brother died as but others might not,” she said. “It’s impor- There is a point however, when assistance most important, is that normal grieving is well. “I found myself re-experiencing many tant to be sensitive to family members who from a mental health professional is a nec- really hard for most people. Some people of the feelings I had had when my husband grieve differently and compromise so that essary, Jerome Short, Ph.D., associate pro- believe the myth that grief lasts only for a died, [but feeling] particularly helpless to each person feels emotionally safe.” fessor of psychology, George Mason Univer- few months, but it’s hard to measure your comfort my sister-in-law,” she said. “Perhaps Cultivating self-awareness and knowing sity in Fairfax. “People should seek profes- healing because it’s an up and down pro- [my] presence is the most important thing what is normal to expect while one is griev- sional help if they have significant distress cess, not a smooth, straight line.” I can … offer my sister-in-law.” ing is important. “Sometimes the symptoms and difficulty in daily self-care and func- Throughout the process, and particularly Some of the workshop attendees wanted are so intense it makes people feel like tioning at home or work that has lasted during the holidays, being able to tap into to learn how to better support others. “I am they’re going crazy and frightens them more than two weeks without improve- a source of strength other than oneself is a a member of the Community of Hope In- sometimes,” said Gauzens. “They might cry ment,” he said. “Common symptoms for factor that Gauzen underscores: “It’s impor- ternational, a group of lay pastoral at the drop of a hat, get angry or feel un- depression are low mood, lack of pleasure tant to have a support group, friends, a caregivers whose ministry is to visit those able to control their emotions. There could in previously enjoyable activities, social iso- therapist.” who are experiencing sickness, trauma, become deeply distracted or confused like lation, and thoughts of hopelessness and Finding someone who is also grieving can tragedy or loss of a loved one,” said Caroline get lost going someplace they know well. helplessness.” Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving

ombating that holiday period Washington Regional Alcohol Program may call the toll-free SoberRide phone last New Year’s Eve, alone, such rider- C which the National Highway (WRAP), operates the annual Holiday number 1–800–200–TAXI and be afforded ship (580) translated into the removal Traffic Safety Administration SoberRide program between 10 p.m. and a no-cost (up to $30 fare), safe way of a would-be drunk driver from our says is a “dangerous time to be on the 6 a.m. each evening between Friday, Dec. home. shared roadways every 49-seconds.” road due to a high number of drunk 16, 2016 and Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 as a “Last December, nearly 1,500 (1,456) Since 1993, WRAP’s SoberRide drivers behind the wheel,” a local way to keep local roads safe from im- Greater Washington residents did the right program has provided 65,385 free cab nonprofit organization will offer free paired drivers during this traditionally thing and availed themselves of this rides home to would-be drunk drivers cab rides to would-be drunk drivers high-risk, holiday period. lifesaving service rather than possibly in the Greater Washington area. throughout the Washington-metro- During the evening hours, between Dec. driving home impaired,” said Kurt Gregory More information about WRAP’s politan area during the winter 16 and Jan. 1, Washington-metropolitan Erickson, WRAP’s president. “For SoberRide initiative can be found at holidays. area residents celebrating with alcohol SoberRide’s hours of operation during just www.soberride.com.

10 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com People

Antonio and Francisca Alonso.

onso

Photo by Julian Al Photo Creating ‘Vacation Style Living’ in Great Falls AV Architects + Builders - helping Great Falls residents stay in the homes and community they love By Adrienne West They feel that openness is what makes The Connection Great Falls so conducive to their “vacation style living” concept. Antonio shared that ntonio and Francisca Alonso are a it is important to take advantage of the land- Alocal husband and wife team with scape. “We really engage the outdoors with a mission: making your home more our designs. And for people that want to functional so you can stay in Great Falls. stay in this area and have a home that Since beginning their business in 2001, their makes them feel like they are on vacation, design concepts have evolved with their cli- Great Falls is the perfect setting for this type ents’ changing needs. They moved their of- of architecture.” fice space from Tysons to the Village three years ago and have purchased land to build FRANCISCA wrote the book, “Nesting for their own retirement home. “We waited for Empty Nesters: The Vacation Style Living years for the chance to move here because Approach to Aging in Place,” with Antonio we love the Great Falls community and are to share their vision with a wider audience. very invested in the area,” Antonio said. With two children in college and another Francisca added, “Great Falls is a unique two in high school, they are looking to the community because it’s so close to every- future like many of their clients. She ex- thing, yet is an open, pastoral area with big plained, “We are nearing the empty nester lots and not overbuilt; it’s not strip mall stage and our business is very much paral like.” See Home, Page 15

Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg Ph

otography

Rustic meets modern. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 11 News The Great Falls Farmers Market: Back to the Roots Come, hang out, and enjoy the joyful ambiance.

By Kathleen Murphy Market Manager

he presence of farmers-market vendors at the Grange stirs up Tthe memory of the original Photos by Christin Ph Grangers who raised money through community events, supplemented by a loan, to build the Grange Hall Number 738, which was opened in 1929. Today, vendors and clients alike love the homey charm of the building and sense the authen- tic local culture that has made the building a center of community activity over many otography years of its life. Vendors share a “back to the roots” commitment to agricultural sustainability and handmade craftsmanship with those who came before them. Our Certified organic root vegetables – sweet potatoes, Lee Washington, co-founder of Spiced For You, pre- farmers market serves as an incubator of onions, sweet white turnips, mixed variety beets, red sents their wide selection of spiced blends, contain- unique local talents, holding a space for beets, Japanese sweet potatoes, red mini potatoes, ing freeze-dried herbal recipes, redefining the flavor new businesses to establish their roots, gain and mixed variety radishes, available at Tuscarora of recipes from around the world. They have just strength, modify their product offerings as Organic Growers Coop. begun to offer individual spices and herbs as well. needed, thanks to customer feedback, launching compelling new products. Our customers are known for their graciousness and courtesy, their love of a good chat, and their ever-warm greetings. The decision to seek local foods and handmade crafts at a farmers market is driven by a desire for quality: They realize that it costs more to shepherd an animal in a respectful man- ner, feeding them properly while allowing them to graze freely; or cultivating an or- ganic or eco crop without the use of chemi- cals; or baking a small batch of bread or pastries that include quality ingredients, a more time-consuming process and fine art- istry; or cooking fresh dishes using certi- fied organic whole plant ingredients be- cause it is the right thing to do for health and well-being; or processing herbs cryo- genically to maintain their inherent nutri- tional benefits while preserving the herb’s unique flavor. “Buying Local” — support- ing local shops and markets — may cost a bit more upfront, but ultimately keeps dol- lars in the local economy as small businesses Yiannis Hobson, husband of Eugenia Hobson, Chef invariably hire others nearby as they grow. of Our Mom Eugenia Great Falls Restaurant, pre- Steve of Capital Celtic Band plays a wide medley of Here is a review of the quality being of- senting Keftedis (Greek meatballs) and Baklava. contemporary and celtic songs. fered… tified organic, as is his entire farm and all he grows. Respectfully-Raised Ready-to-Eat Cuisine Chemical-Free He has his greenhouse going and will be GreenFare Organic Café has just received offering fresh salad ingredients – lettuces Live Stock & Poultry its USDA Certification as “Organic,” one of Produce and tomatoes — just after the New Year. Liberty Hill Farm provides organic feed only six restaurants in the entire U.S. so cer- Tuscarora Organic Growers Coop is 100 Jerry has prepared a berry-vinegar and is to their poultry and pigs, and their beef is tified. Every fresh prepared meal they offer percent grown by the 48 small family farm- working with Michael Sideris, owner of 100 percent grass-fed. They also offer - whether hot at the market or cold to re- ers who are the owners and members of Vordonia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to make a potpies, soups, and quiches, great for a heat at home – is 100 percent certified or- the coop. salad dressing that includes both products. quick meal. Craig Hagaman of High View ganic. We are honored to have this highest This winter, it is possible to subscribe to DoctorSchar’ EcoFarm, a 14-acre farm on Farm offers Heritage Berkshire pork, and organic-standard restaurant offering fresh a weekly order of mix of greens, for ex- Seneca Road in Great Falls, is gearing up to grass-fed Heritage Scottish Highland beef, prepared meals at our market. ample, at a significantly reduced price or present a range of vegetables orchard fruit known to be the breed with the lowest cho- Luke Wahlgren, owner of World Eats and to purchase a box of mixed root vegetables in the spring in addition to the mushrooms, lesterol. All of their feed is non-GMO, non- a resident of Great Falls, holds the record at a discount. Sign up at the farmer’s mar- jams and vinegars it is offering today. Learn soy. Both meat vendors offer poultry and for selling out of his empanadas filled with ket and select your preferences. Jerry Fields, more about this brilliant herbal doctor and eggs. Real Country Sausage offers a variety recipes of cuisines around the world every owner of Jerry’s Gourmet Berries just had his farming endeavors at of sausages made from 100-year-old fam- single Saturday. He thanks the market cus his pickling and fermentation process cer- www.doctorschar.com ily recipes with amazing seasonings. See Saturdays, Page 13 12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Visit These Houses of Worship To Highlight Your Faith Community, Saturdays at Grange call Karen at 703-917-6468 From Page 12 Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive tomers and the market manager with providing

Photos by Christin Ph him with a steady foundation on which to build his ST. ANNE’S business. He has purchased a food truck and sells EPISCOPAL empanadas at lunchtime in the Tysons Corner area CHURCH • Reston during the week. He also offers catering for parties 7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I or sports team events. His consistent effort plays a 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II huge part in his success as well as the quality of his Sunday School: preschool - grade 2 Music: grades 3 - 7 ingredients. Luke values the community of vendors 10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 6 who share their wisdom and experience with each otography Music 4 years to 2nd grade other. 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service Masterful Spice Blends The Rev. John C. N. Hall, Rector Marika Tsombikos, a student of Ms. Lee Washington, owner of Spiced for You, has been The Rev. Laura Cochran Poythress’ Fashion Marketing classes and 703-437-6530 selling cryogenically ground herbs, spices and chili a graduate of Langley High School, as well www.stannes-reston.org powders combined in blends that capture flavor from as a graduate of Hult International Busi- 1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston around the world. Our customers say they would be ness School in London with a major in interested in purchasing individual spices as well. Fashion Design and writing, returned to The company has begun to process individual spices Great Falls to try her hand at designing FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA so that those who love to cook can do the combining and making a line of handmade leather and achieve their favorite recipes. Visit their web site handbags and accessories. Marika has 450 ORCHARD STREET, NW at www.spicedforyou.com to see all the wonderful been jury-selected as an “Emerging De- recipes you can cook with their spice blends. The VIENNA, VA 22180 signer Maker” at the NY NOW Show at the ingredients are amazing. 703-938-8525 Jacob Javitts Center in February. Our newest introduction at the market is Zaatar, a email: [email protected] Lebanese dip made of wild thyme, sumac, and sesame www.fbcv.org seeds. The ingredients, imported from a small Leba- nese farm with an outstanding reputation, are being SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 10:00 AM prepared and packaged by Agur Foods of Great Falls. CHRISTIAN LEARNING ACADEMY (SUN.) 9:00AM-9:45AM Elaine Shadid, co-owner, is delighted to share this MIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM Lebanese custom of dipping bread, veggies, and even rubbing meat in Zataar. Sesame seed provides the fiber; wild thyme provides antioxidants and iron; and sumac provides the tanginess, and vitamin C ben- efits. Come, taste this remarkable product at the market. Artfully Prepared

Bakery Items Kathryn Follin gets to make everyone We are graced with a bouquet of talented bakers. happy, helping them choose their favorite Jo Oo, owner of Plain and Simple, is known for her Baguette Republic morning sweet. healthy baking – every recipe has a vegetable or a fruit in it. She works from a base of her grandmother’s has been serving our market since the very first days recipes, then modified them to make them more and has consistently delivered top quality muffins, healthy. Eva Kronenburg, owner of EC Pastries, a fine, croissants, scones, as well as breads and baguettes award-winning French-style pastry chef, has graced known for their 3-4 day fermentation process, re- our market with exquisite buns, donuts, muffins, sulting in European-style breads that are low in glu- cupcakes, cakes, pies and more. Walker Pence, owner ten. Sophie’s Hand Pies knows how to make a sweet of GF Bakery is our youngest baker this year, a stu- treat taste awesome. Understanding that all great dent of the Langley School. He has a gift for making conversations occur over a great sweet, Sophie aims “gluten free” taste really great. Baguette Republic to charm!

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By KENNETH B. LOURIE Here I am thinking, believing, writing that 101 Computers 101 Computers 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements I’m Mr. Well-Adjusted cancer patient and all it took was one conversation in a restaurant the other night at the Connection Christmas party HDI NEWSPAPERS to prove that I’m not. It was a casual, festive COMPUTER SOLUTIONS atmosphere with everybody enjoying food JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995 and drink. I was sitting in a booth with my wife, Dina, my co-worker, David, and his ➣ Speed Up Slow mother Sherry, who I had never met before, Computers who was in-town visiting her sons and plan- ➣ Virus Removal ning a drive downtown to see the National Christmas Tree. We were all exchanging pleas- ➣ Computer Setup antries and getting on quite well when I ➣ Help with Windows 8 & 10 CLASSIFIED remembered that David’s mother is a nurse. I thought she would be the perfect person to 571-265-2038 ask about my oncology nurse. But to give the [email protected] For Local… question some context, I thought I had to tell her I had cancer. And when I did, I could barely get the word out. After I stammered I HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO •Employment asked, if there was any professional rea- son/advisory explaining why I haven’t heard •Employees back from my long-time (seven years) oncol- 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements ogy nurse who, I had learned four weeks ear- •Services lier at my last infusion when he wasn’t there to Newspapers & Online tend to me, retired early. He didn’t exactly •Entertainment leave me adrift but a month later, he still has- CLASSIFIED n’t returned my cellphone message (an email DEADLINES •Announcements to his Verizon account bounced back and he Zones 1, 5, 6...... Mon @ noon hasn’t posted anything current on Facebook). Zones 2, 3, 4...... Tues @ noon •Real Estate Obviously he’s entitled. Nevertheless, I’m E-mail ad with zone choices to: perplexed. We were buddies. We were [email protected] •Cars extremely compatible: sports, humor, from the or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 Northeast, same age, Jewish and both spoke a •Trucks little Yiddish. Heck, I had even been to his EMPLOYMENT house for a Super Bowl party; plus we’ve DEADLINES •Vans been out to lunch a couple of times after my Zones 1, 5, 6...... Mon @ noon infusion, met locally for a medical follow up •RV’s (not exactly a house call but he did come to Zones 2, 3, 4...... Tues @ noon me), and as I may have written in a previous E-mail ad with zone choices to: •Boats column, he likely saved my life when I [email protected] showed up at the Infusion Center with an oxy- or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 gen level of 85. (Subsequent to that reading, 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements •Pets he went into high gear making the necessary ZONES arrangements to get me transferred to on-site Zone 1: The Reston Connection •Yard Sales urgent care and ultimately “ambulanced” to The Oak Hill/Herndon Connection Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring where I Zone 2: The Springfield Connection •Crafts spent the next week. Though he didn’t visit The Burke Connection me; he later explained that he rarely visited The Fairfax Connection •Hobbies patients, he did call to check on me.) The The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ short story is: our relationship went beyond Lorton Connection •And More! patient-nurse. I wouldn’t say I looked forward Zone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet to my infusions, but because of him, I didn’t The Mount Vernon Gazette dread them either. Zone 4: Centre View North For All It’s not as if he has to do anything for me Centre View South or acknowledge me or even stay in contact Zone 5: The Potomac Almanac with me. He has his own life; he’s made a Zone 6: The Arlington Connection Your change and presumably, his oncology patients The Vienna/Oakton Connection are not part of it. I can understand that. In the The McLean Connection Advertising medical specialty field, oncology is one of, if The Great Falls Connection not the most, emotionally demanding/ wrenching: patients with whom you’ve devel- Needs… oped a relationship often die. I can imagine 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements how there’s only so much loss of life one can take. However, I thought our relationship ABC LICENSE It Works. went beyond that, in spite of the challenging Thai Boys Inc. trading as Tom Yum Thai, 226 Maple Ave. W, demands that dealing with a “terminal” Vienna, VA 22180. The above patient can exact. establishment is applying to Week Oddly enough, I’m not taking it personally. the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE My feelings are not hurt, really. Until I know CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine After Week. more of the circumstances surrounding his and Beer On Premises and retirement (health, family, lifestyle, etc.), I’m Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or not begrudging him at all. Moreover, he does- manufacture alcoholic 703 n’t owe me an explanation. His retiring is not beverages. Tanitta about me. It’s about him and because of that, Diewtragulchai, President NOTE: Objections to the issu- 917-6400 I want to know why he decided to leave and ance of this license must be whether we can still stay in touch. So far, we submitted to ABC no later than haven’t; he hasn’t. 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required There’s no doubt that he’s been an impor- newspaper legal notices. Place tant part of my cancer-patient life, and in a Objections should be regis- way, I thought — through my personality and tered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. Your survival, important to him also. Perhaps I was, professionally. Personally, I thought so as well. I believe the Ad I just haven’t heard any evidence of it in the future is only last month. Still, I will always be grateful for the past again, his care and concern. entered through Today! another gate. Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for -Arthur Wing The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. Pinero

14 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Home & Garden 703-778-9411 Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls Home & Garden Zone 6 Ad Deadline: • McLean • Vienna/Oakton connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Monday Noon

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16 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com