entertainment, page 10 opinion, page 6 hundreds hunt for...

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Page, 8 Managing Stormwarer In Great Falls News, Page 4 Relocation Buyer Makes a Comeback Real Estate, Page 13 Hundreds Hunt for Easter Eggs in Great Falls News, Page 3 Several hundred people attended the Easter Egg Hunt in Great Falls at the Village Centre. online at www.connectionnewspapers.com April 17-23, 2019 Opinion, Page 6 v Entertainment, Page 10 v Classifieds, Page 14 Postal Customer ECR WSS Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material. Requested in home 4-18-19 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Easton, MD permit #322 Photo by Steve Hibbard/The Connection

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Page 1: Entertainment, Page 10 Opinion, Page 6 Hundreds Hunt for ...connectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/041719/Great Falls.pdf · the proceeds benefits them. Through the course of 35 years, the

Page, 8

Managing Stormwarer In Great FallsNews, Page 4

Relocation BuyerMakes a ComebackReal Estate, Page 13

Hundreds Hunt forEaster Eggs in Great Falls

News, Page 3

Several hundred people attended the Easter Egg Hunt in Great Falls at the Village Centre.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com April 17-23, 2019

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Page 2: Entertainment, Page 10 Opinion, Page 6 Hundreds Hunt for ...connectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/041719/Great Falls.pdf · the proceeds benefits them. Through the course of 35 years, the

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Page 3: Entertainment, Page 10 Opinion, Page 6 Hundreds Hunt for ...connectionarchives.com/PDF/2019/041719/Great Falls.pdf · the proceeds benefits them. Through the course of 35 years, the

Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsGreat Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

For the 35th year, AdelerJewelers held its annualEaster Egg Hunt on Sun-day, April 14, 2019, at

the Great Falls Village Centre inGreat Falls.

The place was packed with 500-800 enthusiastic children and theirfamilies, and the event featured9,000 eggs, of which 900 con-tained chocolate and gems —ranging from amethyst, citrine,garnets, pearls, and opals. Guestspaid $10 to attend, with proceedsbenefiting the Great Falls Opti-mists Club. There was also a springfestival on the Green with inflat-able rides, games, food, and, ofcourse, the Easter Bunny.

According to Jorge Adeler ofAdeler Jewelers: “This is intendedto open up human interaction. Wehave entertained probably 20,000children over the years. It’s a lotof work but it’s amazingly reward-

ing when in a minute and a half,if you time it from the moment thekids run until the moment youdon’t see an egg in the field — Ittakes two months of work, hun-dreds of hours, and it’s all gone ina minute and a half. It’s an incred-ible event,” he said.

Added Wendy Adeler Hall, VicePresident of Business Developmentat Adeler Jewelers: “We’ve beenhere in Great Falls since 1980. Andwe have been doing this festival for35 years. We partnered with theGreat Falls Optimist Club for over20 years now and 100 percent ofthe proceeds benefits them.Through the course of 35 years, thecommunity has been incrediblyinvolved. We had 25 communitysponsors this year. It’s become a fullcommunity event that’s supportedby the community.”

— Steve Hibbard

Village Centre event sponsored by Adeler Jewelers and Great Falls Optimist Club.

Hundreds Hunt for Easter Eggs in Great FallsSeveral hundred people attended the Easter Egg Hunt in Great Falls atthe Village Centre.

The Gonzalez family of Fairfax: Adrian and Martha with their kidsRebecca, 6, Andrea, 4, and David, 2.

Branden Beets, Tennis Director at Great Falls Swim and Tennis,hits the ball. Children jump in the Ninja Warrior Inflatable ride.

The start of the Great Falls Easter EggHunt at the Village Centre on Sunday, April14, 2019.

Lowell Sapp, 3 of Great Falls, displays herEaster basket at the Great Falls Easter EggHunt at the Village Centre on Sunday, April14, 2019.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/

The Connection

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4 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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See Stormwater, Page 13

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

Fairfax County staff were on hand at the En-vironment and Parks Committee of theGreat Falls Citizens Association’s April meet-ing at the Great Falls Library.

Committee co-chairs William Denk and KarenKeegan welcomed Bruce McGranahan, Director, SiteDevelopment and Inspections Division and CamylynLewis, Senior Engineer III, to discuss stormwaterministration.

The officials used a case-study approach to dem-onstrate how the county reviews and overseesstormwater quality treatment and quantity manage-ment.

McGranahan and Lewis presented slides showingthe application designs submitted by Verity Commer-cial and IntegraCare, partners in the project seekingto build a senior assisted living complex on WalkerRoad, across from Dante’s Italian restaurant.

McGranahan said that using a real-life example wasa better way to explain what can be “very complex,”even to an audience filled with well-informed indi-viduals, several of whom have backgrounds relatedto land use and environmental management. “With

all of the regulations, from both the state and thecounty, it can be hard to satisfy all of the issues.”

Lewis ran the slideshow, pointing out the changesin the developers’ applications to better addressstormwater runoff.

AS IT STANDS, the proposed Residences at ColvinRun have suggested an underground water treatment

Great Falls Citizens meetwith county onstormwater issues.

Managing Stormwater in Great Falls

Great Falls Citizens Association Environ-ment and Parks Committee co-chairKaren Keegan listens to a presentationby county staff on local stormwatermanagement. Later in the meeting,Keegan reported on the outcomes ofrelated legislation that had gone beforethe Virginia General Assembly.

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

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Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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News

By Gina Manning

Board Member, Safe Community Coali-

tion

Speaking to a crowd of more than250 at the McLean CommunityCenter Alden Theater on April 1,Lynn Lyons, LICSW and author of

“Anxious Kids Anxious Parents: 7 Ways toStop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageousand Independent Children” gave the audi-ence a delightful insight into the inner work-ings of anxiety and steps to prevent it fromtaking over families.

“Anxiety’s agenda is just two things: cer-tainty and comfort. That’s it,” said Lyons.“It’s not that complicated.”

Lyons says knowing the specific type orroot cause of anxiety ultimately doesn’tmatter.

“All anxiety will tell you the same thing,”she said, “Blah, blah, blah…and you can’thandle it.” The “blah, blah, blah” could beanything – a substitute teacher, an un-leashed dog, a fire drill, taking the SAT, try-ing a new food, fear of getting sick, etc.

Lyons stressed that anxiety has a geneticcomponent, with anxious parents up toseven times more likely to have an anxiouschild. But because there’s no anxiety gene,

how parents model be-haviors around anxietysets the tone. “Basically,if it’s nature it’s you. If it’snurture it’s you,” she saidto a laughing crowd ofparents and studentsfrom across McLean andthe surrounding area.

Research shows thatanxious children canlearn patterns of worryfrom parents. Parentswant the worry to goaway, so we reassure andarrange for things to runsmoothly. Yet the morewe try to accommodateand provide certainty, themore we inadvertently reinforce the fearand avoidance. “Reassurance is a bottom-less pit,” she stressed, but by embracing newstrategies we can alter the pattern.

In the beginning of treatment, she ex-plains how worry operates in the brain andbody. A trigger event causes the worriedthoughts that activate the brain’s “fight orflight” response. Chemicals are then se-creted that cause physical discomfort – nau-sea, sweating, headaches, shaking – which

makes us more worried and intensifies thephysical reactions, and the cycle repeats.When kids understand what’s happeninginside their brains and bodies, they are lessoverwhelmed by their thoughts and physi-cal sensations.

Parents can also help by sharing theirpersonal experiences to show children knowhow they manage their own anxiety orwhen they have had to go to Plan B. Thesesimple conversations can signal to anxious

children that adults are human too. “I hadto give a big presentation today. I was sonervous, but I…” models the process ofmanaging “normal” worry.

For families that need therapy, Lyons sayseffective treatment has a few key compo-nents – getting parents involved, havinghomework between sessions, and knowingthe goals.

For more about Lyons’ steps for manag-ing anxiety, visit the Safe Community Coa-lition website at mcleanscc.org.

Lyons’s visit to McLean was the highlightof the Safe Community Coalition’s yearlongfocus on anxiety in families. The SCC’s vi-sion is a community where youth learn tomake responsible decisions and where theyare safe, mentally and physically healthy,and free from alcohol and drug use. TheSCC offers programs for youth, parents, andthe community in collaboration with othercommunity sectors concerned about ouryouth: schools, parent/teacher associations,faith organizations, businesses, public safetyorganizations, the medical community, andcivic organizations.

The SCC is a tax-exempt non-profit orga-nization that is 100 percent funded by do-nations. See mcleanscc.org for more detailson how you can donate and get involved.

Lynn Lyons discusses youth anxiety in Safe Community Coalition annual event.

Practical Advice on Dealing with Youth Anxiety

Photo by Marion Meakem Photography

More than 250 people turned out at the AldenTheater Monday, April 1 to hear Lynn Lyons dis-cuss youth anxiety.

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6 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By Mary Supley

Fairfax for All

Fairfax County residents in deportationproceedings are not guaranteed ac-cess to free legal counsel. Accordingto Department of Justice data, such

legal representation dramatically increases thelikelihood that an individual will have a hear-ing, be released from detention, and be grantedrelief from deportation.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors isconsidering limited, temporary, one-time fund-ing for legal representation for county residentsin deportation proceedings. Without also en-acting a policy that ends the county’s volun-tary collaboration with ICE (U.S. Immigrationand Customs Enforcement), this proposal ismerely a band-aid that would offer assistanceto fewer than 1 percent of the people who needit. A band-aid on a wound that the Board ofSupervisors and Sheriff Stacey Kincaid deepenevery day as they put more people into the

arrest-to-deportation pipeline.Currently, more than 11,500 county residents

are in deportation proceedings. This is becauseFairfax County voluntarily collaborates withICE in the detention and deportation of its resi-dents and visitors. This collaboration harms mi-grants residing in Fairfax County and weak-ens our community. Every day that county lead-ership fails to act, more people live in fear andmore residents are detained. Data from Syra-cuse University’s TRAC program show thatFairfax County ranks 13th in the country forits compliance with voluntary detainer requestsissued by ICE (view data directly at bit.ly/de-tainer-compliance-rates).

While funding for legal representation wouldbe commendable, it’s not enough. By itself, thisproposal alone offers more comfort to the poli-ticians who want to appear to stand with ourimmigrant neighbors than it does to people vul-nerable to those politicians’ policies. Real andlasting change will only come by ending thecounty’s voluntary collaboration with ICE.

In late 2017, attorneys working in concertwith the Fairfax for All coalition drafted theOrdinance to Protect Equal Justice for All. Thiscountywide policy, which would end this rac-ist collaboration and create some equity for ourimmigrant neighbors, will:

1. Prohibit the county from being involvedin civil immigration enforcement;

2. Limit the collecting and sharing ofinformation with ICE;

3. Expand the list of documents that areacceptable as proof of identity; and

4. Establish permanent funding for legalrepresentation for county residents indeportation proceedings.

The complete ordinance can be read atfairfaxforall.org/pledge.

It is long past time for Board ChairmanSharon Bulova, the Board of Supervisors, Sher-iff Stacey Kincaid, and other officials to endthe county’s voluntary collaboration with ICE.A collaboration that furthers thecriminalization, incarceration, and deportationof valued Fairfax County families and commu-nity members.

Fairfax for All is a coalition of grassroots,civil rights, immigrant rights, and faith-basedorganizations dedicated to building sanctuaryin Fairfax County. Visit fairfaxforall.org.

Comprehensive change — not one-time funding— needed to support Fairfax County immigrantfamilies and community members.

Supporting Immigrant Families, Community

By Tarrence Taylor

Fairfax County resident and

employee

Frontline Fairfax County em-ployees work hard everyday to make our commu-

nity a better place for all people.We are nurses, educators, librar-

ians, first responders, parks staff,sanitation workers, engineers andmore. We are your friends, familyand neighbors. And we want whateveryone wants: the ability tomake a difference, financial secu-rity, and a better life for our kids.

Unfortunately, the proposedFairfax budget breaks the county’spromise to workers like me by notfunding the agreed-upon MarketRate Adjustment.

The Market Rate Adjustment issimilar to a cost-of-living adjust-ment (COLA), and it is intendedto help employees keep up withthe high cost of living in this area,as well as to keep up with ourneighboring counties. That’s whythe Board of Supervisors voted toadopt a pay plan which includes ayearly Market Rate Adjustment.

The agreed-upon formula saysthe MRA should be 2.51 percentthis year, but the proposed bud-get only offers 1 percent. That issimply not enough.

The Market Rate Adjustment isnot just a number to me. I’m thefather of seven wonderful chil-dren, and I’ve made a promise thatnothing will get in the way of themachieving a college education.That’s why I’ve worked hard myentire life.

However, if the county does notkeep its promise and fully fund theMarket Rate Adjustment, then Imay not be able to keep my prom-ise to my kids.

Not fully funding the MarketRate Adjustment also hurts thelocal families who use our servicesto get ahead, because it keeps usfrom recruiting and retaining thequality workforce we need.

We are losing good employeesevery day. Employees gain experi-ence and training here in Fairfax,and then leave for the surround-ing counties that pay more. Thatcosts us money and time, as weare forced to constantly train newemployees.

Fully funding the Market RateAdjustment will help keep the ex-perienced employees that we workhard to train, right here in FairfaxCounty, helping Fairfax Countyfamilies.

The Board of Supervisors has anopportunity to do something aboutthis. It is their job to make changes

Fully Fund the MRA toSupport Our Community

to the budget to ensure it meetsthe needs of our community.

Please join us in calling onChairman Sharon Bulova and theFairfax Board of Supervisors tofully fund the Market Rate Adjust-ment so that our community can

continue to be a wonderful placeto live, work and play.

Tarrence Taylor is a FairfaxCounty employee, resident and tax-payer, and a proud union memberof SEIU Virginia 512.

Notre Dame,Two Weeks AgoReston resident FranLovaas: This is how theiconic Notre Dame Cathe-dral looked from the mainplaza just two weeks ago.April 2, 2019.

Notre Dame,Two Weeks AgoReston resident FranLovaas: This is how theiconic Notre Dame Cathe-dral looked from the mainplaza just two weeks ago.April 2, 2019.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

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ADVERTISING:For advertising information

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Salome Howard-GaiblerDisplay Advertising

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Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

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Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

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Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

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Great Falls

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Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

See Great Outdoors, Page 11

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

When you think of Wolf TrapPark, the first things thatcome to mind are concerts,accompanied by a pleasant

picnic on the hillside lawn. Not everyoneremembers that the key word in its name ispark, but 66 young people got to experi-ence that side of the facility at the tenthedition of the Wolf Trap First Time Camp-ers Program, enjoying an over-nighter byspecial permit, in the otherwise no-camp-ing, no campfires park.

From Friday, April 5 until the afternoonof April 6, the youngsters were joined by55 youth and adult volunteers, who showedthe camping newbies how to pitch tents,set up a camp, and cook their own mealswith camp stoves and dutch ovens.

The First Time Campers outing waslaunched in 2014, combining the efforts ofthe Friends of Wolf Trap Park, Wolf TrapNational Park for the Performing Arts andlocal Scouts BSA volunteers from Troop 55and Venture Crew 364 of Great Falls. Twicea year, the goal is to offer local youngsters,some from Title 1 schools and lower incomefamilies, a fun-filled adventure practicallyin their own backyard – all while develop-ing new skills, new friendships, and gain-

ing a boost in self-confidence.Gary Pan is the program’s director. He also

heads Troop 55 as their Scoutmaster. Pansays that the 30-plus hour event is notstrictly for first-timers only. He’s happy toreport that several of the attendees are re-turning campers, having joined in one – ormore – of past campouts. “They have hadso much fun at previous camps, they wantto come back again.”

Pan may carry the title of camp directorduring these outings, but he is the first totell you that it’s his youth volunteers, likeLangley High-schooler JP Diaz, who are thebackbone of the event and who are “reallyin charge of the action.”

Diaz has been volunteering with the first-timers for several years.

“This a great experience,” said Diaz. “Mostof the volunteers here spend a lot of time

in the outdoors and it’s really great whenwe can share that with these campers andgive them a fun experience.”

Melinda Hauda of Great Falls, anotherLangley student and also a veteran of theprogram, heads the female campers’ sec-tion.

“We’re all pretty tired at the end of camp,”said Hauda. “But it’s really worth it. I loveseeing so many new faces and then a fewkids who were here before because they hadsuch a great time.”

Pan feels that seeing other young peopleconfidently running the show and keepingthings on track with that famous Scout pre-paredness and their impressive organizationskills, provides the rookie campers with re-latable role models.

The mixed-generational volunteer armyalso guided the campers in a variety of ac-tivities. There was fishing, hiking, bird-watching, archery, a nature program,orienteering and even a backstage tour ofthe Filene Center.

“More than performances around here,”reminded Ted Reuss, a Friends of Wolf TrapBoard member and one of the organizersof the Camp Out. “There are acres of acces-sible outdoor resources, too.”

Welcome to the Great Outdoors Sharing the experiencewith First Time Campers.

Photo courtesy of Gary Pan

Scoutmaster and Camp Director Gary Pan is all smiles with the gangfrom the Spring edition of the Wolf Trap First Time Campers Program.The campers had to deal with a bit of rain, but that didn’t keep newbiesand veterans alike from enjoying an activity-packed outdoor adventure.

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8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Elizabeth and Kent Hillegass noticed thattheir 6th grade son’s grades began to dropwhile the number of times they receivednotices from the school regarding his mis-

behavior had increased. He was also having chal-lenges socially.

“He was really unhappy, the other kids made funof him, he didn’t have any friends and to top it offhis grades were awful,” said Elizabeth. “I would lieawake at night crying because I felt helpless.”

After a series of neuropsychological tests, theHillegasses learned that their son had ADHD. Thetesting psychologist advised them to see an educa-tion consultant who helped them determine that aquiet school environment with small class sizes wouldbest suit their son’s needs. The Hillegasses ultimatelydecided to send their son to a private school with astudent-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.

“We’ve always been supporters of public education,but the class sizes and noisy environment were toooverwhelming for him,” said Kent. “It was like hewas lost and unable to focus when he was at school.He couldn’t sit still and pay attention in classes andwas always getting into trouble, which made himfeel ostracized, like he was the bad kid in school.”

A parent’s decision to move a child from public toprivate school can be based on factors that run thegamut from smaller class sizes to tuition that cancost as much as $50,000 annually. Although it’s achoice that should not be taken lightly, there are signsthat it might be time to make the change if it’s pos-sible, say education consultants.

“I suggest to parents that they focus on the needsof their child, not on the prestige that they think aprivate school holds or the sticker on the back ofyour car that lets everyone know that your child at-tends a certain school,” said Kim Hardy who was theeducation consultant to the Hillegass family. “There’sa range of factors that parents should take into con-sideration.”

The first, advises Hardy, is whether their child is

happy and well adjusted. “If a child is bored or frus-trated at school, not just because their grades aren’tgood and they’ve given up, but there are also caseswhere students are making straight As without mucheffort and are bored because they aren’t being chal-lenged.”

When the accommodations that a school can offerdon’t meet the needs of one’s child, that’s anotherclue that a change is necessary, suggests Arlington-based education consultant Rita Fetters.

“Some children need to be in a classroom with alow student teacher ratio so that teachers have timeto redirect students who have trouble staying fo-cused,” she said. “Other students need a lot of exer-cise and outdoor activity to release energy so thatthey can focus better in class. Public schools maynot be able to offer that.”

The Heights in Potomac, Md. builds activity andexercise into each school day including outdoor re-cess and a challenging physical education programthat not only releases energy, but teaches importantlife skills.

Fetters says some parents make the change becausethey want specialized opportunities that a publicschool might not offer.

“If religious education is important to a family, thatis certainly one reason to leave a public school,” shesaid. “If a family wants their child to be involved inpublic service beyond what is required to graduate,they might choose a private school that has commu-nity service built in to the curriculum.”

One such school is is St. Stephen’s and St. AgnesSchool (SSSAS) in Alexandria, Va. “Our school of-fers religion classes and weekly chapels,” said MandiSapp of SSSAS. “We also have a ton of service-learn-ing opportunities that students ... do throughout theyear, including global service trips offered in Middleand Upper School. We have done a lot of work withALIVE (ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically) in Al-exandria.”

If a child is unhappy and asks repeatedly to changeschools, Fetters believes that is a reason to give seri-ous consideration to academic switch.

“At the end of the day, parents have to take a long,hard look at their child and their family, “ Fetterssaid. “They have to find the best school for their fam-ily, not the one that’s most prestigious or most popu-lar. Does what the school offers as a whole align withyour family’s values and your child’s needs. Whetherit’s public or private, that’s what a parent must de-termine.”

Signs that a public schoolisn’t meeting yourchild’s needs.

Making the Leap fromPublic to Private School

Opportunities forcommunity serviceand/or religiouseducation are some ofthe reasons thatparents might con-sider switching achild from public toprivate school.

Photo courtesy SSSAS

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Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

brought to you by the Great Falls Area Ministries

brought to you by the Great Falls Area Ministries

Good Friday Service: The Seven Last Words of

Christ from the Cross

Sunrise Easter Service

Sunday, April 21st @ 6:30 am

Great Falls Park 9200 Old Dominion Drive

McLean, VA 22102

Easter

Catherine Hong, 3 of McLean, displays herEaster basket at the Great Falls Easter EggHunt at the Village Centre on Sunday, April14, 2019.

Ivanka Abela, 7 of Ashburn, hits the levi-tating ball.

Lauren and EmilyMarinak of Alex-andria pose withthe Easter Bunny.

Children playin the MoonBounce.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/

The Connection

More photosfrom the GreatFalls Easter EggHunt at theVillage Centre onSunday, April 14,2019.

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10 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

ONGOINGArt Exhibit: “Taking Territory.”

Through June 1, gallery hours atMPA@ChainBridge, 1446 ChainBridge Road, McLean. TakingTerritory: New Works by SusanGoldman, Barbara Kerne, EveStockton and Patricia Underwood,features pieces that mine many of thetechniques employed by artistsworking in printmaking today. Anopening reception is set for April 11,7-9 p.m. Visit mpaart.org for more.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 19-20“Ripcord.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. at

the Vienna Community Center, 120Cherry St., SE, Vienna. The ViennaTheatre Company’s production ofRipcord centers on retirement homeroommates, Abby and Marilyn, whomix together about as well as oil andwater, getting into Odd Couple-esquesituations. Tickets are $14 atviennava.gov/webtrac or in person atthe Vienna Community Center.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Nottoway Park Egg Hunt. 9:30 a.m.-

12:30 p.m. at 9537 Courthouse Rd,Vienna. BYOB (bring your ownbasket) for the annual family EggHunt. Children ages 1-9 will hunt forcandy and eggs filled with treats, windoor prizes and greet the Easterbunny. Separate hunts and doorprizes by age group. Egg HuntSchedule: ages 1-2, 10:30 a.m.; ages3-4, 11 a.m.; ages 5-6, 11:30 a.m.;ages 7-9, 12 p.m. $10 per child (cashonly). Registration from 9:30-11:45a.m. in the Hunter House parking lot.Call 703-324-8569 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nottoway-park/egg-hunt/042019.

Spring Fest. 10 a.m.-noon at McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 InglesideAve., McLean. For ages 3-8. Celebratethe changing of seasons with self-guided arts and crafts,entertainment, and the opportunityfor children to get a photo withBunny (bring a camera orsmartphone for photos). Bring anEaster basket for the Parent/ChildEaster Egg Hunt (10 eggs per child).Activity No. 4501.319. $5 per person;children under 36 months are free.Registration in advance is requiredfor all participants. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

SUNDAY/APRIL 21Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon at

Vienna American Legion Post 180,330 Center St., N. Vienna. Getomelets, scrambled eggs, blueberrypancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuitsand gravy and more. Adults $10,children 12 and under $4. Call 703-938-6580.

MONDAY/APRIL 22Ayr Hill Garden Club. 12:45- 3 p.m.

at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589Chain Bridge Road, Vienna. The AyrHill Garden Club welcomes all to itsmonthly gathering, featuring botanyprofessor and past National ScienceFoundation Director Carl Taylor,

Ph.D, presenting Ferns In TheLandscape. Free and open to thepublic. Email [email protected].

TUES-WEDNESDAY/APRIL 23-24Omara Portuondo’s “Last Kiss”

Tour. 8 p.m. at The Barns at WolfTrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.Omara Portuondo, legendary Cubandiva and original member of thefamed Buena Vista Social Club,comes to North America as part of

her worldwide “Last Kiss” farewelltour. $50-$65. Visitwww.wolftrap.org for tickets.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 24“Dining with Dorothy.” 12:30 p.m.

at Culinaria Cooking School, 110Pleasant St NW, Vienna. Join withfriends or make new ones.Newcomers are always welcome.Limited space available. $30 perperson in advance. Reserve spacewith event chair, Dorothy Flood [email protected].

Holy Happy Hour Recital Series.6:15 p.m. at Lewinsville PresbyterianChurch, 1724 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Featuring Michael Lodico,Director of Music at St. John’sLafayette Square Episcopal Church inWashington, D.C., the 30-minutemusical offering will be followed bywine, hor d’oeuvres and fellowship.Free and open to the public; a goodwill offering to support the musicdepartment will be taken. Visitwww.Lewinsville.org or call 703-356-7200.

THURSDAY/APRIL 2520 Years in the Secret Service.

7:30-9 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library,101 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. MeetRebecca Vaughn, former Viennaresident and the daughter of theauthor, Rufus Youngblood, as shetalks about his story, a personalizedjourney through history from theunique perspective of a SecretService agent who protected five USpresidents. Books available for saleand signing. Free. Call 703-938-0405ibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/4808596.

FRIDAY/APRIL 26McLean Art Society Meeting. 10

a.m.-noon at the Mclean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave.Featuring local artist Gavin Glakaswho will bring his own model anddemonstrate portraiture. Guests arewelcome. Call 703 790-0123.

Longfellow Trivia Night. 6-8 p.m. atLongfellow Middle School LectureHall. 2000 Westmoreland St., FallsChurch. Relay For Life of Langley-McLean will be hosting a trivia nightwith all proceeds going to theAmerican Cancer Society. Food anddrinks will be available for purchase.Parents and children are bothwelcome. $5. [email protected].

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 26-28“Ripcord.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.;

Sunday, 2 p.m. at the ViennaCommunity Center, 120 Cherry St.,SE, Vienna. The Vienna TheatreCompany’s production of Ripcordcenters on retirement homeroommates, Abby and Marilyn, whomix together about as well as oil andwater. Tickets are $14 atviennava.gov/webtrac or in person atthe Vienna Community Center.

SATURDAY/APRIL 27Plant Sale. 8 a.m.-noon on the lawn of

Freeman House, Vienna. Hosted byFive HIlls Garden Club, there will bea variety of plants for sale and eachwill be labeled as to its requirementsfor care. The labels will includewhether they are deer or othercritters resistant. There will also begardening items for sale.

Outdoor Classroom RibbonCutting. 10 a.m. at Riverbend Park,8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Anew outdoor education shelter iscoming to Riverbend Park. Theoutdoor classroom/picnic sheltermeasures 22 x 44 feet and can bereserved by the public. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Live Music: Justin Roberts & theNot Ready For Naptime Players.10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. atJammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. Three-time GRAMMYNominated Justin Roberts has beencrafting songs for kids and parentsthat navigate the joys and sorrows ofgrowing up. All ages. $12-$15. Call

703-255-1566 or visitwww.jamminjava.com for more.

Blake Lane Park AwarenessCelebration. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. atBlake Lane Park, 10033 Blake Lane,Oakton. A fun-filled day for friendsand family with games, nature walk(at noon), theater games and art,face painting and information to helpsave Blake Lane Park. Bring a snackor baked goods to share (optional).Free. RSVP at www.eventbrite.com/e/blake-lane-park-awareness-celebration-tickets-59287038127.

8th Annual Taste of Vienna. 11a.m.-8 p.m. at the Vienna Fire House,400 Center St. S., Vienna. Presentedby the Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment. Admission is free; buyfood directly from individualvendors. Beer and wine tickets areavailable online. Proceeds from Tasteof Vienna directly benefit the ViennaVolunteer Fire Department. Visitwww.TasteOfVienna.com.

Gala to Support Local Youth. 6-11p.m. at Hilton McLean, 7920 JonesBranch Drive, Tysons Corner. ChefsTobias Dorzon, Nicholas Pine, andKaimana Chee and Food Stylist LisaCherkasky are ready to demonstratetheir cooking skills with studentsduring PHILLIPS Programs forChildren and Families’ annual SpringForward Savoring Success Gala. Thegala includes live and silent auctions,raffles, dinner, and dancing. Cookingdemos from 6-7:45 p.m. Tickets startat $200 (and $175 for youngprofessionals). Visitwww.phillipsprograms.org/events.

“Enchanted Forest” Joy Prom.6:30-8:30 p.m. at Centreville BaptistChurch, 15100 Lee Hwy, Centreville.Similar to Tim Tebow’s “Night toShine,” this is a free event for all whoregister and intended to be a night offun for the special needs communityas well as a time of respite forfamilies and caregivers. Local youthare volunteering to be coupled withparticipants as “buddies” throughoutthe night’s activities. Registration isopen to all ages 13 and up, but notlimited to high school students. Visitwww.cbcva.org/joyprom.

Salute Local Superheroes. 7:30 p.m.at the Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S.,Vienna. Area residents nominatedtheir Vienna superhero – someonewho goes out of their way to servethe community or is simply a goodneighbor – to receive recognition forhis or her good deeds at MayorLaurie DiRocco’s VolunteerReception. The Town BusinessLiaison Committee will present theCarole Wolfand Award to a businessthat consistently shines by providingsupport and service to thecommunity. Visit viennava.gov/volunteers.

SUNDAY/APRIL 28Blood Drive. 7:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church,1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Sponsored by Inova Fairfax Hospital.Prefereance is for participants to signup at www.lewinsville.org/event-items/blood-drive/. Walk-ins willalso be welcome. Bring a photo ID.Free. Visit www.lewinsville.org orcall 703-356-7200.

Spring Tea Charity Fundraiser. 1-3p.m. at River Bend Golf & CountryClub. The Great Falls Friends &Neighbors Scholarship Fund Boardhosts their Spring Tea Charityfundraiser. Wear Sunday best andhats. Open to the public. 12 andolder, $40; children 0-11, $20. $10from each ticket is tax-deductible.Visit www.gffnsf.org for raffle andevent tickets.

Walk on the Hill. 2-5 p.m. in theWindover Heights’ neighborhood ofVienna. Hosted by residents in thehistoric Windover Heights Districtand Historic Vienna, Inc., visitors areinvited to stroll through many of thedistrict’s gardens. This year marks the40th anniversary of the WindoverHeights Historic District, which wasestablished April 2, 1979. The AyrHill Garden Club is celebrating its90th anniversary, and the ViennaArts Society will mark its 50thanniversary. Walk on the Hill is freeand open to the public. Windoverresidents will provide punch andcookies. Rain or shine.viennava.gov/hillmap.

Ayr Hill Garden Club. 2-5 p.m. atWalk on the Hill, 307 Windover Ave.,NW, Vienna. The Ayr Hill GardenClub’s photography show during the2019 Walk on the Hill, celebratingtheir 90th Anniversary, will featureflora and fauna photos from clubmembers as well as guest exhibitionssubmitted by students from MadisonHigh School. Free and open to thepublic. Email [email protected].

TUESDAY/APRIL 30Historic House & Garden Tour in

McLean. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. withheadquarters at Trinity UnitedMethodist Church, 1205 DolleyMadison Blvd., McLean. Tour fiveprivate properties: a 1754 home withties to the Revolution, an 1842 home,a contemporary Japanese influencedhome with terraced gardens, and aTuscan inspired villa. Visitgardencluboffairfax.blogspot.com orwww.vagardenweek.org. Advancetickets $40 online; $50 day of tour.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 3-5“Ripcord.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.;

Sunday, 2 p.m. at the ViennaCommunity Center, 120 Cherry St.,SE, Vienna. The Vienna TheatreCompany’s production of Ripcordcenters on retirement homeroommates, Abby and Marilyn, whomix together about as well as oil andwater. Tickets are $14 atviennava.gov/webtrac or in person atthe Vienna Community Center.

Calendar

Nottoway Park Egg HuntBYOB (bring your own basket) for the annual family Egg Hunt. Children ages 1-9 will hunt for candy and eggs filled with

treats, win door prizes and greet the Easter bunny. Separate hunts and door prizes by age group. Saturday, April 20, 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 9537 Courthouse Rd, Vienna. Egg Hunt Schedule: ages 1-2, 10:30 a.m.; ages 3-4, 11 a.m.; ages 5-6, 11:30a.m.; ages 7-9, 12 p.m. $10 per child (cash only). Registration from 9:30-11:45 a.m. in the Hunter House parking lot. Call703-324-8569 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nottoway-park/egg-hunt/042019.

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Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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From Page 7

News

Reuss puts his angling and outdoor knowledge touse by co-leading the campers in the fly-fishing ac-tivity along with Ryan McCarron, a volunteer fromOrvis, the sporting goods, accessories and clothingretailer.

It does take a lot of help to organize and safelyoperate a First Time Camp. In addition to the effortsof Troop 55 and Venture Crew 364, The Friends ofWolf Trap, Wolf Trap Park and the Park Service andthe Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Pan says a shout-out is definitely due to the Great Falls Rotary Club,Orvis of Tysons, Paxton Companies, Panacea Con-

sulting, BOWA, Meadowlark Gardens Master Garden-ers and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia.

“They not only make this adventure possible, theymake it a true learning experience all while having fun.”

Thinking about pitching (or learning to pitch) yourtent at the next First Time Campers outing at WolfTrap Park? It is scheduled for Oct. 4-5, 2019. Checkout the website at www.firsttimecampers.org or sendan inquiry to [email protected]

Scouting experience is definitely not required, noris there any obligation to join scouting after the event.

“We just want to give some kids a great time and agreat experience,” is all that Pan and his troops areaiming for.

To the Editor:If you are opposed to Fairfax

County using your taxes to payfor the legal defense of illegalaliens you must register yourthoughts with your FairfaxCounty Supervisor before thebudget is approved in May. Con-tact Dranesville District Super-visor John Foust at 703-356-0551 or [email protected] starting point.

US citizens of the Common-wealth of Virginia are not en-titled to use this fund. It is yetanother confiscation of tax

money that demonstrates a com-plete lack of focus and care for thebasic needs and interests ofCounty residents.

Every new program that the Su-pervisors contrive and approveequates to an increase in yourproperty taxes or other fees. Is thishow you want your tax dollarsspent? Fairfax County appears tobe more interested in creating anempire that you and I are payingto maintain whether we like it ornot. Property taxes are reaching abreaking point and it is not aboutfinding new sources of revenue sothe County Government can keep

expanding. Supervisor Foustsays it is about priorities out ofone side of his mouth and outof the other side he adamantlysupports this voracious appetiteto spend. Don’t let the Board ofSupervisors take advantage ofour own lack of interest in read-ing the County Budget.

Time to go on the record andget aligned around what reallymatters and to conduct a zero-based budget review and re-build from there.

Ethel PascalGreat Falls

Tax Money Confiscated?Letters to the Editor

Welcome to the Great OutdoorsPhoto courtesy of Gary Pan

Fly-fishing was one ofthe activities on theFirst Time CampersProgram itinerary. Itlooks like Jean LucaSerrano Ramos, a fifthgrader from MasonCrest Elementary inAnnandale, has mas-tered the techniquestaught by Friends ofWolf Trap Boardmember Ted Reussand Ryan McCarronfrom retailer Orvis.

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12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

• Great Falls Creamery

• Elan Magazine

• Old Brogue Restaurant

• Rossen Landscaping

• Stephen Dulaney

State Farm Insurance

• SAB Lawn and Landscaping

• Linda Thompson Realtor

• Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

• Brix Restaurant

• Mile High Karate

• Great Falls Village Centre

• Jan and Dan Laytham and

Dianne Van Volkenburg Realtors

• Main Street Bank

• Great Falls Eyecare/Dr. Runke

• Great Falls Swim and Tennis

• Loebig Chiropractic

• Astro Jump

• Megawatts

• Great Falls Exxon

• Deli Italiano

• John Nugent & Sons

• Sandy Spring Bank

• Falls Beauty and Day Spa

• ARIA Yoga and Wellness Center

• Great Falls Dentistry

• Mina’s School of Great Falls

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A special thanks to Krops Crops

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Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Real Estate

By Karen Briscoe

First quarter 2019 went outlike a lion on March 31 withbreezy weather in NorthernVirginia. The real estate

market behaved similarly at the end of the first threemonths of the new year. The numbers have been tal-lied for real estate sales in McLean and Great Fallsand indicate down year over year by 14 percent, 183compared to 214. The good news is the market hasconsiderably improved over 2009, a decade ago,which totaled only 108. The market shifts are likelydue to several factors.

In many price segments inventory levels are lowrelative to demand. This is particularly the case at thelower price points. In these market dynamics, buyersare faced with several options: raise their purchaseprice range, make concessions, or wait until morechoices became available. There are those that sit onthe sidelines, putting their move on hold in hopes thatprices will soon be in line with their purchasing powerand/or for more homes to become available.

Interest rates have remained steady and in somecases are back to historic lows. As interest rates rise,buyer’s purchasing power is affected. There can be

a positive market impact as buyers have urgency topurchase and lock in their interest rate.

All brackets have improved considerably in compari-son to the 2009 market a decade ago. The communi-ties inside the beltway continue to remain the stron-gest due to the most housing type options and prox-imity to DC metro center. Outside the beltway McLeanzip code of 22102 offers both condos in the Tysonsmarket as well as estate style houses on large lots. Thatarea has experienced either flat demand and in somecases is a bit down year over year. The 22066 GreatFalls zip code remains generally steady year over year.

As we move into the spring real estate selling sea-son of 2019, there are strong indications that homespriced well and in good condition will settle for solidprices. As demand continues to remain strong rela-tive to supply, some market segments may experi-ence price appreciation.

The relocation buyer is making a comeback to theNorthern Virginia market area. McLean and GreatFalls are top choices of communities in the metroregion for schools, restaurants, culture, shopping,parks and other amenities.

Home buyers in the area can still purchase withthe confidence that purchasing in an up market cyclefrequently proves advantageous over time. For homesellers — now is the time to work with professionalagent if 2019 is your year to make a move.

Karen Briscoe with HBC Group at Keller Williams is anactive and experienced Realtor® in the Northern Virginiamarket place. Karen, alongside her partner Lizzy Conroy andteam, works with sellers, buyers, investors and builders in allprice ranges. www.HBCGroupKW.com, 703-734-0192,[email protected].

First quarter update forMcLean, Great FallsReal Estate Market.

Relocation Buyer Makes a Comeback

best management practice. The plan in-cludes a two-step filtering process.

“This [rather than dry ponds or otherstormwater mitigation systems] allowstreatment of more water for quality, andmore control over water release – quan-tity,” Lewis said.

Lewis also noted that the developerswere working to limit runoff to 10 per-cent less than if the site were to remainin its original, forested state. The under-ground water system also allows forlandscaping and space to plant barriertrees between the complex and neigh-boring residences and commercial prop-erties.

The duo from the county fielded ques-tions a-plenty, particularly over thecounty’s average rainfall measurementstandards for stormwater works, whichraised concerns among several commit-tee members. Using a 1 inch of waterstandard for their calculations, whenaverages in the last 15 years have risento 2.8 inches, “seems like we’re workingfrom a false premise,” was one member’sobservation.

Lewis and McGranahan acknowledgedthat there was work to be done. “We areaware [of the discrepancies and need toupdate data], but we are still workingon what to do,” said Lewis. The relevant

manuals are being updated by the county,and officials are working on plans to holdindividual residences more accountable forwater flow, as well.

Any assistance would be welcomed,stated Great Falls Citizens Association presi-dent, Bill Canis, who brought up the fre-quent, hazardous flooding from ponds nearmajor roadways. “Georgetown Pike experi-ences these conditions in several places,”Canis said. “Whose responsibility is this?Who do we go to?”

After some discussion and more con-sideration, McGranahan suggested thatresidents contact the Virginia Depart-ment of Transportation to address theroadway flooding.

Keegan was able to give the attendees anupdate on the recently concluded sessionof the Virginia General Assembly in regardsto the fate of environment-related legisla-tion of particular interest to Great Falls citi-zens.

“There is some good news to report,” saidKeegan. Legislation supported by Del.Kathleen Murphy (D-34) was passed, man-dating that property sellers have to put po-tential buyers on notice about stormwatersystems and issues on a site for sale.

“It’s a good start and a win for consumerrights.”

KEAGAN AND COLLEAGUES were dis-appointed, however, that a bill to give indi-

vidual localities authority to pass theirown regulations on fertilizer usage didnot fare as well, getting hung up in com-mittee in the House of Delegates.

“We learned some hard lessons,” ac-knowledged Keegan, “a lot about the leg-islative process in Richmond. We have aplan for next year,” she said, which in-cludes building a collaborate coalition ofexperts and stakeholders to draft theirown proposed legislation and then work-ing to shepherd the measure through thepolitical process.

“That’s better than someone whodoesn’t know the issues or the local im-pact just throwing it out there.”

There were updates given on theTurner Farm curator’s property – “Thereare horses in the paddock once againthere!” – and some discussion about theprospects of the Dranesville Tavern his-toric property on Route 7 as it hasmoved up a bit in the curator programqueue.

The planned discussion on the environ-mental perspective on noise from DullesAirport and county consideration of de-velopment in the “noise zone” was post-poned, but before the meeting concluded,residents were reminded about the May18 Town Hall meeting on wildlife man-agement in the area, and another TownHall planned for June 11, with state Sen.Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Murphy.

From Page 4

Stormwater Issues Revisited

At the table – Bruce McGranahan, Director, Site Development and Inspec-tions Division for Fairfax County, and Camylyn Lewis, Senior Engineer IIIdiscuss stormwater management, using case-study with a current devel-opment application in Great Falls.

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

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14 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

The Great Falls Senior Centerspeaker for May 21 will be CaroleHerrick, Historian for McLean.Herrick is involved in many commu-nity groups and has been past presi-dent of the McLean Historical Soci-ety, McLean Chapter of AARP andFriends of the McLean CommunityCenter. She has served nine years onthe governing board of McLean Com-munity Center and also co-chaired theMcLean and Great Falls Celebrate Vir-ginia. She has authored seven booksfocusing on the history of McLean.Herrick was also a nationally rankedtennis player and played at Wimbledon twice. Inaddition, Herrick holds national age group recordsin running and is a Dolly Madison re-enactor. Herrickhas received the Heartbeat of Rotary Award and

Carole Herrick to Speak at GFSC EventFriends of the McLean CommunityCenter award.

Her topic will be “The Sleeping Sen-tinel,” a Vermont private who fellasleep while guarding Chain Bridgeduring the Civil War.

The May 21 event will be held atthe Great Falls United MethodistChurch, 10100 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.and includes lunch to be provided bythe Great Falls United MethodistWomen; a donation of $10.00 perlunch will be welcomed and appreci-ated. Reservations are required; email

Polly Fitzgerald at [email protected] or call 703-759-4345. Celebrate Great Falls is the sponsor andis committed to keeping the spirit and traditions alivethat make Great Falls such a special place to live .

The BASIS Independent McLean(BIM) MATHCOUNTS team placedfirst in the MATHCOUNTS statechampionships in Richmond re-cently; this is BIM’s third time par-ticipating and winning in the an-nual statewide MATHCOUNTScompetition. BASIS IndependentMcLean MATHCOUNTS winnersinclude Sam Wang (grade 8) infirst place and Ethan Zhou (grade8) in second place. Brian Lai(grade 8) and Max Yan (grade 7)also competed with the BIMMATHCOUNTS team. The team istrained by Coach Tyler Sullivan.MATHCOUNTS state championshead to the 2019 RaytheonMATHCOUNTS National Compe-tition in Orlando, Fla. on May 11to May 14, 2019. For more infor-mation on BASIS IndependentMcLean, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com.

The Virginia StateMATHCOUNTS team heading tothe National MATHCOUNTS Com-petition in Orlando, Fla. will becomposed of the top four state in-dividual winners and will becoached by BIM’s Tyler Sullivan.

McLean Students Win State,Head to National Competition

BIM Mathcounts Coach Tyler Sullivan and his daughterwith BIM students: Sam Wang, Brian Lai, Max Yang,Ethan Zhou.

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Great Falls Connection ❖ April 17-23, 2019 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Thankfully I woke up today (duh!) – without the crushing, incapacitating fatigue that I woke up with two weeks ago, post-my-last-immuno-therapy infusion.

As I have written previously, I did not alert my oncologist to my bedridden status then or since as I have been trying not to worry that I had crossed some Rubicon-type line concerning my treatment and its side/straight-on effects. Appar-ently, and I will continue to believe (cling to this belief) that my inability to get out of bed two Sat-urdays ago was indeed an aberration rather than an actualization, of life in this new Kenny lane.

So here I sit at my desk writing away, fully dressed, teeth-brushed and clean-shaven, all by 8:15 am, pill-popping as I go.

-moned the strength to extricate myself from un-der the covers to get dressed and attempt to walk downstairs and restart my day (I had gotten up earlier to feed our cats breakfast and give Chino his insulin shot), “The clock on the wall” (clock radio, actually), to quote George Thorogood, said 3:53 p.m. (And other than bathroom breaks, that was all I could muster in the nine hours since I woke up at 7 a.m.)

No pain, just zero energy. It was almost as if I was paralyzed.

Writing back to the present, anticipating this morning, I’ve been a bit apprehensive the last few days – fearful that when I awoke today, I would

considering a new reality in my cancer existence. When my eyes popped open at 6:30 this

morning, I was grateful (as my father used to say: “Any day that I wake up is a good day”) and relieved that when I raised my right arm to roll back the covers, I did so with relative normalcy; and even more relieved when I was able to swing my legs out from underneath the covers and

getting my bearings. Before too long (maybe 30 seconds or so), and after a few deep breaths, I

any further adieu. Although I hadn’t taken any Rolaids: “Oh, what a relief it is!”

Dare I say then it will be a normal day, up and at ‘em with nary a hint of fatigue in the forecast.

Rain, however, is in the forecast and given the date on the calendar: April 13, 2019, I have to face an even greater challenge than the fatigue I experienced two weeks ago: clothes shopping.

well as some upgraded good-looking casual attire which my wife, Dina will approve and that Kenny’s budget will tolerate, as I’ll be attending a family wedding and rehearsal dinner beginning May 3, 2019.

One more concern: my weight. It’s not good. It’s the talking-scale-joke-will-one-of-you-please-get-off, bad. But I have no choice. Today’s the day (for availability reasons) or it will be “Good night, Irene.” Is there a tent sale going on anywhere?

You know, now that I think about it – and feel it, I may be feeling a little fatigue.

Maybe it’s not the best day to be trying on

the manual dexterity to be in and out of dressing rooms, up and down while in them and back and forth to the clothing racks with shoes, slacks, shirts and suits?

What if today is another day in my life – which seemingly began at birth, where I spent hours in the “Husky”/”Portly” departments at Jordon Marsh, Filene’s Basement and Kennedy’s

AGAIN? Granted, it wasn’t cancer then as it is now, but for an overweight young boy, it was

me for life as a serial-clothes-shopping-hater.Got to go. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.

As It IsHappening

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon,at least two weeks before event.

THROUGH SUNDAY/APRIL 21Holy Week and Easter Worship. St. John’s

Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike,McLean. Visit www.stjohnsmclean.org or call703-356-4902.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18: noon and 6:30p.m. Holy Eucharist

❖ Good Friday, April 19: noon-3 p.m. The Three-Hour Service and 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy

❖ Holy Saturday, April 20: 10 a.m. Prayers forHoly Saturday

❖ Easter Day, April 21: 6 a.m. Sunrise Service,7:30, 9, and 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, and5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Holy Week and Easter. Holy Comforter, 543Beulah Road NE, Vienna. Visitwww.holycomforter.com or call 703-938-6521.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18 - 7:30 p.m. The“Mandatum” and Holy Eucharist

❖ Good Friday, April 19 - 12:10 p.m. The Way ofthe Cross; 7:30 p.m. The Liturgy of Good Friday

❖ Holy Saturday, April 20 - 9:30 a.m. HolySaturday Prayers

❖ Easter Sunday, April 21 - 7:30, 9, and 11:15a.m. Holy Eucharist; 10:10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

THURSDAY/APRIL 18Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Memory Cafe. 2-4 p.m. at Andrew Chapel UnitedMethodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna.Connect with others living with loved ones withdementia. Helping those with dementia andtheir caregivers find fun, resources and “family.”Email Carol Blackwell at [email protected] orcall at 571-236-6933.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/APRIL 18-20Holy Week Services. At Lewinsville Presbyterian

Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Lewinsville Presbyterian Church invites thesurrounding community to mark Holy Weekwith worship services. Free and open to thepublic. Visit www.lewinsville.org for more.

❖ Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. withthe Rev. Scott Ramsey preaching. ❖ GoodFriday, April 19, noon and 7:30 p.m.

❖ Easter Vigil, April 20, 7:30 p.m. The Rev.Annamarie Groenenboom will preach at bothGood Friday and Easter Vigil services.

FRIDAY/APRIL 19Good Friday Service. Noon-2:30 p.m. at 9220

Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Great Falls AreaMinistries celebrates Good Friday Service: TheSeven Last Words of Christ from the Cross. Visitfacebook.com/pages/category/Organization/Great-Falls-Area-Ministries-399361921208/.

Application Deadline. Leadership Fairfax is nowaccepting applications for its premierprofessional leadership development programs –Leadership Fairfax Institute and EmergingLeaders Institute. The 10-month programs beginSeptember 2019. Classes meet once a monthand participants work outside of class with acohort to plan and implement projects. Theprograms build participant knowledge ofcommunity topics, legislative processes,leadership assessments, and strategicinteractions. Limited scholarships available.Applications are due April 19. Call 703-752-7555 or visit leadershipfairfax.org.

SATURDAY/APRIL 20Holy Meditation Retreat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unity

of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. HolySaturday Meditation Retreat: Spend the day innoble silence, meditating and creating a space tobe still and listen. Donations accepted. Registerat unityoffairfax.org/events.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 20-21Easter Mass. Saturday – 8 p.m.; Sunday – 7 a.m.,

8, 9:30 (Church), 9:45 (Chapel), 11:15(Church), 11:30 (Chapel); and 1 p.m. (Spanish)at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church,8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna. All are welcome.Call 703-896-7412 or visit www.olgcva.org.

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