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Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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For Olivia Seaton, 9, and her five-year oldtwin brothers, Will (left) and Sam (right)getting to their school on the first day ofclasses and the rest of the year is a two-step commute. First, Mom and Dad drivethem to Hutchison Elementary School inthe Town of Herndon. Then the childrentake a bus to Hunters Woods ElementarySchool for the Arts and Sciences innearby Reston. The children are enrolledin the FCPS magnet school. “I love act-ing,” Olivia said about her school.
For Olivia Seaton, 9, and her five-year oldtwin brothers, Will (left) and Sam (right)getting to their school on the first day ofclasses and the rest of the year is a two-step commute. First, Mom and Dad drivethem to Hutchison Elementary School inthe Town of Herndon. Then the childrentake a bus to Hunters Woods ElementarySchool for the Arts and Sciences innearby Reston. The children are enrolledin the FCPS magnet school. “I love act-ing,” Olivia said about her school.
‘Sisterly’ PremiersIn HerndonNews, Page 8
Aslin Beer Company MovingTo Downtown HerndonNews, Page 12
‘Sisterly’ PremiersIn HerndonNews, Page 8
Aslin Beer Company MovingTo Downtown HerndonNews, Page 12
Alarm ClocksReplace Summer Fun
Connection Families, Page 6
Alarm ClocksReplace Summer Fun
Connection Families, Page 6
Connection
Families
Connection
Families
2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Andrea Worker
The Connection
Ginny Atwood Lovitt is the ex-ecutive director of the ChrisAtwood Foundation (CAF), anorganization that she founded
with her family in honor of her brotherChris, lost to them from a heroin overdose.Their goal is to educate the public on theopioid crisis and to provide resources andsupport for those caught in its growingwake. CAF partnered with the FairfaxCounty Community Services Board and theVirginia Department of Behavioral Healthand Developmental Sciences to create RE-VIVE! — the Commonwealth’s educationprogram on opioids and the use of the drugnaloxone that can reverse the effects of anopioid overdose when administered prop-erly and in time.
Lovitt became a certified trainer for theprogram, and since 2015, has trained morethan 200 people. On Aug. 18, at the UnityChurch of Fairfax in Oakton, she hostedanother session. The difference between thisclass and those that had been offered be-fore was historic. Thanks to the passage ofVirginia Senate Bill 848-2017 and HouseBill 1453, for the first time, Lovitt and RE-VIVE! were able to offer Naloxone to thosewho completed the course and submittedtheir registration.
Naloxone is a medication that attachesto the opioid receptors in the brain, in ef-fect, “knocking the opioids off” and allow-ing the overdose victim’s respiratory andcardiac functions to re-start for a short time.
The “Naloxone Accessibility” bills nowallow agencies and organizations to offerdoses of the medication to the general pub-lic on premises and immediately followingthe completion of the short approved train-ing session.
Outside of its singular purpose at push-ing aside the opioids, Naloxone has no othereffect on body, so there is no danger to any-one who receives the drug accidentally. Thedosage is the same for adults and children,so there is no fear of administering toomuch to a child.
“Before this, we were training, giving theknowledge, but not the tools,” said Lovitt.
Naloxone wasn’t even a consideration,when Chris Atwood was a client at any ofthe numerous treatment programs in whichhis family had enrolled him. “I don’t thinkit was even mentioned,” said Lovitt.
In 2013, she was the one who found Chriswhen he overdosed at the family’s home.“There was nothing I could do but call 911and wait,” she told the class. “If I had hadaccess to Naloxone, maybe he would behere with us today. I don’t want anyone else,any family, to go through this.”
OPIOID ABUSE and overdoses are a seri-ous health issue in Virginia. Twenty-threepeople died in Virginia from prescriptionopioid abuse in 1999, the first year in which
the numbers were collected. By 2013 thenumber had jumped to 386 deaths — a1,578 percent increase.
Factor in the deaths from all opioids —prescription and illicit opioid drugs, and thenumber rises to 683 lives lost that year. Thenumbers have not yet been finalized for2016, but early data shows 1,133 deathsattributable to opioid abuse — an almost40 percent increase from the previous year.
In 2014, Governor Terry McAuliffe issuedExecutive Order 29, establishing a task forceto study the issue and make recommenda-tions to address the growing crisis. In No-vember of that year, the Governor supportedthe Virginia Commissioner of Health’s dec-laration of the opioid abuse epidemic as a“public health emergency.” As of July, 2017,Virginia is one of six states to make such adeclaration, according to the Network forPublic Health Law.
The declaration of such an emergency “islike the state writing a prescription for thegeneral public,” said Lovitt. A “standingorder” was put into place, so that Virgin-ians could go directly to their pharmacy andrequest Naloxone without seeing a medicalprovider.
A very important first step, “but that stillwasn’t enough,” said Lovitt, whose experi-ences show that too many people won’t takeadvantage of the availability, whether be-cause of the cost, or “more likely the stigmaof asking for a drug to counteract an opioidoverdose.” Lovitt took her story and hercause to her legislators and was “over-whelmed by the positive response.”
Three of the General Assembly memberswho championed the Naloxone accessibil-ity bills in both the State Senate and theHouse were present atthe training session.
State Sen. JenniferWexton (D-33) was oneof the sponsors of SB848-2017 and declaredthat she was proudest ofits passage in the lastlegislative session. “Nowwe have to use it … andremember that combat-ing the stigma is as im-portant as combatingthe addiction.”
Del. Jennifer Boysko(D-86) said she wasmore than happy tohelp, when Lovitt cameknocking on her door.“The Atwood Founda-tion is a real beacon oflight,” she said, “lookingto address the root causes of the problem,as well as the effects.”
Boysko also stated that she was heartenedby the fact that the House Bill was sup-ported “by representatives from every partof the Commonwealth. In today’s politicalclimate, it … was miraculous that the billpassed unanimously.”
Del. John Bell (D-87), a retired major inthe United States Air Force, shared a per-sonal experience with the attendees. “Myson asked me to go public with his story.
He has been struggling with an opioid ad-diction for years … and we didn’t know it.We had no idea what to look for.”
After a car accident years earlier, theyounger Bell was given a 90-day prescrip-tion for opioids for pain, with five refills.“He was addicted before the end of the firstprescription,” said Del. Bell.
“He has been clean now for months,” butthe fear is still there for the delegate andhis family and others in their situation. Ashe noted, overdoses often occur when anaddict relapses after having been clean ofopioids for a while. The drugs can have agreater effect, especially if the user takes adose equal to what they were using before,after long-term opioid abuse. “And no oneis immune because of status, age, demo-graphics or economics.” Bell referencedcases in Virginia that spanned the age spec-trum from an 11-year-old girl, to a 78-year-old grandmother.
THE TRAINEES also heard from DEA Spe-cial-Agent-in-Charge, Washington Division,Karl C. Colder. “In 31 years in law enforce-ment,” said Colder, “I have never seen anepidemic like this … we now are even hav-ing babies born addicted.”
After the remarks, Lovitt got down toshowing the trainees what to look for, howto respond, in what order to take the nec-essary steps, and how to administer Narcan,the nasal inhalant version of Naloxone, us-ing mannequins as the victims.
As she demonstrated, Lovitt kept up asteady stream of advice and safety tips. “Re-member,” she said, “the victim can revivesuddenly … it’s like waking up to instant
withdrawal for them.Ensure your own safety,as well as theirs.”
The Narcan kits, in-cluding the instructions,two doses of the medi-cation with an inhaler,and a CPR breathingmask and latex gloveswere then made avail-able, free of chargethanks to the generosityof Reston-based, For-tune 500 Leidos, whosechairman and CEO,Roger Krone, also at-tended. “Our involve-ment is really from thegrassroots,” said Krone.He received an emailfrom one of thecompany’s 32,000 em-
ployees who was directly impacted by afamily member’s overdose, and wanted toknow if the company “would do some-thing.” They did. “This is the biggest, un-known health crisis in America. We need tobe involved.”
For information about upcoming REVIVE!Training, visit its website [email protected]. Read moreabout the Chris Atwood Foundation andtheir efforts, discover support and resourcesat www.chrisatwoodfoundation.org.
Chris Atwood Foundation hosts training on opioid overdose reversal.
Learning to Face Opioid Overdose Crisis
Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection
Ginny Atwood Lovitt, director of the Chris Atwood Foundation, shows theclass how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose and how torespond. After the training, the CAF and REVIVE! made Narcan kits forreversing the effects of an overdose available.
Melody Rose, a teacher from Fairfax,attended the training. “You see somuch in the schools. This is really aserious problem.” Rose wanted tolearn and to be prepared.
The REVIVE! kits with in-structions, CPR victim mask,and gloves, and two doses ofNarcan were available tothose who completed thetraining. The Narcan distri-bution was funded byLeidos, based in Reston.
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Last summer, PokémonGo was all the rage inHerndon and across the
nation. People went outside,generally to public spaces andplayed the augmented-realitygame searching for littlePokémon critters.
This summer, a differentsearch is sweeping the nationand Herndon. Once again, it’sgetting people outdoors andinto the community. The hiddentreasure is not something scam-pering across a half-reality mapon a cell phone screen, but alittle more down to earth.Something you can hold inhand, a real rock.
Plain old ordinary everydayrocks, painted by adults andchildren in the Herndon com-munity, tucked and hidden inpublic spaces. Painted rocks aresprouting up all over the town.They are at the Red Caboose,in municipal flowerbeds, andon and under the picnic tablesin the Town Square. Some arehidden near the Herndon Fort-nightly Library and others at theHerndon Community Center.
While many of the rocks arepainted to look little animals oronly brightly colored, a fewcarry inspirational phrases.
Although many rock groupsare popping up on Facebook,some with rules, “Rock OnHerndon” leaves the creativedesign and wording on the rocksin the hands of the artists. GraceHan Wolf Cunningham pinnedon the Facebook page for “RockOn Herndon” that this group isdedicated to painting, hiding,finding and posting rocks thatcelebrate all things Herndon-our people, places, events, andbusinesses.
Once again, people are outwalking the town, hiding orsearching something little andnot all of the people are fromthe town. Katie Witaker ofReston was in Herndon with herchildren. When asked what shethought of the rock hiding,Witaker said, “It’s a great activ-ity to be outside on a beautifulday and get involved in thecommunity.”
Total strangers talk to oneanother face-to-face. They com-pare notes. They laugh and con-gratulate each other after agood hide or a good find.
By Fallon Forbush
The Connection
After being approved in December 2013, the2.6-acre Dulles Station Community Parkis now open at 13707 Sayward Boulevardin Herndon — every day from dawn to
dusk.The $1.6 million park includes playgrounds for
preschoolers and elementary-aged children, a seat-ing area, a fitness area, a walking trail, a multi-usecourt and a dog park with a shade pavilion.
Situated just south of the Dulles Toll Road andsurrounded by apartment buildings and hotels, thepark provides open space in a sea of concrete.
“There’s a lot of development going on out here inthis part of the county and as we develop, we wantto make sure we’re not just creating housing, butwe’re also creating communities,” said SupervisorJohn Foust (D-Dranesville District). “In order to dothat, we have to focus on things like these types ofurban parks.”
The park came about as a proffer agreement asso-ciated with the development of Greystar’s Station onSilver apartments at 2340 Carta Way in Herndon.The agreement between Greystar and the county was
Grassroots social media crazedraws people outdoors forsummertime fun and camaraderie.
Rocks Build Bridges
From left: After enjoying Farmers Market Fun Daysproduced by Parks and Recreation at the HerndonTown Square, Calvin Yetik almost 3, sister, Juliet, 6,and friends Connor Witaker 4, and his brother,Blake, 2, all of Reston, show off their painted rocksthey are about to hide near the Herndon DepotMuseum.
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Dulles Station CommunityPark is now open at13707 Sayward Boulevard.
New Park OpensIn Herndon
Davison Benton Jr., 8, of Herndon climbson the playground equipment before theribbon-cutting ceremony.
Justice Benton, 9, and Danika Benton, 4,of Herndon play inside the playgroundbefore the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, July 22,to mark the completion of the new park. Front row, fromleft: Fairfax County Park Authority Deputy Director andActing Executive Director Sara Baldwin; MaintenanceCrewmember Rob Aaront; Planning and DevelopmentDirector Dave Bowden; Area 6 Manager Wayne Brissey;Dranesville District Representative to the Park AuthorityBoard Tim Hackman; Dranesville District Supervisor JohnFoust; Urban Limited Director of Landscape ArchitectureKevin Tankersley; CBG Building Company Project Engi-neer Jake Bronstein; Herndon Resident Davison Benton;and Greystar Community Manager Catherine Hughes.Back row, from left: Aiden Buche, 4 (on slide); DavisonBenton Jr., 8; Justice Benton, 9; Davison Benton, 12; andDanika Benton, 4 (unseen standing behind her father).
an investment of up to $1.5 mil-lion by the developer for the de-sign and development of a com-munity park facility.
“The developer here was just to-tally cooperative,” Foust said.
“We really appreciate the devel-oper doing this for us,” added TimHackman, the DranesvilleDistrict’s representative to theFairfax County Park AuthorityBoard. “It’s a great park.”
The developer hopes the parkwill help lure in tenants, now thatunits in the new building are upfor lease.
“We have 400 beautiful residen-tial units to fill up, located rightacross the street from this park,”Greystar Community ManagerCatherine Hughes said. “This parkwill absolutely add value. Not onlyis it a value to everybody withinthis community, but it will cer-tainly be a value and an amenityto Station on Silver.”
Approved plans were in thepipeline for four years, but workon the park did not start until lastFebruary, according to CBG Build-ing Company Project EngineerJake Bronstein.
“It was a lot of site work and toget this lot to be looking where it’sready for a park, it took a lot ofwork,” said Bronstein.
Though only one family at-
tended the ribbon-cutting cer-emony, he says more will take ad-vantage of the amenities onceword gets out.
“To have a centralized place like
this for families will be both astrong selling point for everyonehere, but also a good gatheringplace for the community,” saidBronstein.
Photos by Fallon Forbush/The Connection
4 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
The scenes of devastation fromHurricane Harvey in Texas willprompt many generous people tocontribute to immediate relief ef-
forts.First, a reminder to give money, not stuff.
The organizations on the ground need moneynow to address particular needs.
As a local paper, it fair to saythat if we had a similar disas-ter here in Northern Virginia,we would want donated money
to go to local organizations that understandlocal needs, rules, supply chains, etc. Give lo-cally.
Houston Food BankDisplaced families and individuals will need
to be fed for a long time.Donate online www.houstonfoodbank.org535 Portwall St.Houston, TX 77029713-223-3700
Helping After HarveyGive locally in Texas; give money not stuff.
Commentary
Editorial
Greater HoustonCommunity Foundation
Will coordinate the Hurricane Harvey ReliefFund to accept tax deductible flood relief do-nations for victims that have been affected bythe recent floods.
Donate online ghcf.org5120 Woodway Dr.Suite 6000Houston,TX 77056713-333-2200
The Coalition for theHomeless of Houston/Harris County
Tens of thousands of people in and aroundHouston will be newly homeless as the floodsrecede.
Donate online www.homelesshouston.org2000 Crawford Street, Suite 700Houston, TX 77002713-739-7514www.homelesshouston.org/take-action/do-
nate/
Houston Humane SocietyDonate online at www.houstonhumane.orgwww.houstonhumane.org/(Give)/giving/
general-donation14700 Almeda RoadHouston, TX 77053713-433-6421
San Antonio Humane SocietyIs housing pets of people displaced by Harvey
who are taking shelter at the AT&T Center orother places in San Antonio.
Donate online at sahumane.org4804 Fredericksburg RoadSan Antonio, TX 78229210-226-7461 or 210-518-9742.
Austin Pets Alive!This rescue group partners with local res-
cues. Austin Pets Alive! has been helping shel-ters in the direct line of Hurricane Harvey.They’ve transported more than 330 animals totheir shelter and are expecting hundreds more.
Donate online www.austinpetsalive.org/do-nate/donate-now/ or visit austinpetsalive.org/hurricane-harvey-evacuations/
By Wendy Gradison
CEO, PRS, Inc.
It’s been a tough year in Northern Virginiaas youth and young adult suicides be-reaved families, communities and schools.
Many adult family members, friends, neigh-bors and colleagues were lost to suicide as well.In the aftermath, lives were cut short and somuch promise left unrealized.
Suicide, a serious issuelocally and nationally thatclaims the lives of 44,000people annually, is the 10th
leading cause of death nationwide and secondleading cause for people aged 15-24.
At PRS, Inc., a nonprofit that runs NorthernVirginia’s crisis hotline and textline, we aremarking September’s Suicide PreventionMonth by launching the #CallTextLive Cam-paign. We’ve teamed up with ConnectionNewspapers for this third annual campaign toengage the community in discussing suicideand encouraging people to get help by callingor texting a hotline.
Using the hashtag #CallTextLive, the Cam-paign works to educate the community aboutresources available and actions they can taketo bring awareness to suicide prevention andintervention. In fact, a simple call or text to acrisis hotline or textline often provides theempathetic, trained voice that someone in cri-sis needs to reduce his/her pain and providealternatives and connections to care.
The #CallTextLive Campaign has a varietyof events and actions to bring suicide preven-tion to the forefront. Throughout the month,we will post these on a web-based interactivecalendar at www.prsinc.org/calltextlive. Inaddition, we will be sharing tips and resourcesvia social media and asking people to sharetheir stories and photos on PRS Facebook,Twitter and Instagram using #CallTextLivehashtag as well as posting Stories of Hope —video vignettes from survivors, family mem-bers, and hotline volunteers.
A highlight of the month is Selfie Day onSept. 21 when friends, community, and clientsshow support by tagging themselves on selfieson our Facebook and other social media pages
#CallTextLive — A Hashtag to Rememberusing #CallTextLive. We have t-shirts availablefor purchase for PRS Selfie Day. We also en-courage the community to join the PRS team(with #CallTextLive t-shirts) for the AmericanFoundation for Suicide Prevention Fairfax Walkon Sept. 16 and the NAMI (National Allianceof Mental Illness) NOVA and Loudoun Walks,which are both taking place Sept. 23.
For every death, 278 people manage to movepast thoughts of suicide and survive. PRS sup-ports this through its CrisisLink program, whichhandled nearly 34,000 crisis calls and ex-changed over 33,000 crisis text messages fromthe Northern Virginia region last year. Any timeof the day or night, the PRS CrisisLink Hotlinecan be reached at 800-273-TALK [8255] andthe textline by texting “CONNECT” to 85511.
Making a call or sending a text to PRSCrisisLink saves lives. Removing the stigmaaround reaching out, discussing issues thatcontribute to suicide and encouraging peopleto get help is key. By participating in#CallTextLive, we can turn up the volume, andmake it OK to have a conversation, make a callor send a text.
Letter to the Editor
American ValuesTo the Editor:
The following open letter was addressed to Republicangubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie.
On Aug. 11 and 12, we saw violence andhate we hoped we would never again witnesson American soil. In Charlottesville, Neo-Na-zis and white supremacists took to the streets,marched with torches, gave Nazi salutes,shouted that Jews “will not replace them,”chanted the Fascist slogan “Blood and Soil,”proclaimed white supremacy, and murdered a
woman who was brave enough to stand up tothem. Then, instead of clearly rejecting thisevil, the President of the United States twicedefended those marching with the very Neo-Nazis who unleashed this deadly violence onone of Virginia’s greatest cities.
After President Trump’s press conferences,we were left shocked and then deeply sad-dened. Let’s be clear. “Very fine people” don’tmarch with people who are holding Nazi flagsand chanting anti-Semitic slogans. We wereheartened to see, in the wake of DonaldTrump’s horrifying comments, that leaders in
both parties came together to reject hate andrenew our nation’s founding principles ofequality and inclusiveness. But instead of join-ing these leaders — including many prominentRepublicans — we understand you have re-fused to speak out against the President’s re-action to Charlottesville.
As Jewish members of the Virginia GeneralAssembly, we write you because, as Virginiansand Jews, we find your failure to denouncethe President’s reaction to Nazism deeply dis
See Letters, Page 11
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Oak Hill & Herndon
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Herndon HSNJROTC CadetsLearn the Ropesat Summer Camp
Herndon High freshmen whoare participating in the NavyJROTC program took part in aweek-long summer camp wherethey learned to march, wear andcare for their uniforms, and per-form community service, includ-ing a cleanup of Dranesville Roadnear the school.
Students also learned the impor-tance of physical fitness as a ca-det, and tackled an obstaclecourse. Cadets were instructed inthe proper way to handle a rifleas well. Awards were presented tothe top performing cadets for aca-demics, drill, and physical fitnessduring the new freshman orienta-tion course.
Contact Dave Adler at 703-810-2334 or [email protected].
Community Foundation ScholarshipsThe Community Foundation for Northern Virginiahas awarded scholarships to 89 students, totaling$304,700, to support their continuing higher educa-tion beginning in the fall. The Community Founda-tion for Northern Virginia manages and administersthe funds for 25 scholarships that support NorthernVirginia students pursuing undergraduate andgraduate degrees. The Ashworth Grogan Scholar-ship / R. Koury was awarded to Jordan Perlish ofHerndon High School who plans to attend JamesMadison University.
Herndon High freshmen who are participating in the NavyJROTC program took part in a week-long summer camp
Top cadets were recog-nized for academics,
drill, and physical fitnessduring summer camp.
Photos contributed
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Send school notes to [email protected] by noon on Friday.
Mark Llorens, of Herndon, hasbeen placed on the president’s listiduring the spring 2017 semester at NewRiver Community College (Dublin, Va.).
Micah Doucette, of Herndon, has
earned a place on the dean’s list for thespring 2017 semester. Doucette at-tended Herndon High School beforestarting college after 11th grade.
Michael Boothe , of Oak Hill,earned a Bachelor of Arts in interactivemedia studies from Miami University(Oxford, Ohio).
School Notes
6 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Connection Families
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
It’s been decades since Fairfax CountyPublic Schools (FCPS) started theircalendar year schedule before LaborDay. For nearly 185,000 students en-
rolled in the school division, as well as thou-sands more in private education, Monday,Aug. 28 marked the first day of school forthe 2017-2018 school year.
As temperatures hovered in the low 60s,parents and guardians across the region saidgoodbye to their children as they sent themoff to school. Younger ones got a hug and akiss, maybe a wave from mom and dadstanding on the sidewalk as their busespulled away. A few older students probablyreceived the parent teen blessing: “Pay at-tention. Drive safely.”
Monday, Aug. 28 also marked the real endof the so called “Kings Dominion law.” Sincethe local school jurisdiction, FCPS met athreshold for weather-related school can-cellations, they received a waiver from thestate law meant to safeguard theCommonwealth’s tourism industry. TheFairfax County School Board approved thecalendar change in late 2016, saying at thattime the changes were being made to pro-vide more instructional time before winterbreak, enhanced flexibility to help studentsand school staff members meet college ap-plication deadlines and to end the schoolyear earlier in June. The school year willend on Friday, June 15, 2018.
In addition to changes to the calendaryear schedule, there are some bell changes– an earlier bell for middle school studentsand a later bell for high school students.Herndon Middle School joined FranklinMiddle School with their first bell at 7:30a.m., the same as the majority of the othermiddle schools in the county. Middle schoolstudents in Herndon could be seen as earlyat 6:15 a.m. Monday morning on the side-
walks walking and cycling toward HerndonMiddle School, as well as getting on buses.
AT HERNDON HIGH SCHOOL, studentsbegan arriving shortly before the 8:10 a.m.bell. Seniors Antonio Santos and DouglasFernando Aguilar, 18, stood in the parkinglot. Asked what their ambitions were for thenew school year, Santos said, “I want to getgood grades. I’ll do it by working hard anddoing my homework.”
When asked, “What about fun?” Santossaid that he would like to play soccer butwas not on the team. Aguilar shared he wasnew at HHS, having arrived last year fromEl Salvador. “This is my second year here,”Aguilar said. “I want to get good grades too.And maybe play a little basketball.”
Fairfax County Police Officer Phil Stoneparked his cruiser in the center of busy BennetStreet in front of HHS to direct traffic. Hestopped cars and buses to allow Ava Procopioand Marideth Butler to cross. After they weresafely on school grounds, they paused to an-swer a question: “What were they looking
forward to this year at high school?”Procopio said she was looking forward to
the football games. Butler nodded. Sheadded: “I’m looking forward to applying tocollege. East Carolina is my top choice.”
As the clock ticked on, the buses contin-ued to pull up to the curb at the high schooldoors, drop students off, and head out fortheir next runs – to pick up the younger el-ementary-aged students and take them toschool.
At one bus stop near the fringes of town,a group of “older 6-year-olds” comparedbackpacks and new shoes; children played;and the adults mingled. A young kindergar-ten-aged boy stayed close to his mom. AravHans is 5 1/2. He is the only child of MradulaRathor who was at the bus stop with him.
Asked what she was feeling, Rathor said,“I’m very worried for him, but very excitedfor him, too.” Other parents expressed simi-lar comments. Sentiments heard repeatedlythat morning. “New school year, new shoes,new backpacks. New opportunities.”
In 2016, the Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors and the Fairfax County School
Board passed a new resolution called, “OneFairfax.” It reads: “The time is now to movebeyond embracing diversity as an asset andimplement a new growth model driven byequity — just and fair inclusion into ‘OneFairfax,’ a community in which everyonecan participate and prosper.
“ONE FAIRFAX” can only be realized withan intentional racial and social equity policyat its core for all publicly delivered services.A racial and social equity policy providesboth the direction and means to eliminatedisparities and work together to build a vi-brant and opportunity-rich society for all.”
To stay updated with what is happeningat FCPS, visit News You Choose atpublic.govdelivery.com.
Fairfax County Public Schools open before Labor Day.
Alarm Clocks and Bell Schedules Replace Summer Fun Herndon
Fairfax County Police Officer, Phil Stone stops traffic on Bennett Street infront of Herndon High School as students, Ava Procopio, 17, andMarideth Butler, 17, cross.
Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
From left: Friends Nikhil Damera, Shamith Madhusudana, and SakethRavilla make their ages clear. “I’m not six years old. I’m six and a half, “the boys each say when asked their age. The children team up theirfriend, Krish Kandimalla, 8, for a group photo at their bus stop in theTown of Herndon.
So many children line up for the busat a Town of Herndon elementaryschool stop early Monday morning.Parents expressed mixed feelingabout their children leaving. Somewere anxious, some looked forwardto a little, “me time.”
Fairfax County Public School busdriver, Salvador Tariman, gives ahelping hand to his youngestpassengers, the kindergarteners,as they carefully climb up thestairs to board his bus. Hand-rails on both sides of the stair-well make it a little easier forthe young students.
From left: Herndon High Schoolseniors, Douglas Fernando Aguilar,18, and Antonio Santos, 18 arriveat school with time to spare, wellbefore the first bell at 8:10 a.m.
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Pender Hill Preschool
2017-2018 School Year
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Connection Families
By Marilyn Campbell
As children savor the last days of sum-mer, many families are gearing upfor the start of a new school year.
From first day anxiety to new bedtime rou-tines, local educators offer suggestions fora seamless transition to the classroom.
“I have always loved the rhythms of theschool calendar because of the beginningsand endings and the possibilities for reflec-tion and a chance to refresh and renew…”said Amy L. Best, Ph.D., professor and chair,Department of Sociology and Anthropology,George Mason University. “I think the ritualof back-to-school shopping, whether thatmeans a new binder and notebook, a newbackpack, or a pair of new sneakers … re-mains important for us because it offersopportunity to think about school anew.”
The start of a new school year is an idealtime to help children set reasonable expec-tations, an important concept for highschool students who begin to manage anincreasing amount of responsibility andmust learn to create a balance in their lives,says Best. “Put things in perspective,” shesaid. “Sometimes the goals [that are] fo-cused on personal growth, like learning howto advocate for yourself with a teacher, ornavigating the halls, are as important asidentifying academic milestones.”
“It’s useful to revisit points of struggle andperhaps more importantly, triumphs fromthe previous year. Reminding a student howthey successfully managed a difficult issueis helpful,” said Best.
Gone are the days of staying up late andsleeping in the next day. A healthy bedtimeroutine must be re-established gradually,advises Sean Aiken, head of school, BASISIndependent McLean.
“Consider easinginto the early morningroutine by adjustingyour sleep schedulesseveral days beforeschool starts with pro-gressively earlierwake up times,” saidAiken. “Building theroutine before the firstday of school will helpthe adjustment on dayone.”
“In the week beforethe school year be-gins, families shouldrevisit the expecta-tions for bedtimes andmorning routines andchoose an eveningand following morning to practice the rou-tines,” said Jalene Spain Thomas, LowerSchool Director St. Stephen’s and St. AgnesSchool in Alexandria. “Children will appre-ciate knowing that the new routine for thisschool year includes a slightly later bedtimeor more time for independent reading orshared reading with a parent.”
For younger students, separation anxietymay become an issue as they move into aparent-free environment each day, saysAiken. “In these cases, contact the schooland establish a go-to adult for your child totalk to in the event they miss you too muchduring the day,” he said.
Focusing on the positives about a child’sschool environment can help ease anxiety.“Younger students may want to draw a pic-ture of what they think their new classroomwill look like,” said Thomas. “Older studentsmay enjoy writing a list of what they hopeto accomplish in the school year that thefamily opens together in January.”
Start with an orga-nized workspace andshared family calendarto keep the family or-ganized from day one,advises Aiken. “Foldersand binders for homeorganizational systemsare just as importantas those your child willbring to school,” hesaid. “Post a large cal-endar in a commonarea of the home soearly due dates, backto school nights, andextracurricular activi-ties can be seen by ev-eryone in the family.”
“Parents, rememberto take some time for yourselves in thoseearly days, too,” said Aiken. “You’ve workedhard all summer arranging camps, playdates, and other great activities. Maybe it’stime to take a long lunch break together orcatch a cheap matinee once you’re safelyassured that you children are off and run-ning in their new learning adventures.”
Making the transition from summer to school.Time for School
Photo by Marilyn Campbell
The ritual of back-to-school shop-ping offers an opportunity to thinkabout school anew, says Amy Bestof George Mason University.
“Consider easing intothe early morningroutine by adjustingyour sleep schedulesseveral days beforeschool starts withprogressively earlierwake up times.”
— Sean Aiken, head of school,BASIS Independent McLean
8 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
and friends, no matter the challenges that get in theway.”
When asked if the film is completed, Nina Valladosaid, “Twenty-eight minutes is what it is. The storyis not finished.” Lisa Vallado, who five years ago couldnot express her thoughts, was asked what she wouldlike to see as a sequel to “Sisterly.” She pointed tothe letters on her letter board and said, “I would makea film about having a friend for life.”
The Boston Film Festival recently selected “Sisterly”as the “Best Documentary Short Film - 2017.” OnAug. 10, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts andSciences notified Vallado that her film had advancedthrough the Preliminary and Semifinalist rounds ofjudging, and was now a Finalist for possible selec-tion as the Student Academy Awards of Gold, Silverand Bronze Medal.
To view a trailer of “Sisterly” by Nina Vallado, visitvimeo.com/210889429
For more information about the NonspeakingCommUnity, visit nonspeakingcommunity.org.
Lisa Vallado answers a question from anaudience member at the Virginia Premiereof “Sisterly,” a documentary short filmabout sisters, autism, and communication.Pictured with Vallado is her communica-tion partner, Elizabeth Vosseller, MA, CCC-SIP, founder and practicing Speech-Lan-guage Pathologist, Growing Kids TherapyCenter in Herndon.
News
By David Siegel
The Connection
Northern Virginia theatre-goers will havethe opportunity to
take in a provocative dramaticwork at NextStop Theatre in thecoming days. The productionwill explore how a person’sidentity is formed; then canquickly shift under the harshgaze of family and society. Theshow is “Disgraced” by play-wright Ayad Akhtar.
“Disgraced’ will demonstratetheatre’s power to be more thanpassive entertainment,” saidEvan Hoffmann, producing ar-tistic director, NextStop The-atre. “The play has a remark-ably honest text and script” ex-ploring cross-cultural identityand prejudice.
“Disgraced” is the recipient ofthe Pulitzer Prize for Dramaand a Tony Award nominationfor Best Play. It centers upon anAmerica-born Muslim who is anup-and-coming New York Citylawyer, on the cusp of beingnamed partner in a major lawfirm. His life becomes unstableas he begins to deal with theconsequences of becoming apotential defense presence fora possibly wrongly arrestedimam.
The play’s setting is a smalldinner party in a Manhattanapartment with people of di-verse backgrounds in atten-dance. The major characters in“Disgraced” include the Ameri-can-born Muslim lawyer, an Af-r i c a nAmerican,a Jew, anda whiteChristian.As thep l a yprogresses,w o u n d sa r eopened ;then vis-ibly fester.A mar-riage andlong-time friendships aretested. Characters question notonly what is permissible tothink, but what thoughts are
permissible to say out loud.And, does one’s appearancedefine who they are?
“Disgraced” is directed byThembi Duncan. She has twodecades of experiences as anactor, playwright and teachingartist in the D.C. area profes-sional theatre. Duncan called“’Disgraced’ a remarkable playwith exciting ideas exploringidentity. “It’s very timely andappropriate to produce the playat this time.”
Duncan went on to say; “‘Dis-graced’ may well start deep con-versations among the audienceabout how a person’s identityis formed and can shift. Theplay is one that will raise ques-tions.”
The diverse characters areplayed by a strong ensemble ofnewcomers to the NextStopstage, but not professional act-ing as cast by Duncan. They in-clude Jesse Bhamrah, JennaRossman, Chaela Philips, NahmDarr and Jordan Friend.
Both Duncan and Hoffmannconsider “Disgrace” a powerfulwork right for these currenttimes and for Dulles Corridoraudiences.
“ T h e -atre canbe aplace tobecomei m -m e r s e din storiesh i g h -lightingd i v e r s eperspec-tives thatare dif-f e r e n t
from our own,” said Hoffmann.Theatre as a place of empathyawaits at NextStop with “Dis-graced.”
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
“Sisterly” is a documentary short filmabout sisterhood, autism, andcommunication by director andproducer, Nina Vallado. It premiered in
Virginia at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St. onThursday, Aug. 17, hosted by the NonspeakingCommUnity Consortium, an organization whosemission is to promote access and communicationchoice for nonspeaking individuals through educa-tion, research, and advocacy. Due to the large crowds,two screenings were held, one at 6:30 p.m. and oneat 7:30 p.m.
“Sisterly” tells the story of Vallado and her non-verbal autistic sister, Lisa. It follows their lives, fromLisa’s birth, through childhood up to age 16 and whenLisa, an autistic with unreliable speech, learned tocommunicate by spelling on a stencil letter board.This is a rapid-prompt method of communicationtaught at Growing Kids Therapy Center in Herndon.The film continues to the present day.
During the question and answer period after thescreening, Vallado explained why she chose “Sisterly”as her film. “When I started [the film], I meant for itto be objective, without me involved,” Vallado said.“The point was to tell Lisa’s story.”
Two years into the project and filming, Valladoexplained, she stopped. “I realized I could not tellLisa’s story, I could only tell my story...I didn’t knowmy younger sister Lisa the way I wanted to knowher.”
Vallado explained that sisterhood wasn’t supposedto be like this. She had expectations set in place, hermother and aunts all held a special bond, and shewanted that too. Autism silenced her sister’sthoughts, and because she and Lisa could not com-municate, they grew apart. Even now, Valladostruggles to use the letter board with her sister, shesaid.
Filmgoer, Allison Parcell commented after thescreening how the film relates to relationships andfamily connections regardless of extenuating circum-stances. “The film not only speaks to a relationshipcomplicated by communication challenges but alsospeaks to all relationships and the power of inten-tionally seeking connections with family members
Bold award-winning dramaat Herndonstage.
‘Disgraced’ atNextStop Theatre
Thembi Duncan, director,“Disgraced” at NextStopTheatre
Pho
to
co
urtesy o
f N
extSto
p T
heatre
New award-winning filmholds Virginia premierein Herndon.
‘Sisterly’ Premiers in Herndon
New film talent, NinaVallado, director andproducer of the short
film “Sisterly,” and hersister Lisa share amoment together
before the start of theVirginia Premiere of
Nina’s film held atArtSpace Herndon.View the trailer at
vimeo.com/210889429
Photos by
Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Where & WhenNextStop Theatre presents “Disgraced” at
269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Perfor-mances Sept. 7 to Oct. 1. Thursdays at 8p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 and 30 at 8 p.m.,Saturday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.,Sunday, Sept. 10, 24 and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.,Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.Tickets: $17.50-$55, depending on perfor-mance popularity. Call 866-811-4111 or visitwww.nextstoptheatre.org. Note: Containsadult language and situations that may notbe appropriate for all audiences.
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
ONGOINGJazz in the City Exhibit. Various
times at ArtSpace Herndon, 750Center St., Herndon. Kristine Kellerand Robert Gilbert paint with aninterest in New York. Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.
Free Concerts. Through Aug. 26, 7:30-10 p.m. every Saturday night in thepavilion at Reston Town Center,11900 Market St. Call 703-912-4062or visit www.restontowncenter.com/concerts.
“Elements” Art Exhibit. Varioustimes, through Sept. 2 at ArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center St. FeaturingAndrew Black and Mercia Hobson -Mixed Media & Pottery. Visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.
All-comers’ Group Fun Run atPotomac River Running.Tuesdays and Thursdays. RestonTown Center, 11900 Market St.,Reston. For beginners or competitiverunners, come out for a fun, low-keyrun that is safe and social. Call 703-689-0999 potomacriverrunning.com.
“A Bird in the Hand” through spring2017 Reston Town Square Park,11990 Market St., Reston TownCenter. See and explore PatrickDougherty’s monumental public artsculpture made from tree saplings.Presented by GRACE in collaborationwith IPAR. 703-471-9242restonarts.org
Teen and Adult Art ClassesArtSpace Herndon Every Mondayfrom 5:30-8:30 p.m. 750 Center St.,Herndon. Drawing and Mixed Mediawith Melanie Stanley - During Falland Winter of 2016. Cost: $45/class.The class will use a variety oftechniques for drawing, painting,mark making, and collage using finearts tools and materials. Studentswill be taken down a creative path tolearn to use drawing tools andbrushes more effectively. Register byemailing Melanie, and she will sendyou the supply list and paymentoptions/information:[email protected]. 703-956-9560. www.artspaceherndon.com.
THURSDAY/AUG. 31Dollars and Sense Book Club. 7
p.m. at Reston Regional Library,11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Dollarsand Sense Book Club will bediscussing “Ponzi’s Scheme: The TrueStory of a Financial Legend” byMitchell Zuckoff. Free. Call 703-689-2700.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 2Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival.
1-9 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza(Waterfront) - 1609 WashingtonPlaza, Reston. Jazz & Blues FestivalLine Up: 1 p.m. – Cheick HamalaDibate; 2 p.m. – Sam Gunderson; 3p.m. – John Lee & Michael Pavone; 4p.m. – Integriti Reeves; 5 p.m. –Mykle Lyons – Sextet; 6 p.m. – GigiMacClaughlin; 7 p.m. – Kriss Funn; 8p.m. – Crush Funk Brass. Free. Visitwww.lakeanneplaza.com.
MONDAY/SEPT. 4Herndon Labor Day Festival. 11
a.m.-5 p.m. Outdoor festival on LynnSt. Virginia wine tastings, craft beers,music, craft show, and food vendors.$20 wine and craft brew tastings, $2additional beer tastings or $5 generaladmission. Call 703-787-7300 or visitherndon-va.gov/recreation.
Muscle Up Mondays. 6:30 p.m. at thepavilion, 11900 Market St., Reston.Muscle up your Mondays with freefitness classes in the Pavilion
presented by CRUNCH Fitness-Restongroup instructors. Free. Go towww.crunchreston.com or call 571-267-5000.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 9Food For Neighbors. 9:30 a.m. at the
Collection Spot, 11710 Plaza AmericaDrive, Reston. Collecting food toprovide nutritional support tostudents at multiple area schools,including Herndon High School andHerndon Middle School. Visitwww.FoodForNeighbors.org.
ChalkFest Workshop. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.at the fountain square, 11900 MarketSt., Reston. Take part in a free ChalkWorkshop with artist Penny Hauffe.Free. Go to publicartreston.org or call703-467-9797.
Art With A Heart. 1-4 p.m. at theMarket Common Clarendon, 2800Clarendon Blvd. Artists doingcaricatures, face painting, auction,hosted by Touching Heart ofHerndon. Call 703-901-7355 or visitwww.touchingheart.com.
SEPT. 9-20Northern Virginia Senior
Olympics. Various times andlocations, more than 50 differentevents taking place at more than 25venues across Northern Virginia. Call703-403-5360 or visit www.nvso.us.
SUNDAY/SEPT. 10DogFest. noon-3 p.m. at Reston Town
Center, 11900 Market St., Reston.4th annual Washington DC DogFestWalk ‘n Roll with festivities, graduatespeakers, dog demonstrations, music,food, and more. Celebrate thecommunity of people and dogs thatshow the most advanced technologyfor transforming the lives of peoplewith disabilities. Free. Proceedsbenefit Canine Companions forIndependence – Capital Chapter. Visitcci.org.
Herndon Garden Tour. noon-4 p.m.at Herndon Community Center, 814Ferndale Ave. Tour of five elegantand eclectic gardens in the Town ofHerndon. Tickets are $10 until Sept.1 and $15 through Sept. 10; kids 12and under are free. Tickets may bepurchased at the HerndonCommunity Center, 814 FerndaleAve., by telephone at 703-787-7300using a credit card, or at the HerndonFlorist, 716 Lynn St. by cash orcheck. Visit www.herndon-va.gov/gardentour.
Dog Daze and Wagfest. 10 a.m.-1p.m. The Water Mine FamilySwimmin’ Hole at Lake Fairfax Parkwill open for dogs-only swimming.Dogs can swim in Rattlesnake River
for a suggested donation of $10 perdog. The day will also include acanine resource fair. Visit vendorsincluding veterinarians, dogboutiques, the Park Authority andmore. Learn about the county’s ninedog parks, find out how to volunteeras a dog park monitor and learnabout dog park etiquette. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/watermine/ or call 703-324-8662.
TUESDAY/SEPT. 12Rehearsal Starts. 7-9 p.m. at
Herndon Middle School, 901 LocustSt., Herndon For the Herndon WindEnsemble, open to allinstrumentalists. Public performancesthroughout the year. Free. Visitherndonregionalwindensemble.com.
WEDNESDAY/SEPT. 13Contact Center Nation. 9:30 a.m.-3
p.m. at Hidden Creek Country Club,1711 Clubhouse Road, Reston.Networking and call-centerprofessionals meeting. Visitwww.contactcenternation.com.
THURSDAY/SEPT. 14Steel Drum Sandy. 11:30 a.m.-1:30
p.m. at the pavilion, 11900 MarketSt., Reston. Musicians are one of avariety of different entertainmenteach week at Fountain Square, everyThursday, through Oct. 19. Free. Goto www.restontowncenter.com.
SATURDAY/SEPT. 168K Race and 2K Walk/Fun Run.
8:30 a.m. at South Lakes HighSchool, 11400 South Lakes Drive,Reston. In memory of Timothy P.Susco. This race is hosted each yearby Tim’s family to honor andremember his life, as well as topromote brain aneurysm and organdonation awareness. Visitwww2.fcps.edu/SouthLakesHS/.
ChalkFest. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at RestonTown Center, 11900 Market St. Rainor shine. Registration fee forparticipation includes supplies. Call703-467-9797 or [email protected].
Lulu’s Fate in Concert. 4-6 p.m. atArt Space Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Traditional Appalachianand Americana music. Free. Visitwww.artspaceherndon.org
THURSDAY/SEPT. 21Third Thursdays Art Crawl. 6 p.m.
750 Center Street, Herndon.ArtSpace exhibits art throughoutHerndon. Free. Go towww.artspaceherndon.org.
Entertainment
Art Crawl with Live MusicMusic is part of the Third Thursday ArtCrawl, Sept. 17 at750 Center St., Herndon.
10 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT)has announced the beginning ofan extensive fundraising campaignto convert its large rehearsal stu-dio into a 100-150 seat theater.Named in honor of the lifelongperforming arts mentor of CBTFounder and Director CynthiaDonavin, the Marjorie MussmanStudio Theater will be a fully func-tioning 100-150 seat theater add-ing to Herndon’s growing arts cli-mate and serving audiencesthroughout Fairfax County and thegreater Northern Virginia area.
“I’m thrilled that we are able tomove forward with this project,one of which we’ve dreamed formany years,” said Donavin. “Thetheater will give our studio audi-ences a better experience and, asa cost-effective alternative to rent-ing temporary theater equipmentor venues, it will allow us to offereven more performances to thecommunity.”
The Marjorie Mussman StudioTheater will serve as one of only ahandful of Northern Virginia ven-ues with enough space to performclassical ballet. The theater will in-clude stadium seating, a completerigging and lighting infrastructure,a main act curtain, border cur-tains, legs, a cyc, backdrop tracks,side lighting booms, andColorSource LED lighting as wellas a state-of-the art lighting con-sole system. Explained facultymember Meghan Rudorfer, “We
perform classical and contempo-rary works throughout NorthernVirginia, and we often find thatour local studio performances, likeour popular Children’s Series pro-ductions, are at capacity. In addi-tion to allowing more perfor-mances, the theater will accommo-date more guests comfortably. Thismeans we will be able to reacheven more of our communitymembers.”
For more information about theMarjorie Mussman Studio Theater,visit www.cbtnva.org.
CBT Launches FundraisingFor 100-150 Seat Theater
Photo by Tony de la Paz/Artwork by Meghan Rudorfer
Classical Ballet Theatre awes its audience members withits full-length ballets, children’s series ballets, and con-temporary dance choreography.
Photo courtesy of CBT
Several years ago, ShannaGayor (left) and otherClassical Ballet Theatre(CBT) dancers enjoyed aninspirational workshopwith Marjorie Mussman,right (1943-2009), lifelongmentor of CBT Founder andDirector Cynthia Donavin.
Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
I write this column in all sincerity, but whatare you asking me for? A rhetorical question ifthere ever was one. To what I refer is the questionI was asked earlier this morning by one of thehome-improvement tradesman working on myupstairs bathroom. Having made significant pro-gress on the bathroom in the five weeks or sosince I published “And So It Begins,” a columndetailing the few facts I retained about the demo-lition/renovation and the anxiety I felt about it,today’s task was waterproofing the shower enclo-sure/bathroom floor in preparation for the tile, if Iunderstand correctly. Now, as further context, Iknow very little about home improvement (carrepairs, computer technology, lawn and garden;shall I go on?). Moreover, I know very littleSpanish. Combine the two, as happened thismorning, and you are asking (literally) fortrouble.
The waterproofing man arrived at 8:45 a.m.The day before, his boss/presumably the owner,had stopped by for a walk-through and to dropoff materials for the job. I thought I would seehim again, I was wrong. The only person on thejob is the person whose English is better than mySpanish and the only Spanish I know, I knowfrom a cartoon character, “Speedy Gonzales, thefastest mouse in all of Mexico,” I grew up watch-ing on Saturday-morning television. After direct-ing him to the upstairs bathroom, within a fewminutes, the man walked downstairs andasked/motioned for me to follow him backupstairs, I figured there was likely a question thatneeded answering so immediately I got off thecouch to assist.
Once we were both inside the bathroom, hestarted pointing to the walls (front, back andsides), ceiling, niche and planned-for benchwithin the enclosure, to ask for – so far as I couldunderstand, what needed to be waterproofed (I’llspare you any details about the process since I’munlikely to do so accurately). Now, other thanasking the project manager Simple-Simon-typequestions about what is going on, what has goneon (literally and figuratively) and what is plannedto be going on, I am out of any kind of loop. Theworkmen come in. I point them upstairs. Then Igo into my office and mind my own business. Irarely check their progress. Generally speaking, Ionly look to see what’s been done after they’veleft. I am not in anybody’s way and I don’t serveas any kind of resource other than answering themost basic questions: “Is that the basementdoor?” “ Do you mind if we shut off the water?”“Is there a hardware store nearby?” As such, I amthe least-bit helpful.
The man working today is new to me/the pro-ject. He’s not been here before. But I did openthe door to let him in and I did direct him to theupstairs bathroom. For all he knows/has experi-enced so far, I seem to be somewhat helpful.Ergo, after a bit, rather than calling his boss, hecame back downstairs to solicit my help. Limitedthough I knew it would be, I was happy to try. Asthe conversation began, it became clear to methat not only did I not know what he was talkingabout (job wise), I couldn’t even understand whatit was that he was saying. I was lost in translationand lost in intention. As I attempted toanswer/explain/guess what he was asking whilewe were both pointing/gesturing/talking, I quicklyrealized that this was a language match not madein heaven. Nevertheless, we eventually came tosome sort of an understanding of the task at handand back downstairs I went.
Sitting on the couch, I began to feel uncom-fortable about the instructions I think I had justgiven/agreed to. As a result, I considered callingmy project manager at home on a Saturdaymorning to get some clarity/confirmation aboutwhat I think had just transpired upstairs. Not at allbothered by my weekend intrusion, and after lis-tening to a condensed version of this column,Stefan assured me that what seemed to be hap-pening here was supposed to be happening.
And here I thought outliving my lung cancerprognosis by six-plus years was a miracle.
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From Page 4
turbing. The events in Charlottesville re-call the darkest moments in both the his-tory of this country and the Jewish people.What we saw on Friday and Saturday wasan assault on our democratic society andthe very values this country was foundedupon. Yet the President of the United States,the leader of our country, has not once buttwice defended those who would marchwith the Neo-Nazis and their ilk.
Our country at its best has been a beaconof hope and safety for all peoples. Hundredsof thousands gave their lives so that theforces that destroyed Europe would neverset foot on American soil. President Trump’sreaction to Charlottesville represented a be-trayal of that noble legacy and our coreAmerican values.
Donald Trump is the leader of your party.Your refusal to speak out against him is acolossal failure of leadership, a moral abdi-cation, and deeply troubling to Virginia’sJewish community. We urge you to breakyour silence and immediately denounceDonald Trump’s hateful and inadequate re-sponse to the Charlottesville attack.
We are living through a moral reckoning,a time when all citizens of our great com-monwealth and nation are called to defendthe most fundamental values of our democ-racy. We ask you to immediately stand up,loudly and clearly, against those who wouldcondone violence and hatred.
As Americans, Jews, and Virginians, weurge you to join us and immediately con-demn the President’s dog-whistle defenseof Nazism.
Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaw,Sen. Adam Ebbin, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, Del. Marcus Simon, and Del.Mark Levine
Letter
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
SENIOR VOLUNTEERSRSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking
service opportunities in and around FairfaxCounty, Arlington County and the City ofAlexandria, offers a wide array of opportunitiesfor volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteersenjoy flexible schedules, free accident andliability insurance while serving, optionalmileage and meal reimbursement and areinvited to volunteer group projects and socialgatherings. To sign up for an upcomingorientation, email Carly Hubicki [email protected] or call RSVP at703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visitwww.rsvpnova.org.
FRIDAY/SEPT. 1Public Comment Deadline. The Fairfax County
Department of Transportation (FCDOT) isseeking public input on the location of 10 newbikeshare stations in Reston. Follow this link tosubmit comments: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/bike/restontysonsbikeshare.htm. Call 703-817-1307 or visit www.datatrans.org orwww.livemore.us for more.
ONGOINGMaster Gardener Training. The Fairfax County
Master Gardener Association offers plant clinics,home turf training or speakers for homeowner’smeetings. Fees vary. Visit fairfaxgardening.orgor call MG Help Desk at 703-324-8556 for more.
Bulletin Board
12 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 30 - September 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Ahh, the spell of summer.Afternoons hanging outwith family and friends,
maybe at the pool or picnick-ing. However, as Septembernears, and the sun goes downearlier and earlier, darknesschallenges family time out-doors. Herndon Parks and Rec-reation Department (HPR) un-derstands Herndon is aboutfamilies and the good times.So….
On Saturday, Aug. 19, 8-9:30p.m., families and friends gath-ered on the Herndon Town HallSquare, 730 Elden St. Childrenand adults alike played in themoonlight, as HPR hosted afree, Glow in the Dark ActivityNight. The special event waspart of Herndon Parks andRecreation’s new series, It’s ON!in Downtown Herndon thisSummer, events planned withfamily interests in mind.
While the night’s fun startedoff with children and adultsplaying glow-in-the-dark bowl-ing, ring toss, and tic-tac-toe,the ample supply of free glownecklaces and bracelets fromthe generous folks at HerndonParks and Recreation kicked thedark party up a notch. Childrenbeing children, took gamingand art creation into their ownhands and ran with it.
Within the hour, creativityruled. Glow-in-the-dark armhula-hoops, couture pet collars,and fashionable daddyheadbands abounded. FriendsElisa Barallas, 9, and AnnabelleEggers, 9, demonstrated theircreations – arm hula-hoops.After joining together manyglow-in-the-dark necklaces toform newly minted mini hula-hoops, the girls slid them ontheir arms and began movingthem in circles. Flowing wavesof liquid light emerged. Overand over they did it, with thelight resembling the biolumi-nescent alien world of “Avatar,”swirling beside them.
Elisa said, “I want the nightto last longer.”
Mathew Eggers is Annabelle’sdad. He said,”My kids havebeen on me all week for this.We were here last week for thewater gun fight. Herndon Parksand Rec, keep doing this.”
For information about otherHerndon Parks and RecreationDepartment Downtown SpecialEvents, including the upcomingCupcake Ride, a four-mile fam-ily-friendly bike ride with stopsat bakeries and businesses, theLabor Day Festival featuringVirginia wine tastings and craftbeers, and the Kids Triathlon, ashortened swim, ride, runcourse with different divisionswhere everyone wins a medal,visit herndon-va.gov
Childhood calls, Herndon Parksand Recreation answers with theirGlow in the Dark Activity Night.
Glow in the Dark
By Mercia Hobson
The Connection
Aslin Beer Company, lo-cated in an industrialpark on the fringes ofthe Town of Herndon,
has found a new home. After tre-mendous growth since its found-ing in September of 2015, it istime to continue their growth asa brewery, said Andrew Kelley, oneof the co-owners.
Kelley said he and the other twoco-founders, Kai Leszkowski, andRichard Thompson, have found anew home for their Tasting Room(aka Pour House) and Sour Beerfacility in Historic DowntownHerndon. The location encompassesthe vacant building at 771 EldenStreet formerly housing Horn Mo-tors.
The company hopes to have therenovation completed sometimebetween the end of 2017 andearly 2018. Aslin’s new home willbe within the planned downtownredevelopment area in the His-toric District, steps fromHerndon’s Old Town Hall andwithin easy access to parking.
The new Pour House is de-signed to have approximately2500 square feet of interior space,plus a 2500-square-foot outdoorspace, including a rooftop deckand bar, bocce ball court, and acovered deck.
Herndon Town CouncilmemberSigne Friedrichs said, “Aslin’s TapRoom will be a great addition to our Historic Down-town. I look forward to working with the owners.”
According to the company website, since the in-ception of Aslin Beer Company, co-founders Kelley,Leszkowski and Thompson realized that beer wasnot the only product they offered — long lasting re-lationships between the company, employees, andcustomers were equally important. In their currentoperation, Aslin Beer Company strives to create aculture that celebrates beer with a passion and depthof knowledge that can’t help but be contagious totheir customers. Aslin Beer Company is noted fortheir high-quality ales, lagers, and variants.
Les Zidel lives within walking distance to the newPour House and did not know about the upcomingchanges. Upon learning of the downtown’s newestaddition, Zidel said, “A microbrewery will add evenmore reason to go downtown to Herndon’s lovableand lively center. Great food, art, shops, residences,festivals, and beer. Oh, what a place to be! I’ve gotmy mug ready.”
In the new facility, Kelley said there would be asour beer facility. He explained sour beer is style orsubdivision of beers, like ales and lagers. Sour beers
are fermented over a longer period with bacteria andyeast, in different vessels such as stainless steel,wood, or cement. While sour beers have a smallerfollowing than traditional style beers, “They havebeen made for hundreds of years, most notably inBelgium and are starting to become more familiar.”
Asked if they’d be serving food in their new loca-tion, Kelley answered, “Beer for right now, but we’replanning to open our food truck at a time to be de-termined, one with farm-to-table style foods such asBBQ, salads, and charrette boards.”
Kelley said the team is excited to get plans under-way. To introduce the community to the new busi-ness, Aslin Beer Company is hosting their second-anniversary party in the parking lot of their to-be-built new tasting room. The event is Saturday, Sept.16, noon-6 p.m.
Former downtown business owner and TownCouncilmember Richard Downer said, “I’m very ex-cited that soon we’ll be walking to downtownHerndon for an IPA at Aslin’s. Their craft beers arefantastic. My son from Ashville, N. C., which isknown for its microbreweries, was also impressedwith Aslin brews.”
Renovation project to provide Pour House and SourBeer facility.
Aslin Beer Company Moving toDowntown Herndon
Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
The Aslin Beer Company seeks to renovate the vacantHorn Motors building located at 771 Elden St. inHerndon’s Historic Downtown District into their newPour House and Sour Beer facility.
Photo courtesy of Aslin Brewery
Aslin Beer Company looks forward to many years in theirnew location, hopefully opening early 2018 or sooner.
Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
Friends Elisa Barallas, 9, and Annabelle Eggers, 9,take part in Herndon Parks and Recreation’s Glow inthe Dark Activity Night. “I want the night to lastlonger,” Barallas said.
