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Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Heated Debate AboutLake House ReviewNews, Page 3
Olivia Beckner FinishesSecond in New York RaceSports, Page 10
Freezin’ for aReason in Reston
News, Page 12
Heated Debate AboutLake House ReviewNews, Page 3
Olivia Beckner FinishesSecond in New York RaceSports, Page 10
Freezin’ for aReason in Reston
News, Page 12
Opinio
n, Page 6
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February 15-21, 2017 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
RestonRestonPage 6
Team Manor Works Painting of Sterlingtakes the plunge during the 10thAnnual Freezin’ for a Reason (VirginiaPolar Dip) on Saturday, Feb. 11, at LakeAnne Plaza’s waterfront in Reston.
Team Manor Works Painting of Sterlingtakes the plunge during the 10thAnnual Freezin’ for a Reason (VirginiaPolar Dip) on Saturday, Feb. 11, at LakeAnne Plaza’s waterfront in Reston.
2 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Fourteen students partici-pated in the James A.Bland Music Competition,
co-sponsored by the Reston LionsClub and the Reston CommunityCenter, held at the Hunters WoodsCenter, on Feb. 7.Winners were: Vocal competition:Ruth Miller, first place; RebeccaWilliamson, second place andLauren Spar, third place. Instru-
ment Competition: AshleyOndoua, first place; Jasper deBoor, second place and RobertKirchenbauer, third place. Judgeswere Lydia Kriso, Gretel VonPischke, Katie Katinas and LeslieLuxemburg. First place winnersreceived $100. cash award, secondplace, $75. and third place $50.First place winners advance to Dis-trict and State Contests.
From left are Lion Steve Reber, chairman; Ruth Miller,George Mason High School; Robert Kichenbauer, Wash-ington Lee High School; Ashley Andoua, James MadisonHigh School; Lauren Spar, South Lakes High School;Jasper de Boor, Washington Lee High School; RebeccaWilliamson, Dominion High School; and Lion PatrickMcCann, Reston Lions Club president.
Reston Lions AnnounceMusic Competition Winners
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Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
See Lake House, Page 10
NewsReston Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
Reston Hospital Center is the firstin the region to add the Mazorsurgical assurance platform to its
award-winning regional spinal surgeryprogram. The Mazor X system combinespre-operative planning tools andanalytics with intra-operative guidance.
“We chose the Mazor X system to pro-vide our surgeons with the highest levelof pre-operative assessment and intraop-erative precision,” said Dr. RaymondMakhoul, chief medical officer at RestonHospital Center. “As spinal surgery hasevolved, more focus has been placed onminimizing trauma to the body duringsurgery and expediting a return to func-tion through the use of minimally inva-sive techniques, and this is where MazorX can deliver its greatest value.”
Minimally-invasive procedures canmean less pain, less blood loss, smallerincisions, shorter hospitalizations andshorter recovery time for patients.Smaller incisions usually pose a chal-lenge to surgeons due to the limited viewof the anatomy. The Mazor X systemhelps to overcome this challenge with a3D comprehensive surgical plan andanalytics that gives the surgeon informa-tion before the surgery starts.
On Feb. 1, members of the spine team atReston Hospital Center performed the firstcase using the Mazor X system. Dr. Christo-pher Good, Dr. Tom Schuler, and Dr. ColinHaines of the Virginia Spine Institute com-pleted the first successful case in theMid-Atlantic.
“I am very excited that the Mazor X tech-nology is now available to our patients. Weare proud to have performed not only thefirst; but, the most robotic spine surgeriesin the Mid-Atlantic region. This technologyallows us to offer robotic surgery to ourpatients both for minimally invasive spinesurgery and scoliosis reconstruction,” saidDr. Christopher Good, spine surgeon atReston Hospital Center. “Our research isshowing that robotic surgery can decreaseradiation to patients in the operating roomas well as improve accuracy of surgery whiledecreasing patient complications. The newMazor X system represents the future ofrobotic spine surgery. Inevitably, it will leadto many future breakthroughs — combin-ing robotic surgery with intraoperative spi-nal navigation and increasing the numberand types of surgeries we can dorobotically,” said Good.
Dr. Christopher Good, Dr. Collin Haines,Dr. Michael Hasz, Dr. Donald Hope, Dr. Sean
Reston Hospital OffersAdvanced Spinal Surgery Options
On Feb. 1, members of the spine team at Reston Hospital Centerperformed the first case using the Mazor X system.
Jebraili Dr. Jae Lim, Dr. Thomas Mazahery,Dr. Ben Nguyen, Dr. Thomas Schuler, Dr.Brian Subach, Dr. Druv Pateder, and Dr. Jo-seph Watson, make up the spine team atReston Hospital Center.
“As a leader in spine surgery, acquiringthe Mazor X was a logical step for us to take”said John Deardorff, CEO of Reston Hospi-tal Center. “Our Institute for Robotic Sur-gery is the most comprehensive in the
Mid-Atlantic region. Remaining at theforefront of surgical advancements is keyto consistently providing our patientswith the highest quality care. Our analy-sis of surgical guidance systems showedthat the Mazor X system would furtherenable our surgeons to achieve the bestpossible patient outcomes.”
For more information about RestonHospital Center visit restonhospital.com.
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By Fallon Forbush
The Connection
Members of the Reston com-munity vented their frustra-tions and concerns about anindependent review of the
Reston Association that is underway dur-ing a community input session at RA head-quarters on Thursday, Feb. 9.
The review is investigating the RA’s pro-cesses during the referendum, purchase andrenovation of its Lake House property,which went over budget and has yieldedrevenue shortfalls ever since it was pur-chased in July 2015 for $2.6 million.
The RA board of directors hiredStoneTurn Group, LLC on Thursday, Jan. 26,to complete the investigation by Tuesday,Feb. 28, for up to $45,000.
Three individuals who are involved in thereview were present to collect input:Deirdre Flaherty, partner and co-founder ofthe StoneTurn Group; Mike Sanio, RestonAssociation Board vice president and at-large director; and Eric Carr, chair of theRA’s Tetra (Lake House) Review Commit-tee.
Carr’s committee, which was formed in
July 2016, comprises three RA membersand the four members of the RA Board Gov-ernance Committee, including Sanio. It wastasked with recommending firms to the RABoard to carry out the investigation. Sanioand Carr are now intermediaries forStoneTurn Group during their investigation.
Flaherty was using the public input toinform the work plan of her company’s in-vestigation, which had not been completedat the time of the meeting — 19 days be-fore it was due.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do yet,”Flaherty said during the meeting. “That’s
what we’re in the process of figuring outand exactly how we’re going to look at this.We certainly understand from the RFP docu-ments the general areas of your concern,but this is your opportunity to speak andbe heard as we go through this process.”
While the intention of the investigationis to prevent the RA from ever mishandlinga capital project in the same manner again,most of the members in attendance empha-sized their interest in learning who was re-sponsible for the misuse of RA money sothat they could be held responsible.
When Ed Abbott, coordinator of the
Reston Recall group, asked Flaherty if herreport would identify individual wrongdo-ing or misconduct, she replied by saying,“The scope of our work isn’t to do that rightnow.”
Flaherty also said she does not knowwhether members of the board of directorswould disclose any pertinent informationfrom executive sessions that were not opento the public.
“I’m a little astonished, Mike [Sanio], thatyou made the comment earlier that youwant to know what happened because as
Heated Debate About Lake House ReviewReston Associationpushes back againstaccusations.
Deirdre Flaherty of StoneTurn Group and Eric Carr,chair of the Reston Association Tetra Review Commit-tee, take questions from RA members about theinvestigation.
Reston neighbors Cathy Waters, left, and JoeToussaint, right, vent their frustration that theReston Association has control of the publicationof the independent investigation’s report.
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4 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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RestonOpinion
See Letters, Page 5
While three bills that could havereined in the runaway gerry-mandering in Virginia made itthrough the Virginia Senate to
crossover, they died on Tuesday morning in aHouse subcommittee, despite some vocal Re-publican support.
In Virginia, Democrats have won every state-wide election since 2010, and notably BarackObama won the state in 2008 by more than 52percent of the vote. Many of these victorieshave been narrow. In 2009, Republicans wonGovernor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General
by strong margins.It is reasonable, given these
results, to expect that represen-tation at the state level would
be approximately even, with either Republi-cans or Democrats holding a small advantage.Instead, Republicans control the House of Del-egates 66 to 34, and the Virginia Senate 21 to19.
There is little competition for these seats asa result.
According to OneVirginia2021, an advocacygroup for ending gerrymandering, 56 candi-
dates in the House of Delegates faced no realcompetition in the last general election in2013, with 22 Democrats and 34 Republicansfacing no major-party challenger. In the end,only two seats changed parties.
These same lawmakers are set to redraw thethe boundaries for state legislative and con-gressional districts after the 2020 census, andthe just-killed proposed constitutional amend-ments would have required that these not bemotivated by partisan politics. By far the bestapproach would be to turn the process over toa non-partisan commission to draw boundariesin the best interests of Virginia citizens.
One of the proposals, cosponsored by Sen.Jill Vogel (R) and Sen. Janet Howell (D),passed the Senate 31-9, but died in the Housesubcommittee on a 5-2 vote.
It matters more here in Northern Virginia.Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which meansthat localities have only the power specificallygiven to them by the General Assembly. Itmeans that the economic engines of the statein Northern Virginia provide most of the finan-cial wherewithal but citizens in Alexandria,Arlington and Fairfax County are often unable
to govern themselves as they wish because ofcontrol by a far more conservative GeneralAssembly.
Real change starts locally. Anyone seekingchange should tune in for this year’s electionsin Virginia, including all the seats in the Gen-eral Assembly, plus Governor, Lieutenant Gov-ernor and Attorney General. Every voter willchoose one Virginia Senator and one memberof the Virginia House of Delegates.
Nonpartisan redistricting could support thebest interests of the population, not the politi-cians.
In 2016Hillary Clinton (D) 1,981,473 (49.75%);Donald Trump (R) 1,769,443 (44.43%)In 2013:McAuliffe (D) 1,069,789;Cuccinelli (R) 1,013,389Northam (D) 1,213,155;Jackson (R) 980,257Herring (D) 1,103,777;Obenshain (R) 1,103,612In 2012:Obama (D) 1,971,820;Romney (R) 1,822,522Kaine (D) 2,010,067;Allen (R) 1,785,542
— Mary Kimm
Ending Gerrymandering Important to RegionEfforts appear dead for this session, but electionslater this year provide new opportunities.
Editorial
By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
State Delegate (D-36)
Although the “short sessions” of the GeneralAssembly held on the odd-numbered yearsare about two weeks less in length than the
regular session in the even-numbered years becausethey do not consider a biennium budget, the fact isthat the budget is adjusted at every session of theGeneral Assembly. Revenue projections that are madeover a couple of years time frame almost always needto be adjusted. Revenues come over or under pro-jections necessitating corresponding changes to thebudget. Recession level declines like that in 2008required severe budget reductions. The economic re-covery has been slower than in the past resulting insome tweaking being needed every year. The Com-
monwealth operates on a bal-anced budget with funds goinginto a rainy day fund when eco-nomic growth is strong, and the
fund being used to smooth out declines from loss ofrevenue.
The House and Senate approved different versionsof a revised budget for the next fiscal year withoutprolonged debate that has been a part of these de-liberations for many years.
The Governor presented a revised budget thatbrought the next year into balance and funded somehigh priority items upon which there was bipartisanagreement. Differences do remain that a conferencecommittee will iron out over the remaining weeksof the session.
Highlights of the budget that will remain after theconference committee does its work include impor-tant new funding for mental health services. Al-though the needs in mental health have been recog-nized for a long time, it took advocates many years
and the suicide of a senator’sson to finally get agreement onfunding critically needed ser-vices. An important aspect ofthe new services will be to getmentally ill persons out of jailswhere they have found them-selves in recent years when theyacted out and there was noother place for them to go.
State employees will finallybe getting a raise after many
years of waiting.The situation has become increasingly desperate
with a high turnover rate. Teachers who are employedby local school boards will not be getting a directappropriation for a raise from the state, but hope-fully the modest increase to localities can be used inpart to fund teacher pay raises that are likewise longoverdue.
Although the action in the short session on thebudget will get us through the next fiscal year, thereare long-term structural issues that remain — par-ticularly in funding education. While the divisionbetween state and local funding had historically been60 to 40 percent, the actual division in recent yearshas been closer to 40 percent state and 60 percentlocal.
The result has been that increasing costs have fallenon local property taxpayers. Virginians like to bragabout their low per capita state taxes at $2,275, 36th
lowest among the states. Something overlooked isthe fact that per capita local taxes in Virginia are$1,928 or 15th highest among the states.
We are going to balance the budget for the short-run this session, but we need to do a lot more workabout more fairly balancing the budget for the longterm.
Balancing the Budget
Commentary
Letters
Voting RightsUnder AttackTo the Editor:
Unsatisfied with the existingidentification requirements to votein Virginia, on Feb. 1 Republicansin Virginia’s House of Delegatesvoted to make it even harder tovote in state elections. If this wereto pass, in order to register to votein Virginia’s state elections, Virgin-ians would need to prove citizen-ship by providing a birth certifi-cate, a passport, or naturalizationdocuments. This is part of the con-tinued Trump-led Republican ef-fort to attack the very soul of ourdemocracy by raising concernsabout non-existent voter fraud andthen pretending to fight it.
These restrictions will not stopvoter fraud because that frauddoes not exist. What the restric-tions will do is send Virginiansrooting through boxes of decades-old files containing birth certifi-cates and passports. Passports areexpensive, and birth certificatesare hard to obtain, especially if youwere born somewhere outside theU.S. These restrictions will keepordinary, every day Virginiansfrom voting to choose their repre-sentatives.
Republicans are doing their bestto keep Virginians from the polls,but they cannot keep us from the
Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
By John Lovaas
Reston Impact
Producer/Host
After months of delay and obstruc-tion, Reston Association finallysigned a contract to review the RA
internal decision to acquire the Tetra prop-erty; the community referendum and acqui-sition of it; and, management and account-ing for its renovation and operation. And,
perhaps most important,the independent consult-ing firm, Stone Turn, is torecommend safeguards
and improvements in RA policies and pro-cedures to prevent the recurrence of a Tetra.
Getting to a contract was not easy. De-spite the scandal surrounding the Tetra pur-chase and skyrocketing cost overruns torenovate it, the RA Board resisted commu-nity demands for an independent review.When they caved to the pressure and se-lected a contractor (MediaWorld) who of-fered to perform the professional servicespro bono (for $1), the Board negotiatorfilled the draft contract with enough puni-tive clauses to cause MediaWorld volunteersto withdraw their offer. The RA Boardquickly found $45K somewhere, and offereda gentler contract to Stone Turn, the sec-ond place qualified bidder.
On Feb. 9, a Stone Turn consultant metwith about 40 interested RA members tocollect input for the investigation. The meet-ing was chaired by RA Board VP Mike Sanio.RA member Eric Carr, who chaired the con-tractor selection committee, served as fa-cilitator — not an easy task. The memberswere frustrated, expressing a general lackof confidence in the RA Board. They wantedassurances that the consultant was trulyindependent and that the community wouldget their “unredacted” findings. To see theforum for yourself, google “Stone Turn Com-munity Meeting 2-9-2017” on YOUTUBE.
Having viewed much of the meeting, itleft me with concerns about what I heardfrom respected fellow RA members. Oneconcern is that while they made it clear thatTetra was a terrible deal for the member-ship, they spent a lot of time and energymaking strong, over the top in my view, al-legations of malfeasance, in addition to sug-gestions of unethical actions and incompe-tence. The consultant’s job is a thoroughreview of RA’s management and account-ing processes of RA in the Tetra matter, in-cluding citations of management errors,lack of proper accountability, and ethicallapses. It is not a criminal investigation —for which there is no basis to my knowl-edge. The forum time might have been bet-ter spent identifying problems and sourcesof information for the consultants.
A second concern I have is that the rheto-ric has gotten so heated and exaggeratedthat confidence in the Reston Associationis being eroded to the extent that the com-munity may trust very little this Board ortheir successors say for a long time. Thatwould be unfortunate for the communityand will impede our ability to get essentialthings done. This may sound odd comingfrom this person who has sometimes beena harsh critic of this RA Board. But, if youlook at my record further back, you’ll findthat for many years I served as a championof RA and the good work they do.
I believe we need to give the Stone Turnconsultants time to do the job they are paidand qualified to do. If you have construc-tive input, give it to them directly. Then,let’s see their findings — due in 3-4 weeks.I hope we’ll get sound action recommenda-tions deserving of community support.
Next are crucial RA Board elections, thechance for change of direction. Look care-fully at the candidates, six for an At-Largeseat, two for Hunters Woods, and two forNorth Point. There are some exceptionalones who need your votes.
Investigation of RA andthe Tetra Deal — Finally
Letters to the Editor
From Page 4
phones. Unless you are currently holdingyour birth certificate or passport in yourhands, I recommend picking up your phoneand calling your state senator before theytry to take that away too.
Kenneth Bledsoe, Reston
Turned Away byNew Parking System
To the Editor:Below is an email I sent to Reston Town Center
after using the new parking system today for the firsttime.
I used your parking system today for thefirst time. I must say it is the most absurdand difficult parking experience I have everencountered. I feel sorry for the girl whoworks there trying to explain how to use it.She was helpful in spite of your flawed sys-tem. It took me 10 minutes to enter mycredit card information and email and try
to guess how long I was going to be stayingthere. When I came back from the meetingI was late thanks to your parking system,there was a frustrated lady asking the poorgirl what’s the easiest way was to pay forparking. I told the people at Potomac RiverRunning that I would not be doing any racesat Reston Town Center if it meant I had tocome to that location for packet pickup orany use of your parking garage. Perhaps youcould look at Northern Virginia CommunityCollege or George Mason or Reston Hospi-tal Center or the Hyatt at the Town Centeror Dulles Airport to figure out how to de-sign a parking system that people can use.Being able to get a ticket with your parkingspace and pay when you leave isn’t a hardconcept to figure out.
It is a shame some good restaurants andbusinesses at Reston Town Center won’t begetting my business due to the complicatedparking system.
John Dever, CPA , Reston
Independent
Progressive
6 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
Even though Elavie Ndura knowsthat it is a daunting challenge tohelp children grasp the entirety ofthe African American experience
in the shortest month of the year, each Feb-ruary she and other educators give it theirbest effort. This year, they feel it’s more im-portant than ever.
“With all of the racial experiences we’rehaving these days, it’s critical that childrenknow their history and are not basing theirknowledge on only what they see on televi-sion or what they hear from their friends,”said Elavie Ndura, Ed.D., professor of edu-cation at George Mason University in Fairfax.“Research shows that children who under-stand their histories do better in school andin society, so it’s critical that families teachtheir children about their history,”
Ndura believes that the current racial cli-mate in the U.S. gives this year’s Black His-tory Month additional significance. A studyreleased last month by the Pew ResearchCenter shows that among Americans, 61percent of blacks, 58 percent of Hispanicsand 45 percent of whites say that race rela-tions in the United States are generally bad.Local educators say Black History Monthoffers opportunities to address issues of raceby allowing the past to inform the present.
“We have seen for more than a year howpeople from different political viewpoints,but also races, sexes, cultures, religions,sexual orientations, and socioeconomic sta-tuses related to each other in the presentpolitical climate, and it was troublesome,”said Mika’il A. Petin, Ph.D., associate direc-tor of African and African American Studiesat George Mason University. “Teaching thehistory of Black or African-heritage peoplesin this month … is necessary to starting dif-ficult conversations about… current racerelations … and social inequalities.”
Race relations in our society have beendeeply strained during the election and asAmerica adjusts to a new presidential ad-ministration. These divisions make AfricanAmerican history lessons critical for all chil-dren, but particularly for black children, saysNdura. “As African American parents wehave a serious duty to educate our ownyouth,” she said. “Knowing your historygrounds and anchors you firmly so that youare not wavered in the wrong direction be-cause of whatever feelings might be causedby what you’re seeing on the news.”
Black history lessons work best whenthey’re intentional and creative, advises Jes-sica Lewis, Ed.D., assistant professor of edu-
cation and human services at MarymountUniversity in Arlington. “Children benefitwhen they are exposed to a variety of per-spectives, ideas and stories because it helpsexpand their view of the world and peopleliving in it,” she said. “The ability to under-stand and identify with others and their ex-periences is a powerful, life-long lesson.”
Lewis advises making a trip to a localbookstore or library to find books that offera glimpse of African American history andsuggests that parents begin with books onsubjects that interest their children. “[Par-ents] may start with readings on sports, orscience, or biographies of the accomplish-ments and hardships of individuals who per-sisted throughout history to make a differ-ence,” she said. “Parents can … select booksby black authors and illustrators and thentake the time to read the story together, dis-cuss the pictures, and ask questions aboutwhat the characters are feeling and experi-encing.”
Other ideas include exploring music withroots in African American history such asragtime, jazz, gospel and blues, making atimeline of major events that occurred dur-ing the Civil Rights Movement, and readingspeeches from civil rights leaders and thenhelping children write their own speechabout what they are inspired to change inthe world. Such activities can open a natu-ral discussion and need not be complicatedto be effective, says Lewis.
“Parents are their children’s first educa-tors,” said Lewis. “It is important for par-ents to help their children understand theexperiences of other children who are notlike them because it builds empathy and adeeper sense of community.”
One roadblock to such honest conversa-tions, cautions Petin, is a discomfort withdiscussions of racial differences. “Let’s befrank, some white Americans who are po-litically and socially conservative become
noticeably uncomfortable with the topic of race, andtherefore find difficulty with Black History Month,”he said. “Yet, Black History Month –– similar to theBlack Lives Matter movement –– does not expresssuperiority over others. Both the month of celebra-tion and socio-political movement are forms of resis-tance to deliberate attempts to conceal the worthi-ness of Black or African-heritage people in this coun-try.”
Some people “may attack Black History Month andBlack Lives Matter as political correctness and iden-tity politics, but I would argue that they are not see-ing the humanity in both efforts,” continued Petin.He emphasized the importance of taking a purpose-ful approach to teaching children about black history.“I think that all parents must intentionally search for,study, and celebrate those who are on the margins,living in the shadows, perceived as voiceless, and re-garded as invisible. Too often, black Americans werethose marginal, shadowed, voiceless, and invisiblepeople. All parents should be honest about that, andshould have confidence in the U.S. only being greatwhen they and their children educate themselves onthis country’s history in more inclusive terms.”
Schools often play a significant role in the month’s
activities. Students at the Bullis School in Potomac,Md., for example, attend a Black History Month as-sembly each February. This year’s event was led byseveral students who shared their thoughts, essaysand other projects on a variety of topics. “Diverse lit-erature is always a great idea,” added Allison Ewing,chair of the social studies department at Bullis.
“Twenty-eight days of teachable moments” is oneway that Petin characterizes Black History Month. “Itis never too early to start preparing your kids for aworld that is increasingly more connected and shrink-ing,” he said. “When all parents teach their childrenhow to develop skill sets to understand, value, empa-thize, and celebrate those who may be different thanthem, the children are better prepared to function inthe world.”
Celebrating Black History Month
Photo by Marilyn Campbell/The Connection
Books that explore African American experiences are on display at librar-ies and bookstores during Black History Month.
Educators say theselessons are urgentlyneeded in currentracial climate.
Photo courtesy of Bullis School
Bullis School fifth graders Elizabeth Martin andWill Simpson look on as their documentariesabout the civil rights movement were presented tothe school.
“Teaching the history of Blackor African-heritage peoples thismonth … is necessary tostarting difficult conversationsabout … current race relations… and social inequalities.”
— Mika’il A. Petin, Ph.D.,George Mason University
8 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Send entertainment announcements towww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calen-dar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.
THROUGH MARCH 5Painted Passion at ArtInsights.
Various times at the ArtInsightsGallery of Film and ContemporaryArt, 11921 Market St., Reston TownCenter. An exhibit of romanticcouples from Disney and Star Wars ascreated by official studio artists. Call703-478-0778 for more.
FEB. 17- FEB. 19All Star Weekend Watch Party at
American Tap Room 11 a.m. Feb.17 through 11 p.m. Feb. 19 AmericanTap Room, 1811 Library Street,Reston Town Center
Watch All Star Weekend festivities eachday, including great food and drinkfeatures. 703-834-0400americantaproom.com
Swing Dance. 8:30-midnight, at theHilton Washington Dulles Airport,13869 Park Center Road. Beginnerswing lesson with Sue and Gary 8:30.$15. Visit www.gottaswing.com.
SUNDAY/FEB. 19Using Adobe Lightroom to
Organize, Edit and Share YourPhotography with Mary LouiseRavese 1-5 p.m. ArtSpace Herndon,750 Center Street, Herndon. Over thecourse of two days, Mary LouiseRavese of Bella Vista Photography,will concentrate on the essentials ofAdobe Lightroom’s main modules:Library, Develop, and the outputmodules of Print, Web, Slideshowand Book. Participants will learn howto organize images so they can beeasily found, quickly identify andoptimize their images for tone, andmore. $225. 703-956-9560.events.r20.constant contact.com/register/event
Hometown Habitat Film. 2-4 p.m. atthe Herndon Community Center, 814Ferndale Ave. Free. Visitwww.herndon-va.gov/ for more.
MONDAY/FEB. 20Bob Brown Knight Time Puppet
Show. 10:30-11:15 a.m. HerndonCommunity Center, 814 FerndaleAve. Starring King Oliver and hisQueen Elizabeth. $4 in advance, $5at the door. Visit www.herndon-va.gov/ for more.
FRIDAY/FEB. 21Seamus Kennedy Concert. 6 p.m. at
Amphora, 1151 Elden St. Folk clubconcert. $10 Members, $11 Non-members. Call 703-435-2402 or visitwww.restonherndonfolkclub.com.
Floral Design Class. 7 p.m. at theMayflower, 11959 Reston TownCenter. Learn the basics of floraldesign: proper use of floral tools,history on botanicals, flower care,floral and greens identification, colorcoordination, and design techniques.$250 includes bouquet. Visitwww.mayflowersreston.com or call703-709-1200 for more.
WEDNESDAY/FEB. 22Meet Me at the Movies. 10 a.m. at
Bow Tie Cinemas, 11940 Market St.,Reston Town Center. Senior MovieDay at Bow Tie Cinemas Movie is“Sully.” Refreshments and doorprizes provided prior to movie. Freeto 55+. Email [email protected] call 703-435-6530 for more.
FRIDAY/FEB. 24Family Passport to Fun. 6:30-9 p.m.
at the Herndon Community Center,814 Ferndale Ave. Performance bythe Herndon High School Drumline,gym games, arts and crafts projects,bingo or play in the pool. $2. Visitwww.herndon-va.gov/ for more.
SATURDAY/FEB. 25Cooking Class at Il Fornaio. noon-2
p.m. at Il Fornaio, 11990 Market St.,Reston Town Center. Includes three-course luncheon with wine andrecipes. $55. Email [email protected] or call 703-437-5544.
FRIDAY/FEB. 28Floral Design Class. 7 p.m. at the
Mayflower, 11959 Reston TownCenter. Learn the basics of floral
design: proper use of floral tools,history on botanicals, flower care,floral and greens identification, colorcoordination, and design techniques.$250 includes bouquet. Visitwww.mayflowersreston.com or call703-709-1200 for more.
FRIDAY/MARCH 3Songwriter’s Competition. 7:30
Calendar
Swing DanceOn Friday, Feb. 17, the band “Bad Influence” is highlighting a night of swing danc-ing from 8:30-midnight, at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport, 13869 ParkCenter Road. Beginner swing lessons with Sue and Gary at 8:30. $15. Visitwww.gottaswing.com/ for more.
Live ConcertLuke Brindley of Reston, made the cut in the Folk/Acoustic category and is now afinalist to perform in a live concert performed by the competition’s finalists onFriday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7719 WisconsinAve., Bethesda. Tickets $10 and $15 and available at www.bethesda.org. The win-ner will get a $10,000 grand prize.
Photo contributed
p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz SupperClub, 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda.Luke Brindley, of Reston, made thecut in the Folk/Acoustic category ofthe the third annual Bernard/EbbSongwriting competition and is nowa finalist to perform in a live concertperformed by the competition’sfinalists. Tickets are $10 and $15, atwww.bethesda.org.
SUNDAY/MARCH 12Lucky Leprechaun 5K. 8:30 a.m. at
the Fountain Square and StreetsRace, 11900 Market St., RestonTown Center. 3.1 mile race and kidfun run. Register at prraces.com/luckyleprechaun or call 703-689-0999.
ONGOINGAll-comers’ Group Fun Run at
Potomac River Running.Tuesdays and Thursdays. RestonTown Center, 11900 Market Street,Reston. For beginners or competitiverunners, come out for a fun, low-keyrun that is safe and social. For moreinformation, call 703-689-0999potomacriverrunning.com.
Over-40 Softball League. A Fairfax-based league is looking for enoughplayers to form another team. Playersmust be at last 40 years of age to beeligible. All games are doubleheaders- played on Sundays at Bready Parkin Herndon between 11 a.m. and 6p.m. Email [email protected].
The U.S. Small BusinessAdministration is remindingbusinesses in Virginia that workingcapital loans are still available tosmall businesses, small agriculturalcooperatives, small businessesengaged in aquaculture and privatenonprofit organizations affected bythe severe storms and tornadoes onFeb. 24, 2016. Deadline to file isMarch 7, 2017. disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. www.sba.gov/[email protected].
“A Bird in the Hand” through spring
2017 Reston Town Square Park,11990 Market Street, Reston TownCenter. See and explore PatrickDougherty’s monumental public artsculpture made from tree saplings.Presented by GRACE in collaborationwith IPAR. 703-471-9242restonarts.org
“Some Things I Can’t Explain”Featuring Artist Rahshia Sawyer. OnExhibit through Sunday, February 11,2017. My work contrasts a Daedaleanjourney of figurative photographs,with the subject disconnected fromthe ground as a signifier of theirtransforming reality. 703-956-9560.ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterStreet, Herndon, VA 20170.www.artspaceherndon.com/ev/things-cant-explain/
Exercise for Parkinson’s EveryMonday, 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. RestonSport&health, 11445 Isaac NewtonSquare, Reston. This program bringstogether people impacted byParkinson’s Disease to participate invarious physical exercises aimed atimproving posture, balance andcirculation and increasing strength,muscle control and mobility. Free.parkinsonfoundation.org. [email protected] 703-621-4148.
Teen and Adult Art ClassesArtSpace Herndon Every Mondayfrom 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. 750 CenterStreet, Herndon. Drawing and MixedMedia with Melanie Stanley - DuringFall and Winter of 2016. Cost: $45/class. The class will use a variety oftechniques for drawing, painting,mark making, and collage using finearts tools and materials. Register byemailing Melanie, and she will sendyou the supply list and paymentoptions/information:[email protected]. 703-956-9560. www.artspaceherndon.com
CUT Exhibition at GRACE ThroughFebruary 18 Greater Reston ArtsCenter, 12001 Market Street, #103,Reston Town Center. See a freeexhibit by six artists. 703-471-9242restonarts.org
Photo contributed
Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
bTo Highlightyour Faith
Community,Call Karen at703-917-6468
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Sunday School: preschool - grade 2Music: grades 3 - 7
10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 6Music 4 years to 2nd grade
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service
Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service
The Rev. John C. N. Hall, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran
703-437-6530www.stannes-reston.org
1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston
ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston
Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive COMMUNITIES
OF WORSHIP
For a free digi-tal subscriptionto one or allof the 15ConnectionNewspapers,go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
Be the first toknow – get yourpaper before ithits the press.
Complete digitalreplica of theprint edition,including photosand ads, deliv-ered weeklyto your e-mailbox.
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By David Siegel
The Connection
Fans of Marvin Gaye’s passionatesongs and rich voice will have theopportunity to see his masterworks
brought to life through dance and move-ment at Reston’s CenterStage.
“What’s Going On” is to be an eveninglength performance featuring modern, jazzand West African dance “meant to provokethoughtfulness and spark conversations”about social change according to Paul Dou-glas Michnewics, director, arts and events,Reston Community Center.
“The Reston audi-ence is very familiarwith Marvin Gaye andhis message resonatestoday,” saidMichnewicz.
Whether Gaye’splaintive yearning forlove, such as “Ain’t NoMountain HighEnough,” or his 1971social justice song“What’s Going On,”with its lyric “onlylove can conquerhate,” his emotionalmusic will power thechoreography devel-oped by DC area creative artists Vincent E.Thomas, Ralph Glenmore and SylviaSoumah.
For the CenterStage performance,Reston’s own Gin Dance will also be per-forming with its very own distinctive move-ment styles.
The audience can expect nine dancers andmusic that are “a cauldron of Modern, Afri-can, Jazz dance. There are nine performers(including myself) and we will be joinedby guest dancers of Reston’s Gin Dance,”said Vincent E. Thomas.
“What’s Going On?” is a co-commissionedwork supported by Reston CenterStage,DC’s Dance Place, and the National Perfor-mance Network (NPN),” said Carla Perlo,director, Dance Place.
“We decided to create an evening lengthwork to the music of Marvin Gaye that ex-
plores the samethemes as Marvin’smusic: love, life andsocial justice,” saidPerlo.
For choreographerand dancer Vincent E.Thomas, “It has beenreally wonderful de-veloping theproject…having themusic speak throughthe various dancestyles expanded andelevated the work.There is a ton of mu-sic to choose from andI feel the playlist will
give a solid glimpse of the life, love, andsocial consciousness of Marvin Gaye.”
This will not be “a performance where onejust sits and watches…you will be mentallyand physically engaged, on the edge of yourseat wanting to join in on stage,” said Tho-mas. “I want the audience to be engagedon many levels from the start. The audi-ence will laugh, cry, reminisce, dance, hum/sing, tap foot, snap or clap, be challenged,and empowered.”
“‘What’s Going On’ is timely…it istimeless…it is now.” added Thomas.
Photo by Jonathan Hsu/Courtesy Reston Community Center
“What’s Going On” at CenterStage, Reston Community Center, Feb. 22.
Marvin Gaye’s SoulfulMusic Takes CenterStage
Where & WhenReston Community Center presents “What’s Going
On: The Marvin Gaye Project” at CenterStage, RestonCommunity Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.Performance Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 at 8 p.m.Call: 703-476-4500 or visitwww.restoncommunitycenter.com. Tickets: Reston$15/Non-Reston $20.
Entertainment
“We decided to createan evening length workto the music of MarvinGaye that explores thesame themes asMarvin’s music: love,life and social justice.”
— Carla Perlo,director, Dance Place
10 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Sports
Beckner, the school record holder in the 1,000, 1,600 and 3,200-meterruns, finished the race in 4:51.27.
Olivia Beckner, a junior on theSouth Lakes High School trackand field team, finished second
in the girls mile at the 110th New YorkMillrose Games here on Saturday, Feb. 11.
The Millrose Games are the world’s long-est running indoor track and field competi-tion.
Beckner, the school record holder in the1,000, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs, finishedthe race in 4:51.27.
Her time was not only a personal best andschool record, it’s also the fourth fastest timeby a high school girl in the U.S. this season.
Abbe Goldstein of Germantown Academywon the event at the Armory Track and FieldCenter in 4:49.06.
“I kind of let her go with two laps to goand I think that was a mistake,’’ Becknersaid after the race. “I had a pretty aggres-sive start but I needed to stick with the girl(Goldstein). I have to just be competitiveand don’t be afraid to go after it.”
South Lakes will compete in the 6A NorthRegion Indoor Track and Field Champion-ship this Wednesday at the Prince George’sSports and Learning Complex in Landover,Md.
Olivia Beckner FinishesSecond in New York Race
Olivia Beckner, a junior on the South Lakes High School track and fieldteam, finished second in the girls mile at the 110th New York MillroseGames here on Saturday, Feb. 11.
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From Page 3
Lake House Review DueBy the End of Februaryfar as I can figure, you were on the boardthat was privy to all those executive ses-sions none of us were at,” Tammi Petrine,co-chair of the Reston 20/20 Committee,said during the meeting. “So how you don’tknow what happened is stunning to me.”
AT THE BEGINNING of the meeting,Sanio said: “I served on the board prettymuch over the whole period where this tran-spired. I was very much involved. I am veryinterested in knowing exactly what hadoccurred and what it is that we can put inplace in order to ensure that this doesn’thappen again in the future. I very muchadvocated for an independent review. I’mvery, very pleased that StoneTurn hasagreed to work with us to do this. I’mpleased that they’re working against a very,very tight timeline.”
Multiple RA members also demanded thatStoneTurn’s report be made public withoutbeing altered by the RA.
“Of course the final report has to be avail-able to the membership,” Dennis Hays, at-large director of the Reston Citizens Asso-ciation, said during the meeting. “We’re theones paying for your fee. We’re the oneswho elect our representatives … We do ex-pect an independent review that is pub-lished widely at the end.”
StoneTurn will do the work and Sanio andCarr will receive the draft report to reviewand present to the RA Board, according toSanio.
Sanio plans to recommend to publish itunchanged.
“My intention is to have the Board makethat report from StoneTurn available to thepublic without any edits, as prepared byStoneTurn,” Sanio said. “The Board can ul-timately decide what it wants to do, but Ican tell you right now as a member of theBoard and the point of contact on this, I’mrecommending that this be made availableto the public once we’ve received an accept-able copy.”
Carr will not advocate for anything lesseither.
“I’m not editing or altering anything,”Carr said. “In my mind, that would be un-acceptable.”
Sanio chided the audience for theirheated charges and comments implying oth-erwise.
“We have been encouraged to have theconsultant reach out to anyone that theybelieve is appropriate in order to get theanswers that they need and up until now, Ihave received no resistance in going for-ward,” he said. “And let me speak person-ally, I’ve heard lots of accusations, I’ve readaccusations, some of them unfounded. AndI think for those that serve on the board asvolunteers, you put those individuals thatcommit untold hours in your service into avery, very difficult position and I would urgeyou to reflect on that.”
Terry Maynard, co-chair of the Reston 20/
20 Committee, fired back.“Your board got us where we are,”
Maynard said. “ So, please don’t ask us forour sympathy and respect when you’veearned what you’ve got.”
Audience members also alleged that thecontract negotiations between the RA andthe first consultant the Tetra Review Com-mittee recommended, MediaWorld Ven-tures, was not treated fairly because its draftcontract was substantially more punitiveand restrictive.
“The contracts were essentially the same,”Sanio said. “And I had asked that questionof our attorney because I knew that thiswould be an issue and it would be justfrankly inappropriate if we were negotiat-ing with different terms and conditions withMediaWorld than we were with StoneTurn.”
THE TETRA REVIEW COMMITTEEmade its initial recommendation back inSeptember 2016. Even though months’worth of negotiations with MediaWorld fellthrough in January, the RA is committed tokeeping its original timeline of having theinvestigation complete by the end of themonth.
This worried some members of the audi-ence, who voiced concern that it would berushed or go over the $45,000 budget. EvenCarr is worried.
“I am nervous about the scope and sched-ule,” Carr said. “It’s very quick.”
If the review does not answer themember’s concerns, the public outcry overthe Lake House will not be over.”
“And we’ll have wasted $45,000,” he said.“My function here is to make sure[StoneTurn] can get it done.”
Members of the Reston community re-main skeptical.
“I’m not counting on the board of direc-tors to make any changes on their own ini-tiative,” Joe Toussaint, RA member, saidduring the meeting. “They’re going to haveto be told and it’s not necessarily going tocome from [StoneTurn]. It’s going to comefrom the community at large.”
Eric Carr, chair of the RestonAssociation Tetra Review Com-mittee, explains the agenda tothe nearly 30 participants whoattended at the beginning of thecommunity input session.
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Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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By KENNETH B. LOURIEFor over two and a half years now, since
June ‘14 — according to my most recentinvoice, “idiot” lights on the dashboard of mymodel year 2000, Honda Accord have warnedme that all was not right with our back-up car.But due to intermittent use, amazing self-disci-pline on my part and little new evidence to thecontrary, the Honda has maintained its per-formance, if you can even call it that. Soonafter this last visit to my local mechanic hadcleared the pre-2014 dashboard indicators, the“SRS” (seat belt restraint system) came on sug-gesting that something was once again rotten inDenmark, and Burtonsville, too. Nevertheless,with the ink barely dry on my credit card receipt, and with our second car not being apriority, I decided to let it live and let live andhope for the best. Approximately 32 monthslater, my hope has been realized. No repairshave been required in the interim. However,over that same time, multiple additional “war-ning” lights have come on: “brake lamp,” “mai-ntenance due,” and just recently, the infa-mous/scourge “check-engine” light to wherefour lights are now illuminated. And though, tomy credit, I have been able to endure andignore their constant reminders; but when thatfourth light, the “check-engine” light came on, Ifeared my benign neglect had finally comehome to roost. So I bucked up, called my localmechanic, and made the arrangements to dropoff the Honda. Then I waited for a moredetailed assessment of the damage done. A fewdays later, I got the call. I’ll spare you the detailssince I can’t explain them anyway; but therepairs were going to cost around $1000, asgood as could be expected for a 17 year-oldcar with 95,000 miles on the odometer.
However, what I am most excited aboutconcerning this outcome is — yes ‘excited’ isthe right word — that for the first time in years Iwon’t have to face down warning lights in mycar and alarm bells in my head about whatpotential car trouble and expense I’ve beenputting off and likely making worse. And mostimportantly, no longer having to exercise theinordinate self-control required to ignore thesewarning lights and not to be corrupted by theirrelentless — literally and figuratively — remind-ers. It’s almost as if I can face reality again,breathe normally and not feel under siege.
Having only driven the car barely two mileshome since I picked it up from “Tony’s,” I can’tyet say driving is fun. However, I can admit thatdriving will be less irritating, will require lessmental discipline and when I look down at mycar’s dashboard, I will not long for a bygone eraof dashboard neutrality. Once again, as if theHonda is under dealer warranty, I will not seeany indicators/lights of something I’ve neglectedto do or of repairs I’m unable to afford.
As much as I’d like to think I’m fairly well-adjusted and know how to process and priori-tize things in my life, having cancer does seemto alter these processes and priorities. Andwhen something simple and/or unexpectedhappens in your life which allows you to regainyour composure and equilibrium, it helps thatmuch more to assimilate the cancer-relatedconditions, effects and challenges you’ve cometo expect. Not that I thought much about thiseventuality when I dropped off the car at“Tony’s,” but now, having not seen any lights, Ifeel unburdened, as if a weight has been takenoff my shoulders and out of my head.Moreover, when you’re living in the cancerbubble, burdens expected — and otherwise —tend to pile up — and on — and when one isable to catch a break/brake along the way, thepositive effect is disproportionate to reality. Itmeans so much even though it may seem likeso little. Whether it’s regaining some control,solving a non-cancer-related problem or cross-ing an item off a to-do list; living one’s life withas few distractions as possible, generally speak-ing, will likely result in some comfort and joy;not the movie, but the peace of mind.
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LEGAL NOTICEStorage Line of Virginia, LLC (t/a APT Storage), Box 767, Haymarket, VA 20168, pursuant to the assertion of a lien forrental of a storage unit, will hold a public auction for the sale ofall goods in storage unit #407B to take place at 11:30 am onThursday, February 23, 2017, at storage unit #407B located atSacramento Square, 5401 Claymont Dr, Alexandria, VA22309, to satisfy the lien. All terms of the sale are cash. Call800-217-4280 for questions.
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EmploymentEmployment
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12 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ February 15-21, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Several hundred people attended the 10th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason(Virginia Polar Dip) on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Lake Anne Plaza’s water-front in Reston.
From left: Virginia Polar Dip’s Bill Toth with daughter Juliannaand wife Gail, who organized the event.
Virginia Polar Dip attracts 200 participants;raises $80,000 for Camp Sunshine.Freezin’ for a Reason
With water temperature at 38degrees, more than 200 par-ticipants took the plunge inthe 10th Annual Freezin’ for
a Reason (Virginia Polar Dip) on Saturday,Feb. 11, at Lake Anne Plaza’s waterfront inReston. The fundraiser is expected to raise$80,000 for Camp Sunshine on Lake Sebagoin Maine, which benefits children with can-cer and their families. Groups came fromas far away as Boston, Ohio, and Maine toparticipate in this year’s event. Chilli Amarof 97.1 WASH-FM radio station emceed theevent, which included several corporatesponsors, such as Tropical Smoothie Cafeand Eagle Bank, among others. In the pastnine years, 1,484 people helped raise$623,000 for Camp Sunshine through theirparticipation.
“We hope to raise enough money to sendfamilies with children with life-threateningillnesses to Camp Sunshine,” said organizerGail Toth. “We thank the community fortheir generosity in supporting the eventevery year.” Toth’s oldest daughter, Jenni-fer, now 24, had cancer when she was 2and the family attended Camp Sunshine.She is now healthy and in remission.
— Steve Hibbard The DBA Warriors get ready to jump in the water. Team Kalypso Sports Tavern takes the plunge.
The Chicken Dippers Team put their feet in the water anddid not fully jump in. Team Kalypso Sports Tavern gets ready for the plunge to begin.
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