ViennaViennaand Oakton

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OaktonOakton HighHigh SeniorSenior AuthorsAuthors ‘Elara,‘Elara, STEMSTEM Girl’Girl’ News, Page 12

Classifieds, Page 10 Classifieds,

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Entertainment, Page 8

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Recently, Leela Ayyar, a senior at

Opinion, Page 4 Oakton High School, conducted focus groups at FCPS STEM Camp and Tech Adventure to support her manuscript for “Elara, STEM Girl.” Fall Book Sale at Oakton Library Attracts Hundreds News, Page 3 Vienna Oktoberfest Celebrates 10th Anniversary News, Page 9

Photo courtesy of Karen Bolt www.ConnectionNewspapers.comSeptember 20-26, 2016 onlineVienna/Oakton at www.connectionnewspapers.com Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 ❖ 1 Week in Vienna Meeting to Discuss Partisan Gerrymandering The Vienna Area Branch of The American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host a free event Tuesday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m., at Oakton Library Meeting Room, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. The public is welcome. The topic is partisan gerrymandering of legislative districts — what it is, and how to defeat it. View the documentary GerryRigged: Turn- ing Democracy on Its Head, produced by OneVirginia2021: Virginians for Fair Redistricting and WCVE (PBS). OneVirginia2021 representa- tives will lead a discussion about gerrymandering, efforts for reform, and national trends. AAUW is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Founded in 1881, AAUW members examine and take positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. For more information, email [email protected]. Vienna’s Little Library to Mark 120th Anniversary Historic Vienna, Inc. has announced a celebration commemorating the 120th Anniversary of Vienna’s Little Library, on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1-4 p.m., at the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church Street, NE, in Vienna. The one-room library building, now located on Mill Street in Vienna, was the Town’s first public library, constructed in 1897 by local resi- dent Edward R. Pierce at Library Lane and Maple Avenue. It was moved in 1912 to Center Street and Maple Avenue, and in 1969 to its present location where it is maintained as a museum by Historic Vienna. The celebration will include remarks by local dignitaries and former Little Library patrons, presentation of proclamations honoring the an- niversary, musical entertainment, games for children and adults, and souvenirs and refreshments for everyone. For additional information, See Week, Page 5

2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic News 703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Barbra Hippe, Oakton resident and President of the Friends of Oakton Library, and Tooley Milstead, Book Sale Co-Chair, were in Photos by Colin Stoecker/The Connection charge of the all-volunteer led Fall Book Sale at the Oakton Library Premier shoppers and members of the Friends of the Oakton Library Wednesday, Sept. 13. browse the selection at the Fall Book Sale at the Oakton Library Wednes- day, Sept. 13. A shopper browses the 25 cent mass market books for Fall Book Sale at Oakton sale at the Fall Book Sale at the Oakton Library Attracts Hundreds Library. Sometimes special items cycle By Colin Stoecker many visitors on Wednesday who attended through the sale, such as comic The Connection the premier shopping opening. “It’s been re- books, vinyl records, puzzles ally busy and crazy since we opened,” said and games. ednesday, Sept. 13, marked Hippe. Throughout the year, Hippe the start of the Oakton Pub- Some of these shoppers hold a scanner sells books and items on Ama- Wlic Library Fall Book Sale. in one hand, and a book in the other as they zon to raise money for the DVDs, Music, Books, and search for buried treasures—books that Oakton Library. This year she comic books were for sale through Satur- have a much larger resale value than they raised $3,000 through her Ama- day. They range in price from 25 cent no- do at large books sales like these. zon sales. The fall book sale vellas to two-dollar hardcover books and One of these scanner wielding shoppers aims to raise anywhere from some special items. is David Cromer, a Fredericksburg resi- $6,000 to $10,000, although “All libraries have friends that are non- dent and member of the Friends of Oakton that outcome is yet to be seen. profits” said Barbara Hippe, an Oakton resi- Library. “I think there’s a good selection “It’s clear that people want dent. She has been the president of the here, it’s well organized and there are more books,” said Hippe. “They Friends of Oakton Library, a volunteer group some good prices,” he said. He is able to like programs, CDs and the li- that helps out with books sales and com- enjoy premier access to the book sale as a brary computers, but it’s all munity events for eight years. member before it opens to the public on about maintaining a healthy “We handle books donated to the library. Thursday. book selection!” We sell the books and put that money back Books, paperback and hard- into the library,” she said. She is one of 400 THE SALE is arranged by genre. “Every- back are still important to the members of the Friends of Oakton Library, body has a different taste, what’s interest- library as are DVDs and music, and all members pay membership dues. ing to a history buff isn’t interesting to but people more and more are The book sale takes place twice annually, someone interested in romance novels” renting Ebooks as well. and this year’s fall sale has started off with said Hippe.

Potomac River Running Opens Vienna Store On Thursday, Sept. 7, Mayor Laurie DiRocco joined store staff mem- bers and running enthusiasts to cut the ribbon on the new Potomac River Running store at 111 Maple Ave. W. in Vienna. The store opening kicked off a weekend of events such as shoe fitting and gait analysis using a state-of-the-art 3D foot scanner from Superfeet, group run, Yoga for Runners by SourceCore Studio, CrossFit for Runners provided by CrossFit Mill Street, and complimentary sam- plings from Caboose Brewing Co., Caffe Amouri, and MOD Pizza.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 ❖ 3 Opinion Vienna & Oakton

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Voting Every Year, But Always Critical An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. League of Women Voters provides forums to learn about the candidates. Published by Local Media Connection LLC very year is Election Year in , Donte Turner (D). Alfonso Lopez (D-49) faces (R). 1606 King Street and each year the election matters. Adam Roosevelt (R). Jim LeMunyon (R-67) The remaining televised forum at Fairfax Alexandria, Virginia 22314 This year, all the members of the Vir- faces (D). Jennifer Boysko (D- County Public Access are on Channel 10 or E Free digital edition delivered to ginia House of Delegates are up for 86) faces Linda Schulz (R). livestreamed on YouTube “Inside Scoop reelection, along with statewide races for Gov- The local Connection newspaper to each of Livestream.” The public can submit questions your email box. Go to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe ernor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney Gen- these races has covered or will write about each by email to [email protected] or eral. contested race; you can find the stories on our call 571-749-1142 between 7-8:30 p.m. Tune So many things are at stake. The deadline to website. in on: NEWS DEPARTMENT: register to vote in the General Election on Nov. The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax ❖ Monday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.: Invited candi- [email protected] 7, or update an existing registration, is Mon- Area (LWVFA) will hold both in-person and dates: Kathleen J. Murphy (D), Cheryl A. Kemal Kurspahic day, Oct. 16. televised forums for the public to learn about Buford (R), Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D), Donte Editor ❖ 703-778-9414 Of the 30 incumbents in the Virginia House the candidates who are running for election to T. Tanner (D), Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo (R), R.C. [email protected] of Delegates who are running the Virginia House of Delegates. “Rip” Sullivan, Jr. (D), Karrie K. Delaney (D), Donna Manz unopposed, 11 are in Northern ❖ Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at Providence James M. “Jim” LeMunyon (R), Jennifer R. Contributing Writer Editorial Virginia: (D-35); Community Center: 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax. Boysko (D), and Linda C. Schulz (R). [email protected] Ken Plum (D-36); Invited candidates: Mark L. Keam (D), David Andrea Worker (D-37); (D-39); L. Bulova (D), Eileen Filler-Corn (D), Kathy Reporter Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41); (D-43); K.L. Tran (D), Lolita I. Mancheno-Smoak (R), Killing the Poor to [email protected] (D-44); Mark Levine (D-45); Marcus B. Simon (D), and Mike S. Casey (I). ❖ Pay Millionaires, Mike Salmon (D-46); (D- Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at Hayfield Editorial Assistant 47); and (D-48). Secondary School, Lecture Hall: 7630 Tele- [email protected] (D-53) faces no Republican graph Road, Alexandria. Invited candidates: L. Current Attempt challenger, but will face Mike Casey, an Inde- (D), Paul B. Haring (R), Vivian E. Because the current effort in the Senate to ADVERTISING: pendent. Watts (D), Mark D. Sickles (D), Paul E. Krizek vote on “repeal and replace” for the Afford- For advertising information In Northern Virginia, there is only one open (D), Mark H. Levine (D), Alfonso H. Lopez (D), able Care Act is, if anything, worse than the [email protected] seat, the 42nd, vacated by (R) who and Adam Roosevelt (R). previous attempts in substance, I hope that you 703-778-9431 ❖ says he can’t afford to continue dedicate so Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Sully will read my previous editorial from June. Don Park much time to the legislature at the expense of Government Center: 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/ Display Advertising his law practice. (D) faces Lolita Chantilly. Invited candidates: Kenneth R. “Ken” news/2017/jun/27/opinion-editorial-killing- 703-778-9420 Mancheno-Smoak (R). Plum (D), David L. Bulova (D), Donte T. Tan- poor-pay-millionaires/ [email protected] Other contested races: Kathleen Murphy (D- ner (D), Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo (R), Karrie K. Debbie Funk 34) faces Cheryl Buford (R). Kaye Kory (D-38) Delaney (D), James M. “Jim” LeMunyon (R), — Mary Kimm National Sales faces Paul Haring (R). Tim Hugo (R-40) faces Jennifer R. Boysko (D), and Linda C. Schulz [email protected] 703-778-9444 [email protected]

David Griffin Marketing Assistant Taking the Call 703-778-9431 [email protected] By Liz Barnes I learned how PRS CrisisLink Volunteer important it is Editor & Publisher to always Mary Kimm eginning as a volunteer at maintain a [email protected] @MaryKimm BPRS CrisisLink started for community simple, altruistic reasons. I connection Executive Vice President wanted to make a difference and through vol- PRS Photo Jerry Vernon 703-549-0004 show myself and my family the im- unteering. If [email protected] portance of giving back to others. we can give The experience at Northern back, we must; the need is never Editor in Chief Virginia’s hotline and textline was going away. Steven Mauren Volunteers at the PRS CrisisLink call center. Managing Editor something far Taking calls on the hotline has Kemal Kurspahic Commentary more than I changed my life and all my expe- reach out when they are in that law enforcement, and more — Art/Design: imagined it riences at PRS CrisisLink have much pain. Furthermore, I am each offering 3-4 hours a week for Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Ali Khaligh would be. made me a better human being. honored to be the person to listen an entire year to our life-saving Production Manager: Training taught me that before The passion I have for helping oth- in the moments where someone is services. Mental illness impacts Geovani Flores you can help, you must listen. You ers has only intensified the more I lonely and hurting with no one more than the one person experi- Special Assistant to the Publisher must listen to understand, not lis- listen. So many people have said else to call. encing the crisis. It impacts our Jeanne Theismann ten to solve a problem. This is to me “Oh, I could never work on The honor I felt in these mo- families, friends and community at [email protected] easier said than done because a crisis hotline. It’s too scary.” ments left me desiring to train large. This September, PRS is sup- @TheismannMedia when someone is suffering, all Sometimes I would laugh and re- other volunteers. I joined porting National Suicide Preven- anyone wants to do is fix it for ply gently about how helping is CrisisLink’s training team. tion Month through the CIRCULATION them. important. Through this, I have learned what #CallTextLive Campaign, which [email protected] I learned people have incredible Now, after five years, I am a little it takes to be successful in this kind has a number of ways to get in- strength which turns into resil- bolder. Yes, it can be anxiety pro- of work. Empathy, a desire to learn volved that encourage dialogue ience and despite how much I love voking to answer calls in which consistently, distress-tolerance, about suicide. Talking about sui- to give advice, people are already people are concretely thinking life-experience and a sincere de- cide will help more people feel experts in their own lives. I also about ending their lives. Yes, hav- sire to help others is the make-up comfortable to call or text a learned how many people feel ing to make life-saving decisions of every one of our team members. hotline. When they do, I stand lonely even when they are sur- on a phone line is stressful. How- Our volunteers include lawyers, ready to listen. rounded by others mostly because ever, it is an extreme privilege to teachers, stay-at-home parents, of the shame and isolation their witness the courage and vulner- veterans, human service workers, To volunteer, contact PRS at 703-531- experiences bring them. Above all, ability each person must have to architects, nurses, students, clergy, 6351. 4 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Henry Coletto, Oakton, the Photos by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection oldest bocce competitor, Henry Coletto of Oakton throws waiting for his game. out his first ball. Senior Olympics Rolls Along

third place,” Garito said, adding he got the Green Acres Senior bocce program started 10 years ago and convinced the Lions Club to build the court Center hosts bocce five years ago. Coletto says he lived in Massachusetts for competition. 82 years and then four of his children who live around here “kidnapped me and By Shirley Ruhe brought me here.” He had driven to the The Connection competition from Oakton. He said, “My chil- dren don’t believe I should drive too much espite forecasts of post-Hurri- anymore.” cane showers, things rolled Robena Reid of Lorton and Lynn Thomp- Dalong in bright sun at the son of Fairfax started out with the women’s Northern Virginia Senior Olym- 55-59 competition. Reid says she is kind of pics bocce competition on Thursday, Sept. a novice, and Thompson says this is her first 14. Nineteen competitors in five age groups tournament, and she has practiced twice. from 50-99 are signed up at Green Acres Pink balls, blue balls, back and forth. Senior Center in Fairfax. Competitors and Charlie Perla, bocce ref, said, “Here we onlookers sat at picnic tables munching go measuring again. Blue is closer and donuts and drinking water to cool down as touching. No, no, no it’s red.” He adds, “Get they waited for the competition to begin. out the dollar bill.” The test of touching is Ninety-two-old Henry Coletto from whether you can get a dollar bill between Oakton, the oldest competitor, has no one the balls. “I can’t believe it: did they both in his age group for competition so he was get gold?” He measures again and the final paired with Sonny Caputo from Springfield result is Reid wins by one inch. in the 80-89 age group. Caputo says this is Herb Levitan of Arlington plays one of the his first Senior Olympics although he is play- later competitions. He says he is registered ing in the regular bocce league. Coletto’s in 27 events this year but may not be able regular league partner, Nicholas Garito of to do a couple of them on Saturday since Fairfax, is also competing. “Henry and I had he is also organizing a table tennis match a tough year. We came from last place to at the same time.

Week in Vienna From Page 2

call 703-938-5187. Veteran, Author to Speak in Vienna Chapter 227, Vietnam Veterans of America Inc., invites all veterans, friends, and the general public to attend the Oct. 19 chapter meeting at Neighbor’s Restaurant, 262D Cedar Lane, Cedar Lane Shopping Center, Vienna, at 7:30 p.m. Marc Leepson, Vietnam War veteran and author, will discuss the life of Barry Sadler, a combat Vietnam War Special Forces soldier, who wrote and sang the song, “Ballad of the Green Berets,” a 1966 #1 Billboard Hot Single list. Admission is free. For information, call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353 or visit the web page at www.vva227.org. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 ❖ 5 Captain, junior Riley Rosenberger; freshman Eva Ponos; sophomore New Year, New Teacher Olivia Garrett; and Photo contributed Captain, senior Samantha Lane deliver- ing hygiene kits to The How to identify Lamb Center. effective teachers.

By Marilyn Campbell

s a new school year got underway Madison High Dance Team Athis month, Sebla Tobin, a family therapist in Rockville, Md., noticed Keeps ‘Making a Difference’ an uptick in the number of her patients who are parents, expressing concern about the teachers their children had been assigned. Welcoming war veterans, sending aid to “So many parents are leery of new teach- ers or teachers who are young,” she said. “I Houston, performing at community events. encourage them to give the teacher a chance before passing judgment and marching into hirty girls formed a row of pom 500 kits that Lane personally delivered the principal’s office to ask for a different Tpoms at Gate 5, Terminal A, at to an orphanage in Swaziland, where she teacher. Just because a teacher graduated Reagan National Airport, and was shadowing the doctors treating the from college last spring doesn’t mean that cheered on the passengers as they disem- HIV positive and TB infected orphans they won’t effective. And a teacher who’s barked the Southwest flight arriving in there. This year the team focused on been in the classroom for 20 years may be from Madison, Wis. Their goal was to give needs closer to home, delivering 250 kits jaded and grumpy.” the arriving Vietnam, Korea and World War to the Fairfax County Lamb Center which Teacher effectiveness is a concern among II veterans a return home they likely never serves the homeless in our area. parents as the school year gets underway, received coming back from war. For the When Hurricane Harvey hit recently says Tobin, and she points to research which girls, meeting almost 100-year-old Opal — the girls were determined to help. Cap- shows how teachers can affect student a World War II female veteran that had tain, Riley Rosenberger said, “Sam and I achievement. A 2011 study from Harvard served in the medical corps in the Navy — sent out a note to the team and urged and Columbia universities showed a link was especially inspiring. This wasn’t the everyone to go through their closets and between effective teachers and students first time the James Madison High School bring in socks, clothes and shoes for the who were more likely to attend college, Dance Team had greeted an Honor Flight kids and families in Houston.” The team have lower teenage pregnancy rates and arriving at the airport and it won’t be their shipped over 18 boxes of donations and other positive outcomes. So what qualities last. Volunteering in the community has added in over 250 hygiene kits they had constitute an effective teacher? become a part of what the Madison Dance packed for children, complete with cray- Effective teachers are knowledgeable of team does, above and beyond its count- ons and coloring books to let Houston the subjects they are teaching, says Pamela less hours of practice, perfecting their know that James Madison High School Garner, Ph.D. professor of Childhood Stud- Photo by Marilyn Campbell dance routines for home games and com- cares. ies at George Mason University. “Effective A positive classroom helps wel- petitions. teachers are able to transfer that knowledge come students back to school is an The team is nationally top-ranked and HEAD COACH Mansfield has always to students who have different comprehen- important factor in student learn- credits its success not just to coaching encouraged a strong sense of teamwork. sion levels,” she said. ing, says Pamela Garner, Ph.D. of by Suzanne Mansfield but to the com- Mansfield, a James Madison High School Creating a classroom environment that is George Mason University. mitment each dancer has to each other graduate herself, believes that school safe for student learning is also important, to work hard and support one another. spirit means bringing everyone together. adds Garner. “Overall, effective teachers teacher who knows their content,’ but I al- The bonds between the dancers have Under her direction, three years ago, the work hard to create a positive classroom ways go back to ‘does the teacher care?’ If been strengthened by the volunteer work dance team reached out to the cheer climate which is characterized by provid- a teacher doesn’t care, then they’re not go- they have done together as a team. Cap- squad and marching band to organize a ing opportunities for student input in deci- ing to be effective. An effective teacher tain Samantha Lane, a senior this year school-wide spirit performance for the sion making and support for individual dif- motivates students to want to learn.” on the Varsity team said, “The motto for pep rally and homecoming game. The ferences,” she said. An ability to form a strong relationship MAD Dance is about Making A Difference combined programs’ half-time show has Setting high expectations for all students, with students is another characteristic that at our school, in our community and in become an annual tradition now and is but realizing that students have a variety Lewis believes is important. “The more rap- the world.” even more poignant as the school mourns of abilities, is an important factor, believes idly the teachers can get to know the indi- the loss of Head Football Coach Lenny Jessica Lewis, vidual students and THE TEAM has found countless ways Schultz. As Mansfield said, “Coach Ed.D., professor of things they enjoy like to do just that. They have been the open- Schultz would always stop by our prac- education at “An effective teacher their hobbies, the ing act for the Tysons Corner Food for tices and talk to the girls at the lunch Marymount Univer- sports they like, the Others 5k race for the past three years, tables, letting them know how much he sity. “For some stu- motivates students to sooner that teacher dancing before the start to get the run- was looking forward to their half-time dents getting a C is want to learn.” can see that students ners ready to run. Food for Others Board performance.” like a medal of are real little people Member Sara Singmaster said, “The Schultz embodied what this school honor and that’s — Jessica Lewis, Ed.D., behind those dance team’s participation in the race has stands for, a community that cares. His OK,” said Lewis. Marymount University names,” she said. “As become the heart of the event…making words of encouragement to the football “Students want to a teacher you have to it feel like a community gathering.” players before every game as well as the do well and be pushed, but pushed with put the heart first and policy second. What They’ll be out on Saturday, Sept. 9 danc- dance team before they left for the 2017 support. Knowing that a teacher under- factors are going on at home that can throw ing again at the race start in the UDA National Dance Team Champion- stands the student and their abilities sends the student for a loop. If you have a caring Bloomingdales parking lot, hoping to ship were “Leave No Doubt.” The Madi- a positive message that the teacher is on adult to say, ‘Hey do you want to talk about draw community attention to those who son Dance Team has taken that to heart their side when it comes to learning.” it?’ that can make a big difference.” are hungry in our area. and is making sure that there is no doubt A teacher who is able to demonstrate An effective teacher accepts students for The team has also assembled hygiene about their commitment to Make A Dif- genuine concern for students is necessary and where they are, adds Lewis. “Students kits each year to distribute to those in ference, not just on the dance floor but to create an effective learning environment, can learn more from a teacher when the need. Last year, the team prepared over off of it too. adds Lewis. “Parents often say ‘I want a teacher shows that they care,” she said.

6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D- 11) signing Charlottesville Joint Resolu- tion.

Photo contributed

House, Senate Condemn Hate-filled Violence U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) and Speaker Paul shameful and hate-filled acts of violence carried out Ryan (R-WI) signed the joint resolution condemn- by the Ku Klux Klan, white nationalists, white su- ing the violence from hate groups in Charlottesville. premacists and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville. I hope Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine authored the this bipartisan action will help heal the wounds left Senate companion. The legislation now heads to in the aftermath of this tragedy and send a clear President Donald Trump’s desk. message to those that seek to divide our country “I am pleased the House of Representatives spoke that there is no place for hate and violence,” in one unified voice to unequivocally condemn the Connolly said. www.lostdogandcatrescue.org Adopt/Donate/Volunteer www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 ❖ 7 Visit These Houses of Worship Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcements FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal- endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. 450 ORCHARD STREET, NW Photos/artwork encouraged. VIENNA, VA 22180 703-938-8525 ONGOING Vienna Saturday Farmers Market, email: [email protected] through Oct. 28, 8am-noon, sponsored by the Optimist Club, www.fbcv.org Across from Vienna Volunteer Fire Department in parking lot of Faith SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 10:00 AM Baptist Church, 201 Center Street CHRISTIAN LEARNING ACADEMY (SUN.) 9:00AM-9:45AM South, Vienna MIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM The Freeman Store & Museum Wednesday through Sunday noon-4 p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. The To Highlight Your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420 Freeman Store & Museum is dedicated to Preserving and Road Rally promoting Vienna’s heritage through Friday, Oct. 13 is the first day of the British Car Tour for the identification, preservation, and interpretation of history significant Military Kids. 9:30 a.m. A 750-mile maiden American tour places, events, and persons. through the hills and autumn foliage of Maryland, West Historicviennainc.org Virginia and Virginia. Called the DC Area America’s Reli- Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. Flame Room, Vienna Volunteer Fire ability Run, it’s a fundraiser for Our Military Kids, a Department, 400 Center St. S, nonprofit in McLean. Visit www.ourmilitarykids.org or Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/ call Judy McSpadden at 703-734-6654. bingo.html. Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Emmaus United Church of Christ, ride for two. Donations from the www.mcleancenter.org. 900 E Maple Ave. E., Vienna. event will support local children Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Unitarian diagnosed with cancer and their SATURDAY/SEPT. 30 Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, families through Growing Hope, a 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. local non profit organization and Books, Movies, CD Sale.10 a.m.-4 Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one free Johns Hopkins Childhood Cancer p.m. at Patrick Henry Library, 101 introductory session, senior Research Center. Visit Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Free. Call discounts. Increase flexibility, www.optimistclubofgreatervienna.org. 703-938-0405. improve breathing and health, reduce Fairfax Genealogical Society stress. Ravi Kaur has 15 years Presentation. 10 a.m.-noon at SUNDAY/OCT. 1 experience teaching yoga. $15 per Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station, session. www.edimprovement.org. 2148 Gallows Road, Vienna. Books, Movies, CD Sale. 10 a.m.-2 571-213-3192. “Emerald Isle Express: Researching p.m. at Patrick Henry Library, 101 Irish Ancestors” by Rich Venezia. Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Free. Sunday WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 20 Visit www.fxgs.org. only, fill shopping bag for $5. Call 703-938-0405. Dining with Dorothy. 12:30 p.m. at Bonaroti Restaurant, 428 Maple Ave. SUNDAY/SEPT. 24 FRIDAY/OCT. 6 E, Vienna. Join Dorothy and the Run, Walk and Wheel. 7 a.m. at the group for laughter and conversation Sport & Health Club in Tysons 2017 Community Leadership over lunch. Call 703-281-0538 or Corner, 8250 Greensboro Drive, Award Presentation. 6:30 p.m. at visit www.scov.org. McLean. MedStar National McLean Hilton Tysons Corner, 7920 Rehabilitation Network will host the Jones Branch Drive. Honoring Mark FRIDAY/SEPT. 22 14th annual race. Call 571-218-7594. and Brenda Moore. Visit 50th Anniversary Commemoration www.leadershipfairfax.org/. Kings Dominion Trip. 8 a.m.-6:30 and Luncheon. 10:15 a.m. at The p.m. at The Old Firehouse, 1440 Church of the Good Shepherd OCT. 6-8 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Kings (United Methodist), 2351 Hunter Dominion has roller coasters to Mill Road. Visit Annual Used Book Sale. Friday 9 musical dance shows and carnival www.GoodShepherdVA.com or call a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., games. Admission to the theme park 703-281-3987. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. at the is included in the fee. $80/$70 MCC Teddy Bear 5K and 1K. 2-6 p.m. at Spring Hill Recreation Center, 1239 district residents. Visit Pimmit Hills Park, 7230 Idylwood Spring Hill Road, McLean. Hosted by www.mcleancenter.org. Road. All proceeds from this event go the McLean Area Branch of the Wildfire Scotch Dinner. 6:30-9 p.m. to Falls Church-McLean Children’s American Association of University at Wildfire, Tysons Galleria, 3rd Center. Visit potomac.enmotive.com/ Women (AAUW) featuring the floor, McLean. Executive Chefs events. auction of a signed Washington Moreno Espinoza and Edwin Amaya Amadeus Orchestra. 4 p.m. at Saint National Max Scherzer shirt and cap. prepare a custom four-course menu Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Visit www.aauw.org/. each paired with a handcrafted single Georgetown Pike, McLean. Soloist malt scotch from Dalmore, located in Emil Chudnovsky makes his Amadeus OCT. 6-9 the heart of the Scottish Highlands. debut in Mendelssohn’s Violin $125. Call 703-442-9110. Concerto. Visit Glass Art Exhibit. Various times at at “The Princess Bride” Movie. 7 p.m. www.amadeusconcerts.com. the Vienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant at The Old Firehouse, 1440 Chain Street, NW. “Catching Eyes with Bridge Road, McLean. Admission and Watercolor and Glass” with Carole popcorn are free. Prop bags are $5 MONDAY/SEPT. 25 Choucair Oueijan. each. Visit www.aldentheatre.org. Charity Golf Tournament. 8 a.m.-2 Fairfax Genealogical Society p.m. at Westfield’s Golf Club, 13940 SATURDAY/OCT. 7 Monthly Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at Balmoral Greens Ave., Clifton. Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station, Annual Family PASS golf to benefit Stuff the Truck Food Drive. 9 a.m.-4 2148 Gallows Road, Vienna. the working homeless Families of p.m. at Safeway, 9881 Georgetown “Discovering Your Immigrant’s Fairfax County. Visit Pike, Great Falls. Benefit for Origins” presented by Rich Venezia. www.familypassfairfax.org. Committee for Helping Others (CHO) Visit www.fxgs.org. and Artemis House to provide emergency food aid to those in need FRIDAY/SEPT. 29 SATURDAY/SEPT. 23 in Vienna, Oakton, Dunn Loring and Meet the Artist. 10 a.m.-noon in Merrifield. Artemis House is Fairfax Fun Fall Bazaar and Market. 9 rooms 1 and 2 at the Dolley Madison County’s only 24-hour emergency a.m.-3 p.m. at 10100 Georgetown Library,1244 Oak Ridge Ave., shelter for victims of domestic and Pike, Great Falls. Great Falls UMC McLean. A presentation by local artist sexual violence, stalking and human Annual sale Shops, bake sale, books, Gwen Bragg, an artist member of the trafficking. Sponsored by The Church silent auction, children’s activities, Virginia Watercolor Society and the of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Appraisal Roadshow, and BBQ National Watercolor Society, and and the Great Falls Baha’is as part of dinner. Call Lois 703-759-2843. past president of the Potomac Valley the regional Day to Serve initiative. Family Fun Day. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Watercolorist. Call 703 356-2998. Visit www.daytoserve.org/. Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Ave. Dance Party. 7-10 p.m. at The Old Vienna Oktoberfest.11 a.m.-7 p.m. E. Event includes refreshments, a live Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, along Church St., Vienna. Live band, dunk tank, ninja warrior- McLean. Teens can enjoy catered entertainment on three stages, beer, themed obstacle climb, food and drinks while immersing food, games, German Auto Show. entertainment for children, raffles themselves in music played by a DJ, Visit www.viennaoktoberfest.org/. and a live auction including a plane for 7th-12th graders. $5. Visit 8 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Vienna Oktoberfest Celebrates 10th Anniversary

ienna Oktoberfest celebrates its 10th an- Photo contributed niversary this year with an expanded beer Presented by the the Vienna Business Asso- Vgarden and food court as well as new ven- ciation and Town of Vienna, Oktoberfest dors and entertainment options. The fes- will be held from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, tival has historically drawn 20,000-30,000 attend- Oct. 7, on historic Church Street. ees. Presented by the the Vienna Business Associa- tion and Town of Vienna, Oktoberfest will be held ing Company, is the Platinum Sponsor for the sec- from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, on historic ond consecutive year. “We’re so excited to be an Church Street. All ages are welcome, and admission Oktoberfest partner again,” said Caboose co-owner is free. Vienna’s 2017 Oktoberfest will feature: Matt Greer, “we love being part of this hyper-local, ❖ Live entertainment on three stages: Main Stage, family-friendly community event and are thrilled to Kid’s Stage, Acoustic Stage help raise money for local charities with the VBA ❖ German Beer and Food Garden featuring the Foundation. It is the next best thing to the Munich Caboose Brewing Company ❖ Domestic Beer and Oktoberfest!” Oktoberfest is accepting sponsor and Multinational Food Garden located on Mill Street vendor applications through Sept. 19, 2017. For more ❖ Access to beer and wine at all food locations information and vendor applications, visit the ❖ Children’s activities and games Oktoberfest website, www.viennaoktoberfest.org. ❖ All new Handcrafted Market Well behaved dogs are welcome to attend the event ❖ All new Business Expo area on leashes. No festival-specific parking or shuttles ❖ German Auto Show are available; public parking spaces are available Oktoberfest’s steady growth signifies markedly in- throughout the Vienna commercial area. There will creased interest in Vienna as a destination for shop- be a designated Uber/Lyft pick-up and drop-off area ping, eating, and beer. Vienna’s own, Caboose Brew- within feet of the festival.

Super H 5K Run, Walk and Wheel to Benefit Those with Disabilities MedStar National Rehabilitation Network wheelchair basketball tournament and is helping (MedStar NRN) will host the 14th annual Super H some of our paralympic athletes attempt to make 5K Run, Walk & Wheel on Sunday, Sept. 24 for it onto the U.S. Paralympic team. runners, walkers and adaptive athletes. The event “It is a thrill to see the adaptive athletes take off begins and ends at the Sport & Health Club in on their hand cycles, wheelchairs and some with Tysons Corner (8250 Greensboro Drive, McLean). just crutches doing the same event able-bodied Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins athletes do…just a little differently,” said Harry at 8 a.m. The post-race party begins at 9 a.m., Freedman, founder of the Super H 5K. with free food and refreshments. The race registration fee of $35 after Sept. 1 All proceeds from the race support MedStar supports the Adaptive Sports Program with NRN’s adaptive sports programs. These pro- MedStar NRN for children and adults with physi- grams enable athletes with disabilities to com- cal disabilities to pursue healthy, active lifestyles pete in various sports such as wheelchair bas- through recreational and competitive sports. On- ketball, wheelchair tennis, sled hockey, quad site registration on race day is $40. Online regis- rugby, sit volleyball, hand cycling, rowing and tration closes on Friday, Sept. 22. more. Packet pick up will take place on race day, Sun. Funds raised from the Super H race have re- Sept. 24 at registration at Sport & Health. cently helped the MedStar NRN wheelchair bas- For more information and to register online, go ketball team place in the top tier in the national to: MedStarNRH.org/SuperH5K.

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Free Estimates 703-999-2928 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 ❖ 9 Classified Sports WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411 In Competitive Mode at Senior Olympics Announcements Computers Skills We pay top $ for STERLING, Competition MEN’S WATCHES, Senior Olympics’ Football and JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, Frisbee Throw and Softball Hit and Throw events were held at FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS. Wakefield District Park in Schefer Antiques Annandale on Wednesday, Sept. 13. 703-241-0790 [email protected] Leonard Kalkwarf from Springfield throws a Frisbee in the 85-89 age group. He won a gold medal with a throw of 53’ 6”.

Announcements Announcements Field Events The Senior Olympics’ Field Events were held at Falls Church High School on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Thomas Sullivan from Oakton prepares to throw the shot in the 70-74 age group.

Announcements Announcements

Photos by Tom Manning The Connection

Lisa Ninomiya from Vienna throws the mini javelin in the 55- 59 age group.

Announcements Announcements

Swimming Senior Olympics Swimming was held at the Claude Moore Recre- ation Center in Sterling on Friday, Sept. 15

Betsy Boswell from Vienna competes in the 100 yard breaststroke. She won a gold medal in the 60-65 age group with a time of 1:51.31.

10 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Business Directory Talking the Submit civic/community announcements at WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM Walk ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Deadline is To Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422 Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event. ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL LANDSCAPING By KENNETH B. LOURIE IN-PERSON, TV DEBATES Good is not Our long, local, overnight nightmare is The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax good, where almost over. By the date this column publishes: Area (LWVFA) will hold four in-person forums better is Sept. 20, 2017, I will, for the first time in nearly and three televised forums for the public and the nine weeks, not had to have snaked down in press to learn about the candidates who are expected. running for election to the Virginia House of the dark, our “turny-twisty” and narrow 150- Delegates. The League invited all certified -Thomas Fuller year-old staircase to walk from the upstairs candidates campaigning for office in their master bedroom to the downstairs and only respective districts. At the in-person forums, usable commode. Though the renovation of question-and-answer sessions will be followed LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING this upstairs bathroom is not entirely complete by an opportunity for informal conversations nor ready for primetime (it is mostly usable as with individual candidates. The public and press the water is now running and flushing), the are encouraged to attend. For more information GUTTER GUTTER demolition/renovation process apparently must about the candidates’ priorities and positions, go on/adhere to a schedule so, on Tuesday, visit www.vote411.org. Sept. 19 the downstairs bathroom, with all its In-person forums: ❖ fully functioning amenities will come under the Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at Providence sledge hammer – among other tools, and pro- Community Center: 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax. The televised forums at Fairfax County Public vide no further use until on or about Oct. 24. Access are on Channel 10 or livestreamed on This heretofore (“Good Will Hunting”) logis- YouTube “Inside Scoop Livestream.” The public tical challenge has not presented too many dif- can submit questions by email to ficulties for my wife, Dina. But given that I’m a [email protected] or call 571-749- male of a certain age, quite the opposite has 1142 between 7-8:30 p.m. Tune in on: been true for me. Once or twice and occasion- Monday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.; Monday, Sept. ally even more per overnight depending upon 18 at 8 p.m.; and Monday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. how late and how much I’ve had to eat or IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS drink before bedtime, I’ll need to visit the bath- THURSDAY/SEPT. 21 room to attend to some very personal business. To be clear, the ‘challenge’ to which I refer is Shepherd’s Center Caregivers Support getting to the bathroom, not starting and/or fin- Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at UUCF Unitarian LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING Universalist Congregation of Fairfax - Program ishing what I intended once I get there. Building, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. This Moreover, when the task at hand has been support group is designed for caregivers of adult completed, of course I need to retrace my steps family members. For more info contact – usually in the dark, and walk back upstairs. facilitator, Jack Tarr, 703-821-6838, Though not nearly as difficult as walking down- [email protected]. stairs; nevertheless, at the time I am going Chapter Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at Neighbor’s down and back up, in the middle of the night, Restaurant, 262D Cedar Lane, Cedar Lane my vision might not so readily acclimate and Shopping Center, Vienna. Chapter 227, Vietnam my balance is, let’s just say: inconsistent, espe- Veterans of America Inc., invites all veterans, cially when trying to avoid the miscellaneous friends, and the general public to attend the bathroom-remodeling boxes staged in the living next chapter meeting. Channapha Khamvongsa, room on the very route I must travel. founder and Executive Director of Legacies of Needless to say, having this nightly nonsense War, will discuss its mission. She is a native of TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE Laos and earned degrees from George Mason come to an end is most definitely a column University and Georgetown University. worth writing. Not necessarily to self-indulge Admission is free. Call Len Ignatowski at 703- anymore than usual but more so to amuse you 255-0353 or visit www.vva227.org. regular readers and possibly even prepare you for your own in-home renovation. And consid- ering that this renovation is our first – and we TUESDAY/SEPT. 26 have minimal experience with these matters, I ESL Learners and Volunteers. St. Mark’s thought it useful to write it forward and perhaps English as a Second Language (ESL) Ministry is share a less-than-obvious impact of taking the seeking new students and volunteers to one-and-only-on-the-same-floor bathroom out participate in their upcoming fall term. Come of service. Sinks, mirrors and shower/tub issues help 150+ adult learners master the English notwithstanding, all of which can be withstood language, prepare for American citizenship, and endured with the reorientation to the learn to converse fluently in English, improve TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE their writing skills, and integrate into the local downstairs bathroom, the commode issue, con- community. All classes take place at St. Mark sidering its unpredictability, naturally trumps all Christian Formation Center, 9972 Vale Road, other real or imagined difficulties. Vienna. Call Monica at 703-980-9380, email Though the upstairs bathroom is incomplete [email protected], or visit stmarkesl.org. and lacking multiple finishing elements, its transformation so far is incredible – to our eyes. WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 27 I’ll spare you any details because that really would be self-indulgent and not at all the point Public Hearing on FY 2019 Budget. 7:30 p.m. of this column. But the two months or so it will at MCC Administrative Offices, 6631 Old have taken for the upstairs bathroom to Dominion Drive, McLean. The McLean become operational again and the nightly effect Community Center Governing Board invites Dranesville tax district residents to attend a it’s had on me appears to have been worth the public hearing on MCC’s FY 2019 Budget. wait. Residents who would like to speak at the public As concerns the downstairs bathroom, we hearing should call the Center at 703-790-0123, are now ready, willing and able to integrate its TTY: 711, to have their names added to the destruction into our routine. Given that it is speakers’ list. The hearing will be immediately more of a powder room than a master-type followed by the regular monthly board meeting bathroom – though it will include a shower- for September. Visit www.mcleancenter.org. only enclosure, no longer will it be my twice- Alfredo’s Construction Company, Inc. nightly destination. In addition, I am looking SATURDAY/SEPT. 30 forward to its transformation because the •Concrete Driveways interim process will not prevent me from going Garden Club Yard Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the anywhere I regularly go nor inconveniencing parking lot, 10610 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. •Patios •Sidewalks The Great Falls Garden Club is hosting a multi- •Stone •Brick my wife, Dina, when she readies for work in the morning. family yard sale. Visit www.gfgardenclub.org. Phone: Monitoring its progress will be more of a VA: (703) 698-0060 • MD: (301) 316-1603 curiosity than a calamity, since, in my mind, SUPPORT GROUPS www.alfredosconstructioncompany.com there will be no sense of urgency about the Are You A Caregiver? Shepherd’s Center of pace of this project as there had been with the Oakton Vienna Caregivers’ Support Group takes upstairs bathroom because my bathroom access place first & third Thursday of each month. An expert is someone will not be affected in the least. And in the February 2nd and 16th, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to who knows some of the worst mis- most, I am extraordinarily grateful – and 11:30 a.m. Join us at the Unitarian Universalist relieved. Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF) - Program takes that can be made in his subject Building, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA. For and how to avoid them. more info contact facilitator, Jack Tarr, 703-821- -Werner Heisenberg Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for 6838 [email protected]. The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 ❖ 11 News

Photo courtesy of Leela Ayyar Photo courtesy of Leela Ayyar Recently, Leela Ayyar conducted focus groups at FCPS STEM Camp and Leela Ayyar is a senior at Oakton High School. Her chemistry teacher Tech Adventure Camp to support her manuscript for “Elara, STEM Girl.” Susan Bingham, Science Department Chair wrote as a reference: “Leela Ayyar’s goal was to gain a multiplicity of views and experiences from the has taken her capstone project to a higher level and found a way to FCPS students regarding ingrained biases and challenges young girls share her passion for the STEM fields with children.” face in the STEM fields. Oakton High Senior Authors ‘Elara, STEM Girl’ Kickstarter campaign launched to support publication expenses for Leela Ayyar’s capstone project.

By Mercia Hobson The Connection

eela Ayyar is a 17-year-old student at Oakton High School with a Lstrong passion for science, tech- nology, engineering, and math, otherwise known as STEM. Ayyar is also the Photo courtesy of Lillian King Photo courtesy of Leela Ayyar author of “Elara, STEM Girl,” her unpub- Leela Ayyar (left) wrote “Elara, STEM Girl” when her younger sister, “Elara, STEM Girl” is a children’s lished book for 4-8-year-olds that encour- Meera (right) sought her guidance after she encountered challenges in book written by Oakton High ages girls to pursue studies and activities the STEM fields. School senior, Leela Ayyar. A in the STEM fields. Through Ayyar’s text and crowdfunding campaign is under- the vibrant, colorful illustrations by Lauera way to support publication ex- Vanderheart, children can identify with the “My book is about a young girl named Elara who penses. book’s characters and their challenges. The 32-page illustrated book is based on Ayyar’s enjoys dolls, dress up, and sports. But what she the STEM fields. experiences, those of her younger sister, Meera, and feedback from focus groups really loves is all things STEM, Science IF AYYAR EXCEEDS the $4,500 goal, she conducted at the Fairfax County Public Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.” seeks to create a series of Elara books and Schools STEM Camp and Tech Adventure a website rich with STEM activities. “I have Camp, which took place at Lake Braddock — Leela Ayyar, Senior, Oakton High School so many wonderful ideas on how to expand Secondary School this summer. Elara’s adventures to continue to inspire On Wednesday, Sept. 13, a Kickstarter ward Ayyar’s $4,500 goal. young girl named Elara who enjoys dolls, young girls. Such as ‘Elara and the Stars’ campaign launched to support the publica- Susan Bingham, Chemistry Teacher, Sci- dress up, and sports. But what she really where Elara explores astronomy. Or ‘Elara tion of Ayyar’s book. Kickstarter is a global ence Department Chair at Oakton High loves is all things STEM, Science Technol- and the Notions of Potions,’ where she dis- crowdfunding platform. Ayyar must raise School wrote a recommendation for Ayyar: ogy, Engineering, and Mathematics,” Ayyar covers just how fun chemistry can be. I’d $4,500 or more in pledges by Tuesday, Oct. “Leela has taken her capstone project to a said. “Young girls are naturally interested also love for her to explore aeronautical 31, 2017, 10 p.m. EDT. It is an all or noth- higher level and found a way to share her in STEM, but their interest usually fades as engineering and robotics.” ing campaign. If the total amount is not passion for the STEM fields with children. they grow older.” Shannen Prindle is a friend of Ayyar’s at raised by that date and time, no funding is It is vitally important to engage and inspire Through her character, Elara, Ayyar of- Oakton High School. She was the provided and the Kickstarter campaign fails. children, but especially girls, in STEM edu- fers readers tools to address issues such as videographer for the Kickstarter campaign According to the company’s website, cation. We must all work to end stereotypes being in the minority, math anxiety, stereo- film. Prindle said, “Now more than ever we Kickstarter’s mission is to “...help bring cre- and cultural biases that currently prevent types, and fear of failure while at the same need to be encouraging young girls to pur- ative projects to life.” People back a project girls from equally participating in STEM time providing ways to build resiliency and sue their interests in STEM. This book chal- by pledging money. Pledges must occur fields because we need the future contribu- overcome challenges when they express an lenges the same stereotypes that I, and within a specified period, and final pledged tions of all our children to help us overcome interest or take part in STEM activities. By many other females, had to overcome to dollars must equal or exceed the project’s the many challenges we face.” reaching out to young girls, Ayyar hopes to realize my true passion for science.” stated goal. In Ayyar’s campaign, she explained that break the STEM ceiling for girls and close If you are interested in supporting Ayyar’s her book, “Elara, STEM Girl” not only en- the gender gap. Ayyar cited in her senior year capstone project, visit AS OF SEPT. 13, 41 backers, including courages young girls to pursue and take an Kickstarter campaign that only 24 percent www.kickstarter.com/projects/906365131/ nine individuals from Herndon and four interest in STEM but also helps them from of women are in STEM careers, yet 80 per- elara-stem-girl-childrens-book-to-inspire-a- from Reston pledged a total of $3,489 to- getting discouraged. “My book is about a cent of the fastest growing careers are in love-f?ref=discovery.

12 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ September 20-26, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com