Donovan D’Sou- za of Reston with daughter Sonja and their dog Winston at the HomeLifeStyle Puppy Nativity at the Church of the Page 6 Good Shepherd (United Meth- odist) Church in Vienna. Holiday Entertainment Page 7

Classifieds, Page 10 Opinion, Page 4 v Entertainment, 7 Classifieds, Puppy Nativity in Vienna News, Page 12 Sharon Bulova Announces She Will Not Seek Re-election

News, Page 3 Requested in home 12-13-18 home in Requested

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Vienna Police Highlights Customer Postal

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U.S. Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT Photo by Steve Hibbard/The Connection by Steve Photo December 12-18, 2018 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com Vienna Police Highlights

The following summary contains Arrest – Driving While Intoxicated — Street and Mendon Lane, SW Dec. 1, signs of impairment. The driver failed a ministration reported a student who various incidents of general interest as Nutley Street and Marshall Road, SW 9:46 p.m. Ofc. Nesbitt observed a ve- series of field sobriety tests, and he was was in school under the influence of well as vehicular crashes handled by the Dec. 1, 2:07 a.m. Sgt. Ruddy observed hicle with improper equipment and placed under arrest. Sgt. Ruddy trans- marijuana. One of the school’s security Town of Vienna Police Department from a vehicle traveling above the posted initiated a traffic stop. Upon the officer’s ported the 32-year-old man from officers found the juvenile to be in pos- Nov. 30 – Dec. 6, 2018. speed limit and initiated a traffic stop. interaction with the driver, he detected Olympia Avenue in Beltsville, Md. to the session of a measurable amount of Upon the officer’s interaction with the the odor of marijuana emitting from the Vienna Police Station where he was of- marijuana. The marijuana was turned INCIDENTS driver, she detected signs of impair- vehicle. The driver was found to be in fered the opportunity to provide a over to the police department for de- Vehicle Tampering — 400 Block Knoll ment. The driver failed a series of field possession of a measurable amount sample of his breath for analysis which struction. The school administrators Street, NW Between Nov.29 at 2 p.m. sobriety tests and Sgt. Ruddy placed him marijuana. Ofc. Nesbitt issued a sum- he refused. He was then transported to advised they would handle the disciplin- and Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. A resident re- under arrest. Sgt. Ruddy transported the mons to the driver, a 26-year-old man the Fairfax County Adult Detention Cen- ary action rather than placing criminal ported that an unknown person entered 34-year-old man from Owens Way in from Pelham Street in Alexandria, Va. ter where he was charged with Driving charges. both of her unlocked vehicles and rum- Prince George, Virginia to the Vienna charging Possession of Marijuana. He While Intoxicated and Refusal. Domestic Dispute — Cedar Lane, SE maged through them. Nothing appeared Police Station where he was offered the was released on his signature. Suspicious Event — 500 Block Wood- Dec. 4, 10:35 p.m. Officers responded to to have been taken. opportunity to provide a sample of his Arrest – Driving While Intoxicated — land Court, NW Dec.3, 10:36 p.m. A a verbal dispute between a husband and Vandalism — 300 Block Tapawingo breath for analysis. The driver was then Church Street and Lawyers Road, NW resident received a suspicious letter wife. Road, SE Between Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Dec. 2, 1:42 a.m. Sgt. Ruddy observed from an unknown person. Domestic Dispute — Old Courthouse Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. A resident reported Detention Center where he was charged a vehicle commit a traffic offense and Possession of Marijuana / Juvenile Road, NE Dec. 5, 6:26 p.m. A resident damage to a small window over his ga- with Driving While Intoxicated. initiated a traffic stop. Upon the officer’s Case — Cedar Lane School 101 Cedar reported that she and her husband were rage. Arrest – Narcotics Violation — Nutley interaction with the driver, she detected Lane, SW Dec. 4, 9:12 a.m. School ad- having a verbal dispute when he began destroying property in the house. When officers arrived on the scene, the hus- band was preparing to leave the residence to stay with his parents for the night to allow both parties time to calm down. The wife agreed to that arrange- ment. Assault — 100 Block Patrick Street, SE Dec. 5, 10:59 p.m. A resident advised that when he told his tenant to leave the apartment the tenant became aggres- sive. He stated the tenant attempted to attack him with a vacuum cleaner and threw a glass at him. The tenant advised his landlord was the aggressor and that it was the landlord who attacked him with the vacuum. No injuries were sus- tained, and both parties were advised of the warrant process should they wish to pursue charges.

CRASHES 136 Maple Avenue, West — Nov. 25 Between 12 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Ve- hicle-2 was legally parked in the parking lot when a Driver-1 (an unknown driver) struck Vehicle-2 and left the scene without providing their informa- tion. 300 Block Nutley Street, NW — Nov. 30, 9:32 p.m. A vehicle was legally parked northbound on Nutley Street when an unknown driver struck the ve- hicle and left without providing their information. Park Street and Cherry Street, SE — Dec. 1, 1:10 p.m. Vehicle-2 was stopped at an angle in the northbound lane of traffic as the driver was attempting to back into a driveway. Vehicle-1 was at- tempting to pass Vehicle-2 on the right and was struck when Vehicle-2 began backing up. Maple Avenue and Glyndon Street, NE — Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m. Vehicle- 2 was stopped with the red traffic signal on Maple Avenue at Park Street. Ve- hicle-1 was stopped behind Vehicle-2. Driver-1’s foot slipped off the brake and Vehicle-1 rolled into Vehicle-2 causing minor damage. Church Street and Mill Street, NE — Dec. 2, 7:12 p.m. Vehicle-1 was travel- ing westbound on Church Street, stopped for the stop sign at Mill Street. Vehicle-2 was traveling northbound on Mill Street, stopped at the stop sign for Church Street. Both drivers entered the intersection at the same time and col- lided. 100 Block Park Street, NE — Dec. 3, 3:43 p.m. A vehicle was legally parked in a parking lot when it was struck by an unknown vehicle. Tapawingo Road and Glyndon Street, SE — Dec. 3, 7:38 p.m. Vehicle-1 was traveling northbound on Glyndon Street approaching Tapawingo Road. Vehicle- 2 was traveling eastbound on Tapawingo Road approaching Glyndon Street. Driver-1 ran the stop sign. Driver-2 attempted to turn left to avoid a collision but struck Vehicle-1. Vehicle- 2 was forced into a front yard on Glyndon Street, causing minor damage to the grass. Both drivers were trans- ported to area hospitals for minor injuries. Driver-1 was issued a summons charging Failure to Obey a Stop Sign.

2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Sharon Bulova with the Board of Supervisors.

Silver Line Phase 1 Opening Day. Bulova Reflects on Courtesy photos Getting Started Sharon Bulova Announces In her own words:

She Will Not Seek Re-election emory is funny. If trified. They excitedly began M you asked me what listing all the reasons why this n Thursday, Dec. 6, Chairman Sharon triple A Bond rating, founding Faith Communities in I did last Tuesday I was a good idea. I countered Bulova of the Fairfax County Board of Action, initiating Communities of Trust, convening would be hard pressed to fill in with a list of my shortcomings, OSupervisors announced that she will the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, the details. Some things, how- why I couldn’t possibly run for not be seeking re-election in 2019. helping launch Diversion First, facilitating the new ever, remain frozen in time, down office, starting with a phobia “It has been an honor to serve the Fairfax County vision and plan for Tysons, and spearheading numer- to seemingly insignificant details. about speaking in public. community,” Chairman Bulova said. “During these ous environmental, historical and cultural initiatives Lunch at Hunan West on Jan. Carolyn smiled broadly and ex- past 30 years, I have been privileged to work along- on behalf of the residents of Fairfax County. 11, 1987 is one of those memo- claimed, “And see! You’re so side dedicated elected officials at ev- “There is still much to do and con- ries. I was working as an Aide modest and organized!” ery level of government, with talented, tribute,” Chairman Bulova said. “My to Annandale District Supervi- Sometimes routine events caring county staff and a county full term does not end until the end of next sor Audrey Moore. She had like lunch with friends can of enthusiastic community volunteers. year. I look forward to working with you pretty much made up her mind prove pivotal. Despite all my While I will not be running for re-elec- during these months ahead and thank to run for Chairman of the doubts and misgivings, I did, tion in 2019 I sure do have a lot to you for your engagement, support and Board of Supervisors against indeed run for office, and went look back on with great satisfaction.” participation in your community.” incumbent Jack Herrity. My co- on to serve as Annandale - later Bulova served as the Braddock Dis- The upcoming election for the workers, Florence, Carolyn and renamed Braddock - District trict Supervisor on the Fairfax County Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Janet, and I had escaped the Supervisor for the next twenty Board of Supervisors from 1988 - will take place on Nov. 5, 2019, and office for lunch in the Kings years. When then-Chairman 2009, and was elected Chairman of the new Board will begin its work on Park Shopping Center. Gerry Connolly was elected to the Board of Supervisors in a special Jan. 1, 2020. We began discussing Audrey’s Congress in 2008, I ran for his election in 2009. She was re-elected plans, then the subject shifted open seat in a special election Chairman in 2011 and again in 2015. Chairman Sharon IN OTHER NEWS, more change is to who would run for the open on February 3, 2009. This com- The year 2019 will mark her 10th year Bulova coming to the Fairfax County Board Annandale District seat. ing February will mark ten as Chairman and her 31st year as a of Supervisors. Supervisor John Cook “Sharon Bulova,” announced years since I have served as member of the Board of Supervisors. (R-Braddock) has announced he will not seek re-elec- Florence Naeve. I looked up Chairman of the Fairfax County During her career, Chairman Bulova is proud of tion in 2019. Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) from my Sweet and Sour Pork Board of Supervisors. her role in founding the VRE commuter rail system, has also announced that she will not seek re-elec- laughing, thinking that she was Local government is an awe- piloting Metro’s Silver Line Phase 1 over the finish tion in 2019. Supervisor Jeff McKay (D) has an- joking. To my horror, my line, navigating through the Great Recession and fed- nounced that he will run for Chairman in 2019, va- friends’ expressions were elec- See Bulova, Page 5 eral sequestration while retaining Fairfax County’s cating his Lee District seat. Reactions “I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with lawyer entering the political world. She was (and is) Ensuring Prosperity, Sharon Bulova for more than 20 years and she is a true the gold standard by which local officials can be mea- community treasure. Under her leadership, she turned the sured. Her retirement marks the end of an era in Fairfax Quality of Life idea of the Virginia Railway Express into a reality. As Chair- County which history will remember as one of prosper- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA): man, she guided the County through the worst of the Great ity and good will.” “As former mayor to a city of 200,000 people, I have Recession, while still maintaining the critical investments enormous respect for Sharon Bulova’s leadership of a and services that Fairfax residents have come to expect. county of 1.1 million. Over the past 30 years, Fairfax And over her years of public service, she has helped trans- County’s population has grown by nearly half, and form our community into one that is envied by all others. A Strong Proponent of Sharon’s service during that time has played a major “Sharon’s time on the Board will be remembered for her role in ensuring the prosperity and quality of life ac- decency and commitment to collegiality, her willingness to Economic Growth companying that growth. Congratulations, Sharon, on listen to her constituents and bring people together, and her Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the a job well done.” drive to leave Fairfax a better place for future generations. I Fairfax County Economic Development Authority: want to thank my dear friend for her lifetime of service and “Chairman Bulova has been a strong and effective the undeniable mark she has left on our community.” proponent of economic growth and the Economic De- A True Community velopment Authority and me personally for many years. The effects of her leadership will be felt throughout the Treasure Gold Standard county for generations to come. Her support of our glo- U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), former Chairman of Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) bal outreach marketing has been particularly forward- the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors: “I first met Sharon Bulova in 1996 when I was a young looking and effective over the years.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 ❖ 3 Opinion Vienna & Oakton Every year is Election Year in Virginia; sometimes www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Holidays Speed By An independent, locally owned weekly every month … newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. ur last live newspapers of 2018 Published by will come out next Tuesday and Virginia State Senate, as Jennifer Wexton va- up for election. We already know that there Local Media Connection LLC Wednesday, Dec. 18 and Dec. 19. cates that seat to head to U.S. Congress in will be significant turnover, with many new O 1606 King Street Editors are already working on Virginia’s 10th District. candidates to get to know. Primaries will likely Alexandria, Virginia 22314 hundreds of submissions for our Children’s On Election Day polls are open from 6 a.m. be in June. Connections, which will come out in the days until 7 p.m. Joe T. May (R) faces Jennifer B. The 2019 session of Virginia’s General As- Free digital edition delivered to between and New Year’s. Our first Boysko (D). If Boysko should win, another sembly begins Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. your email box. Go to regular newspapers will come out in Special Election will be scheduled to For families, we can point you back to holi- connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe the first week of January, 2019. Editorial fill her seat in the Virginia House of day happenings; breathe and enjoy some hot Don’t miss our holiday calendars in Delegates. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ chocolate with your children and neighbors. NEWS DEPARTMENT: these weeks, with so many local things elections/upcoming Letters to the editor go to http:// [email protected] to do. And later in 2019, every seat on the Fairfax www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/let- Among things to do is to watch for a Special County Board of Supervisors, every seat on the ter/ or [email protected] Kemal Kurspahic ❖ Election Day on Tuesday, Jan. 8, to fill the un- School Board, every seat in the Virginia House Get a free digital subscription here: http:// Editor 703-778-9414 [email protected] expired term of the 33rd District seat in the of Delegates and Virginia Senate, and more are www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe/ Andrea Worker Letters to the Editor Contributing Writer [email protected] Welcoming Jean Card Production Editor Amazon ‘It’s the Most [email protected] To the Editor: The following open letter was ADVERTISING: Wonderful For advertising information addressed to Amazon. [email protected] Time’ 703-778-9431 Welcome to Northern Virginia! Holiday fun As the timeframe for your decision abounds around Don Park on HQ2 drew closer, those of us the area, includ- Display Advertising 703-778-9431 who already call this region home ing Carriage [email protected] began to think about how we’d Rides at Reston welcome you to our community. Town Center’s Debbie Funk Community foundations have a Market Street. National Sales more than 100-year history as 703-778-9444 [email protected] community conveners and conver- sation brokers who work tirelessly David Griffin to preserve, enhance and protect Photo courtesy of Marketing Assistant the quality of life for our neigh- Myers Public Relations 703-778-9431 bors. This role often places us di- [email protected] rectly in the middle of our Classified & Employment community’s most important de- Your arrival in Northern Vir- School teacher, for years I took my Advertising cisions, most pressing issues, and ginia gives us all a chance to cre- Time is fourth grade classes to the Farm 703-778-9431 most promising opportunities. ate a more regional, collaborative to live three days and two nights Many in our community believe approach to local philanthropy Running Out to in the year 1771. It truly was “liv- Editor & Publisher that your decision to locate HQ2 that brings to bear the full capac- ing history.” This program contin- Mary Kimm in Northern Virginia is the most ity and weight of our nonprofit Save the Farm ues to this day as schools from Vir- [email protected] impactful event to happen in each partners, our collective commu- To the Editor: ginia, Maryland and D.C. bring @MaryKimm of these categories in a generation. nity knowledge, and our shared With only days left, I am writ- students to participate in colonial Your arrival will bring jobs, criti- impulse to help build community ing to urge you and your readers encampments. As a mom, I was Executive Vice President Jerry Vernon cal advancements in the quality of through philanthropy. We look to help save The Claude Moore one of many who took their chil- 703-549-0004 our public transportation, invest- forward to working with you, Colonial Farm at Turkey Run in dren there to learn about colonial [email protected] ments in technology education, problem solving with you, and McLean. The National Park Service life at Market Fairs and through and opportunities for small busi- advancing our community’s best intends to “terminate” (their many other farm events. Editor in Chief nesses that will serve you and the interests, together. word) the Farm on Dec. 21, 2018. To date, more than 12,480 Steven Mauren Managing Editor workers you attract — among For over forty years, this special people have signed the Save the Kemal Kurspahic many other things. Like you, we Heather Peeler place has been a very important Farm petition. Information on Art/Design: want our neighborhoods to be di- President & CEO, ACT for part of my life and so many oth- how to help can be found on the Laurence Foong, John Heinly, verse and vibrant places to live and Alexandria ers. Its loss would be huge for the Farm’s website— http:// Ali Khaligh work. We want our economic de- Jennifer Owens community at large. 1771.org/savethefarm While leg- Production Manager: Geovani Flores velopment to be a rising tide that President & CEO, Arlington While it began as a National islation has moved to the floor in lifts all boats. Companies and com- Community Foundation Park, the Farm was turned over to the House of Representatives, no munity foundations have worked Amy Owen the Friends of Claude Moore Co- legislation has even been intro- CIRCULATION in tandem to address local issues President, Community Founda- lonial Farm in 1981 and has been duced in the Senate by the Vir- [email protected] for over a century. It is therefore tion for Loudoun & Northern a successful, private endeavor ever ginia Senators. Legislation must our deepest hope that in partner- Fauquier Counties since. The Farm portrays the life pass the Senate by Dec. 14. Time ship, we can reimagine solutions Eileen Ellsworth of a lower-class, homesteading is running out. to workforce development, afford- President & CEO, Community Virginia family during the late The historical learning experi- able housing and other social Foundation for Northern Virginia Colonial period. It offers a unique ences offered by the Farm are so problems, perhaps driven by Bruce McNamer historical perspective and oppor- worth saving. imaginative technology-depen- President & CEO, Northern tunities to engage in colonial liv- dent solutions not yet seen that we Virginia Greater Washington ing experiences. May Ohman invent together. Community Foundation As a Fairfax County Public Arlington

4 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Sharon Bulova - second from right - with (from left): Del. Mark Keam (D- 35), State Sen. Janet Howell (D-32), Supervi- sor John Foust (D- Dranesville), U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), Del. Ken Plum (D-36) and Supervisor Catherine Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill).

Bulova after dinner activity. Many of the items listed From Page 3 on the “Pro” side of the chart were some of the reasons that had already persuaded me some place to be. It’s the level of govern- to not seek another four-year term. More ment closest to the people you represent. It’s time with family and grandchildren, time for the place where you can truly make a tan- travel, to entertain, to smell the roses. gible difference, touch lives, and engage with It has been an honor to serve the Fairfax the community in a personal, positive way. County community on the Board of Super- Deciding when to stop is just as hard as mak- visors. During these past thirty years, I have ing the decision to start down the road of been privileged to work alongside dedicated elective office. For me, however, that time elected officials at every level of govern- has come. ment, with talented, caring county staff and When questioned by Tony Olivo of the a county full of enthusiastic community Washington Post about my plans for running, volunteers. While I will not be running for I told him I was going to use the Thanksgiv- re-election in 2019 I sure do have a lot to ing holiday to think about it, and to talk to look back on with satisfaction. my family and friends. On Thanksgiving Day My term does not end until the end of next my son David arrived for dinner equipped year. Between now and then there is still with a large flip chart and colored stickies much to do and to contribute. I look forward for voting. He titled the Chart “Family Deci- to working with you during these months sion Making Matrix” and separated it into ahead and thank you for your engagement “Pros” and “Cons.” It was a fun, light-hearted and participation in your community.

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Photo by Home on Cameron Photo courtesy of Anne Walker Todd Martz of Home on Cameron in Old Potomac designer Anne Walker used Town Alexandria suggests adding a decora- Thibaut wallpaper to make the room a tive mirrors for a quick bathroom update. “fabulous, joyful place to visit,” she said. Preparing for Holiday Guests

ners of the room.” Sprucing-up a bathroom Among the more mundane tasks is to visually in- spect the bathroom’s grout to check for cracks and without a renovation. stubborn, unsightly mold. Re-grouting might be nec- essary, says Chuck Khiel, vice president of Fred Home By Marilyn Campbell Improvement. “When making a repair, it is very im- portant to remove all of the cracked grout in the joint mid the tree-trimming, wreath hanging so that the full edge of the tile is exposed,” he said. and stocking in an effort to deck “The new grout can then bond to the full thickness Athe halls in anticipation of holiday guests, of the tile edge. Simply smearing a thin layer of new there’s one space that can be forgotten: grout over old grout will not work.” the humble bathroom. While not as festive as hang- Once the room is sparkling clean and totally ing garland, a few simple tweaks can transform a decluttered, Walker suggests adding display on a bathroom from glum to guest ready. countertop or in a shower niche. “A vase full of bam- “Hands-down, the easiest way to spruce up a bath- boo, pretty soaps in a rattan basket or a Lucite tray room with little or no expense is to de-clutter,” said filled with beautiful guest towels are just a few sug- Anne M. Walker of Anne Walker Design. “You’ll be gestions for fresh objects that will lend an air of tran- amazed how beautiful your bathroom looks if you quility to your bathroom.” clear away all of the items sitting on the countertop For guests who might cringe at the thought of and around the room.” shared guests towels, Martz suggests adding a tray To help with that effort, Walker suggests investing of disposable hand towels. He also encourages en- organizational items such as Lucite or bamboo trays gaging one’s sense of smell by, “adding some scented and drawer inserts so that personal items can be kept candles like those by Rigaud’s Cypres and Cythere.” out of sight. Another simple fix is to buy fresh new bath linens, For those with a budget and time to allow for it, says Walker. “No matter how hard you try, towels Walker suggests a fresh coat of paint or new wallpa- and shower curtains get dingy over time,” she said. per. “That can make a huge visual impact in a bath- “There are so many places to buy lovely linens, and room,” she said. “Since the space is so small, and it’s many of them are very low cost.” a room where you don’t spend long periods of time, With the right accessories, even the most modest you can have fun with interesting colors and pat- spaces can be made to feel like a spa, suggests Walker, terns.” recalling a bathroom in which she added added a Also think about painting just one wall as an ac- Turkish towel, striped shower curtain which became cent or the ceiling,” said Todd Martz of Home on transformative. “Even though the bathroom, itself, Cameron in Alexandria. “[Add a new] mirror, such is modest, the beautiful shower curtain makes it feel as a decorative or colorfully framed mirror or one like a resort,” she said. “By adding just a couple of that runs from floor to ceiling, for a fresh look.” colorful accessories on the countertop, it pulls the He also suggests updating a bathroom’s lighting whole room together. to make the space feel bright and airy. Installing new fixtures such as a shower head can Another practical tip that Walker offers is a good, quickly transform a bathroom from outdated to up- old-fashioned scrub-down. “Clean like you’ve never dated. “There are many types of shower heads on cleaned before, she said. “Use a surface cleaner with the market these days,” said “Some offer a variety of bleach, like Krud Kutter, which is my personal favor- water streams and different features, [and] most ite, a strong brush, and your elbow grease to remove manufacturers make it so that changing a shower dust, grime and dirt from tile grout, caulk, and cor- head is fairly simply.”

6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Holiday Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal- endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOING Art Exhibit: “Peace Like a River.” Through Dec. 16, gallery hours at The Gallery at The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist), 2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. Exhibit of mixed media paintings by Alice Nodine, of Centreville. For exhibit hours and information, visit www.GoodShepherdVA.com. Art Exhibit: 500. Through Dec. 23, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Artists @ Mosaic, 105 District Ave., Fairfax. The Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association (TFAA) presents 500, a mixed-media show featuring the work of 13 TFAA member artists, from framed oil paintings to photography, all of the art is priced $500 and under. Visit www.torpedofactoryartists.com. Santa HQ A Civil War Christmas: An Santa is all about the experience and this year Tysons Corner Center is again American Musical Celebration. Through Dec. 23, Thursdays, 7:30 partnering with HGTV to present the incomparable, immersive “Santa HQ.” Fami- p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays 2 lies are invited to explore the wonder of Santa in the digital age. Interactive and 8 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 p.m. at technology transforms and customizes the experience. Guests can make reserva- 1st Stage in Tysons, 1524 Spring Hill tions to spend less time in line. Shoppers are invited to bring an unwrapped toy Road, Tysons Corner. It’s 1864 and and participate in our ‘Help Through Holiday Giving’ toy drive benefitting Second Washington, D.C. is settling down to Story (formerly Alternative House). Visit Santa through Dec. 24 at Tysons Corner the coldest in years in Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. HGTV’s Santa HQ is located in this pageant of carols by Paula Vogel, Fashion Court near Nordstrom on the Lower Level. Visit www.santa-hq.com. the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Indecent. Visit www.1stStage.org for the schedule of Community Sing, followed by Conversations, captioned and audio cookies and hot cider, at their quaint described performances. Tickets: SATURDAY/DEC. 15 historic site. Free. Visit general admission, $39; senior Holiday Pancake Breakfast. 8 a.m.- www.HistoricPleasantGrove.org. (65+), $36; student and military, noon at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Night in . 5-7 p.m. at $15 at www.1ststage.org or at 703- Department, 400 Center St., South, Andrew Chapel United Methodist 854-1856. Vienna. All you can eat pancakes, Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna. Art Exhibit: Fleurs et Fruits. sausage, bacon, juice and coffee. Wander through the outdoor city Through Jan. 4, bank hours at TD will be greeting all from marketplace and discover what life Bank, 9901 Walker Road, Great Falls 9:30-11 a.m. There will be tours of was like when was born. Village. Jan Heginbotham presents the fire equipment available. Free Interact with this live nativity “Les Fleurs et les Fruits,” still life child photo ID and fingerprint cards including Mary, Joseph and a tame paintings in oil and gouache. will be available from Fairfax County camel, donkey and sheep – and hear Portraits of fresh flowers and Sheriff’s office. Adults $8, adults; $7, the story of Jesus’ birth. Free. Visit handsome fruits and veggies. Free. seniors (65+); $6, children ages 5- www.andrewchapelumc.org. Email [email protected] or 12, children 4 and under free. Email visit www.JanHeginbotham.com. [email protected] or visit vvfd.org. Parents’ Day Out. 9 a.m.-noon at SATURDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 15-16 Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, Christmas with Voce. Saturday, 8 WEDNESDAY/DEC. 12 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m. at Church of the McLean Newcomers and Annual Parents’ Day Out event for Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, Neighbors Holiday Luncheon. children in Kindergarten through NE, Vienna. Voce celebrates the 11:30 a.m. at Brio Tuscan Grill, Grade 6. Sponsored by the festive season with Ottorino 7854L Tysons Corner Center, Lewinsville Youth Ministry, children Respighi’s glittering Lauda per la McLean. The cost of the luncheon is will spend time watching Christmas Natività del Signore (Laud to the $34 per person. To attend, pay at movies, making crafts, decorating Nativity). Written in 1930, Respighi’s squareup.com/market/mclean- Christmas cookies, and playing seasonal cantata is an exquisite, neo- newcomers-club. Prospective games while parents prepare for the Baroque treatment of the Christmas members are invited. Make holidays. Free and open to the public. story scored for chorus, soloists, and reservations no later than Friday, Sign up at www.lewinsville.org/ chamber ensemble. $25 general Dec. 7. Visit event-items/parents-day-out/ or admission; $20 age 62+; $10 student www.McLeanNewcomers.org. email Rev. Annamarie Groenenboom (18+); children under 18 free. Visit at [email protected]. www.voce.org or call 703-277-7772. Model Railroaders Open House. 1- THURSDAY/DEC. 13 5 p.m. at the Vienna Train Station, Arts Society Holiday Party. 7:30 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna. SUNDAY/DEC. 16 p.m. at Vienna Art Center, 243 What would the holidays be without Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon at Church St., NW, suite 100, Vienna. trains? The NVMR open house has Vienna American Legion Post 180, The Vienna Arts Society is a 501 c 3 model trains and trolley activities 330 Center St., N. Vienna. Get non-profit organization dedicated to that realistically depict an actual omelets, scrambled eggs, blueberry enriching the community through the railroad that existed in North pancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuits arts. All are invited. Call 703-319- Carolina in the 19502s, the Western and gravy and more. Adults $10, 3971 or visit North Carolina (WNC). Locomotive, children 12 and under $4. Call 703- www.ViennaArtsSociety.org. rail car, and towns industry in this 938-6580. layout is modeled after those places Gifts for Good Market. 9 a.m.-12:30 and things as they looked in that era. p.m. at Vienna Presbyterian Church, THURSDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 13-16 Thomas and Friends are here too. 124 Park St. N.W., Annual Gifts for . Through Free. Call 703-938-5157 or visit Good Haiti Thursday, Friday and Saturday at www.nvmr.org. featuring handmade Haitian artwork, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Studio Bleu’s The . 2 including metal art, jewelry and 2:30 p.m. at James Lee Community and 7 p.m. at Stone Bridge High Christmas ornaments. Proceeds Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls School in Ashburn. Ashleigh benefit Vienna Presbyterian mission Church. In 1933, an unemployed Watkinson, of Great Falls, dances the partner Community Coalition for Shakespearean actor and his role of Clara in Studio Bleu Dance Haiti (www.cchaiti.org). For more manager run out of gas, and the Center’s in the 2 p.m. performance. email [email protected]. townsfolk agree to supply them with Studio Bleu is owned by Kimberly The Glorious Sounds of some if they tell them the story of Rishi, a resident of Reston. Visit Christmas. 4-5:30 p.m. at Vienna Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and www.tututix.com/client/ Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St. Tiny Tim. This depression-era studiobleu2018/ for tickets. NE, Vienna. Sanctuary Choir, adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas Carol Sing-along. 3-5 Cathedral Brass, Youth Choir, truly brings this story to life. $17. p.m. at Historic Pleasant Grove, 8641 Friendship Chimes. Childcare is Tickets and more information at Lewinsville Road, McLean. Historic available. Call 703-938-9050 or visit www.providenceplayers.org. Pleasant Grove is holding its annual viennapres.org. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 ❖ 7 Holiday Entertainment

Prepare a winter meal with using colonial and indigenous cooking TUESDAY/DEC. 18 SATURDAY/DEC. 22 techniques around the campfire. What Do Furry Friends Do in Holiday Animal Winter Festival. 10 Food and drink are provided. Bring a Winter. 10-11 a.m. at Riverbend a.m.-noon at Riverbend Park, 8700 flashlight and warm clothes. Space is Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Sip hot limited. Designed for participants 3- Falls. People wear coats to stay warm chocolate and celebrate the season by adult. $15 per person. Call 703-759- and dine in cozy kitchens when they learning about wintering animals. 9018 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ get hungry in winter, but what do Make holiday ornaments of the parks/riverbend. animals do when the cold settles in? animals, too. $12 per person. Register for “Our Furry Friends” to Designed for participants 3-adult. find out. Through fun activities, Call 703-759-9018 or visit WEDNESDAY/JAN. 2 children age 2-5 will explore the lives www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Coffee with The McLean of squirrels, deer and other mammals riverbend. Newcomers and Neighbors. 11 at Riverbend Park. They will learn Klondike Campfire Cookout. 3:30-5 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Tysons- how critters stay warm and find food p.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700 Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Photo by Barb Hopkins during the cold winter months. $8 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. The per child. Call 703-759-9018 or visit Expand cooking skills at the McLean Newcomers and Neighbors fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend. “Klondike Campfire Cookout.” will host a coffee for members and

Same Company, Same Employees, Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years! Andrew Chapel youth dressed as shepherds pet the cow and camel at the live . Select your 10% down nothing until the job TWO POOR TEACHERS products from Night in Bethlehem isis completecomplete forfor thethe Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile Wander through the outdoor city marketplace and discover what life was like past 17 years Showroom when Jesus was born. Create unique keepsakes and interact with this live nativity and Design including Mary, Joseph and a tame camel, donkey and sheep – and hear the story Center of Jesus’ birth. Saturday, Dec. 15, 5-7 p.m. at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna. Free. Visit www.andrewchapelumc.org. Fully Insured & Class A Licensed Since 1999 prospective members. Visit April 2019. $8 for small cards; $9 for McLeanNewcomers.org or email large cards. Visit bit.ly/ [email protected]. mahjcards2019 to order. Contact Gail Gershman at 561-596-4245 or [email protected]. Free Estimates FRIDAY/JAN. 4 Meet the Artist: Fleurs et Fruits. 6- 703-214-8384 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com 7 p.m. at TD Bank, 9901 Walker SUNDAY/JAN. 20 Road, Great Falls Village. Jan Martin Luther King Jr. Day Heginbotham presents “Les Fleurs et Celebration: “Liner Notes.” 2 les Fruits,” still life paintings in oil p.m. at The Alden 1234 Ingleside and gouache. Portraits of fresh Ave., McLean. For all ages. Collide flowers and handsome fruits and with music’s past and present veggies. Free. Email through jazz standards, hip-hop [email protected] or visit samples and actual liner notes from www.JanHeginbotham.com. musicians of the civil rights movement in this multimedia concert experience (video). $25/$15 MCC SATURDAY/JAN. 12 district residents. Visit Model Railroaders Open House. 1- www.mcleancenter.org. 5 p.m. at the Vienna Depot, 231 Dominion Road NE. Northern Virginia Model Railroaders hold an SUNDAY/JAN. 27 open house at the Vienna Depot each McLean Chocolate Festival. 11 a.m.- month and on Vienna celebration 5 p.m. McLean Community Center, days, including Viva! Vienna and the 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Wide Vienna Holiday Stroll. Free variety of chocolate vendors. admission. Call 703-938-5157 or visit Demonstration of pre-revolutionary www.nvmr.org. chocolate-making. Children’s game AAUW Presents Dr. Dwandalyn room with chocolate-themed games Reece. 2 pm. (doors open at 1:30) and live performances. Plenty of free at Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple parking. Admission, $2; under 3, Ave. E., Vienna. Dr. Dwandalyn free. McLean Rotary uses proceeds to Reece is Curator of Music and fund local charitable organizations. Performing Arts at National Museum Visit mcleanchocolatefestival.org. of African American Culture and History. Reece created the museum’s award-winning inaugural exhibition, SUNDAY/FEB. 10 Musical Crossroads, and co-curated All Night Grad Party Fundraiser. 7 the grand opening music festival, p.m. in the Langley High School Freedom Sounds: A Community auditorium, 6520 Georgetown Pike, Celebration. The public is invited. McLean. The Capitol Steps use song Free. Visit vienna-va.aauw.net/. parodies and skits to bring bi- partisan levity to major issues of the day. Audience members will need to TUESDAY/JAN. 15 be well-versed in current events to Mah Jongg Card Order Deadline. keep up with the humor, as it’s fast, This effort supports various Temple fresh, and funny. Proceeds from the Rodef Shalom programs and show will help to pay for Langley’s charitable giving through a rebate Class of 2019 All Night Grad Party. program from the National Mah Open to the general public. Tickets Jongg League. Last year more than are $35 each at ptsalangley.org/all- 620 cards sold to raise over $1,300. night-grad-party, under the ANGP These are official cards and will be Capitol Steps banner, or at sent directly from the National Mah lhs19capitolstepsfundraiser.bpt.com. Jongg League in late March/early

8 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

A rain garden is located along the back edge of the parking lot behind Town Hall, at 127 Center Street S.

Photo contributed Town of Vienna Completes ‘Rain Garden’ Project Employing an innovative stormwater management water quality issues. The garden “treats” urban wa- strategy, the Town of Vienna has completed installation ter runoff by cleansing the water of materials, such of a rain garden along the back edge of the parking lot as phosphorus, sediment, or anything else the water behind Town Hall, located at 127 Center Street S. may collect on its way to the garden. As a result, the “Rain garden” is a term for an alternative system water that continues to flow through the stormwater of curbs, gutters, and storm sewers that tradition- system and out into the streams and Chesapeake Bay ally handle rain and stormwater. Instead of pipes and is cleaner than the water going into the garden. concrete, special kinds of plants, soils, and mulches “The best stormwater management practices are are combined in low-lying areas. This combination highly effective forms of taking care of infrastruc- works as a filter for the stormwater washing off im- ture while also treating the Town’s water supply with pervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots. care,” says Town Water Quality Engineer Christine The rain garden not only focuses on quantity is- Horner. “We are always looking for improvements, sues related to rainwater runoff, it also addresses and we can’t wait to do more.”

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 ❖ 9 News

Ally Paruti and Chrissie Baaklini, both 13 and of Vienna, visit with Santa (aka Jason Bruno), Fairfax County Park Authority staff, at the Starlight Express at Lake Fairfax in Reston.

Photos by Mercia Hobson/ The Connection Board Starlight Express At Lake Fairfax It’s a magical winter light show and more.

By Mercia Hobson The Connection

airfax County Park Authority presented its new magical winter light show, “Star- Flight Express at Lake Fairfax,” Saturday evening, Dec. 7. Families got in the holi- day spirit as they climbed aboard tractor-driven wagons. Riding in comfort, they viewed a section of the park decked out with illuminated stars, origi- nal handcrafted wooden forms such as the color- ful tall toy soldiers created through a Park Author- ity-wide effort and inflatables. Holiday-themed characters greeted viewers. “My parents, (Cindy and Chip Paris) are in town from Ohio,” said attendee April Schroeder of Spring- field as her husband Shane held daughter, Harper, 2. “Fairfax County has so many activities. It was hard narrowing down which park event to go to tonight.” Wiggling in dad’s arms, Harper stretched her arms Santa’s elf, (Imani O’Neal, a Fairfax out toward the tractor illuminated in strings of green County Park Authority employee) holds lights and called out, “I’m ready to go on the trac- her lantern shining a light on one of the tor.” wooden elves created through a Park The Park Authority offered additional holiday cheer Authority-wide effort for the winter light at the light show beyond the much-anticipated wagon show, Starlight Express at Lake Fairfax. ride. Dan and Joanna Drake of Reston helped their children, Elliott, 2, and Nolan, 3, prepare s’mores. With no long lines like at the mall, parents over- They showed their children how to rotate the heard real conversations between their children and skewered marshmallows over the campfire fire, slow the man from the North Pole. Even teens settled in and low. The couple let the cubes of gooey mess catch beside Santa. Vienna friends Ally Paruti, 13, and on fire for a crispy outside, followed by a quick blow Chrissie Baaklini, 13, sat beside Santa for a chat. and placement between graham crackers bedded Ally’s, dad Mike captured the moment in a photo. with a chocolate bar. Park Manager Dan Grulke looked over the setting. After wiping off sticky fingers, Joanna Drake ex- Asked about the event and being out in the woods plained why she picked the light show at Lake Fairfax. under the starlit sky Grulke said, “The staff at Lake “We saw the event online, and it seemed like fun. Fairfax Park always enjoys putting on festive events There are marshmallows and tractors too... The boys for the public of all ages.” love both. It was a win-win,” said Drake. Santa agreed. “I love being at the “Starlight Ex- While families gathered at the campfire and press at Lake Fairfax.” awaited the return of the wagons that arrived back The event recurs weekly on Fridays and Saturdays every 20 minutes or so that would take them through through Dec. 15 from 5- 8:40 p.m., 1400 Lake Fairfax the winter wonderland of lights, they warmed up Drive, Reston. Space is limited; register in advance with hot cocoa and took time to visit with Santa who at Fairfax County Partakes or call 703-222-4664 or sat near the campfire. 703-471-5415 x 0.

10 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Still Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and Scared to … artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event. By KENNETH B. LOURIE As a follow up to last week’s column: “Scared SOBER-RIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYS to …,” let me provide a bit more context for the Free Sober Rides. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. daily, Dec. 14- fear and anxiety I wrote about; as well as some Jan. 1. Area residents, 21 and older, may history for you readers to appreciate the emotional download Lyft to their phones, then enter a code challenges some of us cancer patients experience. in the app’s “Promo” section to receive a no cost It all began with the initial Team Lourie meet- (up to $15) safe ride home (limited quantities ing on Feb. 27, 2009 when we met my oncologist available). WRAP’s Holiday SoberRide promo MVY[OLÄYZ[[PTL code will be posted at www.SoberRide.com. After exchanging pleasantries, such as they could be, I was examined by my oncologist in an HOLIDAY DONATIONS adjacent room. After he completed his exam, we Toy Drive. Through Friday, Dec. 14 at local HSSYLHZZLTISLKPUOPZVMÄJL^OLYLOLYL]PL^LK Weichert, Realtors offices. Members of the the results of my most recent medical history community are invited to drop off new, KH[PUNIHJR[V1HU^OLU0ÄYZ[ZOV^LK\W unwrapped toys at the company’s sales offices. at the Emergency Room complaining of shortness The toys will be delivered throughout the of breath. holidays in conjunction with local charities that Subsequently, there were two sets of X-Rays, assist financially and physically disadvantaged one CT scan, one P.E.T. scan and then a surgical children. To find your local office, go to www.weichert.com/offices/. IPVWZ`[VJVUÄYT[OLWYL]PV\ZÄUKPUNZ0[^HZ Holiday Sponsors. Through Dec. 14, Fairfax- nearly eight weeks to the day that I learned my di- based non-profit Britepaths is seeking help from agnosis: non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV. And community members to sponsor Fairfax County so my oncologist began to talk. I’m semi-quoting, area families in need for the December holidays but clearly remembering the substance: or donate funds or gift cards to assist families I can treat you, but I can’t cure you. Your prog- who are not sponsored. Families Britepaths are nosis is 13 months to two years. The percentage of assisting are referred by Fairfax County and patients who live beyond two years is 2 percent. Fairfax County Public Schools social workers. Could you be the one who lives beyond two Visit britepaths.org/our-programs/holiday- program. years? Absolutely. This is extremely serious. You should begin chemotherapy as soon as possible. Next week if possible. WEBINAR Then our questions began – after we gathered Online Salary Negotiation Workshop. AAUW our composure that is. I mean, hearing these (American Association of University Women) words directed at you is as surreal as it gets, and Work Smart is free online for anyone looking to with limited knowledge on the subject and the learn how to negotiate a salary increase or JPYJ\TZ[HUJLZ^LOHKKPMÄJ\S[`Z[HY[PUNHJVU- promotion. Why is negotiation so important? AAUW’s research on the gender pay gap shows versation. that, one year out of college, women are already This is as much as I remember hearing that day. paid significantly less than men. Visit Could there have been more? I’m sure. Unfortu- salary.aauw.org. nately, we were ill-prepared for the occasion. Though there were three of us: my wife, Dina, THURSDAY/DEC. 13 my brother, Richard, and myself – collectively, what went in all of our ears went out in different Learn about Citizenship. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at directions. Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Learn about the process of What was said, what was heard, what was becoming a U.S. citizen at this free information understood, what was remembered, was all a session. After the presentation a USCIS jumble. No one thought to take notes or bring in representative will answer your questions. U.S. a recording device, two suggestions which have Sen. Mark R. Warner will make opening been subsequently made and that I now pass on remarks. Free. Email [email protected], to you. call 703-573-1060 or visit My oncologist answered our questions about librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/ surgery, radiation, treatment, drugs, side effects, 4476399 for more. ZJOLK\SLL[JHSSVM^OPJO^HZKPMÄJ\S[[VHIZVYI He then attempted to describe what my life SATURDAY/DEC. 15 would be like going forward, offering no guaran- (Filipino for “Night Mass”). 7 tees of anything particularly hopeful, which now p.m. at Our lady of Good Counsel, 8601 explains the reasons for these two columns: death Wolftrap Road SE, Vienna. Join the Filipino- and progression from dying/symptoms getting American community for Simbang Gabi. The worse. He used a staircase as an example. Vigil Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Thomas My health would steadily decline, as if walking Ferguson, Vicar General of the Diocese of Arlington. A “salu-salo” (dinner reception) will KV^UHÅPNO[VMZ[HPYZ(ZT`OLHS[OKL[LYPVYH[LK follow immediately in DeSales Hall. The symptoms manifested (down a couple of steps), he “Panuluyan”, a depiction of the search for an inn could stabilize me there by trying new treatment. which culminates in a manger, will be presented But he could never bring my health back to its as a play during the reception by the children of previous place. Then after a while the new treat- the Fil/Am Community Ministry based at OLGC. ment would become unsuccessful (down a few To RSVP to attend reception email more steps), and again, he could stabilize me but [email protected] or call Chiqui 571-499- he couldn’t bring me back. And on and on until … 8277, Verna 703-408-0652, or Zeny 202-390- . I think I can remember another visual he offered: 3037. playing with a yo-yo as I descended the stairs; down, down, down. SUNDAY/DEC. 16 Amazingly, this has not happened to me de- Christmas Worship. 9 and 11:15 a.m. at St. ZWP[LH^LLR»ZSVUNOVZWP[HSPaH[PVUÄ]LWS\Z`LHYZ John’s Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, ago. McLean. A Festival of . HOWEVER, per my understanding of my Visit www.stjohnsmclean.org or call 703-356- condition (I wasn’t diagnosed as “terminal” for 4902. nothing), I anticipate stepping down at some point. And any time – every time – I experience WEDNESDAY/DEC. 19 symptoms uncharacteristic of my semi-normal ex- Vienna Woman’s Club Meeting. 7-9 p.m. at istence, I ALWAYS wonder if this is the beginning Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, of my end. Vienna. Vienna Woman’s Club invites And as much as I want to stay one step ahead, prospective members to its open membership it’s hard for me (practically impossible) to not meeting with a guest speaker on a common think that when new symptoms occur, cancer is interest subject. Visit stepping up its attack. www.ViennaWomansClub.org for more. Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 ❖ 11 News

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection Jonathan Tabbal, 11, of Vienna with Layla, a Jack Russell at the Puppy The McHugh Family of Herndon – Alison, Mike, James and Jackson with Nativity at the Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) Church Lucky the dog. in Vienna. Puppy Nativity in Vienna Forty dogs and families create human nativity scene at Church of the Good Shepherd.

bout 40 families and dogs posed the dogs dressed as Shepherds or little an- for photos at the third-annual gels posed against a backdrop of stars in a APuppy Nativity at the Church of manager. “So, it’s a cute opportunity to in- the Good Shepherd (United volve the whole family,” said Song, who Methodist) Church on Hunter Mill Road in gave away dog treats. The church’s youth Vienna on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Dogs and group was also on hand to accept donations their owners dressed up in costumes as part for Britepaths (britepaths.org). They will of the nativity and had their photos taken buy holiday gifts for people who are trying for holiday Christmas cards. to get back on their feet, said Song. According to the Rev. Eric Song, pastor Also attending was the Rev. Elise Bell, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, “Our pastor at Fairfax Circle Church in Fairfax, Puppy Nativity is a creative outreach to the who added: “I think it’s important for community where families bring in their churches to do anything that they can to be pets who are also family and we pose them part of the community. And it’s obvious that in front of the nativity for wonderful holi- this is what this church is doing – they’re The Rev. Elise Bell, pastor of day cards. The original nativity had live not trying to make money. They’re just try- Fairfax Circle Church in Fairfax, animals as well so we’re kind of living that ing to do something fun for the community with Bandit her Yorkie at the tradition, and it’s a fun way to celebrate and I want to follow suit.” Puppy Nativity at the Church of the Israel Negron and Gretchen Moss Christmas.” Good Shepherd (United Methodist) of Alexandria with their two dogs, The families dressed up as Shepherds and — Steve Hibbard Church in Vienna. Tazzy and Shoo Shoo.

Heather Weber, Terrian Jennings, Asher Song and Pastor Eric Song of The Bair family of Reston: Mike and Michele with Christian, David, and Falls Church. Autumn with their dog Eva.

12 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com