Entertainment, Page 18 Artists Give Great Falls Studio Tourconnection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/documents/2015/1… · 20/10/2015 · Great Falls Connection October 21-27,

Great Falls Connection ❖ October 21-27, 2015 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Artists Give GreatFalls Studio Tour

News, Page 8

Artists Give GreatFalls Studio Tour

News, Page 8

Murphy vs. Parisot,Double SequelNews, Page 3

Meet the Candidates forSupervisors, School BoardNews, Pages 14-16

Murphy vs. Parisot,Double SequelNews, Page 3

Meet the Candidates forSupervisors, School BoardNews, Pages 14-16

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Great Falls

Oil painter Jill Banks of The Artists’ Atelier at756 Walker Road with her impressionistic styleplein air paintings done on location. For threedays last weekend, Oct. 16-18, some 44 artists

in Great Falls opened their homes and personalart studios for the Great Falls Studios 2015

Studio Tour, a self-driving guided tour.

Oil painter Jill Banks of The Artists’ Atelier at756 Walker Road with her impressionistic styleplein air paintings done on location. For threedays last weekend, Oct. 16-18, some 44 artists

in Great Falls opened their homes and personalart studios for the Great Falls Studios 2015

Studio Tour, a self-driving guided tour.

Page 12

Great Falls

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ October 21-27, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com


NewsGreat Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Ken Moore

The Connection

The 34th-District House of Delegates race between KathleenMurphy (D) and Craig Parisot(R) is a rematch of the special

election triggered last November when Bar-bara Comstock (R) was elected to the U.S.Congress.

Murphy received 51.23 percent of thevote, and defeated Parisot who received48.63 percent in the low-turnout specialelection.

Murphy received 6,419 votes to Parisot’s6,093 votes.

“I was elected in January in a special elec-tion on a very cold snowy day,” said Murphyat the Great Falls Grange debate with Parisotin late September. “I was elected on a Tues-day, sworn in on a Thursday, and went towork immediately. My first session in thethe General Assembly, I demonstrated com-mitment to working across party lines, tolistening, to advocating on behalf of thiscommunity. My priorities have been andcontinue to be growing our economy, sup-porting our public schools, addressing ourinfrastructure needs and keeping our fami-lies and children safe.”

She and Parisot debated again at theMcLean Community Center on Sunday, Oct.18, a forum hosted by the McLean CitizensAssociation.

“I am proud and very honored and I cantell you when I took the oath of office itwas overwhelming,” she said. “I take thisvery seriously. I look at this job as a com-mitment to this community to represent youin the strongest way I can.”

Craig Parisot also gave voice to the im-portance of public service.

“It has a long tradition in my family. I havelived my own version of the AmericanDream, starting life with little and buildingsuccessful companies. I’m grateful for theseopportunities that I had, and I want to makesure this and future generations have thesame,” he said. “My entire professional ca-reer has involved identifying trends, deter-mining strategy and devising solutions. Vir-ginia can and should be number one forbusiness, number one for jobs, and numberone for quality of life.”

THE 34TH DISTRICT has a history ofclose elections.

In 2013, Murphy lost to Barbara

Comstock 50.64 percent to 49.21 percent.Murphy received 14,540 votes toComstock’s 14,962.

In 2012, Barack Obama and Mitt Rom-ney literally tied in the district, each receiv-ing 18,688 votes, according to according toVirginia Public Access Project.

The 34th district is made up of 69 per-cent Fairfax County and 31 percentLoudoun County. U.S. Sen. Mark Warnercarried the district by a little more than1,000 votes in 2014. The 34th district is Gov.Terry McAuliffe’s home district, and he car-ried the district over Republican KenCuccinelli 51.86 percent to 42.28 percentin his 2013 race for Governor.

“I’M A BUSINESS LEADER. Having builttwo advanced technology companies inhighly competitive start up environments,I deployed life-saving technologies for oursoldiers and first responders, promotedwomen into key executive leadership roles,and provided salaries and health benefitsfor hundreds of families,” said Parisot. “Ihave first hand experience in big data, cloudcomputing, analytics and cybersecurity, alltechnologies central to the Northern Vir-ginia innovation economy and essential toour future.”

Parisot has received $273,697 in cashcontributions of more than $100 each, and$13,199 in contributions of $100 or less forhis 2015 campaign, according to VirginiaPublic Access Project vpap.org.

Top donors for Parisot in 2015 include$22,500 from T. Christopher Roth ofMcLean; $20,000 from the House Republi-can Campaign Committee; $15,700 fromLorna J. Gladstone of McLean; $12,500

from Dominion Leadership Trust set up byHouse Speaker Bill Howell (R); $10,000from himself; $10,000 from the RepublicanState Leadership Committee (which alsogave $50,000 to Delegate candidate DannyVargas running for the 86 district seat va-cated by Tom Rust).

“ONE OF the things I love the best aboutthis community, is all the people who sithere. We are not all here because we agree,we all sit here because we care,” saidMurphy at the McLean debate Sunday.

“I have been your neighbor for over 25years. I have lived here, worked here, raisedmy children here and my children have at-tended your public schools, our publicschools.”

Murphy has received $304,117 in cashcontributions of more than $100 each, and$42,683 in cash contributions of $100 orless for her 2015 campaign.

Murphy’s top donors in 2015 include$25,000 from Karen Schaufeld, a Leesburgattorney; $18,000 from Suzann W.Matthews of McLean; $12,500 from EdwardHart Rice of Vienna; $10,000 from MuslimLakhani of D.C.

Murphy and Parisot each added just over$100,000 in cash contributions during themonth of September. Murphy showed$233,143 cash on hand, and Parisot had$66,512 cash on hand as of Sept. 30, ac-cording to VPAP.

THE RACE SEEMED FRIENDLY at theGrange even when Parisot said his oppo-nent supports the tolling of I-66 when sec-onds before she said she did not.

Her words:

“Public private partnerships have been theanswer in some instances but not when theyget away from us like they did on theGreenway. The Greenway turned into anightmare for everybody because nobodycould afford it. ... We can’t let that happenagain,” she said. “I know that there is amovement here to repair, rehab I-66. …People sure don’t have another way to go ifyou slam on another $7 toll and no Iwouldn’t support that.”

After Parisot made his claims, Murphysaid, calmly, “I didn’t say that I supportedit. I didn’t come here to slam Craig. He’s anice guy. We’re opponents and we’re notenemies and this should be a friendly de-bate.”

Parisot countered, “I believe this is abso-lutely a friendly debate but we’re here fo-cused on the issues, demonstrating the con-trast between myself and my opponent soyou can be clear that there is a real choice,”he said.

At the McLean debate on Sunday, therewas more edge when the two candidateswere asked what they would do about thegun store located next to Franklin ShermanElementary School property.

“My brother was murdered. ... I don’tthink a gun store has any place next to aschool,” said Murphy. “We’re working ev-ery day trying to move him to another lo-cation so he can move and parents can takea deep breath again.”

PARISOT SAID he would handle the gunstore issue differently.

“The big difference is how do we solveproblems. I do it quietly. I meet withpeople,” he said. “If we are going to dosomething, let’s do something meaningful,let’s not just wave our arms and get every-body all excited.”

Parisot said, “I have three primary goals:Grow and diversify Virginia’s economy, in-vest in education, and reduce commutetimes by alleviating transportation bottle-necks,” he said.

He asked voters to look at his seven stepeconomic growth plan to move NorthernVirginia forward.

“We all know someone who is unem-ployed, underemployed, been struggling tofind work or who has had their privacy com-promised, and that’s why it is imperativewe act now,” he said.

But he has the uphill battle.“I have a deep commitment to this com-

munity and a first hand understanding ofwhat it takes and what the issues are thatare so important to our families and ourbusinesses here in Northern Virginia,”Murphy said.

“I am Kathleen Murphy and I am yourdelegate,” said the incumbent.

34th District hashistory ofclose elections.

Murphy vs. Parisot, Double Sequel

“When I took theoath of office it wasoverwhelming. I lookat this job as acommitment to thiscommunity.”

— Kathleen Murphy (D-34)

“Virginia can andshould be numberone for buisness,number one for jobs,and number one forquality of life.”

— Craig Parisot (R)

Craig Parisot,Republicanchallenger forDelegate in the34th District, atthe Oct. 18debate.

Del. KathleenMurphy (D-34)at the Oct. 18debate inMcLean.

Photos by Ken Moore/The Connection



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Breast CancerAwareness inGreat FallsThe tree at the center ofGreat Falls is decked outfor breast cancer aware-ness month.


PRIORITIES FOR DRANESVILLE SCHOOLS

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See History, Page 7

News

By Kathleen Murphy

President/Great Falls Historical Society

The historic Great Falls Grange was abuzz withOktoberfest Potluck guests bearing wonderful warm dishes that filled 36 linear feet of

table space. The menu included Virginia honey bakedham, a classic German pork and sausage dish, madeevery year by the Follins, German meatballs byMaggie Mc Neil — lots of local regional dishes —and this year our “local” dishes embraced a TepsiLahana (cabbage cassorole), an Iraqi dish preparedby Janet Al Hussaini, and a Tunisia tajine preparedby Zokia Rabana. As the original settlers to GreatFalls came from different countries, bringing the cui-sine local to their place of birth, the march of new-comers continues, and our community and our Soci-ety are enriched by the new traditions being sharedamong us. The Great Falls Historical Society wel-

Betty Swartzacknowledges

Calvin &Jennifer’s 25th

anniversary.

Photo courtesy

of TR Cook

Oktoberfest Potluck Celebrates Local HistoryThe Great Falls HistoricalSociety’s Oktoberfest pot-luck featured the autumnharvest.


News

Celebrating Local HistoryFrom Page 6

Kathleen Murphy gives HomerJohns a Great Falls HistoricalSociety’s t-shirt.

comes all residents of our community to joinin sharing their traditions, becoming partof our shared “local” community.

Betty Swartz was the Hospitality Chairwho orchestrated this wonderful event. Sheis not one to take the credit, however. Sheis continually impressed with how peoplearrive early and pitch in to help to deliverthis event in such a gracious and lovelymanner. Sue Kawmy served as co-chair andworked closely with Betty to learn the cus-toms and traditions so that they may becarried forth into the future.

The Follin family has a multi-generationalheritage here in Great Falls. Calvin and hiswife Jennifer have a long tradition of bring-ing a centerpiece German meat dish to theOktoberfest. This year, the Oktoberfest fellon their 25th wedding anniversary andBetty very graciously recognized the occa-sion with a lovely bouquet of flowers.

Homer Johns, the longest serving activemember of the Great Falls Volunteer FireDepartment, shared the history of the de-partment as it experienced an early fire intheir own station, moved to several loca-tions, etc. He described how fires are foughtin Great Falls, where we are all on septicand the water supply coming by well maynot be sufficient to put out a fire — requir-ing a large number of trucks carrying wa-ter. He also emphasized the importance of

having a visible house number so that emer-gency response teams can find you. CarolynMiller prepared a display board showing thevarious fire department locations.

The Split String Band played bluegrassand Americana music.

The Great Falls Historical Society wasorganized in 1977 to promote communityspirit by bringing the past into the present.To learn more about our Society, please visitwww.gfhs.org.

Our next event is “The Legacy of Faith:Great Falls Churches, 1850s to 1940s,” tobe presented on Nov. 4 at the Great FallsLibrary Meeting Room at 7 p.m. Admissionis free and everyone is invited to attend.

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News

For three days last weekend, Oct. 16-18,some 44 artists in Great Falls opened theirhomes and personal art studios for the GreatFalls Studios 2015 Studio Tour, a self-driv-ing guided tour. The professional artists,including painters, potters, photographers,jewelry designers, quilters, and weavers,gave demonstrations of their work fromtheir own “habitats,” and discussed theirwork with the community to show how artis produced.

“This is our 12th year of opening our stu-dios to the public on an autumn weekend,”said Cindy Grisdela, co-chairman of thetour. “We enjoy sharing our art and storieswith the Great Falls community and we ap-

preciate the support of our visitors eachyear.”

There were three ways to do the tour: tochoose your favorite artists, to pick yourfavorite medium or pick artists that are closeby in geography. The event was presentedby Great Falls Studios and sponsored by SunDesign Remodeling Specialists, Inc.

Great Falls Studios is a consortium of morethan 100 artists who live or work in GreatFalls. Since 2003, its goal has been to pro-mote and support local artists and to makethe Great Falls community a more artfulplace. Visit www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

— Steve Hibbard

Artists Give Great Falls Studio Tour

Artist VadMoskowitz ofFarmhouseStudios at 785Keithley Drivedemonstratesweaving on theloom. Shecreates hand-made hand-bags, scarvesand Christmasornaments.

PhotographerBob Schroederof 10106GeorgetownPike withimages fromaround theworld thatconvey thefeeling ofbeing in aplace.

Fiber artistCindy Grisdelaof The Artists’Atelier at 756Walker Roaddemonstratesstitchingtexture intoeach piece ofart. She doesher “painting”with fabric andthread, whichis based onquilting andmeant to hangon a wall.

Photos by

Steve Hibbard/

The Connection


Week

RemembranceCeremony to BeHeld Nov. 11

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11a.m., the annual Veterans Day Re-membrance Ceremony will be heldat the Great Falls Freedom Memo-rial. The ceremony will honor allwho have served the United Statesin the armed forces. The event willinclude a Marine Corps colorguard, patriotic songs, and re-marks by the Judge Advocate Gen-eral of the U.S. Army, Lt. Gen.Flora D. Darpino, the first womanto hold that position. The FreedomMemorial is located behind theGreat Falls Library at 9830Georgetown Pike. The ceremonyis open to all. Ample parking is avail-able in the library parking lot. Incase of rain, the ceremony will beheld in the library meeting room.

Judith St.Ledger-Roty toSpeak at theSenior CenterEvent

The Great Falls Senior Centerhas announced Judith St. Ledger-Roty as guest speaker for the Nov.3 event. She will discuss art, arti-facts, and architecture which hasbeen stolen or destroyed duringwars or civil unrest.

Ledger-Roty is a lawyer practic-ing for more than 25 years beforeturning to studying art destructionin World War II and other areas ofartistic endeavor. She will talkabout some of the laws or policieswhich have evolved to protectthese works and artifacts. She willbe showing photos of artifacts sto-len or destroyed; discussing artfrom multiple centuries rangingfrom the 13th to the 21st centuriesand, discussing people such asNapoleon, Hitler and Assad inSyria. In June 2015 she graduatedwith a Diploma of Fine Arts fromStudio Incamminati, an artist ate-lier in Philadelphia. The Nov. 3event will be held at The Grange,9818 Georgetown Pike, GreatFalls, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and in-cludes lunch. The event sponsoris Seneca Hill Animal Hospital,Resort & Spa located at 11415Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Res-ervations are a must. To reserveemail Polly Fitzgerald [email protected] or call 703-759-4345. The Great Falls SeniorCenter is partnered with theFairfax County Department ofNeighborhood and CommunityServices in all ventures and events.


Opinion

This week and next week are the lasttwo publication dates before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Our pagesand website are full of coverage,

letters, candidate questionnaires and photosof the campaign trail in an effort to help vot-ers decide to vote and which candidates hold

views closest to their own.Virtually every state and local office is on

the ballot. Find previous coverage and com-plete coverage on our websitewww.connectionnewspapers.com, click onElections. Because many districts in Virginiaresemble spiky amoebas, it is sometimes diffi-

cult to include every race that might impact atown or community in the print editions.

Please take the time to vote, it matters. InVirginia, key races that have affected policyhave been decided by fractions of one percent.Your vote can make a difference.

We will not be endorsing in any race this year.I’m keeping this short to allow more room

for letters to the editor.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Find stories, candidate questionnaires,letters and photos.

Election Coverage for an Informed Vote

Editorial

Janie Strauss Is a‘Gold Mine’ forFairfax CountyTo the Editor:

Janie Strauss is a “gold mine” forFairfax County. Janie is the goldstandard for effectiveness with herintelligence, dedication, commit-ment and knowledge about FairfaxCo schools. For about two decadeswe residents have benefited fromher depth and breadth of exper-tise and her commitment to top-quality education for all studentsfrom TJ to those struggling tolearn. She favors improved teacherpay, reduced emphasis on testing,reduced class size and preparingstudents for a high-tech globaleconomy.

As a former counselor-adminis-trator in Fairfax Co. schools, Janiehas always been my “go to” per-son for authoritative knowledgeon any educational issue. In addi-tion, Janie understands that qual-ity schools mean high property val-ues.

At this tenuous time for ourschools, we need a proven leaderlike Janie on our School Board;she possesses both school historyand future visions for our schools.Do yourself and all the people youcare about a favor and vote forJanie Strauss for FC SchoolBoard.

Shirley BloomquistFormer TJ Director of Student

ServicesGreat Falls

Candidate WhoCaresTo the Editor:

The Virginia House of Delegateshas refused to allow expansion ofMedicaid to Virginia citizens. Asa result, tens of thousands ofmostly less well off citizens arelacking in health insurance. Theyare more likely to suffer from un-

Letters to the Editor

See Letters, Page 21

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

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Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

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Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

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Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:

Deb Cobb, Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:

Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

CIRCULATION: [email protected]

Great Falls

treated chronic diseases, a lowerquality of life, and most impor-tantly a shorter life span. Legisla-tive action that results in short-ening of life, such as denyingthese individuals health insuranceis immoral and against the beliefof Christians as well as other reli-gions. An argument has beenmade that that expansion of Med-icaid may cost the Common-wealth more sometime in the fu-ture, although this is uncertain.Is this State so poor that it can-not afford healthcare for all itscitizens? Perhaps some feel thata shorter lifespan means lessmoney spent on disability pay-ments! Vote for Kathleen Murphy.She cares for the well being of allour citizens.

William PepelkoGreat Falls

OurFundamentalFreedomsTo the Editor:

There are some very fundamen-tal freedoms, which we enjoy inAmerica. Government does notgive us our freedoms, but one ofits purposes under our Constitu-tion is to protect them. One fun-damental freedom we have is toworship our God in our own way,or not. Government cannot tell uswe cannot and cannot tell us how,or where. Let us be vigilant aboutthis, and not let it be lost, even onepebble at a time.

But we are only free by God todo the ethical and proper things,not anything we may want, andwe were given a conscience to tellus those boundaries, were we not?We elect our representatives, whoin turn make laws that further de-fine the boundaries of what we canand cannot ethically do. And weare duty bound to obey these laws.For those who choose not to, wechoose police to enforce these lawsfor all the people. Their premise

is that our freedoms permit us tosettle our own affairs, as long asthey do not adversely affect oth-ers.

Another fundamental freedom isour unfettered freedom of speech.We are free to say what we believe,and even to say what we believewill sway others on an issue. Buteventually the whole truth comesout, does it not? We do not haveto be politically correct, either, inexercising this freedom. Whateverhappened to “sticks and stonesmay break my bones, but wordscan never hurt me?” A good de-bate is the healthy way to discernthe proper path among complexoptions. So what if someone takesoffence from a single misspokenword, or a poorly turned phrase.

Not one of us speaks in perfectprose, or has the right answers thefirst time. Listening to a person’svoice helps us see what is in aperson’s heart, and that is what isreally important, anyway. Thoseprofessional pundits who takehuge offence at what someonesays every opportunity merely re-strict our, and their, freedom of ex-pression. Debate yes, but no namecalling, or labeling. We know thatwhen someone starts callingnames, or raising their voice, thatthey are afraid to have a rationaldiscussion and abide by the weightof arguments. And journalists whocannot just report a story, but mas-querade their opinions as fact, orchoose not to report all the news,are doing their historical profes-sion, and the American People, adisservice. Is that what Schools ofJournalism are supposed to beteaching? We depend greatly onFreedom of the Press to uncovercorrectable ills of society.

The freedom to make our indi-vidual choices is very fundamen-tal, whether it is in medical care,in education, in our pursuit of hap-piness through our career selec-tion, in choosing our life’s partner,or which candidate we vote for, orin what we eat, or what we pur-chase, or numerous other choicesin life. Our small businesses should

not need government approval toexist or to make business choicesto be successful. It makes no senseto have government at all levels,placing ever more restrictions onour choices.

Our government also, throughfederal funding, has profound ef-fects on the economics of everyaspect of society in the severalstates, including endless details ofeducation, highways and bridges,and how we are allowed to buildour homes and health care. Thereare some who want the Federalgovernment to take over more andmore, and have the states, localgovernments and people able tochoose less and less. This is basedon an assumption that the people,and the states, are unable to makethese choices properly themselves,and leads to a bigger government,and more taxes, and less owner-ship. Would we not be much bet-ter off if more decisions were madeat the household level, or at leastthe local government level, closerto the people?

Glen L. SjoblomGreat Falls Freedom Memorial

Committee

Ready for theInternet AgeTo the Editor:

Craig Parisot wants to make Vir-ginia the cyber capital of theUnited States. As someone whobuilt two technology companiesfrom the bottom up and has ex-tensive background incybersecurity issues, Craig under-stands how to accomplish this. Healso understands the challenges ofthe Internet Age. That is why heproposes amending the VirginiaComputer Crimes Act and exercis-ing the authorities under Title 32of the U.S. Code to crack down oncybercrime and give us real pri-vacy protection. The Internet Ageposes unique challenges and


Letters

From Page 10

unique opportunities. It is clearto me that Craig Parisot has shownhe is ready to tackle both.

Mike TraderGreat Falls

Candidate witha PlanTo the Editor:

Only one candidate for Delegatein Virginia’s 34th House Districthas a comprehensive plan to im-prove Northern Virginia’s trans-portation system. That candidateis Craig Parisot. Craig’s plan in-volves widening Route 7, keepingthe Metro Silver Line’s completionon track, reining in out-of-controltolls, and keeping Interstate 66toll-free. Unlike his opponent,Craig has both the relationshipwith House leaders and the abil-ity to work across the aisle to en-sure Northern Virginia’s transpor-tation priorities are met. Everyonewho is sick of sitting in traffic forhours a day should check outCraig’s transportation plan andvote for him on Nov. 3.

Matt TruongGreat Falls

12 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ October 21-27, 2015 Great Falls Connection ❖ October 21-27, 2015 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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The Connection

Although the school yearjust started, the application process for the2016-2017 school year

is underway at more than 80 localindependent schools. From openhouses, school tours and applicantinterviews to transcripts, essaysand teacher recommendations, theprocess can be arduous, say par-ents, especially with applicationfees that can soar higher than $100a piece.

Making sure a child’s abilitiesand interests are in line with aschool’s offerings and requirementscan narrow down the list.

“Parents need to be realistic

about their child’s strengths andweaknesses and learning style,”said Mimi Mulligan, assistant headand director of admission and en-rollment management, NorwoodSchool in Potomac, Md. “Have anopen and honest conversation withschools during the application pro-cess. Schools will tell you whetherthey can or cannot meet any spe-cial needs your child might have.”

ADMISSIONS DIRECTORS saythat practical considerations of allsorts should help parents whittledown their list of schools. “Do theywant a big or small school? Howfar are they willing to travel eachday? Does the school offer aca-demic support if their child needsit? Can they afford they tuition?”asks Mary Herridge, director ofenrollment management, The Ma-deira School in McLean.

Getting to know a school’s cul-ture and paying attention to theschool’s mission can also help fami-lies choose a school.

“School structure, single sex ver-sus co-ed, dress code, religious af-filiation, teaching pedagogy andparent involvement all influenceschool culture,” said Mulligan.

“Each school has a distinct and in-tentional mission statement. Some-times that distinctiveness may besubtle so parents should also lookat school mottos, belief or promisestatements and portraits of agraduate, too.”

An example, says Herridge, is aparent who values being deeplyinvolved in helping a child withtheir homework. “As a school wevalue the student doing their ownhomework, managing their home-work and coming to the teacherand self advocating if they needhelp,” she said. “We encourageparental participation, but in highschool we wouldn’t expect a par-ent to sit and help with every singleaspect of their homework. We canhave that conversation early onand decide that this is not a goodfit.

“If they come to a school with arigorous academic program, are[parents] going to be OK with theirstudent being really challenged inclass and having that reflected ontheir transcripts?” she continued.

“Nowadays, in school literatureand marketing materials, allschools say they’re good at certainthings and offer certain things like

small class sizes and low studentteacher ratios, but nothing can re-place going and sitting in a class-room and seeing how the teachersteach and how the students reactwith one another,” said Herridge.“Talk to the math teacher. Have aconversation with the coach.”

If a school boasts hands-on learn-ing, are students engaged in ex-periments in a science class or arethey sitting behind desks and look-ing at a chalkboard?

A tour, Herridge said, is crucialfor students and parents. “Whenthey see other students and meetthe teacher they’ll be able to say,‘Yes this is a good place for me,’ or‘… we can take this school off ourlist because it doesn’t make sensefor our family.’”

“Most tours will give you an ‘aha’moment that clarifies why inde-pendent education is worth theinvestment,” added Benita Cathey,director of admissions, Grace Epis-copal School in Alexandria.

Patti Culbreth, head of school,Grace Episcopal School, said, “Alook at the curriculum to includethe ‘specials’ offered will give youan overview of the opportunitiesfor your child.”

Delve deeper than a tour orga-nized by the school, however. “Talkto parents [of students] who al-ready attend the school,” Mulligan.“If you don’t know anyone, ask theadmissions office to provide a fewfamilies you can contact.”

EVEN AFTER A FAMILY haswhittled down their list of poten-tial schools, the road to admissioncan still be long. Competition canbe fierce, with many schools receiv-ing 10 applications for every avail-able slot. Most require not only anapplication, but test scores, essays,interviews and letters of recom-mendation, a process that canbaffle many parents.

In preparation for the interview,admissions officials suggest appli-cants think about their own inter-ests and attitudes toward academ-ics.

“It’s a good a idea for a studentto reflect on what they love aboutschool, what they like to do out-side of the classroom and how theysee themselves as part of the schoolcommunity,” said Jon Kunz, direc-tor of middle and upper schooladmission, St. Stephen’s & St.Agnes School in Alexandria. “We

don’t approach it is an interview.It’s more of a one-on-one conver-sation. We want them to be them-selves and to be comfortable.”

Students should use specific andconcrete examples to demonstratepassions and talents. “For example,if a student is passionate about sci-ence they might say, ‘I started thisproject on my own and created thisamazing invention.’ That helps ussee their passion,” said LindaStratton director of communica-tions, St. Stephen’s & St. AgnesSchool.

“We’re looking for students whoare intellectually curious and ex-

cited about taking advantage of theopportunities here,” Kunz added.“We’re looking for students whodemonstrate a strong sense of char-acter who are respectful and …who care about the world aroundthem.”

Admissions officials also want toevaluate whether applicants havethe potential to meet the school’sexpectations, and scrutinize scoreson tests such as the SSAT (Second-ary School Admissions Test) andISEE (Independent School En-trance Examination) and tran-scripts, looking for strong and con-sistent academic achievement.

In the face of such a confusingand competitive process, manyparents have turned to educationalconsultants for advice and assis-tance.

“With the workload that schoolguidance counselors now have,there are a lot of families that areusing independent consultants andthat number has increased, and ithas definitely increased over thelast five or 10 years,Ó said SarahBrachman (, manager of commu-nications, Independent Educa-tional Consultants Association.

In fact, Mark Sklarow, theassociation’s chief executive officer,said 5-10 percent of families look-ing for an independent day schooluse an independent educationalconsultant, while 40 percent useone to find a boarding school.

Getting to know the child helpseducational consultants identify

Getting In: The Private Schools Admissions Process

“Parents need to berealistic about theirchild’s strengthsand weaknessesand learning style.”— Mimi Mulligan, director of

admission and enrollmentmanagement, Norwood School,

Potomac, Md.

Photo courtesy of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School

Independent schools such as St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes inAlexandria require an extensive application process aimedat familiarizing the applicant and the school with oneanother.

Navigating theapplication andincreasing thechance of gettingan acceptanceletter.


Sharon Bulova (D)IncumbentTown of residence: FairfaxAge: 67Family: Married. Between

my husband and I we have:four adult children and sevengrandchildren.

Education: AAS Degree inBusiness Management fromNorthern VA CommunityCollege, attended businessclasses, UVA evening program,previously held Real Estatelicense

Offices held, dates:Elected Braddock (then calledAnnandale) District Supervisorin 1987. In February 2009elected Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Re-elected in2011.

Occupation and relevant experience: I am a fulltime Chairman. Prior to elected office I held positions inbusiness.

Community involvement: I came to local governmentthrough my work as Civic Association president of KingsPark West. I have been a member of the Annandale Rotary,how serving as an honorary member. I am a founder ofFaith Communities in Action and collaborated on twocommunity history projects: A Look Back at Braddock andthe Asian American History Project.

Website: http://sharonbulova.com/Email address: [email protected] handle: http:twitter.com/sharonbulovaName three favorite endorsements: FEA (Fairfax

Education Association), Fairfax County Chamber ofCommerce, Sierra Club

QUESTIONS:1. What is one issue that defines your call to

serve, why does it matter, and how will you tackleit?

I love local government and feel strongly about commu-nity engagement. In my roles as Braddock Supervisor andnow Chairman I have been committed to making sure ourcommunity is at the table with local government toparticipate in resolving issues and addressing our chal-lenges. A major challenge right now is the sluggish recoverywe are experiencing from the Great Recession. My goal is tostrike the right balance between maintaining taxes that areaffordable to our residents while investing what is neededto ensure a world class school system, safe streets andneighborhoods, compassionate human services, a cleanenvironment and quality of life services like libraries andour fantastic park system.

2. What distinguishes you from youropponent(s) and why should voters choose you?

I have the experience, the commitment and the enthusi-asm to serve as Fairfax County’s chairman. I believe I havethe collaborative skill set needed to lead our Board and ourcommunity on an even, positive course.

3. More than half of the county budget isdevoted to the local school system. A significantbudget gap looms for the next budget cycle, bothfor FCPS and Fairfax County. What are the topcounty priorities and how will you assure fundingand manage the budget? What ideas do you havefor increasing revenue? Name two areas/itemsyou would cut or reduce.

Education continues to be my highest priority. It ishowever, not my only priority. It is critical that we continueto be the safest jurisdiction of our size in the U.S. and thatwe maintain the quality of life our residents value. Begin-ning in January our newly elected Board will engage in amulti-year Lines of Business process to examine all of ourservices in order to identify opportunities for efficienciesand savings. We have invited the School Board to partici-pate with us in this process. I am hopeful that, workingtogether, we will find new ways to economize on resourcesand improve on the delivery of services to families andstudents.

4. How many hours a week of outside employ-ment do you anticipate while serving on theBoard of Supervisors?

I am a full time Chairman. I work well over 40 hours perweek plus countless hours of community and regionalactivities.

Glenda Gail‘for Rail’ Parker (I)

Town of residence:Alexandria, FairfaxCounty

Age: 68Family: Three grown

children, four Grand–children

Education: MBAwith a certificate inSoftware EngineeringAdministration

Offices held, dates:Elected to Vice– Chair,Independent Greens ofVirginia (2007 toPresent); elected to COG TPB CAC (2007–2010)

Occupation and relevant experience:Governmental Budget Analyst, Businesswoman

Community involvement: Fairfax Federation CivicAssociation Committee, Public Safety Chair (approxi-mately 2009–2010)

Website: www.GailParker.USEmail address: [email protected] handle: @ggailparkerName three favorite endorsements:

Independent Greens of Virginia

QUESTIONS:1. What is one issue that defines your call

to serve, why does it matter, and how willyou tackle it?

The Independent Green Party Green New Deal willget us on the right track. The Green New Deal meansdouble– digit job growth in Eco jobs for the economy.Solar jobs. Wind jobs. Geothermal jobs. Rail jobs. TheGreen New Deal means Bike share for Fairfax County.Bikes, like rail, increase the value of our homes,businesses, and communities. The Green New Dealwill bring Electronic VRE signs for commuters. TheGreen New Deal means New Tracks, More Trains,More often to More Places. The Green New Deal issolar panels, and geothermal heating and cooling forevery public building. Renewable energy makesmoney for taxpayers.

2. What distinguishes you from youropponent(s) and why should voters chooseyou?

My advocacy for Rail and renewable energy.Investments in Green Energy make money. The solarage is here and we want on–board! It is past time tobring the Green Revolution to Fairfax County.

3. More than half of the county budget isdevoted to the local school system. A signifi-cant budget gap looms for the next budgetcycle, both for FCPS and Fairfax County.What are the top county priorities and howwill you assure funding and manage thebudget? What ideas do you have for increas-ing revenue? Name two areas/items youwould cut or reduce.

The infrastructure budget has too many subsidiesto big oil, big asphalt, big auto, fossil fuels. Giving ahalf a trillion dollars in taxpayer subsidies annuallyworldwide to big oil is fiscal lunacy. Cut andreprioritize the infrastructure budget to invest in freesolar energy and geothermal energy. Work harmoni-ously with the School Board to place money where itwill do the most good, fund education costs andteacher salaries rather than administration costs.Build Rail: Rail will grow revenues by growing theeconomy. Rail increases the value of our homes,businesses and communities. Every $1 invested inRail returns $20 to the community!

4. How many hours a week of outsideemployment do you anticipate while servingon the Board of Supervisors?

The new salary voted by the Board will allow me todevote full time to BOS duties.

Arthur Purves (R)Town of residence: ViennaAge: 66Family: Married 42 years, two children, seven

grandchildrenEducation: BA, MS, MBA University of PennsylvaniaOffices held, dates: N/AOccupation and relevant experience: Computer

ProgrammerCommunity involvement: -President, Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance since

1996-Member, Fairfax County Meals Tax Task Force (2014)-Member, Hunter Mill Citizen Budget Committee

(2013)-Treasurer, Fairfax Committee 100-Member Fairfax Branch, NAACP-Past member of three Fairfax County Public Schools

advisory committees-Scoutmaster

Website: votepurves.orgEmail address: [email protected] handle: agpurvesName three favorite endorsements: Del. Tim Hugo and Loudoun Supervisor

Eugene Delgaudio

QUESTIONS:1. What is one issue that defines your call to serve, why does it

matter, and how will you tackle it?Only 59% of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) seniors are prepared for college,

and the percent prepared varies from 75% for Langley High School to 20% for Leeand Mt. Vernon High Schools. In a quarter of a century FCPS has made no progress inclosing the minority student achievement gap: only 35% of Hispanic and 20% ofAfrican-American FCPS seniors are prepared for college. Even if you don’t go tocollege, being prepared for college makes you better qualified for a good job. Thesolution is better instruction in the basics; not more money. As county chairman Iwould hold the school board accountable for achievement when the school boardmakes its annual $2B budget request.

2. What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why shouldvoters choose you?

The incumbent chairman:For 16 years has raised real estate taxes three times faster than household income,

which is unaffordable, especially for seniors;Does not hold the schools accountable for achievement;Is indifferent to the disproportionate incarceration of Hispanics and African-

Americans in the county jail;Sat silent for 17 months while the police department refused to disclose the details

of the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer on August 29, 2013;Neglected maintenance of the now unsafe and unreliable Metrorail system to build

the Silver Line;Since 2000 cut staffing of libraries and parks by 112 positions while adding 145

clerks to handle public assistance applications, for a total of 354 public assistancepositions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job growth in Fairfax County was closeto last of the 342 largest U.S. counties last year. I will grow jobs by cutting taxes;using the chairman’s pulpit to advocate for higher achievement, including Hispanicand African-American achievement, through better curricula; being transparent; andmaking Metrorail repairs my highest transportation priority.

3. More than half of the county budget is devoted to the local schoolsystem. A significant budget gap looms for the next budget cycle, bothfor FCPS and Fairfax County. What are the top county priorities andhow will you assure funding and manage the budget? What ideas do youhave for increasing revenue? Name two areas/items you would cut orreduce.

For FY2017 the county and schools want to increase spending by $240M whilerevenues are projected to increase only $20M without a real estate tax hike. Thispredicament demonstrates the need for new leadership. Seventy percent of thespending increase is for raises (3.5% for county and 4% for school employees),Cadillac health plans, and pensions with retirement at 55. My opponent would raisereal estate taxes 9%, pushing the typical homeowner’s real estate tax from $5,700 to$6,200. She raised real estate taxes 8% last year. For 16 years the supervisors havebeen increasing taxes three times faster than household income. Since 2000, whileschool enrollment has increased 22%, the school budget increased 100%. County andschool spending for health and pension benefits increased $700M since 2000; that is$400M more than needed to keep up with inflation, population, and enrollment. For16 years the average annual raise for 30,000 county and school employees has been4%. To pay for these raises and benefits, the supervisors have been increasing realestate taxes three times faster than household income. The revenue from the tax hikeswas not enough to pay for the raises and benefits, so park and library staffing was cutand class sizes increased. And now teachers and police cannot afford the $6,000 realestate taxes that were increased to pay for their own raises and benefits. To makeFairfax County affordable again, we need to cut taxes by reducing benefits and givingsmaller raises, as is the case with private-sector employees.

4. How many hours a week of outside employment do you anticipatewhile serving on the Board of Supervisors?

I can retire and be a full-time chairman.

Candidates for Chairman of the Board of SupervisorsElection ‘15

The Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is the only at-large member of the nine-member board. Every resident is represented by the Chairman and their district supervisor. Question-naires are also available on our website, www.connectionnewspapers.com.


Jennifer Chronis (R)Town of residence: Great FallsAge: 48Family: Husband: Brian Dickson; Stepson:

Riley Dickson, Stepdaughter: Jordan PrincipeEducation: BS, Commerce, University of

VirginiaOffices held, dates: N/AOccupation and relevant experience:

Vice President, IBM; Lieutenant Colonel(Retired), US Army; Board of Directors,Armed Forces Communications & ElectronicsAssociation, Washington DC Chapter;Information Technology Fellow, AmericanCouncil for Technology-Industry AdvisoryCouncil

Community involvement: NorthernVirginia Literacy Council Volunteer Tutor

Website: JenniferChronis.comEmail address: [email protected] handle: @JenniferChronisName three favorite endorsements:

Congressman Frank Wolf, Congressman TomDavis, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock

QUESTIONS1. What is one issue that defines your

call to serve, why does it matter, andhow will you tackle it?

Public service is central to my life. I served myCountry and my community as a US Army officerfor 21 years. As Supervisor, I look forward tocontinuing my life of service. Our greatestchallenge in Fairfax County is the need forstronger fiscal management and prioritization ofour County’s resources. With property taxincreases of nearly 17% in the last three yearsalone, over $200M in projected 2017 deficits($100M in FCPS), and an economy that saw only.4% job growth in 2014, we face seriouschallenges to sustain our quality of life. OurBoard needs strong leaders with businessexperience who can make tough decisions abouthow to prioritize spending while also growingour economy. I have both the military leadershipand business experience to bring people togetherto address these challenges, and to hold theCounty and Board accountable for executing onactions and programs that deliver tangibleresults.

2. What distinguishes you from youropponent(s) and why should voterschoose you?

I am a military leader who knows how tomake tough decisions, put the needs of othersbefore my own, and get things done. I am also abusiness executive who understands theimportance of achieving financial targets anddelivering value for every tax dollar. I will bringa fresh perspective to the Board and a business-minded approach to solving our greatestchallenges and ensuring that we deliver measur-able results for taxpayers. Unlike my opponent, Iwould not have voted for tax increases amount-ing to 17% over the last three years while alsounderfunding our schools by $100 million. And Iwould not have voted to increase my own pay by

27%, when we arekeeping our teachers’salaries practically flat.This is not what Ilearned as leadershipin my military andbusiness career and Iwill make betterdecisions forDranesville residents.

3. More than halfof the county budget is devoted to thelocal school system. A significant budgetgap looms for the next budget cycle,both for FCPS and Fairfax County. Whatare the top county priorities and howwill you assure funding and manage thebudget? What ideas do you have forincreasing revenue? Name two areas/items you would cut or reduce.

My top priority is to ensure that our schoolsremain the best in the country. I will workclosely with the School Board to focus resourceson students and teachers first. We need toreduce administrative costs and invest more inour teachers, as many of our best teachers aredeparting Fairfax for neighboring school systemsthat offer higher salaries.

My second priority is to strengthen theCounty’s fiscal and economic health. The Boardhas continuously raised property taxes, tocompensate for weakness in our commercialproperty market. We must fill the 19 millionsquare feet of empty office space in the Countyto grow our commercial tax revenue and relievethe tax burden on homeowners. We must makethe County more business-friendly by streamlin-ing our permitting and regulatory processes andpartnering with our EDA to attract new indus-tries like cybersecurity, healthcare, and IT to theCounty.

Finally, I will apply commercial best practicesto county spending. We must consider imple-mentation of shared services for administrativefunctions like HR, IT, finance, accounting, andcontracting between the County and FCPS.Secondly, we must closely examine our pensionsystem for new employees to determine the mostfinancially viable system for the future. Weshould also consider eliminating duplicativefunctions; for example, Fairfax County is theonly county in Virginia to operate a ConsumerAffairs division, which largely replicates whatthe State Agency does. Responsibly managingthe County’s resources is a critical responsibilityfor our Board of Supervisors. Doing so moreeffectively requires fundamental changes to theway the County manages its budget. I wouldimplement outcome-based program reviewsevery two years for all county programs.

4.How many hours a week of outsideemployment do you anticipate whileserving on the Board of Supervisors?

I will be a full-time Supervisor. I will devoteall of my talents to the residents of Dranesville.

John Foust (D)IncumbentTown of residence: McLeanAge: 64Family: Married to Dr. Marilyn

Jerome Foust. We have two sons,Matthew and Patrick

Education: BA in Economics (Univ.of Pittsburgh); Master’s degree inBusiness Administration (W.Va. Collegeof Graduate Studies); Law degree(George Washington Univ.)

Offices held, dates: DranesvilleDistrict Supervisor, January 2008 to Present.

Occupation and relevant experience:Current: full-time County Supervisor. Prior: 30years in private law practice and 8 years asinvestment analyst with large public utility.

Community involvement: Current: CountySupervisor since 2008 working 60 to 80 hoursper week to represent my community. Prior:McLean Citizens Association (President); FairfaxCounty Environmental Quality Advisory Council(Legislative Committee Chair); Fairfax CountyMedical Care for Children Partnership AdvisoryCouncil (Advocacy Committee Chair); CubMaster of Cub Scout Pack 1134 (4 years);Chairman of the Change District of the BoyScouts of America (3 years); McLean PlanningCommittee (President); Member of two CitizenAdvisory Committees to the Fairfax CountySchool Board; Youth Soccer Coach; TimberlySouth Homeowners Association Board Member.

Website: www.foustforsupervisor.comEmail address: [email protected] handle: @johnfoustvaName three favorite endorsements:

Fairfax Education Association (“TeacherEndorsed”); Fairfax County Chamber ofCommerce’s NOVABIZPAC; Fairfax CountyProfessional Firefighters and Paramedics.

QUESTIONS:1. What is one issue that defines your


Our most important obligation is to provideour youth with a first class education. They willbe competing in a 21st Century knowledge-basedeconomy where the quality and extent of theireducation will be key to their success. Greatschools also matter because a great schoolsystem supports property values for all residentsand because good employers prefer to locatenear great schools. I have been endorsed by 10members of the School Board and the FairfaxEducation Association (“Teacher Endorsed”)because I am an effective advocate for ourschools and because I work cooperatively withboth the School Board and our teachers. Iincreased school funding by $240 million peryear since taking office. I will continue to fightfor adequate school funding, teacher pay raises,and I will continue to work with the SchoolBoard to help address the many challenges ourschools face.


I am the only candidate with an extensiverecord as a civic leader before my election to theBoard of Supervisors. I also have 8 very produc-tive years of experience on the Board, where Ihave demonstrated that I listen to my constitu-ents, provide leadership on the issues that affect

their lives, and deliver greatresults for them. I have atrack record of working tostrengthen, diversify andgrow our local economy;fund essential services in afiscally responsible manner;support our schools; and,deliver real transportationsolutions like Dulles Rail andRoute 7 widening. Thiselection should not be about

partisan agendas and political ambitions. Itshould be about who has the best record servingour community. Fairfax County and the FairfaxCounty Public Schools face serious challenges.We need proven leaders who listen to theirconstituents and deliver results for them. I haveproven that I am that leader.

3. More than half of the county budgetis devoted to the local school system. Asignificant budget gap looms for the nextbudget cycle, both for FCPS and FairfaxCounty. What are the top county priori-ties and how will you assure funding andmanage the budget? What ideas do youhave for increasing revenue? Name twoareas/items you would cut or reduce.

Budgets should reflect a community’s priori-ties. Education funding has been thecommunity’s, and our Board’s, number onefunding priority — 53% of the County’s budgetfunds our schools.

During my 8 years in office, I have handledthe significant fiscal challenges caused by aterrible recession as well as significant state andfederal budget cuts. As Chairman of the Board’sAudit Committee and Vice-chairman of theBoard’s Budget Committee, I have saved usmillions in spending and made government moreefficient and accountable to taxpayers. I kept thetax burden on homeowners affordable whileprotecting the County’s Triple A bond rating andensuring that critical programs and services, likeeducation and public safety, are funded.

I am Chairman of the Board’s EconomicAdvisory Commission. To increase Countyrevenues, I am working with the County’spartners in the business community, civicleaders, academia, non-profits and regionalpartners to implement the County’s strategicplan for economic success. As a Board, we arealso working to generate more revenue for theCounty by advocating for the County’s fair sharefrom the state.

Regarding possible cuts, since the recession in2008, the Board of Supervisors has cut manycosts and increased efficiencies in countygovernment. The School Board has done thesame for the schools. Going forward, our bestopportunities for significant additional costsavings will require both Boards workingtogether to consolidate support functions foundin both county and school departments. I havespecific proposals to consolidate and cut costs bysharing systems for Human Services, computeroperations and IT support, social work, mentalhealth services, building maintenance, capitalprojects and transportation services.

4. How many hours a week of outsideemployment do you anticipate whileserving on the Board of Supervisors?

None.

Election ‘15

Candidates for Dranesville District Supervisor

Election Day is Nov. 3, and on that day,virtually every state and local office is onthe ballot. In-person absentee voting is un-derway. Virginia Law allows voters to ab-sentee vote if they could be “working andcommuting for 11 or more hours between6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day.” You’reallowed to count your worst possible com-mute in estimating how many hours youmight be working and commuting on Elec-tion Day.

On Election Day, Nov. 3, polls are openfrom 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Each voter in Fairfax County can makechoices in one State Senate district, oneHouse of Delegates district, Clerk of theCourt, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff,Chairman of the Board of Supervisors,District member of the Board of Supervi-sors, three members of the School BoardAt Large, one District member of theSchool Board, Soil and Water Conserva-tion Board (vote for 3), School Bond for$310 million, Public Safety Bond for $151million. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/upcoming.htm

Election Day Nov. 3

Virginia law requires all voters to provide an acceptable form of photo identi-fication at the polls. Voters arriving to the polls without photo ID will be al-lowed to vote a provisional ballot and will have until noon on the Friday afterthe election to deliver a copy of identification to their locality’s electoral boardin order for their provisional ballot to be counted.

Virginia’s photo ID requirements also apply to absentee voters who vote in-person in all elections.

Voter Identification


Janie StraussIncumbentTown of residence: McLeanAge: 68Family: Mother of 4 FCPS graduates,

grandmother of 2 current FCPS stu-dents, mother-in-law of an FCPS teacher

Education: BA (GWU), Master ofArts in Teaching (Harvard)

Offices held, dates: School Boardmember At- Large, 1991-1993,Dranesville representative, 1996 topresent Occupation and relevantexperience: former elementary teacher, PTApresident, president of the FCCPTA, board chair,The Country Day School, board chair, TheCappies (a high school theater and journalismprogram)

Community involvement: McLean Projectfor the Arts, Healthy Families Fairfax

Website: www.janiestrauss.comEmail address: [email protected] handle:Name three favorite endorsements:

Democratic Party, Fairfax Education Association,Fairfax County Federations of Teachers 10



Our investment and oversight of our publicschools is critical to the future success of ourchildren our county, our state and indeed, ournation. With the challenges facing the nextgeneration — from global instability and anintegrated global economy to climate change andenergy sustainability — our children’s educationis more important than ever. We must keep ourhighly regarded public schools strong. We mustimprove teacher pay, reduce class size, closeachievement gaps, and emphasize high-levelthinking, literacy and communication skills. Wemust maintain our rigorous programs for ALLstudents in the STEM fields, the arts, humanitiesand athletics. While we must continuouslyevaluate programs shedding what is no longerneeded or effective, we must understand how toprepare our children for their future. Theirsuccess will come not from what they know butwhat they can do with what they know.


I have spent 40 years in the field of education.I understand teaching and learning, the use newresearch, budget prioritization, and the changesneeded to prepare our children for success in ahigh tech globalized world.

3. How will youaddress the growingeconomic divide incounty schools?

All schools regardless ofthe socio economic back-ground of the surroundingcommunity must have theneeded resources to sustainhigh standards, employexcellent teachers and offer

all students a rigorous well rounded, richcurriculum. We must also urge the Board ofSupervisors to avoid as much as possible,housing patterns that tend to over- concentratehigh poverty in certain regions.

4. How will you address the achieve-ment gap?

Our schools must provide the expectation andneeded resources for all children to succeed. Wemust continue weighted staffing formulas,provide targeted help to teachers, and insure allstudents are taught a rigorous well rounded richcurriculum. We must expand community-wideinitiatives such as Communities at Hope inHerndon and Opportunity Neighborhoods in Mt.Vernon and Reston and continue the county/schools coordination of social services thatprovides wrap around help for families.

5. More than half of the county budgetis devoted to the local school systemwith a significant budget gap looming,both for FCPS and Fairfax County. Whatsteps would you take to manage the gapand to fund the needs of the schoolsystem? What are the top priorities andwhat could be cut?

The priorities must be improving teachersalaries, lowering class size in non-Title 1schools and maintaining our rigorous wellrounded programs for all students. We mustwork collaboratively with the Board of Supervi-sors to understand total county needs, listencarefully to citizen input and continuously lookfor efficiencies and cost savings. I agree withSupervisor John Foust that school needs must beconsidered at the very beginning of budgetplanning rather than toward the end in March/April when adjustments are limited and difficult.

6. What value does FCPS add fortaxpayers who do not have children inthe schools?

Good schools sustain property values, attractbusinesses and jobs to the county which canincrease the percent of commercial real estateand decrease the county’s reliance on residentialreal estate for county revenues.

Pete KurzenhauserTown of residence: Great FallsAge: 58Family: Pete and his wife have lived in

Great Falls for 20+ years. Their childrenattend Langley HS.

Education: U.S. Naval Academy ’79 (mechanical engineering). US Naval AviationSchool, 1980-81. Numerous continuingengineering education and professionaleducation courses and seminars.

Offices held, dates: No previouselected offices

Occupation and relevant experience:Several decades of managing programs andworking with budgets in Dept. of Defense, USIntelligence Community, and corporations.

Community involvement: Youth sportscoach, Boy Scout Troop 673, Great Falls CitizensAssn., McLean Citizens Assn., Great FallsFreedom Memorial, FCPS parent volunteer,Haddad Youth Ballet, Great Falls Volunteer Fireand Rescue.

Website: http://kurzenhauserforschoolboard.nationbuilder.com

Email address:[email protected]

Twitter handle: NoneName three favorite endorsements:

Class Size Counts; Steve Stuban, chair of the taskforce to revise the FCPS Student Rights &Responsibilities; supported by CongresswomanBarbara Comstock and retired CongressmanFrank Wolf.



I decided to run for the school board because Ihave children in school and have seen trendsover the past 10 years that threaten the qualityof education delivered by FCPS. Those includevery large class sizes and excessive teacherturnover due to low pay and working conditions.I also was inspired by my AP Chemistry and APPhysics teacher at Fort Hunt High School, here inFairfax County, 40 years ago. Like ColonelJacoboski, I spent several decades serving ournation in the military and intelligence commu-nity. I now want to continue serving our republicin a different but equally important way — byensuring that our public schools continue toprepare students for not just college, but alsotheir adult lives and the responsibilities ofcitizenship.

2. What distinguishes you from youropponent(s) and why should voterschoose you? I will ensure that all students inthe Dranesville District get their fair andequitable share of FCPS resources. For over 20years, the incumbent has voted for budgets thatshort-change the bulk of the students in ourdistrict, despite being a member and chairman ofthe audit or budget committees for nearly allthat time. We have ended up with the largest

class sizes in the county.She started as an at-largeSchool Board member inthe 1990s, and she nevermade the transition torepresenting the peopleof this district. Incontrast, I have workedwith corporate andfederal agency financialand budget documentsfor decades, and I

understand that getting a fair allocation of thebudget requires fighting for it. I will have nodifficulty parsing FCPS financial reports andbudget documents quickly and asking incisivequestions. That’s what this district, and theSchool Board, needs.

3. How will you address the growingeconomic divide in county schools? Theeconomic differences across the county areoutside the control of FCPS. The county andstate must improve economic growth and makeFairfax more attractive to businesses. FCPS cancontribute by delivering well-educated and well-trained graduates to those businesses.

4. How will you address the achieve-ment gap? Despite decades of our best effortsand large expenses, gaps between low-SES andhigh-SES students stubbornly persist. Unfortu-nately, most critical factors that influenceachievement lie outside the school house.Schools will continue to engage parents as muchas possible and provide extra services to studentsin need, but wisdom indicates that fixing theroot causes of low achievement goes beyond thescope and charter of FCPS. These problems mustbe tackled by county and state polices andprograms.

5. More than half of the county budgetis devoted to the local school systemwith a significant budget gap looming,both for FCPS and Fairfax County. Whatsteps would you take to manage the gapand to fund the needs of the schoolsystem? What are the top priorities andwhat could be cut? This needs much moreresponse than the 500 word limit set for thisquestionnaire. However, we should first start byusing the $158M surplus cash in the operatingbudget carried forward from previous years. Thiscan fund several years of “budget gaps” beforewe need to take actual cuts in expenses, and willgive more time for economic recovery andbusiness growth, which are absolutely necessaryfor long term budget stability.

6. What value does FCPS add fortaxpayers who do not have children inthe schools? More than half the taxes collectedin the county go to FCPS. However, a reputationfor excellent schools significantly increasesproperty values. FCPS provides an increase invalue in return for those taxes.

School Board Candidates for Dranesville DistrictElection ‘15

Virginia law requires all voters to providean acceptable form of photo identificationat the polls. Voters arriving to the polls with-out photo ID will be allowed to vote a pro-visional ballot and will have until noon onthe Friday after the election to deliver a copyof identification to their locality’s electoralboard in order for their provisional ballotto be counted.

Virginia’s photo ID requirements also ap-ply to absentee voters who vote in-personin all elections.

Here are the “acceptable” forms of iden-tification: Valid Virginia Driver’s License orIdentification Card; Valid Virginia DMV is-sued Veteran’s ID card; Valid United States

Passport; Other government-issued photoidentification cards (must be issued by U.S.Government, the Commonwealth of Vir-ginia, or a political subdivision of the Com-monwealth; Valid college or university stu-dent photo identification card, must be froman institution of higher education locatedin Virginia; Employee identification cardcontaining a photograph of the voter andissued by an employer of the voter in theordinary course of the employer’s business;Virginia Voter Photo ID Card obtainedthrough any local general registrar’s office.“Valid” is defined as a genuine document,bearing the photograph of the voter, and isnot expired for more than 12 months.

Any registered voter may apply for a freeVirginia Voter Photo Identification from anygeneral registrar’s office in the Common-wealth. Voters applying for the VirginiaVoter Photo ID Card will have to completethe Virginia Voter Photo Identification CardApplication, have their picture taken, andsign the digital signature pad.

On Election Day, Nov. 3, polls are openfrom 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. You can check yourregistration status online by going towww.sbe.virginia.gov.

Each voter in Fairfax County can makechoices in one State Senate district, oneHouse of Delegates district, Clerk of theCourt, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Sheriff,

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Dis-trict member of the Board of Supervisors,three members of the School Board AtLarge, one District member of the SchoolBoard, Soil and Water Conservation Board(vote for 3), School Bond for $310 million,Public Safety Bond for $151 million.

For More Election InformationFairfax County Board of Elections,703-222-0776,http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/

upcoming.htm12000 Government Center Parkway,

Fairfax, Suite 232, Fairfax, 22035;email [email protected]

Voting Requirements and Information


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Admissions ProcessFrom Page 13

schools that are a good match.“Does the student do better in ahands-on environment or sitting atdesk and the teacher writes on ablackboard?” said Leigh AnnCahill of Independent School Op-tions, an educational consultingfirm in Alexandria. “We have somany wonderful schools in thearea.We come up with five to sevenschools that are the best fit for thefamily.”

AFTER HELPING families decidewhere to apply, education consult-ants sit down with families to re-view test scores, transcripts,teacher evaluations and other ap-plication requirements.

“It’s important to have an openand honest conversation with theparent,” said Cahill, a formerteacher.

She stressed that educationalconsultants cannot sway admis-sions decisions. Instead, “we lookat the areas of strength. Rarely doyou have a child who doesn’t haveany areas of strength.”

She stressed that low test scores

or blemishes on an academic tran-script don’t mean automatic rejec-tion by independent schools.“Maybe the art teacher or scienceteacher says really great thingsabout the child. We try to build arealistic profile of who the child isas a learner and where they havea spark. If you’re a great photog-rapher, let’s link up your websiteif you’ve been positing photo-graphs or bring your portfolio.”

The essays are sometimes a bitdaunting for parent and child, sheadded.

“What do we say here? What dothey mean when they ask thisquestion? We don’t write essays,but talk through ideas with par-ents and student and help themfigure out what the admissionsoffices are looking for.”

In the end, everyone’s goal is tofind the best matches for both thestudents and the schools. “It’ssomething that the parents don’thave any control over,” said Cahill.“One thing we really try hard towork with the parent is seeing thisas a learning adventure. … Theirchild will end up in a school some-where.”


See Calendar, Page 19

Halloween CalendarHalloween events in the areaTHURSDAY/OCT. 22Haunted Gingerbread Houses Workshop. 6:30-8 p.m. McLean

Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Tickets: $35-$45.Halloween Bunco Night Benefit. 7-9 p.m. The Vienna Art Center, 115

Pleasant Street NW, Vienna. Games, food and wine, and art works. Come incostume, if you like. Space is limited and a $20 donation reserves your seat.http://viennaartssociety.org/events-exhibitions/.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 24-NOV. 1Reston Zoo’s Zooboo. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reston Zoo, 1228 Hunter Mill Road,

Vienna. Designed for a younger audience, Zoo Boo offers four days of scare-free fun. Join the safe zoo neighborhood of Halloween entertainment, withkid-friendly fun around every corner.

SUNDAY/OCT. 25Trunk or Treat. 11 a.m. Great Falls United Methodist Church, 10100

Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Community event. Children 5th grade andunder. Free. [email protected].

WEDNESDAY/OCT. 2869th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade. 7 p.m. Maple Avenue, Vienna.

With the theme of “Celebrating 125 Years of the Town of Vienna” come incostume to celebrate Halloween. Visit www.viennava.gov.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 30-31Water Pumpkin Patch. Friday, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tysons

YWCA, 8101 Wolftrap Road, Vienna. Come ready to have fun, swim in thepool with the pumpkins and pick one to go. $6 per person, $20 per [email protected].

Send announcements [email protected] is Friday for the followingweek’s paper. Photos/artwork encour-aged.

ONGOING WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAYWeekly Storytime. 11 a.m. Barnes &

Noble, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center,McLean. Themes and Titles vary.Free admission.

ONGOINGThe 53rd Annual James A. Bland

Contest. Through Monday, Feb. 15.Vienna Assembly of God Church, 100Ayr Hill Avenue, Vienna. Sponsoredby the Vienna Host Lions Club, thecontest will include school age(elementary and high school)vocalists and instrumentalists whowill each present a song or piece ofno more than eight minutes and willbe judged by local experts in theirfield. Cash prizes will be awarded to1st and 2nd place winners in eachcategory. Contest will be onSaturday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m.Information and an application canbe obtained by contacting Lion SusanStiles at [email protected] or703-938-1142. The deadline forapplications is Monday, Feb. 15.

ONGOINGTwo Simultaneous One Man

Shows. Through Saturday, Nov. 14.10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Frame Factory,212 Dominion Road NE, Vienna.Figurative artists David Cochran’sand Joseph Sheppard Rogers’ workwill be on display.

THURSDAY/OCT. 22Haunted Gingerbread Houses

Workshop. 6:30-8 p.m. McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 InglesideAvenue, McLean. Tickets: $35-$45.

Halloween Bunco Night Benefit. 7-9 p.m. The Vienna Art Center, 115Pleasant Street NW, Vienna. Games,food and wine, and art works. Comein costume, if you like. Space islimited and a $20 donation reservesyour seat. http://viennaartssociety.org/events-exhibitions/.

Classic Books Discussion Group. 1p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101Maple Avenue East, Vienna. Joinwriter/scholar Amanda Holmes Duffyfor a discussion of The Legend ofSleepy Hollow by Washington Irving.Adults and teens.

Alka Dhillon. 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble,7851 L Tysons Corner Center,McLean. Local Businesswoman andauthor Alka Dhillon will sign copiesof her book The Om Factor: AWoman’s Spiritual Guide toLeadership. Free admission.

FRIDAY/OCT. 23Playdate Cafe. 10 a.m. Great Falls

Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Toys and playspace forchildren. Coffee and conversation forgrownups. Ages birth-5.

McLean Art Society Meeting. 10a.m.-noon. McLean CommunityCenter, 1234 Ingleside Ave. JanPonder, landscape artist will give ademonstration of the use ofencaustics, a burn in technique withhot wax. 703-790-0123.

SATURDAY/OCT. 24Great Falls Farmers Market, 9 a.m.

- 1 p.m. Great Falls Village Centre.778 Walker Road. Great Falls.www.greatfallsfarmersmarket.org

Roald Dahl Double Feature. 2 & 7p.m. Marshall High School, 7731Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. GeorgeC. Marshall’s drama department willopen the 2015-2016 Season with aRoald Dahl Double Feature including“The Twits” and “Danny, theChampion of the World.” Tickets $5-$15. http://statesmentheatre.org.703-714-5400.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 24-25Autumn Harvest Show. 10 a.m. - 4

p.m. Colvin Run Mill, 10017 ColvinRun Road, Great Falls. In time for thefestivities ahead, potters offertabletop items fit to grace aThanksgiving table or haunt aHalloween spread. Credit card, cash,checks accepted.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 24-NOV. 1Reston Zoo’s Zooboo. 10 a.m. - 4

p.m. Reston Zoo, 1228 Hunter MillRoad, Vienna. Designed for a

younger audience, Zoo Boo offersfour days of scare-free fun. Join theirsafe zoo neighborhood of Halloweenentertainment, with kid-friendly funaround every corner.

SATURDAY/OCT. 24D.C.’s Dancy Stars Gala. 6 p.m.-12

a.m. Hyatt Regency, Tyson’s Corner,7901 Tysons One Place Tysons. The2nd annual charity ballroom dancingcompetition launched by Fred AstaireDance Studio-Fairfax’s owners and

Calendar

Ellis Paul comes to Jammin Java in Vienna Friday, Oct.30, as part of his Chasing Beauty Tour. His songs havebeen featured in Hollywood films and television shows.

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA450 ORCHARD STREET, NW

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Visit These Houses of Worship

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

Sunday School: preschool - grade 2Music: grades 3 - 7

10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 6Music 4 years to 2nd grade

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service

The Rev. James Papile, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran

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Great Falls residentAlexis TaylorWatkinson finished

as a top 13 finalist in the com-petition for Miss Virginia TeenUSA 2016, and took home theChampion For a Cause Awardby raising the most money insupport of her favorite cause,the National Multiple SclerosisSociety. Each of the Miss andTeen candidates were requiredto pitch their donation andcause to a room of participantswho then bid on the items con-tributed.

Alexis is the daughter of Troyand Diane Watkinson. Heryounger sister, AshleighWatkinson, also competed asan Inspiring Princess in thesame pageant system.

Alexis attends The PotomacSchool, where she works tokeep good grades, plays theflute/piccolo in the schoolband, and played on the eighthgrade squash team. Alexis alsoenjoys competitive dancingwith Studio Bleu. Alexis’ spon-sors and supporters include herparents and Pine Island Prop-

erties. Alexis also trained to ridethis year in the MS150 City toShore Bike Tour, along with hermother and her younger brother,

Austin, where the riders bike 75miles each day for two days to cre-ate a world without MS.

The Miss Virginia USA and Miss

Virginia Teen USA 2016 are thestate pageants to the nationallybroadcast Miss USA and na-tional Miss Teen USA.

Great Falls Resident Competes in Miss Virginia Teen USA

Alexis Taylor Watkinson of Great Falls inMiss Virginia Teen USA 2016 finals modelsher evening gown.

Alexis Taylor Watkinson receiving theChampion For a Cause Award.

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From Page 18

Calendar

gala co-chairs, Jim David and MariaCoakley David will bring togethersome of D.C.’s hottest celebritynames and notable regional dancersto compete for the 2015 DC MirrorBall Championship trophy and$10,000 for the charity of theirchoice. Chelsie Hightower from ABC’s“Dancing with the Stars,” LamontEaster from “House of Cards” andShane Lewis from “Naked andAfraid,” will be some of the celebrityjudges who will crown the winningcouple. Dress black tie.www.dcsdancingstarsgala.com.

Candlelight Tour of HistoricCemetery. 6 p.m. Tour starts at 7p.m. Church of the Brethren, 10025Courthouse Road, Oakton. Localhistorian Jim Lewis will discuss thehistory of the cemetery, which datesto the Civil War, and will detail thelives of some of those interred there.Cemetery is located at 2845 ChainBridge Road, Vienna. Donation of$10. www.flinthillcemetery.org.

Biscuit. 2 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 7851 LTysons Corner Center, McLean.Biscuit comes to Barnes & Noble atTysons Corner! Join for a specialstorytime and a chance to meet thisbeloved classic character. Freeadmission.

SUNDAY/OCT. 25Stand-up Comedy. 3 p.m. Oakton

High School, 2900 Sutton Road,Vienna. An afternoon of side-splittingstand-up comedy with world-classperformer, Mack Dryden. For ticketsvisit http://scov.org/fundraiser orcall SCOV 703-281-0538 - $25 inadvance; $30 at the door.

Concerts at the Alden. 3 p.m.McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Free.

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Sports

Great Falls CourageBlue Team WinsVirginia BeachTournament

The undefeated Great Falls Courage Blue soccer team keeps thestreak alive by winning the Vir-

ginia Beach FC U12 girls tournamentover Columbus Day weekend. The girlswent 3-0 in bracket play, outscoring theiropponents by 11 goals.They defeated Central Virginia Unitedfrom Lynchburg, Va., in the champion-ship game (2-1). The team is coachedby Rado Pletka and assisted by CourtneyKim.

From left, front row: CaitlynShumadine, Avery Perez,Gianna Russo, MayaKanaan, ElizabethRothenberger, AllieWakeman, Olivia Walke,Isabelle Brittin. Back row:Zoe Malekzadeh, AlexaGianoplus, Casey Kerrigan,Lynley Birchard, TheresaRyan, Lexie Perez, CoachCourtney Kim. (Not picturedCoach Rado Pletka)

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The McLean volleyball team hadits five-match win streaksnapped on Oct. 19, losing toSouth Lakes 3-0 (25-20, 25-23,

25-23) in Reston.The Highlanders won 11 of their last 12,

but Monday’s loss dropped their record to18-5 overall and 3-1 in Conference 6.

Sophomore outside hitter MadisonMcArthur led McLean with 12 kills. Seniormiddle blocker Karen Shedlock had threekills, and sophomore outside hitter Leona

McLean Volleyball Falls to South LakesNg and senior middle blocker JosephineOakley each had two.

The Highlanders will return to actionWednesday, Oct. 21 when McLean hostsdefending state runner-up Madison at 7:15p.m.

McLean sophomore outside hitter Madison McArthurhad 12 kills against South Lakes on Oct. 19.

Senior setter Autumn Brenner and the McLean volley-ball team are off to a 3-1 start in Conference 6 play.

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Langley FieldHockey EarnsRegional Berth

The Langley field hockey team beatSouth Lakes 4-0 on Monday in theopening round of the Conference 6tournament, earning a regional tour-nament berth. The Saxons will com-pete in the conference semifinals onWednesday, Oct. 21.

McLean FieldHockey BeatsYorktown

The McLean field hockey team se-cured a regional tournament berthwith a 5-2 win over Yorktown on Mon-day in the opening round of the Con-ference 6 tournament. The Highland-ers will compete in the conferencesemifinals on Wednesday.

Herndon FieldHockey Falls toWestfield

The Westfield and Herndon fieldhockey teams entertained those in at-tendance Friday night for a makeupgame originally scheduled for Oct. 2.Westfield was clad with white jerseysand pink writing as part of CancerAwareness Night. Mackenzie Karl’sgoal in the second half provided theonly goal of the game and Westfieldheld on to win 1-0 against visitingHerndon. Westfield improved to 14-2and Herndon fell to 12-4. The Con-ference 5 tournament started Tuesday,after The Connection’s deadline. TheVHSL State Finals will be held in Vir-ginia Beach at the National TrainingCenter, Nov. 13-14.

— Will Palenscar

Sports Roundups



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By KENNETH B. LOURIE

I’m Fine UntilI’m Not

I title this column within the context ofyours truly waiting for the results from my mostrecent diagnostic scan, a PET Scan in fact, ascan which offers more detail and clarity thanthe usual and customary CT Scan – withoutcontrast (for those of you in the diagnosticloop) – that I have scheduled every threemonths going on nearly seven years now. I’mnot stressing about it particularly, even thougha post-scan (Wednesday appointment)/pre-weekend e-mail notification providing theresults (especially the good kind) might havede-bumped the weekend road, but we’vebeen down this dusty trail before so we (TeamLourie) will manage. Ergo the title.

My philosophy with respect to life in gen-eral and being a cancer patient in specific hasbeen: “It’s nothing until it’s something.” And ifa follow-up explanation has been required, I’veusually added something like: “It will be badenough when it’s actually bad, so I don’t seethe need to make it bad when so far as weknow, it might be good.” (Sounds like a mne-monic device trying to explain the differencebetween its and it’s.) And continuing to berelatively/comparatively (speaking of grammati-cal/word usage; both apply here, I think)asymptomatic has certainly been a good/make-that-great thing; nevertheless, I can’t help butremember that my original emergency roomvisit on January 1st, 2009 was precipitated bypain in my rib cage which had migrated fromright to left and the associated shortness ofbreath. Three days later however, after beingprescribed six pills to be taken over three days– for a possible pneumonia, my symptoms dis-appeared and remained so until I began che-motherapy a week after my diagnosis was con-firmed on February 27th by my new bestfriend, my oncologist. That’s when the funreally began: side effects of chemotherapy. Butthat’s a whole ’nother series of stories, past andpresumably future.

And since there’s no guaranteeing one’sfuture, all I can do, especially as a non-smallcell lung cancer patient originally characterizedas “terminal,” with late/the latest stage – stageIV – is to minimize the complications I cancontrol: diet, exercise, nutrition and stress, andaccept the ones I can’t. Stress is our four-letterword and maybe even a killer, too. And itserves no real purpose other than to createpain and suffering, when the complete oppo-site is what’s needed and much preferred.Fortunately, my personality enables me to livelife – emotionally – as if I’m not living on theprecipice and about to be robbed of a reasona-bly normal senior circuit, given the fact thatboth my parents lived beyond their mid-eight-ies. (My limited knowledge and presumption ofsuch lineage-related subjects was that as theson, I would likely have the same or better lifeexpectancy.) Being told instead, at age 54 anda half, that I had “13 months to two years tolive” was disappointing to say the least anddownright dehumanizing to say the most.

It certainly becomes a not-merry-go-roundexistence on your date of diagnosis/prognosisand for the seconds, minutes, hours, days,weeks, months and even years ahead (if you’relucky?); but eventually one, at least this one,finds a level on which one can live, love andlaugh and not be constantly overwhelmed byless-than-ideal medical circumstances. Am Ipretending? Am I presuming? Am I hoping andpraying? Am I fighting back my internaldemons? Am I compartmentalizing? Yes! Yes!Yes! Yes! and Yes! Every chance I get. But as thedoctor treating Capt. Augustus McRae in MilesCity, near the end of part three of “LonesomeDove” advised Gus to let the doctor amputatehis remaining leg, Gus replied: “Sawbones, youcan’t have that other leg. Now how would Ikick a pig?” To which the doctor responded: “Iassure, sir, the alternative is gloomy.”

Well, I don’t want to be a gloomy Gus –which Augustus wasn’t, any more that I want tobe a dismal Jimmy, which I rarely am.However, this cancer diagnosis presents allsorts of challenges – some I can overcome,some I can’t. Most of all though, I’m trying tostay in the present, and deal with my futureone day/result at a time.

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noonE-mail ad with zone choices to:

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ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/

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Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria

Gazette PacketThe Mount Vernon Gazette

Zone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/OaktonConnection

The McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

EmploymentEmployment

Café Supervisor (FT)Barnes & Noble College creates welcoming, in-store

cafes, serving high-quality coffee, beverages and

food, where students can meet, relax, read and study.

As a Supervisor, you will have oversight responsibility

for Baristas within the café and ensure all daily

operations are consistent with Barnes and Noble

College Café culture, superior customer-service, food

safety and cleanliness standards.

Flexibility in scheduling is necessary.

Salary Commensurate w/ Exp.

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PEDIATRIC RN/LPNOur busy happy stimulating pediatric practice in Alexandria and Fairfax has

an opening for a PT position with some travel between offices. Ideal for nurses

returning to the workforce. Competitive salary with benefits. Orientation provid-

ed. Fax resume to 703-914-5494 or email to [email protected].

PROGRAM MANAGERThirty year old Education Foundation

representing $29.4 billion/yr. paper/packaging industry seeks

experienced project mngr. to manage and execute programs, e-newsletter,

meetings/events and contact business, engineering, and technical students on

industry career opportunities upon graduation. Strong writing/communica-tion skills. Reports directly to president.

Self starter experienced in either program mgmt., meeting mgmt., assn/corp mgmt., publications or education. Telecommute

/flex full time 40/hrs. week. Great commute reduction opportunity for

Mclean, Great Falls, Tysons, Reston area resident. Salary $65,000- $72,000/ year, depending on experience, plus benefits.

Send brief letter & resume to [email protected] and visit

www.careersincorrugated.org for more.

Sr. Programmer (McLean, VA) Dvlp & maintain in-house dvlpd comp

applics & prgms for email mktg web applic. Monitor in-house servers. Opti-

mize complex dbase queries & stored pro-cedures involving billion+ rows of data.

Prgm & modify existing s/ware to correct complex errors. Works as 1 of 2 sole

gatekeeper authorized to analyze s/ware, perform security checks, & publish new

versions of s/ware to live severs. Fix complex browser rltd issues via prgm

code. Research & ensure our s/ware GUI functions w/latest & upcoming beta

browser updates. Ensure browser updates are compatible w/Sencha ExtJS 4.2.1

Research & update complex source code to ExtJS 4.2.1 to fix bugs in (Sencha)

product. Monitor security & vulnerability prgmg issues. A/B split sending back-end, functionality, GUI, process & monitoring. Create, update & monitor A/B split send-ing process. Utilize knowl of Java, Java-script, extJS, MySQL, ColdFusion. Req: Bachelor's deg in Comp Sci or Info Tech.

Working knowl of Java, Javascript, extJS, MySQL, ColdFusion. Resume to:

Critical Impact Software, Inc., Attn: Dave King, CEO, 7921 Jones Branch Dr,

Ste 230, McLean, VA 22102


www.GreatFallsGreatHomes.com

Jan & Dan LaythamDianne Van Volkenburg

Office: 703-757-3222Susan Canis

Associate Realtor 9841 Georgetown Pike • Great Falls VA 22066Sally MarvinAssociate Realtor

Great Falls $2,599,000

Great Falls $795,000

5 ACRE LO

TMcLean $2,199,500

IMMEDIA

TE

DELIVERY


Vienna $1,299,000







Great Falls $1,795,000Great Falls $1,475,000

Broadlands $1,050,000 Great Falls $1,325,000

Documents

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