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McLeanMcLean This is how you do it! Volunteers RobinWulff and Amanda Baldwin demonstratesome Christmas selfie opportunities. In thesame area there was even a real PhotoBooth to help friends and families profes-sionally memorialize their visit to theMcLean Bible Church Christmas Village.

Holiday

CalendarPage 11

Holiday

CalendarPage 11

McLean Bible ChurchHosts Christmas Village

News, Page 8

McLean Bible ChurchHosts Christmas Village

News, Page 8

CommissionRecommendations:88 Percent ImplementedNews, Page 3

Menorah Workshop HeldAt the Home DepotFaith, Page 12

CommissionRecommendations:88 Percent ImplementedNews, Page 3

Menorah Workshop HeldAt the Home DepotFaith, Page 12

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Tim Peterson

The Connection

The Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors is well on its way toimplementing all recommenda-tions from the Ad Hoc Police

Practices Review Commission. At the Dec.13 meeting of the board’s Public SafetyCommittee, they announced 88 percent ofthe commission recommendations havebeen implemented or are soon to be so.

“I am proud that 178 of 202 recommen-dations have been approved in just over ayear,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said in astatement. “The Board of Supervisors, Po-lice Department and county staff have beenmoving with deliberate speed to transformthese recommendations into actionablepolicies. By launching Diversion First, es-tablishing the Office of Police Auditor, cre-ating a Civilian Review Panel, hiring a ci-vilian FCPD Public Affairs Director and ap-plying new standards regarding release ofinformation, just to name a few, FairfaxCounty has made great strides toward en-hancing trust in and increasing transpar-ency of Fairfax County Government.”

BULOVA LAUNCHED the commission inresponse to public concern and growingdistrust of police over the 2013 shootingdeath of Springfield resident John Geer byFairfax County Police officer Adam Torres.

Fairfax County Police and the supervisorsdidn’t release case information for morethan a year after Geer’s death, even to hisfamily. A wrongful death civil suit filed bythe family and a court order finally forcedthe release of investigation files and Torres’name.

Torres was fired in July 2015 and indictedby a grand jury for murder in August 2015,an historic first charge of that kind for anyFairfax County officer. He pleaded guilty toinvoluntary manslaughter and was releasedin June of this year, after he received creditfor time served for a 12-month sentence.

The Public Safety Committee has beenreviewing the recommendations from eachsubcommittee of the Ad Hoc Commissionover the last several months, including Useof Force, Communications, Mental Health,Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting, and In-dependent Investigations and Oversight.

Michael Hershman, chair of the Ad HocCommission, said in a statement, “I notonly look back on our work as very perti-nent given today’s national attention onpolicing and community relations, but amencouraged by the seriousness with whichthe Board of Supervisors have addressedour many recommendations. Through aseries of committee meetings and hearingsfocusing on our recommendations, theboard has displayed a professional and bi-partisan effort to make a very good policedepartment into a model for the rest of thecountry.”

A presentation from Recruitment, Diver-sity and Vetting subcommittee chair ShirleyGinwright, president of the Fairfax Countychapter of the NAACP, on Tuesday, Dec. 13,marked the last subcommittee to be heardby the supervisors.

“In some fashion we’ve touched each oneof them,” said Public Safety committee chairsupervisor John Cook (R-Braddock).

Ginwright gave brief updates on the sta-tus of the subcommittee’s 14 recommenda-tions with Fairfax County Police.

“I have to thank them for doing the mostcritical pieces of our recommendationsfirst,” Ginwright said.

Among those implemented are “collabo-rate and build recruitment-oriented partner-ships” (number 5) and “establish a diver-sity goal for each commander” (number10).

Less than half of that subcommittee’s rec-ommendations are still in progress, saidGinwright.

“We realize there is more that needs tobe done, but we started,” Ginwright said ina statement. “I applaud the Board of Su-pervisors for establishing the Ad Hoc Com-mission, listening to and understanding thecries of the community for changes, andtaking some hard hits to get it done. What Ihave seen is community members, leadersand police department working together.”

Cook acknowledged that a number of theAd Hoc commission’s recommendationswere directed towards the Sheriff’s Officeand Commonwealth’s Attorney, who don’treport directly to the Board of Supervisors.

But, Cook said, the board is reaching outto them regarding those recommendationsand inviting them to present and field ques-tions related to the recommendations at thePublic Safety Committee Meeting in March,2017.

Among those recommendationsstill under review, a number relateto body cameras.

CHIEF EDWIN ROESSLER saidthe cost for cameras has been com-ing down as the number of vendorsin the market increases.

Roessler cautioned the board tolearn from the mistakes of other ju-risdictions around the United States

that have hastily implemented body cam-era programs without properly budgetingor planning to manage them.

Cook said the Jan. 31, 2017 Public SafetyCommittee meeting has already been re-served for a deeper discussion of body cam-eras.

A progress report of where different rec-ommendations from the Ad Hoc Commis-sion are in the process of implementationis available online atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/policecommission/progressreport.htm. A copy of thecommission’s final report to the board ofsupervisors is available atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/chairman/pdf/adhoc-final-10.8.15.pdf.

Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.

Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented

A Dec. 13 presentation from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission,Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair Shirley Ginwright(right), marked the last subcommittee to be heard by the supervisors.

Photos by Tim Peterson/The Connection

Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler presents an update to thePublic Safety Committee on the Precision Immobilization Technique(PIT) still allowed to be implemented by FCPD.

“What I have seen iscommunity members, leadersand police departmentworking together.”

— Shirley Ginwright

Status of Ad HocCommissionRecommendations

Fairfax County released these totals, as ofDec. 12, 2016:119 (58.9 person) Recommendations are

Implemented or Implemented asModified

❖ 39 Communications❖ 54 Use of Force❖ 10 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 8 Mental Health and CIT❖ 8 Independent Oversight and

Investigations

59 (29.2 percent) Recommendations areIn Progress (Recommendation acceptedand in the implementation process)

❖ 11 Communications❖ 3 Use of Force❖ 4 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 13 Mental Health and CIT❖ 28 Independent Oversight and

Investigations

16 (7.9 percent) Recommendations areUnder Review (Recommendation needsmore review or approval by the Board ofSupervisors before the implementationprocess can begin)

❖ 1 Communications❖ 7 Use of Force❖ 0 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 5 Mental Health and CIT❖ 3 Independent Oversight and

Investigations

8 (4 percent) Recommendations are NotImplemented

❖ 1 Communications❖ 4 Use of Force❖ 0 Diversity, Recruitment and Vetting❖ 0 Mental Health and CIT❖ 3 Independent Oversight and

Investigations

McLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or mclean@connectionnewspapers.com

4 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Fallon Forbush

The Connection

A group of 225 donors and 40 vol-unteers came together to makeChristmas possible for more than350 people who could not afford

the luxury of celebrations this season.The Wish List Project was started in 1999

to help make the holidays a little brighterfor those in need. In its first year, the projecthelped 10 families, including 47 individu-als staying at the Embry Rucker Commu-nity Shelter in Reston.

Now in its 17th year, the project has ex-panded to support those in need at AldrinElementary School in Reston and HerndonElementary School and Hutchison Elemen-tary School in Herndon, as well as sevenother local charities.

“You wouldn’t believe what people havedone,” says Christie Shumadine, co-chair ofthe project.

Donors paid the entire Christmas ex-penses for two families from the schools,including the family of a 9-year-old who hasbeen hospitalized with leukemia since Au-gust, according to Shumadine.

For a little boy who asked for a baseball

glove, donors put together a gift basket withnot only what he asked for, but also Wash-ington Nationals tickets and team parapher-nalia.

“It kind of grew and grew and grew,” saysShumadine. “It was just a little communityevent where we went into the homelessshelters and said ‘Give us your wish list,’and we’ve expanded.”

THE PROJECT uses SignUpGenius, anonline organization tool, to provide infor-mation to donors about who is wishing forwhat. Donors can then sign up to buy for arecipient.

All donations were then dropped off atThe Wish List Project’s Co-Chair LissaPerez’s home in Great Falls on Dec. 10.School counselors, social workers and shel-ter directors can then collect the gifts—tagged and wrapped—the following day.

“You know a little bit about the personyou’re buying for,” says Shumadine. “Youknow their name and their age and theyput out the things that they want.”

Some of the wishes that are submitted arebare bones.

“It’s like kids just saying, ‘I just wantshampoo and a winter coat,’” says

Shumadine. “And then we have to go backand we say, ‘OK, that’s a need, but you alsohave to give us some wants.’ And they comeback with the most humble requests.”

While preparing for the projects drop offevent this month, Shumadine received af-firmation for helping organize the project.

When she was in line to check out withover $500 worth of presents for this year’slist using donor money, a cashier was curi-ous who she was shopping for.

“When I tell her it’s The Wish List Project,’she goes, ‘I know your charity,’” saysShumadine.

The 18-year-old cashier then toldShumadine how she was familiar with theproject’s work. In year’s past, the cashierwas taking refuge in a homeless shelter. Sheleft by the time the holidays rolled around,but her roommate stayed behind in the shel-ter over Christmas. That year, the projectgave presents to those in the shelter, includ-ing her roommate.

The cashier shared with Shumadine howthe generosity made her friend’s Christmasthat year and how she couldn’t believe thatpeople cared for her.

The cashier then volunteered to buy clothesand toys for a baby who was on the list.

MORE MEMBERS of the community keptcoming forward to help.

For a community service project, sixthgraders from the Great Falls ElementarySchool built and assembled 21 bikes. Theteachers reached out to Shumadine andasked if she could use the bikes to makesome wishes come true. The students evendelivered them to the recipients.

“Can you believe that?” says Shumadine.“It was amazing.”

The Wish List Project had committed tomake five “transition kits” for shelters toprovide to families to help them prepare tomove out of homeless shelters and into per-manent housing.

“These kits are like $300 to $400 and havesheets, towels, bath mats, pots and pans,glassware … all of the basics,” Shumadinesays.

In the end, the project funded 30 kits.“We kept upping the number because the

community kept responding,” she says.Shumadine hopes to extend the project

even further to do collections throughoutthe year and help those in need year-round.

“We hope to extend the Wish List Projectand say it’s not just for Christmas anymore,”she says.

Reach of The Wish List Project Grows

The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA)officially opened its new location,MPA@ChainBridge, with its inaugural ex-hibit, Moving Through: Works by DavidA. Douglas. Showcasing large-scale land-scape art, the exhibit opened Dec. 8, 2016and runs through Jan. 21, 2017. The ex-hibit is open to the public Monday throughThursday from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.until 9:30 p.m.

Located in the Chain Bridge CornerShopping Center in the space betweenCVS and Kazan Restaurant,MPA@ChainBridge features an exhibitiongallery as well as an art education space.MPA, in residence at the McLean Com-munity Center (MCC) for more than 25years, must relocate temporarily while theMCC undergoes a major renovation inspring, 2017. Until then, MPA’s existinggalleries and DuVal Studio in the MCC

(MPA@MCC) will remain open and active.Once the renovation begins,MPA@ChainBridge will serve as MPA’s pri-mary gallery, classroom and office space for

about two years.Moving Through: Works by David A. Dou-

glas is the first exhibit featured at MPA’s sec-ond location, MPA@ChainBridge. Working

at the intersection of drawing, paintingand photography, David A. Douglas cre-ates large-scale works that explore thepower of place. Depicting personally sig-nificant landscapes on a monumentalscale, Douglas offers the viewer the op-portunity to enter the works on their ownterms and experience the highly chargedpotency that lies within the ordinary mo-ment. To learn more about Douglas’ work,visit http://davidadouglas.com.

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) isone of the mid-Atlantic region’s most re-spected contemporary visual arts organi-zations. MPA provides a number of high-quality educational programs, art classes,and exhibitions including: MPAartfest; artcourses and a summer STEAM camp; vari-ous art exhibitions showcasing the workof emerging and accomplished artists; andArtReach, an award-winning programserving students in grades K - 12, seniors,and people with special needs. For moreinformation, visit www.mpaart.org

Large-Scale Photography Exhibit Opens at MPA@ChainBridge

Moving Through: Works by David A. Douglas is the first exhibit featuredat MPA’s second location, MPA@ChainBridge.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

Photos provided by Lissa Perez

From left: Caitlyn Shumadine, Christie Shumadine, Eleni Gianoplus andLissa Perez all wore red T-shirts at the project’s drop-off event.

From left: Avery Perez, Alden McNulty and Brenna Smith work the“thank you” table that offered donors hot chocolate and cookies at thedrop-off event.

McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Tim Peterson

The Connection

In a decision released Dec.16, Commonwealth’s Attor-ney Ray Morrogh clearedFairfax County Master

Deputy Sheriff P. McPartlin of anycriminal wrongdoing in the fatalshooting of Yovani Amaya Gomezthat took place Aug. 15 outsideInova Fairfax Hospital.

Morrogh’s decision comes afterreceiving the results of the FairfaxCounty Police Department crimi-nal investigation on Nov. 15.

McPartlin was one of the sheriffdeputies involved in the death ofinmate Natasha McKenna at thethe Fairfax County Adult Deten-tion Center. McKenna, a womanwith a history of mental illness,died in February 2015, a few daysafter she was restrained, shackled,hooded and shocked with a taserfour times in an attempt to moveher to the Alexandria jail. Morroghdecided against any chargesagainst the deputies, includingMcParlin, in that case as well.

Police had previously releasedsome details of the chain of eventsleading up to McPartlin shootingGomez. Morrogh’s report addedfurther information to thetimeline, which included Gomezbeing taken in for medical atten-tion for possible dehydration and/or mental health episode, and hisdischarge with no diagnosis foreither. After being escorted to thebus stop outside Inova by a secu-rity guard, another pair of guardsresponded to a report of Gomezwielding a weapon.

Gomez hurt one of the guards,Morrogh says, who also requestedbackup from law enforcement.MDS McPartlin was one of twodeputies guarding a prisoner at thehospital and responded to the callfor help.

Gomez charged at McPartlin,who Morrogh says attempted toback up and then began firing.

Morrogh’s report quotesMcPartlin as saying, “... before Ishot I think I was trying to get backbut he was too close so I had toshoot.”

McPartlin did not remember giv-ing Gomez any commands prior toshooting, Morrogh says, thoughother guards who were at thescene said the deputy did askGomez to calm down and stop

charging and put the apparentweapon down.

Earlier in the day, Gomez firstapproached Fairfax County Policeofficer K. Woodward in his cruiseron Little River Turnpike on whatwas an extremely hot afternoon.Morrogh said it was clear toFairfax County Police officer K.Woodward that “Mr. Gomez didnot speak English proficiently.”

Woodward attempted to ask himif he wanted to hurt himself usingthe Google Translate cell phoneapp. Woodward had also sum-moned paramedics to checkGomez out physically.

Rescue determined Gomez’s vi-tal signs were within normalranges, Morrogh reports.

But when Gomez appeared toanswer in the affirmative with“Sí,” he did want to harm himself,Woodward asked that he be takento Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Morrogh says the medics de-scribed Gomez as non-combative,mumbling in Spanish and at onetime pointing to his head and say-ing “voices.”

Gomez was examined at thehospital by a physician and Span-ish-speaking nurse, the report con-tinues.

“They advised Officer Wood-ward that Mr. Gomez denied anymental health issues and furthersaid that he did not want to hurthimself,” Morrogh said. “They alsotold Officer Woodward that Mr.Gomez told them that he had astomach ache and didn’t feel well.”

Gomez’s diagnosis after a physi-cal examination and mental con-dition assessment was that he wasnot in distress but suffering from“general weakness.”

Old Dominion Security guardEzra Carter found Gomez in thelobby after he was dischargedsome time between 8 p.m. and 9p.m. Carter used an interpreter tofind that Gomez wanted to betaken to a homeless shelter. Theguard then walked Gomez to thebus stop, Morrogh’s report says.

In the conclusion of his seven-page investigation report,Morrogh reiterates Gomezcharged at McPartlin with whatappeared to be a sword but laterturned out to be a sign post pulledfrom the ground.

“Reasonably perceiving himself

See Deputy, Page 13

Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicidewas justified self-defense.

Sheriff’s Deputy Clearedin Fatal Shooting

News

6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Opinion

By Barbara Comstock

U.S. Representative (R-10)

On Dec. 8, I joined witha bipartisan group ofHouse and Senatemembers, and the

Speaker of the House, as theSpeaker signed the 21st CenturyCures Act. It was a joyful occasionas we concluded this year’s sessionwith what I believe is one of the most impor-tant and game-changing pieces of legislationpassed this year. It was signed into law dayslater by the President and supported by morethan 700 research, doctor and patient advo-cacy groups and provides $4.8 billion in newresearch investments to the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH).

At the ceremony, Tennessee Sena-tor Lamar Alexander recounted thetestimony of Dr. Francis Collins, director of theNIH, who has highlighted the new, excitingcures possible within the next 10 years: an ar-tificial pancreas to help people with diabetes;medicine to limit the effects of Alzheimer’s; avaccine for Zika; a vaccine for HIV; a vaccinefor the flu; the use of regenerative medicineusing our own cells to restore a damaged heart;and non-addictive pain medicines that will helpcurb opioid addiction.

Imagine how different our health care sys-tem could be with these innovations. It is nowonder that Dr. Collins calls NIH the “NationalInstitute of Hope.” In Loudoun County, so manyof us have seen that hope in the inspirationaladvocacy work of families such as Mark andEllyn Miller, who lost their daughter, Gabriella,

to cancer, and Chris and RoyaGiordano, who lost their son,Mathias. The 21st Century Cures Acthonors their efforts with $1.8 bil-lion for cancer research, which willsupport the Cancer Moonshot ini-tiative.

Currently, there are only 500treatments for 10,000 known dis-eases. With the mapping of the hu-man genome and advances over the

past several decades, we have more geneticclues about cancer and other diseases. But westill need to remove barriers to increase re-search collaboration, identify diseases earlierthrough personalized medicine, reform theFDA and modernize clinical trials, and remove

unnecessary regulation for develop-ing new medical apps. This legisla-tion does this and streamlines theentire biomedical ecosystem.

With the 21st Century Cures Act now law,many of NIH’s initiatives will be enhanced —such as the BRAIN Initiative that will help infighting diseases like Alzheimer’s. The bill willalso concentrate funding on NIH’s PrecisionMedicine Initiative that will focus researchdollars on genetic, lifestyle and environmen-tal variations of disease.

The Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfaxis one of the premier cancer centers in our re-gion that can be part of this new era of inno-vation. Last month, they announced a new re-search partnership with the University of Vir-ginia to develop the Global Genomics andBioinformatics Research Institute, located atthe Inova Center for Personalized Health inFairfax.

I joined our private and public advocates atthe announcement where they explained themission: “The institute will recruit research-ers, scientists and investigators who will en-gage in collaborative research focused ongenomics, functional biology, bioinformatics,biologically driven engineering, precisionmedicine, translational research, developmentof targeted therapeutics and commercializationof new discoveries.” This partnership will alsowork to achieve designation by the NationalCancer Institute as a Comprehensive CancerCenter and establish a regional campus of theUVA School of Medicine at Inova. More part-nerships are anticipated, as well as supportfrom my former colleagues in the General As-sembly, led by Speaker Bill Howell. As ToddStottlemyer, CEO of the Inova Center for Per-sonalized Health, said, “This new partnershipwill further expand Inova’s ground-breakingresearch in precision medicine and help us torealize the promise of personalized health.”

While the legislation advances research andmedical breakthroughs and provides for re-forms and investments for faster cures andtreatments, it also incorporates provisions wehad passed to reform our mental health sys-tem and fight against the heroin and the opioidepidemic, which was recently declared a Pub-lic Health Emergency in Virginia.

This is just the beginning of what will be anew chapter in medical innovation. Virginiacan play a critical and lifesaving role in bring-ing faster cures and treatments to patientsplagued with these cruel diseases. We in Con-gress must continue to be partners by seekingthe best policies and investments that allowthis innovation to soar.

Congress Coming Together ToFind and Fund Faster Cures

Commentary

By Phillip Niedzielski-

Eichner

I endorse the ConnectionNewspaper’s recent editorialon the progress Fairfax

County has made implementingthe recommendations of the AdHoc Police Practices Review Com-mission, on which I had the honorof serving as chairman of the Useof Force Subcommittee. I have hadthe opportunity to interact withmany members of the Fairfax Po-lice Department, ranging fromcommanders to precinct-level su-pervisors and officers, all of whomI hold in high regard. We have afine police department that we arefortunate to have protecting usday-in and day-out.

While the August 2013 shootingdeath of John Geer was the cata-lyst for the commission’s forma-

tion, our charge was to assess theDepartment’s performance againstnational best practices. As we ex-ecuted against this charge, weidentified both areas for improve-ment and mechanisms we believedwould strengthen the public’s trustand confidence in the department.

Forming a commission is a time-honored tool by public officials todelay action — or avoid it alto-gether — since there are alwayssignificant barriers to achievingchange to deep-rooted organiza-tional practices, traditions andculture. I commend both theFairfax Board of Supervisors andthe Police Department, particu-larly its chief and command lead-ership, with ensuring that the Po-lice Commission’s work is not sit-ting on the shelf gathering dust.

With my seven-month commis-sion experience and a year’s worth

of persistent focus on implemen-tation alongside a dedicated sub-set of fellow commissioners, I canstate without reservation that boththe letter and spirit of thecommission’s recommendationshave been embraced by FairfaxCounty.

Fairfax County is well on theway toward approving and imple-menting the preponderance of thecommission’s recommendations.Of note in this regard are the fol-lowing:

❖ The two-pronged approach toindependent Police Departmentoversight advocated by the com-mission and recently approved bythe Board of Supervisors is signifi-cant in light of historical resistanceto civilian review of police actions.

❖ The changes directed by thesupervisors and Chief Roesslerwith regard to the Police

Department’s openness and trans-parency are substantial and havealready helped regain the publictrust lost, in part, because of thedismal handling of the Geer case.

❖ The county’s investment inDiversion First, which providestreatment rather than jail for non-violent people with mental illness,and broad-based police officertraining in crisis intervention tech-niques, are already paying divi-dends. Those with mental illnessare being treated with greater sen-sitivity to their affliction, easingthe potential for unnecessary suf-fering, while also reducing thepotential for officer injuries andthe need for the use of force. Ulti-mately, this will also help insure amore effective use of tax dollars.

As important and forward lean

Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway

See Police Reform, Page 7

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From Page 6

ing as these steps are, I believe the recraftingand rewriting of the Police Department’sUse of Force policy, also known as GeneralOrder 540, warrants particular note. Thenew Use of Force policy encompasses thecommission recommendations, which alsoincorporated use-of-force recommendationsmade by the independent Police ExecutiveResearch Forum. It gives emphasis to thesanctity of human life, dignity and libertyof all persons as its overarching value ordriving theme; and it calls for de-escalationas the strategy of first resort when con-fronted with a threat rather than the use ofdeadly force.

Every member of the Fairfax Police De-partment, from command leadership topolice officer will receive training underGeneral Order 540 by the end of January,2017. Police officer performance will beassessed against the standards set in thispolicy, while recruitment and vetting ofpolice officer candidates will focus on theabilities and temperament that comportwith the values captured therein.

While the preponderance of our recom-mendations have been approved and arebeing implemented, there are exceptions.For example, we called for all officers be-ing outfitted with body worn cameras, tocomplement the dashboard cameras now

mounted in each patrol vehicle. We believesuch cameras will benefit both the publicand the police officer. The supervisors de-layed consideration of this recommendationfor important matters of budget and privacyconcerns, which I believe will ultimately beovercome.

I encourage everyone who is interestedto review the Police Commission recommen-dations progress report at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/policecommission/progressreport.htm. In summary, you willfind that 178 of the 202 recommendations(88 percent) have been approved and areeither in process of being implemented orhave already been implemented; 15 (7.4percent) are still under review; and 9 (4.5percent) have been rejected.

The evidence so far is that the deep-rooted change of the nature and spirit ad-vocated by the commission is more achiev-able now than even the most optimistic ex-pected. This noted, I caution that the trans-formative progress I have observed can onlybe sustained over time with the continuedcounty and Police Department leadershipcommitment, the active involvement of thepolice rank and file officers and most criti-cally continued community participation,monitoring and oversight.

Phillip Niedzielski-Eichner served as chairman ofthe Use of Force Subcommittee of the Ad Hoc PolicePractices Review Commission, and continues serviceon the Implementation Committee.

Police Reform Underway

To the Editor:Each year owning a small business be-

comes more burdensome. With governmentcontinuing to impose more regulation andred tape on businesses and with the sky-rocketing costs of providing employeeshealthcare, the costs associated with oper-ating a small business are simply exorbi-tant.

Fortunately in late November, Congresspassed the 21st Century Cures Act, and itwas signed into law this week. In additionto the immense benefits this bill will infuseinto the medical field, the 21st CenturyCures Act also includes the Small BusinessHealth Care Relief Act. This component ofthis new law will allow many small busi-

nesses to help their workers and familiespay for premiums and other medical ex-penses. As a result of this bill, small com-panies will have more flexibility and a sim-plified way of assisting their employees withsoaring medical costs.

Thankfully, our Congresswoman, BarbaraComstock, cosponsored and voted to sup-port the 21st Century Cures Act. Rep.Comstock has been a champion for smallbusinesses and supports rolling back theObama Administration’s job-killing regula-tions. I am grateful for her leadership andadvocacy on this important issue.

Nadia AyoubiMcLean

A Champion for Small Businesses

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm’sGateHouse Shop features a hand-pickedselection of delightful and affordable giftsfor the holidays. These include tree orna-ments, Advent calendars, Christmas trays,holiday pins, candle holders, wine stoppers,coasters, tea towels, soaps and more.Browse jewelry, scarves, children’s toys, pi-rate ships as well as fruit preserves, buttersand jellies in glass jars of several sizes. TheGateHouse also offers holiday gift basketsfor busy patrons.

The GateHouse Shop’s “Local Corner”showcases soaps from a lavender farm inMaryland, books written by the living his-

tory museum’s volunteers, candles from alocal artisan in Falls Church and colonialpewter figurines handcrafted by the Farm’svery own former farmer.

The Shop is located at the entrance tothe living history museum at 6310Georgetown Pike in McLean. All sales pro-ceeds benefit the programs and services ofthe privately operated and funded NationalPark. The GateHouse Shop welcomes visi-tors on Wednesdays through Sundays, from10 a.m. until 5 p.m. through Saturday, Dec.24. Free GateHouse Shop parking and di-rections at www.1771.org or 703-442-7557.

Gift Shopping at Claude Moore Colonial FarmWeek in McLean

Letters

8 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

They said it was an inauguralevent, their first go at puttingtogether a free, family-friendlyholiday happening for anyone

and everyone to enjoy, but the activities, thesets, the quality and quantity of the enter-tainment and refreshments and the sheerscope of their efforts seemed anything buta novice production.

For six nights – Sunday, Dec. 11 throughFriday, Dec. 16 - every inch of the TysonsCorner location of the McLean Bible Church(MBC) at 8925 Leesburg Pike in Vienna wastransformed into a magical Christmas Vil-lage, inside and out. The organizers werehoping for a good turnout, wishing tospread the joy of the Season to as many aspossible. The opening night numbers farexceeded even their optimistic expectations.

“I think we had close to 7,000 to getthings started on Sunday night,” reportedMBC Associate Senior Pastor DaleSutherland. “That’s probably the most wehave had any Sunday in the building at onetime.”

The following weeknights saw crowds ofover 2,000 each night, though everyone waspreparing for the Friday night Grand Finale.“I have a feeling that will be a big one. Butwe’re ready,” declared Rosie Pinkerman,MBC Director of Host Teams, on Wednes-day evening. Pinkerman was speaking fromher post in the church’s upper level MainLobby - or “Village Square” for this occa-sion - where she said she was “really justkeeping out of the way of all our amazingvolunteers. They’ve got this covered.”

According to Pinkerman the event wasfirst discussed three years ago but really hitthe design board about two years later. “It’sa true testament to the great McLean BibleChurch spirit and about 800 volunteers!”Just about everything involved in the finalproduct was the result of volunteer efforts.That includes building, the set up and su-pervision of a dizzying number of activities,most of the forest of decorated Christmastrees, food and beverage offerings and serv-ing, vehicle traffic control and pedestrianflow.

OK. Back to the start of this adventure atthe “Village Square” where dozens of cos-tumed “elves” greeted, directed and gener-ally spread plenty of Christmas cheer. Theyhelped friends and families take photos infront of a massive tree and on either side ofa polar display as the crowds made theirway to a full-sized carousel for a quick spinbefore heading to the auditorium for theChristmas Show.

WITH THREE PERFORMANCES a nightand featuring the MBC Worship Band thathad the packed houses singing along, theChristmas Concert and Show included ahumorous kid-narrated film about the“Story of Christmas.” When that laughterdied down, there was interactivestorytelling by church member PaulCunningham who enthralled an audience

of youngsters surrounding him by the stage.On the lower level it quickly became clear

that there was so much to see and do thatit was no wonder why some, like the Paulsenfamily from Springfield, decided that onetrip to the MBC Christmas Village just wasn’tenough. “We were here on Sunday night,”said Howard Paulsen, with his two boysMichael and Brian in tow. “We found outwe had missed the train ride and some ofthe other activities, so we came back formore.”

A train ride? Absolutely. And a good-sizedone at that with room for the whole familyto hop on board as they were driven at apretty good speed through the “ChristmasTree Forest.” Further along the lower level“Main Street,” for those who hadn’t finished

wasn’t enough action to satisfy even themost energetic youngsters, there was stillthe “Polar Playground” complete with avariety of obstacles courses sure to havesome of those little ones falling asleep ontheir rides home.

Shows. Markets. Carousel and train rides.Lots to eat and drink. Sounds complete, andthen some. But what would a ChristmasVillage be without the chance to do a little“ice” skating? Not to worry. The MBC elvesthought of that, as well, transforming onelarge room into an indoor skating rink,where the organizers kindly provided help-ful portable hand rails for those most indanger of spending more time sitting on therink, rather than skating around it.

Just like the Christmas Show and theChristmas Experience that started Villageevent, the MBC folks capped off their pre-sentation with a reminder of what they areall about. “Our Village is for everyone, re-gardless of their beliefs. All are welcomedand will feel welcome,” said PastorSutherland, but their mission in what theydo is to “communicate the story of Jesusand what He did for Mankind.” And so thelast thing that guests encountered set upoutside the church was a live Nativity scenecomplete with Holy Family, their visitors,quite a few sheep and even a donkey. Thenit was back to their cars, with the calls of“Thanks for coming! Merry Christmas!”ringing in their ears.

INAUGURAL EVENT, remember? Thatmeans there are already plans in the worksfor next year’s Village. A word to the wise?Don’t miss it if you did this year, and if youwere part of this year’s fun, who knowswhat new adventures await you at the 2017McLean Bible Church Christmas Village?

McLean Bible Church Hosts Spectacular Christmas Village

“It’s snowing!” And so it seemed to be during one of the MBC WorshipBand’s performances. The group played to a packed house and had theaudience signing right along to some of the time-honored traditionalChristmas carols and rocking to some of the more modern numbers.

Round and round we go! The full-sized carousel brought lots of smilesand wide-eyed wonder to the guests at the MBC Christmas Village.

The Richards family of Restonpause for a photo opportunitywhile enjoying the delights ofthe McLean Bible Church Christ-mas Village. “Something foreveryone” they said, with kidsranging from 2 to 11.

their Christmas shopping, there was a“World Bazaar” featuring handcrafted giftsat booths decorated to call to mind thecountry of origin. Regions of Latin America,Asia and Africa were represented with theiritems being sold to benefit ministriesaround the world that focus on ending pov-erty.

The spirit of giving was not forgotten inthis Winter Wonderland. “Operation Christ-mas Child” was set up next door to the Ba-zaar to garner donations for children whootherwise might not see a gift beneath theChristmas tree.

Across the “street” children were lined upin “Candyland” for some time in the Bounc-ing Christmas Castle, a bit of face-painting,and a few other interactive offerings. If that

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Holiday Fun

McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

One hundred twenty-five children withlife-challenging illnesses, their familiesand a support team of doctors, nursesand volunteers, for a total of 216

people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles In-ternational Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hot-test destination of the season.

Children’s Hospice International, located in Alex-andria, in partnership with United Airlines had in-vited children and their families to experience a spe-cial trip. Earlier that morning each person hadchecked in at the United Airlines counter and re-ceived a complimentary ticket aboard Flight 2135,IAD-NTP, non-stop service from Washington to theNorth Pole, aboard Fantasy Flight 2016, call signSleigh Ride One.

They lined up at the boarding gate shortly before8:30 a.m., awaiting an adventure so many familieshad anticipated for months. Going down the jetbridge, parents lifted their children out of wheelchairsleaving the chairs behind for the support crew. Oth-ers held the hands of their ill child and the hands oftheir other children as the line moved forward toenter the plane.

The flight crew greeted the passengers as theyboarded the plane for their all-expense paid trip tothe North Pole and personal visits with Santa Claus.

Sparkling garland hung on the overhead compart-ments and cut out snowflakes dangled from the ceil-ing.

HOLIDAY MAGIC, a mix of community spirit andcare, fueled this year’s United Airlines Fantasy Flight2016, a program in its 27th year of operation. Throughthe support of United Airlines, its partnership withChildren’s Hospice International, the giving of doz-ens of local and regional corporations and hundredsof volunteers including United employees who do-nated their time and talent, United’s Flight to theNorth Pole prepared to depart.

Francis Parker and her husband had eagerly an-ticipated this day since May when the youngest oftheir four sons, Case, age 2, was diagnosed with can-

cer. While waiting to board Fantasy Flight 2016,Parker’s boys had crayoned letters to Santa andmailed them with the help from members of HerndonRotary Club. Paul Williams, Rotarian, said, “It’s ahappy time here today, to celebrate with the fami-lies.”

As the boys colored, Parker said, “Case is receivingtreatment at Walter Reed. His nurses told us aboutthe flight when Case was diagnosed. We woke themup this morning, put them in the car and didn’t tellthem where they were going until we got to the air-port. Everybody’s been wonderful.” Looking around,she added: “What a great opportunity this is.”

Although Case’s brothers had flown before, thiswas to be Case’s first flight, as it was for many chil-dren aboard Fantasy Flight 2016. While the flightattendants helped the families settle in, UnitedAirline’s Captain “Bubba” welcomed everyoneaboard. He explained that there were some very spe-cial rules on the nonstop flight to the North Pole.

“Window blinds have to remain down,” he said,adding that the plane uses a very special fuel, mak-ing it travel so fast it’ll be extremely bright outside.“And everyone knows, where Santa lives,” CaptainBubba said, “is a secret, only United has clearancefrom Santa Claus” to land at the North Pole.

The flight is real and so is the destination. SandySteinmeyer, a United Airlines flight attendant andkey organizer of the Dulles Fantasy Flights said: “AllFantasy Flights across the United States and Guam,a total of 14 flights, will really take off this year.”

According to Randy Cox, managing director UnitedAirlines, United Airlines donates the fuel for theflights while employees, flight attendants, crews andsupport teams donate their time.

Julia Wislocka, United Airlines staff representativecorporate communication, commented that there isno doubt in her mind Fantasy Flight is the most amaz-ing event of United Airlines. She said, “It’s a greatexample of employees and the community comingtogether. The event, takes hundreds of volunteers,and the concourse where the families will arrive,really is transformed to be the North Pole.”

Terry Edwards, a United employee for 27 years,was Mrs. Santa. Before the plane departed, sheagreed and said, “In their mindset, the children areat the North Pole. They buy into it 100 percent.”

While Sleigh Ride One traveled at near warp speed,it made quick time to the North Pole but not beforeflight attendants could treat everyone to apple slicesand sweets. As Fantasy Flight 2016 prepared to land,Captain Bubba came on the intercom one last time.To everyone on board, he wished: “Fill your dayswith laughter; fill them with peace and with joy.Welcome to the North Pole.”

In spirit of season,community organizationsand businesses donatehundreds of service hoursand supplies.

Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole

Oak Hill Herndon FantasyFlight 2016: Children withlife-challenging illnesses andtheir families board SleighRide One, nonstop service tothe North Pole, for a day ofholiday cheer and a privatevisit with Santa Clause.United Airlines hosted theday with the support ofhundreds of volunteers andregional businesses.

Photos by Anthony C. Tsantrizos

10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

The holiday season is bittersweetfor Jeanne Rorke. The days lead-ing up to Christmas are filledwith memories of her parents.

Her mother committed suicide when Rorkewas 12, and her father died on ChristmasEve eight years ago.

“No one really helped me through thegrieving process,” said Rorke, recalling hermother’s death. “My family was like, ‘Don’ttalk about it.’ … My Christmases have al-ways been kind of sad … even though I puton a happy face for my family.”

Roarke joined about two dozen others ata workshop on handling grief during theholidays called, “Facing the Empty Chair:Surviving the Holidays after Losing a LovedOne” at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Al-exandria. From those who are preparing tocelebrate a first Christmas without a lovedone to those who’ve been grieving for de-cades, participants shared experiences, sup-ported each other and gained tools for sur-viving the season while facing the realityof the empty chair in which their loved oneonce sat.

“The holidays can be time of longing forthose who’ve lost someone,” said CareyGauzens, a licensed clinical social workerat the Center for Pastoral Counseling of Vir-ginia in McLean. “The holidays are a timewhen you reflect on family, and it’s hardfor someone who’s aware that that personisn’t there.”

At the workshop, Gauzens clarified someof the misinformation surrounding grief,especially during the holidays. “First andmost important, is that normal grieving isreally hard for most people. Some peoplebelieve the myth that grief lasts only for afew months, but it’s hard to measure yourhealing because it’s an up and down pro-cess, not a smooth, straight line.”

Throughout the process, and particularlyduring the holidays, being able to tap intoa source of strength other than oneself is afactor that Gauzen underscores: “It’s impor-tant to have a support group, friends, atherapist.”

Finding someone who is also grieving can

be particularly helpful. For example, whenBeverly Bell’s husband died nine years agofollowing an extended illness, she foundstrength and comfort in a friendship withanother widow.

“[We] had a wonderful relationship … forseveral years following my husband’sdeath,” said Bell, who attended the work-shop. “We had a regular lunch date and alsoshared a number of holidays. She also dieda couple of years ago, and I realized that Iam particularly missing her presence.”

Earlier this year, Bell’s brother died aswell. “I found myself re-experiencing manyof the feelings I had had when my husbanddied, [but feeling] particularly helpless tocomfort my sister-in-law,” she said. “Perhaps[my] presence is the most important thingI can … offer my sister-in-law.”

Some of the workshop attendees wantedto learn how to better support others. “I ama member of the Community of Hope In-ternational, a group of lay pastoralcaregivers whose ministry is to visit thosewho are experiencing sickness, trauma,tragedy or loss of a loved one,” said Caroline

McCormack, one of the participants. “Iwanted to have a better understanding ofthe grieving process, so I might be a morecompassionate listener.”

She and Bell learned that process is dif-ferent for everyone. “My husband’s deathwas preceded by a long illness. My brother’sdeath was sudden,” said Bell. “I wonderedif something about the timing made a dif-ference in how we experience and cope withgrief. I learned that it really does not.”

“... We all experience grief in differentways and it can show up at unexpectedtimes and places and so we need to begentle with ourselves and find ways thatwe can express our grief in ways that feelhealing and safe for us,” added ReveredElizabeth Rees. Associate Rector, St. Aidan’sEpiscopal Church.

This is a point Gauzens tried to under-score: Grieving is an individual process andthere is no one-size-fits-all method for cop-ing. Even people who are grieving for thesame person can experience it differentlyand have different needs. “For example, oneperson might want to talk about the loss,but others might not,” she said. “It’s impor-tant to be sensitive to family members whogrieve differently and compromise so thateach person feels emotionally safe.”

Cultivating self-awareness and knowingwhat is normal to expect while one is griev-ing is important. “Sometimes the symptomsare so intense it makes people feel likethey’re going crazy and frightens themsometimes,” said Gauzens. “They might cryat the drop of a hat, get angry or feel un-able to control their emotions. There couldbecome deeply distracted or confused likeget lost going someplace they know well.

“Give yourself permission to make care-ful decisions about how you’ll spend yourtime,” she added. “It’s helpful to discernwithin yourself what feels right. Decidewhether to maintain holiday traditions ordo something completely different.”

Avoiding all festive, social activities mightdo more harm than good, however. “A per-son who’s grieving might end up isolatingbecause they won’t go to places they oncewent to with the person they’ve lost,” said

Gauzens.Instead, Gauzens suggests planning

“something to look forward to after theholiday to reward yourself for gettingthrough the holidays.”

She also stressed the need for self-care,including exercising, eating healthy andstaying hydrated. “It’s important to mini-mize your use of mood altering sub-stances like alcohol,” said Gauzens. “It’stempting to try to numb the pain, but itcomes back.”

Changing customs can make holidaysless painful, says Dr. Linda Gulyn, Ph.D.,professor of psychology, Marymount Uni-versity in Arlington. “I like to break withtraditions that are familiar and that remindus of the loved one we lost,” she said.“Sometimes it’s good to shake it up and starta new tradition, so you’re looking forwardinstead of behind you.”

“The days are darker and colder, whichexacerbates any sadness that we might befeeling anyway,” said Gulyn. “Hang in there.It will feel better and you will get throughit. The holidays will go by and we’ll get backinto our routine and productive lives thathelp with healing.

There is a point however, when assistancefrom a mental health professional is a nec-essary, Jerome Short, Ph.D., associate pro-fessor of psychology, George Mason Univer-sity in Fairfax. “People should seek profes-sional help if they have significant distressand difficulty in daily self-care and func-tioning at home or work that has lastedmore than two weeks without improve-ment,” he said. “Common symptoms fordepression are low mood, lack of pleasurein previously enjoyable activities, social iso-lation, and thoughts of hopelessness andhelplessness.”

Workshop helps others deal with loss.Holiday Grief

Photo courtesy of Carey Gauzens

Carey Gauzens of the the Centerfor Pastoral Counseling of Virginiain McLean, led a workshop ongrieving during the holidays at St.Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Alex-andria.

Combating that holiday periodwhich the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration

says is a “dangerous time to be on theroad due to a high number of drunkdrivers behind the wheel,” a localnonprofit organization will offer freecab rides to would-be drunk driversthroughout the Washington-metro-politan area during the winterholidays.

Washington Regional Alcohol Program(WRAP), operates the annual HolidaySoberRide program between 10 p.m. and6 a.m. each evening between Friday, Dec.16, 2016 and Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 as away to keep local roads safe from im-paired drivers during this traditionallyhigh-risk, holiday period.

During the evening hours, between Dec.16 and Jan. 1, Washington-metropolitanarea residents celebrating with alcohol

may call the toll-free SoberRide phonenumber 1–800–200–TAXI and be affordeda no-cost (up to $30 fare), safe wayhome.

“Last December, nearly 1,500 (1,456)Greater Washington residents did the rightthing and availed themselves of thislifesaving service rather than possiblydriving home impaired,” said Kurt GregoryErickson, WRAP’s president. “ForSoberRide’s hours of operation during just

last New Year’s Eve, alone, such rider-ship (580) translated into the removalof a would-be drunk driver from ourshared roadways every 49-seconds.”

Since 1993, WRAP’s SoberRideprogram has provided 65,385 free cabrides home to would-be drunk driversin the Greater Washington area.

More information about WRAP’sSoberRide initiative can be found atwww.soberride.com.

Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving

“The holidays are a timewhen you reflect on family,and it’s hard for someonewho’s aware that thatperson isn’t there.”

— Carey Gauzens, LCSW

McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

To highlight your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-778-9422

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Send announcements toconnectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.Deadline is Friday at noon for thefollowing week’s paper. Photos/artworkencouraged.

ONGOINGOngoing Contemplative

Candlelight Service St. John’sEpiscopal Church. located at 6715Georgetown Pike, McLean. One mileeast of Beltway Exit 44. ExperienceGod in word, chant, and silence andpray by lighting a candle. No eveningservices on December 25 or January1. www.stjohnsmclean.org

Winter Walk of Lights atMeadowlark Botanical Gardensopen every day beginning on Friday,Nov. 18, 2016, through Jan. 8, 2017.Open Thanksgiving, Christmas andNew Year’s, too. The walk of lightsruns daily from 5:30 - 10 p.m. Lasttickets sold at 9:30 p.m. This family-friendly six-week winter wonderlandof spectacle is only a few years oldbut has garnered a loyal followingfrom throughout the NorthernVirginia area, particularly Vienna andits environs. To buy timed ticketsonline: https://www.novaparks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights

Weekly Storytime. Wednesday andSaturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble,7851 L Tysons Corner Center,McLean. Themes and Titles vary.Free admission.

Tai Chi Beginners’ Practice.Saturdays, 8-9 a.m. St. Luke’sCatholic School Gymnasium, 7005Georgetown Pike, McLean. WeeklyTai Chi practice. Group has met forover 20 years. Free. FreeTaiChi.org.703-759-9141.

SATURDAY/DEC. 24Children’s Christmas Eve Service 5

p.m. The Church of the GoodShepherd, United Methodist Church2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. TheChildren’s Christmas Eve Serviceincludes a giant felt board. Aschildren come in, we will pass outpieces of the Nativity story and willdo the felt board together withmusic, said pastor Eric Song.Communion and candlelight serviceswill be held at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.Child care will be provided for the7:30 p.m. service.

Family Christmas Eve Service 5:30- 6:30 p.m. Andrew Chapel UnitedMethodist Church. 1301 Trap Road,Vienna. Come enjoy a family-friendlyChristmas Eve worship service thatincludes our children’s nativitypageant and the congregationalsinging of many wonderful carols.AndrewChapelUMC.org

SUNDAY/DEC. 25Christmas Morning Service 10:15

a.m. The Church of the Good

Shepherd, United Methodist Church2351 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. TheChurch of the Good Shepherd willcelebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.www.GoodShepherdVA.com

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 28Romanian Holiday Traditions 7 - 9

p.m. The Patriot Hall - AmericanLegion Post 180. 330 Central StreetNorth, Vienna. Admission: $10 - 35.Caroling on Christmas and New Yearis the most wonderful and colorfulmanifestation of the Romanian folktraditions. This is a time of year filledwith unique and ancient rituals andcustoms celebrating the birth ofChrist and the arrival of a new year.This show will highlight thetraditional carols, dances, songs andwishes for prosperity and richharvest, one could hear in Romania’stowns and villages and will alsoinclude the famous Goat and Beardances. This is a charitable event. Allproceeds from this event will bedonated to Mr. Ionel Popescul, amember of the group “Folclor,” whowas diagnosed two months ago withcolon cancer. Since the doctors gaveNelu the terrible diagnosis he has notbeen able to work, leaving his five-month pregnant wife, as the onlysource of income in the family. Formore information or to make a directdonation please visit: https://

www.youcaring.com/ionel-popescul.

SATURDAY/DEC. 31New Years Eve 2017 10 - 2 a.m. at

Greenhouse Bistro 2070 Chain Bridge

Calendar

On Wednesday Dec. 28 there will be a Romanian holiday traditions celebration from 7 -9 p.m. at The Patriot Hall - American Legion Post 180. 330 Central Street North, inVienna. Caroling on Christmas and New Year is the most wonderful and colorful mani-festation of the Romanian folk traditions. This is a time of year filled with unique andancient rituals and customs celebrating the birth of Christ and the arrival of a new year.This show will highlight the traditional carols, dances, songs and wishes for prosperityand rich harvest, one could hear in Romania’s towns and villages and will also includethe famous Goat and Bear dances. www.youcaring.com

Plan Ahead McLeanSATURDAY/JAN. 7The Capitol Steps at The Alden 8

p.m. 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA22101. To recover from this off-the-wall election cycle, remain calm andwalk, do not run, to The Alden andshelter-in-place with these masterpolitical satirists. $50/$35 MCC taxdistrict residents.Visit:www.aldentheatre.org.

SUNDAY/JAN.8Concert: Opera Celebration 4 - 6

p.m. Saint Francis Episcopal Church9220 Georgetown Pike Great Falls VA22066. The new year is thetraditional time to revel in the beautyof the voice. Beloved Amadeuspianist-in-residence Frank Conlonbrings together spectacular talent insolos and ensembles, as well as hisincomparable storytelling. Cost:Season pass $150 or $30 at the door.Visit: http://amadeusconcerts.com/

SUNDAY/JAN. 15Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Celebration at The AldenCenter: Chuck D 2 p.m. 1234Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA 22101.Best known as leader and co-founderof the legendary rap group, PublicEnemy, Chuck D redefined rap musicand hip hop culture with the releaseof Public Enemy’s explosive debutalbum, “Yo Bum Rush The Show,” in1987. Speaker subject to change.Cost: $20/$10 MCC tax districtresidents. Visit:www.aldentheatre.org.

Road, Vienna. There will be DJs, liveperformances, party favors,complimentary champagne toast atmidnight. Advanced tickets availablefor a limited time. Admission: $40

�

Learn as if youwere to liveforever; live as ifyou were going todie tomorrow.

—John Wooden�

12 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

About 80 members of theChabad Tysons Jewish Centerand the Chabad of NorthernVirginia attended a Menorah

Workshop at the Home Depot inMerrifield on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.

“We’re here to bring the excitement ofHanukkah to the children with a hands-on event where children build a menorah.The kids worked at their own pace. Wehave latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt,”said Rabbi Chessy Deitsch of the ChabadTysons Jewish Center. “We’re also doingan olive oil press demonstration.”

“We are very excited about the turnoutof all of the families,” said Rabbi SholomDeitsch, Director of the Chabad of North-ern Virginia. “If we could add to theirexcitement during the holiday, then wehave accomplished what we wanted to.We want each child to feel pride in theirholidays.”

Mike Anderson, Assistant Store Man-ager for Home Depot, said they do allsorts of different workshops for differentgroups, birthday parties, and WoundedWarriors; just different ways to bring thecommunity together. “It’s part of ourvalues in being able to give back to thecommunity,” he said.

Sam Kooritzky, a retired lawyer fromOakton, said the menorah workshop wasa good way to get kids interested in theJewish holidays. “It’s more than just aservice. We want to give them goodknowledge of the religion itself,” he said.The congregation is relatively smallcompared to others in the area, he said.“Here, everybody’s part of the family. It’sfamily oriented; every couple of monthswe get an invitation to have dinner withthe Rabbi. You don’t have to be religiousto belong; there’s no pressure on any-body.”

Some upcoming holiday programs fromChabad of Northern Virginia include:

❖ Hanukkah Wonderland from Dec. 25to 30, 2016, daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at 226 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA.

❖ Flip Like a Latke at Flight TrampolinePark, Saturday, Dec. 24, from 6:30 to 8p.m., at 7200 Fullerton Road, Springfield.Cost is $10/person; $25/family. VisitChabadVA.org.

❖ Menorah Lighting on Wednesday,Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at SpringfieldMall. Includes giant menorah lighting,magic show, take a photo with JudahMaccabee and the Dreideal Man,Chanukah arts and crafts, and hot choco-late, latkes and doughnuts.

❖ Menorah Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 25at 6:30 p.m. at Fairfax Square.

❖ Menorah Lighting on Saturday, Dec.31 at 7:30 p.m. at The Greens in Vienna.

❖ Camp Gan Israel’s Winter Camp 2016from Dec. 19 through Dec. 30, daily from9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At 3939 PrinceWilliam Drive, Fairfax. Register online atwww.CGINOVA.com.

— Steve Hibbard

Calendar of otherHanukkah eventsin the area.

Menorah Workshop Heldat the Home Depot

Faith

Members of the ChabadTysons Jewish Center and

the Chabad of NorthernVirginia participated in the

menorah workshop.

Zoe Hicks, age 9, of Vienna, makesher menorah.

Ali and Eli Kulman of Falls Churchmake a menorah at the HomeDepot in Merrifield.

Members of the Chabad TysonsJewish Center and the Chabad ofNorthern Virginia participated inthe menorah workshop.

Nancy Gabriel, a Garden Associateat the Home Depot, serves latkes, apotato pancake.

Noah and Aden Mozar of Fairfaxmake their menorahs.

Rabbi Sholom Deitsch, Director ofthe Chabad of Northern Virginia,with his family members.

Photos by

Steve Hibbard

The Connection

McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

From Page 9

News

The children, their familiesand the support teamsdeplaned. They headed up thejet bridge to the concourse.There, much to their surprise,with eyes wide open, storybookcharacters, Minions, StormTroopers and hundreds of vol-unteers had formed a gauntlet,and were applauding their ar-rival. High fives were slapped;children hugged Minions andthe Red, White and Blues bandplayed. Even the Racing Presi-dents of the Washington Nation-als stepped up to the childrenand gave out hugs.

Earlier, Cox described the ef-fort it took to transform the con-course to be the North Pole; “Webegin decorating the night be-fore at 6 p.m. It takes 350 vol-unteers to decorate the NorthPole. All the work and the deco-rations are donated.”

Jim Lynch from Michigan attended the event withhis teenage daughter Emily. Lynch said, “Emily com-pleted a weeklong research program at NIH. Thisis a fun day. And to just walk off that plane, wewere blown away.”

Another element of the day is the impact the eventhas for the siblings of a challenged child. Wislockasaid, “Today’s event is so important for the sick kids,but also for their siblings because their parents’ fo-cus has been on the sick child. United Airline em-ployees and our volunteers make sure the siblingsget just as much attention and love.”

Xin Huang’s 3-year old daughter, Heidi, attendsthe Maryland School for the Deaf and Blind. WhileHeidi rested in her wheelchair, Huang said that thiswas the second time they had attended the event.She added, “It’s an important family event. Last year,every other month, Heidi’s brother, Leon, would askabout it. He absolutely believes we are at the NorthPole.”

DURING THEIR VISIT to the North Pole, guestsexperienced an entertainment line up of 13 bands;various support groups such as Summit TherapyAnimals and Red Door Salon and entertainers likeAerial Graffiti Jugglers, who all donated their timeand talents for the cause.

But the event everyone waited for was his or herpersonal visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each childhad an extended time with Santa and received abag full of age-appropriate toys or items, purchasedspecifically for that child.

At 21, Montel Flipping was the oldest invitee. Hesat in his wheelchair, eyes alert. His mother, SonjaFlipping said, “Montel was diagnosed with pediatricbrain cancer at Children’s Hospital. This has been a4-year journey, and God is awesome.” She added thatMontel, her only child, had been accepted into thePolice Cadet Program one month prior to his diag-nosis. “Where trust is, is what matters most,” shesaid as they left to get in line for Montel’s visit withSanta.

Ashtin Parker from West Springfield High Schooland Bryson McDaniels from Lake Braddock HighSchool were two of the gift purchasers for the event.Parker said, “This year we got to buy 800 toys.”

McDaniels added: “We got toys every child wouldlike, from ages newborn to 21. If we can make adifference, we will do this any day.” Both Parker andMcDaniels had formed gift and fund drives, Ashtin’sdrive was named Ashtin’s Angels and McDaniel’s wasBryson’s Blessings.

McDaniel’s added: “We really put a lot of thoughtinto what to buy, headphones, books, puzzles, thenhe added: “The headphones are for the 21-year old.”

For more information about Fantasy Flight, con-tact United Airlines. For more information aboutChildren’s Hospice International that ensures medi-cal, psychological, social, and spiritual support to allchildren with life-threatening conditions and theirfamilies, contact www.CHIonline.org.

Destination: North Pole

A child at United Airlines Fantasy Flightknows the best gift of any season, is awelcoming hug.

Montel Flipping and Mrs. Minnesota, Morgan Bredde, enjoya moment together during festivities sponsored by UnitedAirlines at their Fantasy Flight celebration. Bredde is anAmbassador for Children’s Hospice International (CHI), anon-profit organization that partnered with United Air-lines. CHI completes the circle of care and improves thequality of life for children with life-altering illnesses.

Photos by Anthony C. Tsantrizos

to be in imminent danger of deathor great bodily harm, MDSMcPartlin, while retreating, dis-charged his weapon until thethreat was abated,” Morrogh saysin the report. “In my legal opin-ion, this is a case of justifiable ho-micide and no individual is crimi-nally responsible for the death ofYovani A. Gomez.”

In a response statement, SheriffStacey Kincaid said, “Our condo-lences go to Mr. Gomez’s family.Now that Commonwealth’s Attor-ney Ray Morrogh has released hisfindings that no criminal chargesare warranted, the Sheriff’s Officewill conduct an administrative in-vestigation.”

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) chairs the Board of Su-

pervisors Public Safety Committee,which has recently voted to estab-lish an office of independent po-lice auditor to review all use offorce cases, as well as a civilianreview panel to look at complaintsof police misconduct.

Cook’s office declined to com-ment on Morrogh’s decision. Boardof Supervisors chairman SharonBulova did not respond to a requestfor comment before print time.

Cook previously commentedthat while the Sheriff ’s officedoesn’t fall under the administra-tive purview of the supervisors,they have been invited to presentand field questions related to rec-ommendations for policy changesfrom the Ad Hoc Police PracticesReview Commission at the PublicSafety Committee Meeting inMarch 2017.

From Page 5

Deputy Cleared inFatal Shooting

Send school notes to north@connectionnewspapers.com by noon on Friday.

U.S. Air Force Airman Eric J. Kim graduated from basic military train-ing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airmancompleted an intensive, eight-week program that included training in mili-tary discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basicwarfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earnfour credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Com-munity College of the Air Force. He is a 2014 graduate of Langley HighSchool, McLean.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) student journalists have been rec-ognized by two national student journalism organizations for theiroutstanding work.

News publications from McLean High School and Thomas Jefferson HighSchool for Science and Technology (TJHSST) have been named CrownAward finalists by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA). Theyare The Highlander (High School News), McLean High School, LindsayBenedict, adviser; and tjToday andtjtoday.org (High School News Hybrid forprint and online), TJHSST, Erinn Harris, adviser. Both publications will re-ceive either a Silver or Gold Crown at the CSPA award ceremony in March2017. Five FCPS students have been named finalists in individual contestsby the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). These students areamong just 10 finalists in their respective categories and were chosen fromentries submitted nationwide.

NSPA finalists are:❖ Sports Story: John Corvari, The Highlander newsmagazine, McLean

High School.❖ Sports Action Photo: Maggie Laird, The Clan yearbook, McLean High

School.❖ Newspaper Page One Design: Susie Hyland, Jodie Lee, The Hawk Talk,

Madison High School.❖ Illustration: Sam Willett, The Watchdog, Westfield High School.

Emma Leiken, a 2012 Mclean High School graduate, earned Fulbrightgrant. She graduated from Oberlin College in May 2016.

Brandon Bast, of Great Falls, graduated from The University of Tampaon May 7. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in sport managementand a minor in marketing.

Savannah Kathleen McBride was awarded an $8,000 four-year Fra-ternal College Scholarship in a national competition by Modern Woodmenof America. She is the daughter of Stephen and Lezlie McBride, McLean. Sheplans to attend Reed College in Portland, Ore.

Brendan Mullen, Langley HS Class of 2011, was awarded a prestigioussummer Research Fellowship by the Drexel University College of Medicineto study the effects of concussion on mice. Brendan will present his resultsat the College of Medicine’s annual research event, Discovery Day, in Octo-ber 2016. Former Langley ice hockey goalie, continues his support ofchildren’s special hockey by volunteering for the Philadelphia Flyer’s youthspecial hockey team.

Dov Cohen, of Vienna, received a bachelor of arts degree from TheCollege of Wooster during commencement exercises in May 2016.

School Notes

14 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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ABC LICENSEThai Boys Inc. trading as Tom Yum Thai, 226 Maple Ave. W, Vienna, VA 22180. The above establishment is applying to

the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises and

Mixed BeverageRestaurant license to sell or

manufacture alcoholic beverages. Tanitta

Diewtragulchai, PresidentNOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be

submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing

date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be regis-tered at www.abc.virginia.gov

or 800-552-3200.

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By KENNETH B. LOURIE

I Have Ca, Ca,Ca, Cancer

Here I am thinking, believing, writing thatI’m Mr. Well-Adjusted cancer patient and all ittook was one conversation in a restaurant theother night at the Connection Christmas partyto prove that I’m not. It was a casual, festiveatmosphere with everybody enjoying foodand drink. I was sitting in a booth with mywife, Dina, my co-worker, David, and hismother Sherry, who I had never met before,who was in-town visiting her sons and plan-ning a drive downtown to see the NationalChristmas Tree. We were all exchanging pleas-antries and getting on quite well when Iremembered that David’s mother is a nurse. Ithought she would be the perfect person toask about my oncology nurse. But to give thequestion some context, I thought I had to tellher I had cancer. And when I did, I couldbarely get the word out. After I stammered Iasked, if there was any professional rea-son/advisory explaining why I haven’t heardback from my long-time (seven years) oncol-ogy nurse who, I had learned four weeks ear-lier at my last infusion when he wasn’t there totend to me, retired early. He didn’t exactlyleave me adrift but a month later, he still has-n’t returned my cellphone message (an emailto his Verizon account bounced back and hehasn’t posted anything current on Facebook).

Obviously he’s entitled. Nevertheless, I’mperplexed. We were buddies. We wereextremely compatible: sports, humor, from theNortheast, same age, Jewish and both spoke alittle Yiddish. Heck, I had even been to hishouse for a Super Bowl party; plus we’vebeen out to lunch a couple of times after myinfusion, met locally for a medical follow up(not exactly a house call but he did come tome), and as I may have written in a previouscolumn, he likely saved my life when Ishowed up at the Infusion Center with an oxy-gen level of 85. (Subsequent to that reading,he went into high gear making the necessaryarrangements to get me transferred to on-siteurgent care and ultimately “ambulanced” toHoly Cross Hospital in Silver Spring where Ispent the next week. Though he didn’t visitme; he later explained that he rarely visitedpatients, he did call to check on me.) Theshort story is: our relationship went beyondpatient-nurse. I wouldn’t say I looked forwardto my infusions, but because of him, I didn’tdread them either.

It’s not as if he has to do anything for meor acknowledge me or even stay in contactwith me. He has his own life; he’s made achange and presumably, his oncology patientsare not part of it. I can understand that. In themedical specialty field, oncology is one of, ifnot the most, emotionally demanding/wrenching: patients with whom you’ve devel-oped a relationship often die. I can imaginehow there’s only so much loss of life one cantake. However, I thought our relationshipwent beyond that, in spite of the challengingdemands that dealing with a “terminal”patient can exact.

Oddly enough, I’m not taking it personally.My feelings are not hurt, really. Until I knowmore of the circumstances surrounding hisretirement (health, family, lifestyle, etc.), I’mnot begrudging him at all. Moreover, he does-n’t owe me an explanation. His retiring is notabout me. It’s about him and because of that,I want to know why he decided to leave andwhether we can still stay in touch. So far, wehaven’t; he hasn’t.

There’s no doubt that he’s been an impor-tant part of my cancer-patient life, and in away, I thought — through my personality andsurvival, important to him also. Perhaps I was,professionally. Personally, I thought so as well.I just haven’t heard any evidence of it in thelast month. Still, I will always be grateful forhis care and concern.

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McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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If tomorrow were never tocome, it wouldnot be worthliving today.

-Dagobert Runes

News

The 13th Annual Super H 5K Run, Walk &Wheel held on Sunday, Sept. 18 at Sport &Health in Tysons Corner, raised more than$45,000 which benefits the adaptive sportsathletes with MedStar NRH RehabilitationNetwork. Proceeds from the race assist theNetwork’s sports teams which includewheelchair basketball, quad rugby,handcycling, sled hockey, adaptive rowingand more, in traveling to tournaments, pur-chasing new equipment and uniforms.

This year’s race, attended by a record 310runners, walkers and wheelers, helpsformer MedStar NRH patients and those inthe community to participate in variousadaptive sports, and also allows anyonewith a disabling condition or disability toattend fitness classes held at MedStar Na-tional Rehabilitation Hospital in D.C., andin Northern Virginia. Those who attend thefitness classes can use the equipment thatpatients use for therapy in a wide open gymand take part in activities all in an effort tostay active, fit and healthy.

“We sincerely appreciate all of the gener-osity of our sponsors and those who at-tended this year’s race,” said Joan Joyce,

director of recreation therapy and commu-nity relations for MedStar NRH. “Our adap-tive athletes are very grateful for all of thesupport they receive as well as those com-ing for our fitness classes. It really means alot to everyone.”

Super H 5K Run, Walk & Wheel, is anannual race which was started by Harry andRenie Freedman. Harry, a former patientwith MedStar NRH, lost his leg in a work-place accident many years ago. An avid ath-lete, Harry wanted to give back and helpthose in the community stay active throughadaptive sports programs such as the onesMedStar NRH offers.

Next year’s race will take place on Sun-day, Sept. 24, 2017, at Sport & Health inTysons Corner. If you are interested in sign-ing up now for the 14th Annual Super H 5KRun, Walk & Wheel go to: http://superh5k.com/

If you are interested in sponsoring nextyear’s race contact Joan Joyce at 202-877-1420 or email joan.p.joyce@medstar.net.

For more information on the MedStarNRH Adaptive Sports Program, go to:medstarnrh.org/adaptivesports.

Tysons Race Raises More Than $45,000 forAdaptive Athletes

Faith Notes are for announcements andevents in the faith community. Send tovienna@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadlineis Friday at noon.

Chabad Tysons Jewish Center is hostinga Chanukah Wonderland Dec. 25 till Dec. 30 inVienna at 226 W. Maple Ave. from 10 a.m.-4p.m. every day and a Menorah lighting at thefirst night Vienna.

Christmas Eve Service - Charles WesleyUMC, “The Hunger Church,” 6817 Dean Dr.,McLean is inviting community to join them ina service of carols and candlelight - somethingfor the whole family, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.www.thehungerchurch.org

The Church of the Good Shepherd, aUnited Methodist church in Vienna, will cel-ebrate Christmas Eve with three worshipservices on Saturday, Dec. 24 and one worshipservice on Christmas morning. The communityis invited to all services at the church, locatedat 2351 Hunter Mill Road.

At 5 p.m. there will be the Children’sChristmas Eve Service that includes a giant

felt board. As children come in, we will pass outpieces of the Nativity story and will do the feltboard together with music, said pastor EricSong. Communion and candlelight services willbe held at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. (child care pro-vided for the 7:30 p.m. service). Christmasmorning services with communion will be heldat 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25.

The Church of the Good Shepherd will cel-ebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017. For moreinformation, visit the church website atwww.GoodShepherdVA.com or atwww.Facebook.com/GoodShepherdVienna orfollow at www.twitter.com/goodshepherdva.

St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at the in-tersection of Lewinsville and Brook Roads inMcLean, just a mile west of Tysons, invites youfor a casual Saturday Service at 5 p.m., followedby conversation and fellowship or for SundayServices at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. Sunday School forYouth and Children takes place during the 10a.m. Service. Look for our Pumpkin Patch thisOctober, and checkwww.stthomasmcleanva.org for Special Eventsand Services through the year. St. Thomas’ Epis-copal Church, 8991 Brook Road, McLean,703-442-0330.

Faith Notes

FEBRUARYFree public service seminars --Decluttering: Feb. 2, McLean High School, 1633

Davidson Rd., McLean.-Aging in Place: Feb. 8, Falls Church H.S., 7521

Jaguar Trail, Falls Church.-Downsizing: Feb. 14, Marshall H.S. 7731 Leesburg

Pk., Falls Church.-Retirement Communities Feb. 22, Madison H.S.,

2500 James Madison Dr., Vienna.For more information and seminar registration go

to RetireeRealEstate.org, or call 703-772-3033.

ONGOINGThe Northern Virginia Long Term Care

Ombudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at

703-324-5861, TTY 711 or emailLisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov. Also visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman/.

Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive olderadults to medical appointments andwellness programs. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Respite Care volunteers give family caregivers ofa frail older adult a well-deserved break so theycan go shopping, attend a doctor’s appointmentor just have coffee with a friend. Volunteers visitand oversee the safety of the older adult for afew hours each month. Support and training areprovided. Contact 703-324-7577, TTY 711, orKristin.Martin@fairfaxcounty.gov.

To have community events listed in the Connection, send to connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline for submissions is noon on Friday.

Bulletin Board

16 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ December 21-27, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com