Page, 12

Performing on Chinese Poles at Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia.’ Performances to June 17, 2018 under the Big Top at Tysons II.

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News, Page 3

‘Natural Shocks’ At 1st Stage

News, Page 4

Cirque du Soleil’s Dazzling

‘Luzia’ Entertainment, Page 11

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Bootsie Humenansky hasbeen named a 2018 Ally inPrevention by SCAN of North-ern Virginia. SCAN stands forStop Child Abuse Now.

Humenansky’s story beginsas a volunteer. For 20 years,she made a difference for chil-dren in Fairfax County andbeyond. She volunteered withthe Washington Area Chapterof Childhelp USA as well asthe Childhelp Children’s Cen-ter of Virginia. Humenanskyworked on everything fromdeveloping a program for stu-dent athletes who work withabused children to being aspokesperson for the center tomentoring youth at the resi-dential center.

These accomplishmentswere all leading to 2012 whenthe Childhelp Children’s Cen-ter closed unexpectedly, leav-ing Fairfax County without aChild Advocacy Center (CAC).Humenansky refused to be-lieve Fairfax County couldn’tsustain a CAC, and began toresearch requirements, recruitvolunteers and gain IRS non-profit status. By 2014,SafeSpot Children’s AdvocacyCenter of Fairfax was able toopen its doors, ensuring thatchildren who have been abused have a safe,child focused environment where they canreceive support, guidance and treatmentfrom a coordinated team of professionalsand county agencies.

“When we had a vision of formingSafeSpot from scratch, we had no appre-ciation for the work required to pull to-gether the number of moving parts andparties that had to be linked together at thefederal and local government and commu-nity service organizations,” notesHumenansky. “We were fortunate that nu-merous friends, volunteers, and organiza-tions were willing to pitch in and provideguidance and help to be part of our vision.”

“Bootsie is tireless in her efforts,” adds

Executive Director of SafeSpot Named Ally inPrevention Award Winner

Photo contributed

NBC4’s Leon Harris (SCAN Honorary BoardMember and emcee of the event); 2018 Ally inPrevention Award Winner BootsieHumenansky from Fairfax; and SoniaQuiñónez, SCAN Executive Director.

her nominator. “She has enormous energyand her enthusiasm is infectious … she in-spires each person she meets to help builda better community.”

While serving on the board, recruitingvolunteers and raising funds to keepSafeSpot growing (last year it had fouremployees and served 425 children), shenever lost “her zeal for awareness-buildingand abuse prevention education.” Today sheis an active participant in the Pinwheels forPrevention effort, inspiring pinwheel gar-dens from Great Falls to Mount Vernon.Bootsie also advocated for prevention edu-cation programs in FCPS elementaryschools, and is now a volunteer instructorfor the Speak Up Be Safe program.

BulletinSubmit civic/community announcements at

ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

FRIDAY/APRIL 20Great Decisions Discussion Group. 10 a.m.-

noon at Vienna Seventh-Day Adventist Church,344 Courthouse Road, SW, Vienna. Discussionon China and America: The New GeopoliticalEquation. Group meets from April 20, 2018-Nov.16, 2018. To view topic schedule:www.scov.org/files/2018_great_decisions_flyer.pdf

Cost is $27 (includes briefing book). Registrationrequired. Call 703-281-0538.

SATURDAY/APRIL 21Teen Job Fair. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at South Lakes

High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston.

The fair will focus on student job seekers(approximately 16-18 years old) looking for fulltime employment, after-school employment,seasonal positions, internship opportunities, orvolunteer experiences. Volunteer opportunitiesand resume building workshops will be availablefor younger students looking to begin to buildtheir resume. Free. Pre-registration for studentsis recommended (not required) and can be doneonline at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/springfield/teenjobfairs. Call the Hunter Mill District Officeat 703-478-0283 for more.

SUNDAY/APRIL 22Service of Music. 11 a.m.-noon at Lewinsville

Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Join for a “Worship Service of Music, AThousand Ages: A Celebration of Hope.” TheChancel and Westminster Choirs will sing. “Athousand ages in your sight,” a line from IsaacWatt’s hymn paraphrase of Psalm 90, providesthe inspiration for this celebration of hope. Freeand open to the public. Call 703-237-0358 orvisit www.lewinsville.org.

McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or mclean@connectionnewspapers.com

See Vote, Page 15

By Ken Moore

The Connection

James Parmelee was the seventhspeaker before the Board of Su-pervisors on the proposed budget.Following school personnel,

county employees and a speaker from thePTA, Parmelee was the first to oppose theproposed real estate tax increase.

“I figured somebody in the room shouldtry to speak for the average taxpayer,” saidParmelee, a perennial opponent of taxes,when he gave his opinion of the proposedbudget on the first of three days of publiccomment.

More than 150 speakers testified, 158signed up to speak, during the three daysthe Board of Supervisors allotted to hearfrom the public on the FY 2019 budget andproposed tax rate. The public commentslasted more than 11 hours and 20 minutes.

Advocates voiced passion on topics rang-ing from the environment, health and hu-man services, people with disabilities andwho are aging, early childhood education,fire and rescue services, pay for public safetypersonnel, the opioid epidemic, affordablehousing, diversity, mental health treatment,school bonds and capital improvements, thetriple A bond rating, the arts, libraries, com-petitive pay for teachers, and more.

But the issue for the board to decide onMay 1 is whether to support County Execu-tive Bryan Hill’s proposed budget includ-ing a two and a half cent real estate taxincrease. The board can accept the real es-tate tax increase or vote for a smalleramount but can not raise Hill’s suggestedincrease.

“When the voters in Fairfax County havehad an opportunity to vote on tax increases,you saw what happened last time,” saidParmelee. “The voters of Fairfax County, onthe very same day that they overwhelminglyvoted for Hillary Clinton, they also over-whelming voted against the tax hike.”

If the Board of Supervisors were to adoptthe full two and a half cent tax rate increase,it would amount to an additional $268 onthe average homeowner’s annual tax bill.

Only four speakers, and approximately 21minutes, divided Parmelee from speaker No.12, Kimberly Adams, of Clifton.

“Aa a mother, taxpayer and employee herein Fairfax County, my life and livelihood areimpacted by every budget that this countryadopts,” said Adams.

“We have to remember that we are pre-paring the future for more than 185,000students each year. I would encourage the

school system to go under a similar lines ofbusiness review that the county has gonethrough,” said Adams, who suggested thatsavings from collaboration between schoolsand the county could be identified.

“If at the end of that exercise, savings arenot identified, then we must move forwardin a responsible manner that may mean rais-ing taxes once more or looking for possiblealternatives to property taxes that we havefound to be so elusive here in the county,”said Adams.

THE PROPOSED $4.29-BILLION bud-get would transfer 54 percent of the totalto the school system to fully fund FCPS’sbudget request. It would also fund pay in-creases for teachers and county employees.

Adams spoke for many others when sheaddressed quality of life.

“Like so many here, I am happy to haveamazing schools, fire and rescue profession-als, human services, parks and librarieswithin my reach. It is why my family liveshere,” she said, in the three minutes givento each individual speaker.

“All residents deserve an equitable oppor-tunity to succeed if they work hard, butfamilies that cannot afford homes in thisarea are a growing group. Many familiesare working hard but there are not enoughgood-paying jobs, not enough affordablecare options, and certainly not enough af-fordable homes in this area. … I appreciateit when you spend my tax dollars to sup-port many who live in need alongside thoseof us who are doing well. We are FairfaxCounty and the people who live here wantan inclusive and welcoming community forall.”

BECAUSE OF VIRGINIA LAW, FairfaxCounty depends almost entirely on real es-tate taxes for revenue, putting a burden onhomeowners in particular, whose increas-ing property values don’t always demon-strate an ability to pay more.

“For nearly 20 years, this board has beenraising real estate taxes two or three timesfaster than household income,” said ArthurPurves, of Vienna.

“This goes on year after year,” said CharlesMcAndrew, of Oak Hill.

Phil Niedzielski-Eichner is the ProvidenceDistrict Planning Commissioner and formerschool board member. But last week,Niedzielski-Eichner spoke as an individualfrom Oakton and was the 23rd speaker.

“The key, of course, is attracting and re-taining high-quality personnel to both[schools and county]. This budget beginsto recover our competitiveness in relationto compensation offered by other govern-mental jurisdictions. I also support the $25million annual increase in FCPS bondingauthority to expedite its school renovationand support new construction that will al-leviate severe overcrowding in some of the

Supervisors to vote onproposed budget,possible real estate taxincrease on May 1.

Two Sides to Two and a Half Cents

Kofi Annan, Fairfax County NAACP“Fairfax County’s demographics are rapidly

changing as you know. It is becoming increas-ingly diverse, and with these changes oftencome a unique set of challenges.

“The county’s revenue outlook is the mostpromising it’s been in years. However the rateof revenue increase is not reflected in the rateof investment in the poor and working classcommunities. The low income Fairfax residents,a disproportionate amount of whom are minori-ties, will not automatically benefit from theimproved economy. Thousands will remain re-liant on low-wage service sector jobs and manywill not receive pay increases. Many of themwill not be able to provide for their kids withpre-K education or have access to affordablehousing. Therefore, we request that the countydirect greater attention and resources to serv-ing the needs of the less fortunate among us.”

Annan expressed concern that the county isunderfunding Pre-K education for needy fami-lies.

“This opportunity gap eventually turns intoan achievement gap, and that widens over time.

“Fairfax County NAACP calls on the countyto commit the resources to enroll at least 300additional kids into Pre-K in 2019 budget anddevise a long-term plan to fund at least 2,000over the next five years.

“Expand access to affordable housing. Manylow income residents will not be able to affordto live in Fairfax County. Many of these fami-lies will spend up to half or more of their annualbudget” on housing.

“For the past few years, 40 percent of policeuse of force has been directed toward AfricanAmericans, who only make up about 10 percentof the county.

“And for the past few years, we have beenasking the county to fund an outside organiza-tion to conduct a study to determine the causesof this disparity, so we can begin the process ofreversing that trend.”

Helen Kelly, Herndon, League ofWomen Voters

“We support the new property tax rate be-cause we believe it gives you more flexibility inmeeting unexpected challenges and we applaudyour increased contributions to the reservefunds to satisfy the bond rating agencies. Astaxpayers we appreciate your efforts to thecounty’s triple A rating.”

Kelly supported Diversion First, gang preven-tion, the opioid task force, the South Countypolice station and the Office of Elections.

Their Own Words, A GlimpseDale Stein, president, McLean CitizensAssociation

“MCA is concerned about the context of theincreases in spending and the apparent lack ofcost savings. MCA feels that each budget shouldinclude new efficiency, in operations particu-larly in budgets of $4.3 billion. ... “

Louise Epstein, chair, McLean CitizensAssociation’s budget and taxationcommittee

“We really support teacher raises” while alsoexpressing concern about allotting millions forraises for administrators in the school system.

Kay Larmer, McLean, Commission onAging

“We applaud your commitment to makingFairfax a livable community for people of allages.

“Currently in Fairfax County, about one inseven residents are older than 65. By 2020, theproportion will nearly be one in five.

“We will need more affordable and accessiblehousing, improved and more creative transpor-tation services , increased home based andcommunity based services, new communica-tions technology, programs that promote ethnicand cultural diversity.”

Leann Alberts, Springfield, DisabilityServices Board

“Working age people with disabilities makeup nearly 15 percent of the Virginia’s popula-tion and are far more likely to be unemployedand to live in poverty than people without dis-abilities. Supports for people with disabilitiesare vital to the fabric of our community. Theyare every bit as essential to Fairfax County asour roads, emergency first responders, schoolsand environmental services. They are valueadded services that empower people with dis-abilities to live and prosper in the community.”

Enrique Carrero, Fairfax Countyemployee

“I am proud to be the first one in my familyto graduate from college, and I feel it’s impor-tant to give back to the community through myjob as a public employee. I help families in needget heating in the winter and air conditioningin the summer. I’ve heard some people saymillennial workers don’t care about retirement.So, let me clear that up. As a 23-year-oldmillennial, I care deeply about my future andbelieve that we all deserve to live comfortablywhen we’re too old to work.”

Helen Kelly,Herndon,League ofWomen Voters

LouiseEpstein,McLeanCitizensAssociation

Dale Stein,McLeanCitizensAssociation

Kay Larmer,McLean,Commissionon Aging

Leann Alberts,Springfield,DisabilityServices Board

JamesParmelee,Centreville

KimberlyAdams, Clifton

Arthur Purves,Vienna

PhilNiedzielski-Eichner,Oakton

Kofi Annan,Fairfax CountyNAACP

4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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News

See Week, Page 8

By David Siegel

The Connection

Northern Virginia’sWSC Avant Bard, aprofessional the-ater company, will

present a reading of “NaturalShocks,” a new play by LaurenGunderson at 1st Stage. The read-ing is to raise awareness about gunviolence.

The award-winning Gunderson,the most-produced playwright inAmerica, has made “NaturalShocks” available royalty-free forlocal readings across the countryto raise awareness and funds toaddress gun violence.

“Natural Shocks,” the AvantBard’s presentation at 1st Stage,is the D.C. area’s participation ina national event by theater com-panies on issues surrounding gunviolence and domestic violence.The event is free, but donations re-ceived will support a charitablecause that addresses issues of gunviolence and domestic violence.

“Natural Shocks” is a 65-minute,one-woman play about a womanwaiting out an imminent tornadoin her basement. She reveals dark

Special reading of award-winning Lauren Gunderson’s“Natural Shocks” as part of national effort to raiseawareness of gun violence.

‘Natural Shocks’ at 1st Stage

Where and WhenPlaywright Lauren Gunderson’s “Natural Shocks,” a reading to address gun

violence performed at 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Rd, Tysons. Performance:Monday, April 23, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free. Information call 703-418-4808 or visit www.avantbard.org/natural shocks. Note: Admission is free.Donations that are received will be provided toºMoms Demand Action for GunSense in America, a 501(c)4 and part of Everytown for Gun Safety. MomsDemand Action mission is to educate, motivate, and mobilize supporters to takeaction that will result in stronger laws and policies to save lives.

Photo by Teresa Castracane

Photography/Courtesy of WSC

Avant Bard

Sara Barker, featured in“Natural Shocks” reading

Stevie Zimmerman, director,“Natural Shocks” reading

Photo courtesy of Stevie

Zimmerman

secrets that put gun violence frontand center. The play is part con-fessional, part standup, and partreckoning.

The reading will be directed byNorthern Virginia’s StevieZimmerman and will feature ac-tor Sara Barker.

Public Invited to Commenton Proposed Park LandExchange

The National Park Service (NPS) invites the publicto review and comment on a proposed land exchangebetween Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) andthe National Park Service. The public is also encour-aged to review and comment on three proposed im-provement options for Langley Fork Park, whichwould occur after the land exchange.

Langley Fork Park is a 52-acre park administeredby the NPS, but maintained and operated by FCPAsince 1980. Langley Oaks Park is an almost 102-acreFCPA park adjacent to NPS land. FCPA is proposingthat NPS transfer Langley Fork Park to FCPA. In ex-change, the FCPA would convey Langley Oaks Parkto the NPS.

The proposed land exchange would facilitate im-proved recreational programming at Langley ForkPark by constructing additional athletic fields, en-hancing existing facilities, providing upgraded park-ing and creating trails. The exchange would alsoensure permanent protection of natural and culturalresources at Langley Fork Park and Langley OaksPark. The NPS will hold an open house on Tuesday,April 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Franklin ShermanElementary School, 6633 Brawner Street, McLean.

To comment:

❖ Review the documents and submit commentselectronically at the National Park Service’s Planning,Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website:http://parkplanning.nps.gov/langleyfork

❖ Mail or hand deliver comments to: Superinten-dent, George Washington Memorial Parkway Head-quarters, Attn: Langley Fork Park Project Environ-mental Assessment, 700 George Washington Memo-rial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101.

❖ Deadline for comments is Friday, May 11, 2018

RSVP Northern Virginia toHost Free SeniorVolunteer Orientation

RSVP Northern Virginia will hold a volunteer ori-entation at Dolley Madison Library, Wednesday, May2, at 2:30 p.m. The hour-long event is free and opento anyone 55-years-young or better.

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) isthe region’s largest volunteer network for people 55and older and provides individualized support toseniors seeking service opportunities in and aroundFairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Al-exandria.

RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free ac-cident and liability insurance while serving, optional

Week in McLean

McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

On Saturday, April 14, WashingtonExechosted its fifth annual K-12 STEM Sym-posium at The Nysmith School inHerndon. The event attracted nearly

4,000 students, parents, industry leaders, govern-ment officials, non-profit executives and educators.

Attendees enjoyed Altamira’s “Girls in STEM” in-teractive wing, Vencore’s flight simulator and a vari-ety of other interactive exhibits. Among the biggesthits were the virtual reality showcase, 3D printersand slime creation stations.

In addition to the displays, attendees had the op-portunity to hear from former NASA astronaut CadyColeman, NASA Chief Information Officer (CIO)Renee Wynn and other STEM Superheroes.

New to the Symposium’s programming this year,WashingtonExec presented several awards. TheSTEM Rising Star award was presented to KavyaKopparapu and Kirthi Kumar, students at ThomasJefferson High School for Science & Technology. AnneSwanson, U.S. education and workforce developmentcoordinator at CGI Federal was named Most Inspir-ing STEM Executive of 2018. Boolean Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to educating girls to code, build,invent and animate took home STEM Non-Profit ofthe Year, while Business Women’s Giving Circle andNorthrop Grumman were awarded Best STEM-Sup-porting Businesses of the Year.

This year’s WashingtonExec K-12 STEM Sympo-sium brought together key players in the STEM fieldto enthrall students with the science and technologythey learn in their classrooms. Elevating STEM edu-cation through events like WashingtonExec’s K-12STEM Symposium spurs the national conversationamong leaders, parents and students about STEM’sincreasing importance to the future.

STEM Symposium Held in HerndonThe event attracted nearly4,000 participants.

Student is seen engrossed with Vencore’s flight simulator atWashingtonExec’s 5th Annual K-12 STEM Symposium.

Former NASA Astronaut Cady Coleman speaks to students atWashingtonExec’s 5th Annual K-12 STEM Symposium.

Photos contributed

Washington Nationals mascot, George Washington, greetspeople headed into WashingtonExec’s 5th Annual K-12STEM Symposium.

Ed Swallow, K-12 STEMSymposium Chairman andSVP, Civil Systems Group,The Aerospace Corpora-tion, moderates panel onwhat it takes to be a Su-perhero in STEM withKristy Clark (Chief Engi-neer, Vencore), ReneeWynn (CIO, NASA), and TedDavies (CEO, Altamira).

6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13this year, and as every year atthis time, This newspaper callsfor submissions to our Mother’s

Day photo gallery.Send photos of mothers, grandmothers,

great-grandmothers, with children or withoutchildren in the photos. Please name everyonein the photo, the approximate date taken, de-scribe what is happening in the photo and in-clude your name, address, email address andphone number. We will not print your full ad-dress or contact information.

You can upload photos andinformation directly towww.connectionnewspapers.com/mothersday/ or email to

editors@connectionnewspapers.com.Mother’s Day is just one of many occasions

throughout the year that we would love to re-ceive photos from our readers. Send us photosand notes when anything of note is happeningin your family, neighborhood, school, club …Be sure to include basic information: Nameeveryone in the photo, the approximate datetaken, describe what is happening in the photoand include your name, address, email addressand phone number. We will not print your fulladdress or contact information. Send toeditors@connectionnewspapers.com

Soon after we publish our Mother’s Day

photo galleries, we will begin to ask for sub-missions for our Father’s Day galleries. Father’sDay is June 17 this year.

Each year we seem to receive many morephotos for Father’s Day. We’re curious whetherthat is because it is the second of the set soreaders are more aware or because mothersare more likely to send in images of the Dads.

Twice a year we ask you to send photos andtell us stories about your pets and how theyhave come into, touched and left your lives,publishing the last week in July and the lastweek in February.

In late summer, we invite readers to sharewhat they know about their community forneighbors and newcomers alike.

And wrapping up the year, we gather writ-ing and art from local students to fill our holi-day edition. Each year, through an enormouseffort by area teachers and school staff we re-ceive an amazing display of student talent.

Regular contributions to our entertainmentcalendars, community bulletin boards, schoolnotes, and business notes help us to share newsin your community. We also always welcomephotos and captions from community organi-zations (Scouts, sports teams, faith groups,school activities, etc.) and local businesses.

Please start by sending in photos for Mother’sDay, preferably by May 4.www.connectionnewspapers.com/mothersday/.

Virginia PressAssociation Winners

Connection writers and photographers gar-nered awards at the Virginia Press Associationannual award banquet Saturday, April 14. Hereis the list of our winners, with more details tocome in the future:First Place, Michael Lee Pope, Business and Financial

Writing, Great Falls ConnectionFirst Place, Bonnie Hobbs, Public Safety Writing,

Chantilly ConnectionFirst Place, Mark Mogle, Pictorial Photo, Great Falls

ConnectionFirst Place, Mark Mogle, General News Photo, Arlington

ConnectionFirst Place, Eden Brown, Public Safety Writing,

Arlington ConnectionSecond Place, Dan Brendel, Government Writing,

Alexandria Gazette PacketSecond Place, Vernon Miles, Feature Series or

Continuing Story, Alexandria Gazette PacketSecond Place, Fallon Forbush, Breaking News Writing,

McLean ConnectionSecond Place, Fallon Forbush, General News Writing,

Reston ConnectionSecond Place, Bonnie Hobbs, General News Writing,

Fairfax ConnectionSecond Place, Marilyn Campbell, Education Writing,

Great Falls ConnectionThird Place, Shirley Ruhe, Personality or Portrait Photo,

Arlington ConnectionThird Place, Fallon Forbush, Education Writing, Great

Falls ConnectionThird Place, Mary Kimm, Editorial Writing, Great Falls

Connection

Send in Mother’s Day Photos

Editorial

It’s Time toGive Volunteersthe CreditThey DeserveTo the Editor:

This week, April 15-21, is Na-tional Volunteer Week, an oppor-tunity for organizations across thecountry to pause and recognize theimportance and impact of the mil-lions of selfless individuals whovolunteer in our communities. Gov-ernor Northam recently honoredsome of Virginia’s most remarkableindividuals and organizations thathave committed to service acrossthe Commonwealth at the 2018Virginia Governor’s Volunteerismand Community Service Awards.Their stories of service were touch-ing, uplifting, and an inspiration forall of us to do more for others. Iencourage you to read more aboutthese remarkable volunteers atVirginiaService.virginia.gov.

And yet, this amazing group ofvolunteers are just a fraction of themore than 2 million who serveannually in Virginia. Each day, in-dividuals give their time and tal-ents to make our communitiessafer, healthier and stronger.Whether it is the parents andgrandparents volunteering in our

schools, community members col-lecting and donating food to ourfood banks, or busy professionalsutilizing their skills to help indi-viduals and organizations in timesof need — volunteers are the forcebehind addressing our greatestchallenges.

On behalf of the Governor’s Ad-visory Board on Service andVolunteerism, I would like to thankthese fantastic volunteers. Thankyou for caring. Thank you for com-mitting. Thank you for under-standing the power of service. Wewant you to know that we see youand we hear stories of how you arechanging communities for the bet-ter. You provide hope to so manyand inspire others to follow yourlead to serve.

Jessica BowserGovernor’s Advisory Board on

Service and Volunteerism

Long Backups atPark EntranceTo the Editor:

With spring upon us, the week-end traffic problem at the intersec-tion of Georgetown Pike and OldDominion Drive (entrance to GreatFalls Park) is causing long back-ups from both directions onGeorgetown Pike and also north

on Old Dominion Drive. The lackof turn lanes increases the conges-tion.

In the absence of physicalchanges to the intersection, thereshould be police presence duringbusy mid-day hours on weekendsto direct traffic and not allow longbackups when the Park’s parkingis full.

As Great Falls Park is a NationalPark, one would assume that theresponsibility for traffic manage-ment would belong to the US ParkPolice. No private venue would beallowed to avoid responsibility iftheir venue created this kind ofproblem. The alternative to thePark Police is the Fairfax County

Police Department. In any event,mitigation of this problem belongsto one or more of our governmen-tal entities.

The Park is a treasure and awonderful part of our community.We have visitors from all aroundthe area who very much appreci-ate and enjoy the

Park. Reasonable traffic man-agement would make their expe-rience a better one and improvethe quality of life for those of uswho use Georgetown Pike and OldDominion Drive for our normalweekend travels.

Peter GarahanGreat Falls

Letters to the Editor

Volunteers NeededVolunteer Solutions provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to improve the

lives of older adults and adults with disabilities in Fairfax County. We update ourUrgent Needs list regularly. If you don’t see what you are looking for, consideranother opportunity or call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Apply online atvolunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov

Countywide Opportunities❖ Mealtime Companion: Join a new and exciting endeavor to help ensure that

Meals on Wheels recipients (who have memory loss) are appropriately heating andconsuming their delivered meals. Volunteers are needed during lunchtime hours,2-3 days per week, to assist participants with heating their food and to providemealtime companionship. Guidance on working with older adults with dementiais offered.

❖ One-Time Opportunity in May - The Helping Hands Program provides an op-portunity for individuals and groups looking for a time-limited community serviceproject. Volunteers assist older adults with house and yard work including: deep

Volunteers

See Volunteers, Page 14

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By Marti Moore

The Connection

Although proponents of tightergun control legislation are dis-appointed by the 70-plus fire-arms safety bills that died re-

cently at the Virginia General Assembly, theycelebrate one small victory: House Bill 287,a special state license plate that says “StopGun Violence.”

Chief patron of this measure that helpspromote their cause is Del. Marcus B. Simon(D-53) of Fairfax County and the City ofFalls Church. He and his co-sponsors intro-duced this bill January in Richmond. It metboth House and Senate approval last monthand was authorized April 5 by Gov. RalphNortham.

THE NEW LAW, effective July 1, statesmotorists can purchase a standard $10 tagor a $25 revenue-sharing license plate. Theextra $15 will benefit a fund to help Virgin-ians receive treatment for mental health,developmental and substance abuse issues.The $10 vehicle tag expires July 1, 2020 the same day the $25 revenue-sharing platebecomes effective. The Department of Mo-tor Vehicles budgeted $9,376 for tag pro-duction, Simon confirmed.

He credits Falls Church activist Carol P.Luten of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violenceas the “driving force” behind this bill. Shestarted the project two years ago and col-lected more than the required 450 prepaidapplications needed to introduce the legis-lation at this year’s General Assembly. Lutensaid last fall the license plate is designed asa “moving billboard from city-to-city andstate-to-state to help create awareness anda movement for change.”

She said Virginia motorists can buy thetag February 2019 at their Department ofMotor Vehicles. Luten received help fromother grassroots activists to educate nearly6,000 Virginians throughout the Common-wealth from Fairfax to Roanoke, and Win-

chester to Williamsburg about gun violenceprevention. She says former Falls Churchresident Robin Bray is the professional art-ist who designed the graphic image a bro-ken heart held in the palm of a hand dis-played on the new specialty license plate.

Learn more about their effort online atwww.stopgunviolence.info.

Virginia Sen. Janet D. Howell (D-32), whorepresents parts of Arlington and Fairfaxcounties, supported Luten’s effort March 14

New state license plate bill calls motorists to action and“Stop Gun Violence.”

Small Victory Against Gun Violence

Graphic image of the new state license plate.

Del. KennethR. Plum (D-36)of Reston, left,congratulatesFalls Churchactivist Carol P.Luten, right, ofthe Coalitionto Stop GunViolence forher push to getthe only guncontrol mea-sure passedMarch 9through thisyear’s VirginiaGeneral As-sembly, HouseBill 287, aspecial statelicense platethat says “StopGun Violence.”

at a monthly protest in front of the NationalRifle Association headquarters in Fairfax atthe same time students nationwide walkedout of their classes for at least 17 minutesin memory the 14 teenagers and 3 adultsslain Valentine’s Day at the MarjoryStoneman Douglas High School in Parkland,Fla.

“Get your license plate,” Howell shoutsto more than 160 adults who line the side-walks along Waples Mill Road in near freez-

ing temperatures and 19 mile-an-hourwinds on a cold Wednesday morning tostand up to the nation’s largest gun rightslobby for the countless lives lost to gun vio-lence.

“Let everyone know where you stand,”she exclaims.

It’s the 63rd such gathering at the NRAsince Dec. 14, 2012 when a 20-year-oldgunman fatally shot 20 school children and6 adults in Newtown, Conn., with firepoweronline reports say included a BushmasterAR-15 rifle.

HOWELL says her father-in-law was mur-dered with a handgun in the 1990s. Sincethen, the state senator has tried to intro-duce at least one gun safety bill each yearat the Virginia General Assembly. Howellauthored two this year Senate Bill 797 thatkeeps people with protective orders frompossessing firearms and SB 442 that pre-vents gun owners from leaving loaded, un-secured firearms in a reckless mannerwithin easy access to people ages 18 andyounger. Both measures were requested bythe governor, “who has seen firsthand thedamage guns have done to kids.”

Del. Kenneth R. Plum (D-36) of Restonwas chief patron of four firearms bills hehas tried to push through General Assem-bly four years in a row all of which havebeen killed in committee. Plum is a retirededucator who remains steadfast in his ef-fort to prevent more deaths from gun vio-lence.

“We don’t give up. We don’t go away,” hesaid on March 14.

Photo by Marti Moore/The Connection

8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

From Page 4

mileage and meal reimbursement and are invitedto volunteer group projects and social gatherings.RSVP offers its members more than 200 volunteeropportunities, many of which are located In FairfaxCounty, including providing rides, support and meals

to older neighbors, assisting local veterans in needand helping prepare the community for disasters.

The Dolley Madison Library is located at 1244 OakRidge Avenue in McLean. To sign up for the May 2,orientation, email RSVP Volunteer Specialist CarlyHubicki at chubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call theRSVP Hotline at 703-403-5360.

Week in McLean

Every parent has beenthere. What began asa mature, calm conver-sation between parent

and child has been reduced toscreaming, eye rolling, and loudsighing. The good news is thathelp is on the way.

The Safe Community Coalitionwill present Dr. Wendy Mogel,clinical psychologist, parenting ex-pert, and New York Times best-sell-ing author, on Wednesday, May 2,at 7 p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalomin McLean. In her new book, “VoiceLessons for Parents: What to Say,How to Say it, and When to Lis-ten,” Dr. Mogel offers an essentialguide to the art of talking withchildren of all ages, showing ushow a change in voice can trans-form communication and ease therelationship between parents andchildren. Her research-basedguidelines help parents communi-cate with more warmth, respect,and sincerity, as well as foster openparent-child relationships that willhelp ensure our children’s successin the classroom and in life.

Tickets are available fromvoicelessons.brownpapertickets.comfor $25 per person, $30 at thedoor. A book signing will immedi-ately follow the presentation. Alimited number of copies of Dr.Mogel’s newest book, “Voice Les-sons for Parents: What to Say, Howto Say it, and When to Listen,” willbe for sale as well as copies of herfirst two books.

Dr. Mogel is known for combin-

ment of Psychiatry at Cedars-SinaiMedical Center in Los Angeles. Shecurrently serves as a research andpolicy advisor for Challenge Suc-cess—a program of the StanfordUniversity School of Educationand serves on the scientific advi-sory board of Parents Magazine.

The Safe Community Coalitionthanks Temple Rodef Shalom fordonating space and funds forWendy Mogel’s visit and for itsongoing support of SCC programs.Arrangements for the appearanceof Wendy Mogel were madethrough Greater Talent Network,Inc., New York, New York.

Parenting Expert toSpeak in McLean

ing cutting-edge psychological re-search in guiding parents throughthe rough waters of child rearingin today’s competitive world.Drawing on insights from her 35-year career in clinical psychology,hilarious anecdotes (and soundadvice) from school and campcounselors, and eye-opening con-versations with middle and highschool students, she helps parentssupport their children’s intrinsicmotivation and resilience.

A graduate of Middlebury Col-lege, Dr. Mogel completed an in-ternship and post-doctoral fellow-ship in Psychology in the Depart-

The Safe Community Coalition Presents Parenting Expertand New York Times Best-Selling Author Dr. Wendy Mogelspeaking on May 2 about her new book ‘Voice Lessons forParents: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Listen.’

Local musicians will rockMPA@ChainBridge thisspring as part of McLean

Project for the Arts’ (MPA’s)Art+Music Concert Series,April 19, May 10 and May 12.Featured musicians include TheBitter Dose Combo, the DaveKline Band and Sound Impact.

“Our MPA Art+Music seriesinvites new audiences withinthe community into our spaceby marrying MPA’s contempo-rary art exhibitions with an ex-citing listening experience fea-turing some of the area’s finestmusicians,” said MPA ExecutiveDirector Lori Carbonneau.

From gypsy jazz to vibrantworld sounds and an interactivefamily performance, MPAArt+Music offers something forall ages and interests. Beforeand after the performances, allare invited to browse MPA’s cur-rent art exhibit, Erratic Land-scapes: Works by ArtemisHerber. At each show, MPA Di-rector of Exhibitions, NancySausser, will discuss the art-work.

The Bitter Dose Combo(BDC)—DC’s premier gypsyjazz band—kicks off the festivi-ties on April 19. Bringing atouch of Parisian hot club toMcLean, the BDC combinesDjango-style guitar, musette ac-cordion and upright bass. April19, 7:30 p.m, Bullock Hitt Gal-lery in MPA@ChainBridge,1446 Chain Bridge Road,

McLean.The fun continues on May 10

as world-music chart toppers,the Dave Kline Band, take thestage. UK violinist Dave Klineand his international band per-form high-energy music blend-ing jazz, world, folk and rock.Recognized for its vibrant worldsound, the Dave Kline Bandunites a contemporary vibewith the ancient cultures of Af-rica, the Caribbean, MiddleEast, and Latin America. May10, 7:30 p.m., Bullock Hitt Gal-lery in MPA@ChainBridge,1446 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean.

MPA Art+Music final Springevent is on May 12, with a showfor the whole family, starringthe musical collective SoundImpact. Based on the children’sbook “The Trouble with Ben,”the ensemble’s educational pro-gram seeks to ignite positivechange through live and engag-ing performance. MPA will of-fer a children’s art activity re-inforcing the multi-sensory artexperience during the show.May 12, 4:30 p.m. on the Palla-dium Green, the outdoor fam-ily venue in the plaza in frontof StarNut Gourmet, McLean.In case of rain, the event willmove back across the street toMPA@ChainBridge in the GiantShopping Center.

The MPA Art+Music Series isfree and open to the public.Refreshments will be served.RSVP at mpaart.org.

Three-part live music experiencekicks off April 19 atMPA@ChainBridge.

MPA to HostArt+Music Series

The Bitter Dose Combo (BDC)—DC’s premier gypsyjazz band—kicks off the festivities on April 19.

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PARENTS HELPING PARENTSParent Support Partners, a service

of the Healthy Minds Fairfaxinitiative, are all parents who havereceived training and are qualitied tooffer education, support andassistance at no cost to families orcaregivers. They provide reliableinformation that families can use indecision-making and are familiarwith services and resources that canhelp families in distress. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDSTEM Professionals Needed. Help

assist K-12 STEM teachers as part ofthe American Association for theAdvancement of Science’s STEMVolunteer Program,stemvolunteers.org, during the 2018-19 school year. In the 2017-18 schoolyear, there are 85 volunteers in 6Northern Virginia school districts.Contact Don Rea at 571-551- 2488,or donaldrea@aol.com.

Volunteer Adult Mentors Needed.Help assist the Department of FamilyServices’ BeFriendA-Child mentoring

program. The mentors provideopportunities for companionship,guidance and support to childrenwho have been abused andneglected, or who are at risk of abuseand neglect. Contact Ibrahim Khalilat Ibrahim.khalil@fairfaxcounty.govor 703-324-4547.

Volunteer Victims Needed. VirginiaTask Force 1 (VA-TF1) is holding afull scale exercise and needsvolunteers to act as victims in need ofrescue. The exercise will take placefrom the evening of Monday, April 23

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 15

McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

“A Clean Death,” by Great Falls residentAdriaan Verheul (of Dutch origin),is a novel based on the author’sexperiences as a United Nations

peacekeeper in Africa and elsewhere. The book is amix between literary fiction, murder mystery, andpolitical thriller. It tells the story through the eyes offour very different characters, in an unnamed coun-try that bears some resemblance to Eastern Congoor Northern Uganda.

The main character, Oliver, is a junior banker wholeads a comfortable and predictable life in a placelike Great Falls. His suburban happiness is interruptedwhen his father Johan is murdered while on missionoverseas. Oliver jumps on a plane to help repatriatehis father’s remains and belongings.

“One of the things I tried to show in this book ishow it affects somebody when you go from a placelike Great Falls to a place like Eastern Congo, andback again,” Verheul said. “On another level, thenovel is a critique of how well-meaning foreignerstry to do good abroad, then hit moral snags and ulti-mately cause more problems than they solve.”

The book has received favorable editorial reviews,including a starred review from BlueInk Review, asite that provides professional editorial reviews forindependently published books. BlueInk noted that“A Clean Death” was “a gripping novel … writingstyle is crisp and witty … fans of Graham Greene’selegant writing and David Ignatius’s and DanFesperman’s topical thrillers will find similar plea-sures here.”

Once overseas, Oliver is confronted with stagger-ing corruption, gets distracted by a beautiful friendof his father’s, and doesn’t seem to get any straight

answers about who killed his father. One suspect is acruel and evil warlord, who calls himself CaptainChristmas. Johan was working for an internationalaid organization that was trying to disarm Christmas’sfighters and reintegrate them into society throughemployment or education.

Back in the US, Davey, a young and unemployedgun fanatic, hears about this disarmament effort andbelieves that it is part of an international conspiracyto take everybody’s guns away and establish a glo-bal world government. On a dare, Davey goes over-seas to talk Christmas out of it. When Oliver, Christ-mas and Davey meet in the jungle, they all lose some-thing of consequence: illusion, conviction or life it-self.

“A Clean Death” is available on amazon.com inpaperback and as e-book.

Mix of literary fiction,murder mystery, andpolitical thriller.

Great Falls Author Reflects onPeacekeeping Experience

‘A Clean Death:’ Book cover.Photo contributed

Adriaan Verheul

Great Falls SalesAssociate ReceivesCompany Sales Award

Mark Ackermann,president of Weichert, Re-altors’ Capital Region,announced that sales as-sociate Said Zangeneh ofthe Great Falls office wasrecognized for excep-tional industry success inMarch.

A top producer,Zangeneh led the entirecompany in dollar vol-ume for the month.

Zangeneh can be reached in Weichert’s GreatFalls office at 731-A Walker Road, or call 703-759-6300 for more information.

Said Zangeneh

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10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

ONGOINGArt Exhibit. Through April 28 at The

Frame Factory, 212 Dominion RoadNE, Vienna. The Landscapes of TenArtists features work by Sheila Blake,Marsha Gallo, Gary Goldberg, LindaGreigg, Barbara Johnson, RobertMcBride, Be Sargent, ThomasXenakis, Susan Yanero, and EllenZeland. Visitwww.theframefactory1.com.

Art Exhibition: “Bon Appetit.”Through May 6, during gallery hoursat the Vienna Arts Center, 115Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. Call 703-319-3971 or visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org.

“Fly By Night.” Through May 6 at 1stStage in Tysons, 1524 Spring HillRoad, Tysons Corner. It’s 1965 inNew York City and the lights areabout to go out. But not before amelancholy sandwich maker becomesenchanted with two sisters in thisbittersweet romantic tale aboutfinding hope in a world beset bydarkness. $38 general admission, $35seniors (65+), $15 students andmilitary. Visit www.1ststage.org orcall 703-854-1856.

“Trees, Trees, and Beyond.”Through May 31 at MeadowlarkBotanical Gardens, 9750 MeadowlarkGardens Court, Vienna. Vienna ArtsSociety Exhibition. Free. Open 10-7p.m. in April; 10-7:30 p.m. in May.Visit www.ViennaArtsSociety.org orcall 703-319-3971.

Vienna Art Society Exhibition.Through late June at North CountyGovernment Center, 1801 CameronGlen Drive, Reston. Visitviennaartssociety.org.

Oakton Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1p.m. at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Year-round weekly farmers market inOakton. Local produce, meats/eggs,dairy, baked goods, and more.Admission is free. Visit community-foodworks.org.

The Freeman Store & MuseumWednesday through Sunday noon-4p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. TheFreeman Store & Museum isdedicated to Preserving andpromoting Vienna’s heritage throughthe identification, preservation, andinterpretation of history significantplaces, events, and persons.Historicviennainc.org

Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. FlameRoom, Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S,Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.

THROUGH APRIL 19Vienna Idol 2018 Auditions. At

Whole Foods, Wednesday, April 18,7-8:30 p.m.; and Caffe Amouri,Thursday, April 19, 7-8:30 p.m. FirstPlace is $700 plus eight hours ofrecording time at CUE Studios.Second Place - $500; Third Place -$250. Visit www.viennaidol.org formore.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 18Vienna’s Energy Future. 6:30-8:30

p.m. at Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Free.Sierra Club/Great Falls Group hosts apresentation about a growingmovement in Virginia to stop twoproposed pipelines posing a threat ofdamage to streams, rivers, and scenicviews. Email s.weltz@yahoo.com orcall 703-608-2471.

Pipelines in Virginia. 7-8:30 p.m. atOakton Library, 10304 LynnhavenPlace, Oakton. Free. Learn how tomake an impact to stop pipelines thatwill damage streams and rivers and

ruin scenic views. Sponsored bySierra Club/Great Falls Group, 350Fairfax, Faith Alliance for ClimateSolutions. Visit the websitevirginia2.sierraclub.org/

TUESDAY/APRIL 19MPA to Host Art+Music Series. 7:30

p.m. at Bullock Hitt Gallery inMPA@ChainBridge, 1446 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Free. The BitterDose Combo (BDC)—DC’s premiergypsy jazz band—kicks off thefestivities. RSVP at mpaart.org.

FRIDAY/APRIL 20The Unruly Theatre Project. 7 p.m.

at The Old Firehouse, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Freeadmission. Teen improv troupe offersa hilarious night of comedy. For OldFirehouse activities, call 703-448-8336.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 20-21“Blithe Spirit” Play Production. 8

p.m. at Vienna Community Center,120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna. NoelCoward’s famous 1941 comedy.Presented by Vienna TheatreCompany and Vienna Department ofRecreation. Tickets $14. Visitwww.viennatheatrecompany.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 20-22Mid-Atlantic Super Strength

Weekend. At Tysons PlaygroundExpo Hall, 8500 Tyco Road, TysonsCorner. Includes Drug FreeBodybuilding, Powerlifting, OlympicWeightlifting, Strongman/Strongwoman, Sports Modeling, Kid/Teen Fitness Challenges and otherstrength events. Will featurebodybuilder Jeremy Collins, age 38,who has Down Syndrome and had

heart surgery when he was 6. Visitmassweekend.com or the WorldPhysique Allianceworldphysiquealliance.com.

SATURDAY/APRIL 21Native Plant Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at

Vienna Community Center’s parkinglot, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna.Hosted by the Town of ViennaCommunity EnhancementCommission. All plants are raised andsold by the Hill House GardenNursery, which specializes in high-quality native plants. Plants includeflowering perennials, native shrubs,and small trees. Cash, checks, andcredit cards will be accepted at thesale.

Family Fishing Rodeo. 9 to 11 a.m.at Wolftrap Creek in Wildwood Park,700 block of Follin Lane, SE, Vienna.Pre-registration and $5 ticketsrequired. Limit of six tickets perhousehold. Remaining time slots are9, 9:30, 10, 10:30 and 11 a.m.Tickets may be purchased online atviennava.gov/webtrac or in person atthe Vienna Community Center, 120Cherry Street SE. Participants overthe age of 16 must possess a fishinglicense, available through theVirginia Department of Gaming andInland Fisheries.

Bluebells and Bloodroots. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Learnto identify spring ephemerals anddiscover their folklore while walkingalong the banks of the Potomac River.$8 per person. Attendees should meetat the Visitor Center. Program will becanceled if it rains. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/bluebells-bloodroots-2.

Traveling Players Open House. 1-4p.m. at The Madeira School, 8328Georgetown Pike, McLean. TravelingPlayers will hold an Open House forAdvanced Theatre Camps. Thesummer theatre camp, in residence atThe Madeira School, trains teens andpre-teens in Shakespeare and takesthem on tour to perform their showsthroughout Virginia. Visitwww.travelingplayers.org or call703-987-1712.

SUNDAY/APRIL 22Grinding Mill. Noon-3 p.m. at Colvin

Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road,Great Falls. Visit the historic site tosee 19th century technology at workas grains are turned in flour andmeal. The miller will be grinding,conditions permitting. Noreservations are necessary for thisfree demonstration. Take a mill tourfor $7 for adults, $6 for students 16and older with ID, and $5 forchildren and seniors. Call 703-759-2771 to confirm. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

TUESDAY/APRIL 24Home & Garden Tour. 10 a.m.-4

p.m. Tour four homes and gardens inGreat Falls, Vienna and McLean –from a “quilt garden” at a 1750 hometo a garden and cottage designed forretirement. Advance tickets are $40by April 17; tickets on day of tour are$50 at Meadowlark Gardens. Ticketssold at tour homes and the GreatFalls Library. Contact Garden Club ofFairfax at fairfax@vagardenweek.org.Visit www.vagardenweek.org.

Social Security – Know YourOptions to Maximize YourBenefits. 12:30-2 p.m. at 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Learnstrategies that you can use topotentially maximize your benefit.Presented by Sarah Graham. Onelesson for 1 hour, 30 minutes. Cost is$7/$5 MCC district residents.

Family Fun Night at the Telescope.8-9 p.m. at Turner Farm Park, 925Springvale Road, Great Falls. VisitObservatory Park at Turner Farm and

See Calendar, Page 14

Paws4vets Day at Mookie’sMookie’s BBQ will donate 10 percent of all sales all day to paws4vets, a non-

profit that places service dogs with veterans. Join your friends and neighbors atMookie’s or enjoy take-out at home. Check out the online silent auction to benefitpaws4vets running from April 12-26. Visit www.biddingowl.com/paws4people tobid on gift certificates for local restaurants, jewelry, event tickets and more. Wednes-day, April 25, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at Mookie’s BBQ, 1141 Walker Road, Great Falls.Contact Susan Kurtz at skurtzie@verizon.net or call 703-472-8079.

Colors of ChangeFilmmaker Jenny Nichols, who grew

up in Great Falls, explores Greenlandthrough the eyes of an artist, a NASAscientist, and an Inuit elder. Each char-acter represents a different way thathumans internalize information: heart,mind and spirit. They demonstrate theintersection of art, culture and sciencein a region defined by climate change.Presented by Great Falls Studios. Thurs-day, April 26, 7 p.m. at Great FallsLibrary, 9830 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls. Contact James Diedrich atjames.jemail@gmail.com.

Calendar

Photo courtesy of Jenny Nichols

Photo by Rebecca Sigety Photography

Lara Jae Evangelista, Dylan Kurtz and Evan Preta, thehosts and founders of the event, are pictured with BrianVarani, owner of Mookie’s BBQ.

McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By David Siegel

The Connection

An amazing world awaits patrons as Cir-que du Soleil’s newest touring tent show,“Luzia,” is under the famous blue-and-yel-low Big Top at Tysons II until June 17,

2018. “Luzia” promises to be a wonderful journeymeant to open the imagination as a waking dreamof Mexico.

“’Luzia’ aims to bring audiences to a fantastic imagi-nary world where light and water are blended to-gether,“ said Cirque’s Francis Jalbert. Patrons willtravel to an imagined Mexico; a place of traditionsand modernity by way of breath-taking acrobaticperformances. Some acts are performed high up,perhaps 30 feet or more, while others are at eye levelon the stage. The production includes music with aLatin flavor.

The production includes more than 50 perform-ers, more than a dozen bold acts, and a story thatconnects them. “Performers will be in spectacularcostumes with make-up that can take up to 90 min-utes to apply before a show,” added Jalbert.

“One of the newest features for the ‘Luzia” showare indoor waterfalls, pouring showers and poolsinside the Big Top,” said Jalbert. The water featuresare used during a number of the acts; often drench-ing the performers.

During a recent backstage tour, several acts wereat various stages of rehearsal. Cyr Wheel artists werewarming up; spinning hoops around their bodies withsmooth ease. Chinese Pole performers were rehears-ing in costume high-up on flexible poles with showlights adding flair to the atmosphere.

Then it was time to meet with one of the fearless“butterflies” featured in the finale. The butterfly wasShelli Epstein, who at 24, is a veteran with Cirque.She began her career as a gymnast living in London.Now a performer with the heart-stopping Swing Teamroutine, the fearless Epstein “loves the hustle andbustle” of the Cirque world.

Epstein spoke of the meaning of audience reac-tions to a performer. There is the absolute hush whenshe is propelled 30 feet into the air from one swingto land on another moving swing. The hush becomescheers and applause for the Swing Team teamworkwhen she lands. The entire Swing Team is full of joyand pride that the audiences is thrilled and happy.

Why is Epstein in a butterfly costume? She is rep-resenting monarch butterflies that travel fromCanada to Mexico each winter. She concluded ourinterview this way, “This is a dream job. Who won’twant to perform in a circus?”

Where and WhenCirque du Soleil presents “Luzia” at Tysons II, 8025

Galleria Drive, Tysons. Performances to June 17, 2018.Tuesday at 8 p.m. (no performances, Tuesday, May 8 orJune 12), Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday, 4:30& 8 p.m. (except June 1 & 8, 8 p.m. only), Saturday 4:30 &8 p.m., Sunday, 1:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. No performances onMondays. Tickets start at $38. Special tickets packages suchas VIP Experience, Behind The Scenes, Producer seats andFamily Pack are available. For groups of 12 or more thereare also special offers. For detailed ticket information visitwww.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/washington/luzia or call 1-877-924-7783. Note: There is paid parking available withdiscounts if reservations are made in advance. No eventparking will be available at The Galleria. More informationat: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/offers/shows/luzia/washington-dc/directions-luzia-washington-dc.aspx

Cirque du Soleil’s Dazzling ‘Luzia’Performances to June 17, 2018under the Big Top at Tysons II.

Performingwith the‘Swing Team’at Cirque duSoleil’s‘Luzia.’

Performance of‘Cyr Wheels’ atCirque duSoleil’s ‘Luzia.’

Photos by Matt Beard

© 2017 Cirque du

Soleil/

Courtesy Cirque du

Soleil

12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Marilyn Campbell

In an era when consumers can pur-chase merchandise and depositmoney into a bank account using asmartphone, teaching money smarts

to children can be fraught with complica-tions. April is Financial Literacy Month andlocal financial advisors say teaching chil-dren how to manage their money responsi-bly is a necessary part of becoming a finan-cially responsibleadult.

“How a parenttreats cash is the waytheir kids will treatcash; lead by ex-ample,” said AndreaFoster, professor anddepartment chair ofBusiness, Economics,Accounting, Com-puter Applicationsand Paralegal Studies(BEACAPS) at Mont-gomery College. “Ifyour kid sees you cut-ting coupons andbudgeting, when theygrow up they will dothe same. They willsee the benefits and the value of your thrifti-ness. “

enthusiasm and motivation as the kids seeit fill up with the coins,” she said. “[Sav-ing] also teaches then self-reliance and notcounting on their parents to help them foreverything. By giving a reward, kids canlearn the value of money and how to spendmoney.”

Foster also suggests encouraging childrento keep a spending diary and limiting theamount of money they can spend or thenumber of items they can purchase whenshopping for themselves. “Show them thatstuff costs money,” she said. “Have themkeep track of all the money that mom anddad spend on them in one month, from foodto clothing and other things. They will re-alize how much it costs to maintain themand how much all the stuff that they wantcosts.”

Involve children in a family’s charitabledonations, advises Henry. “Ask your childrento think about what kinds of charitable ef-forts the family should support,” she said.“Have them research and pick a charity andthen make a small contribution to that or-ganization on their behalf.”

“Have children earn their allowance andlet children experience the pain of not hav-ing enough money if they don’t budget cor-rectly,” said Dr. Brian Hollar assistant pro-fessor of Accounting, Economics & Financeat Marymount University. “Experience is agood teacher and learning when the stakesare low is invaluable.”

Hollar underscores the importance ofteaching solid math skills. “It’s hard to de-velop strong financial literacy without un-derstanding exponential growth,” he said.

April is FinancialLiteracy Month.

Teaching young children about theconcept of saving money is acritical part of financial literacy.

“Explaining the concept ofsavings early to children iskey. It is natural to want tospend everything rightaway, so it may be hard tounderstand why it isimportant to set a littleaside for future expenses.”

— Victoria G. Henry,West Financial Services, Inc.

TJHSST Admissions Statistics for Class of 2022Applicants Percent Admitted Percent

Reduced Fee or 336 10.6% 7 1.4%Waived Fee Paid

GENDERMale 1,683 53.3% 278 57.3%Female 1,477 46.7% 207 42.7%Total 3,160 485

ETHNICWhite 870 27.5% 111 22.9%Black 220 7.0% 10 2.1%Hispanic 276 8.7% 23 4.7%Asian 1,633 51.7% 316 65.2%Multiracial/Other* 161 5.0% 25 5.2%Total 3,160 485

SCHOOL TYPEPublic 2,996 94.8% 460 94.8%Private/Home 164 5.2% 25 5.2%Total 3,160 485

* This category includes students who checked “Multiracial” on their application and/or studentswhose ethnic designation numbered ten or fewer.

Teaching Lessons in Money ManagementOne of the most important financial les-

sons that a parent can teach is how to save,advises Foster. “Teach them how to budgetso that they can learn how to save for whatthey want,” she said.

Children pay attention to and learn fromthe ways in which their parents managemoney and it’s critical that they learn finan-cial literacy at home, suggests Victoria G.Henry, assistant vice president at West Fi-nancial Services, Inc. in McLean.

“Explaining the concept of savings earlyto children is key,” added “It is natural towant to spend everything right away, so itmay be hard to understand why it is impor-tant to set a little aside for future expenses.

Perhaps it couldbe explained bysaying the sav-ings will come inhandy if a favor-ite toy breaks oris lost.”

An ideal timeto offer a lessonin saving is whena child receivesmoney as apresent for abirthday or otheroccasion, saysHenry. “It is agood practice tohave them saveeven 10 or 20percent of the

gift, and let them have the rest to spendhow they want,” she said. “If they decide to

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)has offered admission to 485 stu-dents for the Class of 2022 at Tho-

mas Jefferson High School for Science andTechnology (TJHSST).

A total of 3,160 students applied for ad-mission.

❖ White students made up 870, or 27.5percent of the applicants, and 111, or 22.9percent of accepted students.

❖ Black students made up 220, or 7.0 per-cent of applicants, but only 10 black stu-dents were admitted, making up 2.1 per-cent of the incoming class.

❖ Latino students made up 276, or 8.7percent of applicants; 23 Latino studentswere 4.7 percent of the incoming class.

❖ Poor students made up 336, 10.6 per-cent of applicants, with seven students whoreceive subsidized meals admitted, for 1.4percent of the incoming class. About 28percent of Fairfax County Public School stu-dents, or more than 51,000 students qualifyfor Free or Reduced Meals, a measure ofsignificant poverty.

❖ Asian students made up 1,633, or 51.7percent of the applicants and 316, or morethan 65 percent of the incoming class.

Approximately 71.9 percent of the stu-

Admissions to TJ Continue to Exclude Poor and Black Studentsdents offered admission reside in FairfaxCounty and 28.1 percent are from Arling-ton, Loudoun, and Prince William countiesand the City of Falls Church.

Approximately 94.8 percent of studentsoffered admission are currently attendingpublic schools.

Established in 1985, TJHSST is agovernor’s school offering a comprehensivecollege preparatory program emphasizingthe sciences, mathematics, and technology,and is often cited in rankings as the top highschool in the country.

Specialized technical laboratories, includ-ing a technological computational center,enhance the academic curriculum and pro-vide students with experience in state-of-the-art technology, opportunities for inde-pendent research and experimentation, andinteraction with professionals from the sci-entific, technological, engineering, and in-dustrial communities.

The selection process for admittance toTJHSST involves a holistic review of eachcandidate’s semifinalist essay, teacher rec-ommendations, and student-authored infor-mation sheet, as well as consideration ofgrades and test scores on the admissionsexamination. A summer round of admis-

sions for eighth graders newly moved to aparticipating district after Sept. 30 of theprevious year will add to the 485 offers at

the end of June. For more information, con-tact the TJHSST Admissions Office at 571-423-3770.

spend their fun money on something andthen quickly return asking for money forsomething else, it is a good to remind themthat maybe they should think more care-fully about how they want to spend theirmoney in the future. This will help themget into the practice of making wise choiceswith spending and saving down the roadwhen they start earning money as well.”

Foster also suggests helping children de-velop savings goals.“[Whether] by piggybank, envelope, can, or jar, a vessel is animportant tool for teaching kids how to savefor major milestones,” said Foster. “Identifya goal for the saving and have them savetowards that goal.”

Transparency builds enthusiasm, addsFoster. “Using a clear jar for saving creates

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McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Speakeasy and prepare to laugh as MarshallHigh School celebrates the frivolity and ex-cess of the 1920s with its production of“Thoroughly Modern Millie” opening Thurs-

day, April 26. Based on the Academy Award winning1967 film and the Tony Award Winning Broadwaymusical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” has it all: abeautiful ingénue determined to make her way inthe big city, fun-loving flappers always looking for aparty, dashing leading men ready to sweep everyoneoff their feet, and a human-trafficking ring in a NewYork City hotel for girls.

When small-town girl Millie Dillmount arrives inNew York City, she is determined to be a “modern”1920s woman who will marry for money rather thanlove. She throws herself into the flapper lifestyle,finds a job and a rich boss to marry, and feels she’son her way to make her dreams come true. WhatMillie doesn’t realize is that others, including thecharming young salesman, Jimmy Smith, and hercolorful landlady, Mrs. Meers, have other plans forher.

“This show hopes to challenge people’s ideas offirst impressions,” said Director Jason Tamborini.“Sometimes we are the last ones to know what wereally want or need—which Millie and her friendssoon find out.”

Show dates and location: George C. Marshall HighSchool, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; ShowTimes: April 26 - 28 & May 4 - 5 at 7:30 p.m. plusApril 28 & May 5 at 2 p.m.: Tickets are $10 students/ teachers / seniors and $15 adults.

Note: Due to some content, this show is consid-ered similar to a PG-13 film.

Visit http://statesmentheatre.org for more infor-mation or to purchase tickets.

What AboutControversial Depictionsof Asian Characters?

The Statesmen Theatre Department invites you toparticipate in an important presentation and discus-sion on April 17, 2018 at 7 p.m. In seeking answersto questions surrounding the sometimes-controver-sial depictions of Asian characters in the musical“Thoroughly Modern Millie” and other celebrated

theatre productions involving stereotypes, a largerchallenge arose.

How do we come to grips with oversimplified char-acteristic traits and wrongly-held perceptions of thepast that are still present in society, and when por-trayed in the arts, are hurtful to some but are meantto be “funny” and “harmless entertainment”?

With this in mind, the school and local communityis invited to join the discussion on Race and Stereo-types in Theatre: A Community Forum on Tuesday,April 1 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Panelists include: Marshall HS Principal JeffreyLitz; Marshall HS Alumnus Jon Jon Johnson (Classof 2004), professional actor and writer; Priya Doshi,professorial lecturer, Strategic Communication, TheAmerican University; and current theatre students.

Jimmy and Millie take on New York in theroaring 20s in Marshall High’s productionof ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ openingApril 26.

Holly Waters (Millie) andFrancisco Morandi(Jimmy) in MarshallHigh’s production of‘Thoroughly ModernMillie,’ opening April 26.

Entertainment

Marshall High to Present‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

14 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

From Page 10

take a guided tour of the heavens. Seethe color of stars, open and globularclusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Thecost is $6 per person. Call 703-324-8618 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm/family-fun-night-telescope-3.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 25Restaurant Fundraiser. 11 a.m.-9

p.m. at Mookie’s BBQ, 1141 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Mookie’s BBQ willdonate 10 percent of all sales all dayto paws4vets, a nonprofit that placesservice dogs with veterans. Join yourfriends and neighbors at Mookie’s orenjoy take-out at home. Check outthe online silent auction to benefitpaws4vets running from April 12-26.Visit www.biddingowl.com/paws4people to bid on giftcertificates for local restaurants,jewelry, event tickets and more.Contact Susan Kurtz atskurtzie@verizon.net or call 703-472-8079.

Wolf Trap History. 7-8 p.m. atTysons-Pimmit Regional Library,7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.Join Ken Bigley of the National ParkService for “Performing Arts,Partnerships, and Public Lands: TheStory of Wolf Trap National Park forthe Performing Arts.” This programwill discuss the history of Wolf Trapand its visionary benefactor,Catherine Filene Shouse, and tracethe path of Wolf Trap’s developmentas our country’s only national parkfor the performing arts. Contact KenBigley at ken_bigley @nps.gov or call

703-255-1809.

THURSDAY/APRIL 26Art Exhibition: Aware. 11:30 a.m.-

1:30 p.m. at ServiceSourceHeadquarters, 10467 White GraniteDrive, Oakton. In celebration ofAutism Awareness Month,ServiceSource is hosting AWARE., anart exhibition featuring artists on theautism spectrum to raise awarenessof disability advocacy efforts in theNoVA community. BBQ will beserved. Free. Call 703-970-3653 orvisit www.servicesource.org.

Nobody’s Girl. 7:30-9 p.m. at JamminJava, 227 Maple Ave., East, Vienna.Featuring BettySoo, Grace Pettis,Rebecca Loebe. The all-female groupoffers delicate and complexharmonies and innovativesongwriting. $20. Visitwww.jamminjava.com or call 877-987-6487.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 26-29“9 to 5, The Musical.” April 26, 27,

and 28 at 7 p.m.; with matinees April28 and 29, 2 p.m. at McLean HighSchool’s Burke Auditorium, 1633Davidson Road, McLean. Get up andwork as McLean High School’s“TheatreMcLean” presents DollyParton’s hit musical comedy, “9 to 5.”Tickets are $12/online; $15/door. Toorder tickets, visit theatremclean.org.

FRIDAY/APRIL 27Night Out at National Harbor.

3:30-11:30 p.m. Meets at The OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Part of the Old FirehouseFriday Night Trips. Cost is $55/$45

MCC District Residents. Take inextraordinary views of Washington,D.C., on the Capital Wheel, dinnerand discover much more. Admissionand dinner are included in the fee.Visit www.mcleancenter.org.

Arbor Day Ceremony. 5 p.m. at theW&OD trailhead on Park Streetacross from the Vienna CommunityCenter, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna.Join Mayor Laurie DiRocco, Townstaff, and Cub Scout Pack 1116 for aceremonial red bud tree planting tocommemorate Arbor Day 2018.

Artist Reception. 7 to 9 p.m. Free. Forthe ValeArts Show. At ValeSchoolhouse, 3124 Fox Mill Road,Oakton, VA. “Spring into Color”features 150 original works invarious media. Visitinfo@valearts.com orwww.valearts.com. Call 703-860-1888.

SATURDAY/APRIL 28Fairfax Run for the Children. 8 a.m.

at Fairfax County CourthouseComplex, 4110 Chain Bridge Road,Fairfax. Join Fairfax Court AppointedSpecial Advocates (CASA) for the 8thAnnual 8K and 3K races. Thesuperhero-themed race attractsnearly 1,000 runners and walkers,250 volunteers, and raises almost$85,000 each year to support FairfaxCASA’s advocacy work with abusedand neglected children in thecommunity. Participants can enjoythe after race celebration, includingsuperhero meet and greets, a DJ, freefood, face painting, kids’ crafts, photobooth, and more. Visitwww.fairfaxrunforthechildren.com/.

Calendar

cleaning, organizing and decluttering. Contact EmilyThomas at Emily.Thomas@fairfaxcounty.gov.

❖ Older adults are missing important medical appoint-ments due to lack of transportation. Drive older adultsMonday through Friday, generally between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.Opportunities available throughout Fairfax County.

❖ Senior Centers – Technology Educators to providesupport to participants in groups and one-on-one. Basicknowledge of MS Word, Phone Apps, Facebook, Digitalbooks, etc. Schedule and location will vary based on cen-ter location and volunteer availability. Centers are lookingfor support between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ap-ply online

❖ Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers of afrail older adult a well-deserved break so they can go shop-ping, attend a doctor’s appointment or just have coffeewith a friend. Volunteers visit and oversee the safety ofthe older adult for a few hours each month. Support andtraining are provided. Contact ElderLink at 703-324-5374,TTY 711. Apply online

❖ The Chronic Disease Self-Management Programneeds volunteer leaders to co-facilitate 2-hour workshopsthat help people with chronic illnesses. The 6-week pro-gram meets in Fairfax County. A 4-day training isprovided. The next training to be held in the Spring 2018.Contact ElderLink at 703-324-5374, TTY 711. Applyonline

Falls Church/McLean❖ Falls Church Meals on Wheels Driver Coordinators

needed to schedule drivers and manage the monthly mealdelivery calendar. Apply online

❖ The Lewinsville Adult Day Health Care Center inMcLean is looking for musicians for one hour a week at3:30 p.m., Bingo Helpers and a Kikuyu-Speaking SocialVisitor. Flexible schedule, anytime between 10 a.m. and4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Apply online

❖ The Bailey’s Senior Center in Falls Church is lookingfor Front Desk Assistance and a Jewelry-Making Instruc-tor to teach a class once a week. Apply online.

❖ The James Lee Senior Center in Falls Church is look-ing for one or two Line Dance Instructors to teach a class,open to all levels, between the hours of 10 a.m.-12 p.m.on Wednesdays. Apply online.

❖ The Pimmit Hills Senior Center in Falls Church islooking for General Administrative Volunteers, and a Ce-ramics Assistant. Apply online.

❖ Vietnamese Meals on Wheels urgently needs driversin Falls Church-Annandale to deliver meals midday dur-

ing weekdays. Non-Vietnamese-speaking volunteers arewelcome. Apply online.

❖ The Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean needs In-structors for the following classes: Spanish, Italian,Ballroom Dance and Basic Guitar. Apply online.

Reston/Herndon AreaOpportunities

❖ The Herndon Senior Center is looking for KnittingInstructors. Apply online.

❖ The Herndon Adult Day Health Care Center is look-ing for Lunch Assistants, Monday-Friday, and a SpanishInstructor to teach basic Spanish words to a small groupof seniors, Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 10-11 a.m. oncea month. Apply online.

More Volunteer Opportunities❖ Adult Day Health Care and Senior Centers – Visit cen-

ters to assist with fitness activities, arts and crafts, mealtime, entertainment and much more.

❖ Caregiver Respite – Respite volunteers give familycaregivers of older adults, who cannot be left alone, a well-earned break. Volunteers are matched with families in ornear their own neighborhoods. Volunteers receive trainingand support. Apply online.

❖ Grocery Shopping – Shop for an older adult or accom-pany them to the grocery store. Commitment: two hoursevery other week. Apply online.

❖ Household Services – Unpack boxes, change lightbulbs, paint small areas, straighten cupboards or closets,organize paperwork, write letters. Commitment: varies.Apply online.

❖ Meals on Wheels – Transport meals to older adults oradults with disabilities Monday, Wednesday and Friday,midday. Program also needs driver coordinators and groupcoordinators. Commitment: two hours/month and longer.Volunteer opportunities are available near where you workor live. Employee groups are welcome to share a deliverycommitment. Check us out on YouTube now!

❖ Senior Centers – provide assistance to program man-agers or offer activity programming.

❖ Social Visits – Visit older adults who need company.Commitment: once a week visits for one hour at a time. Aone-year commitment is requested. Apply online.

❖ Transportation – Drive older adults to and from medi-cal appointments, pharmacy, bank, library, groceryshopping etc. Apply online.

From Page 6

Volunteers

McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

county’s fast developing areas,” saidNiedzielski-Eichner.

“As one who was on the front lines advo-cating for passage of the Meals Tax, I findthis reality ironic in light of the significantvoices arguing against the meals tax due toits regressivity. Since each one percent ofthe property tax rate is projected to gener-ate approximately $25 million in revenue,the proposed 2.5 cent increase in the realestate tax rate will generate about $62.5million. The meals tax was projected to gen-erate a $100 million per annum, with al-most a third of this revenue, $28 million,to be paid by tourists and visitors to Fairfax.”

Kofi Annan, president of the FairfaxCounty NAACP expressed concern that thecounty is underfunding services to low in-come families, including housing and Pre-K education for needy families.

“This opportunity gap [of not having ac-cess to PreK education] eventually turnsinto an achievement gap, and that widensover time.

“Fairfax County NAACP calls on thecounty to commit the resources to enroll atleast 300 additional kids into Pre-K in 2019budget and devise a long-term plan to fundat least 2,000 over the next five years.”

Annan asked the supervisors to fund anoutside study of racial disparities in policeuse of force.

“For the past few years, 40 percent ofpolice use of force has been directed towardAfrican Americans, who only make up about10 percent of the county,” Annan said.

“And for the past few years, we have beenasking the county to fund an outside orga-nization to conduct a study to determinethe causes of this disparity, so we can beginthe process of reversing that trend.”

through afternoon of Thursday, April 26. Aminimum shift of six hours is expected –overnight volunteers are especially needed.“Victims” will need to be able to crawl in andout of rubble piles, capable of sitting or lying inplace for extended periods of time, and don’tmind getting dirty. Contact Christopher Yorty atchristopher.yorty@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Operation Paws for Homes, a Virginia based501(c)(3) organization seeks volunteers,especially to foster dogs. Seewww.ophrescue.org for information and allvolunteer opportunities.

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.

From Page 3

From Page 8

Vote onBudget onMay 1

Bulletin

Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Though I immerse you regular readers inthe excruciating details of my cancer-affectedlife, rarely do I bombard unsuspecting con-versationalists who unknowingly yet sincerelywander into territory with which many of youare intimately detailed. Not that I don’t havestories to tell, and/or perhaps even unsolic-ited advice to offer; generally speaking, if Ican avoid it, I don’t want to drag the conver-sation into a cancer-centric black hole.

It’s not because I’m uncomfortable talkingabout cancer, or that I would feel it an inap-propriate invasion of my privacy, or that Iwould feel the need to blather on non-stop.Hardly. But I would see it as the end of aninnocent inquiry undone that then takes on amore empathetic, sympathetic and possiblyeven pathetic tone, some of which mightmake me uncomfortable.

The reason being: part of what feeds myself-preservation and sense of well-being isreading and reacting to the feedback I receivefrom others when the subject matter turns tocancer, however well-meaning their inten-tions may have been.

Sometimes the reactions I get aren’t help-ful (“Tell me Ken, how’s it feel to knowyou’re going to die?”). Sometimes, I findmyself rationalizing, explaining and revisitingissues and experiences more helpful and ofinterest to the party that asked the questionrather than to yours truly who’s now havingto answer the question. Not that I don’t wantto be helpful or have difficulty empathizing;nothing could be further from the truth.

It’s more that I don’t want to see theirexpressions/hear their apologies when theirinnocent question (“So what do you do?”)elicits an extremely unexpected answer. “Nottoo much. I have stage IV, non-small cell lungcancer.”

Then I have to decide how I involved Iwant to get them in my life. Since I’d just assoon not get them involved for all the reasonsI’ve outlined, usually I deflect their questionsand/or redirect them away from me and backto them. I don’t exactly shut them down. It’smore like a gentle closing. I’m not rude orthe least bit off-putting. I’m more like a trafficcop re-routing emotions to avoid any acci-dents – for all parties engaged.

My experience has been that respondingto an innocent question with a “I haveterminal-cancer”-type bombshell tends totake the conversation in an entirely differentdirection than likely intended. The serious-ness of my response/situation and the emo-tions – maybe even memories it stirs in theperson who asked the question, can hijack anevening and cause at least for a few minutesanyway, a rather dreary dynamic. All of whichI don’t want to happen and more so, don’tneed to happen. As a cancer patient, I don’tneed dreary. I don’t need pity. I don’t neednegativity. I need humor. I need encourage-ment and compliments. I need to be made tofeel, as Tony the Tiger might say: “Not justgood, but GREAT!”

When I assess my nine-plus years post-diagnosis; having lived now years beyond myoriginal “13 month to two-year” prognosis, Ican’t quite attribute my amazing good for-tune to anything in particular. However, I willadmit to this: trying not think about my diag-nosis/prognosis too much, trying to remainpositive, trying to be funny and self-effacing,and trying to avoid people and situationswhere I might feel bad, are all components.Are they working to keep me alive more thanthe medicine, my pills and my miscellaneousnon-Western alternatives are?

Yet another question or two I’d rather notanswer.

If Only It WereThat Simple

16 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ April 18-24, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com