proactive response to opioid abuseconnectionarchives.com/pdf/2020/031120/great falls.pdf · part...

Women’s Group Presents Checks to CharitiesNews, Page 9

Cars In Art Exhibit at the Arts of Great FallsNews, Page 9

Proactive Response To Opioid Abuse

News, Page 3

From left: Barry Byer, M.D. Fairfax County Opioid and Drug Abuse Task Force, William Hazel, M.D. Former Com-

monwealth Secretary for Health and Human Services, Kel-ly Rankin, Fairfax County Public Schools Substance Abuse Specialist, Langley High School and PFC Mario F. Colora-do Crime Prevention, Fairfax County Police Department,

at Operation Drug Prevention forum in Great Falls.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com March 11-17, 2020

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2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ March 11-17, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ March 11-17, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsGreat Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

The opioid epidemic and drugabuse continue in Virginia andFairfax County. Drug cravingcombined with addiction stigma

can prevent users from speaking up and ac-cessing treatment - the first time, the sec-ond time, the third time. Drug overdoseshappen. Some individuals who overdose onopioids can be revived with naloxone, adrug that counters an opioid overdose, oth-ers cannot. According to the Virginia De-partment of Health as of March 8, 2020,Drug Overdose Emergency Department Vis-its for Opioid in Fairfax County decreasedslightly as reported in 2018 and 2019 To-tals but January 2020 reports show an up-wards trend.

Operation Drug Prevention panelist BarryByer, M. D. serves on the Fairfax CountyOpioid and Drug Use Task Force. TheCounty Board of Supervisors convened thetask force in 2018 to address opioid misuseand disorders in Fairfax County. Byer re-cently retired after 40 years of medical prac-tice in Falls Church, having served as a clini-cal professor of medicine at Georgetownand Chief of Family Practice at VirginiaMedical Center for over three decades. Asthe second speaker at the public forum heldin Great Falls, on Feb 29, Byer underpinnedhis remarks with sourced data and personalaccounts. He described opioid/drug abuse,and target interventions, followed by treat-ment and drug storage/disposal meansavailable in the County.

BYER initiated his remarks echoing thoseby Keynote Speaker, William Hazel, M.D.Byer said the euphoria of opioids takes con-trol of users. “It’s very different... It lasts along time, and it’s much more powerful...People that are under these drugs get thissense of well-being that transcends anythingthat you typically feel. This drug has a pow-erful effect on the brain. People that areaddicted feel trapped... They are trappedby the pills that are inside the pill bottle.They can’t imagine their lives without thesesubstances,” he said.

Byer said that it devastated him to seeaccidental overdoses happening to his pa-tients. “I remember a 16-year old who wastop of his class, fabulous student, all sortsof plans. Got addicted and never made it tocollege.” Then there was the 35-year oldattorney and mother of three children whodied of an accidental overdose a few weeksafter Byer saw her. She had been “in threeor four residential programs,” he said. Byerrecalled the last time he saw her; she toldhim: “I finally got it. I’m not going to everdo this again.” Byer said, “Can you imag-

to really be proactive,” he said. On the otherhand, once a loved one or friend is addicted,it is a whole different level and very hard

to get them separated. “As you movefrom early addiction to... residentialprograms, to end-stage where it’sjust worse, the success rate wouldgo from good to moderate, to not sogood,” he said.

Byer provided specific risk man-agement actions “the team,” physi-cian, pharmacist and individual,could take in their efforts to reduceaddiction rates. For the physician,“The concept...not so long ago... wasget ahead of the pain. Don’t let theperson experience pain, because ifyou do, it’ll be much more difficultto get it under control...Start themon this powerful pain medicine,early. That’s all very different, now...They will be told something like this:I’m going to give you enough for fiveor six days. After that, switch to

ibuprofen. You’ll be fine.” Inaddition, in 2016, the VirginiaGeneral Assembly passed alaw that authorized the Boardof Medicine to require 2 hoursof continuing education oncontrolled substances each bi-ennium.

As for pharmacists, they toocan educate as one in GreatFalls did, Byer said. When thepharmacist received a pre-scription to fill for an opioid,Byer quoted the pharmacist:“You know, you can contactyour doctor and see if there’ssomething else he can give youthat is not as addicting.” Con-sumers also need to be proac-tive, according to Byer. Theyshould ask the physician ifthere are non-narcotic options,list the side effects and explainhow to get rid of the leftoverprescriptions.

“Unused, leftover, outdatedmedicines in your medicinecabinets are like a time bombwaiting to go off. You have toget rid of them; they are agreat temptation, an addictionrisk. That is a hugeproblem...Drug disposal willreduce the risk,” Byer said. Hecalled attention to FairfaxCounty Government’s Opera-tion Medicine CabinetCleanout and its securemethod of unused medication

collection on given dates and at given Dis-trict Police Stations, and the availability ofsecure prescription drug collection boxes atlocal pharmacies. Drug deactivation anddisposal pouches Byer said offered at-home

It could be your son or daughter, dad or mom, your spouse.It could be the secret you.

Proactive Response to Opioid Abuse

See New Battle, Page 7

ine, (the) families... If any ofyou here have family, friends(or) acquaintances that havechildren or loved ones, peoplethat have been hooked onthese medications and havehad these very negative out-comes, you see the devastationthat it causes.”

According to Byer, non-misusers are generally com-mitted to doing well in school,motivated and concernedabout the dangers and theyhave a good relationship with their parentswho have stated “a strong disapproval ofsubstance abuse.” However, young peopleare vulnerable. They may have some or allthe boxes checked and still be mis-users.“It doesn’t mean you’re 100 percentprotected...Two-thirds (of users) got their

first (pill) from a friend or relative,” he said.Byer described the strong effort required

by family and friends to prevent drug use/abuse. “I didn’t know what words to use, Iwould just say it takes a very robust effort,but the success rate is high... As a parent,as a grandparent, as a loved one, you have

Barry Byer, M.D. FairfaxCounty Opioid and DrugAbuse Task Force

Kelly Rankin, FairfaxCounty Public SchoolsSubstance Abuse Spe-cialist, Langley HighSchool, McLean

PFC Mario F. ColoradoCrime Prevention,Fairfax County PoliceDepartment

Public at Operation Drug Prevention - Our CommunityTakes on Opioids and Drug Abuse, presented Sat. Feb 29,by Rotary Club of Great Falls and Great Falls CitizensAssociation.

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The ConnectionPart Two ofthe Series

The Great Falls Connectionpublished Part One of the Two-Part Series-Opioids and DrugAbuse Escalate Locally in itsMarch 4, 2020 edition. Part Onefeatured remarks by KeynoteSpeaker William Hazel, M.D.Former Commonwealth Secretaryfor Health and Human Services,who spoke at “Operation DrugPrevention - Our CommunityTakes on Opioids and DrugAbuse,” a public forum presentedby Rotary Club of Great Falls andGreat Falls Citizens Association.Part Two of the Two-Part Series,features remarks by threepanelists who spoke at the forum,Barry Byer, M.D. Fairfax CountyOpioid and Drug Abuse TaskForce, Kelly Rankin, FairfaxCounty Public Schools SubstanceAbuse Specialist, Langley HighSchool and PFC Mario F. Colo-rado Crime Prevention, FairfaxCounty Police Department.


Opinion

By Scott Surovell

State Senator (D-36)

The 2020 Gen-eral Assemblyfinished workon all legisla-

tion this past Sunday, ex-cept we did not pass a fi-nal state budget or electnew judges to fill vacancies. We will return toRichmond on Thursday, March 13, to completethat work and adjourn for this year.

This was my most successful session in pass-ing bills in my eleven years in the General As-

sembly. The legislature sent39 of my bills to GovernorRalph Northam. We carriedover nine bills and referred

them to study commissions. The legislaturealso carried over my legislation to abolish thedeath penalty to be potentially considered overthe summer.

I will highlight some of the other major billswe passed and discuss more bills and the bud-get in future columns.

I carried a bill with Norfolk Delegate JayJones to authorize Virginia to join 20 otherstates that allow community net metering forelectricity. This bill, which passed both cham-bers with large bipartisan majorities, opens thedoor to solar energy for Virginians who live incommunities with heavy tree cover, apart-ments, condominiums or for businesses thatdo not own their roofs. It will enable them topurchase solar power and net the energyagainst their home meters, while reducing car-

bon-generated energy usage and purchasing ashare of the energy generated by a solarproject.

Both bodies sent my bill banning hydraulicfracturing or “fracking” for natural gas east ofInterstate 95 to Governor Northam for signa-ture. Both chambers also finalized my legisla-tion requiring each state agency to designatean energy manager and energy reduction goalsto help coordinate a reduction in energy us-age by state agencies. Thank you to my con-stituent Elizabeth Beardsley with the GreenBuildings Council for the concept.

The House also passed my bill to authorizethe State Corporation Commission to approve2,700 megawatts of energy storage, enoughto power 2.7 million homes. As we transitionto a clean energy economy, we must also de-velop technology for night-time storage of en-ergy generated during the day. This requiressignificant advances in energy storage. Mylegislation is a first step.

Virginia will become the seventeenth stateplus the District of Columbia to authorize tem-porary driver privilege cards for undocumentedimmigrants. The legislation I carried with Sena-tor Jennifer Boysko and Delegate Kathy Tranpassed with a bipartisan vote in both cham-bers. It will pay for itself and likely generatesignificant long-term benefits for taxpayers, inaddition to simply fostering a better quality oflife for our newest Virginians and their fami-lies. This legislation is projected to help about240,000 drivers plus their children.

The Majority Leader asked me to help nego-tiate the final minimum wage legislation withMount Vernon Delegate Paul Krizek as mem-

bers of the joint, six-person conference com-mittee. The final bill raises Virginia’s minimumwage to $9.50 per hour effective January 1 andup to $12.50 by January 1, 2023 in annual $1/hr steps. The wage can rise to $15.00 per hourin 2026 with an additional vote, narrows ex-emptions for disabled individuals while pre-serving exemptions for high school and sea-sonal workers. The bill also requires variousagencies to conduct a study to determinewhether Virginia should enact regional mini-mum wage rates before moving wages to $15/hour. A $15-per-hour wage would be nearly90 percent of median family income in nearlytwo dozen Virginia localities.

My legislation to authorize Fairfax and Ar-lington Counties to adopt ordinances to ad-dress retailers who fail to control their shop-ping carts passed both bodies with bipartisanmajorities. I have now removed over 230 shop-ping carts from Little Hunting Creek itself since2014. Residents in Springfield and Crystal Cityalso reached out to me about their ongoingchallenges when they heard of our problemsin Hybla Valley. Local governments will nowbe able to act.

The House approved my bill to allow peopleto expunge public records relating to dismissedevictions. There are over 200,000 dismissedeviction cases in Virginia each year. Since mosttenant application screenings are now done byautomation and most algorithms do not dis-tinguish between dismissed evictions and ac-tual evictions, this will help potential tenantsto clear their records.

I encourage you to email me [email protected] with your comments.

2020 General Assembly: 39 Surovell Bills Passed

Commentary

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:I am writing in response to the

article titled, “Opinion: We BothDeserve $15. Why Don’t Our Sena-tors Think So?”, published in yournewspaper on February 28, 2020.I agree with that the minimumhourly wage in Virginia should be

raised to $15/hour. Northern Vir-ginia is an expensive area to liveand the wage you receive oftendetermines the choices you areable to make.

Oftentimes, people are con-strained by their education in whatjob they are able to acquire. Rais-

Nick Riviere’s and TonyHedgepeth’s op-ed insisting tha allVirginia workers deserve a $15/hour minimum wage, regardless ofcost-of-living in their locale, failsto factor in economic reality. Inhigh-cost locales such as ours,employers should be able to afford$15, but in low cost ones, such aminimum wage might put toomany out of business. The finalminimum wage, once it is fullyphased in, not only should be in-flation-adjusted, but should bebased on cost-of-living in the lo-cale where the job is located. Thiswould be a proper model for thefederal government to consider.

The $15/hour minimum wage’sadvocates fail to fully understandthe drawbacks. The $15/hour

when they call doubling minimumwage in barely a decade “gradual”when it is really radical. That it isnot radical enough for some couldcreate a backlash even redistrict-ing (thought to add four House ofDelegate seats to blue NorthernVirginia) cannot overcome. Be-cause ten percent is sometimes

Supporting $15 Minimum Wageing the minimum wage will helpthose who may start out furtherbehind everyone else due to socio-economic status. If we take a stepback from individuals, and look atour community as a whole, we willsee that amongst many well-offfamilies, there are some families

in poverty. Raising the minimumwage to $15/hour, will allow fami-lies in lower socioeconomic sta-tuses to “catch up” to other peoplein their community.

Hannah JohnsonCentreville

Deserve $15?minimum wage is really a “livingwage” designed to lift full-timeworkers out of poverty, differentin concept from the traditionalminimum wage which was a wagefloor that put a moral limit on howlittle an employer could pay andstill maintain a worker’s dignity.$15/hour minimum wage advo-cates are engaging in a bit of de-ception in that they are trying tochange the underlying under-standing of what minimum wagemeans. In this respect, the $15/hour minimum wage is a radicalnotion which moderate Democratsrightly would insist be phased inmore carefully than advocates de-sire.

Even moderate Democrats areengaging in abuse of language

considered the limit of de minimis,smaller annual increases of 50-70cents per year would make moresense. This would take even high-cost Northern Virginia until 2032to reach the “living wage” thresh-old.

Dino DrudiAlexandria

The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed.Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are

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Great Falls


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THURSDAY/MARCH 12The Economic Case for Inclusivity — 2020

Shape of the Region Conference. 8-11:45a.m. At Ernst Cultural Center, Northern VirginiaCommunity College, 8333 Little River Turnpike,Annandale. Registration is $65 and includescontinental breakfast.

Contact Tara Nadel at the Community Foundationat 703-879-7637, [email protected].

THURSDAY/MARCH 12VDOT Public Hearing. 7 p.m. At Langley High

School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. TheVirginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)will hold a Location and Design Public Hearingto present proposed design plans and findings

Letters

To the Editor:I am writing in response to the article

titled “Opioids and Drug Abuse EscalateLocally” (Great Falls Connection, March 4-10, 2020). In the article, the author statesthat the keynote speaker at the event theo-rized that in order to stop the drug crisisfrom progressing, we, as a community, mustrebuild our social ties with those who havere-entered society from recovery.

I completely agree with this statement. Ibelieve that if we were to sever our rela-tionships with people who are in a majorstate of vulnerability to drugs, they will feelmore provoked to return to their addiction.Additionally, I admired the fact that the

Recovered Addicts Deserve a Second Chanceauthor emphasized the speaker’s point thatthe people must unite in order to solve thiscommunity-related issue. The author pre-sents an issue that makes me believe thecommunity must shed the stigma againstpeople coming from recovery, and rid of thattoxic group-belief. I think that we shouldtransition that belief into a new group-be-lief that feel recovered addicts deserve a sec-ond chance from the community, too. Byhaving a more positive popular belief, indi-viduals will feel like they are continuingrecovery within their own neighborhoods.

Emily RejasSpringfield

Bulletin Board

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artworkwelcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

from the 495 NEXT project’s DraftEnvironmental Assessment. The project involvesplans to extend the 495 Express Lanes byapproximately three miles from the Dulles TollRoad interchange to the George WashingtonMemorial Parkway in the vicinity of theAmerican Legion Bridge to reduce congestion,improve safety and travel reliability, and provideadditional travel choices. The project willinvolve a change in limited access control.Materials and information can be accessed inadvance on the project website(495NorthernExtension.org), or during businesshours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia DistrictOffice at 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.Call 703-691-6715.

See Xyxyxyxy Xyxyxyxy, Page xx


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Some local interior design gurus are joiningtastemakers from around the country to re-vamp the Aspire Design Home in McLean, Vir-

ginia, as part of an effort to raise money for charity.The effort will give visitors a chance to see the lat-

est trends in home design while supporting the Can-cer Support Community, the largest professionallyled, nonprofit network of cancer support worldwidededicated to providing emotionalsupport and navigation for indi-viduals impacted by cancer, in-cluding their families and friends.

“I have had the enormous privi-lege of working with many of thetalented creatives whose submis-sions and design work were se-lected to complete the interiors ofthis remarkable house,” said MaryDouglas Drysdale, design chair ofthe McLean 2020 Design House.“The final show house will be exceptional.”

The makeover event has drawn 31 designers fromaround the world and local designers including AllieMann of Case Design/Remodeling in Bethesda, MDand Falls Church, VA, Michael Winn of Winn Design+ Build in Falls Church, Maria Galiani of GalianiMcLean, Josh Hildreth of Josh Hildreth Interiors inReston, Jonas Carnemark of Konst Siematic inBethesda, MD, Paul Lobkovich of Lobkovich inTysons, Federica Asack of Masseria Chic in McLean,and Pamela Harvey of Pamela Harvey Interiors inOak Hill, Va.

The home itself is described as an innovative mar-riage of classical Monticello elements and on-trendmaterials and design techniques. Among those ma-terials is a whimsical green hue, cheetah pattern wallcovering created by Allie Mann of Case of Design/Remodeling for the upper level bathroom.

“Bathrooms in general are these little gems that

can be both public and private where great designcan live,” she said. “In this show house bathroom,the tile is the biggest part of the space where I’ll in-corporate materials that are a little edgier or unex-pected in terms of color or saturation and that willreally create a dramatic space. I also love the differ-ent play with the pattern of the tile.”

It was a personal connection that influenced theupper level bedroom created by Josh Hildreth of JoshHildreth Interiors.

“Our bedroom is dedicated to my inspiring motherand all of those who fight or have fought the bravefight against cancer,” he said. “This enchanted aeriecreates a quiet respite that exists for relaxation andrenewal inside of a large and sprawling home.”

He says that his design process is often instigatedby the discovery of what he de-scribes as animating objects. “Forinstance, in January I traveled toParis and uncovered some won-derful items from some favoritesources,” said Hildreth. “Our re-treat reflects a love for the beautyof France and artfully mixesFrench and other design elementsacross the centuries into a jewelbox space that delights the eye andpromises hope for a better tomor-row.”

While guest bedrooms often accommodate one’sin-laws, Annie Elliott of Annie Elliott Design says thatthe space she is re-imagining doesn’t fit that mold.“This isn’t ‘granny chic,’ she said. “It’s “uncle chic,with masculine furnishings paired with traditionallyfeminine elements to create a warm and inviting re-treat.”

Wallpaper made of subtle pink grasscloth encom-passes masculine, modern elements such as the quasi-industrial étagère, which has tiny brass rivets onmetal strapping and a black-caned bench at the footof the bed, says Elliott. “The bed is canopied, but inCowtan & Tout’s Rutland – a sophisticated woodlandscene in browns, greens, and blues – to counter thesweetness of the pink walls,” she said. “We repeatthe fabric on the drapes, layering it over woven woodshades for depth and texture. The room is a mix ofvintage, and vintage-look furnishings.

HomeLifeStyle

Aspire Design Home in McLean will be open to the public from May 9 through June 7.

Local DesignersDonate Talent for a CauseA home in McLean Gets aMakeover to Benefit Can-cer Support Community.

To GoThe designer show house will open

with a Preview Gala on May 8, 2020 andremain open to the public from May 9through June 7, 2020. May 9-June 7,2020, Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $35and the proceeds benefit the CancerSupport Community. For more informa-tion, visit www.aspireshowhouse.com/mclean.


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disposal solutions to get rid of opioids andother addictive and non-addictive sub-stances. The pouches prevented still potentdrugs from contaminating the water sup-ply. “They don’t expire and hold lots ofmedicine,” Byer said. Byer displayed medi-cation boxes and pill bottles with combina-tion locks available for free at the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board,12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax.

“As a caregiver, learn the facts, understandhow the medicines work, be proactive andthen be in conversation with your lovedones and your health care providers. Moni-tor and secure your medications and dis-pose of them safely,” he said.

PANELIST Kelly Rankin is a Fairfax CountyPublic Schools Substance Abuse PreventionSpecialist, hired for the Langley, McLeanand Justice Pyramids. According to Rankin,data drove Fairfax County Public SchoolsSubstance Abuse education programs andintervention models. In her presentation,Rankin referenced a Fairfax County 2018Youth Survey that showed, overall, only 5.2percent of eighth, 10th, and 12th-grade stu-dents used painkillers or prescription medi-cations in the past 30 days without adoctor’s order. “You think that opioids arenot really an issue in our schools. When Isee it, I know some kids are trying opioidsin our schools,” Rankin said.

Other substances such as marijuana, al-cohol and vaping were worrisome, saidRankin as she viewed the Fairfax County2018 Youth Survey. According to Rankin,Fairfax County Public Schools vaping rateswere higher overall than the national aver-age, 19.8 percent vs. 19.2 percent. “What Isee with vaping and with nicotine is, it hitsthe same receptors in the brain that opioiddoes as far as how much dopamine it re-leases. So it’s just as hard to quit nicotineas it is for an opiate addict, to get off ofheroin,” Rankin said. She discussed howmiddle school students who vape at schoolwere not being defiant but vape at schoolbecause they could not make it through theday without the nicotine. “I work with theparents and their pediatrician on how we’regoing to get them (the student) off of nico-

tine,” she said.Rankin compared Fairfax County Fatal

Overdose Data for 2018: total 1103 deathsvs. 2017: total 1351. She noted the down-ward trend. “One of the things that we’redoing in Fairfax County now is working withthe attendance officers. Why isn’t this kidin school? Let’s reach out to the parents - isthere a drug issue at home... Let’s try....catching (it at) the beginning,” she said.

Response by Fairfax County PublicSchools (FCPS) increased in 2018-2019when Fairfax Opioid Task Force providedfunds for FCPS to hire 6 Substance AbusePrevention Specialists (SAPs) to supportpyramids, according to Rankin. In addition,in 2019–2020, the School Board approvedfunding for an additional 11 SAPs to behired and support school pyramids, and in2020–2021, there is a goal of acquiringadditional funding to hire enough SAPs, soeach school pyramid has their own special-ist.

Rankin described the County’s multi-tiered alcohol and other drug intervention

program. She said after a student gets introuble at school for substance abuse, aCRAFT assessment is performed. The stu-dent is asked if they use in the car, to relax,alone, for fun, and if they have gotten intotrouble before. If the student scores highon the assessment, a referral is made toFairfax County Coordinated Services Plan-ning, where they have a 10-week programthat is for adolescent substance prevention.She stressed follow-up actions were veryimportant throughout the support program.

Finally, Rankin shared six tips on whatparents can do: “Communicate early andoften. Do not save medications. Networkwith other families. Monitor your child’sspending; some students have separateUber accounts.

Monitor Internet. YouTube has every-thing.”

Panelist, PFC Mario F. Colorado, CrimePrevention, Fairfax County Police Depart-ment provided statistics by County districts,which concurred with data presented byother panelists. Colorado said that they

have four detectives dedicated to investi-gating opioid cases, with 47 current activeinvestigations underway. “These detectivesare assigned to investigate thosedeaths...They’re doing what they can tobring those to justice involved in the sale ofthis stuff,” he said. Colorado said that othernarcotic detectives do the undercover work.“They go get the search warrants, and thenthey go after these guys. They go as far awayas Baltimore all down... 81, they’ll go wher-ever they need to bring justice,” said Colo-rado.

Fatal Overdoses onthe Rise

According to the Virginia Department ofHealth (VDH) Office of the Chief MedicalExaminer Fatal Drug Overdose QuarterlyReport for 3rd quarter 2019, publicationdate: Jan. 2020: “Fatal drug overdose hasbeen the leading method of unnatural deathin Virginia since 2013… There has not beena significant increase or decrease in fatalprescription (Rx) opioid overdoses over the12-year time span (2007-2019)…Fatal non-opioid illicit drug overdoses are on the rise.In 2018 compared to 2017, fatal cocaineoverdoses increased 11.8 percent (446 com-pared to 399 respectively) and fatal meth-amphetamine overdoses increased 44.3percent (127 compared to 88).”

The Office of the Chief Medical Exam-iner is predicting the number of fatal meth-amphetamine overdoses for 2019 at 170,the deadliest year yet. In 2018, fatal meth-amphetamine overdoses most frequentlyhad fentanyl, heroin and/or one of moreprescription opioids causing or contribut-ing death. In 2018, over 65 percent of co-caine deaths also included fentanyl. Finalreports by VDH are anticipated to be re-leased in April.

From Page 3

Virginia Department of Health

Continued increase in fatal methamphetamine overdoses laced withfentanyl, heroin and or prescription opioids cause or contribute todeath. 2019 appears to be one of the deadliest years for methamphet-amine overdose to date in Virginia.

New Battle Looms - Meth and Cocaine Laced with OpioidsFairfax County Statistics2018 Total Annual Overdose Visits - 669, Average

Monthly Rate per 100k population - 4.7

2019 Total Annual Overdose Visits - 522; AverageMonthly Rate per 100k population - 3.7

January 2020 Average Monthly Rate per 100kpopulation - 5.2.


Editor’s Note: Be aware that many eventscould be cancelled as precaution to the spread ofCOVID-19. Please check before heading toevents.

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGVienna Time Machine. At Freeman Store &

Museum, 131 Church Street, NE, Vienna.Welcoming visitors to HVI’s newest exhibit is aU-2 pilot suit worn by Lt. Col. Sam Crouse.Other timepieces include iconic toys from thedecade such as a GI Joe, Etch A Sketch, andEasy Bake oven. Posters commemorate some ofthe 1960s’ most pivotal films, including 2001: ASpace Odyssey and Rosemary’s Baby. Otherposters and images nod to the issues that rockedthe 1960s: Vietnam, the Civil Rights Movement,and segregation/integration. HVI encouragesvisitors to add a personal – and local – touch tothe exhibit by sharing their story. A messageboard accompanying the exhibit will featureanecdotes, historical moments, and personalstories about the decade. The Freeman Store &Museum is open from 12-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Hogwart’s Vacation Bible SchoolRegistration. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. Thecamp dates are June 22–26, 2020 for morningor afternoon sessions. Children 5 through 11years old are invited to participate in thispopular and unique summer camp experiencewhich explores the Christian themes and lessonsin the Harry Potter stories. Holy ComforterEpiscopal Church in Vienna is magicallyconverted into Hogwarts School where childrenattend “classes” taught by favorite professorsincluding Professors McGonagall, Snape, Hooch,and Binns. Teenage prefects lead age levelgroups to their activities and all students share aclosing snack in the Great Hall. This year’stheme will be based on book 2, Harry Potter andthe Chamber of Secrets. Registration forms willbe in the Church Office and online. Moreinformation: http://www.holycomforter.com/Children/Vacation_Bible_School/

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, asenior women’s softball league, is looking forplayers. Any woman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome.They play on Wednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. For more information, visitthe web site www.goldengirls.org

21st Lenten Devotional. Now thru April 12. AtThe Church of the Good Shepherd (UnitedMethodist), 2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. Thechurch is publishing its 21st annual Devotionsfor Lent. The publication will be available on thechurch’s website at www.GoodShepherdVA.com,beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, throughEaster on April 12. The church also will posteach day’s devotion on its Facebook page atwww.Facebook.com/goodshepherdvienna.Printed copies will be mailed to neighborhoodssurrounding the church, and a limited numberof copies will be available at the church.Additionally, the church plans to hold weeklygatherings in members’ homes to discuss thedevotionals. Free. Visit the website:www.GoodShepherdVA.com

Finding God in Your Body. Now thru April 4.9:30-10:45 a.m. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. FiveSaturdays: 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/28, 4/4. Lent is aseason to look within, to go deeper with God.Join the Rev. Ann Gillespie for five Saturdaymornings of her signature brand of Finding Godin Your Body class. Through a combination ofyoga, meditation, and God, we will make morespace in our bodies, minds, and hearts for thedivine—the better to hear God’s still small voicewithin us. All levels of physical ability arewelcome, including those who have never triedyoga. Wear comfortable clothes you can move inand bring a yoga mat and a journal to write in.Visit www.HolyComforter.com.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 11Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Havefun with your child and build early literacyfoundations for reading success. Age 3-5 withadult.

Mystery Book Club. 1 p.m. At Oakton Library,10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Join in the

monthly unraveling of a whodunit or thriller.The March selection is The Janus Stone by EllyGriffiths. Adults.

Father-Daughter Enchanted Evening Dance.7-10 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Spend a magicalevening at the McLean Community Center’sFather-Daughter dance. This new program isopen to children and parents of all ages. Comedance and play games after your walk down thered carpet! Make sure you bring your camera forred carpet pictures. Light refreshments will beprovided. Space is limited so register early. Eachparticipant must register separately. Cost is $25.

THURSDAY/MARCH 12Dungeons and Dragons. 5 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Playthe Dungeons and Dragons game. Beginnerswelcome! Age: 12-17.

FRIDAY/MARCH 13She Suite Summit. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. At The

Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, 815 Ferncliff Dr.,McLean. Experience a day of transformation andproven strategies to design a purpose-driven

career and life. The 2020 theme, “We Are What’sNext,” is forging powerful partnerships to levelup. Beyond a day of inspiration, you will leavewith a Personal Brand Partnership andPromotion Action Plan to elevate yourrecognition in the next 90 days. Plus,automatically become a part of The She-SuiteCommunity, where relationships built at theSummit can exist far beyond a single day. Cost:$375. Visit the website: https://theshesuitesummit.com/

SATURDAY/MARCH 14Lenten Prayer Worship. 9 a.m. to noon. At

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Have you ever toldanyone “I will pray for you” and then never gotaround to it? Does your prayer life feel stale?Then come to the Lenten Prayer Workshop toexplore and experience ways to include prayerconsistently in daily life, expand our hearts, andbe more fully in God’s presence. In this hands-onworkshop led by Pastors Scott, Jen Dunfee, andDan Thomas, prayer techniques will be sharedand demonstrated in a series of mini workshops.These prayer techniques will include LectioDivina, Centering Prayer, Praying in Color,Praying the Hours, and a Lewinsville Prayer

Walk. Make a reservation at https://www.lewinsville.org/events/prayer-workshop/Childcare will be provided. You do not need tobe a member of Lewinsville to attend. Still havequestions? Call 703-356-7200.

Craft Show. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Park View HighSchool, 400 W. Laurel Ave., Sterling. The showincludes 75 vendors in the school’s gym with avariety of jewelry, accessories, soaps, candles,wreaths, pet treats, and more. There issomething for everyone. Proceeds from vendorfees benefit Park View’s Project Graduation.Free. Email:[email protected] the website: https://www.facebook.com/ParkViewCraftShow/

Read to the Dog. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gain readingconfidence by reading to one of our therapydogs. Age 5-11.

Savoring Green Teas. 1-3 p.m. At Colvin RunMill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Thinkyou don’t like green teas? After this focusedtasting of various styles of green teas (no, theydo not all taste alike!), and with proper brewingtechniques demonstrated, you may find theperfect green for you. It’s Pi Day so they’ll enjoysome tea-infused pie. A take home tea samplerincluded. Use ID Code 52F.67D6. Register atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call703-222-4664.

Depolarizing Workshop. 1-5 p.m. At Unity ofFairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Today’spolitical polarization is driven by how we talkwith like-minded people about people on theother side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, orridicule our fellow citizens who support theother political party, its leaders, and its policies.Who can come? Anyone interested in examiningtheir own inner polarization. Free. Visit thewebsite: https://depolarizing.eventbrite.com/

The ABC’s of CBD and Medical Marijuana. 2p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Learn from Dr. Robert Posner, amedical expert about the benefits of medicalmarijuana, how to obtain it legally and whetherit can help you or someone you know. Adults.No registration required.

Humanities Lecture. 7 p.m. At Oakcrest School,1619 Crowell Rd, Vienna. Dr. Evelyn Birge Vitz,Professor Emerita of French Literature, Thoughtand Culture at New York University, will speakabout “Beauty, Piety and Fun in MedievalLiterature.” The event is free and open to thepublic. Register for the event at http://bit.ly/2020HumanitiesLecture.

SUNDAY/MARCH 15Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m. to noon. At Vienna

American Legion Post 180, 330 Center Street, N.Vienna. Get omelets, scrambled eggs, blueberrypancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravyand more. Adults $10, children 12 and under$4. Call 703-938-6580.

Danú “Saint Patrick’s Celebration.” 3 p.m. AtMcLean Community Center, The Alden Theater,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Hailing fromhistoric County Waterford, Danú is one of theleading traditional Irish ensembles of today.Their standing room-only concerts throughoutIreland are true events featuring high-energyperformances and a glorious mix of ancient Irishmusic and new repertoire. Cost is $50/$45senior/$35 MCC tax district residents.

SUNDAYS: 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5Discover Who You Are with LifeKeys. 12:30-

2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. LifeKeys is aprogram designed to assist you in exploring thegifts God has given you—life gifts, spiritual gifts,personality, values, and passions. Different toolsilluminate the ways in which you are unique andwonderfully made, encouraging you to godeeper as you seek to discover what God may becalling you to do. All can benefit from thisjourney of exploration. Register by February 23.The materials fee is $30. Light snacks provided.Bring a bag lunch. For more information and toregister, email [email protected] www.HolyComforter.com.

MONDAYS 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6Centering Prayer with the Rev. Jon Strand.

1:30-2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Rd, NE, Vienna in the newContemplative Prayer room on the third floor.Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer inwhich one may experience God’s presencewithin us, closer than breathing, closer thanthinking, closer than consciousness itself. Thismethod of prayer is both a personal relationshipand a discipline to deeper foster one’srelationship with God. Visitwww.HolyComforter.com.

Stuff the TruckStuff the Truck for SHARE.

SATURDAY/MARCH 14.Stuff the Truck for SHARE. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. At the Giant Food Store, 1454 Chain Bridge Road,

McLean. Stuff the Truck for SHARE. New Dominion Women’s Club is sponsoring a food drive forSHARE! Stuff the truck with donations to fill the SHARE food pantry. Share serves more than 200families in the 22101 and 22102 Zip codes who need food, clothing, or housing assistance. Middleschool and high school students are welcome to volunteer and will receive service hours. A maximum ofthree students may volunteer for each shift. Go to www.NDWC.org.

The Band UnityThe Band Unity will appear at Jammin’ Java on Friday, March 13 at 9:30p.m.

FRIDAY/MARCH 13The Band Unity. 9:30 p.m. At Jammin’ Java. It’s part of the annual 311-day celebration that Unity has

hosted at Jammin’ Java every year since 2013. Unity will be sharing the stage with The Sonic Boom, ahigh-energy party band that will be covering the hardest hits from the ‘90s.

Calendar


News

age of 25 who attend Northern Virginia CommunityCollege or George Mason University, maintain goodgrades, and demonstrate financial need. https://www.gffnsf.org/

Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB), is a group oflocal citizens that work to preserve and share thebeauty of Riverbend Park along the Potomac River,as well as offer educational trips and fundraisingevents to the public. http://www.forb.wildapricot.org/

In addition to supporting local charities, Great FallsFriends & Neighbors provides opportunities forwomen in our community to socialize and enjoy cul-tural outings and adventures in the greater DC area.https://gffnva.org/

Two of Great Falls’ favor-ites came together inMarch for an exciting

juried exhibit in The Arts ofGreat Falls Gallery (756 WalkerRoad in Great Falls). “Cars inArt” is a collection of 40pieces in a variety of medi-ums from 28 artists acrossthe DVM area. Artwork willbe on display until March29. The people will choosethe exhibit winner by votingfor their favorite and the FanFavorite Award will be givento the art with the mostvotes. Stop in during galleryopen hours Wednesdays 12– 4 p.m. and Saturdays, 6a.m. – 2 p.m. or any othertime an Atelier artist is in thestudio. Executive DirectorJulie Casso said, “This showis so unique! It’s fun to seenew pieces from talentedand award-winningsartists from all overhanging together.People will enjoyhigh-quality oil paint-ings, photographs,and pastels. There’ssomething for every-one.” The communityis welcome to attendthe Awards Receptionon Saturday, March28 from 6-7:30 p.m.

All artwork is for sale and 30percent benefits The Arts ofGreat Falls, a community sup-ported, 501 (c ) (3) nonprofitfoundation. More info is avail-able at greatfallsart.org.

Cars In Art Exhibit atthe Arts of Great Falls

Junk? by Lori Goll (Pastel)

“Cruising” by GerryD’Onofrio (Photography).

Photos courtesy of The Arts of Great Falls

Award winning photographer Terri Parent visits the Carsin Art exhibit now showing at The Arts of Great Falls.

Great Falls Friends & Neighbors gives donations tothree local charities.

Women’s Group PresentsChecks to Charities

By Adrienne West

Helping women andchildren in need isthe common threadamong Great Falls

Friends & Neighbors (GFFN), ourlocal women’s club, and the chari-ties they support. On Thursday,March 5, GFFN presented checksduring their monthly meeting atthe Great Falls Grange to ArtemisHouse, the Women’s Center, andGFFN’s Scholarship Fund.

Throughout their calendar year,which runs from June to May,GFFN’s philanthropy group orga-nizes several events to benefitthese non-profit charities. Theirannual White House ornamentsale has been a staple in our com-munity for almost ten years.Other events included a holidaytea held at Katie’s Coffee House,and a cooking demonstration atL’Auberge Chez François. Future events like the Blue-bells & Bald Eagle Walk in April will benefit a fourthorganization, the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB).

Artemis House, located in Herndon and part of thelarger Shelter House organization, is the only 24-hour emergency shelter in Fairfax County for victimsof domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, andhuman trafficking. https://shelterhouse.org/

The Women’s Center offers free and subsidizedcounseling, support, and education to local women,men, and children, in addition to acting as a leadingteaching institution for mental health professionals.https://thewomenscenter.org/

Great Falls Friends & Neighbors Scholarship Fund(GFFNSF) provides scholarships to women over the

From left: Diana Lahey, Judie Keithley and Adrienne Westof GFFN, Christie Lavin, Candace Bovee, and Lissa Carterof GFFNSF.

From left:Lissa Carter,Judie Keithley,Diana Lahey,JenniferDalessio,Adrienne West,RachnaKrishan, JoeMeyer,CandaceBovee, andKathy Matay.

Photos by

Teresa Yurt


The Edison Eagles(16-5) girls basketball faced theMarshall Statesmen (22-6) in the 1st round of theVHSL Class 6 State Championships held at WestfieldHigh School in Chantilly on March 6.. The winneradvancing to the 2nd round to face the winner of

Colgan HS and Western Branch game. The teamsended the fourth quarter deadlocked at 39-39.Inoverttime it was all Edison: They would hold Marshallto just two points, while scoring 10 and advancingto the next round with the 49-41 win.

Edison Beats Marshall in State’s First Round

Photos by Will Palenscar/The Connection

Bri Johns #4 fires a shot over Valerie Dirkse #22

Charlotte Jewell #22 drivesto the basket as she isdefended by ChristinaTrivisonno #21.

Sports


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

And here I was thinking I was such a big shot, a thyroidectomy patient with nary a blemish on his body 30 days out from surgery. Metabolic balance? Ha! What metabolic balance! I was having none of it. A month into my post-surgical recovery and all I had to show for my troubles was one extra lab visit to measure/adjust my calcium and magnesium levels. Other than that, as Brooks said in “Shawshank Redemption” to Andy DuFresne about delivering library books to their fellow inmates: “Easy peasy.” No fuss, with no muss whatsoever. Famous last words, or in my

It all began innocently enough with some bilateral shaking of my arms and some associated dropsies: items seemed to just slip from my grasp with no apparent reason - or awareness on my part. Then I began experiencing some “wicked,” as we say in New England, pain in my lower back by my kidneys. Next came some forgetfulness and bouts of confusion. I knew who I was and I knew

happened to me. I just didn’t know if I was simply a victim of my own circumstances, so to speak, or had something more insidious taken root. I mean, I am a cancer patient with two types of cancer now.

I decided to email some of my doctors and share these new symptoms. My oncologist, in conjunction with my otolaryngologist responded. He arranged for me to see a neurologist which I did so the next day. The neurologist gave me the once over twice and ordered some additional lab work which I completed the next day after a 12-hour fast. Later that same day, Friday, Feb. 28, I received a call from my oncology nurse. She had received my lab results and after discussing them with my oncologist, advised me to go to Urgent Care immediately as I was at risk of a possible heart attack. My calcium levels, a previously well balanced component of a functioning thyroid gland had levels nearly off the chart, literally, 40% above normal. And since we couldn’t exactly put my thyroid back in, off to Urgent care I went.

After excusing myself to the front of the waiting line, I was led back to an examining room where I was treated pending transportation - or not, to somewhere else. After spending an awk-ward night on site, I was eventually transported by ambulance to a local hospital where I would spend the next four and a half days trying to wean my body off its own elevated calcium. Finally,

released. My ordeal seemed nearly over. By late Tuesday afternoon, I arrived back home where

nearly a week and began to recover once again.The rest of the story consists of bits and pieces, fragments of recollections and words-to-the-wise in an attempt to prevent a recurrence.

I can’t really say that I’ve learned my les-son because I did nothing wrong. I was simply following doctor’s orders. Adjusting one’s calcium and magnesium levels is a proactive part of life without a thyroid gland, though it’s hardly a matter of routine, and I have no doubt there’s still some tinkering yet to occur. Nevertheless, onward and upward I go. with hopes that future episodes will be met with similar vigilance.

Now, back to the previous cancer-themed column. I’m meeting with the endocrinologist on Tuesday to determine a course of action to eliminate the remaining 10% or so thyroid cancer embedded under my collarbone. Once we get that process straightened out then we can get back to treating my underlying non small cell lung cancer.

I imagine I’ll live to write about it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being a bit scared. When one treatment is delayed due to the treatment of another, I can’t help thinking there should be pen-alty called for piling on. I don’t mind carrying my share but two cancers is hardly share and share alike. Too much of a bad thing is just plain bad.

Now Where Was I Again?From Page 5

FRIDAY/MARCH 13MCC Governing Board 2020 Elections.

Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m. is the filing deadlinefor Dranesville Small Tax District 1A residentswho want to run for seats on MCC’s 2020Governing Board. Residents can still enter therace. The all-volunteer Board sets policy andprovides general oversight for MCC facilities,which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatreand the Old Firehouse Center. Candidates arerequired to obtain the signatures of 10 taxdistrict residents in order to have their namesplaced on the election ballot. Nominatingpetition forms are available at the Center, whichis located at 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.

FRIDAYS IN MARCHEthics Days are coming up Fridays in March for

sixth- graders in elementary schools that feed toLangley and McLean high schools. This 19thannual event will work with over 1,100 studentsfrom eight area schools. It will take place atHoly Trinity Church, 850 Balls Hill Rd, McLean,9:30 am - 1 p.m. each day. Sixth Grade EthicsDay is designed to help prepare students for thetransition to middle school by providingstrategies to help them work through ethicaldecisions in all aspects of their lives: socially,academically, and within their own families. TheEthics Day schedule:

❖ March 13 - Haycock and Chesterbrook❖ March 20 - Franklin Sherman and Churchill Road❖ March 27 - Timber Lane and Spring Hill

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 25Fill Us In Public Hearing. 7:30 p.m. At McLean

Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. The McLean Community Center isasking residents of Small District 1A-Dranesville,who pay a real estate tax surcharge to supportthe center, to “Fill Us In” on what kinds of newprograms and services they would like to seeoffered and/or improved upon in the planningfor FY2022 fiscal year. MCC is holding a PublicHearing on FY 2022 Programs. The hearing isthe first step in planning for the FY2022 budgetcycle, which begins July 1, 2021 and ends June30, 2022. MCC’s divisions include the RobertAmes Alden Theatre and The Old FirehouseCenter. New this year, residents can participatein the meeting remotely using GoToWebinar, anonline video conferencing app. Residents canaccess the meeting on their computer, tablet orsmartphone, at tinyurl.com/mcc-programs-2022,then sign in with the webinar ID: 324-478-547.Call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, orvisit: www.mcleancenterorg.

TUESDAY/MARCH 31GFES Kindergarten Orientation. 9:15 to 10:15

a.m. At Great Falls Elementary School, 701Walker Road, Great Falls. Children who are age5 by September 30, 2020 are eligible to enterkindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Toconfirm Great Falls Elementary School servesyour particular address, visit the FCPS website,click on the boundary link, and type in youraddress. Parents and eligible children are invitedto an overview of the Great Falls ElementarySchool kindergarten program. Risingkindergarten students will meet ourkindergarten teachers in the classroom for aspecial welcome and activities. Parents will meetin the cafeteria to receive an overview of thekindergarten program, including curriculum andthe daily schedule. This is an excellentopportunity for parents unsure of whether ornot their child is ready for kindergarten to come,listen, and make an informed decision.Registration packets are available onlinewww.fcps.edu

SUPPORT GROUPSParent Support Partners, a service of the

Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parentswho have received training and are qualified tooffer education, support and assistance at nocost to families or caregivers. They providereliable information that families can use indecision-making and are familiar with servicesand resources that can help families in distress.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.

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