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Great Falls Connection ❖ August 9-15, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Studying Nature atGreat Falls Park

Studying Nature atGreat Falls Park

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Low-Turnout, High-StakesSpecial Election forSchool BoardNews, Page 3

Experiencing History atColvin Run MillNews, Page 11

Low-Turnout, High-StakesSpecial Election forSchool BoardNews, Page 3

Experiencing History atColvin Run MillNews, Page 11

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An extreme kayaker tries the rapids at theGreat Falls National Park on Thursday, Aug. 3.

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People

See Show, Page 5

By Colin Stoecker

The Connection

Jessica Honesty, 30, former SouthLakes and Westfield High student,now of Stafford, Va. went fromplaying basketball to anchoring

her own community news and feature showat Fairfax Public Access. And she is not look-ing back. “I can’t stop,” she said.

“I had zero experience when I started outin journalism, it’s something of a passion whenyou take the time to do your own thing.”

She may have a degree in broadcast jour-nalism, but her first real passion in life wasplaying basketball. “I’ve spent eight monthshere taking class, originally I was interestedin sports, but this show is about versatilityand community events in addition tosports,” she said.

Honesty played basketball for 14 yearsand was drafted to play D1 on the collegelevel. She played for South Lakes her fresh-man year and started as a sophomore at

Former South Lakes, Westfield Highbasketball star anchors community news andfeature show at Fairfax Public Access.

Show with Honesty

Jessica Honesty,former South Lakesand Westfield Highbasketball player,poses on her setfor “The J-HonShow” at FairfaxPublic AccessSunday morning.

Colin Stoecker/

The Connection

Great Falls Connection ❖ August 9-15, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

See Special-Election, Page 10

News

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

Could there be a worse time tohold a special election? Augustis a time when people do anything they can to get out of the

region, which transforms into a swampysauna in late summer. Nevertheless, elec-tion officials are preparing for an Aug. 29special election to fill the at-large seat va-cated by School Board member JeanetteHough in May. If Hough had waited just afew more days to resign, voters would havebeen able to vote in the general electionthis November. But the timing of Hough’sresignation will prompt a late summer spe-cial election, a phenomenon experts sayhelps Republicans.

“Oftentimes a lower turnout election isgoing to feature a wealthier and whiter elec-torate,” said Geoff Skelley at the Universityof Virginia Center for Politics. “But if thepolitical energy of the moment is particu-larly high, which I would say it is right now,it could potentially go a different way.”

Fairfax County School Board membersserve in non-partisan seats. But Democratsand Republicans endorse their preferredcandidates, and Hough had been endorsedby Republicans. Traditionally, Democratshave a harder time with special electionsbecause the electorate tends to be moreconservative than the general population.So the timing is good for Republicans, al-though not necessarily perfect.

“The disparity would be even more pro-nounced early in August,” said StephenFarnsworth at the University of Mary Wash-ington. “By late August, people tend to bedone with their vacations. If you have stu-dents going off to college, for example, youare likely dealing with that by late August,if not mid-August.

No Democrat has ever won a summertimespecial election in Fairfax County, whichmeans this special election is the Republi-cans to lose. Two candidates who have notbeen endorsed by either party will also beon the ballot.

CHRIS GRISAFE, 37, is a native of LakeHavasu City, Ariz. He was raised in Califor-nia, and he’s lived in Northern Virginia for12 years. He currently lives in thePenderbrook neighborhood of the Provi-dence District. He does not have any chil-dren in the school system, but he has servedon Superintendent’s Business AdvisoryCommittee, the Bonds Committee and theAdult Education Advisory Committee. He

has a bachelor’s degree in political scienceand philosophy from Loyola MarymountUniversity and a master’s degree in busi-ness administration from Virginia Tech. Pro-fessionally, he is a national security special-ist. In 2011, he waged an unsuccessful cam-paign for the Providence District seat on theFairfax County Board of Supervisors. He isthe candidate endorsed by the RepublicanParty.

“I think we can be better served than wehave been,” said Grisafe. “It’s important forus to understand how we are impacting stu-dent achievement and to prioritize invest-ments for the classroom. I don’t think wecan gain that insight unless we are doingindependent program evaluations.”

On the issue of the budget, Grisafe wouldlike to make government more accessible,increasing the amount of information that’savailable to the public while making it easyto get and understand. He said that wouldgo a long way to help members of the Boardof Supervisors understand the managementof resources at Fairfax County PublicSchools. It could also help School Boardmembers when they need to make a casefor increasing funding.

“The biggest critique I’ve heard from thecounty supervisors is that there’s not trans-parency in the schools budget,” he said. “Forexample, if you go to the annual report itshows variances on the board documents.But if you really want to understand posi-tion numbers, you have to drill down fiveor six clicks into a different part of thewebsite.”

On the issue of class size, Grisafe was dis-missive of the idea that the average classsize was a metric that means all that much.On the campaign trail, he recently met theparent of a 4th-grade student atChesterbrook Elementary School whose stu-dent was in a class with 33 students.

“The county has a policy for elementaryschools not to exceed 29 students,” he said.“And there are a number of schools that areexceeding that and basically violating thepolicy which isn’t being enforced.”

On the issue of trailers, he said he doesn’tknow enough to have a position.

“I guess I would want to understand theimpact trailers have on the quality of edu-cation,” he said. “I don’t think that trailersare ideal. I haven’t studied the trade offshere for trailers.”

On transgender bathrooms, he does notsupport the Obama-era policy of requiringschools to allow students to use therestrooms of the gender they identify with.Rather, he said, the potential conflictsshould be handled on a case-by-case basis.

“I think the way the schools are handlingthe situation now where it’s on a case-by-base basis with the schools is what it needsto be for right now until we answer somebroader questions of what follow-on poli-cies flow from that,” he said. “I personallywould like to see more unisex bathrooms.”

On the issue of J.E.B. Stuart High School’scontroversial name, he said he doesn’t havea position one way or the other on the name.

But he does have a position on the way theschool system handled the issue, which hedescribed as a “quintessential example” ofa process that should never be repeatedbecause it’s been so divisive.

“If you’re going to make a moral case ofJ.E.B. Stuart, then we need to make thatsame moral case for the rest of the schools,”he said. “Do we now, because George Wash-ington had slaves, remove any monumentsto him? I don’t know. I would want to knowhow is this helping the community andbringing us together.”

KAREN KEYS-GAMARRA, 57, is a na-tive of St. Louis. She has lived in FairfaxCounty since 1990, first in Huntington andlater in the Sully District. She is the parentof three boys who graduated from JamesMadison High School in Vienna. She has abachelor’s degree in English and communi-cations from Tulane and a law degree fromWashington University School of Law. Pro-fessionally, she is an attorney who volun-teers as a court-appointed special advocateand a guardian ad litem. She ran an unsuc-cessful campaign for School Board in 2015,and she’s currently a member of the FairfaxCounty Planning Commission. She is thecandidate endorsed by the DemocraticParty.

“I initially started advocating educationalissues with my own children, and then itcarried over into my work,” said Keys-Gamarra. “It just stuck out to me how criti-cal educational issues are to the success ofkids.”

On the issue of the budget, Keys-Gamarra said the relationship between theFairfax County Board of Supervisors andthe Fairfax County School Board needsimprovement. She said her experience onthe Planning Commission gives her an in-sight into the inner workings of FairfaxCounty, especially in the Sully Districtwhich she represents.

“I really don’t see the Board of Supervi-sors as an enemy, and I think that some-times — at least to the public — it appearsthat may be the view,” she said. “I don’tthink that’s a healthy approach, and so Ithink that with my background I may beable to bridge the gap and bring a little moreconciliation to the table.”

On teacher salaries, Keys-Gamarra saidshe hears from teachers all the time abouthow difficult it is to live in Fairfax Countyearning the kind of money that comes withteaching in the public school system. She

said Fairfax County needs salaries that arecomparable to rival jurisdictions.

“I’m hesitating to give you a yes or a nobecause I don’t want the impression to begiven that ... we have to walk in and blowup the budget because this has to happen,”she said. “It all has to be balanced againstone another but that would certainly be aconcern for me.”

On the issue of trailers, she’s particularlyconcerned about young children being edu-cated in trailers that don’t have bathrooms.On the campaign trail, she’s been hearingfrom parents who are concerned that theirchildren have to wait longs periods of timebefore they can go to a main building touse the facilities. Keys-Gamarra points outthat Fairfax County has a shortage of land,which means that schools can’t always getthe larger size trailers.

“It may be a reality of the resources thatwe have had and how we’ve been makingdecisions,” she said. “Some teachers andsome students may actually like having thatkind of privacy that may have a bathroomin there and air conditioning.”

On the issue of class size, Keys-Gamarrasaid the average class size for Fairfax Countyelementary school — 22.4 students — is notnecessarily a problem. On the campaigntrail she’s not hearing parents complainabout a class size of 22 students. But she ishearing parents complain about class sizeof 28 or 29 students in a classroom. Shesaid she would like to see the county dosomething about it, although she’s doesn’thave a specific proposal.

“I can’t throw out a number,” she said.“There are certainly concerns regardingclass size, and I have those concerns aswell.”

On transgender bathrooms, she would notcommit to agreeing with the Obama-erapolicy of requiring schools to allow all stu-dents to use the bathroom of the genderthey identify with. Keys-Gamarra said sheagrees with the current policy of handlingissues as they arise on a case-by-case basisinstead of having a countywide policy.

“I’m not stepping in that,” she said whenasked about her position. “I really hate tothink of children and families being usedas a political football.”

On the issue of the controversial name ofJ.E.B. Stuart High School, she said she ad-mires the students who are raising the is

Low-Turnout High-Stakes Special Election for School BoardCountywide at-largeseat to be determinedby Aug. 29 specialelection; early votingis underway.

Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

Sandra Allen,Independent

Karen Keys-Gamarra,endorsed byDemocrats

Michael Owens,Independent

Chris Grisafe,endorsed byRepublicans


This summer Susan Finsta, a parkranger at Great Falls National Park,is working with The Student Con-servation Association and theYouth Conservation Corps to edu-cate youth about the park.

News

By Colin Stoecker

The Connection

Thursday Aug. 3 was the lastday of the youth summer pro-grams at Great Falls NationalPark. The program coordi-

nated by Great Falls Park staff and parkrangers was intended to educate youthfrom Washington D.C. and the surround-ing area about the park’s natural land for-mations, history, and safety.

“Our overall goal is safety and we try tocreate a connection at a young age,” saidEric Rodbell, 25, a Team Leader with theStudent Conservation Association (SCA).

There are two groups working togetherwith the Park Rangers at the Great Falls Parkthis summer: The Student ConservationAssociation and the Youth ConservationCorps. Both of these programs are new tothe park this summer.

Susan Finsta, a park ranger, said that thejunior ranger stations give the families with

children an opportunity to become moreengaged in the park. “We have a summercrew from both organizations, and they of-fer paid employment in national parks. Thestudents get to help children,” she said.

On Thursday there were three stations setup to help educate visitors about the sum-mer at Great Falls Park. The first was a video“Find your Park,” about George Washing-ton and the history of the park with the“Patowmack” Canal company. The secondwas led by the SCA about the watershed,the Potomac river drainage basin and waysto safely use the river. The third station gavechildren an opportunity to make a button.

Safety became an important point of edu-cation for the park rangers and youth staffas it is a recurring topic each summer. “It’spart of our daily lives here, doing safetycontacts and education — in the summer-time it’s almost a daily occurrence. But re-ally it’s a simple message: put yourself one

Studying Nature Summer at Great Falls Park is abouteducation and enjoying the outdoors.

body length from the edge and you won’tbe as likely to fall in,” said Finsta.

The currents at the rapids section of GreatFalls Park on the Potomac river may be agreat place to try extreme kayaking, but formost they can be deadly if fallen in unex-pectedly.

“Wading carries a $100 fine, and swim-ming is $300,” said Rodbell. “It’s a recipro-cating current and the idea is that if youget pulled in it pushes you down mostlybecause of the undertow.”

Still many people use the park for itsbeautiful hiking trails and for extreme rockclimbing and kayaking. “I think the sum-mer program is an excellent way for kids toreach kids!” said Finsta.

Ewan Clark, 18, a Youth Conserva-tion Corps leader, swears in threejunior members at the visitorcenter at Great Falls National Parkon Thursday, Aug. 3.

A family stands at the overlook to the rapids at Great Falls NationalPark. The water level was significantly higher because of recent rain.

A view from the overlook at Great Falls National Park. The water levelwas significantly higher because of recent rain.

Jordan Givens, 17, a Youth Conser-vation Corps leader, presents thevideo “Find your Park” for visitorsto the visitor center at Great FallsNational Park on Thursday.

Photos by Colin Stoecker/The Connection


People

From Page 2

Westfield High school. Until shebroke her foot playing as a senior.

“Once she was injured all of theschools started to turn away theiroffers,” said her father KennethHonesty, 58, retired. “The phonecalls just stopped coming in.”

But her show continues to showsigns of growth as she grows intoher new passion — TV. She wantsto be a TV host and personality.

“On Facebook I’m doing prettywell. We have 6,000 views on theteaser videos, and the showreaches 250,000 people aroundFairfax county on TV.”

At her height of basketball per-formance, she received a scholar-ship to East Carolina. There shediscovered her passion for journal-ism and communications.

The newspapers used to callher “the Truth” as well as theannouncer, and her other nick-name was J-Hon, short for Jes-sica Honesty.

Her success at Fairfax PublicAccess has taught her a lot aboutperseverance in a job market andindustry that is not forgiving oreven helpful to newcomers.

“There’s always something stop-ping you. I took from my highschool basketball career that thisis my dream, this is my passion. Iwill get that experience and keepgoing.”

Pamela Honesty, 55, a staff ac-countant and Jessica’s mother be-lieves that the show has a positivemessage. “It’s motivational for thekids with Jessica’s sports back-ground, and playing up to theirexpectations. It’s a positive out-come.”

The show runs about 10 timesa month. So far she has producedfour shows and has done all of theediting herself. Coming up shewill feature Cornerstones ofReston. Also she will feature theBuffalo Soldiers, a communitymotorcycle group, with focus onpositive impact.

Show with Honesty

Jessica Honesty poses on her set for “The J-Hon Show” atFairfax Public Access Sunday morning with her fatherKenneth Honesty, 58, retired, and her mother PamelaHonesty, 55, a staff accountant.

Jessica Honesty andher mother PamelaHonesty flipthrough old news-paper clippings onthe set of “The J-Hon Show,” atFairfax Public Ac-cess on Sunday.

Photo by

Colin Stoecker/

The Connection


By Gerry Connolly

U.S. Representative (D-11)

White House Advi-sor StephenMiller took

pains last week to point outthat Emma Lazarus’ sonnet,“The New Colossus,” wasnot affixed to the Statue ofLiberty when she was un-veiled in 1886. He, of course, wasright in fact but wrong in spirit.

The famed “Give me your tired,your poor, your huddled masses”lines were added 20 years later,but have come to represent theAmerican ideal that we are a na-tion of immigrants, enthusiasti-cally welcoming those from anybackground who want to comehere, work hard, and play by therules. Here in Fairfax County, wenot only embrace that ideal, werecognize it as the lifeblood of ourastounding economic successstory.

President Trump and the sena-tors pushing the RAISE Act, a billto severely restrict legal immigra-tion into the United States, would

have you believe adramatic increasein immigrantsleads to economicdecline and lowerwages, not to men-tion higher crimerates and a host ofother social ills. Ifanyone from theWhite House made

the 15-mile trip to Fairfax County,they would learn the opposite istrue.

In 1970 less than 4 percent ofFairfax’s population was foreignborn. Today that number is 30.7percent, more than double the ratein the country at large. But thatdramatic increase in immigrationdid not lead to the kind of dysto-pia the President envisions. In-stead, since 1970, Fairfax Countyhas become an economic colossusthat drives our state’s economyand is envied across the globe.Household income is among thehighest in the nation, crime ratesremain at historic lows, and ourcommunity hums with the kind ofeconomic dynamism that drives

innovation and long-term produc-tivity growth.

How did we get here? Undoubt-edly we’ve capitalized on our prox-imity to, and our partnership with,the federal government. But thefacts are quite clear that the dra-matic increase in foreign-born im-migration has accelerated our eco-nomic success. Immigrants inFairfax are primarily working age,more likely to start a business, lesslikely to commit crimes, and con-tribute to economic growth in bothhigh-skilled and low-skilled fields,creating technology firms worthbillions and caring for the elderlyas home care workers. Immigrantshave revitalized many of our older

neighborhoods, adding $7,383 tothe value of each and every homein our county, according to thePartnership for a New AmericanEconomy. The results speak forthemselves. Foreign-born immi-grants have fueled our success.

But Fairfax is not alone. Smalltowns, rural communities, andlarge cities across the countryhave capitalized on the economicvitality and opportunities createdwhen immigrants show up andget to work. Welcoming “thehomeless, the tempest-tost” is themoral thing to do, but right herein President Trump’s own back-yard we’ve proven that’s it thesmart thing to do.

“Lifeblood of our astoundingeconomic success story.”

Local Impact of Immigration

Opinion

Last year, when I wrote an editorialsimilar to this one, there was somecontroversy about it inside the Connection. But many community orga-

nizations, civic organizations, businesses andelected officials responded positively, and itmade a difference.

I have a special favor to ask, once again:Buy an ad in our Newcomers and Commu-

nity Guide.To put on my publisher’s hat (not my

editor’s hat) for a minute, if you havea marketing budget, and you value cov-erage of local newspapers (not justours), why wouldn’t you spend a portion ofthat budget (any portion) supporting that plat-form?

Show your support for our organizationwhich continues to be here to support theforces of good in our communities.

Our annual Newcomers and CommunityGuide is a pullout section that will appear inthe the Aug. 23, 2017 edition of all 15 Con-nection Newspapers, published by Local Me-

dia Connection. Deadline is Aug. 16.We are creating a quality special issue, and

we need your help. Whether you invest in asmall ad in a single paper (super affordable),or a full page in all 15 of our papers (supervalue), we appreciate your help this month.

For the same reasons that organizations,businesses and campaigns know they want lo-cal newspaper coverage, newspaper advertis-ing is an effective way to reach voters, resi-dents, clients. The Connection reaches morethan 200,000 readers, in print and online, in-cluding remarkable demographics. Our read-ers include local and national decision makersin the public and private sector.

According to an independent study cited bythe National Newspaper Association: 86 per-

cent of voters who cast ballots in theelection four years ago read newspa-pers in print or online; 79 percent ofvoters ages 18 to 34 read newspapers

in print or online; 91 percent of voters whocontribute to campaigns read newspapers inprint or online.

The deadline for the Newcomers and Com-munity Guide is Aug. 16. Digital enhancementsand support are available. For more informa-tion, email [email protected] call 703-778-9431.

See www.connectionnewspapers.com/ad-vertising

Share Tipsabout Community

We need help from our readers with ideasfor our annual Newcomers and CommunityGuide.

We’re hoping to share special places, activi-ties, events, organizations and volunteer op-portunities. What should someone new to yourneighborhood know about? Events that shouldnot be missed? Organizations that do a greatjob? Places to volunteer? A great place to seethe sunset? We’d love to have your photos togo along with your suggestions.

We will publish a selection of local tips alongwith a plethora of information useful to new-comers and long-time residents alike, includ-ing our award-winning Guide to the Parks, in-formation on how to vote and more.

See last year’s community guides by goingto www.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/and scrolling down to Newcomers.

Email tips and photos [email protected] or sendas a letter to the editor via the website at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/ by Wednesday, Aug. 17.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Buy an ad in our annualNewcomers andCommunity Guide.

An Open Letter to Readers and More

Editorial

The American Red Cross urges blooddonors to give in the final weeks of sum-mer to help overcome a chronic summerblood shortage.

In August, regular donors may delaygiving as final summer vacations areplanned and back-to-school activitiesramp up. To fully meet the needs of hos-pital patients in the coming days andweeks, donations are urgently neededfrom new and current donors. Those whodonated blood earlier this summer maybe eligible to donate again. Blood can besafely donated every 56 days, and PowerRed cells can be donated every 112 days.

As a special thank you, those whocome out to give blood or platelets withthe Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will

be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.Appointments can be scheduled by

downloading the free Red Cross BloodDonor App, visiting redcrossblood.orgor calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times,donors are encouraged to make appoint-ments and complete the RapidPassonline health history questionnaire atredcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Upcoming blood donation opportuni-ties Aug. 15-31

❖ Reston, Friday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at U.S. Geological Survey,12201 Sunrise Valley Drive.

❖ McLean, Thursday, Aug. 31, 1-5p.m. at the Federal Highway Adminis-tration, 6300 Georgetown Pike.

Blood Donations Urgently Needed

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Great Falls


teen

News

By Colin Stoecker

The Connection

Mina Azari Kondner, teacher, directorand founder of Mina’s School of GreatFalls, believes that any student cansucceed in school. Her program

teaches intensive math, reading, and tutoring for stu-dents to organize their thoughts when they havestruggled in other schools.

The school reaches students in grades 1 through8. Right now the school only has six students in to-tal, and a handful of teachers. Mina’s School has beenin existence for two years.

“We are new,” said Kondner. “I loved teaching fromchildhood, when I came to America from Iran, I didn’thave the English confidence. I felt that I could teachin English too.”

The school prides itself in its unique method ofteaching math with diagrams and sets of blocks. Stu-dents at Mina’s school go from having trouble in

Mina’s School of Great Fallsbrings struggling studentsto excel.

TeachingExcellence

See Teaching, Page 13

Mina Azari Kondner, teacher, director andfounder of Mina’s School of Great Fallsplays with a math teaching tool at herschool on Wednesday.

Mina Azari Kondner, director, and NahidMomenian, teacher at Mina’s School ofGreat Falls, display math teaching propsthat they use to help tutor children in mathwho may be struggling in public school.

Photos by Colin Stoecker/The Connection


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

1 10250 AKHTAMAR DR ........... 7 .. 5 .. 4 ... GREAT FALLS ... $4,425,000 .... Detached .. 5.00 ...... 22066 ......... AKHTAMARS HAVEN ........ 06/22/17

2 503 SCENIC WAY ................... 6 .. 4 .. 2 ... GREAT FALLS ... $2,000,000 .... Detached .. 2.45 ...... 22066 ........ BEACH MILL ESTATES ....... 06/21/17

3 1102 PEPPERTREE DR ............ 5 .. 7 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,650,000 .... Detached .. 3.10 ...... 22066 ........ LEIGH MILL MEADOW ....... 06/28/17

4 10355 CAROL ST ................... 6 .. 4 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,550,000 .... Detached .. 1.73 ...... 22066 ............ TIMBERPOINTE ........... 06/21/17

5 808 POLO PL ......................... 5 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,549,200 .... Detached .. 1.73 ...... 22066 ..... FORESTVILLE MEADOWS .... 06/08/17

6 10116 HIGH HILL CT .............. 5 .. 5 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,530,000 .... Detached .. 1.72 ...... 22066 ............. FALCON RIDGE ............ 06/23/17

7 700 WALKER RD .................... 5 .. 5 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,275,000 .... Detached .. 1.49 ...... 22066 ................... NONE .................. 06/23/17

8 500 UTTERBACK STORE RD ... 4 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,230,000 .... Detached .. 3.21 ...... 22066 ................. SYMONS ................ 06/02/17

9 10710 FALLS POINTE DR ........ 6 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,217,000 .... Detached .. 1.72 ...... 22066 .............. FALLS POINTE ............. 06/02/17

10 909 WINSTEAD ST ................. 5 .. 5 .. 0 ... GREAT FALLS ... $1,160,000 .... Detached .. 2.01 ...... 22066 ..... HICKORY CREEK ESTATES .... 06/28/17

Copyright 2017 MarketStats for ShowingTime. Source: Bright MLS as of July 15, 2017.

June, 2017 Top Sales In June 2017, 12 Great Falls homes sold

between $4,425,000-$493,000.

Great Falls REAL ESTATE

Photos byDeb Stevens/The Almanac

2 503 Scenic Way — $2,000,000

5 808Polo Place —

$1,549,200

6 10116 High Hill Court — $1,530,000

8 500 Utterback Store Road —$1,230,000

7 700 Walker Road — $1,275,000

10 909WinsteadStreet —$1,160,000


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By Marilyn Campbell

From a backyard barbeque to a simple brunch,there’s still plenty of time to celebrate warmweather with table designs that embody

summer’s trends.“We’re still in summer and the weather is going to

be warm for quite some time,” said Amanda Mertins,president of Patina Polished Living in Alexandria. “Anindoor or outdoor tablescape style depends on theoccasion. Birthdays, holidays [and] retirements, allevoke a different feeling.”

Start with fresh foliage inspired by the natural sur-roundings.

“Go out into your garden and use flowers [or]greens on your table,” said Mertins. “Simple sum-mer dinner party tables look great with lots of candlesin votive holders, mason jars and glass lanterns. Re-member to hang some of them in the trees for ro-mance.”

Incorporate a personal touch into each place set-ting, advises Hope Hassell, Case Design/Remodel-ing. “It will make each guest feel truly welcomedand you will look like the perfect hostess. It’s assimple as printing off some photos from your phoneor just adding place cards.”

“Keep it casual by presenting family-style dishesdown the center of the table,” added Kimberly Asner,designer at Country Casual Teak. “Mix in mood-set-ting candle lighting and colorful, fresh-cut flowersin multiples for the most impact … keep arrange-ments below eye level for easy conversation.”

For alfresco dining, practicality is key, saysCourtney Thomas of The Picket Fence in Burke. Din-nerware needs to be both durable and aestheticallyappealing. “Bamboo dishes … are perfect for out-door dining,” she said. “They won’t break if droppedand are a great alternative to melamine.”

Summer offers an abundance of options for usingcolor, says Hassell. “Not only do you have so manyoptions of in-season flowers, but you also have thenature around you to provide the backdrop.”

The color blue establishes the type of serene at-mosphere that Molly Pritchard of Arlington-basedinterior design firm, Design Lines likes to create ather summer parties. “Especially light blue because

Setting a Summer TableWarm weatherdesign ideas.

everything about it represents summer,” saidPritchard. “It’s cool and clean and neutral, especiallywhen paired with white or cream. It creates a sea-side feel which is very summery.”

IN ADDITION TO COLOR, motifs can set the stagefor summer dining. Designers at JT interiors inPotomac suggest using white dinnerware, embla-zoned with a lemon, to turn an everyday meal into asummer soirée. The tableware can be accented withan array of accessories including platters, coasters,bowls and tea towels. “It creates a very summerylook, and it’s white and clean. Lemons and waterare summery, like lemonade.”

Summer table décor need not be expensive, saysHassell. “Simplicity can be stunning,” she said. “Thethoughtful placement of a sprig of rosemary can addjust enough without having to go overboard.”

Originality is a quality that Mertins encourages.“Think outside the box,” she said. “Having a brunch?Use a vintage quilt as the tablecloth. Hosting a babyshower? Use silver rattles as decor and baby silvercups for the flowers. The effort you put into yourparty table will go a long way to the overall successof the party.”

Photo courtesy of JT Interiors

Dinnerware and accessories like thesefrom JT Interiors create a festive summertable.


Early Voting Underway in Special Election for School BoardFrom Page 3

News

sue. She agrees that the name shouldprobably change, but she doesn’t want touse the school system’s limited resources tomake it happen.

“I think the thing that probably sticks outto me is that he denounced his citizenshipas a United States citizen,” she said. “I amon record as supporting the name change.I am not on record as saying that we needto take Fairfax County’s funds to pay forthat.”

SANDRA ALLEN, 48, is a native of Bo-livia. She’s lived in the United States morethan 40 years, immigrating as a child. Shecame to Fairfax County about 35 years ago,and currently lives in Vienna. She has twoboys who attend James Madison HighSchool, a rising 10th grade student and arising 11th grade student. She has abachelor’s degree in business administrationfrom Marymount University. She worked inbudgeting and finance at the Departmentof Defense before leaving the workplace tobecome a stay-at-home mother.

“I’m concerned that there’s not a voicepresent for the minority students,” saidAllen. “There’s not a single person in anysort of leadership roles within the schoolsystem, ... and I’ve seen that a lot of thedecisions that are being made without theinput of the moms — the minority moms.”

On the issue of the school budget, she saidshe would like to see better managementof the finances. She acknowledges that shehas not studied the budget in depth, butshe said schools should focus on appropri-ating money to students rather than secu-rity. Budget documents show Fairfax Countyspends about $5 million a year on 55 schoolresource officers. Allen said that’s moneythat could be spent elsewhere.

“I think we should stop making theschools an extension of juvenile detentioncenters where there’s police presence dur-ing cafeteria time,” said Allen. “We can re-appropriate that.”

On teacher pay, Allen describes the$71,000 average pay of Fairfax teachers is“doable.” She said she would like to speakto more teachers before offering a defini-tive opinion, but she adds that teachers

could be rewarded with salary increasesbased on performance. She said she wouldlike to look at the benefit packages to see ifsome young professionals might be able totrade some of their benefits for higher pay.

“A lot of the young teachers don’t needthose excessive packages or excessive ben-efits,” she said. “And they probably woulddo much better having higher pay, so doinga cafeteria plan could be an option.”

On the issue of trailers, Allen said trail-ers have provided a good education for chil-dren across the county. But, she said, par-ents should be able to force school officialsto find classroom assignments inside abrick-and-mortar building for their children.

“I don’t have any issues with trailers,” saidAllen. “But if a parent does choose to andsees that that’s not to the benefit of her orhis student,” schools should be required toaccommodate that.

On the issue of class size, Allen said theaverage elementary school class size inFairfax of 22.4 students is not a problem,although she adds that she’s willing to hearfrom teachers if they feel that numbershould be lower.

“I think that number is probably aboutright,” she said. “I support the teachers’perspective on this, and if they feel studentsare not getting attention we may need tochange that number.”

On the issue of transgender bathrooms,Allen disagrees with the directive fromformer President Barack Obama that stu-dents should be able to use the bathroomof the gender they identify with. Instead,she said, schools should engage in a capitalcampaign to build new restrooms across thecounty.

“We need to provide the privacy that isnecessary for the child, and I think thatschools should create that environment ofprivacy by providing a third option — aneutral bathroom,” said Allen, who said sheunderstands how much money would beinvolved in making that happen. “Schoolswork with private institutions for funding.When there is a will to change something,there is a way to find a solution.”

On the issue of J.E.B. Stuart High School’scontroversial name, Allen agrees with thestudents to are pressing to have the namechanged. But when asked how she would

finance the change, she said she would notsupport spending money on it.

“I support it. I didn’t say it would be some-thing that would be doable,” she said. “Wehave to pick and choose what our prioritiesare.”

MICHAEL OWENS, 43, is a native ofBaltimore. She’s lived in Fairfax Countymore than 20 years, first in McLean andlater in Falls Church. She has a bachelor’sdegree in history from Johns Hopkins Uni-versity and a bachelor’s degree in Englishfrom Towson University. She also has amaster’s degree in English from the Univer-sity of Virginia and a master’s degree ineducation from Marymount University. Pro-fessionally, she is a usability and accessibil-ity expert working on web-based applica-tions for the consulting firm known as De-sign for Context in Washington, D.C. She isa former Fairfax County teacher who cur-rently has one daughter in the school sys-tem who is a rising fifth grader at Belved-ere Elementary School. She is the presidentof the parent teacher association there.

“I’m concerned because we have limitedresources now, and we are going to haveeven more limited resources in the future,”she said. “We need to make really impor-tant decisions, and we need to do so pru-dently.”

On the issue of the budget, Owens saidthe school system is unlikely to get in-creased funding from the Board of Super-visors. So she would like to see a more effi-cient use of existing resources. For example,she said, the school system spends too muchmoney on athletic programs like footballthat could be funded with outside money.

“I would like the athletic teams to actu-ally raise money for the other programswithin the school,” said Owens. “The ath-letic teams could support the after-schoolchess club. Let’s see the kids helping eachother.”

On teacher pay, Owens said she wouldlike to see higher salaries — 10-to-20 per-cent higher. She understands the financialdifficulties facing teachers because she wasa single mother whose only income was thepaycheck she got from Fairfax County Pub-lic Schools. In fact, she said, it was that eco-nomic pressure that caused her to leave the

teaching and become a consultant.“I left teaching not because I didn’t enjoy

the students or the parents or even the ad-ministrators. I left teaching because Icouldn’t afford to teach and live here. Andthat’s pretty sad,” she said. “I think it’s re-ally important that the people who areteaching your children and interacting withyour children every day live in your com-munity.”

On the issue of trailers being used as class-rooms, Owens said Fairfax County has toomany students in portable classrooms. Butshe also said that there was little the SchoolBoard could realistically about it.

“I don’t think anybody likes trailers,” shesaid. “But that might not be something thatwe can do anything about, at least in theshort term.”

On the issue of class size, she said all par-ents would like to see a smaller student-to-teacher ratio. When asked about it, shecircled back around to the question abouttrailers to make a point about her prioritiesif elected.

“I’d rather see us have more trailers andsmaller classes than fewer trailers but morekids in each class,” said Owens.

On the issue of transgender bathrooms,Owens is the only candidate in who sup-ports former President Barack Obama’s di-rective ordering schools to allow studentsto use the bathroom of the gender they iden-tify with rather than the gender they wereborn with.

“The kid that feels comfortable going intothe girls room to use the facilities, they needthe right to do that,” said Owens. “The kidwho’s going to the bathroom to causetrouble no matter what bathroom they’regoing into, that’s a whole different issue.”

On the issue of J.E.B. Stuart High Schoolname, she understands those who want tochange the name. But she was quick to addthat the cost would be half a million dol-lars, and she said it’s not appropriate forthe school system to spend that kind ofmoney when there are other budget priori-ties.

“This is not an emergency, and it’s not amoral imperative,” she said. “I understandif a student doesn’t want to wear his nameacross their chest. But I don’t want to payto change it.”

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

Youth Activities at Wesley UnitedMethodist Church. Activities are opento all 6th-12th graders. Youth SundaySchool meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. inthe upper room. Youth Bible Study willmeet every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. off-site.Following bible study, ride together to thechurch for youth group. Email the YouthMinistry Staff for the address. The Anchormeets every Sunday from 6-8 p.m. in thefellowship hall. Join us for dinner, games,worship, and diving deeper into the Word.During the summer, Youth Sunday Schoolmeets most Sundays at 9 a.m. in the up-per room.

To receive the newsletter or for more in-

formation contact [email protected].

St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church,at the intersection of Lewinsville andBrook roads in McLean, invites you fora casual Saturday Service at 5 p.m., fol-lowed by conversation and fellowship orfor Sunday Services at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m.Sunday School for Youth and Childrentakes place during the 10 a.m. Service.Check www.stthomasmcleanva.org forspecial events and services through theyear. St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church,8991 Brook Road, McLean, 703-442-0330.

Church of the Holy Comforter,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna, offers amonthly Healing Eucharist with the Lay-ing on of Hands and Anointing forHealing (first Sunday of the month, 5

p.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel). The HealingMinistry is led by the Rev. Valerie Hayesand Alexandra MacCracken and in-cludes a team of lay healers who havegone through intentional training andformation. Contact the Rev. ValerieHayes at [email protected].

Yoga Class with a Christian Fo-cus is held Saturdays, 3-4 p.m., McGillHall or the Library at the Church of theHoly Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE,Vienna. This group is suitable for thosewith beginner and/or intermediate yogaexperience. Dress comfortably and bringa mat. Feel free to bring a towel,block(s) or strap. Contact the ChurchOffice at 703-938-6521.

Mom’s Group meets second andfourth Thursday of the Month, 9:30-

11:30 a.m. at the Church of the HolyComforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE,Vienna. Join the group for coffee andfellowship. The group meets in theLillian Croy Room, near the Church Of-fice. Childcare will be available justacross the hall in the Childcare Center.If you are interested in joining thegroup, contact the Church Office at 703-938-6521 so that we can planappropriately for materials andchildcare.

St. Francis Episcopal Church,9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, hasSunday services at 7:45, 9 and 11 a.m.with nursery care provided. In the sum-mer, they offer musical, educational,outreach and fellowship ministries inaddition to worship services, includingan 8 a.m. worship service without mu-

sic and a 10 a.m. worship service withnursery care. 703-759-2082.

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 and Soul Fitness. Gainbalance, energy and strength at 10 a.m.Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.Free childcare for registered students.Email [email protected].

Faith Notes


Photos by Maggie Giordano

The 20-foot overshot waterwheel, which was rebuilt in 2002, reproducesthe original waterwheel that powered the mill machinery.

Northern Virginia Carvers member, Jack Edwards, has been carving hiscarousel horse for four years. He only works on it during Colvin Run Millcarving sessions.

News

The Colvin Run Mill has hostedrecurring weekend programsthroughout the months of June,July and August. It is located at

10017 Colvin Run Road and is open from11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On the first and third Sundays of thosemonths, they have offered grain grindingdemonstrations from noon to 3 p.m. Thetour is $7 for adults, $6 for students 16 orolder, and $5 for children and seniors.

They have also offered woodcarving les-sons with the Northern Virginia Carvers onthe first and third Sunday of each month aswell. Free lessons are offered to the publicof ages 12 and up from noon to 4 p.m. Com-munity members who partake are onlycharged for the wood blanks used for carv-ing. Blacksmithing demonstrations wereheld on June 4,, 18, and July 2. They wereat no charge. These educational events are

The final big event of the summer seasons willbe a free day for the public, held on Aug. 20.

Experiencing History at Colvin Run Mill

carried into the fall months as well.Some other events that were held during

the summer months included a Mini Mill-ers Camp, a doll camp, and a visit from the“Virginia 49th Infantry.”

The final big event of the summer sea-sons will be a free day for the public, heldon Aug. 20. It will take place as a com-memoration of the 40th anniversary of themill being placed on the national registryof historic places. Community members willget a chance to partake in activities such aswood carving lessons and the opportunityto view the opening of the Miller’s houseafter its restoration.

For more information about theseevents, visit www.fairfazcounty.gov/parks/colvin runmill orwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/partakes.

— Maggie Giordano

Tom Milton, Fairfax County Park Author-ity volunteer, pours the wheat as part ofthe demonstration.

The storekeeper, Pam Gennati, sells variousitems to customers such as candles, educa-tional books, candy and post cards.

Jadea Le, Grace Le and Madison Le came fromFalls Church to enjoy the free carving lessonsfrom the Northern Virginia Carvers.

Gemma Stokoe and her son, Robin,traveled from Falls Church with theMom’s Club of Falls Church Northto watch the mill grinding.

The site is open daily from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.; except Tuesdays.


Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGGreat Falls Farmers Market.

Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Music, vendors,fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from aroundthe world, wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats, organic-fedpoultry and eggs. [email protected].

“Summer in the City” Art Show.Normal business hours through Aug.15 at Brightview, 10200 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Members of GreatFalls Studios will exhibit their workin a show. Call 703-759-2513.

Free Tai Chi. Every Saturday, from7:55-9 a.m., Introduction andBeginners’ Practice, meet on theoutdoor basketball court locateddirectly behind the Dolley MadisonPublic Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.in McLean Central Park, McLean. Call703-759-9141 or visitwww.FreeTaiChi.org.

The Golden Girls of NorthernVirginia, a senior women’s softballleague, is looking for players. Anywoman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels arewelcome. Play on Wednesdayevenings and Saturday mornings inVienna. Visit www.goldengirls.org.

First Sunday Jazz Brunch 11-2 p.m.Recurring monthly on the 1st Sundayat Bazin’s on Church 111 Church StN.W., Vienna. Enjoy brunchaccompanied by the soft jazz soundsof Virginia Music Adventure. Visitwww.fxva.com/listing/bazins-on-church/1686/

The Freeman Store & MuseumWednesday through Sunday noon-4p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. TheFreeman Store & Museum isdedicated to Preserving andpromoting Vienna’s heritage throughthe identification, preservation, andinterpretation of history significantplaces, events, and persons.Historicviennainc.org

Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. FlameRoom, Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S,Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.

Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Emmaus United Church of Christ,900 E Maple Ave. E., Vienna.Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax,2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one freeintroductory session, seniordiscounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reducestress. Ravi Kaur has 15 yearsexperience teaching yoga. $15 persession. www.edimprovement.org.571-213-3192.

Fishing Rod Rentals 8700 PotomacHills St., Great Falls. Rentalsavailable during visitor center hours.Fishing tackle and live bait areavailable for purchase. Reservationsrequired for group rentals. $6/rental(2 hour max). Valid driver’s licenserequired. Rod/reel combinations areperfect for beginners and children. AVirginia or Maryland freshwaterfishing license is required for those16 years or older. The park does notsell fishing licenses.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/

Colvin Run Mill open 11 - 4 p.m.daily, closed Tuesday. 10017 ColvinRun Road, Great Falls. FairfaxCounty’s operational 19th centurywater powered gristmill, offersrecreational and educationalactivities for all ages through dailytours, school programs and specialevents. Fees: $7/adult, $6 students16+ with ID, $5 children & seniors.Admission to park is free except for

some special events.Fundamentals of Watercolors.

Mondays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Artsof Great Falls, 756 Walker Road,Great Falls. Artist Lorrie Herman willhelp students get comfortableworking with watercolors andunderstanding this medium. Visitwww.greatfallsart.org.

Still Life Painting. Tuesdays 10:30a.m.-1 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. Stilllife provides a great tool to honeskills. Recommended for students ofall levels. Visit www.greatfallsart.org.

Evening Painting. Tuesdays 6:30 -9:30 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. JillBanks focuses on oil paintingfundamentals with two sessions eachof still life, landscapes, and portrait/clothed figure from a live model.Visit www.greatfallsart.org.

Intro to Jewelry Design. Tuesdays 9a.m.-noon at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. JJSingh teaches a class for anyoneinterested in exploring the world ofmetal clay and its design possibilities.Visit www.greatfallsart.org.

AUGUSTFairfax Family Golf Month. At Oak

Marr Golf Complex is located at 3136Jermantown Road, Oakton. InAugust, parents pay for their 9-holeround of golf and accompanyingchildren and teens (ages 8-17) willreceive a round at no charge. This isalso good at Jefferson District GolfCourse is located at 7900 LeeHighway, Falls Church, and PinecrestGolf Course, 6600 Little RiverTurnpike, Alexandria. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 9Understanding Political

Polarization. 7-9 p.m. at GreatFalls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. A “Meetup,” wherepeople from diverse backgrounds willtry to better understand their ownand others’ values and beliefs acrossthe usual political boundaries. Free.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/gf/ or [email protected].

THURSDAY/AUG. 10Animal Shelter Food Drive. 10:45

a.m.-10 p.m. at Chipotle MexicanGrill, 213 Maple Ave. E., Vienna;8461 Leesburg Pike, Suite A; 2946Chain Bridge Road, Oakton; 7923LTysons Corner Center, McLean; 6707Old Dominion Drive, McLean.Supports the Friends of the FairfaxCounty Animal Shelter (FFCAS).When customers dine at any of theselocations and mention the fundraiserat the register, Chipotle will donate50 percent of the sales to the FFCAS.Visit www.ffcas.org/.

FRIDAY/AUG. 11Pair of Plays. 5 p.m. at The Madeira

School, 8328 Georgetown Pike, 8328Georgetown Pike, McLean. TravelingPlayers perform Shakespeare’s“Comedy of Errors” at 5 p.m., and“Atum’s Eye: the Dawn of Time,” byJudy White at 7 p.m. Guests areinvited to bring a picnic dinner. $10.Visit www.madeira.org.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/AUG. 11-12“Hair.” 7:30 p.m. at Vienna Baptist

Church, 541 Marshall Road SW.Vienna Youth Players (VYP) isputting its own spin on what youthfulfrustration with society looks andsounds like in its production of the1968 Broadway musical “Hair,”which features classics like“Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In.”$14. Visit viennava.gov/webtrac.

SATURDAY/AUG. 12Emergency Food Drive. 9 a.m.-3

p.m. at the at the McLean Giant,1454 Chain Bridge Road, McLeanand Pimmit Hills Safeway, 1688Anderson Road. For the SHAREPantry. Call 703-356-6336 or visitthehungerchurch.org.

Dan Navarro Concert. 7:30 p.m. atJammin Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. $20-25. Call 877-987-6487or visit www.jamminjava.com.

Meteor Astronomy. 7:30-8:30 p.m. atObservatory Park at Turner Farm,925 Springvale Road, Great Falls.Class covers meteor basics – whatmeteors are, their origins, best timeto view, fireball reporting and visualand video observing techniques. Call703-324-8618 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turnerfarm/.

SUNDAY/AUG. 13Concerts on the Green. 6-8 p.m. at

Great Falls Village Centre Green.Tom Principato in concert. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Aztec Two-Step Concert. 6 p.m. atJammin Java, 27 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. Folk-rock duo celebrates therelease of their new album “Naked.”$25 Visit jamminjava.com/ or call877-987-6487.

TUESDAY/AUG. 15“Dining with Dorothy.” 12:30 p.m.

at the Westwood Country Club, 800Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Dining withDorothy events are Shepherd’s Centerof Oakton-Vienna events heldperiodically throughout the year asopportunities for mature adults tomeet and socialize with new peoplealong with old friends. Call 703-281-0538.

Surviving Your Split Lecture. 7:30-9 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Library,101 Maple Ave, E, Vienna. MarthaBodyfelt how to reduce breaking-upstress, avoid the most commonmistakes, and gain clarity on what toexpect. Call 703-938-0405.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 16Understanding Political

Polarization. 7-9 p.m. at GreatFalls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. A “Meetup,” wherepeople from diverse backgrounds willtry to better understand their ownand others’ values and beliefs acrossthe usual political boundaries. Free.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/gf/ or [email protected].

SATURDAY/AUG. 18Chillin’ on Church. 6:30 p.m. at

Church St., Vienna. Water games,Mudlark band playing rock andblues. Visit www.viennava.gov or call703-255-6360.

SATURDAY/AUG. 19Teen Center Party. 4-8 p.m. at Old

Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. 27thAnniversary Block Party includes livemusic, air-brushed tattoos, streetperformances, an Old FirehouseLiving History Exhibit, concessionsand various amusements. Bring abike to donate to Wheels to Africa, ayouth-led nonprofit that collectsbikes for children in need throughoutAfrica. Free. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org/teens.

Awards Reception. 7:30 p.m. at theVienna Arts Center, 115 Pleasant St.,NW. “The Human Condition” judgeLaura Goyer. Free. Call 703-319-3971 or visit ViennaArtsSociety.org.

SUNDAY/AUG. 20Colonial Mill Demonstration.

Noon-3 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill,10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.Demonstration on how grains weremilled in years past. $7 for adults, $6for students 16 and up with ID, and$5 for children and seniors. Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.

Capriccio String Quartet. 4 p.m. atMcLean Baptist Church, 1367 ChainBridge Road. Benefit for the McLeanBaptist Church Community MissionsPower Pack Program which providesweekend packs of food to alleviatehunger for student who receive freeor reduced-fee meals during theweek. Call 703-356-8080 or visitwww.mcleanbaptist.org.

Concerts on the Green. 6-8 p.m. atGreat Falls Village Centre Green.Vinyl Invention, a Great Falls basedgroup that plays high energy rockand ’70s favorites. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 30Back-to-School Quote-Along

Movie. 7 p.m. at the Old Firehouse,1440 Chain Bridge Road. The Aldenbegins a series of quote-along movieswith a back-to-school viewing of“Mean Girls,” Tina Fey’s 2004 high-school comedy. Call 571-296-8385 orvisit www.mcleancenter.org.

SEPT. 7-9Quarterly Book Sale. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.;

Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at theTyson’s Library, 7700 and 7704Leesburg Pike. Large selection ofbooks and media for all ages andinterests. [email protected] or703-338-3307.

FRIDAY/SEPT. 15Chillin’ on Church. 6:30 p.m. at

Church St., Vienna. Water games,Chump Change band playing rock.Visit www.viennava.gov or call 703-255-6360.

TUESDAY/SEPT. 19Antiques Road Show. 10 a.m.-noon

at Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse,10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.To have an item evaluated, attendeesmust provide a picture anddescription of the provenance (howlong it has been in the family, what isalready known about it) by Aug. 31.Pictures and details should be sent toYasha Arant [email protected] or YashaArant, 104 Sue Ann Ct, Sterling, VA20164. Visit greatfallsseniorcentergfsc.wildapricot.org.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 23Fun Fall Bazaar and Market. 9

a.m.-3 p.m. at 10100 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Great Falls UMCAnnual sale Shops, bake sale, books,silent auction, children’s activities,Appraisal Roadshow, and BBQdinner. Call Lois 703-759-2843.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 24Teddy Bear 5K and 1K. 2-6 p.m. at

Pimmit Hills Park, 7230 IdylwoodRoad. All proceeds from this event goto Falls Church-McLean Children’sCenter. Visit potomac.enmotive.com/events.

MONDAY/SEPT. 25Charity Golf Tournament. 8 a.m.-2

p.m. at Westfield’s Golf Club, 13940Balmoral Greens Ave., Clifton.Annual Family PASS golf to benefitthe working homeless Families ofFairfax County. Visitwww.familypassfairfax.org.

Entertainment

Giving at ChipotleOn Thursday, Aug. 10, Chipotle Mexican Grill is contribut-ing to the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.All purchases between 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m. at ChipotleMexican Grill, 213 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; 8461 LeesburgPike, Suite A; 2946 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton; 7923LTysons Corner Center, McLean; 6707 Old Dominion Drive,McLean. Supports FFCAS. When customers dine at any ofthese locations and mention the fundraiser at the regis-ter, Chipotle will donate 50 percent of the sales to theFFCAS. Visit www.ffcas.org/ for more.


Select Openings for 2017-2018

www.vgdsva.com703-759-4049

790 Walker Road, Great Falls, Virginia

• Mommy & Me• Preschool Ages 2 & Up• Montessori Preschool• Extended Day Programs• School Age Childcare K-6

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA450 ORCHARD STREET, NW

VIENNA, VA 22180703-938-8525

email: [email protected]

SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 10:00 AMCHRISTIAN LEARNING ACADEMY (SUN.) 9:00AM-9:45AM

MIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM

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Fairfax

Connec

tion ❖ Februar

y 2-8, 2

017 ❖ 1

www.ConnectionNew

spaper

s.com

Attention Postmaster:

Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 2-3-2017

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PERMIT #322

online a

t www.connec

tionnewspa

pers.c

om

Opinion, Page 6 ❖

Entertainm

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lassified, Page 14

February 2-8, 2

017

Photo contributed

FairfaxFairfaxWell

being

Wellbei

ng

Wellbei

ng

Page 8

Left, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly

(D-11) demands attorneys be

granted access to detainees at

Dulles airport Sunday Jan. 29.

The Candidates (for Mayor)

In Their Own Words

News, Page 4

A Weekend Full of

Chocolate Fun

Entertainment, Page 10

The Candidates (for Mayor)

In Their Own Words

News, Page 4

A Weekend Full of

Chocolate Fun

Entertainment, Page 10

Protest Rallies Held at Dulles

News, Page 3

Protest Rallies Held at Dulles

News, Page 3

Potomac Almanac ❖ January 18-24, 2017 ❖ 1

www.ConnectionNewspaper

s.com

Aircraft Noise Soars

News, Page 3

Tech Trends

In 2017News, Page 3

Planning for Summer Camp

A+, Page 9

Aircraft Noise Soars

News, Page 3

Tech Trends

In 2017News, Page 3

Planning for Summer Camp

A+, Page 9

‘Smart Mom,

Rich Mom’News, P

age 3

‘Smart Mom,

Rich Mom’

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alendar, Page 6 ❖

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eal Estate 8

PotomacPotomac

online at po

tomacalmanac.com

Photo C

ontributed

Page 9

Kimberly Palmer,

author of “Smart

Mom, Rich Mom,”

will share insights

at the Potomac

Library on Satur-

day, Jan. 28.

Arlington Connection ❖ January 18-24, 2017 ❖ 1


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ArlingtonArlingtonConnectionConnection

TheThe

Democratic DisunityNews, Page 3

Resistance, the Arlington WayNews, Page 4

Planning for Summer CampA+, Page 11

Page 11

A Women’sMarch onWashingtonflyer distrib-uted byArlingtoniansDebraStephens(left) andLisa Backerat WestoverMarket. Seestory, page 4.

Photo by Eden Brow

n/T

he C

onnection

Helen Slade of New York’s Cotton Club

brought the audience to its feet with songs

such as “We Shall Overcome” at the Martin

Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert on Sunday,

Jan. 15 in the Wakefield High School

auditorium. In a highlight of the evening,

Slade invited children from the audience

to dance and sing with her on stage.

Voices inUnison

News, Page 3

Voices inUnison

News, Page 3

Reston Connection ❖ January 18-24, 2017 ❖ 1





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January 18-24, 2017online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

RestonRestonPage 6

“I know! I know!”Many of the studentswere eager to answer“Mr. Jefferson’s” (BillBarker) questionsduring the livinghistory assembly atArmstrong Elementary.

MLK Keynote:From Obama to TrumpNews, Page 3

Communities PracticeDisaster RecoveryNews, Page 12

MLK Keynote:From Obama to Trump

Communities PracticeDisaster Recovery

Close EncountersWith History

A+, Page 6

Close EncountersWith History

Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Janu


Address Service Requested To: 1604 King St.,

Alexandria, VA 22314

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Gazette PacketServing Alexandria for over 200 years • A Connection Newspaper

Alexandria

January 5, 2017

See Looking Ahead, Page 16

Happy New YearThe fireworks finale of First Night Alexandria provides the backdrop to a selfie for

a couple celebrating New Year’s Eve on King Street. See story and more photos on

page 3.

Pho

to

by Jo

hn

Bo

rdn

er/G

azette Packet

By Vernon MilesGazette Packet

For the City Council, thelargest looming issue inthe upcoming months of2017 is always the city’s

budget. The routine is fairly simi-lar year after year: the city andschool system haggle to a compro-mise over expanding school enroll-ment costs whileother city depart-ments rotatethrough yearly bud-get increases anddecreases. But this

year, according to the City Coun-cil, the budget process is shapingup to look a little more dire thanusual.

“The budget isgoing to be a verybig deal,” saidC o u n c i l m a nTimothy Lovain.“It always is. It’sour main busi-ness, but it will beparticularly chal-lenging withMetro needs,school needs, andother infrastruc-ture. Those capi-tal needs are criti-cal to the futureof the city. Weneed to address them as best wecan.”

While school capacity needsgenerally take the largest focus inthe budget discussion, this year aMetro system in crisis and crum-bling city infrastructure are mus-cling into the spotlight. The issuesbeing discussed and weighedaren’t new, but Councilman Paul

Smedberg says the scale of thedemands exceeds previous years.

“We’ve had these issues before,but the dollar amounts and thesize is bigger,” said Smedberg.“Schools, infrastructure, andtransportation are all core to whatwe do. How we prioritize the restis what we have to decide.”Across the council, schools, in-

frastructure, and transportationare agreed to be the core budgetpriorities in 2016.“Blooming student enrollment

in the schools also presents a realchallenge,” said Lovain. “It largelyshows up for us in school construc-tion funding needs. It’s a happyproblem, it’s a compliment to oursystem, but we’re adding so manystudents. There’s a structural defi-cit we face. [Our]needs are grow-ing faster thanrevenues. Thatshows up on thecapital side andfor schools.”

In terms ofcapital costs, theapproved Alexan-dria City PublicSchools (ACPS)FY 2017 - FY2026 Capital Im-provement Plan(CIP) budget lastyear totaled$273,988,551. The FY 2018 - FY2027 CIP proposed by Superinten-dent Alvin Crawley raises that 10-year total to $515,739,655.“We need to expand the num-

ber of schools that we have andsomehow or another accommo-date renovations and expansion,maybe building a whole new

In the RedSchools, Metro, and infrastructureform trinity of 2017city budget priorities.

WellbeingWellbeing

Page 14

“We’re not goingto be able to makeeverybody happybut we wereelected to makehard decisions.”— CouncilmanWillie Bailey

The YearAhead

From Page 7

News

public school to participating inmath competitions at the local andstate level.

“We really keep their eye con-tact here,” she said. “And that’swhere some of their problems inthe public school come from.”

Take Armin Momenian, 13, astudent at Mina’s School for thepast two years. He credits his suc-cess in school to Mina’s uniqueapproach to teaching math. “Ithink it’s great because teachersgive you more time to explain andrelate it to real life,” saidMomenian. “I’ve started to lovemath!”

His mother, Nahid Momenian, ateacher at Mina’s School of GreatFalls, credits his success to theschool as well. “They told mewhen Armin was in Kindergartenthat he struggled with rhyming. Icalled Mina after they diagnosedhim with ADD and told me to puthim on medication. Then we tu-tored him in math and now it’s hisfavorite,” she said.

Her other son, SherwinMomenian, 15, also studied atMina’s School and is taking halfof his classes at Northern VirginiaCommunity College. His other halfis spent in math tutoring. “I canteach math really well now too,there’s a huge difference here.”

“Doctors are not teachers. Weshould change ourselves becausewe can’t change the child,” saidKondner. “We need to adjust our-selves to the children’s needs.”

Watch a video of math tutoringin action at Mina’s School of GreatFalls here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMMYASyCZ-c&t=2260s.

TeachingExcellence

Colin Stoecker/The Connection

Mina Azari Kondner, direc-tor, and Nahid Momenian,teacher at Mina’s School ofGreat Falls, pose withMomenian’s two sonsoutside of the school onWednesday.


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The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area(LWVFA) will hold both in-person and televisedforums for the public and the press to learn aboutthe candidates who are running for election tothe Virginia House of Delegates. “The purpose ofthese forums is to educate voters about the candi-dates and where they stand on the issues, by hear-ing them answer questions from the public, so vot-ers can make informed choices at the ballot boxin November,” said Wendy Fox-Grage, LWVFA

co-president.There will be four in-person forums and three

televised forums. The League invited all certifiedcandidates campaigning for office in their respec-tive districts. At the in-person forums, question-and-answer sessions will be followed by an op-portunity for informal conversations with indi-vidual candidates.

The public and press are encouraged to attendthese in-person forums:

❖ Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at Reston Com-munity Center: Hunters Woods Village Center,2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Invited candidates:Kathleen J. Murphy (D), Cheryl A. Buford (R),Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D), Donte T. Tanner (D),Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo (R), R.C. “Rip” Sullivan,Jr. (D), Karrie K. Delaney (D), James M. “Jim”LeMunyon (R), Jennifer R. Boysko (D), and LindaC. Schulz (R).

❖ Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at ProvidenceCommunity Center: 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax. In-vited candidates: Mark L. Keam (D), David L.Bulova (D), Eileen Filler-Corn (D), Kathy K.L. Tran(D), Lolita I. Mancheno-Smoak (R), Marcus B.Simon (D), and Mike S. Casey (I).

❖ Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at Hayfield Sec-ondary School, Lecture Hall: 7630 TelegraphRoad, Alexandria. Invited candidates: L. Kaye Kory(D), Paul B. Haring (R), Vivian E. Watts (D), MarkD. Sickles (D), Paul E. Krizek (D), Mark H. Levine

(D), Alfonso H. Lopez (D), and Adam Roosevelt(R).

❖ Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Sully Gov-ernment Center: 4900 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly.Invited candidates: Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D),David L. Bulova (D), Donte T. Tanner (D), Timo-thy D. “Tim” Hugo (R), Karrie K. Delaney (D),James M. “Jim” LeMunyon (R), Jennifer R. Boysko(D), and Linda C. Schulz (R).

The televised forums at Fairfax County PublicAccess are on Channel 10 or livestreamed onYouTube “Inside Scoop Livestream.” The public cansubmit questions by email [email protected] or call 571-749-1142 between 7-8:30 p.m. Tune in on:

❖ Monday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.: Invited candi-dates: L. Kaye Kory (D), Paul B. Haring (R), VivianE. Watts (D), Mark D. Sickles (D), Paul E. Krizek(D), Mark H. Levine (D), Alfonso H. Lopez (D),and Adam Roosevelt (R).

❖ Monday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.: Invited candi-dates: Mark L. Keam (D), David L. Bulova (D),Eileen Filler-Corn (D), Kathy K.L. Tran (D), LolitaI. Mancheno-Smoak (R), Marcus B. Simon (D),and Mike S. Casey (I)

❖ Monday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.: Invited candidates:Kathleen J. Murphy (D), Cheryl A. Buford (R),Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D), Donte T. Tanner (D),Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo (R), R.C. “Rip” Sullivan,Jr. (D), Karrie K. Delaney (D), James M. “Jim”LeMunyon (R), Jennifer R. Boysko (D), and LindaC. Schulz (R).

“Our League is committed to empowering vot-ers in Fairfax County, and we highly encouragethe public and the press to attend these free in-person events and tune in to the televised forums,”says Judy Helein, LWVFA co-president.

For more information about the candidates’ pri-orities and positions, go to the League-sponsoredwebsite: www.vote411.org.

Sixteen Oakton Otter diverscompeted in the NVSL Division 3championship meet on Sunday,July 30, each attempting to securea spot in the NVSL All-Star meet.

The following divers placed firstor second and qualified for All-Stars: Katie Vaughan (Junior Girls,second); Sarah Gurley (Interme-diate Girls, first); SpencerDearman (Intermediate Boys,

first); and Blaise Wuest (Interme-diate Boys, second). The follow-ing divers qualified to be alter-nates at All-Stars: Megan Shipley(Freshman Girls, second alter-nate); Jon Anthony Montel (Fresh-man Boys, second alternate); andLiam Klopfenstein (Senior Boys,second alternate).

The other Otter divers who com-peted were: Finn MacStravic

In-Person, TV Debates ScheduledAhead of November Elections

Oakton Otter Divers Finish SeasonWith 3-2 Record and in Second Place

(Freshman Boys, fifth); Leo Estes(Freshman Boys, eighth); LandonNelson (Freshman Boys, elev-enth); Christina Angelicchio (Jun-ior Girls, eleventh); Max Messina(Junior Boys, eighth); Molly Estes(Intermediate Girls, sixth); ClaireNewberry (Intermediate Girls,ninth); Molly Kenefick (Interme-diate Girls, tenth); and JoshShipley (Intermediate Boys, fifth).

ClaireNewberry

Photo by

Ed. Messina


Business DirectoryTo Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422

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Good is not good, where

better is expected.

-Thomas Fuller

An expert is someone who knows some of the worst mis-

takes that can be made in his subject and how to avoid them.-Werner Heisenberg Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for

The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

One of our older/oldest cats, Biscuit, born lateSeptember 2006 and his oldest human parent,yours truly, born late September 1954, are bothhaving teeth issues. In fact, the exact same teethissues: the 1st molar and the 2nd bicuspid in the“upper right quadrant” are causing us problemsand have to be extracted.

Biscuit’s teeth extraction will be done by ourregular veterinarian. Mine will be done not by myregular dentist but by a specialist, an oral surgeon.Unfortunately, the two practices are not relatedso there’s no chance of a “BOGO.” Nor is thereany chance that the two procedures will be aboutthe same cost. My teeth extraction will be doubleat a minimum, perhaps even quadruple, if I’mlucky. (I made inquiries.) Accordingly, Biscuit’sextraction will occur/has occurred first.

What’s of interest to me is the coincidencethat Biscuit and I need the same teeth extractedat the same time. Which when you consider thatBiscuit and I are approximately the same age, isnot really a surprise. It’s really more of a fact oflife/aging – for both of us. Perhaps there are otherbehaviors and/or physical/mental indicators inBiscuits day-to-day activities which might clue mein to my own aging process. After all, we are liv-ing similar lives.

So far, Biscuit’s post-teeth-extraction recoveryhas been uneventful. He’s been spry and ener-getic. He’s been on the kitchen counter, variouswindow sills, the dining room table, the ironingboard and all the other furniture; he’s knockedover the wicker trash basket in our bedroomthree times and he’s been eating like a dog. Inshort, he’s “back baby.”

He almost appears to be smiling – exceptwhen we attempt to give him his post-procedurepills. As per usual, during the day he’s sleeping onthe back of the couch and at night he’s curled upin the laundry basket; and he’s still the first cat –of five, an hour early, I might add, for breakfastand dinner, to place his order/meow his pres-ence. He’s as ready to eat as ever. He hasn’tmissed a beat or a step. If I had to summa-rize/characterize his actions now, I’d say he has areal joie de vivre, “an exuberant enjoyment oflife.” So what am I waiting for? Godot?

As for my procedure, I’ve been told it takes 30minutes or so. Local anesthesia is used (unlikeBiscuit who was totally sedated/anesthetized).Moreover, the post-surgical pain is not terribleand the chance of infection is minor. And thoughI’ll have a space in my gums where my teeth usedto be, no longer will I be anticipating the painand discomfort that cracking or splitting either ofthese two teeth would cause. The only pain I’lllikely have is the pain of payment. (See 7/26/17column entitled “Taking Care of Business” forassociated details.)

I guess my curiosity/concern is whether I trustanything I’ve observed from Biscuit’s dental expe-rience – considering we’re the same age. Iswhat’s good for the cat also good for the human -all things being equal, sort of? Is Biscuit’s return tonormalcy so quickly and so easily – and so vigor-ously, a lesson to be learned? If seeing is believingand I do see extremely well for someone nearinghis 63rd birthday, then Biscuit’s ‘experience’ andthe comparison between his pre- and post-extraction behavior should be an inspiration to usall, especially those of us of similar age with oneand the same, two actually, teeth which need tobe extracted.

I mean, the procedure I’ve been putting off isnot exactly brain surgery, it’s oral surgery. I’m notadmitted to a hospital. It’s outpatient. I’m in andthen out. Same day service, just like the restau-rant where my wife, Dina works. I don’t evenneed someone to drive me home (unlike Biscuit.I had to drive him home.) And now that Biscuit ishome, safe and sound, I suppose it’s time for meto buck up and schedule my appointment. Afterall, it has nothing to do with cancer and every-thing to do with quality of life. I’d say that’s awin-win.

CoincidentalOr Not

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.

MEMBERS WANTEDGreat Falls Friends and Neighbors (GFFN)

invites women living in the Langley High SchoolDistrict or The Estates of Lowes Island to learnmore about the group. The purpose of GFFN isto establish and foster an atmosphere in whichnew and current residents can develop newfriendships and community contacts throughsocial, educational and cultural activities. Inaddition, the club provides service, support anddonations to philanthropic and civicorganizations in and around the Great Fallscommunity. Email [email protected] or visitwww.gffnva.org.

THURSDAY/AUG. 10Fairfax Connector Bus Changes. 6-8 p.m. (7

p.m. presentation) at Stenwood ElementarySchool Cafeteria, 2620 Gallows Road, Vienna.Fairfax Connector proposes service adjustmentsfor implementation in September 2017 toimprove the customer experience throughincreased on-time performance, improvedservice reliability and reduced crowding. Inorder to serve the greatest number of riders aseffectively as possible, improvements targethigh-ridership corridors and partially addressthe elimination of Metrobus 2T. Routes in theproposal include: 171, 231, 232, 321, 322, 333,334, 335, 395, 462, 463, and 551. Visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/news formore.

THURSDAY/AUG. 17Support Group for Caregivers. 10-11:30 a.m.

at the UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregationof Fairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. This support group is designedfor caregivers of adult family members. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

THROUGH AUG. 18Artist Application Deadline. Visual artists who

wish to participate in the 17th Annual RestonMulticultural Festival art exhibit “Art MirrorsCulture” should visitwww.restoncommunitycenter.com. The festivalwill be held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at LakeAnne Plaza in Reston. Interested groups orindividuals should fill out the appropriateVendor Application Form, available atwww.restoncommunitycenter.com/mcf.

MONDAY/AUG. 21McLean Class Registration. At MCC

Registration Office, 6645 Old Dominion Drive,McLean. A variety of classes, activities andevents for infants through senior adults,providing continuing education resource forarea residents. MCC tax district residents receivea discount on fees, as do seniors age 60 or olderfor classes that cost more than $50. Non districtresidents register Monday, Aug. 28. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org for more.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 23Candidate Forum. 7 p.m. at McLean High

School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean. Learnmore about the candidates running in the Aug.29 election for the open At-Large seat on theFairfax County School Board. Visit http://bit.ly/2vmlxLD for more information.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 2Open House. 10 a.m.-noon at Patrick Henry

Library, 101 Maple Ave. East, Vienna. TheVienna branch of the American Association ofUniversity Women (AAUW) will hold a free,informational open house. AAUW is the nation’sleading voice promoting equity and educationfor women and girls. Membership dues discountfor those who join at this event. Refreshments.Visit www.aauw.org.

THURSDAY/SEPT. 14Good Morning McLean. 7:30-9 a.m. at J.

Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood, 6930Old Dominion Drive, McLean. The secondThursday of each month is the McLean Chamberof Commerce “Good Morning, McLeanbreakfast.” Visit www.mcleanchamber.org or call703-893-1034 for more.

Bulletin Board


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Documents

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