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Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.comonline at www.connectionnewspapers.comFebruary 4-10, 2015
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ArlingtonArlingtonThe
Connection
The
ConnectionWellbeing
Page 10
EnergyJourneyGame
News, Page 4
CelebratingHispanic HeritageNews, Page 2
W-L’s Sophie Hatcher WinsConference All-Around TitleSports, Page 12
What NextFor School Sites
News, Page 3
Students look over housingchoices in ArlingtonCounty near the Metro aspart of Arlington Energy’sJourney game on Saturdayafternoon, Jan. 31, atWakefield High School.
2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Advertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted.
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News
See Hispanic, Page 7
By Michael McMorrow
The Connection
Each September, the President ofthe United States proclaims “Na-tional Hispanic Heritage Month.”Nothing in the document says
contributions by Hispanics must or shouldbe restricted to a single month. ArlingtonHistorical Society and the County’s Parksand Recreation Department make that pointin a program scheduled for Feb. 10 at Ar-lington Mill Center.
Traits found in the Latino community arenot theirs alone. Other immigrant groupshave embraced the same values.
The measure of any cultural impact canbe expressed in numbers. How many res-taurant signs on the way to work say “pollo”this–or-that? How many public perfor-mances of folk music and dance are heldthroughout the year? Such an approach sayssomething about cultural impact, but it isshallow. The common attributes of a peoplehave deeper meanings, because their rootsare found in hearts and minds of the manyindividuals comprising a group. The vari-ety of national customs across Central andSouth America serves to add layers of en-
richment when observed in Northern Vir-ginia.
County Board member J. Walter Tejada,originally from El Salvador, has made aname for himself in politics, mostly at thecounty level but sometimes as an advisorto Virginia governors and as a congressionalstaffer.
His personal views on the ways Hispan-ics influence and enrich Arlington and itsimmediate surroundings begin with quietreflection. Looking beyond foods, fiestasand the local Spanish language theater,Tejada recited a number of traits he thoughtcommon among Hispanics regardless oftheir national origin.
Above all, Tejada said, “The family is sa-cred.” Next, he continued, “is a work ethicsecond to none. We ‘work our tails off,’ andlearn to produce high-quality results nomatter the task at hand. A desire to suc-ceed is natural with us.”
Two other characteristics common acrossHispanic communities are expressed as acouplet: Religion and charity. Tejada detectsan automatic urge to reach out in supportto anyone in need. He illustrates this witha real-life incident some years ago in FairfaxCounty. Concern about “overcrowded apart-
ments” resulted in the idea of a ban onsleeping in spaces outside bedrooms. Inneighborhoods populated by Hispanics, thissuggestion was incomprehensible. If a rela-tive or friend in need had no place to sleep,who would even think of denying use ofthe sofa in a living room?
Finally, and with a smile, Tejada whis-pered, “We are an ‘outdoor people.’ On theplaying fields and in the parks,” he said,“we have changed the face of Arlington,‘weather permitting’.”
Following a career of active teaching atmany levels, Emma Violand-Sanchez, Ed.D.,reached a milestone upon election to theArlington County School Board. Askedabout Latino culture not limited to her Bo-livian heritage, she echoed Tejada’s first and
County Celebrates Hispanic HeritageHighlighting contributions by the Latino community.
Luis Araya, at his office.
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Program InformationLuis Araya, county transportation bureau chief,
will lead discussion of cultural contributions byHispanics on Tuesday, Feb. 10, beginning 11 a.m.,at Arlington Mill Center, Columbia Pike and S.Dinwiddie Street. Sponsors are the Arlington His-torical Society and Arlington Parks and RecreationDepartment.
Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsArlington Connection Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
By Vernon Miles
The Connection
With the defeat of theproposed ThomasJefferson ElementarySchool at the Arling-
ton County Board, the public schoolsface overcrowding and a widening ofthe school “relocatables” program.
The Arlington County SchoolBoard’s Thomas Jefferson ElementarySchool plan was rejected in a 4-1 voteat the Jan. 27 Arlington County Board.By 2018, when the Jefferson schoolwas projected to open, South Arling-ton will be overcrowded by 894 stu-dents. However, many on the CountyBoard and the public have said theproposal had not considered enoughalternatives and had not appropriatelyresearched the impact of the schoolon the local community.
The Jefferson school was proposedwith a totalproject cost of$57.2 million.School Board as-sistant superin-tendent JohnChadwick saidthat South Ar-lington willneed two newe l e m e n t a r yschools, six ad-ditions to exist-ing schools, orone new el-
ementary school and three additions.Chadwick emphasized the urgency ofthe Jefferson school, saying that withincrease in construction costs, theschool will cost $1.7 million more everyear it is delayed, and that the cost ofnot building the school was $7 mil-lion in “relocatables,” modules placedaround outside the school intended toprovide a temporary classroom space.Additionally, if the school could hopeto be open by 2018, he said workneeded to begin on the project imme-diately.
Before the vote, the County Boardquestioned Chadwick about the im-pact of the School Board’s plan.
“I’m having trouble figuring out howSouth Arlington is materially helpedby a grade school on the ThomasJefferson grounds, especially if it’s achoice school drawing from all overthe county,” said County Board mem-ber John Vihstadt. “And if it’s a neigh-borhood school, how could you con-
ceive of a plan just blocks away from PatrickHenry Elementary and not far from LongBranch Elementary?”
A “choice” school is one students fromacross the county can choose to opt intoinstead of their own, while neighborhoodschools only take students from within es-tablished school boundaries.
“I don’t think it would be a choice schoolserving the whole county,” said Chadwick.“And with growth around Columbia Pike, itmight well be that we do have students thatneed two elementary schools there.”
Other County Board members expressedconcerns for the impact of an additional 700students on the local neighborhoods.
“You have not identified a location foradditional parking needs?” said CountyBoard member Walter Tejada. “Some daysthe lots are full because of different activi-
ties, certainly in the evenings.”“We may have to find off-site parking,
we’ve done that in other locations,” saidChadwick. “We haven’t looked into thatyet.”
As the County Board encountered moreand more items that the schools had “notlooked into yet” or “would be decided at alater date,” they began to express more con-cerns about the proposal.
“There needs to be further exploration,especially when there are other options,”Tejada said. “We have to do traffic studiesand we have to do environmental analysis.”
County Board members Vihstadt and JayFisette both said that the decision was notan easy one.
“I’m having difficulty seeing how the rightanswer is to build at Thomas Jeffersonpark,” said Vihstadt, who raised concerns
that the study done by the Arlington SchoolBoard did not appropriately assess theschool’s impact on the Arlington HeightsNeighborhood. “We’re increasing the stu-dent population from 850 to 1,600… That’sgoing to have traffic ramifications andVDOT (Virginia Department of Transporta-tion) has not been contacted aboutmitigants to access to Route 50.”
For Fisette, the school’s proposal waspromising but incomplete.
“There’s much to like about the projectas you laid it out,” said Fisette. “It doesn’ttouch the Thomas Jefferson park as peopleknow it. It leaves the middle school expan-sion options open. Though the motion isphrased as ‘no, not now’ it’s more of a ‘yes,if…’ and I believe the majority of the cur-rent school board will be able to work withthis outcome.”
However, the decision by the CountyBoard was not unanimous.
“We have a choice to say no and keep thisparking lot for two to three more years, andin that time we will be behind by 45 trail-ers, because in two more years that’s howmany we’re going to need,” said CountyBoard member Libby Garvey, referring tothe temporary school modules the schoolshave placed outside of the schools to pro-vide additional classroom space. “Thosetrailers are going to be in South Arlington,in schools that already have trailers. We’regoing to turn Arlington schools into trailerparks… In the past, we’ve said this is a‘school board situation’. If we say no to-night, we own that situation. The commu-nity will come to us and it will be our fault.”
Garvey said she was not swayed by argu-ments made by other County Board mem-bers that they were not presented withenough information on the school’s localimpact.
“I understand wanting more informationon the process,” Garvey said. “There’s al-ways more information, there’s always moreprocesses, but at some point you have tomake a decision. That’s our job.”
The School Board declined to commentfollowing the County Board’s decision.Some in the local schools put the school’sfailure, not on the County Board, butsquarely as the responsibility of the SchoolBoard. Kelly Maguire, president of the Par-ent Teacher Association at the nearbyPatrick Henry Elementary and mother oftwo children in the school, said that theSchool Board did not engage with the com-munity or address concerns. Many parentsand local citizens asked if the ThomasJefferson school would be a choice schoolor neighborhood school and said they re-ceived no answer from the board. ForMaguire, the school’s inability to answerwhat the new school would mean for thefuture of Patrick Henry was distressing.
“School Board needs to engage the com-munity, talk to the community, and addressthose uncertainties,” said Maguire. “If theyremain silent, they’re going to have a diffi-cult time garnering support.”
After Defeat of Jefferson Site Project: What Next?Questions divideCounty Board onschool proposal.
Proposed Site Plan for the Jefferson Elementary School
School overcrowding estimates for South Arlington
“We’re goingto turn
Arlingtonschools into
trailer parks.”— Arlington County
Board MemberLibby Garvey
Pho
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s co
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4 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Scott, TejadaTo Move on
Two Arlington Public Figures an-nounced that they will finish their termof service in 2015. Arlington Police ChiefM. Douglas Scott will retire in March af-ter 12 years as Arlington’s Chief of Po-lice. County Board member WalterTejada has decided not to seek the Demo-cratic nomination for another term inoffice.
“At the moment I do not anticipate aneed for a special election for my seat asI’m planning on fully serving my currentterm through December 2015,” saidTejada in his announcement. “While onthe County Board I’ve tried to serve asan unapologetic progressive, and willlook forward in another capacity to al-ways continuing to support those Demo-cratic values.”
— Vernon Miles
Suspect ArrestedIn Hit and Run
The Arlington County Police Departmenthas taken into custody and charged a 39-year-old Fairfax woman, following a Jan.27 accident in the 3600 block of ColumbiaPike. The woman was denied bond and iscurrently being held in the Arlington CountyDetention Facility. She has been chargedwith aggravated malicious wounding, ma-licious wounding, two counts of hit and runand driving on a suspended license.
At approximately 4:44 p.m., the suspectstruck a male victim with her vehicle in aparking lot, knocking him to the ground.Witnesses attempted to prevent her fromdriving away from the scene as the victimlay on the ground in front of her ToyotaHighlander. According to police, after ignor-ing their requests to stop, she proceededforward over top of the victim and fled thescene.
Emergency personnel transported the vic-tim, a 40-year-old Stafford man, to George
News Briefs
Washington Hospital with life-threateninginjuries, where he remains in critical con-dition.
The U.S, Marshal Service, Fairfax CityPolice Department and Fairfax County Po-lice Department assisted Arlington Countyofficers in taking the female suspect intocustody this morning. The vehicle was re-covered outside of the suspect’s residence
Machete AttackYields Life Sentence
A 30-year-old man was found guilty Jan.29 of aggravated malicious wounding in theArlington County Circuit Court for a ma-chete attack on two victims outside of Cen-tral Library in June 2013. The jury sen-tenced Derrick Sutherland, of no fixed ad-dress, to life in prison without parole.
On June 24, 2013, Sutherland ap-proached the two sibling victims outside ofthe Central Library at 2:50 a.m. and beganarguing with them. The argument escalated
and Sutherland brandished a machete,which he used to strike each victim nu-merous times. Both victims sustainedsevere injuries to include the inability touse extremities and the loss of an eye.
Sutherland fled the scene immediatelyafter the attack and remained at-largethrough the morning hours. However,through a collaborative effort betweenthe Homicide/Robbery Unit and PatrolDivision, officers were able to locateSutherland in the area of Wilson Boule-vard and N. Piedmont Street and takehim into custody.
Detective C. Garcia was the lead de-tective and the case was prosecuted byAssistant Commonwealth Attorneys JohnLynch and Lindsey Brooker.
CorrectionIn “Aiming To Rebound’ [Arlington
Connection, Jan. 28], the article shouldhave stated: Overall, Arlington has lost17,000 jobs from BRAC.
News
Is your water too hot? Did you know if you install a low faucetaerator you can reduce water use by as much as 50 percent inyour home? Did you know LED nightlights generate almost nowaste heat and remain cool to touch? These were just some of
the questions that Energy Journey gamers were asked when they par-ticipated in #AIREAction and Arlington Energy’s Journey game on Sat-urday afternoon, Jan. 31, at Wakefield High School. Transportation,household thermostat settings, water uses, light bulbs, water heaters,heating systems, windows, renewable energy were some of the topicspresented in the 20-plus booths. For more information on saving en-ergy visit www.ArlingtonEnergy.us
Gathering To PlayEnergy Journey Game
Laverne Terry of Arlington Car-Freeoffers free ice cream scoops withinformation on public transporta-tion and other alternatives toowning a car.
As a bonus stop, Erin Thomas ofBike Arlington offers gamers anopportunity to pedal for a minutefor extra points. The bikes weremodified and can be used to gener-ate electricity to rechargecellphones and run lights.
Annika Brink talks with gamersabout energy efficiency in homes.
Kira Darlow of the Energy MastersGroup discusses the differentsettings on hot water heaters; 120degrees is hot enough to kill anybacteria in the system while savingmoney and energy.
Residents of all ages took advantage of the information gleaned from the volun-teers and experts at the Energy Journey Game last Saturday afternoon at WakefieldHigh School.
Photo by Louise Krafft/Connection
Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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“Flourishing After 55” from ArlingtonOffice of Senior Adult Programs for Feb.15-21.
Senior centers: Lee, 5722 LeeHwy.; Langston-Brown, 2121 N.Culpeper St.; Culpepper Garden, 4435N. Pershing Dr.; Walter Reed, 2909 S.16th St.; Arlington Mill, 909 S.Dinwiddie St.; Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18th
St. Arlington senior centers will beclosed Monday, Feb. 16.
Senior trips: Sunday, Feb. 15,transportation to pre-Mardi Gras lunch,Okra’s, Manassas, $6; Wednesday, Feb.18, National Museum of African Art,D.C., $7; Saturday, Feb. 21,Ford’s The-atre, “The Widow Lincoln,” $46.Arlington County 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748. Registration required.
Spanish book club, Tuesday, Feb.17, 10:30 a.m., Culpepper Garden. Free.Register, 703-28-4403.
Rubber Stamp workshop, Tues-day, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m., Lee. Free.Register, 703-228-0555.
Beginners full fitness exercise,Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Lee. $60/15 sessionsor $4 per class. Details, 703-228-0555.
Arlington Mill Trekkers, Tuesday,Feb. 17 9:30 a.m. Free. Register, 703-228-7369.
Table tennis, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-12p.m., Walter Reed. Free. Register, 703-228-0955.
Planning a multi-generationaltrip, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.,Langston-Brown. Free. Register, 703-228-6300.
AARP’s smart driver two-dayclass, Wednesday, Feb. 18, Thursday,Feb. 19, 1-5 p.m., Lee. $20. Register,703-228-0555.
Duplicate bridge, Wednesdays, 10a.m., Aurora Hills. Cost $5. Register,703-228-5722.
Arlington Walking Club, Wednes-days, 9a.m., Culpepper Garden. $4.Register, 703-228-4403.
“Flourishing After 55”
6 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
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ArlingtonThe
Connection
After waiting 17 months for any in-formation about the investigationinto the shooting death of JohnGeer, the information released last
week is deeply troubling.Fairfax County Police officer Adam D. Torres
shot and killed John Geer of Springfieldinside the doorway of his own home inSpringfield on Aug. 29, 2013. Policewere called to Geer’s home followingGeer’s argument with his longtime part-ner. Police spoke with him for more than halfan hour while he stood in his doorway, un-armed, with his hands raised and resting onthe frame. As he began to lower his hands, byall accounts still at shoulder level, he was shotin the chest and died in his house without re-ceiving medical attention.
It took more than 16 months, a $12 millioncivil suit by Geer’s family and a court order toget the first tiny bit of information on the shoot-ing, which came earlier this month when po-lice named the officer who fired the shot thatkilled Geer.
On Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in response to acourt order, Fairfax County released more than10,000 pages of documents about the shoot-ing and the investigation.
We now know that investigators learned onthe same day Geer died, Aug. 29, 2013, thatat least five witnesses including the police of-ficer actually talking to Geer at the instant he
was shot, disputed Torres’s version of events.Torres said Geer suddenly dropped his handsto his waist; none of the other witnesses sawGeer’s hands move below his head.
On the day of the shooting, investigators andprosecutors had compelling information to take
to a grand jury. Instead, after a longperiod of silence, obstruction and ob-fuscation, the investigation was turnedover to the Justice Department, wherethere is no timetable for resolution
(and no adequate explanation for punting theinvestigation to the feds).
Without the Geer family lawsuit and thecourt order to turn over documents as part ofdiscovery, the public might never know whatreally happened that day.
The question of accountability for what hap-pened remains.
As we have said many times, the problemgoes beyond Fairfax County, and beyond po-lice shootings.
Police officials in Fairfax, Arlington and Al-exandria have adopted what they call a “blan-ket” approach to using their exemption. Thatmeans they have decided to withhold any docu-ment they can without any analysis of whetherthey should.
It’s past time for change.
— Mary Kimm
520daysIt took a court order and 520days after Fairfax County policeofficer Adam D. Torres shot andkilled John Geer of Springfieldfor basic information aboutwhat happened that day to bereleased. The public now knowswhat investigators learned onthe same day Geer died, Aug. 29,2013, that at least five witnessesincluding the police officeractually talking to Geer at theinstant he was shot, disputedTorres’s version of events.Torres said Geer suddenlydropped his hands to his waist;none of the other witnesses sawGeer’s hands move below hishead.
No Justification for Secrecy, Delay on Geer ShootingEverything about this case erodes public trustand demonstrates police departmentsshould not be allowed to apply“blanket” exemptions to release of information.
Editorial
See Richmond, Page 7
By Adam P. Ebbin
State Senator (D-30)
Thanks to all who attended my recentlegislative Town Hall Meetings in Ar-lington and Lee District. We discussed
issues including the budget, ethics reforms, gunsafety, homelessness among our veterans, andtransportation improvements on Route 1.Other topics that came up ranged from in-statetuition rates for students granted DeferredAction for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status bythe federal government to how to best prepareteachers educating children with dyslexia.
If you were unable to join us, I hope to seeyou Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10:30 a.m. – noonat the Mount Vernon Government Center withstate Sen. Toddy Puller and Del. Scott Surovell;or from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at the Charles HoustonRecreation Center in Old Town Alexandria withDel. Rob Krupicka.
Many of my colleagues and I are greatly con-cerned with how we can stem the tide of pre-ventable gun violence. I am a founding mem-ber of a newly formed organization, AmericanState Legislators For Gun Violence Prevention.We have spent a great deal of time research-ing best practices for reducing preventable gundeaths.
To that end, I introducedtwo gun safety bills thisyear. The first would haverequired universal back-ground checks toclose the “gun-show loophole;”prohibited the useof a gun by a person underthe influence of drugs or
alcohol; and repealed the right for concealedcarry permit holders to openly carry semi-au-tomatic weapons with large capacity ammuni-tion clips in our urban centers including Alex-andria, Arlington and Fairfax. Unfortunatelythe Senate Courts of Justice Committee de-feated the bill.
For reasons beyond my comprehension, thecommittee also defeated my bill that wouldhave held adults accountable if they allow chil-dren aged 4 and younger to hold or use a gun.I was shocked when a National Rifle Associa-tion representative testified that some toddlersmay be ready for firearms training.
My proposal to reestablish a Virginia Com-mission on the Prevention of Human Traffick-ing passed its first hurdle, winning approvalfrom the Rules Committee and now awaitsfunding by the Finance Committee.
For years I have worked to address the tragiccrime of human trafficking. While many thinkof trafficking as just an international issue, itoften occurs domestically entrapping both im-
migrants and citizens. Hard as it isto believe, there have even beengang-operated trafficking rings inour area; Fairfax girls were trafficked
while still enrolled in high school and pimpsoffered young girls for prostitution door-to-door along part of Columbia Pike in Arling-ton.
The Commission would study human traf-ficking in the Commonwealth, provide servicesto victims, and develop strategies to fight thescourge of modern day slavery.
One significant tax loophole that I am work-ing with the Governor to close deals withOnline Travel Companies (OTCs) likeExpedia.com and Hotels.com to remit the fullretail tax on hotel rooms they sell. Currently,OTCs only remit taxes on the wholesale pricethat they pay for the room. It is unfair to con-sumers for OTCs not to pay the same amountas those who book directly though brick andmortar hotels. Supporters of my bill includethe Virginia Hospitality and Travel Associationas well as many regional hotel associations and
Gun Violence, Monkeys and Tax Loopholes
Commentary
Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Hispanic HeritageFrom Page 2 Additional Reading
“Latinos in the Washington MetroArea,” by Maria Sprehn-Malagon, JorgeHernandez-Fujigaki and Linda Robinson(Arcadia Publishing, 2014). A copy isavailable in the Arlington Central Li-brary, Local History Center.
foremost emphasis on “family.”“Family is the center of our valuesand our lives,” she said. “It reflectsan outlook that is more ‘we’ than‘I’.” This explains why others in thecommunity are apt to see Latinosin group activities, be it sports andfestivals or simply Sunday picnicsin the parks. Beneath what can beseen, such scenes reveal that “fam-ily” means “ex-tended family,”V i o l a n d -Sanchez said.
The other es-sential insightto Latino cul-ture offered byV i o l a n d -Sanchez is anintense beliefin the value ofe d u c a t i o n .Mention theword and herface brightensand becomesanimated. Thepromise ofeducation always has attractedLatinos to the United States, andthat promise is passed downthrough each generation. “Youshould see how everyone cel-ebrates when notice of acceptanceinto a school or college arrives,”she said.
Luis Araya will preside over theprogram on Feb. 10. A Bolivian by
birth, he mentions “assimilation”as a strong theme in the Latinocommunity. “Everyone strives tobecome ‘American,’” he said. A
resident sincemiddle schoolyears, Arayashares the storyof a visit madeto his home-town, La Paz.Touring theplaces of child-hood, Arayaturned a cornerand found him-self facing theUnited StatesEmbassy withour flag over-head. A thoughtflashed acrosshis mind:
“There is my embassy and that ismy flag.”
Araya insists that mere presencein the United States is a source ofjoy throughout the Hispanic com-munity. In homelands to the south,immigrant Hispanics too often re-call only social immobility, lack ofschooling, corruption and fear ofthe government.
Richmond UpdateFrom Page 6
visitors bureaus. If OTCs werepaying their fair share, projectionsshow the Commonwealth wouldgenerate $5.98 million in FiscalYear 2016 and $6.74 million inFiscal Year 2017 in state and localrevenue, which would be used topromote regional tourism.
As a member of the Agriculture,Conservation, and Natural Re-sources Committee, a number ofissues dealing with the care andtreatment of animals have comebefore me. One important piece oflegislation introduced by Sen. Wil-liam Stanley (SB1001) would re-quire pet shops to acquire theirdogs though humane societies,animal shelters, and only thosebreeders who meet ethical quali-fications. This will effectively stop“puppy mills,” where profits areprioritized over the humane treat-ment of animals. I supported thislegislation both in committee aswell as on the floor of the Senate
where the bill passed unanimously.Another bill introduced by Sen.
Lynwood Lewis (SB1315) wouldprohibit the possession, sale, trans-fer, or breeding of primates withinthe Commonwealth. Currentlythere is no law regarding posses-sion of monkeys in Virginia andthere have been multiple allega-tions of mistreatment and neglectfrom both individual owners andfor-profit zoos. Exotic animals likemonkeys are clearly not meant tobe domesticated.
Please take my online survey atwww.AdamEbbin.com/Survey.You can also email me [email protected]. Iam active on Twitter @AdamEbbinand Facebook atw w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /EbbinCampaign. You can sign upfor my weekly email updates atwww.AdamEbbin.com.
It is my continued honor to rep-resent the citizens of the 30th Sen-ate District.
“You should seehow everyonecelebrates whennotice ofacceptance into aschool or collegearrives.”
— Emma Violand-Sanchez,Ed.D., Arlington County
School Board Member
8 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date,time, location, description and contact forevent: phone, email and/or website. Pho-tos and artwork welcome. Deadline isThursday at noon, at least two weeks be-fore event.
ONGOINGFilms of Modern Love. Thursdays in
February, 3 p.m. at the ColumbiaPike Branch Library, 816 S. WalterReed Drive, Arlington. February’smovies matinees take on divorce,virtual reality, fictional dream girlsand, of course, love. Call 703-228-5710.
“Othello.” Through Sunday, March 1at Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. FourMile Run Drive, Arlington. WSCAvant Bard presents “Othello,” astory of love, betrayal anduncontrollable compulsions, WilliamShakespeare’s tragedy unfoldsagainst the backdrop of war in theMiddle East and the struggles ofveterans to cope with their traumas.$30-$35. Visit http://wscavantbard.org/season-3/othello/or call 703-418-4808.
Family and Teen Skate Nights.Through March 28 at The ThomasJefferson Community Center, 300 N.Park Drive. The evenings start withFamily Skating from 6:30-9 p.m. andclose with Teen Nights from 9-10:45p.m., for middle and high schoolstudents. $2 per person/$3 skaterental. Visit parks.arlingtonva.us/kids-events/roller-skating-nights-skate-parties-thomas-jefferson formore.
“The Founding Sisters.” ThroughMarch 29, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.at the Arlington Historical Museum,1805 South Arlington Ridge Road,until March 29, 2015. 2015 marksMarymount University’s 65thanniversary in Arlington. TheArlington Historical Museum at theHume School is opening several mini-exhibits during the winter to honorArlington’s home university.Marymount students curated theexhibits. The winning exhibit is onthe Catholic Order, the Religious ofthe Sacred Heart of Mary, whichfounded Marymount in 1950.Designed by Emma Enkhsaikhan,Dalia Faris, Amy Lawton and ApasrinSuvanasai, “The Founding Sisters”exhibit features information aboutthe founders as well as photos andartifacts from Marymount’s earlyyears. Visitwww.arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Photo Exhibition. Through April 6.10 a.m.-9 pm; Tuesday andWednesday, 1-9 p.m.; Friday andSaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. atCherrydale Branch Library, 2190Military Road, Arlington. “The Roofof the World: Photos of Nepal byKenneth Chadwick.” Free. Call 703-228-6330.
LGBT & Straight Friends Social.Tuesdays. Happy Hour, 3 p.m.-7p.m.; Mikey’s “Bar A” Video Wall, 7p.m.; start time at 8 p.m. IOTA Club& Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd. IOTA Club& Cafe has designated every TuesdayLGBT & Straight Friends Social Nightfor those 21 years and older. Free.Visit www.iotaclubandcafe.com formore information.
Open Mic Comedy. Wednesdays 8-10p.m. at Ri Ra Irish Pub, 2915 WilsonBlvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. 21 and uponly. Free show, $25 cash prize forbest joke. Call 703-248-9888 or visitwww.RiRa.com/Arlington for more.
Invasive Plants Removal. Workparties are held every month to keepthe parks free of destructive invasiveplants. Teens, adults and familieswelcome. Every second Sunday of themonth 2-4:30 p.m. at Gulf BranchNature Center, 3608 Military Road;call 703-228-3403. Every thirdSunday of the month 2-5 p.m. at
Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road; call 703-228-6535 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us. Free, noregistration required.
Comedy. Every Saturday at 3 p.m. atComedy Spot, in Ballston CommonMall, 4238 Wilson Blvd., children canenjoy ComedySportz for Kidz. $10.Visit www.comedyindc.com or 703-294-LAFF.
Comedy. Every Friday at 8 p.m. andSaturday at 7:30 p.m. isComedySportz (“clean”) and at 10p.m. on Friday and Saturday is theBlue Show (“adult”), both at ComedySpot, in Ballston Common Mall, 4238Wilson Blvd. $15 each. Visitwww.comedyindc.com or 703-294-LAFF.
Poetry Series. 6-8 p.m. second Sundayof the month at IOTA Club & Cafe,2832 Wilson Blvd. Hosted by poetMiles David Moore. Featured artistsshare their poetry followed by openreadings. Free. Visitwww.iotaclubandcafe.com or call703-522-8340.
Open Mic Nite. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.every Wednesday at IOTA Club &Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd. Sign-uptimes are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.Bring instruments, fans and friends.Featured musicians perform from9:30-10 p.m. Visitwww.iotaclubandcafe.com or call703-522-8340.
Karaoke. 8 p.m. on the first Sundayevery month at Galaxy Hut, 2711Wilson Blvd. Visitwww.galaxyhut.com or call 703-525-8646.
Pub Quiz. 8 p.m. every Sunday atWhitlow’s on Wilson, 2854 WilsonBlvd. Prizes for first place. Free. Visitwww.whitlows.com or call 703-276-9693.
Storytime. Mondays and Fridays,10:30-11:00 a.m. at Kinder HausToys, 1220 N. Fillmore St. Storytimewith Ms. Laura. Call 703-527-5929.
Lego Club. Monthly on the firstWednesday. 4-5 p.m. GlencarlynBranch Library, 300 SouthKensington St. The library providestubs of legos and a special challengeand after the program the creationsare displayed for everyone to see. Noregistration required. Call 703-228-6548 for more.
Family Nights. 7-9 p.m. on the firstFriday of the month at Arlington MillCommunity Center. E-mail [email protected]. orcall Emily Thrasher at 703-228-4773.
CAMPS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPSSignature Seminar. Participate in a
five-part look into the worldpremiere of Nick Blaemire’s “Soon.”This unique opportunity will takeparticipants right into the center ofthis commentary on what to do withthe time we have left. $260.Registration required and is limited,closes Wednesday, Feb. 11. [email protected] or571-527-1854.❖ Session 1: Creating theWorld of Soon: A conversationwith the director and designers —Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7-8 p.m.❖ Session 2: Page to Stage: Thewriter/songwriter — Wednesday,Feb. 25, 7-8:30 p.m.❖ Session 3: Tech Rehearsal:The sets, props, lights, costumes, andactors all come together —Wednesday, March 4, 7-9 p.m.❖ Session 4: Sitz Probe: The firstrehearsal where the actors and theorchestra meet and make musictogether — Friday, March 6, 1-2:30p.m.❖ Session 5: The Final DressRehearsal: See how the productioncomes together as the final element –the audience – is added. Be therefront and center. — Sunday, March8, 7:30 p.m.
Theatre Classes. Encore Stage &Studio is holding classes and minicamps for children in grades K-8 aton Saturdays at Thomas JeffersonCommunity Theatre, 125 S. OldGlebe Road and Tuesdays andWednesdays after-school at Theatreon the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile RunDrive. Visit www.encorestageva.orgfor a list of classes.
Synetic Theater. Synetic Studio, 2155Crystal City Plaza Arcade T-19,Arlington. Synetic offers anintroduction to physical theater,acting and dance that inspirestudents to creativity. Classes includeprograms for elementary, middle andhigh school students, as well asadults. Discounted packages andpayment plans are available. Visitwww.synetictheater.org/studio orcall 703-824-8060.
Teen Camp Summer Intensive.June 22-July 1, 9 a.m., at the SyneticStudio. Eight days of actor trainingand new play development led bySynetic teaching artists and DCtheatre professionals, culminating inthe production of Star Force, aphysical musical theatre parody ofeveryone’s favorite intergalacticspace odyssey. Reigster atwww.synetictheater.org.
Youth and Teen Winter FitnessPrograms. Winter speed andexplosion workshops at SwansonMiddle School will focus on mentalpreparation, speed, explosion, agility,fitness and conditioning training.Teens ages 13-19 can take advantageof programs focused on baseball andsoftball. Ages 9-13 will enjoy a moregeneralized program. The key
objective ofworkshops is to ensurethat every athlete is challenged in anintense and fun atmosphere that willenable them to learn and maximizetheir performance and to achievepeak condition. For full time andsession dates or to register visitwww.registration.arlingtonva.us anduse activity code 720515.
FRIDAY/JAN. 30-FRIDAY/MARCH 6SELECT — Curated Exhibition.
Through Friday, March 6. Fridays, 4-11 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays,noon-5 p.m. at Artisphere, 1101Wilson Blvd., Arlington. SELECT2015 will be one of the lastexhibitions held at Artisphere. Theexhibition, which is free and open tothe public, includes works by 104emerging and established artists in avariety of media, selected by topcurators from the region’s mostimportant institutions, notableindependent curators, and the WPABoard of Directors. Visitwww.artisphere.org for more.
FRIDAY/FEB. 6Mozart’s “Cosí Fan Tutte.” 7 p.m. at
Gunston Theatre One, 2700 SouthLang St., Arlington. Opera NOVAoffers a performance of Mozart’s“Cosí fan tutte” dedicated to thesenior community. Mozart’s classicwill be condensed for thisperformance. Arlington CountyCultural Affairs makes thisperformance possible. A lobbyreception to meet the performers willfollow the performance; tickets are
$5. For reservations call 703-536-7557 or email [email protected] www.operanova.org for more.
FRIDAY/FEB. 6 -SATURDAY/ FEB. 7“Les Miserables.” 7 p.m., at
Rivendell School, 5700 Lee Highway,Arlington. Accepting donations: $8for individuals; $25 for families. Call703-532-1200 or visitwww.rivendellschool.net for more.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY/FEB.6-7“The Comedy of Errors.” 8 p.m. at
The Thomas Jefferson Theatre, 125S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington.Performances through Feb. 14.Adults, $20; senior and juniors $15.Visit beta.thearligntonplayers.org.
SATURDAY/FEB. 7Mozart’s “Cosí Fan Tutte.” 2 p.m. at
Gunston Theatre One, 2700 SouthLang St., Arlington. Opera NOVAoffers a performance of Mozart’s“Cosí fan tutte” dedicated to thesenior community. Mozart’s classicwill be condensed for thisperformance. Arlington CountyCultural Affairs makes thisperformance possible. A lobbyreception to meet the performers willfollow the performance; tickets are$5. For reservations call 703-536-7557 or email [email protected] www.operanova.org for more.
SUNDAY/FEB. 8“The Comedy of Errors” Meet and
Entertainment
‘The Bulliest Dozer’ Book SigningWashington Capitals forward Eric Fehr will sign copies of his children’s book, “The Bulliest Dozer,” at Arlington Public
Library’s Westover Branch on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6-7 p.m. Fans can purchase a book and have it signed for $20 orbring a copy of a previously-purchased book and have it signed with a $10 donation to Monumental Sports & Enter-tainment Foundation. At 5:30 p.m. Playworks DC, the beneficiary of proceeds raised from U.S. book sales, will givean overview of their programming. Space is limited and reservations are required. Attendees must register in personor by phone at 703-228-5260 during library hours. Each reservation is limited to a maximum of six people per group,and Fehr will sign only one outside item per person. The Bulliest Dozer was co-authored by Fehr and Pamela DuncanEdwards and illustrated by Kate Komarnicki. Fehr and Edwards wrote the book to raise funds for bullying preventionand to encourage positive behavior, with 100 percent of funds benefiting charity.
Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Greet. 2:30 p.m. at The ThomasJefferson Theatre, 125 S. Old GlebeRoad, Arlington. Meet and greet withthe cast following the Feb. 8 matineeperformance. This presents anopportunity to ask questions aboutthe creative process, and hear aboutactivities behind the scenes. Adults,$20; senior and juniors, $15. Visithttp://beta.thearligntonplayers.org.
“Women of Uncertain Age.” 3 p.m.at the Columbia Pike Branch Library,816 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington.Explore the ups and downs of datingas Phillipa Hughes and KarenYankosky, two 40-somethingdivorced and single women, sharethe sometimes baffling, oftenamusing world of online dating andrelationships. Call 703-228-5710.
“What is This Thing Called Love.”4 p.m. at Rock Spring United Churchof Christ, 5010 Little Falls Road,Arlington. The Rock Spring RecitalSeries features the music of RichardRodgers, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern,Gaetano Donizetti and more,performed by Elizabeth Kluegel,soprano, and Lewis Freeman,baritone. Donations are welcome andhelp to sustain the recital series.
TUESDAY/FEB. 10Love Fiction and the Healthy
Heart. 7 p.m. at the Columbia PikeBranch Library, 816 S. Walter ReedDrive, Arlington. A Learn from YourNeighbor series presentation anddiscussion of three books: “Chocolat“by Joanne Harris, “ThoughMountains Fall” by Dale Cramer, and“The Untethered Soul: The JourneyBeyond Yourself ” by Michael Singer.Call 703-228-5710.
WEDNESDAY/FEB. 11Make a Valentine. 4 p.m. at the
Aurora Hills Branch Library, 735 S.18th St., Arlington. Children get inon the Valentine’s Day crafting funafter school with Ms. Kim. Call 703-228-5715.
Novel Swap. 7 p.m. at the ShirlingtonBranch Library, 4200 Campbell Ave.,Arlington. Bring in already-readromance novels, and swap them fornew-to-you books – then decorateand eat delicious cupcakes. Call 703-228-6545.
FEB. 11-MARCH 22“Much Ado About Nothing.” 8 p.m.
Wednesday-Saturday; Sunday, 2 p.m.at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St.,Crystal City, Arlington. Directed byPaata Tsikurishvili andchoreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili,this is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies, set in 1950’s LasVegas. $35 and up. Student ticketsstart at $20. Senior citizens andmilitary receive $5 off. Groupdiscounts are available. Ticketsavailable at synetictheater.org or bycalling 866-811-4111.
WEDNESDAYS/FEB. 11-MARCH 25Introduction to Printmaking. 6:30-
8:30 p.m. at Arlington Arts Center,3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Foradults, 18 and older, this course isdesigned for beginners. A series ofprojects and exercises will provide ahands-on, creative learningexperience. Cost is $220. Suppliesnot included. Visitwww.arlingtonartscenter.org.
THURSDAY/FEB.12Arlington Historical Society. 7 p.m.
at Marymount University, 2807 N.Glebe Rd, Arlington; the talk will beheld on the main floor of theuniversity’s library, Rowley G127.The Arlington Historical Societypresents author Sue Eisenfeld, who
will discuss her book “Shenandoah: AStory of Conservation and Betrayal.”The book is a first-person hikingadventure through the history of thelost communities of ShenandoahNational Park. Call 703-942-9247.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY/FEB.13-14“The Comedy of Errors.” 8 p.m. at
The Thomas Jefferson Theatre, 125S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Adults,$20; senior and juniors $15. Visithttp://beta.thearligntonplayers.org.
SATURDAY/FEB. 14Valentines Day Party for
Nerdfighters. 2 p.m. at CentralLibrary, 1015 N. Quincy St.,Arlington. For tweens and teens —raffles, cookies, giant poetry, button-making. Call 703-228-5990.
Valentine Celebration. 6:30 p.m. atNRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd.(at N. Taylor Street), Arlington.Opera NOVA presents “That’sAmore,” which will include popularopera arias, interspersed withromantic songs. Light refreshmentsbefore program starts at 7 p.m. Freeindoor parking. Suggested donationwith prior reservations: $10members, member’s guests andstudents; non-members $15. Withoutreservations at the door: $20.Contact Opera NOVA at 703-536-7557 or [email protected] forreservations.
FEB. 17- MARCH 22“Kid Victory.” 7:30 p.m. at Signature
Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. FromJohn Kander and Greg Pierce comes anew musical about coming home andbreaking out. Buy tickets online, atthe Box Office or by calling 703-8209771. Visit www.signature-theatre.org for more.
FEB. 19-MARCH 8“No Hay Que Llorar” (No Need to
Cry). 8 p.m., Gunston Arts Center,Theatre Two, 2700 S. Lang St.,Arlington. A play by Roberto “Tito”Cossa (Argentina), in Spanish withEnglish subtitles. Post-performancediscussions every Friday night.Tickets at “Thursdays for All,” $20.Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., $35.regular admission, students andseniors $30. Sundays at 3 p.m., $25general admission. Reservations canbe made at www.teatrodelaluna.org.Free parking, handicapped accessible.
WEDNESDAY/FEB. 18Online Dating for Seniors: Tech
Class. 11:00 a.m.-noon at theAurora Hills Branch Library, 735 S.18th St., Arlington. Learn about thebest wording for profiles, takingselfies, different site options, andsafety. Call 703-228-5715.
FRIDAY/FEB. 20Natural Selection. 6:30 p.m. at the
David Brown Planetarium, 1426North Quincy St., Arlington. Premiereof the full-dome show, NaturalSelection. Join the young CharlesDarwin on an adventurous voyage ofexploration circumnavigating theworld with the HMS Beagle. Runningtime: 40 minutes; suitable for familyaudiences and school groups. Visitwww.friendsoftheplanetarium.org.
“Evolution in Everyday Life.” 7:30p.m., at the David BrownPlanetarium, 1426 North Quincy St.,Arlington. Come to this talk byevolutionary biologist, David Mindell,to find out how all creatures on Earthare related. 1 hour, with questions;suitable for older children and adults.www.friendsoftheplanetarium.org.
10 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Wellbeing
By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
Dental hygiene should start evenbefore a baby’s first toothemerges. That is one of themessages that dental profes-
sionals are hoping to convey this month.February is designated National
Children’s Dental Health Month, organizedby the American Dental Association, alongwith the ADA Foundation, to raise aware-ness about the benefits of good oral healthfor children. Dental professionals stress chil-dren should brush for two minutes twiceper day, floss and rinse daily, eat healthymeals, limit snacks and visit the dentistregularly.
“To get babies comfortable with oral hy-giene, begin cleaning the baby’s mouth bywiping the gums and tongue with a moistwashcloth or gauze shortly after birth untilteeth erupt into the mouth,” said JeanneYang, DDS, a public health dentist at theJoseph Willard Health Center’s dental clinicin the City of Fairfax. “It is recommendedthat parents bring children to their firstdentist appointment preferably within 6months of when the first tooth appears, butno later than their first birthday. And, al-
ways, always, always use a soft toothbrush,whether you are 1 or 100. A soft toothbrushshould be used by all ages.”
Local health departments want the pub-lic to know that a child’s dental care neednot depend on a family’s ability to affordsuch services. Many Northern Virginia den-tal clinics offer free or low-cost dental ex-aminations, cleanings, fluoride applications,restorative services including fillings andeven limited oral surgeries.
“We have three children’s dental clinicsin Fairfax County,” said Tina Dale of theFairfax County Health Department. Thecounty’s clinics are in Mount Vernon, Fairfaxand Reston. “Our dental program is just for
children. Their family’s income has to be ata level where they meet Medicaid criteria.”
The Northern Virginia Dental Society isalso hosting a “Give a Kids a Smile Project”on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Northern VirginiaCommunity College (NOVA) Medical Edu-cation Campus in Springfield. The projectwill join dentists and dental hygiene stu-dents from NOVA with other communityvolunteers to offer dental services tounderserved children, including preschoolstudents in Arlington County’s Head Startprogram. “A huge number of children havedental disease earlier and earlier,” saidKathy A. Thompson of Northern VirginiaCommunity College. “This is an opportu-nity to get them excited about dental careand give them information on how to takecare of their teeth, and introduce them towhat it’s like to go the dentist.”
The slogan for the 2015 campaign is “De-feat Monster Mouth.” It’s plastered on post-ers that depict dental superheroes fightingto defeat “Plaqster the Monster” for goodoral health. Dental providers are hoping to
teach children and parents about the tim-ing of a first dental visit, how to brush andfloss properly, the effect of thumb suckingon teeth and the importance of regular den-tal examinations. Although the observanceis a month long, health department officialskeep up the effort year-round.
“We work with Arlington families on theimportance of dental care from day one,”said Kurt Larrick of the Arlington CountyHealth Department. “We’re working withparents from the times the kids are born totalk about the importance of hygiene, nu-trition, tooth brushing.”
Free and Low-Cost Dental Care for ChildrenSpecial programs available as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Dental Service ProgramsFairfax County HealthDepartment
❖ Joseph Willard Health Center: 3750 Old LeeHighway, Fairfax; 703-246-7100.
❖ Herndon/Reston Office: 1850 Cameron GlenDrive, Suite 100, Reston; 703-481-4242.
❖ Mount Vernon Office: 8350 Richmond High-way, Suite 233, Alexandria; 703-704-6181.
Arlington Health Department❖ Arlington County Dental Clinic: 2100 Wash-
ington Blvd. (second floor), Arlington; visithealth.arlingtonva.us/public-health/health-clinics-services or call 703-228-1200.
Alexandria NeighborhoodHealth Services
4480 King St. (first floor), Alexan-dria(. A medical home for patients inArlington, Alexandria and south FairfaxCounty. Call 703-535-5568 or visitwww.neighborhoodhealthva.org.
Give Kids a Smile ProjectFeb. 6, 2015, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the
Northern Virginia Community College,Medical Education Campus, 6699Springfield Center Drive, Springfield.Visit nvds.org or call 703-820-7170.
Courtesy of Northern
Virginia Community College
Dr. Howard Ngo works on a youngpatient at Northern Virginia Com-munity College’s Medical Educa-tion Campus in Springfield, as partof the Give Kids a Smile Program.
Email announcements to [email protected]. Include date, time, loca-tion, description and contact for event: phone, emailand/or website. Photos and artwork welcome. Dead-line is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks beforeevent.
THROUGH FEBRUARYLow Cost Spay/Neuter Vouchers. The Animal
Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 S. ArlingtonMill Drive, is offering low-cost spay/neuterservice vouchers for sale in honor of NationalSpay/Neuter Awareness Month. Surgeries willtake place at one of the participating vet clinic.Voucher pricing: $25 for male cats, $50 forfemale cats and $75 for dogs. Pit Bulls will bespayed or neutered for $25.
A limited number of rabbit spay and neuterappointments are available for $50 per rabbit.Pet owners are required to purchase theirvoucher in-person at AWLA and schedule theirpet’s surgery directly with the one of theparticipating vet clinics. Interested D.C. metroresidents must meet the annual householdincome requirement of $60,000 or less (proof ofhousehold income is required at purchase). Low-cost spay and neuter vouchers are limited andavailable on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call703-931-9241, ext. 200 or email Adrienne Mintzat [email protected].
SCAM ALERTThe Arlington County Police Department
and Sheriff’s Office is warning the publicabout a missed jury duty telephone scamtargeting County residents. The latest incident
was reported Jan. 26, 2015, where an ArlingtonCounty resident received a phone call from anindividual claiming to be a lieutenant with theSheriff’s Office. The victim was accused offailing to appear for jury duty and a warrant fortheir arrest was to be issued unless a fine ispaid. The suspect asked for a “good faith”payment to be made immediately with a debitcard and PIN number. If you receive a call ofthis nature, immediately hang up and verify theclaim by calling the Arlington County Sheriff’sOffice at 703-228-4460. Never use a phonenumber provided to you from the caller to verifytheir credibility. Also, never provide personalPIN numbers to anyone over the phone, this is afraudulent request.
After making a verification call, if you find that youwere a victim of a scam or were a target, pleasefile an online police report at http://police.arlingtonva.us/online-police-reporting-system/ or call the non-emergency police line at703-558-2222.
FEB. 1-APRIL 15Free Tax Preparation. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.;
Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Arlington CentralLibrary, 1015 North Quincy St., Arlington.Tuesday, 1:15-7:45 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10a.m.-2 p.m. at Columbia Pike Branch Library,816 South Walter Reed Drive. For taxpayerswith low and middle income. All ages, withspecial attention to seniors. Federal and Virginiatax returns prepared and electronically filed byIRS-certified volunteers. Tax questions can beanswered. Bring your photo ID(s), SocialSecurity Card(s), tax documents, and your prioryear tax return.
Bulletin Board
Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Wellbeing
By Karen L. Bune
The Connection
With the current emphasis onpatient experience and pa-tient satisfaction in hospi-tals nationwide, Virginia
Hospital Center (VHC) is part of that driveto excel.
Among its highlights, VHC received an-other feather in its cap in 2013 that contin-ues to be a strong and ongoing motivatorthat leads patients to acquire care at itsmedical facility and which continues tobring the hospital accolades and serves asthe envy of others. The reward of achiev-ing Magnet Nursing Status designationdidn’t happen overnight.
The route to attain this was in the worksfor several years. The Magnet Nursing Sta-tus is a designation of excellence for theentire organization and is awarded by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center, anurse credentialing organization that is asubsidiary of the American Nurses Associa-tion.
The model organizes 14 forces of mag-netism into five model components with afocus on outcome measurement and stream-lined documentation. The five core forcesof magnetism are: transformational lead-ership, structural empowerment, exemplaryprofessional practice, new knowledge, in-novations and improvements, and empiri-cal outcome. The hospital had to show sus-tainable hard data in all these areas.
VHC also had to prove that excellent prac-tices are inculcated in the organization.“Structures and processes are the backboneof it. We have an empowered group ofnurses,” said Rebecca Rose, senior directorfor systems and special projects. High cali-ber nurses are expected to be leaders in theirroles. They are highly educated and en-gaged in decisions about patient care. Re-lationships with physicians are forged witheveryone having the same focus to ensurethe hospital be the best environment basedon the quality of patient care. “Everythingis based on what is best for our patients,”said Marnie Dodson, magnetic special
projects coordinator.“We have embedded the Magnet stan-
dards in our nursing culture to provide thebest patient care. It’s a continuous journey.We never stop improving, pushing ourselvesand learning better way to elevate the prac-tice of nursing here,” said Darlene Vrotsos,chief nursing officer.
Though many hospitals hire a companyto write the application, VHC chose to writeit themselves and had the support of theleadership team and medical staff. “Theprocess piece of applying was the biggestchallenge. We had the data. We had to writethe application; it was huge,” Rose said.
“Nurses had such a personal stake,”Dodson said, referring to the dedicated or-ganizational mission and focus on patientcare.
Nurses at VHC considered what wasworking well and what needed to be im-proved. “Everything is based on what is bestfor our patients,” Dodson said.
They address service recovery throughrounding and through a hotline in whichconcerns and issues can be immediately
addressed and resolved. “We educate pa-tients on their rights and responsibilities,”Dodson added.
The Magnet structure at VHC is composedof seven nursing councils. “They are veryempowered councils. They make decisionsthat are carried out,” Rose said. There is ahigh level of autonomy for the nurses, andthey develop strategic plans for which theyare responsible in making necessarychanges and managing the process. Thecouncils, that meet monthly, include: Clini-cal Practice, Education, Leadership, NightShift Council, Performance Improvement,Professional Development, and ResearchCouncil.
One piece of the magnet is to have a pro-fessional practice model encompassingleadership, compassion, accountability,teamwork, advocacy, and evidence-based,practical education. “As a team, we look outfor each other. The magnet keeps you onthe path to be even better than you wereand we get feedback everywhere. We re-ally listen to what our patients say. We dis-cuss results every two weeks,” Dodson said.
In addition, nurses understand the rolethey play in patient satisfaction and theyhold each other accountable. “We care fornot only our patients but we care for eachother as staff, as employees,” said Marga-ret Navarro, RN.
“What makes Virginia Hospital Centersuch a special place to practice medicine isthe welcoming, collaborative nature of thenurses here,” said Jeff DiLisi, vice presidentand chief medical officer.
Achieving the magnet designation was aninvolved process that included a three-daysite visit for 12 hours each day by thecredentialing team of the ANCC. “Nurseshad such a personal stake,” Dodson said.
There are 5,686 registered hospitals in theUnited States, and 406 of them haveachieved magnet status. “I’m very proud ofthe nursing staff and all of Virginia Hospi-tal Center. Our recognition as a Magnethospital is an achievement that everyonehelped produce,” Vrotos said.
Karen L. Bune, a freelance writer, serves as anadjunct professor at George Mason University inFairfax and Marymount University in Arlington.
Empowering Nurses To Improve Patient CareWhat achieving Magnet Nursing Status means to Virginia Hospital Center.
VirginiaHospitalCenter staffgather tocelebrateachievingMagnetNursingStatus.
Photo courtesy
of Virginia
Hospital Center
12 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See SchoolNotes, Page 13
SportsArlington Connection Sports Editor Jon Roetman
703-752-4031 or [email protected]
By Jon Roetman
The Connection
Members of the Wash-ington-Lee gymnasticsteam swarmed SophieHatcher after judges
posted the senior’s floor routine scoreduring Monday’s Conference 6 cham-pionship meet at McLean High School.
The Generals had performed wellthrough three events, but Hatcher’sperformance on floor (9.575) seemedto give the team a confidence boostduring an ultra-competitive meet that
was guaranteed to leave one of thetop teams in the region empty-handed.
With W-L, Yorktown and McLeancompeting for the conference’s tworegional berths, the buzz created byHatcher’s floor routine transferred tothe Generals’ final event: vault.
A spirited W-L cheering section of-fered support as Hatcher and her twinsister, Annie Hatcher, produced themeet’s top two vault scores and theGenerals assured their season would
continue into next week.Sophie Hatcher captured the
conference all-around champi-onship and Washington-Leeearned a regional team berthwith a runner-up finish, hold-ing off rival Yorktown. McLeanwon its fourth consecutive Lib-erty District/Conference 6championship with a score of143. W-L posted a score of142.225, and Yorktown fellshort with a total of 141.
Fairfax finished fourth at125.275, followed by Hayfield(121.1), South Lakes(115.125), Madison (108.7)and Langley (81.3).
“We knew it was anyone’sgame to make it to regionalsbecause this conference is so
good and there are somany good teams,”Sophie Hatcher said.“I’m just really excitedmy last high schoolseason doesn’t endhere and we get tocontinue on toregionals. We’re all re-ally, really happy andexcited.”
Sophie Hatcher wasa big reason why W-Lsecured a regionalberth. Her all-aroundscore of 37.625 was a full pointbetter than her nearest competitor.She won conference championshipson vault (9.75) and floor, placed
second on beam (9.4) and took sixth on bars(8.9). “It feels so good because at all myother meets, I didn’t ever hit all four[events] — I always had some mistake —but today I hit all four and I’m really happy,”she said. “This is the best meet I’ve ever hadin all my four years of high school.”
Annie Hatcher placed fifth in the all-around with a score of 36.2, securing a re-gional berth. She placed second on vault(9.7), tied for fourth on beam (8.95), tooksixth on floor (8.875) and finished seventhon bars (8.675).
The top four all-arounds advance to
regionals, along with any competitor whoproduces a score of 35 or better. The topeight in each event earn a spot at the re-gional meet, along with any gymnast whoscores 9.0 or better.
W-L’s Jennifer Laredo placed eighth onbeam (8.85).
Yorktown will send four individuals to theregional meet, but the Patriots won’t com-pete as a team.
Yorktown’s Juliette Mitrovich (sixth,35.85) and Bella Kane (seventh, 35.725)will compete in the all-around.
“It [helps] a little bit,” Mitrovich said inregard to her all-around regional berthnumbing the pain of the team failing toqualify, “but it would have been nice tomake it because we’ve beaten W-L almost
all year and they just had agood meet this one time andwe didn’t get to make it, butit is what it is.”
Yorktown’s Sophie Zidlickywill compete on beam (third,9.025) and vault (eighth,9.25). Olivia Zavrel will com-pete on bars (fifth, 8.95).
McLean, which finishedstate runner-up last season,won its fourth consecutive dis-trict/conference champion-ship.
“It’s a really great feelingbecause this is our senior yearand there was a lot of pressureto keep our conference cham-pionship title [streak],” High-landers senior Lizzy Brown-Kaiser said, “so it feels greatto fulfill that.”
McLean’s Jacqueline Greenplaced second in the all-around (36.625) and Brown-Kaiser placed third (36.425).
“They did good,” McLeanhead coach Courtney Lessonsaid of the senior duo. “Theyhit three of four routines —they both had a fall on beam.We still have a couple moremeets to go, so hopefullythey’ll get better.”
While McLean finishedahead of W-L at back-to-back
Conference 6 meets, the Highlanders havefinished runner-up to the Generals at threeconsecutive regional meets.
The 6A North region championship meetis scheduled for Feb. 11 at Lake BraddockSecondary School. “They’ve beaten us thepast few years at regionals,” Green said, “sowe hope to come back this year and takeit.” Fairfax senior Rachel Barborek, the de-fending 2014 conference all-around cham-pion, placed fourth with a score of 36.250.Hayfield’s Molly Overstreet (eighth, 35.675)also earned a regional all-around berth.
Overstreet, a two-time state championwho has battled back problems this year,won the conference bars title (9.5).Barborek won the beam (9.425) champi-onship.
W-L’s Sophie Hatcher Wins Conference All-Around TitleMcLean wins teamchampionship,W-L places second.
W-L senior Sophie Hatcher won the Conference6 all-around championshipon Monday night atMcLean High School.
“It feels so good because at allmy other meets, I didn’t ever
hit all four [events] — Ialways had some mistake —
but today I hit all four and I’mreally happy. This is the best
meet I’ve ever had in all myfour years of high school.”
— W-L senior Sophie Hatcher
Pho
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Email announcements to [email protected]. Deadline isThursday at noon. Photos are welcome.
Matthew Golembiewski has beennamed to the chancellor’s list at TroyUniversity (Troy, Al.) for the fall semes-ter of the 2014/2015 academic year.
Jose Martinez has been named tothe provost’s list at Troy University(Troy, Al.) for the fall semester of the2014/2015 academic year.
Henry Mejia-Villena has beennamed to the dean’s list at BucknellUniversity (Lewisburg, Pa.) for the fallsemester of the 2014-15 academic year.He is the son of Henry Mejia-Villalbaand Ingrid Villena de Mejia.
Mary Grace Brown is a junior En-glish major named to the dean’s list withdistinction at Grove City College (GroveCity, Pa.). She is a 2012 graduate ofYorktown High School and the daugh-ter of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Brown ofArlington.
Robert D. Waltman (post bacca-laureate, pre-computer science) hasmade the scholastic honor roll fall termat Oregon State University with astraight-A average.
Abdullah Al-Rodan and Erin Foxmade the dean’s list at The University ofDayton.
Elizabeth Caltagirone has beennamed to the dean’s list for fall 2014 atthe University of Hartford (West Hart-
ford, Ct.).
Elizabeth Anne Catalano gradu-ated cum laude with a Bachelor of Artsin communication studies from ClemsonUniversity (Clemson, S.C.) in December2014.
William Thomas Hafer, a 1998graduate of Yorktown High School anda 2003 graduate of the MassachusettsInstitute of Technology, received a Doc-tor of Philosophy degree in AerospaceEngineering from Texas A&M Univer-sity. Hafer is employed by LockheedMartin Space Systems in Littleton, CO.He is the son of Tom and Ann Hafer ofArlington
Meg Dalmut , MarymountUniversity’s director of community en-
gagement, was recently recognized asthe outstanding community partner ofthe Dream Project, a local organizationthat encourages and supports promisingimmigrant youth in their pursuit ofhigher education. Through Dalmut’s ef-forts, Marymount has co-sponsored andhosted events on campus, providedmentors at Washington-Lee High Schooland donated the services of two work-study students to the Dream Project. Theuniversity also gave two Dream Projectstudents full scholarships. Dalmut wasrecognized at the organization’s fifthannual holiday dinner, where one ofthose scholarship students spoke aboutfulfilling her dream of attendingMarymount. Since it started in 2011with a handful of parent volunteers, theDream Project has grown to an organi-zation that last year provided 48
students with $1,000 scholarships andother assistance to attend college.
Yorktown High School senior Chris-tian Carrillo was selected to receive afour-year, full-tuition scholarship fromthe Posse Scholarship Foundation toattend partnering institution BucknellUniversity. The Posse Scholarship is aleadership and diversity program thatstarted in 1989. Posse Scholars utilizetheir leadership skills to create a learn-ing environment that is welcoming tostudents from all backgrounds.
In its Best Online Programs edition,U.S. News & World Report ranksMarymount University’scybersecurity program 53rd in the
School Notes
Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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From Page 12
Schools
“Graduate Business Programs (Ex-cluding MBA)” category just two yearsafter it began. Marymount’s master’sdegree in cybersecurity can be earnedentirely online.
Joseph Crawford, class of 2017,earned a spot on the Wittenberg Univer-sity (Springfield, Ohio) dean’s list.
Park University named the followingstudents from the Fort Myer (Va.) Cam-pus Center to the fall 2014 dean’s list:Alexis Nicole Curry, Somi Kim,Shannon L. Lee, Douglas C.Metcalf, Tiphany E. Morales,Phillip Andrew Truong, and Mat-thew A. Tuiasosopo.
Park University named Almira F.Leapaga, from the Henderson MarineCorps Base Campus Center, to the fall2014 dean’s list
Sarah Vest, a student at WakefieldHigh School, has been selected to rep-resent Virginia as a National YouthDelegate to the 2015 Washington YouthSummit on the Environment at GeorgeMason University.
Vest joins a select group of 250 stu-dents from across the country toparticipate in an intensive study week-long of leadership in environmentalscience and conservation. Sarah waschosen based on academic accomplish-ments and a demonstrated interest andexcellence in leadership in the sciencesand conservation studies.
Brigid Ueland was named to thedean’s list for the fall semester atBenedictine College (Atchinson, Ks.).
W-L rower Eren Agim competes in the2000 meter sprint. Agim is coached byJames Owen.
Yorktown crew member Bradley Martin isin the midst of rowing a personal best 2Kat the Saturday Erg sprints. Martin iscoached by Tyler Buxton.
Participating in 30th Annual Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints
More than 1,700 rowers from 13 states andthe District of Columbia participated inthe Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints on Saturday,
Jan. 31 at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria.Area high schools participating in the regatta were
Yorktown, Robinson, T.C. Williams, Walt Whitman,Bishop O’Connell, Gonzaga, Woodrow Wilson,
Washington Lee, Oakton, Sidwell Friends, BishopIreton, National Cathedral, James Madison, St.Albans, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes and Episcopal.
Pho
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14 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Presumably, maybe even obviously,nearly six years into a “terminal” diag-nosis, arrangements for a smooth transi-tion of power should have been madealready. But they haven’t. Not being aparent, and with no real extenuating-type circumstances to consider, despitethe rather precarious existence in whichI find myself I’ve never felt stronglyabout taking the steps necessary toarrange for a future which didn’tinvolve yours truly.
Selfish, stupid, stubborn or any num-ber of other characterizations whichdon’t begin with the letter “s,” I’venever put down anywhere on paper –literally or figuratively – what would, inthe event of my death, need to happen,how any of it should happen, and/orwhy it would even happen. So far, asconcerns my wife, Dina, should I in factpredecease her, I’ve pretty much left itto happenstance. Moreover, given herinterests, it seems unfair of me to notassist her somehow in a post-Kennyworld.
Still, I’ve always felt that doing so,however prudent and practical – andconsiderate – was bad luck, sort of; aversion of negative reinforcement. Bynot thinking of death/planning for it,somehow I was preventing its occur-rence, dare I say (given my original “13-month-to-two-year prognosis”), itsinevitability. And though I don’t specifi-cally know why this uneasy feeling hasmanifested itself of late (I’ve notreceived any discouraging medicalnews of late), it has; and ignoring theconsequences of my continuing neglectseems ill-advised.
In addition, throughout this cancerexperience, it has been suggested thatmanaging stress (among otheranecdotal-type advisories: keeping apositive attitude, maintaining a sense ofhumor, being a compliant patient)would be beneficial in the short,medium and long term battle royal thatall cancer patients endure. But diagno-sis- to-date, I’ve not addressed this moststressful, what-to-do/what-needs-to-be-done problem. And though a properlyexecuted will would certainly be a start,it would not be a finish. There are moremundane instructions and organiza-tional details, tedious as they me be,which would likely drastically reduce alevel of stress which unbeknownst tome and my conscious, has probablyinvaded my subconscious, with predict-able effect. I don’t imagine solving thisproblem would put a bounce in mystep; however, it would definitely elimi-nate a potential drag on my coefficient.And if my life is going to be lived, theless drag on it, the better.
Whatever I can do to lighten theload should be priority number one. Idon’t want to be spinning my emotionalwheels over here. Cancer imposesenough pressure externally; I don’tneed to add to it internally.
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
The PastFuture isNow Present
News
Young Professionals ProgramLeadership Arlington’s newest class of the Young ProfessionalsProgram gathered Saturday, Jan. 24, for the first time at a day-longretreat sponsored by Marymount University. Nineteen participantswere selected to engage in the experiential program, now in itsseventh session: Marci Anderson, Arlington Community FederalCredit Union; Amanda Charles, Arlington County, Department ofHuman Services; Hope Fisher, Marymount University; FrancesGrisier, Virginia Hospital Center; Thomas Jacobi, Chain BridgeBank; Meghan Kelly, EagleBank; Linh Le, Technomics, Inc.; NataliaLerner, Accenture; Josh Lewis, HITT Contracting; David Madoo,National Older Worker Career Center; Lara Malakoff, ICF Interna-tional; Carla Marin, APAH; Amanda Mark, A-SPAN; Erin Potter,BikeArlington; Jovan Ruzic, Keller Williams Realty; Richard Slusher,Arlington County Fire Department; Julianne Sobral, Council onFoundations; Janice Spearbeck, Re/Max Gateway; and JenniferWeber, Arlington County, Department of Parks & Recreation. Visitwww.leadershiparlington.org.
Photo Contributed
Photo courtesy of Hyon Smith of Hyon Smith Photography
Nonprofits Receive $140,000United Way of the National Capital Area awarded Community Impactgrants totaling $139,599 to 12 nonprofit member organizations servingArlington County. Arlington officials and United Way NCA honored Ar-lington Community Impact Fund grantees: Front, from left, Feriel Ricks,development associate, Food & Friends; April Pinch-Keeler, CEO/presi-dent, MVLE, Inc.; Mary Hughes Hynes, chair, Arlington County Board;Rosie Allen-Herring, president and CEO, United Way NCA; Marla Lahat,executive director, Home Care Partners; Joy Myers, director of develop-ment, Arlington Food Assistance Center; Courtney Kissell, executivedirector, The Reading Connection. Back row: Janece Kleban, vice presi-dent, development, Goodwill of Greater Washington; NancyLagomarcino, development, Goodwill of Greater Washington; KristynBurr-Venus, program and operations manager, Homeaid Northern Va.(Housing Trust); Shandra Niswander, development manager, ArlingtonThrive; Laura Pennycuff, MPA grants director, Doorways for Women andFamilies; Clare McIntyre, stewardship and communications manager,Arlington Food Assistance Center; Dale Bannon, executive director, TheSalvation Army National Capital Area; Liz Reinert, associate director ofdevelopment, DC Central Kitchen; Donney John, PharmD, interim execu-tive director, NOVA Scripts; Sharon Zimmerman, community engagementmanager, United Way NCA; and Timothy Johnson, vice president, Com-munity Impact, United Way NCA.
16 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ February 4-10, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Sales Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 9pm | Sat: 9am – 6pm | Sun: 12pm – 5pm 703-684-0700
Add Dealer Processing Fee of $599. $1,250 Cash Back from Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. available on new 2015 Prius.Customers can receive cash back from Toyota or can apply to down payment. Excludes plug-in models. See dealer fordetails. ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25k miles, whichever comes first. Thenew vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet, or a livery/taxi vehicle. See participating Toyota dealer forplan details. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Roadside assistance does not include parts and fluids. Priusplug-in hybrid comes with an extra year of roadside assistance, for a total of three (3) years from date of purchase.Lease, APR and Cash Back offers may not be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire 2/16/2015.
Add Dealer Processing Fee of $599. 0.9% APR financing up to 60 months available to qualified buyers thru Toyota FinancialServices. Total financed cannot exceed MSRP plus options, tax and license fees. 60 monthly payments of $17.05 for each$1,000 borrowed. Not all buyers will qualify. ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25kmiles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet, or a livery/taxi vehicle. See par-ticipating Toyota dealer for plan details. Valid only in the continental U.S. and Alaska. Roadside assistance does not includeparts and fluids. Prius plug-in hybrid comes with an extra year of roadside assistance, for a total of three (3) years from dateof purchase. Lease, APR and Cash Back offers may not be combined. See dealer for details. Offers expire 2/16/2015.
*Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions. Valid only in the Continental U.S. and Alaska.**Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids. Valid only in the Continental United States and Alaska. 1-800-444-4195.
ToyotaCareNo Cost Service & Roadside
Peace of mind with every new vehicle.Receive a no-cost maintenance plan*
and roadside assistance** with thepurchase
or lease of every new Toyota. For two years or 25,000 miles,whichever comes first, you and your new Toyota will be covered.
Finance a New 2015Corolla LE Auto at 0.9%
APR for 60 months.New 2015 Prius Liftback
$1,250 Cash Back
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28 YEARS OFRECEIVING THIS
HONOR
