entertainment, page 10 opinion, page 4 a real joy to...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com January 23-29, 2019

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Talking Across The Political DivideNews, Page 3

Mansuino Exhibits At Katie’s Coffee HouseNews, Page 5

A Real Joy to RideNews, Page 6

Chauffeur service with a smile. The Shepherd’s Center of Great Falls launched their free senior ride service with fi rst rider Gayle Russell, being escorted by George Hersey of Great Falls.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ January 23-29, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

How To Live To Be 100with Dr. John Whyte

Saturday, February 9, 2019 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Physician John Whyte has become a popular Smithsonian Associates speaker in recent years, empowering audiences to be better advocates for their own health. With his trademark clarity and humor, Whyte explains how to sort through conflicting advice, sensational headlines, and short-lived fads to make yourself stronger, healthier, and better educated about your own body.Now Whyte gathers all his best advice in a one-day seminar, designed to guide you through a comprehensive look at critical aspects of personal health. Participants leave educated, engaged, and entertained and with new tools to approach the job of staying healthy.Whyte, a board-certified internist and author of several books on health, is the chief medical officer at WebMD.

Tickets: $80 Member / $130 Non-Memberhttps://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATESENTERTAINING. INFORMATIVE. ECLECTIC. INSIGHTFUL.

For more information please call 202-633-3030

10 –11 a.m. ................................................ Memory and Brain Fitness11 a.m.–12 p.m. ........................................... Boost Your Nutrition IQ12–1 p.m. ............................... Lunch (participants provide their own)1–2 p.m. ................................................. Exercise Myths and Realities2–3 p.m. ............................................................... How To Live To Be 100

S. Dillon Ripley Center1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560

Metro: Smithsonian (Mall exit)

Great Falls Connection ❖ January 23-29, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Dave Rogers ofVienna came tothe event with anunusual perspec-tive. A native ofSouth Africa,Rogers says hehas seen “goodgovernment, badgovernment and

everything in between” in the last30 years in his country. “This divi-sion is relatively new in America. Iwanted to come and hear theAmerican approach to workingagainst polarization and to practicethose skills myself.”

Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

“We are not enemies, but friends. Wemust not be enemies. Though passion mayhave strained, it must not break our bondsof affection. The mystic chords of memorywill yet swell the chorus of the Union, whenagain touched, as surely they will be, by thebetter angels of our nature. “

- Abraham Lincoln, 1861

Those words, spoken by theAmerican president in the timeof the greatest discord and di-vision in the history of the

Union, are the inspiration behind the mis-sion of the Better Angels organization, tomove beyond the issues and sentiments thatdivide us, and find the things that unite, tofind a common ground through real con-versation.

The nonprofit was formed shortly afterthe 2016 presidential elections when DavidBlakenhorn, one of the founders and cur-rently the president of Better Angels sawthe writing of polarization on the wall andcalled David Lapp, an affiliate scholar at theInstitute for American Values to ask if hewould help bring a handful of DonaldTrump and Hillary Clinton supporters to-gether for a weekend of dialogue.

Even in the midst of the post-electionheated emotions, the organizers found re-markable results. “We liked each other andwanted to know more about each other…we wanted to keep meeting…those redand blues invited friends to another work-shop” and together they founded the firstBetter Angels Alliance to keep the conver-sation flowing.

BETTER ANGELS describes themselves as“a national citizens’ movement to reducepolitical polarization in the United Statesby bringing liberals and conservatives to-gether to understand each other beyondstereotypes, forming red/blue communityalliances, teaching practical skills for com-municating across political differences, andmaking a strong public argument for depo-larization.”

On Saturday, Jan. 19, Better Angels-trained facilitators Catherine Fox and TonySperanza brought that mission in the formof one of Better Angels’ structured “Skillsfor Difficult Personal Conversations” work-shops to the Patrick Henry Library in Vienna.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the roomful ofparticipants declined to have their par-ticular reasons for attending quoted forthe record, since a majority of them ad-mitted that they registered for the work-shop in order to improve fracturing per-sonal relationships, and even, in a fewcases, to save family relationships thatwere on the brink of complete breakdowndue to political differences.

Unlike the day-long or even lengthier“red/blue” Better Angel workshops that arecarefully crafted to include equal numbersof persons of generally opposing politicalviewpoints, this session was more of a “CliffNotes” version, designed to practice somebasic “safe zone” dialogue skills.

“The goals for today sound simple, butmay be harder to achieve in real-life situa-tions, maybe even in these practice ses-sions,” said moderator Speranza. Theywere:

❖ To learn about the perspectives, feel-ing and experiences of someone you careabout who differs from you politically;

❖ To have a sense of satisfaction abouthow you conveyed your own perspective,feelings and experiences;

❖ To discover some common ground ifit’s there.

Even harder to achieve in difficult con-versations outside the classroom is “aban-doning certain expectations,” added mod-erator Fox.

In order to do that, and set a tone for pro-ductive discourse, the attendees were in-

structed that they would have to “give up”on the following:

❖ That you can persuade the other per-son to change core attitudes and beliefs;

❖ That facts will be agreed on and logicfollowed consistently;

❖ That your conversation partner willmatch your openness.

“Remember,” Fox said, “you’re trying tounderstand the other’s point of view, howthey came to their positions, not judge ordisparage them.”

The Better Angels goal is to look for com-mon values and concerns. Establishing aneutral conversational plane where we seekto learn something, affords “the betterchance to have meaningful conversationsthat maintain, and sometimes evenstrengthen relationships, even when thespeakers have opposite points of view oncertain subjects.”

THE GROUP was split into pairs, one rep-resenting the “blue” side, the other the “red.”Although there were many more “blues” inthe room, there were some “reds” and withthe help of some role-playing scripts, a fewof the “true blues” were able to take the “red”part for the sake of the exercises.

Things moved quickly from there, withthe pairs sharing what went well and whatwas challenging after each scenario. Themoderators were right. Even in simulationmode, the conversationalists acknowledgedthat it was difficult to not give in to emo-tion, to listen, and to look for the commonground rather than go on the offensive.

“But at least we are more prepared now,and know how to start and what to look forfrom ourselves,” said Jackie Wilson ofMcLean, who signed up for the workshopwith her “best pal” Joanie Young of Oakton.

“This is good for me,” said Young. “Peopletell me I interrupt when we get into thesekinds of conversations, so this is helping methink about that, holding back while the otherperson is talking so I can really hear them.”

“Yes, this is really important,” agreedWilson. “In these times, we need to findevery method to find a measure of peaceand understanding. This is just a start.”

Wilson’s remarks were echoed by the oth-ers when the class was concluded and it wasfeedback time. Most wished that the ses-sion could have been longer and more indepth, with the opportunity to explore po-tential pitfalls that might really occur, butfelt that their role-playing experiences andthe information shared by the moderatorswas, in fact, a good start. Several said theywould be on the lookout for the next, nearbyavailable full-length “red/blue” workshop.

Better Angels’ Virginia state coordinatorMel Pine directed those interested in con-tinuing the process to the group’s websiteat www.better-angels.org. Membership inthe organization is only $10 per year. Pinealso announced that Better Angels wouldbe having their own “state of the union”address on Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. via web stream.Mel can be reached at [email protected] for anyone interested in moreinformation, or interested in hosting a train-ing session.

In the meantime, say the Better Angels,keep talking and keep listening to keep theconversation going.

Organization seeks to end polarization in America – one conversation at a time.

Talking Across the Political Divide

Tony Speranzawas one of thetwo BetterAngel-certifiedmoderators whofacilitated theworkshop fordeveloping theskills to negoti-ate difficultpolitical conversations. CatherineFox was his partner for the day.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Jackie Wilson of McLean and Joanie Young of Oakton practice some ofthe listening and speaking skills offered at the Better Angels workshopon “Talking Across the Political Divide” held at the Patrick Henry PublicLibrary in Vienna. “This is a good start,” said Wilson. “We need to findthe common things that hold us together.”

“Remember, you’retrying to understand theother’s point of view,how they came to theirpositions, not judge ordisparage them.”

—Catherine Fox


Opinion

There were big changes in the Vir-ginia House of Delegates after lastyear’s elections, but Democrats fellone coin flip (actually name out of

a hat) short of controlling the legislative body.No doubt the electoral swing delivered one

of the most important changes in recent his-tory, the expansion of Medicaid to cover hun-dreds of thousands of Virginians who had pre-viously lived without health coverage.

But as Del. Ken Plum (D-36) wrote in hiscolumn this week: “In light of the last electionfor House seats, I approached this legislative

session with the hope that theremight be more flexibility in theHouse leadership that mightresult in the consideration of

bills that had been summarily defeated in pastsessions. My hopes have already been dashed.”

A groundswell of public support for Virginiabeing the 38th and final state needed to ratifythe Equal Rights Amendment led to the Sen-ate passing a resolution for ratification.

The subcommittee of the House Privilegesand Election Committee Tuesday morning de-feated a resolution to ratify the Equal RightAmendment on a vote of 4 to 2. Four membersof the House are blocking a vote by the 100members of the House.

“A major struggle seems to be looming be-

tween the two houses on the ERA which mightneed to be resolved by the voters at electiontime,” Plum wrote.

Yes, that time is November, with primaryvoting likely in June.

The question of nonpartisan redistricting istoo important to leave until after the next elec-tion.

The Senate has passed a bill to establish sucha process while House leadership is express-ing opposition. Since the legislation is a con-stitutional amendment, it is important that aresolution be passed this year and next to goto a popular referendum in 2020 in time forredistricting after the 2020 census results areknown.

Be Part of thePet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly specialedition, will publish the last week of February,and photos and stories of your pets with youand your family should be submitted by Fri-day, Feb. 22.

We invite you to send stories about your pets,photos of you and your family with your cats,dogs, llamas, alpacas, ponies, hamsters, snakes,lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other crea-

tures share your life with you.Tell us the story of a special bond between a

child and a dog, the story of how you came toadopt your pet, or examples of amazing featsof your creatures.

Do you volunteer at an animal shelter ortherapeutic riding center or take your pet tovisit people in a nursing home? Does your busi-ness have a managing pet? Is your businessabout pets? Have you helped to train an assis-tance dog? Do you or someone in your familydepend on an assistance dog?

Or take this opportunity to memorialize abeloved pet you have lost.

Just a cute photo is fine too. Our favoritepictures include both pets and humans.

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

Email to [email protected] submit online atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.

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

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Current General Assembly session generates frustrations.

‘My Hopes Have Already Been Dashed’

Editorial

Viewpoints

Shutdown: Local Perspective Photos contributed

George Becerra, Burke“I’m a furloughed federal employee, home

with no pay. I’ve been proactive; paid all billsup to date in December. I limited holidayspending, didn’t splurge. I’m not paying an-nual memberships due in January to organi-zations and my HOA. My wife is a governmentcontractor. The solution would be LindseyGraham. Reopen the government for threeweeks. Get people back to work and politi-cians can hash it out.”

Kathryn Oakley, retired Coast Guard,Town of Herndon

“Our active duty members in the UnitedStates Coast Guard get paid every two weeks.The last time was Dec. 31, 2018. For CoastGuard retirees, it is not clear if we will get acheck because funds are tied to AppropriationsFunding. The Coast Guard is under the U.S.Department of Homeland Security. I went toNavy Federal Credit Union, and they sharedinformation about their Government Shut-down Assistance, 0% APR Loan. I’m not wor-ried about myself. I’m worried about the young men and women in theCoast Guard, working without pay. They cannot get a part-time job.

There are two bills introduced. In the Senate, Bill 21, “Pay Our CoastGuard Act” and in the House of Representatives (HR) 367, “Pay ourCoast Guard Parity Act.” We are small and do not have visibility.”

Keven Leblanc, Town of Herndon “Federal employees are no doubt impacted.

Federal Contractors suffer significantly. Ifpeople on contract can’t report, they have totake leave without pay or be furloughed. Ashutdown this long can drive small businessesout of business if all their work is tied to Fed-eral contracts. Large companies have share-holders they are accountable to and mustmaintain a profit. The economic ripples thenextend to the larger community, as the eco-nomic base no longer has money to buy goods

or services or eat at restaurants. For some who live paycheck to pay-check, whether a federal employee, contractor or private employee ina federal-employment concentration, it can mean defaulting on loansor rent, not eating, not getting required medicines or healthcare or theheat and safety from the cold they require.”

Cher Muzyk, Nokesville, Md.”I’m the wife of a government attorney who

has been furloughed but is deemed essential.He will eventually receive the back pay, butthere are bills to pay now. We have a two-month nest egg for payments as long as wecut back. We called the credit union. My solu-tion is simple. I don’t understand why the bor-der wall has to be coupled with the budget.Separate those two arguments. Resolve thebudget. Get working families paid and backto work. I would support anything, even tem-

porary. Eighty-three percent of Americans are not affected, so there isno sense of urgency. There is a need for a human face on it. The uncer-tainty is terrifying.”

Kevin Powell, Reston“It seems like Congress resolved itself to government shutdowns as par for the course. With Trump

and a divided Congress, I didn’t think it would get better. My action plan has been to limit myspending. As a government contractor, I ran into this in the past. I’m job searching so I can get outof government contracting. The shutdown has impacted my marriage and my family. I wish legisla-tors would think country first, constituents second-those who would vote for them.”

No photo available

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Great Falls


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Artist Michela Mansuino bringscontemporary portraits to The OldBrogue and Katie’s Coffee Houseduring the month of February,2019. Mansuino earned her BFA,copied masterworks in the Louvreand the Prado and pursued land-scape painting in Italy and taughtart in Brazil. But she says it wasn’tuntil her studies at Philadelphia’sStudio Incamminati, School forContemporary Realist Art, that shebecame a true artist. “I didn’t getthis type of education in artschool,” she says, “and I was hun-gry to learn the techniques of theold masters, learn about colorstudy and the eternal subject, thehuman figure.” Mansuino displaysher portraits at the Katie’s CoffeeHouse as part of the Great FallsStudios extensive venues. An in-structor through the Fellowshipprogram at Studio Incamminati,she teaches drawing and paintingin both Philly and Great Falls, ex-hibits regularly in both Philadel-phia and the D.C. Metropolitanarea and was recently a finalist inthe Portrait Society of America’s still lifecompetition. Katie’s Coffee House is locatednext to The Old Brogue at 760 Walker Road,

Michela Mansuino’s contemporary por-traits are on exhibit at The Old Brogueand Katie’s Coffee House during themonth of February, 2019.

Michela Mansuino Exhibits atKatie’s Coffee House

Photo contributed

Great Falls, Hours of operation: Mon-Fri: 7a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sun:7:30 a.m – 2 p.m. 703-759-2759.


News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

Not long ago, acouple of con-versations hereand there

among a few folks in GreatFalls started them thinkingabout the needs of area se-niors aging-in-place, or want-ing to do so. Transportationis just one of those needs, butit’s a big one. When live-aloneseniors or senior couples be-come less able, or unable, todrive themselves, even impor-tant appointments likedoctor’s visits become diffi-cult. Even if there is familynearby, that family may havetheir own time constraints,and the senior doesn’t wantto feel burdensome by askingfor transportation assistance.There’s always a taxi or Uberrides, but the costs mightmake a senior think twiceabout utilizing either for anybut the most urgent of er-rands.

The costs, and the concernabout “bothering people” inturn can lead to seniors find-ing themselves increasinglyisolated – and that’s exactlywhat led that conversing GreatFalls gang to do more than just talkabout the needs. Together, theyformed the Shepherd’s Center ofGreat Falls, affiliated with theShepherd’s Centers of America.

Shepherd’s Centers have a mis-sion: enhancing the quality of lifefor our aging neighbors and our-selves. Across the country, thenonprofits organize volunteers toassist seniors with transportation,simple handy helper work andhome maintenance, social engage-ment, tech troubles, and more.

WITH THE SPEED at which theSCGF gets things done, (they onlyincorporated in May of 2018) nodoubt they will soon have all ofthose services available for their55+ neighbors. To get things offthe ground and address that num-ber one need as identified by asurvey with 350 local senior re-spondents, the SCGF is excited toreport that their senior ride serviceis ready to go. They provided theirfirst ride on Monday, Jan. 21, es-corting Ms. Gayle Russell to herdoctor’s appointment.

At 84, Ms. Russell says she justdoesn’t feel comfortable drivingherself much anymore.

“When my eyesight was better,I could manage. Now, I justdon’t think I can. I live in myown place, have groceriesdelivered and such, but get-ting to appointments is some-thing of a worry.”

She did try Uber, and whileit was dependable, at $40 fora ride to an appointment, thecosts could quickly add up. “Iguess it costs more when youlive back here in the woodsof Great Falls,” she said. “Soyou start thinking about notgoing out much except for theemergencies. That’s why I amso happy I heard about thisservice, especially since it’sgoing to be provided by thepeople from our own commu-nity. That takes away a lot ofthe worry right there.”

Russell also likes that thedrivers are “people who wantto do this, so you don’t feellike you’re bothering any-one.”

“Yup,” agreed her firstchauffeur, George Hersey,who was also making his in-augural run as a Shepherd’sCenter driver. “That’s exactlyright. I have time on myhands. I like to meet people,and I don’t mind driving.”

Ms. Russell actually got atwo-for-the-price of one on

her first ride. Hersey’s wife Bethrode shotgun and offered to escorttheir passenger into the doctor’soffice while George did the car-parking. It was an offer that wasquickly accepted by Russell.

Also on hand to be sure that thefirst ride launch went according toplan was SCGF co-founder andcurrent Secretary of the Board,Carol Edelstein. Edelstein was amember of the Shepherd’s Centerof McLean for years and was avolunteer driver with that chapter,until she decided to work to de-

Great Falls Shepherd’s CenterSenior Ride Service ready to go.

A Real Joy to Ride

Chauffeur service with a smile. TheShepherd’s Center of Great Fallslaunched their free senior rideservice with first rider GayleRussell, being escorted by GeorgeHersey of Great Falls. Hersey andhis wife Beth both made the run,their first with the Shepherd’sCenter. “I am really happy to dothis. Something I enjoy, and doingsome good,” said George.

Shepherd’s Center of GreatFalls new client, and inauguralsenior ride service participantGayle Russell probably didn’texpect quite this turnout forher first encounter. Not onlydid she get driver GeorgeHersey, but just to make sureeverything went well CarolEdelstein, co-founder of SCGF,was on hand, and Beth Herseydecided to ride shotgun on theadventure and offer extraassistance and support.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection


Route 7 Corridor ImprovementsFairfax County

Environmental Document Available for Review

This project is widening about seven miles of Route 7 (Leesburg

Pike) from four to six lanes between Jarrett Valley Drive and Reston

Virginia Transportation Authority funds, also includes shared-use

paths along both sides of the road, turn lanes at intersections, and a

In compliance

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improvements on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the

Pursuant to 23 CFR 771.129(c), VDOT, in consultation with FHWA,

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is available for public review on the project website (www.connectroute7.org)

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liver those same services to herGreat Falls neighbors. Russelljoined in the laughter when thissmall caravan arrived at her frontdoor, announcing that her ride wasturning into something more likea parade.

What does the SCGF want arearesidents to know?

“We just want to spread theword that we are available,” saidorganization president, Phil Pifer,“and we want to keep recruitingvolunteer drivers.”

That recruitment will be key tothe success of the program. Driv-ers who apply to volunteer mustpass background checks, paid forby the SCGF. If accepted, they thenreceive training.

Drivers have no commit-ments. They are not obligatedto take a specific number ofrides or work any particularhours. They can view requestedrides online 24/7 and acceptwhat is convenient. The milesdriven by the volunteers arecharitable deductions on federaland state returns, and the SCGFcarries supplemental auto insur-ance for the volunteer drivers.

“The only commitment from thedriver is to provide the rides theyaccept, and to be professional,kind, courteous and in the spiritof the SCGF when they interactwith clients,” said Pifer.

FOR THE SENIOR RIDERS,there is no charge for the service,except any incidental fees like tollsor parking. They can request one-way rides, as well as round-trip,and the rides can be for most anyreason.

And what does Gayle Russellwant her senior Great Falls peersto know?

“Well, this is the first go, but Iam guessing that it’s all going togo well, so I say to tell everyonethat this is the greatest thing, away to get out and keep living yourlife.”

If you want to register as a cli-ent with the Shepherd’s Center ofGreat Falls, check out the websiteat www.thescgf.org, [email protected], or call 703-586-9696. If you think you canspare some time to take a drive ortwo with a new friend, get moreinformation and apply online.

“We just want to spread the word thatwe are available, and we want to keeprecruiting volunteer drivers.”

— Shepherd’s Center of Great Falls president Phil Pifer


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Entertainment

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

ONGOINGPhoto Exhibit. Through Jan. 31 at Oak

Marr RECenter, 3200 JermantownRoad, Oakton. See how exercise paysoff as the RECenter honors seniorathletes with a photo exhibit. Theframed photographs were selected byOLLI, the Osher Lifelong LearningInstitute at George Mason University,and feature subjects connected toSenior Olympics. Call 703-281-6501or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter/oak-marr.

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

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 23Foreign-Language Film. 1 p.m. At

The Alden, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Free admission. Come enjoyforeign films selected by The Aldenstaff, then stay after for a discussionbackstage in The Alden’s green room.All movies are shown in the originallanguage with English subtitles.Foreign-language films will be shownat 1 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday ofthe month through May. Thesemovies are chosen for adultaudiences and may contain maturecontent, language and themes. Visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

THURSDAY/JAN. 24Liz Longley Performs. 7:30 p.m. At

Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave., E,Vienna. Longley has built areputation as an accomplishedsongwriter, crafting intimatelypersonal portraits through her music.Visit www.jamminjava.com.

FRIDAY/JAN. 25Fine Arts Competition. High school

students, grades 9-12, are invited toshowcase their artistic achievementsin the 2019 James C. MacdonaldPerforming Arts ScholarshipCompetition. Open to students whoreside or attend school in DranesvilleSmall Tax District 1A. Finalists mustbe present and prepared to performin the preliminary round of thecompetition the week of Feb. 3, andat the final competition onWednesday, March 27, to be eligibleto receive an award. Apply at bit.ly/2RAG3z2. Visit mcleancenter.org/performing-arts/community-arts-2 orcontact Alden Youth Theatre

Programs Director Danielle VanHook at [email protected] or 703-790-0123.

The Old Firehouse Teacher WorkDay Trip. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. A Day inYork, Pa. Cost is $60/$50 MCCdistrict residents. Fifth throughninth grade students can journeywith The Old Firehouse to York, Pa.,for a day of fun. Admission to allactivities and lunch are included.Call the Center at 703-790-0123,TTY: 711, or visitwww.mcleancenter.org.

McLean Art Society Meeting. 10a.m.-noon at the McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 InglesideAve., McLean. Carol Waite a Sumi-Ye or Oriental Brush Artist will bethe featured presenter. Waitespecializes in nature paintingsincluding flowers, plants and birds.Guests are welcome. Visitwww.mcleanartsociety.org/.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/JAN. 25-27“Peter Pan.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.;

Sunday, 2 p.m. at ViennaCommunity Center, 120 Cherry St.,SE, Vienna. Presented by the ViennaTheatre Company and ViennaDepartment of Parks andRecreation. In this adaptation,based on the original J.M. Barriescript, Peter will be portrayed as agirl by a female actress. Thedynamics change, but the storyremains the same. Generaladmission is $14. Tickets may bepurchased online atwww.viennatheatrecompany.com/

ordering-tickets-online/, in advanceat the Vienna Community Center orat the door by cash, credit card orcheck prior to each to eachperformance (if seats are stillavailable). Visitwww.viennatheatrecompany.com.

SATURDAY/JAN. 26Genealogy Education Program. 10

a.m.-noon at Dunn Loring VolunteerFire Station Hall, 2148 GallowsRoad, Vienna. Carol KostakosPetranek, Co-Director of theWashington, D.C. Family HistoryCenter, will present on “The FamilyTree: Crowdsourcing andCollaborating to Memorialize YourAncestors”. This session will explorethe Family Tree in detail anddemonstrate how to utilize itscomponents and provide instructionson adding digital media to enrichyour family’s history. Free. Call 703-644-8185 or visit www.fxgs.org.

Community Dinner. 4:30-6 p.m. atSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church,7628 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.Free community dinner to supportand thank furloughed federalworkers. Open to everyone (feds ornot). RSVP to 703-893-9220; leave amessage saying how many will comefor dinner.

SUNDAY/JAN. 27McLean Chocolate Festival. 11 a.m.-

5 p.m. McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Widevariety of chocolate vendors.

The Wizard of OzRediscover the joy of following the yellow brick road with Dorothy, the Scare-

crow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion as they travel through the eclectic worldof Oz. Saturday, Feb. 2, 1 p.m. at The Alden Theatre at McLean Community Cen-ter, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $15/$10 MCC tax district residents; familyfriendly; 60 minutes. Visit mcleancenter.org/alden-theatre for more.


Entertainment

Ayreheart – Ronn McFarlane on lute, Will Morris on fretless bass, violin and colascione,and Mattias Rucht on percussion – is a progressive folk trio founded by McFarlane.

Winter ConcertsThe Old Brogue Irish Pub of Great Falls, VA and Barnaby Productions, Inc. present the 30th season of family friendly, Winter

Traditional Celtic Concerts performed in a listening room by the fireside. Featuring Ayreheart, Sunday, Feb. 10, 4 and 6 p.m.seatings at The Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls. A third seating will be added if the first two sell out.Tickets must be purchased in advance at oldbrogue.com: $18 general admission; $12 children.

Demonstration of pre-revolutionarychocolate-making. Children’s gameroom with chocolate-themed gamesand live performances. Plenty of freeparking. Admission, $2; under 3,free. McLean Rotary uses proceeds tofund local charitable organizations.Visit mcleanchocolatefestival.org.

Author Event: Katherine ReynoldsLewis. 2 p.m. at Bards AlleyBookstore, 110 Church St NW,Vienna. Katherine Reynolds Lewiswill speak about her book, The GoodNews About Bad Behavior: Why KidsAre Less Disciplined Than Ever-AndWhat to Do About It. She will be in-conversation with Kristy Rodriguez.At the end of the talk, Katherine willsign copies of her book. Free toattend with no registration required.Seating is available on a first come,first served basis. Visitwww.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement or call 703-204-3941.

Care Package Assembly. 2-4 p.m. atVinson Hall Kathy Martin CommunityBuilding Ballroom, 6251 OldDominion Drive, McLean. TheMcLean Community VillageAssociation (www.mcleancva.org)and The Potomac School are bringingstudents and seniors in thecommunity together to assemble carepackages, which will then bedelivered to wounded vets at WalterReed. The event will also featureactive/retired veterans who willshare stories as well as musicalperformances by the students. Opento the public. Visit mcleancva.org/event/military-care-packages-intergenerational-event/.

MONDAY/JAN. 28Gardeners Monthly Gathering.

12:45-2:45 p.m. at EmmanuelLutheran Church, 2589 Chain BridgeRoad, Vienna. The Ayr Hill GardenClub monthly gathering featuresLaura Beaty and Donna Murphy,members of the Potowmack Chapterof the Virginia Native Plant Society,presenting Your Landscape AsHabitat. Learn about theinterdependent relationships betweenplants and animals and how to usenative plants to support biodiversity.Free, open to the public. [email protected].

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 1-3“Peter Pan.” Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m.;

Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. at Vienna

Community Center, 120 Cherry St.,SE, Vienna. Presented by the ViennaTheatre Company and ViennaDepartment of Parks and Recreation.In this adaptation, based on theoriginal J.M. Barrie script, Peter willbe portrayed as a girl by a femaleactress. The dynamics change, butthe story remains the same. Generaladmission is $14. Tickets may bepurchased online atwww.viennatheatrecompany.com/ordering-tickets-online/, in advanceat the Vienna Community Center orat the door by cash, credit card orcheck prior to each to eachperformance (if seats are stillavailable). Visitwww.viennatheatrecompany.com.

SATURDAY/FEB. 2“The Wizard of Oz.” 1 p.m. at The

Alden Theatre at McLean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.Rediscover the joy of following theyellow brick road with Dorothy, theScarecrow, the Tinman, and theCowardly Lion as they travel throughthe eclectic world of Oz. $15/$10MCC tax district residents; familyfriendly; 60 minutes. Visitmcleancenter.org/alden-theatre.

SUNDAY/FEB. 3Lox and Lecture: “The Island of

Roses – Tragedy in Paradise.”11:45 a.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom,2100 Westmoreland St., FallsChurch. Through the memories of hermother, family friends and additionalarchival material, Rebecca Samona`reconstructs the little known story ofthe life of the Jews of Rhodes, anItalian colony. Following theirdeportation to Auschwitz in July1944 and the destruction of thecommunity, the handful of survivorskept alive the memories of thiscenturies-old culture, and conveyedthe stories to their descendants.There will be a question and answersession after the movie. Light bageland lox brunch prior to the movie.WoTRS members $7, non-WoTRSmembers $10. RSVP by Jan. 10 atwotrsloxlecturejan2019.eventbrite.com.Email [email protected] or call 202-321-5824.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 6Newcomers and Neighbors Coffee.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the McLean

Project for the Arts, 1446 ChainBridge Road, McLean. McLeanNewcomers and Neighbors will host acoffee for its members and those whomight be interested in joining. Visitwww.McLeanNewcomers.org.

SATURDAY/FEB. 9Tea Seminar – The Sweet Side of

Tea. 1-3 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill,10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.This interactive focused tastingseminar explores the many flavors ofhoney and maple syrup and how theycan enhance a variety of green, black,and herbal teas. Taste some treatsmade with these three straight fromnature ingredients. A take home teasampler included. $35 per person.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill to register.

SUNDAY/FEB. 10Maple Syrup Fresh from the Trees.

Noon-2 p.m. at Colvin Run Mill,10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.See sap dripping into collection pailson the trees, and discover thesurprising amount of sap it takes tomake just a little syrup. Taste thecombination of maple syrup overcornbread made from the mill’scornmeal, while supplies last. $5 perperson for visitors age 3-adult. Noreservations are required. This is anoutdoor program, dress for theweather. Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

Annual Salzman Lecture. 6 p.m. inthe Sanctuary at LewinsvillePresbyterian Church, 1724 ChainBridge Road, McLean. This year’sspeaker will be Susan Wharton Gates,PhD, author of “Days of Slaughter:Inside the Fall of Freddie Mac – andWhy It Could Happen Again.” SVisitwww.lewinsville.org.

All Night Grad Party Fundraiser. 7p.m. in the Langley High Schoolauditorium, 6520 Georgetown Pike,McLean. The Capitol Steps use songparodies and skits to bring bi-partisan levity to major issues of theday. Proceeds from the show willhelp to pay for Langley’s Class of2019 All Night Grad Party. Open tothe general public. Tickets are $35 atwww.ptsalangley.org/all-night-grad-party, under the ANGP Capitol Stepsbanner, or on Brown Paper Tickets,lhs19capitolstepsfundraiser.bpt.com.


News

The Northern Virginia Pho-tographic Society (NVPS) ex-hibits at the Art Gallery, FrameFactory. 212 Dominion Rd.NE,ºVienna. The NVPS pro-motes the enjoyment, mastery,and furtherance of photogra-phy through cooperation, ef-fort, and good fellowship. TheSociety is not operated forprofit. Information aboutNVPS is at http://nvps.org/home/. The Frame Factoryexhibition runs to Feb. 12.Hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday through Saturday.For exhibition information call703-281-2350 or visit:www.theframefactory1.com.

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

It’s called the nation’s largest Reformer-basedPilates franchise, and the “reformer” tag refersto the equipment being used, not a religiousor political persuasion. Still, Tara Clouse, the

Studio Director at the newest edition to the ClubPilates franchise says that a Pilates workout can be aspiritual experience,

The Reformer is a narrow sleigh-bed looking ap-paratus designed by Joseph Pilates, the founder ofthe Pilates method, and powered by the user’s ownbody weight and a set of springs attached to boththe platform and the carriage. It’s also what’s beingused to fuel the classes at the new club, just openedat 1521 Boyd Pointe Way, Suite B, in Vienna – rightin the heart of Tysons Corner.

Throw away your old notions of Pilates as a purelymat-based meditational method of exercise, althoughmats and meditation can both be found at ClubPilates Tyson. Instead, holding true to founder Pilates’original Reformer-based techniques, this club en-hances the traditional 50-minute group activity byincorporating 11 different pieces of equipment alongwith the Reformer, including the EXO Chair, TRX,Bosu Ball and more.

“Don’t let any of that scare you away,” said Clouseat the official Grand Opening on the weekend of Jan.19-20. “That means there is something for everyone,classes that fit all levels, from the most basic of be-ginners to the most advanced and physically fit.”

With these options as part of the classes, it also

means a workout that can be more fun, time-effi-cient, dynamic and effective than either a strictly tra-ditional gym workout or a session on the Pilates mat,according to Clouse, and club owner Michael Grams.

D.C. native and entrepreneur Grams also owns theClub Pilates in Pentagon City, that launched the fran-chise and the exercise method in the DMV. With theopening of his second venue, there are now 10 ClubPilates-franchised studios in the area.

“That’s how popular this hybrid workout has be-come,” said Grams, who expects to see at least 18such studios open around the region before long.

“It’s a workout like nothing you’ve tried,” Gramssays. “Club Pilates merges a variety of exercises thatcomplement the traditional Pilatespractice…resulting in a significant difference in yourposture, balance, flexibility and strength.”

Clouse and Grams also praise the Club Pilates of-ferings as ideal for those recovering from injuries.“After all that’s why Pilates originally invented theexercise system,” Clouse notes, referring to the factthat Pilates said his inspiration came to him whilehe was being held at an internment camp duringWorld War I. Pilates developed his method there overfour years to help his injured fellow internees.

The folks at Club Pilates Tysons invite the publicto visit their 2,150 square foot facility and to try outa beginner’s class for free. A Club Pilates PassportMembership allows members to use all of the localclubs, and virtually any club around the country.Check out their website at www.clubpilates.com,search Tysons location, stop by for a tour, or call571.429.4890 for more information.

Club Pilates Officially Opens in Tysons

Club Pilates is now openin Tysons, just off TycoRoad. The second loca-tion for owner MichaelGrams, the 2,150 squarefoot facility features the“Reformer” method ofPilates, and incorporatesa variety of other equip-ment. “The instructorsare passionate aboutPilates and really love tosee people gain from theexperience,” said StudioDirector Tara Clouse.

Photo contributed

Photo Exhibit at Vienna’s Frame Factory

“Greenland Nights” on display at theNorthern Virginia Photography Societyexhibition at the Frame Factory, Vienna.

Photo by Willa Siegel


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Not that there’s anything wrong with me – other than having cancer that is – but I’ve been going to see doctors – other than my oncologist – fairly regularly in the past few months: internal medicine, three times; otolaryngologist, two times.

The reason/symptoms vary, but in general, nearly 10 years into my “13 month to two-year” prognosis,

and scheduling appointments with doctors as often

after all, it’s the dumbest part – if you have cancer.

were not cancer-related, they were life-related. Meaning, they had nothing to do at all with my have cancer and/or its progression, and everything to do with living life outside of the bubble.

However, surviving life inside the cancer world for as long as I have has now made me a bit trigger

any other reason, I am scheduling an appointment -

Henceforth, I am going to let the professionals

worry about. It has become time for me to no longer fool around with my health presuming that whatev-er ails me is merely a blip when in fact it could be a sign of things potentially to follow.

might even be too little, too late.

as such. Knowing there’s only so much I can do to preempt (some of which I’ve been doing) what trouble possibly awaits, at the very least I shouldn’t be stupid or stubborn anymore. Instead I have to be vigilant and proactive.

much about what the doctor might say when I show up at my appointment with less-than-life altering/cancer-connected symptoms. Until they tell me otherwise, which they haven’t yet, I will continue to

there was nothing to matter, I’ve often felt the need

which I realize is very valuable. But they would hear none of it. Instead, they have encouraged me

the need arise.

arise.’

life-related, and should I act differently depending

these questions and simply schedule appointments as soon as possible because, as I was advised years

now, Kenny.”-

ing from, I believe it has something to do with my switching to an immunotherapy drug – which we’ve been discussing for a few months, and being aware of the many possible side effects. Side effects which, should they manifest, I am to contact my oncologist immediately.

and that’s what scares me. Moreover, I’m afraid we might not be able to stop what we’ve already started.

Granted, it’s all speculation, and it’s all prema-ture.

Either the side effects prevent me from infusing

doctors during my treatment, so be it. This is no time to wait and see. It’s time to be

seen without waiting.

Worried About What Awaits

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

NEWPrescription Drug Take Back Box Program.

Fairfax County announced the expansion of thePrescription Drug Take Back Box ProgramCountywide. The boxes are available 24/7/365at each district police station for any person toanonymously and safely dispose of theirprescription medications 24/7/365 - noquestions asked. It is important to get unusedmedicines, especially opioids, out of yourmedicine cabinets to prevent accidental or illicituse. Several Fairfax County pharmacies also takeback unused prescription drugs. For a currentlist, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news2/4-ways-to-safely-dispose-of-unused-medications/.

INPUT SOUGHTUnmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program.

Fairfax County is developing a comprehensivePublic Safety Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)program and would like to hear from residents.Each of six public information meetings willinclude a static display of unmanned aircraftfollowed by a presentation outlining theprogram. After the presentation, there will be anopportunity to ask questions. The formalpresentation will begin at 7 p.m. To find outmore about the UAS program go towww.fairfaxcounty.gov/uas. Send feedback orquestions to [email protected] or throughthe link located on the UAS webpage. Writtencomments on the draft program must bereceived by the close of business Feb. 8, 2019, tobe included in the official public record.

❖ Wednesday, Jan. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McLeanDistrict Governmental Center, 1437 Balls HillRoad, McLean.

❖ Thursday, Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at SullyDistrict Governmental Center, 4900 StonecroftBlvd, Chantilly.

❖ Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at RestonCommunity Center – Hunter Woods, 2310 ColtsNeck Road.

❖ Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at BraddockHall – Kings Park Library, 9002 Burke LakeRoad, Burke.

TUESDAYS THROUGH FEB. 19Workshop Series: Mind in the Making. 6:30-

8:30 p.m. at Dunn Loring Center for ParentServices, 2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1 –Room 100, Dunn Loring. Mind in the Making:The Seven Essential Life Skills Every ChildNeeds by Ellen Galinsky, encompasses anevidence-based list of life skills that are essentialfor children to succeed socially, emotionally andintellectually in the short and long term.Participants may register for one or all of theworkshops and do not need to attend theprevious class. Registration is limited. Call 703-204-3941 or visit www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center formore or to register.

❖ Tuesday, Jan. 29 – Making Connections (part 4)❖ Tuesday, Feb. 5 – Critical Thinking (part 5)❖ Tuesday, Feb. 12 – Taking on Challenges (part 6)❖ Tuesday, Feb. 19 – Self-Directed, Engaged

Learning (part 7)

Area

Roundups

Bulletin Board

Free Home SellerSeminar

Home Seller Seminar “Be A Savvy Seller!”— free, no obligation community service of-fered by Lyons McGuire Homes & Estates ofKeller Williams Realty. Speakers include pro-fessional stager and organizer. Learn insidersecrets to getting the most money for yourhome. Sunday, Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m. at RestonMansion House 1856 Old Reston Ave, [email protected]

entertainment, page 10 opinion, page 4 a real joy to...

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