dance team brings fun and rhythm to schoolconnectionarchives.com/pdf/2018/020718/great...

Winning Raffle For PaintingNews, Page 3

An Opportunity To Improve TJOpinion, Page 4

Dance Team Brings Fun And Rhythm to School

News, Page 3

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com February 7-13, 2018

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Forestville Elementary Dance Team: Front row (in splits, from left): Lauren Farfan (fifth grade), Sofia Baranovsky (fourth); Middle row (on knees) Alice

Wigmore (fifth), Malory Kroeger (sixth), Maya Seymour (fifth); Back row (on top) Katie Merritt (fifth), Robin

DeRosa Lundgren (Coach), and Meredith Lukas (fifth).

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 7-13, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 7-13, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsGreat Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Adrienne West

The Connection

In 2007, a rising sixth grader wantedto do dance at her school, so hermother started the Forestville Stormdance team. Robin DeRosa Lundgren,

whose three children have gone throughForestville Elementary School, knew shecould use her own dance background tomake something happen. She got approvalto run with the idea from then-school prin-cipal, Matt Harris, and the team is still go-ing strong.

Harris, who served as principal from 2003until retiring in 2013, bought into the ideaquickly.

Harris said, “She didn’t have to be toopersistent because I felt it was a fantasticidea. For [children of any age] it’s impor-tant to have a variety of outlets. Lundgrenis a determined, bright, and creative indi-vidual, and her program [came at a timewhen other after-school activities run byparents] were petering out.” He also hada personal investment in the program be-cause he encouraged his then-fourth gradedaughter, Caroline, to join and “she justloved it.”

Harris worked with Lundgren to find op-portunities for the children to perform, likePTA meetings or the Night of ThousandStars school program.

Shortly after the team began, the GreatFalls basketball coach approached her aboutthe team performing at the All-Stars half-

time show. In addition to that performance,they also perform at school assemblies,bingo night, the talent show, and any otheropportunities that Lundgren feels will high-light their talents.

EARLY ON, the program had more than30 children at any given time; not surpris-ing since it was – and still is – the only oneof its kind in the school system. She de-signed it as an all-inclusive, noncompeti-tive team for boys and girls in fourth to sixthgrades.

“I didn’t want to just have a programthat’s fun, but create a team where theysupport each other and become good team-mates, and become comfortable and confi-

dent performing in front of people,”Lundgren added.

The program is welcoming to the childrenbecause Lundgren makes a point of askingfor their feedback and ideas on the musicand choreography. Using a hybrid of jazz,ballet, and hip-hop, she tries to stay on topof the latest trends and big hits to keep itfresh and fun. “I have a lot of fun helpingthese kids realize they can do it and theydo a great job. It’s really rewarding to seethem [grow].”

Carrie Lukas, mother of two girls in theprogram last year, still has a fifth grader inthe program. She shared how her familybecame involved: “We moved to Great Falls[in 2016], and my daughters wanted to get

involved in a dance program. This programhas been a perfect mix of dance trainingand lots of fun with a great group of girls.Ms. Lundgren is such a positive coach andinfluence – she encourages them to workhard and creates real camaraderie amongthe girls.”

Mary Merritt, mother of fifth grader Katie,added: “I love their creativity and enthusi-asm. Robin does an amazing job not onlywith the actual dances, but also with focus,teamwork and imagination.”

Her daughter, who has done dance sincekindergarten and on the dance team sincelast year, agrees: “I love that I can dance infront of people and that I have friends atdance. We have a blast!”

THE PROGRAM runs from early Octoberto the end of April, with eight weeks in thefall session and 16 weeks in the spring ses-sion. Practice is currently every Tuesdayfrom 4:15-6:15 p.m. at Christ the KingLutheran Church due to the renovations atForestville Elementary. The ForestvilleStorm dance team has a number of upcom-ing events: Feb 9 - Bingo Night at Forestville;March 9 & 16 - Talent Show at Forestville;and in early March - GF Basketball All Stars(location TBD). She also teaches separatedance classes at Great Falls Elementarywhen there is enough interest.

For more information, email RobinDeRosa Lundgren directly [email protected] or visit the team’sFacebook page.

A program at Forestville Elementary gives students self-confidence through dance.

Forestville Storm Dance Team Brings Rhythm, Fun

Photo by Adrienne West/The Connection

The Forestville Storm dance team program runs from early October tothe end of April, with eight weeks in the fall session and 16 weeks in thespring session.

Pat Neuman of Great Falls has wonthe raffle for an original oil paint-ing by local award-winning art-

ist Jill Banks, who donated the artworkto support The Streetscape Project. Fundswere used to help provide for the pur-chase, planting and maintenance of 18native trees on Walker Road betweenGeorgetown Pike and the Safeway. Theproject is a joint effort of the CelebrateGreat Falls Foundation and the GreatFalls Garden Club.

At the time Banks painted “Village Cen-tre Walk,” the trees had not yet beenplanted. “I was introduced to theStreetscape Project at a Celebrate GreatFalls Wine Tasting where my art was ondisplay. While the landscape plan didn’tconjure up a clear vision, the enthusiasmof the folks behind the project drove meto want to help,” said Banks, whose stu-

dio is at the Artists’ Atelier in the VillageCentre. “I painted what spring will feel like,strolling along Walker Road, with thoseonce-just-imagined trees in place and ma-tured, plus I offered the option of includ-ing the raffle winner in the scene.”

Pat Neuman has elected to be painted intothe scene with her husband and their dog,walking down the sidewalk in the spring-time setting.

“I am absolutely delighted to win an origi-nal Jill Banks’ painting,” said Neuman. “Ibought my raffle tickets as soon as the con-test was announced. I love the fact that thepainting shows a corner in downtown GreatFalls, the town where we have loved livingfor over 30 years.”

Rossen Landscape, a corporate sponsor ofthe Celebrate Great Falls Foundation,planted the trees and will be maintainingthem in the future. In addition, as part of

the Streetscape Project, they also lowered20 unsightly white storm drain access pipesthat dot both sides of the road so that theyare no longer visible but still accessible.

“To me, what makes Great Falls so spe-cial is the vibrant volunteer community andthe partnerships between organizations,businesses and individuals,” said ErinLobato, executive director of the CelebrateGreat Falls Foundation. “We worked with

the Great Falls Garden Club to make thisproject a reality, and enjoyed terrific sup-port from individuals and businesses inthe community who made the generousdonations that made this all possible.Great Falls is really a unique and specialplace.”

“The Streetscape Project has been awonderful community collaboration,”agreed Winnie Frost, president of thegarden club. “Not only have we addednative trees to our downtown, we arealso enhancing the beauty of our area.Jill has added a wonderful, generousspirit to this effort and been an impor-tant part of our successful venture.”

The Celebrate Great Falls Foundationis a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation thatserves as the umbrella organization formany of our town’s major annual events,including Concerts on the Green, Hallow-een Spooktacular, 4th of July Celebration,Celebration of Lights, Winter Wine Tast-ing and an annual charity golf tournamentthat supports local elementary schools.Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Pat Neuman Wins Raffle for Jill Banks’ PaintingFunds raised to support the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation andGreat Falls Garden Club Streetscape Project.

Photo contributed

From left: Erin Lobato, WinnieFrost, Pat Neuman, Jill Banks,Candice Burt, Candace Campbell.


Opinion

To the Editor:The following open letter was addressed to state

Sen. Steve Newman, chair of the Education andHealth Committee.

As graduates of Thomas JeffersonHigh School for Science and Tech-nology (TJHSST), we were deeplytroubled to read that the Education

and Health Committee of the Virginia StateSenate struck down Senate Bill 787, the pro-posal by state Sen. Scott Surovell to make theadmissions policies at Governor’s Schools suchas TJHSST more equitable. While debates will

continue about whetherSenator Surovell’s legisla-tion is the right instrument,its intent to significantly al-

ter Jefferson’s admissions procedure to accountfor class is sound. No serious action has beentaken on this issue at the state or local levelsince the school was designated as a magnetschool and that has to change. Outreach ef-forts have had modest success in the past, butthey are not enough to make Jefferson equi-table. For this reason, we strongly support theintent of the senator’s bill and ask the commit-tee to work with Senator Surovell to draft leg-islation to make progress on this urgent issue.

All of us attended Fairfax County PublicSchools. There’s one among us who still hasher yearbooks and class pictures from kinder-garten through 12th grade. And in those im-ages from schools like Saratoga ElementarySchool and Mark Twain Middle School are thesmiling faces of friends and classmates of allraces, as well as friends and classmates wholived in a nearby HUD housing development.None of the kids from that housing develop-ment made it into TJ, not one. And virtuallynone of the Black and Hispanic students inthose other photos were admitted either.

The racial and economic composition ofJefferson has been an annual news story justabout every year since it became a magnetschool, and it’s never good news. Last year, only17 Black and Hispanic students were admit-ted — 3.4 percent out of 490 students. Andonly eight students (1.6 percent) eligible forfree or reduced-price lunches (an indicator ofstudents living in low-income or poor families).This despite the fact that Fairfax County Pub-lic School students overall are 25.4 percentHispanic, 10.1 percent Black, and 29 percentare eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

This disparity between Jefferson’s enrollmentand the racial and socioeconomic compositionof Fairfax County is unacceptable and easilyremedied. Countless elite institutions — espe-cially elite colleges — have modified their ad-missions procedures and requirements in re-cent years because they have realized that theirold criteria have long been leaving talent onthe table. They have softened their standard-ized testing requirements, engaged in admis-sions outreach, and sought out partners in highschools and middle schools to create a pipe-line of under-represented and low-income stu-dents to draw from. These students (whowould never have been admitted under the oldadmissions protocols) have thrived at theseelite institutions — often overperforming theirstandardized test scores. Yet Jefferson’s admis-

sions policies proceed ignorant of these devel-opments.

We live in a time when headlines and Twit-ter feeds constantly observe the pernicious ef-fects of systemic inequality and racism in thedaily lives of the poor and people of color. Andthe state of Virginia has a long legacy of rac-ism that the world was reminded of last yearduring and after the events that took place inCharlottesville. White supremacy is not justNazis marching in the streets; it also lies inmaintaining a high school that excludes thepoor, African-Americans, and Latinos, and thencalls itself the greatest, most meritocratic highschool in the country. You and the other 12members of the committee who struck downthis modest change to Jefferson’s admissionspolicies have voted to maintain a blatantly rac-ist and classist flagship school.

This is a shameful display when it wouldhave been so easy for you to answer the im-passioned requests of so many parents andalumni, as well as Senator Surovell. We un-derstand that the committee has framed itsobjections to this bill in terms of local rights.While in many cases local school boards arebest situated to make local educational deci-sions, when a board ignores a pressing issueaffecting its most vulnerable anddisempowered constituents over decades, thestate has an obligation to step in and remedythe injustice.

The one way that Jefferson, with the help ofthe Fairfax County School Board and the Vir-ginia legislature, could truly differentiate it-self is by showing that it is working deliber-ately and intentionally to combat the structuraland systematic racism and class privilege thatfeeds students into the school. Thousands ofschools and nonprofits around the countryhave already made meaningful change in thisarea, it’s time for Jefferson and those in chargeto take responsibility for this problem and dothe same.

Alexis Clements, TJHSST ‘98, BA Emerson College‘01, MS London School of Economics ‘06

Daniel Morales, TJHSST ‘98, BA Williams College‘02, JD Yale Law School ‘05

Kristina Danahy (Buenafe), TJHSST ‘98, BS/MSUniversity of Virginia ‘03, Ed.M Harvard ‘08

Kristen Olvera Riemenschneider, TJHSST ‘98,BSEE University of Virginia ‘01, JD University ofVirginia ‘06

Koyuki Smith, TJHSST ‘96, BA Columbia University‘01, MA Columbia University Teachers College ‘03

Megan Radek, TJHSST ’93, BA University of Virginia’97, MA University of Illinois ’04

Veronica Pillar, TJHSST ‘06, AB Princeton University‘10, MS Cornell University ‘14

Christopher Lee Rollins, TJHSST ‘04, BA College ofWilliam & Mary ‘08

Séain Gutridge, TJHSST ‘89Diane-Marie Johnston, TJHSST ‘98, BA University

of Virginia ‘02Tamara Metz, TJHSST ‘99, BA Bryn Mawr College

‘03, MA University of Arizona ‘11Joe Zarrow, TJHSST ‘97, BA Brown University ‘01,

MA New York University ‘06Rachel Yi-Feng Lei, TJHSST ‘96, BA Johns Hopkins

University ‘00, MA Fuller Theological Seminary ‘06Jennifer Love King, TJHSST ‘98, BA University of

Virginia ‘01Matt King, TJHSST ‘98, BA University of Virginia ‘02,

PhD University of Maryland ‘08Anwar Omeish, TJHSST ‘14, BA Harvard College ‘19Richard Berman, TJHSST ‘89, BA University of

TorontoCorinne Pender, TJHSST ‘05, BS Caltech ‘09, PhD

MIT ‘18Abby France, TJHSST ‘99, BS Northwestern

University ‘03Swathi Manchikanti, TJHSST ‘06, BS NJIT ‘10,

MSPH Johns Hopkins University ‘13Jack Levenson, TJHSST ‘90, BA St. Mary’s College of

MD ‘98Ramón Zabala, TJHSST ‘99, BS VA Tech ‘08Hillary Kolos, TJHSST ‘98, BFA New York University

‘02, SM MIT ‘10Sienna Lotenberg, TJHSST ‘14, AB Brown University

‘18, MAHL ‘21 and Rabbinic Ordination ‘23Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

Sheryl Wallin Abrahams, TJHSST ‘98, BA RiceUniversity ‘02, MPH UNC-Chapel Hill ‘07

Christine Contreras-Slaughter, TJHSST ‘07, BADuke University ‘11

Samuel Leven, TJHSST ‘03, BA University of Virginia‘07, JD University of Virginia ‘10

Danielle Ahn, TJHSST ‘98, BA University ofRochester ‘02, MD University of Virginia ‘06

Michael Freedman-Schnapp, TJHSST ‘98, BAUniversity of Virginia ‘02, MUP NYU ‘09

Tenzin Lhanze, TJHSST ‘14, BS College of Williamand Mary ‘18

James Wu, TJHSST ‘96, BS Virginia Tech ‘01Jean Smith, TJHSST ‘98, BA University of Virginia

‘02, PhD University of California, Santa Barbara ‘13Saniya Suri, TJHSST ‘13, BA Washington University

in St. Louis, ‘17Sanjana Verma, TJHSST ‘13, BS The College of

William Mary ‘17Martha Burtis, TJHSST ‘92, BA Mary Washington

College, MA Teachers College, Columbia UPichchenda Bao, TJHSST ‘98, BA University of

Virginia ‘02Rohit Raghavan, TJHSST ‘96, BA Catholic Univ. of

America, ‘01, JD, Univ. of Illinois,, ‘05Alison Slade, TJHSST ‘99, BA University of Virginia,

‘05, MS Johns Hopkins University, ‘12Terence McDonnell, TJHSST ‘96, BA University of

Virginia ‘00, PhD Northwestern University ‘09Andrew Hayes, TJHSST ‘99, BA University of Virginia

‘03, PhD University of Maine ‘12Alan Hevelone TJHSST ‘96 BFA Savannah College of

Art & Design ‘00Brian Horne, TJHSST ‘96, BA University of Virginia

‘00, MA University of Chicago ‘04Russell Smith, TJHSST ‘96, BA Pennsylvania State

University ‘00Janna Harris, TJHSST ’98, BA University of Virginia

’02, PhD Virginia Commonwealth University ’08Nick Berning, TJHSST ’98, BA Macalester College ’02Anne Marie Creighton, TJHSST ‘10, AB Harvard ‘14Keryl Brown, TJHSST ‘10, BFA University of

Southern California ‘14Brittany Zuñiga Fulton, TJHSST ’07, BA William

and Mary ’11, MSW University of Michigan ‘16Elizabeth Carlson, TJHSST ‘97, BA Tufts University

‘01, PhD UCLA ‘11Kate Hao, TJHSST ‘14, BA Washington University in

St. Louis ‘18Kassandra Dove McMahon, TJHSST ’90, BS

Virginia Tech ’97, MS American IntercontinentalUniversity ’00

Jessica Wyman, TJHSST ‘97, BA New YorkUniversity ‘01, MBA Columbia University ‘08

Kimberly Taylor, TJHSST ‘91, BS University ofVirginia ‘94, PhD University of Wisconsin ‘05

William Tarpeh, TJHSST ‘08, BS Stanford University‘12, MS UC Berkeley ‘13, PhD UC Berkeley ‘17

Alec Rose, TJHSST ‘86, BA Tufts University ‘90, JDUniversity of California, Davis ‘93

Kripa Patwardhan, TJHSST ‘04, BA University ofVirginia ‘08, MPP George Mason University ‘10

Rob Heittman, TJHSST ’88Aaron Balasingam Koenig, TJHSST ‘10Dave Algoso, TJHSST ‘99, BA University of Virginia

‘03, MPA New York University ‘11Jorge A Torrico, TJHSST ‘98, BA University of

Virginia ‘04Sam Brinton, TJHSST ‘10Tamara Krmoholz, TJHSST ‘01, BA University of

Virginia ‘06, MT University of Virginia ‘06Richard Joyce, TJHSST ’00, BA University of Mary

Washington ’06, MA American University ’10Emily (Stanford) Colson, TJHSST ‘95, BA

University of Virginia ‘98, MD Eastern VirginiaMedical School ‘03

Caroline Odom, TJHSST ‘10J. M. Harper, TJHSST ‘95, BS Carnegie Mellon ‘99,

JD George Mason ‘06Wendy Guo, TJHSST ‘14, BS College of William and

Mary ‘18Jennifer Gilbert Manly, TJHSST ‘07, BA University

of Georgia ‘11Sharon Gentges, TJHSST ‘92, BA University of

Chicago, BArch Washington University

An Opportunity To Improve TJ

Commentary

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Great Falls


Sports

McLean High School hostedthe Liberty District Wrestling Tournament Saturday,Feb. 3. The tournament fea-

tured 73 wrestlers from South Lakes HighSchool, Herndon High School, Washington& Lee High School, Langley High School,McLean High School and Yorktown HighSchool. With weigh-ins starting at 8 a.m.and 14 weight classes, from 106 pounds toheavyweight, it was a full day of wrestling.Each school took home at least one DistrictChampionship title, and Washington & Leewas the overall winner of the tournament

with a total score of 198 points. Washing-ton & Lee also took home the awards forHead Coach of the Year and Assistant Coachof the Year. The Wrestler of the TournamentAward went to Senior Albert Mensah ofSouth Lakes High School. Team scores forthe top schools of the tournament are asfollowed:

1. Washington & Lee High School, 198points

2. South Lakes High School, 151.5 points3. Herndon High School, 113 points

— Jennifer Kaye

Winning District Championships

Senior ParsaYazdani-Arazifrom Langley

won 21-10against Sopho-

more Roy McCoyof Washington &

Lee in 220 poundweight class.

Photo by Jennifer Kaye/

The Connection


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Wellbeing

By Marilyn Campbell

Flu season is in full swing and,according to the latest statis-tics from the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention,

it’s packing a powerful punch. Accord-ing to the most recent CDC report, theflu is widespread in most states, andhealthcare providers report an uptickin influenza-related hospitalizationsand deaths.

While The thought of eating mightbe unappealing to someone who isbattling the flu, nutritionists andhealth care providers say certain nu-trients are essential for keeping upone’s strength. Soothing and healingingredients are key allies when fight-ing this season’s virus.

“The thing you need most is water,” saidSara Ducey, professor of Nutrition and Foodat Montgomery College. “You need suffi-cient water to bring nutrients to your cellsand take away the waste. As you hydrate itgives your immune system more of a boost.”

Protein, says Ducey, will help one’s bodybuild and maintain strength. “It’s importantfor supporting the immune system and forhelping your body breakdown medicineslike Tylenol,” she said. “One of the best

sources for protein when you have the fluis real, bone-based soup, not ramen noodlesthat have chicken flavoring.”

Bone broths, like those made fromchicken or beef, offer hydration, protein andamino acids, added Ducey. Broth can besipped or used as the base for a soup. “It’s anatural healing and restorative food,” shesaid. “At this point, everyone can assumethat they’re going to get the flu and pre-pare some bone-based broth ahead of timeand keep it on hand in the freezer. You canalso buy boxes of it.”

Fresh ginger can work as an anti-inflam-matory, soothe an upset stomach and boostone’s immune system, says nutritionist

Debbie Hynes of Practical Ayurveda. “Warmwater with grated ginger and honey cansoothe a sore throat or upset stomach,” shesaid.

Foods that are high in Vitamin C like or-ange juice, particularly a variety that con-tains pulp, can boost your immune system,says Ducey. “It’s a powerful antioxidantwhich is important for keeping your musclesstrong especially when you’re sick.”

Garlic is another ingredient that Hyneslikes to include in flu-fighting recipes. “Ithas antibacterial properties, especially whenit’s raw,” she said. “I add it to chicken brothalong with chili flakes to sip when some-one in my family has a stuffy head. Thecombination can clear the sinuses. And ifyou can stand to eat it, raw garlic has thestrongest antibacterial properties.”

Turmeric works as an anti-inflammatoryand antioxidant, says Hynes. “It’s beenknown for those properties in Chinese medi-cine for centuries,” she said.

Ducey uses the spice in a creamy drinkshe creates called Golden Milk. “I take a cupof milk, a teaspoon or two of honey and alittle black pepper and put it in the micro-wave to warm it,” she said. “You can usealmond or coconut milk if you can’t toler-ate dairy. Turmeric is very poorly absorbedby the body, so adding a little black pepperhelps absorb it. It sounds bizarre, but it’sstrangely comforting.”

Feeding the Flu What to eat when fighting the flu.

“One of the best sourcesfor protein when youhave the flu is real, bone-based soup.”— Sara Ducey, Professor of Nutrition

and Food, Montgomery College

Courtesy of Sara Ducey

Turmeric, powderedginger, honey andalmond or coconut milkcan create a soothingand healing drink forthose who are battlingthe flu, says nutritionistSara Ducey.

Garlic is creditedwith having anti-bacterial properties.

Fresh ginger can be asoothing ingredient forthose who have the flu.

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Alison Dovel CrewsAlison Dovel Crews, 93, died on Saturday Jan.

27, 2018. Born in New Jersey Feb. 10, 1924, shewas the daughter of Margaret Paul Dovel and JohnAdam Dovel, and was predeceased by her husbandLouis MacFarland Crews, M.D., as well as herbrother and sister-in-law, Jack and Millie Dovel ofVienna.

Alison spent formative and teen years in NewYork, New Jersey, Virginia and Panama. Her variedprofessional life began with a nursing degree fromthe University of Virginia. For several years sheworked in that capacity, then returned to school toearn a B.S. in physics from the University ofCincinnati. Subsequently she married and movedto Northern Virginia where she became a computerprogrammer/analyst for several companies inMcLean. Later her attention turned to real estatedevelopment. She entered into partnership withher neighbor to oversee development of a portionof her land.

The Great Falls community has appreciatedAlison’s active participation. As a Master Gardenershe helped residents address their very specifictree problems. Her work interfaced with the locallibrary and with the Virginia Cooperative Exten-sion program. She embraced the ventures of theGreat Falls Historical Society because local historywas a particular delight. In recent years Alisonserved as President and devoted considerableenergy to the Home and Community Club, the

oldest continuously active organization in GreatFalls.

Throughout life Alison harbored an endless thirstfor knowledge making her a voracious reader andan informed traveler. Biking and swimmingsupported her zest for discovery. Her profoundintellect lived in tandem with a strong spirit ofgrowth and survival. When a close friend or familymember faced adversity, her presence and wisdombecame the trusted port in a storm, the voice ofreason in a torrential world. As a talented listener,being nonjudgmental and welcoming were hergreatest assets.

With personal depth and quiet dignity Alisonnaturally strengthened the lives of those she loved.She kept a sense of humor as well. Ironically shewas called “Stupe,” a nickname from childhood. Asthe family grew she became “Aunt Stupe,” a nameaffectionately adopted by the next generation offamily and their friends. Her kitchen holds a tinysign which says “Aunt Stupe you continue to amazeus.”

Alison is survived by her sister Paula Dovel Fullerand husband Bob, one niece and five nephews,great nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host ofheartfelt friends. A visitation to honor Alison’s lifeis planned for Feb. 10, 2018, 2-4 p.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made toGreat Falls Firefighters Fund, 9916 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls, VA 22066.

Obituary


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See Calendar, Page 9

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

ONGOING“Jazz It Up!” Through March 3,

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. atVienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant St.,NW, Vienna. Art exhibit. Free andopen to the public. Call 703-319-3971 or visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org.

Art Exhibit. Through March 31 atGreat Falls Library (Small ConferenceRoom), 830 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls. View an exhibit of watercolorsby Artist Betty Ganley featuring herlove of nautical scenes. Visitbettyganley.com.

Art Exhibit. Through April 7 at VillageGreen Shopping Center, 513 MapleAve. NW, Vienna. Vienna Arts Societypresents First 100 Weeks, paintingsby Deborah Schneider. Free and opento the public. Visitviennaartssociety.org

The Golden Girls of NorthernVirginia, a senior women’s softballleague, is looking for players throughApril. Any woman over the age of 40is encouraged to join. All skill levelsare welcome. Games are onWednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. Visitwww.goldengirls.org.

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.

Free Tai Chi. Every Saturday, from7:55-9 a.m., Introduction andBeginners’ Practice, meet on theoutdoor basketball court locateddirectly behind the Dolley MadisonPublic Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.in McLean Central Park, McLean. Call703-759-9141 or visitwww.FreeTaiChi.org

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

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.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 7“Dining with Dorothy.” 12:30 p.m.

at Lotus Garden Restaurant, 224Maple Ave W, Vienna. Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna’s “Diningwith Dorothy” – join friends or makenew ones at another “Dining withDorothy” socializing/dining event. Toreserve a space contact DorothyFlood at [email protected].

THURSDAY/FEB. 8Membership Meeting and Demo.

10 a.m. at Vienna Art Center, 115Pleasant St. NW, Vienna. ArtistRobert Dowler will demonstrate howto make a simple pamphlet type of

sketchbook. He will also do a showand tell of how to make morecomplicated books. Free and open tothe public. Call 703-319-3971 or visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org

Adventures in Learning. 11 a.m. atUUCF, 2709 Hunter Mill Road,Oakton. “How the Culinary Scenesfor Downton Abbey were Filmed” —a talk by food and travel writer CiCiWilliamson with photographs aboutthe researching, styling and filmingof the food scenes for “DowntonAbbey.” Guests may sample this classfor free. Visit www.scov.org

FRIDAY/FEB. 9Mardi Gras Celebration. Noon-2

p.m. at Vienna Community Center,120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna. Hosted bySCOV and the Vienna Parks &Recreation, includes Cajun lunch,trivia and prizes, mask making. Toregister, call 703-281-0538 or visitwww.scov.org.

Improv Competition. 7 p.m. at TheOld Firehouse, 1440 Chain BridgeRoad, McLean. Join the UnrulyTheatre Project for its first improvcompetition for high school students.Six teams will compete in fourrounds of improv games and short-form styles for 1st, 2nd, and 3rdplace bragging rights as well asprizes. Free admission. Call 703-448-8336 or visit www.mcleancenter.org/teens.

SATURDAY/FEB. 10.Summer Camp and Enrichment

Fair. 10 a.m.-noon at McLean HighSchool, 1633 Davidson Road,McLean. Join the Fairfax CountyAssociation for the Gifted for itsSummer Camp and Enrichment Fair.Visit www.fcag.org

Chinese New Year Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Luther Jackson MiddleSchool, 3020 Gallows Road, FallsChurch. The 11th Annual ChineseNew Year Festival, presented by theAsian Community Service Center,will feature live performances,including DRAGON and LION dances,Han costume fashion show, Asianfood, the writing of Chinese names,language, craft and business booths,children world, and also a lunar new

year dragon parade. Call 703-868-1509 or visitwww.ChineseNewYearFestival.org.

SUNDAY/FEB. 11Maple Syrup Boil-Down. Noon-2

p.m. at Colvin Run Mill, 10017Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Thesap is rising and the maple trees aretapped. Now it’s sugaring time atColvin Run Mill. Watch and learn assap is boiled down into sweet syrupover an open fire. This is an outdoorprogram, dress for the weather. $5per person. No reservations required.Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill/maple-syrup.

Amadeus Orchestra. 4 p.m. at SaintLuke Catholic Church, 7001Georgetown Pike, McLean. AmadeusOrchestra with Silver-Garburg PianoDuo. Pre-concert lecture by MusicDirector A. Scott Wood will begin at3:15 p.m., 45 minutes prior to thestart of the concert. A reception willfollow the concert. $35 at the door orwww.amadeusconcerts.com.Students 17 and under and activemilitary admitted free.

Winter Traditional CelticConcerts. 4 and 6 p.m. at The OldBrogue Irish Pub, 760-C WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Beth Patterson:Bouzouki Queen from New Orleansperforms fireside. Tickets must bepurchased in advance through thelink at oldbrogue.com: $18 generaladmission/$12 children under 12.Call 703-759-3309.

Capitol Steps. 7-9:30 p.m. at LangleyHigh School Auditorium, 6520Georgetown Pike, McLean. The DC-based comedy troupe will perform ashow based on songs from theircurrent album “Orange Is the NewBarack.” Proceeds from the showbenefit the Class of 2018 All-NightGrad Party. Tickets are $35 at thedoor, online atlhs18capitolstepsfundraiser.brownpapertickets.com orwww.ptsalangley.org/all-night-grad-party. [email protected].

Chinese New Year FestivalThe 11th Annual Chinese New Year Festival, presented by the Asian Community

Service Center, will feature live performances, including DRAGON and LION dances,Han costume fashion show, Asian food, the writing of Chinese names, language,craft and business booths, children world, and also a lunar new year dragon pa-rade. Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020Gallows Road, Falls Church. Call 703-868-1509 or visitwww.ChineseNewYearFestival.org.

KGB Dead or Alive?An evening with Jack Dziak — learn

about the history of the KGB and Putin’sRussia. Dziak has had a career in intel-ligence, counterintelligence,counter-deception, national security af-fairs and technology transfer. Free.Email [email protected] for more.Thursday, Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m. at St.Catherine of Siena, 1020 SpringvaleRoad, Great Falls. Jack Dziak


From Page 8

Calendar

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 15The Unruly Theatre. 7 p.m. at

MPA@ChainBridge Gallery, 1446Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Sponsored by The Alden, the area’shottest professional teen improvtroupe offers a night of comedy. Freeadmission. Call 571-296-8385 or visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

Penny University. 7-8 p.m. at CaffeAmouri, 107 Church St. NE, Vienna.A Penny University aboutinternational and adventure travelbasics hosted by REI at Caffe Amouri.Free. Call 703-938-1623 or visitwww.caffeamouri.com.

FEB. 15-MARCH 11“The Farnsworth Invention.”

Thursdays-Sundays, various times at1st Stage in Tysons, 1524 Spring HillRoad, Tysons Corner. Writer AaronSorkin’s signature style lends itself tothe story of the invention thatchanged our lives. In 1929, twoambitious visionaries race againsteach other to invent a device called“television.” Who will unlock the keyto the greatest innovation of the 20thcentury: the ruthless media mogul, orthe self-taught Idaho farm boy? $33general admission, $30 seniors(65+), $15 students and military.Purchase at www.1ststage.org or703-854-1856.

FRIDAY/FEB. 16“Bridesmaids.” 8 p.m. at The Old

Firehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Join The Alden staff as theyquote along with the dialogue from“Bridesmaids” (R), recreating sceneswith the help of props, onscreensubtitles and cues. There will beplenty of fun, including an uglybridesmaid dress contest. Call 703-448-8336 or visitwww.mcleancenter.org/teens.

SATURDAY/FEB. 17Eya: Marian Meditation. 7:30-8:30

p.m. at Holy Trinity LutheranChurch, 3022 Woodlawn Ave., FallsChurch. Award-winning early musicvocal ensemble Eya will perform AMarian Meditation, a restorativeprogram featuring medieval chantand polyphony from England, France,Italy and Spain. Free. Visitwww.holytrinityfallschurch.org/music/.

SUNDAY/FEB. 18Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon at

Vienna American Legion Post 180,330 Center St., N. Vienna. Getomelets, scrambled eggs, blueberrypancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuitsand gravy and more. Adults $9,children 12 and under $3. Call 703-938-6580.

Winter Traditional CelticConcerts. 4 and 6 p.m. at The OldBrogue Irish Pub, 760-C WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Moch Pryderi,together for 19 years, the bandperforms traditional Celtic musicfrom Wales, Ireland, Scotland,Brittany and Galicia as well asAppalachia, performs fireside. Ticketsmust be purchased in advancethrough the link at oldbrogue.com:$18 general admission/$12 childrenunder 12. Season ticket: $96/$60children. Call 703-759-3309.

TUESDAY/FEB. 20Sally Ride History Event. 10 a.m. to

1 p.m. at the St. Francis EpiscopalChurch, 9220 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Mary Ann Jung willrecreate Sally Ride Email PollyFitzgerald at [email protected],call 703-759-4345, or visitgfseniors.org.


News

Students from eight Fairfax County public schoolshave received an invitation to the 2018 State Sci-ence Olympiad Tournament based on their results inthe Charlottesville Regional Science Olympiad tour-nament held last weekend

In regional competition, in Division B, the KilmerMiddle School Blue team finished in first place over-all, capturing top honors in six categories. Finishingsecond was the Cooper Middle School Omega team,followed by the Kilmer Middle Green team in third,the Cooper Middle Alpha team in fourth, the LouiseArcher Elementary Sunshine team in sixth, the ColvinRun Elementary Blue team in seventh, and theMantua Elementary Raccoons in eighth place.

In Division C, Thomas Jefferson High School forScience and Technology’s (TJHSST) White team fin-ished in first place overall, capturing top honors infour categories. Finishing second was the Fairfax High

School Blue team, followed by the TJHSST Blue teamin third place, the TJHSST Red team in fourth place,the Fairfax High Gray team in fifth place, the OaktonHigh Burgundy team in sixth place, the Fairfax HighSilver team in seventh place, and the Oakton HighGold team in eighth place.

Science Olympiad is a national program that em-phasizes teamwork and a commitment to excellencewhile improving the quality of K-12 science educa-tion; increasing male, female, and minority interestin science, creating a technologically-literateworkforce; and providing recognition for outstand-ing achievement. Students are challenged in a vari-ety of categories, including anatomy and physiology,astronomy, chemistry, coding, ecology, hovercraft, op-tics, remote sensing, thermodynamics, the solar sys-tem, and meteorology.

Area Students Advance to State Science Olympiad

Fairfax County is offering a Free Car-ing for You, Caring for Me forcaregivers of older adults. Mondays,Feb. 26-March 26, 1-3 p.m. at In-sight Memory Care Center, 3955 PenderDr., Ste. 100, Fairfax. Find out more atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/OlderAdults(under Hot Topics). Call 703-324-7577,TTY 711.

The Fairfax Commission on Ag-ing meets on Wednesday, Feb. 21,1-3 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Govern-ment Center, Rooms 2 & 3, 2511Parkers Lane, Mount Vernon. The pub-lic is welcome to attend and join in thecomment period that begins each ses-

sion. Find out more atw w w . f a i r f a x c o u n t y . g o v /familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-area-commission-on-aging. Call703-324-5403, TTY 711 for meetingaccess needs.

Fairfax County’s Family CaregiverTelephone Support Group meets byphone on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7-8p.m. This month’s topic is MaintainingRelationships While Caregiving. Call703-324-5484, TTY 711 to register.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESThe Northern Virginia Long

Term Care Ombudsman Program

needs volunteer advocates for residentsin nursing homes and assisted living fa-cilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected].

Meals on Wheels needs Drivers,Coordinators, and Co-coordina-tors for routes throughout the county.Apply online atvolunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County needs Respite Carevolunteers to visit and oversee the safetyof older adults. Support and trainingprovided. Contact 703-324-5374, TTY711. Apply online atvolunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Volunteer Events & Opportunities


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Nearly nine years into a “13 month totwo-year” prognosis, I can hardly believe mygood fortune. And though I rarely look a gift-oncologist in the stethoscope, I am happynonetheless to count my blessings as I con-tinue to look ahead rather than stress behind,and try not think about what was said andwhen.

At the initial “Team Lourie” meeting withmy oncologist, I was told that there was nocure for lung cancer. I could be treatedthough. As to whether I might live beyondtwo years, I remember my oncologistresponding to our desperate query by say-ing: “Could you be the one? Sure.”Reassuring it wasn’t, but hopeful? It sort ofwas.

As the years have passed and research intolung cancer has grown, an interim step to acure has evolved: treating lung cancer as achronic (has opposed to acute/dire) disease,similar to diabetes, as an example. Not as yetcurable, but manageable over a longer periodof time. A disease with which, I’m fond ofsaying, one can live. Live beyond the applica-ble word because, I have to tell you, at thebeginning of my treatment, based on whatmy oncologist had described, living was along way from what he was anticipating myoutcome would be. Nevertheless, I begantreatment the following week and the rest ishistory you regular readers have been privy tosince June of ‘09 when I first published a “ca-ncer” column (as I call them).

Feb. 20, 2018 will be nine years since myinternal medicine office called me at workwith the results of my previous week’s biopsy.He said the tumor was malignant. I rememberasking him what that meant. (Duh!). He saidhe’d rather let the oncologist answer anyquestions and referred me to the doctor, thesame doctor with whom I’ve been a patientall these years. Sure enough, a week later weheard the news: non-small cell lung cancer,stage IV. And I’ve been up to my whatsis inreal or imagined anxiety ever since.

And I’m still present and accounted for asare more and more of us previously-characterized-as-terminal, non-small cell lungcancer “diagnosees.” We are not just patientsany more. We are survivors, surviving longerthan ever before. We are not cured but nei-ther are we dying. Our treatments are modi-fied when the results warrant it and life con-tinues to go on. As much as a cure would be,and continues to be, the goal, life continues,relatively normally, for many of us. It’sunlikely however, that we’ll ever get out fromunderneath the weight of our cancer diagno-sis. Rather than dying from it though, we’renow able to live with it months/years longerthan many patients previously diagnosedwithin the disease.

So what’s the next step? Maybe a bigger,bouncier, longer step than before, but morethan likely, more of the same, moving for-ward, one step at a time. To one whose pre-sent was hardly a given nine years ago andwhose future seemed like a taken – away,being able now to actually live in the presentwithout fearing/forfeiting the future is theopposite scenario many of us lung cancerpatients, especially those of as staged as IV,ever imagined. Day by day was the best wecould muster.

Now we’re mustering months and yearsand living longer more fulfilling lives. We’renot victims anymore nor are we victimized byour circumstances. We’re advocating andbeing advocated for. We don’t exactly havelung cancer on the run, but we may have iton the trot. I don’t know if I’ll live to see acure but I have lived long enough to havegiven myself a nickname, one which I’m mostproud to have earned.

“Chronic Ken”

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

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONChild turning 5 years old by Sept. 30? If so,

contact your child’s school to makearrangements for kindergarten enrollment. Mostschools begin getting information together nowfor parents of incoming kindergartners, andmany host an orientation or open house. Allkindergarten programs are full-day and locatedin FCPS elementary schools. Check your school’swebpage or contact the school directly forspecific enrollment information and dates oforientationor visit www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration.

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:

❖ Friday, March 16: Completed Petition Packets aredue at MCC by 5 p.m.

❖ Monday, March 19: Candidates’ Orientation, 7p.m., The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 ChainBridge Rd.

❖ Monday, April 9: Absentee Voting begins at theMCC Administrative Office, 6631 Old DominionDr., and The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 ChainBridge Road.

❖ 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 atthe MCC 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/2ix7qc1.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 7Group Coffee. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Tysons/

Pimmit Regional Library (Room #1), 7584Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. McLean Newcomersand Neighbors will host a coffee for membersand those who might be interested in joining.Visit www.McLeanNewcomers.org.

THURSDAY/FEB. 8McLean Police District Station Citizens

Advisory Committee Meeting. 7 p.m. atMcLean Governmental Center, 1437 Balls HillRoad, McLean. The February McLean PoliceDistrict Station Citizens Advisory Committee(CAC) program will focus on the IndependentPolice Auditor. Richard G. Schott, who wasappointed Fairfax County’s first IndependentPolice Auditor in February 2017 will discuss therole and answer questions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/policeauditor/ orwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/getinvolved/citizenadvisorycommittee.

Bulletin Board

Kickoff Meeting forFireworks 2018

Great Falls 2018 Fireworks will hold aCommittee Kickoff Meeting, Monday, Feb.12, 6-7 p.m. at The Old Brogue. Great Fallsresidents are invited to meet-and-greet andlearn about volunteer opportunities. Thefireworks event only happens because ofpeople in the community, so help is needed.Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Week in

Great Falls

dance team brings fun and rhythm to schoolconnectionarchives.com/pdf/2018/020718/great...

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