great falls 041118 cover.indd - the connection...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com April 11-17, 2018

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Confusion, Anger, Agenda Diffi culties News, Page 3

First Quarter Market ‘Softer’ Than in 2017Real Estate, Page 5

‘Evita’ at Saxon StageEntertainment, Page 9

HomeLifeStylePage 7

Jessica Peros as Eva Perón in Langley

High production of ‘Evita.’ Performances

begin on Thursday, April 19 through

Saturday, April 21 and continue on

Thursday, April 26 through Saturday, April 28, at 7 p.m.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 11-17, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Retail • Office Space • Available for Lease • 703-759-2485 • [email protected]

The HEART Of The Great FallsCommunity & Proud Location

Of The Following Events:

Follow us on Facebook for event announcements!Facebook.com/GreatFallsVillageCentre

SHOP GREAT FALLS!Great Falls Village Centrewww.GreatFallsVillageCentre.com

Easter Egg Hunt4th of July Parade

Concerts on the GreenHalloween Spooktackular

Celebration of LightsCars and CoffeeFarmers Market

Photos by Walt Lawrence

Adeler Jewelers...............................703-759-4076AdGen Telecom..............................703-757-6757Allstate Insurance/Doug White.........703-759-7700Aquarian LLC .................................. 703-438-8838Artists on the Green.........................703-609-3092Arts of Great Falls ............................703-232-1575Capital Realty Services ................... 703-759-4900Dent Asset Management.................703-286-7555Dr. C. Ayers ..................................... 703-757-6445Executive Suites at Great Falls .........703-865-2500Federated Realty. ........................... 703-454-8835Georgetown Learning Centers ........ 703-759-3624Great Falls Creamery. .....................703-272-7609Great Falls Cycle Studio..................703-585-5631Great Falls Family Dentistry..............703-759-4707Greenheart Juice Shop...................703-759-2126H2O Pools ....................................... 703-250-5585Jinny Beyer Studio...........................703-759-0250John Nugent and SonPlumbing & Heating........................703-291-1926Katie’s Coffee House.......................703-759-2759Loebig Chiropractic........................703-757-5817New Paradigm Capital Mgmt..........703-757-4802Old Brogue Irish Pub........................703-759-3309Pilates Place, LLC............................703-405-3371Pio Pio Restaurant ........................... 703-865-7700River Nail and Spa .......................... 703-746-8886Robert Mobley, AIA Architect...........703-759-1927School of Theatrical Dance.............703-759-5652Spectrum Property Management .... 703-307-2965Village Centre Mgmt Office ............ 703-759-2485Village Retreat/Massage Therapy....703-638-4852Wells Fargo Bank.............................703-757-1040Wild Ginger Restaurant ................... 703-759-5040

Great Falls Connection ❖ April 11-17, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Ken Moore

The Connection

Dranesville District SupervisorJohn Foust asked a series ofquestions to try to elicit an an-swer from county law enforce-

ment about whether Immigration and Cus-toms Enforcement officers sometimes de-tain and arrest people on civil warrantswhen assisting county officers on criminalinvestigations.

“Fairfax County gang task force does nothave a member of ICE participating on it, isthat correct?” said Foust.

Chief of Fairfax County Police, Col. EdwinC. Chief Roessler, answered first. “We’re partof the Northern Virginia gang task force andthere is a criminal element of ICE associ-ated with that task force,” he said, “so toanswer the question, we do associate withICE in that task force for criminal investi-gations.”

Foust continued: “My question is, whatrole does ICE play on the gang task force?If a crime is committed, you don’t need ICEthere to enforce the law, correct?’”

“We can investigate on our own,” Roesslersaid, but “these gang members don’t adhereto boundaries, so to conduct an investiga-tion we have to cross boundaries. So, attimes it’s prudent to use the task force anda criminal investigator from ICE or the FBIor other federal agencies to hunt thesecriminals down and arrest them.”

“If there is an ICE officer on your gangtask force, and I understand criminal side,do you have a standing policy that says thatthey shall not make an arrest for a civil de-tainer while participating on your taskforce?” asked Foust.

Roessler said, “It’s our goal and our gen-eral orders dictate what our police officersin Fairfax County can and can’t do for thecivil side of that, And it’s not my goal asyour chief to go out and enforce the civilportion of that.

“That’s not the business that we’re in,”he said.

“That’s what I’m trying to get at,” saidFoust. “Because what I perceive is you’reout in the community with one or more ICEagents who are arresting people while par-ticipating on your task force for non-crimi-nal conduct.”

“And that’s what we don’t want,” saidRoessler.

THE BOARD’S PUBLIC SAFETY com-mittee met Tuesday, April 3, to discuss these

issues together.“Our board was looking forward to a

frank and open discussion with ICE abouttheir enforcement activities in FairfaxCounty, which is what ICE had agreed tooriginally. It is unfortunate that this oppor-tunity was derailed,” said Chairman SharonBulova.

ICE didn’t take a seat, although AdonnisT. Smith Sr., Washington Field Office En-forcement and Removal Operations, waslisted on the agenda along with Barbara M.Gonzalez, assistant director, StakeholderEngagement – Victims of ImmigrationCrime Engagement (VOICE).

“There was a lot of disagreement aboutfederal participation today,” said PublicSafety Committee chairman and BraddockDistrict Supervisor John Cook.

ICE officers spoke from the audience tosay that they were present and ready tospeak at two points during the meeting.

“We appreciate you being here,” saidBulova. “There were a lot of organizationsthat actually asked to have a seat at thetable, including ICE and including VOICE.There were others [immigrant advocates]who believed that this was going to be apublic forum or a public hearing which it isnot. This is a committee meeting of theBoard of Supervisors.”

Bulova said later on Facebook: “ICE thenasked that a representative from the Vic-tims of Immigration Crime Engagement(VOICE) Office be at the table as well. SinceVOICE’s mission (giving voice to victims ofcrimes by illegal immigrants), while admi-rable, was not germane to the subject ofthis meeting, I asked they not be a part ofthe discussion. ICE then presented us withan ultimatum — hear from all of us or noneof us. ICE representatives chose instead tosit in the audience,” Bulova wrote.

“Prior to this meeting my office also heardfrom pro-immigrant rights groups whowished to have a seat at the table duringthe meeting. They were told ‘sorry’ for asimilar reason — their issues were off topicand this was a Board Committee Meeting

and not a public forum.”Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity

disagreed. “I think they are our law enforce-ment partners and I think they should beable to participate, but I’ll respect the deci-sion of the chairs,” said Herrity.

Still, ICE and its partnership with locallaw enforcement continued as the topic ofthe meeting.

FOUST QUESTIONED Col. Douglas W.Keen, Chief of Police, City of Manassas, andchairman of the Northern Virginia RegionalGang Task Force.

“Do you allow ICE agents participatingon the task force with your officers to makearrests for non-criminal conduct?”

Keen answered: “There are no ICE agentsassigned to the task force. It is a local andstate task force. We will work with ICE, justas the captain said, as another tool just likethe FBI, DEA, Secret Service or any others.There are times we may ask for ICE assis-tance and they will help us on that criminalinvestigation.”

“I think we’re all comfortable with thecriminal side,” said Foust. “What you seemto be evading is, do they take into custodywhile participating on your task force per-sons presumed or assumed to be in viola-tion of non-criminal immigration rules.”

“I don’t dictate what ICE does,” answeredKeen. “That would be their policy. Whenthey are a member of the task force, theyare there for criminal apprehension pur-poses.

“ICE, it would probably be best if theyexplained, if they had an opportunity, theyhave two different divisions, they have acriminal division and they have a civil divi-sion. The criminal division is working withus,” said Keen.

Roessler said: “We don’t want the com-munity to be looking at us as if we’re usinga criminal as a proxy to get into a houseand say, ‘You, you and you, come with me.’”

“I hope that’s exactly accurate becausethat is not consistent with what I was led tobelieve, which was that these ICE agents

do indeed take people into custody whileon raids with you for violations that are notcriminal activities,” said Foust.

ICE had been active in Route 1 area, saidRoessler, and the FCPD asked ICE to alertthem when and where they are conductingraids in the county so that police know ifthey get a call for example for a home inva-sion or robbery, they won’t respond.

“Obviously, they are federal law enforce-ment officers and they have absolute rightto go into that community, I as a chief can-not override that federal right and that’swhere the confusion is in the community.It’s not your police department in FairfaxCounty that’s conducting the civil raids, it’sICE, and that’s their job.”

SHERIFF STACEY A. KINCAID informedICE in January that the Sheriff ’s Officewould terminate its intergovernmental ser-vice agreement (IGSA) with ICE on May 23,following the required 120-day notice.

The “Sheriff’s Office will no longer holdinmates past their release date unless anICE administrative request to detain theinmate is accompanied by a criminal de-tainer issued by a court,” according toKincaid.

The City of Alexandria, on May 23, willbe the only one of 123 jurisdictions in Vir-ginia to maintain its intergovernmental ser-vice agreement with ICE, said Kincaid.

“Our compliance with Code of Virginiawill not be compromised,” she said. “Ourconclusion to terminate this agreement wasdone after a thorough very intensive pro-cess.”

Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay askedif the decision would impact criminal in-vestigations of the gang task force.

“Little to no impact on the gang taskforce,” answered Keen.

“Little to no impact, make sure everybodyheard that,” said McKay, “because factsmatter and facts really matter when you aredealing with people’s emotions. And whenyou’re trying to scare people in FairfaxCounty into believing things that are hap-pening that are not happening.”

THE MAJORITY of the board supportedKincaid’s decision.

“When you terminated the ISA, it wasundoubtedly predictable on your part thatthere would be those who would try tomake a political issue out of this, would tryto scare people. I appreciate the courageyou showed, you did the right thing,” saidFoust.

“It was the right decision to make,” saidMcKay.

“I’ve got to tell you, from all the officersthat I’ve talked to and from my years onthis board the number one most powerfultool we have in Fairfax County is a commu-nity that can trust and will talk to law en-forcement to solve our crimes,” said McKay.“What’s happening at the federal level and

Public safetycommittee meetingfocuses on ICE,without ICE atthe table.

Confusion, Anger, Agenda Difficulties

Roessler KeenHerrityKincaid

Foust Bulova Cook McKay

See ICE, Page 11


Opinion

The most important, impactful ac-complishment of the Virginia Gen-eral Assembly session for 2018 isset for Wednesday, April 11, after

our newspapers’ presstime. In agreeing on abudget, assembly members are expected toapprove expanding Medicaid whichwould provide health insurance some200,000 to 400,000 Virginians whohave been living without coverage, andconsequently mostly without health care.

More than 10 percent of residents of Arling-ton, Alexandria and Fairfax County do not havehealth insurance.

The benefits are huge. A celebratory pressrelease goes out any time 10 or more jobs cometo any place in Virginia. But estimates are thatfinally accepting the available federal money

to expand Medicaid under the Affordable CareAct would generate about 30,000 jobs.

It will make all of us who live and work inVirginia healthier by ensuring that our fellowresidents have access to healthcare, to medi-cations to treat contagious illnesses, to vacci-

nations, to preventive and acute care.We don’t want the people who ride withus on the Metro or wait in line at mo-tor vehicles to be sick without a rea-

sonable way to be treated. We want the peoplearound us to be healthy. It makes everyonehealthier.

Virginia has bypassed about $10 billion bynot having expanded Medicaid since it waspossible.

Now is the time.So many advocates have pressed for this for

so long, that it seems almost surreal as thepossibility approaches. While I don’t often prayfor particular outcomes, I think a prayer forhundreds of thousands of people to receive life-affirming health care is in order.

Del. Ken Plum of Reston wrote in his weeklycolumn: “By the time you are reading this col-umn I will be back in Richmond for the seriouswork of the legislature of passing a budget forthe next biennium. The outstanding issue tobe resolved is the expansion of Medicaid tonearly 400,000 Virginians who do not havehealth care even though taxes are being col-lected in Virginia to pay for the program. I sup-port the Governor in his insistence that we ap-prove the expansion. Thanks to all the citizenswho have been calling and writing supportingthe program. I will be back with details on thebudget issue as soon as it is resolved.”

Fingers crossed.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Expansion of Health Care in Virginia?After years of hoping, it’s possible Medicaidexpansion will come on April 11; say a prayer.

Editorial

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

On a recent early morn-ing walk from my homein the South Lakes area

of Reston I met a new neighborthat I learned lately moved intothe area weeks ago. I would notcall the new neighbor friendly; heseemed to be more disinterestedin me although his family acted abit jittery with me being around.While he may not have been in-terested in me, hundreds havebeen interested in and curiousabout him. A photo I took of himthat I posted on social media haselicited nearly 400 reactions. Icontinue to use the male pronoun,but truthfully I am not sure of theneighbor’s gender.

I introduced the new member ofour community on social media asbeing an albino deer, but I wasquickly corrected. The almostwhite deer did not have the pinkeyes, pink nose, and pinkishhooves of an albino deer. Oneneighbor suggested that he wasprobably a piebald deer. AlthoughI grew up in rural Virginia wherethere is a lot of wildlife, I hadnever heard of a piebald deer. Thatsent me to the internet where Ilearned that contrary to popularbelief, a piebald deer is not a crossbetween a normal whitetail deerand an albino. The origin of theword “piebald” comes from “pie”meaning “mixed up” and “bald”meaning “having a white spot”.

Piebalds have various amountsof white and brown patches simi-lar to a pinto pony, and they have

normal brown eyesand nose withblack hooves like anormal whitetaildeer. Their colora-tion is due to a rareinherited geneticdefect that fortu-

nately affects less than one percentof the white-tailed deer populationbecause it also may result in thedeer having short legs, scoliosis ofthe spine, internal organ deformi-ties and other health conditions.

At the risk of turning this storyinto another diatribe on my partabout the importance of diversityin our community and the need towelcome all, I will end with anacknowledgement that somepeople do not want another some-one in the community who mayeat their flowers. It does make meappreciate our trails and naturalareas where we can see our ani-mal neighbors. When you see ourpiebald deer near SnakedenBranch Trail or wherever else inReston, take a photo if you can andshare it on my Facebook page,Kenneth R. Plum. We want him tofeel welcome. You might want tocall him by the name I understandTerraset Elementary students havegiven him: Blanca.

By the time you are reading thiscolumn I will be back in Rich-mond for the serious work of thelegislature of passing a budget forthe next biennium. The outstand-ing issue to be resolved is the ex-pansion of Medicaid to nearly400,000 Virginians who do nothave health care even thoughtaxes are being collected in Vir-

New Neighbor

Piebald deer of Reston

ginia to pay for the program. Isupport the Governor in his insis-tence that we approve the expan-sion. Thanks to all the citizens

who have been calling and writ-ing supporting the program. I willbe back with details on the bud-get issue as soon as it is resolved.

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Great Falls


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By Karen Briscoe

The number of real estatetransactions in McLeanand Great Falls closed outthe first quarter 2018 softer

than in the same time period in 2017,with 210 transactions vs. 242 the previ-ous year. In comparison to the 2008 mar-ket just one decade ago, the number isup almost 60 percent. Allow me to speculate on thereasons I see for the market shift.

First, there was uncertainty as to the effect of thetax reform that took place in the fourth quarter of2017. This caused many people to put their movingdecisions on hold.

Second, inventory levels in many segments were lowrelative to demand. With not as many choices avail-able to buyers, they either had to raise their price point,make concessions, or put their move on hold until morechoices became available. Many chose to wait.

Third, the weather was not cooperative! Thegroundhog saw his shadow and that foretold morewinter-like weather, which was an accurate proph-ecy. Early spring-like weather is a key attribute to

strong first quarter market sales. Nowthat the cherry blossoms are in peak sea-son, I predict stronger spring like realestate market activity.

Home sellers in the area experiencedin many cases the “best of times” mar-ket conditions in 2016 and 2017. As wemove into the second quarter of 2018,there are strong indications that homespriced well and in good condition will

sell for solid prices. Should demand continue to re-main strong relative to supply, some market segmentsmay experience price appreciation.

Home buyers in the area can purchase with theconfidence that purchasing in an up market cyclefrequently proves advantageous over time. The sec-ond quarter 2018 is poised for strong activity. Be-gin working with an experienced agent now to beatthe rush.

Karen Briscoe with HBC Group at Keller Williams is anactive and experienced Realtor in the Northern Virginiamarketplace. 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].

The second quarter 2018 is poised for strong activity inMcLean, Great Falls market.

First Quarter Market ‘Softer’ Than in 2017

Real Estate


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Address .................................. BR FB HB ... Postal City ..... Sold Price ... Type ...... Lot AC PostalCode .......... Subdivision ............ Date Sold

1 317 RIVER BEND RD .............. 5 .. 4 .. 2 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,350,000 .... Detached .. 2.47 ...... 22066 ........... MORISON ESTATE .......... 02/12/18

2 919 WINSTEAD ST ................. 5 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,200,000 .... Detached .. 0.84 ...... 22066 ..... HICKORY CREEK ESTATES .... 02/22/18

3 632 WALKER RD .................... 5 .. 5 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,052,500 .... Detached .. 0.87 ...... 22066 .............. FORESTVILLE ............. 02/02/18

4 352 GALLOP WOOD PL .......... 4 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,050,000 .... Detached .. 2.02 ...... 22066 ............. CANTERWOOD ............ 02/20/18

5 10110 WALKER LAKE DR ........ 5 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,010,000 .... Detached .. 1.87 ...... 22066 ....... WALKER WOODS LAKE ...... 02/05/18

6 9834 BEACH MILL RD ............ 4 .. 2 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ...... $994,900 .... Detached .. 2.73 ...... 22066 ............... BEACH MILL .............. 02/23/18

7 1004 CORALBERRY CT ........... 5 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ...... $864,900 .... Detached .. 0.96 ...... 22066 .............. HOLLY KNOLL ............. 02/26/18

8 1016 CHALLEDON RD ............ 5 .. 3 .. 0 ... GREAT FALLS ...... $750,000 .... Detached .. 0.46 ...... 22066 ......... LEXINGTON ESTATES ........ 02/27/18

9 12149 HOLLY KNOLL CIR ........ 4 .. 2 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ...... $635,000 .... Detached .. 0.47 ...... 22066 .............. HOLLY KNOLL ............. 02/22/18

10 10831 MONTICELLO DR ......... 3 .. 2 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ...... $515,000 .... Detached .. 0.23 ...... 22066 ........ GREAT FALLS FOREST ....... 02/28/18

Copyright 2017 MarketStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of March 15, 2018.

February, 2018 Top SalesIn February 2018, 10 Great Falls homes sold between $1,350,000-$515,000.

Great Falls REAL ESTATE Photos by Deb Stevens/The Connection

1 317 River Bend Road— $1,350,000

6 9834 Beach Mill Road— $1,318,000

9 12149 Holly Knoll Circle — $635,000

3 632 Walker Road — $1,052,500

8 1016 Challedon Road— $750,000

2 919 Winstead Street— $1,200,000


HomeLifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

One of the most anticipated rites ofspring is the vibrancy of the firstblooms on flowers and trees. However,this beauty can only be savored after

the weeding, pruning and planting are finished. Whilepreparing and planning a spring garden is not an ef-fortless endeavor, local landscaping gurus say thatan organized plan can make it more manageable.

“The first thing you need to do is cut back anyornamental grasses like Liriope two to four inchesoff the ground so the brown, tired-looking leaves aregone before the new leaves start to grow,” said DavidWatkins, general manager of Merrifield Garden Cen-ter. “If you wait too long it’s tough to separate oldfrom new and you end up getting brown on the newleaves.”

Removing all of the leaves and other debris fromthe flowerbed is the next step, advises Haynes Davisof American Plant in Bethesda. “Cut back any peren-nials or ornamental grasses that have not alreadybeen cut back and prune out any dead branches fromexisting shrubs,” he said. “I fertilize at this point with… a slow-release, organic fertilizer that works forblooming and evergreen plants. Lastly I put down afresh layer of mulch and then thebeds are ready for spring.”

Preparing to have a perfectlymanicured lawn for spring beginsby raking removing all of thefallen leaves, adds Davis. “Havingyour PH tested would be a goodidea because now would be thetime to put down lime to get yoursoil to the correct acidity levelwhich is 5.8 to 6.5,” he said. “Thisis also the time to put down pre-emergent [herbicides] to keep theweeds from coming up, but youhave to remember, if you putdown a pre-emergent you cannotover seed for six to 12 weeks, de-pending on the product you areusing.”

Cutting away dead or over-grown branches to stimulate newgrowth comes next, says Watkins.“I would prune any branches on

shrubs and trees that are crisscrossingand rubbing against each other,” he said.“Then edge, mulch and fertilize yourplants. Remove old mulch first and putdown two to three inches of new mulch,but make sure you don’t put it too close

to the trunk of the plant.”When whipping a garden into shape for spring,

Alexandria-based landscape designer Ruth Tinsleybelieves in engaging the senses. “If you plant fra-grant spring flowers like Honeysuckle, Phlox, But-terfly Bush and roses, they will give you a pleasantaroma when you are walking through your yard orgarden,” she said. “Plant them in large swaths to getthe biggest impact.”

Butterfly Bush and Stock are two flowering plantsthat do double-duty, advises Tinsley. “They not onlyhave a nice fragrance, but they will add beautifulcolor to your yard or garden. Butterfly bush is rela-tively hearty and has vibrant pink and purple blooms,and Stock comes in a vivid, dark-red color.”

Until temperatures are warm on a consistent ba-sis, Davis offers a caveat about planting flowers. “Iwould only plant Pansies and Violas for flowers out-side,” he said. “They will give you good color all theway up to the time to plant summer annuals, whichis when we have sustained night time temps around55 degrees, usually around mid-April. For perenni-als about the only thing you can plant now would behellebores.”

“Forsythia bushes are blooming now. They’re oneof the first to bloom,” addedWatkins. “Shortly Camellias andAzaleas will start to bloom.

Options for plants that can tol-erate cooler temperatures areplentiful, advises Watkins. “All ofyour trees and shrubs can beplanted now and it’s great to getyour garden started early sothere’s less maintenance in thesummer,” he said. “All of our or-namental trees like Cherry, Red-bud, Crabapple and Dogwood canbe planted now.”

“As for shrubs, you can plantanything right now as long as ithas been acclimated and does nothave new tender growth,” addedDavis. “We have all of our plantsthat are tender either in ourgreenhouses or covered with frostblankets until the temperatureswarm up.”

Spring in BloomPreparing and planning a colorfulwarm-weather garden.

Photo American Plant

Preparing a spring garden includes prun-ing, mulching and fertilizing, says HaynesDavis of American Plant in Bethesda.

Photo Merrifield Garden Center

The colors of Camellia blooms can beenjoyed now, says David Watkins ofMerrifield Garden Center.

Pansies and Violas can beplanted now to offer brightcolors to a spring garden,says Haynes Davis of Ameri-can Plant in Bethesda.

Photo American Plant


Calendar

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

ONGOINGSolo Art Exhibit. “A Study of

Manhattan: Power, Dominance andExcitement” by Great Falls StudiosArtist Robert Gilbert. Through May 6,at The Torpedo Factory at the ArtLeague in Alexandria. The Gallery islocated at 105 North Union St.,Alexandria. Visit torpedofactory.org.

BRX Artist Showcase. Through May11 at BRX American Bistro, 1025-ISeneca Road, Great Falls. The Sorta-Quarterly Artist Showcase:throughout the year, BRX will beexhibiting a selection of works intheir dining room by an artist fromBroadway Gallery’s portfolio.Currently on display is Hiromi Ashlin.Email Donald Dusinberre [email protected]

Children’s Art Exhibit. Through May14 at Great Falls Village Starbucks,9863 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Great Falls Studio Arts and GreatFalls Village Starbucks present ColvinRun Elementary School children’sartwork. The presentation wasselected by Lauren Grimm andRachel Wiseman, art instructors.

Great Falls Farmers Market.Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Music, vendors,fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from aroundthe world, wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats, organic-fedpoultry and eggs. [email protected] more.

Colvin Run Mill open 11-4 p.m. daily,closed Tuesday. 10017 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Fairfax County’soperational 19th century waterpowered gristmill, offers recreationaland educational activities for all agesthrough daily tours, school programsand special events. Fees: $7/adult,$6 students 16+ with ID, $5 children& seniors. Admission to park is freeexcept for some special events.

MCC Summer Camps. Plan now toregister children for MCC’s enrichingsummer camp programs for childrenages 3 through 18. Summer CampRegistration begins Monday, Feb. 5,for MCC district residents andMonday, Feb. 12, for all others. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

The Arts of Great Falls Schooloffers winter classes for adults andchildren of all skill levels. Visitwww.greatfallsart.org for more.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12Artist Reception. 6:30-8 p.m. “A

Study of Manhattan: Power,Dominance and Excitement” by GreatFalls Studios Artist Robert Gilbert. AtThe Torpedo Factory at the ArtLeague in Alexandria. The Gallery islocated at 105 North Union St.,Alexandria. Visit torpedofactory.org.

Astronomy for Family Fun: Stars.8-9 p.m. at Turner Farm Park’sObservatory, 925 Springvale Road,Great Falls. Look through telescopesto explore the universe and learnabout the solar system and the nightsky. This event will focus on stars.Children must be accompanied by aregistered adult. The cost is $8 perperson. Call 703-324-8618 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm/family-fun-stars.

THURSDAY/APRIL 12-MAY 6“Fly By Night.” At 1st Stage in Tysons,

1524 Spring Hill Road, TysonsCorner. It’s 1965 in New York Cityand the lights are about to go out.But not before a melancholysandwich maker becomes enchantedwith two sisters in this bittersweetromantic tale about finding hope in aworld beset by darkness. Play by KimRosenstock, Michael Mitnick, and

Will Connolly, directed by KathrynChase Bryer. $38 general admission,$35 seniors (65+), $15 students andmilitary. Visit www.1ststage.org orcall 703-854-1856.

FRIDAY/APRIL 13Screening of “Walk With Me.” 7:30

p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 HunterMill Road, Oakton. The film isnarrated by actor BenedictCumberbatch and stars Zen Buddhistmaster and Nobel Peace Prizenominee Thich Nhát Hanh in acinematic journey into the world ofmindfulness. Admission is $10;however, no one will be turned away.Advance ticket purchase done viatexting to 703-935-4525, then followprompts; show receipt at door. Visitwww.unityoffairfax.org.

Christylez Bacon: The HumanBeatbox. 8 p.m. at The OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. GRAMMY-nominatedChristylez Bacon is a dynamicmember of the hip-hop movement,bringing innovation to an art formalready known for mixing urbanmusical styles. Cost is $20/$14 MCCDistrict residents. For Old Firehouseactivities call 703-448-8336.

SATURDAY/APRIL 14Bluebell Festival. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

at Riverbend Park, 8700 PotomacHills St., Great Falls. Volunteersneeded to run crafts and activities,help with parking, etc. Sign up atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/bluebells. Contact thePublic Information Office at 703-324-8662 or [email protected].

Library Comic Con. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. atGeorge C. Marshall High School,7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.Second annual celebration of comicbooks, science fiction, fantasy, TV,moves and more. Special visitors areexpected including Stormtroopersand Ghost Busters. Family-friendlycostumes encouraged. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/library-comic-con.

Bluebell Festival. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. atRiverbend Park, 8700 Potomac HillsSt., Great Falls. See a blanket ofbluebells at their peak at Riverbend’sBluebell Festival. There will be food,crafts and face painting for kids, atour of a model longhouse, liveanimals, a moon bounce and music.$7 per person until April 13; $9 atthe door. Children age two and underare admitted free. Call 703-759-9018

or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

SUNDAY/APRIL 15Sweet Yonder. 4 p.m. at Jammin Java,

227 Maple Ave., E, Vienna. SweetYonder is a fired-up, all-women,bluegrass band. Get tickets atwww.JamminJava.com.

Auditions. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at OldFirehouse Teen Center, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. TravelingPlayers holds auditions for AdvancedTheatre Camps. The summer theatrecamp, in residence at The MadeiraSchool, trains teens and pre-teens inShakespeare and takes them on tourto perform their shows throughoutVirginia. Auditions are open to thepublic and require registration. Thecamp will hold an Open House at TheMadeira School on April 21 from 1-4p.m. Visit www.travelingplayers.orgor call 703-987-1712.

MONDAY/APRIL 16The Old Firehouse Teacher

Workday Trip. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Entera chocolate utopia at Hershey’sChocolate World and create aHershey Bar, enter the taste-test laband try to solve the 4D ChocolateMystery. Admission to all activitiesand transportation are included inthe fee. $70/$60 MCC Districtresidents. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

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 [email protected] orcall 703-608-2471. Faith Alliance forClimate Solutions. Visit the websitevirginia2.sierraclub.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.

The Art of Persian Cuisine. 6-10p.m. at Entyse Bistro, 1700 TysonsBlvd., McLean. Drawing inspirationfrom the 13th-century Persian poet,Exclusively Events’ PoopakGolesorkhi, and Chef AhmedMasouleh, have joined together tobring this whimsical culinary milieuto the heart of Tysons Corner. Cost is$85/person. [email protected].

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

SATURDAY/APRIL 21Family 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 PotomacRiver. $8 per person. Attendeesshould meet at the Visitor Center.Program will be canceled if it rains.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/bluebells-bloodroots-2.

Open House at Ash Grove House.10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Ash Grove House,8881 Ashgrove House Lane, Vienna.The Fairfax County Park Authority isaccepting applications for therehabilitation and long-termmaintenance of Ash Grove House.The Resident Curator Programprovides the opportunity forindividuals, nonprofit and for-profitorganizations to secure long-termlease agreements in public parksettings such as Ash Grove HistoricSite. Due to limited onsite parking,shuttle bus service will be providedfrom 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Members ofthe public can access a Fastran busfrom Westbriar Elementary Schoollocated at 1741 Pine Valley Drive inVienna. The last return run to theschool is at 3 p.m. For applicationforms, visit online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resident-curator-program. ContactStephanie Langton, manager of theResident Curator Program, at 703-324-8791.

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 22VES 5K Race. 8:35 a.m. start time at

Vienna Elementary School, 128Center St., South, Vienna. The VESPTA is hosting its annual 5K and FunRun. Cost is $15 for children under14. Early registration $25 before 4/1/2018, and $30 after and on raceday. Email Peggy Morrison [email protected] or visitwww.ves5krun.racewire.com.

Grinding Mill. Noon-3 p.m. at ColvinRun 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 [email protected] 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.

Cezanne Portraits: Trip toNational Gallery of Art. Cost is$40 due by April 12 (includestransportation and admission).Hosted by SCOV. The show bringstogether some 60 examples ofdrawnings from collections aroundthe world. Visit www.scov.org/files/2018_04_national_gallery_flyer.pdf.

Family Fun Night at the Telescope.8-9 p.m. at Turner Farm Park, 925Springvale Road, Great Falls. VisitObservatory Park at Turner Farm andtake a guided tour of the heavens.See the color of stars, open andglobular clusters, nebulae, andgalaxies. The cost is $6 per person.Call 703-324-8618 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm/family-fun-night-telescope-3.

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. BBQwill be served. Free. Call 703-970-3653 or visit 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.

Doralee Rhodes (Erica Bass) wants to strangle Mr.Hart (Benji Harris) for being a misogynistic, sexist,and egotistical boss.

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‘9 to 5: The Musical’Get up and work as McLean High School’s “TheatreMcLean” presents Dolly

Parton’s hit musical comedy, “9 to 5.” The show runs April 26, 27, and 28 at7 p.m., with matinees April 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. at McLean High School’sBurke Auditorium, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean. Tickets are $12/online;$15/door. To order tickets, visit theatremclean.org.


Saxon Stage’s exciting production of the iconicrock opera, “Evita,” the captivating rags-to-riches story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s belovedfirst lady. “Evita” follows the life of actress

Eva Duarte as she climbs Argentina’s political ladderby whatever means necessary. This celebrated Tonyaward-winning rock opera features a masterful scoreby Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice featuringseveral of the composers’ most famous songs, includ-ing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Buenos Aires.”Originally released as a rock opera concept album in1976, “Evita” evolved into a successful stage produc-tion in London’s West End, winning the LaurenceOlivier award for Best Musical. “Evita” made itsBroadway debut in 1979, winning the Tony awardfor Best Musical, as well as prestigious awards for itsleading actors, Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. In1996, the movie adaptation was released starringMadonna and Antonio Banderas. “Evita” is rarelyperformed at the high school level due to its demand-ing vocals and rigorous score.

Langley High School’s production stars Cappie-nominated actress Jessica Peros as Eva Perón, MarkBosset as Ché Guevara, and Sean Leech as JuanPerón. The production also features a large ensemble,including children from local middle and elemen-tary schools. Evita’s brilliant score will be played byan 18-piece orchestra comprising many of Langley’stalented student musicians. Performances begin onThursday, April 19 through Saturday, April 21 andcontinue on Thursday, April 26 through Saturday,April 28, at 7 p.m. Visit saxon-stage.com for infor-mation on how to purchase tickets, or go directly tobrownpapertickets.com and search “Evita.”

Performances begin onThursday, April 19through Saturday, April 21and continue on Thursday,April 26 through Saturday,April 28, at 7 p.m.

‘Evita’ at Saxon Stage

Sean Leech as Juan Perón and the en-semble of ‘Evita’ in ‘On The Balcony OfThe Casa Rosada.’

Jessica Peros as Eva Perón in Langley Highproduction of ‘Evita.’

The ensembleof ‘Evita’posing for apicture.

Entertainment

Photos

contributed


News

by Adrienne West

The Connection

One of Great Falls’ philanthropic orga-nizations, Great Falls Friends & Neigh-bors (GFFN), has been supporting com-munity efforts for the last 35 years. The

most recent example was a $1,000 check presentedto the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation (CGFF) onApril 5 for the upcoming golf tournament benefitingour elementary schools.

Claire Abbott, the community liaison for GFFN,shared the group’s excitement about the donation:“Our club was looking for ways to support a largerportion of students in our GFFN demographic bound-aries. By donating to [CGFF], our donation will di-rectly benefit [our local] schools.

“The Great Falls Annual Charity Golf Fundraiserhas allowed us to transition our efforts to be inclu-sive and support the education of a greater numberof local students. We are [thrilled] that our dona-tion to the students will improve their classroom tech-nology, with computers and software, to enhancetheir education.”

A member of the CGFF board and the Great FallsWelcome Committee, Barbara Morehouse has beenworking on the golf tournament since 2012 andshared some insight into this year’s event. “This yearwe are trying something new with a Kid’s Putting

Contest. We also hope to have some members of theLangley Golf Team, who happen to be the currentstate champs, come out to work with the little guysand maybe engage in a few friendly competitionswith the golfers.”

With the continued support of groups like GreatFalls Friends & Neighbors, and the hard work andtime dedicated by the Celebrate Great Falls Founda-tion, fundraising events like the golf tournament onMay 14 are an important part of the community ben-efiting students at Forestville, Great Falls, and ColvinRun elementary schools.

For more information on the golf tournament, visithttps://www.celebrategreatfalls.org/annual-charity-golf-tournament/.

For more information on the Great Falls Friends &Neighbors organization, visit http://www.gffnva.org/

For more information on the Celebrate Great FallsFoundation, visit https://www.celebrategreatfalls.org/

Playing Golf, Helping Great Falls SchoolsGreat Falls Friends &Neighbors supports localelementary schools.

Photo by Adrienne West/The Connection

From left, Barbara Morehouse of CelebrateGreat Falls Foundation accepts a checkfrom Great Falls Friends & Neighborsmembers, Claire Abbott and Missy Perkins.

The Land Use & Zoning Committee of the GreatFalls Citizens Association (GFCA) will hold a publicmeeting on Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in theGreat Falls Library. The committee meeting, whichis open to all local residents, will discuss two timelyland use issues:

❖ A proposed 62 unit assisted living and memorycare facility at 1131 Walker Road (across fromDante’s restaurant). This joint project of Verity Com-mercial and IntegraCare is seeking a special excep-tion from the county zoning laws because the prop-erty on which it would be built is partially zonedcommercial and partially residential. The develop-

ers will present their plans to the community andtake questions. GFCA invites interested neighbors andresidents to attend to share their views.

❖ The Land Use & Zoning Committee will also dis-cuss a proposed county ordinance that would regu-late short-term rentals of dwellings through onlinehosting platforms such as Airbnb and Vacation Rentalby Owner. The county proposal would require poten-tial renters to obtain a permit, limit rentals to no morethan 90 days per year, and prohibit commercial eventssuch as weddings. The county is expected to considerand enact this ordinance this spring. GFCA is inter-ested in hearing residents’ comments and experiences.

Meeting to be Held on Land Use Issues in Great FallsWeek in Great Falls


the misinformation that’s being put out ...about the decision the Sheriff made is mak-ing that a lot harder.

“We’re one of the safest jurisdictions inthe country because our people trust, be-lieve, and speak to us and help us solvecrimes,” McKay said. “And if we scare peoplethat’s not going to happen.”

Bulova commented that it is very confus-ing to the immigrant community and dam-aging to the trust in county police that ICEagents are conducting raids in the countywearing uniforms that say “POLICE” in largeletters across the back.

“It confuses and scares people when theysee a uniform that says police and it’s notpolice at all. It’s ICE,” said Bulova. “It maysay ICE somewhere on that uniform butpeople see police and think it’s our FairfaxCounty police who are actually serving asmembers of ICE.”

HERRITY SPOKE for the minority. He wasnot in support of Sheriff Kincaid’s decisionto terminate the agreement with ICE.

“I think we need to continue cooperatingwith ICE to the fullest extent possible,” hesaid.

“This is about protecting our immigrantcommunity,” said Herrity. “It’s human traf-ficking, it’s drugs, it’s murders, it’s crime andwe ought to be doing everything we can toget them off the street,” he said.

“I’m very disappointed that we invitedthem here, we have them on the agenda,and they’re not able to speak,” said Herrity.

From Page 3

Focus onICE

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

PARENTS HELPING PARENTSParent Support Partners, a service of the

Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parentswho have received training and are qualitied tooffer education, support and assistance at nocost to families or caregivers. They providereliable information that families can use indecision-making and are familiar with servicesand resources that can help families in distress.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html

GOVERNING BOARD CANDIDATESThe McLean Community Center (MCC) is

seeking candidates to run for seats on its 2018-2019 Governing Board. A candidate must residein the Center’s tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville). To have their names placed onelection ballots, candidates are required toobtain the signatures of 10 McLean tax districtresidents in their respective categories (eitheradult or youth). Three adult positions and twoyouth positions are open this year. Key ElectionDates:

❖ Sunday, May 6: Candidates Meet and Greet, 2-4p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of MCC, at theOld Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road.

❖ Wednesday, May 16: Absentee Voting ends at theMCC Administrative Office and the OldFirehouse Center at 5 p.m.

❖ Saturday, May 19: Elections at McLean Day from10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information on the MCC Governing BoardElections, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY:711, or visit the Center’s website: http://bit.ly/

Bulletin

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

... that the green, cotton, chino-typecasual-Friday pants I often wear on -in-the-office-Thursdays, lasted as long as they did.Given the number of years I’ve been stuffingmyself into them (not every Thursday mindyou, but very regularly), and the weight I’vegained, especially since the ultra low pointduring heavy duty chemotherapy nine yearsago, the miracle is that these pants hadn’t splitwide open on any number of previousoccasions.

As it actually happened yesterday, the splitwas gradual, not along a seam and not offen-sive to anybody, least of all, me.

And though the tear was understandable,given the psi (pounds per square inch) of pres-sure they were under, the loss howeverexpected was sad nonetheless. For someonewho exults in a limited wardrobe as much as Ido, the reduction in available garments Ichoose to wear – repeatedly, is impactful.

Hardly do I have too many other go-to-pants in the closet. Considering my lack ofinterest, lack of need and lack of properly fit-ting alternatives hanging in the balance, whena split occurs, such as the one I’ve described“heretofore,” (Ben Affleck in “Good WillHunting”), not only is the loss palpable, it isdownright inconvenient. Now what? Not thatmy appearance is ever a priority, but I’d rathernot dress for failure.

The problem is, when your clothingoptions can be characterized as “either or,”you’re in a bind which, given the pounds thathave been added over the winter (let’s behonest; more like the preceding fall, summer,spring, winter and fall), you’re constantly chal-lenged, especially when attempting to zip upyour fly and/or button your pants. Talk about apointless effort.

If there was a cash reward for such failure,I’d be basking somewhere warm, in semiretirement – with an elastic waistband to domy bidding.

“But alas, poor Yurick.” No such rewardexists, but thankfully, elastic waistbands do,and not just on underwear, bathing suits,shorts and sweatpants. The question becomesthen: How committed do I want to become tosuch elasticity? Isn’t it kind of a slippery slopeto rubberize my waistline? My fear is, once Igo elastic, I may never go back, and in nevergoing back, I’m also afraid there may be nostopping me, if you know what I mean? And ifI’m not to be stopped then am I prepared tolive with myself, my ever-expanding self, thatis?

I imagine my oncologist wouldn’t approve.And I know my internal medicine doctorwouldn’t approve (I’ve already received someelectronic advisories to that effect); and Iknow with 100 percent certainty that my wife,Dina wouldn’t approve. She might have mar-ried me “in sickness and health, and thick andthin,” but she’d much rather I be thin thanthick.

Granted, I may be mixing metaphors here,but I trust you get my point. She liked me theway I was, and sort of likes me the way I am,but I’m doubtful she would like me nearly asmuch if I were to morph into another being.

Ergo, the future is now. Do I continue topack on the pounds and have less and lessclothing that fits – and fewer and fewerexcuses as to why that old thing seems to bethat same old thing, again; buy new clothesthat reflect and lock in my girth, or bite thebullet – not the Entenmann’s Pop’ems,Hostess CupCakes, Oreo Mega Stuf cookies orM&M’s plain/peanut butter candy and try tolose weight and save some face, literally?

I believe I know the answer. I’m just notsure of the start date. It better be soonbecause the underwear I bought myself forChristmas is beginning to lose its shape andI’m pretty sure I know the reason; and it’s nota manufacturer’s defect.

It’s A Miracle(Not a Cancer

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