Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Great FallsGreat Falls

All Are WelcomeAboard the

STEAM TrainNews, Page 14

All Are WelcomeAboard the

STEAM Train‘Messages of Light’in Great FallsNews, Page 4

Our Military Kids,Responding to the Need

News, Page 3Page 15

Fourth grade students atColvin Run Elementary planand build Colonial American

structures in art class.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsGreat Falls Connection Editor

Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or

greatfalls@connectionnewspapers.com

By Ken Moore

The Connection

McLean’s Linda Davidson co-founded Our Military Kidswith 11 grants in 2004.

“When I started, it was avolunteer program offering to support fami-lies in Virginia, Maryland and Washington,D.C.,” she said.

The vision, she said, was to operate for afew years.

“The need was great and we received callsfrom all over the country,” said Davidson.

She remembers a service member oncesaying, “Please don’t send cookies, carepackages or socks. Just take care of our chil-dren.”

Helping one family at a time, one childat a time, Our Military Kids has now pro-vided more than 52,000 grants to supportand recognize military children of the Na-tional Guard and Reserve and children ofwounded and fallen warriors from allbranches of service.

“We should support those families thatcontinue to make sacrifices,” she said. “I feelit is our duty to support them even morenow.”

The grants to children can pay for feesassociated with athletic, fine arts, and tu-toring programs. In 2014, Our Military Kidsprovided 3,360 grants, including 17 grantsto families of “fallen service members.”

“We cater to the children’s needs and in-terests. The families identify what is impor-tant,” she said.

KAYLA’S FATHER was redeployed to thewar zone when she was in first grade.

The Winchester student couldn’t focusand she failed first grade.

Our Military Kids provided her a grantfor tutoring based on Kayla’s mother’s re-quest.

“In the fall, her mother called back to sayher first report card was all As and one C-plus,” Davidson said. “Kayla was upset thatshe was failing, but the truth was she missedher Dad.”

Kayla is now an honor roll seventh grader.“We have provided gifts for children who

have attempted suicide because Dad cameback with post traumatic stress disorder. Theperson that came back is not the same per-son who left,” said Davidson.

Alex, a teenager from Indiana, beganwithdrawing when his father returnedhome.

Our Military Kids provided the fundinghe needed to pay for football camp. He re-ceived his own recognition from Davidson’s

organization that thanked him for his ser-vice, and Davidson says the teenager nowsays, “I’m proud to be serving with my Dad.”

The most famous example is Gabby Dou-glas, born in Newport News, Va., who wonthe gold medal for gymnastics in Londonin 2012. She received a grant years agowhen she was identified as a having im-mense talent, but her family needed helppaying for her to travel for training.

“It’s just being there at the moment whena child needs that outside influence,” saidDavidson. “I could entertain you all week-end with stories that keep us passionateabout this.”

AT THE OLD BROGUE in Great Falls, BobNelson operates a monthly appreciationmilitary dinner.

Nelson, of Keller Williams Realty in GreatFalls, has teamed up with Our Military Kidsand its Christmas Gift Wish List project thelast seven years to make the holiday sea-son “a bit brighter,” he said.

“It’s my way as a civilian to say thankyou,” said Nelson. “It isn’t charity, it’s ourway of saying, ‘Thank you for your serviceto our country, for what you’ve done.’”

The Christmas List project, for families ofwounded warriors and fallen heroes, hasgrown from 63 families to more than 330this year.

“We were hearing that it was a challengeto have Christmas gifts for the children,”said Davidson. “One family didn’t want toput up a tree because they didn’t want theirchildren to be disappointed that theyweren’t going to get presents.”

A single-father who serves with the Ma-rines first refused help, said Nelson. “Hesaid, ‘We’re okay, we don’t need help,’ butwhen we insisted, he broke down and cried,”

Norma Bozell has been involved for threeyears. “There is such an incredibly deep

need for our citizens to pay attention tothese families,” she said. “These people havesacrificed for us.”

Gil Lunsford got involved with the pro-gram after attending Nelson’s military ap-preciation dinners. “He works his butt off,”he said, of Nelson.

“When I call, I say, ‘Hello, Santa’s call-ing,’” said Lunsford, of McLean Mortgage.“You hear it all."

“It’s got me all jacked up,” he said. “I toldmy family, we had a great life, we are go-ing to have a great life, I want to do some-thing different this year.”

He now brings military members to hisacreage for different programs, includinghunting expeditions. He also started a thera-peutic riding program.

“Giving back means everything,” saidLunsford.

Bob Nelson of Great Falls helps Our Military Kidsfor the holidays.

Our Military Kids,Responding to the Need

Our Military Kids, co-founded byMcLean's Linda Davidson, providesgrants to children in military fami-lies.

Children in military families receive grants from Our MilitaryKids that allow them to pursue their needs and interests.

McLean-based organizationOur Military Kids helpedOlympian Gabby Douglas,then of Newport News, travelout for training when hertalent was first identified.

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Get InvolvedSee http://ourmilitarykids.org/See http://bobnelsonteam.com/

4 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Kathleen J. Murphy

President/Great Falls Historical

Society

At our annual holiday celebrationsover the last few years, we havenoted the increasingly diversecommunity that Great Falls has

become, as families from cultures aroundthe world have journeyed by plane to GreatFalls - as compared with travel by foot orhorse-and-carriage more than 100 years ago– to live and work nearby.

History is the study of past events –GFHS’s mission is “To feel the pulse of earthwhere man has trod, and for the future,keep the past.” This holiday season, wesought to acknowledge and record the com-ing together of residents from many coun-tries around the world to share our placeon earth, our home, Great Falls. We soughtto reveal the faith traditions of neighborsat this special time of the year when localChristians “make room in the inn” - extend-ing openness and welcoming hospitality as“men of goodwill.”

The planning committee included CharlesStevenson, Janet Hill Al-Hussaini, MarjanehAdell, Eve Loudenback, and I. We met twicea week for six weeks to research and un-fold the story of neighborliness in today’scontext. We wanted the program to be lo-cal – representing the faith traditions ofpeople who live in Great Falls today, invit-ing all local residents to take part in ourholiday gathering.

The program began with a half-hour pre-sentation by nine youths that compared thesacred scriptures of eight religions with re-gard to nine messages of “neighborliness”– we referred to these as “messages of light:”The Golden Rule; speaking truth; beinggenerous; loving; being a peace-maker; “asyou sow, so shall you reap;” living by “morethan bread alone;” not judging; and livingin unity. Each of nine youths who practicedone of the religious traditions read theirreligion’s scriptures on the topic. Toeveryone’s amazement, each faith tradition

has language on the core “messages of light”that were just about identical in guidanceand direction – and often in wording. Wewere able to find the appropriate scripturesfor each religion, thanks to the power ofthe Internet. It is now possible to search atopic and a religion and find relevant quotesfairly quickly.

THE FAITH TRADITIONS and the youthwho read were: Mateen Ghassemi, 17,Potomac School, senior, who introduced

each theme; American Indian, read byNoora Haghighi, Langley High School jun-ior; Baha’i, Jian Mostaghim, 12, PotomacSchool; Buddhist, James Tran, 12, son ofJulie and Vu Tran of the Nail Salon in GreatFalls; Christian, Delaney Ross, 10, ColvinRun Elementary (and granddaughter of

Pauline Ross, one of the earliest membersof the Society); Hindu, Arnav Ketineni, 8,Colvin Run Elementary; Muslim, KareemBaig, 14, Cooper Middle School; Jewish,Issac Zaret, 10, Great Falls Elementary; andZoroastrian, Aundia Mehr Rostami, 17,South Lakes High School senior.

The overriding message: It seemed as ifthere is one Great Spirit (as the AmericanIndian would say), who has been revealingthe same messages to prophets in each in-dividual culture around the world – speak-ing the same messages to prophets in thelocal language. It is only now that theInternet allows us to understand the mean-ings across languages, that we can see theconnections and realize the unity of valuesand principles inherent in all faith tradi-tions.

A reflective atmosphere was enjoyedthanks to the classical violin and clarinetplayed by Kismet al-Hussaini and StephanieHanson, respectively. Jon Paul of Megawattprovided the sound engineering — whichwas extremely important for this event –and Archie Brown filmed the event, whileT.R. Cook took photos. The film and textwill be available on our website later thismonth.

Everyone was invited to bring a tradi-tional holiday dish to share. Thanks to allthe wonderful cooks who took the time tobring something wonderful, the cuisine wasdelightful!

THE GREAT FALLS HISTORICAL SO-CIETY was organized in 1977 to promotecommunity spirit by bringing the past intothe present. Our next program will be heldon Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Li-brary. For more information about that pro-gram or to join the Great Falls HistoricalSociety, visit our website at www.gfhs.orgor our Facebook page atw w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /GreatFallsHistoricalSociety.

The Great Falls Historical Society holds holiday gathering.‘Messages of Light’ from the Faith Traditions of Great Falls Residents

Photo by TR Cook

Readers (from left to right) include Mateen Ghassemi, Noora Haghighi,Jian Mostaghim, James Tran, Delaney Ross, Arnav Ketineni, KareemBaig, Issac Zaret, and Aundia Mehr Rostami.

Guest made an extraordinary effort to bring their best. Here are twotables of desserts. There were also two tables of appetizers, and three ofentrees. A feast, indeed.

From left — musicians Stephanie Hanson, clarinet, and Kismet Al-Hussaini, violin.

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Great Falls Friendsand Neighbors continuethe tradition of sellingthe White House Orna-ments — available in theretail stores in GreatFalls — that help theirefforts each year to raisefunds for the localArtemis House Shelter.

Artemis House shel-ters women and chil-dren that are victims ofdomestic violence andhuman trafficking.

This year’s ornamenthonors President CalvinCoolidge. PresidentCoolidge actuallystarted the tree lightingtradition on Dec. 24,1923. The 60-ft treecame down from his na-tive state of Vermont,and was replanted in thecenter of the Ellipse. The orna-ment symbols on the tree allrepresent objects of importanceto President Coolidge, and thetree lights up to commemoratethe President’s historic event.

There are two Great Falls Re-tail Stores helping sell orna-ments this year:

Great Dogs of Great Falls,Great Falls Shopping Center,9859 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls, 703-759-3601; and TheStudio, 10123 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls, 703-757-2330.

The ornaments sell for $25each.

Photo contributed

Ornaments are on sale atGreat Dogs of Great Falls andThe Studio at $25 each.

White House Ornaments Sale toHelp Artemis House

News

Colvin Run Elementary had the Ribbon Cutting cer-emony to commemorate the installation of FCPS’ firstplayground shade structure. This shade structure, lo-cated on the Preschool playground, was made pos-sible through a grant sponsored by the American Acad-

emy of Dermatology. Principal Ken Junge said, “Thankyou to FCPS and the American Academy of Dermatol-ogy for their generous support. The staff and studentsare very excited to have this new addition to our play-ground and will benefit from its sun protection.”

Top, from left, Meenakshi Choudhary, Amber Jordan, Pushpa Singh, Misbah Javaid,Jen Corrado, assistant principal Marylou Carmack and principal Ken Junge.

Colvin Run Receives Playground Shade Structure

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6 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By Amy Johnson, Jennifer Konish

and Nick Arent

The holiday season is one of our fa-vorite times of year because it’s allabout the best things in life. It’s atime for celebrating, bringing age-

old cultural traditions to life, and spendingtime with family and friends. It’s about beingthankful for all of the things we are fortunateenough to have in our lives and remindingpeople how much we love and appreciatethem. Oh and we suppose the delicious foodthat accompanies all of these things makesthem that much more enjoyable!

During the holidays there are still a numberof people who are struggling to make endsmeet and many who don’t have enough to eat,but luckily, it is also the season of giving.Around the country, the holidays inspire hun-dreds of thousands of people to give to thepoor. Caring individuals get involved by do-nating to hunger-relief organizations such asthe Capital Area Food Bank — the largest non-profit serving the Washington metro area —serving at soup kitchens, and finding otherways to contribute to the improvement of ourcommunities. Especially when it comes to shar-ing food, we make sure that everyone hassomething to eat. The holiday spirit unites us,brings out the best in us, and motivates us tomake a real difference in the lives of others.

This year, let’s make it our New Year’s reso-lution to keep this level of engagement con-tinuing into 2016 by tackling one of most

tragic problems facing our country — child-hood hunger.

About 400,000 children here in Virginiaalone are at risk of going hungry and it’s a prob-lem we can’t afford to put off for another year.Despite all the pies, casseroles, hams and tur-keys that will be enjoyed over the next severalweeks, over 15.5 million kids across the coun-try are food insecure. According to No KidHungry “three out of four public school teach-ers say students regularly come to school hun-gry” — another alarming statistic. In a coun-try as prosperous as our own, it is absolutelyunacceptable that there are any children whodon’t know where they are going to get theirnext meal.

The bottom line is that when kids are hun-gry, they struggle to learn, and kids whostruggle to learn, struggle in life. With stom-achs growling, hungry children sit throughclass unable to focus and get the most out ofschool. Fatigue and weakness as the result ofpoor nutrition make it difficult for them to stayawake or participate in physical activities likerecess and PE. They are more likely to sufferfrom hyperactivity, miss school, and experienceother behavioral problems which creates anegative learning environment for all students— even their peers who are not food insecure.Perhaps the scariest thing about childhood foodinsecurity is the inability for a child to reachtheir full potential because of the dramaticdamage hunger does to their brain. Over time,hungry students fall behind their peers aca-demically and many of them never catch upmaking it far more difficult for them to findgood jobs and take care of their children oncethey grow up. The medical sector is beginningto reprioritize its resources to see healthy foodas the important intervention it is. For example,the American Academy of Pediatrics recentlyrecommended for the first time that pediatri-

cians screen all children for food insecurity.If we want to make sure every child gets a

fair shot in life, we need to make sure ourelected officials and decision-makers properlyfund and improve existing food assistance pro-grams such as free/reduced price school meals,SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) andWIC. Research shows that these programs helpstudents to perform better in school and in life— but they don’t go far enough. First LadyDorothy McAuliffe is an excellent example ofhow politicians from both sides of the aisleshould be making this issue a priority and con-tinuing to develop new solutions.

Congress is currently considering legislationto reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act and tomake changes to a number of food assistanceprograms. This legislation will influence fund-ing for programs like the Child and Adult CareFood Program and Summer Food Service Pro-gram which allows the Capital Area Food Bankand other organizations to provide nutritiousmeals to food insecure children when schoolis out of session. If you are as concerned aboutchildhood hunger as we are, you can contactyour elected officials and urge them to takeaction by calling the congressional switchboardat 202-225-3121.

We will start 2016 with one in six kids acrossVirginia waking up at risk of going hungrythroughout the year. With your help — bymaking ending childhood hunger your NewYear’s resolution and taking action on this is-sue throughout the year — we can work to-ward a future where we wake up on New Year’sDay to a country where every child’s basicneeds are met so that they all have a fair op-portunity to be successful in life.

Amy Johnson and Jennifer Konish are the NOVAKids Cafe Coordinators with the Capital Area FoodBank. Nick Arent is a Campaign Organizer withVirginia Fair Share.

Why ending childhoodhunger should be yourNew Year’s resolution.

Season of Giving Never Has To End

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

I often quote from papers writ-ten by the staff of the Common-wealth Institute for Fiscal Analy-

sis; they provide the most fact-based,nonpartisan, clear analysis of key is-sues facing Virginians (http://www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org/). Re-cently, I attended the 2015 Policy Summitheld by the Institute in Richmond. Topics atthe Summit included the declining state sup-port for public schools in Virginia, accessinghealth care, and returning more money tothe working poor through the Earned IncomeTax Credit. One topic around which thereseems to be a high level of political consen-sus developing was “Criminal Justice Reform:Opportunities to Save Money and Help Com-munities.”

In a paper published by The CommonwealthInstitute, it was reported that Virginia keepsmore youth incarcerated than most states. Asof 2013 for which the most recent federal datais available, Virginia incarcerated 79 youth in

state facilities for every 100,000 youthage 10 or older living in the state. That’s75 percent higher than the national rateof 45 state incarcerated youth per100,000 youth in the country. But thatdoes not mean that Virginians are saferor that more youth are diverted fromcriminal behavior. In fact, the opposite

is true. According to data from the Departmentof Juvenile Justice, almost three-quarters ofyouth who have been held in the state’s juve-nile prisons are convicted of another crimewithin three years of release. Of great concernis the fact that youth who are held in the state’syouth prisons for longer periods of time actu-ally have higher rates of re-arrest within a yearof release than youth who are held for shorterperiods of time!

Virginia’s current youth prison system con-sists of two youth prisons, Bon Air and Beau-mont, in the Richmond suburbs. More afflu-ent areas like Fairfax County have establishedlocal alternative programs. The highest ratesof commitment to the state youth prisons comefrom the localities that have the highest pov-erty levels. As the Institute reported, “not only

is Virginia’s current system not working to re-habilitate youth and keep communities safe, itis also very expensive. The per capita cost ofincarcerating youth in Virginia’s juvenile cor-rectional centers was $148,214 in FY 2015.Local programs are lower in cost as well asmore effective at reducing recidivism.

Efforts have been underway to reform thecurrent system for a number of years, but thatmovement needs to be accelerated. Wealthycommunities are way ahead in establishingtreatment programs, but these programs thatare effective in keeping children out of troublein the future must be extended to all localitiesregardless of wealth. The state must resist anyeffort to dump the problem on localities with-out providing necessary funds to make alter-native programs available. The pipeline fromschool to prison must be shut off. Alternativesolutions that include intensive treatment foroffenders and families can keep the commu-nity safe, rehabilitate young people before theybecome criminals, and save money. There iswidespread bipartisan agreement that progressneeds to be accelerated in this area. It will bringjustice to juveniles.

Justice for Juveniles

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News

By Kathleen Murphy

Market Manager

Saturday, Dec. 12, was our first daythis winter inside the Grange andwe were excited to have two youngculinary talents join us: Annie

Santos of Annie’s Goodies, and Steven Kurtzof Whippourwill. Annie has been longingto show her baking abilities. She prepareda rich chocolate cupcake with peppermintinside with a rich creamy frosting swirl. Shealso prepared white and dark chocolate barswith peppermint. It was clear that Annieknew how to give baked goods a lot of piz-zazz. Steven offered cookie jars of variouscookies and brownies. I have tried a jar ofoatmeal raisin cookies and found that Icould whip up a tray of cookies in recordtime, thanks to Steven’s excellent prepara-tion work. Everything is carefully measured,ensuring an excellent outcome.

After the market closed on Saturdayevening, we headed downtown to applaudDenise Hick’s opening of her newPostmodern Foods boutique at 2920 MStreet in Georgetown. The Great Falls Farm-ers Market was one of the farmers marketsthat played an important role in incubatingDenise’s fledgling business in its earliestdays. Our community can be proud of ourcombined support of Denise, making it pos-sible for her business to thrive and grow.

Our community farmers market is small,making it a wonderful place to cultivate re-lationships, get to know what customers are lookingfor and appreciate - and then there is the mutualsupport and friendship among the vendors - each

trying to launch a successful small business. We can-not thank you enough for the vital part you play inencouraging new talent!

Great Falls Farmers MarketApplauds Local Talent

Great Falls Farmers Market opened indoors at theGrange Hall on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 9818Georgetown Pike with two floors of vendors andseveral outside.

Photos contributed

Annie Santos, 11, of Annie’s Goodies,demonstrated that she is a serious baker,here with her chocolate-peppermint cup-cakes with a creamy swirl on top.

Denise Hicks (center) opens her new storeat 2920 M Street in Georgetown, with herold Great Falls Farmers Market buddies,Alishya (left) of Bon Vivant and Marika(right) of TSMBKS.

8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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News

Dozens of business leaders,elected officials and advocatesfor ending homelessness gath-ered Monday, Dec. 14 in the

offices of Piedmont Fund Services inHerndon to launch the “Build a Village”campaign.

The effort is designed to provide funds tohelp end homelessness in Fairfax County.Businesses pledged more than $20,000 atthe event just to begin. Jim Corcoran, presi-dent and CEO of the Fairfax County Cham-ber of Commerce, Don Owens of Griffin-Owens Insurance in Herndon, John Sekasof Sekas Homes in Vienna and KathyAlbarado, CEO of Helios HR in Reston, eachpledged $5,000.

Albarado shared her personal story, whichincluded periods of homelessness when shewas growing up as her mother fled domes-tic violence.

The Build a Village concept, which graphi-cally builds houses with donations startingat one brick for $25, a window or chimneyfor $250, $500 to build the front door and$5,000 completing a house, is the brainchildof the Dulles Regional Chamber of Com-merce and its president Eileen Curtis, whowas on hand for the kickoff. Apple FederalCredit Union will manage donations.

In 2015, about 1,200 people were liter-ally homeless, including 431 children. Morethan 60 percent of the homeless adults infamilies were employed, but their jobsdidn’t pay them enough to afford housing.Domestic violence was the cause ofhomelessness for more than 40 percent ofthe adults in families who are homeless. Ofthe 488 single individuals who were home-less, 52 were 18-24 years old; 123 were 55years old or older. Two hundred sixty eighthomeless individuals were dealing with se-rious mental illness and/or substance abuse.

Lack of affordable housing is the maincause of homelessness in Fairfax County,according to the Fairfax County Office to

Prevent and End Homelessness. Low in-comes and expensive housing make it im-possible to pay for an apartment when earn-ing minimum wage — even working 24

Goal to end homelessness in Fairfax County by 2018 looms; more than 400 children areamong the homeless here.

Partnership Launches ‘Build a Village’ Campaign

hours per day, seven days a week. Monthlyrent for a two-bedroom apartment is at least$1,500, meaning a family would need anannual income of $58,760 to afford a two-

bedroom apartment.To donate, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/

homeless and click on “Build a Village”campaign.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulovawith Michael L. O’Reilly, Chairman of the Gov-erning Board, Fairfax County Office to End andPrevent Homelessness.

Verdia L. Haywood, former Deputy CountyExecutive and Governing Board member, withGlynda Hall, Partnership Development Managerfor the Office to End and PreventHomelessness, and Kathy Albarado, CEO ofHelios HR in Reston.

Wendy Lemieux, of the Fairfax County Office ofPublic Private Partnerships.

Jeff Lisanick of Vienna, and Joe Meyer, ExecutiveDirector of Shelter House.

Kerrie Wilson, CEO of Cornerstones, with NannetteBowler, Director of the Fairfax County Department ofFamily Services.

Delegate-elect Jennifer Boysko (D-86) with MargiPreston, Executive Director of FACETS.

Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors,and Supervisor Catherine Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill)both serve on Governing Board of the Office to Endand Prevent Homelessness, and were on hand tosupport the launch of the “Build a Village” campaign.

Photos by Mary Kimm/The Connection

10 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston

Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive

McLean Symphony Concert. 3-4:45p.m. Alden Theatre, 1234 InglesideAve., McLean. My Favorite Things:Holiday Celebration. Featuring TanyaAnisimova, Cello. Celebrate the seasonwith holiday favorites, and sing alongwith carols, children’s songs, and aHanukah medley. $Free, $15, $20,$25. www.mclean-symphony.org. 703-991-7197.

A Cappella Afternoon: Exit 245 +BluesTones. 2 p.m. Jammin Java,227 Maple Ave E, Vienna. With thepopularity of Pitch Perfect movies,NBC’s “Sing Off” and the John Legend-produced reality show “Sing It On”,collegiate a cappella has seen a rise inpopularity and visibility. Come join fortwo of the James Madison University’sa cappella groups - the all male Exit245 and the all female group theBluesTones - performing lively acappella music! $10. https://jamminjava.com/. 703-255-1566.

Griffin House. 7:30 p.m. Jammin Java,227 Maple Ave E, Vienna. Born andraised in Ohio, House began writingand recording and issued his firstindependent release, Upland, in 2003.Join the night as Griffin House shareswith audience some of his great music.$18-$20. https://jamminjava.com/.703-255-1566.

MONDAY/DEC. 21Clauster Eve: Jammin Java

Songwriters Circle HolidayEdition featuring Todd Wright,Anthony Fiacco, Luke Brindley,and Scott Simons. 7:30 p.m.Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E,Vienna. Join the four songwriters asthey share with audience some of theholiday songs. $16. https://jamminjava.com/. 703-255-1566.

MONDAY-TUESDAY/DEC. 21-22Animal Vets Workshop. 9 a.m.

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac HillsSt., Great Falls. Spend the day withour exhibit animals. Check theirhealth, weight and size; clean andrefresh their tanks and enjoy some funactivities and games. Bring snack,lunch and drink. Wear old clothes.$120/$135. Ages 6 to 11. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park/calendar.htm.

TUESDAY/DEC. 22Jammin Java presents Todd

Wright’s 13th Annual SantaClauster-f@%! ChristmasSpectacular. 7:30 p.m. Jammin Java,227 Maple Ave E, Vienna. Join andhave fun for the holiday seasons withsongs, including folk, rock and more!$15-$55. https://jamminjava.com/.703-255-1566.

THURSDAY/DEC. 24Good For The Jews. 7:30 p.m. Jammin

Java, 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna. GoodFor the Jews is a clever, hilariousmusic duo from New York whoseChristmas Eve shows at Jammin Javahave become a grand tradition. Joinfor the duo as they share songs aboutbar mitzvahs, Passover, Jewish girls,and relatives who live in Boca Raton.$20. https://jamminjava.com/. 703-255-1566.

FRIDAY/DEC. 25It’s a Fu@*in SUPER bob Christmas.

8 p.m. Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E,Vienna. Join for some lively musicfrom the Super bob rock band. $12-$15. https://jamminjava.com/. 703-255-1566.

SATURDAY/DEC. 26Egypt “Annual Reunion Show.” 8 p.m.

Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna.Join the band with a long history, andhave some fun time listening to their

music. $15-$18. https://jamminjava.com/. 703-255-1566.

MONDAY/DEC. 28Winter Break Trip - Dave &

Buster’s. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave. McLean. Eat, drink and

play games! Dave and Buster’s is oneof the best dining and entertainmentattractions around. Lunch and a $20game card with unlimited arcade gameplay are included. Bring money foradditional ticket games, if desired.Fees: $65/$55 MCC district residents.http://www.mcleancenter.org/. 703-448-8336.

OngoingWeekly Storytime. Wednesday and Saturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 7851

L Tysons Corner Center, McLean. Themes and Titles vary. Free admission.”Harvey.” Check for show times. Nov. 12-Dec. 20. 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill

Road, Tysons Corner. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this belovedclassic is a treat for the whole family. Veta Simmons and her daughterMyrtle Mae have just moved back into town and are making quite a splashon the social scene. Gatherings and engagements abound as Myrtle Maeperuses for a viable suitor. $15-$30. www.1ststagetysons.org. 703-854-1856.

Great Falls Decorating Contest. Through Dec. 22. Bring out your lights,bows, tinsel, inflatables and everything festive to help light up the holidaysin town. Submit pictures of your business, organization or neighborhood toinfo@celebrategreatfalls.org and then vote for your favorites on our website.Voting runs through Dec. 22. www.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Meadowlark Gardens’ Winter Walk of Lights. Nov. 14-Jan. 4. A half-a-million colorful LED lights span the lakeside and gardens of MeadowlarkBotanical Gardens off Beulah Road in nostalgic and fairytale scenes of theholiday season. http://winterwalkoflights.com/.

Bingo Night! 4 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 13, 20, 27. Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center Street South, Vienna. The Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment hosts smoke-free bingo every Sunday night in the Flame Roomand activities include 33 games for a $100 prize each and one $1,000jackpot game. Admission: minimum $10. 703-255-6300.

53rd Annual James A. Bland Contest. Through Monday, Feb. 15. ViennaLions Club invites elementary and high school vocalist and instrumentaliststo present a song or piece for cash prizes. For information and application,contact Susan Stiles at

sandcs89@yahoo.com or 703-938-1142.Vienna Lions Club Christmas Tree Sales. Weekdays noon-8 p.m.;

Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Through Dec. 17. Walgreen’s lot, 225Maple Ave East, Vienna. Help the Lions help the youth, vision- and hearing-impaired of our community. Fresh, live, beautiful Christmas trees, wreaths,roping, Virginia peanuts, extra-large coloring books all for sale at the bestprices in Town.

Dennis Crayon and Susan La Mont Exhibit. Through Dec. 20. 1st Stage,1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. View the works of two accomplishedartists while attending a performance of “Harvey.” www.1ststagetysons.org.703-854-1856.

Nutcracker Tea. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 9. The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner,1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. Delight in a contemporary twist on the belovedholiday classic by the South Riding Dance School while you enjoy afternoontea, petite sandwiches and pastries. All children will go home with anutcracker doll. $79 per person. www.ritzcarlton.com/tysons. 703-748-4068.

Enchanted Forest Tea. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 20. The Ritz-Carlton TysonsCorner, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. Watch a dazzling performance by theSouth Riding Dance School as the Snow Fairy strives to save the woodlandballerinas from the Icicle King, whom is trying to freeze over the forest.Enjoy afternoon tea, petite sandwiches and pastries. $79 per person.www.ritzcarlton.com/tysons. 703-748-4068.

Optimist Club Christmas Tree Sales. Through Dec. 19. Weekdays 2-9p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Maple Avenue West at BranchRoad. Fill your holidays with the sight and scent of fresh Frasier Fir treesand wreaths, and pine garlands. Trees range in size from cute and cozy 4-feet tall to towering 12-footers. All sales benefit the Optimist Club of GreaterVienna Youth Fund. Any questions, contact atinfo@optimistclubofgreatervienna.org.

Trail and Ales with Caboose Brewing and Grass Roots Fitness.Mondays through Jan. 31. Caboose Brewing Company, 520 Mill Street, NEVienna. Come Run with us every Monday night. $1 Off All Pints! All paceswelcome. We will run between 3-5 miles with options to go shorter orlonger. You can walk or run. Dog and stroller friendly. Contact JoannMeginley at joannandfrancine@grassrootsfitness.org.

Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice. Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. St. Luke’s Catholic SchoolGymnasium, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Weekly Tai Chi practice.Group has met for over 20 years. Free. FreeTaiChi.org. 703-759-9141.

Send announcements to north@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline isFriday for the following week’s paper. Pho-tos/artwork encouraged.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 16Walk, Waddle and Wiggle. 10:30 a.m.

Dolley Madison Library, 1244 OakRidge Avenue, McLean. Animals movein many different ways. Walk like aturtle, waddle like a penguin andwiggle like a worm as we explore theworld of animal movement throughmusic, activities and stories. Presentedby Riverbend Park and sponsored bythe Friends of the Dolley MadisonLibrary. Ages 3-5. 703-356-0770.

NVTC Titans Series. 7-9:15 a.m. TheRitz-Carlton Tysons Corner, 1700Tysons Blvd., McLean. John Chen,executive chairman and CEO ofBlackBerry, will headline theorganization’s upcoming Titans series.During a fireside chat with theConsumer Technology Association’sGary Shapiro, Chen will discuss theups and downs of innovation, share hisexperiences turning aroundmomentum-based technologycompanies, and provide insights intoBlackBerry’s corporate strategy andfocus on security. 703-904-7878, x207.www.nvtc.org.

THURSDAY/DEC. 17Holiday Crafts for Children. 5:30-9

p.m. Meadowlark, 9750 MeadowlarkGardens Court, Vienna. Visit the crafttable and make a free craft to decoratefor the holidays. http://winterwalkoflights.com. 703-255-3631.

Author Reading. 7:30 p.m. Great FallsLibrary, 9830 Georgetown Pike. Localauthor Laura Elliott will read and signcopies of her new novel “DaVinci’s

Tiger.” Free. 703-757-8560.Caroling on the Town Green. 6:30

p.m. 144 Maple Ave., Vienna. All agesare welcome to participate intraditional caroling and to enjoy themarshmallow-roasting stations.Weather permitting. 703-255-6360.

Model Investment Club of NorthernVirginia. 7 p.m. Dolley MadisonLibrary, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue,McLean. Learn more about investingfollowing an investment club model.New visitors welcome. 703-356-0770.

Cat Janice CD Release Party. 6 p.m.Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E,Vienna. Cat Come join for the part asCat Janice releases CD this winter!

Janice is a rock/alternative singer fromthe Washington, D.C. area. Hermusical debut began in 2013 when shewas a featured artist at Doah Fest inLuray, VA. Cat has plans to release hernext EP in Winter 2015 after being instudio with producer Austin Bello ofForever the Sickest Kids. $15-$20.https://jamminjava.com/. 703-255-1566.

FRIDAYS/DEC. 18VBA Lead Share Breakfast. 7:30-9

a.m. American Legion, Post 180, 320Center St, Vienna. Fee for breakfastrequired. Any questions, contact Linda

Christ at Linda@LindaAChrist.com.

SATURDAY/DEC. 19John Eaton “Holiday Spectacular.”

2 p.m. The Alden, McLean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.Musicologist, humorist and jazz pianistwill share the history and harmonies ofsome favorite seasonal songs from theAmerican Songbook at a special“Holiday Spectacular.”www.aldentheatre.org. 703-790-0123.

Breakfast with Santa. 9:30 a.m.-11a.m. McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave. McLean. Come enjoy forbreakfast with Santa and crafts! Aphotographer will be on hand to takepictures of child(ren) with Santa. Thephoto will be emailed to parents

following the event. Space is limited tothe first 115 registrants. Earlyregistration recommended. Fees: $20per person/$15 MCC district residents;children 24 months or younger canattend free with a registered adult.http://www.mcleancenter.org/. 703-790-0123.

SUNDAY/DEC. 20Filene Center Backstage Tour. 2 p.m.

Wolf Trap National Park for thePerforming Arts, 1551 Trap Road,Vienna. Stand on a world-class stage,learn how a theater runs, and get asneak peek at where the stars getready. Tours are limited to 30participants. 703-255-1827 to RSVP orfor additional information.

Calendar

Musicologist, humorist and jazz pianist John Eaton willshare the history and harmonies of some favorite seasonalsongs from the American Songbook at a special “HolidaySpectacular” on Saturday, Dec. 19 at The Alden.

From left, Tonya Beckman, and Kelsey Meiklejohn in“Harvey” at 1st Stage.The show runs through Dec. 20 inTysons Corner. Photo by Teresa Castracane.

12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Senior Center to HostTrivia Game Luncheon

The Great Falls Senior Center will host a Trivia Game for Seniors -and lunch - on Tuesday, Jan. 5 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. upstairs at TheGreat Falls Grange, 9818 Georgetown Pike. Members may contact PollyFitzgerald at pollyfitz1@verizon.net or by calling 703-759-4345. Tobecome a member for 2016, contact GFSC, P.O. Box 425, Great Falls,VA 22066 with name, mailing address, phone number and email ad-dress to receive monthly members letters and updates. Include a checkfor the annual dues of $15 made payable to GFSC. Applications mayalso be found at gfseniors.org.

The sponsor is the Great Falls Area Ministries formerly the GreatFalls Ecumenical Council.

Great Falls Senior Center is partnered with the Fairfax County De-partment of Neighborhood and Community Services in all venturesand events.

Week in Great Falls

Faith Notes are for announcements andevents in the faith community. Send tovienna@connectionnewspapers.com.Deadline is Friday.

St. John’s Episcopal Church willhold A Festival of Carols on Sunday,Dec. 20 at 9 a.m and 11:15 a.m. OnChristmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24, ser-vices will be:

*4 p.m. - Family Service of Holy Eu-charist with Christmas Music at 3:30p.m.

*7 p.m. - Holy Eucharist with Christ-mas Music at 6:30 p.m.

*10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist with Christ-mas Music at 9:30 p.m.

There will be a Holy Eucharist serviceon Christmas Day at 10 a.m.

The church is located at 6715Georgetown Pike, McLean. 703-356-4902. www.stjohnsmclean.org.

Celebrate Advent and Christ-mas at Trinity United MethodistChurch, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd.,McLean. Weekly worship is Sundays at8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Wednesdays atnoon. Holiday events include:

Sunday, Dec. 20, Lessons and Carols,10:30 a.m. service.

Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, 5p.m. family service; 8 p.m., Candlelightand Communion; 11 a.m., Candlelightand Communion. www.imtrinity.org.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church,2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, isholding Sunday evening worship servicein a less formal atmosphere and moreintimate setting to help you get readyfor the week ahead. Sundays, 6 p.m.Communion offered. No childcare. 703-938-2119 or www.elcvienna.org.

St. Francis Episcopal Church,9220 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls,offers musical, educational, outreachand fellowship ministries in addition toworship services, including a 7:45 a.m.worship service without music; 9 a.m.worship service, children’s chapel andchildren’s choirs; 10 a.m. Sunday schooland adult forum; and 11 a.m. worshipservice with adult choir. 703-759-2082.

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

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

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

McLean Bible Church FitnessClass at Body & Soul Fitness. Gain bal-ance, energy and strength at 9:45 a.m.Mondays and Fridays. Free childcare forregistered students.bodyandsoul@mcleanbible.org.

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

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

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

Centering Prayer Group meetsFridays, 9:30 a.m. at Andrew ChapelUnited Methodist Church, 1301 TrapRoad, Vienna. The hour includes a briefreading related to Centering Prayer, fol-lowed by a 20-minute prayer period.E-mail Martha Thomas atmmthomas211@hotmail.com or call thechurch at 703-759-3509.

The Jewish Federation ofGreater Washington and the Jew-ish Outreach Institute offer theMothers/Parents Circle, an umbrella offree educational events and resources.Jewish rituals, ethics and the creation ofa Jewish home, regular meetings andgroup Shabbats and holidays. Partici-pants include Sha’are Shalom,Congregation Beth Emeth, TempleRodef Shalom and the Jewish Commu-nity Center of Northern Virginia.ShalomDC.org.

Unitarian Universalist Congre-gation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton, offers the Religious Ex-ploration (RE) program for all children,from pre-K toddlers through high schoolseniors, emphasizing exploration of allreligious traditions while developing apersonal spiritual path. The RE programoffers classes on Saturday afternoonsand Sunday mornings. 703-281-4230.

Faith NotesBuild Your Community

Support Your LocalBusinesses.

www.connectionnewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

The new 6,000 square foot TysonsCorner Ice Rink officiallyopened this season on Friday,Nov. 13, and will run through

March 6, 2016. The outdoor rink locatednear the Silver Line Metro is situated onThe Plaza next to Lord & Taylor on the sec-ond floor of the mall. A new Hyatt Hotelopened next door last March.

What’s different this year is all of the sur-rounding stores and restaurants are fullyopened and occupied, said ice rink generalmanager Marissa Marwell, who’s been in

the business for 11 years.“Now that the plaza is fully opened,

there’s something for everyone,” she said.“We’ve got the ice skating, the restaurants(Barrel and Bushel, Earl’s Kitchen and Bar,Starbucks and Shake Shack), and the play-ground and fire pits to warm up.”

The cost for ice skating is $10 for admis-sion, $9 for child ages 12 and under, and$6 per skate rentals. The group rate (10or more guests) is $12 per person (includesadmission and skate rental). The rinkhours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 3to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays from3 to 9 p.m.; Fridays 3 to 11 p.m.; Satur-days 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays 11

a.m. to 7 p.m. The skate rental shop is lo-cated inside the mall on Level 2 near Lord& Taylor.

Besides general ice skating, the rink of-fers Birthday Party packages, fundraisingopportunities, learn-to-skate lessons (pri-vate and semi-private) and private rent-als.

“It’s never too late to learn to skate,” saidMarwell. “We offer ice skating lessons forages 3 and up. (Spaces are still availablefor Session 2.)... It’s also a perfect way tocelebrate your birthday party with friendsin a magical outdoor atmosphere.”

For younger kids, the rink offers a weeklyCartoon Skate on Saturday mornings. “We

have our rink mascots join the children outon the ice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sat-urday morning,” said Marwell. “We havePepper the Penguin, Spots the Dalmatian,Winter the Polar Bear and Lutz the Lion.They skate and interact with the childrenand their families.”

For the older crowd, there’s SaturdayNight Rock and Skate from 7 to 9 p.m. withDJ Civil. “We do live request, shout outs anda lot of dancing. It’s really fun. It’s open toeveryone,” said Marwell.

For more information, visit the web site:www.tysonscornerlearntoskate.com. Theemail is skatetysonscorner@gmail.com. Call703-356-1240.

Tysons Ice Rink is Open for the Season

Enjoying ice skating at TysonsCorner Mall rink are (from left);Cathy Onsi, Diego Serrano,Hayden Byrnes, Josh Steiner,and Nick Annunziata of McLean,who was hosting his friendsfrom Maryland and D.C. beforeexams next week.

Ice rink general manager Marissa Marwell inher office.

Photos by

Steve Hibbard/

The Connection

14 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Schools

By Jean T. Jianos

The Connection

“Learning for Learning’s Sake.”That is the gift that SusanBlackwell, the ScienceResource teacher who runs

the STEAM Lab at Colvin Run ElementarySchool (CRES), gives to every student atCRES every week. Blackwell, a formermiddle school science teacher who has alsotaught high school level courses, has beenresponsible for developing and implement-ing the STEAM Lab curriculum at CRES forthe past four years.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) de-scribes STEAM as student-centered, project-based and interdisciplinary instruction thatintegrates Science, Technology, Engineering,the Arts, and Mathematics. The entire fourthgrade at CRES is involved in one suchSTEAM Lab project this academic year.

Each fourth grade student has planted atulip bulb in a Journey North Tulip Test Gar-den. They are applying the scientific stepsof making observations about the tulip bulbsand planting conditions, hypothesizingabout when the tulips will emerge basedupon data reported from other studentsacross the Northern Hemisphere, and thenobserving when the tulips emerge andbloom, and reporting their data.

Together with students from Zelenograd,Russia, near Moscow, and everywhere inbetween, they will track the change in sea-sons and climate around the globe, and willanalyze the data to see how climate, geog-raphy and plant growth are related.

“We are going to watch spring happenacross the world,” says Blackwell.

WHETHER OUTDOORS in the Tulip TestGarden or within the school building,STEAM learning takes place inside and out-side the STEAM Lab. CRES kindergartenclassroom teacher Connie Bolz was recentlyrecognized by the National Geographic Edu-cation Blog as their Educator of the Weekfor her S.T.E.A.M. Kids project. Bolz usedcolored, geometric shapes, or “glyphs,” tointroduce the youngest students at CRES tosymbols that have become a universal lan-guage at the school.

FCPS considers the use and interpretationof symbols in academics and the visual artsin evaluating a student’s application ofknowledge. How a student perceives andmanipulates patterns, colors and symbols isused by FCPS as an indicator of creative andproductive thinking.

Bolz also involved parents in the project.Facilitating relationships with parents byproviding students and their parents withsuch hands-on experiences is one of the ob-jectives of the STEAM Project.

Parents also volunteer in the STEAM Laband help with hands-on activities. One ofthe things that Blackwell initiated this yearfor the Family Science Night, run by the

CRES Parent Teacher Organization, is ashowcase of family-built, popsicle stickstructures. “It’s a family project,” she says,“they are working on it as a family, althoughI’ve told them that any adults working on italways have to have children supervisingthem . . . It is not a competition . . . We do alot of engineering projects and we talk aboutthe engineering design diagram and howyou go through that process. I’m excited tosee what they come up with.”

Researching, planning and building 3-Dmodels of structures also take place in theart classrooms. The FCPS fine arts programemphasizes critical thinking, innovativeproblem solving, effective communicationand collaboration, as well as teaching stu-dents to connect ideas across disciplines.CRES art teacher Lauren Grimm’s sixthgrade students worked together to createsculptures of inventive play structures afterlooking at architectural drawings fromaround the world and thinking about theneeds of the community they wanted to in-volve, including people with limited mobil-ity or low vision.

Grimm’s fourth grade students, who arestudying Colonial America in Social Stud-ies, each selected the kind of colonial struc-ture they wanted to build and then designedthe form based upon the function, whethera house, stable or tavern. Grimm observesthat children in fourth, fifth and sixth gradesoften want to socialize and discuss projects,so she can harness that energy by giving herstudents “an art challenge that they cansolve together in a creative way.”

She finds that students are much moreengaged and active, from an individual per-spective, if they have the freedom to delib-erate among choices and to develop origi-nal ideas that allow for that personal choice.

Both Grimm and Blackwell give their stu-dents permission to have failed outcomes.“They always look at me with surprise atfirst,” says Grimm, “but then I clarify by tell-ing them that being open to failure allowsthem to be flexible and explore many cre-ative options.” Blackwell defines success forher students as learning from their mistakes.“I actually emphasize failure a lot in STEAMLab because so many of the students comein thinking that failure is a bad thing,” saysBlackwell. “There is so much trial and errorin the STEAM Lab, but I emphasize whatdid you learn, figure out what went wrongand fix it so you can do it better next time.”

CRES PRINCIPAL Ken Junge credits thefact that throughout all of the grade levels,the art teachers and Ms. Blackwell collabo-rate so well with the classroom and tech-nology teachers to ensure that students seethe connections among the projects onwhich they are working. “That’s the impor-tant part,” says Junge, “that the studentsunderstand that there is a connection be-tween what they are doing as hands-onlearning in STEAM Lab and what they aredoing in art class and the kind of technol-ogy they are using down in the computerlab and how all of that encompasses whatthey are learning in the classroom as part oftheir general curriculum.”

New ways to promote STEM disciplines atColvin Run Elementary School.

All Are Welcome Aboard the STEAM Train

Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Public Schools

Fourth grade students at Colvin Run Elementary plan and build ColonialAmerican structures in art class.

Nat Geo Education Blog recognized Colvin Run kindergarten teacherConnie Bolz for using colored, geometric shapes, or “glyphs,” in herS.T.E.A.M. Kids project.

Colvin Run art teacher Lauren Grimm’s sixth grade students used STEAMelements to design and build inventive playground sculptures.

Photos by Jean Jianos/The Connection

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Photo courtesy of Cyndy Mamalian

Cyndy Mamalian’s three children are collecting gifts for the homelessthis holiday season. She hopes the project will help them understand theimpact that giving can have on others.

See Teaching, Page 17

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Matthew Mamalian’s holidayshopping list included someitems that might seem atypi-cal for a 12-year-old middle

school student: shampoo, socks, soap anda few snacks. He, along with several friendsfrom his Sunday school class, packed theitems in shoeboxes wrapped with holidaypaper and tucked a handwritten note of en-couragement inside each box.

“We were all laughing and having funpacking them,” he said. “We also learnedthat there are people who really need thesethings because they don’t have a lot else.”

The project was part of Interfaith Works’

table activities, modeling altruistic behav-ior and making a link between compassionand a higher power are all effective waysparents can teach their children the valueof giving to the less fortunate.

Conversations,modeling behavior andhands-on actionscan help teach childrenabout benevolenceand compassion.

Lessons in Charitable GivingInterfaith Works HolidayShoebox Project

Help neighbors in need by decorating andfilling shoeboxes with essentials and gift items

to spread holiday cheer.This can be a fun activity for families and

groups, large or small. Here are guidelines andsuggestions:

❖ Start with an empty shoebox, including boxlid

❖ Cover both box and lid in holiday wrappingpaper

❖ Write an encouraging note to tuck inside❖ Fill it with suggested items:$10 gift card (grocery store, Target)SmarTrip cardsTravel-sized toiletries like lip balm, deodorant,

shaving cream, new crew socks (men’s orwomen’s), pocket calendars, mini-flashlight andbatteries (AA or AAA), scarf, gloves, mittens, hat,mini-notepads and mini-pens

Deliver shoe boxes to Community Visionprogram, 8210 Dixon Avenue, Silver Spring,Md., 301-585-4471. For more informationcontact Yvonne Esipila at yesipila@iworksmc.orgor 301-315-1097.

holiday giving program, an effort by thelocal nonprofit organization to meet theneeds of the homeless. The holiday season

can be a time for children to learn the prin-ciples of benevolence, say child develop-ment experts. Involving children in chari-

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16 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Sports Langley GirlsImprove to 5-0

The Langley girls’ basketball team de-feated Mount Vernon 54-34 at BellMulticultural High School on Dec. 12,improving its record to 5-0.

The Saxons faced South Lakes on Tues-day, after The Connection’s deadline.Langley will travel to face Washington-Lee at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.

Langley Boys Go3-0 in Bahamas

The Langley boys’ basketball teamwon each of its three games during arecent trip to the Bahamas.

The Saxons defeated The OakwoodSchool (California) 65-35 on Dec. 10and 56-46 on Dec. 11. Langley beat TheVanguard School (Florida) 71-49 onDec. 12.

Langley improved its record to 3-2during the trip.

The Saxons faced South Lakes onTuesday, after The Connection’s dead-line. Langley will host Washington-Leeat 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.

McLean Girls Start 3-1The McLean girls’ basketball team

won its first three games of the seasonbefore losing to defending region cham-pion Oakton 52-27 on Dec. 8.

The Highlanders opened the seasonwith wins over St. John’s Catholic Prep(46-45) on Nov. 30, Woodson (46-41) onDec. 3 and Robinson (53-43) on Dec. 5.

McLean faced Washington-Lee onTuesday, after The Connection’s dead-line. The Highlanders will host Hayfieldat 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.

McLean Boys’, Girls’Swim Teams BeatHayfield

The McLean boys’ and girls’ swimteams defeated Hayfield on Dec. 12.

The girls’ team remained undefeatedwith a 218-87 victory. The Highlanderstook first, second and third place ineight of 12 events.

Senior captain Emma Chamberlayne,freshman Julia Green (two), juniorJulia LeMuyon, sophomore SerenaWood, junior Elizabeth Ulrich, seniorRachel Montgomery, junior JuliaHunter, and sophomore Mary-KateMahoney each produced an individualfirst-place finish.

The boys’ team improved to 2-1 witha 182-121 victory.

Senior captain Ben Miller finishedfirst in two events. Juniors Andrew Yangand Ethan Cussatt each finished first inan event.

Divers Bobby Trono (junior), SinaNaeemi (sophomore) and BennettVerderame (freshman) finished 1-2-3.

McLean will face Washington-Lee onFriday, Dec. 18.

Sports Roundups

By Jon Roetman

The Connection

Second-year Langley gymnasticscoach Michael Comini is pleased-with the level of support in his program.

He’s also pleased with the improved teamscores.

Comini said the Saxons’ peaked in the 70slast season. On Monday, Langley placedfourth at a five-team home meet with ascore of 109.4.

“I think the success story here is we have[more than 30 gymnasts on the team],” saidComini, who coached at Herndon in the1980s and 1990s. “That’s a big team, sowe’ve got a lot of support here.”

Anna Huang is a level 9 club gymnast atDulles Gymnastics and one of the Saxonsmost talented competitors. She placedfourth on floor Monday with a score of 8.45.

“She’s a solid all-around,” Comini said.“She’s probably going to add 10 points toour team score.”

Eileen Wen competed in the all-around

for the Saxons, producing a score of 23.175.Amy Wen, and team captains Christina Hara

and Nikki Orsolini are also key contributors.“We’re looking at maybe being a con-

tender this year in districts,” Comini said.“If we can just finish up in the top three, Ithink I’d be happy.”

Yorktown won Monday’s meet with ascore of 136.925. Washington-Lee finishedsecond with a total of 129.175, followedby South Lakes (120.325), Langley andMadison (100.25).

Yorktown produced the top three finish-ers in the all-around: Julia Hays (35.025),Juliette Mitrovich (34.825) and OliviaZavrel (33.825).

Saxons place fourth at home meet.

Langley Gymnastics Seeing Improvement

Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

Langley’s Anna Huang is a level 9 club gymnast.Langley’s Eileen Wen competes on floor duringMonday’s gymnastics meet at Langley High School.

Amy Wen produced a score of 7.6 on floor duringMonday’s meet.

Christina Hara is a captain for the Langleygymnastics team.

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 17www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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From Page 15

“Children need to have empathy modeledfor them and they need a script to follow orideas for carrying out charitable acts,” saidChristine Pegorraro Schull, Ph.D., profes-sor of Early Childhood Education at North-ern Virginia Community College in Alexan-dria. “Children aspire to be kind and to begood citizens, but they don’t necessarilyknow how to do these things,”

Involving Matthew and his siblings inphilanthropic efforts through Potomac Pres-byterian Church is one of the ways that theirmother, Cyndy Mamalian, makes a connec-tion between gratitude, charity and a higherpower. “I think it’s important for them tothink beyond themselves and live out theirfaith,” she said. “You need to put your faithinto action, and that is about caring forother people.”

Janet Dunlop, Matthew’s Sunday schoolteacher and a member of the Mission Com-mittee at Potomac Presbyterian Church,melds volunteer projects with class discus-sions to teach her students about gratitudeand charity. This holiday season, as themiddle-school aged children clipped wrap-ping paper and tied ribbons aroundshoeboxes filled with deodorant, tooth-paste, snacks and other essentials for the

homeless, she gave them a description ofthose who are on the receiving end of theirproject.

“Many young people growing up inPotomac don’t have much experience withhomelessness,” said Dunlop. “When my hus-band and I arrive at the shelter with theseboxes, the people there are so happy to re-ceive them. So, this is also about helpingthe children see another aspect of life andtrying to instill in them a life-long ideal ofservice.”

Charitable giving for adults often meansdonating old clothes at the end of the taxyear or writing a check to a nonprofit orga-nization. However, children might find itdifficult to understand how these abstractactions make a difference. That’s why psy-chologists and educators recommend giv-ing children first-hand experience in car-ing for others.

Jenny Trope, Ph.D. and her childrenraised money to purchase grocery store giftcards that they are distributing to home-less men and women they encounter thiswinter. “It gives the kids a glimpse of whatit’s like to be alone, hungry and stuck out-side when it’s cold,” said Trope, who is alsoa marriage and family therapist based inArlington.

Such hands-on projects, coupled with a

Teaching About Benevolence and Compassionconversation about why it’s important totake action to aid people in need of a help-ing hand, could drive home the message.“Children aspire to be kind and to be goodcitizens, but they don’t necessarily knowhow to do these things,” said Schull.

A study by theUnited NationsFoundation andthe Women’s Phi-lanthropy Instituteat Indiana Univer-sity-Purdue Uni-versity Indianapo-lis found that talk-ing to childrenabout giving ishighly effective forencouraging phi-lanthropy, and in-creases a child’s in-clination to give by 20 percent.

“Conversations are critical. Talking aboutgiving in combination with modeling iswhat actually increases children’s giving,”said Debra J. Mesch, Ph.D., director of theWomen’s Philanthropy Institute. “We …know that these conversations need to befocused on why and how giving … makesan impact on individuals in need, ratherthan simply talk that is more general, such

as giving is the right thing to do.”The dialogue can include concrete ex-

amples of how a charitable action will ben-efit others, say mental health experts.“Around the holidays when you’re strug-gling to survive, when you’ve lost everything

and every decisionyou make is aboutmeeting your abso-lute, basic needs,like how you’re go-ing to take ashower, it’s a nicesurprise to get awrapped box ofsoaps, toothpaste,socks, snacks and apersonal note,”said NikkiStanaitis, LCSW-Cof Interfaith

Works. “It makes a person feel human andgives them the sense of normalcy that weall want.”

Acts of charity displayed year-round canlead to life-long habits of philanthropy.“Don’t reserve donating and volunteeringfor the holidays. By making it a way of life,you’re sharing your value system about giv-ing and helping others with your children,”said Trope.

“Children need to haveempathy modeled for themand they need a script tofollow or ideas for carryingout charitable acts.”

— Christine Pegorraro Schull, Ph.D.,Northern Virginia Community College

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18 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Naive andDelusional

Some days, like today, I don’t feel like I havecancer. I feel – delude – myself into thinking thatI have/feel what everyone else at my age whodoesn’t have a “terminal” disease, has/feels.Now whether I’m into something or just rational-izing symptoms like any other cancer patientdoes – discounting any signs of potential troublefor fear of the consequences – I certainly don’tknow, and probably wouldn’t admit to it any-way; mind over what might actually matter.Nevertheless, it’s a good feeling to have, so longas I don’t think about it too much and just gowith the uninterrupted flow, at least until it’sinterrupted. I’ll spare you the details – in thiscolumn, anyway.

But not thinking about having cancer – whenyou have cancer, seems counterintuitive almost.How do you not think about the most importantthing in your life, the “thing” which is very likelyshortening that life? I mean, being diagnosedwith cancer is not exactly chicken soup for thesoul; it’s more a harbinger of things to come,most of which are not particularly good. And asmuch as I would encourage not focusing on anegative and the presumptive self-fulfilling out-come it might portend, denying its existence andpretending that all is right when previously yourCT Scans indicated you’ve been wrong, is reck-less and irresponsible, unless you know/feelsomething that modern medicine has yet todetect.

I don’t know anything except what I feel, andmost of those feelings are probably being routedthrough my brain and its desire for self-preserva-tion. The point being: Am I thinking clearly?Thinking wishfully/hopefully? Or thinking nor-mally? That is: pretending, denying, waiting,wondering. Being a cancer patient/survivor is anemotional roller coaster, and feeling good –however fleeting, has many rewards, but feelingbad as I now do (a mere two paragraphs later) isall it’s cracked up to be.

Sure, I had chemotherapy the other day, sofeeling good, then hours later feeling bad, wasnot totally unexpected; as you might imagineafter nearly seven years of cancer treatment Isort of know the routine/cycle. Still, whenever Ifeel as good as I did in the opening paragraphs, Iget disappointed when the inevitable bad feel-ings return, which last for a week or so – andwhat bothers me even more: I should know bet-ter (I do know better). But I can’t help think-ing/hoping that this will be the post-chemother-apy week when I won’t feel what I’ve always feltevery week after chemotherapy since the infu-sions began in early March 2009.

As much as I readily acknowledge howamazingly lucky I am to still be alive, I can’t helpexpecting more. And when I don’t get more, butinstead get less, I don’t usually take it well.Emotionally I get challenged and physically I getcompromised. The combination results in a diffi-cult set of circumstances. I don’t exactly lose myfocus or forget my good fortune, but I amreminded that I have a serious disease, one thatis looking for trouble, and occasionally, it doeshave its way with me. The only saving grace isthat it is all very familiar to me now, and as myAuntie Irene used to say: “This too shall pass,”which of course, it always does – and then we’reback to abnormal.

However, that time when I feel good, it’salmost a tease, as I know the forthcoming bad.And yet I want to believe that feeling good, forwhatever period, is somehow indicative of afuture less complicated than my present. Still, Ikeep thinking that maybe after this infusion, theweek-after will be different. Unfortunately, it’snever different. It’s always the same. Hopesprings eternal though, and as a cancer patient,hope is our most valuable commodity.Thankfully, there’s plenty for everyone.

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Sr. Software Engineer(Master’s w/ 3 yrs exp or Bachelor’s w/ 5 yrs exp; Major: CS, Engg, Math or equiv.;

Other suitable qualifications acceptable) – Great Falls, VA. Job entails working w/ &

requires experience including: Oracle Developer Tools- Forms and Reports, Oracle, Pro*C, SQL Loader, SQL*Plus,

PL/SQL, Toad, Sun Solaris/HP UX Unix and Windows. Must have experience in

designing, developing, installing, config-uring and testing software applications. Relocation and travel to unanticipated

locations within USA possible. Send resumes to Great Falls Software Solutions

Inc., Attn: HR, 1000 Evonshire Lane, Great Falls, VA 22066.

Stable HandThe Madeira School is currently looking

for a part-time Stable Hand for the weekends, Sat.-Sun. 6:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Duties include; daily horse care,

cleaning stalls, watering, feeding, turning out/in, performing minor

maintenance. Pay $11-$13 per hour. Call 703-556-8260

Do what you can, with

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Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 ❖ 19www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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To have community events listed in the Connec-tion, send to north@connectionnewspapers.com. Thedeadline for submissions is the Friday prior to pub-lication.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 16Women’s Leadership Council. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

7925 Jones Branch Drive Suite TBD, Tysons. joinus for a one hour informational/planningmeeting about upcoming events sponsored byWomen’s Leadership Council. Any question,contact Carla Doyle at 443-909-8665.

THURSDAY/DEC. 17Community Enhancement Commission. 7:30

p.m. Town Hall, 127 Center Street, SouthVienna. 703-255-6360.

Small Business Education Series. 7:30-9 a.m.McLean Governmental Center, 1437 Balls HillRoad, McLean. This Thursday’s topic is “EngageYour Customers with Social Media.” $10, $15.mtwomey@mcleanchamber.org.

MONDAY/DEC. 21Alden Theatre Usher Event. 5:30-6:30 p.m. The

Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.Want to be a part of the arts? Learn how youcan become an usher at The Alden.www.mcleancenter.org. 703-790-0123.

TUESDAY/DEC. 22TIPS I: Lead Sharing & Networking at

Fleming’s. 12:15-1:30 p.m. Fleming’s PrimeSteakhouse and Wine Bar, 1960A Chain BridgeRoad, McLean.

Free to join, $16 for lunch. Contact PeterHimmelberger, Travel Cruise and Tour, 703-496-4125 orphimmelberger@travelcruiseandtour.com.

MONDAY/JAN. 4Town Council Meeting. 8-10:30 p.m. Town Hall

Council Chambers, 127 Center Street South,Vienna.

All Town Council meetings are open to the publicand individuals are invited to attend andprovide their input. Agendas are made availableto the public on the Town’s website after 12p.m. on the Friday preceding a scheduledmeeting. www.viennava.gov.

FRIDAY/JAN. 15Falu’s Bollywood Orchestra. 8 p.m. The

Barnes, Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.Fronted by one of India’s most influentialmusicians—who’s collaborated withmasterminds including Yo-Yo Ma and A.R.Rahman—this ethereal ensemble, led by singerFulu, combines the timeless elegance ofBollywood’s musical golden age with aninventive modern style. $22-$27. http://www.wolftrap.org/ or 703-255-1900.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 20Fairfax Commission on Aging. Noon. Oakton

Regional Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. The public is welcome to attend andjoin in the comment period that begins eachsession. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/coa.htm. 703-324-5403, TTY711 for meeting access needs.

FRIDAY/JAN. 22Robyn Hitchcock. 8 p.m. The Barnes, Wolf Trap,

1645 Trap Road, Vienna. One of England’s mostenduring contemporary singer/songwriters,Robyn Hitchcock began his career performingfolk rock in Cambridge. Come enjoy hisperformance with Emma Swift, who is an alt-country songstress and award-winning radiobroadcaster. $25-$28. http://www.wolftrap.orgor 703-255-1900.

SATURDAY/JAN. 23Marcia Ball. The Barnes, Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap

Road, Vienna. Grew up in Vinton, La., she beganplaying piano at age five and debuted with thecountry rock album Circuit Queen in 1978. Sincethen, she has released more than a dozenrecords, including her Grammy-nominatedcollaboration with blues stars Irma Thomas andTracy Nelson, Sing It! (1998). $35-$40. http://www.wolftrap.org or 703-255-1900.

Bulletin Board

20 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 16-22, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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