McLean - Ellington CMSconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/.../31/McLean.pdf · 2017. 1. 31. · 4 McLean Connection February 1-7, 2017 News Students Meet McLean Firefighters

McLean Connection ❖ February 1-7, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinio

n, Page 6

❖

Entertainm

ent, Page 11 ❖

C

lassifieds, Page 14

Pho

to

by Fallo

n Fo

rbush/T

he C

onnectio

n

online at www.connectionnewspapers.comFebruary 1-7, 2016

Family TragedyStrikes McLean

News, Page 3

Citizens Debate ProposedAssisted Living FacilityNews, Page 4

Chocolate FestivalHeld in McLeanNews, Page 8

Police were still on the scene of familytragedy in McLean on Sunday, Jan. 29.

The investigation is ongoing.

WellbeingPage 8

McLeanMcLean

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ February 1-7, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

The news sank in hours later.“One of my best friends is gone,” he says.

“I broke down.”Around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, a

relative of the Chen family called 911 and

told police that a body could be seenthrough a window at the family’s McLeanhome at 1339 Windy Hill Road. When po-lice arrived, Chen and his parents— ShirleyShou, 48, and Hong Chen, 52 —were pro-

By Sunday, Jan. 29, flowers started to pile up in front of the family’sMcLean home on Windy Hill Road.

Police were still on the scene in McLean on Sunday, Jan. 29. The investi-gation is ongoing.

By Fallon Forbush

The Connection

The sudden death of sophomoreJames Wenjie Chen, 16, and hisparents ripped through LangleyHigh School and the McLean

community on Friday, Jan. 27.“I was shocked and I didn’t know how to

feel,” says Bryanna Washington, 15. She hasbeen a classmate of Chen’s since they wereboth in fourth grade and were both sopho-mores at Langley High School.

“So full of sorrow, rest easy James,” sheposted in a tweet on Saturday, Jan. 28. Inthat post, she included a video tribute toher friend of her singing “Not About An-gels” by the artist Birdy, which is on “TheFault In Our Stars” movie soundtrack.

“We rode the bus together and we wouldalways be singing,” she says.

The lyrics she sang were:“We know full well there’s just time, so is

it wrong to dance this line,If your heart was full of love, could you

give it up?‘Coz what about, what about angels, they

will come, they will go make us special.”“He loved to sing and I also love to sing,

so I just thought that I should just do whatI love in tribute to him,” she says.

LANGLEY SOPHOMORE Mark Bosset,15, also knew Chen since they were both infourth grade and went to the same elemen-tary, middle and high schools together.

“We had a lot of common interests,” hesays. “Him and I— from fifth grade to eighthgrade— were both in choir. He loved tosing.”

He was sitting down with his girlfriendon a staircase at the school when he wasgiven the news of his friend’s death via text.

“It was so weird … it was unbelievable,”he said. “I stood up, I went down a coupleof steps and I just dropped my phone andsat down on a step and was just breathing.It was shock. I couldn’t process it.”

nounced dead at the scene.Fairfax County Police Department homi-

cide detectives have preliminarily deter-mined the deaths to be a domestic-relateddouble murder-suicide and said Hong Chenfatally shot his wife and son before killinghimself.

An investigation is ongoing and autopsieswill determine the exact cause and mannerof death, according to police.

That evening, the community beganbringing dozens and dozens of flower bou-quets, which are piled together in front ofthe mailbox of the home as police detec-tives continue their work.

While Bosset and his friends still wonderwhat caused the tragedy, they pulled to-gether to remember their friend the follow-ing day.

A LARGE GROUP of people attended avigil for James Chen at the high school.Chen’s sister, who is a student at the Uni-versity of Virginia, attended, says Bosset.

Bosset spoke to the crowd, who were ex-periencing a mixture of emotions that madethem cry and smile as they reflected onmemories of their friend, he says.

A story he told was a recent memory hehad from their freshmen year. They bothattended a choir concert at their old middleschool, Longfellow Middle in Falls Church.

Chen’s mother was supposed to pick themup afterwards, but there was a miscommu-nication. They were left waiting outside atnight in the rain because no one showedup to drive them home.

“We just started singing all of our old choirsongs in the rain,” he says. “Afterwards, weboth got sick but he didn’t care. That’s whathe was all about. Even though it was rain-ing, he just kept singing.”

He says that’s a motto that he will remem-ber his friend by: “Even though it’s raining,keep singing.”

“All of us miss him and will never forgetsinging along with him,” he says.

Langley High students pay tribute toslain classmate who sings no more.Family Tragedy Hits McLean

Photo courtesy of Mark Bosset

Friends Mark Bosset, left, and James Chen, right, sang together inmiddle school and were classmates at Langley High School. The day thisphoto was taken, Chen sang a solo to Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” whichBosset says will always remind him of his friend because it was done sowell. “All of us miss him and will never forget singing along with him,”he says.

Pho

to

s by Fallo

n Fo

rbush

/T

he C

on

nectio

n

“Him and I— from fifth grade to eighth grade—were both in choir.He loved to sing.”

—Langley HighSophomore

Mark Bosset


News

Students Meet McLean FirefightersOn Thursday, Jan. 26, firefighters from Fire Station 1 in McLeanshowed high school students how they respond to car crasheswhere drivers are trapped. The students learned how they use the“jaws of life” and other tools to remove trapped occupants in ademonstration at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy inFairfax. The students are part of the county’s new High SchoolFirefighter Program, which is a partnership between the FairfaxCounty Fire and Rescue Department and the Fairfax County PublicSchools. The program is for high school seniors who are interestedin becoming firefighters.

Citizens Debate Proposed Assisted Living FacilityBy Fallon Forbush

The Connection

Nearly 200 people crowdedinto three rooms of theMcLean Community Centeron Tuesday, Jan. 24, to voice

their opposition or support for the proposedSunrise Senior Living development on landat the northwest corner of Kirby Road andWestmoreland Street.

There were far more opponents than pro-ponents at the meeting.

The proposal would build a 73-unit as-sisted living facility that could accommo-date up to 90 residents and would also pro-vide a memory care unit for residents withAlzheimer’s disease and dementia.

This was the second time the McLean Citi-zens Association invited the public to dis-cuss the proposed development. The meet-ing was organized by the group’s Planningand Zoning Committee.

The developer is seeking what is knownas a special exception from the county tobuild the facility in the residential area. Thisis because the county requires such facili-ties in residential areas to be built on par-cels that are a minimum of five acres. Theproposed location is only 3.7 acres.

Sunrise Attorney Stu Mendelsohn saysthat Fairfax County has waived the five-acrerule every time an assisted living facility hasbeen proposed.

“They’ve acknowledged that you don’tneed five acres for this kind of facility,” hesaid. “The bottom line is, we meet the re-quirements of the zoning ordinance,” saysMendelsohn.

ONE COMMUNITY MEMBER spoke infavor of the proposal at the meeting.

“I’m feeling lonely,” Bill Corbett, who livesin the adjacent Crosswoods community, saidduring the meeting. He and most of hisneighbors whose homes are along the prop-erty line next to the proposed facility sup-port Sunrise.

“We would rather have their building 100feet away from their fence than a mansion

25 feet away,” he said.According to Mendelsohn, abutting

homeowners like Corbett are supporting theproposal because there will be a 100-footbuffer between the properties. By right con-struction could be much closer.

“The people who are most impacted arethe ones who are supporting us,”Mendelsohn says.

But homeowners in other surroundingcommunities and other homeowner groupsvoiced concerns during the meeting. Theirprimary concern is the traffic at the inter-section, which community members say al-ready experiences severe congestion.

Due to these traffic concerns, Sunrisemoved the proposed entrance to the facil-ity from Kirby Road to Westmoreland Street.The company also committed to providinga shuttle to and from the metrorail for itsemployees.

Community members had also objectedto the facility’s proposed three-story height.With this feedback, Sunrise lowered theheight of the building to 35 feet. It did thisby moving one the building’s proposedfloors underground. The newest version ofthe proposal also moved 33 of its 55 park-ing spaces to an underground parking ga-rage.

“We heard very loud and clear that theydidn’t like the height,” says Mendelsohn.

In July 2016, the MCA approved a reso-lution that opposed Sunrise’s proposal, butthat was before the organization made allthese revisions to its application.

Throughout the process, Sunrise has ad-vocated that there is a need for its facilityin the area.

In May 2016, the Fairfax County HealthCare Advisory Board sent a memo to theBoard of Supervisors stating that Sunrisehad demonstrated a need for the develop-ment of an assisted living and memory carefacility in the McLean community.

This letter cited Sunrise’s own analysis,which found that four nearby facilities wereexperiencing high occupancy levels:

Abutting homeowner Bill Corbett, who lives in the adjacent Crosswoodscommunity, says that he and most of his neighbors along the propertyline support the Sunrise proposal.

Mike Weatherbee, who does not support the proposal, asked Corbett ifhe received financial incentive or landscaping deals in exchange forhis support of the proposal. Corbett answered by saying, “No, thatwould be illegal.” See Sunrise, Page 5

Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County

Fire and Rescue Department

Photos by Fallon Forbush/The Connection


News

❖ Chesterbrook Residences Inc.: 95 per-cent occupancy

❖ Vinson Hall, LLC: 94 percent occupancy❖ Sunrise of Falls Church: 90 percent oc-

cupancy❖ Sunrise of McLean: 97 percent occu-

pancyAt the HCAB’s May 2016 meeting, Sun-

rise also told the board that as of February2016, the memory care units at nearby fa-cilities were at full occupancy and otherassisted living services were at or near fullcapacity. Sunrise also said demand wouldcontinue to grow.

NEARLY 19 PERCENT of McLean’s totalpopulation is aged 65 or older, accordingto the 2015 American Community Surveyby the U.S. Census Bureau.

Still, this is Sunrise’s second attempt tobuild the facility. After receiving significantpush back from the community for its firstdesign years ago, Sunrise withdrew theapplication, according to Mendelsohn.

“Every time we’ve had community meet-ings … we’ve refined the application,” saysMendelsohn.

He says the company’s latest revisionshave addressed the community’s concerns,but some opponents cannot be satisfied

From Page 4 because they just don’t want the Sunrisecommunity at the location.

The MCA Board of Directors will be vot-ing on a follow-up resolution at its nextmeeting on Tuesday, Feb. 1, after deadlinefor this paper.

“We wouldn’t be having this conversationif Sunrise could simply build on that prop-erty by right,” says MCA President JeffBarnett. “The question is whether thatmodification would be appropriate. We’regoing to be taking the law and communityvalues into consideration.”

The draft of the resolution, which wascirculated to the community on Sunday, Jan.29, resolves to remain opposed to theproject and urges the Board of Supervisorsto deny the application.

“Historically, the MCA has supported citi-zens,” Mendelsohn says. “The ultimate de-cider is going to be the Board of Supervi-sors and they’re going to be faced with adecision that could have ramifications onwhether our seniors can continue to live inthis community.”

The Fairfax County Planning Commissionis scheduled to consider the application onMarch 8. The county’s Planning and Zon-ing Department will publish a staff reportsome time in February.

A hearing with the Board of Supervisorshas not been scheduled yet.

Sunrise Proposal Debated


www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Fallon ForbushReporter

[email protected]

Kyle KincaidEditorial Assistant

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Trisha HamiltonDisplay Advertising

[email protected]

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising

[email protected]

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

CIRCULATION: [email protected]

McLeanOpinion

There is so much going on this week:

Locally, the effects of a travel banat odds with American valuesplayed out at Dulles International

Airport, but stimulated a heartening response,with volunteer attorneys offering help, local,state and federal elected officials demandingaccountability and peaceful demonstrators pro-testing the un-American assault ontravel from particular Muslim-majoritycountries.

“I was just amazed at the number ofpeople, the energy, the spirit, the spontaneity,”said Del. Marcus Simon, who used FaceBookLive to share the scene over several days. “Insome ways, it was heartening, to see so manyNorthern Virginians reacting.”

See reporter Tim Peterson’s story in this pa-per.

CROSSOVER is Feb. 7; that’s when only billsthat have passed either the House of Delegatesor the Virginia Senate can move forward.

As this date approaches, the General Assem-bly has a serious transparency issue, as it con-tinues to kill most proposed legislation withunrecorded voice votes in subcommittee, withno accountability or record of how membersvoted.

This was raised to new heights earlier thisweek, when a House of Delegates subcommit-tee killed proposed constitutional amendmentsincluding non-partisan redistricting and restor-ing voting rights of felons, along with morethan 20 proposed amendments, in a singlevote.

John Horejsi of Vienna, who heads the orga-nization Social Action Linking Together, notesthat his organization is unable to track what

happens to legislation they support. This head-line, which ran last week onwww.roanoke.com, says it all: “Bill to requirerecorded votes dies on an unrecorded vote,again.”

State Sen. Creigh Deeds continues importantwork on mental health reform, citing threepriorities this year, requiring most of Commu-

nity Services Boards around the stateto provide same-day service and cer-tain outpatient services; to assess andprovide care for inmates who have

mental health needs; and long-term support-ive housing to help avoid repeated mentalhealth crises.

About 200,000 people in Virginia have hadtheir motor vehicle licenses suspended for alegal infraction that has nothing to do with adriving offense. And 650,000 people in Virginiahave a suspended license for failing to paycourt costs. This is an obstacle to holding a joband being able to meet other obligations, andlegislation to stop this counter-productive prac-tice is still alive in the Virginia Senate.

The sale of high-proof grain alcohol in Vir-ginia Alcoholic Beverage Control stores passedthe House of Delegates earlier in the session,and is just foolish.

EFFORTS by state Sen. Adam P. Ebbin andothers, supporting repeal of the Virginia con-stitutional amendment approved by voters in2006 forbidding gay marriage should move for-ward. The 2006 amendment is no longer validbecause the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 le-galized same-sex marriage.

State Sen. Chap Petersen introduced adoomed bill to ban contributions from publicutilities. “Monopolies like Dominion or Appa-

lachian Power have an undue influence on thepolitical process. That leads to legislationwhich has a direct cost to Virginia consumers,both residents and small businesses,” Petersensaid.

It looks like the felony threshold will increaseto $500 from $200, an important distinctionchampioned by Petersen and state Sen. ScottSurovell.

While the constitutional amendment to ad-dress voting rights for felons who have servedtheir sentences died in the above action, Gov.Terry McAuliffe should be commended for re-storing the civic rights of more than 128,000Virginians, and his plans to restore rights forany remaining Virginia citizens who lost theirrights. This has been a laborious and worthyprocess, adapted as needed to meet legal chal-lenges and court rulings.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Submit Photos toPet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly specialedition, will publish the last week of February,and photos and stories of your pets with youand your family should be submitted by Feb.15.

Please tell us a little bit about your creature,identify everyone in the photo, give a briefdescription what is happening in the photo,and include address and phone number (wewill not publish your address or phone num-ber, just your town name).

Email [email protected] or submitonline at www.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.

For advertising information, [email protected] or call 703-778-9431.

Demonstrations at Dulles in reaction totravel ban; fast moving General Assemblylacks transparency; other key issues.

So Much Happening, Don’t Blink

Editorial

ComstockDivided LoyaltiesReappearTo the Editor:

I read with interest the editorialconcerning the federal hiringfreeze (“Not Helping the LocalEconomy,” The Connection, Janu-ary 25-31, 2017). All of our North-ern Virginia delegation to the Con-gress oppose the freeze. That is notsurprising since we have so manyfederal employees in Northern Vir-ginia. Even Republican BarbaraComstock has spoken out againsta “foolish” freeze.

But one wonders the motives ofComstock. Just a few weeks agoshe voted to support the Holmanrule which gives Congress the rightto cut personnel and programs.

Congressmen Beyer and Connollyand Senators Kaine and Warneropposed resurrecting the Holmanrule.

While Comstock has touted heropposition to the freeze, she hasvoted with her party on 8 key votesduring the first week of this con-gress. These votes included Repub-lican drafted rules that make iteasier to reduce the federalworkforce and cut civil servants’salaries.

It is clear that the Republicancontrolled House and Senatealong with President Trump arehostile to government spendingand in many areas are seeking toreduce staff and programs them-selves. Comstock has voted withher party in Congress over 90 per-cent of the time since she took of-fice.

Don’t expect Comstock to aban-don her party. With the Housemajority the Republicans havenow, she has come out on the is-sue of the freeze without jeopar-dizing the Republican objectives.

Northern Virginia needs a Rep-resentative that supports our fed-eral workforce full time, not onlywhen a visible piece of legislationgets in the news.

Arnold GoldsmithMcLean

Letters to the Editor

Evil and SelfishTo the Editor:

Re: “Protesting Vote Suppres-sion”, Letter to the Editor, Jan. 25-31. Congratulations to NancyBlethen, for her accurate descrip-tion, concerning the fallacies, ofGerrymandering. The process isevil and selfish, primarily for per-sonal gain, and should be illegal.Thank you Nancy.

Gerry RosenthalGreat Falls

Write The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Send to:

Letters to the EditorThe Connection

1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.

By e-mail: [email protected]


Attorney/Accountant,Former IRS Attorney

Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars

All Types of Federal, State,Local & Foreign Taxes

Individual • BusinessTrusts • Estates • Wills

Amended & Late ReturnsBack Taxes • IRS Audits

• Civil LitigationBusiness Law • Contracts

Robert Beatson II

703-798-3590 or301-340-2951

www.beatsonlaw.com

�

Learn as if youwere to liveforever; live as ifyou were going todie tomorrow.

—John Wooden�

News

By Ken Moore

The Connection

Dranesville Planning CommissionerJohn Ulfelder wanted Verizon Wire-less to understand McLean’s effortsto eliminate utility poles in McLean’s

Business District.Verizon Wireless proposed two panel antennas

in a “stealth canister” flush-mounted to a 52-footmonopole at 1451 Chain Bridge Road.

“Is Verizon aware that perhaps within a year,they’ll have to tear it down?” said Ulfelder at thePlanning Commission’s public hearing on Thurs-day, Jan. 26.

“We just finished a 13-year effort to under-ground the utilities on Old Dominion Drive andon Chain Bridge Road. We don’t want anotherpole, it’s not part of our Comprehensive Plan.We’re trying to underground them as fast as wecan,” said Maya Huber, a McLean resident andformer at-large Planning Commissioner.

“If you approve this power pole tonight, it be-comes a game of ‘Whac-a-Mole’ for McLean,”Huber told the 12 members of Fairfax County’sPlanning Commission. “We bury the utility poleon Old Dominion Drive, we bury them on ChainBridge Road, and they pop-up here, much higherand taller than what was here before.”

Huber called utility poles “streetscape clutter”that McLean doesn’t want and doesn’t need. “Weare working diligently to remove it.”

Ulfelder deferred the Planning Commission’sdecision only hearing until Feb. 1, 2017.

“I think this hearing has given me, anyway, some– lots of food for thought in connection with thisapplication,” said Ulfelder. “And I think that wecould take a week and we would still be withinthe – the drop-dead date for approval or actionon the application.”

Ulfelder made sure Verizon understood that thepole, if approved, would be “strictly interim.”

“In other words, Dominion has control over thepole. When the decision is made to go under-ground with the utility pole that Verizon has nochoice, no right to object,” he said.

A representative from Verizon Wireless said sheunderstands the parameters.

“Data growth has exploded over the last fewyears, as you are aware,” said engineer MikeFischer, a consultant to Verizon Wireless.

“Capacity has become a significant issue,” saidthe Verizon representative. “There is a very veryhigh density of subscribers in this area.”

But “more data, faster data,” is not what is needed,testified a McLean psychologist. She cited some ofher cases, where McLean teenagers have threatenedtheir parents with knives and drills over having theiruse of devices like tablets and phones restricted.

She asked the Planning Commission why it isup to citizens to bring research on human healthconcerns and physical impacts of technology tothe table.

According to Planning Commission documents:The replacement wooden pole will reach a

height of 52 feet from grade. The maximum ex-tent of the antenna enclosure on the top of thepole will be 55 feet from grade. The existing dis-tribution pole has a height of 39 feet from grade.

“The McLean CBC is a large community shop-ping, service and residential area approximately230 acres in size centered at the intersection ofChain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive,” ac-cording to Planning documents.

Huber referenced letters from McLean CitizensAssociation, McLean Planning Committee and theMcLean Revitalization Corporation.

“They all say the same thing. They say, ‘Look,our design standards do not call for streetscapewith antennas mounted on power poles,’” she said.

Wireless Whac-a-Pole?

Construction of the $58 million Jones Branch Con-nector in Tysons began on Thursday, Jan. 26, accord-ing to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Theconnector will provide a new link to Route 123 overthe Capital Beltway and is expected to relieve trafficalong congested intersections, carrying more than32,000 vehicles per day by 2040. The half-mileproject includes a new roadway from the interchangeof the I-495 Express Lanes and Jones Branch Driveto Scotts Crossing Road. Bike lanes, sidewalks andlandscaping Improvements will also be made alongthe access road from Jones Branch Drive to the ex-press lanes, as well as along Scotts Crossing Road. A

raised median will also be added for the future TysonsCirculator bus. Most construction work will be com-pleted at night, but lane closures on the beltway andthe 495 Express Lanes will be required in the future.One lane of traffic in each direction is expected toopen in late 2018, with the entire project scheduledfor completion by late 2019. Representatives fromthe Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, VDOT andthe Fairfax County Department of Transportation,Transurban, Tysons Partnership and Archer WesternConstruction, LLC, which was awarded the construc-tion contract in December 2016, broke ground nearthe site with golden shovels.

Connector Construction Begins in Tysons

Construction of the$58 million JonesBranch Connector inTysons began onThursday, Jan. 26.

Photo courtesy of the Virginia

Department of Transportation


Sahara Date Company of Vienna,which sells date fruit from SaudiArabia, (from left): Maile, Hannah,and Noor Ramzi.

News

A few thousand people attendedthe Sixth Annual Chocolate Fes-tival on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017,which was sponsored by the Ro-

tary Club of McLean at the McLean Com-munity Center. The rotary club fundraiserearned about $10,000 and had about 20vendors selling chocolate — fromCameron’s Chocolates to Fluffy Thoughts toSweetbites Cafe.

American Heritage Chocolate, from theMars Company of McLean, gave a demon-stration and slide presentation on the his-tory of chocolate, which came to ColonialAmerica in 1670, and was formerly drankas a beverage, according to Dave Borghesani,chocolate history research manager for Mars.

In addition to the booths, there was achildren’s activity room manned by studentsfrom the McLean High Interact Club withface painting and coloring as well as musi-

cal performances. The rotary club also hada raffle table with prizes as well.

“The Rotary Club of McLean is delightedto sponsor this annual event which providesa chance for the McLean community to en-joy wonderful chocolates, take advantageof children’s activities and generally have agood time. All of the money we raise is do-nated to local and international charities,”said Michael Arietti, president of theMcLean Rotary Club, which has 55 mem-bers, all volunteers.

What the Rotarians do locally is providescholarships to students at McLean High, andhelp Timber Lane Elementary School by pro-viding books and reading to the students.They also supports the Falls Church McLeanChildren’s Center and Langley ResidentialSupport Services, among other things.

— Steve Hibbard

A few thousand people attend the Rotary Club of McLean fundraiser.

Chocolate Festival in McLeanUkulele Phil performs in the Children’s game room while childrendance along.

Fluffy Thoughts of McLean, (from left): Jordan Schneier andLaFayette Alston.

Hanadi Eljari, owner of Le Papiyon Chocolatier of Lorton, serves guestsat the McLean Chocolate Festival on Sunday.

Cameron’s Chocolates of Fairfax, (from left): Cindy Glazer, PaulHilgartner, Cameron Graham, Maddie Leasure, and Shalini Divitotawela.

Toby Thierer, 12, of McLean, trieshis hand at the Chocolate Fountainsponsored by Chesterbrook Resi-dences Assisted Living of FallsChurch during the Sixth AnnualChocolate Festival on Sunday, Jan.29, 2017. The event was sponsoredby the Rotary Club of McLean atthe McLean Community Center.

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Connection


See Rallies, Page 15

By Tim Peterson

The Connection

Del. Marcus Simon (D-53)brought his two children, 13and 11, to Dulles Interna-tional Airport Jan. 28, not to

fly, but to witness and learn.Demonstrations sprang up at airports

around the United States over the weekend,following an Executive Order by PresidentDonald Trump that blocks travelers fromseven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran,Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia —in the interests of more significant vettingand preventing would-be terrorists fromentering the country.

Simon’s wasn’t the only family in atten-dance. Many had brought their children tothe demonstration.

“You show them this is what you do, howyou protest, be patriotic,” Simon said,“when the government does something youdon’t agree with. You expose them to some-thing positive.”

THE BAN was announced Friday and offi-cials at airports began enforcing it immedi-ately. Travelers from the seven countries areblocked from entering the U.S. for 90 days,and new refugee admissions from the samenations blocked for 120 days. Syrian refu-gees are blocked indefinitely, according tothe ban.

Some individuals who hold valid visaswere impacted by the ban, and others with

legal status and green cards have been de-tained at airports. A federal judge in Brook-lyn passed a ruling over the weekend thatblocked part of Trump’s action, and JudgeLeonie M. Brinkema of the U.S. DistrictCourt for the Eastern District of Virginia is-sued a temporary restraining order Satur-day night specifically for those detained atDulles.

Brinkema ordered airport authorities togrant lawyers access to detainees who arepermanent legal residents, and that perma-nent residents not be removed for sevendays.

Simon was at Dulles Saturday and Sun-day, as well as state Sen. Jennifer Wexton(D-33), U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) and U.S.Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), asking that

some of the more than 20 lawyers presentbe given that opportunity to meet with thedetainees.

The scenes were intense and a little cha-otic, Simon said, but the demonstratorswere nonviolent and positive.

“I was just amazed at the number ofpeople, the energy, the spirit, the sponta-neity,” said Simon. “In some ways, it washeartening, to see so many Northern Vir-ginians reacting to [the ban].”

Gov. Terry McAuliffe appeared and spokeat the airport Saturday. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine(D) visited the ongoing demonstration Mon-day afternoon.

Connolly was able to get one pair of de-tainees released Saturday evening with thehelp of immigration attorneys: Fairfax

County resident and green card holderAhmed Mohedian, 71, who had been heldwith his wife after returning from Iran. Hewas in that country receiving medical treat-ment, Connolly’s office said.

“America has always stood for being abeacon of hope,” Connolly said in a state-ment reacting to the ban. “Donald Trumpwould paint over Emma Lazarus’s words onthe Statue of Liberty. There are millions ofus willing to stand with immigrants com-ing into our country. There are millions ofus willing to insist that America’s doors re-main open to those fleeing injury, violenceor persecution. This order was not thoughtthrough and must be rescinded. We willfight this illegal Executive Order.”

Simon said airport security officials andborder control told them they weren’t al-lowed to say anything. One of the concerns,he said the legislators had heard, was thatindividuals arriving from the ban-affectedcountries were being met once they got offthe plane and asked to sign a document thatessentially forfeited their green card.

“If that’s what’s going to happen,” Simonsaid, “it shouldn’t be.”

If he had just landed in a foreign countryand was met by men with guns when get-ting off the plane, said Simon, “I’d sign any-thing that was stuck in front of me.” That’swhy it was important for the lawyers tomeet with these people and explain theirrights to them, he added.

Another issue Simon raised was the ap-parent lack of information and clarity onthe details of the ban — airport officialsseemed unprepared for enforcing it.

“The rank and file employees, they werestuck between a rock and a hard place, areally difficult position,” Simon said. Typi-cally with a ban like this, he continued,“you’d expect there to be some more coor-dination with agencies, planning, and in

Demonstrators,volunteer attorneysand elected officialswelcome travelers,extend help detainees.

Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles

News

Photo contributed

Del. Simon’s (D-53) wasn’t the onlyfamily in attendance at anti-immi-gration ban rallies over the week-end at Dulles airport. Many hadbrought their children, includingthese constituents of Simon’s.

Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Police

Left, PFC Post and (right) PFCGibson from the Fairfax CountyPolice Department visit the Al FatihAcademy in Reston, as a show ofsupport following recent attacksagainst Muslims and mosques.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe appeared and spoke at the airport Saturday. U.S. Sen.Tim Kaine (right) visited the ongoing demonstration Monday afternoon.

Photos contributed

Right, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) was able to get one pair of detain-ees released Saturday evening with the help of immigration attorneys:Fairfax County resident and green card holder Ahmed Mohedian, 71,who had been held with his wife after returning from Iran.


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

One of the most heart-wrench-ing decisions that DeniseSchossler, her two siblingsand her 95-year-old mother

had to make was whether or not to moveher into an assisted living facility, leavingthe home where she’s lived since 1954.Physical limitations and a need for socialinteraction drove the decision to relocateto the newly opened Kensington FallsChurch.

“My mother has managed to stay in herhome all this time with the help of an aidewho comes every day, but she realized thatit just couldn’t continue. One of the mainthings is the isolation and the loneliness,”said Schossler. “She needs more social in-teraction than she gets alone in her home.She’s someone who’s had an active sociallife, but now it’s just television and books.”

A dearth of social interaction is one ofthe factors that can lead seniors into assistedliving facilities. In fact, a recent study pub-lished in the Journal of Gerontology showsthat seniors living in assisted living facili-ties have fewer unmet needs such as com-panionship, help with cooking, bathing anddoing laundry than those who live indepen-dently. However, the survey of more than4,000 people over the age of 65 shows thateven in such retirement communities,unmet needs still exist. To address this chal-lenge, local gerontology experts say thatfamilies must determine whether a lovedone’s needs meet the criteria for assistedliving candidacy and once placed, work toensure that those needs are being met.

“In counseling families making this diffi-cult decision, I focus on safety factors forthe patient and other family members,” saidMaureen Moriarty, D.N.P., assistant profes-sor of nursing at Marymount University inArlington. “Often cognitive impairment isthe reason for assisted living. Perhapsmemory is affected so the patient can nolonger safely drive or remember the stepsin carrying out activities of daily living such

as cooking, bathing or management offinances.”

In making this decision, an evaluationby an objective gerontology expert canbe necessary, says Patrice Winter, DPT,assistant professor at George Mason Uni-versity in the Department of Global andCommunity Health. “They come out andevaluate the house and the person aswell,” she said. “You have an objective,unemotional person instead of an adultchild going, ‘Mom you can’t live here any-more.’ and the mom saying, ‘Stay out ofmy business.’”

Such an evaluation will show that thereare times when a lifestyle adjustment is allthat is needed. “Sometimes they can offersimple solutions that can make hugechanges,” said Winter. “Could it be that theyneed their eyesight and hearing checked?Or the washing machine moved upstairs”so they can do laundry more frequently?

When seeking an evaluation, Winter rec-ommends local social service agencies suchas the Fairfax County Area Agency on Ag-ing. “The issue may not be cognitive, butthe need for a living environment with more

support may be triggered by physical limi-tations,” added Moriarty. “Perhaps a chronicdegenerative illness such as Parkinson’s Dis-ease has left the patient with physical careneeds beyond the scope of family members.”

Safety can become an issue when familymembers’ physical limitations restrict thequality of care they are able to offer. “Thisopens issues not only to patient safety butalso the family member may be frail or havetheir own physical limitations that limittheir capacity to assist someone who, forinstance, has balance loss,” said Moriarty.

“The key assessment as a clinician for me isthat the family no longer has the resourcesto care safely for this individual in a homeenvironment.”

“If there is any question at all, the personshould have a medical evaluation,” addedWinter. “There could be an imbalance in thesystem that could cause changes so a reallygood physical by a geriatric internist wouldbe paramount before any drastic actions aretaken.”

Once a senior has moved into an assistedliving facility, they often need someone toadvocate on their behalf. Regular visits andtelephone calls to both the family memberand the staff are necessary. “You need tomake sure you know what’s going on,” saidThompson, who recently moved her ownmother into an assisted living facility. “It’sOK to be a pest. I communicate with thestaff at my mother’s facility. She complainsto me about things that she won’t complainto the staff about so I have to complain onher behalf.”

Even in the best of facilities, a person’sneeds can be inadvertently overlooked,says Thompson, so a family member’spresence is necessary. “Walk around, payattention to how other residents seem,”she said. “Are they happy and engagedor are there signs of neglect?”

“Establish a relationship with thoseproviders who will be involved in the careof your family member,” added Moriarty.“Become part of the team by attendingregular team meetings. Make themaware of your loved one’s special needs.For example, if your family member al-ways had tea in the morning, request that

this continues.”Schossler says that her proximity to the

Kensington Falls Church will allow her tobe in regular contact with both her motherand the staff.

“My mother has grandchildren and great-grandchildren and we can visit her becausethe Kensington is just a few minutes awayfrom where I live,” she said. “My motherhas already made connections with threepeople who will be there, so she’s lookingforward to moving. We happened to findthe right fit at the right time.”

Local Resources❖ Alexandria Area Agency on Aginghttps://www.alexandriava.gov/Aging❖ Fairfax County Area Agency on Aginghttp://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/

olderadultservices/❖ Arlington Aging and Disability Services Divisionhttps://aging-disability.arlingtonva.us/❖ Kensington Falls Church Open HouseFeb. 1, 5 and 22, 4:30 to 7 p.m.700 West Broad St., Falls Church

To Move Or Not To MoveWellbeing

Denise Schossler's 95-year-old mother will move into the newly openedKensington Falls Church assisted living facility later this month.

Photos courtesy of Kensington at Falls Church

Local family movesmother into newlyopened KensingtonFalls Church.

"She needs more socialinteraction than she getsalone in her home. She’ssomeone who’s had anactive social life, but now it’sjust television and books."

— Denise Schossler

THROUGHOUT MARCH 2017Free Public Service Seminars. March 1, 8,

15, 21, 29, at 7 p.m. on Selling Your Home,Aging in Place, Downsizing, RetirementCommunities Seminars. Free public serviceseminars on “Selling Your Home” (March 1,McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Rd.,McLean), “Working With Builders” (March 8,Falls Church HS, 7521 Jaguar Trail, FallsChurch), “Financing Your Retirement” (March15, Marshall HS, 7731 Leesburg Pike, FallsChurch), “Tax & Estate Planning” (March 21,

Madison HS, 2500 James Madison Dr., Vienna),and “Decluttering & Organizing” (March 29,Oakton HS, 2900 Sutton Rd., Vienna). For moreinformation and seminar registration go toRetireeRealEstate.org, or call 703-772-3033.

ONGOINGAre You A Caregiver? Shepherd’s Center of

Oakton Vienna Caregivers’ SupportGroup takes place first & third Thursday ofeach month. Feb. 2nd and 16th, 2017 from 10

a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us at the UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax (UUCF) -Program Building, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton,VA. For more info contact facilitator, Jack Tarr,703-821-6838 [email protected].

Volunteers Needed. PRS is looking forempathetic and caring volunteers to make phonecalls to older adults who may be feeling sociallyisolated. The commitment is one 3-hour shift perweek for one year. Located in Arlington. Ages 21& up. Intensive training provided. Learn more

and apply: https://prsinc.org/carering-volunteering/. Questions? [email protected].

The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact LisaCallahan at 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected]. Also visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/.

Wellbeing Notes


Calendar

See Calendar, Page 12

Send announcements toconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Deadline isFriday at noon for the following week’s paper.Photos/artwork encouraged.

THURSDAY/FEB. 2Penny University Event 7 - 8 p.m. Caffe Amouri

107 Church St. NE, Vienna. Free event! “WhyAre We Here?” A community discussion led byexperienced moderator and leader of theNorthern Virginia Ethical Society Randy Best. ToRSVP email [email protected]

FRIDAY/FEB. 3Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance 6 - 8:30

p.m. Marshall Road Elementary School 730Marshall Road SW, Vienna. Girls (ages 3—6thgrade) and dads dress to impress. Girls celebrateValentine’s Day with your dads, grandads, bigbrothers, godfathers and family members. Therewill be lots of dancing, prizes, good food and aspecial guest! This is a fundraiser hosted by theVienna Woman’s Club and tickets must bepurchased in advance. cost: $30 per couple, $10for additional daughter. [email protected]://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-daddy-daughter-valentine-dance-tickets-28914732744

SATURDAY/FEB. 4Faith & Public Policy Breakfast 8:30 - 11 a.m.

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church 1724 ChainBridge Road, McLean. In the aftermath of aparticularly acrimonious political campaignseason, the Faith and Public Policy Committeehas invited the Chaplin of the US House ofRepresentatives to address the prospects of faithguiding public policy discussion, debate, andformulation in the near [email protected] 703-237-0358 http://www.lewinsville.org/event-items/6207/

Survival with Author Tim MacWelch 2 - 3:30Patrick Henry Library 101 Maple Ave, E, Vienna.Learn “How to Survive Anything” with New YorkTimes best-selling author and survival expert

Tim MacWelch, founder of Advanced SurvivalTraining school in Fauquier County. Booksavailable for sale and signing. 703-938-0405www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 8Penny University Event 7 - 8 p.m. Caffe Amouri

107 Church St. NE, Vienna. “Why Are WeHere?” “Heart-Opening Meditation” with MentalHealth Counselor and Professor Cathy Trenary.Space is limited. To RSVP [email protected]. Cost: Free.www.caffeamouri.com

THURSDAY/FEB. 9“Adjust the Heat” 10:30 a.m. Vienna Arts

Society, 115 Pleasant Street, NW, Vienna.Nationally acclaimed watercolorist CatherineHillis will explain the importance of observationin art and, particularly, the need to develop thewarm and cool colors in a painting. Hillis willdemonstrate how artists can bring theirpaintings to a new level by creating colortemperature in their work. Cost: Free and opento the public. 703-319-3971www.ViennaArtsSociety.org

FRIDAY/FEB. 10Valentine’s Day Arts & Crafts Hour 11 - noon

Once Upon A Dream, 527 Maple Ave E #200,Vienna.There will be arts & crafts to celebrateValentine’s Day. Additional $5 per child.

ONGOING

FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS/FEB. 3-19McLean Community Players “Company.” 8

p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA22101. A 1970 musical comedy based on a bookby George Furth with music and lyrics byStephen Sondheim. The original production was


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

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

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE:Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PMSunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy

5312 North 10th Street,Arlington, Virginia 22205Parish Office: 703-528-6276

PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org

All AreWelcome!

Select yourproducts from

our MobileShowroomand Design

CenterFully Insured &

Class A LicensedSince 1999

Free Estimates703-999-2928

From Now to WOW in 5 Days Guarantee

Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com

Home of the $6,850 Bathroom Remodel

TWO POOR TEACHERSKitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

10% downnothing until the jobis complete for the

past 17 years

Build Your Community

Support Your LocalBusinesses.

www.connectionnewspapers.com

From Page 11

Calendar

nominated for a record-settingfourteen Tony Awards and wonseven. $25/$23 MCC tax districtresidents. Visit http://www.mcleanplayers.org/.

Weekly Storytime. Wednesday andSaturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble,7851 L Tysons Corner Center,McLean. Themes and Titles vary.Free admission.

Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice.Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. St. Luke’sCatholic School Gymnasium, 7005Georgetown Pike, McLean. WeeklyTai Chi practice. Group has met forover 20 years. Free. FreeTaiChi.org.703-759-9141.

“Thrifty Thursdays” BasicBudgeting Classes in Annandale,Chantilly and Alexandria 7-9 p.m.Heritage Building 7611 Little RiverTurnpike, East Wing 1st FloorConference Room D Annandale.Thursday, January 19, 2017 &Thursday, April 20, 2017.

South County Government Center7-9 p.m. 8350 Richmond Highway,

Alexandria. Thursday, February 16,2017 (Room 220) & Thursday, May18, 2017 (Room 220) Chantilly HighSchool 7-9 p.m. 4201 StringfellowRoad, Chantilly. Thursday, March 16,2017 (Room 253) & Thursday, June15, 2017 (Room 253)

For All Sessions, RSVP to: Carole Rogersat [email protected] or 703-273-8829

Plan Ahead McLeanSUNDAY/FEB. 19Concert: The Daraja Ensemble 4 -

6 p.m. at Saint Francis EpiscopalChurch 9220 Georgetown Pike GreatFalls, VA 22066. This fellowship

woodwind quintet from theUniversity of Maryland takes itsname from the Swahili word for“bridge.” Coming together fromaround the country and abroad, theirwide-ranging performances includeongoing outreach to Tanzania. Cost:Season pass $150 or $30 at the door.Visit: http://amadeusconcerts.com/

SATURDAY/MARCH 4Wine Tasting River Bend Country

Club 7 - 10 p.m. There will be adelicious selection of Hors d’oeuvres,cheeses and fine wines and minglingwith long-time and new Great Fallsneighbors.

SUNDAY/MARCH 12Chantilly Egg Hunt. Saturdays and

Sundays. 26469 Ticonderoga Road,Chantilly. Join the Easter Bunny andsearch for candy and toy-filled eggs.Visit www.ticonderoga.com/about.

SATURDAY/MARCH 19Old-Fashioned Egg Hunt & Roll

10:30-11:30 a.m. at Freeman House,131 Church Street NE, Vienna.Children 12 and under and theirparents are welcome to participate inan egg roll and visit with EasterBunny, hosted by Historic Vienna,Inc. Visit https://www.viennava.gov.

A Faith & Public Policy Breakfast will be held on SaturdayFeb. 4 from 8:30 - 11 a.m. at Lewinsville PresbyterianChurch located on 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Inthe aftermath of a particularly acrimonious politicalcampaign season, the Faith and Public Policy Committeehas invited the Chaplin of the US House of Representa-tives to address the prospects of faith guiding publicpolicy discussion, debate, and formulation in the nearfuture. [email protected] 703-237-0358 http://www.lewinsville.org/event-items/6207/

FEBRUARYFree public service seminars --Decluttering: Feb. 2, McLean High

School, 1633 Davidson Rd.,McLean.

-Aging in Place: Feb. 8, Falls ChurchH.S., 7521 Jaguar Trail, FallsChurch.

-Downsizing: Feb. 14, Marshall H.S.7731 Leesburg Pk., Falls Church.

-Retirement Communities Feb. 22,Madison H.S., 2500 JamesMadison Dr., Vienna.

For more information and seminarregistration go toRetireeRealEstate.org, or call 703-772-3033.

Fairfax-based non-profitBritepaths offers free

Financial Education classes andsessions at various locations in theFairfax County area to low- andmiddle-income adults who residethroughout Northern Virginia. Theofferings are free and open to thepublic, but reservations are required.

Below is a listing of our Winter/Springofferings. A graphic with informationis also available at: https://britepaths.org/news/get-financially-fit-new-year

THROUGHOUT MARCH 2017Free Public Service Seminars.

March 1, 8, 15, 21, 29, at 7 p.m. onSelling Your Home, Aging in Place,Downsizing, Retirement

Communities Seminars. Freepublic service seminars on SellingYour Home (March 1, McLeanHigh School, 1633 Davidson Rd.,McLean), Working With Builders(March 8, Falls Church HS, 7521Jaguar Trail, Falls Church),Financing Your Retirement(March 15, Marshall HS, 7731Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), Tax& Estate Planning (March 21,Madison HS, 2500 James MadisonDr., Vienna), and Decluttering &Organizing (March 29, OaktonHS, 2900 Sutton Rd., Vienna). Formore information and seminarregistration go toRetireeRealEstate.org, or call 703-772-3033.

Bulletin Board To have community events listed in the Connection, send toconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The deadline for submissions is noonon Friday.


Photos courtesy of MCC

Fashion and accessories include indepen-dent designers of handbags, scarves, belts,tunics, dresses, skirts, tops, other fashionapparel and outerwear and more.

Calendar

McLean CommunityCenter to HostJewelry, Fashion andAccessories Show

More than 30 carefully selected designers and ar-tisans will offer a wide variety of women’s fashion,fine and artisan jewelry, and fashion accessories atthe McLean Community Center’s Better Than BlingJewelry & Fashion Accessories Show. The show willbe held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturday, Feb. 4, atthe Center, which is located at 1234 Ingleside Av-enue. Admission is $5 for adults; free for active mili-tary (with a military ID) and children up to 12 yearsold.

This year, Better than Bling is offering somethingnew. Julie Van Blarcom, a fashion stylist for a na-tional woman’s retail chain, will be available for free,15-minute consultations. Blarcom has been every sizefrom 2 to 18 and back again. She knows the bestdesigns and designers whose clothes translate beau-tifully for women with nontraditional body types.She uses accessories as a simple, and sometimes moreaffordable way to create a personal fashion state-ment. Blarcom is especially welcoming women vet-erans who are transitioning to civilian life and oth-ers who are returning to work or making a careerchange. Patrons may sign up for a limited number ofappointment times at the event.

Also new at this year’s show will be Linda Cassell,the founder of Quantum Leap Coaching and Train-ing. A certified executive coach specializing in per-sonal and leadership development, Cassell will hold

strategy sessions to review resumes for women intransition. She uses mindfulness techniques andbrain-based strategies to help clients create the con-ditions for their continued happiness and success.Her website iswww.quantumleapcoachingandtraining.com. Patronsmay sign up for a limited number of appointmenttimes at the event.

Jewelry is artisan-designed and created by handin the United States, and includes diamonds, goldand silver, gemstones, pearls, mixed metals or play-ful polymer clay. Fashion and accessories include in-dependent designers of handbags, scarves, belts, tu-nics, dresses, skirts, tops, other fashion apparel andouterwear and more.

Lunch and dinner fare will be provided by SweetStuff of McLean in the café.

Check the Center’s Facebook page for updates. Formore information, call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.


Public Notice: Proposal to Voluntarily Remediate a

Property

There is contamination from Petroleum impacted soil on site at Gilliam Place, 3507 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is working with Gilliam Place LLC c/o Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) to develop a Remedial Action Plan to address cleanup of petroleum hydrocarbons at the site. If you have any questions regarding the cleanup please contact Vincent Maiden, P.G., Virginia Department of Environmental Quality,Northern Regional Office, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23218, [email protected] or Jason Beck, C.P.G, Senior Environmental Project Manager, ECS Midd-Atlantic, LLC, 703-471-8400, [email protected]

As part of the remedial action process a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) was submitted to the Northern Regional Office of DEQ on January 10, 2017, which allows for corrective action at the property to begin immediately. If you would like to review or discuss the proposed RAP with the staff of DEQ, please feel free to contact the Corrective Action Project Manager, VincentMaiden, whose contact information is listed above. You may also contact Jason Beck, the environmental consultant for Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, whose contact information is listed above. DEQ will consider written comments regarding the proposed Remedial Action Plan untilFebruary 24, 2017 and may decide to hold a public meeting if there is a significant public interest. Written comments should be sent to DEQ at the address listed above. DEQ requests that all written comments reference the tracking number for this case; VRP Case # 00664.

Respectfully submitted,

ECS MID-ATLANTIC, LLC on behalf of ARLINGTON PARTNERSHIP FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-778-9411

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/OaktonClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements


21 Announcements 21 Announcements


We pay top $ for STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES,

JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS.

Schefer Antiques703-241-0790

[email protected]

26 Antiques 26 Antiques

JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed Up SlowComputers

➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup➣ Help with Windows 8 & 10

571-265-2038

HDICOMPUTER SOLUTIONS

[email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

21 Announcements

ABC LICENSEAU Enterprise, LLC trading as

Carlton Mini Mart, 4600 S. Four Mile Run Dr. Ste C1, Arlington, VA 22204. The above establishment is

applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic

beverages, Allan Urcia, Owner

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later

than 30 days from the publish-ing date of the first of two required newspaper legal

notices. Objections should be registered at

www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

21 Announcements

ABC LICENSEMediterranean Deli, Inc trading as Simply Fresh, 6811 Elm St, Mclean, VA 22101. The above

establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer On Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic

beverages, Rana Sersy, Director

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later

than 30 days from the publish-ing date of the first of two required newspaper legal

notices. Objections should be registered at

www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

21 Announcements

ABC NOTICEMaru, Inc trading as Maru

Korean Cuisine & Sushi, 128 Maple Ave West, Vienna, VA

22180. The above establishment is applying to

the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage Restaurant

license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Chun Ki Lee, President/OwnerNOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Ob-jections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIEThank God! Another three months, (13

weeks actually) of wedded-type bliss until mynext scan scheduled for mid April. Save for fourweeks of pre- and post-chemotherapy-infusionnon-bliss in the interim when the effects of thebefore, during, after treatment will make mefeel less like the person I will otherwise be — forthe nine or so other weeks, I am indeed lucky tobe “stable” and looking forward.

However, I will be off to a bit of a bumpystart as a result of the timing of my most recentchemotherapy infusion and its negative sideeffects coming so soon on the heels of the previ-ous week’s positive scan news. Not that thenegative overwhelms the positive in the slight-est, it’s more that it slows down my progressionfrom feeling abnormal to feeling normal; well, asmuch as one diagnosed and living with a “term-inal” disease, non-small cell lung cancer, stageIV, can. Which, as you regular readers know, I’mgenerally able to do, except when there a blips,and for the next week, I’ll be “blipped.” Havingconsidered the inevitable taste and eating issuesI typically face post infusion, I spoke with anutritionist this past week to see if I’ve beenmissing a boat somewhere. Unfortunately, otherthan remaining well-hydrated, it seems there’svery little I can do other than to endure thepost-chemotherapy weak.

But of course, it’s the big picture (no tumorprogression, no fluid build up) that mattersmost, not the small picture (the pre- and post-scan anxiety and the post-chemotherapy eatingissues). And of course, it’s nothing new. I’vebeen through variations of this routine going onnearly eight years now, since the diagnosticprocess began on Jan. 1, 2009, when I first vis-ited the Emergency Room. Pain in my rib cagehad migrated from one side to the other andsimultaneously I was having difficulty catchingmy breath. Then, even I knew, I needed somemedical attention. Two and a half months laterafter the usual schedule of tests, interpretationsand more tests, I received my diagnosis withwhich you are all so familiar.

Amazingly, life has gone on and fallen into asort of routine. The most recent one, going backapproximately three and a half years, beganwith my first and only hospitalization followedup a month or so later with the beginning of myAlimta infusion. For the most part, the infu-sion/experience has been quite manageable,and according to my oncologist, “great.” So“great,” in fact, that we have been extending theinterval of my infusions from three weeks origi-nally to four weeks to four/five weeks to nowinfusing forward, every five weeks. This will givemy body more time to recuperate between che-motherapy and give me more quality-weeks oflife (always a concern of my oncologist); mini-mizing eating and anxiety issues.

For the moment, we’re keeping the scanschedule to every three months. As to our con-cern about trying to limit the exposure to radia-tion — per scan; as my oncologist sort of joked,it’s the toxins from the chemotherapy that aremore harmful (it’s akin to the line from themovie “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid”when Paul Newman snickered at RobertRedford’s concern about not being able to swim— should they in fact jump off the cliff into theraging river below, to escape Joe Lefors and theIndian tracker, Lord Baltimore: “Swim? Are youcrazy? The fall will probably kill you.”)

So by the time you all are reading this col-umn, Thursday-ish, I’ll be mostly back to eatingnormally — well, normal for me. It’s a routineI’ve become accustomed to and one with whichI can live, live being the operable word.Certainly not a life without some hardships anddifficulties, but still a life worth living; withsome weeks harder than others; this week cer-tainly being one of them. It won’t be pretty butsoon enough it will have passed with clear sail-ing ahead for the next four weeks until you-know-what.

And So ItBegins — Again

EmploymentEmployment

Int’l educ. progrm director:Plan, direct int’l educ program, set up curric., standard, manage recruits. FT.

Req: MS/MS/eqv in PA or eqv, w/1y exp. Resp to HR, VUST, 8400 Westpark Dr.,

Ste 118, Mclean, VA 22012

For a free digital sub-scription to one or allof the 15 ConnectionNewspapers, go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Complete digital rep-lica of the print edition,including photos andads, delivered weeklyto your e-mail box.

Questions? E-mail:[email protected]

EducationalInternships

Unusual opportunity tolearn many aspects of thenewspaper business.Internships available inreporting, photography,research, graphics.Opportunities for students,and for adults consideringchange of career. Unpaid.E-mail [email protected]

21 Announcements


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-778-9411

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/Oakton

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

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

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

Licensed/Bonded/Insured

[email protected]

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned

Small Repairs • Gutter Guards

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

GUTTER GUTTER

DESIGN AND BUILD • COMPLETE HOME RENOVATION• Kitchen, Bath, Basement Remodeling • Electricity, Plumbing • Doors, Windows, CrownMolding, Hand Rails, Chair Rails, Interior, Exterior, Finish Carpentry • Interior, Exterior

Painting, Pressure Washing • Ceramic, Hardwood Flooring, Refinish Floors, Deck Reflooring• Build Deck, Fence, Patios, Retaining Walls • Concrete Driveway, Brick or Stone Sidewalk

• Building Maintenance • Residential, Commercial • Foreclosures, Realtors WelcomeServing Northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland • Licensed and Insured

HAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & Commercial

703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409703-296-6409 Hnhhandyman.com

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

Quality Builds Trust(703) 587-7762

www.mainstreet-home-improvement.com

Windows & Doors • Roofing • Gutters

Our Prices Are Tough to BeatOur Quality is Guaranteed!

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

A&S Landscaping

703-863-7465LICENSED

Serving All of N. Virginia

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

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,

Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, PaintingWe Accept All Major Credit Cards

Licensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

RN. CONTRACTORS, INC.

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

www.rncontractors.com

J.E.S. ServicesYour neighborhood company since 1987

703-912-6886

Landscaping & Construction

All work Guaranteed

• Planting & Landscaping Design• Drainage & Water Problems• Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New• Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid• Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose• Retaining walls of all types

Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured

LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE

Partial or Full. Kit. Floors, Backsplashes.Specializing in Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass Tiles

and Natural Stones. Also repair work. 35 yrs exp.

BATHROOM REMODELING

703-250-2872Licensed • Bonded • Insured

www.brennan-tile.com

by Brennan Bath and Tile

TILE/MARBLE TILE/MARBLE

Quality Tree Service& Landscaping

Reasonable prices. Licensed & insured.

24 Hour EmergencyTree Service

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

Summer Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,shrubbery trimming, mulching,leaf removal, planting, hauling,gutter cleaning, retaining walls,

drainage problems, etc.

TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE

LANDSCAPING

SOD, Mulch, Clean-UpLeaf Removal

Hauling.703-863-7465

A&S CONSTRUCTIONDo what

you can, withwhat you have,where you are.

-TheodoreRoosevelt

From Page 9

News

formation.”In the press conference Saturday, Beyer

referenced his Freedom of Religion Act heintroduced in 2016, which stated that noone would be denied entry to the UnitedStates based on their religion.

“It’s so ironic that President Trump cameout and said that we’re going to give spe-cial preference to Christians who are refu-gees because so many of them are beingkilled,” Beyer said. “Well I’m a Christian,but I respect that there are many moreMuslims being killed right now, many morewho are refugees.”

IN A STATEMENT released through herTwitter account on Jan. 29, U.S. Rep. Bar-bara Comstock (R-10) said she supportsincreased vetting based on national secu-rity concerns. However, Comstock said shehas consistently asserted: “I don’t believe itis constitutional to ban people from ourcountry on the basis of religion.”

“The President’s Executive Order issuedyesterday went beyond the increasedvetting actions that Congress has supportedon a bipartisan basis and inexplicably ap-plied to green card holders,” Comstock con-tinued, “people who are legally within ourcountry who have followed the rules.”

Rallies at Dulles

On her Facebook page Monday, FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors chairmanSharon Bulova said:

“The Executive Order issued on Fridayis offensive and counter to what definesthis country. We are a nation of immi-grants committed to religious freedom.I am committed to keeping FairfaxCounty a safe and welcoming place.When I was sworn in as chairman, Iswore to support the Constitution. I be-lieve this ban on travel is unconstitu-tional and I urge the judiciary to con-tinue to exercise its role in preventingfurther damage to our country’s valuesand our reputation around the world.”

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D), releaseda statement Friday, the same day as theExecutive Order was announced. Warneris vice chairman of the Senate SelectCommittee on Intelligence:

“The Trump Administration ExecutiveOrder that indefinitely suspends the Syr-ian refugee program and pauses visasfrom Muslim countries runs counter toour American values. While I have alwaysbeen open to a pause on our refugee pro-gram to ensure appropriate time for in-telligence and law enforcement expertsto ensure we protect our national secu-rity, these actions by the President pre-sume the solution before the review iscomplete. It is a policy targeting Mus-lims that national security experts havetestified would harm, not help, our na-tional security interests. I join the inter-

Other Local leaders Weigh Infaith community in Virginia and aroundthe country in objecting to these moves,and I will work in Congress to block aneffort which trades dubious increases inU.S. security for certain alienation ofpartners with whom we must cooperateto address terrorism.”

The Most Reverend Michael F.Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, releaseda statement as well, expressing solidar-ity with refugees:

“In his statement on the Executive Or-der halting refugee admissions, Bishop JoeVasquez, chair of the Committee of Migra-tion and Bishop of the Diocese of Austin,highlighted our nation’s long and proudtradition of welcoming newcomers andrefugees in a humane manner, even as wehave pursued a strong vetting system toensure our safety and security. Togetherwith Bishop Vasquez and my brother bish-ops, I encourage Catholics to contact ourelected officials to make our voices heard:Our communities have been and will con-tinue to be hospitable to refugees, in keep-ing with our legacy of welcoming thestranger. Together, we also pray for com-prehensive immigration reform and forpeace, safety and harmony within ournation and throughout the world.”

The full text of the Jan. 27 ExecutiveOrder is available online here:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/27/executive-or-der-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states.

Left, Simon was atDulles airportSaturday and Sun-day, as well as(center) state Sen.Jennifer Wexton (D-33), and (right) U.S.Rep. Gerry Connolly(D-11), asking thatsome of the morethan 20 lawyerspresent be given theopportunity to meetwith the detainees.

Photo contributed


Documents

McLean - Ellington CMSconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/.../31/McLean.pdf · 2017. 1. 31. · 4 McLean Connection February 1-7, 2017 News Students Meet McLean Firefighters