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Inside
Pet Connection
Helping McLean Little LeagueRecover from the StormNews, Page 7
McLean Farmers Market: In Full Summer BloomNews, Page 3
Finding Penny, And Other McLean Pets Stories
Pet Connection, Page 5
Cayla Davis of McLean and dog Penny: ‘I love hearing her paws prancing all the way to the front door and rolling over for a nice belly rub with her tail wagging the second I get home.’
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com July 31-August 6, 2019
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2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
By Nadezhda Shulga
The Connection
Over the last 30 years, theMcLean Farmers Market hasbeen known as the spot tobuy local farm products in
season.The market is in full summer bloom: juicy
tomatoes, sweet cantaloupes, refreshingwatermelons, a variety of baked goods,fresh meat, eggs, ice cream. … Once youtry, you will become a loyal customer foryears to come. Quality and freshness reallymake all the difference.
McLean Farmers Market is open Fridaysfrom 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Lewinsville Park,McLean. This year, sixteen local farmers areoffering fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs,flowers, plants, meats, eggs, and honey.
Friday, Aug. 9:Celebrate FarmersMarket week.
McLean Farmers Market: In Full Summer BloomPhotos by Nadezhda Shulga/The Connection
The musician Steve Smith is at McLean Farmers Market every Friday.Owner of Hidden Creek Farm Angela Young and her intern Matt Zarembaare greeting everyone who enters the market.
Sabry Alsharkawi, owner of the Sharkawi Farm, has been selling hisherbs and spices at the McLean Farmers Market for the 34 years.
Travis Urda, farm hand, has beenworking for Mt. Olympus Farm forthe last 10 years
Valentine Miller, owner of Valentine’s bakery and meats, works at hisfarm with all his big family.
Lyn Phipps had been selling bakery at the McLean Farmers Market formore than 20 years, but for the last 10 years flowers and plants areher passion
See Farmers Market, Page 7
Prepared foods such as baked goods are alsosold at the market.
Like other farmers markets in the area,McLean’s is strictly producer-only. Farmersmust come from within 125 miles and mayonly sell what they raise on the farms or
what they produce on their own.It’s also a learning experience: Encourage
children to eat healthy food choices. Takethem with you. If they are unfamiliar with
4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
By Joe Fay
Executive Director FACETS
As summer nears the end, we are get-ting ready to say goodbye to 21teens that are headed off to college.These young people have been in-
volved in our summer youth programs formany years. They have experienced — like theother children in our programs and all kids —the excitement and anxiety around back toschool preparation. These rituals include buy-ing clothes and school supplies, getting a hair-cut, and finding out what teachers you have.
For the nearly 23,000 kids that live in pov-erty in Fairfax County, back to school ritualscan cause stress. In a region of so much wealth,it’s hard to remember that many children donot share the same levels of preparation. Theywant to but simply cannot.
FACETS serves many impoverished youththrough our Education and Community Devel-opment Program. The program operates year-round in four low-income, subsidized communi-ties offering a continuum of supportive servicesto break the cycle of poverty. People living in theseaffordable housing communities have limited fi-nancial resources, with the average annual in-come for a family of four less than $24,000.
At Robinson Square, Ragan Oaks, BarrosCircle and Wedgewood, staff and volunteersoffer an array of educational, preventative andenrichment programs to help youth, includingmentoring and tutoring, and a variety of classessuch as literacy, art, and computers. Participa-tion provides many benefits, including ensur-ing a safe after-school and weekend environ-ment, interaction with caring adults, awardwinning programs, and access to resources andcase management.
We also work with these youth to help themget ready to go back to school. Like manynonprofits, we conduct supply drives that helpmake sure they have backpacks, pencils, and amyriad of other supplies that come on thelengthy lists provided by the schools. In manyof the 400 backpacks, we also supply kids witha voucher for a haircut from the Hair Cuttery.
These school supply drives really do make adifference, and we hope you will consider con-tributing to ours or other organizations. If yourmeans permit, perhaps consider donating a giftcard to a clothing store or a hair salon. Help-ing a child feel confident and fit in during thosefirst weeks of school goes a long way in mak-ing the school year productive. And if the youthwe are helping prepare for college are an indi-cator, then we know it works.
Learn more about how you can help atwww.FACETSCares.org.
By Hubert C. Graves
In light of the division which continues todeepen in our country and our society, theBoard of Directors of the Centreville Im-
migration Forum wants to reaffirm the missionand values central to our organization. The cur-rent political and social climate appears tobecome more divisive with each passing day.The Centreville Immigration Forum calls uponour local community to be a model for thenation by respecting people who offer differ-ing solutions to the problems we face, ratherthan falling into political arguments which aredetrimental to all of us.
Part of the mission of the Centreville Immi-
gration Forum is to “build community recog-nition of our strength in diversity.” We em-brace this principle and will continue to cham-pion diversity and inclusion as a strength forour local community and the nation as awhole. This community and nation have dem-onstrated so much progress in the last half-century. We have come too far to turn backthe clock, especially when there is more toaccomplish. Freedom of Speech is what de-fines our democracy. Where would we bewithout courageous leaders such as AbrahamLincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and CesarChavez – among thousands of others – whodemonstrated such courage in speaking outfor what is right and just, challenging our
country to live up to the ideals upon which itwas founded?
We steadfastly believe that the diversity ofour community and nation will be one of thedefining characteristics which will continue tomake us the envy of the world. The voices ofimmigrants belong in public discourse, whetherthey are the voices of day laborers, businessentrepreneurs, or members of Congress. Wehope that the local community shares our vi-sion, dreams, and aspirations, where diversityand inclusion are valued and where we worktogether for the benefit of us all.
The author is President of the Board ofDirectors of Centreville Immigration Forum.
Back-to-School Rituals Cause Stress
Diversity and Inclusion As a Strength
By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
State Delegate (D-36)
Four hundred years ago yesterday, July30, 1619, a group of 22 colonists metin the wooden and mud church on
Jamestowne Island as instructed by the inves-tors of the colony “to establish one equal anduniform government over all Virginia” and toprovide “just laws for the happy guiding andgoverning of the people there inhabiting.” Theyadjourned on Aug. 4. That event is variouslydescribed as the beginning of representativegovernment in America and as the beginningof the oldest continuous law-making body inthe western hemisphere. It merits the com-memoration it is receiving.
In order to fully understand the importanceof a signature event as this one, I believe it isimportant to put it into perspective as ourknowledge of what happened afterwards al-lows us to do. While termed the beginning ofrepresentative government, the first legislativemeeting was anything but representative. Onlywhite males could vote or serve in the Assem-
bly. The indigenous people — called Indiansbecause one of the purposes of sailing to thisnew world was to find a shorter route to India— were not able to participate even thoughthey had inhabited the land for at least 15,000years. Not only were they kept out of the As-sembly, they were forced off their lands wherethey had their homes, governance, religion,and farms. In less than a half century the im-migrants had taken over the land and displacedthe indigenous people.
Nor could women take part in that first As-sembly because they did not arrive in Virginiauntil 1619 and did not secure the vote untilthree centuries later!
Enslaved people from Africa did not arrivein the colony until 1619 and not only werethey not in the First Assembly but they werethe subject of laws in subsequent sessions ofoppressive slave codes that denied them basichuman rights. It was necessary in the begin-nings of the Assembly to belong to and paytaxes to the established church.
The history of Virginia and of America hasbeen to move from this humble beginning and
through decades and centuries of events toevolve into what is more closely a representa-tive government. The planners of the eventssurrounding 1619 have correctly I believetermed it “evolution.” Contrary to what somemay have us believe, our state and our coun-try did not start out meeting the ideals andvision that we have. We have built on a humblebeginning to evolve into the country we aretoday.
I trust that this important celebration willnot be allowed to be taken over by an igno-rance of what happened at Jamestowne andturned into a biased partisan view to justifythe terrible actions of government todayagainst people of color, people from otherlands, and people in the LGBTQ communities.We do not need to try to return to a past thatwas much more imperfect than we sometimescare to admit. I am attending the Commemo-rative Session of the General Assembly to learnmore about the past and how we can learnfrom our experiences and evolve further intoa more perfect union. I will not be attendingthe session with POTUS.
Beginning of Representative Government in America
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McLean
McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Anna Karl
The Connection
“You would think that Angel’smost impressive accoplish-ment was when she taughtherself to open the door to
let herself in and out of the backyard. Butequally endearing, she’s incredibly thought-ful and gentle. She adjusts her sleep sched-ule to ours, even when we want to sleep in.And If you give her something to eat - nomatter how small - she will nibble ever sogently around your fingers to avoid acci-dentally biting you. But can anything re-ally top her ability to talk (her own lan-guage, of course). A loud bark to warn usof intruders; a low growl when she’s an-noyed; and a quick “woof” to let us knowshe needs water or can’t get to her food;and little squeals to let us know she’s be-side herself with joy seeing us (or any ofher favorite peeps).”
– Mark Laufman, McLean
Angel’s Accomplishments
Pet Connection
Photos by Anna Karl/The Connection
Mark Laufman and dog Angel
“We adopted him four years agofrom a shelter. Although heacts tough, he’s a big softie.
He refuses to hunt the mouse in our back-yard but likes to run around with the restof the neighborhood cats. His other favor-ite pastime is sitting in front of one of usand staring intensely until he gets fed.”
– Lauren Ott, McLean
Lauren Ott and cat Lamar“Chappie” Chapman
A Big Softie
Cayla Davis and dog Penny
FindingPenny“B
efore my family and I went topick her up for the first time, wewere brainstorming names. The
second we saw her copper-colored spotscovering her back, we knew we shouldname her Penny! I love hearing her pawsprancing all the way to the front door androlling over for a nice belly rub with hertail wagging the second I get home.”
– Cayla Davis, McLean
“Molly is a smart dog, but shedoesn’t like loud noises.When we first got her, we
went to shoot off some fireworks at a nearbypark. She bolted and we were freaking outlooking for her until we got a call from mymom at home telling us that Molly waswaiting by the front door. She had run homeeven though she had never been to that parkbefore.”
– Ryan Dahlseid, McLean
Molly FindsHome
Ryan Dahlseid and dog Molly
Tim Kaiser, Carolyn Brown-Kaiser,and dog Bogey
“Our dog and the color purple:When he was a mischievouslittle puppy, our Westie, Bo-
gey, turned himself the color purple. He toreinto a purple rabbit’s foot while I was en-joying a nice nap on the couch. I awoke tothe terrifying site of not only a purple dog,but purple couch and carpet too.”
– Tim Kaiser, McLean
A Dog andHouse inPurple
Emily Simons and dog Lucy
“Lucy has been a light in my lifefor as long as I can remember.She’s a loving companion and
always a comforting presence to our house-hold. She’s brought so much joy into mylife; the sound of her tail thumping when Iwalk through the door always makes mehappier. When I come home after a longday, I know that she’ll be there to make mesmile. She’s the perfect addition to our fam-ily.”
– Emily Simons, McLean
A LovingCompanion
6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Sunday, October 20 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. McLean Central Park 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd.
McLean Pet Fest
Participate in a Pet Costume Parade.
Visit exhibitors with the latest pet products.
Get information on various aspects of pet care.
Attend information sessions about pets.
Find out about pet adoptionoptions in the area.
www.mcleancenter.org/special-events
FREE ADMISSION!
For more information, visit our website.
News
Virginia Department of Transportation(VDOT) crews have been making re-pairs to roads that were damaged dur-ing the July 8 flash floods and continue
to make progress towards extensive repairs thatremain on Kirby Road and Swinks Mill Road.Those repairs will require construction contrac-tors and will keep both roads closed for a few moremonths.
By the end of the day Thursday, July 25, theflood repair strike team will have repaired twelveroads since the floods. The team focused on mill-ing, paving, and shoulder repair on Barbee Street,Benjamin Street, Beulah Road, Churchill Road,Georgetown Pike, Ironwood Drive, MorningsideDrive, Leigh Mill Road, Lorraine Avenue, Prosper-ity Avenue, Thrasher Place, and Valley Wood Road.All twelve roads were repaired in five days. Bridgemaintenance crews are continuing to remove de-bris from around and under bridges and inside ofculverts.
Several areas of Kirby Road sustained damageduring the storm:
❖ A segment of road just south ofClaiborne Drive was washed away. Theremaining asphalt in that location hasbeen undermined.
❖ Asphalt on the approaches to thedeck of the VDOT bridge over PimmitRun was damaged, but temporarily re-paired the same day. The bridge also hasdamage to the guardrails and abutments(the “legs” that support the bridge deck)and retaining wall.
❖ Pimmit Run will need to be re-aligned to its original location.
❖ The sanitary sewer line and under-ground utilities were affected.
❖ Damage to VDOT infrastructure isnot preventing access to any homes.
Note: A privately owned and main-tained bridge across from ClaiborneDrive was severely damaged andhomeowners are evaluating repair options.
Swinks Mill Road bridge over Scotts Run damage:❖ Several hundred feet of asphalt approaching the
bridge on both sides was damaged.❖ Asphalt on the bridge deck was destroyed. Also,
the bridge has sustained damage to the guardrails,abutments, and retaining wall.
❖ Bridge scour (removal of sand and gravel fromaround the abutments) was observed.
❖ Debris was observed in Scotts Run.Damage to VDOT infrastructure is not preventing
access to any homes.Structural assessments of VDOT bridges and roads
have been completed.❖ Survey work (to gather information needed to
create a detailed map of current conditions) is un-derway and expected to be completed over the com-ing weeks.
❖ Soil borings (samples taken to determine un-
Road Repairs ContinueFollowing FloodsSeveral closures remainfor repairs followingheavy rains.
A segment of Kirby Road just south ofClaiborne Drive was washed away.
Bridge damage at Swinks Mill Road.
Photos contributed
derground conditions) should be completed aroundthe same time as survey work.
❖ Preliminary designs of both bridges and roadrepairs have begun.
❖ Coordination has begun with external agenciesto determine location of and efficiently schedule re-pairs to damaged utilities.
❖ Concrete jersey barriers were installed on SwinksMill Road to prevent drivers from continuing to movetemporary barriers and drive across the bridge.
Debris removal will continue in accordance withenvironmental regulations.
Completed survey work and soil boring results willbe used to finish developing the engineering designof road and bridge repairs.
Essential bridge and road repair plans will be putout for construction bids.
For ongoing updates, follow VDOT Northern Vir-ginia on Twitter: @vadotnova
McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
From Page 3
gardening, it can be a great timeto discuss how the fruits and veg-etables grow to become what theyfind at the market.
FIRST CUSTOMERS come early.“We have people that are waitingto get in the morning,” WilliamSmith, market manager, said. “I’mjust happy to see people waitingto get in. I think that’s a good sign.I noticed that people who comeregularly are typically here like inthe first hour”. The early birdcatches the worm, so the earlycustomer gets the best.
There are loyal customers andloyal vendors who have beenmeeting each other for manyyears.
Lyn Phipps has been here for 33years, since the early days of themarket. In her 40s, she started herbusiness with selling home-bakedgoods and preserves. Ten yearsago she gave up cooking. Sincethen she’s been selling flowers andplants (and it sells like hotcakesby the way!) All her bouquets weresold out shortly after the marketopened. “I have my regular cus-tomers who buy flowers everyweek. I make colorful bouquets,and all you have to do is put themin a vase when you get home,”saidPhipps. Now she shares her spacewith her friend. He also sellsplants.
Sabry Sharkawi offers a varietyof potted herbs, flowering plants,handcrafted teas, and spices. He’sbeen here for 34 years. He hailsfrom a family of farmers fromEgypt. “I knew everything abouttaking care of plants,” saidSharkawi. “When I graduatedfrom the Alexandria agriculturalcollege, I added scientific knowl-edge to my experience. Thathelped me a lot because agricul-ture is not traditional anymore. It’sbuilt on science. I attended a lotof conferences, learned frommagazines. I was one of the first
who started greenhouses in the USon the farm.”
Sharkawi has three daughters.From a young age, they helpedhim, but later they went theirseparate ways. “The eldest daugh-ter is a chemical specialist. Sheworks for the Army. My middledaughter is an engineer. She buildsrockets. The youngest is a teacher.So, now I am doing all things bymyself. I am growing, cooking,driving, and selling. I miss themvery much..
Valentine Miller, the owner ofthe Valentine’s Bakery&Meats,talked about his large family allworking at the farm. “My wife andI, my son and daughter, son-in-lawand my nephew. I would say it’smostly our family. Only one girlhelps with the bakery.” His truckis decorated with farm animals.His spot is the biggest at the mar-ket and one of the most popular.He handles all sales himself. “It’sa lot of work. But we are fine.We’ve been up here in this area inNorthern Virginia for 20 years al-ready.”
Four years ago, Andrea Youngand her husband Dandy swappedtheir office work for the farm.Their 250-acre Hidden Creek Farmfrom Fauquier County is now suc-cessful and sustainable. Apartfrom high quality meat and eggs,the farm is also known for its wildhoney as well as a large selectionof homemade jams and bakedgoods.
Live music adds to any farmersmarket a festival vibe. The guitar-ist and singer Steve Smith plays oldschool blues every Friday. He con-tributes greatly to the relaxing at-mosphere of the Farmers Market.
NEXT WEEK is going to be spe-cial because of the National Farm-ers Market week. This event withcooking demonstrations, games,kids’ activities, raffles for gift bas-kets is running Aug. 9 at theMclean Farmers market from 8a.m. to 12 Noon.
The Keller Williams McLean/Great Falls MarketCenter recently donated $5000 to help McLean’sLittle League Complex (1836 Westmoreland St) re-cently damaged by the flood.
“We believe in supporting the community wherewe live and work,” said Amina Basic, CEO of KellerWilliams. “It’s our way of saying thanks to our friends,neighbors, and clients.”
The money will help repair the damage includingrebuilding two dugouts, fencing on three of the fourfields and cleaning up the fluids at the complex.
“We are so thankful for this help, the aim is to getthe work done ASAP,” said Wayne Loving, McLeanLL administrator.
The KW McLean/Great Falls market center, locatedat 6820 Elm St, was established in 2008 and has330 associates. It’s the largest real estate office inMcLean and the surrounding area, that sells close toa billion dollars in volume every year.
To learn more about Keller Williams, call AminaBasic at 703/672-0687 or email [email protected]
Keller Williams McLean/Great Falls Donates$5000 to McLean Little League
Photo contributed
From left — Wayne Loving, Amina Basic and Patrick Page
Farmers Market
8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.
ONGOINGSelf Portraits. Business hours through mid
August at Starbucks, Great Falls Center, 9863Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. See self portraitsby Forestville Elementary School, third gradeartists in the meeting room at Starbucks. Theshow curated by FES Art Teacher, ReneeRiddell, is presented by Great Falls Studios incooperation with Great Falls Starbucks. Visitwww.greatfallsstudios.com for more.
Registration Open: The Northern VirginiaSenior Olympics features more than 60events that challenge the mind as well as thebody. New games this year: jigsaw puzzle andline-dancing. The games run Sept. 14-28. Therewill be no on-site registration. Paperregistrations, available at most local recreationand senior centers, must be postmarked by Aug.24. Online registrations must be completed byAug. 31 at www.nvso.us.
Junior Golf Fairfax Camps, Clinics andCompetition. Burke Lake Golf Center islocated at 6915 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.Pinecrest Golf Course is located at 6600 LittleRiver Turnpike, Alexandria. Twin Lakes GolfCourse is located at 6201 Union Mill Road,Clifton. Oak Marr Golf Complex is located at3136 Jermantown Road, Oakton. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/junior.
❖ In one-session introductory Junior Golf clinics,kids and teens learn basic golf rules, etiquette ofthe game, get familiarized with different typesof clubs and acquire skills for putting andchipping in a social and relaxed environment.Clubs and practice balls provided. Clinics areoffered at Burke Lake, Oak Marr and Pinecrestgolf courses for $15 each in August.
❖ Golf camp week-long sessions are still open –campers learn putting, chipping, iron and woodsplay from certified instructors in a friendly,group atmosphere. Course etiquette and bestsafety practices will teach kids and teensfundamentals while they socialize and have fun.Clubs are not required but suggested. Allcampers will receive a certificate and golf funpack upon camp completion. Burke Lake GolfCenter and Twin Lakes Golf Course offer halfday summer camp, Pinecrest Golf Course offersboth half and full day summer camp options.Oak Marr Golf Complex offers half day springand summer camp through Everybody GolfSchool.
❖ Course-ready juniors will enjoy the Junior ClubChampionship, Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-noon at BurkeLake Golf Center. Golfers participate in an 18-hole individual stroke competition. Competitorswill be separated into three divisions with first,second, and third place prizes available in alldivisions. Lunch provided. Call 703-323-1641 toregister.
Oak Marr Farmers’ Market. 8 a.m.-noon atOak Marr RECenter, 3200 Jermantown Road,Oakton. Every Wednesday through Nov. 13, rainor shine. Vendors include produce, meats, eggs,cheeses, pies, cured and smoked meats,popsicles, sorbet, bread, croissants, falafelsandwiches, humus, and pesto. Call 703-281-6501 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/oak-marr for more.
McLean Farmers Market. Fridays, through Nov.15, 8 a.m.-noon at Lewinsville Park, 1659 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Sixteen local farmers andproducers will sell fresh produce and fruits;meats; breads and pastries; jams; dairy productsand eggs; herbs; flowers, coffee, and more. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/mclean.
Great Falls Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. Music,vendors, fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from around the world,wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats,organic-fed poultry and eggs. [email protected] for more.
Oakton Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1p.m. at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Year-round weekly farmersmarket in Oakton. Local produce, meats/eggs,dairy, baked goods, and more. Admission is free.Visit community-foodworks.org.
THURSDAY/AUG. 1Nottoway Nights: Radio King Orchestra.
7:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Thursday evenings, through Aug.
22. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. Forlast minute weather cancellations call 703-324-7469 one hour prior to the program start time.
FRIDAY/AUG. 2Summer on the Green: The Rockits (rock
and Motown). 6:30 p.m. on Vienna’s TownGreen. Friday nights through Aug. 23. Bringchairs and/or blankets. No alcoholic beveragesare permitted. Consider leaving pets at home. Inthe event of rain, check the weather line at 703-255-7842. Learn more at www.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3997.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY/AUG. 2-3The Wedding Singer. Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry StSE, Vienna. The Vienna Youth Players’ presentstheir production of The Wedding Singer. The2006 musical based on the 1998 Adam Sandlerfilm of the same name is brimming with fun,jokes, music, and a cast of 35 youthful andenergetic performers. Tickets are $15 atviennava.gov/webtrac or in person at thecommunity center.
SATURDAY/AUG. 3Town Clean-Up Day. 9 a.m.-noon. The Town of
Vienna is ready to roll up its collective sleevesand spend a morning cleaning around thecommunity. Volunteers are needed to help Townstaff pick up trash, remove invasive plants, andgive Vienna a general polish. The Townrecommends that volunteers wear pants andlong sleeves, no matter how warm the day, andbring along trash pickers if they have them. TheTown will supply gloves, trash bags, and otherequipment. Volunteers will meet at the TownGreen, rain or shine. Those interested involunteering should email bwyatt@viennavagovor call 703-255-5721.
Used Book Collection. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at SunTrustBank, 515 Maple Ave. East, Vienna. The McLeanBranch of the American Association of UniversityWomen (AAUW) will be collecting used books,CDs, DVDs, software, children’s books, records,and recent textbooks. No encyclopedias, VHS oraudiotapes, please. Books for children areespecially needed. Books must be bagged orboxed and the bags and boxes must be left withthe books. Contact [email protected], or703-527-4206. The Book Sale will be held onSept. 13-15 at the McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. The book saleproceeds benefit scholarships for women.
SUNDAY/AUG. 4Wood Carving Lessons. Noon-3 p.m. at Colvin
Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.Whittle out some time for “Wood CarvingLessons” at Colvin Run Mill with the NorthernVirginia Carvers. No reservations are required.These lessons are designed for participants 12-adult. There is a nominal charge for woodblanks. Or enjoy a “Grinding Demonstration.”See and hear 19th century technology at workwhile watching the miller grind flour or meal.Demonstrations will take place as conditionspermit. No reservations are required. Tours ofthe mill cost $8 for adults, $7 for students 16and up with ID, and $6 for children and seniors.Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.
20th Anniversary Celebration. 5-7 p.m. atRiverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., GreatFalls. The Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB) willcelebrate their 20th anniversary of supportingthe park. FORB has supported Riverbend withmore than a quarter-million dollars incontributions, services and equipment over theyears. The celebration is open to the public andthere is no charge. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/friends.
TUESDAY/AUG. 6Kids on the Green: Groovy Nate (kids songs
and puppets). 10 a.m. on the Vienna TownGreen. The Kids on the Green series is a weeklycollection of interactive animal shows,magicians, puppet performances, and more,running through Aug. 20. Free. Visitviennava.gov for more.
Self-Driving Cars. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.Assistant Director of the Mason ExperimentalGeometry Lab, Anton Lukyanenko, will showparticipants how an algorithm can program thepath of self-driving cars and witness ademonstration with mobile robots. Free. [email protected] for more.
Astronomical Experience. 8-9 p.m. at TurnerFarm is located at 925 Springvale Road, GreatFalls. Visit Observatory Park at Turner Farm andlearn to see the world from an astronomicalpoint of view. Find answers to questions aboutthe length of the day and the origins of ourcalendar. Held in the roll-top observatory atTurner Farm and will include an observingsession, if the weather allows. $8 per person.Designed for participants 8- adult. Call 703-324-8618 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.
THURSDAY/AUG. 8Parent and Child Fishing. 4:30-6 p.m. at
Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., GreatFalls. This introductory course is designed forparents and children age 6-17. Start with suchfishing basics as how to rig and use a fishing rodand how to stay safe around the water. The classwill cover environmental awareness, as well ashow to catch fish. A rod and bait are provided.$12 per person. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.
Nottoway Nights: The Johnny Artis Band.7:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Thursday evenings, through Aug.22. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. Forlast minute weather cancellations call 703-324-7469 one hour prior to the program start time.
FRIDAY/AUG. 9ESL Playdate Cafe. 1-2 p.m. at Oakton Library,
10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Meet othercaregivers of young children. Adults practiceEnglish while children enjoy play time in thesame room. Birth-5 years with adult. Free. Call703-242-4020 or visitibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5260042.
Summer on the Green: Shenandoah Run(folk). 6:30 p.m. on Vienna’s Town Green.Friday nights through Aug. 23. Bring chairs and/or blankets. No alcoholic beverages arepermitted. Consider leaving pets at home. In theevent of rain, check the weather line at 703-255-7842. Learn more at www.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3997.
SATURDAY/AUG. 10Vienna Arts Society Reception. 3-5 p.m. at
Vienna Art Center, Windover Building, 243Church St. NW, Vienna. The Vienna Arts Societyinvites the public to a reception celebrating twoexhibitions. The “Healing Wall” is created bytroops on the mend at Fort Belvoir Hospital.“The Open Door” features a judged photographyexhibition. Enjoy light refreshments and meetthe artists as Juror Sandi Croan presents awards.The exhibition continues through Aug. 31. Freeand open to the public. Visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org or call 703-319-3971.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 9-11The Wedding Singer. Friday-Saturday, 7:30
p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. at the Vienna CommunityCenter, 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna. The ViennaYouth Players’ presents their production of TheWedding Singer. The 2006 musical based on the1998 Adam Sandler film of the same name isbrimming with fun, jokes, music, and a cast of35 youthful and energetic performers. Ticketsare $15 at viennava.gov/webtrac or in person atthe community center.
SUNDAY/AUG. 11Concerts on the Green: Vinyl Invention. 6-8
p.m. on the Great Falls Village Centre Green.Bring picnic baskets, chairs and blankets for anevening of live music. Free. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.
MONDAY/AUG. 12Meteor Astronomy Class. 8-9:25 p.m. at Turner
Farm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls.Whether one calls them fireballs or shootingstars, meteors are exciting to see in thenighttime sky. This class covers meteor basics,such as what meteors are, their origins, the besttime to view them and fireball reporting. Anoptional observing session will be held outdoorsafter class, weather permitting. Designed forparticipants age 10-adult. $8 per person.Advance registration is required; no walk-inregistration is available. Call 703-324-8618 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.
TUESDAY/AUG. 13Kids on the Green: Wildlife Ambassadors
(live animals). 10 a.m. on the Vienna TownGreen. The Kids on the Green series is a weeklycollection of interactive animal shows,magicians, puppet performances, and more,running through Aug. 20. Free. Visitviennava.gov for more.
Cirque du Soleil at Tysons IICirque du Soleil presents “Volta” at Tysons II under The Big Top, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons. Perfor-
mances July 25, 2019, to Sept. 29, 2019. Tuesay, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8p.m, (Friday, August 30 at 4:30 & 8 p.m.), Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.and 4 p.m. No performances on Mondays. Tickets start at $49. Special tickets packages such as VIPExperience, Behind The Scenes, Producer Seats and Family Pack are available. For groups of 12 or morethere are also special offers. For detailed information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta or call 1-877-924-7783. Note: The show contains flashing lights which may cause difficulties for people withphotosensitive epilepsy.
Photo by Matt Baerd/Courtesy Cirque du Soleil
“Volta” Hoops diving artists with Bradly Henderson (in red)
Calendar
McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Juvenile Dead AfterApparent Accidents atConstruction Site
Detectives from Major Crimes Bureaucontinue to investigate after a juvenile diedin a construction related accident in the1800 block of Solitaire Lane in McLean.Officers and rescue personnel respondedaround 3:15 p.m. on July 23 for an adultman and a juvenile male who were trappedin a ditch that collapsed on a residentialconstruction site. Both the man and juve-nile were extracted from the ditch and takento a nearby hospital. The man sustainedinjuries that are not considered life threat-ening. The juvenile was pronounced deadat the hospital.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examineris conducting an autopsy to confirm causeof death.
Anyone who might have witnessed this
accident is asked to call the Major CrimesBureau at 703-246-7800.
Used Book CollectionThe McLean Branch of the American As-
sociation of University Women (AAUW)Used Book Collection will be held on Sat-urday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at theSunTrust Bank, 515 Maple Avenue East,Vienna. It will be collecting used books,CDs, DVDs, software, children’s books,
records, and recent textbooks. No ency-clopedias, VHS or audiotapes. Books forchildren are especially needed. Books mustbe bagged or boxed and the bags and boxesmust be left with the books. If you have anyquestions, [email protected], or 703-527-4206.
The Book Sale will be held on Sept. 13-15 at the McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Avenue, McLean. The book saleproceeds benefit scholarships for women.
Week in McLean
DONATIONS NEEDEDSchool Supply and Backpack Drive. 8 a.m.-4
p.m. at the Parent Resource Center, 2334Gallows Road, Room 105, Dunn Loring. For thenearly 56,000 students in Fairfax County PublicSchools living at the poverty line, obtainingschool supplies can be difficult. FCPS ispartnering with roughly 20 nonprofits andbusinesses to ensure that students will have the
supplies they need this fall for its “Collect forKids” campaign. A $25 donation will fill abackpack with FCPS approved supplies for astudent. Organize a collection drive of newbackpacks in your community and bring to oneof the Collect for Kids drop off locations. Visitwww.collectforkids.org/get-involved or call 703-204-3941.
Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar.Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.
Bulletin Board
See Bulletin, Page 11
10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
President Kofi Annan tenderedhis resignation as President ofthe Fairfax County NAACP andit is with profound regret that
the Executive Committee has accepted theresignation of Kofi Annan as of Sunday, July 28.Annan resigned for personal reasons, but his resig-nation did follow a story in the Washington Postabout a dispute with former branch president ShirleyGinwright. Despite the private nature of the disputein the context of a personal text message conversa-tion with Ms. Ginwright, the Executive Committeedenounces Mr. Annan’s use of derogatory languagetowards Ms. Ginwright, as well as his negative com-ments about Fairfax County officials - NAACP said ina statement.
Our primary focus as an organization is to addressthe myriad of issues Fairfax County residents face ona daily basis, from education and affordable hous-ing, to community policing. TheFairfax NAACP chapter justcompleted a community serviceproject benefiting the CapitalArea Food Bank earlier thismonth. In partnership with theFairfax County Police, we’re pre-paring for the Cops and KidsBasketball game next month.It’s unfortunate that in the midstof a busy summer, we have tobe distracted by what amountsto an interpersonal matter be-tween two individuals who haveknown each other for years.
On behalf of the ExecutiveCommittee, we apologize to Ms.Ginwright for the disrespectfulcomments made by our formerpresident. They do not reflect theattitude or values of this Board.Ms. Ginwright is always wel-come to attend our events and share her perspective.
The Executive committee apologizes to ChairmanSharon Bulova. Though we’ve had our share of dis-agreements, Chairman Bulova has been a friend andan ally of the NAACP. She was especially critical inestablishing more civilian oversight of the FairfaxCounty Police Department through the Ad Hoc Po-lice Practices Review Committee and the Police Ci-vilian Review Panel. As Chairman Bulova is steppingdown after this term, we plan to continue this excel-lent relationship with the Board of Supervisors, andthe new Chairman.
The Executive Committee would also like to apolo-gize to FCPD Chief Edwin Roessler. We appreciateChief Roessler and the FCPD’s commitment to serv-ing all the residents of Fairfax County, and intend tocontinue working with them to strengthen our com-munity.
Though the Fairfax Branch is one of the oldest chap-ters of the NAACP, the branch has truly flourished inrecent years under Mr. Annan’s leadership. His tire-less advocacy and tenacious pursuit of justice droveeveryone in this branch to the next level, culminat-ing in winning the NAACP’s prestigious ThalheimerAward in 2018.
We invite the community to join us atour next General Membership Meeting onAug. 10 at the A.M.E. Baptist Church inAlexandria. Membership in the FairfaxNAACP is open to all Fairfax County resi-dents, regardless of gender, race, creed,religion, or national origin.
Statement from Sean Perryman, on as-suming presidency of Fairfax CountyNAACP.
“As many of you may have heard by now, I’m as-suming the Presidency of the Fairfax County NAACP.I’m both excited and humbled by the opportunity torepresent an organization with a legacy as rich andimportant as the NAACP.
In an organization founded by legendary intellec-tuals and titans of civil and human rights like Ida B.Wells and W.E.B. Du Bois, it’s daunting to compareyourself to leaders of past. The work remains though,and must continue. I realize, however, that everybranch is only as good as the people who volunteer.Thankfully, in Fairfax, we have some of the most tal-ented and passionate individuals in any branch inthe country. I hope to lead in a way that honors their
service and dedication. I alsohope to lead in a way that doesjustice to the work alreadystarted by Kofi Annan.
I remember when I attendedmy first meeting not sure whatto expect. Kofi brought me intothe fold. He gave me real re-sponsibility. He let me ascendto leadership quickly and lis-tened to the advice I gave. I’mincredibly proud of the work Iaccomplished with him and I’llnever forget the opportunity hegave me.
The outpouring of love forKofi Annan following the an-nouncement of his resignationis a testament to the impact ofhis work and the lives he’stouched. I’m wise enough tounderstand that you don’t re-
place someone like Kofi but can only try to furtherthe work with the amazing team they left you. I hopehe continues to stay involved and we can partner inwhatever he does next.
I cannot and will not seek to be like previous lead-ers for I fear I could only be a bad imitation. I willinstead try to carve out my own brand of leadershipfocused on equity, policy, and elevating the status ofthis branch. I will not try to recreate myself but con-tinue to lead with honesty, humor, occasional snark,and a lot of passion. The branch will shift somewhatbut our resolve and mission will remain the same.
My motivation—my daughter Ava and every childlike her—remain the same. Because as a nation, wemust realize that no one is coming to save us. Wemust create the communities we seek until eventu-ally the world becomes something we are proud tohand our children and children’s children.
As I look forward to the future, I am eager to con-tinue my work with leaders throughout FairfaxCounty and hope to meet with leaders from the Vir-ginia state delegation, county board, and schoolboard soon.
I appreciate all of you as I prepare for this task ofleading this amazing organization.”
Kofi Annan Resigns AsCounty NAACP PresidentStatement fromFairfax NAACP:
Kofi Annan
“I will not try torecreate myself butcontinue to lead withhonesty, humor,occasional snark, anda lot of passion. Thebranch will shiftsomewhat but ourresolve and missionwill remain the same.”
— Sean Perryman
McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
Presumably, most of you readers are aware that many supermarkets have a rack located somewhere near the rear of the store that is stocked with off-price merchandise: discontin-ued items, items with damaged packaging, out of season products, etc.
Over the years, I have been a regular checker of this rack looking for such bargains. I have pur-chased breakfast cereal, soup, cookies, candy, and miscellaneous other non-perishables. I’ve even purchased two bags of Kingsford charcoal.
In addition, I’ve seen household products, health and beauty, school supplies; and every-thing else you can imagine, running the gamut from “A” to “Z,” for sale. Recently however, on this rack I saw a product I’m not sure I even thought was available to the general public, and if it was, would not have thought buying it from the discontinued merchandise rack at the supermarket would not have been the way to go. But what do I know? As has been proven many times: not much.
The item? A DNA Paternity Test Kit. I guess, I thought, if this test was necessary, it would involve a physician or at least be administered by a health care professional and/or involve witnesses/legal representation (at least a notary). Going to the supermarket or even the drug store? And then testing yourself without necessarily knowing the precautions and proper procedures appropriate for the task at hand?
There seems as if there’s a bit more at stake here than an at-home pregnancy test, a test with which many of us are familiar. But DNA testing at home?
What is this, the Maury Povich Show?Having not traveled down this particular road
myself, perhaps I’m unaware of the realities. All I know is what I’ve seen on television or read about in the papers.
I guess I just assumed (generally a bad thing),
paternity-type issues were a bit more involved than a visit to the supermarket.
Apparently, this subject is just another where I know very little about, like tools and how to use them, automobile repair, home maintenance, lawn and garden, cooking, and on and on and on. But enough about me.
What about those wanting answers to extraor-dinarily important questions: Who’s the father? And is that my child? Looks can be deceiving so a professional, or so I thought, incorrectly, is brought in to oversee the process.
Nope. No professional need apply. Just go to your local “chemist,” as they say in England. No need to visit “the surgery,” as they also say over there.
go back to your home/work and swab, stick, pin-prick or whatever and the results will be known soon enough if you or someone else is whomever they claim to be or not to be. That is the question which begs an answer, Shakespeare notwithstanding.
It seems only fair that one’s birthright should be gotten wrong. And not that home-testing can’t be trusted. Just the opposite. Nevertheless, some things, like circumcisions, though they can be performed at home (see “Shaky the mohel” from a long ago Seinfeld episode).
I would have thought, a DNA Paternity test,
which could possibly impact multiple indi-viduals/families over generations, be similarly performed in the most careful of conditions. This kind of test has no margin for error – or humor.
“Bought the kit in the discount rack at my lo-cal supermarket.” Is that the answer you want to give when all eyes are on you? And saying how much you saved over regular price is unlikely to endear you to any and all of the interested parties on hand.
After all, money really isn’t the issue.
Money For What, Exactly?
From Page 9
CAMPSSummer Choir Camp. Monday-Friday, Aug. 12-
16 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at Church of the HolyComforter, 543 Beulah Road NE. $125 feeincludes lunches, recreational activities, musiceducation and camp t-shirt. All children in rising2nd-7th grade are welcome. No prior musicexperience or training required; solid readingskills are highly recommended. Scholarships areavailable. Download registration forms atwww.holycomforter.com.
THURSDAY/AUG. 1Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at
UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].
Nomination Deadline. The nomination processfor the 2019 annual Fairfax County Championsof Character Awards are underway. The FairfaxCounty Champions of Character Awardsprogram honors youth, coaches and parents forextraordinary service in pursuing victory withhonor in various athletics programs throughoutFairfax County. Anyone can nominate a player,coach or parent for consideration of aChampions of Character Award. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/athletics/champions-of-character for more.
FRIDAY-MONDAY/AUG. 2-5Road Closure: Route 50. Eastbound and
westbound Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) atthe Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) interchange andeastbound Wilson Boulevard (Route 613)between the eastbound Route 50 service roadand the westbound Route 50 service road will beclosed from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug.2 to 5 a.m.Monday, Aug. 5 to demolish the WilsonBoulevard bridge deck over Route 50 and installthe new bridge deck. Drivers can expect majordelays and are advised to use alternate routes.After the weekend closure, drivers can expectsingle-lane closures on Route 50 and theeastbound Wilson Boulevard bridge until latefall. The project is scheduled for completion thiswinter. Visit www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/wilson_over_50.asp for more.
SUNDAY/AUG. 4Life Notes Workshop. 1:30-4 p.m. at Unity of
Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Joinsinger/songwriter and presenter Daniel Nahmodfor an experience of music, readings, journaling,and discussion. Through the Life Notes processdeveloped and refined by Daniel, participantswill learn to see themselves with clarity andresolve. $25-$45. Visit uof-nahmod-workshop.eventbrite.com or call 703-281-1767.
WEDNESDAY/AUG. 7Setting the Stage for School Success:
Preparing for a New School Year. 10 a.m.-noon at Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services,2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 – Room 100,Dunn Loring. Transitioning to a new school yearcan be overwhelming. Join us to learn importantstrategies to help kick-start a child’s school yearin elementary, middle, or high school. Call 703-204-3941 or visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center formore or to register.
SATURDAY/AUG. 10Shamanic Journeying. 5-8 p.m. at Unity of
Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. Learnabout Shamanic Journeying is, and how it isdifferent than meditation in this three-hour longintensive. In the first two hours, there will be apresentation on the history of shamanicjourneying, the different types, and an in-depthexplanation describing many different paths thatuse shamanic journeying as a tool. The thirdhour will be an application of the skills learned.Donations accepted. Call 703-281-1767 or RSVPat journeyingaugust10.eventbrite.com/.
Bulletin
12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 31 - August 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
