great falls holiday postcards from wellbeing great...

Great Falls Connection ❖ January 1-7, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

Opinio

n, Page 6

❖

Entertainm

ent, 0

❖

C

lassifieds, Page 14

❖

Spo

rts, Page 13

January 1-7, 2014

Pho

to

by N

ikki C

heshire/T

he C

onnectio

n

Great FallsGreat Falls

Ground Water Cleanup PlanPresented in Great FallsNews, Page 4

Top Sports Moments of 2013Sports, Page 13

Holiday Postcardsfrom

Great FallsNews, Page 11

WellbeingPage 8

WellbeingWellbeingPage 8

The gazebo, decorated withholiday lights, brightens up the

Village Green.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ January 1-7, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ January 1-7, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors ChairmanSharon Bulova discusses

the issues she sees taking cen-ter stage in the county in thecoming year.

“The following items are onmy radar screen for the yearahead:

The Silver Line, Phase 1, willopen for passenger servicethrough Tysons Corner toWiehle Avenue inReston. Construc-tion for Phase 2, ex-tending Metrorailfrom Wiehle Av-enue to RestonTown Center, Route28, Herndon,Dulles Airport andto the Ashburn areaof Loudoun Countywill begin.

Construction as-sociated withrezonings in Tysonswill take placethroughout 2014.‘Pop-up’ activitiesand uses will pro-vide vibrancy toTysons whilepermanent usesare beginning tofill in.

The newly re-d e v e l o p e dS p r i n g f i e l dTown Center inthe old Spring-field Mall areawill open in fallof 2014.

A new stateadministrationwill begin asGov. TerryMcAuliffe issworn in as the72nd governorof the Common-wealth of Vir-ginia. FairfaxCounty has asked the GeneralAssembly to prioritize Medicaidexpansion and state funding forpre-K through 12th-grade edu-cation when they meet this win-ter.

During 2014, Fairfax Countyand the Northern VirginiaTransportation Authority(NVTA) will be advancing trans-portation priorities in Northern

Virginia, putting new statetransportation funding to workin order to address congestionand traffic safety.

On Monday evening, June 9,my office will be hosting a newEvolution program: Evolutionof the Workplace. We will tracethe trends and expectation ofworkers in Fairfax County, be-ginning when Fairfax was oneof the largest producers of dairy

products in thec o m m o n w e a l t hthrough the mod-ern, ‘work/lifestyle’balance youngerworkers look for.

Back by populardemand will be oursecond season ofEvenings on the El-lipse Concerts inthe GovernmentCenter’s “backyard.” Concerts andwine tastings arefree, thanks to cor-porate sponsors.I’m looking forwardto balmy nights andgreat music al-

ready.”❖ NOTE:

Bulova’s State ofthe County ad-dress will debutWednesday, Jan.15, at 7:30 p.m.It will air onChannel 16 andmay be watchedonline at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/starting Jan. 16.The address willimmediately fol-low her annualChairman’s NewYear Reception,on Jan. 15, from4:30- 6:30 p.m.,at the Govern-ment Center.

“The Chairman’s Reception ismy opportunity to say thankyou to the many county em-ployees, volunteers and activeneighbors who help makeFairfax County the exceptionalplace it is to live, work andplay,” she said. “All active/en-gaged constituents are welcometo attend.”

On Sharon Bulova’s2014 Radar Screen

Bulova

Pho

to

by Bo

nnie H

obbs/T

he C

on

nectio

n

“The SilverLine, Phase 1,will open forpassengerservice throughTysons Cornerto WiehleAvenue inReston.” Sharon Bulova, Chair-

man, Fairfax CountyBoard of Supervisors

Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Supervisor John W. Foust

(D-Dranesville):

TRANSPORTATIONFUNDING PLANHB2313 - A signifi-cant event affecting

the community in 2013 was thepassage of HB2313 with bi-parti-san support. This bill was the firstcomprehensive transportationplan passed in Virginia in 27 years.

We now have significant fund-ing available for the numeroustransportation projects neededacross the County that will provideresidents much needed relief fromcongestion and will help restore the vitality of eco-nomic development in Virginia. The Board of Super-visors conducted a Countywide Dialog to solicit citi-zen input on which projects will be funded and in-cluded in the County’s 6-Year Transportation Plan.There is a total of $1.2 billion available from HB 2313revenues and other funding sources. With signifi-cant citizen input, I submitted a list of projects rec-ommended to be funded. There were 47 projects inthe McLean and Great Falls areas.

The Board of Supervisors’ decision on funding thefinal list of projects will occur in either January orFebruary 2014.

COMMUTER PARKING AT THE TYSONSMETRO STATIONS — Obtaining parking at theTysons Metro stations for residents who can only getto the stations by driving their cars has been a prior-ity for me. There were no dedicated public parkinggarages included in the original Tysons Metro Sta-tions plans. At my request, the Board of Supervisorsdirected staff to study ways to identify commuterparking possibilities near the Tysons stations.

I am pleased that in July of this year, the Boardapproved the first proposal for a commuter parkinglot in proximity to a Tysons Metrorail station. The711-space surface parking lot is located next to theMcLean Station, at Dolley Madison Boulevard be-tween Anderson Road and Colshire Boulevard. Theowner will pay all costs associated with construc-tion, maintenance and operation of the parking lotand will determine what fees to charge. The lot isexpected to be open by the time Metro is operational.It will provide much needed access to the new Metrostations for my constituents. County staff is continu-ing to work on other Metro station parking opportu-nities.

RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF THE

SPRING HILL RECREATION CENTER — Work-ing with the former Dranesville representative to thePark Authority Board, I was able to secure an addi-tional $25 million for the Park Authority bond thatvoters approved this past November. A portion of theadditional funds will be used to expand and reno-vate the Spring Hill Recreation Center. The construc-tion project includes a 2-story fitness center and agymnasium with an elevated running track. The gym-nasium will feature a single high school-sized bas-

ketball court with two overlay bas-ketball courts as well as a volley-ball overlay court. There will beneeded improvements to thelocker room area and showers aswell as the addition of five newfamily cabanas. The staff will havenew office space and the receptionarea will be redesigned to improvecustomer service and convenience.

The RECenter expansion, in-cluding the gym and fitness cen-ter, is set to open to the public inDecember 2014, while the reno-vation work to the existing fitnessarea will be completed by Febru-ary 2015. With the exception of ashort period of time when the pool

will be closed, the facility will be open during con-struction.

MAKING THE GRANGE ADA ACCESSIBLE —For some time now, a number of organizations andindividuals in Great Falls have wanted to expand useof the historic Grange building for residents and com-munity groups. In order to make the building usableby all residents, it must be made ADA compliant atsubstantial cost. I was able to secure Park Authorityand County funds in the amount of approximately$500,000 to undertake the necessary interior andexterior upgrades to make the facilities ADA compli-ant. The Park Authority is expected to begin con-struction in the spring of 2014.

CONTINUING TO MAKE DRANESVILLE MOREACCESSIBLE AND SAFE FOR ALL PEDESTRI-ANS AND BICYCLISTS — Making Dranesvillemore pedestrian and bicycle friendly has been oneof my top priorities since taking office. Many resi-dents want to be able to walk or bike to schools,Metro stations, parks and commercial districts. Wehave made progress on all of these fronts this year.Here are some of the highlights:

❖ We completed new walkways on Raymond Av-enue to Churchill Elementary School and on HaycockRoad to Haycock Elementary School.

❖ Lewinsville Road is an important walking andbiking route for access to the McLean and SpringHill Metro Stations. Earlier this year, we completeda major trail segment between Windy Hill Road andScotts Run Road, and we are close to completing thelast remaining segment between Snow Meadow Driveand Elsinore Road.

❖ We have a beautiful new trail through Dead RunStream Valley Park in McLean, connecting Baron

A Year in Review, Thingsto Look for in 2014Supervisor John W. Foust(D-Dranesville) reflects onmost important events inMcLean and Great Falls in2013 and 2014.

See Foust, Page 15

Pho

to

co

ntributed


See Water, Page 7

News

By Russ and Pete Ugone

The Connection

The Great Falls CitizensAssociation (GFCA)hosted two meetingson Dec. 17, to update

Great Falls residents on the planto clean up contamination from aspill of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether(MTBE) that had occurred at theExxon gas station that was locatedat 9901 Georgetown Pike. In 2009,Exxon Mobil reported the con-tamination from the spill to theVirginia Department of Environ-mental Quality (DEQ). As a result,DEQ opened a Pollution Com-plaint case and required the newowners of the property, Fairfax

Petroleum Realty, to develop aCorrective Action Plan. MTBE wasan additive used in gasoline toboost oxygenation, thereby reduc-ing emissions from vehicles, asrequired by the Federal Clean AirAct. MTBE, was used between1995 and 2005, and was later re-placed by ethanol. MTBE is solubleand is slow to degrade. AmyStephan, a GFCA representative

said “residents are concerned thatthe MTBE will contaminate localwells.” Several other Great Fallshomeowner associations were alsorepresented at the meeting.

THE FIRST MEETING was abriefing on the elements of thedraft Corrective Action Plan toaddress the cleanup of the MTBEunderground plume that extends

almost a quarter of a mile to thesoutheast. Mike Steele and JeffreyHale, from the firm Kleinfelder,provided an overview of the planand key milestones. The secondmeeting was a Notice and Com-ment advisory held by the DEQ tohear additional comments and rec-ommendations from the commu-nity on the draft Corrective ActionPlan. Cynthia Sale, Environmen-tal Manager, DEQ, stated that theDepartment has managed over37,000 petroleum spill cases sincebeing organized. Sale commentedthat “Virginia has no limits onMTBE in drinking water for tasteand odor as it is not as toxic asother chemicals and tends to breakdown,” and that “if there were nowells in the area, this case wouldhave been closed.”

The draft Corrective Action Plan,submitted by Kleinfelder to theDEQ, includes three major ele-ments: soil vapor extraction,ground water extraction, and ad-ditional testing of wells, asneeded. A mini-water treatmentplant will be temporarily built onthe property (where the gas sta-tion had been located) to draw thewater out, remove the contami-

nants, periodically test the water,and discharge the water into thedrainage system. The vapor ex-traction system will be vented intothe atmosphere. Based on mea-surements of the undergroundplume taken from 19 existingmonitoring wells, additional wellsmay be added for monitoring pur-poses. Steele stated, “However, thearea of contamination known asthe plume, has not expanded since2009, as the MTBE tends to breakdown.” He added that “it is esti-mated that cleanup will take 2 to5 years and that the monitoringwells will be in place for 5 to 7years.” The Corrective Action Planis scheduled to begin in 2014.

DEQ held the second meeting toprovide notice to the public onseeking comments to the draftplan. Sale stated that “DEQ uses arisk-based program to protect thedrinking water obtained from the[private] wells in the area.” Sheadded that “not all of the MTBEmay be removed if it’s not a threatto the [private] wells.” Salecomplimented GFCA in its effortsto work with the DEQ andKleinfelder, and in providing com

Ground Water Cleanup Plan Presented in Great FallsPotential con-tamination of lo-cal wells from aspill at formerExxon gas sta-tion discussed.

Jeffrey Hale and Mike Steele, of Kleinfelder, brief GreatFalls residents.

Pho

to

by Pete U

go

ne/T

he C

on

nectio

n


OPEN HOUSEFriday, January 10, 2014

9:30-11:00AM

ATTENTION All Boys Ages 5-14Have you ever wanted to trythe fastest game on two feet?

Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and theGreat Falls Lacrosse Association is happy to announce two freebeginner clinics for boys to try lacrosse at our home field –Nike 4.

A few things that you need to know:• NO STICK REQUIRED! We will have brand new STX sticks

for use during the clinic. The boys will need to wear cleatsor sneakers and dress warmly. Thin gloves and a hat are agood idea.

• Cost of the clinics: FREE.• Dates: Sunday, January 12, 1-3 & Sunday, January 19, 12-2• Location: Nike 4 Field, Utterback Store Rd., Great Falls, VA• Please register at www.greatfallslacrosse.com. Space/

sticks are limited to 60 boys. Boys can attend both clinics.Please arrive at the field 15 minutes before the scheduledstart time.

• We can only accommodate boys who fall under theLangley and McLean HS school pyramids.

• IMPORTANT – This clinic is for new players only.• Weather Policy: Please check the Great Falls Lacrosse site

to check for any scheduling changes.

GREAT FALLS

LACROSSE

News

Great Falls in2013: The MostImportant Issues

Eric Knudsen, President, GreatFalls Citizens Association (GFCA):

1) The start, and hopefully thefinishing, of the Walker Road Dietproject. This is the first majorchange to the center of town sincethe Safeway shopping center wasput in. It will allow for a crosswalkand reduction in the speed, stop-ping passing on the right and givean area that can be landscaped toreally put a safe and hometownlook to Great Falls.

2) GFCA worked with DEQ,Fairfax Petroleum, Fairfax countyand local businesses to find thebest way to clean up the spill ofMTBE and other chemicals fromthe former gas station. After fouryears the community can now lookforward to this potential menacebeing taken care of and our waterbeing protected from these pollut-ants.

3) Our Supervisor John Fousthas secured funds to renovate theGrange and make it ADA compli-ant. This will once again bring thistreasured building back into rollof a community meeting space forall and many community eventswill be brought back.

Eric Knudsen

To have community events listed inthe Connection, send [email protected] deadline for submissions is the Fri-day prior to publication.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 8Vienna Photographic Society

Meeting. 7:30-9:30 p.m. OaktonElementary School, 3000 ChainBridge Road, Oakton. Corey Hilz willspeak at this meeting. He is aprofessional photographer specializingin nature and travel photography. Hefinds that the diversity in nature andcultures around the world offerboundless opportunities for newimages. www.vpsva.org

SUNDAY/JAN. 12Introduction to Healing Touch -

Get and Give a Healing! 2-4 p.m.Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter MillRd, Oakton. A gentle, complementaryenergy-based approach to health andhealing. The goal is to restoreharmony and balance to the humanenergy system through a heart-centered caring relationship and theuse of contact/non-contact touch.This can greatly assist the body andmind in its natural ability to hear.http://www.unityoffairfax.org/introduction-healing-touch-1

Bulletin Board


Opinion

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:

[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Amna RehmatullaEditorial Assistant

703-778-9410 [email protected]

Victoria Ross County Reporter ❖ [email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

Salome Howard-GaiblerDisplay Advertising

[email protected]

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]

@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:

Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]

@TheismannMedia

CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426Circulation Manager:

Linda [email protected]

Great Falls

As local, weekly newspapers, theConnection’s mission is to delivernews readers need close to home,to help readers enjoy great local

places and events, to advocate for communitygood, to call attention to unmet needs, to pro-vide a forum for dialogue on local concerns,and to celebrate and record milestones andevents in community and people’s lives.

To succeed at any of that, we need your help.If you know of a person or an organization

doing important work, something newsworthyor something that might make a good featurestory, let us know. We want to know if some-one in your family or your communitypublished a book, became an EagleScout, raised money for a good cause,accomplished a feat like running amarathon or having an art show. Send us aphoto and tell us about it.

We publish photos and notes of a variety ofpersonal milestones and community events,including births, engagements, weddings, an-niversaries, awards and obituaries.

We are also interested in events at yourchurch, mosque, synagogue, community cen-ter, pool, school, club, etc. To have the bestchance of getting an event included in our cal-endar ahead of time, email us the details ofthe event (who, what, where, when, why) atleast two weeks ahead of time. Email [email protected]. Eventsgenerally must be open to the public and ei-ther free or at nominal cost to be included incalendars.

After your events, email us a photo and a

note so we can consider including it in ourcoverage. Be sure to include the names of allthe people who are in a photo, and say whenand where the photo was taken.

We also publish notes about news and eventsfrom local businesses. Notes about openings,new employees, anniversaries are welcome.

In covering the issues, we strive to provide avoice for our readers. We look forward to hear-ing from you.

The Connection Newspapers are publishedby Local Media Connection LLC, an indepen-dent, locally owned company. The publicationsand websites include the Alexandria Gazette

Packet, the Mount Vernon Gazette, theCentre View, the Potomac Almanac andindividual Connection papers andwebsites serving McLean, Great Falls,

Vienna/Oakton, Oak Hill/Herndon, Reston,Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton, Arlington, Centreville,Chantilly/Fair Oaks, Alexandria and MountVernon.

The publications and websites have wonhundreds of awards for news and communitycoverage just in the past few years, includingthe Virginia Press Association Award for Integ-rity and Community Service for coverage ofefforts to prevent and end homelessness, andBest in Show for information/art for coverageof local parks.

The operation of these community-servingpublications is entirely funded by advertising.The papers are delivered free to homes andbusinesses throughout Northern Virginia, andthrough free digital subscriptions. If you or

your organization appreciate the Connectionpublications, please support them by patron-izing our advertisers and by spending a por-tion of your marketing budget with us.

Visit our website, http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/ and clickon “contact us” for quick forms for:

Free digital subscriptions to one or more ofour 15 papers: connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe.

Submit a letter to the editor at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter.

We provide educational internships allyear; apply at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/intern-ships/.

Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers.

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/followfairfax @followfairfax overall, andlocally at

twitter.com/GFConnection @gfconnectiontwitter.com/herndonconnect

@herndonconnecttwitter.com/McLeanConnect

@McLeanConnecttwitter.com/RestonConnect

@RestonConnecttwitter.com/ViennaConnect

@ViennaConnectFor information on advertising, email

[email protected], or call703-778-9431.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year

Editorial

State Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) highlights the followinglegislative priority issues:

❖ Safety Net: RetainMcDonnell’s $1.6 M for extensionof subsidies to foster youth andadopted youth until the age of 21.

❖ Temporary Assistance forNeedy Families (TANF) — Indexbenefits to the COL Adjustment asdetermined by the Department ofLabor (Need Budget Amendmentas well). This helps women andchildren. Families stay an averageof 3 years on TANF. The caseloadhas been decreasing in Virginiaand $5M was shifted in the lastbiennium from TANF block grantdollars to funds General Fund ser-vices.

❖ Medicaid - - Suspend Medic-aid Coverage rather than termi-nate coverage for foster youth whoenter the DJJ system. The intentis to make it quicker and easier forthe foster youth to re-gain Medic-aid coverage when they leave theDJJ system. The bill does notchange who is eligible for Medic-aid.

❖ Foster Children Convicted ofa Barrier Crime (Burglary) – Per-

mit case workers to issue a waiverin determining the eligibility of afoster home when a youth 18 yearsor older has a criminal record be-cause of conviction of a barriercrime.

❖ Education — Teacher Evalua-tion: VEA asks that the time beextended from 5 business days to10 business days before a teachermust decide to appeal an evalua-tion.

❖ Individualized Education Pro-gram (IEP) – Submit budget re-quest ($250K) to plan for a com-prehensive data system at theState level for all IEP submissions.State would likely access addi-

tional Medicaid dollars andwould share these dollarswith the school systems.

❖ Virginia Pre-school Ini-tiative (VPI) — Increase thefunding to Northern Virginiato cover an average cost perchild of $9,000 a year ratherthan $6,000 per year.

❖ Dual Degree: Increasefunding to the CommunityCollege System to enablemore course offerings at lo-cal high schools.

❖ Mental Health — MH Serviceson Site at Schools: Create a pilotprogram to enable communityhealth centers to offer MH coun-seling on site at public schools ona regular basis. ($800k)

❖ Institutional Diversion Pro-gram for MH Clients in Region II:Establish a pilot to enable the cre-ation of community based servicesfor clients with a history of jail vis-its and/or emergency room visitsand who would likely be institu-tionalized. ($2.5M)

❖ MH Funds in the Juvenile Jus-tice System: Establish funds forJuvenile Justice Courts to hire orcontract out for mental health

evaluations and follow-up ser-vices. This is a recommendationadopted by the Commission onYouth. ($1.6M)

❖ Health and Safety: Establisha physician based data record sys-tem that would feed into the over-all State health management sys-tem. ($150K in 2014 and 2015)

❖ SANE – Sexual Abuse NurseExaminations –I n cases wherepatients may have been exposedto HIV –require insurance compa-nies to waive the co-pay so thereare no barriers to obtaining drugsthat can prevent HIV and AIDS.

❖ Assault of Health Care Profes-sionals —Make it felony if some-one intentionally assaults a healthcare provider.

❖ Gun Control —Ban those con-victed of a minor sexual assaultfrom possessing a firearm for fiveyears.

❖ Aging: Increase funding forhome and community based ser-vices through Area Agencies onAging

Environment: Reinstate fundingso Virginia may fully participate inthe Chesapeake Bay Inter-CountyCompact ($500K)

Sen. Favola Shares Legislative Priorities

State Sen. Barbara Favola(D-31)

Pho

to

co

ntributed


Ackerman & Assoc................................703-759-4707Adeler Jewelers .................................... 703-759-4076AdGen Telecom....................................703-757-6757Allstate Insurance/Doug White...............703-759-7700Aquarian LLC........................................703-438-8838Artists on the Green...............................703-609-3092Capitol Realty Services .........................703-759-4900Deli Italiano .......................................... 703-759-6782Dent Asset Management.......................703-286-7555Dr. C. Ayers...........................................703-757-6445Dr. M Tamulevich...................................703-757-6445Executive Suites at Great Falls...............703-865-2500Expressions with Intent...........................703-757-4600Falls Salon, The ..................................... 703-759-4758First Line Financial, Inc..........................703-757-7393Fresh Catch Seafood Market.................703-759-4950Georgetown Learning Centers ..............703-759-3624H2O Pools ............................................. 703-250-5585Jinny Beyer Studio.................................703-759-0250Katie’s Coffee House.............................703-759-2759King Creole Catering............................703-759-7306Knowlera Media....................................703-757-5444Lauren Liess & Co ................................. 703-571-7825Loebig Chiropractic..............................703-757-5817Nextel ...................................................443-904-9305New Paradigm Capital Mgmt................703-757-4802Old Brogue...........................................703-759-3309Peking Delight.......................................703-759-5040Pilates Place, LLC..................................703-405-3371Robert Mobley, AIA Architect.................703-759-1927School of Theatrical Dance...................703-759-5652Spectrum Property Management ..........703-307-2965Teel Construction ..................................703-759-4754Troon, LLC.............................................703-675-2823Village Centre Mgmt Office .................. 703-759-2485Village Retreat/Massage Therapy..........703-638-4852Wells Fargo...........................................703-757-1040Yoshi Toshi.............................................703-759-3338

Proud Location of the Following Events:“Egg Hunt” “4th of July Parade” “Concerts on the

Green” “Halloween Spooktacular”“Celebrations of Lights” “Cars and Coffee”

“Farmers Market”

www.gfvcca.com

Great FallsVillage Centre

Great FallsVillage Centre

The Great Falls Village Centre776 Walker Road • Great Falls, VA703-759-2485 • [email protected]

Shop Great Falls

~ At The Great Falls Village Centre ~

Viewpoints

ments, concerns, and recommendations.

THE ESTIMATED COST of implement-ing the Corrective Action Plan ranges from$600,000 to $875,000, which is the respon-sibility of the current owner of the prop-erty, Fairfax Petroleum Reality. The ownermay request reimbursement of expenses upto $1 million from a contingency fund man-aged by the DEQ. The fund is providedthrough fees collected from petroleum dis-tributors operating in Virginia based on apercentage of sales and disbursed when

needed. Sale further stated that “DEQ willdetermine when the process is completed,with the goal that MTBE will not enter intoprivate wells.” She added that any com-ments on the draft Corrective Action Planare due to the DEQ by Dec. 27, and shouldbe submitted to Alex Wardle DEQ([email protected])

After the cleanup process is completed,the property will be developed for a bank.The 70- page draft Corrective Action Plancan be viewed at http://GFCA.org or threecopies are available at the Great Falls Li-brary.

From Page 4

Mike Steele, KleinfelderProgram Manager: “TheCorrective Action Plan issite-specific and a risk-based process with nopredetermined level ofclosure.”

Cynthia Sale, Environ-mental Manager, VirginiaDEQ: “The plan does notcall for picking up everybit of product. It is de-signed to protect drinkingwater from wells.”

David Marcille,Addicott HillsHomeowners Association, Great Falls: “Community involvement with DEQ and Kleinfelder,is working well to come up with a viable solution.”

Randy Chapman, Se-nior Geologist, VirginiaDEQ: “As the contamina-tion plume moves out, theMTBE is breaking downas concentration is escap-ing. In essence, the plumeis not expanding.”

Glen Sjoblom, GFCAGroundwater Contamina-tion Committee Co-chair:“GFCA is on duty [and]we are going to followthis until it is clean.”

Eric Knudsen, GFCAPresident: “We are askingfor a peer review processtoward an end point.”

Amy Stephan, GFCAExecutive Board andGFCA Groundwater Con-tamination CommitteeCo-chair: “We want thiscleaned up and no cornerscut.”

— Russ and Pete

Ugone

From left — Glen Sjoblom, Eric Knudsen and AmyStephan.

Randy Chapman

From left - Mike Steele, Cynthia Sale and DavidMarcille.

Water Cleanup Plan

What do you think of the CorrectiveAction Plan or Ground Water CleanupPlan for Great Falls?

8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ January 1-7, 2014 Great Falls Connection ❖ January 1-7, 2014 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

As we begin a newyear, many arefocused on theirspiritual health

and well-being. In fact, theNational Wellness Institutenames spiritual wellness asone of the seven dimensionsof overall wellness. It’s es-sential in life, say experts.

Lisa Jackson-Cherry,Ph.D., chair of the Depart-ment of Counseling atMarymount University inArlington, who specializesin pastoral counseling andpastoral integration, be-lieves spiritual well-beingdoesn’t always have to dowith religion. It’s about be-ing connected to somethinggreater than one’s self. “Itdoesn’t have to be a higherpower,” she said. “It can beyour community or nature,but the key piece is that there is aconnection to something otherthan yourself.”

Elizabeth Rees, the associate rec-tor at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Churchin Mount Vernon, said, “I would sayat its heart, spiritual well-being isknowing ourselves to be loved andcherished by God and then livinginto that truth.”

Kathy Judd, Alexandria-basedmeditation teacher and director ofNo Place Like Om, said, “Spiritualhealth and well-being is when you… feel just as, if not more, con-nected to what you can’t see as towhat you can. It’s about knowingthat there is an animating forcethat drives the show and seeing allthe ups and downs of our humanexperience as just like that — ashow.”

Some say that expectation man-agement is a factor in spiritualwellbeing. “If there is a gap be-tween expectation and reality,there can be a ... lack of content-ment,” said Rabbi Stuart Weinblattof Congregation B’nai Tzedek inPotomac, Md. “When we set ourexpectations lower in terms ofwhat we expect from others, we areless likely to be disappointed. It isappropriate to set our goals high,but our expectations lower. Goalsmotivate us, but when we haveexpectations, we set ourselves upfor disappointment.”

WHILE SPIRITUAL WELLNESScan mean different things to dif-

ferent people, experts said thereare common factors that can helpone achieve it, such as engagingwith others. “When we think aboutspiritual health or well-being, wethink about people being at peacewith themselves and others,” saidJackson-Cherry.

“In my opinion,” she said, “oncepeople become connected withother people and not so consumedwith themselves or their own trag-edies or pain and they give of them-selves to others, share their gifts,often they experience content-ment.”

“Community is a big one, andalso what you pay attention to andconsume,” Judd said. “If you’reconstantly tuned in to the newscycle and people who are negativeand arguing, you’re going to seethe world from a certain viewpoint.… If you take time to be in nature,read uplifting things, eat [theright] foods, and surround yourselfwith a community of people whoare loving, supportive and want tobring out the best in you, you’llhave a very different experience ofthe world.”

Rees believes self-love is also acomponent of spiritual well-being.

“In adult education here at St.Aidan’s, we’ve been listening to thetalks of [scholar, author and pub-lic speaker] Brené Brown and talk-ing about what she has to say aboutvulnerability. I have definitelyfound in my own life that when Idare to share the truth about mystruggles with the people aroundme, it creates a new space forgrowth and depth.

“Until we learn to love and for-give ourselves, it’s almost impos-sible to love and forgive others,”she said. “For me, the Christianstory in general, and the Churchcommunity in particular, is theplace where that comes togetherand makes sense.”

Prayer is an important part ofmany religions. “Spirituality isfound both within the context ofmeditation and reflective time,which could be prayer, as well asbeing part of a larger community,”said Weinblatt. “That is why peoplecan find contentment in prayer andplaces of worship and as well as inother contexts.”

Jackson-Cherry said, “When I’mworking with clients, I find thatpeople who have the healthiestspiritual well-being are people who

have a sense of purpose in life orhave a meaning in life. They might

not have achieved it, butthey are working toward it.Having a sense of purposeor meaning in life leads tocontentment.”

So how does one find asense of purpose and mean-ing in life? “We’ve talkedabout this question a lot,”said Rees. “What comes upmost frequently is the ideaof finding ways to live in thepresent, slowing down andfinding God present in themoment. … Hearing whereother people are findingGod, and taking the time tolook for God acting in myown life and share that withothers makes me muchmore aware of God allaround, and helps me to re-member that God is alsoacting in and through thepeople around me.”

Judd said there is workinvolved in achieving spiri-tual well-being. “It takes

practice, just like anything else,”she said. “Yoga and meditation areextremely valuable. Spirit is noth-ing more than an energy field, soif there is a lot of static in the field,it’s going to be hard to hear mes-sages that are there. So anythingyou can do to calm the ‘talk radio’in your head will make it easier tolisten. When you learn to listen,you are able to be lead, to be called,to find your calling.”

LIVING IN THE MOMENT isalso a factor that can lead to con-tentment and spiritual well-being.“I think trying to … find as muchlove and joy in it as possible is ahuge piece,” Judd said. “Also,worry less about what others thinkand be more willing to live andlove greatly. Developing gratitude,as something that runs through allof our life, not just as somethingthat comes when life seems to begoing really well, is importanttoo.”

Rees said keeping a journal is auseful tool in developing gratitude.“One spiritual exercise that helpsme sometimes is to practice grati-tude by prayerfully journalingabout the things for which I amgrateful,” she said. “Sit down andwrite 100 things for which you aregrateful. You start with the big andobvious things, but then also findyourself digging deep for the smallbut ever-present graces of life. …Journaling in general can be agreat for spiritual well-being.”

What is it and how does one achieve it?

Spiritual Wellness in the New YearWellbeing

Photo courtesy of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church

Connecting with others is an important part of spiritual well-beingsay experts.

“When we think about spiritual health orwell-being, we think about people being atpeace with themselves and others.”

— Lisa Jackson-Cherry, Ph.D., Marymount University

DiscussingMosby andRangers

The Great Falls Senior Cen-ter (GFSC) event for Januarywill focus on the Civil War inFairfax County. GFSC mem-bers have shown particularinterest in local Civil War his-tory.

Guest speaker DonHakenson will address Colo-nel John S. Mosby’s combatoperations in Fairfax Countywhere Mosby had some of hismost interesting raids.

Hakenson is a past presi-dent of the Stuart-Mosby His-torical Society, founder andmember of the Board of Di-rectors for the Franconia Mu-seum and is a civil war advi-sor for the Mosby Founda-tion. Hakenson is a Washing-ton, D.C. native who haslived most of his life inFairfax County.

The Jan. 7 event will beheld at Great Falls Library,9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. The programruns 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. andincludes lunch. A modestcontribution is appreciated.

The January event sponsoris the Dr. and Mrs. WilliamM. Busey Family.

Reservations are a must. Toreserve, e-mail PollyFitzgerald [email protected] orcall 703-759-4345. Guestswho require transportationto attend, call Gene orMaddie McCabe at 703-438-0810.

The Best of 2013, Resolutions for 2014

Barb & Doug Losselyoung, Great Falls“We’re just happy that we’re here to see 2014!Our resolution is to make it to 2015. Maybe to lose 20 pounds and

exercise more!”

Jim Conway, Great Falls“I think Pope Francis was a highlight this year. His

ascendency was nice to see. It was a bit of a refresh-ing breath of life into the church.

This past year, I’ve had a couple of friends fall ter-minally ill. It was jarring. I want to refocus and at-tend to the important things in life. I want to be abetter person, be altruistic, and take care of the peoplearound me.”

Val Adeler Armour, GreatFalls

“Being able to spend extra qual-ity time with my family. It seemslike so much happened this year.

My resolution is to get more or-ganized.”

Kurn Hackmeier, Great Falls“The highlight of my year was

getting into college. I’m going toOld Dominion University.

I hope to gain some muscle. I’mgonna do some working out at thegym.”

— Nikki Cheshire


TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

Select your remodeling products from our MobileKitchen and Bathroom Showroom and Design Center!!

Fully Insured & Class A LicensedEST. 1999

Free Estimates703-969-1179

Celebrating 15 Years in Business!!

Visit our website:www.twopoorteachers.com

Bath PackagesAvailable!!

Send announcements [email protected] is Friday for the followingweek’s paper. Photos/artwork encour-aged. For additional listings, visit http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2013/sep/26/fairfax-county-cal-endar/.

TUESDAY/DEC. 31New Year’s Eve at Entyse Bistro.

5:30-10:30 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton,1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. Ring inthe New Year with a four-coursetasting menu, champagne toast andlive music. $135 per person.Reservations required. 703-917-5498.

New Year’s Eve Party. 7:30 p.m.Vienna’s American Legion Post 180,330 Center Street, North, Vienna.hris Polk Band: $35 single, $50 percouple, benefits Legion NationalEmergency Fund. Call 703-938-9535for tickets.

First Night Vienna. 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.Church Street in Vienna. A family-friendly New Year’s celebration. Thiscelebration will feature localmusicians, great food, excitingentertainment and hands-onactivities for both children andadults.

7th Annual Rocknoceros NewYears Eve Party. 11 a.m. & 2p.m. Jammin Java, 227 Maple AveE, Vienna. Rocknoceros (pronouncedlike rhinoceros) is three guys: CoachCotton, Williebob, and BoogieWoogie Bennie, who make wildlypopular, award-winning music forthe whole family. Admission: $10.703-255-1566

SATURDAY/ JAN. 4Ballroom Dance. 8-9 p.m. Waltz

lesson, 9-11:30 p.m. dance. ColvinRun Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Live music fromMike Surratt & the ECB playingfavorite dance tunes from the 1930sto today. Attire is ballroom casual, nopartner or experience is needed.$20for the evening. 703-759-2685 orwww.colvinrun.org.

SATURDAY/JAN. 11The Teas of Nepal. 1-3 p.m. Colvin

Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road,Great Falls. Nepal produces someexquisite hand crafted, limitedproduction teas: whites, greens,oolongs, as well as distinctive blacks.An opportunity to experience thesegems, along with some tea infusedtreats. Advance reservations andpayment ($30 each) requiredthrough the Mill at 703-759-2771.

THURSDAY/JAN. 16International Guitar Night. 8 p.m.

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.THE INTERNATIONAL GUITAR

NIGHT (IGN) is the world’s premiertouring guitar festival, each showbringing together the mostinteresting and innovative acousticguitarists to exchange musical ideasin a public concert setting. Tickets:$25-27.

FRIDAY/JAN. 17International Guitar Night. 8 p.m.

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.THE INTERNATIONAL GUITARNIGHT (IGN) is the world’s premiertouring guitar festival, each showbringing together the mostinteresting and innovative acousticguitarists to exchange musical ideasin a public concert setting. Tickets:

$25-27.

SATURDAY/ JAN. 18Ballroom Dance. 8-9 p.m. Quick-Step

lesson, 9-11:30 p.m. dance. ColvinRun Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. DJ music fromCraig Bukowski playing favoritedance tunes from the 1930s to today.Attire is ballroom casual, no partneror experience is needed. $15 for theevening. 703-759-2685 orwww.colvinrun.org.

SUNDAY/JAN. 19Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 330

Center Street, N., Vienna. Adults $8,children $3. 703-938-1379.

Entertainment

The Vienna Business Association, in partnership withthe Town of Vienna, presents the first annual NewYear’s Eve “First Night” Celebration.


www.viennafloors.com

Providing Free Estimates Since 1984

703-938-3160

A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!Our Thanks to Our Customers forTheir Support Throughout 2013.

We Look Forward to ServingYour Flooring Needs in 2014.

News

The Great Falls firehouse gets in the holiday spirit by decorating the station with amultitude of colorful lights.

Holiday Postcards from Great Falls

Many businesses inthe Village dressed up

for the holidays. TheFalls Salon gets fes-

tive by decoratingtheir storefront with

wreaths and lights.

The gazebo standsas a central point

within the deco-rated storefronts

as Great Fallscelebrates the

holidays.

Photos by

Nikki Cheshire/

The Connection


FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA450 ORCHARD STREET, NW

VIENNA, VA 22180703-938-8525

[email protected]

SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 11:00 AMCHURCH SCHOOL 9:30AM-10:30AMMIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM

Visit These Houses of WorshipTo Highlight Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468

Assembly of GodVienna Assembly of God

... 703-938-7736Cristo Es Mi Refugio

...703-675-0144Baha’i

Baha’i Faith forNorthern Virginia... 703-821-3345

BaptistGlobal Mission Church

... 703-757-0877Peace Baptist Church

... 703-560-8462Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

... 703-757-8134Cartersville Baptist Church

... 703-255-7075Fellowship Baptist Church

... 703-385-8516First Baptist Church

... 703-938-8525The Light Mission Church ...

703-757-0877Vienna Baptist Church

... 703-281-4400New Union Baptist Church...

703-281-2556Church of the Brethern

Oakton Church of the Brethern... 703-281-4411

CatholicOur Lady of Good Counsel ...

703-938-2828St. Athanasius Catholic Church

... 703-759-4555St. Mark’s Catholic Church

... 703-281-9100Charismatic

New Song Church... 703-698-9777Church of Christ

Berea Church of Christ... 703-893-7040

Disciples of ChristAntioch Christian Church

... 703-938-6753Episcopal

Church of the Holy Comforter... 703-938-6521

Church of the Holy Cross... 703-698-6991

St. Francis Episcopal... 703-759-2082

Jehovah’s WitnessJehovah’s Witnesses

... 703-759-1579Lutheran

Emmanuel Lutheran Church... 703-938-2119

Christ The King Lutheran Church... 703-759-6068

St. Athanasius Lutheran Church... 703-455-4003

MethodistAndrew Chapel United Methodist

... 703-759-3509Church of the Good Shepherd

... 703-281-3987The Vine Methodist Church

... 703-573-5336Ephiphany United Methodist

... 703-938-3494Great Falls United Methodist

... 703-759-3705Oakton United Methodist

... 703-938-1233Vale United Methodist

... 703-620-2594

Smith Chapel United Methodist... 571-434-9680

Wesley United Methodist... 703-938-8700

Non-DenominationalCelebration Center for Spiritual Living

... 703-560-2030Presbyterian

Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church...703-560-6336

Korean Central Presbyterian... 703-698-5577

Vienna Presbyterian... 703-938-9050

QuakerLangley Hills Friends

... 703-442-8394Seventh-Day Adventist

Northern VirginiaChristian Fellowship

... 703-242-9001Vienna Seventh Day Adventists

... 703-938-8383Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of Fairfax... 703-281-4230

United Church of ChristEmmaus UnitedChurch of Christ…703-938-1555

UnityUnity of Fairfax... 703-281-1767

bb

7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday school: preschool - grade 2Music: grades 3 - 7

10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 12Music 4 years to 2nd grade

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service

The Rev. James Papile, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran

703-437-6530www.stannes-reston.org

1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston

ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston

Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive

JapaneseMaples30% OFF

Over 200 Varieties


Over 200 Varieties


Over 200 Varieties


Over 200 Varieties

9023 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax, Virginia

2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50. 1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro)

Open 7 days a week703-573-5025

Visit our new Web site: www.cravensnursery.com➠

25%-75% OFFTrees, Shrubs & Perennials25%-75% OFFTrees, Shrubs & Perennials25%-75% OFFTrees, Shrubs & Perennials25%-75% OFFTrees, Shrubs & PerennialsTrees, Shrubs & Perennials25%-75% OFF

OFF-SEASONPRICING

FREELandscape &Hardscape Estimates•Patios•Walls•Walkways•Paver Driveways•RR Timber Retaining Walls




FREELandscape &Hardscape Estimates•Patios•Walls•Walkways•Paver Driveways•RR Timber Retaining WallsPottery Sale

25-75% Off PotteryLargest Selection

in the DC Area

Pottery Sale25-75% Off Pottery

Largest Selectionin the DC Area

Pottery Sale25-75% Off Pottery

Largest Selectionin the DC Area

25% OffBenches, Fountains, StatuesBonsai, Cactus & Succulents

Build Your Community

Support Your LocalBusinesses.

www.connectionnewspapers.com

Boxes of non-perishable foodthat filled the trunks ofeight large SUVs were do-

nated on Monday, Dec. 16, byColvin Run Elementary Schoolfamilies to a local Fairfax Countyelementary school. The donatedfood will be distributed to fami-

lies in need of assistance over thetwo-week holiday. As noted byColvin Run Elementary SchoolPrincipal, Ken Junge, “Manypeople do not realize that there areover 47,000 students in FairfaxCounty who are eligible to receivefree or reduced lunches. Our stu-

dents understand the importanceof being a caring member of a glo-bal community. Donating food, sothat children are not hungry overthe winter break, is just one waywe can help these families inneed.” The donated food was col-lected during a three-week fooddrive held at Colvin Run. The stu-dents helped run the drive by cre-ating the advertisements for thedrive and sorting and packagingthe donated food. As Kaitlin, a sec-ond grader at Colvin Run, ex-plains, children often helped shopfor the food as well. “My three sis-ters and I went with my mom tothe grocery store together. We eachwere given money to spend andwe picked out food that wethought kids our age would like.”Nathan Herendeen, a Colvin Runcounselor, explains that one of thecore character traits emphasizedat Colvin Run is compassion.“Teaching compassion and to carefor others in our community is akey component to our curriculum.We use this opportunity every yearto help give the children a concreteunderstanding of how helping oth-ers, even if in a small way, reallycan make a difference.”

In addition to the food drive,Colvin Run also collected and de-livered winter coats and outer-wear, including hats, scarves, snowpants, boots, and other warmclothing, to the school. The foodand winter outwear drive is orga-nized each year by the Colvin RunPTO, together with the assistanceof the Student Council. As summa-rized by the parent coordinator forthis year’s drive, Ann Malekzedah,“This drive is a school-wide affair.You cannot walk through the hallsof Colvin Run during these threeweeks and not know that some-time big is happening.”

The donated food was collected during a three-week food drive held at Colvin Run.

Colvin Run Elementary StudentsDonate Food for Those in Need

Schools

Pho

to

co

ntributed


Sports

The year 2013 provided severalexciting moments in localsports. For Langley, the volley-ball team captured its first state

championship, the girls’ lacrosse teamworked its way back to the state final andthe football team had its best offensive sea-son of all time.

Here is a look at the top moments in GreatFalls/McLean sports for 2013.

Langley VolleyballWins First StateChampionship

The Langley volleyball team reached thestate tournament in 2012 and left with ex-perience. The Saxons returned in 2013 andleft with the program’s first state champi-onship.

The Saxons closed the season with a six-match winning streak, capped by a three-set victory against First Colonial in the statefinal on Nov. 23. Langley became the firstvolleyball team from the former NorthernRegion to win a state title and finished theyear with a 27-3 record.

Langley head coach Susan Shifflett chosetime spent together off the court as herfondest memory of winning states.

“We have had a lot of fun on the bus,”Shifflett wrote in an email. “(I enjoyed)pregame and the moments after we won,like unveiling the banner (and) ordering ourrings.”

In 2012, Langley lost to Kellam in the

state semifinals. In 2013, the Saxons tookhome the title. Along with team’s accom-plishment, senior setter and right-side hit-ter Alex Andrejev was named Gatorade Vir-ginia Volleyball Player of the Year. She fin-ished the season with 570 assists, 247 kills,163 digs, 82 service aces and 53 blockswhile hitting at a .465 clip. For her career,she totaled 2,044 assists and 794 kills.

“I think the fact that most of the playershad been to states the year before helped alot with preparation and the mental aspectof the game,” Shifflett wrote. “Obviously,we were very talented, as well. First time Ihave ever had two outstanding outside hit-ters (Jessica Donaldson and RachelAndrejev). Sisi Holderman (libero) reallystepped the second half of the season. Andof course, there is Alex. That helps a lot.”

Yorktown upset Langley in the Conference6 tournament semifinals, but the Saxonsresponded by winning the 6A North regiontitle, beating Osbourn Park in the final, be-fore winning states.

“They also were able to stay focused aswe made our final run through regionalsand states,” Shifflett wrote. “It was a verylong season and that is probably the mostdifficult thing to do. We had our down mo-ments but they always were able to re-group.

“My coaching staff had a lot to do withour success, as well. When you have fivecoaches, all on the same page, telling theplayers the same thing and working welltogether, that sends a positive vibe through-out. Plus, I learn things from them everyday.”

Lisa Scott, Michelle Bredehoft, Amy Deanand Megan Shifflett were the Langley as-sistant coaches.

Langley Girls’Lacrosse ReachesState Final, Again

For the Langley girls’ lacrosse team, the2013 season ended in a similar fashion to2012: with a trip to the state championshipgame.

After finishing Northern Region runner-up, the Saxons defeated Western Albemarle13-10 in the state quarterfinals andLoudoun Valley 12-4 in the semifinals andentered the state final on June 8 having won12 of their last 14 games.

“My most vivid memory of being in a statechampionship game is the bigness of it all,”former Langley head coach RichardDeSomma wrote in an email. “Nothing pre-pares you for that level. Even the regionalplayoffs and state games leading up to it,none are as unique as that one game. (Youare) greeted at the bus by state organizersand given updates and instructions. A statesoccer championship and state baseball

championship being played as you arrive.Full stands of loud, non-stop cheering. Cam-eras, and reporters, and professional an-nouncers, and four hand-picked officials.Unique unto itself would be accurate. Trulyan electric atmosphere.”

Unfortunately for the Saxons, their tripto the 2013 state final ended the way it hadthe year before: with a loss. Langley lost toMadison four times during the 2013 sea-son — in the regular season, in the LibertyDistrict tournament final, in the region fi-nal and in the state final. In 2012, Langleylost to Oakton in the state final after fallingto the Cougars in the regular season andthe region final.

DeSomma, who is now the head coach atHayfield, praised the Saxons.

“As I would always explain to sports writ-ers, we had a group of girls who were pas-sionate, competitive, motivated and had alove of lacrosse,” he wrote. “They were hardworking in the offseason and self-motivated.They had a great work ethic and had seri-ous, focused, productive practices. We hadgreat team-captain leadership. They were,in short, a delight to coach. I was very for-tunate to be part of their lacrosse experi-ence for nine years.”

Top Sports Moments of 2013

Connection File Photo

Senior quarterback Nick Casso helped the 2013 Langley football teamset a program record with 481 points in 12 games.

Connection File Photo

Olivia Sisson, left, and the Langley girls’ lacrosse team in 2013 reachedthe state final for the second consecutive season.

Photo Contributed

The Langley volleyball team won the 2013 6A state championship.


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/Oakton

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

A CLEANING SERVICESince 1985/Ins & Bonded

Quality Service at a Fair PriceSatisfaction Guaranteed-

Angies List 2011-Super Service Award!Comm/Res. MD VA DC

acleaningserviceinc.com703-892-8648

CLEANING CLEANING

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned

Small Repairs • Gutter Guards

PINNACLE SERVICESlic/ins 703-802-0483 free est.email [email protected]: lawnsandgutters.comFriendly Service with a Friendly Price!

GUTTER GUTTER

LicensedInsured

We Accept VISA/MC

703-441-8811

You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.

The HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION

BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

A&S Landscaping

703-863-7465LICENSED

Serving All of N. Virginia

• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: [email protected]

www.rncontractors.com

R&N Carpentry

✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing

✦Exterior Wood Rot More!Deck & Fence repair, Screen Porches

No jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured

703-987-5096

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

Remodeling Interior, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Floors, Ceramic Tile,

Painting, Decks, Fences, Additions.703-863-1086

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES

PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE

Friendly Service for a Friendly Price

703-802-0483703-802-0483

Quality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insured

20 yrs. of experience – Free estimates 703-868-5358

Fall Clean Up...Tree removal, topping & pruning,

shrubbery trimming, mulching, leafremoval, planting, hauling, gutter cleaning,

retaining walls, drainage problems, etc.

24 Hour Emergency Tree Service

TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE

HAULING

AL’S HAULINGJunk & Rubbish

Concrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debris

Low Rates NOVA703-360-4364

703-304-4798 cell

7 DAYS A WEEK

ANGEL’S HAULING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction

Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

LANDSCAPING

703-863-7465

A&SLANDSCAPING

Planting • Mulching • SoddingPatios • Decks • Driveway Sealing,

Asphalt • Retaining WallsErosion Control • Drainage Solutions

TREE SERVICE

ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL

Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com

Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping

Gutters & Hauling

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

ClassifiedClassified

HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup

(571) [email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

26 AntiquesWe pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

Danish/modernteak furniture, STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

EmploymentEmployment

Software Engineer, Data Portal Support, Dynamics

Research Corp., Arlington, VA Under direct supervision, design, impl. &

support data warehousing for GFDL Data Portal using MySQL DB & impl.

apps & middleware & define user interfaces & funct’l specs. MS in CompSci or a closely related field

req’d & exp. (which can incl. academic project/internship exp.) w/MySQL,

Python, XML, Ferret, MATLAB, Perl, PHP, data mining, shell scripts &

Linux/Unix envir. This is a telecom-muting position working from home

that req’s up to 20% domestic travel – may reside anywhere in US. Send

resume to [email protected].

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6........................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 5, 6...........................Tues @ 11:00Zones 1, 3.............................Tues @ 4:00Zone 2.................................Wed @ 11:00Zone 4...................................Wed @ 1:00

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet

The Mount Vernon Gazette

Zone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/OaktonConnection

The McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls

Connection

Do not wish to be anythingbut what youare, and try to be thatperfectly.

-St. Francis de Sales

For a free digital sub-scription to one or allof the 15 ConnectionNewspapers, go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Complete digital rep-lica of the print edition,including photos andads, delivered weeklyto your e-mail box.

Questions? E-mail:[email protected]

Great Papers • Great Readers • Great Results!

Employers:Are your recruiting ads notworking in other papers?

Try a better way to fill your employment openings

[email protected]

• Target your best job candidateswhere they live.

• Reach readers in additionto those who are currentlylooking for a job.

• Proven readership.• Proven results.

Rockville

Potomac

BethesdaChevyChase

NorthPotomac

Washington,D.C.

Herndon

Reston

Chantilly

GreatFalls

ViennaOakton

Arlington

McLean1

4

HistoricClifton

Fairfax

FairfaxStation

Burke

Springfield

2

6

5

3

NorthClifton

Centreville

LaurelHill

DullesAirport


For a free digitalsubscription to one or allof the 15 ConnectionNewspapers, go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first to know – getyour paper before it hitsthe press.

Complete digital replica ofthe print edition, includingphotos and ads, deliveredweekly to your e-mail box.

Questions? E-mail:[email protected]

lostdogandcatrescue.org

lost (adj): 1. unable to findthe way. 2. not appreciatedor understood. 3. no longer

owned or known

AdoptDonate

VolunteerVolunteers needed for

adoption events,fostering,

transportation,adoption center

caretaking and more.

Road to Churchill Road, which provides agreat way for residents to reach the com-munity center, the library and McLean Cen-tral Park.

❖ Great Falls residents can walk safely toboth sides of Great Falls Village with thenew Walker Road “diet” project soon to becompleted. We are also about to begin theconstruction phase for an important trailsegment along Georgetown Pike betweenUtterback Store Road and Falls ManorCourt, providing access to the village.

❖ Working with County staff and the bi-cycle community, we installed 80 way-find-ing signs to allow bicyclists to navigate moreeasily through central McLean. This was theCounty’s first way-finding project.

Looking Aheadto 2014FISCAL YEAR 2015 BUDGET — As inprevious years, the Board of Supervisorsfaces a major challenge to adopt a budgetthat provides adequate funding for essen-tial services including Education, PublicSafety, and Human Services while control-ling the tax burden on homeowners.

Since I took office in 2008, we have cuttens of millions of dollars from the Countyoperating budget without serious reduc-tions in the County’s support for these es-sential services. Virtually all low-hangingfruit has been eliminated.

As we struggle to maintain an acceptablelevel of services, we face the need for sub-stantial investment and re-investment ininfrastructure like schools, storm watermanagement and other public facilities.

This year will be particularly difficult be-cause of the significant deficit projected forour school system, nearly $150 million. Toraise an additional $150 would require anincrease in the property tax rate of nearly 8cents, an option that is not realistic. Thenew school superintendent has published alist of possible cost-saving measures.

I will also continue to work with the com-munity to establish our budget prioritiesand address our budget challenges.

OPENING OF SILVER LINE METROPHASE I — A major event of 2014 will bethe long awaited opening of the Silver Line,including the Tysons Metro Stations. I an-ticipate that more of us will become morefrequent users of Metro. The interim com-muter parking lot at the McLean Station willprovide convenient access for nearby resi-dents. Traveling by bus will be easier withexpanded Connector Bus service and thenew Tysons Circulator Buses. Some of thosewho wish to walk will use the newly com-pleted walking routes along LewinsvilleRoad.

KICKING OFF NEWLY-FUNDEDTRANSPORTATION PROJECTS — Byearly next year the County Board will haveidentified the projects to be funded underits new 6-Year Transportation Plan. I’m ex-

pecting planning and design for a largenumber of projects in Dranesville, especiallypedestrian related, to be initiated. We mayhave to “pardon the dust” for a few years,but the results will be well worth thetrouble.

Chief among Dranesville transportationprojects is the widening of Route 7 betweenJarrett Valley Drive and Reston Avenue.Communities along this corridor have al-ready been involved in the preliminary de-sign process along with VDOT, FCDOT andmy office with the “Route 7 WideningProject Working Group” – formed to makesure the vision and concerns of neighbor-ing residents were considered by VDOTproject engineers. I expect that high levelof community involvement to continue asdesign and construction activities move for-ward with the recently obtained funding forthis project.

LANGLEY FORK PARK — 2014 shouldbe the year that we move forward on theCounty’s acquiring Langley Fork Park. Cur-rently, the National Park Service (NPS) ownsthe Langley Fork property and permits theFairfax County Park Authority to manageand maintain its use. The park has two base-ball diamonds, two rectangular fields anda basketball court, all in need of updating.For a number of years, the NPS and theFCPA have been attempting to agree on aland swap that would allow for upgradesat Langley Fork through FCPA and protec-tion of new Potomac Gorge resource areasthrough the NPS. Both agencies believe thatnegotiations should be finalized in 2014.

The Park Authority has prepared a draftmaster plan for the park that consists of twoadditional rectangular fields, one additionalbaseball diamond, a dog park, a pavilion, afitness zone and expanded parking areas forthe park and Clemyjontri Park. As the ParkAuthority’s planning process goes forward,there will be several opportunities for indi-viduals and organizations to express feed-back about the proposed development.

LEWINSVILLE SENIOR CENTER — Ianticipate that in early 2014, the Board ofSupervisors will approve an agreement witha major non-profit developer to redevelopthe Lewinsville Senior Center, located onGreat Falls Street in McLean. Presently, asenior center, an adult day care center, twochild care centers and 22 independent af-fordable living apartments occupy a build-ing that was originally the Lewinsville El-ementary School, constructed in 1963. Theplan is to raze the existing building andbuild two facilities, one to house an ex-panded senior center and the three day carecenters, and the other to consist of approxi-mately 80 independent living apartmentsserving seniors with incomes at or belowthe eligible household income limits. ThePlan will require zoning approvals and willbe presented to the community for publicinput.

There is a significant shortage of housingfor seniors in our area, particularly for thosewith limited resources. I am anxious forconstruction of the project to get underway.

From Page 3

Foust Looks at Year AheadNews

So much of what I feel as a cancer survi-vor comes from the feedback I receive fromothers. Positive, complimentary, flatteringcharacterizations are crucial to my optimis-tic outlook. Negative descriptions, reactions,etc., are not. Not to discount honesty, butthe emotional divide on which a cancerpatient’s self-assessment/attitude teeters isdelicate indeed and honesty is sometimes (Isaid “sometimes”) not the best policy. If I’min the right mood, negativity can bedeflected, absorbed even; not a problem. IfI’m in the wrong mood, however, the nega-tive can push me into a black hole of emo-tional despair. Regardless of whether thecomment/observation is well-intended,accurate or even prudent under the circum-stances, its effect can be deeply felt. Gettingback to normal is not impossible and mostlywithin my control, but if it’s all the same toyou, I’d rather not have to claw my wayout.

In most instances, this kind of cancer-patient feedback is harmless and fairly ran-dom; it happens when you least expect itand you’re either up to the emotionalpunch or not. It’s not as if you can prepareor study for it. It’s certainly not a test; it’s areality. And there’s really no way to knowfrom whom and from where or even whenthe comments will come. It’s not exactly hitor miss. It’s more like you wouldn’t miss notgetting hit – figuratively speaking, of course.Nevertheless, it is part of the survival proc-ess, and the longer you survive, the greaterthe potential for unintended consequences.

Having experienced a wide range ofsuch innocent commentary over my nearlyfive years since being diagnosed, there are afew steps I have taken to over-compensatein advance to prevent the inevitably nega-tive consequences: I try to act as positive aspossible. Make jokes. Stay strong (after all, Iam from Boston). Sound body and mind, sothe comments will be positively reinforcingas to how well I look, sound, seem, etc. Thistends to elicit the desired positive response.And when the desired response (dare I say,manipulated) is offered, I embrace it withsincere appreciation. You see, the fewertimes I have to explain my deficiencies, thefewer times I am likely to invoke the c-word. And the fewer times I hear the c-word come out of my mouth relating to me,the more often I can believe that my canceris somehow inactive. (Delusions of my lifebeing grander you might say.) And thelonger I can think my cancer is inactive, themore normal I think my life will be.Granted, this is all mental gymnastics, but asa terminal patient – with an abbreviated lifeexpectancy, if I don’t find a way to makelight of the incredibly heavy burden I amcarrying, the weight of it is likely – if theanecdotal evidence is to be trusted, to exac-erbate an already unpleasant set of medicalfacts.

Not to deny my reality – too much, butthere’s enough of it present in my lifealready that I can’t ignore that (A) I don’tneed any more of it inadvertently or other-wise and (B) minimizing what there alreadyis of it, however foolish or unrealistic, con-tributes to a life worth living. Howeverunintentionally – physically and/or emotion-ally – a cancer diagnosis/terminal prognosiscan suck the life right out of you. Finding away to fight back – on your own terms, hasbeen the operandi of my modus. So far, sogood. Besides, it’s too late to change now.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

In Defenseof My OwnMechanism


www.GreatFallsGreatHomes.com

703-757-3222 OfficeHelen Chung VasiliadisSusan Canis

Jan & Dan LaythamDianne Van Volkenburg

Great Falls $1,375,000







Great Falls $895,000


McLean $2,199,000


$250K

REDUCTI

ON!

Reston $259,900

INVESTM

ENT

OPPORTUNITY

!

Great Falls $725,000

LAND


50 ACRES


STUNNIN

G

LAKE

VIEW

S

SOLD

!

great falls holiday postcards from wellbeing great...

Documents