McLean Revealing Wonders Home LifeStyle Home ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/... · by Solitair e! New Home by Chadsworth! New Home! en Br the Buyer! ought Sold

McLean Connection ❖ February 12-18, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Home LifeStyleHome LifeStylePage 11

Revealing Wondersof Science

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Revealing Wondersof Science

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Elizabeth McCune, aMcLean High studentof botany, welcomesScouts to the Apoth-

ecary Shop andbegins a discussion

on how coffee in the18th century became

America’s mostpopular drink after

the Boston Tea Party.Langley ComesTogether in Wakeof TragedyNews, Page 3

Mental Health CrisisThe County Line, Page 4

Langley ComesTogether in Wakeof TragedyNews, Page 3

Mental Health CrisisThe County Line, Page 4

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ February 12-18, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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❖ Talking about wanting todie

❖ Looking for a way to killoneself

❖ Talking about feelinghopeless or having no purpose

❖ Talking about feelingtrapped or in unbearable pain

❖ Talking about being aburden to others

❖ Increasing the use ofalcohol or drugs

❖ Acting anxious, agitatedor recklessly

❖ Sleeping too little or toomuch

❖ Withdrawing or feelingisolated

❖ Showing rage or talkingabout seeking revenge

❖ Displaying extreme moodswings

— Courtesy of

ReportingOnSuicide.org.

Warning Signs of Suicide What To Do?If someone you know exhibits warning signs

of suicide:❖ Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly

about suicide.❖ Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of

feelings. Accept the feelings.❖ Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether

suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelingsare good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value oflife.

❖ Get involved. Become available. Showinterest and support.

❖ Don’t dare him or her to do it.❖ Don’t act shocked. This will put distance

between you.❖ Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.❖ Offer hope that alternatives are available

but do not offer glib reassurance.❖ Take action. Remove means, such as guns

or stockpiled pills.❖ Get help from persons or agencies specializ-

ing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Tips courtesy of National Suicide Prevention

Lifeline.

McLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Ethan McLeod

The Connection

Fairfax County came together tosupport Langley High studentsand their families following thedeaths of two 17-year old Langley

seniors on Feb. 3 and 4.Compassionate messages arrived from

Fairfax County school administrators,churches, and fellow students at otherschools in the days following the discover-ies of both students’ bodies. Both deathswere suspected to be suicides.

Langley High School Principal MattRagone issued a statement in a letter toLangley families. “Thank you to everyonewho has expressed their genuine concernand for your support of Langley HighSchool,” said Ragone in a letter. “I realizethat at times like this, answers are in shortsupply. However, it is important that wecontinue to be there for one another dur-ing this difficult time.”

Peers placed items commemorating thelives of both students on a memorial in frontof the school. The memorial grew day byday, and fellow Saxons gathered there topay their respects.

The community assembled at LangleyHigh School on the evening of Friday, Feb.7, in a candlelight vigil. “I really hope thattheir parents show up so we can pay ourrespects to them,” said one Langley junior.Another student estimated that about 600people attended the evening ceremony.

Area churches and other Fairfax Countyschools such as Oakton, Chantilly, andJames Madison high schools showed theirsupport via social media, sharing the#SaxonStrong hashtag and telling class-

mates to wear black that Friday.McLean Bible Church and Saint LukeCatholic Church both offered servicesdedicated to the students on Wednes-day, Feb. 5.

School Board Representative JanieStrauss (Dranesville) said that tragicevents like this remind students andtheir families to show compassionand understanding toward one an-other. “Those little civilities withstrangers and people you know maybe that one piece of sunshine thatperson needed that day,” said Strauss.“We have an emphasis with childrenin our schools to support and helpeach other always, whether it’s char-acter education or positive behaviorsupport programs.”

Fairfax County Public Schools crisisintervention teams arrived at LangleyHigh School shortly after. Dr. KimDockery, assistant superintendent forFCPS Special Services, said that theteam consists of social workers, psy-chologists, and counselors fromschools all over the county who arethere to talk with any students andstaff who seek their help. Dockery saidthat the teams remain there “for aslong as the school needs them.”

Strauss said that in the comingweeks, the county will continue toencircle students with support fromcounselors and social services re-sources. “These times are all aboutremembering that all people needhelp, love and support. It’s hard toknow sometimes when people are incrisis,” said Strauss.

Residents, teachersand students jointogether in the daysfollowing the deathsof two Langleyseniors.

Langley High Community Comes Together in Wake of TragedyNews

Photo by Ethan McLeod/The Connection

A memorial filled with items commemorating both students’ lives greweach day in front of the high school.

Photo by Harris LaTeef/Junior, Langley High

Hundreds filled the stands to pay tribute to both students.

“These times are allabout remembering thatall people need help,love and support.”

— Janie Strauss,Dranesville District

School Board Representative


Harris LaTeef,a junior atLangley High

School, has beenelected by thecountywide StudentAdvisory Council (SAC)to serve a one-year termas student representa-tive to the FairfaxCounty School Board,beginning July 1.LaTeef will participatein School Board meet-ings as a nonvotingmember, filling the po-sition currently held byWill Ashe, a senior atThomas Jefferson HighSchool for Science andTechnology. LaTeef willbe the 44th student rep-resentative to theSchool Board.

LaTeef said he soughtthe job as student rep-resentative because, as a youngFCPS student, he saw “firsthandwhat one student can accom-plish” when he takes the initia-tive. When he was a third gradestudent at Colvin Run Elemen-tary School, he started a peti-tion to nominate his bus driver,Nancy Gunderman, as FairfaxCounty Public Schools (FCPS)Support Employee of the Year.Gunderman’s knack of makingthe rides to and from school “anexciting learning experiencethrough her use of games,prizes, and even the occasionalin-bus movie” made her theideal candidate for the award.When she was named a final-ist, then-principal SandraFurick was asked to speak aboutGunderman to the FCPS Lead-ership Team, but Furick askedLaTeef to speak instead.Gunderman was named the2006 Support Employee of theYear, the first bus driver to re-ceive the award. LaTeef accom-panied her to a School Boardmeeting, where she receivedher award, and was able tomeet Board members and then-Superintendent Jack D. Dale.

LaTeef cited three issues asbeing critical for FCPS students:reducing any negative effects ofbudget cuts on students;amending high school start

times; and ensuring that anychanges to the district’s disci-plinary policy is “just, yet firmwhen addressing serious infrac-tions.”

At Langley, LaTeef is co-chair-man of the Relay for Lifefundraiser for the AmericanCancer Society, which has apersonal connection for him. Hemanages and organizes meet-ings for the 40-member com-mittee, helps publicize events,and incorporates student sug-gestions into the program.LaTeef also serves as director ofpublic relations for The SaxonScope, Langley High’snewsmagazine and website; ison the student advisory team ofthe Newseum; and volunteersat the Reston Hospital Centermaternity and surgical waitingwing. He has taken honors andAdvanced Placement (AP)courses and is currently en-rolled in AP Microeconomicsand AP Macroeconomics, APU.S. History, A.P. English Lan-guage and Composition, phys-ics, probability and statistics,Latin, and journalism. As a se-nior, he plans to take AP U.S.and Comparative Government,AP English Literature and Com-position, human anatomy, pre-calculus, Latin, journalism, andceramics.

Representing Studentson School BoardHarris LaTeef named studentrepresentative to Fairfax CountySchool Board.

Photo contributed

Langley High School Junior and2014-2015 Student Representa-tive Elect Harris LaTeef (right)with FCPS School Board Mem-ber Ryan McElveen.

The County Line

See Mental Health, Page 7

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

Virginia is in the midst of a mental healthcrisis.

Even as lawmakers in Richmond debatethe best way to deal with a crumbling sys-

tem of public services for some of its most vulner-able residents, community services boards acrossNorthern Virginia are offering services to fewer andfewer residents. Since the global economic crisis be-gan gripping local governments in 2009, the num-ber of people receiving services from community ser-vices boards has dropped. Nowhere is the declinemore jarring than Fairfax County, the largest juris-diction in Virginia.

The statistics, outlined in the county’s most recentcomprehensive annual financial report, are dramatic.Since 2009, the number of people receiving mentalhealth services in Fairfax County has declined by 39percent. Alcohol and drug service have dropped 43percent. Services for those with intellectual disabil-ity have declined 39 percent. Arlington and Alexan-dria have managed to keep their numbers steady,which makes Fairfax an outlier in the region.

“We’ve had to become a very lean machine,” saidJane Woods, vice chairwoman of the Fairfax CountyCommunity Services Boards. “Things had to be donemore creatively, and services have been somewhatcut for those who have another funding source eventhough it might not be quite as robust as what thecounty would have done in prior years when moneywas much more available.”

The number of people who receive mental healthservices has also gone down in Arlington, althoughnot nearly as dramatically. According to county sta-tistics, the number of people who receive mentalhealth services has declined by 6 percent. The num-ber of people who receive substance abuse serviceshas decreased by 13 percent, although the numberof people who receive services for intellectual dis-abilities has increased 17 percent.

“People with severe mental illness are the least ableto afford services, and they are in most need of them,”said Ann Wroth, a member of the Arlington Commu-nity Services Board. “But there isn’t as much moneycoming from any place for people to receive mental

health services.”Alexandria is the only local government that has

actually increased services offered through its com-munity services board since the Great Recession.According to statistics provided by city officials, thenumber of people who receive mental health servicesactually increased 7 percent since 2009, and thenumber of people with intellectual disabilities hasincreased 6 percent in that time. And even thoughthe number of people who receive drug and alcoholservices has declined by 38 percent, city officials saythe decline represents a change to how the numbersare reported. Since 2010, they say, the number nolonger includes individuals who receive “limited”services, which are now considered outside the pro-gram area.”

“The state of Virginia never funded very well tobegin with, which is why we rank 47th,” said MaryAnne Weber, former chairwoman of the AlexandriaCommunity Services Board. “And the local govern-ments have to make up the difference.”

FAIRFAX COUNTY officials say a number of fac-tors have contributed to the steep decline in recentyears. One is methodological. Fairfax County lead-ers say people who receive emergency mental healthservices are no longer counted in the statistics, whichmay explain some of the decline in the count of thosewho receive mental health services.

“We have reorganized,” said Laura Yager, directorof the partnerships and resources development. “Weare trying to make our data more accurate.”

A more immediate explanation for the decline isfinancial. As state leaders struggled to balance thebooks during a time of declining revenues, fundingfor community services boards across Virginia weresome of the first to take a hit. People who are themost vulnerable and least able to help themselvesare facing the new economic reality with fewer ser-vices, especially in places like Fairfax County. UnlikeArlington and Alexandria, Fairfax land values are lessrecession proof.

“The impact of the recession was felt for a shorterperiod of time, particularly in the commercial sec-tor, in those two jurisdictions than in Fairfax,” saidWoods. “And that shows.”

Shortly after the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007, acommission recommended that more than $40 mil-lion in additional spending be added to the mental-health budget every year. Legislators took a first stepby adding about $30 million to the annual budgetthe first year, but then the economic downturn tight-

Fewer people are receivingcommunity services acrossNorthern Virginia.

Mental Health CrisisSource: Fairfax County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

“We’ve had tobecome a verylean machine.”

— Jane Woods,vice chairwoman,

Fairfax County Commu-nity Services Boards



News

By Ethan McLeod

The Connection

Hundreds of McLean businessleaders attended the 2014Winter Gala on Feb. 8 for theGreater McLean Chamber of

Commerce to celebrate a successful year andinstall the chamber’s 2014-15 board of di-rectors. Nearly all of the 14-member boardreturned from serving the previous year.

“Being part of the Chamber board reallyhelps to improve visibility for business, andit’s a great way to give back to the commu-nity,” said second-year board member GitaBhandari of M&T Bank before the installa-tion ceremony.

Chamber members also gathered at theGannett Building in Tysons Corner to cel-ebrate a successful year. Chairman of theBoard John Brough, representing ChainBridge Bank, congratulated the chamber forbringing in seven new member businesses,

McLean Chamber InductsNew Board at Winter GalaChamber members met Feb. 6 at the GannettBuilding in Tysons Corner for the annualWinter Gala.

John Brough, CEO of ChainBridge Bank (left), with keynotespeaker Gordon Reid and GMCCPresident Marcia Twomey.

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See Chamber, Page 9

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From Page 4

ened spending. Funding levels felldown to where they were beforethe massacre. In the last two years,some funding has been addedback. But the commission’s finan-cial recommendation remains un-fulfilled.

“What we have to do is to makesure that we are providing as com-prehensive a set of services as wecan to help people with mental ill-ness stabilize themselves,” saidstate Sen. George Barker (D-39).“We need to help them get on theroad to recovery so they can man-age their situation as best as theycan and hopefully never get to thatcrisis.”

Now the issue has taken a newsense of immediacy. Late last year,state Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-25)was stabbed in the face by his son,who later committed suicide. Al-though the senator was able to getan emergency custody order forhis son, it expired before a psychi-atric bed could be located the ru-ral western part of the state. Thattragedy has prompted a new dis-cussion about mental health inVirginia, one that will culminateat the end of the General Assem-bly session when lawmakers putthe final touches on the budget.

“I certainly can’t believe that theneed is less,” said Weber. “Notwhen we see the statistics aboutsuicides in the military for ex-ample.”

Mental Health ServicesDecline in Fairfax County

News

At its monthly meeting on Feb.4, The Woman’s Club of McLeanpresented its annual donation of$1,500 to the McLean Project forthe Arts (MPA) through theproject’s representatives BillDuBose and Robin Walker, whoexpressed their gratitude for the

McLean Woman’s Club Donates $1,500 toMcLean Project for the Arts

contribution. The club also spon-sors and supports MPA’s exhibitsof children’s art at the McLeanCommunity Center. The donationis one of many that the club plansto make this year with funds ob-tained from its annual HolidayHomes Tour.

Photo by Laura Sheridan/Woman’s Club

Bill DuBose and Robin Walker, representatives of theMcLean Project for the Arts.


www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-778-9410e-mail:

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Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

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Amna RehmatullaEditorial Assistant

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ADVERTISING:For advertising information

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Managing EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:

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McLean

Letters to the Editor

Supporting Lifesaving StandardsTo the Editor:My neighborhood is a great

place to go for a jog – it’s close tothe W&OD Trail and the pedes-trian-friendly Mosaic District. It’salso sandwiched between twomajor highways and crisscrossedby perpetually busy surfacestreets. I appreciate that it’s acces-sible, of course, but I also knowthat running outside exposes meto dangerous pollution from ve-hicles.

Emissions from cars and truckscontribute to soot and smog,which can cause asthma attacks,heart attacks, strokes, COPD ex-acerbations, and even prematuredeath.

I have asthma, so on days withunhealthy air quality, I stick to thetreadmill. But even on days whenthe overall air pollution levels areacceptable, people near majorroadways are still breathing inunhealthy emissions.

Cruel and Barbaric

Supporting Safe Hunting

Thankfully, there are new mea-sures in the pipeline that would

cost-effectively cut down on ve-hicle pollution. EPA proposed stan-dards to clean up our gasoline andvehicle emissions that could pre-vent 2,500 lives per year by 2030.They’ve garnered the support ofpublic health groups, environmen-tal organizations, and automakers.And now, Congressman Connolly,and 40 other members of theHouse of

Representatives, are calling onEPA to finalize these standards assoon as possible.

I’m glad my congressman isstanding up for our health by sup-porting these lifesaving standards.

Laura Kate BenderVienna

The writer is Coordinator for VirginiaHealthy Air Coalition, American LungAssociation.

To the Editor:Social Action Linking Together

(SALT) is in full support of VirginiaDelegate Scott Surovell in his op-position to Virginia embracing theelectric chair to execute con-demned prisoners. The point thatshould be made is that it is inhu-mane; it is cruel and barbaric.

Consider this account reportedin a study by Professor Michael L.Radelet of the (University of Colo-rado: On August 10, 1982, in Vir-ginia, Frank J. Coppola was ex-ecuted by electrocution. Althoughno media representatives wit-nessed the execution and no de-tails were ever released by the Vir-ginia Department of Corrections,

an attorney who was present laterstated that it took two 55-secondjolts of electricity to kill Coppola.The second jolt produced the odorand sizzling sound of burningflesh, and Coppola’s head and legcaught on fire. Smoke filled thedeath chamber from floor to ceil-ing with a smoky haze (http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/some-examples-post-furman-botched-executions).

This account by Radalet is #1in 42 additional stories of botchedexecutions that he recounts. Wecan certainly do better than this,unless we want to align ourselveswith the cruel and barbaric.

A more critical issue for all of us

is this: Do the guilty forfeit theirright to life? Is execution themeans of administering justice forvarious crimes?

John Horejsi,Coordinator Social Actoion

Linking Together (SALT)Vienna

To the Editor:The bill before the State Senate

to allow hunting on Sundays ap-plies only to private property andwill not impinge on anyone’s en-joyment of public lands. Most ofus only get the weekends off ofwork and it is silly to prevent land-owners from hunting on their ownproperty during half of their freetime. Hunting brings numerouseconomic and environmental ben-

efits to all Virginians and I encour-age the editors and readers to viewthe Virginia Department of Gameand Inland Fisheries list at: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/benefits/

The safe practice of huntingshould be supported rather thandiscouraged.

Christopher YuraskoBurke

Opinion

While the General Assembly ismaking progress in fixing someof the egregious shortcomingsof the way Virginia provides

emergency services to people in mentalhealth crisis, many fewer people are re-ceiving mental health services in North-ern Virginia.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds’ son died ofsuicide late last year after the limitations inboth the law and local communication resultedin him being released while still in the midstof crisis.

Deeds reports the progress on the bill thathas passed the State Senate: “The omnibus billwill require subjects be held up to 24 hoursunder an emergency custody order, create adatabase of available psychiatric beds, andensure people in need of hospitalization can-not be ‘streeted’ by establishing state hospitalsas providers of last resort.”

These are important steps.

Services to people with mental illness areprovided on the local level by community ser-vices boards, and in Fairfax County in particu-lar, those services have been dramatically cutback.

Reporter Michael Pope reports this week thatsince 2009, the number of people receivingmental health services in Fairfax County hasdeclined by 39 percent. Alcohol and drug ser-vice have dropped 43 percent. Services forthose with intellectual disability have declined39 percent.

Officials quoted cite the recession and de-clining property tax revenues in explaining the

reductions, along with some changesin the way services are counted.

No matter how services are counted,there is no question that they havebeen reduced significantly during a

recession, a time when research shows theneed for mental health services and alcoholand drug services actually increases.

In Arlington, the number of people who re-ceive mental health services has declined by 6percent. The number of people who receivesubstance abuse services has decreased by 13percent.

“Stresses associated with rising unemploy-ment, poverty and social insecurity will leadto upward trends in many national suiciderates, as well as to less readily charted increasesin the prevalence of psychiatric illness, alco-

hol-related disorders and illicit drug use,” ac-cording to a 2011 overview study on economicrecession and mental health cited by the Na-tional Institutes of Health. “At the same time,mental health services are being cut back aspart of government austerity programs. Bud-get cuts will thus affect psychiatric servicesadversely just when economic stressors areraising the levels of need and demand in af-fected populations.”

As for blaming the budget, it’s hard to seefrom raw numbers why the most vulnerableshould be suffering.

In 2009, before the effects of the recession,Fairfax County’s budget expenditures were$5.36 billion.

The adopted 2014 budget calls for expendi-tures of $6.75 billion.

“Proactive fiscal and social policies could,however, help to mitigate the health conse-quences of recession,” the overview study re-ports. “Economic mental health care could bestbe achieved, not by decimating services but byplanning and deploying these to meet theneeds of defined area populations.”

Elected officials and others in county gov-ernment who have signed off on a set of pri-orities that punishes the most vulnerable popu-lations have some moral accounting to do.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

On Mental HealthWhy are localities pro-viding so much less forpeople who need men-tal health services?

Editorial


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From Page 6

News

ness Alliance in 2013 events.Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Sen.

Mark Warner sent messages ofcongratulations to the Chamber’sincoming board, read by chamberSecretary Karen Briscoe.

Former Redskin linebacker andfour-time Pro Bowl selection KenHarvey served as emcee for thegala, drawing laughs from thecrowd while moving the eveningalong and introducing speakers.Gordon Reid, President of Giant’smid-Atlantic Landover division,delivered the keynote address forthe theme “Leading Change Out-side the Box.”

Reid touched upon his experi-ence working in Thailand, Chinaand countries across Europe withcolleagues who spoke differentlanguages and did not share thesame traditions, yet communi-cated well as business partners. “Irecognized that there were otherswhose jobs and lives were very dif-ferent, but shared the same pas-sions and ambitions as myself, tofeed their families and educatetheir kids,” said Reid. He encour-aged McLean’s business commu-nity to cross cultural barriers withcolleagues.

Chairman John Brough also dis-cussed the year ahead. “McLeanwill be undergoing an unprec-edented amount of change andgrowth over the next few yearswith the Metro coming and bigdevelopments projects. It’s our re-sponsibility as business leaders tochampion the interests of the busi-ness community and citizens ofMcLean.”

The chamber’s next major eventwill be the Women’s LeadershipForum on Tuesday, April 29, a net-working and women’s leadershipeducation event at Capitol OneHeadquarters in Tysons Corner.

Chamber’sBoardInstalled

GREATER MCLEANCHAMBER OF COMMERCE2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORSJohn Brough – Chain Bridge BankMarcus Simon – Delegate (D-Falls

Church)Monish Banga – Ross, Langan &

McKendree, L.L.P.Karen Briscoe – HBC Realty GroupMerritt J. Green – General Counsel, P.C.Ryan Cash – Capital One BankRaj Mehra – Middleburg BankRick Makely – Giant McLeanGita Bhandari – M&T BankDane Scott – Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and

Wine BarGeorge Sachs – McLean Community

CenterJon Wilkins – Bank of GeorgetownBailey Hopple – The JBG CompaniesKaren Sherwood – Nourish Market


Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

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2 8120 SPRING HILL FARM DR ... 4 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,475,000 .... Detached .... 0.83 ...... 22102 .......... SPRING HILL FARM ......... 12/27/13

3 8107 SPRING HILL FARM DR ... 5 .. 5 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,125,000 .... Detached .... 0.94 ...... 22102 .......... SPRING HILL FARM ......... 12/18/13

4 913 DOUGLASS DR ................ 5 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $2,775,000 .... Detached .... 0.79 ...... 22101 ........... LANGLEY FOREST .......... 11/14/13

5 1744 DUMBARTON ST ........... 5 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $2,100,000 .... Detached .... 0.34 ...... 22101 ............. WRENNWOOD ............ 11/20/13

6 502 RIVER BEND RD .............. 5 .. 5 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS .. $2,075,000 .... Detached .... 4.00 ...... 22066 ........ JOAN F. G. PROPERTY ....... 11/27/13

7 211 CARRWOOD RD .............. 6 .. 5 .. 2 ... GREAT FALLS .. $2,000,000 .... Detached .... 6.51 ...... 22066 ........ CARRWOOD ESTATES ....... 12/27/13

8 809 WINCREST PL ................. 6 .. 6 .. 2 ... GREAT FALLS .. $2,000,000 .... Detached .... 2.13 ...... 22066 .............. THISTLE HILL ............. 12/03/13

9 1421 HARVEST CROSSING DR 4 .. 5 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $1,950,000 .... Townhouse . 0.09 ...... 22101 .............. EVANS FARM ............. 11/25/13

10 10190 AKHTAMAR DR ........... 4 .. 4 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS .. $1,650,000 .... Detached .... 3.17 ...... 22066 ................... NONE .................. 11/22/13

11 1615 FIELDING LEWIS WAY .... 5 .. 4 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $1,550,000 .... Detached .... 0.31 ...... 22101 ....... CHESTERBROOK FARM ...... 11/04/13

12 9054 JEFFERY RD .................. 5 .. 5 .. 2 ... GREAT FALLS .. $1,400,000 .... Detached .... 0.57 ...... 22066 ............... CRAMPTON .............. 11/15/13

Copyright 2014 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of January 15, 2014.

November andDecember, 2013

Top Sales inGreat Falls and

McLean

Local REAL ESTATE

© Google Map data

1

6

9

5

7

2

8

43

10

11

12

4 913 Douglass Drive, McLean — $2,775,000

5 1744 Dumbarton Street,McLean — $2,100,000

6 502 RiverBend Road,Great Falls —$2,075,000

10 10190 Akhyamar Drive,Great Falls — $1,650,000

11 1615 FieldingLewis Way,McLean —

$1,550,000

12 9054Jeffery Road,Great Falls —$1,400,000


See Pros, Page 19

Home LifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Remodeling industryprofessionals spendtheir days helping cli-ents create dream

homes, adding quartzite countertops and outdoor, stacked stonefireplaces, turning ideas and pho-tos into functional, chic livingspaces.

But what about their homes?What materials do they choose forthemselves? How do they makethe most of their living spaces?Three local professionals fromBOWA Builders, Inc. opened theirdoors and shared the secrets oftheir renovations.

When principal and ownerGeorge Hodges-Fulton and hiswife, Alexandra, decided to re-model the galley kitchen in theirReston home, they decided to ex-pand and change the flow of traf-fic, keeping the safety of their 6-and 10-year-old daughters inmind.

“We wanted to open the houseup more,” said George. “We tookout a wall between kitchen and thedining room.”

Alexandra, a serious cook,added, “The sink and the stovewere across from each other. Nowthe sink and the stove are next toeach other, so I don’t have to walkacross the kitchen carrying hotpasta.”

Plus, the new farmhouse sink iscustom-made from honed granite.“I originally wanted soapstone, butover time that can scratch,”Alexandra said.

The new kitchen also includesadditional counter space. “I havemore prep space,” she said. “Andeverything I need is within arm’sreach.”

When it came to choosing fin-ishes, “everything came fromwanting to work with the [exist-ing maple] floor,” said George.“We wanted to choose classic col-ors that weren’t going to go out ofstyle.”

“I spent a huge amount of timelooking at pictures of kitchens,”said Alexandra. “We added whiteCarrara marble countertops. … Weadded a marble backsplash in ablack, white and grey circularmosaic. That’s the thing that ev-erybody comments on when they

come into the kitchen.”The project took a mere five

weeks to complete. “Everythinghappened perfectly,” addedGeorge. “Having on-site supervi-sion and knowing the end goalhelped.”

George says that having under-gone his own renovation project,he now has additional insightwhen advising clients. “It makes asignificant difference,” he said.“We can say ‘In my house I didthis.’ or ‘I did this wrong in myhouse, so you might considerthis.’”

When principal and owner SteveKirstein first moved into hisPotomac, Md., home with his wifeand three children, he spotted sev-eral missed design opportunities.“We needed some of the spaces todo different things,” said Kirstein.“We wanted a family gathering

A look inside the homes of some ofthe area’s top builders.

Home Design:What the Pros Know

Photo courtesy of BOWA Builders, Inc./Getty Images

Photo courtesy of BOWA Builders, Inc.

The recently remodeled kitchen of building professionalGeorge and Alexandra Hodges-Fulton. Their Reston homeincludes classic colors and a peninsula where the familyeats breakfast.

View from the interior ofBOWA founder JoshBaker’s Great Falls home.Casual entertainingspaces include the openfirst floor and pool.

space and a display space up-stairs.”

The home had a two-story foyer,which Kirstein saw as the perfectlocation for a second floor familyroom. He added “flooring,sheetrock walls, built-in bookcasesand display cases. Now it’s a gath-ering space for the family upstairsand we still have a dramatic foyerdownstairs.”

Next, Kirstein turned what hecalled, “a big wasted space” adja-cent to the garage into a mud-room. “We put a cubby and drawerfor each child and a bench for tak-ing off shoes. We added a half wallacross from the cubbies so youcan’t see all of the cleats and la-crosse sticks all over the floor. Wealso added a powder room.”

Kirstein also transformed his


Send announcements to [email protected]. Deadline isFriday for the following week’s paper.Photos/artwork encouraged.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 12-FRIDAY/FEB. 28Fine Arts Photography Exhibition.

Great Falls Library, 9830 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Great Falls artistRichard Suib depicts many scenesfrom Venice, Florence, Slovenia, andRussia.

THURSDAY/FEB. 13Artist Demonstration. 10:30 a.m.

Vienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant St.,NW, Vienna. Watch Shari McFarlanedemonstrate her semi-abstractmethod of developing acrylicpaintings in response to music andher intuition. Free.www.ViennaArtsSociety.org

Code 20: Proceed to Improv. 7-9p.m. Old Firehouse Teen Center,1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean. Afree, coffeehouse-style night ofimprov and open mic performanceshosted by Studio Rep. Audiencemembers are encouraged to join inthe improv or jam out during openmic.

Buckwheat Zydeco. 8 p.m. The Barnsat Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road,Vienna. Free.

FRIDAY/FEB. 14-SATURDAY/FEB. 15La Cage aux Folles. 8 p.m. Alden

Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Georges, the owner of apopular drag nightclub in SanTropez, and Albin, the club’s star,have lived in unwedded bliss fortwenty years. Jean-Michel, the sonthey have raised together, throws thehappy household into hilariousturmoil by announcing that he isgoing to marry the daughter of anultra-conservative politician.www.McLeanPlayers.org or 866-811-4111.

SATURDAY/FEB. 15John Eaton: The Fabulous Forties.

7:30 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap,1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Thisrenowned jazz pianist showcases areverent and inventive take on theGreat American Songbook. Tickets:$25-$27. www.wolftrap.org/

SUNDAY/FEB. 16La Cage aux Folles. 2 p.m. Alden

Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Book by Harvey Fierstein,music and lyrics by Jerry Herman,based on the novel by Jean Poiret.Georges, the owner of a popular dragnightclub in San Tropez, and Albin,the club’s star, have lived inunwedded bliss for twenty years.Jean-Michel, the son they have raisedtogether, throws the happyhousehold into hilarious turmoil byannouncing that he is going to marrythe daughter of an ultra-conservativepolitician. www.McLeanPlayers.orgor 866-811-4111.

Breakfast Buffet. Vienna AmericanLegion, 330 Center St, N, Vienna.Adults $8, children $3: omelets,scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes,bacon, etc. Open to the public.Proceeds benefit Girls State. Call703-938-1379.

TUESDAY/FEB. 1823rd Annual Board of Supervisors

Breakfast. 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. HyattFair Lakes, Fairfax.

THURSDAY/FEB. 20Dance and Dessert. 7:30 p.m. Old

Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Regionalchoreographers will showcase and

discuss their latest works-in-progresswith lots of opportunities foraudience members to ask questions.

FRIDAY/FEB. 21Senior Tea. 1 p.m. ArtSpace Herndon,

750 Center Street, Herndon. Everymonth seniors are invited to visit thegallery to view the current exhibitand enjoy a cup of tea. Free and opento the public.www.artspaceherndon.org

Artist Talk with Eric Celarier. 7 p.m.McLean Project for the Arts, 1234Ingleside Avenue, McLean. McLeanProject for the Arts (MPA) will presenta talk by exhibiting artist Eric Celarier.This presentation will cover artistswho use trash to touch on subjects asfar ranging as globalization,environmentalism, consumerism,classicism and colonialism. Free, butreservations are suggested. Pleaseemail [email protected] or call 703-790-1953.

SATURDAY/FEB. 22Winter Wine Tasting. 7 p.m. River

Bend Country Club, 375 Walker Rd,Great Falls. Great wines, horsd’oeuvres, cheese and company. $45per person, tickets available onlineuntil Feb. 18.www.celebrategreatfalls.org/Tickets.html

MPA Workshop for ages 9 -14 with

artist Eric Celarier: Anatsuiand Reuse Art. 1-4 p.m. McLeanProject for the Arts, 1234 InglesideAvenue, McLean. A specialopportunity for young people to workwith exhibiting artist, Eric Celarier.During this workshop, 9 - 14 yearolds will create a woven piece fromwaste materials, similar to the workof well-known African artist ElAnatsui. $10 per person. Register forthe workshop atwww.mcleancenter.org

Langley Fashion Show. 7 p.m.Langley High School, 6520Georgetown Pike, McLean. Thestudents in Langley’s AdvancedFashion Marketing are in charge ofthe planning and production of theshow. Fashion students have beenworking on the event for months.Over 100 students participate as wellas some of the Langleyadministration and faculty. Ticketsare $10 in advance or $15 at thedoor. Email [email protected] more information.

SUNDAY/FEB. 23Young Soloists Recital. 3 p.m. McLean

Project for the Arts, 1234 InglesideAvenue, McLean. The recital willfeature young violinists and pianists. Itwill include music by Haydn,Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Hamelin,Bartok, Beethoven, Vieuxtemps, andChopin. 703-620-9535.

Calendar

Take a look at Great Falls artist, Richard Suib’s photo-graphs from all parts of the world at the Great FallsLibrary. Exhibit will be on display until Feb. 28

“Birch Forest,” acrylic by Shari MacFarlane. JoinMacFarlane on Thursday as she demonstrates her semi-abstract method of creating acrylic paintings at theVienna Art Center.

Send Your Photos & Stories Now [email protected]

or complete our online form at mcleanconnection.comBe sure to include your name, address and phone number, and identify

all people and pets in photos. Submission deadline is February 20.

Be Part of ThePet Connection in February


By David Siegel

The Connection

With a masterful performance by LeeMikeska Gardner, an eccentricwoman is made thoroughly sympa-thetic, even noble in an exceptional

production of “Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life ofFlorence Foster Jenkins” at 1st Stage in Tysons.

What could have been a cruel, campy dig at a nowlong-gone, off-key, real life heiress becomes a lovely,off-center, treasure under the direction of Jay D.Brock. The two-actor play and incidental music werewritten by Stephen Temperley.

“Souvenir” is seen through the eyes of CosmeMcMoon, the musical accompanist of Mrs. Jenkins.The story line is about Jenkins,who “fancied herself a coloraturasoprano but was in fact incapableof producing two consecutivenotes in tune” as 1st Stage de-scribed her. Her actual concertswith pianist McMoon in the 1930sand ’40s included a legendary ap-pearance at Carnegie Hall in 1944.Over the dozen years that twowere together, they became the

talk of New York City. In their own way they becamecult figures. They even cut records.

Gardner’s performance as Florence Foster Jenkinshas a golden sweetness to it. For some the fictionaltelevision character Edith Bunker may come to im-mediate memory. Gardner’s work includes a manu-factured, cringe worthy, screech of a singing voice.This is no easy feat. She acts totally unaware of herhorrendous singing, no matter what the reaction ofher on-stage partner or the real audience.

As played by Brian Keith MacDonald, McMoon isan understated chivalric, protector. He knows howbadly Jenkins sings but comes to admire her drive toperform. He becomes smitten and loyal.

The jazz tune “Crazy Rhythm” is used often as alovely framing devise as McMoon tells the story ofhis musical partnership with Jenkins. “Souvenir” hasa minimalist set design by Mark Krikstan, with agrand piano at center stage. Costumes by Yvette M.Ryan are a feast for the eyes. The sheer number andquality of Gardner’s outfits are a joy.

What Jenkins heard inside her own head, we willnever know. But “Souvenir” is a mellow production,

even with its comical portrait of atone-deaf singer with lived hermantra “what matters most is themusic you hear in your head.”

Playwright Temperley wrote,“the play explores the differencebetween the way we see our-selves and the way the rest of theworld sees us.” Yes, a diamondto see.

An Inspired Production‘Souvenir: A Fantasia onthe Life of Florence FosterJenkins’ at 1st Stage.

Where and When“Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of

Florence Foster Jenkins” at 1st Stage,1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean. Perfor-mances now through March 2, 2014.Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.,and Sunday 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets:$22-$27; $15 for students and military.Information call 703-854-1856 or visit:www.1stStageTysons.org

Photos by Teresa Castracane/Courtesy of 1st Stage

Brian Keith MacDonald as Cosme McMoon in "Souvenir: AFantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins" at 1stStage.

Lee Mikeska Gardner as Florence Foster Jenkins in "Sou-venir: A Fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins" at1st Stage.

Entertaiment



By Amna Rehmatulla

The Connection

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day by heading off to one of theseevents this weekend.

THURSDAY/FEB. 13 – FRIDAY/FEB. 14Great Falls Nails & Spa Valentine’s Day Chocolate

Fountain. Great Falls Nails & Spa, 731 Walker Road, #H1,Great Falls. Come by for Valentine’s Day and enjoy refresh-ments and chocolate fountain with fresh fruit. 703-759-7808.

Les Miserables. 8 p.m. Reston Community Center, 2310Colts Neck Road, Reston. Les Misérables is the perfectValentine’s Day musical. “Loves of all types are represented,”Alana Dodds Sharp said. “Love of a child, love of comrades,romantic love, unrequited love, Les Misérables has it all.”Purchase tickets: www.restonplayers.org.

THURSDAY/FEB. 13- SUNDAY/FEB. 16Wildfire’s Special Valentine’s Menu. $85 per couple.

Wildfire Restaurant, Tysons Corner, 2001 International Drive,McLean. Guests can indulge in all of their Wildfire favorites,including Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Spinach & Artichoke Fon-due, Wildfire Chopped Salad, Roasted Prime Rib of Beef orParmesan Crusted New York Strip. Call 703-442-9110 forreservations.

FRIDAY/FEB. 14Valentine’s Day Chocolate Buffet. 6-10 p.m. The Ritz-

Carlton, 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean. Entyse, Wine Bar& Lounge will offer an impressive chocolate buffet with sevendifferent dessert options crafted by their pastry kitchen. Sat-isfy your loved one’s sweet tooth with their dessert creations.$25 per person, seating on first come, first serve basis

Valentine’s Day Latin Style. La Sandia MexicanKitchen, 7852L Tysons Corner Center, McLean. Show someLatin Love this Valentine’s Day with a 3-Course dinner andsignature beverage or cocktail for $29 per person. A taste ofwhat’s on the menu: Shrimp and Crab Empenadas, ChileRelleno, Pasilla Lava Cake, and more. Call for reservations703-893-2222.

Chaise Lounge. 8 p.m. Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road,Vienna. Love and Kisses, Swings and Misses A Valentine’s DayCelebration Smooth ’60s-inspired big-band jazz featuring asultry female vocalist and a sophisticated “sound that is mu-sically tight and always swinging” (Fanfare Magazine).Tickets: $25. http://www.wolftrap.org

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides. 5:30-9:30 p.m. RestonTown Center, Market Street, Reston. Spend Valentine’s Daythe old-fashioned way this year by taking a stroll in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Reston Town Center.Pick up location by Talbots on Market Street. All proceedsbenefit Volunteer Fairfax. Tickets: $5/person. Children un-der 5 ride free.

SATURDAY/FEB. 15Les Miserables. 2 & 8 p.m. Reston Community Center,

2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Les Misérables is the perfectValentine’s Day musical. “Loves of all types are represented,”Alana Dodds Sharp said. “Love of a child, love of comrades,romantic love, unrequited love, Les Misérables has it all.”Purchase tickets: www.restonplayers.org.

“Music of the Heart.” 8 p.m. George Mason UniversityCenter for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Take partin an evening of romantic music that blends popular and clas-sical styles with pianist Peter Nero. Tickets are $30-$60.Tickets are half price for youth through grade 12. Visit the boxoffice (open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) orcharge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Buffet. 7-10 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean. Entyse, Wine Bar& Lounge will offer an impressive chocolate buffet with sevendifferent dessert options crafted by their pastry kitchen. Sat-isfy your loved one’s sweet tooth with their dessert creations.$25 per person, seating on first come, first serve basis.

Valentine’s Ballroom Dance. 8-9 p.m. Tango lesson,9-11:30 p.m. dance. Colvin Run Dance Hall, 10201 ColvinRun Road, Great Falls. DJ music from Craig Bukowski play-ing favorite dance tunes from the 1930s to today. Attire isballroom casual, no partner or experience is needed. $15 forthe evening. 703-759-2685 or www.colvinrun.org.

Valentine’s Weekend

Romantic Events Happening in the Fairfax County area


Langley’s Alex Andrejev NamedVHSCA Volleyball POY

Langley setter/right side hitter AlexAndrejev was named the Virginia HighSchool Coaches Association’s volleyballPlayer of the Year. Andrejev helped the Sax-ons win the 2013 6A state championship.

Langley outside hitter JessicaDonaldson earned first-team all-statehonors.

Langley Wrestling Places Third,McLean Fourth at ConferenceMeet

The Langley wrestling team placedthird and McLean finished fourth at theConference 6 meet on Feb. 8 at HayfieldSecondary School. Langley sent 10 grap-

Grammes each won conference championships.

McLean Girls’ Basketball Improvesto 19-1

The McLean girls’ basketball team wonits sixth consecutive game on Feb. 7, edg-ing Fairfax 47-45 to improve to 19-1.

The Highlanders face Madison on Tues-day, after The Connection’s deadline.McLean will conclude the regular seasonwith a road game against South Lakes at5:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.

McLean Boys’ Basketball WinsBack-to-Back Games

The McLean boys’ basketball teambounced back from a four-game losingstreak with back-to-back wins against

Connection File Photo

Langley’s Alex Andrejev wasnamed Virginia High SchoolCoaches Association volleyballPlayer of the Year.

Yorktown (44-41 on Feb. 4) and Fairfax(56-54 Feb. 7) to improve to 7-13.

The Highlanders faced Madison onTuesday, after The Connection’s deadline.McLean will conclude the regular seasonwith a road game against South Lakes at7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.

Great Falls Soccer Spring Regis-tration Open

Great Falls Soccer spring registrationis open to all ages. Go to www.Greatfallssoccer.com and look under pro-grams for both recreation and travel soc-cer teams.

Contact Sue Rissing at 703-915-1839or [email protected] questions.

plers to regionals and the Highlanders hadseven qualify.

McLean’s Conor Grammes and Brendan

Sports Briefs

Sports

By Jon Roetman

The Connection

The Oakton gymnastics team en-tered the Conference 5 meetwith the smallest roster of thesix competing schools. The Cou-

gars performed well in multiple events, butfailed to have an individual advance toregionals in the all-around.

None of it stopped Oakton from reachingregionals.

The Cougars finished runner-up at theconference meet on Feb. 6 at CentrevilleHigh School, securing one of two team re-gion berths. Oakton had the top score onbars and had the second-best score onbeam.

“We feel that’s where we differ from a lotof teams, especially being the smallestsquad in our conference,” Oakton coachFrankie Orbacz wrote in an email. “Every-one has a ton of talent and everyone con-tributed equally to our fantastic team score.Most other teams have a few standouts thatlead the team and sweep the medals, butwe really have so much talent in every girl.We are very well-rounded. Standings-wise,four of our eight girls medaled and placed,which means half of our team would haveadvanced to regions if we hadn’t made it asa team. We were so impressed! That’s apretty fantastic showing.”

SOPHOMORE NATALIE WEAVER wasOakton’s top individual performer. Sheplaced fifth in the all-around with a scoreof 34.475, including a second-place tie onbeam (9), a fourth-place finish on bars(8.55) and an eight-place tie on floor(8.375).

“Natalie, as always, pulled off a near-flaw-less night,” Orbacz wrote. “We felt she wasunderscored on floor but regardless of that,she was still successful. She was one rank

away from placing in all-around. With thetalent that was there, that is a huge accom-plishment. Our conference is very close andhas many great high-level gymnasts, andwe feel that Natalie is right up in the mixwith them, despite placing fifth.”

Oakton sophomore Amanda Gore tied forfifth on vault (8.7) and freshman StephanieWeir finished fifth on bars (8.5). JuniorNathalia Rojas tied for fifth on beam (8.8).

Robinson won the team championshipwith a score of 135.4. Oakton finished sec-ond with a score of 132.575, followed byWestfield (130.575), Chantilly (129.65),Herndon (122.45) and Centreville(105.375).

“They definitely performed very well to-day,” Robinson head coach CharlotteEdwards said. “They were more consistentthan they normally are. … We’re definitelypeaking at the right time.”

It was Robinson’s second conference/dis-trict title in the last three years (2012).

IN THE ALL-AROUND COMPETITION,the final results surprised

Herndon’s Alexa Bradley. She had a strongeffort on bars and gave an adequate per-formance on floor, but from an all-aroundstandpoint, the freshman gymnast knew shecould have done better.

While she had reason to doubt, Bradley’sperformance proved strong enough to earnher an all-around berth in the regional meet.

Bradley tied for third in the all-around,totaling a score of 34.5. The top four all-around competitors advance to regionals,along with any other gymnast who producesa score of 35 or better.

Bradley placed second on vault (9.05)and bars (8.825), fifth on floor (8.575) and15th on beam (8.05). The top eight in eachevent secure a regional berth, along withany other gymnast who scores a 9 or bet-ter.

“I was really surprised that I made it for

the all-around,” Bradley said. … “I knew Iwas going to make it to some events, buttop four for all-around is really surprisingbecause I didn’t do my best.”

Herndon sophomore Shannon Kelly willjoin Bradley at the 6A North region meeton Feb. 12 at Lake Braddock. Kelly quali-fied on floor with a fourth-place finish(8.725), and on vault, tying for fifth (8.7).

Westfield senior Katie Freix won the all-around with a score of 36.925. She placedfirst on floor (9.525), vault (9.5) and bars(9.1), and finished in a fifth-place tie onbeam (8.8).

“I had probably close to my best perfor-mance,” Freix said, “except for beam.”

Robinson freshman Caroline Burda fin-ished second in the all-around (34.9) andRams senior Sarah Gross tied for third(34.5).

Herndon freshmanBradley advances inall-around competition.

Oakton Gymnastics Team Qualifies For Regional Meet

Photo contributed

The Oakton gymnastics team finished runner-up at the Conference 5meet on Feb. 6 at Centreville High School.

Photo by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

Natalie Weaver tied for second onbeam and helped the Oaktongymnastics team qualify forregionals during the Conference 5meet on Feb. 6 at Centreville HighSchool.


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

DAILY EUCHARIST:WeekdaysMonday-Friday, 6:30 AM & 8:30 AMSaturday, 8:30 AM

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE:Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PMSunday: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy5312 North 10th StreetArlington Virginia 22205Parish Office: (703) 528-6276

PARISH WEBSITE:www.rc.net/arlington/stann

All AreWelcome!

Discover Spiritual Solutions at the

Christian Science Reading Room6825 Tennyson Drive, McLean, VA 22101

Mon-Sat 10 am-2 pm • 703-356-1391

Counteracting terrorism--- whateach of us can do to help.

Hear about spiritual solutions24/7, Feb 15-21 at 202 658-7855.

News

McLean High School student ShivaniGupta started off an afternoon ses-sion of Wonders of Science at the Sta-bler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop in

Alexandria on Saturday, Feb. 1, with examples ofbones and fossils that she collected as an 18th cen-tury natural scientist.

Shivani is one of dozens of students participatingin Dean Howarth’s Project Enlightenment at McLeanHigh School. The project engages each student inresearching the lives of individuals or 18th centuryprofessions engaged in the creation of useful knowl-edge. Saturday’s session introduced visitors to natu-ral science, botany, physics and geology. Visitors wereintroduced to machines that produce electrical fluid,a camera obscura and a variety of fossils, bones andother artifacts that would have been collected andstudied by 18th century scientists and thinkers.

Revealing Wonders of Science

Photos by Louise Krafft/The Connection

Members of the Alexandria Society for the Creation of Useful Knowledge discuss thewonders of 18th century science with Scout troops from Herndon on Saturday after-noon in the Apothecary Shop.

Students line up and form of circle withthe Scouts to receive a small dose ofelectrical fluid before departing.

Dean Howarth demonstrates how an18th century electrical doctor mighthave extracted a tooth.

Natural scientist Shivani Gupta dis-plays a small shark’s jaw.


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Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, Iappreciated it in the most), but I receivedmy first senior discount the other day. I wasfast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restau-rant when the unexpected kindnessoccurred. Considering that I’m not at theage yet when such discounts are typicallyavailable, I certainly did not (do not) pre-sume that my appearance somehow reflectsan age which I am not. In truth, I don’tbelieve it does. So even though I didn’t askfor the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier talliedmy bill, she then spoke the price andadjusted it downward 10 percent for mysurprise “senior” discount. On hearing thelower price and the reason for it, I immedi-ately responded: “Oh, you’re giving seniordiscounts to people over 40?” To which shereplied, while looking me directly in theeye: “No. Over 30.” Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for thediscount and commended her on her excel-lent answer/customer service.

Without making this too much a cancercolumn, a terminal diagnosis at age 54 anda half sort of means that certain realities,benefits and inevitabilities (if you live longenough, which after receiving my diagno-sis/prognosis seemed unlikely) are off thetable; heck they’re likely on the floor wait-ing to be swept up and placed in the trashbin (been and gone, you might say). I refergenerally to the kinds of things associatedwith turning 65: retirement, Social Security,Medicare, and of course, “senior discounts.”After hearing what I heard, reaching age 55seemed challenging enough.

To be honest though, and you regularreaders know I’m honest, maybe painfullyso; after receiving the incredibly discourag-ing and grim news concerning my diagnosisfrom my oncologist five years ago, I didn’treally think about the parts of my life that Iwould be missing since my future was, atthat point, seriously in doubt. If I recall, mymindset back then wasn’t on the future Iwas losing because of my disease, it wasmore about the present that I was living andbeing as proactive as possible to try and liveas long as I could. Moreover, given therather morbid tone I was hearing from myoncologist, it sounded as if I’d be lucky tohave a present, let alone a future. A “13-month to two-year prognosis” (out of theblue no less; I was asymptomatic and a life-long non-smoker) followed by an admissionfrom my doctor that he can’t “cure me, buthe can treat me;” and a further reply to mywife Dina’s query as to why there aren’t anyparades for lung cancer survivors, as thereseem to be for breast cancer survivors:“Because there aren’t any” (survivors that is)hardly reinforce a lung cancer patient’sfuture prospects.

Yet here I write, nearly five years post-diagnosis, receiving the previously (given mylife expectancy) unimaginable senior dis-count. And though there are likely fewerguarantees now and even less certainty for astage IV, non-small cell lung cancer survivorfive years out and still living, I don’t dis-count the significance of any discounts. Atthis juncture, I deserve any I can get.Besides, I think I’ve earned them.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

An UnexpectedPresent

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From Page 11

Home LifeStyle

backyard into an oasis. “We added a pooland entertaining area,” he said. “We redidevery finish in the house. I liked those smalltouches because they were simple and easyand changed the way the house looked.”

Founder, cochairman and owner JoshBaker grew up in Great Falls and when itcame time to raise his family, he remainedthere. He even built a custom home wherehe plans to live long-term. “A lot of plan-ning went into the future,” said Baker. “Theconcept behind it was we would create afun space for our children that their chil-dren could eventually enjoy.”

He advises his clients to similarly planahead and think about how their needsmight evolve. “To make it a long-term homeis to not think about just what you neednow, but what you might need in the fu-ture,” he said. “We designed a guest suiteon the first floor with the idea that my wifeand I could live on one floor once we’reempty nesters.” There is enough space forfriends and extended family.

Baker said each time he and his wife up-dated the house, they did so judiciously. “Wemade smart decisions about small thingsthat make a big difference. For example, wechanged tiles to make it up-to-date with-out a huge remodel,” he said.

Baker’s experience as a builder helpedhim decide on the room sizes and layout ofthe house. “In terms of design, a lot of ourhouse has a focus on lines of sight, infor-mality and lots of light. … On our first floor,there are no partition walls in the commonarea.”

The rooms in the house are generous andcomfortable and space was used wisely,Baker explained. “We focused on the feel-ing and functionality of the room ratherthan the size of the room,” he said. “Noneof the rooms are oversized, but they arefunctional.”

Wise use of space is another lesson heshares with clients. “At one time, bedroomswith sitting rooms were very popular,” saidBaker. “But … a lot of our clients don’t usethem so we’re repurposing those spaces. Inour master bedroom, for example, we fo-cused on walk-in closets. Even our masterbathroom is spacious, but it is not vast.”

The Bakers designed their outdoor land-scape to accommodate their penchant forrelaxed entertaining. “We’re informal folks,”said Baker. “We like to entertain, so we de-veloped our landscaping to include an ex-pansive entertaining area and a swimmingpool. We have a lot of outdoor parties. Wecan accommodate a large group in our yardas well.”

Pros Share Secrets ofTheir Homes’ Design

Photo courtesy of BOWA Builders, Inc.

Enclosing the top of a two-story foyer in his Potomac, Md., home elimi-nated an unused space and gave building professional Steve Kirstein, hiswife and children a second-floor family room.

Hodges-Fulton Kirstein Baker

EmploymentEmployment

Medical Receptionist/

Optometric Assistantneeded for a friendly small optometric office in McLean, VA. Duties include gen-

eral office tasks such as answering phones, greeting patients, making appointments, etc. in addition to assisting the doctors in patient care. Experience is helpful but we

are happy to train the right individual. This full time position offers a competitive salary, vacation/sick pay, bonuses health

insurance, and a pension plan.Please email or fax your resume to our

office.Email: [email protected]: 703-893-4757

Auto/Equipment MechanicSeeking self-motivated, energetic individual to perform

maintenance and repair of Estate vehicles and equipment.Minimum of 2 years combined experience in automobile mechanicand equipment maintenance trades. Excellent benefits package.

See website www.MountVernon.org<http://www.MountVernon.org>

For details. To Apply: [email protected]

<mailto: [email protected]>or Fax: 703.780.8320. EOE

Network Security Engineer (Bachelor's with 4 yrs exp or Associates with 6 yrs exp; Major: CS, IT, Comp. Engg. Math or equiv.; Other suitable qual-ifications acceptable) - McLean, VA. Job entails working with and requires experi-ence including: CISCO PIX firewalls, Cisco ASA 5500 series, VPN Concentrator, ACS (Access Control Servers), Routing and switching, Intrusion Prevention Systems, IOS and VPN Router, Window, configura-tion and troubleshooting of VPN's - DMVPN and GRE. Must have "CCIE Cer-tification". Send resumes to Advanced Computer Concepts, Inc., Attn: HR, 7927 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 600 North, McLean, VA 22102."

Survey ResearcherAssist in design & preparation of surveys

on int’l develop’t (trade, economic growth, private sector develop’t, donor aid) & economic regulation on infrastructure

facilities. Will determine & specify surveymethod & analyze survey results. Must

have a MA or MPA in Int’l Develop’t Economics or MA in Economics. Must

have overall 1 year exper. in int’l develop’t, including time at one of the following:

UN/UNDP, OECD or USAID. Must have exper. writing policy briefs & analyzing data from surveys using STATA. Must

have knowledge of EXCEL & in random-ized control trials & have both knowledge

& exper. applying Growth Diagnosticframework. Up to approx. 50% time travel

abroad to developing and post-conflict countries. 40 hr/week, hrs 8:30-5:30 pm w/some work on evenings, weekends, &

holidays as needed. Job located in Arlington, VA.

Mail copy of req’d resume w/copy of ad to: Nathan Associates Inc., Attn:

Ms. Nora Derrick, HR Manager, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1200,

Arlington, VA 22201.

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

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ClassifiedClassified

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HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup

(571) [email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

26 AntiquesWe pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

Danish/modernteak furniture, STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn many aspects ofthe newspaper business. Internships available inreporting, photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and for adults consid-ering change of career. Unpaid. [email protected]

The biggestthings arealways the

easiest to dobecause there isno competition.

-William Van Horne

EmploymentEmployment


Documents

McLean Revealing Wonders Home LifeStyle Home ...connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/... · by Solitair e! New Home by Chadsworth! New Home! en Br the Buyer! ought Sold