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Great Falls Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2010 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Great FallsAttention Postmaster:

Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 12-16-10

December 15-21, 2010 ❖ Volume XXIV, Number 50

Great Falls

RememberingMatthew ShepardNews, Page 3

RememberingMatthew ShepardNews, Page 3

Making WishesCome TrueNews, Page 6

Holiday ArtOn Display

News, Page 3

The full cast of the Langley High production of TheLaramie Project (first row, from left) director

Lauren Stewart, Kathleen Welch, Madeleine Chalk,Rachel Mayman, theatre arts director Phyliss Jaffe,Vanessa Strahan, Alex Ward, Via Tovig, Katie Jones;

second row, Tu-An Troung, Nicole Kang, TaylorGoodson, Michael Richardson, Alex Liechtenstein,

Jay Mamana, Tess Higgins, Ryan Poyner, JordanMoeller, Brian Patterson, Cyrus Kingdom; on thetree, Becca Allen, Zack Gray, Caroline Callahan.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2010 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

News

By Victoria Ross

The Connection

Five weeks after Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay man, was lashed to a fencepostin Wyoming and left to die in 1998, playwright Moisés Kaufman and his colleagues

at the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie andconducted more than 200 interviews with commu-nity members. The result was The Laramie Project,a play chronicling the life of the town and those clos-est to Shepard.

In 2000, The Laramie Project debuted to criticaland popular acclaim. Considered a bracing exami-nation of the brutal murder of Shepard, and athought-provoking inquiry of homophobia across thenation, the play is one of the most produced playsby theater students in the U.S.

On the play’s 10th anniversary, Langley HighSchool’s Theatre Department presents its productionof The Laramie Project, directed by senior LaurenStewart. In the process of producing the play, thestudents have explored how the issues examined byKaufman, such as tolerance and bigotry, apply to theirown school and community.

“I think The Laramie Project is as relevant todayas it was when it premiered,” said Stewart. “I thinkits message of erasing hate is extremely importantin high school communities today. Also the play pro-motes equality and acceptance, which is valuable forall ages to embrace.”

STEWART said she hopes the play will spark dis-cussion within the community, and help families talkopenly about gay marriage and homosexual rights.

Senior Jay Mamana, who plays Shepard’s father,Dennis, said he thinks the play is “definitely a uniqueproduction, and it’s especially poignant now withwhat’s happening in all areas of human rights. I don’tthink it’s meant to be political, but this is about abasic human rights issue.”

Much of the play is considered “found text,” be-cause the dialogue and monologues which make TheLaramie Project are taken from interviews, news re-ports, courtroom transcripts, and journal entries.

“The show is incredibly powerful and the fact thatthe script is a compilation of quotes from actualpeople make it more real than any other show I haveseen or script I have read,” Stewart said.

Stewart, who carries herself with a poise and ma-turity beyond her years, is only the second Langleystudent to direct a full-length production.

“Lauren approached me about doing this play thissummer, and I have every confidence in her abilityto do this,” said Phylliss Jaffe, Langley’s theatre arts See Play, Page 15

chair and director. “She’s been passionate about thisplay for a long time, and she’s earned the respect ofthe other students with her diligence,” Jaffe said.

Both Jaffe and Stewart credit principal MattRagone and assistant principal Tommy Meier withgiving the green light to produce a play that dealswith such sensitive issues.

“They both felt it was an important play, and they

By Alex McVeigh

The Connection

Walt Lawrence haslived in Great Fallssince 1977, but it

wasn’t until he retired in 2000that he really started to takenotice of the beauty aroundhim. He bought a digital cam-era a few years later, and nowspends his time searching forthe perfect photograph in GreatFalls.

“There’s a lot to like in thiscommunity, and I’m on a mis-sion to capture what’s left be-fore it all goes under a bull-dozer,” he said. “I’m amazed, Istill come across a lot that Inever knew was there.”

Lawrence was one of manyartists of Great Falls Studioswho put on their annual holi-day art show and sale Saturdayat the Village Green Day School.Great Falls Studios is made upof more than 80 artists whowork in a variety of mediums,all in Great Falls.

FREELANCE PHOTOGRA-PHER Suzanne Gillen ofBethesda went to the annualGreat Falls Studios tour in Oc-tober and came back to checkout what else the group had tooffer.

“I thought it was such a coolgroup when I came to the stu-dio tour,” Gillen said. “I enjoylooking at art and photography,and they’ve got that and morehere.”

While there was plenty of art

and photography, there wereother, more practical art formsavailable as well. Michael Longcarves custom wooden walkingsticks, a hobby he began afterpicking up hiking after a backinjury several years ago.

“I was a carpenter when I wasyounger, and when I was hik-ing after my back surgery Ineeded a good walking stick,”he said. “Most of them I actu-ally walk around with while I’mcarving, so I can rememberplaces I’ve been with each par-ticular stick.”

Long has recently moved intosculpture and stone, and he hadseveral of pieces on display aswell. But the walking sticks are

First row, from left, Katie Jones, KathleenWelch, Rachel Mayman, Vanessa Strahan;second row, Cyrus Kingdom and RyanPoyner.

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RememberingMatthewShepardLangley High Schoolpresents The Laramie Projecton play’s 10th anniversary.

The Laramie Project atLangley High

Langley High School’s Theatre Department willpresent The Laramie Project on Friday, Dec. 17 andSaturday Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Langley Audito-rium. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.All proceeds from the play will be donated to theMatthew Shepard Foundation, whose goal is to“replace hate with understanding, compassion andacceptance.”

During opening night, Dr. Thomas Howard of theMatthew Shepard Foundation will conduct a Q&Awith the audience following the performance.

In addition to the play, the Thespian HonorSociety is hosting a Silent Auction on Dec. 17 tobenefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “Manyretailers, theaters, hair salons and parents havegenerously donated items and gift certificates for thisevent. Come prepared to bid and buy,” said parentSusan Stewart, who organized the auction.

Items include: ❖ Theater Tickets to many D.C. venues, including

The Kennedy Center, Signature Theater, RoundhouseTheater and more

❖ Gift Cards to Georgetown Cupcake,Nordstrom’s and other retailers.

❖ Dinner at L’Auberge Chez Francois Restaurant ❖ Gift Items such as a Tiffany necklace and Under

Armour gear ❖ Professional services, such as two hours of SAT

or ACT prep with a private college prep tutor ❖ Tickets to sporting events, such as Washington

Capitals and Washington Wizards games

Holiday Art on Display

Photographer Walt Lawrence was one of severalartists on display Saturday at the Great Falls Studiosannual Holiday Art Show and Sale at Village GreenDay School.

Great Falls Studios hosts annualHoliday Art Show and Sale.

Bob Gilbert’s oil paintingshows one of Great Falls’landmarks, Colvin RunMill.

See Holiday, Page 14

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News

By Alex McVeigh

The Connection

While Great Falls resident LawrenceMcKinley was preparing for the

Fairfax Resolves Chapters of theSons of the American Revolution’sChristmas social, he was respon-sible for making the certificate thatwould be awarded to the group’scitizen of the year. The only prob-lem was, he didn’t know who thewinner was. According to the in-formation given him, a CotyLemfaux was to be recognized.

“I didn’t know who he was, Ikept calling people to get some in-formation about him, and theydidn’t get back to me,” he said.

It wasn’t until the social beganthat McKinley realized the truth.“Coty Lemfaux” wasn’t a real per-son, rather it was a name madeup of “Citizen Of The Year,” fol-lowed by McKinley’s initials “LEM”and “faux,” meaning fake.

Instead the award was given toMcKinley himself, as recognitionfor his years of service to the SAR,as well as the numerous other lo-cal institutions he volunteers for.

“I couldn’t believe it, I really hadno idea,” said McKinley, whosegenuine surprise was evident assoon as chapter president John

Sweeney announced McKinley asthe winner. “I didn’t expect any-thing like this, volunteering is justone of those things I started doingwhen I retired.”

MCKINLEY DESCRIBES himselfas blessed and cursed with a “he-lium hand,” meaning he can’t keepit from floating up when peopleask for volunteer help. He servesas a docent at the National Air andSpace Museum, has spent morethan 1,200hours recordingreadings forblind and dys-lexic youth att h eSmi thson ianAir and SpaceMuseum andother distancelearning pro-grams. He isalso active involunteer ingfor Boy ScoutTroop 1128, the McLean Youth Or-chestra, the Andrew ChapelUnited Methodist Church andBishop O’Connell High School.

“He is one of the select volun-teers with the talent to make youthbooks come alive for our listeners,”said Laurel Marget, evening pro-gram manager for the Recording

for the Blind and Dyslexic of Met-ropolitan Washington, D.C. “Lis-tening to Larry’s voice, thestudent’s experience changes fromone of frustration to one of enjoy-ment for further learning andreading.”

Sweeney said that McKinley’scountless contributions to the SARmade him a natural candidate, butit was his work with countless

other organiza-tions that madehim rise to thetop.

“Positively in-fluencing thelives of both lo-cal and interna-tional studentshas been at thecrux of Larry’slong-standingvolunteer ser-vice,” Sweeneysaid. “He has

served in an extraordinary num-ber of SAR positions, to include:past chapter president, founder ofthe Fairfax Resolves Color Guardand immediate past commander ofthe Vassar Color Guard. He con-tinues to serve as a color guardmember, often traveling long dis-tances to various commemorative

events.”McKinley, who has lived in Great

Falls since 1983 along with hiswife of 36 years, Mary Frances,served in the Army and Army Na-tional Guard, including stints as aMedevac Helicopter Pilot. Heserved in combat in the VietnamWar and Desert Storm.

HE HAS BEEN a member of SARfor the past fifteen years, after get-ting involved with the Children ofthe American Revolution with hisdaughter, Holly Lynn Schmidt.

“He joined CAR when I wasyounger, and he still serves withthem as well,” Schmidt said. “Healways said ‘if it’s worth doing, it’sworth doing well,’ and that’s howhe has approached everything he’sever done.”

McKinley remained humblethroughout the evening, which isthe trait that caused his fellow SARmembers to set up such an elabo-rate ruse. Even after his accom-plishments were laid out for all tosee, McKinley still offers a humble,yet humorous explanation for histhousands of hours of volunteerwork.

“They’re just things I do thatkeep me out of prison,” he saidwith a laugh.

Great Falls resident Lawrence McKinleyis awarded the Fairfax Resolves Chapterof the Sons of the American RevolutionCitizen of the Year. McKinley, who hasserved as past president of the organiza-tion, volunteers at local institutions,such as the Smithsonian, his localchurch and boy scout troop. He alsorecords audio for the Recording for theBlind and Dyslexic of MetropolitanWashington, D.C.

From left, Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Sons of the American RevolutionCitizen of the Year Lawrence McKinley, chapter president John Sweeneyand chairman for the Citizen of the Year Award Dennis Hickey.

Man of the YearGreat Falls residentLawrence McKinley awardedFairfax Sons of the AmericanRevolution Citizen of the Year.

“I didn’t expectanything like this,volunteering is justone of those thingsI started doingwhen I retired.”

— Lawrence McKinley

Teacher of the YearLangley High School history teacher Brigitte Lavey was awarded the

Fairfax Resolves Sons of the American Revolution’s Teacher of the Year awardfor 2010. Lavey has been teaching for 37 years, including AP History, andhas consistently seen students test scores go up. She is known around theschool as a teacher who will go to any lengths to help students, and is oftenone of the first at school in the morning and among the last to leave.

“She loves learning, she’s constantly reading, constantly on the cuttingedge when it comes to new research and technology to incorporate in theclassroom,” said Don Cooper, a teacher at Langley and the assistant regis-trar and chairman of the Teacher of the Year Committee for the SAR. “If herstudents have any need, she is always there for them, no matter what.”

Lavey was given the award at the November Langley High School facultymeeting.

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News

By Victoria Ross

The Connection

When David, a Fairfax Countyfoster teen, receives his giftsfrom the Wish List Project,he won’t get the bike he re-

quested this year.Instead, the 19-year-old college freshman

at Old Dominion University will get two top-of-the-line bikes from two local families. Inaddition to a bright blue Cannondale and awhite Monaco, valued at nearly $1,200,David will also receive a gift basket filledwith biking essentials, including a new hel-met, bike lock, tire gauge and gloves

“It’s unbelievable. I had two calls aboutDavid, and both people were very movedby his story in the newspaper. David saidhe needed a bike to get to and from hisclasses and his part-time job at college, andnow he’s getting two…The angels really didcome out this year,” said Ginger Mahon.

For the past 11 years, Mahon, a Great Fallsmother of two daughters, has helped morethan 1,000 local people like David get theirholiday wishes through the Wish ListProject, a community outreach program shefounded in 2000 that provides gifts to localhomeless families and foster teens by

matching them with generous donors.

ON SATURDAY, Mahon opened her doorsfor the annual “Wish List Drop-Off Party,”where dozens of friends, neighbors anddonors gathered to drop-off their gifts andcelebrate the season of giving.

Decorated with angels, garland and twin-kling lights, Mahon’s home quickly becamecrowded with people navigating their waythrough the boxes, bags and bundles of giftsthat filled her basement, garage, kitchencounters and every other space of her home.Some gifts were whimsical - one gift bagcontained an animated Spiderman lampand another gift bag was filled with a pink

tulle fairy dress, tiara and lighted wand.Other gifts were practical - gift cards, books,blankets, diapers and bottles of shampoo.

“Honestly, I was a little more worriedabout this year, because I think people arestill feeling the financial strain. But onceagain everyone has opened their hearts andwe have more angels than ever,” Mahonsaid. She said she was particularly happythat she added about 20 more donors toher list this year, bringing the total to ap-proximately 135 “angels” whose generos-ity will benefit 400 people in need.

Her Wish List beneficiaries include theEmbry Rucker Community Shelter, ShelterHouse in Falls Church, the Katherine Hanley

Family Shelter in Fairfax, St. Ann’s Infantand Maternity Home in Hyattsville and 75Fairfax County foster teens. This year, sheadded Artemis House, a county-sponsoredshelter for victims of domestic violence.

“When you see all the gifts that you knowwill really be appreciated, you realize thatthis is really what it’s all about this time ofyear,” said Michele Wrigley, a Reston resi-dent, whose family has been donating giftsto local homeless families for three years.“I think the message is that it really is bet-ter to give than to receive. We need to takecare of each other because we’re all onefamily.”

Sister Mary Bader of St. Ann’s Infant andMaternity Home in Hyattsville calls Mahon“St. Ann’s guardian angel.”

“She is a remarkable woman with bundlesof energy who rallies people together at theholidays to help others in need. I am alwaysamazed to see the different ages of peoplewho attend her party and share so gener-ously. While Ginger inspires others to give,she also educates the donors as to the needsof their community,” Bader said.

Bader said The Wish List Project hashelped about 40 teens and infants at thehome every year for the past four years.“She has helped us close the gap on whatwe have and what we need for our childrenand teen mothers during the Christmas sea-son,” Bader said.

MAHON, who said she feels blessed tohave a home, a supportive husband, andtwo daughters, started the Wish List as away of “paying it forward.” The formerForestville Elementary School PTA presidentlaunched the project by “adopting” theEmbry Rucker Shelter and helping 49 fami-lies get their holiday wishes.

Susan Alger, the volunteer manager forthe Embry Rucker Shelter in Reston, saidshe is always amazed by the generosity ofthe Wish List donors. “Just look at all thesegifts! I’m thankful for someone like Ginger.She is getting the message out there thatthere are people in need right here, andthere are ways to help. It’s always wonder-ful to see all the gifts and know they willmake many children and families veryhappy,” Alger said.

MakingWishesCome TrueWish List angelsspread holiday cheerto the area’s homelessfamilies.

Nene Spivy, past president of the Junior League of Northern Virginia,and her family, arrive at the Mahon home Saturday bearing gifts for alocal homeless family. The Spivy family (clockwise, from left) - Art, Nene,Nathan, Sara and Ben.

From left, Cynthia Adler, GingerMahon, Shawn Adler and DeniseCannon hold the basket of newbooks collected by ForestvilleElementary School’s Girl ScoutTroop #316.

Santa reads The Night BeforeChristmas to a group of children atthe annual Wish List party.

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Potomac

Best WishesFor The Holidays


Opinion

The holiday season offers many opportunities to count our blessingsand give something back to thosewho enrich our lives. In the pro-

cess, we may realize that we’ve been takingfor granted something, or someone, very dearto us. I suspect nature often falls into that cat-egory.

From rivers winding through foreststo oyster reefs rising from coastal bays,our ecosystems provide us with cleanwater, fertile soils, food, fuel, beauty,flood control, storm protection and many otherbenefits. So this year, I encourage you to joinme in showing your appreciation for all thatnature does to enhance and sustain our lives.

In the Washington, D.C., metropolitan re-gion, whether a faucet runs in the White Houseor in your house, that water almost certainlycomes from the Potomac River. When you fillyour coffeepot before breakfast or your chil-dren wash their hands before dinner, you areamong more than 4 million other people inour area who depend on the Potomac River

for water.In addition to household water, the Potomac

provides many other natural services. It cre-ates habitat for fish and wildlife, offers oppor-tunities for recreation and tourism, supplieswater for irrigation, absorbs wastewater gen-erated by communities, and supports industry

and economic development.And if we extend our view to take in

the whole Potomac watershed, includ-ing tributary streams such as TurkeyRun and Cabin John Creek, then we

see the critical roles that forests play. Whilesome forest benefits are obvious — wildlifehabitat, recreation, wood products and forestryjobs — services such as preventing erosion andfiltering runoff often go unnoticed.

Now here’s the clincher. Nature’s services areabsolutely free.

But perhaps that fact has been part of theirundoing. Many natural systems around theworld, from tropical coral reefs to our ownChesapeake Bay, are seriously degraded. Thisreality begs a question: If humans can’t put a

price tag on it, do we really value it?Even professional conservationists some-

times struggle to describe all the benefits wederive from nature, much less determine aneconomic value. But scientists from The Na-ture Conservancy are working with conserva-tion and university partners to do both throughour Natural Capital Project. In the near future,we will offer practical tools for factoring natu-ral systems into decisions about how humansinteract with our world.

This we already know for certain: Nature isthe life-support system for every animal, plantand person on Earth. So for all that nature hasgiven to you in 2010, I hope you’ll considergiving something back. One way you can showyour appreciation is to be a good neighbor tothe Potomac River. To find practical tips forprotecting water quality, visit our website anddownload our guide to river-friendly living, theGood Neighbor Handbook: www.nature.org orw w w. n a t u r e . o r g / w h e r e w e w o r k /northamerica/states/maryland/f i les/goodneighborhndbk_web.pdf

— Michael L. Lipford

Michael Lipford is Virginia executive directorof The Nature Conservancy

Counting Your Blessings?Don’t Forget NatureFree gifts to all in Northern Virginia from natureinclude drinking water from the Potomac River.

Guest

Editorial

By Margaret

Vanderhye

The number onepriority issuefor Northern

Virginia has been andcontinues to be the criti-cal shortfall in transpor-tation funding. In hisfirst year in office, Gov-ernor Bob McDonnell fulfilled hiscampaign promise to reopen reststops on Virginia highways. Hisaudits of VDOT commendablyidentified funds that were not be-ing applied to projects as effi-ciently as they could be. He estab-lished operations to streamline thedelivery of services and public pri-vate partnership opportunities.McDonnell also made a categori-cal pledge that he would not raisetaxes during his term.

These proposals involved betteruse of existing revenues and pro-grams. The Governor also investedconsiderable time and politicalcapital promoting the flawed ideasthat if only we could privatize li-quor stores and drill for oil off-shore, our transportation fundingpicture would be significantly im-proved. His recently announced $4

billion TransportationPlan relies largely ondebt to provide fundsfor projects. Repayingthe debt will make thecurrent $1 billion an-nual transportationfunding “hole” evendeeper by 2013. In Rich-mond, this is called“kicking the can down

the road” because the bill for thesepolicies will come due after thecurrent Administration departs.The project list in his Plan includesthe I95-395 HOT lanes in north-ern Virginia among the number ofstatewide improvements. TheGovernor promises more detailsbefore the legislature convenes inJanuary, but the bottom line is this:our short term transportationgains will be offset by the lack ofsustainable revenue behind them.

Other elements of the Plan in-clude a Transportation Infrastruc-ture Bank that draws on GeneralFund revenue to sustain it. ThePlan relies on the expectation thatthe federal government will ap-prove tolling on I-95, and that therevenue from future tolls will bemore substantial than audits sug-gest is likely. The Governor seeks

to double the current annual salesof transportation bonds from leg-islation passed in 2007, withoutspecifying how bond paymentswill be financed. The GARVEEbonds he identifies as a main com-ponent of the Plan rely on futureanticipated federal highway fundsto repay investors. His call to passa constitutional amendment topermanently protect the Common-wealth Transportation Fund fromtransfers to the General Fund is aperennial favorite bill that alwaysgenerates wide bipartisan supportin the House. It fails each yearbecause the Senate wants the lockbox to work both ways.

Governor McDonnell is right toassert that “right now is the bestopportunity to get roads built inmodern Virginia history.” Contrac-tors are hungry for work and con-struction materials are priced be-low previous market levels. Vir-ginia has a long and proud tradi-tion of fiscal prudence. We takeour Triple A bond rating and ourreputation as a well-managedstate very seriously. The successesfrom the current $4 billion planwill be undermined by the lack ofdedicated, sufficient and sustain-able new revenues to address our

annual $1 billion transportationfunding shortfalls. The Governorknows this to be true. But the ru-ral House leadership has dictatedthe terms for funding proposals fora decade, and they continue to callthe shots today. With state levelelections, redistricting and a rest-less Tea Party heading for Virginiain 2011, the chance is almost non-existent for passing funding legis-lation with the kind of ongoingrevenue stream we need.

Without it, our transportationproblems will continue to getworse no matter how much we tellourselves that we are efficient, cre-ative, optimistic, and businessfriendly about infrastructure. By2013 when we elect a new gover-nor, all Virginians, regardless ofparty affiliation or label will becarrying more debt. We will bescrambling to protect general fundprograms even if the economyimproves. And we will still be sit-ting in traffic, wondering how wegot to this point and dismayed thatno one has the courage to dosomething about it.

Margaret Vanderhye, ofMcLean, is a former Virginia statedelegate (D-34).

Kicking the Can Down the Road

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Effective Jan. 1, 2011, tollrates on the Dulles TollRoad will increase by 25cents at the main toll

plaza to $1.25. Toll rates on theon/off ramps will remain 75 cents.

A three-year schedule for newtoll rates was approved by theMetropolitan Washington AirportsAuthority Board of Directors inNovember 2009 after conductinga series of public hearings. At thattime, the Board also approved atoll rate increase that took effecton Jan. 1, 2010, the increase for2011and a third toll rate increasethat will be effective Jan. 1, 2012.

The toll increases are necessaryfor the Airports Authority to ful-fill its commitment to operate andmaintain the Dulles Toll Road andto construct the Dulles CorridorMetrorail Project. That commit-ment is contained in agreementswith the Commonwealth of Vir-ginia and local governments inNorthern Virginia, and is based insubstantial part on the parties’agreement that funding for theMetrorail Project is to come fromDulles Toll Road revenues, as wellas contributions by the federalgovernment, the Commonwealth,Fairfax and Loudoun Counties,and the Airports Authority.

Under its agreement with theCommonwealth of Virginia, theAirports Authority has assumedthe responsibility to operate andmaintain the Dulles Toll Road fora 50-year period beginning in2009.

For more information about theDulles Toll Road and the processthe Airports Authority follows be-fore setting new toll rates, pleasevisit our website atwww.mwaa.com/tollroad.

Toll RoadRatesChange25¢ increase atMain Toll Plaza;Tolls at on/offramps remainthe same.

News

Your Home…YourNeighborhood…YourNewspaper


By Alex McVeigh

The Connection

Fifth graders at St. Luke’sSchool in McLean wererecognized by Supervisor John Foust (D-

Dranesville) for their “Treats forTroops” program, which collected35 boxes of items to send to troopsoverseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The program, now in its secondyear, is led by the fifth graders, butstudents throughout the schoolparticipated. They saved their Hal-loween candy, toiletries, sundries,boxed soup and other non-perish-able items.

“It was an idea by our roommother two years ago, and the stu-dents have really gotten behind it,”said fifth grade teacher JohnFarnham. “We plan to do it everyyear, as long as there are troopsoverseas.”

Foust presented the studentswith a certificate of appreciationat their weekly advent assemblyMonday.

“This school already has a tre-

mendous reputation, and theyhave added to it with what they’vedone,” he said. “This is a great ser-vice to men and women overseas,including some that are away fromhome during the holidays for thefirst time.”

The boxes were shipped by theNeighbors Program, which is anonprofit group that ships pack-ages to military personnel in Iraqand Afghanistan.

Photo by Alex McVeigh/The Connection

Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) presented fifth-graders at St. Luke’s with a certificate of appreciation fortheir “Treats for Troops” program, which collected 35boxes worth of items to send to troops deployed overseasfor the holidays.

News

Sending Treats tothe TroopsStudents at St. Luke collect holidaygifts for troops overseas.

“This is a greatservice to men andwomen overseas,including somethat are away fromhome during theholidays for thefirst time.”

— Supervisor John Foust(D-Dranesville)

To have community events listed in theConnection, send to [email protected]. Deadline isFriday.

Army National Guard Pfc. Joshua B.Atkins has graduated from basic combattraining at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.During the nine weeks of training, hestudied Army history, tradition and core

values, physical fitness, received instruc-tion and practice in basic combat skills,military weapons, chemical warfare andbayonet training, drill and ceremony,marching, rifle marksmanship, armedand unarmed combat, map reading, fieldtactics and more. He is the son of RandyAtkins of Weant Drive in Great Falls, anda 1990 graduate of the Blue Ridge Pre-paratory School of Dyke, Va.

Military Notes


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PROTECT YOUR THIRD BIGGEST INVESTMENT(after your house and spouse)

Factory-trained mechanic with over 30 years experienceand a long-time resident of Great Falls will do mainte-nance and light service work on your vehicle at your houseand at your convenience by appointment.

Keep newer vehicle warrantees binding and extend theefficient operating life of any vehicle at a fraction of thecost (with fewer surprises and far less wasted time).

Before your next oil change is due, please call540-406-1408 for more information and local references.

Free estimates and referrals. New and used car purchas-ing assistance. Pre-trip safety checks. Winterizing for allyour equipment. Plus more—just ask.

SHILLELAGHS TRAVEL CLUB100 East Street SE, Suite 202 • Vienna, Virginia 22180

703-242-2204 1-800-556-8646Please visit our Web site at: www.shillelaghtravelclub.com for a listing of all our upcoming trips and socials.

ATLANTA & JEKYLL ISLAND, Feb. 20-26 .......................................$799Includes Motorcoach from Vienna or Rockville, 6-Nights Hotel with DailyBreakfast and 4 Dinners, Daily Sightseeing. Call for an Itinerary.

NYC BROADWAY to see “Memphis”, March 1-3.................................$579Includes Motorcoach from Vienna or Rockville, 2-Nights Novotel in Manhattanin Theatre District, Orchestra Seats to “Memphis” & a 4 hour tour of Brooklyn.

SAVANNA FOR ST. PAT’S DAY, March 15-18...............................$899Includes Motorcoach from Vienna or Rockville, 3-Nights Hotel in HistoricDistrict, Sightseeing, Daily Breakfast, 2 Dinners, 1 Brunch, 1 Lunch, ReservedSeating at the Parade, Tybee Island Boat Ride.

Sprinklers DouseTwo StructureFires

Fairfax County Fire and RescueDepartment units responded totwo fires Saturday, Dec. 11, in theOakton and Great Falls areas ofFairfax County. In both fires, sprin-klers activated controlling the firesand keeping property damage toa minimum.

Firefighters responded to ahouse fire at 476 River Bend Roadin Great Falls at approximately4:45 p.m., with fire and smoke inthe attic area. Prior to firefightersarriving, water from the sprinklersystem activated, providing earlyfire protection and minimizing theproperty damage. Firefighters didextensive overhaul to ensure therewas no additional fire in walls,rafters, or elsewhere in the atticarea. Fire damage was confined toan approximately 50 square footarea in the attic. There were noinjuries.

The installation of sprinklersprovides critical early protectionto property, and from potentiallyserious injury or fire death to oc-cupants inside a structure. Sprin-klers are designed to extinguishand control fire before it evolvesinto flashover, the point at whichrapid flame spreads and deadlyheat and smoke are produced.Sprinkler systems will control afire and provide life-saving timefor occupants to escape.

Virginia has not adopted man-datory residential sprinkler use inhomes. However, the VirginiaBuilding Code Officials Associa-tion and the Home Fire SafetyCouncil support mandatory sprin-kler use.

For more information on resi-dential sprinklers, contact theFairfax County Fire Marshal’s Of-fice, 703-246-4753.

Get Home SafeThe Washington Regional Alco-

hol Program is offering itsSoberRide program through Janu-ary first. People who call the num-ber will get a free taxicab ridehome, up to a $30 value. Duringthe 2009 holiday season, 692people in the area took advantageof the program, up from 468 in2008.

This past Halloween, SoberRideprovided 461 rides home.

Area residents age 21 and overcan call the toll-free number at 1-800-200-TAXI (8294) and AT&Tusers can dial #TAXI. More infor-mation about SoberRide can befound at www.soberride.com.

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12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2010 Great Falls Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2010 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Send announcements [email protected] is Thursday for the followingweek’s paper. Photos/artwork encouraged.For additional listings, visitwww.connectionnewspapers.com

THURSDAY/DEC. 16Mclean High School Orchestra’s

Winter Concert. 7 p.m. in theAuditorium at McLean High School,1633 Davidson Road, McLean. Theconcert will feature Tchaikovsky’sNutcracker Suite and other holidayand classical [email protected].

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’sHealthy Heroes. 7 p.m. GeorgeMason University Patriot Center, 4500Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Tickets $15-$28, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is availablefor patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035.www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Decenbersongs with Dan Navarro,Amy Speace, Sally Barris andJon Vezner. 7:30 p.m. Jammin’Java, 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

Book Discussion. 7:30 p.m. GreatFalls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Call for title. Adults. 703-757-8560

Langley High School ChoralDepartment Winter Concert.7:30 p.m. in the LHS auditorium,6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean.Schubert’s Mass in G with studentsoloists and a professional stringquartet, the Madrigal choir singing acapella Renaissance holiday musicand more. Free admission, open tothe public. 703-404-5502 [email protected].

FRIDAY/DEC. 17“The Laramie Project.” 7:30 p.m.

Langley High School Auditorium,6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Aplay about the reaction to the 1998murder of University of Wyomingstudent Matthew Shepard. Allproceeds from ticket sales and a silentauction will be donated to theMatthew Shepard Foundation.

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s

Healthy Heroes. 10:30 a.m. and 7p.m. George Mason University PatriotCenter, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax.Tickets $15-$28, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is availablefor patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035.www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Bill Kirchen’s Honky Tonk HolidayShow. 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

Agatha Christie’s “TheMousetrap”. 8 p.m. at 1st Stage,1524 Spring Hill Road, TysonsCorner. $25 adults, $15 students.www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrapor 703-854-1856.

2010 Graduating Artist Showcase.6-9 p.m. George Mason University Artand Design Building, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Fall 2010 SeniorExhibition Reception. Exhibits of over60 graduating artists includingpaintings, sculpture, animation,graphic design, drawing and more.Live music and refreshmentsavailable. Free admission. 703-993-8898 or [email protected].

The Brothers GrimmSpectaculation. 7:30 p.m. McLeanCommunity Center Alden Theatre,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Comedyin the style of Monty Python. [email protected].

Vienna Arts Society Reception. 6:30p.m. at the Vienna Art Center, 115Pleasant St. N.W., Vienna. Works bylocal artists selected to display theirpieces in Delegate Mark Keam’sCapitol Office. Free admission, opento the public. 703-319-3971 orwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org.

SATURDAY/DEC. 18“The Laramie Project.” 7:30 p.m.

Langley High School Auditorium,6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Aplay about the reaction to the 1998murder of University of Wyomingstudent Matthew Shepard. Allproceeds from ticket sales and a silentauction will be donated to theMatthew Shepard Foundation.

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’sHealthy Heroes. 10:30 a.m. and 2p.m. George Mason University PatriotCenter, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax.Tickets $15-$28, available at

www.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is availablefor patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035.www.sesamestreetlive.com.

4th Annual Rocknoceros HolidaySingalong with The BarbershopQuartet. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. jamminjava.com.

Vienna Boys Choir. 8 p.m. at GeorgeMason University Concert Hall, 4400University Drive, Fairfax. Holidaymusic from Gregorian chant tofavorite Christmas carols. $24-$48,youth through grade 12 half price.888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.

Agatha Christie’s “TheMousetrap”. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road,Tysons Corner. $25 adults, $15students. www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrap or 703-854-1856.

Vienna Choral Society Concert. 4p.m. at the Vienna Baptist Church,541 Marshall Road, Vienna. Celebratethe season with favorite and familiarholiday songs at “Come in from theCold: A Fireside Concert.” Adults $20,students and seniors $15, family $35.703-255-5508 orwww.viennachoralsociety.org.

The Brothers GrimmSpectaculation. 7:30 p.m. McLeanCommunity Center Alden Theatre,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Comedyin the style of Monty Python. [email protected].

The Meltdown Dance Party with DJLova, DJ Nick@Nite andBeetkeepers. 10 p.m. Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

Colvin Run Schoolhouse HolidayDance. 10201 Colvin Run Road,Great Falls. Bosa Nova lesson at 8p.m. and music by The Family Bandfrom 9-11:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Lesson $5, dance $12 per person.Sodas and snacks available forpurchase. 703-705-2003 orwww.colvinrun.org.

SUNDAY/DEC. 19Old Firehouse Teen Center Dance:

Winter Ball. 1440 Chain BridgeRoad, McLean. Friday night dance for7th-8th graders. Semi-formal.www.mcleancenter.org.

Glorious Sounds of Christmas. 4p.m. and 7 p.m. Vienna PresbyterianChurch, 124 NE Park St., Vienna.Choirs, orchestra and bells performChristmas music. Free. 703-778-9422.

Vienna Volunteer Fire DepartmentBingo. 7 p.m. at the VVFD, 400Center St. South, Vienna. Games heldevery Sunday in the Flame Room.www.vvfd.org.

Breakfast With Santa. 9:30 a.m.McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Breakfast,live entertainment, crafts, photos withSanta and more. $15 per person, $10McLean district residents, age 2 andunder free. Space limited andregistration is required, no walk-ins.www.mcleancenter.org.

Sesame Street Live: Elmo’sHealthy Heroes. 1:30 p.m. and 4p.m. George Mason University PatriotCenter, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax.Tickets $15-$28, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or 703-573-SEAT. Accessible seating is availablefor patrons with disabilities at 703-993-3035.www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Vienna Boys Choir. 4 p.m. at GeorgeMason University Concert Hall, 4400University Drive, Fairfax. Holidaymusic from Gregorian chant tofavorite Christmas carols. $24-$48,youth through grade 12 half price.888-945-2468 or cfa.gmu.edu.


Live Nativity. Great Falls UnitedMethodist Church, 10100 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Beginning at 6 p.m.with three repeating 20-minute acts.703-759-5949 or 703-759-3705

Theatre IV Presents “The Tailor ofGloucester.” 3 p.m. McLeanCommunity Center Alden Theatre,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Amusical version of Beatrix Potter’sclassic tale. Appropriate for age 4 andup. [email protected].

My Favorite Highway’s Finale. 6:30p.m. and 9 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

MONDAY/DEC. 20V.I.P. Vienna. 10 a.m. Patrick Henry

Library, 101 Maple Ave. East, Vienna.Support group for visually impairedpersons. Adults. 703-938-0405.

TUESDAY/DEC. 21Bliss FM, JUSTi and Ced Hughes. 8

p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave.E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 22Todd Wright’s 8th Annual

Christmas Spectacular(acoustic). 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

THURSDAY/DEC. 23Santa Jam Benefit Concert. State

Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., FallsChurch. To raise money for NorthernVirginia’s Doorways Women andFamilies Shelter and non-profit ‘Musicto Give’. Featuring Tommy Lepson,Soul Gravity and Linwood Taylor.$10. An unwrapped child’s Christmasgift also suggested. Purchase tickets atwww.thestatetheatre.com.

Todd Wright’s 8th AnnualChristmas Spectacular. 8 p.m.Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. jamminjava.com.

FRIDAY/DEC. 24Good For The Jews: Putting The

Ha! In Hanaukkah Tour withRob Tannenbaum and DavidFagin. 7 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

SUNDAY/DEC. 26Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

Bingo. 7 p.m. at the VVFD, 400Center St. South, Vienna. Games heldevery Sunday in the Flame Room.www.vvfd.org.


Poor Man’s Lobster, Funkmnkyzand The Arctic Groove. 7:30 p.m.Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. jamminjava.com.

MONDAY/DEC. 27 Movie Matinee. 11:30 a.m. Great Falls

Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls. Short movies based on popularchildren’s books. Bring a lunch andhave a picnic. Age 2-3 with adult.

Entertainment

The Langley High School Choral Department Winter Con-cert will be Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the LHSauditorium, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The concertwill feature Schubert’s Mass in G with student soloists andaccompanied by a professional string quartet. The Madri-gal choir will perform Renaissance period holiday musicsung in the traditional a capella style. All of the Langleychoirs will perform holiday favorites that mix traditionaland jazz arrangements. Free admission, open to the pub-lic. 703-404-5502 or [email protected].

703-757-8560Where’s My Face (Dubstep and

Electrohouse) with Viking, DJM.A.F., Konstellation andHubsmoke. 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

TUESDAY/DEC. 28The Dinobabies and Marly

Dumarz. 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 29Berrett and Harrison and Cara

Salimando. 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna.jamminjava.com.

THURSDAY/DEC. 30Natalie York and Molly Hagen. 7:30

p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave.E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.

Frostival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dulles Expo &Conference Center, 4368 ChantillyShopping Center, Chantilly. Familyfun with storytellers, music anddance, crafts, interactive activities,Reptiles Alive, Blue Sky Puppets andmore. Canned food items and newand gently used winter coats will becollected to provide to families inneed. www.Frostival.com.

FRIDAY/DEC. 31Agatha Christie’s “The

Mousetrap”. 9 p.m. at 1st Stage,1524 Spring Hill Road, TysonsCorner. Special performance andparty. $50. www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrap or 703-854-1856.

4th Annual Rocknoceros NewYears Eve Party. 11 a.m., 2 p.m.

and 8 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 MapleAve. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.

Frostival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dulles Expo &Conference Center, 4368 ChantillyShopping Center, Chantilly. Familyfun with storytellers, music anddance, crafts, interactive activities,The Great Zucchini and more. Cannedfood items and new and gently usedwinter coats will be collected toprovide to families in need.www.Frostival.com.

SATURDAY/JAN. 1Agatha Christie’s “The

Mousetrap”. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road,Tysons Corner. $25 adults, $15students. www.1ststagetysons.org/mousetrap or 703-854-1856.

Mambo Sauce and The Movement.10 p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227 MapleAve. E., Vienna. jamminjava.com.

Frostival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dulles Expo &Conference Center, 4368 ChantillyShopping Center, Chantilly. Familyfun with storytellers, music anddance, crafts, interactive activities,Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and more.Canned food items and new andgently used winter coats will becollected to provide to families inneed. www.Frostival.com.

SUNDAY/JAN. 2Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

Bingo. 7 p.m. at the VVFD, 400Center St. South, Vienna. Games heldevery Sunday in the Flame Room.www.vvfd.org.


HOW TO GET YOURORGANIZATION’S SPECIALEVENTS IN THE CONNECTION

Calendar ListingsThe Connection Newspapers contain a Calendar ofUpcoming Events every week. While we cannot guaranteethat every event we receive information about will belisted, here is the information we need for your upcomingevent to be considered for the Calendar. We welcomephotographs of similar events held previously, whichsometimes appear with Calendar items.

Name of Event:Day of the Week, Date and Time:Name of the Place Event will Be Held:Address of the Place Event Will Be Held:Name and Phone Number for More Information:Three Sentences Describing the Event:

Please submit your calendar information at leasttwo weeks before your event. Clear photographs fromsimilar previous events are always welcome.All events should be open to the public. We givefirst priority to free events. E-mail listings to:

[email protected] mail to:Calendar, Connection Newspapers1606 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22314.

For more information, call 703-778-9410.

www.connectionnewspapers.com


From Page 3

still what he has most of, and Longsays he’ll always work on those.

“I like to think that each sticktells me how to carve it,” he said.

Long isn’t the only artist that hasundergone some changes. Bob Gil-bert started painting watercolorsof outdoor scenes, but he hasmade the transition to anotherpassion: the cityscape of New YorkCity.

“I’ve traveled a lot, and everycity has its own identity, but nonequite as diverse as New York,with Chinatown, the theater dis-trict, the financial district, mid-town, the bridges,” he said. “Iwant to convey the power, theemotion, You’re pushing yourway through the crowded cityand hearing the horns of the taxi-cabs.”

Gilbert’s pieces often feature ascene from New York, but with adream-like quality, with vivid colors and architec-ture that almost bends to envelop the viewer. Hegets his scenes from a variety of sources, sometimesonline image searches, frozen frames from his DVRor from a picture of the Nederlander Theatre thathe took when his daughter was in the theatre’s pro-duction of “Guys and Dolls.”

“I want you to feel involved, have an emotionabout what you’re seeing,” Gilbert said. “It makesme feel good when people come up and say, I’vebeen to that spot in New York, and you really cap-tured what it feels like.”

JAN BENDER takes the term “homegrown art” toanother level. She specializes in photograms madefrom plants from her garden. A photogram is when

plant cuttings are positioned onlight sensitive photo paper andexposed to light from an enlarger.The result is a silhouette-typeimage, which shows the sepia-toned plant image on a darkbackground.

“In the past, photograms werea black background and white sil-houettes on a dark background,but that doesn’t work well for

plants,” Bender said. “But the brain sees more depthin images that are brown or gray.”

Bender grows her own material, even if sometimesit takes a while to get the plant ready. She recallswaiting almost five years for a gingko biloba plant togrow enough to give her enough material.

“You have to have the actual plant, and they prettymuch have to be onsite, because a lot of them willdry too fast during transport if they’re not close,”Bender said. “But we’re gardeners as well, and that’swhat gave me the idea.”

Langley High School sophomore Megan Flynn takesphotography at school, and was intrigued by Bender’sphotograms, saying “I’ve done photograms before,which is why I thought the plants looked so neat.”

From left, artist Michael Long shows off his wares toPaulie and Suzanne Gillen, who came from Bethesda tosee the Great Falls Studios annual Holiday Art Show andSale.

Holidaywith Arts

Artist Jan Bender shows Megan Flynn, asophomore at Langley High School, howshe makes her photograms.

Artist Gail Pean works on a painting at theGreat Fall Studios Holiday Art Show andSale Saturday at the Village Green DaySchool.

News

Art in the CommunityThe Great Falls Studios is a group of

more than 80 artists living and working inGreat Falls. They work in such mediums ascalligraphy, digital, fiber and paper art,jewelry, pottery, photography, painting,filmmaking, printmaking and sculptures.

For more information, visitwww.greatfallsstudios.com, or [email protected].

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From Page 3

News

were very supportive. I’ve got-ten amazing positive responsesfrom people outside the commu-nity who are anxious to see it,”Jaffe said.

Una Higgins, president of SaxonStage on Cue, the booster groupof Langley parents dedicated tosupporting theatre arts, said theorganization is very supportive ofthe project. “We are delighted tosupport this student-directedproject and to promote the mes-sage it embraces, ‘Erase Hate.’ Inlight of recent events in the na-tional news, the themes of thistransformative play are timely andexpose a complex issue—intoler-ance,” Higgins said.

Shepard’s murder triggered aflood of media coverage and reac-tion from activists, celebrities andmany lawmakers. A 1998 Timemagazine cover story called themurder “society’s wakeup call …to prevent homophobia and hatecrimes,” and noted that three daysafter Shepard died, so many mem-bers of Congress showed up tovoice their grief and anger at acandlelight vigil on the steps of theCapitol that then-House minorityleader Dick Gephardt had timeonly to read their names.

Stewart is aware of the irony ofproducing the play in the wake ofrecent hate crimes against gays,gay teen suicides and the politicalcontroversy swirling around theeffort to end the military’s “don’task, don’t tell” policy.

“We didn’t plan it this way, butthe timing is important, because Ithink people have stopped talkingabout the incident,” Stewart said.

HER INTEREST in the play andits themes has grown since she firstsaw The Laramie Project when shewas a sophomore.

“This is the issue I’m most pas-sionate about. Everyone should betreated equally, and be able to getmarried. This summer, I read Mat-thew Shepard’s mother’s book. Itgave me a more well-rounded ver-sion of Matt and his family’sstruggle. The ultimate goal for meis that the play will open someminds,” she said.

Caroline Callahan, a junior atLangley who plays Shepard’sfriend Romaine Patterson, said the play has madeher more aware of issues such as homophobia. “Myhope,” Callahan said, “is that people realize howhurtful words can be…If you’re walking around say-ing ‘you’re so gay’ now, what will you be like in 20years when your hatred grows?” Callahan asked.

Stewart said one of the most affecting scenes inThe Laramie Project occurs when Callahan - portray-ing Patterson - shows up at the courthouse in a flow-

ing white angel costume with 10-foot wings. Patterson and other “an-gels” are there to counter the neonhate signs by preacher and anti-gayactivist Fred Phelps. They use their“wings” to block Phelps’ signs fromthe view of passersby.

Stewart said she hopes the audi-ence is also moved by one of thefinal scenes, when Mamana, asMatthew’s father Dennis Shepard,addresses his son’s murderers dur-ing the death-penalty phase of thetrial. The monologue is one of theplay’s most famous scenes.

“I would like nothing better thanto see you die, Mr. McKinney. How-

ever, this is the time to begin the healing process. Toshow mercy to someone who refused to show anymercy. Mr. McKinney, I am going to grant you life.You robbed me of something very precious and I willnever forgive you for that. Mr. McKinney, I give youlife in the memory of one who no longer lives. Mayyou have a long life and may you thank Matthewevery day for it.”

“That scene still makes me cry,” Stewart said.

Play Aims to ‘Erase Hate’

Romaine with her three angels (from left) TaylorGoodson, Kathleen Welch, Vanessa Strahan and CarolineCallahan in black.

Lauren Stewart

The ultimate goalfor me is that theplay will opensome minds.”

— Director LaurenStewart

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If you do not get The GreatFalls Connection delivered toyour home…

FIRST CLASSMAILEDSUBSCRIPTIONSare now available for the firsttime with timely postal carrierdelivery: $30 for six months.Help us meet the costs of providingfirst-rate community journalism onnewsprint to your household.

Call 703-778-9426 (or -9427)or e-mail circulation@

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Be sure to include your name, address and phone number, and identifyall people and pets in photos. Submission deadline is January 20.

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in February


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All are warmly welcomed

Seeking the Peace of Christmas?

The Washington Ballet is presenting its Holidayclassic, The Nutcracker at the Warner Theater run-ning through Dec. 26.

Eight children who live in Great Falls are studentsat The Washington School of Ballet, and are in theshow this year. One student in particular, JonathanMerril, age 10, plays the lead male student role, Fritz,in the party scene. It’s a family affair for the Merrils,where Veronica is also in the party scene as is young-est brother Matthew Merril playing littlest party boy.Veronica also plays clown in act 2. Also from GreatFalls, Kelly Rose Burke is a butterfly and Sophie Smithis a soldier. Sisters Danielle and Nicole Schwartz arealso soldiers in the show.

The classic story takes an historical twist with aWashington version: George Washington is the Nut-cracker, King George is the Rat King, the soldiers wearreplica colonial uniforms and tri-cornered hats, theparty scene takes place in a Georgetown Mansionwhere guests include Frederick Douglass and dollsare John Paul Jones and Lady Liberty.

Noted Washington area celebrities take thestage as walk-on guests, including Kojo Nnamdion opening night. The show opened Thanksgiv-ing weekend at THEARC in Anacostia where TheWashington Ballet has a significant communityengagement program. The show then moved toThe Warner Dec. 3.

Great Falls Children Perform in theWashington Ballet ‘Nutcracker’

Jonathan Merril(Fritz), VeronicaMerril (party girl)and Matthew Merril(Littlest party boy),all of Great Falls,prepare to taketheir places onstage at the WarnerTheater

Photo contributed

Now!Thousandsof picturesof sports,gradua-tions,currenteventsand more—neverpublished,but postedon theWeb. Freefor evalua-tion, avail-able forprints.

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Click on“Photo Gallery”

PhotoGalleries


Visit These Houses of WorshipJoin A Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons...

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA

450 ORCHARD STREETVIENNA, VA

[email protected]

www.fbcv.org

Dr. KENNY SMITH,PASTOR

SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 11:00 AMMIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM

To Highlight Your Faith Community call Karen at 703- 917-6468

bSt. LUKE A.M.E. Church

Rev. Dr. Peter G. Taylor, Pastor

“Serving the People of God”

SHERATON RESTON HOTEL

LET US WORSHIP GOD TOGETHER

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1133 Reston Avenue, Herndon, VA 20170Worship: Sunday, 8:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.

Sunday School: 9:30 A.M.

7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday school/Music: preschool - grade 210:25 a.m. Sunday school/Music: grades 3 - 1211:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

Nursery care provided at 9:00 and 11:15 services

The Rev. James Papile, RectorThe Rev. Jacqueline Thomson

The Rev. Denise Trogdon703-437-6530

www.stannes-reston.org1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston

ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston

Progressive & Welcoming

11321 Beach Mill RoadGreat Falls, VA 20165

It’s like coming home

Rev. D. J. Zuchelli, Pastor

[email protected]

SMITH CHAPEL UM CHURCH

WORSHIP HOURS SUNDAY: 11:00 AM

By Mike Potashnik and

Don Winkler

International Wine Review

The Holidays are thetime for Champagneand sparkling wineand what incredible

choices. In France alone there isChampagne, of course, but alsoanother 38 regions producingsparkling wines in the Loire, Bur-gundy, Alsace and elsewhere. Italymakes Prosecco and AstiSpumante. Spain produces Cava.In the US, excellent sparklingwines are made in California, NewMexico, and Virginia. Canada evenmakes really exotic sparklingicewine. And we’ve tasted excel-lent sparklers from Australia, NewZealand, Greece, and South Africa.

We’ve selected what we thinkare sparklers of excellent value

and then organized our recom-mendations by price level: Inex-pensive (around $10), ModeratelyPriced (under $30), and LuxuryCuvées (above $30). We’ve limitedour recommendations to mostly,very dry Bruts, and included somerosé sparklers.

INEXPENSIVE. We suggest youstick to Spanish Cavas, ItalianProsecco and Asti, and AmericanSparklers. Many of these wines arenon-vintage or produced in a waythat minimizes year-to-year varia-tions in quality. Most have a lovely

Holiday Champagne and Sparkling WineFrom $10 to $85,some excellentsuggestions forthe holidays.

Where to ShopBALDUCCI’S6655 Old Dominion Drive, McLean VA

22101, 703-448-3828www.balduccis.com

CECILES FINEWINE1351 Chain Bridge Road, McLean,

703-356-6500www.finewine.com

THE VINEYARD OF VIRGINIA1445 Laughlin Avenue, McLean,

703-288-2970www.thevineyardva.com

TOTAL WINE & MOREwww.totalwine.comMcLean Shopping Center,1451 Chain

Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101,703.749.0011

MAISON DU VIN756 Walker Road #C, Great Falls

703-759-9880www.maison-duvin.com

CLASSIC WINES OF GREAT FALLS9912-C Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

22066 (703-759-0430http://classicwinesgreatfalls.com/

CHURCH ST. CELLAR111 Church Street, Suite 103, Vienna,

703-255-0550churchstcellars.wordpress.com

VIENNA VINTNER233 Maple Ave. East, Vienna,

703-242-9463

NORM’S BEER & WINE,136 Branch Road, SE,Vienna, 703.242.0100

OUT OF SITE WINES,214 Dominion Road, NE,Vienna, 703.319.9463

THE WINE CABINET1416 North Point Villag, Reston, 703-

668-9463www.thewinecabinet.com

THE WINE SELLER & VINEYARD TABLE304 Elden Stree, Herndo, 703-471-9649

www.thewineseller.com

ASHBURN WINE SHOP44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn

VA 2014, 703-723-7375www.ashburnwineshop.com

WINESMITH43670 Greenway Corporate Drive,

Ashburn VA 20147, 703-729-2970www.winesmithonline.com

LEESBURG VINTNER29 South King Street, Leesburg,

703-777-3322www.leesburgvintner.com

Mike Patashnik and Don Winkler of International WineReview recommend champagne and sparkling wine forholiday season.

See Sparkling, Page 22

Holiday


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/OaktonClassifiedClassified

LEGAL NOTICEAT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications installation on an existing building located at 2425 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. Three panel antennas will be mounted at a centerline height of 85 feet above ground level. Sup-port equipment will be placed in an existing rooftop shelter. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 61107461-LLM c/o EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at 215-908-9207.

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

LEGAL NOTICEAT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecommunications installation on an existing building located at 2425 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. Three panel antennas will be mounted at a centerline height of 85 feet above ground level. Sup-port equipment will be placed in an existing rooftop shelter. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 61107461-LLM c/o EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at 215-908-9207.


LEGAL NOTICEAT&T intends to file an application to modify an existing wire-less communications facility at 1125 Patrick Henry Drive, Ar-lington, Arlington County, Virginia 22205. AT&T is publishing this notice in accordance with Federal regulation 37CFR1.1301 et seq, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 36 CFR 800. The project ref-erenced as “Kentucky Drive” will consist of the collocation of three new Kathrein LTE antennas on existing stealth mounts within the steeple and the installation of equipment in the AT&T equipment room. Parties interested in submitting comments or questions regarding any potential effects of the proposed facili-ty on Historic Properties may do so in writing by contacting Carol Blitz, AT&T, at 12900 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos, Califor-nia 90703 or c/o [email protected].


LEGAL NOTICEAT&T intends to file an application to collocate cellular tele-communications antennas and install new equipment at 2650 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202. AT&T is publishing this notice in accordance with Federal regulation 37CFR1.1301 et seq, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 36 CFR 800. The project referenced as “National Airport” will consist of the collocation of antennas on existing mounts on the building roof and equipment in the building garage. Parties interested in submitting comments or questions regarding any potential ef-fects of the proposed facility on Historic Properties may do so in writing by contacting Carolyn Mitchell, AT&T, at 7150 Stand-ard Drive, Hanover, Maryland 21076 or c/o [email protected]


21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

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109 Prof. Services 109 Prof. Services

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26 Antiques

We pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

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102 Instruction

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Virginia AreaDean's List College

Graduate with Years of Experience

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from $35/hourCall Hal @ (703)864-6616

Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday 11 a.m.

703-917-6464


• McLean • Vienna/OaktonEmploymentEmployment

Accounting/General Office

Established Property Management firm in Mclean, VA is looking for Full Time AP/AR experienced person to be member of front of-fice staff.Desired QualificationsA. Outlook, Word, Excel and ability to learn

in house accounting softwareB. Work with other members of the office as a

team C. Ability to follow thru without supervisionD. Be able to prioritize duties and timeC. Must be able to maintain Company

confidential informationSend Resumes to [email protected]

ADMIN/RECEPTIONISTVienna Tax Consulting/Preparation

Firm seeks P/T help. Must be computer literate. Flexible hours. Fax resume to

703-242-6271

P/T Admin AssistP/T position, 24 hrs/wk max. I manage a small, high-paced, fast-growing financial services company; travel considerably; and otherwise work from home. I need someone to manage mail, documents, and databases; make travel arrange-ments; perform marketing tasks; run er-rands; and do a variety of odd tasks. Must be proficient in MS office, Google software apps, other web apps; quick at learning new software, processes, and procedures; flexible; very well organ-ized; strong at prioritizing work and managing time; willing to work out of my basement or at your home. I am over-loaded in admin, logistics, tactics, and paper and need your help so I can focus on managing and growing the business.

Please email your resume [email protected]

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 5, 6 ..............................Tues @ 11:00Zones 1, 3 ................................Tues @ 4:00Zone 2 ....................................Wed @ 11:00Zone 4......................................Wed @ 1:00

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected] or call Barbara @ 703-778-9413

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/

Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet

The Mount Vernon GazetteZone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/Oakton ConnectionThe McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

1-5 week work program. Can continue in Spring.Customer sales/service, flex schedules. All ages

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SEMESTER BREAK WORK$17.00 Base-Appt.

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GET HIRED!Dental, Medical & Pharmacy Staff

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Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn many aspects ofthe newspaper business. Internships available inreporting, photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and for adults consid-ering change of career. Unpaid. [email protected]

Now! CompletePrint EditionsOnline!

The full print editions of all 18Connection Newspapers are nowavailable on our Web Site in PDF format,page by page, identical to our weeklynewsprint editions, including printadvertising. Go towww.ConnectionNewspapers.comand click on “Print Editions.”

MPRINT EDITIONSPRINT EDITIONS


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400


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MPRINT EDITIONSPRINT EDITIONS

An expert is someone who knowssome of the

worst mistakesthat can bemade in his

subject and howto avoid them.

-WernerHeisenberg

Closer to “Minis” or “Bite Size” is more likeit – and I don’t like it, if you want to know mycandy-eating truth. To what am I referring, spe-cifically? I am referring to the “snack size”candy bars (“Items not for sale,” in bags) mostof us know and love, especially before, duringand after Halloween and on through to thenext Halloween when the eating/buying frenzycontinues unabated to infinity (at least it doesfor me). Has anyone noticed the shrinkage inthe size of M&M/Mars’ brand “Fun Size” MilkyWays, Three Musketeers, Snickers and M&Mvarieties (my brand-area of expertise)? The“Fun Size” as they are still labeled, used torequire two bites to finish – when I was inmixed company; alone, they were gone in justone bite, in my mouth, anyway. Now, how-ever, one bite is sufficient – alone or in mixedcompany (and the ounces are less, too).

And as disappointing and inevitable as thatshrinkage is, it’s certainly not unique to M&M/Mars or “snack–size” candy bars. It appears tobe a relatively common/recurring phenomenonamong many pre–packaged items with whichI’m familiar (not that I’ve done a study but Iknow what I buy): Half gallons (64 oz.) ofBreyers ice cream are now 48 oz., bags of Utzpotato chips have shrunk from 11.5 oz. to 10oz., jars of the Classico pasta sauce have beenreduced from 26 oz. to 24 oz., cans of BumbleBee tuna fish I buy for my wife are now 5 oz.instead of 6, the 1 Ib. bag of M&Ms are now11.4 oz give or take (depending on the specificvariety), bags of Oreo cookies (my formerlylong-time favorite) which used to be 21 oz. arenow as low as 15.25 oz (again depending onvariety) and on and on. Moreover, not only isthere shrinkage in the package/volume itself;where applicable, the individual items in thosepackages have been reduced as well. However,I wouldn’t say this shrinkage has led to anyreduction/discount in price. Hardly. From whatI’m buying, mostly, I am definitely getting lessand paying more.

But I am consuming less calories as a result;80, to be specific (like it’s a good thing, not anobfuscating thing), per this product anyway:according to the starburst featured prominentlyon the bag of Milky Way “Fun Size” candy barswhose recent purchase has inspired this col-umn. So I really and truly am getting less formore. And why don’t I consider that lowercalorie number “Fun”? Because I consider itspin: telling me I’m consuming less calories;not because of any Earth-shattering, sugar-reformulating breakthrough but because there’sless actual candy bar to eat (than in previous“Fun Size” bags). As Danny Glover (“Mal”) saidin Lawrence Kasdan’s classic Western, “Silver-ado”: “That ain’t right. I’m tired of things thatain’t right.”

Consuming fewer calories, though, is notthe reason I’m eating Milky Ways (or any num-ber of other “Fun Size” bars with which I’mfamiliar). So no, it doesn’t make me happy – orinduce me in any future Milky Way-buyingway. It’s merely an attempt to veer me off myhow-much-is-this-bag-of-candy-really-costing-me course. And, of course, I’m paying atten-tion; I’m paying money, aren’t I? I just don’t eatindiscriminately without realizing how much –or how little of what’s actually in the bag, isgoing into my mouth. This reduction in caloriesis, strictly speaking, nothing more than a reduc-tion in value. And reduction in value during astruggling economy is hardly the thing fromwhich legends – and new business arespawned, especially when most of us needmore, not less. It’s into this environment thatM&M/Mars, among many others is instead pro-viding the exact opposite: less for more.

Just remember, Mr. Manufacturer, con-sumer’s dollars don’t grow on trees anymorethan sugar cane does (it’s a “tall grass,” actu-ally; who knew?). And trying to sell me lessvalue for more money is definitely going toreduce my calorie intake – to zero! From yourproducts, anyway.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Not So Much“Fun” Anymore


By David Siegel

Cold and blustery it is outside.So, do head off to 1st Stage inTysons Corner for an affectionate, comfy rendering of the

world’s longest running theatrical show,Agatha Christie’s 1952 mystery who-dunnit,“The Mousetrap.” You will find enjoying asatisfying evening trying to solve the puzzlewhether you already know the outcome orare partaking for a first time.

Director Jessica Lefkow has created anevening for audiences to “perk up…andenjoy.” The mystery set-up is straight for-ward, but with delightful complications asa newly married English couple opens aguest house in an old country manor. Amajor snow storm closes in on them andtheir expected and unexpected guests. Acrackling radio reports news of the murderof a woman in a nearby town. A policemanarrives, on skis no less, to investigate andhunt down the killer. It seems that everyone of the guests and even the owners havesome darkness made visible with possiblya connection to the murder victim.

The eight-member cast is solid, perform-ing especially well as an ensemble.Standouts include Suzanne Richard as the

overbearing older Mrs. Boyle showing ab-solute distain for all others with the flip ofa hand and arch of an eyebrow. JenniferWeinreich is a cheery new bride, a flufferof pillows who putters serenely but with adeep well of emotions that appear overtime. John Stange is her somewhat conde-scending husband who can boil over at meretrifles.

Joining them are a stiff bearing, ram-rodMajor (Patrick Smith) and a very taut, un-bending investigating sergeant (ArdenMoscati). Less enjoyable are characters thatperhaps as written would be considerednaughty arch-types played a bit too fey byKarl Bittner, a bit too hard by Abby Woodand a bit too inscrutable by Luke Tudball.

The uncredited detailed set is a joy withhigh paneled walls resplendent with doors,niches and alcoves. Large windows showsigns of the winter storm. Jennifer M.Allevato’s costumes are muted grey andbrown tones with hints of color giving somecharacters pizzazz.

Listening to some in the audience as thelights went up, it was apparent they hadnot guessed who did it. Go see for yourself.Promise not to tell who did it.

Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m.and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.Sundays through Jan. 9. Information atwww.1stStageTysons.org. 1524 Spring HillRoad, Tysons Corner.

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

The Antioch Christian Church, 1860Beulah Road, Vienna, will host its annualcommunity Christmas Open House on Sat-urday, Dec. 18 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The openhouse will include an old-fashioned Christ-mas Carol Sing, gifts for children and theringing of the historic church bell by all in at-tendance. www.antiochdoc.org or call703-938-6753.

Epiphany United MethodistChurch, 1014 Country Club Drive NEin Vienna, 703-938-3494 has an-nounced the following Christmasschedule:

❖ Dec. 19, 11 a.m. Epiphany’s Christ-mas Cantata

❖ Dec. 24, 6 p.m. Children & FamilyService

❖ Dec. 24, 9 p.m. Traditional Candle-light, Carol & Communion Service

❖ Dec 26, 11 a.m. Christmas Celebra-tion

Trinity United MethodistChurch, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd. inMcLean, has announced their Adventand Christmas events. 703-356-3312 orwww.umtrinity.org.

❖ Service of Hope and Healing.Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. A celebra-tion of God’s love in every season and inevery heart.

❖ The Message of Christmas.Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m. A Serviceof Lessons and Carols presented by theChancel Choir.

❖ Family Service with Pageant.Friday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Childcare will

be available.❖ Candlelight & Communion.

Friday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

St. John’s Episcopal Church,6715 Georgetown Pike in McLean, hasannounced their Christmas worship ser-vices. 703-356-4902 orwww.stjohnsmclean.org.

❖ Traditional Service of Les-sons and Carols. Sunday, Dec. 19 at9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Seasonal anthemsby the Choirs of St. John’s Church, or-ganist Dr. John C. Wulff and the SunriseString Quartet. Carols will be sung bythe congregation.

❖ Christmas Eve Family Service.Friday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., with Christ-mas music beginning at 3:30 p.m. Thisservice is especially designed for fami-lies with young children.

❖ Traditional Service of Holy

Eucharist. Friday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.and 10 p.m. Familiar carols, followingChristmas music beginning at 6:30 p.m.and 9:30 p.m.

❖ Celebrate with Holy Eucha-rist. Saturday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. Thesinging of familiar carols on Christmasmorning.

Chesterbrook United MethodistChurch, 1711 Kirby Road in McLean,will offer Christmas Eve CandlelightCommunion worship at 7 p.m. on Fri-day, Dec. 24. 703-356-7100 [email protected].

Centering Prayer offered at St.Dunstan’s, 1830 Kirby Road, McLean,Tuesdays at 7-7:45 p.m. Centeringprayer is meditation and contemplativeprayer, wordless, trusting, opening ofself to the divine presence. Instruction

offered. [email protected].

Epiphany United Methodist Pre-school, 1014 Country Club Drive, N.E.in Vienna, is now enrolling 3-4-year-oldstudents for the 2010/2011 school year.Contact 703-938-2391 orwww.epiphanypreschool.com.

Vienna Assembly of God has aministry to children on Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. at the corner of Center N and AyrHill Avenue, N.E. Children’s Church onSundays also available. 703-938-7736or www.ViennaAG.com.

Vienna Christian Healing Rooms,every Saturday, 1-5 p.m., at 8200 BellLane. A team of Christians is available toanyone requesting prayer. Free and opento the public. 703-698-9779 orwww.viennachristianhealingrooms.com.

Sciborg Stars – a team of children fromGreat Falls, Vienna, McLean andReston - won the first place award for

the Project Research Presentation at the VA-DC State FLL Championship Tournament.The team went through rigorous questionand answer sessions with different sets ofjudges on two days before being selectedout of all the participating teams.

The judges praised the team’s polishedpresentation skills, in-depth research, ex-tensive community outreach and practical

solution ideas. Sciborg Stars was also rec-ommended to enter another prestigiousCompetition- Toshiba Exploravision Con-test. Sciborg Stars plans to continue work-ing on the current project to help the com-munity.

In addition to the joy of winning, the teammembers got a chance to meet and see thework of over 100 teams, ages 9-14 from allover Virginia. For them, it was an excellentopportunity for exposure to Science, Tech-nology and Competition.

Aaraj Vij, James Chen, Andrew Liao, Judge, Anvitha Metpally, SionaPrasad, and Vishnu Murthy.

State Champions

‘The Mousetrap’ atthe 1st Stage.

Delightful Mystery

Patrick Smith(far left),JenniferWeinreich(left), KarlBittner, AbbyWood, LukeTudball (right),and ArdenMoscati (farright) in the1st Stageproduction of‘The Mouse-trap.’

Photo courtesy

of 1st Stage

Theatre Review

On Dec. 8, the quiz bowl team ofLongfellow Middle School in Falls Churchplaced first in the nation in the Knowl-edge Master Open, beating out over 500schools. Coached by Eugene Huang, thewinning team consisted of: KateSalamido, Bobbie Sheng, William Liu,

Raymond Yang, Renee Wah, RebeccaHall, Anna Tursi, Tajin Rogers, JunyoungHwang, Ross Dempsey, Ryan Golant,Allen Cheng, Matthew Steelberg, TigerZhang, Emma Fan, Ari Ghasemian, KhoiTran. This is Longfellow fourth KMOnational championship in a row.

Longfellow Middle WinsKnowledge Master Open

Faith Notes


Highlanders win second straightwhile Saxons in search of first win.

SportsGreat Falls Connection Sports Editor Rich Sanders

703-224-3031 or [email protected]

By Rich Sanders

The Connection

A couple of losses to begin the season didnot keep the McLean High boys’ basketball team down for long. The Highlanders, following a 0-2 start, responded with

wins over both Falls Church and Yorktown HighSchools to even their early season record at 2-2.

McLean, under head coach Kevin Roller, openedthe season at the Woodson High Tipoff Tournamentwhere it lost games to both Paul VI High, 63-43, andRobinson, 74-49. The opener loss to the privateschool Panthers came against a Paul VI team consid-ered to be one of the elite of the metropolitan area.

Gordon Rogo, a junior guard, led the Highlanderswith 14 points in the Dec. 1 loss to Paul VI whileteammate Thomas Van Wazer, a junior forward,added eight. McLean actually led the game 16-15after one quarter before the Panthers outscored theHighlanders 21-4 in the second half to carry a 36-20lead into the half.

Two nights later, McLean again took a lead, 19-15, after one quarter against Robinson before a poorsecond quarter hurt its cause. The Rams outscoredMcLean, 16-8, in the second stanza to grab a 31-27halftime advantage on way to their win. Rogo andVan Wazer were once again high scorers for the High-landers with 19 and 14 points, respectively. DanielLewis, a junior guard, contributed nine points.

McLean, however, got into the win column lastTuesday, Dec. 7 with a 66-41 non-district win at FallsChurch. The Highlanders trailed 10-9 after one quar-ter before outscoring the Jaguars 25-8 in the secondquarter to take a 34-18 lead at the half. McLean con-tinued to build on the momentum in the second halfby outscoring Falls Church, 32-23, to gain the vic-tory. Three Highlander players - Van Wazer (19points), Rogo (16) and junior guard Sango Amolo(10) - scored in double figures to pace the guestsfrom the Liberty District. Falls Church, a member ofthe National District, fell to 0-4 with the setback.

Later last week, in McLean’s season opener, theHighlanders won their second straight, defeatinganother opponent from the National District -

Yorktown - by a 55-45 score. Fol-lowing a low-scoring 5-5 game af-ter the first quarter, Mcleanoutscored the Patriots (0-4) by an18-5 margin in the second quar-ter to grab control of the contest.

Yorktown played well in the third quarter to getwithin 34-28 before McLean outscored its guests byfour points in the final quarter. Rogo led the way forMcLean with 15 points while Lewis (11) and VanWazer (10) also had double figure scoring games.Other contributors in the well-balanced Highlanderattack were Amolo (9 points) and junior guard KevinLastova (8).

McLean was scheduled to play at home this weekon Tuesday, Dec. 14 against The Heights, a privateschool team from Washington, D.C. The Highland-ers, this Friday evening, will host local and LibertyDistrict rival Langley at 7:30. Next Tuesday, Dec. 21the Highlanders play a Liberty District game atJefferson.

LANGLEY, the two-time defending Liberty Districtchampion, is struggling out of the gate this seasonwith a 0-4 mark. The Saxon losses, all fairly close,have come to visiting Gar-Field, 59-56, on Dec. 3;visiting Hylton (Woodbridge), 84-76, on Dec. 4; atRobinson, 86-80, on Dec. 7; and home against Edison,71-66, last Friday night, Dec. 10.

Langley, in the loss to non-Northern Region oppo-nent Gar-Field of Dale City, led 47-42 going into thefinal quarter before the Indians rallied to win. TheSaxons’ top scorers in the season-opening setbackwere junior guard Daniel Dixon (17 points) and se-nior guard David Adams (14).

Against non-region foe Hylton in its second game,Langley was in a 56-56 tie following three quartersbefore being outscored by eight points in the finalquarter. Adams tallied 30 points in the loss. TristanEvans, a junior guard, was also in double figures scor-ing for Langley with 16 points while senior guardBraden Anderson and senior center Patrick Haddadboth had eight points.

In the loss at Robinson, the Saxons fell way be-hind, 30-15, after one quarter before rallying to getwithin 62-60 after three quarters. The Ramsoutscored Langley by four points in the final quarterto win. Four Saxon players scored in double digits -Dixon (23), Adams (20), Evans (17) and senior guardJeff Cochran (10).

The Northern VirginiaWresting Classic, thelocal high school early

season showcase event, washeld this past Friday and Sat-urday at Fairfax High School.

Thirty-one teams, most fromwithin the Northern Virginiaarea, participated in the earlyseason tournament. The teamchampion, for the secondstraight year, was Westfield HighSchool, which accumulated271.50 points and had 12 indi-vidual place finishers (top eight).

Other local team finishes in-cluded 11th place Fairfax (90),and 13th place Marshall (84).W.T. Woodson (73) finished 15th,while Centreville High, Madisonand Bishop O’Connell (Arling-ton) finished in a three-way tiefor 17th place with 70 pointseach. McLean was 24th overall.

Marshall High, 13th placeoverall in the team standings,had an individual winner inheavyweight wrestler MattCrawford, who went a perfect5-0 over the two day tourna-ment. Crawford defeatedWestfield’s Tyler DeLeon in theheavyweight finals, 5-2.

The Statesmen had two othertop eight place finishers inJames Cusack (6th place at 103)and Zack Brooks (7th at 215).

McLean received a third placeindividual finish from AustinMiller, who went 5-1 at the 125weight class. Miller earned a for-

feit win over Ricky Rumley ofTallwood (Virginia Beach) in thethird place consolation finals.

Also for the Highlanders, sev-enth place finishes came fromboth Adilet Uspeev (135 weightclass) and Andy Chung (130).

South Lakes, one of the mostimproved teams in the North-ern Region over the past coupleof seasons under head coachBruce Hall, had an individualchampion in Ryan Forrest at145 weight class. Forrest wenta perfect 5-0 to gain the title,defeating Batchka Zulkhuu ofPotomac Falls in the finals, 10-2 (major decision).

Meanwhile, the Seahawksalso got a second place finish -that coming from Jake Sloverat 171 division. Slover, who was4-1, lost his finals match to JakeFahlfeder of Fauquier, 11-3(major decision).

Fairfax High, 11th place over-all in the team standings, re-ceived a second place individualfinish from Joseph Vanderplas,who went 4-1 over the tourna-ment at the 215 weight class.Vanderplas lost a tough 5-2 de-cision to Justin Tribble of NorthStafford in the finals.

Madison High’s RobertDooley earned the first placechampionship at the 119 weightclass. Dooley went a perfect 5-0 and defeated Westfield’sDennon Caranza-Kee, 5-3, inthe championship match.

Matt Crawford (right), shown here in his Classicfinals win over heavyweight opponent Tyler DeLeonof Westfield, went a perfect 5-0 over the two-dayevent held at Fairfax High School.

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Local WrestlersShine at ClassicMarshall’s Crawford TakesHeavyweight Title; McLean’sMiller Places Third.

Langley coach Travis Hess (center) and his Saxons haveplayed close games this season, but have yet to win.

McLean’s Thomas Van Wazer(33), a junior forward, hasbeen a key scoring leader forthe Highlanders.

Basketball Season Underway

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When you visit one of these Open Houses, tell the Realtor you saw it in this Connection Newspaper. For more real estatelistings and open houses visit www.ConnectionNewspapers.com, click the Real Estate links on the right side.

Call Specific Agents to Confirm Dates & Times.

Reston

12124 Purple Sage Ct ........$249,000...Sun 1-4....Candace Woodson.......Weichert....................703-264-0000

Vienna

2006 Roundhouse Rd.....$1,049,997...Sun 1-4....Chris Brown.................Long & Foster............301.928.2479

Sterling

46792 Backwater Dr...........$560,000...Sun 1-4....Gina Tufano..................Keller Williams...........703.574.3478

20389 Water Valley Ct........$679,900...Sun 1-4....Gina Tufano..................Keller Williams...........703.574.3478

Arlington (22201)

3515 Washington Blvd, No 510 ...$339,750...Sun 1-4....Garnet Robins-Baughman....Keller Williams..........703-534-0997

3515 Washington Blvd, No 515 ...$357,900...Sun 1-4....Garnet Robins-Baughman....Keller Williams.........703-.534-0997

Arlington (22202)

1603 Arlington Ridge Rd.$1,495,000...Sun 1-4....Ginger Webre...............Long & Foster...........703-518-8713

Arlington (22204)

4306 8th St. S....................$629,000...Sun 1-4....Susan Sarcone.............McEnearney..............703-795-6772

Arlington (22209)

1600 Oak St N #706...........$359,900...Sun 1-4....Simon Hahn.................Keller Williams..........703-815-5707

OPEN HOUSESSaturday & Sunday, Dec. 18th & 19th

12124 Purple Sage Ct, Reston • $249,000 • Open Sunday 1-4Candace Woodson, Weichert, 703-264-0000

To add your FREE Realtor representedOpen House to these weekly listings,

please contact Salome Gaiblerat 703-778-9421 or

[email protected] listings are due by Monday at 3 p.m.

From Page 17

SparklingHolidaysmousse with good fruit flavorsand are lively and crisp. Somewidely distributed Cavas we rec-ommend are Conde de SubiratsNV Brut Cava ($13), U Mes uFan Tres NV 1+1+3 ($16) andthe Cristalino Brut Cava ($9).Italian Prosecco is made from theProsecco grape grown just northof Venice. We recommend Bisol,Canella and Zardetto. Asticomes from the Piedmont, and welike those spritzy wines made byCinzano Moscato d’Asti.

Finally, if you wish to buy Ameri-can, we would especially recom-mend the sparkling wines ofGruet, which come from, of allplaces, New Mexico! Look for theGruet Demi-Sec ($14) if youprefer an off-dry wine.

MODERATELY PRICED. Sincethere is such an abundance ofmoderately priced sparkling winesfrom all over the world, we limitour recommendations to those youmay not know. As with inexpen-sive sparklers, the vintage dateisn’t important on most of thesewines. We recently returned fromAustria and found some excellentChampagne-style wines madefrom Austrian varietals like GrünerVeltliner and Welschriesling. Onethat is widely available is theSteininger NV GrünerVeltliner Sekt ($24). We alsorecently tasted some French spar-kling wines made outside Cham-pagne that we especially like.From Burgundy and made withPinot Noir grapes in an elegantcreamy style are the DomaineMichel Sarrazin Crémant de

Bourgogne ($25) and CharlesDuret’s Cremant deBourgogne Rosé ($20). FromAlsace there is the powerful andlush Wolfberger CrémantdÁlsace Brut ($20). FromAmerica we highly recommend asuperb sparkling wine from Vir-ginia called TJ Virginia Fizz($23). It is a crémant style winemade from 100 percentChardonnay by the talented teamof Claude Thibaut and ManuelJanisson in Charlottesville. It hasfresh apple aromas and flavorswith a yeasty creamy palate filledwith fruit and has a long finish.Finally, if you’d like try somethingfrom the Southern Hemisphere,we recommend an attractive rosésparkler showing pretty light redberry fruit, the Graham BeckBrut Rosé ($19).

LUXURY CUVÉES. There are alot of wonderful wines to choosefrom in this category. Champagneusually heads the luxury list, butin fact, there are lots of other topquality sparklers you can enjoy. Itis hard to go wrong with Cham-pagne; it’s t really all a matter oftaste, and the price you are will-ing to pay. We like non-vintage andvintage Pol Roger, Henriot,Champagne Roland Cham-pion, Champagne Trouillard,and Tattinger, to name but afew.

The NV Champagne RolandChampion Blanc de Blancs($66) is a rich yeasty wine offer-ing attractive lemon citrus aromas

and flavors. Tattinger is rec-ognized worldwide for pro-ducing some of the finest

Champagnes available. TheTattinger Brut La Française($35) is an attractive, rich tastingblend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noirand Pinot Meunier, while the2004 Brut Millesimé ($80)raises the bar in term of complex-ity, elegance and refinement.There are many outstanding spar-klers produced outside of Cham-pagne in California, Italy, and Aus-tria. These are equal in quality toChampagne and are made usingthe same méthode champenoise,but they cannot be called Cham-pagne because they are not madein the Champagne region ofFrance. Argyle Winery in Oregonproduces some of the finest spar-klers in the United States. Theirsparklers sell at all price levels, butif you want something very spe-cial, try the refined and elegantArgyle 2000 Extended TriageBrut ($80). Much harder to find,but worth the effort are the Aus-trian Sekts of Willi Bründlmayer.His NV Sekt Brut ($44) and NVSekt Brut Rosé ($44) are rela-tively expensive, but outstandingin quality.

Finally, there are no finer spar-klers from Italy than the refinedand delicate BellavistaFranciacortas. Try theFranciacorta Brut Cuvée NV($52) or the Franciacorta GranCuvée Satèn ($80).

See Champagne and sparkling winespecial reports by the InternationalWine Review at www.i-winereview.com.Read about the 170 year old Cham-pagne discovered on the Baltic Oceanfloor at facebook.com/iwinereview.

Holiday

THURSDAY/DEC. 16Assistance League of Northern Virginia Weekend

Food for Kids Program. 9:30 a.m. at Hoop Magic,14810 Murdock St., Chantilly. Assemble food packagesto distribute to schools in Fairfax and Prince WilliamCounties. Volunteer at 703-591-2312 [email protected].

FRIDAY/DEC. 17Line Dance Class. 10 a.m. Durga Temple, 8400 Durga

Place, Fairfax Station. For age 55 and up. All levels.Ongoing, meets every Friday. $5. Registration requiredat www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec or 703-324-5544, TTY711.

SATURDAY/DEC. 18T’ai Chi Practice. 8 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic School

Gymnasium, 7005 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Saturdaysthrough March. Free, open to all. No special clothing orequipment needed. www.FreeTaiChi.org or 703-759-9141.

THURSDAY/DEC. 23Beulah Road Al-Anon Group. 7:30 p.m. at the Antioch

Christian Church, 1860 Beulah Road, Vienna. Practicingthe Twelve Steps, welcoming and giving comfort tofamilies of alcoholics, and giving understanding andencouragement to the alcoholic. [email protected].

FRIDAY/DEC. 24Washington DC Jewish Community Center’s Day of

Service. Help at one of over 50 non-profits throughoutthe area. Projects vary from 2-4 hours and encompass avariety of activities such as throwing holiday parties forchildren, visiting seniors and serving meals to thehomeless. Family and group projects are also available.$20. Register at www.washingtondcjcc.org/volunteer.

TUESDAY/DEC. 28Tysons Corner Kiwanis Club Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at

George C. Marshall High School, Room 124, 7731Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Meeting is public andIndividuals looking to volunteer in their communitywelcome. www.tysonscornerkiwanis.org.

Bulletin Board

To have community events listed in the Connection, send to [email protected]. Deadline is Friday.



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Vanessa Strahan, Alex Ward, Via Tovig, Katie Jones; …connectionarchives.com/PDF/2010/121510/Great Falls.pdf · 2020. 7. 25. · Installed w/6lb. pad Take-up & haul away old carpet,