Herndon Entertainment Holidayconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2016/1… · 7/12/2016 · Oak Hill/Herndon Connection December 7-13, 2016 1 Opinion, Page 4

Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ December 7-13, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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December 7-13, 2016 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Inside

Holiday

EntertainmentHerndonOak HillHerndonOak Hill

Santa VisitsHerndon Library

News, Page 9

Santa VisitsHerndon Library

Lily Zurenda, 5, ofHerndon poses as the“Gingerbread Girl” at

the Winter OpenHouse and Santa’sWorkshop event at

the Herndon Library.

Herndon Homes TourShowcases Holiday SpiritNews, Page 12

SPIRIT Equestrian ProgramGets a Christmas MiracleNews, Page 6

Herndon Homes TourShowcases Holiday SpiritNews, Page 12

SPIRIT Equestrian ProgramGets a Christmas MiracleNews, Page 6

Holiday

Entertainment

2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ December 7-13, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

SHOP!Allen EdmondsAnn TaylorAppalachian SpringArtInsights Animation

& Film Art Galleryat&t WirelessbluemercuryBow Tie CinemasCharles SchwabChico’sCigar TownCrunch FitnessDavelle ClothiersEyewear GalleryFrancesca’s CollectionsGreater Reston Arts CenterHyatt Regency RestonIce Skating Pavilion

(seasonal)Jos. A. Banks ClothiersJouvence AvedaKendra ScottL’OccitaneLou LouMadewellMayflowersMidtown JewelersOriginsPNC BankPotomac River RunningPottery BarnPR at PartnersPR BarbersPrime CleanersSouth Moon UnderTalbotsVictoria’s SecretWells FargoWhite House Black MarketWilliams-SonomaThe Wise Investor Group

DINE!American Tap RoomBen & Jerry’sBig BowlBRB: Be Right BurgerBusara Thai RestaurantChipotle Mexican GrillThe CounterEdibles Incredible!Il FornaioM&S GrillNeylaObi SushiPotbelly Sandwich WorksTasting Room WineBar & ShopTavern64Ted’s BulletinUncle Julio’sWorld of Beer

...and much more!

RESTON TOWN CENTER

HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!Community Holiday PerformancesFOUNTAIN SQUAREDecember 8 Fairfax Christian School, 12:30 pm9 Oak Hill 6th Grade Chorus, 7 pm14 Sunrise Valley Elementary School Chorus, 6:30 pm15 Apostolic Faith Church, 7 pm 16 KISD Honor Choir, 5:30 pm17 Calvary Temple Church, 12 pm

THE PROMENADEDecember 10 The Reston Chorale, 1 pm & 2 pm

Northern Virginia Ukulele Society, 3:30 pm11 Northern Virginia Ukulele Society, 12 pm

The Reston Chorale, 2 pm & 3 pm17 Tenor Tim McKee, 12 pm & 1 pm

Catchin’ Toads, 2:30 pm

Horse-Drawn Carriage RidesSATURDAYS, December 10 & 17, 4 - 9 pm

Mini-Train RidesSUNDAYS, December 11 & 18, 12 - 4 pm

All proceeds from rides benefit local charities

Reston Town Center Ice Skating PavilionNovember until MarchOpen daily; extended hours on holidays

College Night Skate on ThursdaysRock N Skate on FridaysCartoon Skate on Saturdays

See more at restontowncenter.com/events


News

Brothers ReceiveGood Neighbor AwardDuring a Herndon Town Council meeting on Nov. 29, brothers Peterand James Stalcup of Mississippi Drive in Herndon were recognizedby their neighbors and the town of Herndon as recipients of theGood Neighbor Award. Town residents may nominate a family mem-ber, friend or neighbor for the award for making noteworthy contri-butions to improving the quality of life in their neighborhood. PeterStalcup received the award on his brother’s behalf from Mayor LisaMerkel (center) and members of the town’s volunteer CultivatingCommunity Initiative. Neighbors nominated the brothers for theaward because they are always willing to help with yard work,shoveling snow and car repairs.

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By Fallon Forbush

The Connection

During a special meeting on Nov.30, the Herndon Town Counciladopted a resolution that di-rects town staff to move for-

ward with negotiations on a proposal forthe redevelopment of nearly five acres ofdowntown Herndon.

Reston real estate firm Comstock Partnerssubmitted the supported proposal, whichlays out plans to redevelop the area that isbordered by Station Street to the east, Cen-ter Street to the west, the Washington andOld Dominion Trail to the north and EldenStreet to the south.

One of the goals of the downtown rede-velopment is “activating the space withmore people living downtown,” saysHerndon Mayor Lisa Merkel. “Like any real-estate transaction, there will be back-and-forth offers and negotiations. We have somequestions and some things that we wouldlike to iron out.”

The redevelopment has been years in themaking. The town requested proposals lastyear that were to be tailored to meet speci-fications laid out in its master plan, whichwas adopted back in February 2011.

“The real work begins now in negotiat-ing the contract,” says Merkel. “There’s alot of work to do to get to a contract thatwe’re comfortable with and that Comstockwill accept, but we all want it to be suc-cessful and it needs to be financially viablefor Comstock and for the town.”

It was important to Merkel that the sit-ting council made the determination ofwhich firm to negotiate with before newcouncilmembers take office in January.

“It’s been the biggest thing that we’veworked on in the last two years,” she says.“I’m pleased that it came together—fi-nally—while the current council was still

in office.”

THE TOWN’S VISION for the redevelop-ment calls for a four-story mixed-use resi-dential structure, a three-story mixed-usecommercial structure, a jointly-funded pub-lic-private parking structure and an 18,000-square-foot arts center.

The proposal by Comstock Partners in-cludes a mixed-use development with 281luxury apartment units, an 18,000-square-foot arts center, 18,000-square-foot retailspace, 760 parking spaces and three publicplazas.

While the council prefers Comstock’splan, the town also received one other pro-posal from the Stout and Teague Company.

The primary differences between the twoproposals is that the favored plan fulfills theresidential requirement with luxury apart-ment units while the other envisioned 17townhomes, 55 condominiums and 105hotel rooms.

Merkel supports bringing luxury apart-ments to the downtown area because it issomething that Herndon does not offer rightnow. Hotels are another story.

“We didn’t see a screaming need for yetanother hotel that may or may not be fulland would compete with all of the otherhotel assets in the region that serve DullesAirport,” says Maggie Parker, spokespersonfor Comstock Partners. “We preferred hous-ing more people on a seven-day-a-weekbasis.”

The town would own the arts center and280 parking spaces within the parking ga-rage, according to Parker. The private de-veloper would own the housing units, re-tail space and additional parking units.

“What we need to figure out is all of theresponsibilities for the public spaces andtheir long-term improvements,” says Parker.

The plazas would primarily be the town’sresponsibility, but Comstock has offered toassist in maintaining the spaces, she says.

This would be the third developmentComstock has done with a local municipal-ity, says Parker. The first development was

with Fairfax County for the Reston Stationneighborhood off the metrorail’s Silver Lineat the Wiehle-Reston station. The secondwas with Loudoun County to build a park-ing structure for the metrorail off the sameline. Public meetings and hearings wereheld over the last year to discuss and evalu-ate both proposals. If negotiations are suc-cessful and a comprehensive agreementdraft is developed, the council will holdmore public meetings.

IT IS ANTICIPATED that a public hear-ing about the specific terms of the contractand project will be held in spring 2017.Construction would take 24 months.

“Experience is a good friend,” says Parker.“This process should move forward. Thedevil is in the details, but we’re used todoing this and we’re really excited to getstarted to finalize this comprehensive agree-ment.”

The Elden Street Plaza provides ground floor retail, such as a coffeeshop, bakery/deli, or small store, as well as a restaurant with outdoorcafé space that will draw people through the pedestrian street.

The Arts Walk is the heart and life of Comstock’s proposal. Framed bythe Arts Center on one side and loft units on the other, it is an intimatestreet with meandering landscaping. Art displays and sculptures can befeatured and the street itself can become outdoor space for the ArtsCenter activities.

This Station Street Plaza connectsthe Washington and Old DominionTrail with Station Street and in-cludes areas for both retail andart.

Downtown Vision Closer to RealityTown Council en-dorses proposal forredevelopment ofdowntown.

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Opinion

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

The National Conference of

State Legislatures sponsors a“Legislators Back to School Day” each

year as a way to promote the idea that morelegislators should visit their local schools tosee the good work they are doing as well as tounderstand the challenges that school admin-istrators and teachers face. I take advantageof that opportunity and other times I am in-vited to visit schools in my district and some-times to visit schools in other areas to learnabout special programs. For me the visits arevery positive experiences. I continue to be im-pressed with the outstanding work that ourschools are doing especially considering thethousands of children—more than 180,000 inFairfax County—they have to educate. Ensur-ing that every child reaches his or her full po-tential is a continual challenge, but I find ad-ministrators and teachers at every level work-ing earnestly and diligently to make sure ithappens. The children in our community areamazing! They are for the most part eagerlearners who are full of questions and curios-ity. And they are good citizens.

One question that I get from children that

may be a curiosity of some adults aswell is just what is a delegate. I dis-cuss with the students the meaningof “to be delegate” and explain that Iam given a delegation of responsibil-ity by the voters of my district to goto the state capitol each year to rep-resent their interests. In most states and at thefederal level, members of one house of the leg-islature are called representatives; they repre-sent their constituents in the legislature justas I am delegated to do by the people who livein my legislative district.

Their follow-up question is a key one thatmust be answered appropriately if our repre-sentative form of government or republic is tobe successful: How do I know the interests ofmy constituents? I give several explanations.My term of office is for two years. When I standfor re-election every two years I tell the votersin my district what I stand for and believe in.Their vote for me is an affirmation that I standfor the kind of things that they want in theirgovernment. If I do not represent the interestsof my voters, they have an opportunity everytwo years to take back the delegation of re-sponsibility they have given to me and give itto someone else.

Secondly, I know many of the interests of

my constituents because I am out andabout in the community all the time.I listen to a lot of people. I encouragepeople to call or write to me. I try tostay very active in the community tounderstand my constituents and theirneeds. I encourage people to respond

to my annual constituent survey which you cando at www.kenplum.com. Along with SenatorJanet Howell I hold public meetings; the nextone is Monday, Dec. 19, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., atthe Reston Community Center at Lake Anne.Please come and participate.

Being a delegate is supposed to be a part-time job in Virginia; for me it is a full-timejob and a half, but I am very honored tohave been entrusted with this delegationof responsibility.

To Be a Delegate Commentary

By Scott Surovell

State Senator (D-36)

Virginia is represented byDemocrats in all fivestatewide offices, hasvoted for a Democratic

president three times, yet the Vir-ginia House of Delegates has 66Republicans and 34 Democrats.

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court heardarguments on the legality and constitutional-ity of the last redistricting of Virginia House ofDelegates’ districts. The court’s decision couldbe monumental for all Virginia voters.

If I could fix one thing to make our govern-ment work better at every level, I would re-form redistricting. Partisan redistricting abusehas been around since the beginning of Ameri-can democracy. The term “gerrymander” origi-nates from an 1812 attempt to draw districtsfavoring Massachusetts Gov. Eldridge Gerry. Tobe clear, both parties do it, but in the last twodecades, gerrymandering has become espe-cially powerful for a few reasons.

First, America is more partisan. Due to mul-tiple and growing sources of information avail-able in today’s world, voters are able to self-select their news sources and are exposed tofewer alternative perspectives. This has drivenup partisan identification and led to fewer vot-ers who are willing to split their votes betweenpolitical parties.

Second, and more importantly, computer-enabled mapping software has made it pos-sible to draw districts that are finely crafted.When redistricting was done with index cardsshifting precincts days because of ancillary ef-fects and the need to recalculate and balance

district populations.Today, computing technology

analyzes data by census block andin a few seconds can draw a com-prehensive set of districts to elect apredicted number from a specificpolitical party while maximizing

majority-minority districts.Over the last 30 years, these political con-

siderations have caused district lines to con-stantly shift. Many areas constantly move be-tween congressmen, senators and delegatesevery redistricting cycle. Changed lines leavepeople confused about their representatives.Census level analysis leaves precincts split re-quiring local governments to redraw precinctlines to avoid polling places with multiple bal-lots. This costs taxpayers money and leavesvoters confused about their polling place.

Resulting districts are not communities ofinterest. The 36th Senate district that I repre-sent stretches 60 miles across three countiesand two area codes. The 1st Congressional Dis-trict crosses the 36th District and stretches fromManassas to near Norfolk. Districts shouldminimize jurisdictional splits, use natural geo-graphical boundaries like rivers and be trulycompact and contiguous.

Together, this creates a series of hyper-par-tisan districts, both Republican and Demo-cratic, which are so safe in general electionsthat they incentivize incumbents to focus ongalvanizing primary voters’ support and notthe broader electorate. This distorts publicpolicy and increases partisanship when it istime to legislate.

There are two solutions to this problem. First,the legislature could give up redistrictingpower and transfer it to a bipartisan or non-partisan commission. Incumbent legislatorsshould not pick their voters. I have always sup-ported nonpartisan redistricting and the Vir-ginia State Senate has passed it several times,but it always dies in the hyper-gerrymanderedHouse of Delegates. A legislative solution ishighly unlikely.

The real opportunity to remedy this situa-tion lies in the courts. Some courts have thrownout hyper gerrymandered seats using VotingRights Act provisions. While valuable, this lawis not a comprehensive tool because it is lim-ited to preventing racial discrimination anddoes not address other problems with parti-san redistricting. A Wisconsin federal courtrecently used an analysis based on the 1st and14th Amendments to invalidate partisan redis-tricting by focusing on “wasted votes,” but didnot recommend a remedy.

Courts can often better resolve issues thatlegislatures cannot. For example, in 1962, nu-merous legislatures, including Virginia’s, re-fused to redraw districts recognizing the boom-ing suburban populations. The U.S. SupremeCourt required Virginia and other states todraw districts based on actual population byadopting the “one man, one vote” rule of theBaker v. Carr case.

Today, it is similarly time for the courts torestore democracy to our country and our com-monwealth. Hopefully, they will use the Vir-ginia House of Delegates case argued this weekto restore democracy to America.

It is an honor to serve as your state senator.If you have any feedback, you can always con-tact me at [email protected].

Court Should Overturn Partisan RedistrictingCommentary

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See Calendar, Page 7

Send announcements towww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calen-dar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGAll-comers Group Fun Run at

Potomac River Running EveryTuesday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Forbeginners or competitive runners,come out for a free, fun, low-key runthat’s safe and social. 703-689-0999potomacriverrunning.com

One to One English ConversationDec. 1 - Dec. 31 Reston RegionalLibrary 11925 Bowman Towne Dr.Reston. Practice your conversationskills with a volunteer. Call toregister Mondays after 1 p.m.

LRA “Dreams, Creates, Inspires”at Ernst Center Nov. 22 through Dec.18 The exhibit is free and the galleryis open Monday through Friday from10:00 am – 5:00 pm. at the RichardJ. Ernst Community Cultural Centeron the Northern Virginia CommunityCollege Annandale Campus, BuildingCE, 8333 Little River Turnpike,Annandale.

The League of Reston Artists displayspaintings, drawings, mixed media,photographs and two-dimensionalworks suitable for wall hanging.www.leagueofrestonartists.org

Mini-Train Rides 12 - 4 p.m.November 27 through December 18.Departures on Market Street next toTalbots 11900 Market Street, RestonTown Center. Enjoy train ridesthrough Reston Town Center everySunday through December 18.Donations accepted – all proceedsbenefit local charities.restontowncenter.com/holidays

Retrospective PhotographyExhibit Dec. 1 - 31 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.Daily except Sunday when the RCC

facility closes at 8 p.m. RestonCommunity Center at Hunters Woods2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Thisexhibit includes more than 70 colorand monochrome photos by Restonphotographer Fran Bastress takenfrom 2007 to the present. Shespecializes in landscape, nature, andfine art photography. Cost: Free.www.restoncommunitycenter.com/attend-shows-events-exhibits/

exhibits-and-galleriesLRA PenFed Realty Hosts Sievers’

Paintings The League of RestonArtists is showing the oil paintings ofRuth Sievers during December 2016and January 2017 at the office ofPenFed Realty, 1886 Metro CenterDr. Reston. Cost: free. Office open tovisitors Monday - Friday from 9 – 5p.m. www.leagueofrestonartists.org

Calendar

On Saturday February 6 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. the HerndonCommunity Center will host a Father Daughter Dance. Amoment father’s will treasure for the rest of their livesand a special night for daughters. This semi-formal eventwill include an evening of dancing, appetizers, drinks, aphoto of the couple, and a keepsake. Daughter may beaccompanied by an uncle, grandfather, or a male guard-ian. $50 per couple. The Herdon Community Center islocated at 814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon. www.herndon-va.gov.


News

By Fallon Forbush

The Connection

As a certified therapeutic riding instructor, Davorka “Dada” Suvakhas given lessons to at-risk chil-dren, senior citizens and people

with disabilities in Fairfax County for almost10 years. But when she was told that hersmall nonprofit had to vacate its rented

property, she panicked.“We received the notice to vacate the

property exactly one week before Thanks-giving and they wanted us moved out byDec. 31,” she says. “We really need a Christ-mas miracle to go through this transitionand survive it.”

The SPIRIT Equestrian Program inHerndon has rented a farmhouse on WestOx Road next to the Frying Pan Farm Park

for the past three years.It was a month-to-month lease and Dada

knew from the beginning that the ownerwas looking to sell.

“There was no space to fight or blameanybody,” she says.

Slowly, the organization, which has 14horses, raised money so that it would beprepared. The “Home for SPIRIT” campaignon Indiegogo, an online fundraisingwebsite, has raised more than $17,000.

Meanwhile, more than 300 clients spentnearly 4,000 hours riding horses with theorganization last year, according to its an-nual report.

John Stubbs, a single parent of FallsChurch, enrolled his 14-year-old autistic sonWilton into the program a year ago. It wasa “desperate” attempt to find something forhis son to enjoy.

“Once he hit puberty, there was absolutelynothing except for looking at his iPad orplaying with toys that he seemed to enjoyin life,” Stubbs says.

HORSEBACK RIDING quickly became apassion for Wilton. Ice skating, bowling andmany other activities were tried, but horse-back riding is the only thing that has stuck.

“It has to do with that bond with thehorse, I’m sure,” he says. “It’s really im-proved his self-esteem. He can’t ride a bike,but he can make a horse turn left and right,trot and stop.”

When his 8-year-old son Christopher, whohas no disabilities, saw his brother Wiltonriding one day, he demanded to participateas well.

“Now my sons for the first time have ashared activity and it has been absolutelywonderful that they have this thing in theirlife,” Stubbs says.

Laura-Jeanne Springer’s 16-year-olddaughter Nicole has been riding with Dadaand her volunteers for the last seven years.

Springer enrolled Nicole in classes to helpdevelop her core muscles, since she wasborn with Hypotonia, a syndrome that af-fects muscle tone.

“The confidence it’s given her, I can justsee a change,” she says. “Not only does shehave confidence when she’s on a horse, it

spills over into other aspects of her life likein school and here at home.”

She says Nicole would be heartbroken ifshe could no longer ride Max, her favoritehorse.

In anticipation of losing the farmhouse,Dada and her volunteers were looking toraise enough money to purchase a mobileoffice trailer and horse trailers and pickuptrucks to transport the horses.

But they ran out of time.There was not enough funding for these

goals when the property was purchased byMcLean developer Scimores Corporation.

Fortunately for Dada and the people whorely on her program, they received goodnews.

On the morning of Dec. 1, Dada got herChristmas miracle. The Fairfax County ParkAuthority called her and said that it wasconsidering allowing her to rent and usesome of its fields in Frying Pan Farm Parkto continue her work and house the horses.

BY THE END OF THE DAY, an interimagreement had been reached.

Judy Pedersen, a spokesperson for theFairfax County Park Authority provided thisstatement to the Connection:

“The Fairfax County Park Authority andSPIRIT Equestrian are hard at work on acooperative agreement that will ensure thecontinuation of equestrian therapy servicesfor the community. We have reached agree-ment on an interim use agreement that willallow SPIRIT to relocate to Frying Pan FarmPark and are currently working on a long-term solution.

We anticipate closure on this agreementin time to meet impending deadlines fortheir departure from their current locationto a spot on our farm in Herndon. We ap-preciate the many members of the commu-nity who have spoken up in support of thisremarkable program.”

While the details of the long-term agree-ment are being worked out, Dada is thank-ful that her organization will survive.

“We are so thankful to the Park Authoritythat they considered us as a vendor that isgood enough to deserve a place in the park,”she says.

Nicole Springer rides a horse named Max at the SPIRITEquestrian Program. Wilton Stubbs rides a horse.

Before she moved to Virginia andstarted the SPIRIT Open EquestrianProgram, Davorka “Dada” Suvak gavetherapeutic riding lessons in Croatia.

SPIRIT Equestrian Program Gets a Christmas Miracle

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From Page 5

Calendar

Explorations in Color ExhibitFeaturing Artist Kristin HerzogDecember 7, 2016 - January 8, 2017.ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterStreet, Herndon. Explorations inColor is an exhibit featuring abstractpaintings executed in vibrant color.Kristin Herzog’s paintings are allabout color and its power to conveyemotion. With color she explores herreactions to the physical andemotional landscapes of daily life.For more information call 703-956-9560. www.artspaceherndon.com

Exercise for Parkinson’s EveryMonday, 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. RestonSport&health, 11445 Isaac NewtonSquare, Reston. This program bringstogether people impacted byParkinson’s Disease to participate invarious physical exercises aimed atimproving posture, balance andcirculation and increasing strength,muscle control and mobility.Free.parkinsonfoundation.org.ckacenga@sportandhealth.com 703-621-4148.

Teen and Adult Art ClassesArtSpace Herndon Every Mondayfrom 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. 750 CenterStreet, Herndon. Drawing and MixedMedia with Melanie Stanley - DuringFall and Winter of 2016. Cost: $45/class. The class will use a variety oftechniques for drawing, painting,mark making, and collage using finearts tools and materials. Studentswill be taken down a creative path tolearn to use drawing tools andbrushes more effectively. Register byemailing Melanie, and she will sendyou the supply list and paymentoptions/information:[email protected]. 703-956-9560. www.artspaceherndon.com

All-comers’ Group Fun Run atPotomac River Running.Tuesdays and Thursdays. RestonTown Center, 11900 Market Street,Reston. For beginners or competitiverunners, come out for a fun, low-keyrun that is safe and social. For moreinformation, call 703-689-0999https://potomacriverrunning.com.

Herndon Regional Wind EnsemblePractice. Every Tuesday 7-9 p.m.through May. Herndon MiddleSchool, 901 Locust St., Herndon. Foradvanced high school students,college students, and adults who playa brass, woodwind or percussioninstrument. [email protected]: Free

Senior Tea ARTSPACE Herndon10:30 - 12 p.m. Every month seniorsare invited to visit the gallery to viewthe current exhibit and enjoy a cup oftea on the second Friday of themonth, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.750 Center Street, Herndon. All teasare free and open to the public.http://www.artspaceherndon.com/events-2/senior-tea/

College Night Skate, Rock N Skate,Cartoon Skate at the Ice SkatingPavilion

Every Thursday, 6 - 9 p.m. - EveryFriday, 8 - 10 p.m.

Skate Shop, 1818 Discovery Street,Reston Town Center. 11900 MarketStreet. Receive $2 off admission withvalid college ID. Live DJ & music,games & prizes; skating continuesuntil 11 pm. Share the ice withScooby-Doo, Cat in the Hat andmore. [email protected]/skating

Ice Skating in the Pavilion 8 a.m. -11 p.m. open daily, November untilMarch

THURSDAY/DEC. 8The Closet of Herndon Art Sale 10

- 4 p.m. Thursday Dec. 8 - SaturdayDec. 10 771 Elden Street, Herndon.Huge inventory at liquidation prices;most items less than $25. In 2015,The Closet gave away more than$68,000 worth of clothing andnecessities to over 1500 needy

persons referred by an authorizedsocial service agency or one of ourmember congregations, as well asdonating more than $54,000 inprofits to local organizations andproviding scholarships to localstudents.

FRIDAY/DEC. 9Free Holiday Choral Concert

United Christian Parish 11508 NShore Drive, Reston. The program,conducted by David Lang, willfeature holiday and seasonal piecesincluding, And the Glory of the Lord,Irving Berlin’s Christmas, ShepherdsPipe Carol, and others. http://encorecreativity.org, 301-261-5747or email [email protected].

SATURDAY/DEC. 10Explorations in Color Exhibit

Opening Reception 7 - 9 p.m.ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterStreet, Herndon. Explorations inColor is an exhibit featuring abstractpaintings executed in vibrant color.Kristin Herzog’s paintings are allabout color and its power to conveyemotion. With color she explores herreactions to the physical andemotional landscapes of daily life.For more information call 703-956-9560. ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterStreet, Herndon.www.artspaceherndon.com

SUNDAY/DEC. 11Cornucopia of Inspirations

“Earthbeat” Children’s ArtActivity 2 - 5 p.m. ArtspaceHerndon. 750 Center St. Describedby The Smithsonian as “an upliftingeco-fable,” this engaging workshopand presentation shares an importantlesson about man’s impact upon theenvironment. Children will maketheir own terrific Tortoise RodPuppet and enjoy the true story of“Lonesome George,” a truly one-of-a-kind tortoise from the GalapagosIslands. Grades 1-5. Cost: $5. 703-956-9560 www.artspaceherndon.com

TUESDAY/DEC. 13Amphora’s Diner Deluxe doors open

6 p.m. 7:15 p.m. start time. 1151Elden St - Herndon. The Reston-Herndon Folk Club is pleased to hostDebi Smith, a member of FourBitchin’ Babes since 1994. She alsohas a career as a soloist, and drawsfrom her life experiences to createher pop/folk sound. $10 Members,$11 requested donation Non-members 703-435-2402www.restonherndonfolkclub.com

All-comers Group Fun Run atPotomac River Running EveryTuesday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Forbeginners or competitive runners,come out for a free, fun, low-key runthat’s safe and social. 703-689-0999potomacriverrunning.com

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 14Small Wonders 11:30 a.m. Storytime.

Reston Regional Library 11925Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Shortstories for you and your child. Age13-23 months with adult. Status:Openings www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/rr/

THURSDAY/DEC. 15ESL For Advanced Students 10 a.m.

Reston Regional Library 11925Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.JoinRichard’s Thursday conversationalgroup. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/rr/

ESL For Beginners 10 a.m. RestonRegional Library 11925 BowmanTowne Drive, Reston.Join Sandra’sThursday conversational group.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/rr/

Oakton Book Discussion Group 7


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

As Bridget O’Brien took inventoryof her liquor supply recently, shechecked off vanilla rum, whitechocolate liqueur, peppermint

schnapps, Champagne and Crème de cassis.These fanciful ingredients would be the keyingredients of the signature drinks — candycane cocktails and kir royale — that guestshad come to anticipate at her family’s an-nual Christmas caroling party. This year,however, there was a new item on herchecklist: keeping a close eye on her 13-year-old daughter, 16-year-old son and theirfriends, who would be among the guests atthe family-friendly affair.

“The party begins at our house and westroll to the end of the street singing car-ols,” said O’Brien. “There are so manypeople, that it would be easy for kids towander off back to the house where they’dbe alone with the alcohol. They’re startingto want more independence now, so wenaturally lose some of the control that wehad when they were younger.”

Flowing drinks are as much a part of someholiday parties as decadent desserts. As aresult, yuletide festivities increase access toalcoholic beverages for underage drinkers.According to experts, underage drinkers areresponsible for between 10 and 20 percentof all alcohol consumed. During the holi-day season, they also make up the highestpercentage of impaired drivers. The temp-tation among tweens and teens to experi-ment and give into peer pressure, combinedwith the availability of alcoholic beveragescan be a deadly combination, says safetyexperts. They encourage parents to haveconversations with their children.

“A lot of parents would be surprised thattheir child would drink, but there are a lotof ways for children to get alcohol,” saidAllen Lomax, executive director of the Sub-stance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alex-andria. “It’s easy for them to get alcoholfrom their parents’ home if it’s not lockedup. You have to constantly monitor partiesin your home when teens are there becausethere’s a good chance that someone, evenif it’s not your own child, could have alco-hol.”

A child’s inquisitiveness about alcohol isa sign that it’s time for a parent to begin adialogue about the dangers and conse-quences of underage consumption, saysLinda R. Cote-Reilly, a developmental psy-chologist, certified family life educator andprofessor at Marymount University in Ar-lington. It is best to start the conversation… long before the child might be in a situ-ation where they partake in underage drink-ing. … It’s not that different from conver-sations about sexual activity. One big dif-

ference, though, is that the child will haveobserved his or her own parents’ alcoholuse, so parents should be prepared to …answer pointed questions.”

In fact, personal experiences, even thosethat are unpleasant, can be teachable mo-ments and should not be avoided or sugar-coated, says Cote Reilly. “Some children willhave an alcoholic in the family, and parentsshould always address that situation hon-estly and in child appropriate language. Forexample, a child might say, ‘Why did UncleJim fall asleep during Thanksgiving dinner?’and the parent could respond, ‘Because hedrank too much alcohol.’”

Because alcohol is a legal substance thatchildren often observe parents and otheradults consuming, and that they might le-gally consume themselves later in life, theissue can be confusing. While parents wantto curb underage drinking to keep their highschool children safe and avoid legal penal-ties, said Amy L. Best, professor and chair,Department of Sociology and Anthropology,George Mason University. “On the otherhand, parents also need to lay the ground-work for their children to consume alcoholresponsibly in early adulthood.”

Unfortunately, straight alcohol bans dolittle to protect young people as they moveout from under the yoke of parental super-vision. For students transitioning to college,it is very important they have the tools andresources to manage situations where bingedrinking is more common.

Engaging in a straightforward discussionthat is void of mandates and hard-linedrules is the most effective approach in get-ting children to be receptive, advised Best.“I think parents do well when they engagein honest and reasoned discussions withtheir children about alcohol and that theseconversations be ongoing, informal andstructured so their children can feel com-fortable talking about what they are observ-

ing around them,” she said.“Research suggests that when parents fo-

cus on rules and discipline, adolescents tendto be more likely to engage in surreptitiousdrinking and succumb to peer pressure,”agreed Shannon N. Davis, associate profes-sor of sociology at George Mason Univer-sity, In fact, parents who talk to their ado-lescents about drinking as something thatis forbidden might actually be enhancingits desirability, says Davis.

“Instead, [discuss it] as something thatin moderation is part of adult life; [thesediscussions] are more likely to have theirchildren express ideas about moderation intheir own subsequent alcohol consump-tion,” she said. “This is not to say that par-ents should encourage their adolescents tobreak the law. Instead, rather than focus-ing on the illegality of the behavior and therules around drinking, parents should havehonest conversations about drinking, theconsequences on bodies of drinking, andexplain why the rules exist in general.”

Honest conversations also help clear upmisconceptions. “Children often harborideas about alcohol that are downrightwrong,” said Best. “Sometimes this means

parents just listen and then can sharetheir own observations, as well as thestrategies they used to navigate thecomplex world of adolescent andadult drinking.”

It is important that parents set clearboundaries. “I also think parents dowell when they set clear guidelinesand follow them,” said Best. “It is im-portant that teens have the means toforge a sense of self that is separatefrom their parents. That is the funda-mental developmental project of ado-lescence. When teens have productivemeans to forge a sense of self inde-pendence of parent(s), alcohol holdsless appeal.”

It also holds less appeal to confidentteens. “Most importantly, parents wantto ensure that their adolescents havehigh levels of self-esteem that allowthem to feel comfortable saying ‘no’to any circumstance where they areuncomfortable or pressured by theirfriends,” said Davis. “Reminding ado-lescents that it is OK to be different isa hard thing, and it is a hard thing forthe adolescents to hear.”

Experts suggestholding honestconversations.

Wellbeing

Preventing Underage Drinking During the Holidays

Photo by Marilyn Campbell

The holidays and the resulting increase in celebrations and partiescreate opportunities for underage drinking.

“Instead, rather thanfocusing on theillegality of the behaviorand the rules arounddrinking, parentsshould have honestconversations aboutdrinking, theconsequences onbodies of drinking, andexplain why the rulesexist in general.”

—Shannon N. Davis,associate professor of sociology at

George Mason University

Combating that holiday period which theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationsays is a “dangerous time to be on the road dueto a high number of drunk drivers behind thewheel,” a local nonprofit organization an-nounced hat free cab rides will be offered towould-be drunk drivers throughout the Wash-ington-metropolitan area during the winterholidays.

Offered by the nonprofit Washington Re-gional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the annual

Holiday SoberRide® program will operate be-tween 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each evening betweenFriday, Dec. 16, 2016 and Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017as a way to keep local roads safe from impaireddrivers during this traditionally high-risk, holi-day period.

During the evening hours, between Dec. 16and Jan. 1, Washington-metropolitan area resi-dents celebrating with alcohol may call thetoll-free SoberRide phone number 1–800–200–TAXI and be afforded a no-cost (up to $ 30fare), safe way home. (AT&T wireless users candial #WRAP for the same service.)

More information about WRAP’s SoberRideinitiative can be found at www.soberride.com.

Free Holiday Cab RidesOffered to PreventDrunk Driving


bTo Highlightyour Faith

Community,Call Karen at703-917-6468

7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday School: preschool - grade 2Music: grades 3 - 7

10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 6Music 4 years to 2nd grade

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service

The Rev. John C. N. Hall, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran

703-437-6530www.stannes-reston.org

1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston

ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston

Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive COMMUNITIES

OF WORSHIP

Turn your Houseinto a Home

How can you help?

www.foha.org

Adoptone of our lovable

cats or dogs.

Volunteeryour time or

services.

Donatemoney orsuppliesfor theShelter.

NikitaNikita FannieFannie

KaylaKayla

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

Despite their no doubt veryhectic schedule at thistime of the year, Santa,

Mrs. Claus, and two of his favor-ite elves managed to fit in a visitto the Winter Open House at theHerndon Fortnightly Library onSaturday.

Co-sponsored by the Friends ofthe Herndon Library, the Fort-nightly Club, ArtsHerndon and theHerndon Chamber of Commerce,the lobby level of the library onCenter St. was transformed into abustling Santa Workshop from 1-4 p.m. “Gingerbread” was thetheme, and children (of all ages!)gathered around tables to maketheir own gingerbread men andcookies, participate in other artsand crafts and generally let theirholiday-inspired imaginations runwild, while listening to the soundsof a trio of string players fromHerndon High School.

Nicholas Black, Director of Mu-sic for ArtSpace Herndon, added“people conducting” to his regu-lar repertoire as he circled thevenue, helping to check on theyoung attendees at each station.Anna Warburton and Amanda Jas-per of FuzzieTales, ([email protected] forinfo about this “storybook adven-ture club”) did a bit of orchestrat-ing of their own, keeping a happyflow of children well-entertainedat their table filled with ginger-bread-themed activities. All of theaction kept the kids occupiedwhile they awaited the arrival ofthe star of the event – Santa.

Eventually that jolly individualmade his appearance and settledinto his Workshop, with Mrs. Clausand elves Lauren and Alex on handto help. Families were shepherdedinto the Workshop to meet theirhero and whisper their Christmas

wishes into his ear. Waiting fami-lies were not left to simply standon some endless line, as manySanta visits demand, but insteadwere treated to a comfy spot in theouter room where StephanieGardner, a library employee, kept

them captivated with her readingsof holiday stories.

Was the event a success? “Ohyes!” declared four-and-a-half-year-old April Cao. “This is a goodplace to see Santa since you canhave real fun!”

The Santa family prepares to welcome the young ones. From left: “Elf” Lauren, Mrs.Claus aka Shari Murphy, Terry “Santa” Murphy, and “Elf” Alex. Playing the Santagang is a real tradition for the Murphys and their grandkids. This is Alex’s first yearas a helper instead of a “lapster” and even Miss Lauren says this is her first year togo full-costume, but she’s already looking forward to next year.

Santa Visits Herndon Library

Anna Warburton and Amanda Jasper (Back row behindthe table) oversee the action at their FuzzieTales table,where kids were busy making gingerbread men andcrafts.

Reading nodoubt comesnaturally to

StephanieGardner

since sheworks at the

HerndonLibrary, but

her “outloud” readingskills impres-

sively heldthe attentionof the young-

sters whowere waitingtheir turn to

visit withSanta.

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Zone 1 Ad Deadline:

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• Herndon • LoudounClassifiedClassified

OBITUARY

Chester William Fannon III (Chet) of Middleburg, Virginia died peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2016 with his wife, Kate Armfield Fannon and his sister, Heather Fan-non Young by his side.

A loving husband to Kate and a respected and cherished fa-ther to Kingsley and Chester, Chet was born on October 21st, 1961 in Alexandria, Virginia to Chester William Fannon Jr. (Bill) and Mary Frances Tucker Fannon. His childhood was spent at Laurel Hill in Rappahannock County, Virginia. His love of and years spent on the family farm fostered his lifelong passion for the outdoors, bird hunting, dog training and habitat restoration. He also enjoyed horseback riding and had been an accomplished polo player.

Chet was a graduate of the Blue Ridge School in Albemarle County and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Vir-ginia and enjoyed a career with Fannon Petroleum.

In death, Chet showed the same courage, integrity and grace that had been the hallmarks of his life. He is remem-bered with love and missed with heartache by his wife Kate, his daughter Kingsley and son Chester; parentsBill and Mary Frances Fannon; sisters and their husbands, Beth and Jimmy Swindler and Heather and Daron Young; nieces Addie Swindler, Ellie Young, and Claire Young; and nephew Trey Swindler; and beloved in-laws, Howard andGloria Armfield.

Chet’s family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, December 7, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 p.m. at Royston Funeral Home in Middleburg, Virginia. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Virginia. Family and friends are invited to gather for remembrances at the Middle-burg Tennis Club after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chet’s memory to the United Net-work for Organ Sharing (UNOS) at 700 N. 4th Street,Richmond, VA 23219 or at www.unos.org.


OBITUARYDURHAM – Eleanor Christine Ingram Mallette, 92,of Croasdaile Village Retirement Community, died on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. Born in Arden, N.C., Eleanor was the daughter of the late Viola Lenora Causey of Pleasant Garden and Sidney Oscar Ingram, Sr. of Asheville. She grew up on Long Shoals Road in Arden, along the banks of the French Broad River, and in that river she learned to swim.

Eleanor graduated as salutatorian from Valley Springs High School in Skyland, NC in 1941 and earned her A.A. in Sec-retarial Science from Mars Hill College in 1943. While at Mars Hill she was a member of the basketball team, swim-ming club, Buncombe County club, business club, and served as a society officer and Friendship Circle Leader. In April 1944, Eleanor lost her father in an automobile accident not far from the family homestead.

Later in 1944, she began working as a secretary to an Army colonel in the Air Communications Service based in Ashe-ville. An officer reporting to her colonel had been drafted into service during his junior year of college, was tasked with writing the history of the Army Air Corps, and was assigned a desk near hers. The officer, Malcolm Mallette, too shy to ask her out himself, asked a buddy to call her to express his interest. She said if he wanted a date, he’d have to ask her himself. He did get up the nerve to talk to her and asked her out. Eleanor and Mal got married in September 1946 after his discharge and the newlyweds lived in Syracuse until he finished his journalism degree at Syracuse University in January 1947.

Asheville became Eleanor and Mal’s home base as Mal played professional baseball through 1952; first with the New York Yankee organization and then the Brooklyn Dodg-ers. During the season, Eleanor was known to jump in the car and drive by herself to see Mal play, once driving from Asheville to Kansas City.

Between 1950 and 1958, Eleanor and Mal had three sons. She would laugh about the big babies she had given birth to and how their size helped them all become good athletes. Eleanor was the ever-present supporter at their swim meets, tennis matches, baseball and basketball games. She was proud of her “three boys” and enjoyed talking about andsharing their achievements.

Post baseball, Mal's journalism career took the family to Asheville; Winston-Salem; Paramus, NJ; and, Reston, VA where they lived from 1974-1999. While not an avid exercis-er, Eleanor welcomed each summer and time at the RHOA pools and was known to do a lap of backstroke from time to time.

After Mal’s retirement, and with some encouragement from their three sons, Eleanor and Mal moved to Durham’s Croasdaile Village Retirement Community in August 1999. As part of the first group of residents, they quickly adapted to life at Croasdaile and enjoyed the social aspects of living in a retirement community.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband Mal and her eldest son, Gary Malcolm Mallette. She was also predeceased by her parents; her sisters Margaret Helen Ingram and Grace Viola Ingram Fritts; her brother Sidney Oscar Ingram, Jr.; her half-sister Frances Hayman Brown; step-sisters Beulah Estelle Ingram and Blanche O’Neal Ingram Lunsford; and, stepbrother G. Orison Ingram.

She is survived by her sons Bruce and wife Julie Rice Mallette of Cary, NC; and David Mallette and wife Melinda Stubbee of Durham, NC; nine nieces and one nephew.

The family thanks the many Croasdaile Village staff and de-partments who cared for Eleanor throughout her 17 years as a resident there. Thanks are extended also to the entire medical team at Duke University Medical Center who saw Eleanor many times over the years, and especially to the Emergency Department and General Medicine team for their support of Eleanor and the family over the last few days.

Memorial donations can be made to education activities at Save The River, Clayton, NY or the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY, or a charity of your choice.The Mallette family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Email condolences can be sent to www.hallwynne.com

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ABC LICENSECT Ventures, LLC trading as

Spazio Italian Kitchen and Bar, 13005 Worldgate Dr.,

Herndon, VA 20170. The above establishment is

applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC)

for a Beer and Wine/Mixed Beverage On Premises

license to sell or manufacture alcoholic

beverages. Randy Beeman, owner

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 legal notices. Objections should be

registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or

800-552-3200.

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noonE-mail ad with zone choices to:

[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noonE-mail ad with zone choices to:

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or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/

Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/

Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria

Gazette PacketThe Mount Vernon Gazette

Zone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/OaktonConnection

The McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Rocking theChair

Not that I was ever a CB person (CitizensBand radio), good buddy, but right now, Iam in the middle of both my four-to-fiveweek infusion interval and my quarterly-scan interval. Far enough past that I don’thave any residual food or emotional issuesand not close enough that I have any anxi-ety about the food and emotional issuesthat will inevitably occur. I am between arock and a hard place, and I mean that inan atypical way: I am under no pressure,but no illusions either, oddly enough. I amsailing smooth and riding high, mindful ofmy reality, but appreciative of the relative— and comparative calm with which thisinterval affords.

Not that I can be normal (not a cancer“diagnosee”), but this is as close to ‘normal’as it gets — for me. After all, I do have a“terminal” form of cancer (non-small celllung cancer, stage IV), not a cold, so it’s notas if it will go away with time. Nevertheless,I am grateful for the particularly good times— now, while trying to manage my expec-tations for the bad times — later, after thishoneymoon-type period ends. But sincethere have been many more good timesthan bad since I was diagnosed in lateFebruary 2009, I am not bogged down,emotionally by my circumstances, althoughI am somewhat compromised, physically.Nothing I can’t live with, however. Actually,I’m thrilled to live with any of it, ‘live’ beingthe operative word.

At this juncture, nearly eight years postinitial symptoms (New Year’s Day 2009),mostly I can handle what happens to me, sofar any way. But when similar stuff happensto others: death, disease, disability, demen-tia; I feel their pain, sort of; and suffer emo-tionally. It’s not as if I take in all their anxi-ety, but in a way, the weight of it does affectme. And sometimes, I get weepy over it. AsI’ve written before, and heard many timesas well in the cancer world, negative any-thing is extremely harmful to cancerpatients — or most other “terminal”patients I would imagine as well. From myown experience though, I certainly under-stand the difficult circumstances underwhich all us patients/survivors endure;remaining positive and being surrounded bypositivity is key as is humor, encourage-ment, compliments, congratulations, com-passion and empathy. All are crucial to ourcore. Healthy bodies we may no longerhave, but healthy minds we have to main-tain. And the stronger and healthier thatmind is, the more it will help us to mind ourown business and do so in a manner thatwill prevent the cancer from taking overthose minds.

Just as The United Negro College Fund“slogans” “A mind is a terrible thing towaste;” in the cancer world, it’s terriblewhen patients are unable to use their mindsto fight their disease. In many cases, canceris a killer, there’s no doubt about that, butallowing negative emotions to take over isreally unhelpful. Accentuating the positive(like the subject of this column) and mini-mizing the negative has to be the order ofthe day — and the night, too. You have tofind the good or the funny and embrace it,exaggerate it, extend it, elongate it, andreinforce it. Anything to make sure it mat-ters more than the bad. Bad is bad enoughon its own. It doesn’t need any help fromus. Focusing on what I can enjoy hopefullywill enable me to keep on trekking, and to“Live long and prosper.”

Come back.


Zone 1 Ad Deadline:

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Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned

Small Repairs • Gutter Guards

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• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,

Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, PaintingWe Accept All Major Credit Cards

Licensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

RN. CONTRACTORS, INC.

Phone: 703-887-3827E-mail: [email protected]

www.rncontractors.com

J.E.S. ServicesYour neighborhood company since 1987

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LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE

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PAVING PAVING

Partial or Full. Kit. Floors, Backsplashes.Specializing in Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass Tiles

and Natural Stones. Also repair work. 35 yrs exp.

BATHROOM REMODELING

703-250-2872Licensed • Bonded • Insured

www.brennan-tile.com

by Brennan Bath and Tile

TILE/MARBLE TILE/MARBLE

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24 Hour EmergencyTree Service

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Recessed LightingCeiling FansPhone/CATVComputer Network CablingService UpgradesHot Tubs, etc…

Office 703-335-0654Mobile 703-499-0522

Licensed/Bonded/Insured

[email protected]

EmploymentEmployment

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THROUGH DEC. 18The Container Store Annual Holiday Hugs

Program in Partnership with Children’sNational Health System Collections aregoing on now through December 18th and giftswill be delivered to the hospital the week ofDecember 19th. The Container Store is thrilled tocontinue its annual, nationwide signature givingprogram, Holiday Hugs. In each of ourWashington, DC-area stores, we are partneringwith Children’s National Health System tocollect and deliver new, unwrapped gifts to theiryoung patients who are spending the holidays inthe hospital. Customers can participate in theHoliday Hugs program by dropping off new,unwrapped books, small toys and games,toiletries, gift cards and kid-friendly stockingstuffers in collection bins at our Washington,DC, Arlington, VA, Reston, Tysons Corner andRockville locations

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 11Learn About the Consolidated Community

Funding Pool 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Taking Place atThe Jo Ann Rose Gallery Reston CommunityCenter Lake Anne 1609-A Washington Plaza,Reston. Our January 2017 FCIA NetworkMeeting will focus on Consolidated CommunityFunding Pool (CCFP) priorities in preparationfor the next CCFP funding cycle. FCIA NetworkMeeting attendees will dialogue about the typesof services for which there is a continuing need,current service gaps, and emerging needs. TheCCFP funds local nonprofit organizations toprovide human services, affordable housingdevelopment and construction. Priority-setting isthe first step of the next funding cycle. Once set,a request for proposal will be issued in the fallof 2017. Awards will be announced thefollowing spring. Total funding in FY 2017 was12.5 million dollars. Please note, thismeeting WILL NOT take place at theGovernment Center.

ONGOINGPassages Divorce Care. Tuesdays 6:45 to 9:00

p.m. beginning Sept.13 through Jan 7. ViennaPresbyterian Church is located on the corner ofMaple Avenue (Rt. 123) and Park Street inVienna, Virginia. Cost to cover materials $20,scholarships available. 703-938-9050,www.viennapres.org, or send an email to

[email protected] Herndon Adult Day Health Care Center

needs volunteers to assist with fitness activities,arts and crafts, mealtime, entertainment andmuch more. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

Toy Drive in Collaboration with Nonprofit FISHThrough Dec. 16

Stop by 11890 Sunrise Valley Drive any weekdayfrom 9-4 and drop a new, unwrapped toy in thedonation box in the lobby. All toys will bedistributed to needy children within LoudounCounty and to Herndon/Reston children via thenon-profit Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. Toysshould be for the ages of Newborn to 16. Thelast day for donations is December 16. Call 703-860-4600 for more information.

The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected] . Also visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/.

Submit a Nomination for Volunteerism &Community Service Awards

The Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism andCommunity Service Awards is looking torecognize individuals and groups whosevolunteer activities contribute to the life andwelfare of Virginia citizens. There are a varietyof categories for both individuals as well asgroups so if you have a special volunteer in yourorganization or know of a group that should benominated, please visit the website to getstarted: http://virginiaservice.virginia.gov/volunteering/governors-volunteerism-awards/

Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive olderadults to medical appointments and wellnessprograms. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults andclick on Volunteer Solutions.

Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers ofa frail older adult a well-deserved break so theycan go shopping, attend a doctor’s appointmentor just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visitand oversee the safety of the older adult for afew hours each month. Support and training areprovided. Contact 703-324-7577, TTY 711, [email protected].

Bulletin Board

Faith Notes are for announcements and events inthe faith community, including special holiday ser-vices. Send to [email protected] is Thursday.

Trinity Presbyterian Church , 651Dranesville Road, Herndon, has Sunday worshipservices at 10 a.m. during the summer. Nursery andchildcare are provided starting at 8 a.m. until theend of the service. 703-437-5500 orwww.trinityherndon.org.

Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, UnitarianUniversalist Church, 1625 Wiehle Ave., Reston,holds weekly classes starting Sept. 12, Thursdays7:30-8:30 p.m., for the general public which useBuddhist teachings to practice meditation. $12 or$6 for students, seniors and unemployed. 202-986-2257 or www.meditation-dc.org.

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 1700 Wain-wright Drive in Reston, holds Sunday services at 8a.m., 10 a.m. and contemporary service at 5 p.m.during the summer. Nursery, Sunday school andadult education available. 703-437-6530 orwww.stannes-reston.org.

Washington Plaza Baptist Church willhold Adult Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. Sundays atLake Anne Village Center. The group is studyingthe Gospel of Mark. Services follow at 11 a.m.

HAVEN of Northern Virginia offers a vari-ety of free bereavement support groups, meetingon a weekly basis. Contact 703-941-7000 orwww.havenofnova.org for schedules and registra-tion information.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Wash-ington and the Jewish Outreach Instituteoffer the Mothers/Parents Circle, an umbrella offree educational events and resources. Jewish ritu-als, ethics and the creation of a Jewish home,regular meetings and group Shabbats and holidays.Participants include Sha’are Shalom, CongregationBeth Emeth, Temple Rodef Shalom and the Jew-ish Community Center of Northern Virginia.ShalomDC.org.

Epiphany United Methodist Preschool,1014 Country Club Drive, N.E. in Vienna, is nowenrolling 3- to 4-year-old students. 703-938-2391or www.epiphanypreschool.com.

Hope Fellowship Church will temporarily bemeeting at Hyatt Place, 21481 Ridgetop Circle,Sterling. Sunday worship services are Sundays at9:30 and 10:45 a.m., a Bible Study is on Wednes-days at 7:30 p.m. and a weekly prayerconference call is Thursdays at 9 p.m.

The public is invited to join a Bible believing,multi-ethnic/multi-cultural congregation, withBible-based sermons and uplifting music. 703-599-3527 orwww.hopefellowshipchurchloudoun.org.

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church needs knit-ters the first and third Wednesdays of the monthat 7 p.m., at 432 Van Buren St., Herndon.

The church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry is offeringfree knitting instruction while providing shawls,blankets and other knitted items for people in need.No cost and yarn can be provided.

Email [email protected] or visit the Pas-toral Care page at www.saint-timothys.org.

Faith Notes


News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

If you weren’t able to attend the 2016Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon, youmissed a real treat. It’s a tradition thatdates back to 1979. It has come and

gone a few times during those years, butsince 2008 the Tour has been lovinglytended by the the Town of Herndon Culti-vating Community Initiative. This year, to-gether with the participation of Herndoncivic organizations Order of the EasternStar, the Herndon Historical Society, theHerndon Woman’s Club, the Herndon Fort-nightly Club and the Rotary Club ofHerndon – who all provided the army ofvolunteers who shepherded the crowdsthrough five holiday-dressed Herndonhomes – the Tour benefits those worthy or-ganizations, but more importantly, “it em-bodies the flavor of Herndon, and highlightsour amazing sense of community,” saidevent co-chair Susan Anselene. As the Tourwas getting underway at 10 a.m. on Satur-day, Anselene was on welcome duty atArtSpace Herndon on Center St., which wasthe designated Tour “Rest Stop” offeringrefreshments, cookies, and “necessary fa-cilities” for Tour goers.

THE HOMES on this year’s tour itinerary,so generously opened to the public by theirowners, offered an eclectic mix of resi-dences, from historic to the recently built,with interior design styles ranging from giv-ing more than a passing nod to the historyof Herndon, to an elegantly simple crafts-man atmosphere. Even the renovations andrefurbishments varied widely, from envi-ously accomplished “DIY” projects to pro-fessional works customized to reflect thehomeowners’ needs and personal taste. Ty-ing all five properties together were thewonderful decorations that provided anuplifting start to the Holiday Season.

House “D” on the route is the establish-ment that pays homage to historicalHerndon. Scott and Melissa Tilton considerthemselves to be “stewards” of the houseon Station St. that was originally built byHolden and Louise Harrison. The Harrisonsmoved to their newly built home in semi-rural Herndon in 1955, leaving behind oneof the largest dairy farms in Fairfax County,started by Holden’s grandparents in the1870s, near Floris. Dressed as a train con-ductor, Herndon Historical Society presi-dent Charlie Waddell, took the first shift ashouse greeter. “Holden Harrison was instru-mental in saving our wonderful train De-pot in the Town center,” explained Waddell.“I’m just getting in the spirit of things.”Harrison also served on the Town Council.He was a Volunteer Fire Department Officer,the town Cemetery Association officer, aHerndon Mason, Chamber of CommerceDirector and Director of the Herndon Bank.This Herndon Citizen of the Year for 1969certainly embodied community spirit andis deserving of all the mentions and memo-rabilia that the Tiltons have artfully pre-served and displayed in their home.

Tour Stop “A” on Elden Street calls to mindmore of a blend of European and Americanclassics. Owners Kelly and Sean Berg spenta decade overseas and they have decoratedto remind themselves of the memories theymade during their adventures, while add-ing touches that make them – and theirhouse – feel right at home on main streetAmerica. Visitors to the Berg House wereobviously enchanted at the incorporationof swans and greyhounds in a variety ofplaces and iterations. Both Bergs love grey-hounds and Kelly belonged to a swan res-cue group when she lived in England. TheirChristmas decorations, mostly collected atChristmas Markets in Germany and Francemade more than one visitor sigh “Can’t westay here? At least for the Holidays?”

Vicki Herman’s home on Wood Street hasoffered its owner some challenges as a vin-tage Cape Cod-style property, built in 1948,but Herman has obviously risen to the chal-lenge. This was the house where impres-

sive DIY skills were on serious display. A lotof the renovation work, including cabinetry,and floor refinishing are the results ofHerman’s own hands. The home surpriseswith a number of cozy “reading spots” orplaces to just relax and enjoy like the threeseason room Herman converted from theold screened-in porch. Practicalities are alsoobserved in the property. The downstairssitting room with attached bath can easilybecome a mainfloor bedroom – a muchsought-after rarity in most area houses.

Monroe St. is the location of Dax andHeather Kepshire’s Tour Stop “C” home,representing the truly new on the tour itin-erary, for these newly minted Herndon resi-dents. The personal touches of Heather’sreclaimed wood projects really stand out inthis property, painted and presented in aminimalist craftsman style. This will be thefamily’s first Christmas in the house, but italready projects the warmth of a well livedin abode. Stop “E” may have been last on

the list, but it offered its visitors no lesscharm and interest than any of the otherhomes on the Tour. It becomes quickly ob-vious that persons of artistic talent residewithin these walls.

OWNERS Laura Cuttle and MichelleSparling purchased the house in July of2010, and went for a soothing coastal style– several years before “Coastal” became thehot trend. Weathered antique cabinets,repurposed fencing as walls and lots ofother reclaimed wood are featured through-out the property. “I love doing the HomeTour,” said tour goer Carrie Arnold ofHerndon, “for two reasons. The decorationsreally get me in the Holiday mood – and Ialways get great ideas for my own house!My poor husband. He’s waiting in fear athome. “ Hope you didn’t miss this treat. Inany case, mark your calendars now for thenext Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon,scheduled for Dec. 2, 2017.

Herndon Homes Tour Showcases Holiday Spirit

From left — Terry Walters and event co-chair SusanAnselene are ready and waiting to greet HerndonHoliday Home Tour visitors from the “Rest Stop” atArtSpace Herndon on Center Street.

Herndon Historical Society president Charlie Waddellpaid tribute to original homeowner Holden Harrison,as he greeted visitors to the house on Station St.dressing as an old-fashioned train conductor in honorof Harrison who was instrumental in preserving theTown’s train Depot from demolition. Current ownersMelissa and Scott Tilton have included a lot of memo-rabilia of both the Town and the Harrison family intheir décor.

From left — Debbie Lasky, volunteer Ginny Finley,Michele Wojtan, and Cinda Mersel get ready to visitthe Kepshire House on Monroe St. The most recentlybuilt of the homes on the Tour, the craftsman-styleproperty also houses the newest Town residentsamong the homeowners who opened their doors forthe annual event.

Swans, Greyhounds and European references speak ofthe passions, pursuits and memories that the BergFamily brought with them to their home on EldenStreet. Having lived overseas for a decade, theybrought back lots of treasures – and one treasureddaughter – to blend in with the traditional Americanaof their home.

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Documents

Herndon Entertainment Holidayconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2016/1… · 7/12/2016 · Oak Hill/Herndon Connection December 7-13, 2016 1 Opinion, Page 4