opinion, page 4 an entertaining evening and...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com February 21-27, 2018

Opi

nio

n, Pag

e 4 v

Enter

tai

nm

ent, Pag

e 9 v

C

lass

ified

s, P

age

10Photo b

y Te

res

a C

astrac

ane/

Courtes

y of

1st S

tag

e

Northern Virginia’s Report Card UnveiledNews, Page 3

Diving into Black History with BooksA+, Page 7

An Entertaining Evening and More

Entertainment, Page 8

Sam Ludwig and Amanda Forstrom in “The Farnsworth Invention” at 1st Stage. The show runs through March 11, 2018 in Tysons Corner.

Page, 7

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

2018 – Your Year to Make a Move?Call Us Today!

Experience and ServiceHelping Home Buyers and Sellers for Over 40 Years!

JennyMcClintock

Bill Detty

Colleen Stoltz

Coming Soon!

Just Listed!

Lizzy Brought

the Buyer!Evans Farm

Neighborhood!

Coming Soon!

Merrywood on

the Potomac!

Coming Soon!

1270 Daviswood DriveMcLean $1,775,000

716 Forest Park RoadGreat Falls $800,000

Lizzy Brought

the Buyer!

2030 Rockingham StreetMcLean $1,350,000

Coming Soon!

6714 Old Chesterbrook RoadMcLean $760,000

7204 Farm Meadow CourtMcLean $1,899,999

Coming Soon!

7521 Old Dominion DriveMcLean $2,250,000

1125B N Stuart Street

Arlington$729,900

1326 Skipwith RoadMcLean $1,377,500

New Home

Coming Soon!

6723 Tennyson DriveMcLean $2,698,000

1422 Church Hill

PlaceReston

$295,000

7119 Enterprise AvenueMcLean $875,000

Just Listed!

6020 Dellwood PlaceBethesda $1,998,000

McLean Connection ❖ February 21-27, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

The Community Foundation forNorthern Virginia (CFNOVA),partnering with the NorthernVirginia Chamber of Commerce,

filled an auditorium on Feb. 15 at Valo Parkin Tysons Corner with representatives fromnonprofits, public office, academia and busi-ness to “unveil a new, dynamic data tool”and to encourage “a deep dive” into thechallenges facing the region.

CFNOVA has been connecting donors tocommunity needs throughout Northern Vir-ginia since 1978. In conjunction with its 40th

anniversary, the foundation commissioneda report from the Commonwealth Institutefor Fiscal Analysis to provide detailed dataabout the region today, and the changes thathave taken place to demographics,economy, education and community andcivic life. The result of that research andreporting is the Opportunity Index forNorthern Virginia.

The data, like the CFNOVA, encompassesthe entire region: Arlington, Fairfax,Loudoun and Prince William counties andthe cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, FallsChurch, Manassas and Manassas Park, andexamines 26 indicators of local social, eco-nomic, educational and civic wellbeing. Theonline report can filter its information byrace, ethnicity, age, nativity and jurisdiction,and by date range. According to leadershipat the CFNOVA, the Index serves as some-thing of a “report card” for the region, high-lighting where progress toward opportunityfor all Northern Virginians has been made,and where it would be fair to grade the cur-rent state of affairs a “Needs Improvement,”and in some cases disturbingly close to fail-ure.

Kevin DeSanto, chairman of the CFNOVAboard of directors commented in his open-ing remarks that the Index “tells big, im-portant stories about our region.” The con-ference focused on only two of the mostcritical — workforce development chal-lenges and opportunities, and the region’sgrowing income inequality — but before thespeakers and the panel discussions began,Michael Cassidy, president and CEO of theCommonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analy-sis introduced the Index and highlightedseveral of the findings to “set the stage andprovide the background.”

FORTY-SEVEN PERCENT of youngstersin Northern Virginia are living with at leastone foreign-born parent/guardian — a per-centage that is significantly higher than therest of the state or even of the nation. “Thatmeans the region’s future depends in parton the ability of the children of immigrantsto flourish.”

The research indicates that if currenttrends continue, the Minority-MajorityTransition, where people of color will be-come the majority as a share of the region’spopulation will take place as soon as 2020.In 1980, 85 percent of Northern Virginiansidentified as Non-Hispanic White. In 2015,from when the most recent figures are avail-able, that number is now 40 percent.

Cassidy gave a demonstration of the In-dex in action, showing how to maneuverthrough the site, and how to filter the data.He also challenged the attendees to a “mini-quiz,” asking them to use instant audiencesurvey devices to test their knowledge onsome of the collected statistics. In mostcases, the majority of the audience missed

the mark.Cassidy was followed at the podium by

Richard Reeves, senior fellow of economicstudies and co-director of Center on Chil-dren and Families for the Brookings Insti-tution. Speaking on “Economic Mobility andthe American Dream,” Reeves congratulatedthe event organizers for including so manymembers of the business community, say-ing that too often business leaders wereexcluded as being “part of the problem ofincome equality, when, in fact, they are amajor contributor to the solution whenbrought to the table.”

In a series of slides and charts, Reeves, aBritish-American, offered proof that for “thebottom 80 percent on the economic scale

there has been no real change in incomegrowth or quality” while the top 20 percentare pulling further and further away. “Basi-cally, poor people are staying poor, richpeople are staying rich, and in many cases,getting richer.” Worse, says Reeves,America’s class system, most evident in edu-cational opportunities, helps create a self-perpetuating barrier to opportunity formany. Showing a graph that illustrates “Col-lege Attendance Rates vs. Parent IncomeRank in the U.S.,” Reeves called it “one ofthe most beautiful and terrifying charts.”As a Brit, Reeves states that he “knows a bitabout a class system” and that it does existin the U.S. — the country where he becamea citizen in 2016. “And it’s every bit as ruth-less as the class system in the U.K. — justless acknowledged.”

The second phase of the conference fea-tured two panels, the first focusing on “Op-portunity and Inequality” in the local edu-cation system and the second on “Tappingthe Workforce Assets in our Own Backyard.”The panelists all acknowledged the chal-lenges being faced in both those arenas, butoffered some creative actions that they aretaking in their areas of influence, from pub-lic education to workforce skill develop-ment, and inside major area employers.

One critical necessity that all of the pan-elists in the Workforce discussion agreedupon was the need to “upskill in place,” asKen Eisner, senior manager, Worldwide Edu-cation Programs Amazon Web Services de-scribed it. “It’s getting harder and harderto get in [to our region] and with the lackof affordable housing.”

Scott Ralls, president of Northern VirginiaCommunity College agreed that it was im-perative to enhance the skills and abilitiesof the people already in our communities.

AFTER THE CONFERENCE, some of theattendees reacted to the event.

Lisa Whetzel, of Fairfax City, is the execu-tive director of nonprofit Britepaths. Sheadmitted that even with her in-depth asso-ciation with the most vulnerable of theregion’s populace, some of the data fromthe Opportunity Index still came as a sur-prise, “but this is just the kind of informa-tion we all need. It’s local, granular.”

Whetzel also found the event “inspiringand uplifting. Together we can do things.”Immediately following the conference,Whetzel attended the quarterly meeting ofher peers in other nonprofits. “The confer-ence got us going with great conversationand idea exchanges. We will be really look-ing to see if we have taken a deep enoughdive through the equity lens.”

Martha Wilson, of Fairfax, was a repre-sentative of the business community at theconference, as a vice president withEagleBank in Tysons Corner. “EagleBank isalready a major philanthropic organization,doing quite a lot for the community. It’s amajor reason why I joined them, but I see

See Report Card, Page 5

“Shape of the Region” Conference reviews area’s Opportunity Indexand gathers leaders to discuss successes and challenges.

Northern Virginia’s Report Card Unveiled

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Attendees at the “Shape of the Region” Conference, hosted by the Com-munity Foundation for Northern Virginia with the Northern VirginiaChamber of Commerce, are introduced to the Opportunity Index – aninteractive reporting system offering detailed statistics on the area’ssocial and economic wellbeing.

Holly Seibold (left), of Vienna,founder and executive director ofnonprofit BRAWS and LisaWhetzel, executive director ofBritepaths, share some “shop talk”before the conference.

Martha Wilson, VP, C&I relation-ship manager for EagleBank, asksa question of a conference speaker.Wilson says the event “gave me anidea on how EagleBank might evenfurther enhance their philan-thropic corporate culture.”


Opinion

You can feel the change in the air. Thistime the victims — teenagers — areoutraged out loud about the deathsand wounding of their fellow stu-

dents, the terror, horror and trauma that willhaunt each of them in different ways for therest of their lives.

Instant activists from last week’s schoolshooting massacre in Florida, now connectedto so many others around the country, knowthat this was preventable, that mass shootings

can be stopped.Common sense tells them

that the shooter, a former class-mate, shouldn’t have had access

to guns of any kind, never mind an assault rifle.Common sense tells them that the absence ofthe most reasonable safeguards is a failure ofelected officials at both the federal and statelevel. Common sense tells them it’s time forreal accountability.

Gun control of course will be complicated.No one is trying to take guns away from themillions of Americans who are gun owners, butthe mavens of divisiveness, seeking to stokethe ire of gun owners, will tell them that whatactivists, what Democrats, what moms want isto take their guns away. It’s not true. But gunreform is more complicated and runs deeperthan donations from the NRA to elected offi-cials.

Anyone with common sense knows that ifwe don’t have systems in place to keep weap-ons capable of so much carnage in three min-utes out of the hands of someone so openlytroubled as the teenage shooter in Florida lastweek, then we are doomed to relive that dayin other tragedies, over and over.

“Wash, Rinse, Repeat.”

Steve A

rtley/A

rtleyto

on

s

Another Assault on Common SensePerhaps this timemight be different.

Demonstrations of hundreds of protestersturned out in multiple places in the last fewdays. At NRA headquarters in Fairfax, atGeorge Mason High School for a candlelightvigil, in front of the White House.

“I’m with hundreds of Northern Virginiansat the NRA headquarters to mourn those lostat Parkland and to demand common sense gunsafety measures to protect our children frommassacre and violence,” U.S. Rep. GerryConnolly tweeted from the demonstration

there. “As a nation, how can we continue toallow this to happen?”

“I’m with the students calling for gun reformoutside the White House,” said U.S. Rep. DonBeyer. “So proud to see America’s young peopleleading the way. Stay mad, and stay focused.… Don’t let anyone tell you that there isn’thope, that we can’t fight for change and win.There is and we can.”

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Congress’sFailure onMass ShootingsTo the Editor:

Congress sits on its hands whilethe latest school shooting takes thelives of more innocent childrenand school personnel.

If members of Congress do notbelieve in protecting the health,safety and welfare of the Ameri-can people, why do they hold theiroffice? They swore to defend theUnited States against all enemies,foreign and domestic – “So helpme God.”

We need legislation, not hollowplatitudes. Congressmen can sup-port the Second Amendment andstill support reasonable gun con-trol, such as universal backgroundchecks, and controls on automaticweapons and bump stocks.

The vast majority of Americans

– Democrats, Republicans andNRA members alike – all supportsuch policies. But members of Con-gress are too afraid of the NRA’sthreats to fund a primary candi-date against them lest the Con-gressmen even talk about any formof gun control.

Congressmen should get wiseand relish such a debate, becausethe voters would support them.

If Congress does not do anythingthen We The People certainly can.We can exert our own Constitu-tional power and vote for candi-dates in the upcoming 2018 elec-tion who have the courage to standup to the NRA.

Barbara GlakasHerndon

Terrifying TalkTo the Editor:

I remember having drills in myschool when I was young, hiding

Letters to the Editor

under desks in case a nuclear at-tack was unleashed. I rememberwondering if my family would bealright and if they could find meafter the bomb, and if my deskwould protect me.

And now we have these nervousand easily irritated world leaderswho talk so casually about start-ing a nuclear exchange. Terrifying.Let us hope that cooler heads willprevail. There are no desks bigenough to protect us from anuclear war.

Meg WallaceHerndon

ProtectionsDismantledTo the Editor:

The following open letter was addressedto Our Elected Representative:

It is not hysterical to suggestthat every protection the aver-

age American has is being sys-tematically dismantled. The en-vironment, civil liberties, healthcare, safe infrastructure guaran-tees, financial oversight – every-thing of value that we haveachieved is being thrown opento the markets, which are notnoted for considering anythingbeyond profit.

Please vote your consciencewhen it comes to leaving behinda world in which your childrencan live and prosper. Our futuresare in immediate jeopardy. Weneed to be guided by somethingother than greed. This is a timefor statesmen, not yes men orwomen.

There is only one America.Please protect what keeps usunique and irreplaceable inthe world.

Lynn MobleyGreat Falls

Editorial

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:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Trisha HamiltonDisplay Advertising

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

[email protected]

McLean


From Page 3

that we can do even more if we get theword out about our efforts, especially to ourown employees.”

She also has an idea about the internshipsthat Reeves discussed during the confer-ence. Reeves noted that employers highlyvalue internships when making hiring de-cisions, but many less-advantaged youthand young adults cannot afford to take un-paid internships while they struggle to payfor their education and for the basics ofdaily life. “I have a suggestion on how wecan help those young people, and possiblyassist some of our area non-profits at thesame time.” Wilson plans to get with hermanagement colleagues at EagleBank andtry to put her proposal into action.

Holly Seibold of Vienna is the founder andexecutive director of BRAWS — BringingResources to Women’s Shelters and to lowincome and homeless young women.Seibold found the event motivational. “Itwas a great event. Right after it was over, Isent an email to Dr. McDade [superinten-dent of Manassas Park Public Schools anda panelist at the conference] asking if hisschool district would like to pilot a programwhere BRAWS would provide free femininehygiene products in the restrooms, at nocost to the schools.”

Julien Bois of Springfield, a partner with

JustinBradley, a financial executive search,recruiting and interim staffing company,gave the conference a thumbs up, and ku-dos to speaker Reeves for his “candid re-sponses to my questions.”

As the Commonwealth Institute’s Cassidyreminded the conference attendees, theOpportunity Index wasn’t developed to justtell a static story about the greater commu-nity, but rather as a tool that will help en-gaged citizens shape the future they wantto see in Northern Virginia. The Index isavailable on line and access is free atwww.cfnova.org/opportunityindex.

News

Report Card Unveiled

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Julien Bois, of Springfield, partnerwith JustinBradley, had positivefeedback for the event.


Attorney/Accountant,Former IRS Attorney

Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars

All Types of Federal, State,Local & Foreign Taxes

Individual • BusinessTrusts • Estates • Wills

Amended & Late ReturnsBack Taxes • IRS Audits

• Civil LitigationBusiness Law • Contracts

Robert Beatson II

703-798-3590 or301-340-2951

www.beatsonlaw.com

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.

Free Home Seller Seminar

“Secrets of a Savvy Seller”Presented by Kathy Shea,

Lindene Patton, and Lynn Toloczko of Weichert Realtors, Great Falls.

RSVP by March 1 to 703-626-6669 [email protected]

Learn the secrets of a stress free home sale from the experts including a professional stager, appraiser,

home inspector, photographer, and more!

Sunday, March 4 2-4 p.m.

731-A Walker Road, Great Falls

News

Verodin has established itself as a security instru-mentation leader in 2017, expanding its customerbase and increasing its international footprint. Driv-ing this force is the market’s need to rationalizecybersecurity investments and optimize the effective-ness of layered defenses across people, process andtechnology. The Verodin Security InstrumentationPlatform (SIP) has been implemented in every ma-jor industry vertical including finance, healthcare,manufacturing, and energy. In addition to Fortune500 and large government deployments, Verodinrecently launched a new mid-market initiative.

“I’m pleased to welcome Verodin’s global headquar-ters to Tysons,” said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11). “Cybersecurity is a top priority for me in Con-gress, and Verodin is one of those groundbreakingcompanies that is attracting top tech talent to North-

ern Virginia, cementing our reputation as the Sili-con Valley of the East. Congratulations to the Verodinteam, and keep up the great work!”

Contributing to its 400 percent growth, Verodinreceived a number of accolades in 2017, includingthe Barclays Innovation Award, the Security Innova-tion Network SINET 16 Innovator honor, three con-secutive Security Current Shark Tank wins, theTechConnect Defense Innovation Award, and others.

“The opening of Verodin’s new global headquar-ters is an extremely proud moment for us and a tes-tament to all the hard work and explosive growth in2017,” said Verodin CEO Chris Key. “Organizationseverywhere are realizing that it’s time to inspect theeffectiveness of their cybersecurity programs and ra-tionalize the dollars they are spending. This demandwill drive our continued success in 2018 and beyond.”

Verodin Opens Global Headquarters in Tysons

Special guest Major General Matthews USAF (retired) and representatives from theoffice of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), alongside Verodin CEO Chris Key, COO BenCianciaruso and other team members at the office opening.

Pho

to

co

ntributed


By Marilyn Campbell

Throughout the year, but more in-tensely during February, VincentIntondi, Ph.D., uses literature toteach aspects of African Ameri-

can history that are often overlooked orforgotten.

While slavery and the Civil Rights Move-ment are two of the most poignant periodsof Black history, Intondi, a professor of his-tory and the director of the Institute forRace, Justice, and Community Engagementat Montgomery College, and other educa-tors say reading books about lesser knownfigures and periods in African American his-tory is one way to paint a complete picture,not only of the history of African Americans,but American history as a whole.

“For example, while we focus on MalcolmX, after spending time with his daughter,Ilyasah, I came to realize just how muchhis wife Betty did and what she meant tothe family. Therefore having a book thatfocuses on her is important,” said Intondi,who is the author of “African AmericansAgainst the Bomb: Nuclear Weapons, Colo-nialism, and the Black Freedom Movement.”

“One could argue that there wouldn’t

have been a March on Washington were itnot for Bayard Rustin, but we don’t learnabout him because he was gay,” continuedIntondi. “So part of what’s important aboutthese books is not only that they are wellwritten and have amazing illustrations, butbecause of who they specifically focus on.”

Infusing reading with dramatization andmemorization, particularly with young chil-dren, is a technique that Ana Lado, Ph.D.,professor of Education at Marymount Uni-versity uses in her lessons. “I like to recom-mend award-winning books or books by

award-winning authors,” she said. “I alsopick books that can be part of a program[and] can be recited, can be dramatized,can be retold.”

“Books that I made students memorize[include] ‘I, Too, Am American’ and ‘MyPeople,’ both books of poetry by LangstonHughes; ‘I Have a Dream,’ [speech by Mar-tin Luther King, Jr. published as a book];‘Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address,’ [speech byPresident Abraham Lincoln published as abook], ‘Martin’s Big Words: The Life ofMartin Luther King, Jr.,’ ‘Tar Beach’ and‘Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in theSky,’ [both by Faith Ringgold] and ‘If a BusCould Talk, the Story of Rosa Parks’ are bookthat my youngest students can dramatize,”said Lado.

“Underground: Finding the Light to Free-dom” by Shane W. Evans is another bookthat Lado encourages students to read. “Thisis the absolute easiest way to dramatize theUnderground Railroad,” she said. “I evenuse it with students with special needs andbeginning English learners.”

One quality to look for is books aboutmodern day African American heroes whowill likely go down in history. When com-piling recommend books for African History

Month displays, Henrik Sundqvist of theArlington Public Library said, “We try to picktitles which have been published within thelast five years.”

Among the books Arlington County Li-braries is recommending are: “Firebird: Bal-lerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young GirlHow to Dance Like a Firebird” by Copeland.

One book that offers a historical perspec-tive and deeper understanding of a currentissue, says Intond, is “The John CarlosStory” by Dave Zirin and John Carlos.“There is arguably no one better to writeabout sports, race, and politics than DaveZirin,” he said. “The book is great for a widerange of audiences. If one wants to under-stand Colin Kaepernick and what is happen-ing today in sports then they should readthis book.”

Using such narratives offers a deeper un-derstanding of America’s past and puts cur-rent happenings into perspective. “Studentscan learn and appreciate those who camebefore them, sacrificed, fought, put them-selves on the line and paid with their free-dom and lives for equality,” said Intondi.“Students will learn that they are part ofthe long movement for freedom and theytoo can change the world.”

Local educators suggest books to read in celebration of African American History Month.

Diving into Black History with Books

Pho

to

by M

arilyn

C

am

pbell

Date and Time: Location:2/26/2018 at 6:30 PM EST Maggiano’s

2001 International DriveMcLean, VA 22102

Speaker:Meagan Adamson, DNP, FNP-BC, MSCNFairfax, VA Event Code: PEP-01431

Copyright ©2015GZUS.MS.15.05.1423(2)

PLEASE RSVP*:• RelapsingMultipleSclerosisEvents.com• 1(877) 895-1136

*Registration is limited. Photo ID may be requested at event entrance.

Complimentary parking option may be available.

You’re

Invi

ted

PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN EDUCATIONAL EVENT.Hear from an MS expert and learn about

an oral treatment option for relapsing MS.


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

THURSDAY/FEB. 22National Chili Day. 7 a.m.-midnight

at The Vienna Inn, 120 East MapleAve., Vienna. The Vienna Inn iscelebrating its 58th Anniversary.Vienna Inn will be creating newmemories for the remainder of themonth and will be offering specialsending in .58 on drinks and theirworld-famous chili dogs. Visitwww.ViennaInn.com.

KGB Dead or Alive? 7-9 p.m. at St.Catherine of Siena, 1020 SpringvaleRoad, Great Falls. An evening withJack Dziak. Learn about the historyof the KGB and Putin’s Russia. Dziakhas had a career in intelligence,counterintelligence, counter-deception, national security affairsand technology transfer. Free. [email protected] for more.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 22-25Captioned Performances of “The

Farnsworth Invention.” Seedetailed schedule online. 1st Stage inTysons, 1524 Spring Hill Road,Tysons Corner. Writer Aaron Sorkin’ssignature style lends itself to thestory of the invention that changedour lives. $33 general admission, $30seniors (65+), $15 students andmilitary. Purchase atwww.1ststage.org or 703-854-1856.

FRIDAY/FEB. 23Art Society Meeting. 9 a.m.-noon at

the Dolley Madison Library, 1244Oak Ridge Ave. Glen Kessler, arenowned pet portrait artist will bethe featured demonstrator. Hisartwork is collected internationallyand he has won many prizesincluding The Elizabeth GreenshieldsGrant for outstanding figure work.Guests are welcome. Call 703-653-9519.

Strumming and S’mores. 4-6 p.m. atRiverbend Park, 8700 Potomac HillsSt., Great Falls. Take a wildlife hike,sing nature-themed campfire songsaccompanied by a guitar, and eats’mores around the fire. This familycampfire program is for participantsage 3 to adult. $10 per person. Call703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Washington Wizards vs CharlotteHornets. 4:30-11 p.m., leaving fromThe Old Firehouse, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Join OldFirehouse staffers as they watch JohnWall, Bradley Beal and the rest of theWashington Wizards face off againstthe Charlotte Hornets. $50/$40 MCCdistrict residents, tickets andtransportation are included.Participants should bring $20 fordinner and additional money forsouvenirs if desired. Register onlineor at the Center, using Activity No.5304.318. Call 703-448-8336 or visitwww.mcleancenter.org/teens.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/FEB. 23-24“Little Women.” Friday, 7:30 p.m.;

Saturday, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. atThe Stage at Holy Trinity Church,850 Balls Hill Road, McLean.Oakcrest School presents“LittleWomen.” In celebration of 40 yearsof theatre, Oakcrest is offering freetickets to the matinee performanceon Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m.Tickets available online or at thedoor: $15 general admission, flat rateof $50 for families of six or more.Free for 13 and under at theSaturday matinee are only availableonline atoakcrestuslittlewomen.eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY/FEB. 24Hike and Mediate. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac HillsSt., Great Falls. Work off thosestubborn holiday calories with aquick hike and then relax for withmeditation exercises designed to helpfind one’s inner winter calmness. Foradults. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Ric Ocasek: Abstract Reality. 7-9p.m. at Wentworth Gallery, TysonsGalleria, 1807 U. International Drive,Tysons. Wentworth Galleries presentsRic Ocasek: Abstract Reality. Thecollection will be on exhibition andavailable for acquisition. Ric Ocasekof The Cars will make an in-personartist appearance. Complimentaryand open to the public, with RSVPsstrongly suggested. Visitwww.wentworthgallery.com.

Winter Wine Tasting. 7-10 p.m. atthe Great Falls Grange, 9818Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Enjoyfine food, wines and friendship at anew venue and with Classic Wines ofGreat Falls and the chefs atPassionfish and Barcelona restaurantsover in Reston. Selection of cheesesand wines by the glass will beavailable. Email Erin Lobato or MissyPerkins at [email protected] about volunteering. $75.Tickets at celebrategreatfalls.org.

SUNDAY/FEB. 25Yoga for Dogs. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

at SourceCore Studio, 144 Church StNW #102, Vienna. SourceCoreStudio is hosting a “Donations forDogs” yoga fundraiser for the LostDog & Cat Rescue Foundation. “Pawsand reflect” in this all-levels classdedicated to functional movementand wellness. Free, the event isdonation-based. Call 703-755-0891or visit www.sourcecorestudio.com/workshops for more.

Maple Syrup Boil-Down. Noon-2p.m. at Colvin Run Mill, 10017Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Thesap is rising and the maple trees aretapped. Now it’s sugaring time atColvin Run Mill. Watch and learn assap is boiled down into sweet syrupover an open fire. This is an outdoorprogram, dress for the weather. $5per person. No reservations required.Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill/maple-syrup.

Winter Traditional CelticConcerts. 4 and 6 p.m. at The OldBrogue Irish Pub, 760-C WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Robin Bullock andSue Richards perform fireside.Tickets must be purchased inadvance through the link atoldbrogue.com: $18 generaladmission/$12 children under 12.Season ticket: $96/$60 children. Call703-759-3309.

Artist Reception. 5-7 p.m. at 1stStage in Tysons, 1524 Spring HillRoad, Tysons Corner. Artist receptionwith featured 10th Anniversarygallery artists. All are welcome. $33general admission, $30 seniors

(65+), $15 students and military.Purchase at www.1ststage.org or703-854-1856.

MONDAY/FEB. 26Garden Club Meeting. 12:45

refreshments, 1 p.m. program atEmmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589Chain Bridge Road, Vienna. The AyrHill Garden Club (AHGC) presents“How To Choose And Prune Roses.”Guests are encouraged to attend.Learn more at www.facebook.com/ayrhillgardenclub/.

Navigating News Sources. 7-8 p.m.at Tysons Pimmit Regional Library,7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.Learn tips for navigating the array ofnews sources and practice usingrespectful and positivecommunication techniques whendiscussing hot button issues. Free.Call 703-790-8088 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/3958904.

TUESDAY/FEB. 27Beatrix Potter Tea. noon-1:30 p.m. at

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac HillsSt., Great Falls. Learn about thefamous author who brought PeterRabbit and his family to life at aBeatrix Potter Tea. Nibble oncupcakes and sip fruit punch or teawhile enjoying stories about Potter’sprecocious bunny family. Childrenage 2-6 will have a chance to meet areal white tail rabbit and learn whatwild bunnies do in the winter. $15per child; children must beaccompanied by an adult. Call 703-759-9018.

SATURDAY/MARCH 3Live Music. 7 p.m. at Jammin’ Java,

227 Maple Ave., Vienna. Nora JanStruthers and The Party Lineperform. Tickets $15-25. Call 877-987-6487 or visit jamminjava.com.

SUNDAY/MARCH 4Awards Banquet. 2:30 p.m. at the

McLean Hilton Hotel, 7920 JonesBranch Drive, McLean. The ExecutiveBoard of the Northern VirginiaFootball Hall of Fame will celebratetheir 28th Annual Awards Banquet.Festivities will begin with a socialgathering at 2:30 with dinner at3:30. The awards ceremony willimmediately follow. This event drawscelebrities and supporters from allover the area. For tickets, call 571-238-3565 or [email protected]. Forgeneral info., call 703-273-3216 oremail [email protected].

Winter Traditional CelticConcerts. 4 and 6 p.m. at The OldBrogue Irish Pub, 760-C WalkerRoad, Great Falls. IONA celebratesthe release of their new album“Signature.” Tickets must bepurchased in advance through thelink at oldbrogue.com: $18 generaladmission/$12 children under 12.Season ticket: $96/$60 children. Call703-759-3309.

By David Siegel

The Connection

Full of clever interac-tions and sharp dia-logue, the 1st Stageproduction of “The

Farnsworth Invention” is alively, fictional drama for a wideaudience. It is not only historybuffs who can find the produc-tion rousing entertainment. Forthose who have become im-mersed in current issues sur-rounding the growth of theinternet as a source of enter-tainment and news can becomeengrossed too.

“The Farnsworth Invention”was written by Aaron Sorkin(“The West Wing” and “TheSocial Network”). Under AlexLevy’s fluid direction, there is atheatrical tension to what mighthave been a mere lesson aboutthe past. In a regional premiere,Levy has taken Sorkin’s mul-tiple narrators and alternativeversions of the truth to becomea lively battle between two ti-tans of invention. They areDavid Sarnoff and PhiloFarnsworth.

Sarnoff (portrayed with de-termined gusto by Jonathan LeeTaylor) is an immigrant toAmerica from the strife of Rus-sia. He is now a self-made NewYork City media mogul.Farnsworth (played by SamLudwig as a driven individualwith an “Oh Gosh” tempera-ment) is a self-taught technicalgenius who grew up in Idahoand Utah. Each of these twocould see a future world otherscould not.

Beyond Ludwig and Taylor,Levy has cast a diverse en-semble of a dozen who performwith zest dozens-upon-dozensof roles. The other characters in“The Farnsworth Invention”surround, support, enable and

survive Sarnoff and Farnsworth.Two to mention are the ulti-mately disappointed wives:Lizette Sarnoff played by LizMamana and Pem Farnworthportrayed by Amanda Forstrom.There are also comic scenes thatbring well-deserved laughter.

Kathyrn Kawecki’s industrialdesign, two-story, metal scaf-folding of a set provides anopen, airy structure to the show.With the energy provided byappropriate hassled-appearingmovements (Amanda Forstrom)and a streaming ambient sounddesign by Ethan Balis, there isadded visual and aural interest.

There is a lot to take in at“The Farnsworth Invention” asit bends facts about who willgain the final hand to developcommercially viable televisionavailable for more than an up-per-class toy. There is plenty oflively personal commentary onthe 20th century period thatFarnsworth and Sarnoff inhabit;including who should controlthe airwaves.

In its last scene, “TheFarnsworth Invention” is morethan just an entertainingevening looking backwards.The show becomes a parallelinquiry to the building of thecommercially viable internetand social media.

Where & When1st Stage presents “The

Farnsworth Invention” at 1524Spring Hill Road, McLean.Performances through March 11,2018. Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.;Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.Tickets: Adult general admission$33, seniors $30, students/military$15. Note: 1st Stage recentlyreceived 10 Helen Hayes nomina-tions for professional theaterexcellence. Nominations includetwo for “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’Train,” six for “Ma Rainey’s BlackBottom,” and two for “Trevor.”

‘The Farnsworth Invention’ at1st Stage in Tysons

An EntertainingEvening, and More

Jacob Yeh, Sam Ludwig,Matthew Sparacino,

Tendo Nsubuga, JeremyKeith Hunter, Caroline

Wolfson, MichaelCrowley, Gary Dubreuil,

Katrina Clark, FrankBritton, Edward Chris-

tian, and AmandaForstrom in “The

Farnsworth Invention”at 1st Stage.

Photo by Teresa Castracane/Courtesy of 1st Stage

Yoga for DogsSourceCore Studio is hosting a

“Donations for Dogs” yogafundraiser for the Lost Dog & CatRescue Foundation. “Paws andreflect” in this all-levels classdedicated to functional movementand wellness. Free, the event isdonation-based. Sunday, Feb. 25,11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. atSourceCore Studio, 144 Church StNW #102, Vienna. Call 703-755-0891 or visitwww.sourcecorestudio.com/workshops for more.

Calendar


Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedSince 1999

Free Estimates703-214-8384

From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee

Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

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

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

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

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

PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org

All AreWelcome!

Address .............................. BR FB HB ...... Postal City .... Sold Price ... Type ............... Lot AC .PostalCode ................ Subdivision1191 CREST LN ........................... 7 ... 9 ... 4 ........... MCLEAN ..... $12,000,000 .... Detached ............. 3.10 ....... 22101 ... CREST LANE/GOLD COAST6431 GEORGETOWN PIKE ........... 0 ... 0 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN ....... $5,250,000 .... Detached ............. 3.75 ....... 22101 .................. LANGLEY FARMS1012 LANGLEY HILL DR ............... 5 ... 4 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN ....... $4,875,000 .... Detached ............. 0.88 ....... 22101 ...................... LANGLEY HILL1031 BELLVIEW RD ..................... 6 ... 7 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN ....... $3,275,000 .... Detached ............. 1.76 ....... 22102 ............................ BELLVIEW3941 DUMBARTON ST ................ 5 ... 6 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $3,150,000 .... Detached ............. 0.83 ....... 22101 ................. COUNTRY ACRES1091 LANGLEY FORK LN .............. 6 ... 7 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN ....... $3,000,000 .... Detached ............. 0.86 ....... 22101 .................. LANGLEY COURT7849 WESTMONT LN .................. 7 ... 7 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN ....... $2,950,000 .... Detached ............. 1.34 ....... 22102 ....................GARFIELD PARK1325 CALDER RD ........................ 6 ... 6 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN ....... $2,851,594 .... Detached ............. 0.48 ....... 22101 ................. SALONA VILLAGE8401 SPARGER ST ....................... 7 ... 6 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN ....... $2,500,000 .... Detached ............. 1.41 ....... 22102 ........ SPRINGHAVEN ESTATES3814 DICKERSON ST N ................ 6 ... 6 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $2,200,000 .... Detached ............. 0.39 ....... 22101 ................ *FRANKLIN PARK*7206 CHURCHILL RD .................. 6 ... 6 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,950,000 .... Detached ............. 0.27 ....... 22101 ................ LANGLEY MANOR7207 WARBLER LN ...................... 5 ... 4 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,944,053 .... Detached ............. 0.27 ....... 22101 ................ LANGLEY MANOR1135 BELLVIEW RD ..................... 5 ... 5 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,755,000 .... Detached ............. 5.02 ....... 22102 .............................. MCLEAN6605 QUINTEN ST ...................... 6 ... 5 ... 1 ...... FALLS CHURCH .. $1,600,500 .... Detached ............. 0.24 ....... 22043 .................... MERRELL PARK6319 OLD DOMINION DR ............ 5 ... 6 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,450,000 .... Detached ............. 0.88 ....... 22101 .................. CHESTERBROOK6608 MULROY ST ....................... 6 ... 5 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,410,000 .... Detached ............. 0.35 ....... 22101 ................... KENT GARDENS6515 DEIDRE TER ....................... 6 ... 5 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,350,000 .... Detached ............. 0.49 ....... 22101 .................... LANGLEY OAKS1450 EMERSON AVE #406 ........... 2 ... 2 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,300,000 .... Mid-Rise 5-8 Floors ................ 22101 ....... PALLADIUM AT MCLEAN1928 GRIFFITH RD ...................... 6 ... 6 ... 0 ...... FALLS CHURCH .. $1,296,000 .... Detached ............. 0.27 ....... 22043 ...................... PIMMIT HILLS2122 HAYCOCK RD ..................... 6 ... 5 ... 1 ...... FALLS CHURCH .. $1,290,000 .... Detached ............. 0.24 ....... 22043 ......................... CHURCHILL6604 OLD CHESTERBROOK RD .... 4 ... 4 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,265,000 .... Detached ............. 0.27 ....... 22101 ........................... GALLEGOS8445 HOLLY LEAF DR .................. 5 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,249,000 .... Detached ............. 0.61 ....... 22102 ................ MC LEAN ESTATES6457 LINWAY TER ....................... 4 ... 4 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,200,000 .... Detached ............. 0.50 ....... 22101 .............................. EL NIDO704 LIVE OAK DR ........................ 5 ... 4 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,164,000 .... Detached ............. 0.61 ....... 22101 ........................ EAGLE ROCK1619 LINWAY PARK DR ................ 5 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,090,000 .... Detached ............. 0.20 ....... 22101 ... LINWAY PARK OF MC LEAN1511 TWISTING TREE LN ............. 4 ... 2 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,050,000 .... Detached ............. 0.25 ....... 22101 ............. DOMINION WOODS6428 NOBLE DR .......................... 6 ... 6 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,049,000 .... Detached ............. 0.31 ....... 22101 ....................... BIRCHWOOD1438 HIGHWOOD DR .................. 5 ... 4 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,000,000 .... Detached ............. 0.34 ....... 22101 ..... CHESTERBROOK WOODS938 SAIGON RD .......................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN ....... $1,000,000 .... Detached ............. 1.40 ....... 22102 ............................... SAIGON7728 FALSTAFF RD ...................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $985,000 .... Detached ............. 0.28 ....... 22102 ................MC LEAN HAMLET1564 MARY ELLEN CT ................. 5 ... 2 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $970,000 .... Detached ............. 0.26 ....... 22101 .................... MC LEAN WEST7602 BRITTANY PARC CT ............. 4 ... 3 ... 1 ...... FALLS CHURCH ..... $949,000 .... Detached ............. 0.13 ....... 22043 .. BRITTANY PARC AT TYSONS1478 KIRBY RD ........................... 5 ... 4 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $935,000 .... Detached ............. 0.40 ....... 22101 .............. POTOMAC ESTATES6200 NETHERCOMBE CT ............. 5 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $901,000 .... Detached ............. 0.42 ....... 22101 .................... CHESTERFORD6703 MONTOUR DR ................... 4 ... 2 ... 1 ...... FALLS CHURCH ..... $878,000 .... Detached ............. 0.27 ....... 22043 ............ MONTOUR HEIGHTS6636 BEACON LN ........................ 3 ... 3 ... 0 ...... FALLS CHURCH ..... $872,550 .... Detached ............. 0.61 ....... 22043 ....................... BEACON HILL1641 LA SALLE AVE ..................... 4 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $840,000 .... Detached ............. 0.15 ....... 22102 .................. HUNTING RIDGE6527 FAIRLAWN DR .................... 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN .......... $820,000 .... Detached ............. 0.24 ....... 22101 ................. EL NIDO ESTATES7025 SANTA MARIA CT ................ 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN .......... $815,000 .... Detached ............. 0.33 ....... 22101 .... BROYHILLS MC LEAN ESTS6504 DRYDEN DR ....................... 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN .......... $803,000 .... Detached ............. 0.24 ....... 22101 .. BROYHILL GLEN GARY PARK6933 ESPEY LN ........................... 4 ... 3 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN .......... $800,000 .... Detached ............. 0.25 ....... 22101 ...................... SOUTHRIDGE6673 MCLEAN DR ....................... 3 ... 2 ... 2 ........... MCLEAN .......... $740,000 .... Townhouse .......... 0.06 ....... 22101 ...... OLD DOMINION SQUARE1812 RUPERT ST ......................... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $720,000 .... Detached ............. 0.26 ....... 22101 ............ MARLBORO ESTATES7430 ELDORADO ST ................... 3 ... 3 ... 1 ........... MCLEAN .......... $699,000 .... Townhouse .......... 0.06 ....... 22102 ........... HALLCREST HEIGHTS2005 GERVAIS DR ....................... 2 ... 2 ... 2 ...... FALLS CHURCH ..... $685,000 .... Townhouse .......... 0.05 ....... 22043 ............. MC LEAN PROVINCE2069 HOPEWOOD DR ................. 3 ... 3 ... 1 ...... FALLS CHURCH ..... $685,000 .... Townhouse .......... 0.04 ....... 22043 ... WESTMORELAND SQUARE1450 EMERSON AVE #G05-5 ........ 2 ... 2 ... 0 ........... MCLEAN .......... $650,000 .... Garden 1-4 Floors ................. 22101 ....... PALLADIUM AT MCLEAN7104 EASTMAN DR ..................... 3 ... 2 ... 0 ...... FALLS CHURCH ..... $617,500 .... Detached ............. 0.35 ....... 22043 .................. SOUTHAMPTON

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

In January 2018, 80 homes sold between $12,000,000-$189,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

This week’s list represents those homes sold in the $12,000,000-$617,500 range.For the complete list, visit www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Home Sales


News

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors an-nounced they are hosting a series of free 2018 TaxRelief Workshops for older adults and people withdisabilities in late February and March at several lo-cations throughout the county. Both real estate andvehicle tax relief are available for adults over 65 yearsof age and people with disabilities who meet certainqualifications.

The fairfaxcounty.gov website states staff from theFairfax County Department of Tax Administration(DTA) will be at the locations to assist with fillingout the application form, as well as answering ques-tions. No appointment is necessary.

Two workshops will be hosted by Supervisor JohnW. Foust (D-Dranesville), March 12 and March 14,10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McLean District Office, 1437Balls Hill Road, McLean. Call 703-356-0551.

Three workshops will be hosted by SupervisorCatherine Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill), two in Restonand one in Vienna. The Reston workshops are March8, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at South Lakes High School, 11400South Lakes Drive, Reston - 703-478-0283 and onMarch 20, 10 a.m. to noon at the North County Gov-ernment Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.A Vienna workshop is on Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.at Madison High School (Lecture Hall), 2500 JamesMadison Drive in Vienna.

According to the Fairfax County Government, “Toqualify for real estate tax relief, you must be at least65 years of age, or permanently and totallydisabled...The gross income from all sources of theowners of the dwelling and any relatives of the own-ers who reside in the dwelling may not exceed$72,000...The total combined net assets of ownersof the dwelling and of the spouse of any owner whoresides in the dwelling may not be greater than$340,000, not including the value of the home, itsfurnishings and the homesite (up to one acre of land).

Renters, who meet the age, disability, residency,and income requirements, as well as other require-

Tax Relief Workshops To Be Held inMcLean, Reston and Vienna

Send school notes to [email protected] by noonon Friday.

Thomas House, of Vienna, wasnamed to the East Stroudsburg Uni-versity (Pa.) fall 2017 dean’s list.House is a senior majoring in busi-ness management.

Mamie Henshaw, of Vienna, anexercise and sport science major, wasnamed to the fall 2017 dean’s list atCoastal Carolina University(Conway, S.C.).

Michael Kerr, of Vienna, a hos-pitality, resort, and tourismmanagement major, was named tothe fall 2017 dean’s list at CoastalCarolina University (Conway, S.C.).

Nicole Papathanassiou, ofVienna, a marine science major, wasnamed to the fall 2017 dean’s list atCoastal Carolina University(Conway, S.C.).

Charles Welling, a resident ofVienna, has been named to theEmerson College (Boston, Mass.)dean’s list for the fall 2017 semester.Welling is majoring in media artsproduction.

Cathleen Pfeiff, of Oakton, wasnamed to the dean’s honor list for thefall semester of the 2017-2018 academicyear.

Sophia Deguzman, of Vienna, wasnamed to the dean’s list for the fall se-mester of the 2017-2018 academic year.

Eva Glick, of Vienna, was named tothe dean’s list for the fall semester of the2017-2018 academic year.

Douglas Streeten, of Vienna, wasnamed to the dean’s honor list for thefall semester of the 2017-2018 academicyear.

Katharine Olson, of Vienna, wasnamed to the dean’s list at Furman Uni-versity (Greenville, S.C.) for the fall2017 semester. Olson is the daughter ofDeborah Malac and Ronald Olson.

Longfellow Middle School’sModel United Nations Club earnedthe Outstanding School Award at the13th annual Gar-Field High SchoolModel UN conference in Woodbridge.

Delegates sought resolution to issuessuch as the world-wide poaching crisisand the South China Sea conflict alongwith one committee set in the futurefocused on the potential of life in space.In addition to the United Nations com-

mittees, there was one centered onthe Justice League.

Individual awards includedChanyoo Lee, Outstanding Del-egate award as Superman on theJustice League committee; on theUNI Space 2068 committee: ErikaLi and Valerie Li, Outstanding Del-egate representing Chile, and KacyLee and Odessa Zhang, honorablemention for their representation ofthe Russian Federation; on the UNOffice on Drugs and Crime, NylaMarcott and Anna Raymondearned a verbal commendation rep-resenting the Philippines; honorablementions went to Eve Ginsbergand Cathy Zhang for representingCuba, Jin Shin and Kyra Li for rep-resenting Colombia, and Julia Tanand Cynthia Ma for representingthe United Kingdom. In the SpecialPolitical and Decolonization commit-tee: Justin Dong and Jeanie Qiearned the Best Delegate award forrepresenting France; Blaire Zhaoand James Hoadley earned a ver-bal commendation for representingthe United Arab Emirates, and hon-orable mentions went to YusufGunter-Rahman and SimalMann, who represented the UnitedStates, and Kevin Fan and ElliottLee, who represented Japan.

ments, can qualify for taxrelief under the Tax ReliefProgram. The county re-minds applicants when theycome to a workshop to besure to bring with them acopy of their lease agree-ment and rental receipts orcanceled checks for eachmonth of the previous yeardocumenting the amount ofrent paid.

As for vehicle (“car”) taxrelief, the county states ap-plicants must be at least 65years of age, or perma-nently and totally disabled,as of Jan. 1 of the applica-tion year and reside inFairfax County; the ex-empted vehicle must beowned and used primarilyby the applicant, and taxrelief will only be grantedon one vehicle. Also, thegross income of the appli-cant may not exceed$22,000. The total com-bined net assets of the ap-

plicant and spouse may not exceed $75,000. Otherconditions also apply.

Tax relief is available on mobile homes used asfull-time residences.

Fairfax County reminds individuals that returningapplicants must file between January 1 and April 1.

For more detailed information and qualificationsgo to fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief/tax-relief-se-niors-people-with-disabilities.

— Mercia Hobson

DranesvilleDistrict Supervi-sor John Foust(D)

Hunter MillSupervisor CathyHudgins (D)

School Notes


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Either it was the programming on CBS wewere “demanding,” or the recorded pro-gramming we were watching from PBS; butfor the week it was, repeatedly, and I meanREPEATEDLY, we were subjected to the samecommercials over and over again. Torturedoesn’t begin to describe the excruciatingreaction I had every time I saw the samepeople saying the same words. Instead ofturning me on to the product or services, ithad quite the opposite effect: it tuned meoff. Buy what they were selling? More likegood-bye.

Not that I understand the strategy behindtelevision and/or radio advertising/promotingas I have zero experience. But I do havesome experience, 21 years in fact, sellingnewspaper/display advertising. And whatknowledge I’ve gained says advertising fre-quently in multiple media platforms is thekey to success. Picking and choosing resultsin hitting and missing. But hitting me con-stantly without missing a beat is hard to taketoo, and not necessarily managing the consis-tency desirable for most businesses to thrive.Moreover, bludgeoning me into submis-sion/buying is not creating a positive experi-ence either and one not likely to lead torepeat business.

With respect to this test – of will power, Ican’t help wondering if there’s a tippingpoint of sorts when the con-sumer/watcher/listener becomes less inter-ested/more antagonistic to the message andby association, perhaps even less tolerant ofthe medium. Not that one can, generallyspeaking, blame the messenger, but whenunder the constant barrage of repetition,which in this instance I was forced to endure(“on demand” disables the fast-forward func-tion so it forces you to sit and squirm), youwant to blame someone, anyone. Too muchof a good thing is not, after awhile, a goodthing; and I’m being kind in mycharacterization.

Having seen the same commercial forwhat seemed like a dozen times, over a con-densed period of time, during nearly everycommercial break, I can’t imagine how Icould place my head on this pillow and notsee this man from Minnesota, his warehousestaff, and most disturbingly, his presencewhen I open my medicine cabinet. Sleep?Hardly. More like shock and not awe as I laymy head down to rest. Visions of sugar plumfairies or sheep prancing over a fence I’maccustomed to, but a man with a moustachetelling me what he knew he would about myreaction to his pillow, I can’t quite abide.

Relax? More like reacts. Presumably if themessage, messenger or medium is somehowdisturbing in its consumer/market penetra-tion; rather than being clear, concise andeffective, all that was hoped to have beengained is lost in the muddle. And preciousdollars wasted in the process. I imagine thequestion becomes: How much is too much,and how much is not enough? (Other thansports and chocolate, I wouldn’t know.)

All I know is what my reaction has beento seeing and hearing endless (or so itseemed) repetition: almost visceral. I’m sortof angry and put upon for having had to lis-ten so much to learn so little. And though Ican certainly appreciate its context and pre-sumptive strategy, I still can’t help feeling likea victim of sorts; the cost of doing business, Isuppose. I understand that watching what Iwant requires watching some of what I don’twant; it’s a trade. A trade I can balanceexcept when what I don’t want to watch hasa stronger/more negative impact on me thandoes the programming I want to watch.

Remember the goal is to capture myattention, not abuse it.

His PillowSubmit civic/community announcements at

ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

THURSDAY/FEB. 22Leading from the Inside Out. 7-9 p.m. at

Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland St.,Falls Church. Energy Management: Leading withIntention and Purpose-learn how to: identifywhat fills and depletes your energy tanks. $25-40. To RSVP visitwotrsleadinginsideout.eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY/FEB. 24Town Hall Meeting. 9-11 a.m. at James Madison

High School, 2500 James Madison Drive,Vienna. Supervisor Hudgins will host a TownHall Meeting on this year’s budget. Hearpresentations from County and Public Schoolsstaff on their respective budget plans forFY2019. Q&A will follow the presentations. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill.

Monthly Meeting. 10 a.m. at the McLeanCommunity Center Temporary Space, 6645 OldDominion Drive, McLean (located in theshopping center with Balducci’s). The McLeanArea AAUW Branch will host its monthlymeeting, featuring Rebecca Baird, archivist forthe Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Baird willhelp celebrate the birthday of our first presidentby sharing the story of one woman whomanaged to buy his run down home and turn itin to the visitor and research center, MountVernon. All are welcome. Visit mclean-va.aauw.net.

Financial Planning and Medical Directives.10-11:30 a.m. at Charles Wesley UnitedMethodist Church, The Hunger Church, 6817Dean Drive, McLean. Local professional speakersto walk participants through the process ofputting affairs in order and to answer questions.Free. Visit www.TheHungerChurch.org.

MONDAY/FEB. 26Citizens Information Meeting. 7 p.m. at

Franklin Sherman Elementary School Cafeteria,6633 Brawner St., McLean. The McLean CitizensAssociation will host Dr. Scott Brabrand, thenew Superintendant of Fairfax County PublicSchools. Brabrand will discuss his priorities andchallenges and provide residents with anopportunity to ask questions. Contact David Lee,[email protected], for more.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 281 Million Cups. 8:30 a.m. networking; 9-10 a.m.

program at Make Offices at Tysons, 1751Pinnacle Drive, Suite 600, McLean. Each week adifferent business owner gives a brief six-minutepresentation about where they are in theirbusiness. They then offer up a challengequestion about a new idea, product, expansionor something they are facing in their business.The group then masterminds solutions. Free andopen to the public. Visit 1millioncups.com/.

MCC Governing Board Meeting. 7:30 p.m. atMCC Administrative Offices, 6631 Old DominionDrive, McLean. All meetings of the GoverningBoard are open to the public. Tax districtresidents (Dranesville District-1A) who wish tospeak during the “Citizen Comment” portion ofthe meeting, should call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, to be placed on the agenda.Visit www.mcleancenter.org.

THURSDAY/MARCH 1Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Call 703-821-6838 or email [email protected].

SATURDAY/MARCH 3Nomination Deadline. The Town of Vienna is

calling on members of the community tonominate both peers as well as local businesseswho, through efforts large and small, makeVienna a better community in which to live.Those wishing to recognize a hometown hero,anyone who volunteers their time or offersassistance in any way to enhance communitylife, should complete the volunteer nominationform at viennava.gov/volunteers.

Bulletin

opinion, page 4 an entertaining evening and...

Documents