McLean Focus on ‘Winning Culture’connectionarchives.com/PDF/2014/082714/McLean.pdf · 2019-12-18 · include Rube Goldberg machines, skits, etc. “We really want to stress creative

McLean Connection ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

Opinio

n, Page 6

❖

Entertainm

ent, Page 8

❖

Spo

rts, Page 7

❖

C

lassifieds, Page 10

August 27 - September 2, 2014

Pho

to

by Jo

n R

oetm

an/T

he C

onnectio

n

McLeanMcLean

Newcomers& Community Guide



McLean Connection ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2014-15 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

2014-2015

online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC

McLeanMcLean

Pho

to

by R

enée R

uggles/T

he C

onnectio

n

Newcomers &

Community Guide

Newcomers &

Community Guide2014-2015

Rene Piard, of Vienna,brought his dog, Stella,along to enjoy some birdwatching at the naturepreserve at Scotts Run.


InsideInsideInside

Middle, High SchoolsCelebrate New BeginningNews, Page 3

Celebrating Middle EasternFood, CultureNews, Page 4

Middle, High SchoolsCelebrate New BeginningNews, Page 3

Celebrating Middle EasternFood, CultureNews, Page 4

Focus on‘Winning Culture’

Sports, Page 7

Jordan Cole will be an impactplayer as receiver and safety forthe McLean High football team.

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McLean Connection ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Lizzy Brown-Kaiser

The Connection

While no one likes summerending, teens and teachersof the McLean communityhave been buzzing with ex-

citement over the start of the upcomingschool year. With several county-widechanges made by the Fairfax County SchoolBoard, McLean middle and high schools arelooking forward to welcoming their stu-dents and staff to start a new year.

Principal Arlene Randall and AssistantPrincipals Frank Stevens and CherithPierson of Cooper Middle School are pre-pared to start a new and improved schoolyear. This year, Cooper will try out two newprograms; “CELL” and “CREATE.” “CELL,”an acronym for “Cooper Empowering Life-long Learning,” will occur every day dur-ing the middle school’s intervention perioduntil January and will be spread outthroughout the remainder of the year. “Dur-ing this time, students will focus on studyand organizational skills, along with goalsetting,” Randall said. “With ‘CREATE,’ stu-dents will be able to choose from a list ofcategories to design an interdisciplinaryproject that they will construct a proposalfor, work on, and display at a festival inApril.” Some examples of “CREATE” projectsinclude Rube Goldberg machines, skits, etc.“We really want to stress creative thinkinghere at Cooper. Middle school studentsspend so much time focused on technologyso we think it’s important for them to getaway from that a bit and instead channeltheir creativity,” said Pierson. “We want ourstudents to go above and beyond by doingordinary things extraordinarily.” The Coo-per Middle School administration is eager

program really gave our seniors an oppor-tunity to work like adults.”

MCLEAN HIGH SCHOOL opened itsdoors for new and returning students witha “Highlander Kickoff” on Aug. 26. WhileMcLean will not be undergoing any majorchanges this school year, it will have somenew staff and programs. “This year we’llwelcome 12 new staff members through-out our departments,” said Assistant Prin-cipal Jamie Lane. “We’re also going to havea ‘System of Support Advisor’ who will workwith our administration in order to reducethe number of out-of-school suspensions.Additionally, we plan on having our first‘Junior Focus Day’ on Feb. 4, where our jun-iors will explore several post-high schooloptions.” The school will also be affectedby changes in the calendar made by thecounty school board. “Teachers are goingto have much more time for grading andplanning with the implementation of fourstrategic planning days throughout the year.In addition to teacher work days, these dayswill occur the day before each quarter endsand students will be released 2 hours early,”said Principal Ellen Reilly. “We think thatthese days will allow everyone to step backand breath. We want our students to be ableto look back on their high school years.Obviously we want our students to strivefor academic success and challenge them-selves, but we also want them to have fun.”McLean plans on achieving this balance byoffering yoga during morning study hall alsoknown as “Highlander Time.” Additionally,the high school will be participating in thecurrently trending Ice Bucket Challenge toraise awareness for ALS. “After the ‘High-lander Kick-Off,’ students will get their icebuckets filled, donate money if they chooseto and then at 6:30, we’ll video-tape theschool-wide ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We’llbe nominating Marshall, Langley, and Madi-son High School for the challenge.”

Cooper Middle stresses creative thinking; Marshall High welcomesnew principal; Highlanders take Ice Bucket Challenge.

Middle, High Schools Celebrate New Beginning

to welcome their students so that they canachieve these goals for the upcoming schoolyear.

THIS YEAR, Marshall High School wel-comes its new principal, Jeff Litz, along withnew additions constructed in the school’s$55 million renovation. “Over the summer,Marshall’s biggest focus has been renovat-ing. Over the school year, our focus will beto utilize our new building to its greatestpotential,” Litz said. “The Davis Center isthe last instructional place to be completedand we expect to have all furniture movedin very soon. The whole project is to be com-pleted by Nov. 14.” The high school looksforward to hosting a grand opening in Junefor the Marshall community to celebrate thenew state-of-the-art building. With 1,850students enrolled at Marshall this year, the

administration hopes to maintain their“small school, big heart” motto. “Anyschool’s biggest challenge is providing thehighest quality of education for every stu-dent,” Assistant Principal Dan Daus said.“Some students advocate very well forthemselves while others don’t, so that’swhere we come in. We want to motivatekids without pushing them too hard.” Oneprogram that is highly valued by the stu-dents of Marshall High School is ethics day.“At the end of the year, seniors are surveyedabout their likes and dislikes for the schoolyear. Ethics day was one of the seniors’ fa-vorite experiences,” said Litz. “We’ve madeethics day really relevant for our studentsin working with a cyber ethics module anddealing with social media issues. Unfortu-nately, this is something students and ad-ministrators have to deal with a lot but this

Principal ArleneRandall (right) andAssistant PrincipalsCherith Pierson andFrank Stevens ofCooper MiddleSchool, one of twoFCPS middle schoolsthat McLean chil-dren feed into.

Photos by Lizzy Brown-Kaiser/The Connection

From left – Marshall High School’s new Principal Jeff Litz and AssistantPrincipal Dan Daus in the school’s brand new library that was inspiredby a Barnes & Noble bookstore.

McLean High School’s Principal Ellen Reilly (right) and Assistant Princi-pal Jamie Lane prepare to welcome their students at the “HighlanderKickoff” on Tuesday, Aug. 26.


News

By Donna Manz

The Connection

Food and festival-lovers alert! Theannual Labor Day weekendMiddle Eastern Food Festival isupon the McLean/Vienna area

once again. And if you’ve wondered how aNorthern Virginia foodfest can go through200 pounds of lamb, 400 pounds of beef,450 pounds of chicken, 180 pounds of but-ter and 12,000 pieces of sweets, this is youropportunity to find out.

On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 - 31,Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catho-lic Church, on Lewinsville Road in McLeanhosts its annual Labor Day weekend MiddleEastern Food Festival, featuring an abun-dance of meats, savories and sweets, folk-loric music, and activities for children. Thetwo-day festival is open to the public andno admission is charged. “This is our op-portunity to share our foods and traditionswith the community,” said sweets chair,Samira Bailey.

Baking and food preparation began inJune. The freezers in the church kitchenhold hundreds of cookies. “We use the bestingredients we can find,” said Bailey. “Webring in our traditional foods, especially theholiday sweets. To us, holidays are veryimportant and food and sweets are a partof family traditions.” Many of the sweetsare symbolic, Bailey said, and Grandma,Auntie, and Mama would remind the chil-dren why they were making what they were.Baklava, a favorite Arabic treat in America,would have been served at weddings andbirths. “When there is baklava, there’s some-thing to be happy about,” Bailey said. Anddesserts are not served at funerals, only at“happy occasions.”

THE FESTIVAL’S MAIN ROLE is to sharethe food traditions, culture and faith of Holy

Transfiguration parishioners with othersoutside the church. Family and hospitalityare treasured. “When you share a meal withsomeone, especially at their table, thenthere is a bond created, a bond of hospital-ity and friendship,” said Holy Transfigura-tion pastor, Father Joseph Francavilla. “So,how can I be your enemy if I’ve brokenbread with you?”

He said the food festival builds bridgesof understanding between different culturesand different faiths.

The festival draws diverse ethnic groups,various faiths, from through the metro-D.C.area, who share communal dining tables.

In its 21st year, the festival has helped

raised funds for the church. In 2013, pa-rishioners decided to donate 10 percent ofthe proceeds from the festival to childrenof refugees in the Middle East. They will bedoing the same this year. “The children arethe most vulnerable,” said FatherFrancavilla. “They don’t understand whatis going on around them. They see the hard-ships, the bodies.” Refugees, said the priest,come to churches for help because socialassistance in the Middle East countries ispoor. “Even the churches are being over-whelmed,” he said. “We give assistance toanyone who asks, regardless of faith.”Church and community response was gen-erous last year. Along with the congrega-

tion, festival guests donated to the fund.Father Francavilla said the church took whatit made and added to it, rounding off thefigure to $10,000 and sending the moneyto bishops in the dioceses of Egypt Syria,and Lebanon. In September, Patriarch of theMelkite Greek-Catholic Church, comingfrom Syria, will accept the contribution.

Father Francavilla said the festival hasbeen voted the “best” Labor Day food festi-val by readers of Washingtonian magazine.

“You should come because it’s a chancefor you to have a wonderful time, eat deli-cious food, make new friends and learnabout our faith and our folklore,” saidBailey.

ADMISSION to the festival and parkingare free. Sweets are sold by the piece – andkeep in-mind that there are 12,000 pieces– and entrees and a la carte are sold byplates. Shawarma wraps (lamb, beef orchicken) and chicken shish kebab sell forabout $8 each. Mixed platters range fromabout $7 to $10, and the spit-roasted lambdinner is priced at $14. A la carte itemsrange from $3 to $6 each. Sweets pricesvary, and the baklava and the date or nut-filled maamoul are stand-outs.

Kids’ activities include pony rides and abounce house. Vendors sell Middle Easterngoods, and, on the back lawn, meats aregrilled, carved and served.

For more information, go towww.MiddleEasternFoodFestival.com orcall 703-734-9566.

Festival hosted by Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Churchfeatures, food and sweets, family activities and traditional culture.

Middle Eastern Food Festival Returns for 22nd Year21st Annual MiddleEastern Food Festival

Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Aug. 30,11a.m. to 11p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 31, noon to6 p.m., Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, 8501 Lewinsville Road,McLean. Middle Eastern dishes – fromshawarma wraps to plated dinners - sweets,Arabic coffee, and activities for families andchildren. Lamb dinner Saturday at 6 p.m.and Sunday, all day, $14.

For more information, go towww.MiddleEasternFoodFestival.com orcall 703-734-9566. Free admission.

Photo by Donna Manz/The Connection

Father Joseph Francavilla and Middle Eastern Food Festival “sweets”chair Samira Bailey, of Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-CatholicChurch in McLean, are ready for the church’s 21st Annual Middle East-ern Food Festival on Labor Day weekend.


Young Holy Transfiguration church members help out during the foodfestival held over Labor Day weekend for two days.

Photo courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, McLean

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church volunteers sellsweets hand-made by church members. The festival will sell 12,000pieces of sweets over the two-day festival on Labor Day weekend.


Faith Notes are for announcements andevents in the faith community. Send [email protected] is Friday.

Temple Beth Torah, a ReformJewish congregation and member of theUnion for Reform Judaism (URJ), holdsservices and Religious School in theheart of Chantilly. The congregationoffers the Northern Virginia Jewish com-munity services that provide numerousspiritual, educational, support and so-cial opportunities including religiousschool for member children age 3through Bar/Bat Mitzvah and confirma-tion. Our congregation welcomes allmembers of the community to attendany of our services or events. For moreinformation, a newsletter, or a member-ship package call Jennifer Harding,703-217-8938 or visitwww.BethTorah.net

Upcoming service and event sched-ule:

❖ Shabbat Service, Friday, Sept. 5,7:30 p.m., New/Prospective MemberShabbat

❖Religious School, Sunday, Sept. 7,10:30 a.m. - First day of religious school

❖ Picnic, Sunday, Sept. 7, 12:30 p.m.- Annual Brotherhood Picnic, Frying PanFarm Park

❖ Ladies’ Book Club , Tuesday, Oct.14, 7:30 - Join us for this “pot-luck” stylebook club that meets every other monthon the second Tuesday of the month.This club is open to all women. Plan tobring a drink or appetizer to share. Wewill be discussing “This is Where I LeaveYou” by Jonathan Tropper.

Community Rally and FamilyFun Day will be held at The HungerChurch, Charles Wesley United Method-ist Church, 6817 Dean Drive, McLean on

Sunday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Sunday School for all ages – 9 to 10

a.m.Outdoor Worship Service – 10:30 to

11:30 a.m.Family Fun and BBQ Picnic – 11:30

a.m. to 2 p.m.Enjoy a fun filled Rally Day and Fam-

ily Fun Day featuring an outdoorworship service, barbeque picnic lunch,and family fun activities, including amoon bounce, games, crafts, and more.The event is casual and bring yur ownlawn chair or blanket, if you prefer.

We hope to see you for study, wor-ship, fellowship, and fun.

www.TheHungerChurch.org

The Antioch Christian Churchoffers a time of Prayer and Healing onWednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. foranyone wanting encouragement andhealing through prayers. People areavailable to pray with you or for you.Antioch Christian Church is located at1860 Beulah Road in Vienna.www.antiochdoc.org

The Jewish Social ServicesAgency (JSSA) offers a wide variety ofsupport groups for those with emo-tional, social, and physical challenges.www.jssa.org/growth-learning.

HAVEN of Northern Virginia of-fers a variety of free bereavementsupport groups, meeting on a weeklybasis. 703-941-7000 orwww.havenofnova.org.

McLean Bible Church FitnessClass at Body & Soul Fitness. Gainbalance, energy and strength at 9:45a.m. Mondays and Fridays. Freechildcare for registered [email protected].

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church,1830 Kirby Road in McLean, holds athird Sunday service every month at10:15 a.m. which allows children to playactive roles in the music and as greetersand ushers. Traditional services are ev-ery Sunday at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m.

Vienna Christian HealingRooms are open, every Saturday, 1-5p.m., at 8200 Bell Lane. A team of Chris-tians is available to anyone requestingprayer. Free and open to the public.703-698-9779 orwww.viennachristianhealingrooms.com.

Chesterbrook United MethodistChurch is at 1711 Kirby Road, McLean.Worship service is at 11 a.m. Sundayschool is at 9:30 a.m. for adults andchildren. 703-356-7100 orwww.ChesterbrookUMC.org.

Centering Prayer Group meetsFridays, 9:30 a.m. at Andrew ChapelUnited Methodist Church, 1301 TrapRoad, Vienna. The hour includes a briefreading related to Centering Prayer, fol-lowed by a 20-minute prayer period.E-mail Martha Thomas [email protected] or call thechurch at 703-759-3509.

The Jewish Federation ofGreater Washington and the JewishOutreach Institute offer the Mothers/Parents Circle, an umbrella of free edu-cational events and resources. Jewishrituals, ethics and the creation of a Jew-ish home, regular meetings and groupShabbats and holidays. Participants in-clude Sha’are Shalom, CongregationBeth Emeth, Temple Rodef Shalom andthe Jewish Community Center of North-ern Virginia. ShalomDC.org.

Faith Notes


www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:

[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Amna RehmatullaEditorial Assistant

703-778-9410 [email protected]

Reena SinghCommunity Reporter

[email protected]

Jon RoetmanSports Editor ❖ 703-752-4013

[email protected]@jonroetman

Victoria Ross County Reporter ❖ [email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

e-mail:[email protected]

Trisha HamiltonDisplay Advertising

[email protected]

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]

@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:

Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]

@TheismannMedia

CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426Circulation Manager:

Linda [email protected]

McLeanOpinion

The first day of school in FairfaxCounty is Tuesday, Sept. 2, butMonday, Sept. 8 is the beginningof something important.

For the first time in decades, elementaryschool students will have a full day of schoolon Mondays instead of being sent home hoursearly. This action makes so much sensein for families with children in elemen-tary school. The ability of Superinten-dent Karen Garza to facilitate thischange to go into effect right away is remark-able, and we hope a promise for more changesahead.

Earlier this week, the American Academy ofPediatrics issued a policy statement calling forlater start times — not earlier than 8:30 a.m. —for high school and middle school students. It’s

not impossible although some school systemswould have you believe that it can’t be done. It’stime to make that change in Fairfax County.

The science is undisputed. From the abstract:“A substantial body of research has now dem-

onstrated that delaying school start times isan effective countermeasure to chronic sleep

loss and has a wide range of potentialbenefits to students with regard tophysical and mental health, safety, andacademic achievement. The American

Academy of Pediatrics strongly supports theefforts of school districts to optimize sleep instudents and urges high schools and middleschools to aim for start times that allow stu-dents the opportunity to achieve optimal lev-els of sleep (8.5–9.5 hours) and to improvephysical (eg, reduced obesity risk) and mental

(eg, lower rates of depression) health, safety(eg, drowsy driving crashes), academic perfor-mance, and quality of life.”

You can read the report here: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/08/19/peds.2014-1697.full.pdf

Back to school nights begin this week and runinto October. For parents and students, there isno more important event that to turn up at Backto School Nights for your children, introduceyourself to teachers and open the lines of com-munication. Here is a link to a daunting list ofBack to School Nights in Fairfax County:

http://www.fcps.edu/news/backtoschool/bts-chonological.shtml

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Back to School: Good Steps, Good Intentions

Editorial

‘Real Jobs’ and‘Real Taxes’To the Editor:

In Leesburg on August 21, Su-pervisor John Foust, in discussinghis opponent Delegate BarbaraComstock, said “I don’t think[Comstock’s] even had a real job.”This is a stunning statement giventhat he surely knows that DelegateComstock, a lawyer, has served asa congressional staffer, a federalemployee, a partner in a law firm,and a small business owner. Thisis in addition to serving for threeterms in the Virginia General As-sembly and raising three children.

Why does Supervisor Foust thinkthese jobs are not “real?” Was thisan effort to persuade his audience,that Delegate Comstock is unquali-fied for the U.S. Congress becauseshe is unfamiliar with the workplace? Or was this an effort to dis-tract from the real domestic andforeign policy issues that shouldbe debated by those who aspire toserve in the U.S. Congress? Ormerely an attempt to demean Del-egate Comstock?

Northern Virginia voters need toknow if Supervisor Foust believesthat federal employees, congres-sional staffers, lawyers, and smallbusiness owners are not working“real” jobs. They are paying “real”taxes - something near and dearto Supervisor Foust judging fromhis voting record to increasedproperty taxes and his proposal fora restaurant/meals tax.

The 10th Congressional Districthas been represented with honor,integrity and distinction for thepast 34 years by CongressmanFrank Wolf. Voters deserve to hearthe candidates’ views on crucialeconomic and foreign policy issuesthat will come before Congress. Iexpect Supervisor Foust to discuss

the substantive issues and refrainfrom personal attacks on DelegateComstock.

Sara BradyVienna

Running for‘Real Job’To the Editor:

Fairfax County Supervisor JohnW. Foust, Democratic congres-sional candidate from NorthernVirginia, seems to have discoveredone of those worse-than cures totreat political foot-in-mouth dis-ease: suggest you do not considerelective office to be a real job, thenlist your opponent’s superior quali-fications and experience to servein the post you seek for yourself.

In the course of his “Women’sPriorities Tour,” Mr. Foust ques-tioned whether his opponent, Re-publican state Delegate BarbaraComstock, has “even had a realjob.” Presumably, Mr. Foust knewat the time that Comstock is anelected official, so one may fairlyask, with some trepidation per-haps, whether Mr. Foust considersbeing an elected public official areal job.

Of course he may have simplyforgotten Ms. Comstock’s currentjob, though in attempting tosoothe the inevitable rash of out-rage over his initial statement, Mr.Foust remembered that Ms.Comstock had once been em-ployed by a congressional commit-tee and also by the Justice Depart-ment. As reported, and as Mr.Foust no doubt knew but did notsay for obvious reasons, Ms.Comstock was also once a top aideto Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.), whose pending retirementhas created the vacancy for whichMs. Comstock and Mr. Foust are

Letters to the Editor

competing.Not a very good balm to be ap-

plied by someone who has no fed-eral experience himself but wantsthe real job of congressman.

Tyler PoseyMcLean

Well-deservedEndorsementsTo the Editor:

The recent endorsement of Bar-bara Comstock by both the

National Association Realtorsand the Virginia Association ofRealtors is not only well deserved,but speaks volumes as to the im-pact that both Barbara and Con-gressman Frank Wolf have playedin helping further both our localeconomy and that of the country.As a Virginia resident for nearly 30years and a Realtor for nine years,I know firsthand what Barbara hasmeant to our community. Barbarareceived these endorsements be-cause of her longstanding commit-ment to pro-growth economic poli-cies and common sense legislation.I am confident that she will be astrong voice in furthering this ap-proach once she is elected to theU.S. Congress.

Having met Barbara Comstockin 2009 when she was running herfirst campaign for state delegate,I have proudly endorsed her sincethen. I say proudly because she hasyet to disappoint either myself, orour community, in what she hasaccomplished in Richmond.Whether it’s stepping in to breakdeadlocks on roadway construc-tion projects or ensuring that com-munities impacted by past stormsreceived the appropriate attention,she has always been there. I haveno idea how she manages to doso, but Barbara is always there for

Memorial Day remembrances,Fourth of July parades or our lo-cal Military Appreciation Mondayevents.

I personally can’t wait to seehow she takes this same level ofcommitment, energy and un-abashed patriotism to the Hill asour next Congresswoman!

Bob NelsonGreat Falls

FacingHomelessnessTo the Editor:

In his opinion piece(“Homelessness: Source of Traumafor Children,” Connectionm Au-gust 13-19, 2014), Dean Klein, theDirector of Fairfax County’s Officeto Prevent and End Homelessness,clearly enumerated the reality forhundreds of homeless families andtheir children in the County. Whilemost of them are working, thesefamilies do not earn enough in-come for them to access affordablehousing. According to a studycompleted by George Mason Uni-versity in 2012, nearly half thehouseholds earning less than$40,000 in annual income in theMount Vernon and Woodlawncommunities have trouble findingor maintaining housing for theirfamilies.

At Good Shepherd Housing &Family Services, a 40-year-oldhomeless services and affordablehousing provider serving theMount Vernon community, wehave seen many such familiesstruggling to access affordablehousing. They are living on thebrink of homelessness — or are,in fact, experiencing a spell ofhomelessness. Last year we helped

See Letters, Page 8


Sports

By Jon Roetman

The Connection

Shaun Blair spent eight sea-sons as an assistant coachwith two of the more suc-

cessful high school football pro-grams in Northern Virginia. Nowa first-time head coach, Blair, 35,is in charge of transforming an av-erage team into a winner.

Blair enters the 2014 season asthe head coach of the McLean foot-ball team. He takes over a programthat finished 15-16 over the lastthree seasons, including a trip tothe playoffs in 2011. From 2007-2013, McLean posted a 31-42record, including an 8-3 mark in 2010, with threeplayoff appearances, but no postseason victories.

Winning seasons and playoff victories were partof the culture at Blair’s previous two coaching stops.From 2006-2010, he was an offensive assistant atRobinson under then-head coach Mark Bendorf, wholed the Rams to state championships in 1997 and2001. In Blair’s last two seasons with Robinson, theRams went 19-5 with a pair of playoff wins.

From 2011-2013, Blair was a defensive assistantat Lake Braddock under head coach Jim Poythress,who led the Bruins to the state playoffs in 2009 and2010. In Blair’s three seasons with Lake Braddock,the Bruins went 28-8 and reached the 2013 regionsemifinals.

“Bringing that kind of football culture from whatthe Burke area has been exposed to with CoachBendorf and Coach Poythress [is a focal point],” Blair

said, “[along with] instilling val-ues about school and your pro-gram and playing for more thanyourself.”

Offensively, Blair and coordina-tor Chris Weiler have imple-mented a spread attack led by se-nior quarterback Brian Maffei.

“He is one tough guy,” Blair said.“… His development has beenexponential from the kid we’veseen on film.”

Maffei’s top receiving threat issenior Jordan Cole. Tight endOwen Pilewski will also figure intothe passing game.

Leading the way on the groundwill be running back Chris Merrill.

“He’s elusive,” Blair said. “Thething that sets him apart is he hasphenomenal vision. He sees it alldevelop as he’s carrying the foot-ball.”

Jack Holland, Tom Shue andPilewski could also receive carries.

Defensively, the Highlanderswill operate out of a base 4-3

alignment. Cole and Shue will be the safeties. Se-nior Nelson Sera is an enforcer at middle linebacker.

“He gets [to the ball carrier],” Blair said, “with apretty angry attitude.”

Sam Higbee will be another difference maker atlinebacker. Brandon Hill is a standout along the de-fensive line. Blair said one goal for the Highlandersis to improve by one game from last year’s 5-5 record,giving McLean a winning season. Another goal is toget in the playoffs.

“They’re a proud group of young men,” Blair said,“and we want to get a game better than they’ve beenbefore.”

McLean will open the season on the road againstWashington-Lee at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. TheHighlanders’ first home game is Sept. 19 against FallsChurch.

McLean will operate out of the spread offense under first-year head coach Shaun Blairand coordinator Chris Weiler.

Blair Looks to InstillWinning Culture at McLeanHighlanderstrying for firstplayoff berthsince 2011.

Jordan Cole will be animpact player as receiverand safety for the McLeanHigh football team.

Pho

to

s by Jo

n R

oetm

an

The Oakton field hockeyteam trailed early in itscontest against

Osbourn Park on Monday as theYellow Jackets scored in theopening minutes.

As it turned out, a little ad-versity was all the Cougarsneeded to get going.

Oakton responded with apair of first-half goals andadded three in the second halfduring a 5-1 victory overOsbourn Park at the Under theLights tournament at Lee HighSchool.

Sophomore Maddie Rouseand junior Makenzie Brookseach scored a pair of goals forOakton, and senior SydneyApplegate had one.

“I think it was almost goodfor [Osbourn Park] to scorebecause it woke [the Cougars]up and made them realize theyneed to be ready as soon asthey’re going into the game,”first-year Oakton head coachAllison Ryneski said. “I thinkthey responded very well as we

dominated pretty much the restof the first half.”

Rouse’s goal with less than 19minutes remaining in the firsthalf tied the score at 1-all.Brooks scored with less than 15minutes left in the opening half,giving the Cougars a lead theywouldn’t relinquish.

“Definitely, that’s what weneeded,” Oakton senior JackieToye said of Osbourn Park’searly goal. “Sometimes it justtakes that mistake in order forus to get going again. From thatpoint on, we seemed a lot morewith it, our passes were betterand we just overall played a lotbetter.”

Ryneski said Toye and seniorDevon Thomas are two ofOakton’s top players.

“They know the game,”Ryneski said, “[and they] knowwhere to put the ball.”

Oakton will travel to faceMadison at 7:30 p.m. onWednesday, Sept. 3.

— Jon Roetman

Oakton sophomore Maddie Rouse, right, scored twogoals during the Cougars’ 5-1 victory over OsbournPark on Monday.

Madeline Weaver and the Oakton field hockey teamovercame an early Osbourn Park goal to beat theYellow Jackets 5-1 on Monday.

Oakton Field HockeyBounces Back

Pho

to

s by C

raig Sterbutzel/T

he C

on

nectio

n


To highlight your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-778-9422

DAILY EUCHARIST:WeekdaysMonday-Friday, 6:30 AM & 8:30 AMSaturday, 8:30 AM

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE:Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PMSunday: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy5312 North 10th StreetArlington Virginia 22205Parish Office: (703) 528-6276

PARISH WEBSITE:www.rc.net/arlington/stann

All AreWelcome!

Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedEst. 1999

Free Estimates703-969-1179

Celebrating 15 Years in Business!

Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

Bathroom Remodel Special $6,850

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

nearly 120 of these familiesin our area to find permanentaffordable housing.

As Dean Klein noted, the con-sequences of homelessness donot end quickly. Especiallywhen children are involved andhave suffered the trauma ofhomelessness, the effects maybe lifelong. Moreover, they suf-fer from emotional or behav-ioral problems that interferewith learning at almost threetimes the rate of other children.Children should never have towonder where they’ll be sleep-ing on any given night. In ourCounty some 700 children dowonder.

Here at Good ShepherdHousing, we work hard to ame-

liorate the problems thesehomeless children face. We en-sure that formerly homelesschildren in our housing pro-grams do not miss out on edu-cational, social and recreationalactivities simply because theirfamilies have low-incomes.

Because of generously do-nated funds, we provide thesechildren with school suppliesand new winter coats and payfor their after school activitiesand summer camps.

At Good Shepherd Housingwe are doing all we can to pro-vide our community’s workingpoor with a fresh start towardstable housing and a better life.

David LevineExecutive Director

Good Shepherd Housing

From Page 6

Letters

THURSDAY/AUG. 28The Band Perry. 8 p.m. Wolf Trap -

The Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road,Vienna.Performance by country- poptrio The Band Perry. $35-$60. 1-877-WOLFTRAP.

Artists Meet for Coffee. 8:30-10 a.m.Katie’s Coffeehouse, GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Local Artists meetfor Coffee; do drop in! 703-759-2759.

Patrick Henry Book Club. 1:00 p.m.Patrick Henry Library,101 MapleAvenue East, Vienna. Discussion onThe Big Burn by Timothy Egan. 703-938-0405.

FRIDAY/AUG. 29Pokemon League. 3 p.m. Patrick

Henry Library, Maple Avenue East,Vienna. Come play Pokemon withfriends. 703-938-0405.

SATURDAY/AUG. 3021st Annual Middle Eastern Food

Festival. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. HolyTransfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, 8501 LewinsvilleRoad, McLean. Middle Eastern dishes– from shawarma wraps to plateddinners - sweets, Arabic coffee, andactivities for families and children.Visitwww.MiddleEasternFoodFestival.comor call 703-734-9566. Freeadmission.

Free Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice.8-9 a.m. McLean Central Parkbasketball court, 1468 DolleyMadison Blvd, McLean. Open to all,including first-timers, every Saturdaymorning. 703-759-9141 orwww.freetaichi.org/practice.shtml.

Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Great Falls Village, 778Walker Road, Great Falls. Don’tforget to bring your recyclable bag.www.greatfallsfarmersmarket.org.

The Fresh Beat Band Live inConcert! 2 p.m. Wolf Trap - TheFilene Center,1551 Trap Road,Vienna. Performance by Nick Jr.’s TVband. $25-$50. 1-877-WOLFTRAP.

SUNDAY/AUG. 31George Benson with Special Guest

Andreas Varady. 8 p.m. Wolf Trap- The Filene Center,1551 Trap Road,Vienna. Jazz and pop performance.$25-$55. 1-877-WOLFTRAP.

TUESDAY/SEPT. 2Colvin Run Tuesday Dance for

Everyone. 6:30-10 p.m. Colvin RunCommunity Gall, 10201 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Come participatein weekly dance lessons ranging from‘Dance of the Month to Generl withHustle, Shug, Latin and more.Admissions: $12. 703-435-5620 orEd Cottrell, [email protected].

THURSDAY/SEPT. 4 Gipsy Kings with Special Guest

Ole’ Noys. 8 p.m. Wolf Trap, TheFilene Center, 1551 Trap Road,Vienna. Rumba to guitar rhythms offlamenco’s royal family! Admissions:$35-$50. 1-877-WOLFTRAP.

FRIDAY/SEPT. 5Cirque Dreams - Jungle Fantasy. 8

p.m. Wolf Trap, The Filene Center,1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Come andwatch the acrobatics in a musicaladventure that New York Magazinecalls “the grandest circus spectacleeast of Vegas.” Admissions: $25-$50.1-877-WOLFTRAP.

Old Firehouse Teen Center Back-to-School Party for 7th-9thgraders. 7-10 p.m. OFTC, 1440

Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Comecelebrate the end of summer andbeginning of school. $5-$10.www.mcleancenter.org or 703-790-0123.

Drop-in Chess. 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.Great Falls Library, 9830 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Weekly drop-inchess games in the library meetingroom. All ages welcome.

Look at the Stars! OpenObservatory. 7:30-10:30 pm.Turner Farm Park, Springvale Road,Great Falls. Friday night viewings ofthe sky at the observatory park. Visithttp://www.analemma.org for moreinformation.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 6 Cirque Dreams - Jungle Fantasy.

7:30 p.m. Wolf Trap, The Filene

Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Thesecond night of this production at anearlier time. Watch the acrobatics ina musical adventure that New YorkMagazine calls “the grandest circusspectacle east of Vegas.” Admissions:$25-$50. 1-877-WOLFTRAP.

Cars & Coffee. 7-9 a.m. Katie’s CoffeeHouse, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls.Every Saturday come find anassortment of antique, custom, exotic,sports cars and more! With coffee!

Great Falls Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Great Falls Village, 778Walker Road, Great Falls. Bring yourrecyclable bag and participate in thelocal movement. Farmers fromaround the area sell their vegetables,fruits, crepes, drinks and more.

Jody Marshall. 5 -7 p.m. ThePalladium Civic Place Green, 1445Laughlin Avenue, McLean. OutdoorCeltic and folk music. Free. 703-288-9505.

Vienna Woman’s Club OpenHouse/Membership Drive. 1 - 4p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101Maple Ave E, Vienna.viennawomansclub.org.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 7 Colbie Caillat Gypsy Heart Tour. 8

p.m. Wolf Trap, The Filene Center,1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Grammyaward-winning pop star comes toWolf Trap for a one-nightperformance. Admissions: $30-$100.Philip Cangelosi, 703-255-1900 ext1729.

Grinding Grain at Colvin Run Mill.12-3 p.m. Colvin Run Mill, 10017Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Comewatch the miller grind grain;cornmeal, grits, whole wheat for salein General Store. 703-759-2771.

Vale Club Open House. 1 – 3 p.m.Vale School House, 3124 Fox MillRoad, Oakton. The Friends of ValeSchool House/Vale Club will host anopen house for prospective members.Come visit the historic schoolhouseand hear about the organization.www.valeschoolhouse.org

MONDAY, SEPT. 8 Read to the Dog. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library, 9830 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Beginning readerscan practice reading to a furry friend.Call to sign-up. 703-757-8560.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 9Colvin Run’s Dance for Everyone.

6:30-10 p.m. Colvin Run CommunityGall, 10201 Colvin Run Road, GreatFalls. Come participate in weekelydance lessons ranging from ‘Dance ofthe Month to Generl with Hustle,Shug, Latin and more. Admissions:$12. 703-435-5620 or Ed Cottrell,[email protected].

Calendar Send announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is Fridayfor the following week’s paper. Photos/artwork encouraged.


Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Churchvolunteers will sell traditional dishes and hand-madesweets at the 21st Annual Middle Eastern Food Festivalon Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-31 at 8501 LewinsvilleRoad, McLean.


Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Bonsai,Orchids &

Cactus 25% Off

Fountains,

Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,

Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,

Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,

Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Fountains,

Benches &

Statues 25% Off

Blooming Tropicals25% Off





Lowes

t Pric

es

Sinc

e 20

08!

9023 Arlington Blvd.,Fairfax, Virginia

2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50.1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro)

Open 7 days a week703-573-5025

www.cravensnursery.comVisit our new Web site:

➠

Followus:

50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery50-75% OffPottery

606060 35% OFFJapanese Maples

Over 150 varieties

35% OFFJapanese Maples

Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties


Over 150 varieties

$29.99

Playground Chips& Organic Compost

cu. yd.

BulkMulch

$24.99 cu. yd.

10% Off All Hardscapingthrough Labor Day

Free Estimates, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls,Landscaping & so much more!





Clearance Sale30% OFF

All Trees 2013 Stock & Prior











132 Branch Road, S.E. • Vienna, VAVisit www.maplewoodgrill.com for Specials

Maplewood Grill

703-281-0070

Live EntertainmentMon. thru Sat.

Labor DayWeekend

Friday, Aug. 29 thruMonday, Sept. 1~Dine in or Carry out~

Presents BBQ, Beer & LobsterfestNews

By Reena Singh

The Connection

Dressed in the high fash-ion of the early 1800s,Carole Herrick andJohn Douglas Hall

spoke eloquently about the War of1812 as if it happened yesterday.

Interactive play “An Afternoonwith the Madisons” was shown ex-actly 200 years from the date thatBritish soldiers set Washington D.C.ablaze to give locals a history les-son at the free event at McLeanCommunity Center’s Alden TheaterSunday.

“The War of 1812 is probablyAmerica’s least understood war,”said Roger Mudd, McLean andGreat Falls Celebrate Virginia hon-orary chairman and award-winningnews anchor.

McLean residents packed each ofthe 370 seats in the theater to learnabout how James Madison and hiswife were scrambling aroundMcLean and other parts of north-ern Fairfax County to save thenation’s important documents, ar-tifacts and paintings.

James Madison, played by histori-cal performer Hall, and DolleyMadison, played by M&GFCV co-chairman Herrick, spoke severalmonologues to the audience as ifthey were guests at Montpelier, re-counting their perspectives of thethree days surrounding the attackon the nation’s capital and the in-spiration behind Francis ScottKey’s “Star Spangled Banner.”

“If any of you believe Mr. or Mrs.Madison fled through your neigh-borhood 200 years ago, you mightconsider applying for a historicalmarker,” said Mudd jokingly.

One of the artifacts famouslysaved by Dolley Madison was an iconic portrait ofGeorge Washington that currently hangs in the WhiteHouse’s east room.

Herrick as Mrs. Madison recounted how she wasso sure the British would be driven away by theAmerican militia that she began preparing a 40-guestvictory feast as she packed her bags to flee thepresident’s house.

“I was so sure of our militia,” she said.With James Madison fighting with the generals and

the militia, she changed her mind about the outcomeof the battle when she heard the Americans wereordered to retreat. Because she had no other wayout, she had to cross the chain bridge out of thenation’s capital, a frightening experience.

“I could only hope you inform your children’s chil-dren about my accounts today,” said Hall.

McLean resident came to the event to learn more

about her community’s history.“They summed it up so well by stating that we

know so little about the war of 1812,” she said. “Itwas our second war with the British, and it reallyhelped us with our standing as a world power after.”

McLean resident Sue Christie came to support herfriend Herrick, talking about the M&GFCV co-chair’sknowledge about McLean’s place in the war.

“I was surprised because I somehow thought thewar was longer than it was,” she said.

The sponsor group also presented a new award,the Henry C. Mackall award, to Roger Mudd for hisdedication to historical education and preservationin the community.

“Patriotism surfaced after the burning of the city,after the signing of the treaty,” said Herrick. “Beforethat, we were separate states, but after, we becamea nation.

200th anniversaryof D.C. fire.

Afternoon with the Madisons

Photo by Reena Singh/The Connection

James Madison, played by John Douglas Hall, and DolleyMadison, played by Carole Herrick at “An Afternoon withthe Madisons.”

“Patriotism surfaced after the burning ofthe city, after the signing of the treaty. …Before that, we were separate states,but after, we became a nation.”

— Carole Herrick

For a free digital subscription to one or allof the 15 Connection Newspapers, go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first to know – get yourpaper before it hits the press.

Complete digital replica of theprint edition, including photosand ads, delivered weeklyto your e-mail box.

Questions? E-mail:[email protected]


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/OaktonClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements


LEGAL NOTICEElizabeth Morris, Plaintiff v.Joseph Edward Morris,Defendant. to the abovename Defendant: A complainthas been presented to thisCourt by the Plaintiff, ElizabethMorris seeking Complaint forAnnulment of Marriage.

21 Announcements



HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup

(571) [email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

95.6K miles (white/minor dings). Runs great! 5-spd. StandardTransmission; Sunroof; AM/FM/Cassette Deck/4 Speakers;Power Side Mirrors; 1-yr. old tires; Pampered with SyntheticOil every 3 mos./3K mi. for 20 yrs; Fully Detailed; Price: $2K.

Call: 571/338-1576 or 703/222-4492 (Fairfax)

FOR SALE-1994 GEO PRIZM LSi

202 Domestic Auto 202 Domestic Auto

26 Antiques

We pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

Danish/modernteak furniture, STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

28 Yard Sales

Moving sale Sat 8/30 7:00am -1:00pm

10422 Deer Foot Drive Great Falls

Furniture, clothes kids itemsAnd more

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6 ....................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ....................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINES

Zones 1, 5, 6 ....................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ....................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

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 Packet

The 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

EmploymentEmployment

MUST LOVE CATSVolunteers needed for cat caretaker shifts with

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation at 7 Corners/Falls Church, Tysons Corner, Reston or Leesburg PetSmart locations. Morning, mid-day or evening shifts available, need varies by location. Shifts are generally 60-90 minutes,

training provided. Great opportunity for student service hours. Also opportunities for

transport volunteers and fostering. Email [email protected] with questions

or interest.

VET RECEPTIONISTSmall animal hosp. Great Falls.

Will train. 703-757-7570 • www.ourvets.com

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

Not only did last week’s CT Scan indi-cate shrinkage, where necessary – and sta-bility, where hoped for – it also accom-plished these hoped-for goals after onlytwo months of chemotherapy (still infusedevery three weeks) rather than the normalthree months of chemotherapy. So depend-ing on how the calendar/treatment sched-ule actually fell, I probably received twofewer infusions than usual, yet all the radio-logical indications – and interpretations –continue to be encouraging; after five anda half years, no less. I think I’m entitled touse the word amazing – and lucky, too.

Certainly I’ve made lifestyle changes, asyou regular readers know, though I’mhardly the poster child for outliving-your-terminal-stage-IV-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-diagnosis. I haven’t incorporated allthe suggestions made to me, but I have lis-tened – and learned, of course. Still, I’mproud of the path I’ve traveled, whichwouldn’t have happened without the helpand guidance of friends and family who Itrusted, and who I know had my best inter-ests at heart. And I have survived, thrivedalmost, because of their persistence.

But change is not, and has not beeneasy for me. In fact, “change” might as wellbe a four-letter word, although I do use myshare; never in print, and less frequently inpublic probably wouldn’t kill me. But I’malso good at rationalizing my behavior –both good and bad, so doing/not doing andproviding plausible, semi-defensible expla-nations (maybe even denials) has becomeone of my best mechanisms. Ultimately, mybottom line in all of these attempts atmodifying my behavior is stress reduction –which equates to self-preservation, if youwant to know the truth – and doing so in away that is consistent with my personality,allowing me to maintain the effort. I don’tsuppose starting and stopping would solvemuch. It’s sort of like a placebo effect. If Ithink something I’m doing is working, thenmaybe it is. The mind is a terrible thing towaste and I want to give it every opportu-nity to bring me back to “normal” health.For all I know, some new pill I’ve started,some new behavior I’ve assimilated, some-thing (like sugar) I’ve reduced is all workingtogether to make me whole again. Andsince I generally don’t look for trouble –considering that trouble has already foundme, I try to leave well enough alone until alittle birdie tells me otherwise (anybody,anywhere; any source, anyhow; anymedium, any way). Now I don’t want toknee-jerk myself into a decision. I’ll make afew inquiries, I’ll do a little research, butoverall, I won’t make the pursuit my life’swork.

In spite of it all, and in spite of me andmy peculiarities, I approach this week’sfive-and-a-half-year, post-diagnosis anniver-sary with less fear and trepidation than per-haps I should. But as I’ve said many timespreviously, and again in this column: “Whatdo I know?” Enough to keep me up and at’em and alive and reasonably well, I sup-pose. And way more than I had a right toexpect and almost too much to understand.I’ve never asked “why me?” but I’ve alwaysthought “why not me?” And so it goes –and has gone; maybe my level of ignorancehas been a sort of bliss. However, if I reallyunderstood what ails me, I might not be soglib about it.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

And Another Thing I’m“Righting” On

Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn many aspects ofthe newspaper business. Internships available inreporting, photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and for adults consid-ering change of career. Unpaid. [email protected]


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/Oakton

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

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

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

Licensed/Bonded/Insured

[email protected]

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned

Small Repairs • Gutter Guards

PINNACLE SERVICESlic/ins 703-802-0483 free est.email [email protected]: lawnsandgutters.comFriendly Service with a Friendly Price!

GUTTER GUTTER

LicensedInsured

We Accept VISA/MC

703-441-8811

You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.

The HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION

BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE

A&S Landscaping

703-863-7465LICENSED

Serving All of N. Virginia

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

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: [email protected]

www.rncontractors.com

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

JUAN’S LANDSCAPING Since 1987

Res./Com. • Free Estimates

• CELL 703-732-7175

• COMPLETE TREE SERVICE • MASONRY • HAULING• BACKHOE • EXCAVATING • POWER WASHING• HANDYMAN • PAINTING • TRASH REMOVAL • DRYWAL

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

MOWING, TRIMMING, EDGING,MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES

PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE

Friendly Service for a Friendly Price

703-802-0483703-802-0483

Custom Masonry703-768-3900

www.custommasonry.infoPatios, Walkways, Stoops, Steps, DrivewaysRepairs & New Installs•All Work Guranteed

BRICK AND STONE

MASONRY MASONRY

GOLDY BRICKCONSTRUCTION

Walkways, Patios, Driveways,Flagstone, ConcreteFREE ESTIMATES

Licensed, Insured, Bonded

703-250-6231

PAVING PAVING

Quality Tree Service & LandscapingReasonable prices. Licensed & insured

25 years of experience – Free estimates 703-868-5358

Spring Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,

shrubbery trimming, mulching, leafremoval, planting, hauling, gutter cleaning,

retaining walls, drainage problems, etc.

24 Hour Emergency Tree Service

TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE

HAULING

AL’S HAULINGJunk & Rubbish

Concrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debris

Low Rates NOVA703-360-4364

703-304-4798 cell

7 DAYS A WEEK

ANGEL’S HAULING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction

Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

LANDSCAPING

Bathrooms, Kitchens,Flooring, complete

remodeling.703-863-7465

A&S CONSTRUCTION

JUNK HAULINGJunk, Rubbish,Homes, Offices,

Commerical,Yard/ConstructionDebris, Lot Clearout, 24 hrs day,

General Hom Work.

703-520-4338 N-VA

PAVING

Joseph Sealcoating

FreeEstimates!

703-494-5443

35 YearsExperience!

PAVINGSpecialist

TREE SERVICE

ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL

Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com

Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping

Gutters & Hauling

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

LANDSCAPING

Great Papers • Great Readers • Great Results!

Employers:Are your recruiting ads notworking in other papers?

Try a better way to fill your employment openings

[email protected]

• Target your best job candidateswhere they live.

• Reach readers in additionto those who are currentlylooking for a job.

• Proven readership.• Proven results.

Rockville

Potomac

BethesdaChevyChase

NorthPotomac

Washington,D.C.

Herndon

Reston

Chantilly

GreatFalls

ViennaOakton

Arlington

McLean1

4

HistoricClifton

Fairfax

FairfaxStation

Burke

Springfield

2

6

5

3

NorthClifton

Centreville

LaurelHill

DullesAirport

To have community events listed in the Connec-tion, send to [email protected]. Thedeadline for submissions is the Friday prior to pub-lication.

THURSDAY/AUG. 28Computer-one-on-one. 11 a.m.10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Learn how to workwith the Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, andPowerPoint. 703-242-4020.

FRIDAY/AUG. 29Drop-In-Chess. 1 p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830

Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. All skill levelswelcome. 703-757-8560.

English Conversation Group. 10 a.m. PatrickHenry Library,101 Maple Avenue East, Vienna.Practice English conversational skills. 703-938-0405.

TUESDAY/SEPT. 9 American Red Cross Blood Donation. 8 a.m.

- 1:30 p.m. Federal Highway Administration,6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean. redcross.org or1-800-RED-CROSS.

MONDAY/SEPT. 15MCC Governing Board Work Session and

Public Hearing on FY 2016 Budget. 7:30p.m. McLean Community Center, 1234 InglesideAvenue, McLean.

Open to the public. www.mcleancenter.org or 703-790-0123.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 18Chapter Meeting Vietnam Veterans of

America Chapter 227. 7:30 p.m. Neighbor’sRestaurant, 262D Cedar Lane, Vienna. VietnamWar veteran, journalist, and author MarcLeepson will discuss latest book, “What SoProudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life.”Free. Call Len Ignatowski, 703-255-0353 orwww.vva227.org.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 27McLean Child Safety Inspection. 9:30 a.m. –

12 p.m. Lewinsville Center, 1609 Great FallsStreet, McLean. The Mclean District PoliceStation holds child safety seat inspections onceper month.

SATURDAY/OCT. 25McLean Child Safety Inspection. 9:30 a.m. –


SATURDAY/NOV. 22McLean Child Safety Inspection. 9:30 a.m. –


ONGOINGVienna Toastmasters. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays

at 7:30 p.m., at the Vienna Community Centeron the 2nd floor room opposite the elevator, 120Cherry St., S.E., Vienna. A friendly place to getcomfortable with public speaking andimpromptu speaking for new and experiencedspeakers. Open to the public.

Run With the Doctor. Every other Saturday at 7a.m. 8230 Boone Blvd, Tysons Corner. TheCenter for Orthopedics and Sports Medicineoffers its services in a convenient format torunners at this running event. Free.facebook.com/runwiththedoctor.

Senior Fall Prevention Classes. 1:30-2:30 p.m.and 2-3 p.m., The Woodlands RetirementCommunity, 4320 Forest Hill Drive, Fairfax.Classes are held in a heated indoor pool and aredesigned to work on balance and core muscles.$10. 703-667-9800.

Coffee/Tea Poetry Group. Poets and poetrylovers seek to form a group to meet once amonth at a local coffee/tea shop to enjoy eachother’s creations. 703-819-1690.

Virginia Sheriff’s Institute ScholarshipProgram. Those enrolled in a Virginia collegeor university who are pursuing a degree in thefield of criminal justice are eligible for theVirginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship Program;recommendation letter needed. 703-246-3251,[email protected] or http://vasheriffsinstitute.org/scholarship/.

Everest College Free GED Test Preparation.Tysons Corner, Vienna. Free GED testpreparation and credential completion program,GED Advantage, open to the public. 1-888-201-6547.

Bulletin Board



2014-2015

online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC

McLeanMcLean

Pho

to

by R

enée R

uggles/T

he C

onnectio

n

2014-2015



Newcomers &

Community Guide

Newcomers &

Community Guide

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2014-15 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Newcomers & Community Guide

By Sharon Bulova/Chairman

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Welcome to Fairfax County,the best place in the coun-try to live, work and play.Fairfax County is home to a

fantastic public school system, top tier busi-ness and shopping opportunities, compas-sionate human services, and some of thebest parks and open spaces in the D.C. Met-ropolitan region. This summer featured thelong-awaited opening of the WMATA SilverLine, which connects the Reston and theTysons areas of the county to the entireMetrorail system.

Last June, I cut the ribbon to open a newsegment of our Fairfax County Cross CountyTrail, named after former Chairman (nowcongressman) Gerry Connolly. It was hisvision, while serving on our board, to buildand connect trail sections to make it pos-sible for someone to hike through all ninecounty magisterial districts. The northernend of the trail begins in Great Falls Na-tional Park at the breathtaking PotomacRiver and travels south to the historicOccoquan River.

The trail passes through stream valleysand meadows, then winds through fascinat-ing Laurel Hill, site of the former LortonPrison. In addition to parkland and a golfcourse, these grounds are now home to theWorkhouse Arts Center where visitors canwatch artists in action and enjoy plays, per-formances and community events such as

Springfest every April.Fairfax County has something for every-

one. Northern Virginia Community Collegeoffers more than 160 degrees at theassociate’s level and numerous certificateprograms. Its partnership with George Ma-son University provides families and stu-

dents with a seamless, cost-effective pathto a four-year degree.

George Mason University, recently namedone of the top five “Up-and-Coming Uni-versities” by U.S. News and World Report,is also recognized as one of America’s BestCollege Buys by Forbes magazine. Under the

presidency of Dr. Angel Cabrera, Mason isfast taking its place as a university for theworld.

Fairfax County is known for its business-friendly climate. Time Magazine has de-scribed us as “the epicenter of the Wash-ington region’s job boom” and “one of thegreat economic success stories of our time.”Although home to eight Fortune 500 com-pany headquarters (corporate giants suchas Northrop Grumman and Booz AllenHamilton) about 97 percent of the compa-nies in Fairfax County are small businesseswith fewer than 100 employees. We are agreat location for startups.

Of course, Fairfax County’s greatest assetis a population that is welcoming and en-gaged. People from all over the globe havemade Fairfax County their home, enrichingour community with diverse cultures andentrepreneurship. Visit Fairfax County’swebsite at www.fairfaxcounty.gov to learnmore about what Fairfax has to offer.

As chairman of the Board of Supervisors,I am elected at-large by all registered vot-ers. My office is here to serve you. If youhave any questions or concerns, pleaseemail me at [email protected] orcall me at 703-324-2321. I hope you willsign up to receive my monthly Bulova By-line newsletter that will keep you up-to-dateon what is happening and how you canparticipate in all that Fairfax County has tooffer you and your family.

Thanks for making Fairfax County yourhome.

Photo contributed

Thumbs up for Silver Line: The long-awaited opening of the WMATASilver Line, which connects the Reston and the Tysons areas of thecounty to the Metrorail system.

Welcome to Fairfax County

By Reena Singh

The Connection

As Tysons Corner booms and thenew Silver Line stations becomemore successful, McLean will be

undergoing changes over the next fewyears.

The McLean Citizens Association andother community leaders will be work-ing to ensure the new Metro stations aresuccessful, Tysons becomes a community,traffic reduces on Route 7 and updateMclean itself.

The traffic on Leesburg Pike headingthrough Tysons Corner becomes heavilycongested during rush hour.

“The new Silver Line will help allevi-ate traffic congestion on Rt. 123 and Rt.7,” said Dranesville District SupervisorJohn Foust in an email.

He stated that he played a major rolein obtaining funding for the road’s wid-

ening.“Thanks to HB 2313, the first major state

transportation bill since 1986, the Countycan now address serious traffic problemsin our area,” he said. “I anticipate that some

of these funds will be used to provide re-maining funds and accelerate the Rt. 7 wid-ening project.”

McLean Citizens Association PresidentSally Horn said newcomers and longtime

residents can come to a meeting specifi-cally addressing traffic mitigation withthe director of Fairfax Department of

Tysons, trafficimportant topics forMcLean residents.

See Top Issues, Page 4

Top Issues Facing McLean Community

Photo by Reena Singh/ Connection Newspapers

Some citizens are complaining that the rail cars at the McLean station are causing noise pollution.


Great FallsZip code: 22066Population: 18,099Race: White-14,428 (79.7%), Black/African American-370 (2%), American Indian

and Alaska Native-29 (0.2%), Asian-2,548 (14.1%), Hispanic or Latino (of any race)-778 (4.3%)

Total housing units: 6,153Owner-occupied housing units: 5,497 (94.3%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 2,678Households with individuals 65 years and over: 1,526Median household income: 207,949Mean family income: 305,426Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 24.8%Source: U.S. Census 2010; American Community Survey 2012

McLeanZip code: 22102Population: 21,985Race: White-14,668 (66.7%), Black/African American-14,688 (66.7%), American

Indian and Alaska Native-43 (0.2%), Asian-5,175 (23.5%), Hispanic or Latino (ofany race)-1,481 (6.7%)

Total housing units: 10,471Owner-occupied housing units: 5,476 (56.2%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 2,626Households with individuals 65 years and over: 2,075Median household income: 117,885Mean family income: 261,962Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 41.3%

Zip code: 22101Population: 29,887Race: White-24,098 (80.6%), Black/African American-498 (1.7%), American In-

dian and Alaska Native-42 (0.1%), Asian-4,130 (13.8), Hispanic or Latino (of anyrace)-1,549 (5.2%)

Total housing units: 11,345Owner-occupied housing units: 9,034 (83.1%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 4,190 (38.5%)Households with individuals 65 years and over: 3,813 (35.1%)Median household income: 175,926Mean family income: 273,397Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 28.7%

Zip code: 22043Population: 24,302Race: White-15,725 (64.7%), Black/African American-1,095 (4.5%), American In-

dian and Alaska Native-107 (0.4%), Asian-4,732 (19.5%), Hispanic or Latino (ofany race)-4,013 (16.5%)

Total housing units: 9,735Owner-occupied housing units: 5,575 (59.5%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 2,985 (31.9%)Households with individuals 65 years and over: 1,847 (19.7%)Median household income: 102,057Mean family income: 141,315Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 39.6%Source: U.S. Census 2010; American Community Survey 2012

Vienna/OaktonZip code: 22182Population: 24,863Race: White-18,425 (74.1%), Black/African American-695 (2.8%), American In-

dian and Alaska Native-22 (0.1%), Asian-4,594 (18.5%), Hispanic or Latino (of anyrace)-1,304 (5.2%)

Total housing units: 9,020Owner-occupied housing units: 7,099 (82.5%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 3,530Households with individuals 65 years and over: 2,233Median household income: 164,388Mean family income: 217,756Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 29.8%


dian and Alaska Native-45 (0.3%), Asian-2,230 (15%), Hispanic or Latino (of anyrace)-1,197 (8%)

Total housing units: 5,429Owner-occupied housing units: 4,234 (79%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 2,055 (38.3%)Households with individuals 65 years and over: 1,231 (23%)Median household income: 157,036Mean family income: 209,649Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 29.4%


dian and Alaska Native-74 (0.3%), Asian-3,907 (16.6%), Hispanic or Latino (of anyrace)-2,628 (11.2%)

Total housing units: 8,386Owner-occupied housing units: 6,379 (75.2%)Households with individuals under 18 years: 3,172 (37.4%)Households with individuals 65 years and over: 2,093 (24.7%)Median household income: 125,905Mean family income: 168,627Population 5 years and over who speaks a language other than English at home: 34.7%Source: U.S. Census 2010; American Community Survey 2012

Area Demographics

From Page 3

Transportation in the urban centerat 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the McLeanCommunity Center.

Horn hopes that McLean itself seesimprovements, namely to add side-walks and update the downtown area.

“We want our community to bewalkable,” she said.

ABOUT 24 SIDEWALK PROJECTSwill soon be underway to make thatwish come true.

“Improving pedestrian and bicyclesafety and connectivity has been amajor objective during my time in office,”said Foust. “Since taking office I have ob-tained funding for 80 pedestrian improve-ments, many of them are in McLean.”

He said his constituents also want betterwalkways and bicycle paths to the newlyopened McLean and Tysons Corner Metrostations.

Horn said she also hopes to see McLeanCentral Park updated and the recreation fa-cilities enhanced.

“The question will be when will themoney be there, when will the bonds bethere to make this a reality?”

She hears from others that they want tosee downtown McLean revitalized. Foustsaid the county has been approving - and isstill approving - parts ofthe Master Plan thatshape downtownMcLean. The area willbe the site of many or-ange cones for a while.

“The undergroundingof power and other util-ity lines along a portionof Chain Bridge Roadand Old Dominion was completed in late2013,” he said. “For a variety of reasons,the project had been stalled until I took of-fice. In addition, VDOT will replace the traf-fic signals that presently hang from un-sightly wires with the more attractive mastarms.”

The opening of the Silver Line was a dayof celebration in the county. However, noteveryone is happy with the new Metro sta-tions. Horn said there are some people intown who are claiming they create noisepollution when they roll over the tracks soclose to McLean.

“Those who live near the Metro stop arehearing lots of noise,” she said. “We’ll be

working with Metro over the next year totake care of the problem.”

Foust said he was aware of the issues aswell.

“I advocated for and obtained new soundwalls along the Beltway protecting McLeancommunities from Express Lanes noise,” hesaid. “Working with the community, Del-egate Scott, Senator Janet Howell, and Iobtained approval and funding for theVDOT soundwalls that are being installedalong the Dulles Connector between Rt. 123and I-66. They should be in place by theend of the year.”

Soundwalls will reflect sound to keepnearby neighborhoods quieter.

A MAJOR PROJECTthat Tysons Partnershipis undertaking is to turnthe urban center into acommunity. Until re-cently, Executive Direc-tor Michael Caplin said,a person could ridetheir bike down themiddle of many of

Tysons’ streets without seeing a car. Sincethe spring, a farmers market and a string offestivals have been added to Tysons’ eventcalendar. Caplin thinks the Silver Line willhelp this mission become a success.

“The Silver Line makes McLean & Tysonsavailable to the entire DC metro region,”he wrote in an email. “This increases de-mand for hotels, office space, retail and res-taurants. Silver Line Metro also makes itpossible for people without a car who liveto the east of Tysons to consider employ-ment in Tysons. It also increases residen-tial options for people who work in DC; theycan enjoy homes in Fairfax County and thegood lifestyle here, and ride the Silver Line

to work in D.C. or beyond.”He said new buildings for residen-

tial and commercial purposes are be-ing built quickly, but does not feel theirconstruction hinders traffic. He alsonoted that while there currently is nota lot of connectivity between all of theSilver Line Metro stations, bike pathsand walking paths are currently beingplanned by the county.

“Visit the Fairfax County governmentwebsite for routes and times,” he said.“Also visit www.Tytran.com – theTysons-wide transportation resourcewebsite.”

Top Issues to Tackle in McLeanNewcomers & Community Guide

Citizens hope to see downtownMcLean fixed up soon.

Photos by Reena Singh/Connection Newspapers

Tysons Partnership Executive Directorsaid commuters will see more connec-tivity between the stations soon.

“Those who live nearthe Metro stop arehearing lots of noise.”— McLean Citizens Association

President Sally Horn


The Madeira School • 8328 Georgetown Pike • McLean, VA 22102

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSEAllow us to introduce you

to Madeira’s academic programsand school community at one of

our fall open house events.Meet teachers, take a campus tour,

and experience the magic of Madeira.

Sunday, October 5 • 1:00 pmSunday, November 9 • 1:00 pm

or by appointment throughout the year

For more information call703-556-8273

or begin your journeyonline atwww.madeira.org.

Now offering transportation from D.C.,Alexandria, and Tysons Metro.


By Janie Strauss

School Board Member/Dranesville

Herndon, Langley andMcLean High Schools of-fer a rich program ofcourses, extracurricular

activities and events. Check theirwebsites for detailed descriptions.www.fcps.edu/HerndonHS, www.fcps.edu/LangleyHS and www.fcps.edu/McLeanHS

Concerts, plays and athletic events are open to thepublic and a great way to get to know a school com-munity.

Here is a sampling of recent school news.

HERNDON HIGH SCHOOL❖ HHS will complete the planning phase this year for their

renovation. Construction will likely begin in 2016-17.❖ The Step Team has won their second world championship

and the marching band will perform at Disney World inApril.

❖ The Virtual Business Enterprise class has representedVirginia three times in national competitions.

❖ HHS has the largest number of National Board Certifiedteachers in a single FCPS schools.

❖ Herndon continues to field a competitive robotics team andoffers a Navy JROTC program.

❖ Herndon is a “kids at Hope” school with an expectation ofsuccess for all students.

LANGLEY HIGH SCHOOL*Langley High School will begin theirrenovation in December of this year. Classeswill continue with the help of 32 temporaryclassrooms in the new Quad Ville located in theparking lot. On campus parking will be reduced.With the auditorium under construction in thefirst phase this year, orchestra, band and dramaperformances will take place in other spaces.Please continue to come to events, but check fornew locations.*Last year, the volleyball team won the statechampionship, the science Olympiad team wassecond in the state and the Saxon Stage’sperformance of “The Children’s Hour” won aCappie for the best play and Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf won for graduating critic.❖ The All Langley Read is “The Adoration of

Jenna Fox” by Mary Pearson.❖ The Langley Leap, a senior internship program, will be

offered again in June through Government classes.

MCLEAN HIGH SCHOOL*MHS, renovated some years ago and having experienced

enrollment growth in the last few years, may see no uptickin enrollment this year.

❖ McLean’s Critics team, Emma Paquette (rising critic) andAlex Stone (lead actor in a musical) won Cappies.

❖ Luke Ferris, a member of the USA Aquatics Special OlympicsTeam, has made the Team USA for the World SpecialOlympics.

❖ The Symphonic Band will perform at the National ConcertBand Festival in Indianapolis.

❖ Dawn Allison, a MHS counselor, has been selected as the2013-2014 FCPS Outstanding Career Center Specialist.

❖ McLean’s principal, Ellen Reilly, has a special page on theschool website called Reilly’s Raves that highlights variousstudent and staff accomplishments – like CatherineOverberg who graduated with perfect attendance fromkindergarten through high schools. Check it out.

Recent news fromHerndon, Langleyand McLean High.

High Schools Aiming High

Photo contributed


Keep in TouchLETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Email to [email protected] or submit online at

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/CONTACT:Great Falls Connection: [email protected] Connection: [email protected] Connection: [email protected] Connection: [email protected] Connection: [email protected] advertising and marketing information, email [email protected] or call 703-778-

9431.

FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONSBe the first to read your hometown news, and go green. Sign up to get the Connection delivered to

your email box every week. The electronic version of the paper will arrive in your email boxbefore the paper even hits the press, literally, and is a digital replica of the print paper.

Sign up at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/subscribe, or email your name, your snail-mailaddress, email address and the paper or papers you would like to receive [email protected]. (We will not share your personal information.)

Friend Us On Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConnectionNewspapersFollow Us on Twitter—Connection Newspapers: www.twitter.com/FollowFairfax; @FollowFairfaxGreat Falls Connection: www.twitter.com/GFConnection; @GFConnectionMcLean Connection: www.twitter.com/McLeanConnect; @McLeanConnectOak Hill/Herndon: www.twitter.com/HerndonConnect; @HerndonConnectReston Connection: www.twitter.com/RestonConnect; @RestonConnectVienna and Oakton Connection: www.twitter.com/ViennaConnect @ViennaConnect

FACETSFACETS began as a meal distribution out-

reach effort in 1988, today is an establishednonprofit organization with programs toprovide shelter, food, and medical attentionfor those unable to provide for themselves.FACETS offers a multifaceted array of volun-teer opportunities across all of our programsto include administrative and office oppor-tunities at our main office in Fairfax City.Take a moment to learn more about avail-able volunteer opportunities, then kindlysign up for an orientation where you willlearn more about becoming a volunteer forFACETS as well as complete an application.703-352-5090 or http://facetscares.org/

Affordable HousingCorporation (AHC)

AHC, a nonprofit developer of affordablehousing, operates in Vienna to provide qual-ity homes for low- and moderate-incomefamilies. AHC also offers services for resi-dents and homeownership opportunities.www.ahcinc.org/index.html.

Northern VirginiaFamily Service

NVFS addresses the needs of many com-munities in our region by providing serviceslike foster care and multicultural humanservices. See extensive volunteer opportuni-ties on their website. 703-385-3267 orwww.nvfs.org/.

Committee forHelping Others (CHO)

CHO is a Vienna organization committedto providing simple, loving charity to thosein need. CHO is currently seeking volunteerdrivers for their furniture and transportationprograms. Their 14th Annual ThanksgivingInterfaith Service is Tuesday, Nov. 20, 7:30p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589Chain Bridge Road. 703-281-7614 orwww.cho-va.com.

Family PASSFamily PASS strives to step in before fami-

lies lose their housing by providing rentalsubsidies, extensive case management andother assistance including education, jobtraining, child care, food, transportation,health care, help with children’s issues andcounseling. Volunteer opportunities includedrivers, event hosts, food drive organizersand tutors. 703-242-6474 or http://familypassfairfax.org/.

So Others Might EatSOME is a 40-plus-year-old Washington,

D.C. based organization with church part-nerships throughout Northern Virginia anda storage facility in Vienna. SOME works tomeet the immediate daily needs of needyadults and children with food, clothing andhealth care, with the goal of breaking thecycle of homelessness by offering servicessuch as affordable housing, job training,addiction treatment and counseling, to thepoor, the elderly and individuals with men-tal illness. www.some.org/.

AFCEA EducationalFoundation

AFCEA provides educational scholarshipsand continuing education and training pro-grams for people in the hard sciencesdisciplines related to the Department ofDefense. www.afcea.org/education/scholar-ships/.

Nonprofits

See Nonprofits, Page 7


As your local, weekly newspaper,the Connection’s mission is todeliver the local news you need,to try to make sense of what is

happening in your community, to gatherinformation about the best things in andnear your community, to advocate for com-munity good, to provide a forum for dia-logue on local concerns, and to celebrateand record achievements, milestones andevents in the community and people’s lives.

Here in our Newcomers and CommunityGuide, we’ve included an expanded andupdated version of our award-winningInsider’s Guide to the Parks, plus details ofhow to vote in the upcoming elections, in-formation on local government, nonprofitsand business organizations, plus tips andtidbits from the community.

We invite newcomers and long-time resi-dents alike to let us know how we’re doingand let us know what is going on in yourpart of the community. If you have ques-tions or ideas, send us an e-mail or call us,contact us on Facebook or send us a tweet.We invite you to send letters to the editoror to send an email with feedback aboutour coverage.

We want to know if someone in your fam-ily or your community published a book,started a business, became an Eagle Scout,raised money for a good cause, accom-plished some feat like running a marathon,supporting a cause or having art includedin an art show. We publish photos and notesabout personal milestones and communityevents, including births, engagements, wed-dings, anniversaries, awards and obituar-ies. We are also interested in events at yourchurch, mosque, synagogue, communitycenter, pool, school, club, etc. Email us anote about the event, being sure to includewhen and where the photo was taken andthe names of all the people who are in aphoto. We also publish notes about newsand events from local businesses. Notesabout openings, new employees and anni-versaries are welcome. It is especially im-portant to us to let people know aboutevents ahead of time in our calendar ofevents. We appreciate getting notice at least

two weeks ahead of the event, and we en-courage photos.

Your community Connection newspaperis one of 15 papers published by the inde-pendent, locally owned Local Media Con-nection LLC, serving the suburbs of Metro-politan Washington in Northern Virginiaand Potomac, Md.

Our flagship paper, the Alexandria Ga-zette Packet, is one of the oldest continu-ously publishing papers in the country, be-ginning publication in 1784.

The Connection Newspapers have wonhundreds of press awards in just the pastfew years, including the Virginia Press As-sociation Award for Journalistic Integrityand Community Service, Best in Show forour Insiders Guide to the Parks, first placefor our community guides, plus awards innews, art, business, special projects, sports,entertainment, design, photography andmuch more.

We have staff and contributors here at theConnection with remarkable talent and ex-perience, far greater than one might expect.We continue to publish 15 distinct papers

every week that serve their communities indistinct ways. We welcome contributingwriters, with the caveat that our freelancepay is nominal; if you are interested in cov-ering news or events in your community,email [email protected] offer summer and year-round educa-tional internships with information atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/intern-ships.

In addition to our weekly coverage, wehave monthly special focus pages onWellbeing; Education, Learning, Fun, andHomeLifeStyle, plus other seasonal specialsincluding Real Estate, Senior Living, FallFun, Food and Entertainment (also Winter,Spring and Summer), a twice a year PetConnection, and others. If you have storyideas for these, [email protected]; if areinterested in marketing, [email protected].

Mary Kimm,

[email protected],

@marykimm

About the Connection

is produced by

Connection Newspapers


Local Media Connection LLC

Community Guide content compiled byAbby Aldridge, Kara Coleman, Ashley Dietz,Neeka Eghbali, Emma Harris, Taylor Horner,

Alexis Hosticka and Elizabeth Schneider

For more information,

call 703-778-9431 or email

[email protected]

& Community Guide

Newcomers

McLeanFind a comprehensive online listing of countybusiness resources at www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-resources.

Greater McLean Chamber of Com-merce

The chamber covers all of McLean and themajority of Tysons Corner.www.mcleanchamber.org.

Tysons Regional Chamber of Com-merce

The chamber offers business-related programsand services to members in the region.www.vtrcc.org/.

Fairfax County Chamber of CommerceThe chamber facilitates industry-focused

councils, thought leadership groups, communitypartnerships and many other opportunities for itsmore than 600 member companies to expandtheir networks and raise their profiles in thehighly competitive Northern Virginia market.

www.fairfaxchamber.org/ or 703-479-9075.-0

Asian American Chamber of Com-merce

Located in Tysons, it offers programs to Asianand Pacific business communities in the region.www.asian-americanchamber.org/.

U.S. Lebanese Chamber of CommerceA privately held business association founded

in 2010 offering networking and resources toLebanese Americans. 703-761-4949.

Great Falls Business and ProfessionalAssociation

Advances community welfare by encouraginghigh business and professional ethics and prac-tices. Supports patronage of local retail andprofessional services. Supports Celebrate GreatFalls Day, the Great Falls Freedom Memorial andother community developments and events. 703-759-3011, 703-759-4155 orwww.greatfallsbpa.com.

Chambers


Dermatology & AllergySPECIALISTS OF VIRGINIA

www.dermspecial is tsva.com

Phone 703-709-1492 • Fax 703-709-5111

1800 Town Center Dr., Ste. 415Reston, VA 20190

1715 N. George Mason Dr., Ste. 105Arlington, VA 22205

Accepting New Patients

Allergy Patch Testing • Asthma • Hives • Allergy EczemaFood & Environmental Allergy Testing • Sinusitis

Insect Venom Allergy Testing • Immunotherapy • Allergic Rhinitis

Dr. Sowerwine has specialized training and experienceto find out what causes your allergies, prevent andtreat symptoms, and help keep them under control.

Dr. Kathryn J. Sowerwine is a boardcertified Allergist and Immunologistwith a special interest in dermatologicaldiseases linked to allergy. She completeda residency in Internal Medicine atGeorgetown University Hospital and herclinical and research fellowship in allergyand immunology at the National Institutesof Health in Bethesda, MD.

Kathryn J. Sowerwine, MD

From Page 6

Nonprofits


Kurdish Human Rights WatchKHRW began in 1989 with the mission to enable Internally

Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, asylee newcomers andhomeless individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and economicindependence through direct assistance and capacity-build-ing. Volunteers and advocates can adopt a refugee or refugeefamily, sponsor a critically ill child from Iraq to receive medi-cal care, promote women and democracy in Iraq, promotehuman rights in Iran, and donate to the scholarship fund forrefugee youth. 703-385-3806, [email protected], orwww.khrw.org.

Friends of Guest HouseOffers structure, supervision, support and assistance to fe-

male ex-offenders who sincerely want to improve their livesand break the cycle of incarceration. Friends of Guest Houseoffers the only program for women of its kind in NorthernVirginia, and receives countless inquiries every year. Volun-teers provide a wide range of services, including (but notlimited to): computer training, planning, coordinating andtaking clients on field trips, assisting with writing resumes,grocery shopping, leading exercise classes, providing legalassistance, GED tutoring and preparation, clerical, office andyard work, and researching & coordinating external resources(for example, job leads, housing opportunities, dental care,etc.) [email protected], http://friendsofguesthouse.org/ or 703-549-8072.

HomestretchCreated in 1990, Homestretch is the largest provider of

transitional housing in Fairfax County and offers a wide va-riety of services that are focused on helping the homelessbetter their lives through education. Individual and groupvolunteer opportunities available. 703-237-2035, http://homestretchva.org/ or [email protected].

New Hope HousingIn 1978, it opened the first homeless shelter in Fairfax

County. New Hope Housing is the oldest and largest providerof shelter to the homeless of Northern Virginia. Its mission isto provide both shelter and the tools to build a better life.Volunteering positions include working with children, work-ing with adult residents and working with shelter orpost-shelter housing options. 703-799-6503,[email protected], or http://www.newhopehousing.org/.

Pathway HomesEstablished in 1980, Pathways focuses on providing hous-

ing and support services to individuals with serious mentalillnesses, with the mission to help these individuals reach theirfull potential and lead stable lives. They offer both in-homeprograms, semi-independent houses and assisted living facili-ties. Volunteer positions include one on one interaction, groupwork, and more. [email protected], 703-876-0390,www.pathwayhomes.org.

Shelter HouseShelter House follows the Housing First model, with the

main priority to re-house every family that begins one of theirsix unique housing programs. Formed in 1981, when severalecumenical groups came together to better serve FairfaxCounty’s low-income population. Volunteer opportunities varyby shelter; see website for details. 703-955-7876,[email protected], www.shelterhouse.org.

Volunteers of America-Chesapeake

One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive humanservices organizations with a history covering over a century,VOAC operates the Baileys Crossroads Community Shelter,and provides assistance through medical care, counseling,education and training for people in poverty. Volunteer op-portunities vary by location; more information can be foundon the website. 301-459-2020, [email protected],www.voaches.org.

WELCOME TO MCLEAN AND YOURCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION

McLean Community Foundation reaches out toall corners of the community to benefit McLeanresidents. Over the past 30 years, MCF, thenon-profit arm of the McLean Citizen’sAssociation, has funded educational and civicendeavors and projects to enhance the arts,improve our environment, and support socialservices programs. MCF has funded more than$1,000,000 in grants, contributing to the manyand varied projects at work here.

MCF’s Trustees strive to be responsiblestewards of our resources and our community.Please make the McLean CommunityFoundation an important part of your annualgiving program. The more you give, the morewe can give back.

If you would like to help by volunteering for the MCFor to learn more, you can call Joann Berkson, MCF vice

president at 703-848-9780 or check our Website at

mcleancommunityfoundation.org


From Page 7

Nonprofits


Children’s Trust Fund (CTFund)CTFund is a completely youth-run organization dedicated to helping malnour-

ished and impoverished children in developing countries achieve a healthy andhappy start to life. CTFund staff is composed solely of teenagers who are passion-ate about changing the lives of children around the world who are not as fortunateas they are. www.ctfund.org/.

McLean Community FoundationThe MCF provides grants to schools, other nonprofits and organizations like the

volunteer fire department. MCF is currently seeking donations.www.mcleancommunityfoundation.org.

McLean Rotary ClubMRC sponsors several youth initiatives and Stop Hunger Now events. Members

will get involved in their communities and share their time and experience withyoung people. www.mcleanrotary.org.

Junior League of Northern VirginiaJLNV is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, de-

veloping the potential of women, and improving communities through the effectiveaction and leadership of trained volunteers. JLNV’s purpose is exclusively educa-tional and charitable. 703-442-4163 or www.jlnv.org.

SHARE of McLeanSoM seeks donations of grocery gift cards and more. Checks and gift cards can

be sent to: Holiday Celebration, Share, Inc. PO Box 210, McLean, VA 22101. 703-284-2179. www.SHAREofMcLean.org.

Northern Virginia Family ServiceNVFS addresses the needs of many communities in our region by providing ser-

vices like foster care and multicultural human services. See extensive volunteeropportunities on their website. 703-385-3267 or http://www.nvfs.org/.

Alternative HouseAlternative House is a housing service with programs like Assisting Young Moth-

ers and, in cooperation with Fairfax County Public Schools, the Homeless YouthInitiative, which provides safe transitional housing to homeless students. Volun-teer opportunities include drivers, event hosts, food drive organizers and tutors.703-242-6474 or http://familypassfairfax.org/.

Celebrate Great FallsHosts annual events such as the Christmas Tree Lighting and a Fourth of July

Parade, and raises funds for the three local elementary schools. Celebrate GreatFalls is currently looking for volunteers to help with general tasks, events andmarketing. 571-293-0474, www.celebrategreatfalls.org [email protected].

Great Falls Rotary Club and FoundationThe newly founded organization has plans in the works to fund scholarships and

currently is looking for volunteers to offer whatever combination of time, talentor resources works for them. www.rotarygreatfalls.org/.

Friends of Colvin Run MillFriends of Colvin Run Mill is dedicated to assisting the Fairfax County Park Au-

thority in enhancing the Colvin Run Mill Historic Site and its educational programs.The restored Colvin Run Mill, a working example of 19th century water poweredgrist milling technology, serves as an educational focal point for visitors, childrenand families. 703-759-2771 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/crm/.

Friends of the Great Falls LibraryA group of book-lovers that raises money to expand programs for children and

outreach at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike. 703-757-8560, 202-429-3806 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/gf/.

Great Falls Ecumenical CouncilThe Great Falls Ecumenical Council has members from all the churches in Great

Falls. The group supports Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Good Shep-herd alliance housing for the homeless, Pedals for Progress in April, after-graduationparties for local high schools, Camp Fraser and a 5K walk/run and blood drive onJuly 4. It also sponsors blood drives throughout the year. The council hosts ecu-menical worship services at Thanksgiving, on Good Friday, a sunrise service at GreatFalls National Park on Easter Sunday and a January ecumenical service. 703-759-6068.

Great Falls Optimist ClubA group of men and women committed to programs that educate youth and help

Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We need long- and short-termfosters for cats of all ages, mothers with litters and kittens on their own.

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer at www.lostdogrescue.org

Consider Fostering

You Can Make a Difference

visit our website,cl ick on Participate


Discover Spiritual Solutions at the

Christian Science Reading Room6825 Tennyson Drive

McLean, VA 22101

Reacting with fearor anger? Listen to what

God is telling you.

Hear a related program anytime,24/7, at 202 658-7855.


By Karen K. Garza

Superintendent of Fairfax County

Public Schools

Welcome to the 2014-15 school year. Thestart of a new schoolyear is always an ex-

citing time for students, parents, andeducators. Our dedicated staff hasbeen working hard to prepare for an-other school year that builds on ourtradition of excellence at FairfaxCounty Public Schools (FCPS). Fairfaxis a community that embraces its new-est residents and the cultural diversitythat makes our county such a desirable place to be.For many families and businesses, the decision torelocate to a new area is often dependent on thequality of the local public schools. FCPS has a well-deserved national reputation for excellence.

As we enter a new school year, we are projectingan enrollment of 186,785 making FCPS the nation’s10th largest school district. Fairfax County highschools are among the most academically rigorousin the U.S. and are cited every year as among thetop high schools in the country. Our classrooms areled by teachers who inspire, motivate, and preparestudents with the knowledge and skills they will needfor the future. Our dedicated teachers promote thesuccess of every student and create a caring learn-ing environment where every student is valued andrecognized as an active learner.

Working closely with our school board, parents,teachers, and community stakeholders, we havemade a number of positive and exciting changes forour system during my first year as superintendent.We developed the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate thatwill serve as a foundation on which to build a long-range strategic plan for the school system and willlessen the focus on standardized, high-stakes test-

ing and place greater emphasis on en-gaged students, project-based learn-ing, and authentic assessments of stu-dent learning. The Portrait of a Gradu-ate will ensure that our students arecollaborators, communicators, cre-ative and critical thinkers, global citi-zens, and goal-directed and resilientindividuals when they leave FCPS.

Other significant changes that wehave made include:

v The launch of full-day Mondays forall elementary students. The changewill increase instructional time for stu-dents and dedicated planning time forteachers. The change to full day Mon-

days received overwhelming support in our commu-nity and will benefit students, teachers, and our fami-lies.

v A new standard school calendar that eliminatesthe need to make up inclement weather days at theend of the school year if fewer than 13 days aremissed while providing two full weeks for winterbreak.

v The new Bailey’s Upper Elementary School forthe Arts and Sciences. A first of its kind for FairfaxCounty, this new school is being converted from afive-story office building at 6245 Leesburg Pike toprovide enrollment relief for the overcrowdedBailey’s Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences.The new campus will house grades 3-5, while theexisting campus will house preschool to grade 2.

v A new CrisisLink text messaging tool for studentsand parents needing mental health support and re-sources. Crisis line staff respond to the text messages24 hours a day. The text number is 703-997-5444.

The future remains very bright for FCPS families,students, and employees. I look forward to welcom-ing your children to our schools on Sept. 2 and mak-ing this year an exciting and rewarding year for allof our students.

A County of 186,785 Students

The 2014 Langley High graduates scan thebalconies looking for family and friends atthe graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June17.

Photos by Louise Krafft/The Connection

The McLean High Class of 2014 receivetheir diplomas on Tuesday afternoon, June17.

Photo courtesy of FCPS


Our Lady ofGood Counsel School

Vienna, VA

Developing character,faith and life-long learnersin the Salesian tradition

We have been providing aquality Catholic educationfor over 50 years...

www.olgcschool.org

and find out whyOLGC School isthe right choicefor your children.

Call to arrange a tourof our campus

8601 Wolftrap Rd.703.938.3600

Full Day Grades K-8

Nationally recognizedfor academic excellence

Free Admission!

Special Feature!

Roast Lamb Dinner

Sat., Aug. 30, 6-9 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 31, All Day

Saturday, Aug. 30, 11:00 am–11:00 pmSunday, Aug. 31, 12:00 noon–6:00 pm

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean, Virginia (near Spring Hill Road)

703-734-9566 • www.holytransfiguration.org

MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD FESTIVALLabor Day Weekend

Live Music & Folk Dancing

Moon Bounce

Kids’ Games

Vendors

Backgammon & Chess

50-50 Raffle

Church Tours

Icon Shop

Middle Eastern Food

Kabobs

Gyros

Grape Leaves

Falafel

Fattoush

Baklava &

Other Favorites!


What is the Best Part of Living in McLean?— Bijan Todd

Dean Popps, retired Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army,McLean resident for 25 years

(Speaking of the McLean Hamlet Neighborhood): “I think the defin-ing two pieces to the McLean Hamlet neighborhood are its sidewalksand its underground utilities. I don’t think it’s the architecture or thenumber and size of the homes; that can be found anywhere. What’sreally unique about the Hamlet is that we have sidewalks. And if youthink about it, go to any neighborhood you want to, including down-town McLean, including Tysons, including $5 million homes in GreatFalls and elsewhere, and you don’t see that! Sidewalks are like roadsfor humans, and where you have roads, you have cultural and eco-nomic and educational and athletic endeavors. The other piece is theutilities underground, which makes this place so much more prettyand livable, and it doesn’t just create a network of wires and poleseverywhere. A third piece as well is the fact that we have the rightamenities here, with the pool and tennis club, and we have an excel-lent elementary school.”

Marie Ragan, retired music and drama teacher, McLeanresident for 45 years

“Proximity to things, like downtown. I like being able to go down-town in half an hour, sometimes. I like the proximity to the beltwayand to the stores around me. I also like that it’s far enough away fromcity living. And also the stores are all around us, and shopping. Peoplecome from all over to go shopping, and I love to shop. The restaurantsare good; we have the best of everything near us, and there’s a goodmix of people. There are people from different backgrounds. But thereason we moved to McLean was for the schools; we were the bestpublic school system around.”

Kelly Olafsson, real estate agent, McLean resident for 10years

“It’s so convenient to everything. You can get to D.C. in no time flat,and it’s business central. There’s lots to do as far as businesses as wellas restaurants. It’s just a great place to live. There are fun things to doand never a time where you can’t figure something fun, whether it’s amovie, or a restaurant or Wolf Trap. The airport is convenient too; it’seasy to get in and out and go vacationing. The monuments in D.C. arealways a blast, which is why relatives love to visit.”

Mary Doyle, homemaker, McLean resident for 47 years“Well, it’s very convenient. The best part is its location. It has very

good schools, and it’s just a very good place to live. We moved herebecause we were near a pool and a school, and my children could walkto the pool and the school. We’ve had wonderful neighbors, and we’vealso had a wonderful McLean Civic Association, where they’ve done somuch for McLean. The people can come together, they’ve built our RecCenters, and they also make sure that we don’t lose sight of being thekind of town we want to be.”

Alex Inglese, commercial broker, McLean resident for 49years

“For me, it’s my home. I’ve traveled a lot and work has taken me outof the area, but I always come back here. It’s home for me. It’s alwaysbeen a safe, comfortable environment. It’s got great schools, it’s gotlots of jobs, and it’s always growing. My background is in develop-ment, so it’s interesting to watch what’s happening with the new metrosites, and how McLean’s evolving. When I was a kid, I thought, ‘Well,maybe I’m just gonna leave and never come back,’ but I just keep com-ing back here and I wound up raising my family here because it has somuch to offer.”

Betty Holmes, retired Stenographer in the OncologyDepartment of Hazelton Laboratories, McLean residentfor 45 years

“It’s a community all its own. It’s been created mostly by people yearsago who were born here and have lived here. It’s a versatile commu-nity, and it’s a mixture of all ethnicities and religions. It’s also conve-nient to Washington; so convenient that it’s almost a part of it, but I’mglad it’s not the city. It has enough of the southern influence to be ahappy place to live. McLean just has everything!”

Photos by Bijan Todd/The Connection

Viewpoints


SEPTEMBERHomeLifeStyle..............................9/10/14A+ Camps & Schools ..................9/17/14Fall Fun & Arts Preview..............9/24/14

OCTOBERWellbeing......................................10/1/14HomeLifeStyle PULLOUT:

Deadline is 9/25/14....................10/8/14A+ Camps & Schools ................10/15/14Election Preview I .....................10/22/14Election Preview II.....................10/29/14

NOVEMBERElection Day is Tuesday,November 4.Wellbeing .............. 11/5/14

HomeLifeStyle............................11/12/14Holiday Entertainment &

Gift Guide I .............................11/19/14A+...............................................11/25/14Thanksgiving is November 27.

DECEMBERWellbeing......................................12/3/14HomeLifeStyle: Home for the

Holidays...................................12/10/14Hanukkah begins December 16.Holiday Entertainment &

Gift Guide II............................12/16/14A+ Camps & Schools ................12/16/14CHILDREN’S CONNECTION..........12/24/14

PublishingDates

PublishingDates

SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDARAdvertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted.

E-mail [email protected] for more information.

Reaching Suburban Washington’s Leading Households• Alexandria Gazette Packet• Arlington Connection• Burke Connection• Centre View• Chantilly Connection

• Fairfax Connection• Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection• Great Falls Connection• McLean Connection• Mount Vernon Gazette

• Oak Hill/Herndon Connection• Potomac Almanac• Reston Connection• Springfield Connection• Vienna/Oakton Connection

Newspapers & Online703-778-9431


Award-WinningAward-

Winning

& REHAB

754 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066(703) 757-5817

www.loebigchiropractic.com

754 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066(703) 757-5817

www.loebigchiropractic.com

SERVING GREAT FALLS FOR OVER 17 YEARS!SERVING GREAT FALLS FOR OVER 17 YEARS!

Dr. Glenn Loebig

Chiropractic • Rehabilitation

Massage Therapy • Acupuncture

Weight Loss • Nutrition • Pediatric

Sports Injury • Active Release

Technique

Infrared Body Wrap

Neuropathy Treatment

Chiropractic • Rehabilitation

Massage Therapy • Acupuncture

Weight Loss • Nutrition • Pediatric

Sports Injury • Active Release

Technique

Infrared Body Wrap

Neuropathy Treatment

Fully Integrated Wellness TherapiesAll Under One Roof

Fully Integrated Wellness TherapiesAll Under One Roof

From Page 8

Nonprofits

them expand their horizons and avoid pitfalls asthey mature. The Optimists sponsor the “Just SayNo” program and an oratorical contest as well asthe Adeler Jewelers Children’s Festival. They spon-sor boys and girls softball and baseball teams andOperation Smile. 703-938-5858.

Great Falls TrailblazersThe Trailblazers support development and main-

tenance of trails, both stonedust and naturalsurface, in Great Falls. They monitor developmentto ensure compliance with the trails designated inFairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan trails mapand actively work to complete trails on

Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. They meetmonthly at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday, ex-cept August and December, at the Old Schoolhousein Great Falls. 703-759-2059 orwww.geocities.com/greatfallstrails/.

Great Falls Woman’s ClubThis diverse group makes things happen in the

community and looks to residents to join in. For thelast two years, the club has raised thousands ofdollars with a Casino Night Gala and fundraiser tosupport construction of a new fire station for pro-fessional and volunteer firefighters and paramedicsin Great Falls. While they perform community ser-vice, raise money and award women’s scholarships,members of the Great Falls Woman’s Club have

programs that foster camaraderie within the club.Membership includes many former Great FallsNewcomers. 703-757-6234.

Friends and Newcomersof Great Falls

Newcomers of Great Falls helps new residents ofGreat Falls and its school district meet each otherand assimilate into the community. The nonprofitorganization offers more than 300 members a va-riety of activities and programs along withopportunities for leadership, community serviceand support to local charitable and civic organiza-tions. The Newcomers provide financial support forsuch community charities as Camp Fraser, Lift Me

Up and the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department.703-757-7962 or www.gffnva.org/.

Traveling PlayersEnsemble

Traveling Players Ensemble is a not-for-profitprofessional theatre company in the Washington,D.C. area, dedicated to bringing great theatre intothe great outdoors through a thriving summercamp and year-round acting classes and work-shops. Volunteer opportunities include working inthe office, assisting with costume and set con-struction and helping with special events.703-987-1712 or www.travelingplayers.org/about/mission/.

Élite Piano Academy

www.Hyun-MiChung.net

8230 Boone Blvd., Suite 100AVienna, VA 22182

202-674-0499Miss Hyun-Mi Chung, a graduate

of Juilliard School (B.M. & M.M.) withover 20 years of teaching experience.

Andrew Ajamian, Student

Private Lessons forAll Levels & All Ages

Register Now for Fall Session.

Build Your Community

Support Your LocalBusinesses.

www.connectionnewspapers.com

12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2014-15 McLean Connection ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2014-15 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


Places That MakeMcLean Special

From parks to a theater, a shopping center to a library, this areahas it all. People of all ages can find classes to take at thecommunity center, see a play at the Alden or enjoy a hike bythe Potomac. There are weekly farmers markets, outdoor con-

certs and even outdoor movie screenings.The community of McLean flocks to these places, and there is some-

thing for everyone to love in this pocket of Northern Virginia.

For newcomers: A guide to thestaple places of McLean.

Photos by Emma Harris/The Connection

McLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Boulevard:This park, tucked in the center of McLean, is the “perfectplace to enjoy a Sunday morning,” said resident NancyEveleigh. Complete with a trail, playground, gazebo,picnic tables and large grassy areas, this park is only ashort walk from both the Dolley Madison Library and theMcLean Community Center. During the warmer months,the McLean Community Center sponsors the free Summeron the Green concert series in the gazebo, where residentscan hear a variety of music every Sunday.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, 7400 Georgetown Pike:Between the Potomac River and Georgetown Pike laysScott’s Run. This nature preserve has multiple hikingtrails and historical sites that weave between runningwater and the Potomac River. While swimming is prohib-ited, there is a small waterfall that attracts many picnick-ing residents over the weekends. This park is maintainedby the Fairfax County Park Authority, and many studentprograms are run here.

The McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue:Funded by Dranesville district tax-payers, this centerbrings together community members of all ages. The MCCboasts over 400 classes annually with “anything andeverything you can think of,” said Geogre Sachs, executivedirector of the Center. It also sponsors community eventsand programs, including the hugely popular McLean Dayevery May. With many halls and classrooms, the Center isalso a home to community groups and private events.

Clemyjontri Park, 6317 Georgetown Pike: Situated on a donated 18-acre property, this isa park “where every child can play.” There are large playgrounds, a carousel and gazebo.In 2010, Clemyjontri became the place in Virginia to have a Liberty Swing, the world’sonly wheelchair accessible swing, according to the Friends of Clemyjontri website.

Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue: This is the public library of McLean.Recently renovated in 2010 and 2011, the library now has ample reading spaces, includ-ing rooms for meetings and desks with views of the forest behind the building. Thebuilding also hosts many events, including book groups and language practices.

Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road: This is the commercial center of North-ern Virginia with over 300 stores and soon-to-be apartments and a hotel. As of lastmonth, the new Metro Silver Line now runs directly to the center, drawing people fromall over the D.C. Metro area for shopping, dining and entertainment. The green area justrecently opened and now screens free movies every Saturday evening. There are alsoconcerts, camps and Fall events that are open to the public.

The Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road: Sponsored by the McLeanCommunity Center, this firehouse welcomes middle and high school McLean teens. Ithosts weekly dances, after school programs and trips, said George Sachs, executivedirector of the McLean Community Center. On Saturday, Aug. 23, it will be hosting the24th Annual Block Party.

The Palladium Civic Place Green, 1450 Emerson Avenue: With a large fountain and adja-cent café, this area sits in the heart of McLean. Over the summer free concerts are heldhere, welcoming residents and guests alike.

Lewinsville Park, Chain Bridge Road: Athletes of all sorts congregate here. This FairfaxCounty park has two turf fields, a basketball court and a baseball field. A short walkfrom McLean High School, younger residents play games of capture the flag, quidditchand rugby on these fields, said Karna Malaviya, a recently graduated McLean HighSchool student.

— Emma Harris


One of the beautiful features of the grounds at

Meadowlark is the Korean Bell Tower and its

surrounding garden.

Pike

Georgetown

LeesburgPike

Rt. 7

Hu

nt e

rM

il lR

d

DullesAccess & Toll

Road

Su

llyR

d

Rt. 50

Rt. 50

Rt.

123

Rt.

123

Rt. 236

Rt. 29

Rt. 29

Rt.

28

Strin

gfe

ll ow

Rd

Clifton

Columbia Pike

Rd.

Braddock Rd.

Ple

as

ea

ntV

alle

yR

d.

I-495

I-495

I-395

I-95

I-9

5

Rt.1

Tele

gra

phRd.

Franconia Rd.

Be

ula

hS

t.

Gunston

Rd.

Roll in

gR

d.

G.

W.

Me

mo

ria

lP

kw

y

Fairfa

xC

ounty

Pkw

y

FairfaxCounty

Pkw

y Franconia Springfield Pkwy

G.W. Memorial Pkw

y

I-66

Rt.

1

CITY OF FAIRFAX

COUNTY OF ARLINGTON

CITY OF

FALLS CHURCH

DULLES AIRPORT

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY

LOUDOUN COUNTY

POTO

MAC

RIVER

PO

T

OM

ACR

IVER

Town of

Herndon

Town of

Vienna

Town of

Clifton

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

FORT

BELVOIR

GF

GW

WT

BR

FH

WOD

WOD

LAC

WOD

WOD

MBG

HO

PBORPC

SR

MN

FRA

MDP

FPF

HMP

LAP

LFP

NWP

RBP

HPP

ELP

BLP

SRN

GSG

CJP

SRD

WFP

National ParksGF Great Falls National Park

9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLeanwww.nps.gov/grfaGreat Falls Park is open daily from 7 a.m. until dark. The Visitor Center

and bookstore are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, springthrough fall seasons. Picnic, hike along the Potomac River.Swimming and wading in the Potomac are prohibited.

GW George Washington Memorial Parkway

www.nps.gov/gwmp703-289-2500The GW Parkway includes more than 25

sites, ranging from historic homes towildlife preserves. Join a ranger for a freeprogram or explore sites independently. Some parksites, including Turkey Run Park, TheodoreRoosevelt Island, Great Falls Park, etc., close atdark. The Parkway itself remains open 24 hoursa day to vehicle traffic.

WTWolf Trap National Park

for the Performing Arts1551 Trap Road, Viennawww.nps.gov/wotr/The only national park dedicated to

presenting the performing arts.From May through September,multiple amphitheaters in the parkpresent musicals, dance, opera, jazz,and popular and country music. Explorethe park without the crowds from October- April. The Barns at Wolf Trap offer indoorentertainment through the winter months.

State Park

FH Fountainhead

Regional Park7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Stationwww.nvrpa.org/park/fountainhead/703-250-9124The observation deck of the Marina

Building at Fountainhead commands aspectacular view of the widest point of theOccoquan Reservoir. Summer activities includecatfish tournaments, children’s fishingtournament, paddleboat tours and more.

HO Hemlock Overlook Regional Park

13220 Yates Ford Road, Cliftonwww.nvrpa.org/park/

hemlock_overlook/800-877-0954; 571-281-

3556;Hemlock

OverlookRegional Parkoffers a variety ofoutdoor andenvironmentaleducation. Programs atHemlock Overlook are opento the public and groups byreservation. Only the hiking andhorse trails may be used withoutprior arrangement.

MBG Meadowlark Botanical

Gardens9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court,Viennaw w w . n v r p a . o r g / p a r k /meadowlark_botanical_gardens/703-255-3631This 95-acre complex of large ornamentaldisplay gardens and unique native plantcollections is open year round and includewalking trails, lakes, more than 20varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies,an extensive shade garden, nativewildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies,seasonal blooms and foliage. TheAtrium’s indoor tropical gardensetting is a popular meeting,reception, wedding and workshoplocation. Interpretive displays

accompany a restored 18th-century cabin.A picnic area beside the Gardens is available tovisitors. Meadowlark presents gardening and

horticulture workshops,tours, field trips, concertsand volunteer programs.

OR Occoquan

Regional Park9751 Ox Road, Lorton

www.nvrpa.org/park/occoquan/703-690-2121

This park offers 400 acres of recreational space anda touch of the past with its historic brick kilnsand the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial. Parklands, trails and associated waters are part ofthe Fairfax Cross-County Trail. Kayak rentals.One hour Tour Boat Rides on the OccoquanRiver to Belmont Bay and back. OfferedSaturdays noon-5 p.m., Sunday 1- 8 p.m., April2 through Nov. 27. $10 adults, $5 children 12and under, under age 4 are free.

PB Pohick Bay Regional Park

6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lortonwww.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay/Pohick Bay is located on the Potomac River 25 miles

south of the nation’s capital. The boat launchfacility is one of only three public access pointsto the Potomac River in northern Virginia.

An Insider’s Guide to

Major Parks in Fairfax CountyParks

MN Mason Neck State Park

7301 High Point Rd. Lortonwww.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/

mas.shtml#703-339-2385 or 703-339-2380 (visitor center)[email protected] park’s visitor center was expanded in 2010 to

include a new exhibit room, gift shop andmeeting room. There are several exhibits in thecenter, and with a view of Belmont Bay. Visitorcenter staff can answer questions and provideinformation on park trails, facilities and localpoints of interest. Pond study, bird watching,canoe trips, nature walks and talks, and GPSadventures are just a few of the excitingprograms offered by park rangers.

Regional ParksBR Bull Run Marina Regional Park

7700 Bull Run Drive, Centrevillewww.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run/Main park open all year for picnicking, hiking and

family camping. Bull Run Public ShootingCenter open all year. Group Camping open dailyJan. 7 though Nov. 11. Mini and disc golfopen April through October. Hoursvary.

BR Atlantis Waterpark

(at Bull Run Marina RegionalPark)

7700 Bull Run Drive, Centrevillewww.atlantisbullrun.com/703-631-0552Atlantis Waterpark features pools, a

giant dumping bucket,waterslides, and fun-filledactivities for all ages. Atlantis isopen from Memorial Day weekendthrough Labor Day, and is a memberof the Northern Virginia RegionalPark Authority Family of Waterparks.Aantis also features picnic pavilions, adeck great for sunning and playing, aswell as plenty of shade. Neptune Reefsnack bar sells food, beverages andsweets.

Belmont Bayprovides abeautiful back-drop as ScottMcLallen jogsbeside hisdaughter Lucy,while she gainsconfidenceriding withouttraining wheelsat Mason NeckState Park.

MBG

MN

Sources: National Park Service, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Virginia State Parksand Fairfax County Park Authority. Map courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority. Designed & com-piled by Jean Card and Laurence Foong. Photos by Renée Ruggles.


Pohick Bay offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats andjon boats for rent on the weekends, as well asfamily and group camping, hiking, picnic areasand a large play area for children. For thoseinterested in swimming, the park offers one ofthe largest, outdoor freeform pools on the eastcoast. Pohick Bay Regional Park, located onMason Neck Pennisula is an ecologically fragileland that shelters an abundance of wildlife,including the bald eagle. Nature lovers canexpect to see blue birds, osprey, heron, deer,beavers and rare sightings of river otters.

PB Pirates Cove Waterpark

(at Pohick Bay Regional Park)6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lortonwww.piratescovepohick.com703-339-6102Pirates Cove Waterpark is located at Pohick Bay

Regional Park. Visitors can cool off under the300-gallon dumping bucket, fire the watercannons and splash down the waterslide orsearch for buried treasure at Buccaneer Beachsand play area. Pirates Cove also features picnicpavilions, a deck for sunning and playing, aswell as plenty of shade. Captain’s Galley snackbar features food, beverages and sweets. PiratesCove is open from Memorial Day weekendthrough Labor Day.

PB Pohick Bay Golf Course

10301 Gunston Road, Lortonwww.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay_golf_course703-339-8585This scenic golf course is located on the Mason

Neck Peninsula in Lorton. Pohick Bay’s practicefacility features a driving range with practiceputting and chipping greens, and lessons fromPGA pros. A full-service pro shop features anarray of name-brand golf clubs, equipment andapparel. Other services include club making,custom club fitting, regripping, reshafting andtournament coordinating.

SR Sandy Run Regional Park

10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Stationwww.nvrpa.org/park/sandy_run/703-690-4392The park is open to the public for the purpose of

education, training, practice, and racing forcompetitive and recreational sculling androwing. Only shells and other boats authorizedby the Northern Virginia Regional ParkAuthority may be launched from the docks orshoreline of Sandy Run. Sandy Run offers afacility for team training and competition forOlympic, college, high school and club canoe,kayak and crew athletes.

Arts CenterLAC Workhouse Arts Center

9601 Ox Road, Lortonwww.lortonarts.org703-584-2900The Workhouse Arts Center consists of seven studio

buildings, the main galleries and the recentlyopened Youth Arts Center. Visitors areencouraged to interact with artists. In additionto visual arts, the Workhouse Arts Center ishome to performing arts, including theater, film

A stunning spot to fish, found in the middle of Great Falls National Park.

institute, musical and dance performances. Theeducation department supports both the visualand performing arts, offering classes andworkshops in a variety of disciplines. Futureplans for the Workhouse include an eventcenter, amphitheater, Workhouse Theatre,restaurants, apartments, music barn andgarden/horticultural area. Other buildings onsite, yet to be renovated, may provide for otheractivities such as a visitors center, a blacksmithshop, theatre scene shops and rehearsal space.

Major FairfaxCounty ParksBLP Burke Lake Park & Golf Course

7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Stationvolleyball, driving range, 18 hole, par 3, minigolf,

trails, playground, campgrounds, fishing883.4 acres, multiple resource park

CJP Clemyjontri Park

6317 Georgetown Pike, McLeanfitness, picnic areas and playgrounds18.6 acres, special purpose park

ELP Ellanor C. Lawrence Park

5040 Walney Road, Chantillybaseballl, soccer/football (unlit), basketball (unlit),

community center, nature center, amphitheater,trails

650 acres, multiple resource parkFPF Frying Pan Farm Park

2717 West Ox Road, Herndonhistoric structure, biking/equestrian/hiking trails,

open areas, playground135.3 acres, multiple resource park

GSG Green Spring Gardens

4603 Green Spring Road, AlexandriaCommunity Center, historic structure, biking/hiking

trails, open areas, gardens30.9 acres, special purpose park

HPP Hidden Pond Park

8511 Greeley Boulevard, Springfieldtennis (lit), nature center, amphitheater, hiking/

nature trails, playground, fishing25.6 acres, community park

HMP Huntley Meadows Park

3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandrianature center, historic structure, biking/hiking/

nature trails, observation tower, boardwalk1444.8 acres, natural resource park

The Meredith family came to the Mason Neck

State Park, from Arlington, to do some

exploring and wildlife spotting.

LAP Lake Accotink Park

7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfieldbasketball, volleyball, minigolf, trails, picnic448.1 acres, multiple resource park

LFP Lake Fairfax Park

1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Restonsoftball (lit), soccer/football (unlit), amphitheater,

carousel,campground, tour boat, picnic shelters479 acres, multiple resource park

FRA Lee District Park

6601 Telegraph Road, Franconiasoftball, soccer/football, tennis, basketball,

volleyball, trails, treehouse, sprayground,accessible playground

138 acres, district park

MDP Mason District Park

6621 Columbia Pike, Annandalesoftball (lit), soccer/football (unlit/lit), basketball

(lit), tennis (lit), shuffleboard, dog park,amphitheater, biking/hiking/fitness

121.2 acres, district park

NWP Nottoway Park

9537 Courthouse Road, Viennabaseball (lit), soccer/football (lit),basketball (lit),

tennis (lit), trails, picnic90.9 acres, district park

RBP Riverbend Park

8700 Potomac Hill Street, Great Fallsnature center, historic structure, biking/equestrian/

hiking trails, picnic areas, craftroom411.2 acres, multiple resource park

SRN Scotts Run Nature Preserve

7400 Georgetown Pike, McLeanhistoric structure, historic/hiking/nature trails,

fishing384.3 acres, natural resource park

SRD South Run District

7550 Reservation Drive, Springfieldbaseball, soccer/football, basketball, tennis,

recenter, equestrian, playground, swimming196 acres, district park

WFP Wakefield Park & RECenter

8100 Braddock Road, Annandalesoftball, soccer/football, basketball, tennis,

recenter, biking, fitness trail, skate park292.6 acres, multiple resource park

GF

MBG

Charlotte, from Vienna, shares asketch that she made of the bridge,across the pond from theChildren’s Garden at MeadowlarkBotanical Gardens.

MN


A Guide to Fairfax County Parks

in the Vienna & McLean Areas

Map Number Park NameAddress, CityProperty Class

1 Tollbrook Ridge720 Boyle Lane, McLeanNeighborhood Park

2 Oakton Community2841 Hunter Mill Road, OaktonCommunity Park

3 Waples Mill Meadow11329 Waples Mill Road, OaktonMultiple Resource Park

4 Heritage ResourceWestwood Ct, Vienna

5 Dunn Loring2540 Gallows Road, ViennaCommunity Park

6 Holly Knolls1010 Redberry Court, Great FallsNeighborhood Park

7 Great Falls Nike1089 Utterback Store Road, Great FallsDistrict Park

8 Windermere11000 Georgetown Pike, Great FallsCommunity Park

9 Lockmeade1104 Riva Ridge Drive, Great FallsCommunity Park

10 Lexington Estates10401 Shesue Street, Great FallsNeighborhood Park

11 Colvin Run Mill Site10017 Colvin Run Road, Great FallsCultural Resource Park

Pike

Georgetown

LeesburgPike

Rt. 7

Hu

nt e

rM

il lR

d

DullesAccess & Toll

Road

Su

llyR

d

Rt. 50

Rt. 50

Rt.

123

Rt. 236

Rt. 29

Strin

gfe

ll ow

Rd

Columbia Pike

I-495

Fairfa

xC

ounty

Pkw

y

G.W. Memorial Pkw

y

I-66

CITY OF FAIRFAX

COUNTY OF A

CITY OF

FALLS CHURCH

OUN COUNTY

POTO

MAC

RIVER

Town of

Herndon

Town of

Vienna

6059

61

63

70

62

64

67

6668

71

72

75

76

77

74

79

65

78

73

69

90

8485

87

86

88

89

91

83

81

1

3

10

2

4

5

7

6

8

9

11

13

20

12

14

15

1716

1819

21

23

22

24 25

26

3027

28

2931

33

40

32

34

35

37

383941

43

50

42

44

45

47

46

4849

51

53 52

54

55 5756

58

8082

36

Parks Photos by Renée Ruggles

Featuring Scotts Run

Nature Preserve

Shannon Nix and JeromeKing, came from Ashburnto walk the Scotts Runtrails with hopes of spot-ting wild mushrooms theycould identify.

Fred Williamson, fromMcLean, is an avid hiker.He goes out 3-4 times aweek, exploring the parksin our area.

12 The Turner Farm925 Springvale Road, Great FallsCommunity Park

13 Great Falls Grange9818 Georgetown Pike, Great FallsCommunity Park

14 Riverbend8700 Potomac Hill Street, Great FallsMultiple Resource Park

15 Jefferson District7900 Lee Highway, Falls ChurchMultiple Resource Park

16 Pine Spring7600 Willow Lane, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

17 Tyler7216 Rice Street, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park


18 Devonshire2826 Edgehill Ave, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

19 Jefferson Village2932 East Tripps Run Rd., Falls ChurchCommunity Park

20 John Mastenbrook-GreenwayDowns

2858 Woodlawn Avenue, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

21 James Lee School Site2855 Annandale Road, Falls ChurchCommunity Park

22 Azalea2905 Cleave Drive, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

23 Westgate7508 Magarity Road, Falls ChurchCommunity Park

24 Pimmit View1905 Storm Drive, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

25 Olney1840 Olney Road, Falls ChurchCommunity Park

26 Fisher7620 Fisher Drive, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

27 Tysons Pimmit2026 Burfoot Street, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

28 Pimmit Hills2061 Arch Drive, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

29 Griffith2013 Griffith Road, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

30 Mt Royal7141 Idylwood Road, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

31 Haycock Longfellow6650 Kirby Court, Falls ChurchCommunity Park

32 Lisle7744 Leesburg Pike, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

33 Lemon Road7210 Idylwood Road, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

34 Idylwood7715 Virginia Lane, Falls ChurchCommunity Park

35 Hollywood Road2700 Hollywood Road, Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

36 Lee Landing2780 Hollywood Rd., Falls ChurchNeighborhood Park

37 Langley Fork6250 Georgetown Pike, McLeanDistrict Park

38 Langley Oaks6504 Bright Mountain Road, McLeanNatural Resource Park

39 Cooper Intermediate School977 Balls Hill Road, McLeanCommunity Park

40 Churchill Road7098 Thrasher Place, McLeanCommunity Park

41 Clemyjontri6317 Georgetown Pike, McLeanSpecial Purpose Park

42 Dolley Madison Estates6139 Long Meadow Road, McLeanNeighborhood Park

43 McLean Central1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLeanCommunity Park

44 Potomac Hills6125 Kinyon Place, McLeanCommunity Park

45 Marie Butler Leven Preserve1501 Kirby Road, McLeanSpecial Purpose Park

46 McLean Knolls1400 Balls Hill Road, McLeanNeighborhood Park

47 Linway Terrace6246 Linway Terrace, McLeanCommunity Park

48 McLean High1609 Davidson Rd, McLeanCommunity Park

49 Lewinsville1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLeanDistrict Park

50 Chesterbrook School Site1753 Kirby Road, McLeanCommunity Park

51 Kent Gardens6621 Byrnes Drive, McLeanCommunity Park

52 Franklin Woods1938 Birch Road, McLeanNeighborhood Park

53 Kirby2020 Kirby Road, McLeanNeighborhood Park

54 Bryn Mawr6700 Tennyson Drive, McLeanNeighborhood Park

55 Old Dominion School Site8211 Hunting Hill Lane, McLeanCommunity Park

56 Greenway Heights8203 Riding Ridge Place, McLeanCommunity Park

57 Scotts Run Nature Preserve7400 Georgetown Pike, McLeanNatural Resource Park

58 Spring Hill1239 Spring Hill Road, McLeanDistrict Park

59 McLean Hunt8003 Old Falls Road, McLeanNeighborhood Park

60 Timberly1173 Swinks Mill Road, McLeanCommunity Park

61 McLean Hamlet8119 Dunsinane Court, McLeanCommunity Park

62 Falstaff7717 Falstaff Road, McLeanNeighborhood Park

63 Foxvale3104 Hunt Road, OaktonCommunity Park

64 Gabrielson Gardens2514 Leeds Drive, OaktonSpecial Purpose Park

65 Clarke’s Landing11100 Vale Road, OaktonCommunity Park

66 Oakborough Square2890 Oakborough Square, OaktonNeighborhood Park

67 Tattersall3405 Miller Heights Road, OaktonCommunity Park

68 Wayland Street11813a Wayland Steet, OaktonCommunity Park

69 Oak Marr3200 Jermantown Road, OaktonMultiple Resource Park

70 Borge Street3030 Borge Street, OaktonNeighborhood Park

71 Blake Lane School Site10033 Blake Lane, OaktonCommunity Park

72 Peterson Lane575 Malcolm Road NW, ViennaNeighborhood Park

73 Cunningham1001 Park Street, SE, ViennaCommunity Park

74 Lawyers Road School Site10049 Lawyers Road, ViennaNeighborhood Park

75 Fox Hunters10319 Lawyers Road, ViennaNeighborhood Park

The Strozers, of FallsChurch, came to Scotts Runso that their young soncould skip stones in thestream. It’s one of hisfavorite things to do.

One of the most popular features of Scotts Run NaturePreserve is the waterfall that feeds into the PotomacRiver.

76 Kemper10206 Garrett Street, ViennaCommunity Park

77 Ashlawn10230 Dunfries Road, ViennaCommunity Park

78 Nottoway9537 Courthouse Road, ViennaDistrict Park

79 Tamarack1850 Horseback Trail, ViennaCommunity Park

80 Symphony Hills9675 Clarks Crossing Road, ViennaNeighborhood Park

81 Clarks Crossing9850 Clarks Crossing Road, ViennaDistrict Park

82 Wolf Trails9328 Old Courthouse Road, ViennaCommunity Park

83 Foxstone1910 Creek Crossing Road, ViennaCommunity Park84 Raglan Road8590 Raglan Road, ViennaCommunity Park

85 Freedom Hill8531 Old Courthouse Road, ViennaCultural Resource Park

86 Eudora2027 Labrador Lane, ViennaCommunity Park

87 Waverly1801 Abbotsford Drive, ViennaCommunity Park

88 Lahey Lost Valley9750 Brookmeadow Drive, ViennaCultural Resource Park

89 Tysons Woods8425 Overlook Street, ViennaNeighborhood Park

90 Briarcliff2158 Silentree Road, ViennaNeighborhood Park

91 Ashgrove8881 Ashgrove House Lane, ViennaCultural Resource Park

The varyinglandscape ofScotts Runoffers a greatplace both toappreciatenature and gofor a challeng-ing hike.


See Entertainment, Page 19

List compiled by Emma Harris

August 2014SATURDAY/AUG. 30Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival. 1 p.m. Lake

Anne Plaza (Waterfront), 1609 WashingtonPlaza, Reston. Showcasing a variety of talentedlocal emerging artists and national jazzperformers. Visit lakeanneplaza.com/event/8th-annual-jazz-blues-festival/30.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 30-31War of 1812 Signature Event. Noon-5 p.m.

Alexandria Waterfront, 3 Cameron Street,Alexandria. Visitors are invited to delight ininteractive historical exhibits, boating activitiesand food trucks. Features a tug-of-war, cricketmatch and yacht race as well. 703-746-4242.Free. Visit www.visitAlexandriaVA.com/1812

September 2014MONDAY/SEPT. 1 - SUNDAY/SEPT. 7Annual Workhouse Clay National Ceramics

Exhibition. Workhouse Arts Center, 9518Workhouse Way, Lorton. This exhibitionrepresents the depth and breadth ofcontemporary functional and sculptural ceramicartworks being created throughout the country.Visit http://www.workhouseceramics.org/index.php?p=1_15_Clay-National-2014.

MONDAY/SEPT. 1Herndon Labor Day Festival. 12-6 p.m.

Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn Street,Herndon. Downtown Herndon celebrates LaborDay with an annual festival - ºgreat music, acraft show, food, wineries, micro-brews andculinary demonstrations will all be there. Visit

www.herndon-va.gov

SATURDAY/SEPT. 6Virginia Indian Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Tribal dancing, songs and drummingmake history come alive each September at theVirginia Indian Festival at Riverbend Park. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/quicktakes/#FA14QT7.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 6-737th Annual Burke Centre Festival. 9:30

a.m.-10 p.m. 6060 Burke Centre Parkway,Burke. Burke Centre’s signature event, whichcelebrates the spirit of the community each yearwith rides, activities and live entertainment forall ages to enjoy. Visit http://www.burkecentreweb.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=37&title=Annual+Festival.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 7Reston Triathlon. 7 a.m. Lake Audubon, Twin

Branches Road, Reston. Swim, bike and run inthe “Reston World Championships.” Visitwww.restontriathlon.org/tri.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 11-1816th Annual Fall for the Book Festival.

George Mason University, 4400 University Drive,Fairfax. A week-long, multiple-venue, regionalfestival that brings together people of all agesand interests. Visit www.fallforthebook.org.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 1318th Annual CCÉ Irish Folk Festival. Noon-

8:30 p.m. Sherwood Community Center, 3740Old Lee Highway, Fairfax and The Auld ShebeenIrish Pub, 3971 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.

All are invited to enjoy, free of charge, the “puredrop” - the beauty and depth of Irish music,dance, language and sport as it has taken rootand come into full flower in our community.Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/fairfax-irish-folk-festival

Silver Live Music and Food Truck Festival.12-10 p.m. 1800 Tysons Blvd., McLean. Listen toperformances from renowned local and national

acts and find displays of fine arts and a varietyof refreshments to benefit the Spirit of HopeChildren’s Foundation. Visit http://tysonspartnership.org/event-calendar/tysons-world-music-festival/.

Lorton’s Fall Festival. 11 a.m. Lorton StationTown Center, 8998 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton. Enjoy a magic booth, pumpkin painting, photobooth, games, prizes and more. Visitwww.lortonstationtowncenter.com/calendar-of-events.html

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 13-14King Street Art Festival. 10 a.m.-7p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Old Town,King Street, Alexandria. At this communityfestival, art enthusiasts can discover spectacularpaintings, life-size sculptures, jewelry,photography, ceramics and more. Visitwww.artfestival.com/Festivals/Alexandria_Festival_of_the_Arts_Alexandria_Virginia_September.ASPX

SATURDAY/SEPT. 205K/10K Dulles Day on the Runway. 7:30 a.m.

14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly.The full length of the runway will be closed offfor runners to experience a flat, fast course anda unique look at the airport grounds. All raceproceeds will benefit Special Olympics Virginia,the Committee for Dulles Community Outreachand the Washington Airports Task Force. Visithttp://committeefordulles.org/5-10K.html.

Dulles Day Plane Pull. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. DullesInternational Airport. Teams of 25 are pittedagainst one another to see who can pull a164,000+ pound Airbus 12 feet the fastest inSpecial Olympics Virginia’s “heaviest”fundraiser. Visit http://www.planepull.com.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Fest. 12-6 p.m. 8025Galleria Drive, McLean. Attend for a day of beersippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigarsmokin’ and barbecue eatin’. Your admissionbuys a sampling glass so you can enjoy all youcare to taste while attending seminars in thetasting theater and enjoying live music all day.Visit www.tysonspartnership.org/event-calendar/tysons-bbq-bourbon-and-beer-festival.

Mount Vernon Colonial Market and Fair. 9a.m.-5 p.m. 3200 Mount Vernon MemorialHighway, Mount Vernon. Fifty colonial-attired

artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and selltraditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings,tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings,furniture and much more. Visit http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/colonial-market-fair/

Paint Herndon Celebrate the Arts. 9:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street,Herndon. The annual Paint Herndon event is acelebration of the arts and the anniversary of theopening of ArtSpace Herndon, complete with apainting competition. Visitwww.artspaceherndon.com/paint-herndon/.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 20-212nd Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Highland Street in the ClarendonDistrict, Arlington. More than 100 artists willshowcase their work including paintings,jewelry, pottery, glass, and much more. Visitartfestival.com for more.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 21Herndon Kids Triathalon. 7:30 a.m. Herndon

Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue,Herndon. This kids triathlon gives youngsters anopportunity to compete in one of the fastestgrowing sports in the United States. The event isdesigned for any youth, ages 6-16, regardless ofathletic ability or prior triathlon experience.Visit www.herndon-va.gov.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 27Clarendon Day. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Near Clarendon

Metro station, 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Acelebration of the Clarendon neighborhood anda showcase for the people who make theneighborhood great with activities, liveentertainment and food. Visitwww.clarendon.org/clarendon-day.

Reston Multicultural Festival. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. A celebration ofthe diversity and community spirit that is foundin Reston, this annual event brings together thepeople of Reston to celebrate the rich medley ofcultures. Visit http://www.restoncommunitycenter.com/MulticulturalFestival.shtml.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 28Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 3 p.m. Reston Town

Center, 11900 Market St., Reston. Walk andfundraise to further the care, support andresearch efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.Visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/General?pg=informational&fr_id=5817&type=fr_informational&sid=18124

NatureFest. 1-5 p.m. Runnymede Park, 195Herndon Parkway, Herndon. Explore variousnature stations throughout the park includingbutterflies, bees, life in the meadow, web of lifeand much more with live animal showsthroughout the day. Visit www.herndon-va.gov.

October 2014THURSDAY/OCT. 23rd Annual Reston Town Center Help the

Homeless Walk. 12 p.m. Reston Town Center,11959 Market St, Reston. Walk from MayflowersFloral Design Studio on The Promenade to theEmbry Rucker Community Shelter and back.Funds will enable Cornerstones to provideessential resources and services for individualsand families in the community who arehomeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Visithttp://www.cornerstonesva.org/events_list/hth.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 3-5Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. 6-9 p.m.

Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 George WashingtonMemorial Pkwy., Mount Vernon. Enjoy live bluesand spectacular views of the Potomac Riverwhile sampling wine from 16 Virginia wineries.Visitors learn about the successes and failures ofour Founding Father’s wine endeavors, enjoylive blues music, and meet “George and MarthaWashington” on the Mansion’s piazza. Visitwww.mountvernon.org.

SATURDAY/OCT. 4Art on the Avenue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2301 Mount

Vernon Avenue, Alexandria. A multicultural artsfestival celebrating the community’s diversitythrough the arts in the Del Ray neighborhood inAlexandria, Virginia. Visitwww.artontheavenue.org.

Oktoberfest Vienna. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. HistoricChurch Street, Vienna. Enjoy beer, wine, food,music, kids activities and more. Visit http://viennaoktoberfest.org/

SUNDAY/OCT. 5McLean Project for the Arts ArtFest. 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. McLean Central Park, 468 DolleyMadison Blvd., McLean. The park is transformedinto a lively landscape of mini art galleriesshowcasing and offering for sale the work of adiverse group of 50 juried artists. Visitwww.mpaart.org.

19th Annual Paws for a Cause 3K Walk. 12p.m. Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 LeeHighway, Fairfax. Paws for a Cause benefitsFairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc., an all-volunteerorganization dedicated to providing petvisitation to residents of nursing homes andhospitals since 1987.

Visit www.fpow.org/event-685795.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 11-12Oktober Fest Reston. Reston Town Center,

11900 Market St., Reston. Enjoy food, wine,beer, live entertainment, a carnival and theAnthem Great Pumpkin 5K at NorthernVirginia’s largest fall festival. Visit http://www.oktoberfestreston.com.

SATURDAY/OCT. 11Fall Festival in Old Town Historic Fairfax.

10209 Main Street, Fairfax. What started out asa small market for artisans has grown to afestival with over 400 arts, crafts and foodvendors, children’s activities and entertainmentfor all ages. Visit http://www.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/fall-festival.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 16-NOV. 1Great Pumpkin Gathering. 6-10 p.m. 1800

A list of annual community events in the area.Year-round FestivalsEntertainment

McLean Day2014 attendeesenjoy a rivet-ing rideaboard aswingingpirate ship.

Photo by Rachel Stone/The Connection


Present this adbuy a tan -

get another FREE

Present this adbuy a tan -

get another FREE

✃

✃

LotionPackets

FREE with2 for 1 Tanning

SpecialExp. 8/31/14

From Page 18

Tysons Blvd., McLean. Artisan pumpkincarvers showcase a dazzling displayof pumpkin art beyond your wildestimagining. Visitwww.tysonspartnership.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 17-1919th Annual Craftsmen’s Fall

Classic Art & Craft Festival. 10a.m.-6 p.m. Dulles Expo Center, 4320Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly.Features original designs and workfrom hundreds of talented artists andcraftspeople from across America.Visit http://www.gilmoreshows.com/craftsmens_classics_chantilly_fall.shtml.

SATURDAY/OCT. 18Historic Hallows Eve. 4 p.m. Sully

Historic Site, 3650 Historic SullyWay, Chantilly. Experience thetraditions of Virginians in the 18thand 19th centuries by celebrating AllHallows Eve with storytelling,fortune telling, fall foods and familygatherings. Visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 18-19Claude Moore Colonial Farm 1771

Market Fair. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean.Warm yourself by the fires and enjoythe splendor of autumn with crisplocal apples, warm savory meat piesand hearty breads, or let Market Fairentertainers, tradesmen and themilitia amuse and educate you. Visitwww.1771.org.

Tysons Harvest Festival. 12-6 p.m.1800 Tysons Blvd., McLean. Strollthrough the arts and crafts boothsand taste some of the fun flavors offall. Visit http://tysonspartnership.org/event-calendar/tysons-harvest-festival.

SUNDAY/OCT. 19Neighbors Feeding Neighbors 5K.

9 a.m. 7925 Jones Branch Dr.,McLean. Even though NorthernVirginia is considered one of thewealthiest jurisdictions in thecountry, we still face a poverty rateof about 5 percent - more than90,000 people are living in povertyand 30 percent are children. Comerun or walk to help feed ourneighbors. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/McLean/NeighborsFeedingNeighbors5K.

FRIDAY/OCT. 24Spooktacular. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Herndon Community Center, 814

Ferndale Avenue, Herndon. Enjoyghoulish games, a spooky craft and achildren’s show. Visit www.herndon-va.gov.

SATURDAY/OCT. 25Volunteer Fest 2014. A region-wide

day of community service thatmobilizes hundreds of volunteers tohelp nonprofits accomplish tasks thatthey would not have the time orresources to do on their own. Visithttp://www.volunteerfairfax.org/non-profits/volunteerfest.php fortimes and locations.

Clifton Haunted Trail. 7-10 p.m.Chapel Road, Clifton. A terrifyingannual event that winds throughClifton’s 8 Acre Park. Visitcliftonhauntedtrail.com.

Air and Scare. 2-7 p.m. Steven F.Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air andSpace Museum Pkwy., Chantilly. Seethe spooky side of air and space atthe annual Halloween event. Arrivein costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, spookyscience experiments and otherHalloween-themed activities. Visithttp://airandspace.si.edu/events/air-and-scare/.

WEDNESDAY/OCT. 2968th Annual Vienna Halloween

Parade. 7 p.m. Maple Avenue,Vienna. With the theme of“Celebrating the Tradition of ViennaGirls Sports,” come in costume tocelebrate Halloween. Visitwww.viennava.gov.

November 2014SATURDAY/NOV. 1The Robinson Marketplace. 10

a.m.-4 p.m. 5305 Sideburn Road,Fairfax. Shop at over 80 vendors atthe Holiday Market, raffle and silentauction sponsored by the RobinsonSecondary School PTSA. Visitwww.robinsonptsa.org.

TUESDAY/NOV. 4Election Day. General Election. Visit

www.sbe.virginia.gov/ andwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/

upcoming.htm

TUESDAY/NOV. 11Arlington National Cemetery

Veterans Day Ceremony.Arlington National Cemetery,Arlington. About 5,000 visitorsattend the annual remembranceceremonies in the MemorialAmphitheater. Visitwww.arlingtoncemetery.mil.

SATURDAY/NOV. 22Turkey Trot 5K Race. 4 p.m.

Herndon Community Center, 814Ferndale Avenue, Herndon. Thecourse takes you through HerndonCentennial Golf Course grass andpaved paths, parts of the W&ODpaved trail and vehicular paved road.All canned food will be donated toLINK. Visit www.herndon-va.gov

WEDNESDAY/NOV. 19 - SUNDAY/JAN. 4Lights Festival. 7700 Bull Run Drive,

Centreville. Almost two and a halfmiles of light displays and a HolidayVillage to celebrate the season. ºVisitwww.bullrunfestivaloflights.com.

FRIDAY/NOV. 28Alexandria Tree Lighting. 7-9 p.m.

Market Square, 301 King St.,Alexandria. Annual event featuringlighting the City tree, performancesand a visit from Santa to open theChristmas season. Visitwww.alexandriava.gov/Calendar.

FRIDAY/NOV. 28 -TUESDAY/JAN. 6Christmas in Mount Vernon. 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m. 3200 Mount VernonMemorial Highway, Mount Vernon.Mount Vernon decks the halls withthemed Christmas trees on the estateand festive greenery in the Mansion.Visit www.mountvernon.org/christmas.

December 2014MONDAY/DEC. 1Church Street Holiday Stroll. 6-9

p.m. Freeman House and Store, 131Church St. N.E., Vienna. Enjoy funfamily-friendly activities including avisit from Santa, petting zoo, free hotchocolate and roasting marshmallowsat supervised bonfires. Visitwww.viennava.gov.

SATURDAY/DEC. 644th Annual Campagna Center

Scottish Walk Parade. 11 a.m.Old Town Alexandria, parade beginsat St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets. Morethan 100 Scottish Clans, pipe anddrum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dogs,dignitaries and, of course, SantaClaus will march through the streetsof Old Town. Visitwww.campagnacenter.org/events/scottish-christmas-walk-weekend orwww.visitalexandriava.com/events/44th-Annual-Campagna-Center-Scottish-Walk-Parade/983/.

Entertainment

Great Fallscitizens of allages wereencouraged totake part inthe parade andparticipate inthe July 4th

celebrationthis year.

Photo by Nikki Cheshire/The Connection


Every year is Election Year in Vir-ginia. This year, every Virginiavoter will choose one member ofthe U.S. Senate and their mem-

ber of the U.S. House of Representatives.Two of Northern Virginia’s three house seatsare open seats with the retirement of twolongstanding members, Jim Moran (D-8)and Frank Wolf (R-10).

This area has very high rates of voter reg-istration, but voter turnout varies signifi-cantly from year to year. For example, twoyears ago in 2012, a presidential electionyear, 71.78 percent of Virginia registeredvoters turned out to vote. But in 2010, morecomparable to this year, only 44.01 percentof Virginia registered voters turned out tovote.

In Fairfax County, with a populationaround 1,130,900, there are 713,025 reg-istered voters as of July 1, 2014, up from676,802 in 2012. (Population data fromU.S. Census and voter data from VirginiaDepartment of Elections.)

In Alexandria, with a population of about148,900, there are 97,883 total registeredvoters as of July 1, 2014. That’s down from101,887 total registered voters as of July 2,2012.

In Arlington, with a population of about224,900, there are 162,100 total registeredvoters as of July 1, 2014, up from 157, 236on July 2, 2012.

REGISTER, CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Inorder to vote on Election Day, you must beregistered at your current address no laterthan Oct. 13, 2014. You can check your reg-istration status online by going towww.sbe.virginia.gov.

VOTING EARLY, ABSENTEEVirtually every voter in Virginia is eligible

to vote absentee, which includes voting in-person absentee at a variety of locationsbetween Sept. 19 and Nov. 1.

There are many reasons that voters areallowed to vote absentee, but the mostbroad of these applies to almost anyonewith a job: “Any person who, in the regularand orderly course of his business, profes-sion, or occupation, will be at his place ofwork and commuting to and from his hometo his place of work for eleven or more hoursof the thirteen that the polls are open (6a.m. to 7 p.m.).

7 p.m.Saturdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25

and Nov. 1, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Closed Monday, Oct. 13 for Columbus

DayFor more, call 703-222-0776 or visit

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.htm

WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?Every voter in Virginia will vote for U.S

Senator and their member in the U.S. Houseof Representatives.

One constitutional question will appearon all Virginia ballots, Proposed Constitu-tional Amendment - Question: Shall theConstitution of Virginia be amended to al-low the General Assembly to exempt fromtaxation the real property of the surviving


You can download an absentee ballot andmail it to your local voter registration of-fice, or you can vote “absentee in person.”

IN PERSON ABSENTEE VOTINGBEGINS AT FAIRFAX COUNTYGOVERNMENTAL CENTERBEGINNING SEPT. 19, 2014.

Office of Elections, 12000 GovernmentCenter Pkwy, Conf. Rooms 2/3, Fairfax,22035

Sept. 19 - Oct. 10: Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday and Friday - 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Oct. 14 - Oct. 31, Monday thru Friday - 8

a.m. - 7 p.m.Saturdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25

and Nov. 1, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Closed Monday, Oct. 13 for Columbus

Day

SATELLITE VOTING LOCATIONSBEGIN FRIDAY OCT. 14

v Franconia Governmental Center - 6121Franconia Rd., Alexandria, 22310

v Dolley Madison Library - 1244 OakRidge Ave., McLean, 22101

v North County Human Services Bldg. -1850 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston, 20190

v West Springfield Governmental Center- 6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, 22152

v Mason Governmental Center - 6507 Co-lumbia Pike, Annandale, 22003

v Mount Vernon Governmental Center -2511 Parkers Ln., Alexandria 22306

v Sully District Governmental Center -4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly 20151

Monday - Friday, Oct. 14 - 31, 3:30 p.m. -

spouse of any member of the armed forcesof the United States who was killed in ac-tion, where the surviving spouse occupiesthe real property as his or her principal placeof residence and has not remarried?

U.S. SENATEOne-term incumbent Sen. Mark R.

Warner (D) is challenged by Republican EdW. Gillespie and Libertarian Robert C.Sarvis.

v Republican Ed W. Gillespie,www.edforsenate.com

v Democrat Mark R. Warner,www.markwarnerva.com

v Libertarian Robert C. Sarvis,www.robertsarvis.com

See Every Year, Page 21

Map provided by Fairfax County government

Map of Congressional districts serving Fairfax County.

What’s onthe Ballot;How to VoteElection Day is Nov. 4,2014, but you can voteas early as Sept. 19.



From Page 20

THE 8TH DISTRICT is an open seat be-cause of the retirement of incumbent Rep.Jim Moran (D), who was elected in 1990.Democrat Donald S. Beyer Jr. will face Re-publican Micah K. Edmond plus three in-dependent candidates. The 8th district in-cludes all of Alexandria and Arlington, plusparts of Fairfax County including MountVernon, Lorton and parts of McLean,Tysons and Falls Church.

v Republican Micah K. Edmond,www.micahedmond.com

v Democrat Donald S. Beyer Jr.,www.friendsofdonbeyer.com

v Libertarian Jeffrey S. Carson,jeffreycarson.com/

v Independent Green Gerard C. “Gerry”Blais III, www.votejoinrun.us

v Independent Gwendolyn J. Beck,www.gwendolynbeck.com

IN THE 10TH DISTRICT, an open seatwas created by the retirement of Frank Wolf(R), who was elected to office in 1982. Bothmajor party candidates are elected officialsfrom McLean, with Republican BarbaraComstock, a member of the Virginia House

of Delegates, facing Democrat John Foust,a member of the Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors. The 10th district sprawls fromMcLean to Winchester, and includes GreatFalls, Chantilly, parts of Fairfax Station, theTown of Clifton, part of Burke and Spring-field.

v Republican Barbara J. Comstock,www.barbaracomstockforcongress.com

v Democrat John W. Foust,www.foustforvirginia.com

v Libertarian William B. Redpath,billredpath.com

v Independent Green Dianne L. Blais,www.votejoinrun.us

v Independent Brad A. Eickholt,www.eickholt4congress.com/

IN THE 11TH DISTRICT, GerryConnolly (D), former chairman of theFairfax County Board of Supervisors,elected to congress in 2008, will face Re-publican Suzanne K. Scholte and two in-dependent candidates.

v Republican Suzanne K. Scholte,www.suzannescholteforcongress.com/

v Democrat Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly,incumbent, www.gerryconnolly.com

v Green Joe F. Galdo www.joegaldo.com

Every Year is Election Year in Virginiav Libertarian Marc M. Harrold,

www.marcharrold4congress.com

IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, all voters will voteyes or no for more money for transporta-tion projects. Transportation Improve-ments Bond Question: Shall the Boardof Supervisors contract a debt, borrowmoney and issue bonds of Fairfax County,Virginia, in addition to bonds previouslyauthorized for transportation improve-ments and facilities, in the maximum ag-gregate principal amount of $100,000,000for the purpose of providing funds to fi-nance the cost of constructing, reconstruct-ing, improving and acquiring transporta-tion facilities, including improvements toprimary and secondary State highways,improvements related to transit, improve-ments for pedestrians and bicycles, andancillary related improvements and facili-ties?

IN THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, voters willalso vote on an advisory Referendum re-garding length of term for Offices of Mayor,City Council and School Board, andwhether the term of office should be in-creased from two years to four years.

By Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D.

If you are a newcomer to FairfaxCounty, allow me to welcome youto one of the most dynamic commu-

nities anywhere in the world to live andwork. It was the vision of many people tocreate this kind of community, so pleaseallow me to offer a quick history lesson.

The Capital Beltway was completed in1964. The same year the iconic highwayopened, the Virginia General Assemblypassed a law that created what is nowcalled the Fairfax County Economic Devel-opment Authority. In the last 50 years, cre-ation and growth of a diversified businesscommunity and local economy trans-formed a sleepy bedroom community inthe shadow of the nation’s capital into whatTime magazine has called “one of the greateconomic success stories of our time.”

How much of a success story? FairfaxCounty was home to no Fortune 500 com-panies in 1964, and today 10 of those busi-nesses are based here. That’s more than30 states. Today more than 400 foreign-owned businesses have a presence here,as do four companies on Black Enterprisemagazine’s list of the 100 largest AfricanAmerican-owned companies, three com-panies on HispanicBusiness.com’s list ofthe 100 largest Hispanic-owned compa-nies, and top companies that are Asian-,woman- and veteran-owned.

Today Fairfax County is the second-larg-est suburban office market in the UnitedStates. Almost no matter where you live,you can see how the county continues toevolve as a business location. The firstphase of Metro’s Silver Line rail servicefurther enhances the attractiveness ofTysons Corner and Reston, while the sec-ond phase will link Herndon and Wash-ington Dulles International Airport to therest of the Washington region in 2018.

Southeastern Fairfax County (Spring-field, Lorton and the Richmond Highwaycorridor) are becoming important officecenters thanks to growth at Fort Belvoir.The Mosaic District in Merrifield is a popu-lar destination, and the Springfield TownCenter opening this fall promises to be amagnet for that area.

As I suggested earlier, this evolution ofFairfax County has been no accident. It hasbeen a strategy driven by a consistent vi-sion: A strong and consistent economic de-velopment program that attracts companiesand helps them stay and grow here createsjob opportunities, builds a strong commer-cial tax base that holds down residentialtaxes, and allows the Board of Supervisorsto provide high-quality public services thatenhance the quality of life here.

Yes, Fairfax County has changed tremen-dously since 1964. But, even with all theprogress that has happened, we believeeven better times lay ahead.

Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., is president andCEO of the Fairfax County Economic Develop-

ment Authority.

50 Years in the Making

Fairfax’sSuccess Story

As of this summer, there are new require-ments for voter identification that votersmust bring with them to the polling place.

Virginia law requires all voters to pro-vide an acceptable form of photo identi-fication at the polls. Voters arriving to thepolls without photo ID will be allowed tovote a provisional ballot and will haveuntil noon on the Friday after the elec-tion to deliver a copy of identification totheir locality’s electoral board in order fortheir provisional ballot to be counted.

Virginia’s photo ID requirements alsoapply to absentee voters who vote in-person in all elections.

Here are the “acceptable” forms ofidentification:

v Valid Virginia Driver’s License orIdentification Card

v Valid Virginia DMV issued Veteran’sID card

v Valid United States Passportv Other government-issued photo iden-

tification cards (must be issued by USGovernment, the Commonwealth of Vir-ginia, or a political subdivision of theCommonwealth

v Valid college or university studentphoto identification card, must be froman institution of higher education locatedin Virginia.

v Employee identification card contain-ing a photograph of the voter and issuedby an employer of the voter in the ordi-nary course of the employer’s business

v or a Virginia Voter Photo ID Card ob-tained through any local generalregistrar’s office

“Valid” is defined as a genuine docu-ment, bearing the photograph of the

voter, and is not expired for more than12 months.

A voter who does not bring an accept-able photo ID to the polls will be offereda provisional ballot.

DON’T HAVE ONE OF THESE?Any registered voter who does not pos-

sess one of the above mentioned forms ofphoto ID, may apply for a free VirginiaVoter Photo Identification from any gen-eral registrar’s office in the Common-wealth. Voters applying for the VirginiaVoter Photo ID Card will have to completethe Virginia Voter Photo IdentificationCard Application, have their picture taken,and sign the digital signature pad. Oncethe application is processed, the card willbe mailed directly to the voter.

Provisional Ballot ProcessA voter who arrives at the polling place

without an acceptable form of photo iden-tification will be given the opportunity tovote a provisional ballot. After complet-ing the provisional ballot, the individualvoting will be given written instructionsfrom the election officials on how to sub-mit a copy of his/her identification so thathis/her vote can be counted.

A voter will have until noon on the Fri-day following the election to deliver acopy of the identification to the local elec-toral board. Voters may submit a copy oftheir ID via fax, email, in-person submis-sion, or through USPS or commercialdelivery service. Please note that the copyof the ID must be delivered to the elec-toral board by noon on Friday, or the pro-visional ballot cannot be counted. A Fri-day postmark will not be sufficient. Writ-

New Voter Identification Requirements ten notice given to the voter will providethe necessary information, includingemail, fax, and address of where the IDshould be delivered.

IF YOU VOTE A PROVISIONAL BAL-LOT but don’t have an “acceptable ID,”you can appear in-person in the office ofthe general registrar in the locality inwhich the provisional ballot was cast bynoon on Friday following the election andapply for a Virginia Voter Photo ID Card.At the completion of the application pro-cess, the voter may request a TemporaryIdentification Document. This documentcan be provided to the electoral board asacceptable identification and the voter’sprovisional ballot will be counted.

SOURCE: Virginia Department of Elec-tions, www.sbe.virginia.gov

For More ElectionInformation:

Fairfax County Board of Elections, 703-222-0776, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/eb/

12000 Government Center Parkway,Fairfax, Suite 232, Fairfax, 22035; FAX 703-324-2205; email [email protected]

City of Fairfax General Registrar, 703-385-7890, http://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/general-registrar

10455 Armstrong Street, Sisson House,Fairfax, 22030; FAX 703-591-8364; [email protected]

State Board of Elections, 804 864-8901Toll Free: 800 552-9745 FAX: 804 371-0194

email: [email protected]://www.sbe.virginia.gov



What happened last year: Thefield hockey team finishedConference 6 runner-up andreached the region

quarterfinals. The girls’ basketball teamstarted 19-1, but dropped four of its finalfive, including its first game of the regiontournament. The baseball team made thedeepest postseason run in program history,reaching the state semifinals. The softballteam went 22-3 and won the Conference 6championship.

From The Connection’s Top 100 Athletes:*27. Seth Greisinger, a 1993 graduate,

was a standout pitcher for the Highland-ers. He pitched collegiately at the Univer-sity of Virginia and was selected by the De-troit Tigers with the sixth pick in the firstround of the 1996 MLB draft. He wouldeventually play professionally in Korea.

From BJ Koubaroulis’ 2006 profile for TheConnection’s Top 100 Athletes: “The Kore-ans never forgot the name Seth Greisinger.But, neither did anyone else that Greisinger,a right-handed pitching sensation out ofMcLean, threw against in his career. In the1996 Olympics, Greisinger held Korea’s batsto seven hits and two runs to push theUnited States to a 7-2 victory and one stepcloser to an eventual bronze medal. … Af-ter turning down the Koreans several times,Greisinger — the No. 6 overall pick in theMajor League Baseball draft (1996) — fi-nally gave in and asked the Atlanta Bravesfor his release. ‘They made him an offer hecouldn’t refuse,’ said his father George, wholives in Falls Church. ‘When he got overthere, they let him know that they neverforgot him.’

“… It has also been quite a while sinceGreisinger who, at 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds,brought a district title to McLean in 1993.It was not unusual to see 10 pro scouts atany of the pitcher’s games during a senioryear in which he carried McLean to a 13-8record and its first Great Falls District Cham-pionship since 1960, breaking a 33-yeardrought.”

*76. Nate Friends, a 1991 graduate, wasa standout soccer and basketball player forthe Highlanders. He would win four na-tional championships as a soccer player atthe University of Virginia.

From Koubaroulis’ 2006 profile for TheConnection’s Top 100 Athletes: “Friendsdidn’t just draw fouls on the basketballcourt. He became a target on the soccer fieldas a senior when McLean coach Ted Peasemoved him from defense to the forwardposition.

‘I had talked to Bruce Arena and he wasn’tinterested,’ said Pease, who pleaded witheventual World Cup coach Bruce Arena —then the head coach of the UVA soccer team— to come and watch his star player.Friends flourished in the offensive role and

earned MVP honors at McLean.The game Arena came to watch was the

region final against J.E.B Stuart — a gamethat Friends was battered 18 times by theopposition.

According to Pease, even though Friendswas fouled 18 times, he still dominated thegame and still managed to score to sendthe 1-1 game to penalty kicks. Stuart wonand advanced to the state tournament end-ing Friends senior year at 16-1-3, but ‘Brucecalled me that night and said he reallywanted Nate,’ said Pease.

Friends, who scored on a header in theloss to Stuart, used the experience to pre-pare him for what to expect in college.

‘It was frustrating and it really helped mefor college,’ said Friends, who turned his 6-foot 165-pound body into a 6-foot 2-inch195-pound frame by the time he was asophomore at UVA. ‘That game led me toget stronger. It was a good way of learninghow to deal with defense,’ said Friends.

Friends went on to help UVA to four NCAAsoccer titles.

Langley: VolleyballTeam Won the 6AState Championship

What Happened Last Year: The volleyballteam won region and state championships.The boys’ lacrosse team finished region andstate runner-up. The softball team reachedthe region semifinals. The baseball teamfinished Conference 6 runner-up andreached the region quarterfinals.

From The Connection’s Top 100 Athletes:*74. Taline Tahmassian, a 2001 graduate,

was a soccer star for the Saxons, finishingher high school career with 96 goals. Shewon a national championship at Santa Clarabefore transferring to William & Mary.

From BJ Koubaroulis’ 2006 profile for TheConnection’s Top 100 Athletes: “‘She wasthe best forward to go through Langley,’ said[then-Langley] coach Melissa Bibbee, whorecently secured her place in Langley’s sto-ried soccer history by recording her 100thcareer coaching victory. ‘She was our go-toplayer. She was a sophomore my first year[at Langley]. For three years, my game-plan,as a coach, was just pass the ball to Taline.That was not only because I was 24 yearsold, but when you have a player of that cali-ber [that’s what you do].’

“…Tahmassian spent her freshman yearof college at Santa Clara University, whereshe helped the Broncos win an NCAA title.She played in 25 games, scored eight goals[50 shots], recorded 5 assists [21 points],and had two game-winning goals. She wasthe team’s fourth-leading scorer in pointsand goals in 2001 — SCU’s championshipseason.

Despite reports of feuding with coaches,Tahmassian maintains that she transferredto William and Mary to be closer to family,but acknowledged that soccer was part ofthe decision.

‘I kind of realized after winning a nationalchampionship, I just realized that there wasmore things out there,’ said Tahmassian,who will graduate in December. ‘Yeah, thesoccer aspect [at Santa Clara] was amaz-ing, but I felt that there was a little morethan that.’

She admits that playing time was an is-sue at Santa Clara, but that it was not theonly reason she left the West Coast.

At William and Mary, she led the Tribewith 15 goals in 16 games in her junior sea-son leading the team to the Colonial Ath-letic Association conference title and intothe NCAA tournament. For all four years ofcollege Tahmassian totaled 40 goals in 83games (60 starts) on 224 shots with 21 as-sists.”

*84. Lindsey Ertter, a 2001 graduate, wasa state-champion swimmer for the Saxons.

From Koubaroulis’ 2006 profile for TheConnection’s Top 100 Athletes: “By the ageof 12, she had made her first Olympic trialswhile swimming at the Senior Nationalstournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

‘When I made the Olympic trials, I hadno idea what I had done,’ said Ertter, whosaid she had to wait four more years beforeshe could compete in those trials (2000)because she swam her fastest time duringan Olympic year.

Ertter, who competed in the 100-meterbreaststroke, took 11th place in the 2000trials after considering herself a long shot.She went back four years later and took fifthplace in 2004 trials in Long Beach.

“…Even without pressure, Ertter won sixstate championships and set records in allthree of her years at the AAA state tourna-ment. She won three gold medals in the 200individual medley and three gold medalsin the 100 breaststroke from 1999-2001.She also helped the Saxons to four teamAAA state championships from 1998-2001.She was simply dominant at the high schoollevel, but like most year-round competitiveswimmers, high school was a chance for herto relax.”

McLean: Baseballteam made first trip tostate playoffs.

Getting to Know McLean, Langley High Sports

McLean High SchoolMascot: Highlanders.School Colors: Red and silver.Athletic Director: Jim Patrick, 703-714-5700.Football Coach: Shaun Blair (first year).The Highlanders finished the 2013 seasonwith a 5-5 record.Field Hockey Coach: Summer Vanni.Baseball Coach: John Dowling.Softball Coach: Maurice Tawil.Girls’ Soccer Coach: Rob Bouchard.Rival School: Langley.

Photo contributed

The Langley volleyball team won the 2013 6A state championship.

Langley High SchoolMascot: Saxons.School Colors: Green and gold.Athletic Director: Geoff Noto, 703-287-2750.Football Coach: John Howerton.The Saxons finished the 2013 season witha 9-3 record and reached the 6A North re-gion quarterfinals. Along the way, Langleyturned in the most prolific scoring seasonin program history, producing 481 points,an average of 40 per contest.Field Hockey Coach: Jennifer Robb.Volleyball Coach: Susan Shifflett.Boys’ Basketball Coach: Scott Newman.Baseball Coach: Kevin Healy.Boys’ Lacrosse Coach: Earl Brewer.Rival School: McLean.


McLeanTysonsCorner

PotomacGreatFalls

123

123

193

267

495

270

River Road

Falls

Roa

Pine

y

2

8 3

1

65 7

4

910

Address .................................. BR FB HB ... Postal City ... Sold Price .... Type ....... Lot AC PostalCode .......... Subdivision ............ Date Sold

1 904 CHINQUAPIN RD ............. 7 .. 7 .. 4 ...... MCLEAN ..... $6,500,000 .... Detached .... 3.80 ...... 22102 .............. CHINQUAPIN ............. 06/20/14

2 8112 SPRING HILL FARM DR ... 5 .. 5 .. 3 ...... MCLEAN ..... $4,000,000 .... Detached .... 0.88 ...... 22102 .......... SPRING HILL FARM ......... 05/09/14

3 828 MACKALL AVE ................. 6 .. 7 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,875,000 .... Detached .... 1.19 ...... 22101 ........... LANGLEY FOREST .......... 06/27/14

4 211 CLARKS RUN RD ............. 5 .. 5 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS .. $3,675,000 .... Detached .... 6.83 ...... 22066 .......... BRANDES ESTATES ......... 04/01/14

5 1239 DALEVIEW DR ............... 5 .. 7 .. 3 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,600,000 .... Detached .... 1.53 ...... 22102 ......... WOODSIDE ESTATES ........ 05/15/14

6 888 ALVERMAR RIDGE DR ...... 6 .. 6 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,460,000 .... Detached .... 0.83 ...... 22102 .............. THE RESERVE ............. 06/05/14

7 8103 SPRING HILL FARM DR ... 5 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,450,000 .... Detached .... 1.01 ...... 22102 .......... SPRING HILL FARM ......... 06/06/14

8 6718 BENJAMIN ST ............... 7 .. 7 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,400,000 .... Detached .... 0.94 ...... 22101 ........... LANGLEY FOREST .......... 04/30/14

9 6810 WEMBERLY WAY ........... 6 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,337,667 .... Detached .... 0.58 ...... 22101 ........... LANGLEY FOREST .......... 05/09/14

10 906 GEORGETOWN RIDGE CT 5 .. 5 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,295,000 .... Detached .... 0.83 ...... 22102 ........ GEORGETOWN RIDGE ....... 06/30/14

Copyright 2014 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of July 15, 2014.

January~June, 2014 Top Sales in Great Falls and McLeanLocal REAL ESTATE Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

1 904 Chinquapin Road, McLean — $6,500,000 2 8112 Spring Hill Farm Drive, McLean — $4,000,000

3 828 Mackall Avenue, McLean — $3,875,000 4 211 Clarks Run Road, Great Falls — $3,675,000

5 1239 DaleviewDrive, McLean —

$3,600,000

6 888 AlvermarRidge Drive,McLean —$3,460,000


Documents

McLean Focus on ‘Winning Culture’connectionarchives.com/PDF/2014/082714/McLean.pdf · 2019-12-18 · include Rube Goldberg machines, skits, etc. “We really want to stress creative