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Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 9-15, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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August 9-15, 2017 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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HerndonOak HillHerndonOak Hill

Giving Crime‘a Go-Away Party’

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Giving Crime‘a Go-Away Party’

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‘American Teacher’From Herndon HighNews, Page 8

Sharing #HCTVLoveOf HerndonNews, Page 2

‘American Teacher’From Herndon HighNews, Page 8

Sharing #HCTVLoveOf HerndonNews, Page 2

HomeLifeStylePage 5

HomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStylePage 5

Two little police “wanna-bes”came dressed ready to jointhe ranks of Herndon PoliceDepartment and toldHerndon Chief of PoliceMaggie DeBoard so at the34th Annual National NightOut held Tuesday, Aug. 1 inthe Town of Herndon.

2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ August 9-15, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

Although Herndon Com-munity Television(HCTV) has activelyengaged in social media

for quite some time, after a yearof planning, they are ready to har-ness even greater potential by con-necting people, photos and infor-mation with their organizationthrough their new outreach cam-paign named, “Share Your#HCTVLove of Herndon.” The so-cial media campaign is user-friendly and photo-centric.

According to Marsha Kerman,Programming Director at HerndonCommunity Television, the non-profit organization launched thecampaign during the Friday NightLive! Concert series in July. Post-ers displayed in local businessesthroughout Herndon explain thecampaign and are used to spreadthe word. Kerman said the objec-tive is straightforward. Partici-pants post photos with the hashtag#HCTVLove of their favoriteHerndon spots, themselves, orloved ones on their social mediaaccounts- Facebook and Twitter.HCTV will share what is happen-ing in the community by incorpo-rating recent posts into their tele-vised “Bulletin Board” which runsbetween scheduled programs.

As a creative fun incentive andto reinforce the L-O-V-E theme,

HCTV distributed 400 photo framemagnets with a cutout heart shapein it. Participants are encouragedto incorporate the magnet in theirimages Kerman said, but it is notnecessary to do so.

Herndon Community Televisionis a non-profit 501(c)(3) corpora-tion that serves as the only publicaccess station for the Town ofHerndon. HCTV broadcasts morethan 17 hours of daily non-com-mercial television programmingconsisting of a diverse line-up oforiginal hyperlocal content pairedwith informative and entertainingprograms from across the world.In addition to producing recurringseries and covering local events,Herndon Community Televisionprovides the civic function of livebroadcasts for Town of HerndonPublic Hearings. Viewers in theTown of Herndon, Fairfax County,and parts of Loudon County canenjoy HCTV on Verizon FiOSChannel 28 and Cox Communica-tion Channel 23. HCTV can bewatched worldwide from a livestream via their website.

Herndon Community Televisionis primarily run by volunteers andis always looking for new membersof the community to help growtheir station and their programs. In-dividuals interested in obtainingmore information or volunteeringcan contact HCTV’s Executive Di-rector, Nancy Rose, [email protected] or 703-689-2323.

Herndon Community Televisionis set to launch social mediaoutreach campaign.

News

Sharing #HCTVLoveOf Herndon

Sophia Skiavo, 15, ofChantilly volunteers atHerndon Community Televi-sion. She tested one ofHCTV’s photo magnets toframe an image of her mom,Amy Skiavo, and the iconicHerndon Depot. The photoframe magnet is part ofHCTV’s new Social Mediaoutreach campaign, “ShareYour #HCTVLove of Herndon.

Photo Courtesy of David Skiavo

Herndon Community Television will distribute 400photo frame magnets with a cutout heart shape in it asa creative fun incentive to reinforce the L-O-V-E themeof their new photo-centric Social Media Outreach Cam-paign, “Share Your #HCTVLove of Herndon.”

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NewsHerndon Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

Nine-year Tony Rivas and hisfriends could hardly wait. Itwas 6:30 in the evening,Aug. 1 at Dulles Glen Apart-

ments in the Town of Herndon. The boysstood in the common area of the apart-ment building, watching the neighbor-hood cookout in full swing — burgersgrilling over the hot coals, smoke swirl-ing upwards, and so much food laid outon the tables. People stood around laugh-ing and talking, children ran to the play-ground. Rivas paused and listened. Werethose the sirens? Were they getting closer?“They’re here,” someone called.

Rivas and the others at the Dulles Greenpicnic were part of 38 million neighbors,across 16 thousand U.S. communities fromall fifty states, as well as U.S. territories,Canadian cities, and military bases world-wide, who, on the first Tuesday in August,took part in National Night Out (NNO).National Association of Town Watch intro-duced the campaign in 1984. According tothe NNO website, the first annual NationalNight Out “…involved 2.5 million neighborsacross 400 communities in 23 states. How-ever, the event soon grew to a celebrationbeyond just front porch vigils.”

The tagline for NNO is “Together, we aremaking communities safer, more caringplaces to live.” The campaign promotespolice-community partnerships and neigh-borhood camaraderie and enhances the re-lationship between neighbors and law en-forcement bringing back a true sense ofcommunity.

During NNO, registered neighborhoodshost block parties, festivals, cookouts, andvarious other community events, invitinglaw enforcement to attend. Communitieswishing to participate must have registeredwith NATW before the event. NNO reportsthe campaign provides an excellent oppor-tunity to bring police and neighbors to-gether under positive circumstances.Herndon Town Manager, Bill Ashton con-curred. “I think National Night Out helpsbring the community and the police to-gether,” Ashton said. “It’s also incrediblyimportant to police morale. They love it.We love it.”

THROUGHOUT THE TOWN OFHERNDON, 15 communities of neighbors,friends, and families turned on their outdoorlights, and spent the evening outside, giv-ing crime “a go-away party.” Each neighbor-hood hosted their event of fun and fellow-ship, providing a personalized opportunitythat brought them and their guests in lawenforcement together in a casual setting.

Herndon Police Lt. Steve Thompson wasone of the many officers who attended theretirement community’s Hawaiian luau,sans Kalua Pork. As the officers mingledwith the senior citizens and other guests,enjoying the food and camaraderie, Thomp-son was asked his perspective on the cam-paign. Thompson looked around at the se-niors gathered in the courtyard. “NationalNight Out is important, not only for mak-ing new friendships but reaffirming thosewe have.”

Leaving Herndon Harbor House, twomotorcades visited 14 more neighborhoodsthroughout the town. With sirens wailingand lights flashing, the officers caravannedsite to site following a timed schedule. Capt.Brad Anzergraber of the Herndon PoliceDepartment was one of the officers whotook part in National Night Out. He and

fellow officers visited the Dulles Glen Apart-ments cookout, mingling and enjoying con-versations with children and adults.Anzergraber spoke about the opportunityand its unique setting. “This is importantfor community relations. Everybody gets toknow each other in a stress-free environ-ment.”

Still, it is not just words but actions thatare needed to build police-community re-lationships. In the casual settings, officerschatted one on one with individuals, listen-ing to their words and sharing how to pre-vent crime and be proactive partners. Per-haps, the officers did more than sharewords, through their actions the officersshowed they cared.

AT THE DULLES GREEN COOKOUT,Tony Rivas, 9, Olbin Abrego, 9, and David

Aguirie, 6, edged up to Herndon Police Of-ficer Henry Ruffin. One by one, the boyspointed to different pieces of equipment onRuffin’s police vest and asked its purpose:baton, taser, bullet pouch, handcuffs, andbody camera. Ruffin bent over a little. Jug-gling his plate in one hand, he showed eachitem to the boys, telling them its name andpurpose. The children were especially in-trigued with handcuffs and body camera.“Everything we’re saying and doing now isbeing recorded,” Ruffin said. Finally, Ruffinput his hand in his last pocket. In it was acase of business cards. “I want one; I wantone,” each boy yelled. Then pocketing them,they ran off.

Rivas went to his mom. When she askedwhy he took it, Rivas said, “Some day, Imight need his business card.” Rivas’ mom,Maricella Mendez raised her eyebrows. Helooked straight at her. “No crimes. It goeson your record, and you don’t get good jobopportunities.” Then Rivas was quiet for along moment. He closed his eyes, breathedin, and held his breath. “I wanted to talk toa cop so bad,” he said exhaling. “I once gotto say hi, but that was all.”

Herndon Town Councilmember SigneFriedrichs, as well as the other towncouncilmembers, attended National NightOut that ended shortly after 9 p.m.Friedrichs took the opportunity to sharepraise for the national campaign as well aspraise for the town’s local law enforcement.“National Night Out is a great way for com-munities and local police officers to inter-act when no one is under stress. It is a greatway to build your neighborhood’s positiverelationship with our police, which makeseveryone’s life easier. I love how theHerndon Police Department is focused oncommunity policing, building those rela-tionships so that when something bad hap-pens, they understand what is going onbefore they go in. And it’s fun!”

Giving Crime ‘a Go-Away Party’Fifteen Herndon neighborhoods invitelocal law enforcement officers to theircommunity cookouts and festivities.

Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

Tia Tuffour, 6, of Reston, andHerndon Police Lt. Steve Thomp-son got to know each other a littlebetter at the Herndon HarborHouse National Night Out duringtheir luau block party.


Joshua Fuendes, 12, of Sterling,gives a high five to U.S. Customsand Border Protection WatchCommander Diaz at one of theTuesday, Aug. 1 National Night Outcampaigns held in the Town ofHerndon. The setting provided anopportunity to bring law enforce-ment and neighbors togetherunder positive circumstances.


Olbin Abrego, 9, of Herndon, wanted to see if he could slide his wrist outof Herndon Police Officer Henry Ruffins’ handcuffs. David Aguirie, 6, ofHerndon, and Tony Riva, 9, of Sterling, look on as Abrego wiggles hishand out of the handcuff breaking free.

As in years past, officers from theHerndon Police Department (HPD), U.S.Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), andHPD’s Volunteer Support Team began Na-tional Night Out by visiting Harbor House,a retirement community for active adultslocated in Herndon’s Historic DowntownDistrict. Kay Wells is a new resident atHerndon Harbor House; she recently movedthere from Alexandria. “This is my firstNational Night Out,” Wells said. “I’m thrilledwith the police coming here. I’m a MarineCorp Veteran. We’ve got to come togetherand accept all of us.”


By Gerry Connolly

U.S. Representative (D-11)

White House Advi-sor StephenMiller took

pains last week to point outthat Emma Lazarus’ sonnet,“The New Colossus,” wasnot affixed to the Statue ofLiberty when she was un-veiled in 1886. He, of course, wasright in fact but wrong in spirit.

The famed “Give me your tired,your poor, your huddled masses”lines were added 20 years later,but have come to represent theAmerican ideal that we are a na-tion of immigrants, enthusiasti-cally welcoming those from anybackground who want to comehere, work hard, and play by therules. Here in Fairfax County, wenot only embrace that ideal, werecognize it as the lifeblood of ourastounding economic successstory.

President Trump and the sena-tors pushing the RAISE Act, a billto severely restrict legal immigra-tion into the United States, would

have you believe adramatic increasein immigrantsleads to economicdecline and lowerwages, not to men-tion higher crimerates and a host ofother social ills. Ifanyone from theWhite House made

the 15-mile trip to Fairfax County,they would learn the opposite istrue.

In 1970 less than 4 percent ofFairfax’s population was foreignborn. Today that number is 30.7percent, more than double the ratein the country at large. But thatdramatic increase in immigrationdid not lead to the kind of dysto-pia the President envisions. In-stead, since 1970, Fairfax Countyhas become an economic colossusthat drives our state’s economyand is envied across the globe.Household income is among thehighest in the nation, crime ratesremain at historic lows, and ourcommunity hums with the kind ofeconomic dynamism that drives

innovation and long-term produc-tivity growth.

How did we get here? Undoubt-edly we’ve capitalized on our prox-imity to, and our partnership with,the federal government. But thefacts are quite clear that the dra-matic increase in foreign-born im-migration has accelerated our eco-nomic success. Immigrants inFairfax are primarily working age,more likely to start a business, lesslikely to commit crimes, and con-tribute to economic growth in bothhigh-skilled and low-skilled fields,creating technology firms worthbillions and caring for the elderlyas home care workers. Immigrantshave revitalized many of our older

neighborhoods, adding $7,383 tothe value of each and every homein our county, according to thePartnership for a New AmericanEconomy. The results speak forthemselves. Foreign-born immi-grants have fueled our success.

But Fairfax is not alone. Smalltowns, rural communities, andlarge cities across the countryhave capitalized on the economicvitality and opportunities createdwhen immigrants show up andget to work. Welcoming “thehomeless, the tempest-tost” is themoral thing to do, but right herein President Trump’s own back-yard we’ve proven that’s it thesmart thing to do.

“Lifeblood of our astoundingeconomic success story.”

Local Impact of Immigration

Opinion

Last year, when I wrote an editorialsimilar to this one, there was somecontroversy about it inside the Connection. But many community orga-

nizations, civic organizations, businesses andelected officials responded positively, and itmade a difference.

I have a special favor to ask, once again:Buy an ad in our Newcomers and Commu-

nity Guide.To put on my publisher’s hat (not my

editor’s hat) for a minute, if you havea marketing budget, and you value cov-erage of local newspapers (not justours), why wouldn’t you spend a portion ofthat budget (any portion) supporting that plat-form?

Show your support for our organizationwhich continues to be here to support theforces of good in our communities.

Our annual Newcomers and CommunityGuide is a pullout section that will appear inthe the Aug. 23, 2017 edition of all 15 Con-nection Newspapers, published by Local Me-

dia Connection. Deadline is Aug. 16.We are creating a quality special issue, and

we need your help. Whether you invest in asmall ad in a single paper (super affordable),or a full page in all 15 of our papers (supervalue), we appreciate your help this month.

For the same reasons that organizations,businesses and campaigns know they want lo-cal newspaper coverage, newspaper advertis-ing is an effective way to reach voters, resi-dents, clients. The Connection reaches morethan 200,000 readers, in print and online, in-cluding remarkable demographics. Our read-ers include local and national decision makersin the public and private sector.

According to an independent study cited bythe National Newspaper Association: 86 per-

cent of voters who cast ballots in theelection four years ago read newspa-pers in print or online; 79 percent ofvoters ages 18 to 34 read newspapers

in print or online; 91 percent of voters whocontribute to campaigns read newspapers inprint or online.

The deadline for the Newcomers and Com-munity Guide is Aug. 16. Digital enhancementsand support are available. For more informa-tion, email [email protected] call 703-778-9431.

See www.connectionnewspapers.com/ad-vertising

Share Tipsabout Community

We need help from our readers with ideasfor our annual Newcomers and CommunityGuide.

We’re hoping to share special places, activi-ties, events, organizations and volunteer op-portunities. What should someone new to yourneighborhood know about? Events that shouldnot be missed? Organizations that do a greatjob? Places to volunteer? A great place to seethe sunset? We’d love to have your photos togo along with your suggestions.

We will publish a selection of local tips alongwith a plethora of information useful to new-comers and long-time residents alike, includ-ing our award-winning Guide to the Parks, in-formation on how to vote and more.

See last year’s community guides by goingto www.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/and scrolling down to Newcomers.

Email tips and photos [email protected] or sendas a letter to the editor via the website at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/ by Wednesday, Aug. 17.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Buy an ad in our annualNewcomers andCommunity Guide.

An Open Letter to Readers and More

Editorial

The American Red Cross urges blooddonors to give in the final weeks of sum-mer to help overcome a chronic summerblood shortage.

In August, regular donors may delaygiving as final summer vacations areplanned and back-to-school activitiesramp up. To fully meet the needs of hos-pital patients in the coming days andweeks, donations are urgently neededfrom new and current donors. Those whodonated blood earlier this summer maybe eligible to donate again. Blood can besafely donated every 56 days, and PowerRed cells can be donated every 112 days.

As a special thank you, those whocome out to give blood or platelets withthe Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will

be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard.Appointments can be scheduled by

downloading the free Red Cross BloodDonor App, visiting redcrossblood.orgor calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times,donors are encouraged to make appoint-ments and complete the RapidPassonline health history questionnaire atredcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Upcoming blood donation opportuni-ties Aug. 15-31

❖ Reston, Friday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at U.S. Geological Survey,12201 Sunrise Valley Drive.

❖ McLean, Thursday, Aug. 31, 1-5p.m. at the Federal Highway Adminis-tration, 6300 Georgetown Pike.

Blood Donations Urgently Needed

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Home LifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

From a backyard barbeque to a simple

brunch, there’s still plenty of time tocelebrate warm weather with table designs

that embody summer’s trends.“We’re still in summer and the weather is going to

be warm for quite some time,” said Amanda Mertins,president of Patina Polished Living in Alexandria. “Anindoor or outdoor tablescape style depends on theoccasion. Birthdays, holidays [and] retirements, allevoke a different feeling.”

Start with fresh foliage inspired by the natural sur-roundings.

“Go out into your garden and use flowers [or]greens on your table,” said Mertins. “Simple sum-mer dinner party tables look great with lots of candlesin votive holders, mason jars and glass lanterns. Re-member to hang some of them in the trees for ro-mance.”

Incorporate a personal touch into each place set-ting, advises Hope Hassell, Case Design/Remodel-ing. “It will make each guest feel truly welcomedand you will look like the perfect hostess. It’s assimple as printing off some photos from your phoneor just adding place cards.”

“Keep it casual by presenting family-style dishesdown the center of the table,” added Kimberly Asner,designer at Country Casual Teak. “Mix in mood-set-ting candle lighting and colorful, fresh-cut flowersin multiples for the most impact … keep arrange-ments below eye level for easy conversation.”

For alfresco dining, practicality is key, saysCourtney Thomas of The Picket Fence in Burke. Din-nerware needs to be both durable and aestheticallyappealing. “Bamboo dishes … are perfect for out-door dining,” she said. “They won’t break if droppedand are a great alternative to melamine.”

Summer offers an abundance of options for usingcolor, says Hassell. “Not only do you have so manyoptions of in-season flowers, but you also have thenature around you to provide the backdrop.”

The color blue establishes the type of serene at-mosphere that Molly Pritchard of Arlington-based

Setting a Summer Table

Sea-themedserveware inblue help createan elegant tonefor summerentertaining.

Photo courtesy of

Molly Pritchard

Warm weatherdesign ideas.

interior design firm, Design Lines likes to create ather summer parties. “Especially light blue becauseeverything about it represents summer,” saidPritchard. “It’s cool and clean and neutral, especiallywhen paired with white or cream. It creates a sea-side feel which is very summery.”

IN ADDITION TO COLOR, motifs can set the stagefor summer dining. Designers at JT interiors inPotomac suggest using white dinnerware, embla-zoned with a lemon, to turn an everyday meal into asummer soirée. The tableware can be accented withan array of accessories including platters, coasters,bowls and tea towels. “It creates a very summerylook, and it’s white and clean. Lemons and waterare summery, like lemonade.”

Summer table décor need not be expensive, saysHassell. “Simplicity can be stunning,” she said. “Thethoughtful placement of a sprig of rosemary can addjust enough without having to go overboard.”

Originality is a quality that Mertins encourages.“Think outside the box,” she said. “Having a brunch?Use a vintage quilt as the tablecloth. Hosting a babyshower? Use silver rattles as decor and baby silvercups for the flowers. The effort you put into yourparty table will go a long way to the overall successof the party.”

Photo courtesy of of Patina Polished Living

Adding a fresh flower arrangement to atable design, like this one by Patina Pol-ished Living, will enhance the overallsuccess of the party.


Entertainment

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

ONGOINGCardboard Boat Regatta.

Registration now open for race onAug. 12, 2-6 p.m. at Lake Anna,Reston. Participating teams of allages will construct and decorate theirown life-size cardboard boats. Formore information or to register ateam, visit www.restonmuseum.org/cardboard. Team sponsorships beginat $100 for adults and families or$40 for students (ages 10-18 years ofage). For questions or moreinformation on getting involved,contact Elizabeth Didiano [email protected] or 703-709-7700.

THURSDAY/AUG. 10Art Crawl. 6-9 p.m. in downtown

Herndon, in and around ArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center St. Musicians,live art demonstrations will befeatured at the Art Crawl everyThursday evening. Call 703-956-9560.

SATURDAY/AUG. 12SNAP at Market Recognition Day.

8 a.m.-noon at Reston Farmer’sMarket, Lake Anne Plaza, 11401North Shore Drive, Reston. Anopportunity for families andindividuals to learn howSupplemental Nutrition AssistanceProgram (SNAP) beneficiaries areable to access healthier food optionsby shopping with their benefits atparticipating Fairfax County farmersmarkets. [email protected] orcall 571-323-9579.

Kids Wet and Wild Day. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Town Hall Square, 730 EldenSt. Water balloon relays and squirtgun fights. Free. [email protected] or call703-787-7300.

Cardboard Boat Regatta. 2-6 p.m. atLake Anne, Reston. Participatingteams of all ages will construct anddecorate their own life-sizecardboard boats. For questions ormore information on gettinginvolved, contact Elizabeth Didianoat [email protected] or 703-709-7700.

Reston Concerts on the Town.7:30-10 p.m. at Reston Town Center,11900 Market St. The weeklysummer concert series presents bigband jazz with the Navy BandCommodores. Bring lawn chairs orpicnic blankets and hear live outdoormusic at the Pavilion. Free. Rain orshine. Alcohol permitted atrestaurants only. Visitrestontowncenter.com/concerts.

SUNDAY/AUG. 13Bird Watching. 7:30-10:30 a.m. at

Lake Newport, 1575 Brown’s ChapelRoad, Reston. Sponsored by The BirdFeeder of Reston and the RestonAssociation. Call 703-437-3335.

Meet the Reston Author. 2 p.m. atthe Fairfax Museum and VisitorCenter, 10209 Main St., Fairfax.“Reston: A Revolutionary Idea” –Author and biographer KristinaAlcorn will discuss the history ofReston and sign and sell her book,“In His Own Words: Stories from theExtraordinary Life of Reston’sFounder, Robert E. Simon, Jr. Free.Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center,10209 Main St., Fairfax. 703-385-8414.

TUESDAY/AUG. 15Baby and Me Yoga. 10-11 a.m. in the

Reston Community Center, 2310

Colts Neck Road. Baby and Me Yogaclass is open to women in all stagesof postpartum, as well as fathers,relatives and caregivers. Classes arefor babies 4 weeks old to crawling.Call 703-476-4500.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 16Children’s Shows. 10 a.m. at Frying

Pan Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Road.Herndon. The Goodlife puppet show.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.


Herndon, in and around ArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center St. Musicians,live art demonstrations will befeatured at the Art Crawl everyThursday evening. Call 703-956-9560.

Summer Concerts. 7:30-8:30 p.m. atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Steven B. & Friendsplay jazz in concert. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.

FRIDAY/AUG. 18Beach Party Barbeque. 5:45-8 p.m.

at Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523Lawyers Road, Herndon. Join theCongregation Beth Emeth communityand friends for beach games andShabbat BBQ dinner, stay for family-friendly outdoor services at 7:15.Prospective members are our guests.$14. Visit www.bethemeth.org/bbq.

SATURDAY/AUG. 19Glow in the Dark Activity Night. 8-

9:30 p.m. at Town Hall Square, 730Elden St. Glow in the dark bowling.Email [email protected] call 703-787-7300.

TUESDAY/AUG. 22Design and Wine with the Artist.

7-9 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon, 750Center St. Join local ceramic artist,Mercia Hobson. Visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

WEDNESDAY/AUG. 23Senior Movie Day. 10 a.m. at Reston

Town Center, Bow Tie Cinemas,11940 Market St. Reston Associationpresents a feature film. Refreshments

and door prizes provided prior tomovie. Free to 55+. [email protected], call 703-435-6530, or visit reston.org.

Children’s Shows. 10 a.m. at FryingPan Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Road,Herndon. 123 Andres in concert. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.


Herndon, in and around ArtSpaceHerndon, 750 Center St. Musicians,live art demonstrations will befeatured at the Art Crawl everyThursday evening. 703-956-9560.

Summer Concerts. 7:30-8:30 p.m. atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. The Difficult RunString Band in concert. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/huntermill/.

SATURDAY/AUG. 26Reston Concerts on the Town.

7:30-10 p.m. at Reston Town CenterPavilion, 11900 Market St., RestonTown Center. David Akers and theSoul Shakers. Free. Visitrestontowncenter.com.

THURSDAY/AUG. 31Dollars and Sense Book Club. 7

p.m. at Reston Regional Library,11925 Bowman Towne Drive. Dollarsand Sense Book Club will bediscussing “Ponzi’s Scheme: The TrueStory of a Financial Legend” byMitchell Zuckoff. Free. Call 703-689-2700.

MONDAY/SEPT. 4Herndon Labor Day Festival. 11

a.m.-5 p.m. Outdoor festival on LynnSt. Virginia wine tastings, craft beers,music, craft show, and food vendors.$20 wine and craft brew tastings, $2additional beer tastings or $5 generaladmission. Email [email protected] or call 703-787-7300.

SUNDAY/SEPT. 10DogFest. noon-3 p.m. at Reston Town

Center, 11900 Market St., Reston.Celebrate the community of peopleand dogs that show the mostadvanced technology fortransforming the lives of people withdisabilities. Free. Visit cci.org.

Photo by S. Metcalf/Courtesy of NextStop Theatre

Rodgers & Hammerstein at NextStopKaren Vincent and Matthew Hirsh in “Rodgers andHammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing” at NextStopTheatre in Herndon. Performances through Aug. 20 ,2017. Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at8 p.m.; Sundays at 8 p.m. Tickets $17.50 to $55. 269Sunset Park Drive (inside the Sunset Business Park onSpring Street), Herndon. Call 866-811-4111 or visitwww.nextstoptheatre.org.

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

owned or known

www.lostdogandcatrescue.orgAdopt/Donate/Volunteer

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

Helping Animals FindTheir Way Since 2001


Kenneth Olsen ofWeird BrothersCoffee Dies

Kenneth Olsen,co-owner ofWeird BrothersCoffee, 321 Sun-set Park Drive inHerndon, diedu n e x p e c t e d l yThursday, Aug. 3as announced byhis brother PaulOlsen on theb u s i n e s s ’Facebook ac-count the nextmorning.

Paul Olsenwrote, “My dearbrother Kenneth Olsen passed away yester-day. Our family is distraught and still inshock. Kenny had the biggest most gener-ous heart and touched many lives over theyears. We trust in Our Lord that he has beenreceived with love in Heaven eternal and isnow at peace. As we learn more and figurethings out, we will keep everyone posted.”

A memorial service for Kenneth WilliamOlsen is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 18, 1-2p.m. at Adams-Green Funeral Home Chapel,721 Elden St., Herndon.

— Mercia Hobson

Obitiuary

Kenneth Olsendied Thursday,Aug. 3, 2017.Olsen foundedand co-ownedWeird BrothersCoffee InHerndon.

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

SATURDAY/AUG. 12Yard Sale and Refreshments. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at

Dranesville Church of the Brethren, 11500Leesburg Pike, Herndon. Donate new or gentlyused items to sell. Funds will support acomprehensive emergency response andrecovery program to assist the Nigerian familiesmade homeless and suffering by the attacks ofBoko Haram. Call 703-430-7872 or [email protected].

TUESDAY/AUG. 15Candidate Filing Deadline. Reston Community

Center (RCC) is seeking interested candidates torun for seats on its Board of Governors. TheBoard of Governors is a nine-member bodyresponsible for oversight of RCC. All residents ofSmall District 5, age 18 or older, are eligible torun. Candidates must complete a CandidacyStatement in order to have their names placedon the Preference Poll ballot. CandidacyStatements will be available at RCC facilities oronline at www.restoncommunitycenter.combeginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Thedeadline for candidacy filing is 5 p.m.onTuesday, Aug. 15.

THROUGH AUG. 18Artist Application Deadline. Visual artists who

wish to participate in the 17th Annual RestonMulticultural Festival art exhibit “Art MirrorsCulture” should visitwww.restoncommunitycenter.com. The festivalwill be held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at LakeAnne Plaza in Reston. Interested groups orindividuals should fill out the appropriateVendor Application Form, available atwww.restoncommunitycenter.com/mcf.

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Business DirectoryTo Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422

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Good is not good, where

better is expected.

-Thomas Fuller

An expert is someone who knows some of the worst mis-

takes that can be made in his subject and how to avoid them.-Werner Heisenberg Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for

The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

One of our older/oldest cats, Biscuit, born lateSeptember 2006 and his oldest human parent,yours truly, born late September 1954, are bothhaving teeth issues. In fact, the exact same teethissues: the 1st molar and the 2nd bicuspid in the“upper right quadrant” are causing us problemsand have to be extracted.

Biscuit’s teeth extraction will be done by ourregular veterinarian. Mine will be done not by myregular dentist but by a specialist, an oral surgeon.Unfortunately, the two practices are not relatedso there’s no chance of a “BOGO.” Nor is thereany chance that the two procedures will be aboutthe same cost. My teeth extraction will be doubleat a minimum, perhaps even quadruple, if I’mlucky. (I made inquiries.) Accordingly, Biscuit’sextraction will occur/has occurred first.

What’s of interest to me is the coincidencethat Biscuit and I need the same teeth extractedat the same time. Which when you consider thatBiscuit and I are approximately the same age, isnot really a surprise. It’s really more of a fact oflife/aging – for both of us. Perhaps there are otherbehaviors and/or physical/mental indicators inBiscuits day-to-day activities which might clue mein to my own aging process. After all, we are liv-ing similar lives.

So far, Biscuit’s post-teeth-extraction recoveryhas been uneventful. He’s been spry and ener-getic. He’s been on the kitchen counter, variouswindow sills, the dining room table, the ironingboard and all the other furniture; he’s knockedover the wicker trash basket in our bedroomthree times and he’s been eating like a dog. Inshort, he’s “back baby.”

He almost appears to be smiling – exceptwhen we attempt to give him his post-procedurepills. As per usual, during the day he’s sleeping onthe back of the couch and at night he’s curled upin the laundry basket; and he’s still the first cat –of five, an hour early, I might add, for breakfastand dinner, to place his order/meow his pres-ence. He’s as ready to eat as ever. He hasn’tmissed a beat or a step. If I had to summa-rize/characterize his actions now, I’d say he has areal joie de vivre, “an exuberant enjoyment oflife.” So what am I waiting for? Godot?

As for my procedure, I’ve been told it takes 30minutes or so. Local anesthesia is used (unlikeBiscuit who was totally sedated/anesthetized).Moreover, the post-surgical pain is not terribleand the chance of infection is minor. And thoughI’ll have a space in my gums where my teeth usedto be, no longer will I be anticipating the painand discomfort that cracking or splitting either ofthese two teeth would cause. The only pain I’lllikely have is the pain of payment. (See 7/26/17column entitled “Taking Care of Business” forassociated details.)

I guess my curiosity/concern is whether I trustanything I’ve observed from Biscuit’s dental expe-rience – considering we’re the same age. Iswhat’s good for the cat also good for the human -all things being equal, sort of? Is Biscuit’s return tonormalcy so quickly and so easily – and so vigor-ously, a lesson to be learned? If seeing is believingand I do see extremely well for someone nearinghis 63rd birthday, then Biscuit’s ‘experience’ andthe comparison between his pre- and post-extraction behavior should be an inspiration to usall, especially those of us of similar age with oneand the same, two actually, teeth which need tobe extracted.

I mean, the procedure I’ve been putting off isnot exactly brain surgery, it’s oral surgery. I’m notadmitted to a hospital. It’s outpatient. I’m in andthen out. Same day service, just like the restau-rant where my wife, Dina works. I don’t evenneed someone to drive me home (unlike Biscuit.I had to drive him home.) And now that Biscuit ishome, safe and sound, I suppose it’s time for meto buck up and schedule my appointment. Afterall, it has nothing to do with cancer and every-thing to do with quality of life. I’d say that’s awin-win.

CoincidentalOr Not


News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

When Douglas Graney wentoff to college, he had onegoal: earn a degree inbroadcasting so four years

later he would set the sports world on fireas an announcer. It didn’t happen, not evenclose, at least for the sports world. Fast-for-ward a couple of decades.

Circumstances prevailed. Plans changed.Graney is a National Board Certified Teacherwith more than 30 years of classroom ex-perience, the past 13 years spent at HerndonHigh School teaching political science.Graney is also the published author of“American Teacher, Adventures in the Class-room, Foreword by Craig Perrier.”

Kyle O’Connor, the Former Special Assis-tant to the President and Deputy Directorof Speechwriting for President BarackObama, was a student of Graney’s.O’Connor reviewed the book and wrote,“Mr. Graney’s class changed my life. Hisknowledge of history and love of debatetaught thousands of other students and methe importance of active citizenship. Andhis belief in the power of real-world expe-rience — combined with sheer stubborn-ness — opened doors for us that we couldnever have walked through on our own.”

ON SUNDAY, AUG. 13, from 5-7 p.m.,Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, located at 697Spring St. in Herndon, hosts a book sign-ing and sales celebration for Graney andhis newly released book published by Mas-cot Books in Herndon. A limited number ofbooks will be available for the Sunday, Aug.13 signing, but additional copies can beordered.

Graney shared with the Connection: “Ihope to see many students (and their par-ents) from the early ’90s up through studentsI had last year. That would be a nice reunion.I’m also honored that Dr. Scott Brabrand willbe attending the book release party. We werecolleagues for many years at Herndon High,and I’m thrilled that he is now Superinten-dent of FCPS. And the fact that the book re-lease party is taking place is doubly special.First of all, Jimmy’s is in Herndon, so that’sgreat. Secondly, Jimmy’s is a Buffalo-themedestablishment, and I earned my undergradu-ate degree at Buffalo State College. And theyhave great wings there!”

“American Teacher” is an autobiographi-cal account of Graney’s career as a politicalscience teacher at Herndon High School.Through field trips, presentations by guestspeakers, and other events such as ralliesand political dignitary funeral visitations,Graney acts as an agent for change withinthe classroom, Herndon High School, andthe wider community and society as awhole. Graney tells how he inspires and

challenges all his students, gifted, average,and those just getting by, to become changeagents themselves, in other words, respect-ful leaders. These are lifelong skills, soughtafter in today’s executive boardrooms, non-profit organizations, and political fields.

In one of the opening chapters, Graneyrecalls that before teaching at Herndon HighSchool, his early teaching career was a “trialby fire.”

“I experienced the ‘Sunday NightFreakout’,” he writes, referring to trying to

be prepared for all his classes. It put a dentin his social life, but it forced him to be cre-ative “…to think of my teaching career as aperformance, to try to make lessons inter-esting, controversial, funny, relevant, mean-ingful, and powerful to a secondary student.This may be a simplification, but I wantedto be the teacher I would have wanted tohave when I was a student. I’m still on thatroad.”

Graney explains that when he was firsthired to teach political science at Herndon

High School, he created his own course,from the ground up. “During the first se-mester, I would design and teach units ofmy choice usually related to upcoming fieldtrips... Perhaps FCPS had a curriculum laidout somewhere, but I never bothered tolook.”

Graney goes on to tell how for the next13 years he motivates students. In the class-room and on field trips, Graney models forhis students characteristics necessary tobecome catalysts for change: the willing-ness to search for facts, confidence, patienceyet persistence, the ability to ask toughquestions, and respect, always respect. Heeven creates what “would be the largestintern placement program on Capitol Hill,”as Craig Perrier writes in the book’s fore-word. “The program continues to thisday....the effort it took to make his vision areality is a testament to Doug’s dedicationto his students and a model of convictionthat refutes any claim of the ineffectivenessof our nation’s public schools.”

Morgan Findley, Class of 2008 reports,“Beyond teaching students about how ourgovernment functions and how to conductrespectful political dialog and debates, Mr.Graney taught me the inherent importanceof civic responsibility. He encouraged hisstudents to be informed, compassionate citi-zens. I will always be indebted and grate-ful.” Frank Wolf, former Member of Con-gress for 10th District, writes in his reviewof Graney’s book, “Whether it was engag-ing with students on the Declaration of In-dependence and the Constitution, or the hotbutton issues of our time, Doug’s studentswere a vigorous experience. Many of thesestudents would become the best interns Iever had.”

“Douglas Graney is an educational inspi-ration,” says spokesperson for the HerndonEducation Alliance, Ellen Findley. “Mr.Graney teaches students to think differentlyand shape inquisitive, thoughtful questionsformulated to solicit detailed answers fromAmerican political leadership. His enduringimpact in the community goes beyond theclassroom, prompting his students, theirparents, co-workers, and politicians tobroaden their thinking and understandingof American government.”

Graney has been recognized with severalawards including 1997 Herndon OptimistClub Teacher of the Year, 2007 Virginia Edu-cation Association Award for Teaching Ex-cellence, 2008 Horace Mann Award forTeaching Excellence, 2011 Dulles AreaChamber of Commerce Educator of the Year,and 2014 Virginia Veterans of Foreign WarsTeacher of the Year.

A SECOND BOOK SIGNING is plannedfor Thursday, Aug. 17, 6-9 p.m. on theHerndon Town Hall Square, 730 Elden St.during Arts Herndon’s Third Thursday ArtsCrawl.

To set up an interview, reading, signing,or for information regarding “AmericanTeacher,” contact Doug Graney [email protected].

Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern to host book signing and celebrationfor Douglas Graney’s book on Sunday, Aug. 13, 5-7 p.m.

‘American Teacher’ from Herndon High

Naren Atyal/Mascot Books

Douglas Graney is a Na-tional Board CertifiedTeacher and author of thenewly released book,“American Teacher, Adven-tures in the Classroomand Our Nation’s Capital.”


“American Teacher” chronicles DouglasGraney’s career as a political scienceteacher at Herndon High School, includingthe years from 1994-2012 when he createdand ran the largest intern placement pro-gram ever on Capitol Hill.

Morgan Findley, Herndon HighSchool Class of 2008, kept thisphotograph of herself and JusticeSandra Day O’Connor, the firstwoman to serve on the SupremeCourt of the United States. Thephoto was taken on a field tripFindley took part in as a studentin Douglas Graney’s politicalscience class. “I will always beindebted and grateful [to him],”Findley writes to the Connection.Graney cites in his book thatsince he had met JusticeO’Connor before this meeting, hewas hoping she’d give him a bighello like they were BFFs, so thekids would be impressed. Instead,her first sentence was, “So, whatdo you kids want to talk about?”

Photo courtesy of Morgan Findley

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