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Home Life Style August 2008 ❖ Great Falls Connection A Connection Newspapers Publication

H Jonathan Fisher sculpture show debuts in Tysons L S

3 HomeLifeStyle planning and cutting precision to achieve the The Art of Texture desired effect. In the past, Fisher has

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By Susanna Tisa focused on hanging sculp- Great Falls Connection tures or flat mosaics. More onathan Fisher’s recently, he has created a wooded home in Great series of free-standing, JFalls provides the three-dimensional sculp- peaceful setting where tures that are much larger he crafts intricate and colorful and more complex than ❖

August 2008 wood sculptures under the his prior works. Fisher watchful eye of white studio cat described the challenges Doolan. In a small barn out back, associated with this new surrounded by apple, pear and exploration. kiwi trees, Fisher has honed his “I came up with the idea craft since retiring from a long for a box that would stand career as a magazine publisher. on one of its corners and He and wife Carol moved to stay suspended in this Great Falls in 2001, after raising position. It took me quite their family in McLean, with a a few tries with this con- goal to pursue their business and creative interests from their new home. Fisher described the theme behind his work. “I am very interested in textures. In

Photos by Louise Krafft

Something about Art

“Blue Quartz” 45” x 43” x 34” manmade designs, such as fences similar pieces as an art form.” and manhole covers, there are Fisher’s works are highly geo- often repetitive patterns,” Fisher metric, with contrast in color and said. He pointed out a triangular placement of the wood creating a “Notes on a Red Xylophone” 40” x 12 1⁄2” x 19” prune-drying rack from France perception of great depth. and a chicken carrying cage, “I limit my palette to the pri- cept before I was able to items he purchased because their mary colors, in order to accentu- solve the design riddle of simplicity intrigued him. “These ate the pattern I have created how to keep such a heavy items were for practical, every- and draw the viewer’s eye inside object in place.” day use, but their appealing and around,” said Fisher. The The box is transparent shape and construction gave me construction of each piece re- and contains inner layers Fisher shows an earlier work using different sized dowels. the idea that I could create quires a high degree of advance See Art, Page 5 H L S 4

August 2008

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Great Falls Connection

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“Red Roofs” by Ronni Jolles 21” x 25” paper, fabric and pastels $1,500. At Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Gallery. 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls; www.greatfallsfoundationforthearts.org Shopping for local art In Search of the Perfect Piece …

“Urn” by Great Falls potter Laura Nichols $75. presently on display with the Kiln Club “Cauldron” by Heidi Schramm of “Vase” by Arlington artist Elke Seefeldt of Washington exhibit at the Scope Gallery in “Vase” by Great Falls potter Laura Nichols Arlington $175. at the Scope Gallery in $70. Scope Gallery in the Torpedo Factory the Torpedo Factory of Art. 101 N. Union St., $55. Scope Gallery in the Torpedo Factory of the Torpedo Factory of Art 101 N. Union of Art. 101 N. Union St., Alexandria, Va. Alexandria, Va. Art. 101 N. Union St., Alexandria, Va. St. Alexandria, Va. Ideas? E-mail [email protected]

Jonathan Fisher talks about his work and the current exhibit that he is preparing at his home in Great Falls. The Art of Texture

Photos by Louise Krafft

Fisher designed board games.

From Page 3 Lerner Corporation is also a member of the Great Falls Studio whose color combina- group. There will be rotating tions on each side either exhibits in the building that pull the eye inward or showcase our works. The public push outward depending is welcome to come by and view on the viewing angle. the exhibit, even if they have no Fisher is preparing for other business in the building,”

Something about Art his first major exhibit with Fisher said. this new series. It will run Rarely doing commissioned through Oct. 25, 2008 in work, Fisher creates interest in the lobby of the Lerner his wood sculptures at local Corporation Building at venues like Katie’s Coffee House 1800 Tysons Blvd. in and the Annual Great Falls Stu- Tysons Corner. dios Tour that will take place in “The curator for the October. H 7 “This isn’t memorabilia, it’s more obsessive.” L ‘SkinsPrez’ shows ‘obsession’ with massive collection of ‘Skins memorabilia. H — Lynne Greene S 6 L By Paul Frommelt S

HomeLifeStyle

August 2008 he exterior of Hail to the Redskins ❖ Dennis

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Greene’s home erations, a title he has held since ‘Skins becomes clear. This part of Jeff George signed photo here Great Falls Connection T last October. A member of the the Greene household is home to and a jersey offers few hints of what lies inside. In a Redskins’ staff since 2001, one of the largest collections of there. Throughout the years, quiet Oak Hill neighbor- Greene’s home is the epitome of Redskins memorabilia outside of however, Dennis has accelerated hood, Greene’s home fits in “taking your work home with Redskins Park. adding to the collection. Great Falls Connection you.” “This isn’t memorabilia, it’s more “It started evolving and I

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manicured lawns on his Once inside Greene’s home, a obsessive,” says Lynne. started getting so much of it,” ❖

August 2008 street. picture of the Greene family Game-worn, signed jerseys hang said Dennis. Yet a peek inside his decked out in Redskins jerseys in frames on the wall, including Eventually, it got to the point

HomeLifeStyle garage shows the first sign greets guests. Dennis, wife Lynne, those of quarterback Jason where Dennis said, “We have of what makes the Greene son Michael, 16, and daughter Campbell, tight end Chris Cooley enough stuff that we can actu- household extraordinary. Stephanie, 12, all smile brightly and running back , ally make this pretty cool.” The garage walls are while wearing burgundy and gold. along with Redskin greats Sonny Added Michael: “He would painted burgundy and gold Even family dog Touchdown Jurgensen and Darrell Green. bring home stuff randomly. Over – colors synonymous with sports a jersey. Above it hangs a The Redskins’ familiar trademark time, this kind of just built up.” the Washington-Metro serigraph of a 2006 LeRoy Neiman logo is everywhere, from carpets The kid’s toys were tucked area’s premier sports fran- painting, No. 6 of 200, showing and pool tables, to bottle openers away in a closet and the walls chise – the Washington the Redskins playing the New York and wine bottles. became burgundy and gold Redskins. Giants — a gift from Redskins’ “This was not a purposeful plan. (with a lighter yellow paint Inside the garage, a BMW owner Daniel Snyder. This just kind of evolved. In the added to accent walls at the Dennis and Michael enjoy a game. beginning, it was just stuff,” said request of Lynne). Shelves were sports the license plate, Lynne Greene takes her “SKNS PRZ.” IT’S NOT UNTIL guests reach Lynne. “But once we had enough built to accommodate Greene’s opening shot. Greene is the Redskins’ the lower level, however, that the stuff, it became something.” ever-growing collection of President of Business Op- level of Greene’s devotion to the It started quietly enough, with a See Redskins, Page 9

Michael G shirts, the reeneblack inN front of one of his favorite signed. ike edition that Sean T aylor

Lynne and Dennis Greene remember the Christmas party when Dennis’ car plates. Lynne picked up what is her favorite signed football. The ball is Santana Moss #89 Special pool balls and sticks. signed by the entire 2006 team and Dan Synder. Chris Cooley #47 H Ideas? E-mail [email protected] L S 8 ‘The Kitchen We Want’

August 2008

❖ By Donna Manz

arty and Martha Strauss’ Mkitchen is a tour de force of

Great Falls Connection

❖ functionality, beauty and visual stimulation. Designed by architect, Susan Pierce, co-owner of Susan and

HomeLifeStyle Kelvin Pierce’s Vienna-based Commonwealth Home Remod- eling, the Vienna house was completed a year ago on a half- As the preparations go forward on acre of land where a 1952-era one end of the island, dinner settings are occupy the other. home previously sat. Light, bright and practical characterize

the kitchen and family rooms Photos by Louise Krafft inspired by the lifestyle of the Strauss family. “We wanted a big island for seating, and the microwave

Marty prepares a sausage quiche.

placed near the refrigerator,” said Martha Strauss. “The arrangement is great for kids.” Peppers and salad greens For the Strauss sons living at home, for the evening dinner. there is a ceiling-height television visual interest.” They do. mounted above the microwave, oppo- The kitchen was designed to be a site the 4-foot-by-12-foot island. “gathering place” as much as a place At one end of the island is the prep for food preparation and cooking. A In the Kitchen area, marked by the Wolf warming double-oven Wolf gas stove stands oven below. At the opposite end of the center-stage, with four burners and island is seating for five. Two win- front-to-back griddle and grill. dowed walls, above the counters, meet “We didn’t know the burners on the at the sink area. range had a simmer setting until we “When we decided to build, I said, accidentally turned the control knob in ‘Since we’re building a new home, why the wrong direction,” said Martha. not build the kitchen we want?’” said “We’re learning as we go. Our hope is Martha. “We might as well have a to really learn how to cook and make Looking south across the island over the honed granite surface top to the yard. good-looking kitchen, with lots of See Kitchen, Page 10 During a Dec. 5 game against the Cowboys in 2006, Taylor returned a blocked field goal into Dallas’ territory to Redskins set up Redskins kicker Nick Novak’s game winning field goal. While Novak owns From Page 6 the ball that he sent through the up- rights, Dennis proudly displays the first signed game balls. ball that Novak kicked – which didn’t The family pool table was given a count because the Cowboys had called Redskins’ makeover, complete with balls timeout before the snap. depicting the Redskins’ logo and rival “They froze the kicker and it went ’ star logo. through and that is the ball that I got,” “They always lose, whoever plays with said Dennis. “I still think that it is really the Cowboys [balls],” assures Michael. special.” It’s tough for Michael, who is entering Dennis also points out a signed Cooley his junior year at Oakton High School, to jersey, complete with grass stains. Inside pick a favorite piece of memorabilia. Two the frame shows pictures of Cooley that immediately come to mind, however, wearing the jersey during the game. involve former Redskins safety Sean “If you open it up, you can smell it. It is Taylor, who was murdered on Nov. 27 last unbelievable how it smells,” says Dennis year. He points out a framed black and with a laugh. white Taylor jersey. Taylor signed his name and included a personalized FOR LYNNE, picking her favorite piece greeting inside of the No. 21 on the back. of memorabilia is easy – it’s a team Michael had an opportunity to inter- signed ball that she won at the Redskins’ view the media-shy Taylor and was Christmas party in 2006. wearing the limited edition jersey. “It is my favorite football,” she said. “Where did you get that?” Lynne The entire 2006 team signed the ball – remembers Taylor asking Michael. It was including owner Dan Snyder, who wrote, the first time that the Pro-Bowl safety “Dennis, you are a stud. Love, Dan.” had seen his jersey in those colors. As for plans for future Redskins Michael also points to a pair of Michael memorabilia, Dennis already has his No. Jordan Nike cleats that Taylor wore, and 55 Jason Taylor jersey ready to be signed. was subsequently fined for, during a Dec. Taylor, the Redskins’ big defensive 10, 2006 game against the Philadelphia acquisition during the off-season, has Eagles. already been deemed worthy of hanging had a hand in one Dennis’ in Greene’s basement. favorite piece of memorabilia. “The order is already in,” said Dennis.

Individualized Education for Your Child

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Multi-sensory and/or innovative teaching strategies to achieve Introducing HomeLifeStyle Have a history of underachievement A new monthly publication that features the Have attention, organization, and/or motivation problems lifestyle, homes, neighborhoods and people of Have learning disabilities or other the most prestigious and affluent communities in problems affecting school performance the Washington, D.C. area, and focuses on home The mission of Accotink Alternative products and services, family activities, and the is to provide each student an essence of the secret places and shared activities individual education in a supportive environment that promotes self- discipline, motivation, and excellence in learning. Accotink’s team joints that makes each of them special. the parents and community to assist student’s in developing necessary scholastic and professional skills for the highest level of success possible. 703-821-5050 Fax 703-917-0997 ACCOTINK ACADEMY www.connectionnewspapers.com Alternative Learning Center Publishing A targeted publication of Community Newspapers 6228 F Rolling Road Springfield, VA 703.644.9072 Since 1784 www.accotinkcenter.com H L Sold: Million-Dollar Homes S 10 Great Falls had nine houses sell for more than $1 million: ❖ 11005 BEACH MILL RD (5BR, 4BA, 3HB) sold for $3,000,000 on June 6. ❖ 1015 CHESKA CT (5BR, 5BA, 1HB) sold for $2,037,000 on June 23.

August 2008

❖ ❖ 820 THOMAS RUN DR (5BR, 6BA, 1HB) sold for $1,850,000 on June 27. ❖ 11196 BRANTON LN (5BR, 5BA, 2HB) sold for $1,825,000 on June 2. ❖ 746 ELLSWORTH AVE (5BR, 4BA, 2HB) sold for $1,800,000 on June 13. ❖ 1093 BONNIE VIEW DR (6BR, 4BA, 1HB) sold for $1,390,000 on June 24. ❖ 819 LEIGH MILL RD (5BR, 4BA, 1HB) sold for $1,200,000 on June 24. ❖ 946 HICKORY RUN LN (3BR, 2BA) sold for $1,140,000 on June 17.

Great Falls Connection ❖ 1123 AMANDA DR (4BR, 4BA, 1HB) sold for $1,125,000 on June 17. 1028 TOWLSTON RD (7BR, 7BA, 3HB) sold for $5,800,000

❖ on June 26. This McLean House was the most expensive sale in the area for June 2008 The McLean area had 23 houses sell for more than $1 million: ❖ 1028 TOWLSTON RD (7BR, 7BA, 3HB) sold for $5,800,000 on June 26. ❖

HomeLifeStyle 6717 WEMBERLY WAY (6BR, 6BA, 2HB) sold for $3,340,000 on June 11. ❖ 6832 GEORGETOWN PIKE (10 BR, 10BA, 3HB) sold for $3,300,000 on June 16. ❖ 804 GREAT CUMBERLAND RD (5BR, 5BA, 2HB) sold for $3,250,000 June 12. ❖ 1187 WINDROCK DR (5BR, 6BA, 2HB) sold for $2,900,000 on June 26. ❖ 8402 WOODBRANCH CT (6BR, 6BA, 2HB) sold for $2,825,000 on June 6. ❖ 1203 STUART ROBESON DR (3BR, 4BA, 2HB) sold for $1,700,000 on June 24. ❖ 1516 PATHFINDER LN (6BR, 6BA, 1HB) sold for $1,700,000 on June 16. 1015 CHESKA CT (5BR, 5BA, 1HB) in Great Falls sold for $2,037,000 on June 23. A Wolf in the Kitchen From Page 8 healthy food.” needs into the design in the new moved from Oakton closer to Marty does volunteer cooking house. Tysons Corner. Martha does for youth groups at the Vienna “I told the specialist what we mostly volunteer work, active Presbyterian Church. “I’m trying wanted generally, and then she in Vienna Presbyterian to cook one new dish a week,” gave us ideas and designs,” said Church activities. She teaches

he says. Martha. Bible study and volunteers at In the Kitchen Marty and Martha Strauss feel Martha thought up the idea of the Church’s bookstore. that the windows in the kitchen honing the granite surrounding “Our biggest challenge is and the family room are the the sink area, so the reflecting getting the most out of the most interesting architectural sun would not produce a glare Wolf range,” says Martha. elements of their gathering by bouncing off the countertop. “We’re planning on going to place. The beverage center, off the main Mississippi where Wolf has a Martha describes herself as body of the kitchen, includes the cooking school and spend more attuned to the visual ele- beverage cooler, icemaker and three days or so learning to ments, while Marty is more soda bottle cabinet. Marty points cook. We’re starting to about the practical. to the professional icemaker that entertain now. We have this Photos by Louise Krafft Commonwealth’s kitchen automatically melts and recycles great stove. Now, we want to specialist looked at the house water to make fresh ice every 48 learn to cook well.” where the Strauss family lived hours. previously, noting their lifestyle Marty Strauss works for the The Strauss home is on the Vienna-area and demands, and, after numer- Monsanto office in Washington, Martha prepares the peppers for a ous revisions, incorporated their D.C., the commute a reason they October house tour. salad at one end of the kitchen island. Bill Grillo saw an opportunity to save the classic house H and to expand while preserving the integrity of the original architecture. L S

11 HomeLifeStyle Classic Foursquare Takes on Addition By Louise Krafft

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Great Falls Connection estled into a corner of Lyon NPark in Arlington, a classic 1900s Foursquare home has taken on a

new life and a new addition. The ❖ original house, built around August 2008 1919, was sold by the original owners and the property subdi- vided. In 2006, the Foursquare came on the market again and a neigh- bor, Bill Grillo, saw an opportu- nity to save the house and do some renovations. The Foursquare with classic lines and symmetry features a 9-9-foot deep wrap around veranda.

At Home Grillo, managing director with commercial real estate firm Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers, wanted to expand the In the dining room, a triptych by artist Kevin MacDonald (deceased) oil on canvas. house but not compromise the Photos by Louise Krafft integrity of the original architec- ture. Working with a local architect, F. Andrew Boyd, a design was developed. The new addition would be built on the back of the lot and connected as a hyphen to the existing house, the expanded kitchen. The roof lines of the addition were worked in to complement the existing strong horizontal features on the original. The house was completely rewired and the plumbing updated. Last week, Grillo brought in some of his art collection to hang A fountain in the courtyard offers a quiet in his new home. Bill Grillo stands in front of the original Foursquare in Lyon Park. buffer from the noise of the nearby roadways. 12 H L S

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