online at www.connectionnewspapers.com February 26-March 3, 2020

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Great Falls Native Wins Gold KeyPeople, Page 7

Black History for A New GenerationA+, Page 5

Absentee Voting Underway

News, Page 3

Pet ConnectionPage, 4

Melissa Malpass from Great Falls attended the rally with daughters Maeve and Remy to see Demo-cratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg on Feb. 23 in Arlington ahead of Super Tuesday voting. Absentee voting is well underway.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

On Saturday, Feb. 29, the Rotary Club ofGreat Falls and the Great Falls Citizens As-sociation will be hosting a community fo-rum on drug prevention at Christ the KingLutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. WilliamHazel, former Commonwealth Secretary forHealth and Human Resources and support-ing panelists will include Dr. Barry Byer ofthe Opioid & Drug Use Task Force, KellyRankin, the Substance Abuse Specialist as-

signed to Langley H.S. and Police OfficerMario Colorado.

All are welcome to participate in thisevent. Topics of discussion will include howto recognize and address the warning signsof drug use, family involvement and re-sources to help families and individuals.

Co-sponsors for the event include: theRotary Club of Great Falls, the Great FallsCitizens Association, Rotary Club ofHerndon, Rotary Club of McLean, the Cel-ebrate Great Falls Foundation and HCTV.

Great Falls Community Takes OnOpioids and Drug Abuse

Week in Great Falls

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

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 26Town Hall Meeting. 7-9 p.m. At James Madison

High School, Lecture Hall, 2500 James MadisonDr., Vienna. With Hunter Mill DistrictSupervisor Walter Alcorn.

THURSDAY/FEB. 27Adventures in Learning. At Unitarian

Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, ProgramBuilding, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.

10- 10:55 a.m. “The Joy of Planning Ahead” -Rachel McLean;

11 – 11:55 a.m. “Generational Differences forPersonality Traits” - Bill Weech;

1-2 p.m. “Journey to the Top of the World”- ColonelPhil Walsh;

Cost is $45 per semester. To Register/Questions:Call 703-281-0538. View the schedule of classesand registration form at http://www.scov.org/ail-open-house.

TUESDAY/MARCH 3Resident Curator Proposal for Lahey Lost

Valley. 7 p.m. The Resident Curator EvaluationTeam for the Lahey Lost Valley property willhold a public meeting at the Oakton Library,10304 Lynnehaven Place in Oakton. Thismeeting provides an opportunity for theapplicant to present a proposal to the evaluationteam in a public forum. This will be theevaluation team’s opportunity to ask questions,provide feedback to the applicant, and to receivepublic comment on each proposal. The LaheyLost Valley House is a mid-18th-century brickhall-parlor house with a 1940s brick addition.The house is located on land granted to WilliamGunnell in 1730. His son Henry Gunnell,together with Henry’s wife, Catherine, built aworking plantation on the site by 1760. TheGunnell family were leaders in Fairfax Countythroughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Thefamily continued to own the property throughthe 1930s. Call 703-324-8791.

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 11

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

On Saturday, Feb. 22, thirteen satellitein-person absentee voting locationsopened in Fairfax County, for the March3 Democratic Presidential Primary. In-

person absentee voting began Jan. 17 at the FairfaxCounty Government Center location. Registered vot-ers came out strong in voice and number on day oneat the North County Governmental Center, 1850Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.

Anna Neuman of Reston said she wanted a strongcandidate who could beat President Trump. “I’m hereto vote against Mr. Trump because he is destroyingour democracy, the climate, animals and people inneed,” Neuman said. Mary Jane Cochrane of Viennaagreed. Cochrane wanted “a strong candidate tooppose Donald Trump,” she said.

At 10:30 that morning, Joe Gofus, Co-supervisorfor the North County Absentee Satellite Voting,Fairfax County Office of Elections, checked the num-ber of registered voters who cast their ballots by in-person absentee voting. “Twenty, during the first hourand a half, from 9-10:30 a.m.,” he said.

Beckie Day staffed the application table set up inthe hallway leading to the voting area. She explained

the process to citizens as they arrived. “To vote, youfill out the (Virginia Absentee Ballot) ApplicationForm. Some parts are prefilled, such as the Date ofElection. The Reason Codes are on the back. No So-cial Security number is required. Then take it to Table2 with the election officials, and they will verify theinformation. At Table 3, they give out the ballot andsend you to marking tables, which is Station 4. Themost important part? Put the ballot in the scanner,”Day said.

Individuals who voted absentee in-person weresubject to the same rules that applied to individualswho would vote at the polls on March 3. When thevoting location closed at 5 p.m., Gofus reported, “Wehad a total of 110 voters vote at the North CountyAbsentee Satellite office today.” Absentee ballots arecounted on election night, Tuesday, March 3 in theCentral Absentee Precinct (CIP) and the votes areincluded with the absentee reported results accord-ing to fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee.

The 2020 Virginia Democratic primary in the presi-dential nominating process will take place on “Su-per Tuesday,” March 3. On that date, Virginia is oneof the fourteen states as well as American Samoa,and Democrats Abroad that are holding a Democraticprimary or caucuses.

Absentee Voting Underway

On Feb. 22, 2020, Charlie Quinn, a FairfaxCounty Elections Officer at the NorthCounty Absentee Satellite office in Restonhands a paper to Rob Loesch of Reston, in-person absentee voter.

Joe Gofus, Fairfax County Office ofElections, Co-supervisor of North CountyAbsentee Satellite Voting stands readyon the first day of in-person absenteevoting for March 3, Democratic Presi-dential Primary.

Beckie Day reaches out tocheck a Virginia AbsenteeBallot Application Form forcompletion before direct-ing a voter to Table 2,where Election Officerswill verify the information.

Photos by Mercia Hobson/

The Connection

Viewpoints

Area voters discusstheir preferences at AbsenteeSatellite Office in Reston

—Mercia Hobson

Jim Schlett of Reston:We will be away on March 3.At this time, I’m voting forPete. He offers a great alterna-tive to Mr. Trump, especiallyin thoughtfulness.Gail Schlett of Reston:Ditto to what Jim said. Peteoffers a new perspective withhis youth and vitality.

Marina Klusas of OakHill, with daughterSedona, 4.5: I’m going to beout of town Primary Day.Voting is always important,but now more than ever. It’sespecially important to havemy daughter with me to seeand experience the votingprocess. She’s come with meevery time and voted the firstfemale President with me. I’mvoting for Elizabeth Warren.

Beth Williams of Reston:I’m trying to get it done be-cause I’m worried I won’t havetime due to work on March 3.I feel it is my civic duty to showhim (my son, Adam, 16) theimportance of voting.

Mary Jane Cochrane ofVienna: I’ll be out of townon the day of the primary andI’m here early. From theDemocratic list, I am hope-fully optimistic that we willsettle out of this big group ona strong candidate to opposeDonald Trump.

Sharon Canner ofReston: I’ll be voting absen-tee and casting my ballot forBiden. He leads in the na-tional polls in the swingstates. This is important thatmy vote goes to Biden be-cause of the importance of theswing states’ impact. I’m alsohere sharing informationabout phone banks and effortsto support Biden.

Anna Neumann ofReston: I’m here to voteagainst Mr. Trump because heis destroying our democracy,the climate, animals andpeople in need.

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

4 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Pet Connection

Memories of ChristmasStephanie Gaibler of Great Falls and Nick Sutton celebratingChristmas with their dog Callie.

Michael and Kimberly Murphy’s five dogs standing in front of their frontdoor in North Reston (Northpoint area).

Michael and Kimberly Murphy moved toReston in 2015 because they needed spacefor their “canine family” of five dogs.While serving overseas with the State De-partment in countries with significantstreet dog populations, the Murphys fos-

tered many dogs and ultimately adoptedfive of them. They found Reston to be theperfect place to live with their dogs, andthey enjoy walking their dogs along thetree-lined streets and wooded pathsaround their neighborhood.

Finding a Home in Reston

Igor Birman ofHerndon withSamwise.

Photo

contributed by

Igor Birman of

Herndon

County Board of Supervisors ChairmanJeff McKay: “I have an adopted retired rac-ing Greyhound named Pascal. Despite theirreputation as fast dogs that can run 45 mph,they also live up to their nickname as the‘40 mph couch potato.’ Greyhounds are lov-ing, calm, and relaxed; a perfect friend forme and my kids Aidan and Leann. Adopt-ing older pets from places like the FairfaxCounty Animal Shelter is great too.”

A Perfect Friend

Pascal with Aidan.

Pascal with Leann.

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Black History Month was created to devote oneperiod during the year to highlight the con-tributions of African Americans. It represents

an opportunity for all, not just African Americans tolearn about and appreciate the numerous contribu-tions of Black Americans. That conversation, how-ever, is changing at some localschools.

“It’s part of Madeira’s curricu-lum … not specifically for BlackHistory Month,” said KarenJoostema, Director of Communi-cations at Madeira. “[Students]taking Modernism will be re-searching a Harlem Renaissancepoet of their choice, analyzingtheir lives and work. Juniors havealso read Frederick Douglass’ Nar-rative and Toni Morrison’s Song ofSolomon to interrogate the prom-ise, failures, and continuing workin the U.S. on race and civil rights.”

The school’s curriculum, saysJoostema incorporates studies ofthe contributions of all cultures in-cluding those of African Ameri-cans, seamlessly throughout theyear. “AP (Advanced Placement)seniors will be finishing up Ralph Ellison’s InvisibleMan, working to understand how Ellison viewed thestruggles of race and class in the middle of the twen-tieth century and how he viewed himself as part of

the American literary tradition, as voiced in his re-sponse to Irving Howe, “The World and the Jug,”she said. “Sophomores have just finished reading ashort story from the Kenyan writer Ngig) wa Thiong’oalong with a play from the white South African play-wright Athol Fugard.

Ninth graders read Maya Angelou’s I Know Whythe Caged Bird Sings to explore how identity, one’ssense of self, are shaped by race, class, gender, andgeography.Ó

At The Heights School, African American historyis part of year round study, said Linda F. Maher. “Westudy seminal figures in American History, many ofwhom are African American, so it’s just a given thatit’s just a part of studying history throughout theyear,” she said. “Studying the Civil Rights movement,

for example, is integral to our studyof Civics.

Still, February offers an opportu-nity to focus on African Americanshistory outside of tragic events.KiKi Davis, Director of InstitutionalEquity and Diversity at St.Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, saysthat African Americans have con-tributed to every aspect of Ameri-can culture, her school’s celebra-tions include recognition for thoseinfluences. “[We’re] celebrating thecontributions of African Americansto the arts literature, music, the-ater,” she said. “Students will learnabout the contributions and theeffects of Americans of African de-scent in other segments of societyincluding, academia, medicine andscience.”

“There will be several lunch fo-rums held for our students to discuss issues directlyrelating to the African American experience,” saidDavis. “Many teachers will incorporate historical factsand references in their curriculum.”

While February is designed to raise awareness of the societal contributions of Afri-can Americans, in some schools , it’s taught all year long.

Black History for a New GenerationLessons on thecontributions of AfricanAmericans not limited toFebruary.

“We study seminalfigures in AmericanHistory, many ofwhom are AfricanAmerican, so it’sjust a given thatwe’re studying itthroughout theyear.”

—Linda F. Maher, TheHeights School

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6 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

In contrast to the federalgovernment’s method ofbudgeting, the budget forthe Commonwealth of Vir-

ginia is more than balanced. Thestate Constitution prohibits theborrowing of money for opera-tions, and it requires a “rainy dayfund” of reserve monies that canbe drawn upon in an economicdownturn. That is in part why the state has aperfect AAA bond rating giving it the best termswhen monies are borrowed for capital projects.

Both the House and the Senate have com-pleted work on their versions of the budgetthat was proposed by Governor Ralph Northamearlier this year. The two budgets will be rec-onciled in a conference committee that willresolve differences between the two. Totalspending for the biennium will be about $48billion in general funds raised through taxes.Individual and corporate income taxes providethree quarters of the revenue with sales taxproviding about seventeen percent and addi-tional smaller taxes making up the rest. Gen-eral funds coming from taxes make up about

36 percent of total revenue. Non-general funds that consist of feessuch as motor vehicle and gastaxes, college tuition, federalgrants and other fees make up 64percent of the budget.

Noteworthy features of theHouse and Senate budgets thatare being reconciled and are sub-ject to change before a final bud-get is adopted include a much

needed increase in rates for personal care pro-viders in Medicaid programs, an increase indevelopmental waiver disability slots by 1,135in the Governor’s budget to 1,635 in the Sen-ate version of the budget. While the increasewill help, the number of persons on the wait-ing list still number in the thousands. The Gov-ernor and the House budgeted for 630 sup-portive housing slots for persons with seriousmental illness while the Senate provided 1,630.Budget language provides for the establish-ment of a state-based exchange for health in-surance.

The budgets of both houses provided forteacher raises as did the Governor’s budget.

The amount differs in each with an expectedthree to four percent over the biennium. Theratio of counselors to students in the publicschools will be improved. The Governor pro-posed a ratio of one counselor per 250 stu-dents. The House ratio is 325 and the Senate’sis 300. Likewise, the ratio of teachers for En-glish learners will be improved. A major pointof contention among the Governor’s and theHouse and Senate budgets is that only theHouse has proposed to restore the cost to com-pete funding for Northern Virginia schools be-cause of the high cost of living in the region.The average per pupil direct aid for publicschool students range from $6,206 in theGovernor’s budget $6,297 in the House bud-get.

A major emphasis in the budget is an in-creased investment in preschool education thatwas championed by the First Lady. TheGovernor’s “Get skilled, Get a job, Give back”(G3) funding to provide tuition assistance tolow- to moderate-income students who meetcertain criteria is receiving significant funding.The Housing Trust Fund will receive a much-needed infusion of cash proposed in all thebudgets.

For information comparing the three budgets,go to www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org.

Budgeting the State’s ResourcesCommentary

We Both Deserve $15.Why Don’t Our Senators Think So?

By Nick Riviere and

Tony Hedgepeth

Like millions of Virgin-ians, we work hard. Ashome care providers,

we work every day to helpolder adults and people withdisabilities live independentlyat home and in the community.By keeping people out of costlynursing homes and institutions,we save taxpayers money and deliver quality care.

We do the same work but in different parts of Vir-ginia – Fairfax County and City of Richmond – andhave different backgrounds. One of us is a 21-year-old assisting young adults with developmental dis-abilities and one of us is a 61-year-old Army veteranhelping his fellow vets who suffer from PTSD.

However, we both love what we do. It’s a blessingto be able to help others live with dignity.

We both deserve to make at least $15 per hourand live with dignity ourselves.

Unfortunately, our Virginia state Senators seem todisagree.

Earlier this month, the Virginia House of Delegatespassed a bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 forall workers by 2025. They recognized that workingfamilies are falling behind no matter how hard wework, and that we need to build an economy thatworks for everyone.

The Senate, however, passed a bill which wouldcreate different minimum wages in different regions,even for workers who do the exact same jobs like us.

Their bill also forces workers towait even longer to get a raise.

If the Senate bill becomeslaw, people working in Fairfaxwon’t make $15 until 2027,while those in Richmond won’tmake $15 until 2032. Our fel-low homecare providers andothers working in HamptonRoads won’t make $15 until2034.

Delaying the minimum wageincrease for 14 years, and paying different wages forthe same work, is not only unfair; it’s unacceptable.

Every person who works hard and plays by the rulesin Virginia deserves equal respect. We deserve livingwages, paid sick days, affordable health care, a secureretirement, and the right to join together in a union.

While the cost of living varies in different parts ofVirginia, we all feel the same pain when we struggleto pay rent, buy groceries and pay utilities. Housingcosts are skyrocketing in both Richmond and North-ern Virginia. Health care costs, food costs and trans-portation costs are all increasing. We need a state-wide $15 minimum wage to ensure that no one getsleft behind.

To our Senators, we ask: why should a home careworker in Richmond or Roanoke make less than ahome care worker in Fairfax when we make the samecontribution to Virginia’s families?

We elected Democratic majorities to the House andSenate because they promised to deliver a brighterfuture for working Virginians. It’s time that our Sena-tors delivered on that promise.

Riviere Hedgepeth

A Time toElect a FixerTo the Editor:

As a physician who has treatedkids in Northern Virginia for morethan two decades, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact ofthe availability of high qualityhealth care. It’s also clear that un-insured families and high prescrip-tion drugs costs are a fiscal bur-den on families and means thatpeople receive less timely medicalcare. The stakes of the 2020 elec-tion are crystal clear - do we stayon the same dangerous path ofskyrocketing prescription drugcosts and constant attempts torepeal the Affordable Care Act? Ordo we elect a fixer, someone whohas spent his whole career solvingproblems? The choice is clear: wemust elect Mike Bloomberg Presi-dent.

A Bloomberg Administrationwould put the focus back where itbelongs - on helping citizens likethose I care for in Virginia everysingle day.

While the Trump administrationhas filed multiple lawsuits at-tempting to repeal the AffordableCare Act, Mike Bloomberg woulduse the federal government’s bulkprice purchasing power to dra-

Letters

See Letters, Page 10

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Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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People

Great Falls native andInterlochen Arts Academy se-nior Ann Zhao received aScholastic Regional Art &

Writing Gold Key from the West CentralMichigan Writing Region for her visual artsportfolio.

The prestigious Scholastic Art & WritingAwards are presented by the Alliance forYoung Artists & Writers to recognize andcelebrate the vision, ingenuity, and talentof our nation’s youth. Gold Keys representthe best regional works submitted, and au-tomatically place that piece in considerationfor national-level recognition.

Each year, young artists in grades 7-12are invited to submit their works in 29 dif-ferent categories of art and writing for thechance to earn scholarships and exhibitionopportunities.

Remarkably, Zhao and her fellow ArtsAcademy visual arts students received atotal of 146 awards, including 130 indi-vidual awards and 16 portfolio awards.Forty-eight of the award-winning works re-ceived Gold Keys.

Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD)serves as the Scholastic Art & WritingAwards Affiliate Partner for the West Cen-tral Michigan Writing Region. KCAD judgesall regional submissions. All Gold and Sil-ver Key-winning works were displayed in aspecial exhibition at KCAD in Grand Rap-ids, Mich. from Feb. 11-29. An awards cer-emony for the winners will be held at KCADon Feb. 29. Gold Key winners will advance

Ann Zhao recognizedfor visual arts portfolio.

Great Falls NativeWins Gold Key

Question, As a Statement, by Ann Zhao.

Photos contributed

Ann Zhao will advanceto the national level ofthe competition.

to the national level of the competition forfurther adjudication; results of the nationaljudging will be announced in mid-March.

Copy of Gogo, by Ann Zhao.

8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Calendar

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGHogwart’s Vacation Bible School

Registration. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. Thecamp dates are June 22–26, 2020 for morningor afternoon sessions. Children 5 through 11years old are invited to participate in thispopular and unique summer camp experiencewhich explores the Christian themes and lessonsin the Harry Potter stories. Holy ComforterEpiscopal Church in Vienna is magicallyconverted into Hogwarts School where childrenattend “classes” taught by favorite professorsincluding Professors McGonagall, Snape, Hooch,and Binns. Teenage prefects lead age levelgroups to their activities and all students share aclosing snack in the Great Hall. This year’stheme will be based on book 2, Harry Potter andthe Chamber of Secrets. Registration forms willbe in the Church Office and online. Moreinformation: http://www.holycomforter.com/Children/Vacation_Bible_School/

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, asenior women’s softball league, is looking forplayers. Any woman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome.They play on Wednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. For more information,visit the web site www.goldengirls.org

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 26Playdate Meetup. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Toys and playspace for children. Birth-5 with adult.

Ash Wednesday Services. 12 p.m. and 7:30p.m. At Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724Chain Bridge Road, McLean. LewinsvillePresbyterian Church will hold two services ofworship for Ash Wednesday: a Service ofWorship at noon with imposition of ashes and aService of Worship at 7:30 p.m. with impositionof ashes and communion. The Rev. Dr. ScottRamsey will preach. Call 703-356-7200. Visit thewebsite: https://www.lewinsville.org/events/ash-wednesday-services/

Ash Wednesday Service. 12:10 p.m., 5 p.m. and7:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. Ash Wednesdayrepresents the first day of Lent as some Christianfaiths seek to prepare their hearts for the solemnremembrance of Jesus’ death and the joyouscelebration of his resurrection. Visitwww.HolyComforter.com.

“Black Orpheus” Film (1959). 1 p.m. At TheAlden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.Can’t make it to Brazil for Carnaval this year?Join The Alden for this film that retells theOrpheus and Eurydice myth, set during the timeof the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. Freeadmission. Come enjoy foreign films selected bythe Alden’s staff. All movies are shown in theoriginal language with English subtitles.

Healthy Comfort Food. 7-10 p.m. At McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Comfort food can be healthy! Join ChefJohn Bauhs and learn to prepare these healthieroptions. Menu: Cauliflower Risotto • TurkeyMeatballs with Quinoa • Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups • Skillet Chicken Parmesan • SaltedCaramel Bread Pudding. Instructor: Chef JohnBauhs. Cost is 1 lesson @ 3 hrs, $80/$65 MCCdistrict residents.

FEB. 26 TO APRIL 1221st Lenten Devotional. At The Church of the

Good Shepherd (United Methodist), 2351Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. The church ispublishing its 21st annual Devotions for Lent.The publication will be available on the church’swebsite at www.GoodShepherdVA.com,beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, throughEaster on April 12. The church also will posteach day’s devotion on its Facebook page atwww.Facebook.com/goodshepherdvienna.Printed copies will be mailed to neighborhoodssurrounding the church, and a limited numberof copies will be available at the church.Additionally, the church plans to hold weeklygatherings in members’ homes to discuss thedevotionals. Free. Visit the website:www.GoodShepherdVA.com

FEB. 27, 28, 29”Sweat” by Lynn Nottage. Thursday at 7 p.m.;

Teen Tech: One-on-One Technology Help. 1p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Bring your devices and have teensanswer questions and help with one-on-one techadvice, training and support.

Heet Harry Brinton, Author of City of Peace.2-3 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 LynnhavennPlace, Oakton. Henry Brinton, will talk about hisbook City of Peace, set in Occoquan VA, where amurder heightens the tensions among faithgroups in the small town community. Free.Email joyce.fitzpatrick@fairfaxcounty.gov.

FEB. 29 TO APRIL 4Finding God in Your Body. 9:30-10:45 a.m. At

Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 543 BeulahRoad, NE, Vienna. Five Saturdays: 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/28, 4/4. Lent is a season to look within, togo deeper with God. Join the Rev. Ann Gillespiefor five Saturday mornings of her signaturebrand of Finding God in Your Body class.Through a combination of yoga, meditation, andGod, we will make more space in our bodies,minds, and hearts for the divine—the better tohear God’s still small voice within us. All levelsof physical ability are welcome, including thosewho have never tried yoga. Wear comfortableclothes you can move in and bring a yoga matand a journal to write in. Visitwww.HolyComforter.com.

SUNDAY/MARCH 1The Breakfast Club: Interior Designers,

Brunch and You. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. At EthanAllen, 1622 Boro Place, McLean. Let theWashington Metro Chapter of the AmericanSociety of Interior Designers (ASID) jump startyour plans. Come join us for “Breakfast Club,”and meet professional Interior Designers tolearn how they work their magic, and how theycan work with you. Free. Email:administrator@dcmetro.asid.org

Blacksmithing Demo. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. AtColvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, GreatFalls. Come to the mill and watch as theblacksmith fires up his forge and works withhammer and tongs to make iron tools andutensils. This free program is suitable for allages and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Noreservations are required. Blacksmithing isweather and temperature dependent, so pleasecall ahead to confirm there will be ademonstration. These demonstrations are heldat the mill on select dates throughout the spring,summer and fall. Call 703-759-2771.

Maple Syrup Boil-Down. 12 to 2 p.m. At ColvinRun Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.How does maple syrup get from the tree to yourbreakfast table? See the old-fashioned processfrom beginning to end at the “Maple Syrup Boil-Down at Colvin Run Mill.” When the sap startsto rise, the maple trees are tapped at Colvin Runand the drip, drip, drip begins. Now, it’ssugaring time! Bundle up, watch and learn assap is boiled down into sweet syrup over anoutdoor, open fire. Sample the delicious maplesyrup served over cornbread that’s made fromColvin Run Mill’s own cornmeal. Cost is $8 perperson. No reservations are required. Call 703-759-2771 or visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

Holy Comforter Concert Series. 1-4 p.m. AtHoly Comforter Episcopal Church, 543 BeulahRd, NE, Vienna. Trio Omnia - Theinternationally acclaimed Trio Omnia bringstogether pianist Anna Nizhegorodtseva (Russia),violinist Enrique Reynosa (Mexico), and cellistDorotea Racz (Croatia), who will play works byMendelssohn and Dvorak. Visitwww.HolyComforter.com.

SUNDAYS: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5Discover Who You Are with LifeKeys. 12:30-

2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. LifeKeys is aprogram designed to assist you in exploring thegifts God has given you—life gifts, spiritual gifts,personality, values, and passions. Different toolsilluminate the ways in which you are unique andwonderfully made, encouraging you to godeeper as you seek to discover what God may becalling you to do. All can benefit from thisjourney of exploration. Register by February 23.The materials fee is $30. Light snacks provided.Bring a bag lunch. For more information and toregister, email wellspirit@holycomforter.com.Visit www.HolyComforter.com.

Reston ChoraleReston Chorale presents Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” on Sunday, March 8 atSt. Luke Catholic Church in McLean.

SUNDAY/MARCH 8Reston Chorale. 4-6 p.m. At St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The Reston

Chorale presents Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” featuring Baritone James Martin and Organ Virtuoso AdamBrakel. Cost: $0-$30. Tickets/information at restonchorale.org.

The “Cheers of Joy” film will be part of the ReelAbilities Film Festivalfrom now to March 1, 2020.

NOW THRU MARCH 1ReelAbilities Film Festival. The 8th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia, powered by

the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, will present a lineup of 17 films in selectvenues across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District from Feb. 20–March 1. The festival iscomprised of contemporary international films and post-film programs as well as a fine arts exhibit, allselected to be engaging, empowering, and championing the lives, stories, and artistic expressions ofpeople with different abilities. Visit the website https://www.thej.org/reel-abilities/reelabilities-film-festival-northern-virginia/

Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. At UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. New GlasshouseTheater will present “Sweat,” the Pulitzer Prizewinning play by Lynn Nottage. “Sweat” is set ina bar in Reading, PA, and is about a group offriends who find their livelihoods andrelationships threatened as rumors of layoffsstart to swirl at the factory where they work.Cost is $20. Proceeds from a night of “Sweat”benefit OAR-NOVA and Phoenix House. Visitthe website: uucf.org/events/sweat

THURSDAY/FEB. 27Pet Therapy for Teens. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Hangout with therapy dogs. Pets have been proven tobenefit mental health and they’re pretty cute.Teens.

FRIDAY/FEB. 28McLean Art Society Meeting. 10 a.m. to 12

p.m. At the McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Anya Getter, a member

of the Arlington Artist’s Alliance, will be thefeatured presenter at the meeting of the McLeanArt Society. Ms. Getter does whimsical paintingsusing collage and mixed media and inspired byspecial quotes or sayings. Guests are welcome.Call 703-790-0123.

Little Explorer’s Playgroup. 10:30 a.m. AtOakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Join us for an adventurous STEAMcentered playgroup that engages the senses.Come dressed for mess! Age 2-5 with adult.

SATURDAY/FEB. 29Make Pinecone Birdfeeders. 10-11 a.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Help feed your feathered friends thiswinter with the “Make Your Own PineconeBirdfeeders!” program at Riverbend Park. Findout what birds stick around through the winterand make and take home a pinecone bird feederto help them get through the cold. Learn aboutthe common birds that may visit your feeder.Cost is $10 per person. Sessions are designed forparticipants ages 4 to adult. Call 703-759-9018or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend. See Calendar, Page 9

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

www.lostdogandcatrescue.org

lost (adj): 1. unable to findthe way. 2. not appreciatedor understood. 3. no longer

owned or known

Helping Animals FindTheir Way Since 2001

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer

Volunteers needed for adoption events, fostering,transportation, adoption center caretaking and more.

From Page 8

Calendar

MONDAY/MARCH 2Ukrainian Eggs—Handcraft Club. 7 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. A Ukrainian Eggis an egg decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designsusing a wax-resist method. The designs are not painted onbut written (inscribed) with beeswax. Adults.

MONDAY/MARCH 2, 9 AND 16Baby Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun with baby whilebuilding early literacy foundations for reading success.Birth -18 months with adult.

MONDAY’S 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6Centering Prayer with the Rev. Jon Strand. 1:30-2:30

p.m. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, 543 Beulah Rd,NE, Vienna in the new Contemplative Prayer room on thethird floor. Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer inwhich one may experience God’s presence within us, closerthan breathing, closer than thinking, closer thanconsciousness itself. This method of prayer is both apersonal relationship and a discipline to deeper foster one’srelationship with God. Visit www.HolyComforter.com.

TUESDAY/MARCH 3Picture This: What to do With all of Those

Photographs. 10:30 a.m. to noon. At McLean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. From the earliestunsmiling photographs, to the instamatics and today’sdigital collections, this fun, engaging and informative talkwill share information on the various types of photographsfound in family collections, what they can tell us about thepast, and how best to care for our photographs, whether wehave them in boxes, frames or scrapbooks. Presented by:Terri Blanchette, Heritage Preservation Specialist, Owner ofTimeSorters. Cost is 1 lesson @ 1.5 hrs, $7/$5 MCC districtresidents.

Winter Sunshine Cooking Class. 7-10 p.m. At McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Inegleside Ave., McLean. Treateach day in winter as if it is summer. Learn to make thesetasty summer favorites to keep yourself happy this winter.Menu: Bison Sliders • Chicken Buffalo Wings • PotatoSalad • Baked Beans • Apple Pie and Ice Cream. Instructor:Chef John Bauhs. Cost is 1 lesson @ 3 hrs, $80/$65 MCCdistrict residents.

TUESDAY/MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 31Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun with your child andbuild early literacy foundations for reading success. Age 18months-3 years with adult.

TUESDAY/MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 31Canasta Group. 12:30 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Enjoy socializing while you playCanasta. Beginners welcome. Adults.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 4, 11 AND 18Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun with your child andbuild early literacy foundations for reading success. Age 3-5with adult.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 4Chair Yoga. 3 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven

Place, Oakton. Learn relaxation and exercise techniquesthrough Chair Yoga. Adults.

Best Spring Brunch. 7-10 p.m. At McLean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Enjoy timeless brunchclassics, including eggs, sausage, home fries, fruit salad andcoffee cake. Instructor: Chef John Bauhs. Cost is 1 lesson @3 hrs, $80/$65 MCC district residents.

THURSDAY/MARCH 5Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gain leadershipexperience and discuss what the library can do for you.Grades 7-12.

FRIDAY/MARCH 6Free Bird-Watching Class. 8-10 a.m. At Riverbend Park,

8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Birding is a hobbythat can last a lifetime, and Riverbend Park is a great placeto get some of the basics down as you start your adventure.The park is offering a free class that covers information abeginning birder should know. Pick up tips on how to usebinoculars for bird watching. Learn the importance of havinga field guide and discover other ways to identify differenttypes of birds. The class is designed for participants age 14 toadult. Be an early bird and head to the park. The programruns from 8 to 10 a.m. Call 703-759-9018 or visit RiverbendPark.

Celebrate Catherine Filene Shouse, thefounder of Wolf Trap National Park for thePerforming Arts.

SUNDAY/MARCH 1Celebrate Catherine Filene Shouse. 1-3 p.m. At 1551

Trap Road, Vienna. Join National Park Service staff andFriends of Wolf Trap volunteers for a celebration of thepark’s founder and leading lady Mrs. Catherine FileneShouse. Mrs. Shouse was a philanthropist, advocate, andtrailblazer who founded Wolf Trap National Park for thePerforming Arts. The National Park Service presents anopportunity to learn about Mrs. Shouse’s life, education andcareer, which culminated in her gift of Wolf Trap NationalPark for the Performing Arts to the American people.Explore the history of Wolf Trap as a world-renownedsanctuary for the performing arts and a unique public-private partnership. From 2-3 p.m., visitors will take abackstage tour of the Filene Center.

Bilingual Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Bilingual Storytime in Englishand Hindi. Enjoy stories, songs and activities. Birth-5 withadult.

Singer Gina Chavez. 7 p.m. At Jammin’ Java, 227 MapleAve., East, Vienna. Visit GinaChavez.com.

MARCH 6-8Tysons Library Book Sale. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Tysons

Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.Hours are Friday, March 6, 2020, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.;Saturday, March 7, 2020, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, March8 , 2020, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Half Price / $10 per Bag Sale.Large selection of books and media for all ages andinterests. Email: tysonslibraryfriends@gmail.com, or call703-790-4031 or 703-338-3307.

Al Petteway and Amy White will perform atThe Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls onSunday, March 1.

SUNDAY/MARCH 1Old Brogue Concert. 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. At The Old

Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls.The OldBrogue Irish Pub and Barnaby Productions, Inc. present AlPetteway and Amy White. There are 2 sittings for eachconcert: 5 and 7:15 p.m. A third will be added at 3 p.m. ifthe regular sittings are sold out. Tickets must be purchasedin advance at oldbrogue.com: $20 general admission/$15children under 12. Visit oldbrogue.com or call the OldBrogue at 703-759-3309.

10 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By Rohan Mani

Growing up in a world in which scientistspredict we only have 12 years to limitclimate change catastrophe is understandably unnerving for an 18-year old.

And the most worrisome concern is that we are do-ing almost nothing about what is looming over thehorizon.

For decades, our planet has experienced consis-tent increases in temperature, changing rainfall pat-terns, increasing frequency of floods, droughts, melt-ing of glaciers and more. While cutting back green-house gas emissions responsible for global warmingis the only way forward, limited progress has beenmade on this front. Coal and oil continue to domi-nate as major energy sources despite the availabil-ity of relatively cheap and abundant solar and windenergy. What then are realistic and sustainable so-lutions that we should pursue in order to leave athriving planet for our children and grandchildren?º

According to the Fourth National Assessment Re-port, the impacts of global climate change are al-ready being felt in the United States and are pro-jected to intensify in the future. But the severity offuture impacts will depend largely on actions takento reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt tothe changes that will occur. This report draws a di-rect connection between the warming atmosphereand the resulting changes that affect Americans’lives, communities, and livelihoods, now and in thefuture. Multiple studies have now projected that theclimate of our region will turn more southern over

the coming decades. The unusually warm winter ofthis year may not be an exception but a norm forcoming years. That means, less need for jackets,gloves, hats, scarves etc.

Many communities are attempting to answer thisquestion in different ways. And it’s been fascinatingto see how some are gearing up to cope with imme-diate problems through advocacy and the support oflocal governments. It’s obvious that communities needto adapt to a changing climate irrespective of whathappens globally to reduce greenhouse gases.

There is, however, a ray of hope. The Virginia law-makers passed an unprecedented climate legislationlast week that will significantly alter use of cleanenergy in our power generation. The measure, calledthe Clean Economy Act, lays out a plan to get Vir-ginia to 100 percent renewable generation by 2050.The legislation will significantly alter our generationenergy capacity with solar and offshore wind takingthe lead. That will not only reduce our dependenceon fossil fuel-based energy generation but will putVirginia among the top US states in terms of dealingwith climate change.

Climate change has the potential to significantlytransform every aspect of our lives, ranging fromwhere we live to what we eat and the stories we tell.It is an existential crisis for our generation and gen-erations to come. I believe this is the time to act nowto save the planet and it begins at our doorstep. Wecan do our own bit by driving less, switching tocleaner energy sources, using energy efficient appli-ances and reducing usage of water. As activist GretaThunberg put it aptly, “the climate crisis has alreadybeen solved. We already have the facts and solutions.All we have to do is to wake up and change.”

Rohan Mani is a Senior and a student journalist atMcLean Highlander.

How Virginia is takingthe high road.

Climate Change at Our Doorstep

matically bring down the cost ofprescription drugs. Mike wouldban drug company payments tothe people who make decisions atpharmacies so drug makers com-pete on the value of their products— not on the amount of moneythey pay to get preferential treat-ment. As a businessman, Mikewould also work to increase com-petition in the marketplace, giv-ing consumers more options atlower costs.

Mike Bloomberg is a trainedengineer, a businessman, and aphilanthropist who has spent hislife solving the big problems fac-ing Americans and I know that ifhe is elected, he will work tire-lessly to reverse the rising cost of

healthcare in the United States.

Marjorie BrennanMD MPH Pediatric Physician

McLean

Targeted byScammersTo the Editor:

Recently, I was stuck at homeand unable to go to work for a fewweeks due to health reasons.While to some people that mayseem like a welcome respite fromthe drudgery of commuting to a 9to 5 job, let me tell you it was not.

While Week 1 wasn’t too bad,one can only watch so many epi-sodes of Law and Order: SpecialVictim’s Unit! What I would liketo share with everyone is just howmany calls we all get on our houselandlines each day. When we’re atwork and don’t answer, most call-ers don’t leave messages so wehave no idea of the volume ofthese calls each day.

I can honestly say that 99 per-cent of these calls are cold callingsales people or scammers! Yes,

From Page 6

Letters to the Editor

there is the occasional call fromGiant Food that “a prescriptionfrom someone in your householdis due for pickup,” but for the mostpart they are from strangers try-ing to separate you from yourhard-earned cash.

Social Security scams, lowercredit card interest rates, policebenevolent association donations,hail damage inspection teams thatare in my neighborhood andcountless free vacations I’ve wonwhere I only have to sit through ashort two hour presentation, arejust some of the calls I get everyday!

Boredom forced me to pick upthe phone and actually speak withthese people. Civic duty caused meto engage in as long a conversa-tion as I could so they would haveless time to rip off my neighbors.They target the young and the old.Their metrics must show they suc-ceed enough to make it profitable.And our number is registered withthe “Do Not Call” list! Somethingmust be done.

Bill ByrneOak Hill

WriteLetters to the Editor

The Connection1606 King St.

Alexandria VA 22314Call: 703-917-6444.

By e-mail:editors@connectionnewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

It began years ago when technology enabled many public bathrooms to change to hands-free. Other than the obvious hands-on responsibilities, many of the other elements no longer required any touching. Be it the paper-towel dispenser, the hand dryer, the hot and cold/on and off functions in the

functions. All providing a convenience never before possible. Other than an automatic entry/exit function for the bathroom door, and one as well on the inside for the stalls themselves, using many public bathrooms has become much less involved, shall we say, than ever before. And it has not stopped there. It has gone public in a very big way.

Thanks to EZ-Pass, tolls or rather interacting with them by having to hand money over to a “toll collector,” (or even to stop and toss money into a basket) has nearly been eliminated. Due to a device (transponder) attached to my licence plate, as me and my car approach the toll booth, I simply go about my normal driving business with nary a worry in the world. I steer into the dedicated EZ-Pass lane at a bit less than the posted speed, and ding!, as I drive through the toll booth, the toll is paid. No fuss, no muss, no window roll-down and no scrambling for change or digging for dollars. What’s done is done so long as the yellow light illuminates and “paid” appears. (Although if what’s done isn’t done, you’ll soon receive a paper bill in

Metro, our local public conveyor, also provides a hands-free or very nearly hands-free experience. If you have a plastic “Metro card” linked into their system, all you need do as you enter the turnstyle is tap your card and go. No more standing in line at the “Fare”/”Add Fare” kiosks to load your card with money to start or end your journey. As with your EZ-Pass, once you sign up and link your Metro card to a credit/debit card, you are “In Like Flint,” as some of us from a certain generation might say. Henceforth, your card is automatically

trip and any subsequent trips to make sense.Now imagine if I had a “smart phone.” How

many more functions/people-free interactions might I enjoy with a tap, a scan or a wave? Unfor-tunately, I have what my wife, Dina calls a “stupid

As such, I am cut off from an evolving world. A world in which I’ll likely not have to interact with anybody or reach into my pocket for anything resembling money. All I’ll have to reach for is my “smart phone.” I’ve seen its functionality at the air-port in lieu of a paper ticket, on Amtrak, at concert venues and of course sports venues. It seems to help speed up the entry process.

phone-holding man standing. But neither do I want to get into a life-accident while negotiating the learning curve. At the moment, the road ahead seems full of twists and turns with more curves than I can possibly imagine. How do I negoti-ate something I can’t see? Moreover, how do I negotiate the road less traveled, by me? Where will I draw the experience necessary to acclimate to these ever-changing signposts? I mean, the words may be familiar, but some of the context may be off putting and counterintuitive, to me.

I’m not a complete Bozo. I have partially inte-grated into this new world. I have had insurance and car payments automatically debited from my bank account for years. I have some over-the-counter medicines, supplements and a variety of cat-related care and feeding products automatical-ly delivered to my home. However, sometimes I feel like a pinball (and I’m no wizard) without the bells and whistles banging around trying to stay on top of what product is debit/paid and when. Now that’s a service I could use: an automated weekly reminder of what’s happening when. And the beauty of it, I wouldn’t need any new devices. I use what I always use: my home computer. Turn it on, click the email, open, read and then close. Even Bozo the clown could do that.

Useless Is As Useless Doesn’t

Have To DoFrom Page 2

SATURDAY/MARCH 7Recycling Day. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Town of

Vienna’s first 2020 Quarterly Recycling Daytakes place at the Northside Property Yard, 600Mill Street NE, Vienna. Load up electronics, usedmotor oil, antifreeze, and discarded carbatteries. Televisions and hazardous wasteproducts, such as insecticides, paint, and otherchemicals, are not accepted. As a reminder, toensure that glass products get recycled, the bestoption is to dispose of clean jars and bottles inone of Fairfax County’s new, large, purple glassrecycling dumpsters; one is located in the Townof Vienna on Mill Street NE next to CapitolBuilding Supply. Fairfax County picks up theglass weekly and recycles it for use as asubstitute for stone in county projects.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMPLETEA new traffic signal aimed at improving safety for

drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians is complete atWestpark Drive and Westbranch Drive inTysons, according to the Virginia Department ofTransportation. The project’s other safetyimprovements include:

❖ Four Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) crossings(expected to be active in the coming weeks);

❖ Bicycle detection;❖ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant

curb ramp upgrades;❖ Pavement markings;❖ Signage.

DEMENTIA CONSULTATIONSCaring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or

other dementia is a life-encompassingexperience that spans generations. Everyone hasa role: spouses, siblings, children of all ages, andfriends each play a part on the care team. Itrequires thought, strategy and, mostimportantly, a plan. Care consultations with theAlzheimer’s Association are a free Chapterservice that offers in-depth, personalized careplanning, education and support. A consultationis more than just a meeting with a dementiaexpert. Highly trained staff help to develop aroad map to navigate through the thoughts,emotions and questions that family members,care partners and the diagnosed person mayhave, including:

❖ Assessment of the functional status of the personwith dementia;

❖ Navigating difficult caregiving decisions and rolechanges in the family;

❖ Information and resources to assist with legal andfinancial matters;

❖ Available community resources;❖ Partnering with the physician and/or health care

provider;❖ Safety concerns.To schedule a consultation, call the Alzheimer’s

Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

TUESDAY/MARCH 31GFES Kindergarten Orientation. 9:15 to 10:15

a.m. At Great Falls Elementary School, 701Walker Road, Great Falls. Children who are fiveby September 30, 2020 are eligible to enterkindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Toconfirm Great Falls Elementary School servesyour particular address, please visit the FCPSwebsite, click on the boundary link, and type inyour address. Parents and eligible children areinvited to an overview of the Great FallsElementary School kindergarten program. Risingkindergarten students will meet ourkindergarten teachers in the classroom for aspecial welcome and activities. Parents will meetin the cafeteria to receive an overview of thekindergarten program, including curriculum andthe daily schedule. This is an excellentopportunity for parents unsure of whether ornot their child is ready for kindergarten to come,listen, and make an informed decision.Registration packets are available onlinewww.fcps.edu

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDSTEM Professionals Needed. Volunteers are

needed to assist K-12 STEM teachers in northernVirginia as part of the American Association forthe Advancement of Science’s STEM VolunteerProgram, stemvolunteers.org, during the 2019-20 school year, beginning in September. Pleasecontact Don Rea at 571-551-2488 ordonaldrea@aol.com.

Bulletin

12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ February 26 - March 3, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com