mclean saving the wellbeing community hall; preparing for...

McLean Connection ❖ February 3-9, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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online at www.connectionnewspapers.comFebruary 3-9, 2016

Saving theCommunity Hall;

Preparing for ClosureNews, Page 3

WellbeingPage 8

Crowds Throng toMcLean ChocolateFestivalNews, Page 13

Days to RememberNews, Page 4

Lukmire Partnership’s Dave Hallettreviews two possible design plansfor McLean Community Center’s

upcoming renovation.

McLeanMcLean

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ February 3-9, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


News

By Ken Moore

The Connection

The McLean Community Center’sCentral Financing Committeetransformed a week of publicworry into a probable solution

for the center’s beloved and well-usedMaffitt Hall community room.

“We know how important this room is toeverybody in McLean,” said AndreaDelVecchio, McLean Citizens Associationliaison to the MCC Governing Board.

McLean Community Center’s $8.1 millionmodernization project is over budget, andat last week’s Governing Board meetings, acontroversial proposal would turn the 900-square-foot Maffitt Hall into office space.

But with a little helpfrom friend and comp-troller Ashok Karra, thecommittee was able tochannel $125,000 fromthe HVAC budget into theconstruction project and$25,000 more from re-serves for the center.

That money had beencarried over since 2011.

“A brilliant solution to some of our prob-lems,” said Governing Board member Den-nis Findley, chair of the Capital Facilitiescommittee.

“A lot of people are interested in what’sgoing to happen,” said MCC executive di-rector George Sachs.

“We have some extra dollars, everyoneshould pat themselves on the back,” saidFindley.

MARK ZETTS , of McLean CitizensAssociation’s Planning and Zoning Commit-tee, came to last week’s meeting to advo-cate for Maffitt Hall to be saved for com-

munity use.“We have been using the room for 15

years,” he said.McLean Citizens Association uses Maffitt

Hall regularly,Zetts said, emphatically, and the McLean

Community Center has always been able togive MCA space for members to meet witharchitects, developers, community mem-bers, commissioners and supervisors at amoment’s notice.

“I was surprised to see that Maffitt wasturned into office space,” said Zetts.

The $150,000 will save the communityhall, as well as construction and renovationsneeded on the basement and administra-tive offices.

THIS THURSDAY, Feb.4, the MCC Board’s Capi-tal Facilities Committee isscheduled to make a rec-ommendation to the en-tire Board on two designplans, one that saves thecommunity room andone that turns the MaffittHall into office space.

“I’d like everyone to sit with this and takeit in,” said Findley.

He called the modernization project “aonce-in-40-year event.”

“We will have to buckle up and make itthrough,” he said.

FOR THE FIRST TIME in 40 years, TheMcLean Community Center will prepare forthe center to close during construction ofthe front parking lot and storm water drain-age piping. At this point, a possible time-table would be closure from April 1, 2017through Nov. 30, 2017 for construction.

According to the Community Center’sGoverning Board documents, a three-month

McLean Community Center likely to beclosed for renovations in 2017 fromApril through November.

Saving the Community Hall; Preparing for Closure

Candidates Needed; Apply by March 25Two student board members, 15-17

years old, are needed to serve on the 11-member McLean Community CenterGoverning Board.

Adult candidates are also needed.McLean Community Center’s mission

is to provide a sense of community byundertaking programs, assisting commu-nity organizations, furnishing facilitiesfor civic, cultural, educational, recre-ational and social activities to residents

of the McLean Community Center Dis-trict.

Completed petitions to serve on theboard are due by March 25; petitionpackets are available at MCC.

An orientation for Board candidates isscheduled for April 13, a Meet the Can-didates Reception is scheduled for May1, and voting will take place on McLeanDay on May 21 (and by absentee votingfrom April 11-May 18).

Meet the CandidatesThe Friends of the McLean Community

Center Board will sponsor the “Meet theCandidates” reception for MCC Board Can-

didates on Sunday, May 1 from 2-4 p.m.The League of Women Voters will

handle the board elections on McLeanDay, May 21 at Lewinsville Park.

New Leasing RulesGroups that rent space to hold events

in McLean Community Center could beallowed to set conditions on who is al-lowed to attend and what they mightbring in, including prohibiting firearms.Other restrictions could forbid recordingdevices, unauthorized printed materialsand alcohol.

The McLean Community Center’s Gov-erning Board passed a motion at its De-cember meeting to amend the center’sbooking contracts with organizationsrenting space in the center, the AldenTheatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Cen-ter.

According to the Governing Board’sdocuments:

“[T]he following statement shall be in-cluded in all rental agreements betweenMCC and outside renters for all MCC fa-cilities:

The Applicant may limit the persons

entering its rented space to members ofits organization or those invited to themeeting or event. The Applicant may alsorestrict persons from its rented space whoare in possession of recording devices,unauthorized printed materials, firearmsor alcohol, and may restrict persons forany other lawful purpose. An Applicantchoosing to impose any such restrictionsshall post a notice to that effect withinits rented space. The notice posted by theApplicant shall explicitly specify the timeand place of its meeting or event in therented space, and state that such restric-tions are imposed and enforced solely bythe Applicant and not by the Center,Fairfax County or its officers or represen-tatives. The Applicant is asked to providethe Center’s Facilities Manager with priorwritten notice of any such restrictions.Notwithstanding the foregoing, Appli-cant does not have any right to restrictmembers of Center staff from accessingrented space.”

ramp-up period would allow the Alden The-atre to operate through March 31, 2017 andresume performance on Dec. 1, 2017.

Other features of the facility including

“A lot of people areinterested in what’sgoing to happen.”

—MCC executive directorGeorge Sachs

offices, classrooms and meeting rooms willremain closed while construction is fullycompleted, and the entire center would re-open by Sept. 1, 2018.

Dave Hallett,of the LukmirePartnership,showed twodesign plans tothe McLeanCommunityCenter’s Capi-tal Facilitiesand Financecommittees.One designplan savesMaffitt Hall.

From right,McLean Com-munityCenter’s execu-tive directorGeorge Sachs,executiveassistant EllenBarial, andcomptrollerAshok Karra.Karra devel-oped a budgetplan thatwould save thecommunityhall.

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McLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]


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News

By Caroline Watkins

For the Connection

With violin, viola and bass bows stowedinto the overhead compartments ofKLM flight 652 on Jan. 15, the McLeanHigh School Philharmonic flew to Eu-

rope to participate in the 22nd exchange program withthe Detmold, Germany Jugendorchester.

The joint orchestra’s classical selections includedDvorak’s “Symphony No. 4 in G Major,” Beethoven’s“Egmont Overture” and Mendelssohn’s “Violin Con-certo in E Minor.” To perfect the performances, thegroups rehearsed anywhere from four to nine hoursa day, in preparation for the two concerts that cappedthe week-long visit.

When the musicians weren’t rehearsing, the stu-dents enjoyed other activities such as a NighttimeHistoric Walking Tour of Detmold, a tour of theHochschule für Musik (Conservatory for Music), aday trip to Bremen and a night at the Burg SternbergCastle, where students enjoyed playing Medieval in-struments.

In addition to the 32 American musicians and sixchaperones that participated in the program, McLeanHigh’s Principal Dr. Ellen Reilly joined the group.“Overall, the experience was wonderful,” Reilly said.“It was great to be a part of this exchange that hasbeen happening for over 20 years. I got to see firsthand the friendships that are formed and how ev-eryone benefits from the exchange. The amount oftime each student put into the practices was quiteimpressive. I was quite proud of everyone involved.”

McLean Philharmonic’s teacher and conductor,Starlet Smith, noted: “At one point during our sec-ond concert, I was sitting in the audience listeningas the German conductor led a piece. While listen-ing to the beautiful, full sound the orchestra was cre-ating, I started to look at individual players and no-ticed that the students were playing with passion andenergy like I’d never seen before. It was a very pow-erful moment for me to see the impact that the mu-sic had on the students, and how everyone’s hardwork during the week’s tireless hours of rehearsalcame together for a performance that [both] theaudience and student performers could enjoy.”

The exchange not only promotes the unifyingpower of music, but also exemplifies the benefits ofsocializing with students from across the globe.Simon Meyer, a five-time German participant in theprogram, said, “I’m so glad that I can be a part of theexchange program. I’ve already planned to meetsome friends in America and some of my Americanfriends are planning on coming back to Germany onfuture vacations—and that’s a great result of thisprogram.”

After a bittersweet farewell, the American musi-cians traveled to Amsterdam, where they wouldspend the remainder of their trip. To the delight ofmany, McLean Highlanders had a two-day extensionin Amsterdam thanks to Winter Storm Jonas. Ms.Smith, speaking for the entire orchestra, concludedthe extension “was a blessing in disguise becauseeveryone got to bond over the unforgettable experi-ence for exploring a new city…the days inAmsterdam were a pleasant surprise to everyone.”

McLean High’s Philharmonic Orchestra flies overseasfor annual German exchange.

Days to RememberPhotos by Caroline Watkins/The Connection

The wind section participating in sectionals.

McLean Philharmonic visiting Detmold’s famousHochschule für Musik (Conservatory for Music).

McLean Philharmonic students enjoyed spending twoextra days in Amsterdam, due to Winter Storm Jonas.

When the Germanstudents weren’t atschool and the Ameri-can students weren’texploring Detmold andthe surroundingtowns, the musiciansspent anywhere fromfour to nine hoursrehearsing each day.

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SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDARAdvertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted.

FEBRUARY2/17/2016..............................A+ Camps & Schools2/24/2016........................................Pet ConnectionMARCH3/2/2016....................................................Wellbeing3/9/2016 .........HomeLifeStyle Real Estate Pullout3/16/2016..............................A+ Camps & Schools


Redeemer Lutheran Church to HostPancake Supper

Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Sup-per will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Pancakes will be served starting at6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. All donations will support youth missionwork. Redeemer Lutheran Church is located at 1545 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Bring your friends and neighbors, enjoy pancakes hot off thegriddle, and support youth mission work.

Week in McLean

Notable incidents inMcLean from the FairfaxCounty police blotter fromJan. 19-29.

Robbery - 7200 block of TylerAvenue, Jan. 28, around 10:45p.m. Two people, a man andwoman, robbed a 20-year-oldman. The suspects allegedlypointed a gun at the victim, tookhis belongings then fled on foot.Both suspects were described asblack, in their mid-20s, with thinbuilds. The male suspect had adark complexion, was about 5 feet9 inches tall and wore a grayhoodie and gray jeans. The femalesuspect had a light complexion,was about 5 feet 5 inches tall andwore a black coat, green pants,white Nike Jordan shoes and awhite and blue beanie bearing aBatman logo. The victim did notrequire medical attention.

Burglary - 2100 block ofHaycock Road. Jan. 26, 6:08 a.m.A resident reported that someoneentered the residence and fledwhen seen by an occupant of thehome. A possible suspect has beendeveloped and detectives continueto investigate.

Burglary - 6600 block ofOrland Street. Jan. 26, 1:13 p.m.A resident reported that someoneentered the residence but nothingwas taken.

Larcenies1800 block of Old Meadow

Road, property stolen from vehicle2200 block of Reddfield Drive,money stolen from vehicle900 block of Balls Hill Road, elec-tronic device from residence800 block of Dolley Madison Bou-levard, property from residence1900 block of Chain Bridge Rd.Property taken from business2100 block of Kings Garden Way.Jewelry taken from residence.

McLean Crime Reports


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McLeanOpinion

To the Editor:I am writing you to tell you

about a neurological physicaltherapy center located in Viennathat is doing amazing things tohelp many disabled residents ofFairfax County. The center is calledAdvanced Physical Therapy (APT)— aptrehab.com — and its ownerand therapist is Dr. Valerie Gibson.Dr. Gibson’s center is unique as itspecializes in the treatment of neu-rological diseases and injuries. AtAPT, leading edge rehabilitationtechnology is combined with ex-pert hands-on therapy which helpsto maximize function and increaseindependence in patients with spi-nal cord injuries, like me, and pa-tients who have had a stroke, Mul-tiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease,brain injuries, and other neuro-logical illnesses and conditions. Dr.Gibson is using new and emerg-ing technologies which are trans-forming the field ofneurorehabilitation. APT is theonly clinic in Northern Virginiathat has the most advanced tech-nologies to assist patients in theirphysical recovery. The staff at APThas received advanced training byexperts in the field and haveearned all necessary certificationsto use these remarkable devices toenhance their patient’s potential toovercome the challenges createdby their impairments.

In 1977, at the age of 17, I my-self suffered a severe and life-threatening spinal cord injury div-ing into a swimming pool and wasparalyzed from the neck down.With expert medical attention andmonths of excruciating pain andhard work, I recovered some of mymovement. While I was able torecover most of the normal func-tion in my hands and arms, mylegs, however, would never againfunction normally. I was able towalk again, albeit in a differentmanner than most people. I wasdetermined not to let my accidentdefine me. I graduated from col-lege and went to work. I spent over20 years in mortgage finance andinformation technology industry.

Although after my accident I wasable to walk with a modified gatefor many years, in 2008, my physi-cal condition started to slowlyworsen and I was forced to startusing a cane and then eventuallya walker. After years of researchand medical consultations, I wasdiagnosed with a “tethered “ spi-nal cord. As a result of my origi-nal injury, my spinal cord had be-come attached to my spine, caus-ing my physical deterioration andcontinuous, unbearable pain.

In May 2012, I had surgery atNIH to detach my spinal cord frommy spine. The surgery left me aquadriplegic for the second time

in my life and I now spend 100percent of my waking hours in awheelchair. Over the past threeyears, with the help of Dr. Gibson,I have worked hard to try and re-gain the mobility in my arms andlegs. My plan is to continue to stayphysically prepared for any newprocedures or one day, even a“cure”.

APT has recently acquired a life-changing, remarkable productcalled the Ekso Robotic Exoskel-eton (http://www.eksobionics.com/ekso). Thisis a bionic suit (yes, like the 6 Mil-lion Dollar Man) allows someonelike me to be able to stand andwalk again. This device enabledme to not only stand up but alsoto walk again for the first time inover 3 years. The Ekso RoboticExoskeleton helps not only peoplewith spinal cord injuries but alsosurvivors of strokes and otherforms of lower extremity weaknessto walk again.

I am so very passionate aboutneurorehabilitation, not only forme but for the many people thatthese new technologies like theEkso Robotic Exoskeleton, that Ithought you may be interested indoing a story about Dr. Gibson andAdvanced Physical Therapy andwhat she is doing to really changepeople’s lives.

Paul BrownVienna

Standing and Walking AgainLetters to the Editor

Hundreds of bills before this year’sGeneral Assembly session focuson “business climate,” providingincentives for businesses to lo-

cate and expand here, extending tax exemp-tions and tax credits, encouraging internationaltrade, reducing regulation and many otherapproaches perceived as pro-business.

Previous years of robust economic growthhave been fueled by federal spending in North-ern Virginia, but now that growth has sloweddue to reduced spending on defense, home-land security and other programs.

But ideology and partisan politics have ledthis otherwise pro-business state to ignorepleas from virtually every business group inthe Commonwealth to adopt a policy thatwould result in more than $3 billion in eco-nomic activity, add more than 30,000 jobs,make the overall population healthier, save thelives of many poor residents and pave the wayfor solving Virginia’s mental health crisis.

Implementing Medicaid expansion in Vir-

ginia would provide a $3.9 billion boost to theVirginia economy annually, according to anindependent study commissioned by VirginiaHospital and Healthcare Association, and couldsupport more than 30,000 additional jobs. (Themultiplier effect results in economic benefitsseveral times greater than the initial injectionof funds.)

In no way should the decision on expandingMedicaid be left up to the General Assemblythat is gerrymandered to favor ideologicallydriven members who oppose the AffordableCare Act for inconsistent reasons without re-gard to the wellbeing of the Commonwealthand its residents.

To quote the VHHA study: “Strengtheningthe existing Medicaid program and potentiallyextending coverage to an estimated 400,000low-income adults has far reaching conse-quences that go well beyond what can be quan-tified in purely economic terms.”

— Mary Kimm

The General Assembly prides itself in providinga pro-business climate, but refuses infusion ofmore than $3 billion annually.

Economic Development in VirginiaAnother Opportunity toTalk About It

Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, andoften more about the parties than the game.The parties have resulted in a measurable in-crease in impaired driving on that day.

During Super Bowl Sunday 2012, more thana third of traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers according to the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration.

“It’s important to have a game-plan prior tokick-off and to beat this too often deadly op-ponent,” said Kurt Gregory Erickson, presidentof the nonprofit Washington Regional AlcoholProgram (WRAP), a local 34-year-old public-private partnership.

Plan to bring a designated driver. Plan toparty where you can take public transporta-tion. Plan to celebrate at home or someplacewhere you can spend the night. Plan to ab-stain. Plan to call a cab or Uber or Lyft andretrieve your car the next day if need be.

But don’t miss the chance to talk to the mem-bers of your household and members of yoursocial circle about the importance of keepingimpaired drivers off the road.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publishon Feb. 24, and photos and storiesof your pets with you and your fam-ily should be submitted by Feb. 17.

We invite you to send us storiesabout your pets, photos of youand/or your family with your cats,dogs, llamas, alpacas, hamsters,snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, orwhatever other creatures shareyour home or yard with you.

Tell us the story of a special bondbetween a child and a dog, thestory of how you came to adoptyour pet, or examples of amazingfeats of your creatures. Do you vol-unteer at an animal shelter ortherapeutic riding center or takeyour pet to visit people in a nurs-ing home? Does your business havea pet? Is your business about pets?Have you helped to train an assis-tance dog? Do you or someone inyour family depend on an assis-tance dog?

Or take this opportunity to me-morialize a beloved pet you havelost.

Just a cute photo is fine too. Ourfavorite pictures include both petsand humans.

Please tell us a little bit aboutyour creature, identify everyone inthe photo, give a brief descriptionwhat is happening in the photo,and include address and phonenumber (we will not publish youraddress or phone number, just yourtown name).

Email to [email protected] or online atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.

For advertising information, [email protected] call 703-778-9431.

Pet Photos for thePet Connection

8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ February 3-9, 2016 McLean Connection ❖ February 3-9, 2016 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Wellbeing

Fairfax County’s free FamilyCaregiver Telephone SupportGroup meets by phone on Tuesday, Feb.9, 7-8 p.m. We will discuss BalancingSafety and Your Loved One’s Self-Deter-mination. Register beforehand atw w w. f a i r f a x c o u n t y. g o v / d f s /olderadultservices/caregiver.htm andclick on Caregiver Telephone SupportGroups. Call 703-324-5484, TTY 711.

The Fairfax Commission on Agingmeets on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at noonat the Patrick Henry Library, 101Maple Avenue East, Vienna. The publicis welcome to attend and join in the com-ment period that begins each session.Find out more at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/coa.htm. Call703-938-0405, TTY 711 for meetingaccess needs.

Fairfax County’s Independent LivingProject helps older adults remain safelyin their homes. Each session includes aprevention presentation and a gentle ex-ercise program that focuses on fall pre-vention. The series takes place on Thurs-days, February 25-April 21 , 10 a.m.-Noon, at Congregation Adat Reyim, 6500Westbury Oaks Court, Springfield. Call703-324-7210, TTY 711 or go tow w w. f a i r f a x c o u n t y. g o v / d f s /olderadultservices/independent.htm toregister for this free program.

Nutritional Supplement Delivery

– Pick up and deliver Ensure NutritionalSupplement to older adults. For these andother volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406 , TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

The Lewinsville Senior Center inMcLean needs instructors for the follow-ing classes: Line Dance,Zumba Gold,Certified Arthritis Exercise, SquareDance, Basic Guitar, Art and BasicSpanish. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Meals on Wheels needs drivers, co-ordinators, and co-coordinators forroutes throughout the county.For these andother volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406 , TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

Fairfax County needs volunteers to driveolder adults to medical appointmentsand wellness programs. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406 , TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

The Mott Community Center SeniorProgram in Fairfax is looking for volun-teer instructors for the following classes: TaiChi and Art. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711

or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solu-tions.

The Sully Senior Center inCentreville needs a certified per-sonal trainer, preferably with experi-ence working with older adults. For theseand other volunteer opportunities, call703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

The Herndon Senior Center needsSocial Visitors daily. For these andother volunteer opportunities, call703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

Korean Meals on Wheels needsdrivers to deliver meals. (Speaking Ko-rean not required.) For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

Respite Care volunteers give familycaregivers of a frail older adult a well-deserved break so they can go shopping,attend a doctor’s appointment or just havecoffee with a friend. Volunteers visit andoversee the safety of the older adult for afew hours each month. Support and train-ing are provided. Contact Kristin Martinat 703-324-7577 , TTY 711, [email protected].

Volunteer Events and Opportunities

‘Where’s the Chair’Campaign Comes toMcLean, AnnandaleVirginia Dental Association (VDA)hosted “Where’s the Chair?” eventon Friday, Jan 29, with the VDA-member dentists providing im-promptu oral cancer screenings topeople at two Fairfax recreationcenters. Dr. Christine Karapetianand Dr. David Treff, both dentistsand members of the Virginia DentalAssociation, screened patients fororal cancer at Audrey MooreRECenter in Annandale. The den-tists volunteered as part of theVDA’s ongoing “Where’s the Chair?”campaign, in which the VDA placesa portable dental chair in publicplaces to offer impromptu oralcancer screenings. The VDA alsoplaced a dental chair (along with avolunteer VDA-member dentist) atthe Spring Hill RECenter in McLean.

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Music is thumping, sweat isdripping and hearts arepounding. In a packed aero-bic dance, students move in

the name of health.“There’s a push by the community to have

aerobic and cardio programs, especially onethat starts after 5 p.m.,” said PeterSelikowitz, director of the Potomac (Md.)Community Recreation Center, where theaerobic dance classes are held. “That hasbeen a big shift in recent years, and it’s ashift we’re looking to make.”

Throughout the month of February, inhonor of American Heart Month, health andfitness professionals are raising awarenessabout cardiovascular disease and the roleof aerobic exercise in preventing it. Whilerecent studies, including one by the MidAmerica Heart Institute, found that extremeexercise training and competing in endur-ance events can actually damage the heart,

exercise is still the best prescription for ahealthy heart.

“All aerobic activity has the potential tobring positive health benefits if the correctintensity [or] level of difficulty and dura-tion are used,” said Michelle Walters-Edwards, chair and associate professorHealth and Human Performance atMarymount University in Arlington.

Some warning signs that one’s exerciseprogram might be too intense include “con-stantly sore muscles, a changes in mood,trouble sleeping, a decrease in appetite orfeeling weak,” said Joel Martin, Ph.D., as-

sistant professor of kinesiology at GeorgeMason University. “Those are signs that youmight be over-training.”

“Too much aerobic exercise can also causesoft tissue issues such as tendinitis andmuscle strains, these are signs that the vol-ume of exercise is too great for the musclesand tendons to deal with and this should bemodified,” said Walters-Edwards.

To hit the right target for intensity andduration, both Martin and Walters-Edwardsadvise that organizations such as the Ameri-can Heart Association and the AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine (ACSM) offerguidelines to help one achieve an optimumlevel of aerobic intensity. To achieve thebest intensity for one’s fitness level, theformula calls for subtracting one’s age from220 and multiplying that number by 0.5 forbeginner, 0.69 for someone who exercisesfrequently for moderate intensity and by0.8 to 0.85 for vigorous intensity, for those

with significant experience with aerobic ex-ercise.

ACSM recommends 30-minutes of aero-bic exercise three to five days ideally fivedays each week at a moderate intensity. “Ifyou can hold a conversation while exercis-ing that is a safe intensity for beginners,”said Walters-Edwards.

The standards are based on “how fit youalready are, your age and how accustomedyour body is to the demands of cardio work-outs,” said Walters-Edwards. “The more ac-customed you are to working out aerobicallythe greater your endurance capacity will be.”

A beginner, says Walters-Edwards, mightaim for a combination of walking and jog-ging to reach the 30-minutes recommendeddaily minimum. This time can be brokendown into two 15-minute sessions. “It is al-ways a good idea to have at least one restday per week with no exercise to supportrecovery, she said.

Month-long observance raises awarenessabout cardiovascular disease and the role ofaerobic exercise in preventing it.

American Heart Month

Wear Red DayFRIDAY, FEB. 5

The American Heart Association is encouragingresidents to show support for the fight againstheart disease in women by wearing red on Friday,Feb. 5 — National Wear Red Day. Part of theAmerican Heart Association’s Go Red for Womenmovement, Wear Red Day focuses the attentionon heart disease, the number one killer of womenin America.

Joel Martin, Ph.D., assistant professor of kinesiology at George MasonUniversity, demonstrates aerobic exercise, a tool in the fight against heartdisease.

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“All aerobic activity has the potential to bringpositive health benefits if the correct intensity[or] level of difficulty and duration are used.”

— Michelle Walters-Edwards, chair and associate professor, Health andHuman Performance at Marymount University


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To highlight your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-778-9422

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

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

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

PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org

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Calendar

See Calendar, Page 11

Send announcements to [email protected]. Deadline isFriday for the following week’s paper.Photos/artwork encouraged.

FRIDAY/FEB. 5Daddy Daughter Dance. 6-8:30 p.m.

Marshall Road Elementary, 730Marshall Road SW, Vienna.Sponsored by the Vienna Woman’sClub. Special fairy tale guest.Fathers, grandfathers, big brothers,godfathers and family memberswelcome. $25 per couple. Ages 3years to sixth grade. https://vwcdaddydaughterdance.eventbrite.com.

FRIDAY/FEB. 5 - SUNDAY/FEB. 21”1776.” Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.

Sundays, 2 p.m. Alden Theatre, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. The foundingfathers who participated in thecreation and signing of one of themost important documents in ournation’s history are presented in ahumorous way, with their humanfoibles and failings. Directed byAnnie O’Neill Galvin; produced byJerry Gideon and Jean Matich. $23-$25. mcleanplayers.org. 866-811-4111.

SATURDAY/FEB. 6Mardi Gras Party. 8 p.m. American

Legion Post 180, 330 Center St., N.,Vienna. Music by DJ RichardCunningham (Dr. Jazz), Jambalayaand Heavy Hors D’oeuvres. Prize forbest Costume. Costume is optional.Open to the public. $25 at the door.703-938-9535.

Premium Tea and ChocolatePairing. 1-3 p.m. Colvin Run Mill,10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.Sip premium teas and savor a varietyof chocolates. Hear a bit of historyand learn to pair tea and chocolate. Atake-home tea sampler is included.Certified Tea Specialist Chef LaurieBell of Great Falls Tea Gardenpresents. 16 and older. $30. Reserveby Feb. 3. 703-759-2771.

Jewelry and Fashion AccesoriesShow. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 InglesideAve., McLean. This new boutiqueevent features inspired, on-trend,handcrafted jewelry andindependent-label fashion accessoriesof innovative design. Stay for lunch.$5. Children 12 and younger free.mcleancenter.org. 703-790-0123.

Artists Reception and Show. 1-3p.m. The Frame Factory, 212Dominion Road, NE, Vienna.Northern Virginia PhotographicSociety show featuring more than 50photos. Exhibit through Feb. 29.http://www.theframefactory1.com/.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 6-7”When the Rain Stops Falling”

Opening Night (Feb. 6) and Talk(Feb. 7) with director. Saturday, 5:30p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, follows 2 p.m.performance. 1st Stage in Tysons,1524 Spring Hill Road, TysonsCorner. Space is limited.www.1ststagetysons.org. 703-854-1856.

SUNDAY/FEB. 7

Pancake Brunch. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.Church of the Holy Comforter, 543Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. CelebrateShrove Tuesday on Sunday instead.Silent auction and fun door prizes.www.holycomforter.com. 703-938-6521.

TUESDAY/FEB. 9Town Hall Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Great

Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Great Falls CitizensAssocation’s Land Use and ZoningCommittee will moderate meetingconcerning Marmota Farm (9800Georgetown Pike). Representativesfrom Save Marmota Farm, FairfaxCounty Park Authority and arepresentative from Supervisor JohnFoust’s (D-Dranesville) office will bepresent. www.gfca.org.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. 6p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church,1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Bring friends and neighbors, enjoypancakes hot off the griddle.Donations will support youth missionwork. http://maple.nowsprouting.com/redeemerlutheranchurch5.

THURSDAY/FEB. 11Valentine Making and Champagne

Tasting. 7:30-9:30 p.m. McLeanProject for the Arts, 1234 Ingleside

Ave., McLean. The Valentine Makingworkshop will be led by one ofMcLean Project for the Arts’experienced faculty members, andthe tasting will be special curatedselections of champagne andprosecco provided by The Vineyard.$35/$30. 703-790-1953.

Natalie York. 7:30 p.m. Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Viennasinger-songwriter opening forElizabeth and the Catapult. $12, $15.www.jamminjava.com. 703-255-1566.

SATURDAY/FEB. 13Model Trains and Thomas at Open

House. 1-5 p.m. Historic ViennaTrain Station, 231 Dominion RoadNE, Vienna. See and hear modeltrolleys and steam and diesel trains

OngoingNorthern Virginia Photographic Society Art Show. Monday-Saturday,

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 15-Feb. 29.The Frame Factory, 212 Dominion Road, NE,Vienna.

McMurry Artist Showcase. Feb. 1-24. Broadway Gallery Fine Art andFraming, 1025-J-Seneca Road, Great Falls. Local artist Richard McMurry’sstylized landscape paintings will be on display. www.broadwaygallery.net.703-450-8005.

Macdonald Fine Arts Scholarship Deadline. Friday, Feb. 12. Each year,the McLean Community Center recognizes the hard work and talent ofyoung performing artists through the James C. Macdonald Performing ArtsScholarship Competition. Following a preliminary audition and a final roundof competition, prizes are awarded in each of four categories: Dance,Instrumental Music, Vocal Music and Theatre. High school students whoreside or attend school in the McLean tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville) are eligible to apply. mcleancenter.org. 703-790-0123.

“When the Rain Stops Falling.” Feb. 4-28. 1st Stage Tysons, 1524 SpringHill Road, Tysons Corner. Epic in scope and poetic in language, thisbeautiful, haunting play crosses continents and challenges the boundaries oftime to tell the story of one family and the events that bring them togetherand drive them apart. $15—$30. www.1ststagetysons.org. 703-854-1856.

Pigments of My Imagination. Jan. 4-March 31. Great Falls Library, 9830Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Long time Great Falls resident DonnaBarnako, has created over a dozen colorful and whimsical small works. Hersubjects are varied, from pigs to puppies and cowboy boots.

Weekly Storytime. Wednesday and Saturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7851L Tysons Corner Center, McLean. Themes and Titles vary. Free admission.

53rd Annual James A. Bland Contest. Through Monday, Feb. 15. ViennaLions Club invites elementary and high school vocalist and instrumentaliststo present a song or piece for cash prizes. For information and application,contact Susan Stiles at [email protected] or 703-938-1142.

Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Emmaus United Church of Christ, 900 EMaple Ave. E, Vienna. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Gentle KundaliniYoga, one free introductory session, senior discounts. Increase yourflexibility, improve your breathing and health, reduce your stress. Ravi Kaurhas 15 years experience teaching yoga. $15 per session.www.edimprovement.org. 571-213-3192.

“Poetry in Motion” Exhibit. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. From Feb.2-27. Exhibition of VAS members paintings with the theme “Poetry inMotion. Free.

Trail and Ales with Caboose Brewing and Grass Roots Fitness.Mondays through Jan. 31. Caboose Brewing Company, 520 Mill Street, NEVienna. Come Run with us every Monday night. $1 Off All Pints! All paceswelcome. We will run between 3-5 miles with options to go shorter orlonger. You can walk or run. Dog and stroller friendly. Contact JoannMeginley at [email protected].

Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice. Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. St. Luke’s Catholic SchoolGymnasium, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Weekly Tai Chi practice.Group has met for over 20 years. Free. FreeTaiChi.org. 703-759-9141.

Photo contributed

Vienna singer and songwriter Natalie York opens forElizabeth and the Catapult at Jammin' Java on Thursday,Feb. 11.

PuppeteerJim Westperforms atthe McLeanCommunityCenter onSaturday,Feb. 20.

Photo

contributed


From

Calendar

plus Thomas and some of his friends.The layout reflects the mountainousterrain and towns of Western NorthCarolina with award winningstructures. Free. Donations accepted.www.nvmr.org. 703-938-5157.

Coffee and Roses. 9:30-11 a.m.StarNut Gourmet, 1445 LaughlinAve., McLean. Coffee discussion,“Selection, Sources and Rose Care.”Hosts Frank Polk and Pam Powers.arlingtonrose.org. 703-371-9351.

Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Great Falls Grange, 9818Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Valentine’s Market.www.greatfallsfarmersmarket.org.

Yippee Yupo Workshop. 10 a.m.-3p.m. The Frame Factory, 212Dominion Road, NE, Vienna.Worksho with Marni Maree. Paintwith watercolor on yupo which is asheet of plastic meant for painting.$100. For information, go to http://www.theframefactory1.com/.

SUNDAY/FEB. 14All You Need is Love 4: A Tribute

to The Beatles and Love Songs.7 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 MapleAve., East, Vienna. OfficialValentine’s Day tradition of Jammin’Java. Anthony Fiacco, Todd Wrightand Luke Brindley pay homage to thegroup that influenced every musicianout there, The Beatles. $16.jamminjava.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 19-21Hope on Ice. 3-8 p.m. Tysons Skate

Rink, 1961 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Community ice skatingextravaganza benefiting AmericanCancer Society and honoring cancersurvivors. DJ Civil, live music,entertainment and Luminaria on iceceremony. First 50 cancer survivors

receive commemorative T-shirt. [email protected]. 703-673-8044.

SATURDAY/FEB. 20Puppetry Festival. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Jim WestPuppets and Crabgrass Puppets willpresent and perform. Children canenjoy two puppet shows and learnhow to make their own puppets.$15/$10. http://ow.ly/WLmhq. 703-790-0123.

SUNDAY/FEB. 28Crys Matthews. 6 p.m. Jammin’ Java,

227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Herndonresident Crys Matthews and two ofthe Mid-Atlantic’s best singer-songwriters for a night of amazingmusic. $15. jamminjava.com.

SATURDAY/MARCH 12Model Trains and Thomas at Open

House. 1-5 p.m. Historic ViennaTrain Station, 231 Dominion RoadNE, Vienna. See and hear modeltrolleys and steam and diesel trainsplus Thomas and some of his friends.The layout reflects the mountainousterrain and towns of Western NorthCarolina with award winningstructures. Free. Donations accepted.www.nvmr.org. 703-938-5157.

TUESDAY/MARCH 15Whiskey Classics Dinner. 7-9 p.m.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House-TysonsCorner, 8521 Leesburg Pike, Vienna.Ruth’s Chris Tyson’s Corner andMacallan Highland Single MaltScotch Whisky presents a five-course“Whiskey Classics Dinner.” $99.99.http://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/tysons-corner.703-848-4290.

Children can enjoy two puppet shows and learnhow to make their own puppets at a PuppetryFestival sponsored by The Alden in McLean onSaturday, Feb. 20. The event will be held in theCommunity Hall of the McLean Community Cen-ter (MCC) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and featuresperformances by Crabgrass Puppets of Halifax,Vt., and New York City-based Jim West Puppets.Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10for MCC district residents. Infants and toddlersunder the age of 2 will be admitted free of charge.MCC is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

Designed for children ages four and older, thefestival consists of two, 45-minute shows alongwith self-guided puppet-making stations, whereparents can assist their children in making a vari-ety of puppets. The stations will be open for theduration of the festival.

Jim West Puppets will perform “Aesops Fables”at 10:30 a.m. Jim West and his partners, with the

help of Aesop himself (and his faithful dog, Moral),will share the author’s famous fables, including“The Lion and the Mouse,” “The Tortoise and theHare” and “The Fox and the Grapes.” This large-scale puppet production also features the musicof Scarlatti, Beethoven and Chopin.

Crabgrass Puppets will present “African AdventureTales” at 11:30 a.m. Two funny folktales from Af-rica come to life with stunning puppetry, spectacu-lar scenery and infectious music. “Anansi and theTalking Melon” features the irrepressible tricksterAnansi the Spider, who eats his way into Elephant’smelon and becomes too bloated to get back out.“Koi and the Kola Nuts” is a humorous tale fromLiberia in which the youngest son of a chief is cheatedout of his inheritance; instead of his father’s riches,he receives just one small kola nut tree.

Tickets are on sale now. For more informationor to purchase tickets online, visit http://ow.ly/WLmhq or call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.

Two Companies Bring Their Magic to McLean for2016 Puppetry Festival

Crabgrass Puppetswill present “AfricanAdventure Tales.”

Photos courtesy of

McLean Community Center


Sports

By Jon Roetman

The Connection

Carter Bennett’s performance atSaturday’s Conference 6 cham-pionship swim meet began withhelping the Langley boys’ 200-

yard medley relay take first place.After producing a pair of record-setting

sprints and helping capture another relayvictory, Bennett’s evening ended with thecelebration of a team title, as well.

The Langley boys’ swim and dive teamrepeated as conference champion on Jan.30 at Washington-Lee High School in Ar-lington. The meet was condensed into aone-day timed finals format due to snow-storm-related school closures.

The Saxons posted a score of 442.5, morethan 80 points ahead of second-placeMcLean (357).

Langley won each of the three relays andtook home five individual championships.

“Fantastic,” is how Langley head coachRyan Jackson described the Saxons’ perfor-mance. “The boys really showed up, readyto compete to defend their conference titlefrom last year. They were really motivated,really excited and they did a great job acrossthe board, every event.”

Bennett, who signed a letter of intent toswim for the University of South Carolina,was a major contributor for the Saxons.Along with helping Langley win the 200medley relay (1:35.19) and 200 free relay(1:27.96), Bennett won individual titles andset conference meet records in the 50 free(20.96) and 100 free (47.31).

“He’s swimming great,” Jackson said.“He’s doing really well. This has been a re-ally strong year for him. … He’s really, re-ally stepped up his game the past coupleyears. It was funny, a couple years ago, heand I were talking and he’s like ‘You know,I like swimming but I don’t know if I’m go-ing to do it all the time,’ and now he’s swim-ming Division I next year. He really has com-mitted himself.”

BENNETT has high expectations forregionals and states.

“I’m looking for hopefully first place inthe 50, around 20.3 [seconds],” he said,“and then whatever I can do in the 100 —hopefully first place.”

Langley also won the 400 free relay(sophomore Chase Bradshaw, junior DevinTruong, senior Justin Rose, sophomoreCasey Storch) with a time of 3:11.83. Jun-ior Ryan Ha, Storch and Truong swam withBennett in the 200 medley relay, and jun-ior William Wingo, freshman Adam Fischerand Rose swam with Bennett in the 200 freerelay.

Storch won the 200 IM (1:50.69), Rosetook home the 100 butterfly title (51.44)and junior Duncan Proxmire finished firstin the 500 free (4:49.94).

Jackson said the Saxons are aiming for atop-three finish at regionals and states.

“Regionals, we’re certainly going to tryto give Robinson a run for their money,” hesaid. “They’re definitely the clear favorites.”

The McLean boys finished runner-up,with strong performances by senior Chris-topher Murphy and junior Dorje Wu.

Murphy finished first in the 200 freestyle(1:42.89) and won the 100 backstroke titlewith a conference meet-record time of51.33. Wu won the 100 breaststroke cham-pionship and set a conference meet recordwith a time of 56.57. He also placed sec-

ond in the 200 IM (1:53.35).The South Lakes boys finished third, fol-

lowed by Madison (fourth), Yorktown(fifth), Washington-Lee (sixth), Hayfield(seventh) and Fairfax (eighth).

McLean (Murphy, junior Carter Flint, jun-ior Peter Byman, sophomore Sam Gollob)placed second in the 200 medley relay(1:37.62), South Lakes (senior JohnnyMicka, junior Benjamin Gryski, junior TylerEllis, junior Gianmichel D’Alessandro) fin-ished third (1:38.91) and Madison (sopho-more Jack Galbraith, sophomore Ian Cobb,junior Abraham Zimmerman, junior Jack-son Ayers) took fourth (1:39.22).

McLean (Wu, senior Andrew Carro, Flint,Murphy) took second in the 400 free relay(3:14.86). Madison (freshman Kyle Wu,freshman Cole Dyson, Galbraith,Zimmerman) tied Yorktown for third(3:17.75) and South Lakes (sophomoreJack Edgemond, sophomore MatthewBeach, junior Michael George, junior TylerEllis) finished fifth (3:21.71).

In the girls’ competition, Yorktown wonits first Conference 6 championship. Lan-gley finished runner-up, followed byMcLean (third), South Lakes (fourth),Fairfax (fifth), Madison (sixth), W-L (sev-enth) and Hayfield (eighth).

Langley junior Isabella Rongione won the200 free (1:51.26) and 500 free (4:53.11).She won state titles in the two events as a

freshman in 2014 and finished runner-uplast year.

“She’s about at that same (freshman)level,” Jackson said. “She really had abreakout year her freshman year but she’sbeen sort of very consistent from that point.”

Langley junior Michelle Owens finishedthird in the 200 free (1:51.67) and secondin the 500 free (5:00.27). Junior JoanneFu won the 100 butterfly title (56.09).

The Langley 200 free relay (seniorMicaela Grassi, junior Celeste Pace,Rongione, Owens) finished first (1:39.06).

The Saxons graduated a pair of now-col-legiate swimmers, Amy Owens (Army) andFiona Muir (Emory), from last year’s statechampionship team.

“We’ve got a lot of youth on the girls’ sideand we certainly have some talent on thetop end, like in the [200] free and the [500]free … but after that it kind of drops off,”Jackson said. “We just definitely don’t havethe depth on the girls’ side that we do onthe boys’ side to be so dominant. The girlsswam well, just not well enough.”

MCLEAN won the 200 medley relay (se-nior Veronica Wolff, junior Claire Wolff, jun-ior Elizabeth McCulla, senior SineadEksteen) with a time of 1:47.48, and wonthe 400 free relay title (McCulla, VeronicaWolff, junior Elena Summers, Eksteen) witha time of 3:33.2.

McCulla won the 200 IM championshipwith a time of 2:06.33. Eksteen broke theconference meet record in the 100 back-stroke with a time of 57.78, but finishedsecond to Madison sophomore MadelineLaPorte (57.71).

McLean senior Delaney Gallagher finishedrunner-up in the diving competition(385.05).

“After all the canceled practices becauseof the blizzard, the team really respondedwell and exceeded expectations,” McLeanhead coach Kyle Drake wrote in an email.“It isn’t easy with the number of days off tobe able to get in and compete at a high level,but we pulled it off. Over 75 percent of ourswims were season bests and a number ofathletes achieved personal bests. I am re-ally proud of their effort and performanceson Saturday.”

Saxon girls, McLeanboys finish runners-up.

Langley Boys’ Swim and Dive Team Wins Conference 6 Title

Sophomore Casey Storch and the Langley boys’ swim and dive team wonthe Conference 6 championship on Jan. 30 at Washington-Lee High School.

Langley junior Isabella Rongione finished first in the 200 free and 500free during the Conference 6 championship meet on Jan. 30 at Washing-ton-Lee High School.

Langley senior Carter Bennett won the 50 free and 100 free during theConference 6 championship meet on Jan. 30 at Washington-Lee HighSchool.

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News

A large continuous crowd of chocolate lov-ers attended the fifth annual McLeanChocolate Festival on Sunday, Jan. 31 atthe McLean Community Center. The event

was sponsored by the Rotary Club of McLean andproceeds went to local charities. Last year’s festivalraised $13,000, and this year’s event included 14

McLean Rotary Clubdonates proceeds tolocal charities.

Crowds Throng to McLeanChocolate Festival

chocolate vendors, demonstrations of ColonialAmerica chocolate making, children’s coloring games,musical entertainment and a raffle. Some of the ven-dors included C&D Sweets, Cameron’s Coffee andChocolate, Mike’s Fudge, Sweetbites Cafe and Un-done Chocolate.

“What we like about this is it’s a fundraiser thatattracts people of all ages and involves the wholecommunity to help raise money for local organiza-tions,” said Jan Auerbach, chair of the McLeanChocolate Festival and treasurer of the Rotary Clubof McLean.

—Steve Hibbard

Lynne Rollandfrom AmericanHeritageChocolatesdemonstratesgrinding thechocolate.

Sydney Frazier and Sandra Panetta of Sweetbites Cafeand Bakery in McLean at the McLean Chocolate Festivallast Sunday, Jan. 31 at the McLean Community Center.

Annamaria Davoli ofMcLean dips choco-late from the foun-tain at ChesterbrookResidence.

The line in front ofAmerican HeritageChocolates to getchocolate samples.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/

The Connection

Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We needlong- and short-term fosters for cats of all ages,mothers with litters and kittens on their own.

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer at www.lostdogrescue.org

Consider Fostering

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visit our website, cl ick on Participate


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By KENNETH B. LOURIE

“Snowforgotten”

At least, I hope so. And the inferencemight not be what you think. I am not refer-ring to the feet of snow, the days of waste, thetraffic of congestion, the disappearing oflanes, the “unplowing” of neighborhoods/sidestreets/sidewalks/driveways/parking lots/gasstations, and on and on and on; you name it,you remember it, I want to forget it. Not thatI hadn’t provisioned properly in anticipationof “Jonass” and was housebound eating RitzCrackers all weekend. Hardly. I had Oreosand Ben & Jerry’s, among other staples. Andso as long as we didn’t lose power, whichmost of us didn’t, we were able to survive thestorm without much adieu – albeit aboutsomething. Fortunately, we didn’t need toleave the house – before we were advised todo so, and risk getting stuck going or comingfrom stores themselves not open or whosedriveways were still impassable. It wasn’t untilMonday that the need arose, but by then thesafety issues had subsided a bit.

No, what I am finally referring to is thenon-stop loop of identical snow informationfrom the same radio and television anchors(anchored to their desks, presumably; I know,“double shifts because of the storm;” yada,yada, yada) from the same stations (local andnational) all day and all night. If the serious-ness and urgency of the miscellaneousinstructions and directives could have struckmore fear – and loathing, in my household,anyway – not only would Hunter S. Thompsonhave been stirred from his grave (especiallysince we’re in a political season), so toowould Orson Welles have been tossed aboutremembering the hysteria that ensued withhis famous radio broadcast of H. G. Wells’“War of the Worlds” on “Mercury Theatre onthe Air” on October 30, 1938. Listenersthought then we were under attack from ali-ens. As the snow continued to fall here lateSaturday evening, January 23rd, and eveninto Sunday morning, January 24th, onewould have thought, listening to the daytime– and nighttime – broadcasts, that we alsowere all under attack. But we weren’t underattack – from aliens. We were under attackfrom the media; and its tendency to bunker-down its mentality and hyper-act in the faceof/the midst of, out-of-the-ordinary, poten-tially life-changing/property-damaging sets ofuncharacteristic/atypical circumstances for theWashington, D.C. metropolitan area, nearlypopped my cork. I’m not sure if it was theredundancy of the message or the forcedspontaneity and extemporaneous words anddeeds many of us listeners were forced toendure but it wasn’t too long before I hadreached my limit.

If the technology existed that allowed theaudience to verbally interact – in real time,not simply by texting and then watching one’scomments scroll across the bottom of thescreen, I would have been yelling: “I GET IT.Now can we get back to regular program-ming, please?” (I realize I can switch chan-nels. I am a sentient being. I’m not Data from“Star Trek: The Next Generation.”) However,the frequency and the frequencies withwhich we were being subjected and in mymind, inundated and overwhelmed by thisdoom and gloom and over-the-moon report-ing was cause for concern: my concern. Wewere not under attack. We were simplyunder snow. Get a grip. I realize there arerisks and precautions and preparations to beconsidered, but really, sometimes, as mymother was fond of saying so many years ago:“It’s enough already.”

EmploymentEmployment

Assistance in Microsoft Power Point Presentations.

Power point expertise to create and develop 4 presentations over 5 wk period

for school presentations. Willing to pay top dollar.

email: [email protected]

Great Part-TimeJob Opportunities!

Apply online:www.MountVernon.org/employment

Historic TradesLearn a trade working for the Historic Tradesdepartment at the Gristmill, Distillery, PioneerFarm & Blacksmith Shop! Help tell the storyof George Washington the entrepreneur.Prior interpretive experience preferred.Contact Sam Murphy [email protected] for more information.

Guest Services AssociatesProvide meaningful learning opportunities forMount Vernon’s one million annual guests!Through interpretive experiences, public pro-grams, services and events, we expand eachguest’s understanding of, and appreciationfor, our nation’s Founding Father. Applyonline today for immediate consideration!

Mansion Tour GuidesWelcome guests to the most visited historichome in America and give engaging walkingtours around the historic area. Call JeremyRay, Manager, Interpretive Operations, at703-799-8629 or email [email protected]

Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is anEqual Opportunity Employer.

PART-TIME RETAILEnergetic and friendly individual needed

for busy backyard naturestore in the Reston area. Must have knowledge of backyard birds and be

customer service oriented. 15-20 hours per week. 703-403-1283

Smiling Faces Wanted at Bowl America

WE SELL FUNBE A PART OF OUR TEAM

Bowl America is now hiring Assistant Manager Trainees, Control Desk and Food Service staff, Mechanics and Party Hosts and Hostesses. Apply in person from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM at any Bowl America center or call your nearest Bowl America location from 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Positions available vary by location.


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-778-9411

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/OaktonClassifiedClassified

LEGAL NOTICECellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing businessas Verizon Wireless is proposing an existing location modifica-tion at 399 Old Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 (NAD 83) 38°, 52’, 5.6”N; 77°, 2’, 47.0” W. The project will consist of the removal of nine existing antennas and the instal-lation of nine new antennas. The overall tower height will be 42-feet. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: Aarcher, Inc. c/o Bill Auchter, via email at [email protected], or 2635 Riva Road, Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21401 or (410) 897-9100 ext 111 referencing AARCHER Project Number – 090023.09.0091.

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

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

JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS.

Schefer Antiques703-241-0790

[email protected]

26 Antiques 26 Antiques

JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed Up SlowComputers

➣ Virus Removal

➣ Computer Setup➣ Help with Windows 8

571-265-2038

HDICOMPUTER SOLUTIONS

[email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

21 Announcements

ABC LICENSE Purple Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge LLC trading as Purple Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge, 3111 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204. The above establishment is apply-ing to the VIRGINIA DEPART-MENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEV-ERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer on and off premises & Mixed Beverage on premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic bever-ages. Firehiwot Kidane, Member

NOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 dates from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Ob-jections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noonE-mail ad with zone choices to:

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[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

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Sports

Langley Alum Thrivesin Collegiate Waters

Langley High School 2015 graduate FionaMuir, one of Emory University’s top fresh-men swimmers is off to a fantastic start toher season. She leads the team in the 50Free (23.14), 100 Fly (55.30) and is sec-ond in the 100 Free (50.93). Muir is sec-ond in the country in both the 50 Free and100 Fly events and is fourth among all Di-vision III swimmers in the 100 Free. Shewas named the UAA Swimmer of the Weekon Dec. 7 after posting three individualNCAA “B” Cut times in the 50 Free, 100 Flyand 200 Back and was part of five relayteams that also notched NCAA “B” Cut timesin the 200 Free, 400 Medley, 200 Medley,800 Free and 400 Free Relays.

Muir was first in the 50 Free (23.14) andtied for second in the 100 Fly (55.30. Sheadded an 11th-place finish in the 200 Back(2:03.49). All five relays she was part offinished in the top five with the 400 Freetaking first and the 200 Free placing sec-ond. Both relay teams posted new top times

Photo contributed

Fiona Muir, a Langley High Schoolalumna, is off to a fantastic start atEmory’s swim season.

SATURDAY/FEB. 6Fairfax County NAACP Open House. 10

a.m. Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke LakeRoad, Burke. Meet community leaders andmembers, discuss your pressing concerns,provide feedback, and enjoy food and music.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 10“Dwelling Detective: Researching the

History of Your Fairfax CountyHouse.” 7 p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Presented bySusan Hellman, Architectural Historian,Great Falls Historical Society Program. She isthe Historic Site Manager for the CarlyleHouse Historic Site in Alexandria. 703-757-8560.

SATURDAY/FEB. 13Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Great Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Valentine’s Market.www.greatfallsfarmersmarket.org.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 17McLean Newcomers and Neighbors

Monthly Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. Nostos, 81Boone Blvd., Vienna. Vienna. Ruth Robbins,senior program coordinator of theSmithsonian Associates, will describeprograms she has organized with luminarieslike Sonia Sotomayor, Henry Kissinger, TomBrokaw and Martin Sheen. RSVP by Feb. 12to [email protected]. $38. Non-memberswelcome. www.McleanNewcomers.org.

ONGOINGThe Northern Virginia Long Term Care

Ombudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact LisaCallahan at 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected] . Also visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/.

Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive olderadults to medical appointments andwellness programs. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406,TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

Respite Care volunteers give family caregiversof a frail older adult a well-deserved break sothey can go shopping, attend a doctor’s

appointment or just have coffee with afriend. Volunteers visit and oversee thesafety of the older adult for a few hours eachmonth. Support and training are provided.Contact 703-324-7577, TTY 711, [email protected].

Fairfax County needs a volunteer SeniorCenter Marketing Coordinator to assistthe Friends of Fairfax County Senior Centerswith marketing. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406,TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Lewinsville Senior Center in McLeanneeds instructors for the following classes:Line Dance, Zumba Gold, Certified ArthritisExercise, Square Dance, Basic Guitar, Art andBasic Spanish. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

Food Drive for CHO. Places vary. Please helpCHO to help others in our area. All foodcontributions greatly appreciated. CHO ismaking plans for the holidays. Please bringnew unwrapped gifts for children and teensto Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St.,NE, Vienna, on Dec. 11 between 9 a.m. andnoon. Questions? Contact at [email protected].

The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Viennahas an urgent need for volunteer drivers totake area seniors to medical appointmentsand other activities. Opportunities tovolunteer for other services are alsoavailable. No long-term commitment andhours are flexible to fit your schedule.Visitwww.scov.org or contact the VolunteerCoordinator at 703-281-5086 or [email protected].

Food Addicts in Recovery. Wednesdays at 7p.m. at The Vine Church, 2501 GallowsRoad, Dunn Loring. Are you having troublecontrolling the way you eat? Food Addicts inRecovery Anonymous (FA) is a free twelvestep recovery program for anyone sufferingfrom food obsession, overeating, under-eating or bulimia. For more information or alist of additional meetings throughout theU.S. and the world, call 781-932-6300 orwww.foodaddicts.org.

Vienna Toastmasters. 2nd and 4thWednesdays at 7:30 p.m., at the ViennaCommunity Center on the 2nd floor roomopposite the elevator, 120 Cherry St., S.E.,Vienna. A friendly place to get comfortablewith public speaking and impromptuspeaking for new and experienced speakers.Open to the public.

in the country with the 400 Free relaytouching at 3:23.47 and the 200 Free fin-ishing at 1:32.86.

To have community events listed in the Connection, send to [email protected] deadline for submissions is the Friday prior to publication.

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mclean saving the wellbeing community hall; preparing for...

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