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Ethics Day Held at Marshall HighNews, Page 7
Police To Add Body CamerasCounty News, Page 3
Puppy Nativity Attracts
Pet Lovers News, Page 4
From left: Vienna residents Macy Wright, 15, a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School, her rabbit Todd; her mother Elaine Wright; and her sister Claire, 11; in the sixth grade at Louise Archer Elementary School, holding Albert the pig; and father, Daryl Wright, children’s director at Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, pictured at The Church of the Good Shepherd Saturday for the puppy nativity.
CalendarPage 8
Wellbeing Page 6
online at www.connectionnewspapers.com December 6-12, 2017
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2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
The high school swim season hasbegun, and the Oakton Swim/Dive team opened the seasonwith two victories over Westfield
High School. At Cub Run Recreation Cen-ter, the Cougars dominated the pool andcame out on top over the Bulldogs. TheOakton boys scored a total of 237 points toWestfield’s 77 points; the Cougar ladiesscored 195 points to Westfield’s 119 points.
With the graduation of 24 seniors (23swimmers and one diver) last year, Oaktonwas forced to rebuild their team, but theclass of 2021 has a significant amount oftalent within Oakton’s walls. The Cougarsadded 18 swimmers and seven divers, atotal of 25 new members, to the team inthe beginning of November. Despite thenumber of new faces, the returners wel-comed the newcomers, creating a sense ofteam unity immediately. With their 195-119point win, the Oakton girls had incredibleswims and dives throughout the night.
Senior Sarah DeLoach and sophomoreLeaya Ma won first for both of their indi-vidual events, 200 IM and 500 freestyle vic-tories for DeLoach and 50 freestyle and 100
backstroke victories for Ma respectively. Thegirl divers, senior Kyla Straker, sophomoreLily Chireix, freshman Ansley Robertson,and junior Amanda Macomber, swept div-ing. On the boys’ side, the Cougars sweptin the 200 freestyle, 200 IM, 100 butterfly,100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, and allthree relays (200 medley, 200 freestyle, and400 freestyle), displaying the incredibledepth of the team.
Freshman Anthony Grimm placed first inboth of his individual events (500 freestyleand 100 backstroke), as did junior DanielGyenis in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly.Sophomore Joe Wong started the seasonwith a bang with a lifetime best in the 100breaststroke. The boys’ divers, Josh Shipley,Wesley Kron, Pablo Galvez, and JohnDeFranco, all freshmen, also performedwell, despite senior Liam Klopfenstein’s andjunior Joe Perreault’s absences at the meet.
Friday, Dec. 8, the Cougars will be travel-ling to Spring Hill Recreation Center to takeon the Langley Saxons at 6:30 p.m. The fol-lowing day, Dec. 9, Oakton Swim/Dive willbe competing in the Concorde Invitationalat 6 p.m. at Oak Marr Recreation Center.
Oakton Puts WestfieldInto the Dog House
Swimming
Photo by Jennifer Coon, Oakton High School Varsity Swim/Dive Manager
Freshman Anthony Grimm swims 500 freestyle against Wakefield.
Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, atleast two weeks before event.
THURSDAY/DEC. 7Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at
UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Caregivers Support Group is held thefirst and third Thursdays of every month, yearround. Call 703-821-6838 or [email protected] for more.
MONDAY/DEC. 11FCPS Community Conversations. 6:30-8 p.m.
at Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road,Falls Church, Cafeteria (Region 2). FairfaxCounty Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent
Scott S. Brabrand will host CommunityConversations to hear what students, parents,employees, and members of the community arethinking about and what issues are important tothem. Brabrand welcomes citizens to attend andtake part in any of the upcoming sessions thatare convenient for them. Citizens needing atranslator can make a request for servicesonline. Visit www.fcps.edu/news/superintendent-brabrand-schedules-five-community-conversations-fall.
THURSDAY/DEC. 21Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at
UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Caregivers Support Group is held thefirst and third Thursdays of every month, yearround. Call 703-821-6838 or [email protected] for more.
Bulletin Board
See Bulletin Board, Page 11
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsVienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
See County News, Page 5
By Ken Moore
The Connection
Fairfax County police officers fromthe Mount Vernon and Mason dis-trict stations will soon wear bodycameras in a three-month pilot
program designed to determine if all FairfaxCounty police officers will wear the cam-eras in the future.
“We see this as a really wonderful oppor-tunity to better connect our officers on theground and our folks on the street and makesure that everybody has an opportunity towork together and see how that work goes,”said Mount Vernon District Supervisor DanStorck.
The Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Com-mission recommended in 2015 that offic-ers be equipped with the cameras, and theBoard of Supervisors approved the pilotprogram at its board meeting on Nov. 21. Itwill take another few months to get thethree-to-six month pilot program up andrunning.
Braddock District Supervisor John Cook,chairman of the board’s public safety com-mittee, expressed concerns about upcom-ing constraints on the public safety budget.“We are going to have some tough decisionsin public safety and we need good data,”said Cook.
Fairfax County Police Department willpartner with American University to initiatean academic study, which could be extendedfrom 90 days to six months.
“Community advocates will be at the tableto help us monitor the deployment of thecameras and how the policy is working,”said Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Chief of Po-lice.
“The pilot body worn program is designedto provide the department with the oppor-tunity to review police-community memberencounters as they occur, as well as pro-vide an additional degree of safety for ourofficers as they patrol the streets,” accord-ing to the Fairfax County Police Department.
The cost of the pilot program is $684,000.Storck asked if all officers from the Mount
Vernon station could use the cameras.“When it comes to evaluating the impacts
of body worn cameras, we are still, as afield, in the early days,” said BradBartholomew, professor at American Uni-versity.
For studies to be effective, “we must en-sure that a group of officers receives thecamera and another group does not,” hesaid. “The more you can control, the moreyou can model, the more believable yourresults may be.”
The study analysis is expected to coverstatistics and community member feedbackto assess the impacts prior to, during andfollowing the pilot program.
“Officers will be expected to activate the
camera during any law enforcement-pub-lic encounter related to a call for service,law enforcement action, subject stop, traf-fic stop, search or police service,” accord-ing to the police department.
Police and a variety of civic groupsworked together on a proposed pilot body-worn camera policy to address personalprivacy rights, transparency and account-ability in police-community member con-tacts. The policy can be modified as neededbased on the pilot.
Read the draft policy atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/board-committees/meetings/2017/oct10-public-safety-body-worn-cameras-draft-policy.pdf
TWO BOARDS, ONE FAIRFAXThe Board of Supervisors and School
Board adopted a joint social and racial eq-uity policy called One Fairfax.
The Board of Supervisors joined theSchool Board by adopting the policy onTuesday, Nov. 21, one day after the SchoolBoard.
“I dare say we’ve spent thousands of hourson this policy and I think it’s reached a pointwhen it is time to approve it,” said Lee Dis-trict Supervisor Jeff McKay, adding that hejudges this his most important action in the10 years he has served on the board.
“This goes across all that we do,” saidHunter Mill District Supervisor CathyHudgins.
The policy identifies 17 areas of focusincluding housing, education, communityand economic development, environmentand transportation.
“What we are doing here is not guaran-teeing that everybody is going to be suc-cessful because that really goes to the indi-vidual, but what we can do is ensure thatthis board and Fairfax County ensure … thateverybody in Fairfax County has an oppor-tunity to succeed,” said Chairman SharonBulova.
“I believe philosophically at our core, webelieve in equity and our community re-flects that, and our community wants that,”said McKay.
“Far too often, I have found that somepeople in my community aren’t at the table,
but they rely on us to be there at the tablefor them. And they rely on us to make suretheir county government represents themas individuals.”
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrityhad concerns how to measure the effortsor define success.
“From the very beginning of this policydiscussion, I’ve asked several simple ques-tions that I haven’t been able to receive ananswer for,” Herrity said. “I support everyone of our residents having equal opportu-nities to succeed and I believe our countyand staff are committed to that as am I. ButI can’t support a new government bureau-cracy for a problem that no one can quan-tify and for which there are too few defini-tions or measures of success or impact.”
Read the resolution atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2016/one-fairfax-resolution.pdf.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIESWhile addressing deer management and
a lack of predators in Fairfax County, StellaKoch said, “They’ve changed the ecology inYellowstone [National Park], but I don’tthink that it is an option here.”
The Environment Quality Advisory Coun-cil advocates for a full-time wildlife special-ist position in Fairfax County to support thedeer management program as well as theCanada Geese Management Program.
“That position has been needed for a longtime,” said Koch. “We have one person do-ing a significant amount of yeoman’s work.”
On Nov. 21, Koch presented the environ-mental quality annual report, highlightingmajor priorities for 2018, including the needto conduct a countywide survey on thepublic’s view of the “cultural carrying ca-pacity, how people are thinking about deerin this county.”
The advisory council also says the Boardof Supervisors needs to update its 2003Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and needs toimplement a lighting work group. “Since2003 there have been a lot of changes intechnology and also an increase in densityin this county,” said Koch.
“The increasing density of development
in Fairfax County will invariably lead tomore instances of ‘light trespass,’ wherelights on one property affect another prop-erty,” according to the environmental re-port.
Koch also advocated for increasing theStormwater Service District rate by one-quarter penny, from a rate of 3 cents per$100 assessed real estate value to 3.25 centsper $100.
“As you know, there is an endless backlogof infrastructure that needs replacements,”she said. “We’re making great progress andit’s slow and steady, but we definitely needmore funding.”
“I use this as a model for how we can trackmajor issues,” said Bulova, praising thestructure and quality of the EQAC report.
“When you open the annual report, thefirst thing [you see] is the recommenda-tions. We think that is important, it is whatthis annual report basically drives us to-ward,” said Koch.
Other priorities include funding of$263,000 required for the Fairfax CountyPark Authority’s natural resource mappingefforts and additional technology.
The public will have an opportunity togive both EQAC and the Board of Supervi-sors feedback in a public hearing scheduledfor Jan. 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the FairfaxCounty Government Center, 12000 Govern-ment Center Parkway.
To read the report, seewww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/eqac/re-port2017/.
THE $250,000 MANBryan Hill will be Fairfax County’s next
county executive, effective Jan. 2, 2018.“Selecting a county executive is the most
important hire the Board of Supervisorsundertakes,” said Penny Gross, vice chair-man and Mason District supervisor. “Mr. Hillbrings impressive leadership, management,communications and budget experience toFairfax County.”
“I believe this is the fifth county execu-tive for me and the fourth search,” saidGross.
Hill, currently the James City County, Va.administrator and clerk to its Board of Su-pervisors, will replace Fairfax County Ex-ecutive Edward L. Long, who retired in Sep-tember.
“While [James City County] is a smallerjurisdiction, many of the issues are thesame,” said Bulova. “We are very, very ex-cited to welcome Bryan Hill to TeamFairfax.”
Hill will earn $250,000 per year.Hill has been the James City County ad-
ministrator since 2014, and previouslyserved seven years as the deputy county ad-ministrator with Beaufort County, S.C. Pre
Police To Add Body CamerasIn other business, board hires new county executive and updates environmental priorities.
Bryan Hill, newcounty executive
Stella Koch Col. Edwin C.Roessler Jr.,Chief of Police
John Cook,BraddockSupervisor
4 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
by Colin Stoecker
The Church of the Good Shepherdin Oakton celebrated the holi-days early on Saturday, Dec. 2with a live puppy nativity. The
United Methodist Church welcomed churchmembers and Vienna-area residents to bringtheir dogs and pose for pictures at the na-tivity scene in front of the church.
Refreshments were provided as familiesbrought their favorite dogs, rabbits, andeven a house-trained pig. The idea was Fa-ther Eric Song’s, the recently inducted rev-erend of the church that almost closed itsdoors before his arrival because of a de-crease in membership. Now, the church isworking to attract more members of thelocal community.
“The original idea came from a churchwhere I used to work by a walking mall inWinchester. The idea is to bring the com-munity together to celebrate the holidays.And the original Christmas nativity scenehad a lot of animals,” said Reverend EricSong of Vienna.
Proceeds which were collected by theGood Shepherd youth group benefited Sec-ond Story, a local non-profit that deals withyouth homelessness in Fairfax County.
Dogs and humans were both able to dressup in nativity scene themed costumes. Oneof the hats had sheep ears. Another dog wasgiven a wise man hood with a sparkly bandaround the top. It was difficult to get thedogs to sit still long enough to participatein the photo opportunity, but some ownerswere able to manage to hold their dogs’ in-terest long enough to get a family photo.
Tarah Grant of Vienna came to the churchSaturday with her two daughters and theirpet 8-year-old Chihuahua named John-Pierre, who belongs to her mother. “Wethink it’s such a creative idea. We love dogsand Christmas so combining the two was agreat idea. We heard a lot about this event
Puppy Nativity Attracts Pet Lovers Church of the Good Shepherdcelebrates with pets.
Photos by Colin Stoecker/The Connection
John-Pierre, an 8-year-old Chihuahua, in a nativity photo with sisters(left) Victoria Dela Court, third grader at Our Lady of Good Counsel, left,and Gabriella Dela Court, a first grader at Our Lady of Good Counseloutside of The Church of the Good Shepherd Saturday, Dec. 2.
From left: twins Sydney and Sophia Robinson, 7 and a half years old;their mother, Kristina Robinson of Alexandria; Jana Murphy, of Alexan-dria, the owner of The Pet Spot in Falls Church; her daughter, Fionla, 7;and son Jack, 6, pictured at The Church of the Good Shepherd Saturdayfor the puppy nativity.
last year, so I was looking for it,” said Grant.Other families came from Alexandria, like
Jana Murphy, owner of two long-hairedChihuahuas, and her two children. “I owna pet business and I think it’s great whenanybody is able to include animals. Thechurch is going to get a diverse turn-outbecause of this and I think it’s a great wayto introduce the church to the community,”said Murphy.
The diversity of pets made the event evenmore fun as the Wright family brought theirtwo daughters, pet rabbit, and pet pigAlbert. “It’s my fault, I know this isn’t achurch event with a petting zoo, but my wifefell in love with the pig’s adoption sign andshe was hooked,” said Daryl Wright, aVienna resident and children’s director atProvidence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax.
“We called the town of Vienna and theysaid we didn’t need a license,” said ElaineWright, owner of Albert the pig. “They justtold us he might need an identification tagjust in case he gets loose in the town, sothey know whose he is,” she said laughing.
Fionla Murphy, 7, holds her dogJazmine-Rose with her mother,Jana Murphy, of Alexandria, andthe owner of The Pet Spot inFalls Church at The Church ofthe Good Shepherd Saturday forthe puppy nativity.
Haley McComber, pictured with her3-year-old beagle hound mix Oliveat the puppy nativity at The Churchof the Good Shepherd Saturday.
More than 30 peoplecame to the puppy nativ-
ity at The Church of theGood Shepherd Saturday.They brought their most
cherished pets for aphoto opportunity.
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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viously, he was the vice chancel-lor for Finance and Operations atthe University of South Carolina’sBeaufort/Bluffton Campus andwas director of finance for the Uni-versity of Maryland’s Office of In-formation and Technology.
He earned his master’s degree inpublic administration from theUniversity of Southern Californiaand his bachelor’s in public admin-istration from Alfred University.
Bulova thanked Kirk Kincannon,who was the acting county execu-tive since Long’s retirement in Sep-tember.
COUNTY’S FIRST TENANTRESIDENT CURATOR
The county extended its firstlease through the Resident Cura-tor program to a Coast Guard of-ficer.
The county’s Resident CuratorProgram is designed to preservehistoric properties by offeringlong-term leases to qualified ten-ants who will rehabilitate andmaintain the historic houses. Acurator can be a private citizen, anonprofit entity, or a for-profitentity, according to county docu-ments.
“It is really a wonderful oppor-tunity and a great pleasure to bethe first of what I think will be anumber of properties in FairfaxCounty ...” said Storck, “to bringback to life housing which is oldand historic and meaningful to allof us.”
The Board of Supervisors ap-proved the lease of the historicStempson House at 7520 FurnaceRoad in Lorton to Steven J.
McCullough for eight years andeight months to renovate the his-toric home.
“This is the first time we aredoing this, you are our first ten-ant,” said Bulova said toMcCullough.
The Stempson House gets itshistoric significance from its asso-ciation with the Occoquan Work-house and Reformatory and theWomen’s Suffrage movement ofthe early 1900s, according to Resi-dent Curator Program documents.
The United States purchased theland in 1910 to construct theprison. “In 1937, amongst theLorton Reformatory orchard trees,prisoners constructed a residencefor a prison officer. It is likely thatprisoners constructed the house,under the direction of prison en-gineers, using bricks manufac-tured at the prison brick kiln. Ul-timately, the residence was con-verted for use by the prison secu-rity office.”
The 1,500 square-foot-house isdescribed as a “vernacular styleresidence with Colonial Revivalstyle elements.”
Other applications are pendingfor the Turner Farm House, 10609Georgetown Pike, in Great Fallsand the Ellmore Farmhouse onWest Ox Road in Herndon. Thecounty intends to continue its pro-grams at the Ash Grove in Tysons,Lahey Lost Valley in Vienna, andHannah P. Clark (Enyedi) Housein Lorton.
See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/html/ir141-16.htm
Learn more about the ResidentCurator program and other prop-erties at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rcp.
From Page 3
Faith
County News
Faith Notes are for announcements andevents in the faith community. Send [email protected] is Friday at noon.
During Advent, Christ the KingLutheran Church, 10550 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls, will present a series ofthree midweek Advent programs. Theoverarching theme of these evenings is“Peace for Our Time.” Each evening’ssub-theme will grow from a Reforma-tion-era hymn. Each evening’s programbegins at 5:45 p.m. with supper fol-lowed by discussion, worship and thelighting of the Advent wreath. All arewelcome. Visit www.gflutheran.org orcall 703-759-6068.
❖ Thursday/Dec. 7 – Peace BetweenNations, hymn: “Savior of the NationsCome” (ELW 263)
❖ Thursday/Dec. 14 – Peace in poli-tics, hymn: “Now to the Holy Spirit Letus Pray” (ELW 743)
❖ Thursday/Dec. 21 – Peace in our-selves, hymn: “From Heaven Above toEarth I Come” (ELW 268)
Living Nativity and ChristmasConcert. Friday, Dec. 15, 6:30-8:30p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church,
1545 Chain Bridge Road. Featuring thesounds of the season and the excitementof live animals in the creche. Call 703-909-3424 or email [email protected] more.
Christmas Services at St. John’sEpiscopal Church, 6715 GeorgetownPike, McLean. Call 703-356-4902 orvisit www.stjohnsmclean.org.
Sunday, Dec. 17❖ 9 and 11 a.m. – Festival of Lessons
and Carols.Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24❖ 4 p.m. – Family Service of Holy Eu-
charist with Christmas Music at 3:30 pm❖ 7 p.m. – Holy Eucharist with Christ-
mas Music at 6:30 pm❖ 10 p.m. – Holy Eucharist with
Christmas Music at 9:30 pmChristmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25❖ 10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist
Blue Christmas Service – a non-traditional service of remembrance andhope – will be held at Katie’s CoffeeHouse 760 Walker Road, Great Falls onSunday, Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. brought toyou by Great Falls Area Ministries. Formore information call Carol Wright 703-582-1640.
6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Dr. Laura Pickford received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and attended medical school at the University of Virginia. She has practiced in Northern Virginia since 1999, and is the Perinatal Safety Officer at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Dr. Pickford is Board Certified and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Fair Ridge OB/GYNis pleased to announcethe addition of two new providers!
Cynthia Stone, MSN-FNP, received her Master’s degree as a family Nurse Practitioner from George Mason University in collaboration with George Washington University in 2004. After spending 2 years working in a family practice, she chose to focus on women’s health and has been working in OB/GYN since 2006.
3620 Joseph Siewick Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA(703) 264-7801 www.fairridgeobgyn.com
Fair Ridge OB/GYN Associates3620 Joseph Siewick Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033
Office: (703) 264-7801www.fairridgeobgyn.com
Wellbeing
By Marilyn Campbell
As Terrance Puller surveysboxes wrapped in holidaypaper and filled with tubes
of toothpaste, sticks of deodorantand other self-care toiletries, hesays he can feel his heart well upwith gratitude. The packages werepart of a donation drive to benefitSo Others Might Eat (SOME), alocal nonprofit organization witha mission to provide services to thepoor and homeless. Puller, who isnow both a SOME employee andvolunteer, reminisces about a pe-riod in his life when he was a re-cipient of such generosity.
Five years ago, Puller says hewas alone, homeless and deep inan alcohol and crack cocaine-in-duced haze. He would later recallthat he was so staggeringly intoxi-cated one holiday season that hewould miss an opportunity to saygoodbye to his dying mother. Whathe did receive that year however,was life changing.
“I was able to come into the shel-ter and get treatment, food andeventually a job,” said Puller. “Ivolunteer my time because … be-ing here reminds me of my storyand makes me grateful. It keepsme uplifted, less depressed andclean and sober.”
Mounting research validatesPuller’s assertion. “Giving of ourtalents and time is an importantway to improve our well-being,”said Carolyn Lorente, professor ofpsychology at Northern VirginiaCommunity College. “What manyof my colleagues are looking intois the connection be-tween volunteerismand sense of self. Itturns out that whenwe give to others, itnot only helps thosewe are assisting butalso boosts oursense of agency,gives us a sense of purpose andbelonging and informs our senseof identity.”
During the holidays, which areoften emotionally charged, a focuson helping others can lead to feel-ings of gratitude and happiness,says psychologist Jerome Short,Ph.D. In fact, he points to a 2010study published in the journalClinical Psychology Review, whichshows a link between benevolenceand contentment.
“Kind acts increase personalhappiness because we naturally
empathize with others and takepride in our ability to make otherssmile and feel good,” he said.
Even for those who haven’t ex-perienced levels of need such asPuller’s, acts of altruism can havea positive effect on one’s mood. Anexample is Jennifer Carter, a se-nior at Marymount University inArlington, who spent last weekendin the center of a crowded audito-rium on the university’s campusfrantically tying strips of fleececloth. Along with nearly 300 othervolunteers, she was making blan-kets for newborn babies for an or-ganization called HOPE, a nonde-nominational crisis pregnancy cen-ter in Fairfax County.
“When these new mothers leavethe hospitals it’s usually with a thincotton blanket,” she said. “A lot oftimes, the things that they’re miss-ing are warm blankets for the ba-bies. It feels good to be able to givethese mothers something thatmany people take for granted. Itmakes you realize how fortunateyou are.”
Short points to a 2016 studyfrom the University of Californiaat Riverside which shows thatvolunteerism can lead to gratitudeand happiness. “Grateful peoplepay more attention to the cost, ef-fort, and value of helping acts thanthe average person does,” he said.“They are better at coping with lifestress because they trust others tohelp them and then reach out andaccept help.”
Christabel Sampson experiencedthis metamorphosis first handwhen she relocated to the Wash-ington, D.C. area and was unableto find a job. She had mountingbills, but no income. Her financialoutlook spiraled further down-ward and she became homeless.She moved into a shelter run by
Interfaith Works, anonprofit organiza-tion in MontgomeryCounty Marylandthat works to meetthe needs of thepoor. Through theorganization’s job
training program, she was able togain skills training, clothing andshelter. As a result of the servicesshe received, Sampson says shefound a job. Now she volunteersher time to helping others at In-terfaith Works and has even be-come a member of theorganization’s board of directors.
“The experience of being home-less and now helping other womendefinitely made me stronger,” saidSampson. “Sometimes even a spo-ken word can be said to help some-one to a better place. I have em-pathy because I have been there.”
Acts of kindnesscan boostwellbeing.
For MoreInterfaith Works –
www.iworksmc.orgSOME – some.orgHOPE Pregnancy Care
Center – 703-536-2020
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
Last week, the Rotary Club of Vienna par-ticipated in Ethics Day for the 19th consecu-tive year with George C. Marshall HighSchool held at Westin Hotel in Tysons Cor-ner. The event was sponsored by the ViennaRotary Club and the Vienna Optimist Club.
The entire 500 student senior class ofMarshall High School was in attendance,participating in four modules to cover dif-ferent ethical topics: a Mock Trial, the BadSamaritan, CyberEthics and Designer Ba-bies. Along with the assistance of volunteermoderators and table leaders, the studentswere led through various real-life scenarios,had an open dialogue and asked to reachdecisions on topics that made students thinkcritically about responsibility, accountabil-ity and morals.
Matt Brennan, the Bad Samaritan mod-erator explained the importance of EthicsDay, saying, “This is a great program thatshould be at every high school. I stay in-volved every year because it gets kids tothink about morals and responsibility in away that would otherwise not have expo-
sure to.”Stephen Schatz, table leader and Marshall
High School class of 2014,who participatedin Ethics Day during his senior year of highschool said, “The event opens your eyesbecause you already know the situation.Now it makes me reassess the situation. Iended up asking myself more questions thanI did the first time.”
Schatz later went on to say, “My favoritepart about this experience was learningabout the other kids and realizing our ownunconscious bias.”
Shellie Abel, another table leader for theevent, explains why she volunteers annu-ally for Ethics Day: “It makes me quite op-timistic about the future of this country atthe end of each Ethics Day. I realize thatour kids are smart, involved and engagedin today’s world.”
The Rotary Club of Vienna has been theprimary financial and staffing entity forMarshall High School’s Ethics Day from itsinception through today. Details about theclub can be found at www.viennarotary.org
Vienna Rotary, Marshall HighHold Annual Ethics Day
Photos contributed
Matt Brennan leads a discussion during the Bad Samaritan part of theMarshall High Ethics Day.
RSVP Northern Virginia will hold a freeLunch and Learn program on communityservice and the health benefits of volunteer-ing for prospective and current RSVP vol-unteers at noon, Monday, Dec. 11, at theProvidence Community Center. The eventis free and open to the public. Lunch willbe provided.
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Pro-gram) is the region’s largest volunteer net-work for people 55 and older and providesindividualized support to seniors seekingservice opportunities in and around FairfaxCounty, Arlington County and the City ofAlexandria.
Lorie Spears, CTRS, a recreation thera-pist with the InovaCares for Seniors PACEProgram, will speak on the health benefitsof volunteering and staying active.
RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules,free accident and liability insurance while
serving, optional mileage and meal reim-bursement and are invited to volunteergroup projects and social gatherings. RSVPalso offers a wide array of opportunities forvolunteers including providing rides, sup-port and meals to older neighbors, assist-ing local veterans in need and helping pre-pare communities for disasters.
The Providence Community Center is lo-cated at 3001 Vaden Drive near the ViennaMetro.
“We will also discuss how service supportsour local nonprofits, influences our commu-nity and benefits our health,” says NadiaHoonan, RSVP Northern Virginia programmanager. RSVP Lunch and Learns typicallylast about 90 minutes.
To sign up for Dec. 11 event, email vol-unteer specialist Carly Hubicki [email protected] or call theRSVP hotline at 703-403-5360.
RSVP Northern Virginia toHost Holiday Lunch and Learn
Week in Vienna
8 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA450 ORCHARD STREET, NW
VIENNA, VA 22180703-938-8525
email: [email protected]
SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 10:00 AMCHRISTIAN LEARNING ACADEMY (SUN.) 9:00AM-9:45AM
MIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM
Visit These Houses of Worship
To Highlight Your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420
Entertainment
Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.
ONGOINGVienna-Wide Food Drive. Through
Dec. 31, bring food contributions toVienna Town Hall - 127 Center St. S;Vienna Arts Society-115 Pleasant St.NW; Bikes@Vienna-128-A Church St.NW; Caffe Amouri-107 Church St.,NE; Evolution Fitness- 216 DominionRoad, NE; Rexall Drug Store-150Maple Ave. W; Drs. Covel, Stack andHenon- 120 Beulah Road, NE; PatrickHenry Library (co-sponsored bySupervisor Cathy Hudgins) and theVienna Community Center. Girl ScoutTroop 2684 will be helping NEVCAby picking up the food. Sponsored byCommittee for Helping Others. Call703-281-7614.
Textures Exhibit. Through Jan. 7,various times at the Vienna ArtsCenter, 115 Pleasant St., NW. Call703-319-3971 or visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org.
Great Falls Farmers Market.Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 778 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Music, vendors,fresh produce, fresh prepared food,delightful bakery, spices from aroundthe world, wild-caught fish, grass-fed, free-range meats, organic-fedpoultry and eggs. [email protected].
McLean Farmers Market, Fridays,through Nov. 17, 2017; 8 a.m. tonoon, 1659 Chain Bridge Road,McLean, Master Gardener PlantClinic on site to answer questionsabout plants in your landscape
Free Tai Chi. Every Saturday, from7:55-9 a.m., Introduction andBeginners’ Practice, meet on theoutdoor basketball court locateddirectly behind the Dolley MadisonPublic Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.in McLean Central Park, McLean. Call703-759-9141 or visitwww.FreeTaiChi.org.
The Freeman Store & MuseumWednesday through Sunday noon-4p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. TheFreeman Store & Museum isdedicated to Preserving andpromoting Vienna’s heritage throughthe identification, preservation, andinterpretation of history significantplaces, events, and persons.Historicviennainc.org
Weekly Storytime. Wednesday andSaturday. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble,7851 L Tysons Corner Center,McLean. Themes and titles vary. Freeadmission.
Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. FlameRoom, Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S,Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.
Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Emmaus United Church of Christ,900 E Maple Ave. E., Vienna.Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Fairfax,2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Gentle Kundalini Yoga, one freeintroductory session, seniordiscounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reducestress. Ravi Kaur has 15 yearsexperience teaching yoga. $15 persession. www.edimprovement.org.571-213-3192.
Fundamentals of Watercolors.Mondays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Artsof Great Falls, 756 Walker Road,Great Falls. Artist Lorrie Herman willhelp students get comfortableworking with watercolors andunderstanding this medium. Visitwww.greatfallsart.org.
Evening Painting. Tuesdays 6:30 -9:30 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls,756 Walker Road, Great Falls. JillBanks focuses on oil paintingfundamentals with two sessions eachof still life, landscapes, and portrait/clothed figure from a live model.Visit www.greatfallsart.org.
THROUGH DEC. 10Toys for Tots Drive. Various times at
Sheehy Infiniti of Tysons, 8527Leesburg Pike, Vienna. Sheehy AutoStores throughout Washington, D.C.;Richmond, Virginia; and Baltimore,Maryland areas will collect new andunwrapped toys as part of thecompany’s annual Sheehy Cares ToyCollection to benefit the U.S. MarineCorps Reserve Toys for Tots Programnow through December 10. Visitwww.sheehyinfinitioftysons.com/.
THURSDAY/DEC. 7The MarketPlace Fair. 9:30 a.m.-
3:30 p.m. at at Trinity UnitedMethodist Church, 1205 DolleyMadison Blvd., McLean. Will featureover a dozen vendors, a silentauction of goods and services, gifts,jewelry, baked delicacies, drinks anda lunch café. Parking and admissionare free. Call 703-556-0197 or visitwww.mcleanwomansclub.org.
51st annual Holiday Homes Tourand Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tour fourlarge, decorated homes in theMcLean neighborhoods of FranklinPark, central McLean, Spring HillFarm and Woodlea Mill, all withample street parking. Cost: $25before Dec. 7 at Mesmeralda’s ofMcLean, Karin’s Florist in Vienna andGreat Dogs of Great Falls or $30 onDec. 7 at the tour houses and atTrinity United Methodist Church,1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean.Call 703-556-0197 or visitwww.mcleanwomansclub.org.
Ice Skating Social at Tysons. 7 p.m.at Tysons Corner, 1961 Chain BridgeRoad, McLean. McLean Racquet andHealth Club is sponsoring, all agesand levels welcome. Visitwww.mcleanrhclub.com or [email protected].
STARTING DEC. 8Watercolor Workshops with Joe
Phillips. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at theVienna Arts Society, 115 Pleasant St.,NW, Vienna. Class each Friday untilJan. 1. Call 703-319-3971 or visitwww.ViennaArtsSociety.org.
FRIDAY/DEC. 8Gift Collection. 9:30 a.m.-noon at
Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124Park St. NE, Vienna. Collecting new,unwrapped gifts and gift cards forchildren and teens. The North EastVienna Citizens Association issponsoring the event with help fromGirl Scout Troop 2684. Visitnevca.wordpress.com.
Cooking Demonstration andLuncheon. 11 a.m. at L’AubergeChez François, 332 Springvale Road,Great Falls. Chef Jacques willdemonstrate how to cook Frenchdishes. Call 703-759-3800.
Old Firehouse Family Movie Night.7-9 p.m.-noon at The Old Firehouse,1440 Chain Bridge Road. $3. Gatherthe whole family and bring blankets,pillows and camp chairs for anindoor, picnic-style family movienight. Participants will enjoyunlimited free popcorn with themovie, which will be shown on alarge projection screen. Call 703-790-
Live MusicOn Friday, Feb. 3,its Lera Lynn inConcert 7 p.m. atJammin’ Java, 227Maple Ave E.,Vienna. Call 703-255-1566 or visitwww.leralynn.comfor more.
Letters From SantaYes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And the Postal Service can help prove
it when Santa replies to a child’s letter to Santa — complete with the NorthPole Postmark. Letters from Santa must be received by the Anchorage, AK,Postmaster no later than Dec. 15. Santa’s helpers in Anchorage, AK, will takecare of the rest. Visit about.usps.com/holidaynews/letters-from-santa.htmfor more.
Here are the steps for any child to get a letter back from Santa:1. Have the child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope ad-
dressed to: Santa Claus, North Pole.2. Later, when alone, open the envelope and write a personalized re-
sponse.3. Insert the response letter into an envelope and address it to the child.4. Add the return address: SANTA, NORTH POLE, to the envelope.5. Affix a First-Class Mail stamp to the envelope.6. Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope — preferably a Pri-
ority Mail Flat Rate envelope — with appropriate postage and addressit to:
North Pole PostmarkPostmaster4141 Postmark DriveAnchorage, AK 99530-9998
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
SATURDAY/DEC. 9Gift Wrapping Service and
Christmas Bazaar. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.at Andrew Chapel United MethodistWomen, 1301 Trap Road, Vienna.Shop for hand-crafted holiday gifts,gorgeous fine art jewelry, naturephotography, watercolors,homemade sweet treats. Giftwrapping is free. Visitwww.andrewchapelumc.org.
Holiday Open House. 11 a.m.-3:30p.m. at the Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place. Friends of theOakton Library are sponsoring aholiday open house with a holiday-themed book sale. Call 703-242-4020.
SUNDAY, DEC. 10Live Music. 11 a.m. at L’Auberge Chez
François, 332 Springvale Road, GreatFalls. Guitarist Alexander Barnettplays a variety of acoustic music. Call703-759-3800.
Blue Christmas Service. 3:30 p.m. atKatie’s Coffee House 760 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. A non-traditionalservice of remembrance and hope,brought to you by Great Falls AreaMinistries. Call Carol Wright 703-582-1640.
McLean Youth Orchestra. 4 p.m. inthe Grand Ballroom of theCommunity Building of Vinson Hall,1735 Kirby Road, McLean. Visitwww.tysonsmcleanorchestra.org orcall 703-893-8646.
Christmas Concert. 4 p.m. at ViennaPresbyterian Church, 124 Park St.,NE, Vienna. A Cathedral BrassChristmas, music from Monteverdi toGordon Goodwin. Call 703-438-0718.
Christmas Youth Concert. 4 p.m. atSt. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715Georgetown Pike, McLean. The youthchoir leads with Christmas hymns,followed by reception. Call 703-356-4902 or visit stjohnsmclean.org.
MONDAY/DEC. 11Santa’s Ride for Children. Donate
new and unwrapped toys, games,books and gifts to be distributed tochildren at Fairfax Hospital,Georgetown Lombardi CancerCenter. [email protected] or call 703-255-6324.
TUESDAY/DEC. 12Meteor Classes. 7:30 p.m. at Turner
Farm is located at 925 SpringvaleRoad, Great Falls. This class willcover what meteors are, their originsand the best time to view them. Anoptional outdoor visual observingsession will be held after class,weather permitting. Bring a lawnchair and a warm cover or sleepingbag. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turnerfarm/.
SATURDAY/DEC. 16Breakfast With Santa. 8 a.m.-noon at
the Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S.,Vienna. Pancakes, sausage, bacon,juice and coffee. Visit www.vvfd.org.
Night In Bethlehem Performance.5-7 p.m. at Andrew Chapel UnitedMethodist Church, 1301 Trap Road,Vienna. Nativity scene with liveanimals. Visit andrewchapelumc.org.
SUNDAY/DEC. 17Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon, at
Vienna American Legion Post 180,330 Center St., N. Adults $9, children12 and under $3. Get omelets,scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes,bacon, sausage, hash browns andmore. Call 703-938-6580.
Christmas Caroling Sing-Along. 3-5
Holiday season is in fullswing at L’Auberge ChezFrancois in Great Falls: Tradi-tionally one of the best deco-rated businesses in the area, therestaurant hosts a series of spe-cial holiday events. Last Sun-day, Dec. 3, they kicked off theseason with second annual SingAlong and Dinner with localfavorite, Difficult Run StringBand performing holiday clas-sics.
The upcoming holiday eventsat L’Auberge Chez Francois in-clude:
❖ Holiday in Paris CookingDemonstration and Luncheonon Friday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m.Chef Jacques will demonstratehow to cook French dishes. Thisfestive event will feature thecuisine and wines from France.
❖ Holiday Wine Festival and
Photo contributed
Chef Jacques will demonstrate how to cook Frenchdishes during the Holiday in Paris Cooking Demon-stration and Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m.
Special Holiday Events atL’Auberge Chez Francois
Luncheon, Saturday, Dec. 9:Come between 11:30 a.m. and1 p.m. for a walk-around tast-ing of international wines fol-lowed by a luncheon from afour-course menu paired withanother glass of wine.
❖ Sounds of the SeasonBrunch with guitarist AlexanderBarnett, Sunday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.
❖ Gonet-Medeville PremierCru Champagne and BordeauxWine Dinner, Thursday, Dec. 14,6:30 p.m.
❖ Champagne CelebrationCooking Demonstration andLuncheon, Saturday, Dec. 16,11 a.m.
To learn more aboutL’Auberge Chez Francois [email protected], call703-759-3800, or visitwww.laubergechezfrancois.com
p.m. at Historic Pleasant Grove, 8641Lewinsville Road, McLean. Songsfollowed by cookies and hot cider, atthis historic site. Visitwww.HistoricPleasantGrove.org.
Christmas Concert. 4 p.m. at ViennaPresbyterian Church, 124 Park St.NE, Vienna. Glorious Sounds ofChristmas, a Christmas celebrationfor the whole family led by theVienna Presbyterian Sanctuary Choir,the Cathedral Brass, organ, piano,and noted soloists. Call 703-438-0718.
WEDNESDAY/DEC. 20Timeline Arcade and Ice Cream. 8
a.m.-6 p.m.-noon at The OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Play old-school video gamesand then eat ice cream. $55/45 forMcLean Community Center districtresidents. Call 703-790-0123 or visitwww.mcleancenter.org.
THURSDAY/DEC. 21Bowling and Movie. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.-
noon at The Old Firehouse, 1440Chain Bridge Road, McLean. $65/55for McLean residents. Call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
WEDNESDAY/DEC. 27Dave and Buster’s arcade. 8 a.m.-6
p.m.-noon at The Old Firehouse,1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Lunch and a $25 game card withunlimited arcade game play areincluded. $70/60 for McLeanresidents. Call 703-790-0123 or visitwww.mcleancenter.org.
THURSDAY/DEC. 28Tubing/Ice Skating Trip. 8 a.m.-6
p.m.-noon at The Old Firehouse,1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Chill out racing down hills on thetubes or gliding on skates. During theday, there is a pizza party. Admissionfor tubing or ice skating and lunchare included in the fee. $55/45 forMcLean residents. Call 703-790-0123or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
10 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Community
Ten high-schoolers and threeadult chaperones representing theyouth group of Christ the KingLutheran Church in Great Falls,provided and distributed warmbeverages, chili, water, blanketsand more during a Salvation ArmyGrate Patrol ride-along in the Dis-trict on Nov. 18. This marked thegroup’s 10th year of participationin Grate Patrol.
Steve Wilson, a Christ the Kingsenior high leader, said that thepersonal outreach Grate Patrolemphasizes is the essence of ser-vice.
“It’s a great experience for sub-urban kids to step out of their com-fort zone and see the homelessface-to-face — but to also seethey’re real people who are appre-ciative, responsive and grateful,”said Wilson.
Kevin Magley, Christ the King’shigh school youth leader, remem-bers an interaction during a pre-vious Grate Patrol, when a home-less man called the volunteers to-gether and prayed over the groupso they might help others thatnight.
“He didn’t want any food or anyblankets. He really just wantedsomebody to talk to,” said Magley.“That stuck out to me. He prob-ably did need help, but he was fo-cused on others.”
Salvation Army van drivers fol-low the same route every night,with four to seven predeterminedstops at locations like Union Sta-tion. One van driver, Nick Douglas,said he applied for his job simplybecause he needed employment.He has driven the van for 14 years.
“Now, it’s no job,” he said. Ev-ery night, he told us, he completeshis route with an overwhelmingsense of gratitude for all of hisblessings.
Serving the hungry and homeless is a lesson in perspec-tive for Christ the King Lutheran Church in Great Fallshigh schoolers.
This marked the group’s 10th year of participation inGrate Patrol.
Great Falls Church Youth Serve D.C. Homeless
Photos contributed
“We come here when there’s snow on the ground,and people are here, waiting for food,” Douglas said.“If you’re not grateful for what you’ve got,something’s really wrong.”
Serving the hungry and homeless is a lesson in
perspective for this group of high schoolers who maynot otherwise witness the less fortunate side of D.C.As recipients walk away with chili and blankets, theyoung volunteers walk away with renewed thank-fulness and an increased desire to serve.
Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
From Page 2
Bulletin
TUESDAY/JAN. 9English as a Second Language Classes. 7-8
p.m. at at St. Mark Christian Formation Center,9972 Vale Road, Vienna. Come help 150+ adultlearners master the English language, preparefor American citizenship, learn to conversefluently in English, improve their writing skills,and integrate into the local community. Call703-980-9380, email [email protected], orvisit www.stmarkesl.org.
THURSDAY/JAN. 11English as a Second Language Classes. 7-8
p.m. at at St. Mark Christian Formation Center,9972 Vale Road, Vienna. Come help 150+ adultlearners master the English language, preparefor American citizenship, learn to conversefluently in English, improve their writing skills,and integrate into the local community. Call703-980-9380, email [email protected], orvisit www.stmarkesl.org.
SUPPORT GROUPSAre You A Caregiver? Shepherd’s Center of
Oakton Vienna Caregivers’ SupportGroup takes place first & third Thursday ofeach month. February 2nd and 16th, 2017 from10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us at theUnitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax(UUCF) - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRd, Oakton, VA. For more info contactfacilitator, Jack Tarr, [email protected].
Haven of Northern Virginia Support Group.703-941-7000, www.havenofnova.org [email protected].
Virginia Chronic Pain Support Group Meetsfrom 1:30 - 3 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of eachmonth at Kaplan Center for IntegrativeMedicine, 6829 Elm St., Suite 300, McLean.Group leader, Jodi Brayton, LCSW. 703-532-4892.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDRSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking
service opportunities in and around FairfaxCounty, Arlington County and the City ofAlexandria, offers a wide array of opportunitiesfor volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteersenjoy flexible schedules, free accident andliability insurance while serving, optionalmileage and meal reimbursement and areinvited to volunteer group projects and socialgatherings. To sign up for an upcomingorientation, email Carly Hubicki [email protected] or call RSVP at703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visitwww.rsvpnova.org.
Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd.,McLean continues to have an urgent need fornew volunteers to help area senior citizens getto and from their medical and therapyappointments. To find out more about theShepherd’s Center and how you can volunteer toprovide transportation and other services, callthe Center at 703-506-2199 or e-mail the Centerat [email protected]. The Center’s website iswww.scmafc.org.
Master Gardener Training. The Fairfax CountyMaster Gardener Association offers plant clinics,home turf training or speakers for homeowner’smeetings. Fees vary. Visit fairfaxgardening.orgor call MG Help Desk at 703-324-8556 for more.
Volunteers Needed. PRS is looking forempathetic and caring volunteers to make phonecalls to older adults who may be feeling sociallyisolated. The commitment is one 3-hour shift perweek for one year. Located in Arlington. Ages 21& up. Intensive training provided. Learn moreand apply: https://prsinc.org/carering-volunteering/. Questions? [email protected].
The Northern Virginia Long Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteeradvocates for residents in nursing homes andassisted living facilities. Contact Lisa Callahan at703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected]. 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.
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
I don’t want to self-indulge too muchabout last week’s column but, sometimes inmy unexpressed desire to fulfill my writingobligation/not let me cancer/cancer treatmentaffect my schedule, I write my column underless-than-ideal circumstances.
Post chemotherapy/(last week) – the imme-diate week after, is about as challenging as itgets for me. I’m a bit irritable. I’m a bit out ofsync/unable to focus. I’m somewhat impa-tient. My hands are shaky. My eyes are“squinty.” I’m hungry yet I can’t eat. My self-editing skills are below average – more thanusual. And finally, my reading comprehensionis mostly lost in the toxic haze. Still, I’m deter-mined to make my deadline.
Not that any of the preceding paragraph isan excuse. It’s more of an explanation as towhy a column written with the best of inten-tions may have missed the mark in tone andsubstance. Though I’ve not received any feed-back as yet confirming my sense of what I hadwritten last week; nevertheless, my feelingupon submitting it to editorial was that I hadwavered a bit. Unfortunately, I didn’t have thebalance emotionally or the ability physically toassess its content. I apologize in arrears forattempting to maintain its regularity.
And to that point, specifically to that word,that’s what my attitude as a cancer patient hasbeen about: regularity. Doing the things that Iregularly/normally/typically do without deviat-ing from my norm. Because for me, deviatingfrom my norm, living/doing outside of my box– within reason, would be – to me anyway,reinforcing the negative that is most definitelya cancer diagnosis. A diagnosis with which Ihave long ago made my peace, made mychoices and moreover, made my it goal toface the present/future with a positive attitudeinfused with as much self-effacing goodhumor as possible. It’s nothing I really didintentionally, it is simply who I am: my father’sson, with inherited sensibilities to live my lifethinking the glass is half full, until it’s not.
And so far, nearly nine years into a “13month to two-year” prognosis, I’m living proofthat either whatever I’m doing is working (andthere’s a bit more to the story) or I’m anincredibly lucky act of kindness for whichthere’s no quantifiable explanation.Regardless, I’m not the least bit inclined tolook a gift horse in the mouth and/or deny thepossibility that my tumors are necrotic (dead).I’m very happy to accept the inexplicable factthat, statistically speaking, I’m an officialanomaly: a stage IV, non-small cell lung can-cer survivor.
However, since I’m not one to presumefacts not yet in evidence, I’m still infusedevery six weeks, scanned quarterly and seenby my oncologist every three months. I don’tfor a second believe that somehow, afterbeing diagnosed with a “terminal disease” inlate February 2009, that life goes merrily alongwithout consequences. Not that I’m a fatalist –Rebecca, I’m merely evaluat-ing/introspecting/compartmentalizing and allo-cating precious emotional resources so I canlive my life as I’m accustomed to doing.
And what I’m most accustomed to doing,especially dating back to December 1997, iswriting a weekly column for ConnectionNewspapers. Though the columns publishedprevious to June ‘09 were not “cancer” col-umns, as we call them, they were nonethelesswritten with the same passion and nonsensicalprose as my “cancer” columns are. So, gener-ally speaking, I am able, as my brotherRichard says, “to churn out the dribble.”
Still, writing is not like reading. Though asimilar commitment is needed, writingrequires a bit more effort. And it’s been aneffort I’ve sustained before, after and duringmy lung cancer diagnosis. Some weeks areharder than others. Last week was difficult.This week not so much.
Perhaps you agree?
Context ofHaving WrittenBusiness Directory
To Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM
ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL
GUTTER GUTTER
IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS
LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING
TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE
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Good is not good, where
better is expected.
-Thomas Fuller
12 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ December 6-12, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210,Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org. Nonprofit providingsupport and advocacy for those in need of food,shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, andother human services. Programs and servicesinclude the Embry Rucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia PreventionProgram, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Gifts for Kidsand annual Coat Drive. Gifts will be collected atCornerstones main office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road,Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190 on Thursday, Dec. 7and Friday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec.9, 9 a.m. – noon. Contact Nate King, Donations andDrives Coordinator, at 571-323-9569.
❖ Share of McLean operates a food pantry; providesassistance to families to avoid eviction, keep utilitieson and meet other needs in a crisis. Share ofMcLean will provide holiday assistance to more than250 needy families (630-plus people) this year. Helpneighbors in need by donating money, fulfilling awish or donating Walmart, Target, Giant, orSafeway gift cards. Share’s Furniture Program is inmajor need of drivers and helpers. Visit theFurniture Program page. The Food Pantry is inmajor need of supplies; visit the Food Pantry pageand check Facebook to see how to help the FoodPantry. Visit www.shareofmclean.org for more infoabout Share.
❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly InstantSympathetic Help), 336 Victory Drive, Herndon,703-391-0105, herndonrestonfish.org. Herndon-Reston FISH has assisted local residents in short-term crises by since 1969. FISH provides FriendlyInstant Sympathetic Help by responding toemergency requests for rent, transportation,utilities, medical prescriptions and other needs.FISH operates The Bargain Loft, a thrift store, whichneeds donations of good quality saleable items,accepting and selling art, furniture, jewelry,household linens, dishes, pots and pans, books,women’s designer clothing (clean and on hangers),puzzles, games, collectibles, small electronics andmore. If you have store questions, call 703-437-0600. Herndon-Reston FISH also provides HolidayFood & Gift Baskets during the November andDecember season.
❖ LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly, Loudoun andmore. Every year the goal is to provide each familywith a week’s worth of non-perishable food inNovember and again in December. When fundsallow, grocery gift cards are also included. InNovember, clients also receive a voucher for coatsand warm clothing. In December, children 16 andunder receive gifts. [email protected] www.linkagainsthunger.org.
❖ Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna,organized in 1969 by a group of churches andindividuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Oakton,Vienna community to provide simple, loving charityto those in need. Last year 450 children had aspecial Christmas through the annual ChristmasStore. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com
❖ Northern Virginia Family Service. 571-748-2500, www.nvfs.org, Employment and job training,healthcare, housing, mental health, foster care andHealthy Families.10455 White Granite, Drive, Suite100, Oakton, VA 22124.
❖ Second Story — Abused and Homeless Children’sRefuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182.703-506-9191, second-story.org. Second Story
(formerly Alternative House) provides shelter andservices for homeless, runaway or abused teenagers,unaccompanied youth, and young mothers and theirchildren. Requests for food and clothing are upmore than 50 percent.
❖ Shepherd’s Center of Oakton Vienna providingservices, personal enrichment, volunteeropportunities for adults 50 and over. Currentlyserving 3,000+ mature adults in the region. 703-281-0538, www.scov.org.
❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofitorganization whose mission is to educate children tohave giving hearts. www.touchingheart.com, 703-901-7355.
❖ Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — foodpantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. Formore information or to sponsor a family, call 703-988-9656, ext. 105. To mail gift cards or senddonations by check, add a note saying “food basketprogram” and send them to: WFCM, P.O. Box220802, Chantilly, VA 20153.
❖ HomeAid builds and renovates facilities that housethe homeless, and partners with many localorganizations to do so. 3684 Centerview Drive,Suite 110B, Chantilly, VA 20151.www.homeaidnova.org.
❖ FACETS helps parents, their children andindividuals who suffer the effects of poverty in theFairfax area, a partner in efforts to endhomelessness in Fairfax County. FACETS is alwaysin need of volunteers, and offers a variety of one-time and ongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251,[email protected] or www.facetscares.org.10640 Page Ave., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030.
❖ Britepaths will have 3,000 individuals and familiesin need of holiday assistance list this fall. Sponsor afamily or donate to provide a family with aThanksgiving meal, December holiday meal and/orgifts for their children. britepaths.org.
❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (For ImmediateSympathetic Help) helps local people who are intemporary need of life’s basic necessities such asfood, clothing, and financial assistance for rent,mortgage payments, utilities, and medicaltreatments. FISH also provides limitedtransportation for doctor appointments and fooddelivery. 703-222-0880, fairfaxfish.org.
❖ Lamb Center, day center for homeless, Fairfax.703-691-3178, www.thelambcenter.org.
❖ Food for Others provides a safety net for peoplewho suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such asa family illness or the loss of a job or a spouse.Located at 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031,703-207-9173, [email protected] orwww.foodforothers.org. Hours: Monday-Friday,9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
❖ Ecumenical Community Helping Others(ECHO). 703-569-9160, www.foodforothers.org.Open to receive donations at 7205 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield. Provides food and financialassistance to those in short-term emergencies, andprovides clothing and household goods to lowincome families.
❖ Assistance League of Northern Virginia is anall-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds,clothes and educates children in need. AssistanceLeague’s philanthropic programs touch the lives ofthousands of children at 11 Title I schools inNorthern Virginia, serving children most in need atselected schools in Fairfax and Prince Williamcounties and the City of Alexandria. To learn more
about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities,email [email protected] or visitwww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org.
❖ Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services(CAUSE) ensures that recuperating service membershave opportunities for recreation and socialinteraction and receive concrete signs ofappreciation for all that they have done. 1100 NGlebe Road, Suite 373, Arlington, VA 22201.703-591-4968, cause-usa.org.
❖ Shelter House provides crisis intervention, safehousing and supportive services to promote self-sufficiency for homeless families and victims ofdomestic violence in Fairfax County.www.shelterhouse.org/
❖ National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill ParkDrive, Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia. 703-541-3063, www.capitalareafoodbank.org.
❖ Homestretch is the largest provider of transitionalhousing in Fairfax County and offers a services tohelp the homeless better their lives througheducation. Email [email protected];703-237-2035 x125; homestretchva.org/.
❖ Pathway Homes focuses on providing housing andsupport services to individuals with serious mentalillnesses, with the mission to help these individualsreach their full potential and lead stable lives.10201 Fairfax Boulevard, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA22030. 703-876-0390, [email protected],www.pathwayhomes.org, www.pathwayhomes.org/support-pathway/.
❖ Christian Relief Services, 8301 RichmondHighway, Suite 900, Alexandria, VA 22309, 703-317-9086, 703-317-9690, christianrelief.org/
❖ Friends of Guest House Northern Virginiaoffers structure, supervision, support and assistanceto female ex-offenders who want to improve theirlives and break the cycle of incarceration. Friends ofGuest House offers the only program for women ofits kind in Northern Virginia. One East Luray Ave.,Alexandria, VA 22301-2025, 703-549-8072,[email protected],friendsofguesthouse.org/
❖ Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginiatransforms the lives of lower-income families inneed by providing affordable homeownershipopportunities in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax andFalls Church. Learn more at www.habitatnova.org.
❖ The Community Foundation of NorthernVirginia has launched its Permanent Fundcampaign, a community endowment which is aforever source to provide critical support for thosein need in the Northern Virginia region; Considerleaving a legacy through a current or planned gift tothe Permanent Fund at the Community Foundationfor Northern Virginia. www.cfnova.org/permanentfund.
❖ The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia,2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, Virginia22042, 703-237-0866, lcnv.org, teaches adults tospeak, read, write and understand English at themost basic level. The organization has been aroundfor 55 years, and serves Fairfax and ArlingtonCounties and the cities of Falls Church andAlexandria. Most of the students are immigrants,and they are mostly women, and low income.
❖ Neighborhood Health Clinics,www.neighborhoodhealthva.org, Improving healthand advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington,and Fairfax by providing access to high quality careregardless of ability to pay.
Give Locally in Fairfax CountyHolidays are for giving;many choices to help.
The holidays are about giving, and giv-ing thanks. The holidays are aboutchildren and family. The holidays are
about sharing, about joy. The holidays areabout being thankful and about faith and ap-preciation. The holidays are about alleviating
suffering for others.Northern Virginia is among
the wealthiest areas in thecountry. Many if not most of us go through ourdaily and seasonal routines without encoun-
Give Locally
tering evidence of the needy families amongus.
In Fairfax County, more than 52,000 (28percent) of FCPS students are are poor enoughto receive free or subsidized meals.
The median family income in Fairfax Countyrose to $129,800. But among families withchildren, 6 percent have income below thepoverty level. That’s $20,420 for a family ofthree. That’s about $1,700 a month. Medianrent in Fairfax County is $1,747, meaning thecost for half the rentals is more than that.
These are children living in families who maybe on the brink of homelessness, families whomust choose between medical bills, car repair,heat and food. Some of these are children who
Editorial
may not be sure that they will have a mealbetween the meals they get in school.
School holidays can bring uncertainty andhunger — a far cry from the celebrations, giftsand plenty that we associate with the holidays.
Hundreds of homeless students attend thepublic schools, and their needs are greater.
Many nonprofits in the county need yourhelp to provide a holiday meal for Thanksgiv-ing or Christmas, to provide children with gifts.
There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season. Hereare a few ideas.
— Mary Kimm
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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Vienna & Oakton
