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WellbeingPage 5

Toll Lane Construction on I-66 Calls for Engineering and PatienceNews, Page 3

Opening the FloodgatesNews, Page 7

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2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsVienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Mike Salmon

The Connection

Toll lanes cannot be added to theinterstate highways without re-constructing the interchangesinvolved, and with “Transform

66” underway, drivers know this all too wellwhen they pass through Routes 50, 123, 28and Lee Highway interchanges on I-66. Thequagmire of cranes, beams and trucks arethere for a reason, and so are the delaysthat add to travel times.

The plan on I-66 outside the beltway isto add another lane on each side and turnthem into toll lanes so single drivers have achoice to pay the toll for a faster trip or stayin the general purpose lanes, and carpoolerscan ride for free. That choice for a singledriver might be a $35 toll, as drivers haveexperienced on the other express lanes dur-ing rush hours. But access to the tollingportion of the project requires rebuildingthese interchanges to accommodate theadditional lane, and this involves lane clo-sures and detours.

Nutley and Vaden Street in ViennaThe work to rebuild the interchange at

Nutley Street shifted into high gear lastsummer, with a few high-tech solutionsimplemented including a double round-about interchange, similar to the “diverg-ing diamond,” that has caused panics else-where in the state. This involves tworoundabouts on either side of I-66.

The bridge at Vaden Street was demol-ished, and a new bridge will open in Sep-tember 2020, officials say, but in the mean-time, all traffic is being routed to the NutleyStreet bridge to cross over I-66. By closingthe road at Vaden Street, it “reduces con-struction timeline of bridge to 12 monthsvs. 24 months if bridge remained partiallyopen during construction,” VDOT says.Since there are residences close to thebridge demolition site, VDOT is trying tominimize disruption during construction bytaking precautions with lighting, dust con-trol, and noise.

According to Lynne Coan with the Townof Vienna, the outreach they have con-ducted about the construction has beengood but the noise was a factor. “We do feelthat VDOT is doing a good job of keepingthe Town in the loop with info about what’sgoing on, especially if the impact is close toVienna,” she said. The bridge destructionat Vaden Street did generate some com-plaints early on, as did the increased trafficon Nutley Street, “but as of yet we’re notseeing a significant impact,” on the trafficjams, she said.

Route 28 InterchangeThe Route 28 interchange along I-66 in

western Fairfax County is a big part of theproject. Drivers on Route 28 heading north,and trying to get to I-66 east have a more

complicated drive now thatVDOT closed the ramp and areusing a turn at the existing traf-fic signal.

The area around E.C.Lawrence Park is being rede-signed too. The old park en-trance from Route 28 perma-nently closed in December andthere’s a new park access road.Near the park though, there isthe Braddock Road connectionto consider, and an overpass isplanned to link Braddock toWalney. Detours for this con-struction involve a U-turnwhich could disrupt traffic.When construction is completein 2022, the new configurationwill be a multi-level inter-change with 11 new bridgesproviding separate access toand from the I-66 express andgeneral-purpose lanes.

VDOT acknowledged thatthis interchange is complicated.The configuration is going froma single level interchange to atwo-and-a-half level inter-change with connections toboth the I-66 general purposeand express lanes, and removing the fourtraffic signals along Route 28 between thepark and Route 29.

“All of these improvements are designedto improve traffic flow along Route 28 andI-66, and provide easy access between Route28 and I-66 for all travelers,” said VDOTproject spokesperson Michelle Holland.

Chain Bridge RoadIt’s much of the same at the Chain Bridge

Road (Route 123) interchange, except theadjustments for the bike trails that are part

of the picture. Throughout the public hear-ing process, the biking community spoke up,and the engineers made efforts to ensurethe bicyclists that their needs were beingaddressed. The George Snyder Trail is onepart they are working to link to another trailalong the northern edge of I-66 betweenthe Vienna Metro Station and Route 123.

Route 29 InterchangeThe I-66 overpass bridge at Route 29, was

demolished in December, incorporatingovernight detours, and putting the wheels

in motion for that interchange to berebuilt. The left turn from Route 29to I-66 east will be closed until laterthis spring. The new bridge over Route29 will be wider for additional lanesto be added to Route 29 in the future,and there will be additional clearanceto the Route 29 underpass for com-mercial vehicles.

There was a recent project updatemeeting at Stone Middle School inCentreville that was attended by about130 people, Holland said. At the pub-lic meeting, VDOT discussed the workhappening at the Route 28 and Route29 interchanges, as well as alongRoute 28 between I-66 and WestfieldsBoulevard.

The project is a public-private part-nership between VDOT, the Depart-ment of Rail and Public Transporta-tion (DRPT), and private partner, I-66 Express Mobility Partners, deliver-ing $3.7 billion of transportation im-provements in the I-66 corridor. Theproject is scheduled for completion inDecember 2022.

Interchange reconstructions are a big piece of the puzzle.Toll Lane Construction on I-66 Calls for Patience

When completed, the Route 28 interchange will be more free-flowing than it is now.

With the houses so close, the overnightbridge destruction at Vaden Drive generatedsome complaints.

“We do feel that VDOT isdoing a good job ofkeeping the Town in theloop with info aboutwhat’s going on,especially if the impact isclose to Vienna.”

— Lynne Coan, Town of Vienna

Photos by Mike Salmon/The Connection


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Vienna & OaktonOpinion

By U.S. Rep. Gerald E.

Connolly

(D-VA)

In 2018, Democrats reclaimedour majority in the House ofRepresentatives with a prom-ise to deliver on bold, pro-

gressive solutions to the most press-ing issues we face as a nation. Now,one year into the 116th Congress, that prom-ise has been kept.

The House approved more than 400 piecesof legislation last year alone, more than 275of which are bipartisan. Each of these bills isimportant and many are even life-changing,but there are several that are particularly worthhighlighting.º

I cannot go anywhere in our communitywithout hearing how access to healthcare isaffecting people’s lives. While the AffordableCare Act and Medicaid expansion have in-creased access, Virginians are still strugglingwith skyrocketing prescription drug prices.That is why I am so proud the House passedthe Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs NowAct, legislation that will lower prescriptiondrug costs by increasing competition andwould allow Medicare to renegotiate lowerprices for more than 250 prescription drugs.

Conversations about our gun violence crisisare equally unavoidable. Like far too manycommunities across America, Northern Virginiais no stranger to the pain and loss wrought bymass shootings. I was Chairman of the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors during the Vir-

ginia Tech massacre. I, like so manyof our neighbors, will never forgetthe six young people we buried in thewake of that horrific day.

We need to pass gun control thatmakes our communities safer. Thatis why I was so proud the Housepassed the Bipartisan BackgroundChecks Act and the Enhanced Back-ground Checks Act. These long over-

due bills would close dangerous loopholes andensure that no American can purchase a gunwithout first clearing a federal backgroundcheck. We are in the middle of a national cri-sis, and this legislation is the least we can doto address it.

We have also had important successes for ourregion — particularly for federal employees.Thanks to Democratic efforts, we finally se-cured 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a3.1 percent pay raise for federal employees.As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Govern-ment Operations, I successfully led the fightto stop the Trump administration’s disastrousproposal to abolish the Office of PersonnelManagement (OPM). We secured back pay forfederal employees following the President’sdamaging 35-day shutdown, and I held a hear-ing on the need to provide equal protectionsfor federal contract workers.

Of course, despite our achievements, the lastseveral months of 2019 were not easy for theCongress or the country. None of us came toCongress to impeach a president, but each ofus took an oath to protect and defend the Con-stitution of the United States. That oath de-

manded we take action in the face of unprec-edented wrongdoing by an out-of-control ex-ecutive. To extort a foreign country to investi-gate your political opponent is an unconstitu-tional abuse of power. To solicit foreign inter-ference in an American election is an uncon-stitutional abuse of power. And the delicatebalance of power that underpins our democ-racy is threatened when a President disregardsthe Constitution by obstructing Congress tocover up these unconstitutional abuses ofpower.º

Impeachment is a uniquely serious issue, butit isn’t the only issue. Through even the mostdifficult moments, our legislative work neverstopped. Last month, the House voted on abipartisan basis to replace NAFTA with theUnited States - Mexico - Canada Agreement(USMCA). After months of tough negotiating,Democrats secured a deal that includes thestrongest enforcement mechanisms of any U.S.trade agreement, as well as critical victoriesfor workers, lower prescription drug costs, andmuch-needed environmental protections. Wealso adopted a bipartisan appropriations agree-ment to fully fund the government for fiscalyear 2020.

These successes are a reminder of the incred-ible progress our country can make. But theyalso bring into focus the stark reality that theHouse of Representatives cannot make laws onits own. Leader McConnell has unilaterallyblocked the Senate from debating and votingon 80 percent of the bills that we in the Househave sent to his desk — most of them biparti-san, and all of them worthy of consideration.His failure of leadership, however, will notdeter us from doing the business of the Ameri-can people.ºº

As we say goodbye to 2019, you can restassured that we will build upon the progresswe’ve made and continue to hold the Trumpadministration accountable in the New Year.

None of us came to Congress to impeach apresident, but each of us took an oath to protectand defend the Constitution of the United States.

Promises Kept

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

Last Sunday I made my an-nual winter trek south toRichmond for the General

Assembly session. My two-hourtrip is not far enough to get me tosunny weather, but it is far enoughfor me to be in some hot debates.I stay in a hotel with such proximity to myoffice that my daily commute is just a walkof a couple of minutes. Going south in thewinter may be a vacation for some but forthe next 60 days, it is the most intense pe-riod of work that one can imagine. Fortu-nately, I get home most weekends for a briefreprieve.

This trip south has been one filled withgreat anticipation. For the first time in twodecades I am not in the minority! I chair acommittee now, the Agriculture, Chesa-

peake and Natural Resources Com-mittee, that will be acting on manyenvironmental bills. I can expect thatbills I introduce will get a fair hear-ing and most of them will pass. Mycolleagues and I reflect the popula-tion of the Commonwealth more

than any previous General Assembly sessionever. Not only do we have more women in thelegislature, but we have the first ever womanSpeaker of the House!

Being a member of the majority party bringsenormous responsibility. As the party “inpower,” we must exercise our duties in waysthat are judicious and fair. There is no time forpolitical pay-back. We must shift from cam-paigning mode to governing mode. Althoughit may be tempting to do otherwise, we mustconduct ourselves in ways towards the minor-

ity party members that would be the waywe want to be treated in the distant futurewhen we may find ourselves the minorityagain. Yes, the golden rule should apply evenin the legislature.

How exciting it is to realize that in a fewshort months we will be able to add Vir-ginia to the list of states that have ratifiedthe Equal Rights Amendment even if we arethe last needed for ratification. We willstrengthen our existing antidiscriminationlaws and add to them. We will make ourcommunities safer from gun violence. Wewill add essential funding increases to oureducational and human service programs.We will make critical decisions on protect-ing our environment and responding to cli-mate change. And more. When all this workis done we have a governor who has pledgedto sign our bills into law!

General Assembly Session 2020 Underway

See Plum, Page 6

Commentary


By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

After a season filled with Champagne, Whis-key Sours, Gingerbread Martinis and otherlibations, some might need a break frombooze. Dry January, a public health cam-

paign that encourages giving up alcohol until the firstof February – can help with that effort. The healthbenefits of staying dry for a month range from thin-ner thighs to a fatter wallet.

“It’s very common for people to come home aftera stressful day and unwind with a glass of wine ortwo,” said Alexandria-based substance abuse coun-selor Sarah Brewer, Ph.D. “But the reality is that whilealcohol does seem to make you more relaxed at first,it can lead to anxiety or a depressed mood.”

Weight loss can be a pleasant side effect of abstain-ing from an evening pour, says nutritionist KathrynArmstrong, who sites a report by the National Insti-tutes of Health that showed a strong link betweenweight gain and alcohol. “Ba-sically, the cocktail or winethat you’re drinking hasempty calories,” she said.“Also, many people tend toeat, especially junk food whenthey drink.”

“Another benefit of being al-cohol-free for a month is thatpeople often find that theydon’t need that glass of wineto relax and unwind from astressful day,” added Brewer.“Giving up alcohol for amonth might give you an op-portunity to find explore otherrelaxation methods like medi-tation or going for a walk orsome other type of exercise.”

For those who regularly attend happy hourswith friends or have a glass of wine to relax,abstaining during one of the longest months ofthe year might seem unpleasant or unappeal-ing, says Bethesda-based therapist CarolBarnaby, LCSW. “You might to find things todistract you,” she said. “If you’re used to hav-ing a drink or going to a happy hour at the sametime every day, you can schedule something elseduring that time so you’re mind isn’t on alco-hol. People who enjoy the taste of alcohol mighttry eating fruit or drinking a fruit flavored spar-kling water.”

Attempting to take abreak from alcoholmight unmask deeper is-sues, suggests Brewer.

“If you find that youcan’t stop drinking, itcould mean that youhave a problem with al-cohol consumption,”she said. “By not drink-ing you might find thatyou’ve been using alco-hol to help deal withother issues like depres-sion, PTSD or anxiety. Inthose cases you shouldget help from a medicalor mental health profes-sional.”

The benefits of andstrategies for taking amonth-long booze break.

Dry January?

Wellbeing

“By not drinking youmight find that you’vebeen using alcohol tohelp deal with otherissues like depression,PTSD or anxiety. In thosecases you should get helpfrom a medical or mentalhealth professional.”

— Sarah Brewer, Ph.D.

“If you’re used to having adrink or going to a happy hourat the same time every day, youcan schedule something elseduring that time so you’remind isn’t on alcohol.”

— Carol Barnaby, LCSW

Giving upalcohol during“Dry January”can havepositive healthbenefits.

Photo by

Marilyn Campbell


From Page 4

Last Saturday’s public hearingby the Fairfax General Assemblydelegation reminded us that thereis not total accord on what we willbe doing. About half the audienceof around 300 people in atten-dance seemed to be there to shoutdown those with whom they dis-agreed. Their efforts to show sup-port for what they define as theirsecond amendment rights was toviolate the first amendment rightsof others. The lack of civility inpublic discourse across the coun-try has found its way to Virginia.

What a shame.I am honored to be here, and I

am going to do my best to fairlyrepresent your interests. Make atrip south to see me and the legis-lative process over the next coupleof months. To live-stream the leg-islative sessions, go to https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/h o u s e / c h a m b e r /chamberstream.php for the Houseand to http://virginia-s e n a t e . g r a n i c u s . c o m /ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3 forthe Senate sessions. To follow theprogress of bills, visit http://lis.virginia.gov/.

Plum

Opinion

ONGOINGRoute 123 Bridge

Rehabilitation. Work beganFriday, Jan. 3 to rehabilitate thenorthbound and southboundRoute 123 (Chain Bridge Road)bridges over Route 7 (LeesburgPike) to improve safety for driversand pedestrians and extend theoverall life of the bridges,according to the VirginiaDepartment of Transportation.

Improvements include:❖ Repairing and resurfacing the

concrete bridge decks;❖ Repairing bridge piers, abutments

and bearings;❖ Painting steel bridge beams;❖ Repaving Route 123 adjacent to

the bridges.Work will take place exclusively at

night. Drivers can expect laneclosures on Route 123 and Route

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

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 11


News

By Michael Lee Pope

The Connection

When they were in theminor-ity, Democrats weremostly united in theirviews about everything

from gun control and reproductive rightsto the Equal Rights Amendment. Nowthat they’ve seized power, though, mem-bers of the newly minted majority arehearing from opposite sides on everythingfrom gerrymandering and labor rights.That push and pull was evident during alegislative hearing of the Fairfax delega-tion, the largest in Virginia and home ofthe new speaker of the House and theSenate majority leader. The hearing wasdominated by dozens of firearms enthusi-asts sporting orange “guns save lives”stickers from the Virginia Citizens DefenseLeague.

“It’s important that our board be giventhe authority to keep guns out of our reccenters and government centers,” saidFairfax County Board of SupervisorsChairman Jeff McKay, the first to testify,drawing jeers from the heavily armedcrowd.

McKay went through a number of guncontrol measures Democrats campaignedon last year: universal background checksand limitation on how many firearms anindividual can purchase a month as wellas a ban on assault weapons to includesuppressors, bump stocks and high-capacity magazines. That prompted loudand extensive heckling from the crowd,who responded by yelling loudly that hewas a “traitor” and a “communist.” Laterin the hearing, when gun advocates tookthe microphone, they warned of “a civilwar” if Virginia took action to limit whatthey view as their Second Amendmentrights.

“It’s a lot like looking at modern art,”said Vincent Dory, who described himselfas a rank-and-file member of the VirginiaCitizens Defense League. “Modern art andgun control are both extremely confusingto look at, extremely pretentious andextremely ridiculous.”

THE DEBATE OVER GERRYMANDER-ING is one of the thorniest questionsbefore lawmakers, an issue that dividesDemocrats as they prepare to take controlfor the first time in a generation. On oneside of the debate is supporters of a groupcalled Virginia 2021, which struck acompromise last year between Democratsand Republicans to craft a constitutionalamendment that would take the power todraw legislative districts out of the handsof lawmakers and give it to a bipartisancommission. One volunteer with Virginia2021 even broke into song, crooning tothe tune of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-men.”

“All rest ye merry gentle folk, letnothing you dismay. Remember gerry-mandering will let us get our way,” sang

Michael Martin. “And save us from allothers hopes. They do not have a say. Oh,tidings of corruption and joy.”

The proposed amendment passed lastyear, and because of the amendmentprocess in Virginia it has to pass againthis year and then go to voters. But nowthat Democrats have control of theGeneral Assembly, they would be the onesdrawing the maps. Many Democrats saythey would be squandering theirnewfound power by yielding that powerto a commission, especially because themaps would likely end up before theRepublican-dominated Supreme Court ofVirginia. Advocates of the amendment saythat can be fixed by enabling legislation

that would require a special master drawthe districts. But many people associatedwith Indivisible groups in NorthernVirginia are urging lawmakers to vote noon the amendment.

“If I could rid myself of the concernsthat I have with respect to that amend-ment and some of the backdoor was thiscould work against Democrats, in particu-lar, I would support it,” said LukeLevasseur of McLean. “I cannot support it,and I believe that the amendment that wehave is not a step forward. It’s a step inthe wrong direction, sideways, potentiallyoff a cliff.”

LABOR ISSUES have long been a

sticking point in Richmond, wherethe Republican majority and theirallies in the business world haveresisted the agenda of labor leaders.Now things have changed, and laborunions across Virginia are pressinglawmakers on a lengthy list ofagenda items. SEIU Virginia 512president David Broder askedmembers of the Fairfax delegation toraise the minimum wage, allowingcollective bargaining for publicemployees and pass a homecareworkers bill of rights — slate of billsto make sure homecare workersunder the state’s Medicaid programget a living wage, benefits andhealth care.

“Many of us are working longerhours for less pay with fewerbenefits than ever before withvirtually no rights on the job,” saidBroder. “Many of us have two orthree jobs just to put together theincome that one job used to provide,and so it’s no surprise that under theprevious Republican majoritiesOXFAM America ranked Virginia asthe worst state for working peopletwo years in a row.”

Notably absent from the SEIU’slist of priorities was repealingVirginia’s infamous right-to-worklaw, a 1940s era restriction onemployers from compelling employ-ees to pay union dues. Broder sayshis organization has always been infavor of repealing the law, which hesays hurts working families. But, headds, it’s not a priority because itwouldn’t help as many people asraising the minimum wage orallowing collective bargaining forpublic employees. Representativesof the American Federation ofTeachers and the Fairfax EducationAssociation, however, both outlinedrepealing the right-to-work law as atop priority.

“They would be more appropri-ately named right-to fire-laws orright-to-work for less laws,” saidDavid Walrod of the Fairfax CountyFederation of Teachers. “By strippingemployees of the right to collectivelyorganize and have a collective voice,the power is returned to CEOsrather than employees.”

Northern Virginia Democratswrestle with power now thatthey have it.Opening the Floodgates

Photo by Michael Lee Pope/The Connection

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay is heckled byheavily-armed firearms enthusiasts as he calls for the General Assemblyto give local governments the ability to ban guns at government centers.

Photo by Michael Lee Pope/The Connection

SEIU Virginia 512 president David Broder asks lawmakers to raise theminimum wage, allowing collective bargaining for public employees andpass a homecare workers bill of rights.

“Many of us are workinglonger hours for less paywith fewer benefits thanever before with virtuallyno rights on the job.”

— David Broder,president of SEIU Virginia 512


Calendar

See Calendar, Page 9

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artworkencouraged.

ONGOINGMah Jongg Cards. Order cards through Jan. 15,

from Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 WestmorelandSt. 2020 Mah Jongg cards are $8 for small cardsand $9 for large cards. Official cards and will besent directly from the National Mah JonggLeague in late March/early April 2020. Go tobit.ly/mahjonggcards2020 or [email protected] to order.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 8Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Havefun with your little one while building earlyliteracy foundations for reading success. Age 3-5with adult. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Movies for Children and Families. 12:30 p.m.At The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Free admission Bring an indoor picnicand introduce your kids to the classic animatedmovies that you love. Call the Center at 703-790-0123, or visit the website,www.mcleancenter.org.

Mystery Book Club. 1 p.m. At Oakton Library,10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Join in themonthly unraveling of a whodunit or thriller.The January selection is “The Magpie Murders”by Anthony Horowitz. Adults. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Topics in Astronomy. 7:30-8:30 p.m. At TurnerFarm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls. TurnerFarm hosts monthly sessions on “Topics inAstronomy at the Roll-Top Observatory” thatexplore everything from space missions toplanets and galaxies. A classroom discussion isfollowed by an observatory session withtelescopes, if the weather permits. Check theAnalemma Society website for the monthlytopics at http://www.analemma.org/. Cost is $8per person, and the programs are designed forparticipants age 8 to adult. Advance registrationis required. Call 703-324-8618 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.

FRIDAY/JAN. 10Free Children’s Workshop. 10-11 a.m. At

Green Hedges School, 415 Windover Avenue,NW, Vienna. Green Hedges School, incollaboration with Wolf Trap Foundation’sInstitute for Early Learning Through the Arts,will host a free interactive program, “Ask Mr.Bear,” on the School’s campus. Space is limited.Register at www.greenhedges.org/wolftrap.

Bilingual Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.Bilingual Storytime in English and Hindi. Buildyour child’s early literacy skills while enjoyingstories, songs and activities. Birth-5 with adult.Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

English Conversation Playdate Meetup. 1p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Meet other parents of young children.Adults practice English while the kids enjoy playtime in the same room. Birth-5 years with adult.Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Washington Wizards Basketball Game. 4-10:30 p.m. Meet at 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Part of The Old Firehouse CenterFriday Night Activities. Teens can join the OldFirehouse staff as they take a trip into thenation’s capital to watch all-star Bradley Bealand the rest of the Washington Wizards take ontheir NBA rival. A ticket to the game and a pre-game dinner are included in the fee. Cost is$50/$40 MCC district residents. Call the Centerat 703-790-0123, or visit the website,www.mcleancenter.org.

Unruly Theatre Project ImprovPerformance. 7 p.m. At Bards Alley, 110Church St. NW, Vienna. Free admission TheUnruly Theatre Project is The Alden’sprofessional teen improv company dedicated tobringing comedic productions to the community.Call the Center at 703-790-0123, or visit thewebsite, www.mcleancenter.org.

SATURDAY/JAN. 11Family Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Stories andsongs for the whole family. All ages. Visit

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Bridge Tournament. Noon to 5 p.m. At Christthe King Lutheran Church, 10550 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. The Rotary Club of Great Fallswill host a bridge tournament. This fundraiserwill enable girls living in extreme poverty in theslums of India and Nepal to achieve financialindependence through customized qualityeducation, vocational training, and collegescholarships. Partners and single players areboth welcome. The cost is $50 and all proceedsgo to fund the education of girls throughedugirls.org. To register, visitwww.rotarygreatfallsva.org. Registration is openthrough January 7, 2020.

Ancient to Modern: Oolong Teas. 1-3 p.m. AtColvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road, GreatFalls. This category of semi-oxidized teas is everexpanding with new styles being developed allover the globe. Sample a variety of oolongs fromold style to new, from traditional tea producingcountries to countries with recently establishedhigh quality tea gardens. Tea infused treats anda take home tea sampler included. Cost is $35.Use ID Code AE1.439C. Register atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call703-222-4664.

Estate Planning Basics. 2 p.m. At OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Doyou have your will or trust plan in place?Attorney Bettina Lawton will cover what youneed to know to make sure that what you havespent your life accumulating goes to the peopleor charities that you value. Adults. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Astronomy Festival. 5:30-7:30 p.m. At TurnerFarm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls. Therewill be guided stargazing and opportunities toget a close-up look at the stars through atelescope at the roll-top observatory. Join ingames and warm yourself by the campfire as youlisten to ancient stories about the constellations.Hot chocolate and snacks will be available forpurchase. This event is designed for stargazersage 3 to adult. Cost is $10 per person. Thefestival will be canceled if it is raining orsnowing. Call 703-324-8618 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.

SUNDAY/JAN. 12Artist Talk. 2-4 p.m. At McLean Project for the

Arts, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Eve Stocktonand Kyujin Lee will discuss the thoughts andprocesses behind Eve Stockton: Origin Storiesand Replay and Reshuffle: Paintings by KyujinLee, currently on display in MPA’s Emerson andAtrium Galleries, respectively. This event is freeand open to the public. Known for large-scalewoodcut prints, Stockton’s works are inspired bya close observation of nature and an eclecticinterest in science. Combining her prints andstone sculpture, she works to create anatmosphere that can subtly envelop the viewer.Combining the spontaneity of surrealistautomatism with refined illustrative skill, KyujinLee draws on the world of fairy tale to composepaintings exploring dreams, identity andpersonal transformation. Runs through Feb. 29.

Hot Cocoa Party. 3 to 5 p.m. At Riverbend Park,8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Take awalk-through Riverbend Park’s winterwonderland with a naturalist, and then take thechill off inside with a hot cocoa party. Jazz upyour cup of cocoa up with goodies, listen tosome heartwarming winter stories, and make awintry craft to take home. For ages 4 to adult.The cost is $15 per person.Call 703-759-9018 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

MONDAY/JAN. 13Baby Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun andbuild early literacy foundations for readingsuccess. Books, songs and rhymes. Birth-18months with adult. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Legos in the Library. 6:30 p.m. At OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Buildanything with Duplos and Legos. Age 2-12. Visithttps://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

TUESDAY/JAN. 14Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun andbuild early literacy foundations for readingsuccess. Books, songs and rhymes. Age 18months-3 years with adult. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Canasta Group. 12:30 p.m. At Oakton Library,10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Enjoysocializing while you play Canasta. Beginners

“We Shall Overcome”Musician Damien Sneed will perform at The Alden Theater in McLean onThursday, Jan. 30.

THURSDAY/JAN. 30Musician Damien Sneed. 7 p.m. At The Alden Theater, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. “We Shall

Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring Damien Sneed” will arrive at TheAlden for one performance. This is the only DMV stop in the 40-city “We Shall Overcome” tour. Sneed isa graduate of Howard University, and he will be joined by the Howard University Gospel Choir. Ticketsare $45 for the general public, $25 for seniors and students and $20 for McLean Community Center taxdistrict residents. Visit: www.aldentheatre.org or call 703-790-0123.

FRIDAY/JAN. 30Unruly Theatre Project Improv Performance. 7 p.m. At McLean Project for the Arts, 1234 Ingleside

Ave., McLean. Free admission. The Unruly Theatre Project is The Alden’s professional teen improvcompany dedicated to bringing comedic productions to the community. Call the Center at 703-790-0123, or visit the website, www.mcleancenter.org.

JAN. 21 AND JAN. 22Auditions. 7-9 p.m. At McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. The Alden’s youth

production open auditions for “Dorothy Meets Alice or The Wizard of Wonderland” on Tuesday andWednesday, Jan. 21 and 22, 7–9 p.m. Students between the ages of 10 and 16 who live in the MCC taxdistrict (Small District 1A-Dranesville) are eligible to audition. Rehearsals will be held from 7-9 p.m. onTuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from late January through March. Performances will be heldMarch 28-29 and April 4-5 at 2 p.m. in The Alden. To schedule an audition time, [email protected].


Calendar

From Page 8

welcome. Adults. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Teen Knitting Club. 5 p.m. AtOakton Library, 10304 LynnhavenPlace, Oakton. Learn knittingtechniques to make beautifulcreations. Teens. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Money Matters Book Club. 7 p.m.At Oakton Library, 10304 LynnhavenPlace, Oakton. Monthly groupdiscussion focuses on personalfinance and investing. The selectionis “Mastering the Market Cycle:Getting the Odds on Your Side” byHoward Marks. Legendary investorand founder of Oaktree capital showshow to identify and master the cyclesthat govern the markets. Adults. Visithttps://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Author Greg Wilson. 7:30 p.m. AtMcLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. The McLeanHistorical Society will feature authorGreg Wilson who will address “TheAdventures of Jonathan Roberts -The Civil War Quaker Scout inNorthern Virginia.” Everyone iswelcome. Contact Carole Herrick at703-356-8223.

TUESDAYS/JAN. 14-FEB. 18Beginners Mah Jongg Class. 12:30-

2:30 p.m. At Great Falls Library,9830 VA-193, Great Falls. Learn toplay the fun, fast-paced game of MahJongg. Registration is now open foran Adult Beginners Mah Jongg class.The class will run for six weeks onTuesday afternoons from 12:30-2:30p.m. beginning January 14 throughFebruary 18. Attendees should planto attend all six sessions. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov.

WEDNESDAY/JAN.15Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At

Oakton Library, 10304 LynnhavenPlace, Oakton. Have fun with yourlittle one while building early literacyfoundations for reading success. Age3-5 with adult. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

McLean Newcomers andNeighbors Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.At Mylo’s Grill, 6238 Old DominionDr, McLean. The cost of theluncheon is $30 per person. ClareCushman of the Supreme CourtHistorical Society will discussSupreme Court food traditions andrecipes. To attend, pay at https://squareup.com/market/mclean-newcomers-club. Prospectivemembers are invited. Noreservations will be accepted afterFriday, Jan. 10. Visitwww.McLeanNewcomers.org.

THURSDAY/JAN. 16Oakton Book Discussion Group. 7

p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. TheJanuary selection is Go, Went, Goneby Jenny Erpenback. Everyone iswelcome to join. Adults. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 16Monthly Book Club. 10:30 a.m. to

noon. At McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Openactivities and games at MCC aresubject to change and may becanceled due to center wide specialevents, programs, activities andholidays. In the event of inclementweather, cancellation of theseactivities and games will follow theMCC inclement weather policy. Callthe Center at 703-790-0123, or visit

the website, www.mcleancenter.org.

FRIDAY/JAN. 17Unruly Theatre Project Improv

Performance. 7 p.m. At The OldFirehouse, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd.,McLean. Free admission The UnrulyTheatre Project is The Alden’sprofessional teen improv companydedicated to bringing comedicproductions to the community. Callthe Center at 703-790-0123, or visitthe website, www.mcleancenter.org.

JAN. 17-26Joshua’s Hands Quilting Event.

Location TBA in Purcellville. Joshua’sHands is a non-profit in LoudounCounty that hosts free quilting eventsto support wounded servicepeople.Joshua’s Hands will host 10 days ofquilting fun to make handmade quiltsfor servicemen and women woundedwhile serving our country. All arewelcome. No sewing experience orregistration needed. All materials areprovided but donations areappreciated. Come for an hour orthe day. Monday-Saturdays 9 a.m.-9p.m.; Sundays 1-9 p.m. Purcellville.Check website for exact [email protected], or call 540-454-7827, or visitwww.JoshuasHands.org.

SATURDAY/JAN. 18Read to the Dog. 10:30 a.m. At

Oakton Library, 10304 LynnhavenPlace, Oakton. Gain readingconfidence by reading to one of thetherapy dogs. Age 5-11. Visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/oakton

Be Fit McLean. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. AtMcLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. Freeadmission. Health and wellness fairfocuses on aspects of healthy living,such as fitness, dance, nutrition,physical and mental health and well-being. Call the Center at 703-790-0123, or visit the website,www.mcleancenter.org.


News

See Awards, Page 11

The 2019 Northern Virginia LeadershipAwards hosted by Leadership Fairfax onDec. 6 recognized leaders who havemade significant impacts on Northern

Virginia and the region through volunteer service,fundraising, community partnerships and a dedica-tion to service above self. These annual awards arebestowed in six categories highlighting communitystakeholders and bringing together more than 150representatives from nonprofit, government andbusiness sectors.

2019 HONOREES❖ Regional Leadership Award: Danny Vargas,

Founder and President, VARCom SolutionsVargas is an award-winning business and community leader,

accomplished media commentator, and marketing/publicrelations professional, who currently serves as Chairmanfor Friends of the National Museum of the AmericanLatino. He has advocated for commonsense solutions for avariety of causes—workforce development, veteranssupport, economic development, health IT, immigrationreform, transportation and more.

❖ Educational Leadership Award: Rebecca Cousins,Employment and Transition Representative, WestSpringfield High School

Cousins is changing the lives of her students by showing themthere are viable career opportunities, even if the traditionalcollege-to-career path is not an option or an interest forthem. Her work also incorporates special educationstudents in the planning process, reinforcing their use ofcommunication, critical thinking and teamwork skills.

❖ Corporate Leadership Award – OrganizationWomble Bond DickinsonWomble Bond Dickinson is a professional services firm with

offices throughout the US and the UK. They have acollaborative, inclusive and innovative corporate culture.Delegates of WBD serve on the Tysons Partnership’s Boardof Directors, Sustainability Council, Leadership AdvisoryCouncil, Land Use Council, and Partner Dan Mackeseyserves as Chairman of the Partnership’s CommunityResponsibility Council, working to foster Tysons communityengagement and support the well-being of Tysonscommunity members most in need.

Leadership Fairfax PresentsNoVa Leadership Awards

Danny Vargas with Kim Stewart (left) Vice-Chair and Leila Gordon (right).

2019 Winners,from left:Shirley Luu,Linda Mathes,Joe Meyer,Rebecca Cous-ins, andWomble BondDickinson repsCameron Huntwith DanMackesey

Photos

contributed


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Are you sitting down? I wasn’t when I got the call from my oncologist after hours this past Thursday. He was calling me with the results from the previous week’s biopsy. He said he had “exciting news.” He said the biopsy was not only “typed” (genetic mutation/biomarker) but, as he continued to bury the lead using

got around to it: I may not have (or have had, still to be discussed/possibly determined) non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV. Instead, I may

papillary thyroid cancer, referred to as “the friendly cancer,” by my oncology nurse the following infusion when I shared with her these

survival/life expectancy after diagnosis.

working diagnosis, I had an ultrasound of my

week, Team Lourie will be meeting with an endocrinologist. She (I saw her picture on the

had a discussion, or at the very least, received an email/referral from my oncologist citing chapter and a few verses about who I am, how I’ve been treated, what scan/results I’ve had and of course, the news of this most recent biopsy, explaining why he reached out. I really don’t expect, given my oncologist’s excitement, and the fact that he called me (only the second time in nearly 11 years) that the endocrinologist will be likewise informed and possibly even excited to share a similar diagnosis with a previous-ly-characterized as “terminal” patient who (yours truly) might not be “terminal” after all.

Somehow, I have to slow my roll and pull back on the reins. We’re still early days here.

miracle.” Though at present it all sounds fairly promising, it’s not exactly cast in stone. and nei-ther has a revised Thyroid-cancer-treatment plan been put in place. I’m still a lung cancer “diag-nossee” and one still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Therefore, until I’m told otherwise, as of now, I’m scheduled for my bi-weekly opdivo immunotherapy infusion on Jan. 3, 2020.

Now, why all of this is worth writing about, prematurely as it is, is that oncologists, almost

“exciting news.” Generally speaking, they are giving bad news and saying it very directly at

“Why not take that vacation you’ve always dreamed of while you’re still feeling good?” The implication being quite clear that it’s likely to get worse from here. To receive a call like I did Thursday from my oncologist now implying that it might get better from here is completely out of the ordinary. Moreover, if he initiated such a communication, I should probably take him at his words and take him very seriously.

Right now, I am possibly elated to be over the moon. However, it’s not as if I’ve been given a clean bill of health. Cleaner, yes, but one still

endocrinologist in her stethoscope and hear some magic words, I am keeping my powder dry and not shouting off my mouth - too much.

Cancer is a funny business. There are twists and turns and unexpected results, much of it not controlled by the doctors. And though I may be on the precipice of being blessed with some amazing, life-altering news, this time for the un-believably good, I am still a week, maybe even weeks away from knowing with any certainty. In the interim, however, I am certain of one thing. If this change in my status does occur and I’m given back my life expectancy, somehow, I will try and return the favor.

OMG

From Page 10

❖ Nonprofit Leadership Award — JoeMeyer, Executive Director and CEO,Shelter House

Meyer is the dynamic leader enabling Shelter Houseto continue to grow its mission to address theissues of homelessness and domestic violence inour community. As Executive Director and CEOhe is focused on fostering a culture ofexcellence, mentoring and inspiring his team,and engaging each individual, from the higheststate official down to each volunteer, and theclients they serve to reach their potential.

❖ Corporate Leadership Award – Individual:Shirley Luu, Founder and President,Shirley Luu Associates

Luu loves working with people, enjoys educating andempowering women and men to prepare themfinancially for retirement. Powered by FirstFinancial Security, Shirley Luu and Associates,brings the latest in financial services, concepts, andproducts to improve the saving habits, healthinsurance, family protection, and wealth buildingof its clients.

❖ Trustee Leadership Award: Linda Mathes,CEO, American Red Cross – NationalCapital Region

Mathes demonstrates vision on a national, regional,and local level. Her awareness of the broadvision of the American Red Cross led her ownefforts to ensure they are organizationallyaligned. Regionally, following local and nationaldisasters, Mathes mobilizes the community insupport of disaster response, readiness andpreparedness activities, raising funds, andrecruiting large entities to support her vision,including the Active Shooter Symposium,Disaster Preparedness Summit, and multipleUrban Areas Security Initiative grant.

Karen Cleveland, CEO and President of LeadershipFairfax, said: “With these awards, we celebratethe selfless dedication and accomplishments ofindividuals and organizations whose work iscentral to our mission to develop, engage,connect and inspire community leaders.”Nominations for the 2020 Northern VirginiaLeadership Awards open in September 2020,and community representatives are encouragedto submit nominations.

Leadership Fairfax headquarters are located at 8230Old Courthouse Rd., Ste 100, Vienna. To learnmore, call 703-752-7555 and visitleadershipfairfax.org.

AwardsNews

From Page 10

7 according to the following weekly schedule:❖ Sunday night through Thursday night: 10 p.m. to

5 a.m.❖ Friday night: 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.❖ Saturday night: 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS/JAN. 8 – 29Active Aging Wellness Exercise Class. 11

a.m. to noon. At Oakton Church of the Brethren,10025 Courthouse Road, Vienna. The classesfocus on low impact aerobics, balance,coordination and stretching. Class meets for 1hour, once a week. Cost is $40 for 8 weeksession – payable to Sun Fitness LLC. Questionsor to Register contact Casey Tarr,[email protected] or 703-821-6838.

THURSDAY/JAN. 9Students and Volunteers Wanted. 7 to 8:30

p.m. At St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 9972 ValeRoad, Vienna. Students and volunteers areneeded for the St. Mark’s Catholic ChurchEnglish as a Second Language (ESL) Ministry.Seeking Students and Volunteers to participatein the upcoming Winter 2020 Term, Jan. 14-Mar. 12. The goal is to ‘Welcome Everyone” andprovide a program where adults from all ethnicand religious backgrounds can come and learnEnglish and acclimate better to life in the U.S.No experience is necessary to Volunteer. Allclasses take place on Tuesday and Thursdayevenings at St. Mark Christian FormationCenter. Call Monica at 703-980-9380, Bob at703-242-7449, email [email protected], orsee the Web site at www.stmarkesl.org.

Bulletin Board


Sports

The Madison Warhawks and the MarshallStatesmen played a non-conference gamein Vienna on 12-18.

The Warhawks would score 11 pointsin the 1st quarter and establish an early 11-7 lead.In the 2nd quarter Madison would add to that leadoutscoring Marshall 14-11 to take a 25-18 halftimeadvantage. The 3rd quarter saw Madison add 18

The Madison Warhawks girls took on theMarshall Statesmen on Dec. 18. TheWarhawks would outscore the Statesmen

14-8 to open the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarterthey would again outscore Marshall 12-11, open-ing a 26-19 halftimelead. In the 3rd quarterMadison would add 20points and holdMarshall to 13. WithMadison in full control56-38, the Warhawkswould outscore theStatesmen 18-11, for a64-43 win. Madisonimproved its record to(11-0) while Marshallfalls to (6-3). GraceArnolie led all scorerswith 14 while team-mate Alayna Arnolieadded 10. TediMakrigiorgos scored 12 and Amalia Makrigiorgosadded 11. Marshall was led by ChristinaTrivisonno’s 10 points and Valerie Dirkse 9.

—Will Palenscar

Madison Girls Beat Marshall,Improve to 11-0

Grace Arnolie #21had a game high 14points for Madison.

Amalia Makrigiorigos #24 pulls upfor jumper.

Christina Trivisono #21 led Marshall with a team high10 points.

Photos by Will Palenscar/The Connection

Warhawks Beat Statesmen, 61-52

Coach McLean RememberedBefore the start of the game a moment of silence for former

Madison Coach George McLean, who died recently. McLeancoached the Warhawks from 1973-1998 and holds the schoolrecord for wins at 206. During his tenure he was named Coachof the Year five times while winning four district championshipsand appearing in six regional tournaments. He was inductedinto the James Madison High School Hall of Fame in 2003.McLean played for Dean Smith at the University of NorthCarolina in Smiths inaugural season.

Photo by Will Palenscar/The Connection

George McLean former Boys Varsity Coach was re-membered in a moment of silence before Madison’sgame with Marshall.

more while Marshall added 13. The 4th quarterMarshall would outscore Madison 21-18.

With the 61-52 win Madison improved to (5-3).Marshall falls to (1-5). Madison was led by SorenAlmquist with 20 points and Robert Nassif scored 15and Gavin Bundy added 13 for Marshall.

—Will Palenscar

Photos by Will Palenscar/The Connection

Logan Spafford #12 elevates over aMarshall defender.

Soren Almquist #33 led all scorers with20 points

madison girls beat marshall, classifieds, page 10 improve...

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