cast members of herndon high school’s 20th...
TRANSCRIPT
Wexton, Boysko Hold Town Hall Meeting in Herndon News, Page 3
Mayor Merkel to Seek Fourth Consecutive TermNews, Page 3
A Must See Show To Fire the Soul
News, Page 2
Cast members of Herndon High School’s 20th Anniversary Cabaret, “Back to Broadway 2018” rehearse a week before their high-energy performances scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com February 21-27, 2018
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2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
From the Herndon High School Choir comesone of their most exhilarating annual events,Broadway Cabaret. Celebrating its 20th An-
niversary season, “Back To Broadway 2018” featuresenergetic songs from musical classics such as, “ThePajama Game”, as well as exuberant songs fromadrenalin-rushed contemporaries “Hamilton” and“Dear Evan Hansen,” a musical which was acclaimedby ABC’s “Nightline” as, “... an emotionally chargedphenomenon that has taken Broadway by storm.”
This year’s “Broadway Cabaret 2018” will takeplace in the Herndon High School Auditorium, Door# 6, 700 Bennett Road, Herndon on Friday, Feb. 23and Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door: adults $10;students and seniors $5. Cash and checks accepted.According to Sara Metcalf HHS Choral Boosters, VPof Fundraising, proceeds from Cabaret will go to thebooster’s general choir fund.
Herndon High School choir and drama depart-ments join forces at the high energy “Back to Broad-way 2018.” The cast delivers music and theatre intoeverything one would hope it to be and more. Theevent is under the direction of Dana Van Slyke, cho-ral director at Herndon since 1995 and Jim Van Slyke,co-director, and pianist.
Dana Van Slyke said, “This is one of my favoriteperformances of the year because we get to featureso many students and their individual talents.” Au-ditions for participation in the extracurricular eventwere open to all students. Jim Van Slyke added, “Westarted [the Cabaret] to provide an opportunity tomany, with some of the music we love the most.”
A week before their first performance, studentstook a break during rehearsal and told what is it liketo be cast member. Many students described theirparticipation in “Back to Broadway 2018” as some-thing they will remember forever; for others, theexperience develops technical skills; and for some,Cabaret offers to heal.
Gabriel Carrillo, 16, Herndon, said, “This once ina lifetime opportunity enriches you with many dif-ferent styles of songs, music, and dances from a wholerange of different Broadway performances.”
Teddy Robertson, 17, Herndon, said, “To be a Caba-ret is to be free to a singer, a dancer, and extension
of me. Every one of my parts is my own. I love you,Cabaret 2018.” Juliette Darmofalski, 16, Herndon,said, “This is my second time participating in Caba-ret. I absolutely love working with the cast.”
Selina Shupp, 17, Herndon, said, “Music is foodfor soul, said my geometry teacher. Only throughthese productions have I really understood what thatmeans...This production helps us grow as musiciansand people.”
James Hitchings, 17, Herndon, said, “The reasonI’m doing Cabaret is for two particular reasons, toget more associated with more people and to prac-tice my musical skills.”
Isabella Hollenbeck, 15, Herndon, said, “Theatre,music, the arts bring healing. If there’s anything weneed right now, it’s healing. One of my close friendswas in Parkland High School during the shooting,and I sent her one of the songs we’re singing, ‘YouWill be Found,’ (a song to be performed at Cabaretfrom the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’). Ithink we both needed to hear it.”
For more information about “Back to Broadway2018” and Herndon Choir or to donate to the non-profit organization that serves as the Herndon HighSchool Choral Boosters, visit Herndonchoir.org.
Cast members of the 20th Anniversary Herndon High School Cabaret, “Back to Broad-way 2018” gather on stage before rehearsal. “We started [the Cabaret] to provide anopportunity to many, with some of the music we love the most,” said co-director andpianist, Jim Van Slyke.
A Must See Show to Fire the SoulHerndon High School’s Cabaret “Back To Broadway2018” is Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23- 24.
From left: Teddy Robertson, Allie Lytle,Erin Maxwell, Vaheed Talebian, MortonStokes, Juliette Darmofalski, AllenTruong, and Sean Sullivan give it their allduring a rehearsal one week before the20th Anniversary Herndon High SchoolCabaret “Back to Broadway,” scheduledfor Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb., 24at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.
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Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsHerndon Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
State Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-33)and Del. Jennifer Boysko (D-86)hosted a Town Hall Meeting in theHerndon Council Chambers Build-
ing, 765 Lynn St., Herndon on Saturday,Feb. 17. Boysko and Wexton were there togive a mid-session legislative overview ofwhat has been happening in Richmond andanswer questions from constituents.
Mayor of Herndon Lisa C. Merkel intro-duced Wexton and Boysko to the assembledcrowd and thanked the legislators for com-ing. “You are such great supporters of thetown,” Merkel said.
Wexton explained that in the Senate theyare dealing with the budget and now thereis a new governor, who was a physician.“People spoke strongly in 2017 about healthcare.”
Wexton said there had been no gains ingun safety legislation. The Republican-ledSenate blocked a bill to increase back-ground checks. She added, “That has beena source of disappointment for me.”
Boysko told those assembled that al-though one-quarter of the membership inthe House has changed and there are morewomen, “Everything is changed, but every-
thing is the same.” Boysko detailed billskilled quiet deaths in sub-committees, rolledinto other bills and “party shenanigans.” Shesaid the Virginia Senate passed legislation
aimed at allowing guns in churches. Thestate House still has to approve the billthough.
Boysko said the gun control agenda tooka hit when the bump stock ban bill died ina House subcommittee. The guns inchurches bill has been pulled, she said.Boysko urged those at the Town Hall Meet-ing with gun safety T-shirts on, “You keepon doing what you are doing...the makeupof the General Assembly must change.”
Metro, Medicaid, domestic violence, ani-mal testing, the “Me Too” movement,LGBTQ, so many topics updated but in theend when asked what the private citizencould do, Boysko and Wexton echoed eachother: Stay informed. Let your voices beheard. Write your legislators. There is nowlive streaming of the Virginia General As-sembly that previously never was broadcastpublicly. Check out eyesonrichmond.org.Write to the editor of local/regional papers.“The only way to change things is change,”said Boysko.
Reaction from audience members re-vealed how the town hall meeting affectedthem.
Willow G. Woycke said, “The SenatorWexton and Delegate Boysko town hallfilled in much of the information I was lack-ing from this legislative session in Richmond
around Medicaid expansion, the Dominionbill, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA),gun control, and my main area of concern,LGBTQ+ equality. I thanked both legisla-tors for their support of LGBTQ+ equalityin the General Assembly. I also pointed outthat there were no anti-LGBTQ+ bills in-troduced this session. This lack of attackson equality is tremendous progress.Wexton’s LGBTQ+ equality in housing bill(SB 423) and the other equality bills werekilled in a House of Delegates committeehearing on a party-line vote.”
Signe Friedrichs said, “Delegate Boyskoand Senator Wexton are brilliant, prin-cipled, generous and dedicated. We are ingood hands.”
Herndon Town Councilmember SheilaOlem said, “The Town Hall meeting withour state Senator Wexton and DelegateBoysko reported that the Republican-con-trolled Virginia House of Delegates Com-mittee voted down a series of gun controlmeasures including a move to expand back-ground checks to all firearm transfers, ra-tion handgun sales to once a month, andban bump stocks. Also, the Republican-con-trolled Senate committee killed numerousanti-gun bills that were part of Gov. RalphNortham’s political agenda but moved for-ward a bump stock ban proposal.”
Wexton, Boysko Hold Legislative Town Hall Meeting
From left: Del. Jennifer Boysko (D-86) and state Sen. Jennifer Wexton(D-33) at the Legislative Town HallMeeting held Saturday, Feb. 17, inHerndon.
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By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Mayor Lisa C. Merkel ofHerndon announced on Sat-urday, Feb. 17, her intention
to seek a fourth consecutive term for theoffice of Mayor of the Town of Herndon.She did so during the Jimmy’s Old TownTavern Mayor’s Opening Reception, heldby Jimmy Cirrito and his wife, Maureen.The reception was a “thank you gather-ing” for individuals and businesses tocelebrate the opening of The BuffaloWing and the new Beer Garden atJimmy’s Old Town Tavern. With a crowdof approximately 75 people looking on,Jimmy Cirrito invited Merkel to take themicrophone at which time Merkel an-nounced her intention to seek public of-fice as Mayor of the Town of Herndonfor her fourth term. Afterwards, Merkelsaid, “It has been my honor to serve asMayor since 2012, and am grateful forthe trust that Herndon has placed in me.”
According to the Virginia Board ofElections, at the November 2016 elec-tion, candidate Merkel received 5,928votes, 68 percent of votes cast while herchallenger received 2,786 votes, 32 per-cent, resulting in Merkel being re-electedas Mayor for her third consecutive term.
As of Feb. 19, 2018, no other candi-date had publicly announced the inten-tion of running for Mayor in the Townof Herndon. However, the State Boardof Election reports the Declaration of
Candidacy Form Filing Deadline for com-pleted Petitions is June 12, 2018.
During her terms as Mayor, Merkel hasbeen a key-player and avid advocate forHerndon’s long-awaited downtown rede-velopment. Merkel said, “My primaryfocus every day has been to maintain oursmall town feel while achieving thetown’s decades-long vision of a downtowndevelopment…full of activity, the arts, andgreat places to meet your neighbors fordinner and other events. We are finallyready to break ground on our downtown,and I hope to have the opportunity to seeit through.” The tagline on Merkel’s twit-ter account, @MayorLisaMerkel, is “Pre-serving our History. Shaping our Future.I’m honored to serve as your Mayor. Stayin touch!” The Town of Herndon is thethird largest town in the Commonwealthof Virginia and home to more than 23,000residents. As Mayor, Merkel is the ChiefExecutive Officer of the Town, and herpower and authority of the office are de-rived from the Town Charter and the gen-eral laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.Merkel presides over Town Council and hasthe same right to speak and vote as theother members. According to the townwebsite, the Mayor and the sixcouncilmembers of the Herndon TownCouncil. “...establishes Town governmentpolicy, acts on local resolutions and or-dinances, sets tax rates, approves theannual Town budget, appoints membersto the town’s boards, and provides policyguidance for the Town Manager.”
Mayor Merkel to Seek Fourth Consecutive Term
Herndon Mayor Lisa C. Merkel (second from left) announces her inten-tion to seek her fourth consecutive term for the office of Mayor of theTown of Herndon during the Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern Mayor’s OpeningReception, held by Jimmy Cirrito and his wife, Maureen (far right).Merkel is accompanied by her husband, David (left).
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4 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See Calendar, Page 6
The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerceis hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony forMeg Donnelly, LMT, LLC, a new therapeu-
tic massage studio in the Town of Herndon at noonThursday, Feb. 22, 2018. The studio is located atSpringwood Professional Center, 464 HerndonParkway, Suite # 116, Herndon.
Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, several membersof the Herndon Town Council, John Boylan, Presi-dent and CEO of the Dulles Regional Chamber ofCommerce and Dulles Chamber members arescheduled to participate in the ceremony. Theevent coincides with Meg Donnelly, LMT, LLC,Grand Opening and Open House 11:30 a.m.-2:30p.m. There will be food, door prizes, raffles, anda gift for the first 20 guests.
Meg Donnelly LMT, LLC is one of six individualcompanies housed in Suite #116, 464 HerndonParkway, Herndon. Donnelly welcomes the pub-lic to the festivities to meet her and the otherhealth and wellness professionals in the suite,Netta Pope Riley MEd, LMT- Massage and Lym-phatic Therapy; Nour Zibdeh, MS, RDN, CLT-Functional Nutritionist; Cheryl Toner, MS, RDN-Registered Dietitian; Heather Waugh, LMT-Spec-trum Healing Arts; and Virginia Mitchell MAc,L.Ac, Dip’l Ac (NCCAOM)-Licensed Acupunctur-ist.
In discussing her business, Donnelly states on@megdonnelleylmt facebook.com, “Massagetherapy is an important, integrated part of our
New Therapeutic Massage Studio Opens
Meg Donnelly, licensed massage thera-pist, offers massage therapy for theWeekend Warriors and others withpersonalized sessions based on client’sspecific goals “... whether it be im-proved movement, increased perfor-mance, a faster recovery time, or justsome much-needed downtime.”
overall health & wellness. I create personalizedmassage sessions based on each client’s specificgoals to provide comfort, relieve pain and improvemovement with a strong focus on the pain sci-ence, movement physiology and research into thenervous system’s role in pain management.”
Visit massagetherapybymeg.com/ribboncutting.
— Mercia Hobson
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Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
ONGOINGHomegrown Yoga. Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday nights atArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Alison Adams is bringingHomegrown Yoga to ArtSpaceHerndon. All levels welcome. Drop inand take a class. $25 two weekunlimited pass or drop-in available.Visit homegrownpoweryoga.com tosign up.
The Elden Street Tea Shop.Saturdays in ArtSpace Herndon, 750Center St., Herndon. Sip tea andenjoy a variety of locally made snacksand pastries while enjoying the latestart installations in the gallery. Visitwww.eldenstreettea.com.
Small Business Support Sundays.Visit independent stores andrestaurants, and those that supportsmall businesses at Reston TownCenter, offering specials, discounts,tastings, and localized treats everySunday. VisitSmallBusinessSupportSundays.com.
WEDNESDAY/FEB. 21Book Club. 12:15-1:15 p.m. at Scrawl
Books,11911 Freedom Drive, RestonTown Center. Scrawl Books is hostinga lunch-time book club on the 3rdWednesday of each month. The firstbook is Girl Waits with Gun by AmyStewart. Visit scrawlbooks.com orcall 703-966-2111.
Author Discussion. 7 p.m. at ScrawlBooks, 11911 Freedom Drive, RestonTown Center. Scrawl Books is hostinga live video discussion with AmyStewart, the author of Girl Waits
with Gun.
THURSDAY/FEB. 22Jazz Night. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Lake
Anne Coffee House/Wine Bar, 1612Washington Plaza N., Reston. Patronsmay enjoy Mykle Lyons and companyas they wine and dine in the cozysecond floor wine bar. Admission isfree. Call 703-501-6289 or [email protected].
THROUGH FEB. 23Diva Central Dress Drive with
Reston Community Center collectionin building lobbies at Reston TownCenter. The annual Diva CentralDress Drive’ mission is to promoteconfidence and self-esteem byproviding high school students a freeprom dress and other accessories.Donate new or lightly used formaldresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags andaccessories, collected in boxeslocated in building lobbies. Visitrestontowncenter.com.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY/FEB. 23-24Cabaret: “Back to Broadway.” 7:30
p.m. at Herndon High School(Auditorium), 700 Bennett St.,Herndon. 2018 marks the 20thAnniversary producing this BroadwayCabaret under the direction of Danaand Jim Van Slyke. This family-friendly night is always a winner, andall proceeds go directly to theHerndon High School Choir. Ticketsare sold at the door ($10 adults/$5students and senior citizens; cash orchecks accepted).
SUNDAY/FEB. 25Purim Palooza. noon-2 p.m. at
Calendar
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Marilyn Campbell
Throughout the year, but more in-tensely during February, VincentIntondi, Ph.D., uses literature toteach aspects of African Ameri-
can history that are often overlooked orforgotten.
While slavery and the Civil Rights Move-ment are two of the most poignant periodsof Black history, Intondi, a professor of his-tory and the director of the Institute forRace, Justice, and Community Engagementat Montgomery College, and other educa-tors say reading books about lesser knownfigures and periods in African American his-tory is one way to paint a complete picture,not only of the history of African Americans,but American history as a whole.
“For example, while we focus on MalcolmX, after spending time with his daughter,Ilyasah, I came to realize just how muchhis wife Betty did and what she meant tothe family. Therefore having a book thatfocuses on her is important,” said Intondi,who is the author of “African AmericansAgainst the Bomb: Nuclear Weapons, Colo-nialism, and the Black Freedom Movement.”
“One could argue that there wouldn’t
have been a March on Washington were itnot for Bayard Rustin, but we don’t learnabout him because he was gay,” continuedIntondi. “So part of what’s important aboutthese books is not only that they are wellwritten and have amazing illustrations, butbecause of who they specifically focus on.”
Infusing reading with dramatization andmemorization, particularly with young chil-dren, is a technique that Ana Lado, Ph.D.,professor of Education at Marymount Uni-versity uses in her lessons. “I like to recom-mend award-winning books or books by
award-winning authors,” she said. “I alsopick books that can be part of a program[and] can be recited, can be dramatized,can be retold.”
“Books that I made students memorize[include] ‘I, Too, Am American’ and ‘MyPeople,’ both books of poetry by LangstonHughes; ‘I Have a Dream,’ [speech by Mar-tin Luther King, Jr. published as a book];‘Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address,’ [speech byPresident Abraham Lincoln published as abook], ‘Martin’s Big Words: The Life ofMartin Luther King, Jr.,’ ‘Tar Beach’ and‘Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in theSky,’ [both by Faith Ringgold] and ‘If a BusCould Talk, the Story of Rosa Parks’ are bookthat my youngest students can dramatize,”said Lado.
“Underground: Finding the Light to Free-dom” by Shane W. Evans is another bookthat Lado encourages students to read. “Thisis the absolute easiest way to dramatize theUnderground Railroad,” she said. “I evenuse it with students with special needs andbeginning English learners.”
One quality to look for is books aboutmodern day African American heroes whowill likely go down in history. When com-piling recommend books for African History
Month displays, Henrik Sundqvist of theArlington Public Library said, “We try to picktitles which have been published within thelast five years.”
Among the books Arlington County Li-braries is recommending are: “Firebird: Bal-lerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young GirlHow to Dance Like a Firebird” by Copeland.
One book that offers a historical perspec-tive and deeper understanding of a currentissue, says Intond, is “The John CarlosStory” by Dave Zirin and John Carlos.“There is arguably no one better to writeabout sports, race, and politics than DaveZirin,” he said. “The book is great for a widerange of audiences. If one wants to under-stand Colin Kaepernick and what is happen-ing today in sports then they should readthis book.”
Using such narratives offers a deeper un-derstanding of America’s past and puts cur-rent happenings into perspective. “Studentscan learn and appreciate those who camebefore them, sacrificed, fought, put them-selves on the line and paid with their free-dom and lives for equality,” said Intondi.“Students will learn that they are part ofthe long movement for freedom and theytoo can change the world.”
Local educators suggest books to read in celebration of African American History Month.
Diving into Black History with Books
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News
Calendar
From Page 4
Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523Lawyers Road, Herndon. Fun forall ages. Carnival, crafts, gift shopsale, costume contest, raffle,lunch, hamentaschen plus. Specialprogram for pre-schoolers to 1stgraders with families at 10:45a.m. $10-$25. Visitwww.bethemeth.org/purim orcall 703-860-4515, ext 101.
Author Event. 4 p.m. at ScrawlBooks, 11911 Freedom Drive,Reston Town Center. AuthorDennis Woods will be discussinghis memoir Black Flag Journals.Visit www.scrawlbooks.com/event/black-flag-journals-dennis-woods.
MONDAY/FEB. 26Photography Critique. 7:30-9:30
p.m. at the Reston CommunityCenter Hunters Woods, 2310Colts Neck Road, Reston. TheReston Photographic Societyinvites photography enthusiasts toattend the club’s critique. EllisRosenberg and Carla Steckley,experienced photographers andexhibit judges, will critiquemember photos. Nonmembers arewelcome. Visitwww.leagueofrestonartists.org.
THURSDAY/MARCH 1Opening Reception. 6-8 p.m. at
Signature at Reston Town Center,11850 Freedom Drive, Reston. Thefirst exhibit features artwork by CraigMoran, a DC-based painter known forhis boldly patterned canvases. Freeand open to the public. Call 703-471-9242, ext. 114 or visit restonarts.org.
MARCH 1-APRIL 1“Godspell.” Thursdays through
Sundays at NextStop TheatreCompany, 269 Sunset Park Drive,Herndon. NextStop opens “Godspell”with a modern twist to the musical,setting the new production in acoffee shop. Tickets, $35-$65, atwww.NextStopTheatre.org or bycalling 866-811-4111.
THURSDAY/MARCH 1Jazz Night. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Lake
Anne Coffee House/Wine Bar, 1612Washington Plaza N., Reston. Patronsmay enjoy Mykle Lyons and companyas they wine and dine in the cozysecond floor wine bar. Admission isfree. Call 703-501-6289 or [email protected].
FRIDAY/MARCH 2Open Mic Poetry Night. 7-9 p.m. at
ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Featured members of thePoetry Society of Virginia will sharetheir poetry. An open mic will follow,allowing for anyone attending to
have a moment on stage. Freeand open to the public. Visitartspaceherndon.org.
SATURDAY/MARCH 3Out of the Shadows. 4-5:45 p.m.
at Reston Community Center,Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts NeckRoad, Reston. Highlighting musicby female composers, fromHildegard of Bingen and LiliBoulanger to Cecilia McDowelland Moira Smiley. Featuringspecial guest Ysaye Barnwell,formerly of Sweet Honey in theRock. A reception will follow theconcert. $20-25; free for 17 andyounger, active duty military.Call 703-834-0079 or visitwww.restonchorale.org.
“Phenomena.” 6-7 p.m. at TheAtlas Performing Arts Center,1333 H St. NE, Washington, D.C.Reston-based Gin DanceCompany presents “Phenomena.”Gin Dance Company will becelebrating the legendaryLeonard Bernstein Centennial.$30. Visit www.gindance.org.
SUNDAY/MARCH 4Indigo T-shirt Dyeing. 2-4 p.m.
at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterSt., Herndon. Indigo T-shirtDyeing with Elizabeth Gibson.Ages 7-13. $20 per student. Visitartspaceherndon.org.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors an-nounced they are hosting a series of free 2018 TaxRelief Workshops for older adults and people withdisabilities in late February and March at several lo-cations throughout the county. Both real estate andvehicle tax relief are available for adults over 65 yearsof age and people with disabilities who meet certainqualifications.
The fairfaxcounty.gov website states staff from theFairfax County Department of Tax Administration(DTA) will be at the locations to assist with fillingout the application form, as well as answering ques-tions. No appointment is necessary.
Two workshops will be hosted by Supervisor JohnW. Foust (D-Dranesville), March 12 and March 14,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLean District Office, 1437Balls Hill Road, McLean. Call 703-356-0551.
Three workshops will be hosted by SupervisorCatherine Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill), two in Restonand one in Vienna. The Reston workshops are March8, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at South Lakes High School, 11400South Lakes Drive, Reston - 703-478-0283 and onMarch 20, 10 a.m. to noon at the North County Gov-ernment Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.A Vienna workshop is on Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.at Madison High School (Lecture Hall), 2500 JamesMadison Drive in Vienna.
According to the Fairfax County Government, “Toqualify for real estate tax relief, you must be at least65 years of age, or permanently and totallydisabled...The gross income from all sources of theowners of the dwelling and any relatives of the own-ers who reside in the dwelling may not exceed$72,000...The total combined net assets of ownersof the dwelling and of the spouse of any owner whoresides in the dwelling may not be greater than$340,000, not including the value of the home, itsfurnishings and the homesite (up to one acre of land).
Renters, who meet the age, disability, residency,and income requirements, as well as other require-
Tax Relief Workshops To Be Held inMcLean, Reston and Vienna
ments, can qualify for taxrelief under the Tax ReliefProgram. The county re-minds applicants when theycome to a workshop to besure to bring with them acopy of their lease agree-ment and rental receipts orcanceled checks for eachmonth of the previous yeardocumenting the amount ofrent paid.
As for vehicle (“car”) taxrelief, the county states ap-plicants must be at least 65years of age, or perma-nently and totally disabled,as of Jan. 1 of the applica-tion year and reside inFairfax County; the ex-empted vehicle must beowned and used primarilyby the applicant, and taxrelief will only be grantedon one vehicle. Also, thegross income of the appli-cant may not exceed$22,000. The total com-bined net assets of the ap-
plicant and spouse may not exceed $75,000. Otherconditions also apply.
Tax relief is available on mobile homes used asfull-time residences.
Fairfax County reminds individuals that returningapplicants must file between January 1 and April 1.
For more detailed information and qualificationsgo to fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief/tax-relief-se-niors-people-with-disabilities.
— Mercia Hobson
DranesvilleDistrict Supervi-sor John Foust(D)
Hunter MillSupervisor CathyHudgins (D)
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Either it was the programming on CBS wewere “demanding,” or the recorded pro-gramming we were watching from PBS; butfor the week it was, repeatedly, and I meanREPEATEDLY, we were subjected to the samecommercials over and over again. Torturedoesn’t begin to describe the excruciatingreaction I had every time I saw the samepeople saying the same words. Instead ofturning me on to the product or services, ithad quite the opposite effect: it tuned meoff. Buy what they were selling? More likegood-bye.
Not that I understand the strategy behindtelevision and/or radio advertising/promotingas I have zero experience. But I do havesome experience, 21 years in fact, sellingnewspaper/display advertising. And whatknowledge I’ve gained says advertising fre-quently in multiple media platforms is thekey to success. Picking and choosing resultsin hitting and missing. But hitting me con-stantly without missing a beat is hard to taketoo, and not necessarily managing the consis-tency desirable for most businesses to thrive.Moreover, bludgeoning me into submis-sion/buying is not creating a positive experi-ence either and one not likely to lead torepeat business.
With respect to this test – of will power, Ican’t help wondering if there’s a tippingpoint of sorts when the con-sumer/watcher/listener becomes less inter-ested/more antagonistic to the message andby association, perhaps even less tolerant ofthe medium. Not that one can, generallyspeaking, blame the messenger, but whenunder the constant barrage of repetition,which in this instance I was forced to endure(“on demand” disables the fast-forward func-tion so it forces you to sit and squirm), youwant to blame someone, anyone. Too muchof a good thing is not, after awhile, a goodthing; and I’m being kind in mycharacterization.
Having seen the same commercial forwhat seemed like a dozen times, over a con-densed period of time, during nearly everycommercial break, I can’t imagine how Icould place my head on this pillow and notsee this man from Minnesota, his warehousestaff, and most disturbingly, his presencewhen I open my medicine cabinet. Sleep?Hardly. More like shock and not awe as I laymy head down to rest. Visions of sugar plumfairies or sheep prancing over a fence I’maccustomed to, but a man with a moustachetelling me what he knew he would about myreaction to his pillow, I can’t quite abide.
Relax? More like reacts. Presumably if themessage, messenger or medium is somehowdisturbing in its consumer/market penetra-tion; rather than being clear, concise andeffective, all that was hoped to have beengained is lost in the muddle. And preciousdollars wasted in the process. I imagine thequestion becomes: How much is too much,and how much is not enough? (Other thansports and chocolate, I wouldn’t know.)
All I know is what my reaction has beento seeing and hearing endless (or so itseemed) repetition: almost visceral. I’m sortof angry and put upon for having had to lis-ten so much to learn so little. And though Ican certainly appreciate its context and pre-sumptive strategy, I still can’t help feeling likea victim of sorts; the cost of doing business, Isuppose. I understand that watching what Iwant requires watching some of what I don’twant; it’s a trade. A trade I can balanceexcept when what I don’t want to watch hasa stronger/more negative impact on me thandoes the programming I want to watch.
Remember the goal is to capture myattention, not abuse it.
His Pillow
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChild turning 5 years old by Sept.30? If so,
contact your child’s school to makearrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Mostschools begin getting information together nowfor parents of incoming kindergartners, andmany host an orientation or open house. Allkindergarten programs are full-day and locatedin FCPS elementary schools. Check your school’swebpage or contact the school directly forspecific enrollment information and dates oforientationor visit www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration.
THROUGH FEB. 28Diva Central Dress Drive. Monday-Saturday, 9
a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at at itsRCC Hunters Woods, Hunters Woods VillageCenter, 2310 Colts Neck Road and RCC LakeAnne, Lake Anne Village Center, 1609Washington Plaza N., Reston. RestonCommunity Center is now accepting dresses,shoes, jewelry, handbags, shawls and otheraccessories for its 16th annual Diva CentralDress Drive. Call 703-390-6158 or [email protected].
TUESDAY/FEB. 20Land Use Committee Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at
North County Governmental Center CommunityRoom, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston. Onthe agenda: Virginia Electric and PowerCompany. Call 703-478-0283 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.
THURSDAY/FEB. 22Dollars and Sense. 7 p.m. at Reston Regional
Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.Monthly group discussion focuses on businessleaders and markets. We will be discussing“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. The event isfree and open to the public. Call 703-689-2700or visit librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.
SATURDAY/FEB. 24Hunter Mill District Community Meeting. 9-
11 a.m. at James Madison High School, 2500James Madison Drive, Vienna. Hearpresentations from County and Public Schoolsstaff on the FY2019 proposed budget. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.
Free Dentistry Day. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at SmileWonders, 11790 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 105,Reston. Dr. Rishita Jaju of Smile Wonders, alocal pediatric dentist, is hosting a free day ofdentistry for for infants to preteens in need. Firstcome, first serve.Children do not need to beestablished patients of Smile Wonders orprovide proof of income or dental insurance tobe treated. Free. Call 571-350-3663 or visitwww.smilewonders.com/give-kids-a-smile.html.
MONDAY/FEB. 26NARFE Dulles Chapter 1241 Luncheon
Program. 11:30 a.m. at Amphora Diner, 1151Elden St., Herndon. Richard Twombly, CrimePrevention Officer, Fairfax County PoliceDepartment will talk on: Crime Prevention –What can we do? Luncheon is $18, and includestax and a small gratuity. Additional tips arewelcome but not required. Call your reservationand choice of entree to Shirley Boning at 571-442-8910 or e-mail [email protected] later than Thursday, Feb. 22.
Reston Planning and Zoning CommitteeMeeting. 7:30 p.m. at North CountyGovernmental Center,1801 Cameron Glen Drive,Reston. On the agenda: TH Holding CompanyLLC (vote) and CRS Sunset Hills, LC (vote). Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.
TUESDAY/FEB. 27INOVA Blood Drive. 1:30 p.m at Reston
Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive,Reston. More than 250 units of blood must becollecte daily to meet the needs of patients inVirginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. INOVABlood Donor services will be partnering withReston Regional. Consider donating today. Call703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.
Bulletin
8 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
You can feel the change in the air. Thistime the victims — teenagers — areoutraged out loud about the deathsand wounding of their fellow stu-
dents, the terror, horror and trauma that willhaunt each of them in different ways for therest of their lives.
Instant activists from last week’s schoolshooting massacre in Florida, now connectedto so many others around the country, knowthat this was preventable, that mass shootings
can be stopped.Common sense tells them
that the shooter, a former class-mate, shouldn’t have had access
to guns of any kind, never mind an assault rifle.Common sense tells them that the absence ofthe most reasonable safeguards is a failure ofelected officials at both the federal and statelevel. Common sense tells them it’s time forreal accountability.
Gun control of course will be complicated.No one is trying to take guns away from themillions of Americans who are gun owners, butthe mavens of divisiveness, seeking to stokethe ire of gun owners, will tell them that whatactivists, what Democrats, what moms want isto take their guns away. It’s not true. But gunreform is more complicated and runs deeperthan donations from the NRA to elected offi-cials.
Anyone with common sense knows that ifwe don’t have systems in place to keep weap-ons capable of so much carnage in three min-utes out of the hands of someone so openlytroubled as the teenage shooter in Florida lastweek, then we are doomed to relive that dayin other tragedies, over and over.
“Wash, Rinse, Repeat.”
Steve A
rtley/A
rtleyto
on
s
Another Assault on Common SensePerhaps this timemight be different.
Demonstrations of hundreds of protestersturned out in multiple places in the last fewdays. At NRA headquarters in Fairfax, atGeorge Mason High School for a candlelightvigil, in front of the White House.
“I’m with hundreds of Northern Virginiansat the NRA headquarters to mourn those lostat Parkland and to demand common sense gunsafety measures to protect our children frommassacre and violence,” U.S. Rep. GerryConnolly tweeted from the demonstration
there. “As a nation, how can we continue toallow this to happen?”
“I’m with the students calling for gun reformoutside the White House,” said U.S. Rep. DonBeyer. “So proud to see America’s young peopleleading the way. Stay mad, and stay focused.… Don’t let anyone tell you that there isn’thope, that we can’t fight for change and win.There is and we can.”
— Mary Kimm
Congress’sFailure onMass ShootingsTo the Editor:
Congress sits on its hands whilethe latest school shooting takes thelives of more innocent childrenand school personnel.
If members of Congress do notbelieve in protecting the health,safety and welfare of the Ameri-can people, why do they hold theiroffice? They swore to defend theUnited States against all enemies,foreign and domestic – “So helpme God.”
We need legislation, not hollowplatitudes. Congressmen can sup-port the Second Amendment andstill support reasonable gun con-trol, such as universal backgroundchecks, and controls on automaticweapons and bump stocks.
The vast majority of Americans
– Democrats, Republicans andNRA members alike – all supportsuch policies. But members of Con-gress are too afraid of the NRA’sthreats to fund a primary candi-date against them lest the Con-gressmen even talk about any formof gun control.
Congressmen should get wiseand relish such a debate, becausethe voters would support them.
If Congress does not do anythingthen We The People certainly can.We can exert our own Constitu-tional power and vote for candi-dates in the upcoming 2018 elec-tion who have the courage to standup to the NRA.
Barbara GlakasHerndon
Terrifying TalkTo the Editor:
I remember having drills in myschool when I was young, hiding
Letters to the Editor
under desks in case a nuclear at-tack was unleashed. I rememberwondering if my family would bealright and if they could find meafter the bomb, and if my deskwould protect me.
And now we have these nervousand easily irritated world leaderswho talk so casually about start-ing a nuclear exchange. Terrifying.Let us hope that cooler heads willprevail. There are no desks bigenough to protect us from anuclear war.
Meg WallaceHerndon
ProtectionsDismantledTo the Editor:
The following open letter was addressedto Our Elected Representative:
It is not hysterical to suggestthat every protection the aver-
age American has is being sys-tematically dismantled. The en-vironment, civil liberties, healthcare, safe infrastructure guaran-tees, financial oversight – every-thing of value that we haveachieved is being thrown opento the markets, which are notnoted for considering anythingbeyond profit.
Please vote your consciencewhen it comes to leaving behinda world in which your childrencan live and prosper. Our futuresare in immediate jeopardy. Weneed to be guided by somethingother than greed. This is a timefor statesmen, not yes men orwomen.
There is only one America.Please protect what keeps usunique and irreplaceable inthe world.
Lynn MobleyGreat Falls
Editorial
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