homelifestyle - ellington cmsconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2017/1… ·...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com November 8-14, 2017

Enter

tai

nm

ent, Pag

e 8 v

C

lass

ified

s, P

age

14Photo b

y Shir

ley

Ruhe/

The

Connec

tio

n

HomeLifeStyle1

Grace Mukupa, originally from Zambia, puts on her sticker showing she has voted. Rebecca Davis is handing out literature supporting Democratic candidates at the Central Library on Tuesday morning.

Long Road To Long BridgeNews, Page 3

O’Connell’s KEEN PartnershipNews, Page 3

Arlington Turns Out

To VoteNews, Page 3

2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ November 8-14, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Arlington Connection ❖ November 8-14, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsArlington Connection Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

A steady stream of voters walksinto the Central Library on Tues-day morning and appears back

outside a few minutes later. “Protect YourRights — Vote Gillespie, Vogel andAdams” is on one corner and “Vote forthe team that will stand up to Trump’spolitics of hate and fight for all Virgin-ians with Northam, Fairfax and Herring”is on the other.

Some voters shared their views.Nicole Halbert says she is voting for

Virginia as a whole. I”m from southernVirginia, a tiny town on the border ofNorth Carolina.” She says it is the BibleBelt, very conservative with racist bill-boards. “I want all of Virginia to be likeArlington with diversity.”

Nicholas Ruhly says he is from Toledo,Ohio and he was shocked when he vis-ited Halbert’s hometown recently. “Ididn’t know there were places like that.”He says his primary concern “is the envi-ronment, [and the] rolling back all of theenvironmental regulations.”

Another voter marches by. “I’m votingfor Northam. I’m a staunch Democrat.”Another voter rushes down the stepsdeclaring he forgot his ID in his otherpocket.

The Arlington Connection went to press beforeElection Night results. Seewww.connectionnewspapers.com.

By Vernon Miles

The Connection

After over a decade of stalled de-velopment and design compro-mises, the main aquatic centerbuilding at Long Bridge Park is

beginning to take shape. Four designs havebeen put forward as the final selections forthe Long Bridge Park design. At an Oct. 19display in Crystal City, four developers pic-tured their concept designs for the newaquatics and recreation center.

Development of Long Bridge Park as arecreational space was approved in 2004,with aquatics cited as one of the largestneeds in this region. The project was de-layed in 2014 after proposed designs ex-ceeded the projected $79.3 million cost. Theoverall size of the project was scaled downby 37 percent, with nearly every part of theproject made smaller. The new plans includesmaller pool spaces, smaller storage rooms,smaller lobbies etc. Each new proposeddesign contains a 50-meter pool, 1, 3, and5 meter diving boards, a family pool, andhealth and fitness spaces.

The price for the building is fixed at $54.7million for construction with a total project

See Final Designs, Page 14

ArlingtonTurns OutTo Vote

Aleksi White says hefigures this is the firstelection since thePresidential electionand a lot of peoplewill be watchingVirginia. “So we’ll seewhat happens. I’mvoting for humandecency, respect. A lotof my friends aredifferent races, immi-grants, gay.”

Chocolate frosted, glazed and custard-filled donuts sit on the table at theCentral Library for hungry voters. LizzieNeale (right) of Brownie Troop 6880says the money will go for militaryactivities and to help their troop. MeeraKuma has also made bracelets. Meerasays these will sell for $2 because theytake 2-3 hours to make.

Grace Mukupa, Ameri-can and Zambian,said, “I feel the needto count in this elec-tion. I just moved herefrom Alexandria. Myprimary issue wouldbe education that isn’tthe same in anothercountry. And diversityis important, too.”

Nick Marrone puts itsimply, “I’m votingagainst DonaldTrump.”

Photos by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection

Final designsput forward forpark project.

Long RoadTo LongBridge

By Ashley Claire Simpson

The Connection

Arlington gained a safe haven foryoung people with significant spe-cial needs when Bishop Denis J.

O’Connell High School became an officialhost for the non-profit organization KEENGreater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise NowGreater DC) in May.

KEEN provides a variety of free sports andrecreational activities for children andyoung adults with developmental and physi-cal disabilities.

As part of its partnership with KEEN, theprivate Catholic high school hosts an opengym program called KEEN Arlington Sports,

so that children and young adults with sig-nificant disabilities have place to socializeand exercise with their peers under the su-pervision of qualified, dedicated volunteers.O’Connell students now serve as regularKEEN volunteers.

“We are thrilled to have O’Connell’s sup-port,” said Beata Okulska, executive direc-tor of KEEN Greater DC. “The school notonly encourages their students to volunteer,but also provides us with access to theirgym, completely free of charge. “

KEEN Greater DC touches hundreds offamilies every year through the activities itprovides at no cost to families andcaregivers.

KEEN was born in Bethesda, Md., in 1992out of a single program — an open gymperiod held regularly so that youths withsignificant developmental disabilities would

See Offering Recreation, Page 12

Offering Recreation for Youths with DisabilitiesO’Connell’s KEENpartnership.

Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School hosts recreational activities forchildren and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities.


News

By Vernon Miles

The Connection

When a member of the mili-tary travels the world, theyoften don’t do it alone. Hus-bands and wives often ac-

company their spouses on internationaltrips. But while the military member trav-els with their job, their spouse is left in asituation where they are forced to relocateand reapply for new jobs every few years.

On Oct. 23, U.S. Sen.Tim Kaine met withmilitary spouses, military leadership, andbusiness executives from throughout theregion to discuss the military spouse unem-ployment dilemma.

Carmen Emborski has been a militaryspouse for six years, with a master’s degreein biology and working on finishing up herPh.D. this year. And yet, Emborski says find-ing and maintaining a job as she movesaround.

“It’s difficult for military spouses to getinto the workforce,” said Emborski. “Wemove so frequently. We only have one year,maybe a year and a half of experience be-fore we have to leave.”

“It’s really hard for employers to take onsomeone and train that employee for themto be there for just one year,” said AllisonStrouse.

Katy Mills, a military spouse, says herfamily was forced to relocate eight times in15 years.

“It’s hard to get anything going for yourcareer,” said Mills. “I taught yoga, but I’munable to maintain that client base whenyou move. You have to start over.”

Mills also noted that many militaryspouses struggle with inadequate child-careoptions.

“Child care can cost more than you makein your job,” said Mills. “We need to increasethe availability of child care. Child care fa-cilities on bases are currently full. There’s aone-year wait at Ft. Belvoir for full care.For hourly care, you need to wake up atmidnight and book one month in advance.”

Eddy Mentzer, associate director, SpouseEducation and Career Opportunity Pro-gram, Office of Military Family Readiness

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office ofSenior Adult Programs for Nov. 13-18.

Senior centers: Lee, 5722 Lee Hwy.;Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 N. CulpeperSt.; Walter Reed, 2909 S. 16th St.; Arlington Mill,909 S. Dinwiddie St.; Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18th St.

Senior trips: Met Fifth Avenue Art Museum,N.Y., Thursday, Nov. 16, $64; White House VisitorCenter, Thursday, Nov. 16, $6; A Day in Old TownAlexandria, Friday, Nov. 17, $6; Arena Stage, D.C.,“Pajama Game,” matinee, $79. Call ArlingtonCounty 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748. Registrationrequired.

NEW PROGRAMS:Design no-sew T-shirt scarves, Monday,

Nov. 13, 1 p.m., Walter Reed. Details, 703-228-

0955.Painting classes begin Monday, Nov. 13, 10

a.m.-noon, $42/6 sessions. Register, 703-228-0555.

Armchair tour of Golden Age of DutchPainters exhibit, National Gallery of Art, Mon-day, Nov. 13, 1 p.m., $6, Aurora Hills. Register,703-228-5722.

Technology Tuesday, Nov. 14, downloadingpictures, Walter Reed. Register, 703-228-0955.

Caring for persons with dementia, Tues-day, Nov. 14, 10 a.m., Walter Reed. Register,703-228-0955.

Ukulele class, basic strumming, Tuesday,Nov. 14, 6 p.m., Walter Reed. Register early, 703-228-0955.

Pinterest demonstration, Wednesday, Nov.15, 1 p.m., Lee. Register, 703-228-0555.

Policy, said resources currently exist to helpmembers of the military preparing for re-tirement transition into civilian careers.

“We have to move spouse unemploymentout of the fine print,” said Mentzer.

Mentzer said in Hampton Roads, anotherhub of military activity in the region, thereare programs that specialize in helping mili-tary spouses find employment through re-mote work opportunities. Mentzer admit-ted that this doesn’t work for everyone, butthat it’s one way the military can begin tohelp spouses.

Employers at the round-table discussionsaid that military spouses could be an un-tapped resource for contractors and corpo-rations based out of D.C.

“In this area, we often fight over the samepool of employees,” said Jerry Calhoun, vicepresident of Talent Acquisition for Vencore.“We’re learning a lot here today. I’m goingto have my managers look for this.”

Other major contractors said they’ve en-countered similar problems, and Kaine saidworking with military-sponsored programsto find employment for spouses could ad-dress both problems.

“This area is talent rich with militaryspouses,” said Kaine. “There’s [relatively]low unemployment in this area, which canbe an obstacle for some businesses. Jobs aregoing wanting. Arlington offers a good op-portunity to meet that challenge with astrong local pool of talent.”

Addressing military-spouse unemployment.

Married to the Military

Photo by Vernon Miles/The Connection

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine

“Flourishing After 55”


Southern Caribbean Cruise – February 10th – 22nd. Includes 12- night Caribbean cruise on RCCLs Grandeur of the seas. All meals and entertainment on the ship. Get away from the cold Virginia winter!! From $1056 per person /double occupancy + taxes

Puglia – Italy – April 14th -22nd Includes air from Dulles on Lufthansa, 7 nights in one hotel. Daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 3 dinners, transfers. Sightseeing daily. A new area of Italy for Tourism- its beautiful -a must see!! -$2795 per person /double occupancy

Kentucky- May 7th -10th Includes motorcoach transportation from Rockville, Vienna & McLean Metro- 3 nights hotel, daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 3 dinners -plus 3 evenings of entertainment!! Great sightseeing too!! $799 per person/double occupancy

News

See Author, Page 13

By Eden Brown

The Connection

Novelist Richard Russo proved he is“Nobody’s Fool” on Saturday nightwhen he addressed a crowd of about100 writers, psychoanalysts, and fans

who came to hear a writer who revels in exploringthe writer’s psyche.

He didn’t grow up expecting to be a big success.His father had made him aware that having a vowelon the end of his name was not an advantage. Russo,whose grandfather immigratedfrom Italy to make gloves inGloversville, N.Y/, detested thetown as he struggled to escape it,and loved it so much it has beenthe centerpiece for much of hisfiction. Russo’s novels,“Everybody’s Fool”, “Nobody’sFool”, and “Mohawk” all takeplace in a small town in New York.

Russo talked about the connec-tion between painting and writ-ing. He recently collaborated withLinden Frederick, a painter wholives not far from Russo on the coast of Maine. Friendskept telling him he should meet Frederick, who, theysaid, “paints the way you write.” He did, and felt animmediate connection, not least because they hadgrown up in towns only about five miles away fromeach other. A lot of the people buying Frederick’swork were novelists and screenwriters. He wonderedwhat would happen if the writer-illustrator relation-ship were reversed: the painting first, then the writ-ing. Frederick asked Russo if he would be willing totry it; he said he would “pay” by providing a smaller“draft” version of the painting. They put together a

group of writers (Anthony Doerr, Elizabeth Stoutamong others) and the result was “Night Stories.”Fifteen American fiction writers each agreed to se-lect one painting especially created by Frederick asinspiration and then, over the following months,write a story inspired by it. The show has just con-cluded a three-month run at the Maine Center forContemporary Art.

Saturday night’s talk in Arlington was sponsoredby New Directions in Writing, a three-year postgradu-ate training program, and Politics and Prose, the D.C.bookstore. Given that the crowd was largely psycho-analysts, academicians, and writers, Russo got a fewquestions about the wellspring of creativity andwhether one is programmed to create: whether carv-ing duck decoys, writing novels, or painting.

Russo said he’d try painting, if he suddenly hadanother life to live. His daughteris a painter, and he has discussedthe parallels between their twoforms of art with her. He believesno matter what a painter paints,it is a self portrait, just as what anovelist writes, is about him orher. Famous painters, like Russo’sfavorite, David Hockney, are oftenquoted in that regard: “I’m justpainting myself.”

Russo’s self-deprecating humormade the story of his struggle toleave Gloversville, and to move

beyond being a university professor to become awriter entertaining. “But,” he said, “I employ humormost when I am dead serious or have something re-ally important to say.” As he recounted his trajec-tory, his relationship with his creative writing instruc-tor at the University of Arizona, and another studentin the class who badly wanted to be a novelist, butended up becoming a professor, he employed deadlyserious truths about writing fiction. One of these wasthat a good novel is not about plot, but about con-

Russo describes hisunexpected success.

Sharing Insights about Writing

“I employ humormost when I amdead serious or havesomething reallyimportant to say.”

— RIchard Russo

Richard Russospoke aboutwriting, paint-ing, voice, andthe world hegrew up into acrowd ofabout 100people inPentagon City.

Photo by

Eden Brown/

The Connection

Pat’s Masonry LLC

25 Years ExperienceFree Estimates

All Work Guaranteed

Class A Contractors License also Insured

For all your masonry needs• Brick • Stone • Flagstone • Concrete • Patios

• Walkways • Retaining & Decorative Walls • Repairs

540-481-6519 www.patsmasonry.com • [email protected]


www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@ArlConnection

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]

Steven MaurenEditor

[email protected]

Mike SalmonAssistant Editor

[email protected]

Vernon MilesReporter

[email protected]

Eden Brown, Shirley RuheContributing Writers

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven MaurenArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John Heinly,Ali Khaligh

Production Manager:Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

[email protected]

ArlingtonThe

Connection

Opinion

During the last week of each year,this newspaper devotes its pagesto the creativity of local studentsand children. The results are al-

ways remarkable. It is a keepsake edition formany families. Even readers without childrenof that age spend time admiring and chuck-ling over the issue. The annual Children’s Con-nection (including Children’s Gazette,

Children’s Almanac andChildren’s Centre View) is a tra-dition of well over a decade.

We welcome contributionsfrom public and private schools, individualsand homeschoolers. We publish artwork, po-etry, essays, creative writing, opinion pieces,short stories, photography, photos of sculptureor gardens or other creative efforts.

We ask that all submissions be digital so theycan be sent through email or delivered on CDor flash drive. Writing should be submitted inrich text format (.rtf). Artwork should be pho-tographed or scanned and provided in jpegformat.

Some suggestions:❖ Drawings or paintings or photographs of

your family, friends, pets or some favorite ac-tivity. These should be photographed orscanned and submitted in jpeg format. Photosof sculpture or larger art projects are also wel-come.

❖ Short answers (50 to 100 words) to someof the following questions: If you could giveyour parents, family or friends any gift thatdidn’t cost money what would that gift be?What are you most looking forward to in theupcoming year? What is one thing that youwould change about school? What do you wantto be when you grow up? What is your favor-ite animal? What is your favorite toy? Whatmakes a good parent? What makes a goodfriend? Describe one of the best or worst thingsthat ever happened to you? What is the bestgift you’ve ever been given? Ever received?

❖ Your opinion (50 to 100 words) about traf-fic, sports, restaurants, video games, toys,trends, politics, etc.

❖ Poetry or other creative writing.❖ News stories from school newspapers.❖ Photos and text about activities or events.To be published, we must have the full first

and last name of the student artist/writer.

Be Part of Children’s Issue 2017Get creative and send art, poetry and more.

Editorial

Identify each piece of writing or art, includ-ing the student’s full name, age, grade andtown of residence, plus the name of the school,name of teacher and town of school location.Home schoolers’ contributions are welcomed.

Please send all submissions by Friday, Dec.1. The Children’s Edition will publish the lastweek of 2017.

To send CDs or flash drives containing art-work and typed, electronic submissions, markthem clearly by school and hometown and mailthe CD or flash drive to: Children’s Connec-tion (including Children’s Gazette, Children’sAlmanac and Children’s Centre View), 1606King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Email submissions for the Children’s Editionto the following editors:

❖ For Burke, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station,Great Falls, Herndon, Lorton, McLean, Reston,or Springfield, email to Kemal Kurspahic [email protected].

❖ For Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville,Chantilly, Mount Vernon, or Potomac, Md.,email to Steven Mauren [email protected].

See last year’s editions by visitingwww.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/ andscroll down to Children’s Edition.

By Rob Paine

RSVP

RSVP Northern Virginia volunteerMichael McCormick decided it wastime “to give back.”

Shortly after McCormick moved to Arling-ton from New York five years ago he lost hiswife.

McCormick says it was his wife that influ-enced him to go into volunteer work. He re-calls “she was always telling me ‘successfulpeople have an obligation to give back.’”

So McCormick signed up to be an RSVPNorthern Virginia Volunteer and funneled hismore than 30 years of experience with the In-ternal Revenue Service into helping others pre-pare their taxes through the Volunteer IncomeTax Assistance (VITA) CASH program at Fairfax

SkillSource Center in Annandale.With the help of some 300 volunteers like

McCormick, low-income families throughoutNorthern Virginia received over $10.7 millionin refunds last tax season, according to the(VITA) CASH program’s website. VITA volun-teers are needed to help at centers acrossNorthern Virginia.

RSVP Northern Virginia will be holding ageneral orientation meeting on Thursday, Nov.16, at 1:30 p.m. at the Arlington Central Li-brary 1015 N Quincy St., Arlington.

During tax season McCormick volunteerswith VITA three evenings a week and a fullday on Saturdays.

He says he likes volunteering with RSVP be-cause it is a structured program. He also gets“internal satisfaction” thru his volunteer work.Volunteering makes him feel more part of thecommunity, he says.

RSVP, a volunteer network for people 55-years or older, provides individualized supportto connect volunteers with service opportuni-ties in and around Arlington County, FairfaxCounty and the City of Alexandria that comple-ment volunteers’ interests and skills.

RSVP offers an array of opportunities forvolunteers including providing rides, supportand meals to older neighbors, assisting localveterans in need and helping prepare commu-nities for disasters.

In addition to his VITA work, McCormick wasa volunteer guide for the National Park Ser-vice at the United States Marine Corps WarMemorial in Arlington, better known as theIwo Jima Memorial.

For more information, visitwww.rsvpnova.org.

RSVP NorthernVirginia offersvolunteer opportunities.

Retiree: It Was Time To ‘Give Back’

Michael McCormick

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.

SUNDAY/NOV. 12“Life’s Final Choices.” 2 p.m. at

Unitarian Universalist Church ofArlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd.

Bulletin Board

Maureen Albrethsen, a licensedfuneral director, will discuss medicaltreatments when death is near;disposition of one’s body (burial,cremation, or donation to science),and planning for a “life celebration.”The meeting is presented by theMemorial Society of NorthernVirginia, a nonproft group ofvolunteers. Free, open to all. Call703-271-9240 or [email protected].

Clarendon Pastoral Installation.4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Church atClarendon, 1210 N. Highland St.Event welcomes Rev. DanielleBridgeforth as the senior pastor ofthe church. Email [email protected].

DEADLINE NOV. 13Apply for Fuel Assistance. The

Virginia Department of SocialServices is currently acceptingapplications for fuel assistance. To

qualify for fuel assistance, themaximum gross monthly income fora one-person household must notexceed $1,307. For a household offour, the maximum gross monthlyincome is $2,665. Families andindividuals can apply through theirlocal department of social servicesoffice. To apply online or to checkeligibility for services, visit the

See Bulletin, Page 13


Entertainment

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

ONGOING“Peter Pan” on Stage. Through Nov.

19, various times at Synetic Theater,Crystal City, 1800 S. Bell St. Takeflight to Neverland with Peter Pan,his Lost Boys and the Darlingchildren. Ages 7+. $35 and up.Student tickets start at $15. Seniorcitizens and military receive $5 off.Call 866-811-4111 orwww.synetictheater.org.

“Crazy for You.” Through Jan. 14,various times at the SignatureTheatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. Amusical comedy with Gershwin tunesincluding “I’ve Got Rhythm,”“Someone to Watch Over Me” and“Nice Work If You Can Get It” fusewith tap dancing. Visitwww.sigtheatre.org.

Arlington Farmer’s Market. EverySaturday, 8 a.m.-noon at the cornerof N. 14th Street and N. CourthouseRoad. A weekly celebration of localfood including fresh produce, meats,dairy, cheese, baked goods, freerange eggs, specialty items, cutflowers, plants and herbs. [email protected] or call 917-733-6402.

FRESHFARM Market. 3-7 p.m. onTuesdays at 1900 Crystal Drive. Shopfrom local farmers and producerswith seasonal fruits and vegetables,fresh-cut flowers, container plantsand herbs, farm-raised eggs, all-natural meats, artisan baked goods,and specialty foods. Visitwww.crystalcity.org.

Mobile Bike Repair. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. onThursdays at 1900 Crystal Drive.Drop off your bike on Thursdaymorning and have it tuned up andready to ride before heading home.Email [email protected], or phone855-VELO-FIX.

Food Truck Thursdays. 11 a.m.-2p.m. at 1900 Crystal Drive and 20112th St. Actual truck schedules aresubject to change so be sure to followyour favorites. Visit

www.crystalcity.org.Healthy Lifestyle Runs. Saturdays, 9

a.m. at Roosevelt Island, GeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway.American Cancer Society partnerswith parkrun USA to promote fitnessin the fight against cancer. Free. Visitwww.parkrun.us/rooseveltislanddc/.

Friday Night Live. 8 p.m. Fridays atthe Church at Clarendon, 1210 N.Highland St., Suite A. Localmusicians perform. Free. Visit1bc.org.

Arlington’s Historical MuseumOpen on First Wednesdays. TheArlington Historical Museum is opento the public on the first Wednesdayof every month from 12:30-3:30 p.m.The museum consists of exhibitschronicling Arlington County’shistory from Native Americansettlements up to the present day.The museum will continue to be openon Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4p.m. Admission is free. The museumis located in the former 1891 HumeSchool building at 1805 S. ArlingtonRidge Road. Contact Garrett Peck at571-243-1113 or at [email protected].

LGBT & Straight Friends Social.Tuesdays. Happy Hour, 3-7 p.m.;Mikey’s “Bar A” Video Wall, 7 p.m.;start time at 8 p.m. IOTA Club &Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd. For 21 yearsand older. Free. Visitwww.iotaclubandcafe.com.

Open Mic Comedy. Wednesdays 8-10p.m. at Ri Ra Irish Pub, 2915 WilsonBlvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. Age 21and up only. Free show, $25 cashprize for best joke. Call 703-248-9888 or Visit www.RiRa.com/Arlington.

Invasive Plants Removal. Workparties are held every month to keepthe parks free of destructive invasiveplants. Teens, adults and familieswelcome. Every second Sunday of themonth 2-4:30 p.m. at Gulf BranchNature Center, 3608 Military Road;call 703-228-3403. Every thirdSunday of the month 2-5 p.m. atLong Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road; call 703-228-6535 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us. Free, no

registration required.Karaoke. 8 p.m. on the first Sunday

every month at Galaxy Hut, 2711Wilson Blvd. Visitwww.galaxyhut.com or call 703-525-8646.

Pub Quiz. 8 p.m. every Sunday atWhitlow’s on Wilson, 2854 WilsonBlvd. Prizes for first place. Free. Visitwww.whitlows.com or call 703-276-9693.

Storytime. Wednesdays and Fridays,10:30-11 a.m. at Kinder Haus Toys,1220 N. Fillmore St. Storytime withMs. Laura. Call 703-527-5929.

Lego Club. Monthly on the firstWednesday. 4-5 p.m. GlencarlynBranch Library, 300 S. Kensington St.The library provides tubs of legos anda special challenge and after theprogram the creations are displayedfor everyone to see. No registrationrequired. Call 703-228-6548.

Crystal City Sparket. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.on Wednesdays at 1900 CrystalDrive. Sparket — A Creative Marketis an extension of DC’s EasternMarket with arts, crafts, andhandmade goods. Free to attend.Visit www.crystalcity.org.

Open Mic Night. Wednesdays, at 8p.m., sign ups are at 7:30 p.m. and10 p.m., at Iota Club & Café, 2832Wilson Blvd. Free. Visitwww.iotaclubandcafe.com/.

Art for Life. Third Thursday of eachmonth. The Hyatt Regency CrystalCity’s “Art for Life” Partnership withNational Kidney Foundation brings anew artist each month to The Hyattfor a reception. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org.

Brunch at Freddie’s. Third Saturdayof every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. atFreddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St.The Arlington Gay and LesbianAlliance gathers for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet ($9.99). All arewelcome. No reservation is required.Visit www.facebook.com/events/700174390103305.

WEDNESDAY/NOV. 8Film Screening. 7 p.m. at Unitarian

Universalist Church of Arlington,4444 Arlington Blvd. “The

ConcertRussian Concert, Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Kenmore Performing Arts Center, 200South Carlin Springs Road. Soloists will be Peter Omelchenko, until recently withMoscow’s Osipov Orchestra, on the domra and WBS Concertmaster Andrei Saveliev onthe balalaika. Adults, $25; seniors, $20; students, $15; children under 12, free. Visitwww.balalaika.org for more.


Entertainment

Messenger,” a film about the plight ofdisappearing songbirds, focuses onhow climate change, habitat loss andhuman action are diminishingsongbirds in our environment. Thefilm will be followed by discussion.Visit www.uucava.org/.

THURSDAY/NOV. 9Local Pop-Up Shops. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

at the Plaza Library Shop, 2100Clarendon Blvd., 1st Floor Lobby.Georges’ Botanique Aromatique willbe at a pop-up retail marketdedicated to, wearable and edibleproducts from innovators andartisans in Arlington. Visitarlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.

Deep Dive Exploring. 8-9 p.m. atGulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N.Military Road. White-tailed Deer arethe topic. $5. Call 703-228-3403 orvisit [email protected].

FRIDAY/NOV. 10The Fall Hunt. 4-5 p.m. at Gulf Branch

Nature Center, 3608 N. MilitaryRoad. Hunting for dinner is the topic,following tracks and signs of deerand eat some venison stew. $5. Call703-228-3403 or [email protected].

SATURDAY/NOV. 11Pig Roast and Bourbon Bash. 1-5

p.m. at Barley Mac, 1600 WilsonBlvd. Include all the roast pig youcan eat, as well as Chef Mike andJeremy’s side dishes, plus severaltastings (three drink tickets perperson) of select bourbons. $35. Visitbarleymacva.com.

NOV. 14-15Dominion Guild Holiday Boutique.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4p.m. Wednesday at the Knights ofColumbus, 5115 Little Falls Road.Twenty-five vendors will be at theevent, $25/$15. Visitwww.thedominionguildva.org.

DEADLINE NOV. 15Nominate A Tree. Various times with

Arlington Urban Forestry. Nominatea tree that is notable due to its size,age, history, uniqueness orneighborhood significance. Call 703-228-7747.


at the Plaza Library Shop, 2100Clarendon Blvd., 1st Floor Lobby.Commonwealth Joe coffee will be ata pop-up retail market dedicated to,wearable and edible products frominnovators and artisans in Arlington.Visitarlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.

FRIDAY/NOV. 17,Fall Fungi 101 Hike. 1-3 p.m.at Gulf

Branch Nature Center, 3608 MilitaryRoad. Get to know these ancientorganisms and the basics ofmushroom identification. $10. Call703-228- 3403 or [email protected].

Candle Making. 4-5:30 p.m. at GulfBranch Nature Center, 3608 MilitaryRoad. Learn some new and old waysto make these luminaries. $5. cALL703-228- 3403 or [email protected].

NOV. 17-19Artful Weekend. Various times at Ft.

C.F. Smith Park, 2411 24th St N. 40top Arlington-based artists featurepaintings of many genres, ceramics,sculpture, artists cards, unframedworks and more. Visit

www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org.

SATURDAY, NOV. 18Fall Colors Walk. 10-11 a.m. Meet at

Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road. Explore thecolors of fall during an easy walk onthe trails around the nature center.Ages 6 and up. Call 703-228-6535 oremail [email protected].

Blacksmithing Campfire. 6-7 p.m. atat Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608N. Military Road. Stories, specialanimal guests, games, songs andS’mores. $5. Call 703-228-3403 oremail [email protected].

Concert. 6:30 p.m. at the UnitarianUniversalist Church of Arlington4444 Arlington Boulevard. FredSmall, SONiA and Huda Asfour are inconcert. $15/$18. Visitwww.focusmusic.org.

SUNDAY/NOV. 19Yoga in the Nature Center. 10 -

10:45 a.m. at Long Branch NatureCenter, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road.start with a fun short walk, thenreturn to the nature center topractice poses representing the plantsand animals we find, ending in ashort relaxation. Ages 7 to 10. $5.Call 703-228-6535 or [email protected]

Hunger Lecture. 10:15 a.m. at St.Mary’s Arlington, 2609 N. GlebeRoad. Learn about Arlington FoodAssistance Center, Arlington StreetPeople’s Assistance Network, and SoOthers Might Eat. Visitstmarysarlington.org/.

R.I.P. - Remove Invasive Plants. 2-4 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Keep thepark free of destructive invasiveplants. Free. Call 703-228-6535 oremail [email protected].

Pageant Registration Opens.Various times at St. Mary’s Arlington,2609 N. Glebe Road The pageanttells the story of Jesus’s birth and

serves as the liturgy of the Word forthe Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve,3 and 5 p.m. services. Visitstmarysarlington.org/.

Russian Concert. 3 p.m. at theKenmore Performing Arts Center, 200South Carlin Springs Road. Soloistswill be Peter Omelchenko, untilrecently with Moscow’s OsipovOrchestra, on the domra and WBSConcertmaster Andrei Saveliev on thebalalaika. . Adults, $25; seniors, $20;students, $15; children under 12,free. Visit www.balalaika.org.


at the Plaza Library Shop, 2100Clarendon Blvd., 1st Floor Lobby.Jules Jewels will be at a pop-up retailmarket dedicated to, wearable andedible products from innovators andartisans in Arlington. Visitwww.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.

Toys for Tots Happy Hour. 6-9 p.m.at Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grille,567 23rd St. S., near the Crystal CityMetro Station. Food, drink and bringan unwrapped toy to donate to Toysfor Tots. The toy cannot contain anyfood item or resemble any weapons.Presented by Le Chic Geek andTagging Miles. Call 703-979-1872.

NOV. 30-DEC. 3Lions Club Fruit Sale. Various times

at St. Mary’s Arlington, 2609 N.Glebe Road. Fruits and nuts for sale,The proceeds from the sale benefitcommunity non profits supported bythe Lions Club. Visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/arlingtonva orcall 703-598-8266 or 703-862-5956.

SATURDAY/DEC. 16National Chamber Ensemble

Concert. 7:30 p.m. at UnitarianUniversalist Church of Arlington,4444 Arlington Blvd. SopranoRebecca Littig joins NationalChamber Ensemble in “HolidayCheer.” Visit www.uucava.org/.

Toys for Tots Happy HourThursday, Nov. 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Tortoise & Hare Barand Grille, 567 23rd St. S., near the Crystal City MetroStation. Food, drink and bring an unwrapped toy todonate to Toys for Tots. The toy cannot contain any fooditem or resemble any weapons. Call 703-979-1872 formore.

Live MusicReligious concert, Saturday,Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. at theUnitarian UniversalistChurch of Arlington 4444Arlington Blvd. Fred Small,SONiA and Huda Asfour arein concert. $15/$18. Visitwww.focusmusic.org formore.


To highlight your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420

DAILY EUCHARIST:WeekdaysMonday-Friday, 8:30 AMSaturday, 8:30 AM

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE:Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PMSunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy

5312 North 10th Street,Arlington, Virginia 22205Parish Office: 703-528-6276

PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org

All AreWelcome!

News

By Ashley Claire Simpson

The Connection

While there are plenty ofpeople who dread routineappointments to the den-tist, the people in the scari-

est of situations are those who simply can-not afford to seek this critical care. And,because too many people today are in thisunsettling position, the Northern VirginiaDental Society (NVDS) established theNorthern Virginia Dental Clinic (NVDC) toprovide low-income residents with afford-able treatment.

“The program was one of the first of itskind in the nation and continues to servethe indigent population of our community,”said Tom Wilson, NVDC executive director.“NVDC opened in 1994 and provides a com-prehensive menu of services from the basicdental exams, fillings and teeth cleanings,to specialized treatment including root ca-nal therapy, oral surgery, and the fabrica-tion of dentures and other prosthetic appli-ances. The NVDC’s goal is to restore eachindividual to an infection free and func-tional state of oral health.”

Although NVDS is a professional organi-zation of local dentists, its membership sup-ports its nonprofit clinic.

“NVDC has always been the society’s pri-mary outreach program and our membersvolunteer their time, skill, and make mon-etary contributions regularly,” said CathyGriffanti, NVDS executive director. “Ourclinic(s) provide the low-income populationin our community with a true dental homewhere they receive ongoing oral health careand education.”

Facilities like NVDC are often a qualifiedpatient’s only avenue to life-saving dentaltreatment.

“While there is an avenue for low-incomechildren to seek oral health care, there isnothing for adults,” Wilson said. “Through

Medicaid, there are very limited healthcareservices for adults. Those services are lim-ited to one emergency extraction, diagnos-tics, and then there is limited care for preg-nant women.”

NVDC, with two locations in Fairfax andSterling, currently serves thousands of pa-tients a year. By charging just $50 per ap-pointment, regardless of the nature of treat-ment, procedures are affordable for peoplewho have no dental insurance or a way topay out-of-pocket. Under normal circum-stances, for instance, even a simple cavityfilling would eclipse the NVDC per-visit cost.

There are 23 regular staff members; how-ever, the 120 NVDS volunteers, along withroughly 50 regular volunteer dental hygien-ists from the Northern Virginia Dental Hy-gienists’ Association, make these affordableservices possible.

Amidst the emergence of other similardental clinics for the low-income popula-tion in Northern Virginia, NVDC has expe-rienced much growth since its inceptionnearly 24 years ago.

“We serve over 2,500 patients a year, andprovide more than 10,000 appointments peryear,” said Wilson, who has overseen NVDCfor more than 20 years. “We did about 3,000appointments total in 1997, the year I came.It’s been a steady growth with lots of hardwork from volunteers, the board and staff.We’re hoping to move that number of an-nual appointments up to the 12,000 levelin the next year and a half.”

NVDC relies on a number of grants fromgovernment programs and private founda-tions. The most recent grant the non-profitorganization accepted was from the VirginiaHealthcare Foundation (VHCA).

“The primary initiative in securing thegrant money is to increase the clinic’s ser-vice capacity,” Griffanti said. “The fundingrecently awarded by the VHCF will enableNVDC to hire two part-time dentists at theFairfax facility, a part-time registered den-tal hygienist, and a full-time dental assis-tant. This additional staff will allow us toprovide an additional 2,000 patient ap-pointments.”

Wilson said examples of other crucialsources of revenue are Northern VirginiaHealth Foundation, Inova Health Systems,

Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-AtlanticStates and United Way of the National Capi-tal Area.

Since it would be impossible for NVDC totreat every single Northern Virginian indental distress, the clinic works with socialservices organizations in each jurisdictionfor the patient selection process.

“As a program, we don’t decide whocomes to us,” he said. “Each jurisdictionidentifies low-income residents throughouttheir jurisdiction and screens them for eli-gibility. Everyone we see, though, is at orbelow 200 percent of poverty. What thatmeans in Northern Virginia, where the me-dian annual household income is about$110,000, you’re talking about the major-

ity of the people we serve having an an-nual income of around $37,000.”

From their first visit, patients have oneyear to complete the treatment plan thatNVDC practitioners outline for them. Ac-cording to Griffanti, approximately 78 per-cent of NVDC patients complete their treat-ment plan. This translates to thousands oflives saved.

“Oral health is linked to poor overallhealth conditions,” Wilson said. “It affectspregnancies, infants of pregnant women, ithas links to Crohn’s disease and a wholelist of conditions. That’s why we provide thefull gamut of treatment for patients. Ourfocus is on functional restoration, but ofcourse aesthetics always come into play.

“A lot of women come and talk to us withtheir hands covering their mouths,” Wilsonsaid. “You wouldn’t believe the self-esteemthat comes back to these individuals after acouple of months of treatment.”

Programs like NVDC benefit the commu-nity at large, as well. The more patients thatvisit designated oral health care providers,the less often people will visit emergencyfacilities with debilitating pain caused bytooth-related infections.

For more information, see www.nvds.org/northern-virginia-dental-clinic.

In recognition of his out-standing academic and mili-tary performance, CadetElian Jose Gonzalez, son ofMr. and Mrs. RobertEdwards, has been namedFishburne Military School’sCadet Officer of the Monthfor October 2017.

Gonzalez, a senior fromArlington, is in his third yearat Fishburne Military School.

The announcement, which reads inpart: “Through outstanding performanceof duty and dedication to the Corps ofCadets and Fishburne Military School,Cadet Captain Elian Gonzalez is herebyawarded Officer of the Month,” was

made in a formation beforethe entire assembled Corpsof Cadets.

Cadet Officer of theMonth is selected by a boardof Cadet Officers, and is ap-proved by the Commandantof Cadets. A Cadet Officerof the Month is selectedbased upon his academic,military and communityachievements throughout

the previous month.Cadets earning Officer of the Month

enjoy special privileges including 10 Su-perintendent Merits, 10 CommandantMerits, one special meal and one FourDay Pass.

Local Teen Receives Cadet Award

Gonzalez

Serving more than2,500 low-incomepatients a year.

Nonprofit Dental Clinic Fills a NeedReferring Agencies

Emergency and initial appointments tothe Northern Virginia Dental Clinic mustbe scheduled through designatedreferring agencies only.

ARLINGTON COUNTY❖ Department of Human Services: 703-228-

5170❖ Arlington Free Clinic: 703-979-1400

Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedSince 1999

Free Estimates703-214-8384

From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee

Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years


By Marilyn Campbell

Some local designers are collaboratingwith patients at Children’s NationalHealth Center to deck the hall for

charity. The tastemakers are creating holi-day trees, mantle pieces, wreaths and amenorah for a community fundraiser called“Light Up the Season.” The Creative &Therapeutic Arts Services at Children’s Na-tional worked with the Children’s HealthBoard to pair designers with patients forinspiration.

“We were very excited to learn about LightUp the Season and be able to take part,”said Nadia Subaran of Aidan Design. “Overthe years we’ve been regular participantsin the DC Design House, another charityevent benefitting Children’s National. How-ever, with this event we got the chance tointeract and collaborate with the childrenthat these events benefit. It’s been a muchmore hands on experience for us. And whodoesn’t love decorating holiday trees?”

Subaran, along with Megan Padilla andKelly Emerson also of Aidan Design createda holiday tree design called “A ‘Wimpy’ Tree– A Tree in Cartoons,” which was inspiredby a patient named Wesley and his favoritebook series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

“Our tree will explore a black and whitetheme in keeping with the graphic novelgenre,” said Subaran.

The design team says that they used 2-and 3-D interpretations of classic Christmasdécor combined with “striking graphic vi-suals, pops of color, and a good dose of wit,the tree will be both a throwback to a sim-pler time and on trend for young readers.”

“A Guiding Light” is the name of the man-tel design created by Kelley Proxmire ofKelley Proxmire, Inc.and inspired by a pa-tient named Chey-enne. In creating hermantel, the designersaid that she, “tied inbiblical references tolight, which areshown throughoutthe display, and in-c o r p o r a t e dCheyenne’s favoritecolor: red for a red,white and silver-themed mantel.”

Two sisters named Leilah and Ava werethe inspiration for a tree design called, “AColorful Family Christmas” by Annie Elliottand Christy Maguire of Annie Elliott Interi-ors. “When asked what they liked best aboutChristmas, the girls agreed that being to-gether with their entire family was tops,”said Elliott. “In that spirit, they inspired ourtheme, ‘A Colorful Family Christmas.’ Play-ing board games, reading stories, sittingaround a fire and decorating the tree alsoare favorite family activities. You’ll see allof these holiday traditions reflected in our

tree’s decorations.”“Leilah and Ava have many favorite col-

ors, but a winner for both is teal,” addedMaguire. “Therefore, teal drives the tree’scolor palette, and other of the girls’ favor-ites, purple, blue, and green, also are in-cluded.”

Other area designers include LenaKroupnik of Lena Kroupnik Interiors, AllieMann and Alexandria Hubbard of Case De-sign/Remodeling, Inc., Camille Saum ofCamille Saum Interiors of Bethesda, Md.;Victoria Sanchez of Victoria at Home, Su-san Nelson and Todd Martz of Home onCameron, Ashley Greer of Atelier Ashley

Flowers of Alexan-dria; Pamela Harveyof Pamela HarveyInteriors ofHerndon; JoshHildreth and TaraPrice of JoshHildreth Interiors ofReston and LisaTureson of StudioArtistica in Oak Hill.

The holiday de-signs will be on dis-

play during a family-friendly communityfundraising event to benefit Children’s Na-tional at Four Seasons in Georgetown, 2800Pennsylvania Avenue, NW – on Sunday, Dec.3 from 1-4 p.m. There will be activities forall ages, such as holiday cookie decorating,ornament making, a visit from Santa andChildren’s National Dr. Bear mascot, musi-cal performances and youth entertainers,silent auction, and light fare and libations.In addition, guests will be encouraged towrite holiday cards for Children’s Nationalpatients. Visit childrensnational.org/lightuptheseason for more.

Light Up the SeasonTastemakers create holiday trees, mantel-pieces, wreaths and a menorah for charity.

Home LifeStyle

Annie Elliott (right) and ChristyMaguire (left) of Annie ElliottInteriors, (pictured with Leilahaand Ava) will collaborate on aholiday tree for Light Up TheSeason 2017.

“…With this event wegot the chance tointeract and collaboratewith the children thatthese events benefit.”

— Nadia Subaran of Aidan Design

Pho

to

by R

yan

M

edia Lab


From Page 3

News

have a safe space to play a host ofgym games and activities. This opengym program is much like the onethat O’Connell now offers, whereevery attendee is paired with a vol-unteer for the entirety of the ses-sion.

While the open gym program re-mains popular, KEEN has since ex-panded to offer a robust portfolioof activities and classes to theGreater DC and Baltimore commu-nity of families of children with dis-abilities.

As KEEN adds more people andplaces to its rapidly expanding com-munity, a few key things remain thesame: Every single young personbetween the ages of 5 and 25 is ac-cepted with open arms, and everysingle KEEN activity and programis free of charge. The ratio of par-ticipants, KEEN “athletes,” to vol-unteers, KEEN “coaches,” is 1:1 –and 2:1 for the athletes that needextra attention. The logistics are notonly important for the wellbeing ofthe athletes, but, the structure alsoenables parents and caretakers timeto themselves.

One of KEEN’s 25th anniversarygoals was to establish a greater presence inNorthern Virginia. Okulska said that KEENleadership had good reason to zero in onO’Connell as an official KEEN facility.

“Our first Virginia programs werelaunched in 2010 in Springfield, followedby Vienna in 2013,” Okulska said. “Thisyear, we launched in Arlington. BishopO’Connell seemed like a natural choice forKEEN. The school has been involved withKEEN Greater DC for the past several years,and with encouragement from the schoolfaculty, many O’Connell students have beenvolunteering on a regular basis at our otherlocations. Many of them developed uniquefriendships with kids with special needs andbecame very committed coaches at KEENsessions.”

The values that O’Connell reinforces toits community align with KEEN’s mission:to create a place and community whereeven significantly challenged young peoplebelong — and thrive.

“Because of O’Connell’s commitment toimproving the lives of others, teaching theirstudents to be tolerant, open minded, com-passion and embrace diversity, KEEN founda compelling partner, especially when itcomes to philosophy,” Okulska said. “Wewanted young people with disabilities to besurrounded by friends who would embracetheir ability and help them grow. All of thatwe found in Bishop O’Connell. We alsoknew that there were many kids in specialneeds who live in the Arlington area andwe want to serve them.”

NOT ONLY does the partnership enricheveryone involved, but, it provides a way

for O’Connell students to complete servicehours that are required of them by theschool’s Christian Service Program.

“We had so many students volunteeringwith KEEN before we started hosting theprogram,” said Kathryn Haas, who overseesall O’Connell service programs. “They hadcome to our service fair in previous years,and, when they reached out to see aboutus becoming a facility, it seemed like a greatopportunity for both parties.”

Thus began the program now called KEENArlington Sports.

Every other Sunday, O’Connell volunteersopen KEEN athletes with open arms to theirgym. Alongside their coaches, the athletesspend 75 gloriously unstructured minutescatching up with each other, shootinghoops, taking laps, or otherwise movingaround O’Connell’s gym in any way theydesire.

Haas said she’s already beginning to seethe widespread benefits of teaming up withKEEN.

“I definitely think this is something thatwill turn into a worthwhile, longstandingrelationship,” Haas said. “We’d be proud tomake it a school tradition. It already seemslike the students are really getting a lot outof it. They’re committed to making thissomething that they can really get involvedwith.”

LESS THAN SIX months into hosting theprogram, O’Connell already regularly hostsabout 15 KEEN athletes every other week-end for this KEEN signature program. Thereare eight regular student volunteers, andeach of them finds own meaning in the time

they spend with the KEEN athletes.“I like the atmosphere that the one-on-

one setup creates during the Open Gymtime,” said Gage Matty, a KEEN volunteerand O’Connell junior. “Since I play sports,the program drew me in. When I sawO’Connell offering it at a service fair, I im-mediately thought it would be a great op-portunity. I’ve since bonded with a kidnamed Diego, who likes football just like Ido. I get to bond with all of them, but, thereis something extra special about my timewith Diego.”

Diego Moreno’s family has been touchedto see their son be able to escape the limi-tations that he’s so often burdened by.

“This is a wonderful program that hashelped Diego in so many ways,” the Morenofamily said. “One of the main reasons Di-ego loves this program is simply becauseevery session is always so much fun. He says‘I had so much fun with my teen friends.’Diego has always been teased for his lackof speech, but, in KEEN, he feels he has truefriends. He can be himself and be acceptedwithout judgment. What is most importantis that he is able to play with older kids andhave that one-on-one relationship, the wayhe would if he had a big brother. Diego isan only child and has been dealing withtherapies on a daily basis all his life. In thebeginning, I saw KEEN as a social therapyactivity, but I’ve come to know it as so muchmore — it’s like family.”

Matty added that he will definitely beinvolved with KEEN, and his time with Di-ego, until he graduates.

“It’s so rewarding,” he said. “I don’t thinkof it as completing service hours. I just think

of it as fun.”It often doesn’t take long before

the high school volunteers startpledging long-term involvementwith KEEN, long after they fulfilltheir requirements.

“I’ve been involved with the pro-gram since it began in May,” seniorJulianne Ludwick said. “I had reada description of the program andsaw that it was about sports, whichdrew me in. I went once, and afterthat, I was hooked, so I kept go-ing.”

Ludwick’s passion for KEEN hasgrown along with the number ofKEEN athletes who arrive atO’Connell every other Sunday.

“There weren’t nearly as manykids when I started, but, by the endof August there were around 15that were coming regularly,” shesaid. “I really enjoy it. It’s reallyspecial to volunteer with the kids.Parents can go to the grocery storeor do something for themselves fora quick hour while we work withthem. Because of how great this isfor everyone involved, I will defi-nitely continue volunteering withKEEN after I complete my servicehours. I don’t see it as yet anotherthing to do for school or college

applications. I see it as a time to unwindand relax with the kids.”

In the end, everyone — regardless of dis-ability status — just wants to have a littlefun in life. And even if just for a few hoursevery month, KEEN seems to provide thisboth for volunteers like Ludwick and forparticipants.

“My son Jack loves KEEN,” Arlington par-ent Kristen Hartman said. “He is a reallyactive kid and loves all of the differentgames and activities KEEN offers. He en-joys the one-on-one attention provided bythe volunteers. He always looks forward togoing.”

The KEEN cause is important on a per-sonal level for Ryan Elder, anotherO’Connell senior.

“I got started because I have a cousin withautism,” Elder said. “I think I have a prettydeep understanding of how much parentsneed a break and how important it is forkids to both socialize with each other andbe active. That’s so important, and I’m sohappy to be a part of it.”

Elder’s relationship with one of the KEENathletes is exactly the type of bond thatKEEN sets out to create and nurture. Whenall’s said and done, KEEN facilities likeO’Connell are places where everyone con-nects without fear of being labeled or hav-ing their interactions defined by disability.

“I’ve gotten to bond especially with one11-year-old kid with severe Attention Defi-cit Disorder (ADD),” Elder said. “I actuallyreally relate to him because I have ADD. Ithink he’s just misunderstood. He alwayssays he just wants to do what I want to do.We’re all just looking to connect.”

Offering Recreation for Youths with Disabilities

Students at Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School volunteer to provide sports andrecreational activities for children and young adults with developmental and physicaldisabilities.


News

From Page 5

flict, and it cannot be the writer’s conflict,but the conflict of the character of the story.

Russo said he had been having troublefinding his voice as a writer and had triedto imitate many, back in those days of cre-ative writing workshops. He was still strug-gling with the idea of writing full time,teaching a literature course. Because hewanted time to write at night, he taughtbooks he had already taught, like JohnSteinbeck’s “Cannery Row.” As he was re-reading a section one night in anticipationof teaching it, again, he read a part aboutDora’s whorehouse, or “sportsmans club.”He was fascinated. He hadn’t noticed thevoice he heard was one he recognized; itwas his father’s voice. Russo told the audi-ence a voice isn’t static: a writer can takeon many voices.

Prompted by a question from the audi-ence about authenticity of voice, Russo re-sponded that he too had asked himself:“Was that authenticity of voice (in “CanneryRow”) that I heard really there or did I justhear it?” Continuing along this theme,Russo noted that one of his favorite writ-ers, Ross Macdonald, who wrote hard-boiled detective stories of considerable lit-erary value, was — oddly enough — closefriends with Eudora Welty, and while Welty’svoice when writing to Macdonald was con-

sistently very much like hervoice in her fiction,Macdonald’s letters back to herwere not the same as his fic-tion voice at all. There was notan element of “Lew Archer”voice in any of them.Macdonald, of course, was nothis real name, Russo added,but a pseudonym: he had cre-ated a persona who wrote de-tective novels, and named himRoss Macdonald, and he in-vented a voice to go with thatwriter. It wasn’t any less au-thentic.

Russo told the audience ofwriters who were mostlymiddle-aged that while theyhave a disadvantage in start-ing to write later in life afterhaving had a full career, theyhave many advantages. Writ-ers have to know themselvesbefore they can write. As alongas a writers can answer thequestion, “What do I love andwhy?” as well as “Who andwhat do I fear, and why?” thenthe writer’s voice cannot be farbehind.

For more information, seenewdirectionsinwirting.com.

Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline isThursday at noon. Photos are welcome.

Awesome Women Entrepre-neurs (AWE), a DC-area networkinggroup for women business owners, to-day announced the launch of four newchapters in Fairfax, Va., Vienna-Tysons,Va., Washington, D.C. and Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Md. Open to women whoown and operate their own businesses,either full or part-time. Visitawesomewomen.org.

Washington Radiology hasopened a new screening mammographycenter in the Ballston neighborhood ofArlington. This is the seventh screeningcenter for Washington Radiology whichprovides full-service medical screeningat locations in Washington D.C., Mont-gomery County, and Northern Virginia.The new Ballston center is located at1005 North Glebe Road, Suite 110. Thecenter’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Monday through Friday. Visitwww.washingtonradiology.com/loca-tions/arlington-ballston/ for more.

Clarendon Animal Care, a fullservice veterinary clinic in the heart ofArlington, expanded into adjacent va-cant retail space, adding 1,400 squarefeet. The two and half year old women-owned veterinary practice is now hometo five exam rooms and offers more thandouble the reception area to better servetheir clients and patients. There are ad-ditional dedicated parking spots as well.

The clinic was founded by Dr.Natasha Ungerer and Dr. Kayleen Gloorin January 2015. They met while work-ing in a hospital in Maryland and had avision of a owning their own veterinaryclinic where they could provide highquality, individualized care to their pa-tients.

Business Notes

Author Talks about Writing, Painting, Voice

Photo by Eden Brown/The Connection

Richard Russo signs copies of his books atthe Marriott Residence Inn on Army NavyDrive on Saturday night.

CommonHelp website atcommonhelp.virginia.gov. Applicationsmay also be submitted by telephone bycontacting the Enterprise CustomerService Center, Monday through Friday,from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 855-635-4370.

TUESDAY/NOV. 14Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety. Noon-2

p.m. at Washington Boulevard and North4th Street. The Arlington County PoliceDepartment’s Special Operations Sectionwill be promoting the 2017 FallPedestrian and Bicycle Safety AwarenessProgram in the Lyon Park area. Theprogram aims to change pedestrian,driver and bicyclist behavior whilereducing the number of traffic relatedcrashes and injuries. Officers will ticketmotorists, bicyclists and pedestrians whoviolate traffic laws. Visitpolice.arlingtonva.us/parking/ for more.

THROUGH NOV. 16Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Various times at St. Mary’s Arlington,2609 N. Glebe Road. Be a part of theparish outreach to collect 200 filledgrocery bags for Arlington neighbors inneed this Thanksgiving. Visitstmarysarlington.org/ for more.

FRIDAY/NOV. 17Design Competition Deadline. The

Office of the Arlington County Treasurerinvites high school students who reside orattend school in Arlington to participatein the 14th Annual Decal DesignCompetition at taxes.arlingtonva.us/decal-design/.

From Page 6

Bulletin Board


From Page 3

News

budget of $67 million. Accordingto Erik Beach, part of the county’sagreement with the developers isthat county is not liable for costsexceeding the established price.

“It’s a really intriguing process,”said County Board member Chris-tian Dorsey, “With this design com-petition, we’re unleashing creativ-ity but for a good value dollarprice.”

As the project moves forward,Dorsey says he’s going to want tohear more about energysustainability.

Residents of the nearby neigh-borhoods say the new building islong overdue.

“This has been a long time com-ing,” said Carol Fuller from theCrystal City Civic Association. “I’mvery pleased. It’s something thathas been missing. All three of thelocal civic associations are sup-porting this. This area has very fewrecreational facilities. We don’t geta lot of recreational opportunitieshere. We’re frequently on the los-ing end of the stick.”

Local residents said they werehappy with the pool amenities, butwere somewhat baffled by all ofthe designs’ inclusion of an exten-sive gym area.

“The 50-meter pool is key, it’sthe one thing we don’t have, thatand the diving platform,” saidChristina Engh. “All we reallyneeded was the 50-meter pool andthe diving board. There are othergyms in the area, you can pass abunch on your way to this center.That seems like kind of a waste.”

Some residents were from otherparts of the county but planned ontravelling to Long Bridge Park spe-cifically to utilize the new facili-ties.

“I’m excited for the diving andthe swimming,” said DascaHermosilla, from Ballston. “Myson plays soccer at Long BridgePark, so I’m excited to have otheroptions [for things to do there].My son is very excited about thebig diving board.”

Construction at the site couldbegin as soon as July 2018 and isscheduled to open in 2021.

Final Designs

Photo by Vernon Miles/Connection Newspapers

Citizens gather on Oct. 19 in Crystal City to review LongBridge Park design plans.

ComputersAnnouncements

We pay top $ for STERLING, MEN’S WATCHES,

JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY,

FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS.

Schefer Antiques703-241-0790

[email protected]

Announcements Announcements



ABC LICENSEBig Buns, LLC trading as Big Buns Damn Good Burgers, 4251 Camp-

bell Ave #105, Arlington, VA 22206. The above establishment is applying to the

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCO-HOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises and

Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Craig Car-ey, CEO. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date

notices. Objections should be registered

Legals

ABC LICENSESAR Arlington Inc, trading as Snap A Roll, 3811 North Fairfax Dr, Ste 105, Arlington, VA, Arlington County, 22203. The above

establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVER-AGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer On Premises Restaurant license to sell or

manufacture alcoholic beverages. Weiyong Zhang, Owner. NOTE: Objections to the

issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the

newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.

gov or 800-552-3200.

Legals

ClassifiedTo Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411

WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM

Notice is hereby given that First CarLimou-sine, Inc. 1800 N. Oak St. Unit 527, Arling-ton, VA 22209, has applied for authority to operate as a common carrier over irregular routes, providing service in the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church, VA, and the counties of Loudoun, Arlington and Fairfax, VA.

Any person who wishes to support or oppose the application, but does not wish to be a party to the matter, must send a written statement to: DMV, MCS-CMU, P. O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001. The statement must be signed and contain the applicant’s name and DMV case num-ber (MC1700291AW).

Any person who wishes to protest the ap-plication and be a party to the matter must contact DMV at (804) 497-7177 to receive

-

or protest is November 22, 2017.

Legals


When the owners of an Arling-ton home realized that theywere expecting their firstchild at the same time that

their parents were going to retire, they knewthat their home needed to change to accom-modate their evolving family.

They had a need for more space, but theydidn’t want the new addition to clash withthe style of their existing home, which wasbuilt during the Civil War. The team at WinnDesign + Build was hired to tackle theproject and determined that the most suit-able space for an in-law suite would beacross from the home’s two-car garage, nearthe pool. The Winn team created a designthat included a breezeway to connect theaddition to the main house, allowing forsimultaneous inclusion and privacy.

“It was a unique challenge to blend ournew addition, constructed with modernlow-maintenance building materials, witha historic home,” said Michael Winn of WinnDesign + Build. “Especially careful planningwas required given the incredibly closeproximity of the pool.”

The addition includes a first floor livingarea, a loft and a basement. Located on themain floor, the all-white kitchen is equippedwith stainless steel appliances and an island.An open floor plan allows for a seamlessconnection between the kitchen and the liv-ing room. An abundance of light streamsinto the space through large windows anda set of French doors

A spiral staircase leads to the loft includesa sleeping area as well as space for a homeoffice.

— Marilyn Campbell

Home expanded tomake room forthree generations.

Adding anIn-law Suite

Photo courtesy of Winn + Design Build

A spiral staircase extends from thebasement to the loft.

HomeLifeStyle

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Previously, chemotherapy only hadanecdotally-described memory loss: “chemobrain” as proof of a missing fragment. Recentlyhowever, clinical studies have confirmed the link.Yet, I still feel as if I haven’t forgotten that I don’trecall any prior infusions occurring on the dayafter Thanksgiving, as my next infusion is presentlyscheduled. If I remember correctly, and there areoccasional disputes, this would be the first Fridayafter a holiday when I’ve needed to be local, andinfused. And yes, the Infusion Centers are open forbusiness on the weekdays following majorholidays.

Having recently had my quarterly, post-scan,face-to-face appointment with my oncologist andsurvived the ordeal, we moved on from discussingthe scan results to being examined to schedulingfuture appointments – including a brain MRI andCT Scan, and of course, my next infusion. Andlooking at the calendar, Nov. 24 is that next date.Generally speaking, per previous conversationswith my oncologist, rescheduling my infusions by aweek or two, here or there, had not been much ofa problem (my oncologist is a strong proponent ofquality of life), and pretty much up to me.However, as I’ve gotten older and presumablywiser – and well aware of my creatininelevel/kidney issues, my current infusion schedule iswhat it is for a reason – protecting my kidneys.Moving the infusion up a week or back a week isnot an arbitrary, Kenny-made decision any more,despite my holiday wish least. Sure enough when Iasked my oncologist if he had any thoughts on mypossibly rescheduling my next infusion to fiveweeks or seven weeks (vs. the current six weeks),he had a specific preference: five weeks. Thiswould mean infusing the Friday before the follow-ing Thanksgiving Thursday (the effect of whichwould likely cause some eating challenges foryours truly – on my favorite meal of the year noless) rather than extending the infusion interval toseven weeks.

His thinking, as he explained it to us was: hedidn’t want me to wait any longer for my infu-sion/medicine than was absolutely necessary. Notthat I don’t realize how precarious my situation isbut I am sort of going merrily along of late. Hisrebuke, so to characterize, to me about notextending my next interval to seven weeksreminded me yet again of the seriousness of myunderlying diagnosis. The last thing one can do istake cancer’s inactivity for granted. Even thoughI’ve been stable for four years since I was last hos-pitalized in August 2013, I do have an incurabledisease: non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV, and Iwas initially characterized as “terminal,” so hardlyam I “N.E.D.”, no evidence of disease.

So my next infusion date is up to me, just notas ‘up’ as I thought it was/has been. Either I cankeep my original six-week interval infusionappointment as currently scheduled or I canadvance one week to five weeks (my previousregular interval). Extending it to seven weeks is notrecommended. According to my oncologist, this isgood news. Since my creatinine level/kidney func-tion has not appreciably improved while extend-ing the interval from five to six weeks, shorteningthe interval back to five weeks is not a concern tohim which means my kidneys are up to the chal-lenge, which is very reassuring since kidney dam-age is permanent.

And even though waiting a seventh week formy next infusion might allow my kidneys moretime to filter the chemotherapy a bit longer, itmight also give the cancer some time to activate –and we certainly don’t want that.

However, nothing lasts forever, and cancercells in particular are pretty resourceful and oftenfigure out what’s being done to them and startdoing something else which leads to differenttreatment. At the moment, the drug I’m infusing,alimta, is working miracles. Perhaps the next drugwill be as successful, perhaps not; and that ofcourse is the problem, the unknown.

What I do know is this: a definite is better thana maybe. If I infuse the previous Friday, I definitelywon’t feel like eating on Thursday. If I infuse onthe Friday after Thanksgiving, maybe I won’t feellike driving. So what! A bird in hand ... .

InfusionSchedule is allFowled Up

Business DirectoryTo Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422

WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER GUTTER

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE

TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE

Good is not good, where

better is expected.

-Thomas Fuller


Special VIP Offerfor your Toyota

201711

ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

homelifestyle - ellington cmsconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2017/1… ·...

Documents