A few trees away from her nest and eaglets, a mother eagle ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2018/0… · Last week, the Potomac Conservancy is-sued a report

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com April 4-10, 2018

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SeniorLivingSeniorLivingSeniorLiving

APRIL 2018APRIL 2018

Great FallsGreat Falls

Inside

Senior Living

Great Falls Art Walk Kicks off on April 6News, Page 15

Silent Auction to Benefit Great Falls SchoolsNews, Page 6

Bald EaglesRediscover Potomac

News, Page 3

A few trees away from her nest and eaglets, a mother eagle watches for predators above and food sources below. Scientists hope additional nests are indicators of increasing biodiversity of species and that means the ecosystem is healthier

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ April 4-10, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ April 4-10, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Majestic Bald eagle.

Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

News

By Christina Tyler Wenks

A pair of bald eagles is raising threeeaglets on Minnehaha Island inthe Potomac River. This is thethird bald eagle nest in the Great

Falls area this year and the second knownto contain hatchlings. The proximity of thenests tells naturalists at Riverbend Park thatthe area’s ecosystem is improving.

Last week, the Potomac Conservancy is-sued a report that said the Potomac River’shealth is better than recent decades. Theriver’s report card gave the Potomac a B —up from a D in 2011.

“We hope these additional nests are indi-cators of increasing biodiversity of speciesand that means the ecosystem is healthier— birds, amphibians, and mammals — butthis takes many years,” said Julie Gurnee,Riverbend Park naturalist.

WILDLIFE SPECIALISTS and nationalpark rangers say bald eagles actively nestedon Conn Island near Great Falls NationalPark for the past 20 years. A pair of eaglesare nesting on Minnehaha Island for a sec-ond year. A young eagle that fledged lastyear is often spotted fishing in the PotomacRiver by the Riverbend Visitor’s Center.

Wildlife enthusiasts are watching a thirdbald-eagle nest on Watkins Island nearRiverbend Park. “What’s surprising is theirproximity to each other,” said Gurnee. “Thisis much closer than we expected to see an-other eagle nest.”

Pollution and lead, such as buckshot andfishing weights, threaten eagles scavenging

during winter months, said AlonsoAbugattas of the Capital Naturalist websiteand educator at Northern Virginia parks.

Boosting biodiversity takes years. Long-term river and wildlife health depends onresidents taking steps such as installingnative plants and increasing natural stream

Bald Eagles Rediscover Potomac

Two bald eagles tend to three eaglets near Great Falls. Bald eagles usu-ally mate and lay eggs in mid-February. Eggs incubate just over a month— about 35 days — and the young fledge 10 to 12 weeks later.

Photos by Christina Tyler Wenks

A bald eagle protects her three eaglets on Minnehaha Island in thePotomac River.

Bald eagles are asign of ecosystemimprovement.

buffers with deep roots to absorb herbicides,fertilizers, and road runoff, and reducingwaste and lowering emissions and relianceon cars, said Gurnee and Abugattas.

VIRGINIA BLUEBELL blooms are ex-pected to peak the week of the Riverbend

Park’s Bluebell Festival, which is Sat-urday, April 14, from 10 a.m. until 2p.m. During the festival, a scope willbe set up along Potomac Heritage Trailso visitors may observe eagle-nest ac-tivity. Festival admission is $7 onlineand $9 on site.

A break in foliage along Riverbend Park’s PotomacHeritage Trail allows outdoor enthusiasts to view aneagle’s nest on Minnehaha Island in the PotomacRiver. With binoculars, eaglets are frequently visible.

“We hope these additional nests areindicators of increasing biodiversityof species and that means theecosystem is healthier —birds, amphibians, and mammals —but this takes many years.”

— Julie Gurnee, Riverbend Park naturalist


News

Canines Trained for Rope OperationsUnits from Fire and Rescue Station 14, Burke, A-Shift recently assisted K9 handlersfrom Virginia Task Force -1 and the Prince William Police Department on a drill regard-ing rope operations. It is important to expose the canines to heights so that duringactual deployments the K9 team is familiar with how to work during this type of opera-tion. All the canines end the training with a fun “find” on the rubble pile.

—Trish Danula

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The annual Spring Fundraiser is Assistance Leagueof Northern Virginia’s most important fundraiser ofthe year with money raised benefiting the nonprofit’s2018-19 programs which feed, clothe and educatechildren in need in our communities.

Set for April 27, the event will take place from 11a.m.-2 p.m. at the Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 OxRoad, in Fairfax. This year’s luncheon and silent auc-tion is sponsored by: Quadrant, Inc. - $6,000 SuperStar; Joyce Koons Honda Buick GMC - $1,000 GoldStar; Spine Care of Manassas Chiropractic Center -

$1,000 Gold Star; Manassas Honda Kawasaki Suzuki- $250 Bronze Star; NOVEC - $250 Bronze Star.

The attendees will be able to bid on gifts donatedby more than 90 local businesses. The program willalso include a live auction and special appeal segmentled by Auctioneer Daniel Sanders with Four Sales Ltd.The event will also feature Keynote Speaker TonyPerkins, Anchor, FOX 5 News and Co-host, MAJIC102.3. Cost per ticket $65, $30 is tax deductible. Topurchase tickets, contact [email protected]

News

By Adrienne West

The Connection

The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation(CGFF) annual golf tournament includesa silent auction that has grown from justa handful of items generating a couple

of thousand dollars to a major event that netted over$12,000 last year. This double-header fundraisergives sizable checks to each of the three local elemen-tary schools and is only made possible by the hardwork of volunteers.

Missy Perkins has volunteered in some capacityevery year since moving here in 2014. She chose thegolf tournament because she had prior experiencerunning a charity and wanted get involved in thecommunity to meet new people.

“I attended the first committee meeting and vol-unteered to run the silent auction. At the time, onlyplayers at the tournament could bid on the silentauction items. Because the proceeds from the tour-nament benefit the three local elementary schools, Ifelt we were missing a huge audience of potentialbidders,” Perkins said.

She also said there were missed opportunities ofdonations by the schools, such as “Principal for theDay” or VIP seats at sixth grade graduation, whichwere hugely popular at her last school. Perkins thentook the auction online, giving everyone the abilityto bid on the school experiences and other dona-tions. “I don’t quite remember the actual figures, butI believe that we increased the profit from the silentauction by almost double and we definitely captureda much wider audience of bidders.”

HER FAVORITE PART is helping with registrationon the day of the event. “It is so nice to meet and greetparents, sponsors, local business owners and Great Fallsresidents. I also love seeing the creative auction items/experiences that the teachers come up with.”

Perkins explains why this is an important eventfor the community. “Our elementary schools receiveless funding from the state compared to other schooldistricts. The proceeds from the golf tournament aredonated directly to our schools and help them im-prove/update the educational resources that directlyaffect our children. I feel that it brings the residentstogether for a common goal.”

Another key volunteer, Deanna Keys is a longtimearea resident whose four children attended Forestvilleand loved it. “When I had the opportunity to helpthe school raise money for laptops by organizing andoffering an online school auction, I was all in. It wasa big success, raising about $11,500. Afterward, ErinLobato (Director of CGFF) asked if I would help withtheir auction that spring.” She incorporated manythings that worked in the Forestville auction, includ-ing the same online auction site. Keys also widenedthe target base for requested donations. “Donationswere requested from national companies to D.C. arearestaurants/attractions down to local businesses. Thelocal businesses have all been the most generous intheir support. They’ve donated items and servicessuch as handyman for a day, tree planting, an icecream party, horseback riding camp, and financialservices.”

She echoes the sentiment shared by Perkins whentalking about community involvement. “I feel thatthe CGFF golf tournament and auction is an impor-tant community event as it really brings the wholecommunity together for the children. The support ofthe community businesses has been impressive andthe families have responded by enthusiastically par-ticipating in the auction.”

DONATIONS are now being accepted for the SilentAuction to be held May 1–14, 2018. CGFF gladlyaccepts gift cards and personal services such asbabysitting hours, pet sitting hours, sports lessonsfor kids, yard work hours, or any professional con-sultation. For more information, go to https://www.celebrategreatfalls.org/online-silent-auction/.

Celebrate Great FallsFoundation takingdonations; auction to runMay 1—14.

Silent Auctionto Benefit GreatFalls Schools

Assistance League of Northern Virginiato Hold Fundraiser

Area Roundups

Archive photo

Students and representatives from theForestville, Colvin Run and Great Fallselementary schools and the CelebrateGreat Falls Foundation gather atForestville Elementary on June 15, 2015for the tournament and online auctioncheck presentation.



Opinion

The following letter to all members of the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors from members of the Gen-eral Assembly from Fairfax, urges common sense actionon guns; the state legislators say Fairfax County has theauthority to ben loaded shotguns and rifles on the roads.

Dear Madam Chairman and Hon.Supervisors: Section 15.2-915.2 ofthe Code of Virginia gives all localgovernments in Virginia the au-

thority to ban loaded shotguns and loadedrifles on public highways.

§ 15.2-915.2. Regulation of transportationof a loaded rifle or shotgun.

The governing body of any county or city mayby ordinance make it unlawful for any personto transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgunor loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street,road, or highway within such locality.

A similar ordinance has been enacted in thecounties of Fauquier, Loudoun, Madison,Albemarle, Chesterfield, Clarke, James City,King George, New Kent, Northumberland,Surry, Warren and the cities of Alexandria,Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Richmond,

Roanoke, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.We, members of the Virginia General Assem-

bly representing Fairfax County, do not believethat there is a need for loaded shotguns orloaded rifles on Fairfax County’s public roads.High emotions that come with traffic conges-tion in our region have led to instances wherefirearms have been discharged in incidents ofroad rage. Requiring that shotguns and riflesare not loaded at the beginning of a trip willhelp to reduce the potential for such split-sec-ond, life-changing decisions to occur in a mo-ment of anger. Such an ordinance will also helpto protect the driver and passengers, includ-ing children, as well as law enforcement fromthe accidental discharge of one of these weap-ons. For example, in 2006, Virginia StateTrooper Kevin C. Manion was killed after aloaded rifle went off during a wreck cleanupin Clark County.

We recognize that the Fairfax County Boardof Supervisors considered this issue in 2015.

However given recent events, we believe thatit is important at this time for all our localities

to use their existing authority to foster gunsafety and protect the driving public.

We hereby ask that you initiate the processesnecessary to change Fairfax County’s ordi-nances to prohibit the transportation of loadedshotguns and loaded rifles to the fullest extentpossible under Virginia Law.

We look forward to working with you on thisimportant initiative.

Sen. Scott Surovell (D-36)Sen. Richard Saslaw (D-35)Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31)Sen. David Marsden (D-37)

Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-33)Sen. George Barker (D-39)

Del. Kaye Kory (D-38)Del. Mark Keam (D-35)

Del. Rip Sullivan (D-48)Del. Ken Plum (D-36)

Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-49)Del. David Bulova (D-37)

Del. Karrie K. Delaney (D-67)Del Paul Krizek (D-44)

Del. Jennifer Boysko (D-86)

Legislators: County Has AuthorityTo Ban Loaded Rifles on Road

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

Our Founding Fatherswere brilliant individu-als. Not only did they

craft a new form of governmentwith the United States Constitu-tion, but they established a gov-ernment of “we the people” leav-ing behind monarchies and specialprivileges. While it created “amore perfect union,” it includedwithin its structure mechanisms

upon whichthe unioncould be fur-ther perfected.

While it did take a civil war tobring about the most needed re-form that had been debated at theConstitutional Convention and notsettled but compromised away,many other reforms and perfec-tions have taken place throughconstitutional amendments, laws

and judicial decisions.With the massive

changes that havetaken place in ournation’s history, par-ticularly in civil rights,it is amazing thatthere have been sofew changes to ourbasic structure of gov-ernment. Building onthe ideals of Thomas Jefferson inthe Declaration of Independencethat all persons have inalienablerights of life, liberty and the pur-suit of happiness, the Constitutionand its provisions created a wayto realize these goals that ensuresAmerica’s greatness is not in itspast but in its future.

Most often mentioned in theguarantees that propel our coun-try into future greatness are thefreedoms of speech, press and re-ligion. Less discussed in the pastbut now seen as a critically impor-

tant right to maintainour free governmentis the freedom to as-semble. If freedomsare to be maintainedin the future, it maybe our right to as-semble that will en-sure it happens.

It is somewhatironic that at a time

when the internet enables advo-cacy blitzes to fill the electronicmail boxes of public officials tosupport a cause that the crowdsof people filling the streets in vari-ous marches may be our greatestsafeguard. Many feel it is notenough to simply send a letter orbrochure or give or listen to aspeech; we need to visibly showthe depth and breadth of our causeby assembling supporters by thethousands in the heat, cold, rainor sunshine.

I participate in marches in our

Nation’s Capital as well as ourState Capital to show support forequality in our society and for anend to gun violence. I find themarches inspirational because ofthe worthiness of the cause andthe wonderful people I meet whohave such strong dedication andconviction that they will take parthowever inconvenient. If you havenot taken part in a march, I en-courage you to do so. After all,assembling together to supportour rights is part of what theFounding Fathers had in mindwhen they included the right toassemble in our Bill of Rights. Theother important day to be sure toexercise your right to assemble ison election day when you have anopportunity to express your rightas a citizen. It amplifies your voicewhen you assemble with others tovote for the persons who mostclearly are representing your viewson issues.

March for Your Cause

Commentary

Enjoy SchoolLibraries

April is School Library Monthand a great time to consider all theamazing things a school libraryachieves for students and theschool community. The AmericanAssociation of School Librarianshas dubbed this year’s theme“Making Connections,” which is avery appropriate theme. All of

schools in Burke are lucky to havecertified librarians, which studiesshow increase reading test scores,overall higher test scores and en-courage a love of reading andlearning that continues through-out life.

School libraries have much morethan books; most have labs wherestudents create, investigate andcollaborate on learning projects. Inaddition to assisting students, theschool librarian is a treasured

resource for all classroom teach-ers in the school. The connectionsthe school librarian makes, andencourages students to make withlearning, their community, theworld and reading, impact learn-ers as they go on to become life-long learners and productivemembers of our community.

You can support the AmericanAssociation of School Librariansand School Library Month by shar-ing your connections with your

local school. Offer to be a guestreader or to share how reading orlibrarians influenced your life andcareer.

Contact your local school todayand connect as school librarianshelp make connections with stu-dents, teachers, community andthe world.

Alyssa LinglerBurke

Letter to the Editor

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Great Falls

Great Falls Connection ❖ April 4-10, 2018 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC

SeniorLivingSeniorLivingSeniorLivingAPRIL 2018APRIL 2018

Great FallsGreat Falls


Senior Living

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

It may seem like a long timeuntil September when the36th year of the NorthernVirginia Senior Olympics

(NVSO) kicks off.But not for 83-year-old Chuck

Toftoy from Arlington, who oftenenters 20 events, and says he prac-tices all year long.

Opening ceremonies for thisyear’s events are scheduled forSept. 15 at 9 a.m. at ThomasJefferson Community Center inArlington, and the competition isscheduled to end on Sept. 26.

The NVSO began in 1982 withabout 80 people competing; lastyear there were 752 competitorssigned up for one or more of the

New this year: canasta, croquet andbeach ball wallyball.

Preparing for Senior Olympics

See Preparing, Page 11

Kim Adermancompetes inlast year’sdiving match.

File Photo by

Shirley Ruhe/

The Connection


Senior Living

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

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Coffee Social at Tallwood. at 10 a.m. at

Tallwood Campus, 4210 Roberts Road, Fairfax.Welcome new members, make new friends andkick-off spring term in Fairfax with coffee,refreshments and friendly conversation. Theevent will include a quick presentation. Formore information or to register, visit bit.ly/2H8AZy1 (Special Event 1304).

FRIDAY & MONDAY/APRIL 6 & 9AARP Smart Drivers Classes. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at

Oakton United Methodist Church, 2951 ChainBridge Road, Oakton. A refresher course for driversage 50 and older. $15 AARP members, $20 for non-members payable on the fiirst day of class. Visit

www.scov.org/files/2018_04_aarp_smart_driver_flyer.pdf. Callinstructor David Young to register at 703-591-1847.

SATURDAY/APRIL 7Caregiver Bootcamp. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Insight

Memory Care Center, 3953 Pender Drive, Suite100, Fairfax. Join IMCC for a special day-longtraining event covering essential caregivingtopics. Contact Lindsey Vajpeyi,[email protected], 703-204-4664or visit InsightMCC.org.

Living with Alzheimer’s: For Middle-StageCaregivers. 10 a.m.-noon at RavensworthBaptist Church, 5100 Ravensworth Road,Annandale. Part one of three-part series. Jointhe Alzheimer’s Association for this free three-part series and hear caregivers and professionalsdiscuss helpful strategies to provide safe,effective and comfortable care in the middlestage of Alzheimer’s. For more information andto register, call 800-272-3900.

Seniors Calendar

From Page 10

70 events offered. The events ranged fromtennis, baseball throw, bocce, orienteering,swimming and diving, golf, corn hole toss,volleyball, and pickleball.

Three new sports have been added to thecompetition this year including canasta,croquet and beach ball wallyball. HerbLevitan, a member of the NVSO Board, ex-plains beach ball wallyball is like volley-ball but played on a racquetball court witha beachball which is bigger and softer thana volleyball. Levitan is currently prepar-ing for the Virginia senior games comingup soon where he swims four freestyleevents.

Alease Brooks, 85, has been competingfor 14 years and participated in 13 differ-ent sports in 2017. But her favorite ispickleball. Her children have bought her T-shirts in different colors for her games andoften come to watch her and cheer her on.

Toftoy says this year he plans to reducethe number of sports he enters so that hecan concentrate on pickleball since he plans

to enter singles, doubles and mixed com-petition this year.

Last year, 93-year old Henry Colette fromOakton was one of 19 bocce competitors.But for the last several years he has beenguaranteed a win because there was no oneelse in his age group competing.

Last year’s oldest competitor was 101years old with her sport of choice was du-plicate bridge.

Seniors participate for many reasons —some because they like to stay busy and fit,others because they are returning to a highschool or college sport, some because theylike the community of friends they see ev-ery year and others because they still “liketo dream big.”

This year’s games are expected to be heldin 29 venues including community centers,parks, high schools and other locationsacross Northern Virginia. Registration forthis year’s NVSO will open June 1. This yearNVSO is hoping to bring back the 5k runand looking for an event director for thatevent. Those interested in volunteering cancall 703-403-5360.

Preparing for Senior Olympics

File Photo by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics includes bocce competition.


With a pair of walk-in wardrobe closets on the left, andaccess to a first level laundry and master bedroom on theright, the access corridor from the main house is spacious.The French doors open into the dining room. Michael Nashmatched the original hardwood flooring to create a seam-less unity between the old house and the new addition.

The louvered door on the right is for the family’s Irishsetter, who exercises in the side yard. All doors are at least32 inches wide and have a 90 degree clearing width.

Senior Living

By John Byrd

Fred and Liz Saalfeld had occupiedtheir four-bedroom 2,800-square-foot Colonial in Springfield fornearly five decades when the un-

expected caused them to reconsider basichousing needs. Without warning, LizSaalfeld suffered a heart attack. Her mobil-ity — previously hampered by arthritis —now became seriously compromised.

Looking ahead, a wheelchair-access planalso now seemed prudent to Fred Saalfeld,who increasingly relied a pair of canes toget around.

The proposed retrofit was a tall order,however. The master bedroom was on thesecond floor; the laundry room in the base-ment. There was an open carport, but noextra storage space. The master bathroomwas just too narrow for a wheelchair — as-suming there was a way to mount the stairs.

Equally relevant, the home’s surroundinglandscaping was undeveloped, with a steephill in the backyard. There were places tosit, but no quiet places to stretch out andrelax.

Acting decisively, Saalfeld sought freshideas from local remodelers — eventuallydeciding on Michael Nash Kitchens andHomes who had previously remodeled hiskitchen.

“Michael Nash was very responsive to ourneeds, and really understood Aging-In-Placeconsiderations,” Saalfeld said.

Part of that responsiveness arose fromSonny Nazemian, Michael Nash’s founderand president, and a Universal Design Cer-tified Remodeler (UDCR), who commenceddrafting design ideas with theSaalfelds on the first meeting.

“Aging-in-place (AIP) is be-coming one of the high-de-mand remodeling servicessegments,” Nazemian said.“But it’s a specialty area —and requires staying on top ofever-evolving ADA (Americanwith Disabilities Act) regula-tions, and strict buildingcodes.”

From the first, Nazemianpictured an addition extend-ing from the rear elevation.The Saalfeld would gain ex-panded sleeping quarters andeach spouse would have theirown walk-in closet. A wheel-chair-friendly bathroom re-plete with in-shower bench,grab bars and hand-held bodyspray nozzles would be spe-cially designed. The laundryroom would be moved to the

first floorAt 1,200 square feet, the new master suite

addition features a 14-foot cathedral ceil-ing and double French doors that segue toa flagstone patio. To create the needed 28'x 42' footprint, Nazemian excavated downthree feet from the existing surface, re-moved six metric tons of earth and — toachieve the necessary compaction —planted a grove of Tock’s shrubbery.

To control water runoff, designers intro-duced a French drain and swell linked toan infiltration trench.

With the foundation issues resolved, at-tention turned to the new addition’s spaceplan and design. Exterior brick cladding wasmatched to the home’s original masonry

creating a seamless enlargement of the ex-isting house. Interior floors were, likewise,milled and finished to blend with the hard-wood floors in the existing structure.

“The interior style is very consistentthroughout,” Saalfeld saiud. “It’s very muchone house.”

To ensure natural light and comfort,Nazemian specified low-E, double Argon-filled glass for all windows including a pairof double French doors that lead to the pa-tio. A smaller louvered door was createdfor the family’s Irish setter who exercises ina side yard.

A new split-system HVAC unit was in-stalled to provide the new addition withdedicated heat and air control. The solu-

tion proved to be a money-saver, since it concentratestemperature requirements

in rooms where the couple spend most oftheir time.

The master bathroom (at 200 square feet)is a masterpiece of efficiency and warmth.The door from the bedroom is 32” wide withthe 90 degree swing radius required by theADA-regulations — yet the interior designis soft and earthy, porcelain tiling offset bywalnut cabinet facings and a granite-toppedvanity.

Best yet, a series of well-defined walk-ways link garden focal points with a mid-yard gazebo. Surrounded by a privacy fence,the grounds are a nicely protected Eden,perfect for quiet enjoyment.

For more information, call 703-641-9800or visit MichaelNashKitchens.com

John Byrd has been writing about homeimprovement for 30 years. He can be reached at703-715-8006, www.HomeFrontsNews.com [email protected]. Send photos of interestingremodeling projects to: [email protected].

Solution addresseslong-term needsarising fromspouse’s stroke.

Master Suite Enables Aging-in-Place

The shower is equipped withgrab bars, a bench and hand-held nozzles — all of whichFred Saalfeld uses in his dailybathing routine.

The Saalfelds added a wheelchair friendly master suite to the four bed-room colonial they had occupied for over 50 years. The 1,200-square-foot addition extends from the old rear elevation into a formerly hillybackyard. The new addition includes a laundry, a spacious ADA (Ameri-cans with Disabilities Act) master suite with “his” and “her” wardrobeclosets. The French doors access a flagstone patio, and newly land-scaped grounds surrounded by a privacy fence. The addition also has adedicated HVAC system


News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

The Foundation for Fairfax County PublicSchools announced their community part-ners are preparing for the 2018 “Collect

for Kids” school supplies and backpacks drive forstudents in Fairfax County Public Schools. In 2017,the drive helped more than 39,000 of the 55,000students who receive free or reduced-price mealsin Fairfax County Schools. The goal for 2018 is toprovide 40,000 of these children and youth withschool supplies and backpacks.

“Collect for Kids” is seeking monetary contribu-tions and help from organizations. Their onlinedonation form states: “100 percent of your dona-tion will be allocated for school supplies for FCPSstudents in need.” Even though a robust and con-nected group of partners make “Collect for Kids”work, the organization is also seeking help fromnew organizations to support their effort. Cur-rently, more than 20 businesses, government agen-cies and community organization work togetheron the campaign, among them Apple FederalCredit Union, Britepaths, Western Fairfax Chris-tian Ministries, Cornerstones, and Kids R First.

‘Collect for Kids’ Seeks HelpDonations and helpfrom organizations tooutfit 40,000 students.

Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

The Foundation for Fairfax County PublicSchools announced their communitypartners are getting ready for the 2018“Collect for Kids” school supplies andbackpack drive as they seek monetarydonations and help from organizations.

According to “Collect for Kids,” “Every schoolin Fairfax County is touched by need. Some schoolshave as few as 1 percent of students living in pov-erty and some schools have over 90 percent ofstudents living in poverty.”

In the Oak Hill/ Herndon area, supporting part-ners of “Collect for Kids” serve students at Coates,Dranesville, Herndon, Floris and Hutchison El-ementary Schools, Herndon and Rachel CarsonMiddle Schools, and Herndon High School.

For more information on how to donate or helpwith the effort visit collectforkids.org.

Fred Amico, Langley HighSchool principal, has sent thefollowing letter to the SaxonCommunity:

“After 31 years of working as an edu-cator in Fairfax County Public Schools,I have decided to retire at the end ofthis school year. Serving as principal ofLangley High School has been an op-portunity that I cherish. Langley HighSchool is an outstanding high schooldue to the professional, dedicated, andinnovative teaching staff, supportiveand involved parents, and smart, cre-ative, and inspirational students. I knowthat I have benefited more from mytime at Langley than it has benefitedfrom me.

“Any school is just a building. Luck-ily, the Langley community is now getting a buildingthey truly deserve, but it is still a building. Thestrength of Langley is everyone who walks the halls.Our custodians, who work tirelessly and with prideto keep the building clean and a place that is enjoy-able. Our building engineer, who works behind thescenes to ensure that the building is comfortable andsafe for all of us. Our security staff, who are alwaysvigilant and watchful. The support and clerical staff,who keep things running smoothly. Our counselors,who always keep the needs of the students in theforefront of their planning. The administrators, whoconsistently try to do what is best for students. Theteachers who work, plan, and do whatever it takes

to inspire our students. Lastly, the students who area source of joy for me every day. They consistentlysurprise me with their candor, humor, and intelli-gence. I will take countless good memories of thosestudents with me.

“Our Regional Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Tyson,will begin the process of selecting a new principalimmediately. In the next few weeks, he will informyou of the process for selecting a new principal. I amconfident the next principal will love the school andstudents as much as I do.

“Thank you for the pleasure of working with yourchildren. I wouldn’t have traded a day of my last 31years for any other profession!”

Connection File Photo

Langley High School Principal Fred Amico

Langley High Principal to Retire


Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.

ONGOINGArt Exhibit. Through April 7 at Village Green

Shopping Center, 513 Maple Ave. NW, Vienna.Vienna Arts Society presents First 100 Weeks,paintings by Deborah Schneider. Free and opento the public. Visit viennaartssociety.org/.

BRX Artist Showcase. Through May 11 at BRXAmerican Bistro, 1025-I Seneca Road, GreatFalls. The Sorta-Quarterly Artist Showcase:throughout the year, BRX will be exhibiting aselection of works in their dining room by anartist from Broadway Gallery’s portfolio.Currently on display is Hiromi Ashlin. EmailDonald Dusinberre [email protected]

Children’s Art Exhibit. Through May 14 atGreat Falls Village Starbucks, 9863 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Great Falls Studio Arts andGreat Falls Village Starbucks present Colvin RunElementary School children’s artwork. Thepresentation was selected by Lauren Grimm andRachel Wiseman, art instructors.

Great Falls Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. Music,vendors, fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from around the world,wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats,organic-fed poultry and eggs. [email protected] for more.

Colvin Run Mill open 11-4 p.m. daily, closedTuesday. 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.Fairfax County’s operational 19th century waterpowered gristmill, offers recreational andeducational activities for all ages through dailytours, school programs and special events. Fees:$7/adult, $6 students 16+ with ID, $5 children& seniors. Admission to park is free except forsome special events.

Fishing Rod Rentals. Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Rentals availableduring visitor center hours. Fishing tackle andlive bait are available for purchase. Reservationsrequired for group rentals. $6/rental (2 hourmax). Valid driver’s license required. Rod/reelcombinations are perfect for beginners andchildren. A Virginia or Maryland freshwaterfishing license is required for those 16 years orolder. The park does not sell fishing licenses.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/.

THURSDAY/APRIL 4Youth Art Show Reception. 4:30-6 p.m. at

1446 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Join MPA fora Youth Art Show celebrating works by FairfaxCounty Public School elementary, middle andhigh school art students from the Langleypyramid. The show runs March 21-April 5. [email protected].

APRIL 4-MAY 6Solo Art Exhibit. “A Study of Manhattan: Power,

Dominance and Excitement” by Great FallsStudios Artist Robert Gilbert. At The TorpedoFactory at the Art League in Alexandria. TheGallery is located at 105 North Union St.,Alexandria. Visit torpedofactory.org.

THURSDAY/APRIL 5Liz Longley Performs. 7:30 p.m. at

Jammin’Java, 227 Maple Ave., East, Vienna. Inperformance with The Harmaleighs. Visitwww.jamminjava.com.

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Great Falls Art Walk Kick-Off. 6-8 p.m. at

Great Falls Village Centre. Start the tour atArtists on the Green (776B Walker Road),Artists’ Loft (766 Walker Road), Artists’ Atelierand The Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 WalkerRoad) or TD Bank (9101 Georgetown Pike). Seelive painting demonstrations and talk with theartists about their process and inspirations. Livemusic begins at The Brogue at 9 p.m. Details atwww.greatfallsart.org/ArtWalk.

“Despicable Me 3.” 7-9 p.m. at The OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Cost is $3/person. Gather the whole family andbring blankets, pillows and camp chairs for anindoor, picnic-style family movie night.Participants will enjoy unlimited free popcornwith the movie that will be shown on a largeprojection screen. For Old Firehouse activities,call 703-448-8336.

SATURDAY/APRIL 7Spring Cleaning in the Parks. 9-11:30 a.m. at

10 different Fairfax County parks: Hidden OaksNature Center at Roundtree Park, Hidden PondNature Center, Huntley Meadows Park, LakeAccotink Park, Lake Fairfax Park, RiverbendPark, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and SullyHistoric Site. More than 750 volunteers will join

the Fairfax County Park Authority and TheNature Conservancy for annual “spring cleaning”efforts to kickoff Earth Month. The volunteerswill remove trash and debris, while alsoassisting scientists and conservationists byrecording data about what they remove. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/.

Shape Note Singing. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at theGreat Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Join singers from across the countryfor spirited, four-part, participatory,

unaccompanied singing from classic shapenotetunebooks. Midday potluck; bring a dish toshare. Experienced singers, newcomers, andlisteners are all welcome. Loaner booksavailable. Registration at 9:30 a.m. Free. Visitdcshapenote.squarespace.com/big-singings. Forquestions, contact Matt Roberts [email protected]. Also Sunday, April 8

Mosaic Harmony Community Concert. 7 p.m.at Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Includes selections from Mosaic Harmony,World Children’s Choir and The WashingtonInternational Chorus. Tickets $18/adults; $12/children. Visit mosaicharmony.org.

SUNDAY/APRIL 8Talk on John Mosby. 4 p.m. at Great Falls

Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Featuring local author Greg Wilson speaking on“Private John Mosby, First Virginia Cavalry,Picketing Fairfax County before becoming theGrey Ghost.” Become a member of the GreatFalls Historical Society by joining, for $35/yearfor a family. Visit the website at gfhs.org.

Amadeus Orchestra with Steven Honigberg,Cello. 4 p.m. at Saint Luke Catholic Church,7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. A pre-concertlecture by Music Director A. Scott Wood willbegin at 3:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 and may bepurchased at the door or online atwww.amadeusconcerts.com. Students 17 andunder and active military are admitted free.

MONDAY/APRIL 9Vote for MCC Governing Board. Want to vote

for MCC Governing Board candidates, but can’tmake it to the McLean Day festival on May 19?Vote by absentee ballot April 9-May 16. Call theCenter at 703-790-0123, or send a request byemail to [email protected] to have aballot package sent to your home. Visit thewebsite, www.mcleancenter.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12Opening Exhibition Reception. 7-9 p.m. at

1446 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. “ErraticLandscapes: New Works by Artemis Herber.”Working with the humble material of recycledcorrugated cardboard, German-born, Maryland-based artist Artemis Herber creates massivedepictions of space and place. On display April12 to June 3. Visit [email protected].

THURSDAY/APRIL 12-MAY 6“Fly By Night.” At 1st Stage in Tysons, 1524

Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. It’s 1965 inNew York City and the lights are about to goout. But not before a melancholy sandwichmaker becomes enchanted with two sisters inthis bittersweet romantic tale about finding hopein a world beset by darkness. Play by KimRosenstock, Michael Mitnick, and Will Connolly,directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer. $38 generaladmission, $35 seniors (65+), $15 students andmilitary. Visit www.1ststage.org or call 703-854-1856.

FRIDAY/APRIL 13Christylez Bacon: The Human Beatbox. 8

p.m. at The Old Firehouse, 1440 Chain BridgeRoad, McLean. GRAMMY-nominated ChristylezBacon is a dynamic member of the hip-hopmovement, bringing innovation to an art formalready known for mixing urban musical styles.Cost is $20/$14 MCC District residents. For OldFirehouse activities call 703-448-8336.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY-APRIL 13-14The Art of Persian Cuisine. 6-10 p.m. At Entyse

Bistro, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. Drawinginspiration from the 13th-century Persian poet,Poopak Golesorkhi, and Chef Ahmed Masouleh,have joined together to bring this whimsicalculinary milieu to the heart of Tysons Corner.Cost is $85/person. [email protected].

SATURDAY/APRIL 14Bluebell Festival. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., GreatFalls. Volunteers needed. Sign up atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/bluebells. Contact the Public Information Officeat 703-324-8662 or [email protected].

Calendar

Art Inspired by Monet on Exhibit atKatie’s Coffee HouseLayla Gray’s oil paintings inspired by Monet are on view during themonth of April at Katie’s Coffee House (The Old Brogue IrishPub),760 Walker Rd. Great Falls. “During my high school and col-lege years, I studied the Old Masters, mainly Europeans prior to1800s, and I studied a great deal of impressionist techniques. Myart is also influenced by French culture, having lived most of mychildhood in and around it. Architecture, both historical and mod-ern, as well as Parisian scenes have always intrigued me,” says theartist, one of the five founding members of Artists on the Green andGallery. For more information, visit www.laylagray.com

Photo contributed by Donna Moulton

The Home & Garden Tour will take place in Great Falls, Vienna, andMcLean on April 24 as part of the 85th Historic Garden Week in Virginia.

Home & Garden TourTour four homes and gardens in Great Falls, Vienna and McLean on Tuesday, April 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

– from a “quilt garden” at a 1750 home to a garden and cottage designed for retirement. Advance tick-ets are $40 by April 17; tickets on day of tour are $50 at Meadowlark Gardens, tour homes and the GreatFalls Library. Contact Garden Club of Fairfax at [email protected] or visitwww.vagardenweek.org.


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News

The Art Walk in the Village: First FridaysMonthly kicks off on Friday, April 6 inGreat Falls Village Centre. Celebratespring by visiting three working artist stu-

dios and galleries for this free community event from6-8 p.m. Enjoy a special exhibit in The Arts of GreatFalls Gallery for the Virginia Garden Tour featuringTerri Parent’s photography a “Celebration of Flow-ers.” TD Bank’s Petite Gallery showcases CotyDickinson’s oil and mixed media paintings.Start the tour at Artists on the Green (776B Walker

Rd.), Artists’ Loft (766 Walker Rd.), Artists’ Atelierand The Arts of Great Falls Gallery (756 Walker Rd.)or TD Bank (9101 Georgetown Pike). See live paint-ing demonstrations and talk with the artists abouttheir process and inspirations. Make a night of it withdinner on the green at The Old Brogue, Pio Pio Pollo,Wild Ginger or grab ice cream at Great Falls Cream-ery. Live music begins at The Brogue at 9 p.m. Fam-ily friendly and free to the public. Details atwww.greatfallsart.org/ArtWalk. Sponsored by TheArts of Great Falls.

Great Falls Art WalkKicks off on April 6

Great Fallscouple strollsthrough theVillageCentre’s artstudios andgalleries forthe monthlyArt Walk.

Photo

contributed


News

On Saturday, March 24, and Sunday March, 25,2018, the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour held the Lau-rel Hill Junior Shootout in Lorton at the LaurelHill Golf Club. In the Tiger Woods Division Boys16-18, Alex Price of Purcellville, Va. took homethe prize after an exciting playoff against BenjaminKruper of Woodbridge, Va.

Reeve Felner of Vienna finished in first place inthe Will Smith Division Boys 14-15. In the ErnieEls Division Boys 11-13, Bryan Kim of Brookeville,Md. finished in first place with a two-day total

Photos contributed

Reeve Felner of Viennafinished in first place inthe Will Smith DivisionBoys 14-15.

In the Justin TimberlakeDivision Girls 14-18,Tigress Suh of Herndontook home the prize,finishing with a two-daytotal score of 156 (75-81)

Victoria Matthews ofGreat Falls finished infirst place in the JustinRose Division GirlsUnder 13

Area Teenagers Win Golf Trophiesscore of 148 (73-75).

In the Justin Timberlake Division Girls 14-18, Tigress Suh of Herndon took home theprize, finishing with a two-day total score of156 (75-81).

Victoria Matthews of Great Falls finished in firstplace in the Justin Rose Division Girls Under 13.Victoria finished with a two-day total score 163(82-81). Liam Foster of Charlottesville finished infirst place for the Boys Under 10 Division with atwo-day total score of 167 (83-84).

Senior Center Event toDiscuss Genomics

The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) speaker for May 15 is Carla L.Easter, Ph.D., chief of the Education and Community InvolvementBranch at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI ).Easter played a major role in the development of the NIHGRI/Smithsonian exhibition, Unlocking Life’s Code, and its accompanyingwebsite, and serves as a liaison to the K-12, and university communityas a speaker on genome science and career preparation and pathways.Dr. Easter also serves as adjunct faculty member at the University ofthe District of Columbia Department of Biology, Chemistry and Phys-ics.

The May 15 event will be held at The Christ the King LutheranChurch,10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. andincludes lunch for those who have made reservations with PollyFitzgerald at [email protected] or call 703-759-4345. The eventsponsor is John Nugent and Sons, providing Heating, Air Condition-ing, Plumbing and Electrical Services since 1975.

Week in Great Falls

By Deborah Nagy-Huang

On the first day of Spring, Great FallsFriends and Neighbors (GFFN)women’s club held a fundraiser to support SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy

Center of Fairfax County. SafeSpot provides a child-friendly, culturally sensitive environment that pro-motes the safety and well-being of child victims ofabuse while facilitating a comprehensive, multi-dis-ciplinary team approach to the intervention, investi-

gation, prosecution and treatment of sexual abuseand severe physical abuse.

The fundraiser was held in Great Falls at local fa-vorite Our Mom Eugenia restaurant (1025 SenecaRoad, Great Falls). The menu featured classic Greekfare which warmed the heart on the cold snowy day.In spite of the snowy Spring weather, the event waswell attended. The ladies of GFFN are grateful somany caring individuals braved the elements andcame out to support such a worthy cause.— Deborah Nagy-Huang is GFFN VP Marketing.

Fundraiser Held for SafeSpot

Mercersburg Academy’sDaniel Zeballos ’18has been selected to

receive a National Gold Medal inthe 2018 Scholastic Art & Writ-ing Awards, which is the nation’slongest-running recognition forcreative teens in grades 7-12.Zeballos earned the honor, whichis bestowed upon less than 1 per-cent of the more than 350,000submissions in the program, forhis mixed-media piece “InsideSunday.”

The piece by Zeballos, of GreatFalls, had received a Gold Key inthe 2018 South Central Pennsyl-vania Scholastic Art & WritingAwards, which were announced inJanuary. Seven Mercersburg stu-dents earned a total of 15 GoldKey, Silver Key, or Honorable Men-tion awards in that competition,

with Gold Key award winners ad-vancing to compete at the nationallevel.

As a Gold Medal winner,Zeballos will be invited to attendthe national award ceremony June7 at Carnegie Hall in New YorkCity. Some past medal recipientshave included Truman Capote,

Robert Redford, Joyce CarolOates, Sylvia Plath, and AndyWarhol.

Zeballos’ piece will be on ex-hibit alongside other award-win-ning works this summer at twoNew York City locations: ParsonsSchool of Design at The NewSchool and at Pratt Institute’sPratt Manhattan Gallery.

Zeballos has studied atMercersburg with fine-arts fac-ulty members Sydney Caretti andKristen Pixler.

More information about the Scho-lastic Art & Writing Awards (whichwere established in 1923) is avail-able at www.artandwriting.org.

Daniel Zeballos to receive a NationalGold Medal in the 2018 ScholasticArt & Writing Awards

Great Falls Student EarnsNational Gold Medal

Daniel Zeballos ofGreat Falls

“Inside Sunday” (mixedmedia by Daniel Zeballos ’18)

Photo contributed

Pictured: top - Eve Loudenback (VP, GFFNPhilanthropy), Missy Perkins (President,GFFN); bottom: Bootsie Humanansky andAnnette Kerlin of SafeSpot.

Chef Eugenia Hobson with her son, PhilHobson.


News

PenFed credit union Presidentand CEO James Schenck an-nounced a $25,000 donation fromthe credit union to the U.S. ArmyWomen’s Foundation. PenFed’s$25,000 donation will help ad-vance education and career oppor-tunities for women in the militaryand honor exceptional women sol-diers.

“This Women’s History Month,PenFed is proud to increase its sup-port of the U.S. Army Women’sFoundation and, with them, honorand recognize the incrediblewomen who have sacrificed somuch for our country and the free-doms we enjoy,” said JamesSchenck, President and CEO,PenFed Credit Union. “We arecommitted to the current and fu-ture women leaders of the U.S.Army and, through this donation,hope to help them continue pav-ing the way for more trailblazersto come.”

PenFed is a corporate supporterof the U.S. Army Women’s Foun-dation, and was an Eagle Partnerof its 10th Annual Summit held inWashington March 12. Schenckalso presented a Legacy Scholar-ship funded by PenFed at the Hallof Fame Induction Ceremony heldin conjunction with the Summit.

Led by veterans, the U.S. ArmyWomen’s Foundation is the onlynonprofit organization dedicatedsolely to supporting women whowear or have worn the U.S. Armyuniform. Their mission is to pro-mote public interest in the Army,and recognize and honor the ser-vice of all U.S. Army women. TheU.S. Army Women’s Foundation isa 501(c)(3) organization, head-quartered in Fort Lee, Va.

“We are inspired by PenFed’sgenerous support of the U.S. Army

Anna Mae Hays USA Ret. (posthu-mous),

❖ The two first women Armyrangers, Captain Kristen M. Griest,and Captain Shaye L. Haver, and

❖ The first women Sentinels atthe Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,Sergeant Heather L. Johnson, Ser-geant Danyell E. Wilson, Staff Ser-geant Tonya D. Bell, and SergeantRuth Hanks.

PenFed has donated more than$1.3 million to charitable organi-zations in the Greater Washington,DC area, a significant portion go-ing to support veterans and mili-tary programs. To learn more, visitwww.penfed.org.

PenFed Donates$25,000 to U.S.Army Women’sFoundation

Photo contributedx

Desert Storm veteran and PenFed employee Michelle Hart(left) and James Schenck (right), PenFed Credit UnionPresident and CEO, flank Brigadier General AnneMacdonald USA (Ret.) and President of the U.S. ArmyWomen’s Foundation.

Women’s Foundation,” said Briga-dier General Anne Macdonald,USA (Ret.) and President of theU.S. Army Foundation. “PenFed’scommitment to the nation’s mili-tary enables organizations such asthe U.S. Army Women’s Founda-tion to continue our mission ofrecognizing and honoring themany contributions women havemade in our Army and are mak-ing every day.”

Among those recognized at theevent and inducted into the U.S.Army Women’s Foundation Hall ofFame were:

❖ The first female to achieverank of General, Brigadier General

Though spring has officially ar-rived, the American Red Cross bloodsupply is still recovering from severewinter storms in March. Donors of allblood types are urged to roll up asleeve and help save lives.

Volunteer blood donors fromacross the country are needed to helpensure lifesaving blood products areavailable for patients this spring.Make an appointment to donateblood by downloading the free RedCross Blood Donor App, visitingRedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation oppor-tunities in the area, March 20 toApril 15

Herndon4/9/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., St.

Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 432 VanBuren St.

4/11/2018: 1:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.,ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St

Reston4/4/2018: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., St Thomas

a Becket RCC, 1421 Wiehle Ave4/6/2018: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., U.S.

Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise ValleyDr

4/6/2018: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., ExtendedStay America, 12190 Sunset Hills Rd

Fairfax4/5/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.,

Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

4/6/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., FairfaxBlood Donation Center, 2720 ProsperityAvenue, Suite 200

4/7/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fairfax

Blood Donation Center, 2720 Pros-perity Avenue, Suite 200

4/8/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.,Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

4/9/2018: 1:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.,Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

4/10/2018: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center,2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

4/11/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 8 p.m.,Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

4/12/2018: 12:45 p.m. - 5:45p.m., Fairfax Blood Donation Center,2720 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

4/13/2018: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.,Fairfax Blood Donation Center, 2720Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200

Blood Donation Opportunities


News

The Fairfax County Park Authority and the FairfaxCounty Park Foundation invite you to vote for FairfaxCounty parks in the National Recreation and ParkAssociation’s “Meet Me at the Park” Earth MonthCampaign. The locale that receives the most nomi-nations will receive a $20,000 grant to improve alocal park.

For the fourth year in a row, the NRPA is collabo-rating with The Walt Disney Company — includingDisney/ABC Television Group and ESPN — to helpfund local park improvement projects across thecountry through the national “Meet Me at the Park”Earth Month campaign. The city that receives themost nominations during the month of April will re-ceive a $20K grant to improve a local park. FromApril 1 to April 30, 2018, visitwww.meetmeatthepark.org to nominate Fairfax, Va.At the end of April, the city with the most nomina-tions will receive the $20K grant funding. Everyonewho submits a nomination will be entered into adrawing for a GoPro Prize Pack.

“Fairfax County residents are passionate about their

parks,” said Park Authority Executive Director KirkKincannon. “This contest gives them the opportunityto turn that passion into action and create somethingreally special at one of Fairfax County’s 427 parks.”

Both promotions begin at 12 a.m. on April 1, 2018and conclude at 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2018. Nopurchase necessary to participate. For complete de-tails and Official Rules for both promotions, visitwww.meetmeatthepark.org

NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedi-cated to ensuring that all Americans have access toparks and recreation for health, conservation andsocial equity. Through its network of 60,000 recre-ation and park professionals and advocates, NRPAencourages the promotion of healthy and activelifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable ac-cess to parks and public space. For more informa-tion, visit www.NRPA.org.

For more information on nominating FairfaxCounty, contact the Park Authority Public Informa-tion Office at 703-324-8662 [email protected].

Nominate Fairfax County to ReceiveA $20K Grant for Earth Month

On Tuesday, April 10, NoVA Out-side will hold the seventh annualSchool Environmental ActionShowcase. The event occurs at theGeorge Mason University’s Fairfaxcampus.

This event features the environ-mental conservation work of stu-dents across Northern Virginia.The students not only get to fea-ture projects they have done butsee what other students of the areahave been working on. Last yearthe event brought out roughly1,000 attendees and is expectedto exceed that this year.

The Showcase features pro-grams such as the Caring for OurWatersheds competition, hostedby the non-profit Earth Force,which provides more than

$20,000 in prizes and projectimplementation funding. VirginiaTech’s Thinkabit Lab gives the stu-dents an opportunity to interac-tively explore solutions to environ-mental issues using programmablesensors and electronic devices.

This year the Showcase also fea-tures the return of the recycledmascot competition, in which stu-dents construct their school mas-cots from recycled and recyclablematerials.

“To have all these young peoplesharing their environmental re-search and solutions, you see thevalue they bring to Northern Vir-ginia through their efforts, andalso the power they have to drivepositive change in their commu-nity. And they inspire each other

to innovate, to advocate, and tostrengthen their environmentalstewardship throughout theirschool careers,” said Kurt Moser,co-chair of the event.

NoVA Outside is a non-profit al-liance of environmental educators,teachers, and others who work tosupport environmental educatorsand increase their effectiveness.They offer resources such as net-working opportunities and profes-sional development workshops.They also host events supportingenvironmental education and in-volvement such as the School En-vironmental Action Showcase,Early Childhood Conference, andSchool Age Green Educatorsmeetups. For more information,visit www.novaoutside.org.

Northern Virginia Students WorkTogether to Save Environment


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

I have not been collecting return-addresslabels for years. I have however, been receiv-ing them for years. Either as thank yous forcharitable contributions made or as induce-ments for charitable contributions yet to bemade. Regardless of the reason, I have hadan ample supply until recently. And they haveserved me well as both a reminder of what Ihave and have not done. And over time, theyhave most definitely served their purpose.Amazingly though, the pages of return-address labels in inventory has been shrinkingof late. Due to some combination of my lackof charitableness as well as a reduction in thenumbers of unsolicited charitable quid proquos (there may be a relationship there).

Let me be clear: I am under no delusionor pressure to respond to these let-ters/requests for money. Just because I receivethem doesn’t mean I must adhere to them.They’re hardly a subpoena nor are they pay-ment for services rendered. They are merelya pre-approach-type solicitation mailed to meat my home offering goods (the labels) forservices (my contribution) not yet rendered.Opening an envelope and reading its con-tents doesn’t make me a partner in their pur-suit of my dollars.

But what exactly is the protocol here?Certainly I can understand keeping and/orusing the return-address labels if I make acontribution, but what if I don’t make a con-tribution? Do I have to throw these perfectlygood return-address labels away? Don’t someof these labels, by their design/content – andultimately by their use by yours truly, indi-rectly support the original sender’s cause?Isn’t their use some kind of tacit paying-itforward-type approval/contribution on mypart? I realize money and/or in-kind contribu-tions likely help more, but is there use by anon-contributor not abuse at all? After all, I’msort of passing the word/keeping their chaingoing, aren’t I?

If all is fair in love and war, certainlythere’s a little wiggle room in the world ofmailing unsolicited inducements to unsus-pecting recipients? I mean, I’m not asking fortrouble here, am I? I’m merely asking forsome understanding and clarification. If whatwas sent to me – not at my request and notas part of a phone conversation securing acommitment, was not my doing, then whyam I responsible for it being done?

Obviously the labels are a convenience forme, and that is worth some amount of moneyand time that now I’m not having to spend.Still, it feels like an intrusion of sorts, amethod to their madness – presumably, butto me a presumption, nevertheless. Andthat’s just a few letters away from an assump-tion, and you all know what is said aboutassuming?

I suppose if you cast a wide enough netyou’re going to catch a few contributors whodon’t find anything fishy about this direct mailprocess and who feel compelled to respondfavorably – so to speak, because a good deedhas been for them. And if a good deed (or a“solid,” to quote Detective AndySipowitz/Dennis Franz from NYPD Blue)deserves another then contributions will bemade and address labels will be affixed.

But after years of receiving these return-address-labels-masquerading-as-solicitations-for-contributions – to a variety of charities,some more well known than others, I don’tfeel the least bit stuck in my decision to usethese return address labels as I see fit. In away, I am the beneficiary of their largess andin turn, they are the beneficiary of my non-cash contribution. It’s sort of a win-win. But Idon’t suppose that was their intention. I sup-pose they wanted more, not less.

Label MePresumptuous

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

PARENTS HELPING PARENTSParent Support Partners, a service of the

Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parentswho have received training and are qualitied 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.

VOLUNTEER WANTEDOperation Paws for Homes, a Virginia based

501(c)(3) organization seeks volunteers,especially to foster dogs. Seewww.ophrescue.org for information and allvolunteer opportunities.

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

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

GOVERNING BOARD CANDIDATESThe McLean Community Center (MCC) is

seeking candidates to run for seats on its 2018-2019 Governing Board. A candidate must residein the Center’s tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville). To have their names placed onelection ballots, candidates are required toobtain the signatures of 10 McLean tax districtresidents in their respective categories (eitheradult or youth). Three adult positions and twoyouth positions are open this year. Key ElectionDates:

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

❖ Sunday, May 6: Candidates Meet and Greet, 2-4p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of MCC, at theOld Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road.

❖ Wednesday, May 16: Absentee Voting ends at theMCC Administrative Office and the OldFirehouse Center at 5 p.m.

❖ Saturday, May 19: Elections at McLean Day from10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information on the MCC Governing BoardElections, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY:711, or visit the Center’s website: http://bit.ly/2ix7qc1.

THURSDAY/APRIL 5Caregivers 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. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Autism 101: An Introduction toUnderstanding Autism. 10-11:30 a.m. atDunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334Gallows Road, Entrance 1 - Room 100, DunnLoring. Join the Autism Society of NorthernVirginia to learn accurate, important, basicinformation at this workshop highlightingAutism Acceptance Month. Open to all whowant to learn more about autism. Visitwww.fcps.edu/node/28279.

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Board of Supervisors Breakfast. 7:30-10 a.m.

at the Fairview Park Marriott, 3111 FairviewPark Drive, Falls Church. Guests will heardirectly from Chairman Sharon Bulova and eachSupervisor about the challenges andopportunities in all nine districts. LeadershipFairfax will present the annual Katherine K.Hanley Award for Public Service to KevinGreenlief for his three decades of outstandingservice. Tickets, tables and sponsorships areavailable at https://leadershipfairfax.org/event-2734934.

Bulletin Board


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A few trees away from her nest and eaglets, a mother eagle ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2018/0… · Last week, the Potomac Conservancy is-sued a report