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Families enjoying the picnic area: many chose to bring their own meals to share as McLean community celebrates July 4th

at Langley High School.

Market ‘Flat’ in the First HalfReal Estate, Page 9

McLean Community Players Presents ‘Seussical’News, Page 6

McLean Celebrates at Langley High

News, Page 5

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ July 10-16, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McLean Connection ❖ July 10-16, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Jeanne Theismann

The Connection

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue De-partment Chief John Butler didn’tgrow up wanting to be afirefighter. Born in Liberia, he was

12 years old when his family was forced toflee the country following a military coupin April of 1980.

“My father was among those identifiedas someone the new regime wanted to doaway with,” Butler said in recalling the cir-cumstances that led to his immigration tothe U.S. “I’m not sure why since he was notinvolved in politics or the military — he wasa businessman. But life had become tumul-tuous and my parents decided that was nothow they wanted to raise their family.”

Less than a month later, the family hadresettled in Columbia, Md., where Butlergraduated from Oakland Mills High School.He would go on to serve in the U.S. MarineCorps and was home on leave when he ac-companied a friend to take the test to be-come a Howard County firefighter. Thatdecision would change his life, leading to acareer in firefighting and ultimately to hisbeing named the first African American firechief in Fairfax County.

“I wasn’t looking for a job,” Butler said.“I was loving being a Marine. But while Iwas waiting for my friend a recruiter con-vinced me to take the test and when Ipassed, I thought ‘Why not this?’ As I lookback on this path, the wild ride from thatlobby to where I am now is never lost onme.”

BUTLER WAS NAMED last summer to

replace Chief Richard Bowers andwas formally sworn in Sept. 4,2018. Prior to that he served 26years with the Howard CountyDepartment of Fire and RescueServices. He began as afirefighter-paramedic, risingthrough the ranks to serve in avariety of roles, including as bat-talion chief, emergency medicalservices chief and administrativechief before being namedHoward County’s first AfricanAmerican Fire Chief in 2014.

“Howard County [Fire and Res-cue] is a high performing organi-zation, but it was time to take onnew challenges,” Butler said ofhis move to the helm of Fairfax County, adepartment three times the size of HowardCounty. “I always thought highly of FairfaxFire and Rescue and am mindful of the morerecent challenges. I thought I could bringsomething to the table — to help them getrealigned and continue going in a positivedirection.”

In addition to his firefighting experience,Butler served in the Marines for 21 years,including two combat tours.

“Joining the Marines is one of the bestdecisions I ever made,” Butler said. “In com-bat is where I grew a lot of my character.It’s where I learned how to lead teams andhow to lead others on a shared mission andvision.”

Butler’s vision for FCFRD is to regain thereins of an organization bruised by claimsof bullying and harassment.

“I came here to establish guardrails, set avision and build a healthy team,” Butler

said. “We have a talented, diverse depart-ment but we can’t solve problems using thesame thinking that created those problems.”

BUTLER HAS CREATED an equity andinclusion council and implemented code ofconduct and social media policies. Socialmedia policies in particular have been un-der scrutiny since the 2016 suicide deathof firefighter Nicole Mittendorff followingclaims of online bullying.

“We need to reestablish and rebuild therelationships that have taken a hit over theyears,” said Butler, who was a defendant ina termination suit brought by a HowardCounty battalion chief based on social me-dia postings.

“The case — Buker vs Howard County —went to the Supreme Court,” Butler said.“We prevailed and stuck to strong socialmedia policies and a code of conduct thatbasically says that if it disrupts the work-

place, we can hold you accountable. That’sthe platform I have for here — I won’t tol-erate cyberbullying or any behavior thatdisrupts the workplace.”

Butler, 52, holds a Master ofScience in management fromJohns Hopkins University and aBachelor of Arts from the Univer-sity of Baltimore. He is a gradu-ate of the National FireAcademy’s Executive Fire OfficerProgram and from HarvardUniversity’s John F. KennedySchool of Government Leadershipin Crisis Program.

IN 2014, Butler was the recipi-ent of Johns Hopkins University’sGlobal Achievement Award forhis humanitarian work in Africa.He has made multiple trips to theRepublic of Liberia, most recentlyin January of this year, when he

assisted in training recruits for the LiberianNational Fire Service and visited theSayklon Orphanage. Butler uses his per-sonal vacation time and pays for all ex-penses out of his pocket.

“Whenever I return from trips such as this,I am reminded of how fortunate we are tohave the things we have, the infrastructureand quality of life that we enjoy and mostoften take for granted,” said Butler follow-ing his most recent trip.

Butler, who is married with three adultchildren, hopes to have a positive impactin Fairfax County.

“I am really loving the department, thepeople I am working with and the direc-tion we are going,” Butler said. “Most im-portantly, I hope that my emphasis on trust,courageous conversations and human en-gagement is making a difference. But thebest way I can impact the organization isby modeling good behavior.”

The road from Liberia to Fairfax County, with vision to regain thereins of an organization bruised by claims of bullying and harassment.

Fire Chief John Butler To Set VisionFairfax County Fire Chief John Butler, second from right, working withLiberian firefighters in January of this year.

Fairfax County Fire Chief John Butler helps a child with her toys at theFirefighters and Friends Toy Distribution Day in December of 2018.

Photo contributed

John Butler addresses the media after being swornin as Fairfax County Fire Chief Sept. 4, 2018. Butleris the first African American to hold the position.

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Opinion

Members of the Virginia GeneralAssembly were scheduled onJuly 9 to convene in a specialsession intended to address

gun violence. After the May 31 mass shootingin Virginia Beach, Gov. Ralph Northam calledfor a special session of the General Assemblyto address gun violence. Last week, he an-nounced a package of eight bills for consider-ation during the special session.

❖ Legislation requiring background checkson all firearms sales and transactions.The bill mandates that any person sell-ing, renting, trading, or transferring afirearm must first obtain the results ofa background check before completing thetransaction.

❖ Legislation banning dangerous weapons:assault weapons, high-capacity magazines,bump stocks and silencers.

❖ Legislation to reinstate Virginia’s success-ful law allowing only one handgun purchasewithin a 30-day period.

❖ Legislation requiring that lost and stolenfirearms be reported to law enforcement within24 hours.

❖ Legislation creating an Extreme Risk Pro-

tective Order (Red Flag law), allowing lawenforcement and the courts to temporarilyseparate a person from firearms if the personexhibits dangerous behavior that presents animmediate threat to self or others. This wouldprevent suicides.

❖ Legislation prohibiting all individuals sub-ject to final protective orders from possessingfirearms. The bill expands Virginia law whichcurrently prohibits individuals subject to finalprotective orders of family abuse from possess-ing firearms, keeping guns out of the hands ofdomestic abusers.

❖ Legislation enhancing the punishment forallowing access to loaded, unsecured firearmby a child from a Class 3 Misdemeanor to aClass 6 felony. The bill also raises the age ofthe child from 14 to 18.

❖ Legislation allowing localities toenact any firearms ordinances that arestricter than state law. This includesregulating firearms in municipal build-

ings, libraries and at permitted events.These are in fact common sense proposals,

and each one should get consideration and avote. There’s a good chance that won’t be theoutcome because Republicans narrowly con-trol both the House of Delegates and the Vir-ginia Senate.

But the special session will focus legislatorsand voters on the importance of these issues,and that focus will serve the effort well,whether or not any of the bills pass into lawthis month.

Pet Connection,Send Photos

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly specialedition, will publish the last week of July, andphotos and stories of your pets with you andyour family should be submitted by Thursday,July 25.

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

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 of what is happening in the photo,and include address and phone number (wewill not publish your address or phone num-ber, just your town name).

Email [email protected] or submitonline at

www.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.For advertising information, email

[email protected] or call 703-778-9431.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Eight proposed billswould make thecommonwealth safer.

Special Session on Gun Violence

Editorial

By Kenneth R.

“Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-

36)

The GeneralA s s e m b l ywent into

Special Session July 9at the call of Gov.Ralph Northam toaddress gun violenceafter a shooter with asilencer on his pistol murdered adozen persons in a municipalbuilding in Virginia Beach. Theoutcome of the session in whichlegislators introduced eight differ-ent bills at the request of the Gov-ernor is unknown as I write thiscolumn. I introduced the bill thatI have introduced at other sessionsto expand criminal backgroundchecks for all firearm transactionsor universal background checks.

Virginia has had a criminal back-ground check for gun purchasesfor 30 years. The system was putin place after a bill that washeavily debated and that seemedcertain to be defeated was passedwith the support of a senior del-egate, Vic Thomas, who was an

avid NRA supporter.He concluded that itwas a bill the publicclearly wanted andshould pass because itdid not interfere withthe Second Amend-ment. In what mayhave been the lasttime the NRA tooksuch a position, it didnot support but it didnot oppose the bill’spassage. Governor

Gerald Baliles signed the bill intolaw even though he had earlieropposed any gun control legisla-tion.

The resulting instant back-ground check system that was putinto place continues operating to-day. It was the promise of an in-stant background check withoutthe need to wait for days for ap-proval that was the feature that ledto the bill’s passage.

There was then that continuestoday a major flaw in the law asoriginally passed that supportershad hoped to correct but have notbeen successful in amending. Thelaw only applies to purchasesmade with federally licensed gun

dealers. That’s about half the gunsales in the state each year, al-though exact statistics are un-known because of statutory limi-tations on gathering informationabout gun sales put in place withNRA advocacy. This flaw in the lawcreated what is referred to as the“gun show loophole.” At any of thenumerous gun shows that are heldthroughout the Commonwealthone can purchase a gun from afederally licensed gun dealer withan instant background check; atthe next table at the show a per-son can purchase a gun from anunlicensed dealer with no identi-fication needed and no questionsasked.

The astonishing statistic is thatin 2018 the Virginia State Policeconducted 446,333 firearms trans-actions involving licensed dealerswith 3,457 of the transactions de-nied because of previous criminalbehavior. Had the loophole in thelaw been closed there may havebeen as many as a half millionmore checks with a proportionallyhigh number of persons withcriminal records being denied an-other weapon.

What is good for the goose is

good for the gander, as I have al-ways been told. With a successfulsystem for background checks inplace for thirty years without op-position or hick-ups, all gun salesshould go through the system withminor exceptions related to fam-ily members. According to manypolls, the public supports univer-sal background checks at levelsaround 90 percent. It is time forthe legislature to act or be able toexplain to the public in the com-ing political campaign why this oldadage is not being followed.

Good for the Gander

What Do You Think?The Connection welcomes views

on any public issue.The deadline for all material isnoon Friday. Letters must be

signed. Include home address andhome and business numbers.

Letters are routinely edited forlibel, grammar, good taste and

factual errors.Letters to the Editor

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

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Jean CardProduction Editor

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ADVERTISING:For advertising information

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Debbie FunkNational Sales703-778-9444

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Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

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Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

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Geovani Flores

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McLean


By Malwand Gulban

The Connection

The Mclean Community Center’sFourth of July celebration washeld at Langley High School af-ter a four-year hiatus. Infra-

structure development at the High Schoolhad forced organizers to temporarily relo-cate to Cooper Middle School. Led by Ex-ecutive Director George Sachs and SpecialEvents Manager Catherin Nesbitt, staff and

volunteers seemed enthused to be back attheir traditional site of celebration.

The event began at 6:30 p.m. Onsite park-ing was available, and offsite parking wasavailable with a shuttle service. In conjunc-tion with staff, security workers made surethat no prohibited items were allowed ontothe event premises, such as tobacco prod-ucts, alcohol, personal fireworks, and ob-jects which could damage the turf field.Signs placed around the event, instructingguests to report any suspicious activity, char-

acterized the sense of vigilance and com-munity felt at the celebration.

An array of food trucks offering colorfulfare such as Korean BBQ, gourmet hot dogs,artisan ice cream, and lobster roll were onsite. Families were invited to have their ownpicnics as well, and many of them arrivedwith totes in tow. A section of dining tableswas set up adjacent to the trucks for fami-lies to enjoy their meals, and the laughterand screams of playing children quicklyfilled the plaza between diners.

Independence Day celebrationreturns to familiar turf.McLean Celebrates at Langley High

The evening culminated with a dazzlingdisplay of fireworks over the football field.The crowd erupted into cheers every timea bang would light up the sky. Havingwaited so patiently for night to fall, theenergy of the crowd was felt in full force asthe showcase rolled on.

When asked if she anticipated LangleyHigh School being the permanent home ofthe Independence Day celebration, Nesbittstated Langley is where they anticipate be-ing for the foreseeable future.

McLean Community Center staff and volunteers hosted the celebration.

News

Families lounge and play on the football field.

Photos by Malwand Gulban/The Connection

News

By David Siegel

The Connection

Humor and more await with the musi-cal, “Seussical” arriving at the Aldencourtesy of the McLean CommunityPlayers. “We wanted to give the com-

munity a summer blockbuster that was family ori-ented,” said co-producers Bunny Bonnes and JerryGideon.

“Dr. Seuss’s ‘Seussical’ world is fun and adventuremixed with powerful life lessons and role models.The characters will appeal to the ‘smallest of smalland the largest of large,’” said director Shelly Horn.“The characters come off of the page and dance andsing and tell a story with a great moral about friend-ship, loyalty and believing in yourself.”

The musical “Seussical” brings together dozens offantastic, imaginary characters created by Dr. Seussin his many books. “The Cat in the Hat” narrates.The musical is about “Horton the Elephant’s” adven-tures while protecting The Whos. The characterstravel everywhere from the Jungle of Nool toWhoville, the Circus McGurkus, and other far off fic-tional destinations.

“Seussical” Music Director Lori Roddy describedthe many tunes “as a mix of stylesincluding show tunes, rock ballads,ragtime, pop, Latin and swing. TheMcLean Community Players liveband will play keyboards, bass,drums, trumpet, trombone and arange of reed instruments includingflute, piccolo, clarinets, alto, andtenor and baritone sax.

Keith Tittermary plays Horton theElephant. “Horton says a line thatencompasses his whole character: ‘Isaid what I meant and I meant whatI said, an elephant’s faithful, one-hundred percent.’ He will always dowhat he promises even if it meanshe makes personal sacrifices alongthe way.”

Leslie Lewis portrays GertrudeMcFuzz, a very determined little

bird. “I love her perseverance throughout the show,doing everything she can to help and be noticed byHorton. While Horton continues to be oblivious andfocused on other things, you see Gertrude’s despera-tion and love for him. I just love her spirit!”

The Character of Mrs. Umbroso is played by Sum-mer Hunt. “Does she have any lines? No. She has adelicious and interesting backstory? Absolutely. I’mattempting to communicate all that she has seen anddone during her tumultuous life in just a few handmotions and ensemble appearances. This woman isminding her own business, hanging out clothes, andthe next thing you know she’s thrust into a world ofmadness.”

“Seussical” is a show meant to engage young au-diences and adults. Just “open your mind,” as one ofthe song lyrics suggests.

Family summertime musical at the Alden Theatre.

McLean Community PlayersPresents ‘Seussical’

Where and WhenMcLean Community Players present “Seussical” at Alden

Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave,McLean, VA. Performances: July 12 to July 28, 2019.Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.Tickets are $28 for adults; $23 for tax district residents,seniors, and older students; and $15 for ages 15 andyounger. Tickets are available at www.McLeanPlayers.org,by phone at 866.811.4111, and at the Alden Box Office.

From left, the jungle animals in “Seussical” includingthe Sour Kangaroo, Mayzie LaBird, the WickershamBrothers and the Bird Girls are all struck by Horton theElephant’s belief in the small planet of Who

From left, MayzieLaBird (KarenToth), explains toGertrude McFuzz(Leslie Lewis) howto be Amayzing,while the BirdGirls (CourtneyJames, LindsayMcClenathan, andRosemarieO’Connor) listen,“Seussical.”

Photos by Irish Eyes

Photography by Toby/

Courtesy McLean

Community Players



Plastic binssuch as thosein this closet

can helpmaximizespace in a

dorm room,advises Susan

Unger ofClutterSOS.

Home LifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

When she moved out of her family homeand into a dorm room at MarymountUniversity, one of the obstacles that Grace

McKinley faced was creating a sense of style and or-der in her new downsized dwelling.

“[My] biggest challenge was making a small spacefeel like a functional home,” said McKinley, an inte-rior design major who now works as an intern atCase Design/Remodeling, Inc.

For students who are getting ready to head off tocollege next month, part of their preparation includesshopping for supplies to hold items ranging fromjeans and t-shirts to laptops and books. Like McKinley,many will take on the task of finding pieces that willserve the dual role of adding both aesthetic appealand efficient organization to a diminutive and aus-tere room.

“First of all, since dorm rooms are really small, tryto only take what you know you will actually need,”said Susan Unger of ClutterSOS. “If you can onlytake your clothes, choose items needed for the cur-rent season and then change them out when youreturn home for a visit.”

Even for those who choose to take only a limitedamount clothing, finding the best use of space re-quires creativity and precision. “Use bed risers tomake room for under-the-bed storage bins where youcan house items such as extra food and clothing youdon’t wear on a regular basis,” said Unger.

Students who, like McKinley, miss the comforts ofhome, can use nostalgic reminders to smooth outthe transition. “I made sure to put up photos offriends and family on the wall to add a sentimentaltouch,” she said. “And I coordinated my favorite col-ors in my bedding and organization items.” McKinleysaid those items included stackable, plastic storagetrays that held her jewelry and school supplies.

In fact, tools for keeping order are essential whentrying to maximize the limitations of size-challengedrooms. “Always think of using available vertical spacesuch as the back of doors,” said Unger. “You can ac-tually use an over-the-door shoe bag for other thingslike toiletries or food instead of shoes.”

Even dorm-sized appliances can be multi-func-tional, says Unger. “If you have a refrigerator withmetal sides you can use magnetized bins for office

or kitchen supplies like condiments or eating uten-sils,” she said. “A shower caddy is also a good ideaso that you can keep all your bathing supplies in oneplace.”

When to comes to breathing life into sterile,cramped quarters , a touch of vibrancy can have abig impact says Allie Mann, designer and senior in-teriors specialist at Case. “When decorating a smallspace, don’t be afraid of color,” she said. “The bestsmall spaces are those that are the most colorful. Somany times folks are afraid of too much color. Bebold and have fun.”

Accessories that Mann recommends include col-orful peel-and-stick wallpaper. “Take any lamp andgive it life and character with pom poms from a craftstore,” she said.

While she encourages color creative, her advicecomes with a caveat. “Be careful not to mix too muchpattern,” she said. “Too much pattern in a small spacecould be a bit dizzying.”

Now working as Mann’s design intern at Case,McKinley says that, as she progressed in her major,she began putting her newly acquired skills to use inher dorm room. “In my interior design classes, welearned that balancing elements of design like color,shape, space, and texture creates the best spaces,”she said. “Adding interest with a unique throw pil-low, patterned rug, or a fun lamp can make a simpledorm stand out from the rest.”

Adding style and creating space in tight quartersDorm Room Decor

When decorating a small space, interiordesigner Allie Mann of Case Design/Remodeling Inc. says that bold colors canadd vibrancy.

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Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.

ONGOINGDrop-in Mah Jongg. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-

noon at McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Players should have abasic understanding of the rules and shouldbring their current American MJ League card.For McLean District residents. [email protected] for more.

Oak Marr Farmers’ Market. 8 a.m.-noon atOak Marr RECenter, 3200 Jermantown Road,Oakton. Every Wednesday through Nov. 13, rainor shine. Call 703-281-6501 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/oak-marr for more.

McLean Farmers Market. Fridays, through Nov.15, 8 a.m.-noon at Lewinsville Park, 1659 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Sixteen local farmers andproducers. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/mclean.

Great Falls Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 Walker Road, Great Falls. Music,vendors, fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from around the world,wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats,organic-fed poultry and eggs. [email protected] for more.

Oakton Farmers Market. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1p.m. at Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Year-round weekly farmersmarket in Oakton. Local produce, meats/eggs,dairy, baked goods, and more. Admission is free.Visit community-foodworks.org.

THURSDAY/JULY 11Nottoway Nights: David Bach Consort. 7:30

p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9537 Courthouse Road,Vienna. Thursday evenings, through Aug. 22.Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. For lastminute weather cancellations call 703-324-7469one hour prior to the program start time.

FRIDAY/JULY 12ESL Playdate Cafe. 1-2 p.m. at Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Meet othercaregivers of young children. Adults practiceEnglish while children enjoy play time in thesame room. Birth-5 years with adult. Free. Call703-242-4020 or visitibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5260042.

Summer on the Green: Fat Chance (rock).6:30 p.m. on Vienna’s Town Green. The Summeron the Green concert series returns to Vienna’sTown Green Friday nights through Aug. 23.Please see the text below or the attached releasefor details. Bring chairs and/or blankets. Noalcoholic beverages are permitted. Considerleaving pets at home. In the event of rain, checkthe weather line at 703-255-7842. Learn more atwww.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3997.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/JULY 12-14Seussical The Musical. Friday-Saturday, 7:30

p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. at Alden Theatre, McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. The McLean Community Players returnto the Alden Theatre with the musical“Seussical,” which opens July 12, 2019, andruns weekends through July 28. “Seussical”brings together many beloved Dr. Seusscharacters. $15-$28. [email protected] or visitwww.McLeanPlayers.org for more.

SATURDAY/JULY 13Book Collection. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at SunTrust Bank,

515 Maple Ave. East, Vienna. The McLeanBranch of the American Association of UniversityWomen (AAUW) will be collecting used books,CDs, DVDs, software, children’s books, records,and recent textbooks. No encyclopedias, VHS oraudiotapes. Books for children are especiallyneeded. Books must be bagged or boxed and thebags and boxes must be left with the books. Thebook sale will be held Sept. 13-15 at the McLeanCommunity Center. Proceeds benefitscholarships for women. [email protected] or 703-527-4206 withquestions.

Model Railroaders Open House. 1-5 p.m. atthe Vienna Depot, 231 Dominion Road NE.Northern Virginia Model Railroaders hold an

open house at the Vienna Depot each month andon Vienna celebration days, including Viva!Vienna and the Vienna Holiday Stroll. Freeadmission. Call 703-938-5157 or visitwww.nvmr.org.

Open Mic Night. 7-10 p.m. at Caffe Amouri, 107Church St. NE, Vienna. Every Friday, a featuredhost is the main performer and also the emceewho introduces other performers who show upto play music, recite poetry, or do a comedyroutine. Free admission. Call 703-938-1623 orvisit caffeamouri.com/events-calendar.

SUNDAY/JULY 14Blood Drive. 7:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Lewinsville

Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Lewinsville Presbyterian Church willhost its next Blood Drive in partnership withInova. Those wishing to donate do not need tobe a member of Lewinsville. Bring a photo I.D.when you come to donate. Call 703-356-7200 oremail [email protected] withquestions. Read eligibility requirements and signup at www.lewinsville.org/events/blood-drive/.

A Walk in the Park. 10-11:30 a.m. at Wolf TrapNational Park, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Join theGreen Spring Master Gardeners and Friends ofWolf Trap for a walk and learn through theRain, Woodland and Pollinator Gardens or takea guided hike along the trails, pond andwetlands at the Park. Learn how Wolf TrapNational Park has created an oasis for nativeplants and wildlife (and humans) in a highlyurbanized region. All ages are welcome. Leasheddogs are welcome for the trail walk but are notallowed in the gardens. Free. Registrationrequired at friendsofwolftrap.org/event/july_2019_guided_walk/.

Summer Concerts: Frontiers - Journeytribute band. 5 p.m. in the gazebo of McLeanCentral Park, 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd.,McLean. The Alden at the McLean CommunityCenter is again sponsoring free summer concertsin the gazebo of McLean Central Park featuringa mix of musical genres. Call 703-790-0123 orvisit www.aldentheatre.org.

Concerts on the Green: Jr. Cline and theRecliners. 6-8 p.m. on the Great Falls VillageCentre Green. Bring picnic baskets, chairs andblankets for an evening of live music. Free. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

TUESDAY/JULY 16Kids on the Green: Bill Wellington (kids

songs and storytelling). 10 a.m. on theVienna Town Green. The Kids on the Greenseries is a weekly collection of interactive animalshows, magicians, puppet performances, andmore, running through Aug. 20. Free. Visitviennava.gov for more.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 17Stories, Songs & Sprinklers. 1 p.m. on the

Freeman Store lawn. Partnering with HistoricVienna, Inc., the Town of Vienna invites youngchildren and families to an afternoon ofstorybook reading, short songs, and fun withwater sprinklers. Free. Visit viennava.gov formore.

THURSDAY/JULY 18Nottoway Nights: The Aloha Boys. 7:30 p.m.

at Nottoway Park, 9537 Courthouse Road,Vienna. Thursday evenings, through Aug. 22.Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. For lastminute weather cancellations call 703-324-7469one hour prior to the program start time.

FRIDAY/JULY 19Get Hooked on Fishing. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., GreatFalls. Riverbend is offering “River Fishing byBoat.” In this class, participants age 5- adult willlearn to fish for smallmouth bass and sunfishfrom a canoe or jon boat. Previous experiencerowing or paddling is not required, and boats,PFDs, fishing rods and bait are provided. Therewill be a maximum of three participants perboat, one of whom must be 16 or older. Eachparticipant must register. $16 per person. If theweather’s bad or river conditions are hazardous,the program will be canceled. Call 703-759-9018 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Summer on the Green: Chillin’ on Church:Mudlark (classic rock and blues). 6:30p.m. on Vienna’s Town Green. Friday nightsthrough Aug. 23. Bring chairs and/or blankets.No alcoholic beverages are permitted. Considerleaving pets at home. In the event of rain, checkthe weather line at 703-255-7842. Learn moreat www.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3997.


p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. at Alden Theatre, McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. The McLean Community Players returnto the Alden Theatre with the musical“Seussical,” which opens July 12, 2019, andruns weekends through July 28. $15-$28. [email protected] or visitwww.McLeanPlayers.org for more.

SATURDAY/JULY 20Open Mic Night. 7-10 p.m. at Caffe Amouri, 107

Church St. NE, Vienna. Every Friday, a featuredhost is the main performer and also the emceewho introduces other performers who show upto play music, recite poetry, or do a comedyroutine. Free admission. Call 703-938-1623 orvisit caffeamouri.com/events-calendar.

SUNDAY/JULY 21Visit Colvin Run Mill. Noon-3 p.m. at Colvin

Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.See, hear and taste history with a visit to ColvinRun Mill. Grinding demonstration turns wheator corn into flour and meal, and free woodcarving lessons onsite. Mill tours are $8 foradults, $7 for students 16 and up with ID, and$6 for children and seniors. No reservations arerequired. Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

Summer Concerts: Justin Trawick and theCommon Good. 5 p.m. in the gazebo ofMcLean Central Park, 1468 Dolley Madison

Blvd., McLean. The Alden at the McLeanCommunity Center is again sponsoring freesummer concerts in the gazebo of McLeanCentral Park featuring a mix of musical genres.Call 703-790-0123 or visitwww.aldentheatre.org.

Concerts on the Green: the Unfinished. 6-8p.m. on the Great Falls Village Centre Green.Bring picnic baskets, chairs and blankets for anevening of live music. Free. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Summer on the Green: Vienna CommunityBand. 6:30 p.m. on Vienna’s Town Green. Bringchairs and/or blankets. No alcoholic beveragesare permitted. Consider leaving pets at home. Inthe event of rain, check the weather line at 703-255-7842. Learn more at www.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3997.

TUESDAY/JULY 23Kids on the Green: Michael Cantori

(magician). 10 a.m. on the Vienna TownGreen. The Kids on the Green series is a weeklycollection of interactive animal shows,magicians, puppet performances, and more,running through Aug. 20. Free. Visitviennava.gov for more.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 24Stories, Songs & Sprinklers. 1 p.m. on the

Freeman Store lawn. Partnering with HistoricVienna, Inc., the Town of Vienna invites youngchildren and families to an afternoon ofstorybook reading, short songs, and fun withwater sprinklers. Free. Visit viennava.gov formore.

Family Movie Night: The Incredibles 2. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church,1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Lewinsville’sfourth Family Movie Night of the summer willfeature The Incredibles 2 (PG). A dinner of pizzawill be served. Bring a lawn chair and friends.The community is welcome, visitors do not needto be a member of Lewinsville. Visitwww.lewinsville.org/events/family-movie-night-4/.

THURSDAY/JULY 25Nottoway Nights: Randy Thompson Band.

7:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Thursday evenings, through Aug.22. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. Forlast minute weather cancellations call 703-324-7469 one hour prior to the program start time.

FRIDAY/JULY 26Summer on the Green: U.S. Army Band:

Swamp Romp (Louisiana jazz and folk).6:30 p.m. on Vienna’s Town Green. Fridaynights through Aug. 23. Bring chairs and/orblankets. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.Consider leaving pets at home. In the event ofrain, check the weather line at 703-255-7842.Learn more at www.viennava.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3997.


p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. at Alden Theatre, McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. The McLean Community Players returnto the Alden Theatre with the musical“Seussical,” which opens July 12, 2019, andruns weekends through July 28. $15-$28. [email protected] or visitwww.McLeanPlayers.org for more.

SATURDAY/JULY 27Open Mic Night. 7-10 p.m. at Caffe Amouri, 107

Church St. NE, Vienna. Every Friday, a featuredhost is the main performer and also the emceewho introduces other performers who show upto play music, recite poetry, or do a comedyroutine. Free admission. Call 703-938-1623 orvisit caffeamouri.com/events-calendar.

SUNDAY/JULY 28Summer Concerts: Slippery When Wet: The

Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute. 5 p.m. in thegazebo of McLean Central Park, 1468 DolleyMadison Blvd., McLean. The Alden at theMcLean Community Center is again sponsoringfree summer concerts in the gazebo of McLeanCentral Park featuring a mix of musical genres.Call 703-790-0123 or visitwww.aldentheatre.org.

Concerts on the Green: Dr. Guy Van Syckle.6-8 p.m. on the Great Falls Village Centre Green.Bring picnic baskets, chairs and blankets for anevening of live music. Free. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

Calendar

Seussical The MusicalThe McLean Community Players return to the Alden Theatre with the musical “Seussical,” which opens

July 12, 2019, and runs weekends through July 28. “Seussical” brings together many beloved Dr. Seusscharacters. Running weekends: July 12-14, July 19-21 and July 26-28; Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.;Sunday, 2 p.m. at Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. $15-$28.Email [email protected] or visit www.McLeanPlayers.org for more.


By Karen Briscoe

Flat is the best descrip-tion of the real estatemarket performancefor the first half of

2019. Truly I am surprised asthere were signs and indicatorsof more robust activity. The num-bers speak for themselves though.There were 576 total transactionsin McLean and Great Falls in thefirst half of 2019. In the same timeframe for the previous year, 2018,there were 571.

The segment that showed themost improvement is the pricerange of $1 million to $1.25 mil-lion. The move-up buyer in thisprice range is confident that theirlower priced home will sell quickly,maybe even with multiple offersand over list price. This is an indi-cator that prices under $1 millionmay be experiencing price appre-ciation thus causing buyers tobump up their purchase criteria.What is not accounted for in thedata are real estate sales that oc-cur off the “grid.” This is most of-ten the case in the lower pricepoints where the house is a teardown for a lot which sells directlyto a builder. An indication of thistaking place is that the under$750,000 price point went from171 to 159 transactions overall inMcLean and Great Falls. Importantto remember that this potentialityas one reviews the statistics.

There are somethat advisehomeowners tosell off market.These may be inthe form of tele-marketers, mail-ings, and other

promotions that emphasize thattheir company will buy fast andwith no commissions. In mostcases, a property that is properlymarketed by a professional expe-rienced real estate agent will sellfor a stronger price. The reason isthat competition is a force that isas strong as gravity. Unfortunately,there are those that prey onhomeowners who are not savvy orrepresented, focusing on themoney they might save if they selldirect.

The best news is that for twoyears in a row the market has con-siderably improved over a decadeago. The bottom of the marketyear of 2009 represented only 362sales.

Predictions for the second halfof 2019 real estate market indicatemore of the same. If interest ratesremain steady, home buyers canpurchase with confidence. Homesellers who work with experiencedprofessionals can still make amove in 2019 a reality. Homesthat show well and are priced cor-rectly sell. This is particularly thecase for homes in the lower pricepoints of under $1.25 million.

First Half 2019 vs. First Half 2018and 2009: Comparison for McLeanand Great Falls.

Market ‘Flat’ in theFirst Half

Real Estate

More InformationKaren Briscoe with HBC Group at Keller Williams is an active and experienced Realtor¨ in the Northern Virginia

marketplace. Karen, alongside her partner Lizzy Conroy and team, works with sellers, buyers, investors and builders in allprice ranges. www.HBCGroupKW.com, 703-734-0192, [email protected].

The following incidents werereported by the McLean DistrictPolice Station:

LARCENIES:8300 block of Fox Haven Drive,

wallet from vehicle1900 block of Kennedy Drive,

steering wheel from vehicle7500 block of Leesburg Pike, pack-

ages from residence7500 block of Leesburg Pike, wal-

let from location2800 block of Merrilee Drivek,

generator from business2900 block of Montauk Court,

airbag from vehicle2900 block of Wickersham Way,

airbag from vehicleSTOLEN VEHICLES:1600 block of International Drive,

2018 Jaguar EJULY 2LARCENIES:1900 block of Gallows Road, purse

from vehicle

JULY 1COMMERCIAL BURGLARY:

1438 Center Street (McLean HairCenter), 6/30/19, 6:38 a.m. Some-one broke into the businessovernight and stole cash.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY:1439 Center Street (Figuroes Salon),6/30/19, 6:38 a.m. Someone brokeinto the business overnight and stolecash.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY:1434 Center Street (McLean Pizza),6/30/19, 8:06 a.m. Someone brokeinto the business overnight and stolecash.

BURGLARY: 8525 Leesburg Pike(Rosenthal Nissan Mazda), 6/29/19,12 a.m. Someone broke into thebusiness and stole a 2017 HyundaiAccent and a 2016 Nissan Altima.

LARCENIES:1500 block of Boyd Pointe Way,

wallet from vehicle6300 block of Chesterfield Av-

enue, wallet from vehicle

Crime Report


News

The McLean Branch of the American Associa-tion of University Women (AAUW) Used Book Col-lection will be held on Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at the SunTrust Bank, 515 Maple AvenueEast, Vienna. It will be collecting used books, CDs,DVDs, software, children’s books, records, and re-cent textbooks. No encyclopedias, VHS or audio-tapes. Books for children are especially needed.

Books must be bagged or boxed and the bags andboxes must be left with the books. If you have anyquestions, contact [email protected], or703-527-4206.

The Book Sale will be held on Sept. 13-15 atthe McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Av-enue, McLean. The book sale proceeds benefitscholarships for women.

The Fairfax County Economic DevelopmentAuthority (FCEDA) has named VictorHoskins as its new president and chief ex-ecutive officer. Hoskins is currently Direc-

tor of Economic Development for Arlington County,Va., where he helped lead the successful regionaleffort to bring Amazon’s HQ2 to Northern Virginia.He previously served as Deputy Mayor of Planningand Economic Development for the District of Co-lumbia where he was instrumental in the develop-ment of major sites in the District including City Cen-ter, the Wharf and Union Market.

THE FCEDA helps businesses start, ex-pand and relocate in Fairfax County bypromoting the county as one of theworld’s best business locations. FairfaxCounty already is home to 10 Fortune500 companies, more than 100 com-panies on the Inc. 5000 list and 8,800tech companies. It also has one of thenation’s most educated workforces withtop-ranked schools and nearly 150,000technology workers, or one in four jobsin the county. Hoskins will assume hisnew role Aug. 5.

“Victor has been an economic-development dy-namo in our region for years. We are thrilled he isbringing his experience and expertise to FairfaxCounty,” said Catherine Lange, Chair of the FairfaxCounty Economic Development Authority Board.“After an extensive search, Fairfax County found theright leader in our own backyard. Victor will be atremendous asset as we launch new initiatives tostrengthen and broaden our workforce and grow ourcommercial enterprises. With his energy and wide-ranging contacts, Victor will step up our efforts toattract and retain top talent and increase businessinvestment in Fairfax County.”

FCEDA did not include Hoskins salary as its newleader with its initial release. Hoskins was paid areported $221,900 for his role in Arlington.

Hoskins said he is eager to start his new job. “Icouldn’t be more excited to join the Fairfax CountyEconomic Development Authority as its new leader,”Hoskins said. “Fairfax County is well known for itspro-growth environment and its ability to attract,train and retain talented workers. With the backingof FCEDA’s excellent staff, I hope to do more of thatwith increased outreach in the U.S. and abroad, es-pecially among young people. As always, I hope to

work closely with my colleagues and friends in theregion. I also plan to increase our use of researchand digital communications to expand the county’sdynamic workforce, attract startups and grow exist-ing businesses.”

The FCEDA recently announced a new talent at-traction and retention program to build on opportu-nities created by Amazon’s HQ2 in Northern Virginia.The program, which will receive $1 million in its firstyear and $800,000 in succeeding years, will studywhat organizations are doing to expand the talent

pipeline and will use that knowledgeto create a communications effort thatwill include digital advertising, socialmedia, video/multimedia and outreachto journalists.

Stephen Moret, president and CEOof the Virginia Economic DevelopmentPartnership, said Hoskins will bring in-novation and cooperation to his newrole. “Victor will bring a uniquely com-pelling mix of experience, savvy andcollaborative spirit to the FCEDA,”Moret said. “He has a deep understand-ing of all the elements of economicdevelopment and how they interact.

Both innovative and practical, Victor energeticallycultivates local, regional and state partnerships thatenable collective success, just as he did in helpingattract HQ2 to Virginia.”

“Fairfax County is proud to have one of the bestworkforces and business environments in the U.S.,”said Sharon Bulova, Chair of the Fairfax Board ofSupervisors. “Under Victor’s leadership, we will makesure Fairfax County is a place where talent and in-novation want to be. We enthusiastically welcomeVictor to the Fairfax team.”

DURING HIS CAREER, Hoskins’ work has resultedin the creation of nearly 375,000 jobs. He has ledteams that negotiated more than 700 major busi-ness deals resulting in billions of dollars in privateinvestment. Amazon’s move to Northern Virginiaalone will bring more than 25,000 high tech jobs tothe region and will generate at least $3.2 billion forVirginia.

Hoskins will succeed Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., whoretired in late 2018 after being with the FCEDA for35 years and its president and CEO since 1987.Hoskins’ selection follows a national search con-ducted by Korn Ferry.

Used Book Collection to Be Held July 13Area Roundups

Victor Hoskins named president and CEO ofFairfax County Economic Development Authority.

Development AuthorityNames New Leader

Victor Hoskins


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

CAMPSCamp Invention. Monday-Friday, July 22-26, at

Wolftrap Elementary School, 1903 Beulah Road.9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $265. Camp Inventionchallenges children in grades K-6 to find theirinner inventor. Various STEM-based activitiesand at the end of the program, each camper willbring home a robot. Visit invent.org/camp.

Summer Choir Camp. Monday-Friday, Aug. 12-16 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at Church of the HolyComforter, 543 Beulah Road NE. $125 feeincludes lunches, recreational activities, musiceducation and camp t-shirt. All children in rising2nd-7th grade are welcome. No prior musicexperience or training required; solid readingskills are highly recommended. Scholarships areavailable. Download registration forms atwww.holycomforter.com.

THURSDAY/JULY 11Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Tysons Regional Chamber of CommerceNew and Prospective Member Orientation.11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tower Club, 8000 TowersCrescent Drive, Suite 1700, Vienna. Learn moreabout the Tysons Regional Chamber and how tomake the most of a membership through thevarious events, committees, member to memberbenefits and marketing opportunities. Meet theChamber staff and hear from Board Membershow membership benefits small, medium, largeand non-profit companies. Registration isrequired. Free for new and prospectivemembers. Sandwiches provided. Visitwww.tysonschamber.org.

SATURDAY/JULY 13Car Seat Safety Check. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at

the McLean district police station, 1437 BallsHill Road, McLean. Fairfax County PoliceDepartment offers free safety check and installevents throughout the year to ensure childrentravel safely. In preparation for inspection,install the seat using the instructions that camewith the car seat. Trained officers will reviewthe car seat instructions and car owner’s manualto be certain that they are being followed asthey should.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 17Fairfax Commission on Aging Meets. 1-3

p.m. at McLean Governmental Center, Rooms A& B, 1437 Balls Hill Road, Mclean. The public iswelcome to attend and join in the commentperiod that begins each session. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-area-commission-on-aging. Call703-324-5403, TTY 711 for meeting accessneeds.

THURSDAY/JULY 18Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

Memory Cafe. 2-4 p.m. at Andrew Chapel UnitedMethodist Church, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna.Connect with others living with loved ones withdementia. Helping those with dementia andtheir caregivers find fun, resources and “family.”Email Carol Blackwell at [email protected] orcall at 571-236-6933.

WEDNESDAY/JULY 24Fairfax County Park Authority Board

Meeting. 7:30 p.m. in the Herrity Building,12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 941,Fairfax. The Park Authority Board’s 12appointed members establish strategic policyand direction for the Park Authority. Open tothe public. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/boardagn2.htm or call 703-324-8662.

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