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Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comApril 12-18, 2017
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ArlingtonArlingtonConnectionConnection
TheThe
HomeLifeStylePage 9
HomeLifeStyle
Buried Alive?Hoarding in
ArlingtonNews, Page 3
‘She Loves Me’at TAP
Entertainment, Page 6
LaDan Nemati holding the American flag inCroatia after winning a gold medal.
SynchronizedSkaterFollows herDreamsNews, Page 3
SynchronizedSkaterFollows herDreamsNews, Page 3
2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Candidates for MayDemocratic Caucus
Over three days, the Arlington CountyDemocratic Committee (ACDC) will host anunassembled caucus to determine theDemocratic nominee for the ArlingtonCounty Board and endorsee for the Arling-ton School Board.
On May 9, 11, and 13, voters can arriveat any time during the registered votingperiod. To cast a ballot, the voter must reg-ister and sign a pledge indicating that thevoter is a Democrat.
According to the “caucus procedures” sec-tion of the ACDC’s approved rules for thecaucus: all persons present at the caucusfacility – aside from credentialed media andfacility employees – must sign a pledge in-dicating that they are a Democrat, believein the principles of the Democratic Party,and do not intend to support, endorse orassist any candidate who is opposed to aDemocratic nominee or endorsee in theensuing election.
In 2016, the Democratic nominee wasdecided in a primary. Incumbent LibbyGarvey defeated Erik Gutshall, who is run-ning again in the 2017 election.
Four Democratic candidates — PeterFallon, Vivek Patil, Kim Klingler, and ErikGutshall — filed for one seat on the CountyBoard.
Three candidates — Maura McMahon,Monique O’Grady, and James Lander — areseeking the Democratic endorsement forone seat on the School Board.
The May 9 caucus event will be held atKey Immersion Elementary School, the May11 event will be held at Drew Model School,and the May 13 event will be at Washing-ton-Lee High School.
— Vernon Miles
Gala Raises $50,000for Youth Program
Leadership Center for Excellence hostedits 12th annual Monte Carlo Night on Fri-day and raised $50,000 to support its YouthProgram. More than 350 Washington met-ropolitan community stakeholders regis-tered for the April 1 event.
Proceeds from the evening support theLeadership Arlington Youth Program as wellas the mission of Leadership Center for Ex-cellence.
The Youth Program is designed to en-hance leadership skills and awareness of theneed for philanthropy, community serviceand civic participation in rising high schooljuniors and seniors. For two weeks in thesummer, the youth program meets at dif-ferent public, private and nonprofit loca-tions throughout Arlington County. Partici-pants have the opportunity to be exposedto diverse organizations and meet with lo-cal leaders during this hands-on experien-tial program. Skills sessions focus on team-work, leadership presence, cultural compe-tency and public speaking.
The theme for this year’s event was Black& White Ball. Guests were treated to an ar-ray of activities from a silent auction toMonte Carlo casino-style gaming tables tocigar sales and scotch, bourbon and rumtastings. Christian Dorsey, member of theArlington County Board, acted as auction-eer during the live auction.
Police InvestigateDeath
At approximately 12:02 p.m., March 28,an Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy wasserving an eviction notice in the 2000 blockof N. Adams Street when they heard whatwas believed to be the sound of a singleshot fired. Arlington County Police re-sponded to the area and established a pe-rimeter. During the course of the investiga-tion, entry was made into a residence wherea male subject was located deceased. Thedeath does not appear suspicious and thereis no threat to the public. The MedicalExaminer’s Office will determine cause ofdeath.
Lane Closing forBridge Work
The left lane of northbound Route 110and the left lane of southbound Route 110at the Route 27 interchange will close forapproximately two months to remove andrebuild the bridge pier in the median, ac-cording to the Virginia Department of Trans-portation. Message signs alerting motoriststo the lane closures are in place.
The work is part of the Route 27 overRoute 110 project, which is scheduled forcompletion in spring 2018.
Follow VDOT Northern Virginia on Twit-ter: @vadotnova.
Arlington Countyholds its bian-nual Environ-
mental Collec-tion and Recy-cling Event (E-
CARE) on Satur-day, April 15,
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.,rain or shine, at
ThomasJefferson Middle
School, 125 S.Old Glebe Road.
News Briefs
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Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsArlington Connection Editor Steven Mauren
703-778-9415 or [email protected]
By Vernon Miles
The Connection
Sixty firefighters from Arlington, Al-exandria and other departmentsacross the area all came out torespond to a fire at a single family
home last month, only to watch helplesslyas the building burned. Flames were vis-ible on the first floor; smoke pouring out ofwindows on every level. As firefighters triedto enter the building, they found the frontentrance impassable due to so much trashpiled up inside.
According to a statement by the Arling-ton County Fire Department, widespreadclutter inside the home not only delayedsearch, rescue and suppression operations,but was also later found to be a factor inspreading the flames. When firefighterswere finally able to enter the house, one ofthe residents was dead and the other wasfound critically injured.
The fire on March 6 showed the hazardsof hoarding. Reggie Lawson, Arlington De-partment of Human Services’ supervisor ofAdult Protective Services, says the countysees between two or person multiple times.
Hoarding is a mental illness, but Lawsonsays the victims aren’t “just crazy.”
“There’s a distinction between hoardingand inability to self care,” said Lawson. “Isee hoarding as people who are intention-ally accumulating items, sometimes go outand bring things in, sometimes accumulateitems over years. These are people who arephysically or mentally unable to care forthemselves or environment. Peel away thelayers … they have a situation or conditionthat has precluded them from taking careof themselves.”
Hoarding is a mental health crisis thatextends beyond just collecting objects or
being disorganized. Those who haveworked with hoarding situations say it’s al-most always immediately recognizable.
“Hoarding disorder is a type of obsessivecompulsive disorder, which falls under thebroader umbrella of anxiety,” said TedDumas, an associate professor of psychol-ogy at George Mason University. “The vic-tim either saves individual items or every-thing. It’s saving what other people wouldview as worthless. For most people, that’sassociated with childhood trauma. Oftenthere’s some kind of loss, so they save.”
Dumas says hoarding is dangerous to thevictim in several ways.
“If they save everything, it can becomevery cluttered,” said Dumas. “They can fallor be tripped. They also aren’t the only onesliving there anymore, there’s germs and
vermin. With all the piles, it’s not usual forthe kitchen to be full of stuff, including thestove top. That makes it harder to get helpto that person.”
Philip Pugh started out as a mental healthworker in Arlington and now serves as theacting deputy director of code enforcementfor Alexandria. Hoarding is a problem thatgrows in both Arlington and Alexandria asthe population of both localities ages, Pughsays. With more elderly residents, code en-forcement is starting to find more housespacked full of clutter and blocking egresses.
“There is a community of folks still amongus who went through the depression era,”said Pugh. “During the depression, familiestended to hold onto things, thinking theywill need them at some point as a resource.That behavior was passed down through
generations. We find folks in their 70s and80s still tend to collect. It’s a combinationof economic conditions, the aging popula-tion, and stressful life events.”
In Arlington and Alexandria, Pugh saysthe programs combating hoarding tend tomirror each other.
“Inspectors who work in property main-tenance are assigned areas or communities,”said Pugh. “They see the parcels and prop-erties in the that community every day orat least several times a week. They notechanges in conditions, like overgrown yardsor trash improperly disposed of.”
Often Pugh says a home with a hoardingsituation inside can appear perfectly nor-mal from the outside. Still, in other caseshoarding is a problem which slowly takesover every part of the property. When thehouse starts to overflow with clutter, Pughsays victims will often start to pack theirgarage, then their trash areas, then theircar.
“When we see that, that tells us we needto knock on the door to get the attention ofthe inhabitant,” said Pugh.
THE PROCESS OF HELPING someonewith a hoarding situation starts with a con-versation. If a potential hoarding situationis spotted, Pugh says code officials will be-gin with a knock on the door.
“Working as a young code enforcement[inspector] in Arlington, it was frustratingto know what was going on inside,” saidPugh. “We’d see curtains pressed togetheror stuff pushed up against the windows. Butthe knock on the door sometimes ends withjust that. People aren’t obligated to openfor a code inspector.”
If they receive no response, Pugh says
A look at hoarding in Arlington in the wake of fatality.Buried Alive?
A hoarding situation in an Arlington home.
By Bonnie Hobbs
The Connection
Ever since Arlington student LaDanNemati was a little girl, she wantedto do synchronized skating for a top-
level team and represent Team USA in in-ternational competitions. Now 17, she’s al-ready reached that goal — and with flyingcolors.
She’s been skating 10 years; prior to 2016,she skated competitively with TeamAshburn for three years and then with TeamDelaware for two years. Then in March2016, she decided to try out for theSkyliners team in New York.
“I wanted to compete internationally, andthe only two teams doing that on the EastCoast are the Skyliners and one in Massa-chusetts — which is too far away,” saidNemati. “New York is still far, but manage-able. A hundred girls tried out for 20 spots,
so I wasn’t expecting anything. But when Igot on the ice, the coach saw the potentialin me and I was accepted.”
Pre-season practice began that April, onceevery two weeks in Stamford, Conn., so herparents drove her back and forth until prac-
tice ended in June. After a July break, theteam held a one-week boot camp in Augustat Lake Placid, where the girls skated allday.
LaDan Nematiwins gold medalwith Team USA.
Synchronized Skater Follows her Dreams Abroad
The Skyliners skating the pivoting block element in Croatia.
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4 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
Virginia Press Association’s highestaward, the VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Ser-vice, went to Local Media Connec-
tion/Mount Vernon Gazette for coverage andeditorials throughout 2016 relating to policereform in Fairfax County.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch won in thedaily category for its series about the death ofa mentally ill prisoner, Jamycheal Mitchell, ina Portsmouth Jail.
The judges noted, “The Mount Vernon Ga-zette covered the complex issue of police re-form from February through December 2016,sparked by the shooting of an unarmed manby a Fairfax County police officer. … The Ga-zette focused community attention on the case,particularly on the efforts of citizens and rep-resentatives of law enforcement agencies work-ing together on reforming police practice. Thisled to the creation and implementation of aCivilian Review Panel to provide oversight ofpolice policy, procedures and activities. … Theapproach of the Gazette in this matter providesa good illustration of the positive role a com-munity newspaper can play when it takes anactivist approach to issues of importance to itsreaders.” Editor Mary Kimm and reporter TimPeterson accepted the award.
Virginia Press Association honored its 2016award winners on Saturday, April 8, 2017 inRichmond at its annual dinner. The Connec-tion papers, including the Alexandria GazettePacket, garnered more than 35 awards in manycategories, including investigative reporting,education coverage, headline writing, photog-raphy, column writing, sports writing, obitu-
Your Award Winning PapersRichmond Times-Dispatch (daily) and the Mount Vernon Gazette/LocalMedia Connection (non-daily), win the VPA’s highest awards.
Local Media Connection writers and photographers won 37 Virginia PressAssociation awards for work in 2016, including the Virginia Press AssociationAward for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service. Pictured here fromleft, John Bordner, Mark Mogle, Mary Kimm, Shirley Ruhe, Tim Peterson,Vernon Miles, Eden Brown, Andrea Worker and Jeanne Theismann.
aries, environmental writing, food writing,graphics, and more.
Shirley Ruhe was the top award winner, earn-ing seven different awards including two firstplace awards, one for investigative reporter forher series on sex trafficking.
Other first place award winners include pho-tographer Mark Mogle, who also won two firstplaces; Bonnie Hobbs for General News for hercoverage of the rise and fall of the mayor ofthe City of Fairfax; Eden Brown for Educationwriting; Tim Peterson for Public Safety writ-
ing and for Sports writing; Joan Brady for Fea-ture Series on foster care alumni success sto-ries; Jeanne Theismann for headline writing;Alexandra Greeley for food writing. StevenMauren, editor-in-chief, won first place forEditorial Pages in Alexandria Gazette Packet,along with Mary Kimm, cartoonist Steve Artley,and designers Geovani Flores and LaurenceFoong.
— Mary Kimm
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2016 Virginia Award Winners❖ Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic
Integrity and Community Service, the association’shighest award, went to Local Media Connec-tion/Mount Vernon Gazette for coverage andeditorials relating to police reform in FairfaxCounty.
❖ Shirley Ruhe, 1st Place, In-Depth or InvestigativeReporting, Arlington, Investigative Series-Sex Traf-ficking
❖ Mark Mogle, 1st Place, General News Photo,Wreaths Across America, Arlington Connection
❖ Eden Brown, 1st Place, Education Writing, Ar-lington Connection
❖ Shirley Ruhe, 1st Place, Column Writing, Peopleat Work, Alexandria Gazette Packet,
❖ Jeanne Theismann, 1st Place, Headline Writing,Alexandria Gazette Packet
❖ Steven Mauren, Mary Kimm, Steve Artley,Geovani Flores and Laurence Foong, 1stPlace, Editorial Pages, Alexandria Gazette Packet
❖ Mark Mogle, 1st Place, Picture Story or Essay,“Plaid Tidings,” Alexandria Gazette Packet
❖ Tim Peterson, 1st Place, Public Safety Writing,Burke Connection
❖ Bonnie Hobbs, 1st Place, General News Writing,Fairfax Mayor Caught in Sex-for-Meth Sting,Fairfax Connection
❖ Joan Brady, 1st Place, Feature Series or Continu-ing Story, Great Falls Connection,
❖ Alexandra Greeley, 1st Place, Personal ServiceWriting, Food Features, Great Falls Connection
❖ Tim Peterson, 1st Place, Sports Writing Portfo-lio, Springfield Connection
❖ John Bordner, 2nd Place, General News Photo,
Kluge Farewell, Alexandria Gazette Packet❖ Shirley Ruhe , 2nd Place, Feature Series,
Homelessness, Arlington Connection❖ Kemal Kurspahic and Staff, 2nd Place, General
Makeup, Fairfax Connection❖ Marilyn Campbell, 2nd Place, Personal Service
Writing, Oak Hill/Herndon Connection❖ Jon Roetman, 2nd Place, Sports Writing Portfo-
lio, Oak Hill/Herndon Connection❖ Shirley Ruhe, 2nd Place, Column Writing, In the
Kitchen, Mount Vernon Gazette❖ Jean Card, Laurence Foong, Renee Ruggles,
2nd Place, Informational Graphics, Guide to theParks, Fairfax Station Connection
❖ Shirley Ruhe, 2nd Place, Personality or PortraitPhoto, Vienna-Oakton Connection
❖ Ken Moore, 2nd Place, Health, Science & Environ-mental Writing, Great Falls Connection
❖ Kemal Kurspahic, Andrea Worker, DonaldSweig, Ken Moore, Geovani Flores,Laurence Foong, 3rd Place, Front Page Design,Reston Connection
❖ Shirley Ruhe, 3rd Place, Personal Service Writ-ing, Arlington Connection
❖ Steven Mauren, Geovani Flores, LaurenceFoong, 3rd Place, General Makeup, Arlington Con-nection
❖ Shirley Ruhe, 3rd Place, General News Photo, Ar-lington Connection
❖ Eden Brown, 3rd Place, General News Writing,Arlington Connection
❖ Jeanne Theismann, 3rd Place, Personal ServiceWriting, Obituaries, Alexandria Gazette Packet
❖ Steve Artley, 3rd Place, Illustrations, Editorial
Cartoon, Alexandria Gazette Packet❖ Vernon Miles, 3rd Place, Feature Writing Portfo-
lio, Alexandria Gazette Packet❖ Jon Roetman, 3rd Place, Sports Writing Portfo-
lio, McLean Connection❖ Jean Card, Laurence Foong, Renee Ruggles, 3rd
Place, Informational Graphics, Guide to the Parks,Mount Vernon Gazette
❖ Tim Peterson, 3rd Place, General News Writing,Mount Vernon Gazette
❖ Laurence Foong, 3rd Place, InformationalGraphics, Real Estate Map, Great Falls
❖ Mary Kimm, 3rd Place, Editorial Writing, GreatFalls Connection
❖ Ken Moore, 3rd Place, Education Writing, GreatFalls Connection
❖ Ken Moore, 3rd Place, Feature Writing Portfolio,Oak Hill/Herndon Connection
Mary Kimm and Tim Peterson ac-cepted the Virginia Press AssociationAward for Journalistic Integrity andCommunity Service.
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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
@ArlConnection
An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered
to homes and businesses.Published by
Local Media Connection LLC
1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314
Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to
connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]
Steven MaurenEditor
Mike SalmonAssistant Editor
Vernon MilesReporter
Eden Brown, Shirley RuheContributing Writers
ADVERTISING:For advertising information
Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales
Andrea SmithClassified & Employment Advertising
David GriffinMarketing Assistant
Editor & PublisherMary Kimm
[email protected]@MaryKimm
Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon
Editor in ChiefSteven MaurenArt/Design:
Laurence Foong, John Heinly,Ali Khaligh
Production Manager:Geovani Flores
Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann
[email protected]@TheismannMedia
CIRCULATION: [email protected]
ArlingtonThe
Connection
Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
MS programin Biotechnology
http://biotechnology.georgetown.edu
One year with rolling admission
Fall 2017 deadline is 5/15/17
Contact the Program Coordinator for details
202-687-1070
Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.
THROUGH APRIL 17Spring Cleaning for Water Pipes.
Crews at the Washington Aqueductwill begin the temporary disinfectantswitch from chloramine to chlorine.The annual switch in waterdisinfection is part of a routineprogram to clean and maintain thedrinking water systems. TheAqueduct also adds a corrosioncontrol inhibitor during the switch toprevent the potential release of leadin system pipes throughout theregion. Extensive research inArlington has never found any leadservice lines or lead pipes insidehomes. During the cleaning,Arlington’s Water, Sewer, StreetsBureau will continually monitor theoutput for safe chlorine levels as wellas conduct system-wide flushing toenhance water quality. Visitwater.arlingtonva.us/water.
WEDNESDAY/APRIL 12Gardening Talks &
Demonstrations. 7 p.m. at theArlington Central Library, 1015 N.Quincy St. The Arlington FoodAssistance Center and the MasterGardeners of Northern Virginia willsponsor a series of talks anddemonstrations about gardening. Inaddition to basic gardeningtechniques, topics will include wildedibles, pollinators, food preparationand preservation, and more. For acomplete schedule, visitwww.afac.org/plot-against-hunger/pah-events/.
THROUGH APRIL 18AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. 10
a.m.-7p.m., Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Thursdays, Arlington Central Library,1015 N. Quincy St. Available free totaxpayers with low to moderateincome, with special attention tothose 60 and older. 703-829-6192.Parking Working Group SurveyDeadline. Share thoughts on thefuture of parking in the Rosslyn-Ballston and Jefferson Daviscorridors. Visitwww.surveymonkey.com/r/RPWGrecs and take the survey.
WEDNESDAY/APRIL 19Public Meeting. 5-7:30 p.m. at the
Reed School gym/multipurposeroom, 1644 N. McKinley Road.Discuss Washington BoulevardEnhancements. Visit bit.ly/2o68GGM.
Gardening Talks &Demonstrations. 7 p.m. at theArlington Central Library, 1015 N.Quincy St. The Arlington FoodAssistance Center and the MasterGardeners of Northern Virginia willsponsor a series of talks anddemonstrations about gardening. Fora complete schedule, visitwww.afac.org/plot-against-hunger/pah-events/.
SUNDAY/APRIL 23Rise Against Hunger. 1-4 p.m. at
Christ Crossman United MethodistChurch, 384 N. Washington St., FallsChurch. Help assemble more than30,000 meals to help create a worldwithout hunger. Sign up to volunteerat events.stophungernow.org/ChristCrossman4/23.
Bulletin Board
“Flourishing After 55” from ArlingtonOffice of Senior Adult Programs for April17-22.
Senior centers: Lee, 5722 LeeHwy.; Langston-Brown Senior Center,2121 N. Culpeper St.; Walter Reed,2909 S. 16th St.; Arlington Mill, 909 S.Dinwiddie St.; Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18th
St.Senior trips: Tour Supreme Court,
Monday, April 17, $5; Shenandoah Cav-erns, Rt. 1 Chip factory, lunch;Wednesday, April 19, $62; LeesburgFlower and Garden Festival, Saturday,April 22, $8. Call Arlington County 55+Travel, 703-228-4748. Registration re-quired.
NEW PROGRAMS:Current events discussion, Mon-
day, April 17, 10 a.m., Walter Reed.Register, 703-228-0955.
Fair Trade explained, Tuesday,
April 18, 1 p.m., Langston-Brown. Free.Register, 703-228-6300.
Credit basics, Wednesday, April 19,1 p.m., Langston-Brown. Register, 703-228-6300.
Karaoke Night, Wednesday, April19, 6:30 p.m., Arlington Mill. Free. De-tails, 703-228-7369.
Information about air-purifyingspider plants, Wednesday, April 19,1 p.m., Walter Reed. Register, 703-228-0955.
Easy recipes and samples madewith healthy nuts and seeds,Wednesday, April 19, 11 a.m., ArlingtonMill. Register, 703-228-7369.
Controlling clutter, Thursday,April 20, 1 p.m., Langston-Brown. Reg-ister, 703-228-6300.
Crochet instruction for begin-ners, Thursday, April 20, 11:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m., Lee. Call for appointment.703-228-0555.
“Flourishing After 55”
6 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
By Steve Hibbard
The Connection
The Arlington Players (TAP) ispresenting the charming musi-cal, “She Loves Me,” from April14 to April 30. With the book
by Joe Masteroff and music by Jerry Brock,the play tells the story of two 1930s Euro-pean perfume shop employees who don’tget along but fall in love as they exchangeanonymous pen pal letters. This light-hearted and charming musical proves thatopposites really do attract with unexpectedromance and marvelous musical numbers.
Director Michael Kharfen said the showis one of his all-time favorites. “‘She LovesMe’ has been called the most charmingmusical ever written. It has the three ele-ments of an entertaining show: beautifulmusic, genuine and sympathetic characters,and a timeless story,” he said. “It also gaveme the chance to work with such a dedi-cated and talented producer, music direc-tor, choreographer, designers and cast.”
He said the play is not your typical musi-cal of the era when it was written in 1963.“It has a smaller-sized cast and there arenot many large-scale musical numbers,” hesaid, adding that it is not considered muchof a dance show either. “But our gifted cho-reographer Cathy Oh and her assistant cho-reographer Karinn Cologne added manyclever and fun dance elements to the show.”
He added, “‘She Loves Me’ is a romanceabout relationships and aspiration for one’strue soulmate. It is an enduring story of howthe discovery of love can come to the mostunexpected people in the most unpredict-able way.”
Producer Barbara Esquibel said there isno way that you would walk away from“She Loves Me” not feeling joy. “It is a storyabout love, and who wouldn’t want to feeljoy for watching people fall in love,” shesaid. “I also hope [audiences] walk way feel-ing amazed by the talented cast that wason the stage, the beautiful orchestra theyheard, and the amazing design elements
that bring the show together.”Jolene Vettese plays the role of Amalia
Balash, who is romantic at heart but notafraid to go after what she wants. “She’ssassy, sweet, and silly,” she said. “And she isin love with her dear friend who we find outthrough the course of the show is Georg.”
She said her challenge in the role wastapping back into her soprano voice. “I’vebeen playing roles where I belt or mix a lotthe last few years, and to really get to singthese iconic soprano songs was so exhila-rating,” she said.
Sam Nystrom plays the role of GeorgNowack, a clerk at Maraczek’s Parfumeriein 1930s Budapest. “He’s joined a lonelyhearts club and has been writing letters backand forth to ‘Dear Friend,’ whom he hasnever met in person,” he said.
He feels a deep connection, only to findout that “Dear Friend” is actually AmaliaBalash, a fellow clerk who he does not getalong with and cannot stand, he said. Georgis torn about what to do — reveal to Amaliathat he is the one who has been writing toher and risk her wanting nothing to do withhim, or confess that he is her “Dear Friend,”and hopefully end up with his soulmate. Hesaid the show explores how he handles thisconundrum.
He added, “The songs were written by
Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, who alsowrote ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ and it’s a greatshow from the 1960s that is not performedall too frequently....it is utterly charmingand features individual moments for all themajor characters.”
Mikel Rios plays the role of Ilona Ritter, acharacter with a lot of passion. “While notexactly book smart, she knows preciselyhow to attract a man,” she said. “The prob-lem is, she’s constantly pursuing the wrongkind of man. I love her exuberance and hergradual discovery that she deserves morewhen it comes to love.”
She said the challenge was not slippinginto the temptation of making a caricature.“Ilona is so much more than the ditzy, vo-luptuous blonde, so I try to bring out hersavvy, her vulnerability and her genuinewarmth to the people around her,” she said.She added, “This is such a delightful, feel-good experience; even in rehearsals I findmyself laughing or tearing up when I watchthe characters. ‘She Loves Me’ is the per-fect show for anyone wanting to escape toa simpler, happier time; it’s a story aboutlove — who couldn’t use more of that?”
John Barclay Burns plays the role of Mr.Maraczek, the benevolent owner of the storeand something of a paterfamilias to hisclerks. “During the play, his suspicion that
one of those clerks is having an affair withhis wife darkens his geniality. In the endkindliness wins,” he said.
He said it was a challenge to sing and dancein rehearsals since he hadn’t done so in awhile. “The nuances in Maraczek’s characterhad to be addressed successfully,” he said.
Trevor Telesz plays the role of Arpad, thedelivery boy at the parfumerie who is liter-ally on the cusp of adulthood. “He’s not aboy anymore, but people don’t quite viewhim as a man yet. So throughout the show,you see him grow and develop more as anadult, and you see him desperately want-ing to be treated as an adult,” he said.
He added, “All in all, I think Arpad’s indi-vidual journey is one that people of all agescan relate to because it touches on people’sshared experiences of wanting affirmationand approval, but also brings some humorand innocence.”
The Arlington Players (TAP) is presentingthe musical, “She Loves Me,” from April 14to April 30, 2017. Show times are Friday andSaturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2:30p.m. Tickets are $25/adult; $22/senior andmilitary; and $15/child/student. The venueis the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre,125 S. Old Glebe Road, Arlington. Call 703-549-1063 or visit thearlingtonplayers.org.
Charming musicalabout pen pals whofall in love in 1930sBudapest.
TAP Presents ‘She Loves Me’
The ArlingtonPlayers (TAP)is presenting“She LovesMe” fromApril 14 toApril 30.
Photo
contributed
ONGOINGDivine Light Art Show. Through
April 28, various times at the GalleryUnderground, 2100 Crystal Drive.The opening reception to meet theartist is on April 7 from 5-8 p.m. Visitwww.galleryunderground.org/ formore.
Cycling Volunteers Needed. The20th annual Armed Forces CyclingClassic needs volunteers for the June10-11 race. Sign up by April 15 andget a free class at CycleBar ColumbiaPike. Email [email protected] more.
Crystal Run: 5K Fridays. 6:30 p.m.Fridays in April at 2121 CrystalDrive. An evening race after work.Visit www.crystalcity.org for more.
“Midwestern Gothic.” Various timesthrough April 30 at the SignatureTheater, The Village at Shirlington,4200 Campbell Ave. Story of a smalltown and a young girl whoseimagination drives her to create moreand more diversions. Visitwww.sigtheatre.org for more.
Annual Student Exhibition. ThroughMay 5, various times in the Barry
Gallery in the Reinsch Library,Marymount University, 2807 NorthGlebe Road. Featuring art, design,and fashion illustration work. Visitwww.marymount.edu/barrygalleryfor more.
Artomatic Kicks Off 2017. Varioustimes through May 6 at Exhibitionspace, 1800 S. Bell St. A variety ofcreative work, including visual art,music, film, live fire performances,poetry, dance, fashion, workshopsand special events showcases. Visitwww.artomatic.org/ for more.
OCEAN Yoga. through May 6 atShirlington Branch Library, 4200Campbell Ave., Campbell Room.Tricia Londres, owner of OCEAN
Yoga, will instruct students of alllevels and ability. Mats not provided.Visit arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/3062874 for more.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15Walker Chapel Community Easter Egg Hunt. 3 p.m. at Walker Chapel
United Methodist Church, 4102 N. Glebe Road. Call 703-538-5200 or visitwww.walkerchapel.org for more.
THURSDAY/APRIL 20Arlandria Eggstravaganza. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Four Mile Conservatory
Center 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria. Easter bunny and egg hunt. Visitwww.arlandriaeggstravaganza.com for more.
Easter EventsCalendar Submit entertainment announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar.Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeksbefore event.
Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opening and Closing Packages(4th season free if booked before April 1)
Annual Pool Maintenance Contracts10% off if booked by April 1
703-803-7374 Ext. 3140
It’s Never Too EarlyIt’s Never Too Earlyto schedule your
pool opening for 2017Call Jonathan Ruhe
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To honor Mom on Mother’s Day, send us your favorite snapshots of youwith your Mom and The Mount Vernon Gazette will publish them in ourMother’s Day issue. Be sure to include some information about what’sgoing on in the photo, plus your name and phone number and town ofresidence. To e-mail digital photos, send to:
[email protected] prints will be returned to you if you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope, but please don’t send us anything irreplaceable.
“Me and My Mom”
Entertainment
FRESHFARM Market. 3-7 p.m. onTuesdays at 1900 Crystal Drive. Shopfrom local farmers and producerswith seasonal fruits and vegetables,fresh-cut flowers, container plantsand herbs, farm-raised eggs, all-natural meats, artisan baked goods,and specialty foods. Visitwww.crystalcity.org for more.
Mobile Bike Repair. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. onThursdays at 1900 Crystal Drive.Drop off your bike on Thursdaymorning and have it tuned up andready to ride before heading home.Email [email protected], or phone855-VELO-FIX for more.
Food Truck Thursdays. 11 a.m.-2p.m. at 1900 Crystal Drive & 20112th St. Actual truck schedules aresubject to change so be sure to followyour favorites. Visitwww.crystalcity.org for more.
Crystal Ball: Street Hockey. 6:30p.m. Thursdays at 1900 CrystalDrive. A co-ed social league, Inpartnership with the DC Fray, hockeyenthusiasts compete competitivelyand recreationally in Crystal City.Games are played weekly andchampions are crowned at the end ofeach season. Visitwww.crystalcity.org for more.
Healthy Lifestyle Runs. Saturdays, 9a.m. at Roosevelt Island, GeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway.American Cancer Society partnerswith parkrun USA to promote fitnessin the fight against cancer. Free. Visitwww.parkrun.us/rooseveltislanddc/for more.
Friday Night Live. 8 p.m. Fridays atthe Church at Clarendon, 1210 N.Highland St., Suite A. Localmusicians perform. Free. Visit1bc.org for more.
Culinaire’s Winter Lunch. Tuesdaysthrough Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. at The Art Institute ofWashington, 1820 N. Fort MyerDrive, 12th floor. Culinaire, thestudent-run restaurant of the ArtInstitute of Washington, is nowserving lunch from their winter menuon Tuesdays, Wednesdays andThursdays. Visitwww.artinstitutes.edu/arlington formore.
Arlington’s Historical MuseumOpen on First Wednesdays. TheArlington Historical Museum is opento the public on the first Wednesdayof every month from 12:30-3:30 p.m.The museum consists of exhibitschronicling Arlington County’shistory from Native Americansettlements up to the present day.The museum will continue to be openon Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4p.m. Admission is free. The museumis located in the former 1891 HumeSchool building at 1805 S. ArlingtonRidge Road. Contact Garrett Peck at571-243-1113 or [email protected].
LGBT & Straight Friends Social.
Photo by John Granada
The Blue and White Hydrangeas by John Granada is one artwork thatwill be part of the April 22-23 show at the Festival of the Arts 10 a.m.-5p.m. at the plaza, 3003 Washington Blvd. Visit www.artfestival.com,email [email protected] or call 561-746-6615 for more.
Tuesdays. Happy Hour, 3-7 p.m.; Mikey’s “Bar A”Video Wall, 7 p.m.; starttime at 8 p.m. IOTA Club& Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd.For 21 years and older.Free. Visitwww.iotaclubandcafe.comfor more.
Open Mic Comedy.Wednesdays 8-10 p.m. atRi Ra Irish Pub, 2915Wilson Blvd. Doors openat 7 p.m. Age 21 and uponly. Free show, $25 cashprize for best joke. Call703-248-9888 or Visitwww.RiRa.com/Arlingtonfor more.
Storytime. Wednesdays andFridays, 10:30-11 a.m. atKinder Haus Toys, 1220N. Fillmore St. Storytimewith Ms. Laura. Call 703-527-5929.
Lego Club. Monthly on thefirst Wednesday. 4-5 p.m.Glencarlyn BranchLibrary, 300 S. KensingtonSt. 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.
APRIL 13-MAY 13Nature’s Grasp Artshow. Various
times in Lee Arts Center, 5722 LeeHighway. NATURE’S GRASP: APrintmaking Portfolio. Openingreception, Saturday, April 15, 1-3:00p.m. Free. Call 703-228-0560.
FRIDAY/APRIL 14Wiggly Worms Campfire. 7-8 p.m. at
Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608Military Road. Join us at the GulfBranch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. The night will be filledwith entertaining activities such asstories, special animal guests, games,songs and S’mores. Call 703-228-3403 or visit parks.arlingtonva.us formore.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15Walker Chapel Community Easter
Egg Hunt. 3 p.m. at Walker ChapelUnited Methodist Church, 4102 N.Glebe Road. Call 703-538-5200 orvisit www.walkerchapel.org formore.
SATURDAY/APRIL 17Columbia Pike Blues Festival. 1-
8:30 p.m. over three blocks at theintersection of Columbia Pike andWalter Reed Drive. Music, food,crafts and vendors. Three-timeGrammy-nominee Bettye LaVette
headlines the show. Free. Visitcolumbia-pike.org/bluesfest/ formore.
“She Loves Me” Performances.Various times at the ThomasJefferson Community Theatre, 125 S.Old Glebe Road. After the April 23matinee, a post-show discussion withthe cast and production team to learnmore about the process of puttingtogether the show. Visitwww.thearlingtonplayers.org formore.
SUNDAY/APRIL 16Invasive Plants Removal. 2-4 p.m. at
Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road. Help keep theparks free of destructive invasiveplants. Call 703-228-6535 or visitregistration.arlingtonva.us. Free, noregistration required.
MONDAY/APRIL 17Water Use and Gardens. 7-8 p.m. at
the Arlington Central Library, 1015N. Quincy St. Irrigation, handwatering, rain barrels, ollas, stormwater re-use. Visit mgnv.org or call703-228-5990 for more.
APRIL 19-MAY 24Outdoor Zumba. 6-7 p.m. on
Wednesdays, April 19 to May 24 (noclass May 10) at Freedom Park,Entrance on Lynn St. at Wilson Blvd.$20 for all five classes. Visitwww.rosslynva.org for more.
THURSDAY/APRIL 20Story & Art Classes. 10:30-11 a.m.-9
p.m. at Kinder Haus Toys, 1220 N.Fillmore St. Classes are taught byretired Taylor School art teacher,Elizabeth Ashley. Four-week sessionis $120 or $30 a session. Call thedesk to reserve a spot. 703-527-5929.
Arlandria Eggstravaganza. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Four Mile ConservatoryCenter 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave.Alexandria. Easter bunny and egghunt. Visitwww.arlandriaeggstravaganza.comfor more.
Rotary Awards Banquet. 6 p.m. atChina Garden Restaurant, 1100Wilson Blvd. The Arlington RotaryEducational Foundation annualFundraiser Banquet featuring speakerDon Beyer. $50. Visitwww.arlingtonrotaryclub.org formore.
Arlington Young DemocratsDebate. 6:30 p.m. at the NationalRural Electric CooperativeAssociation in Ballston, 4301 WilsonBlvd. Michael Lee Pope to serve asmoderator for four-way race. Visitwww.arlingtonyoungdems.org/ formore.
Meet the Author. 7 p.m. at theCentral Library, 1015 N Quincy St.Meet Elizabeth Strout, novelist,short-story writer, and winner of the2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for“Olive Kitteridge.” Call 703-228-5990for more.
South Africa Dust and Thunder.7:45 p.m. at Arlington Cinema &Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike.Filmed live on tour with 50,000 fansin Pretoria, South Africa, theirperformance was shot in Ultra HDand is presented in surround sound.Visit www.ArlingtonDrafthouse.com.
SEE Concert. 7:30 at Iota Café, The
Market Common, Clarendon,2832 Wilson Blvd. SEE is a21-year-old singer/songwriterand multi instrumentalist.Call 703-522-8340.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 21-23Paul Rodriguez Comedy.Various times at the ArlingtonCinema and Draft House,2903 Columbia Pike. $26.75.Admission is 21 or overunless accompanied byparent/guardian before 9p.m.; 21 or older only after 9p.m. Visitarlingtondrafthouse.com/ orcall 703-486-2345 for more.
SATURDAY/APRIL 22Bike Day. 9:30-11:30 a.m.at the Central Library, 1015 NQuincy St. 10th Streetparking lot will be closed forbike practice anddemonstrations. Communitygroups will provide cyclinginformation, and volunteers
will assist with bike tune-ups. Call703-228-5990 for more.
Home Show and Garden Expo. 10a.m.-5 p.m. at the Thomas JeffersonCommunity Center, 3501 2ND St.Learn of new ways to update thehome and add value to the property.Visit www.arlingtonhomeshow.org/for more.
Finances Expo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at theWestin Crystal City Hotel, CrystalCity Shops, 1800 Jefferson DavisHighway. “Get Fierce About YourFinances,” is the topic. [email protected] for more.
Annual Spring Gala. 6-11 p.m. at theRitz-Carlton, Pentagon City, 1250 S.Hayes St. Arlington CommunityFoundation fundraiser. $300. Visitwww.arlcf.org/ or call 703-243-4785for more.
Bingo Night. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St.John’s Episcopal Church, 415 S.Lexington St. $5 for two cards. Prizeswill be awarded and refreshmentswill be available. Call 703-671- 6834or [email protected].
SATURDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 22-23Festival of the Arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at
the plaza, 3003 Washington Blvd.Visit www.artfestival.com, [email protected] or call 561-746-6615 for more.
APRIL 25-MAY 18Lunchtime Bootcamp. 12:15-12:45
p.m. at Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, 1300Lee Highway. Work with aprofessional High Intensity IntervalTraining trainer. $25 for all eightclasses. www.rosslynva.org.
8 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
From Page 3
inspectors will leave an oversizedyellow door hanger on the resi-dence letting the owner know thatthere is a safety concern regard-ing the property. Sometimes thatis as far as the process is able togo. “Virginia is a property rightsstate,” said Lawson. “People insingle family homes have the rightto live the way they want to live.
If their situation doesn’t immedi-ately impact neighbors, [there is]not a lot we can do, but we try.”
Lawson and Pugh both notedthat hoarding situations are mucheasier to address in rental proper-ties or multi-family complexeswhere the situation is also a con-cern for the safety of other resi-dents.
“That factors a lot more in ourability to encourage or enforce
people to resolve their hoarding,”said Lawson. “It’s a fire hazard.”
“Rental properties are the bestcase scenario,” said Pugh. “Withrentals, we are able to include theproperty owner in a solution. Ul-timately responsibility rests on thetenant to maintain the rental unitin the same condition they re-ceived it. If they fail to do so, theproperty manager, owner, or com-munity manager can [evict] the
resident.”“Sometimes residents will call us
back and want to know why thegovernment is knocking on theirdoor,” said Pugh. “Normally thisopens up avenues for a conversa-tion just to gather baseline infor-mation.”
Getting a conversation startedabout the issue gives code enforce-ment their foot in the door. In mostsituations though, Pugh says thecode enforcement inspector alonecannot resolve these issues.
“If you’re standing there, it’soverwhelming at best,” said Pugh.“These are places packed floor toceiling.” Depending on thehomeowner’s situation, Pugh saysthe code inspector will tap into thebroader network of local govern-ment services.
“If the resident is elderly, we calladult protective services,” saidPugh. If children are involved:child protective services. If ani-mals: we will alert animal control.It’s such a tedious task to reach outto them one at a time so we devel-oped a hoarding task force andmade a group email.”
Both Arlington and Alexandriahave hoarding task forces. Lawsonsays when Adult Protective Ser-vices becomes involved, they in-terview the victim to try to get atthe root of the problem and exam-ine what options are available toresolve the problem.
“We’re a government, we’re hereto support them,” said Lawson. “Ifthey have the resources we do en-courage them to utilize those. Ifwe determine they need financialresources, if we deem necessary,we will provide that support.”
Pugh says getting families in-volved in the recovery process canbe crucial to solving the long-termissues.
“Initially people will tell youthey don’t have anybody, but oncetheir [friends and family] learn[the victim] is living in dangerousconditions and unable to stay intheir home, they become a big partof the solution or resolution to getit cleaned up,” said Pugh.
DURING THE PROCESS of re-claiming the house, Pugh says hetries not to displace people anylonger than necessary.
“We’ve gotten pretty creative atkeeping people in their homes,”said Pugh. “Six months ago, a se-nior citizen was living in a placewhere there was only enoughroom to sit in her lazy-boy. She hadfallen and was transported to thehospital. When she returned, theowner offered to put her up in apartially finished unit while theproperty manager went through
her stuff: identifying trash, keep-sakes, must haves, that kind ofthing. Eventually she was returnedto the unit after two weeks and itwas cleaned and organized. Shewas extremely grateful, it had alljust gotten away from her.”
Like the code inspectors, Lawsonsays Adult Protective Serviceswork begins with a conversation.
“We operate least restrictive andleast intrusive to most,” saidLawson “We always start on thelow end of the scale, with conver-sation. We’re trying to engage andassess. A lot of times, it doesn’t getadversarial: people are willing towork with us. … For the most part,once we get in there, they’re moreaccepting. It’s a mental illness,they recognize ‘yeah, this is bad,I’m trying and I’m just not able towork through it.’”
For those who refuse assistance,Lawson says Adult Protective Ser-vices must determine the compe-tency of the victim.
“From a social worker perspec-tive, competent adults have a rightto self determination,” saidLawson. “That’s something we’reconstantly assessing: how compe-tent is this person? How aware arethey of their situation? If we feelit’s something that needs to be re-solved, we offer services. Compe-tent adults have a right to acceptor refuse services. If safety is anissue, we may bring in a more au-thoritative body to enforce regu-lations and statutes, like code en-forcement.”
While the house can be cleaned,the underlying issues that causehoarding will likely resurface un-less addressed. Dumas said thereare both pharmacological treat-ments, particularly anti-depres-sants, and therapeutic methods tocombat hoarding.
“One solution is a non-shoppingtrip,” said Dumas. “The therapistgoes to the shopping mall with thepatient and convinces them to gohome without anything. Do thatover and over until they can do iton their own.”
The other solution is called the“downward arrow.” Dumas saysthe goal is to reduce distress at thethought of losing these items. Thetherapist has the victim weigh thecosts and benefit of saving things,and through that process helps thethe victim understand that thebenefits of a healthy life outweighthose of physical collection.
“With hoarding comes the samecomment for most psychiatric con-ditions, it’s a disease, should beviewed as such,” said Dumas.“These people should be viewedwith dignity or respect, same wayas cancer or coronary disease.”
News
Hoarding
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HomeLifeStyle
By Marilyn Campbell
The arrival of spring offers fresh inspi-ration for table setting and home décor,say local designers. “What’s reallybeautiful about spring is that there is such
natural beauty outside,” said Amanda Mertins, co-owner of Patina Polished Living in Old Town Alex-andria. “Everything comes to life in spring. It’s all sofresh, you don’t have to do anything too contrivedbecause decorations present themselves naturallywith lovely daffodils and hyacinths. Pastel coloredeggs are also part of the scene. You can combine thenatural elements with the givens like eggs and bun-nies.”
“Trim a few branches from a flowering bush ortree,” said Courtney Thomas of The Picket Fence inBurke, Virginia. “If you have tulips or daffodils, har-vest some and make your own bouquet or place singlestems in bud vases.”
“You can’t beat the amazing color display that’sgoing on outside right now,” added Anne M. Walkerof Anne Walker Design in Potomac, Maryland.
“The deep magenta blossoms of the Redbud treescombined with the chartreuse color of the buddingtree leaves and new grasses makes my heart skip abeat. Bring these vibrant greens and purples into yourhouse any way you can: fresh flowers, throw pillows,candles. A little touch of coral is welcome now andis a wonderful harbinger of the warmer days ahead.”
For a simple Easter centerpiece start with a tray,advises Thomas. “Cover the bottom with Easter grassor faux moss,” she said. “Place a potted plant or bou-quet in the center with decorative Easter eggs nestledin the grass around it. Add a bunny or two and youhave a cohesive centerpiece that is easy to move ifnecessary.”
Small accent pieces can have a big impact on tablesettings. “Make the table more festive by having placecards at each setting,” said Kelley Proxmire, princi-pal at Kelley Proxmire, Inc. “Make each setting a littlebit more special by putting individual small flower
Local tastemakers offerspring table setting andcenterpiece ideas.
Easter Table Design Ideas
Photo courtesy of Kelley Proxmire, Inc
Designer Kelley Proxmire uses individualsmall flower arrangements to personalizethe table setting in this Vienna, Virginiahome.
Amanda Mertins ofPatina PolishedLiving creates anEaster tree withhand-painted eggs.
Photo courtesy of
Patina Polished Living
arrangements, or perhaps an Easter candy at eachplace.
To create a sophisticated display, Walker advisesforgoing traditional pastel colors and Easter eggs inlieu of vintage white décor. “[Home accessory stores]will all have decorating treasures, and they shouldbe at deeply discounted prices this week,” she said.
Mertins creates an “Easter tree” decorated withhand-blown, hand-painted eggs. “They’re from Aus-tria and they’re really like works of art,” she said.“You can hang these eggs from budding brancheslike those in a Forsythia [shrub] with green leavesand buds.”
10 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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ABC LICENSEHBC Market Common Corp. trading as Heritage Brewing
Co. Market Common Brewpub & Roastery, 2900 Wilson Blvd, Ste 104, Arlington, VA 22201. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On and Off Premises and Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic
beverages. Sean Arroyo, CEO
NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later
than 30 days from the publish-ing date of the first of two required newspaper legal
notices. Objections should be registered at
www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements
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VIRGINIA LLC, 2001INTERNATIONAL DR STE 3706,MCLEAN, FAIRFAX COUNTY,
VIRGINIA, 22102-4605 . The aboveestablishment is applying to the
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OFALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CONTROL (ABC) for a DAY SPAlicense to sell or manufacture
alcoholic beverages. MICHAELGILMAN, MANAGING MEMBER.
NOTE: Objections to the issuanceof this license must be submittedto ABC no later than 30 days fromthe publishing date of the first of
two required newspaper legalnotices. Objections should be
registered at www.abc.virginia.govor 800-552-3200.
21 Announcements
ABC LICENSEOakton Wine Shop, LLC trad-
ing as Oakton Wine Shop,2952A Chain Bridge Road,
Oakton, VA, 22124. The aboveestablishment is applying tothe VIRGINIA DEPARTMENTOF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CONTROL (ABC) for a restau-rant on off premise license tosell or manufacture alcoholicbeverages. Bryan Gauthier,
President. NOTE: Objectionsto the issuance of this licensemust be submitted to ABC no
later than 30 days from thepublishing date of the first oftwo required newspaper legalnotices. Objections should be
registered atwww.abc.virginia.gov
or 800-552-3200.
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21 Announcements
ABC LICENSECheesetique LLC trading asCheestique, 4056 CampbellAve., Arlington, VA 22206.
The above establishment isapplying to the VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OFALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
CONTROL (ABC) for a MixedBeverage Restaurant on
Premises license to sell ormanufacture alcoholic bever-ages. Melissa Pankow, StoreDirector. NOTE: Objections tothe issuance of this licensemust be submitted to ABCno later than 30 days from
the publishing date of the firstof two required newspaperlegal notices. Objectionsshould be registered atwww.abc.virginia.gov or
800-552-3200.
21 Announcements
ABC LICENSEFlik International Corp.
trading as Flik International,7950 Jones Branch Drive,
McLean, Virginia 22102. Theabove establishment is
applying to the VIRGINIADEPARTMENT OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGECONTROL (ABC) for a Wine& Beer On & Off Premiseslicense to sell or manufac-ture alcoholic beverages.Scott Davis, President.
NOTE: Objections to theissuance of this license mustbe submitted to ABC no laterthan 30 days from the pub-lishing date of the first oftwo required newspaperlegal notices. Objectionsshould be registered atwww.abc.virginia.gov
or 800-552-3200.
21 Announcements
ABC LICENSEFlik International Corp.
trading as Flik International,7950 Jones Branch Drive,
McLean, Virginia 22102. Theabove establishment is
applying to the VIRGINIADEPARTMENT OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGECONTROL (ABC) for a MixedBeverage Caterer license tosell or manufacture alcoholic
beverages. Scott Davis,President. NOTE: Objections
to the issuance of thislicense must be submitted to
ABC no later than 30 daysfrom the publishing date of
the first of two requirednewspaper legal notices.
Objections should be regis-tered at
www.abc.virginia.govor 800-552-3200.
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EmploymentEmployment
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIELast night, between 9:30 p.m. and 10:15
p.m., I traveled back in time — without leavingmy bedroom and without the use of a TimeMachine. I went back approximately 41 years tothe fall of ‘73, to my sophomore year in collegeat The University of Maryland. A group of usdecided to go see one of the most talked aboutmovies of the year: “The Exorcist.” Talked aboutbecause it was filmed locally here in Georgetownand because it was said to be scary as h---.
I believe we saw the movie at the old KBCinema located on Wisconsin Ave., NW, adja-cent to Rodmans. I could be wrong but there’sno one to ask, so you’ll just have to take myword for it. I remember little else about the eve-ning, other than my return back to my dormroom, #103, at Cumberland Hall in CollegePark. Though I had a roommate, he had gonehome for the weekend so I was all alone. Andthat is what I remember most, closing the door,shutting off the lights, sitting on my bed and star-ing into the darkness and seeing Linda Blair’sface (from the movie) and being extremelyuncomfortable being by myself so soon after hav-ing seen the movie. I had a difficult night. I don’tremember if I had any nightmares however, but,it was a miserable experience trying to fallasleep. I have not seen “The Exorcist” a secondtime, in its entirety or in any pieces until lastnight, despite it being a movie readily availableon cable, especially around Halloween.
I would say I saw the last 45 minutes. I sawLinda Blair tied up in her bed. I saw Linda Blairturn her head completely around. I saw projec-tile vomiting from her mouth. I saw her fiery, yel-low eyes and her face all torn up with scars andscabs. I saw her bed shake. I saw her bed levi-tate. I heard the demon inside her growl,screech, curse and speak backwards and verballyattack all the priests held sacred. I heard the bellschiming in the movie score. I saw plenty but notenough to justify the fear that engulfed me allthose many years ago. Having watched the moveagain (and having slept peacefully through theevening), it almost feels as if I’ve survived a rite ofpassage somehow, faced off against my past andcome out reasonably healthy — all things notconsidered.
Nevertheless, I have no interest in seeing“scary” movies. I guess I don’t see the point orrather the point pales in comparison to the factthat I’ve been diagnosed with cancer: now that’sscary. Moreover, having lived over 40 years sincehaving seen “The Exorcist,” a few other scarythings have happened in life which places amovie in context; it’s only celluloid (sort of), it’snot real. So I’ve learned a few things and proba-bly unlearned a lot more. I wouldn’t say watch-ing the movie tonight was an epiphany-typemoment when the light came on and I realizedwhat I had been missing or perhaps realizedwhat I’ve been getting. Granted, it’s only amovie, and one that’s over 40 years old, but it’sa movie/experience/ affect that had stuck withme for a long time, and now I’m free of itstentacles.
It reminds of another movie I saw as a youngboy, when I was under 10 years old, it scared theh--- out of me and did give me nightmares:“Invaders From Mars,” released in 1953. TheMartians landed in a field just within view from alittle boy’s bedroom window in his family’s farm-house. I remember his wide eyes at seeing thelight off in the distance. I remember the music. Iremember the Martians having a device thatmade the ground disappear and then reform. Iremember the Martian leader’s head being car-ried around in a goldfish-type bowl of some-thing. I don’t remember the plot. I just remem-ber being frightened. It wasn’t until “TheExorcist” 15 or so years later that I had beensimilarly scared. And it wasn’t until 35 years afterseeing “The Exorcist” when I was once again soscared that I had trouble sleeping, and had night-mares, and experienced everything else associ-ated with fear that your life may actually be com-ing to an end: my non-small cell lung cancerdiagnosis in late February 2009. Having survivedmore than a few years now past my original “13month to two-year” prognosis, maybe I am readyto go see another scary movie? After all, I couldprobably use the diversion.
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“I wasn’t used to these coaches’ coachingstyles, and they expected us to pick up newchoreography immediately and be able toskate on a world-class level already, whichwas stressful for me,” said Nemati. “It tookme a while to adjust, but it made me into amuch stronger skater, physically and emo-tionally. I’m able to take criticism better andmy skill levels improved.”
Before being on the Skyliners, she said,“I didn’t have a chance to skate on such ahigh-level team where somuch is expected of you.So overall, it was a goodexperience for me.”Nemati is a senior atBishop O’Connell Highand, once school beganin September, she prac-ticed with her team Fri-days for 2-1/2 hours, Sat-urdays, five hours andSundays, six hours. Com-petitions started in No-vember and ran throughthe end of February.
“It was really difficult balancing schooland skating,” she said. “But my schoolscheduled all my AP classes in the morning— with electives and easier classes in theafternoon — because on Fridays, I had toleave early to catch a train to Connecticutfor practice. During the week, I’d do a lotof my homework in the library at lunch; andon Fridays, I did some more during the six-hour train ride.”
After Friday practices in Connecticut, theteams practiced Saturdays in Monsey, N.Y.,about an hour away, returning Sundays toConnecticut to practice until 8:30 or 9 p.m.Then Nemati took the train home to Fairfax,arriving around 3:30 a.m. and waking upat 6 a.m. to go to school.
As if that weren’t enough, she also teachesgroup ice-skating classes Monday after-noons at Reston SkateQuest. Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday, she practices solothere; and twice weekly, she takes ice-danc-ing lessons with her private coach. “Icedancing is an important part of synchro-nized skating because it deals with edges,knee bends and posture, which you use onthe ice,” said Nemati.
The 20-member Skyliners vied in fivecompetitions this year. One of them, the endof January, was in Salzburg, Austria. “It wascalled the Mozart Cup,” said Nemati. “Wecompeted against a lot of tough teams —including Finland and another U.S. team,which was our main competition. They werecollege girls from Miami of Ohio Univer-sity. The Skyliners are ages 15 through 24,with our average age 17-18.”
The 10 teams participating did both shortand long programs. The short one is just 3minutes but, said Nemati, “It’s jam-packedwith five skating elements, so you have towork hard to get them all in, in a shortamount of time. And our music was Sia’sversion of ‘California Dreamin’ from themovie, ‘San Andreas,’ so it was very intense.Our coach choreographed it so we’d show
a lot of power and passionate interpreta-tion of the song.”
The long program is about 4-1/2 minutes,so it contains more elements. “But it’s easierbecause you have more time to completethem and really express yourself,” saidNemati. “You can show blocks, circles andlines, plus extensions of your arms and legs.We did an upbeat medley of Whitney Hous-ton songs that were really fun and got theaudience on their feet.”
She said they’d been preparing and wereready. “But we were a bit nervous, so we
held back a little and gotthird place, behind Fin-land and the other U.S.team,” said Nemati. “Butit was good motivation forour next internationalcompetition in Zagreb,Croatia.”
The week-long event inmid-February saw 10teams vying for theZagreb Snowflakes tro-phy. Germany and Hun-gary were the main com-petitors, and the teams
performed the same programs they had allseason.
“We improved our scores a lot and feltmore confident,” said Nemati. “We skatedour best and ending up winning. It was byonly half a point, but we still ended up ontop and it was an amazing experience. Weeach won gold medals, and the team won atrophy. Germany was second and Hungary,third. It was one of the best experiences ofmy life.”
At the start, she said, “When the an-nouncer says, ‘Representing the UnitedStates of America’ over the loudspeaker, Iknew I had a huge job to do. But I wasmotivated to go out and do my best andshow the judges why we were there andwhy we were Team USA. Then, at the medalceremony, they put up the flags of the topthree teams and played the winner’s na-tional anthem. Hearing that on an interna-tional stage was really fulfilling and gaveme a huge amount of satisfaction.”
That ended the international-competitionseason, so the girls returned home. But af-ter a day-and-a-half, they flew to Rockford,Ill., for the 2017 Nationals. The Skylinerscame in third, but beat the other U.S. teamthat they wanted to beat in Austria. “It wasonly by one-tenth of a point, but it was ahuge accomplishment,” said Nemati.
Now, she’s focused on finishing up theschool year, graduating and attending UVAin the fall to possibly major in economicsor business. On March 18-19, she tried outfor the team again — and made it — butthen decided not to accept. Instead, she’llconcentrate on her solo ice dancing.
Although it was tough going to practiceson weekends while her friends were outhaving fun, Nemati has no regrets becauseit was her choice. “I also like serving as arole model for younger girls who’d like tofollow in my footsteps, but don’t think it’spossible. I want to show them they can fol-low their dreams and achieve them.”
From Page 3
People
Synchronized Skater
“We skated ourbest and ending upwinning. It was byonly half a point,but we still endedup on top...”
— LaDan Nemati
12 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 12-18, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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