mclean local students spice it up - ellington...

McLean Connection ❖ March 19-25, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Page 1210th District DemocratsNominate John FoustNews, Page 6

Loving Pi and PieNews, Page 15

10th District DemocratsNominate John FoustNews, Page 6

Loving Pi and PieNews, Page 15

Local StudentsSpice it Up


News, Page 3


News, Page 3

Marshall Team members,Lilian Mejia (junior fromMarshall High School), andMariel White (junior fromMcLean High School) dishout samples of their veg-etarian ragu dish.

Marshall Team members,Lilian Mejia (junior fromMarshall High School), andMariel White (junior fromMcLean High School) dishout samples of their veg-etarian ragu dish.

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 19-25, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McLean Connection ❖ March 19-25, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Quan Pham

Senior/Langley High

On the evening ofMarch 13, 2014 theLangley High School

Orchestra and Cooper MiddleSchool Orchestra shared thestage in the annual Pyramidconcert. Before the

concert, a dinner was held towelcome the Middle School stu-dents and give them a chanceto mingle with the older musi-cians.

The concert featured sevendifferent orchestras; three fromCooper and four from Langley,and each orchestra was led byeither Cooper MS conductor,Ms. Bo-Min Son, or Langley HSconductor Dr. Scott McCormick.Langley’s Freshman Orchestra

opened the concert with twopieces by Shostakovich andGilière.

The freshmen were followedby the Cooper ConcertOrchestra’s performance of“Conquistador!” The concertcontinued with Langley andCooper Orchestras switchingbetween orchestras and per-forming a variety of musicalthemes. The Langley

Sophomore Orchestra per-formed “Point Lookout” byBrian Balmages, which captures

the songs and scenery duringthe Civil War. Cooper Sym-phonic Orchestra treated theaudience to “ArlingtonSketches” by Elliot del Borgo.The Langley SymphonicOrchestra’s performance of“Carmen Suite” by GeorgesBizet changed the atmosphereof the auditorium into an op-era house. Cooper’s ChamberOrchestra played “Iditarod”

by Soon Hee Newbold towrap up the selections fromCooper. There were Interludeperformances on the piano byLyric Yu and Theron Masters,which captivated the audience.The last piece of the eveningwas “Tema Russo” from “Ser-enade for Strings” by Pyotr I.Tchaikovsky, performed by thetop musicians of Langley com-bining the Philharmonic Or-chestra and the Chamber Or-chestra.

The Pyramid Concerts are atime for Cooper and Langleystudents to unite and play forone community. It is also anopportunity to inspire youngermusicians to continue playingand join these organizations.David Cramer (father of

senior violinist AlexandraCramer) said, “It was a wonder-ful concert and ran verysmoothly.”

Langley, Cooper Orches-tras Share the Spotlight

Photos by Chi Pham

Langley HS Orchestra freshmen students pose for thecamera after a fantastic performance in the PyramidPride Concert.From left: Violist Katherine Quion,violinists Su Yeon Yoo, Jackie Fraley, and SadafSizdahkhani.

Cooper Cham-ber Orchestra’sJames Rau(left) and BellaValcourt holddown the cellosection fortheir entireorchestra.

NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Lori Baker

The Connection

Student chefs from the Fairfax County schoolculinary program gathered last Thursdayafternoon for the second annual Real Foodfor Kids Culinary Competition. The contest

allowed students from the county’s four culinaryacademies to compete for a chance to have their veg-etarian entre’ used in the county’s school lunch pro-gram.

The culinary students were poised and profes-sional, and the dishes they created were impressive,both in presentation and taste. The four FairfaxCounty public school culinary academies are offeredat Chantilly, Edison, Falls Church and Marshall HighSchools.

The culinary academy program was developed bythe volunteer grassroots organization, Real Food forKids. The program, now in its fourth year, advocatesfor better food for Fairfax County public school stu-dents. The group’s efforts have led to less additivesand less processed foods for school children, accord-ing to Katherine Smith of Real Food for Kids. Forexample, they were successful in having the 27-in-gredient burger removed from the menu.

Students travel from high schools across the countyto attend one of the four academies at Chantilly,Edison, Falls Church, or Marshall High Schools.Mariel White is a junior at McLean High School whotakes the bus every morning to Marshall High Schoolto participate in the culinary academy. “She reallyenjoys it and she wants to be a chef,” said Mariel’smother, Carla White. “Before they’re done they havea lot of skills already before they’re off to wherethey’re going to. She’s learning organizational skills,she’s learning technical skills, and she’s also learn-ing camaraderie. It’s been fabulous.”

The academies are the equivalent of two electiveclass periods each morning. Each of the four pro-grams is taught by a culinary professional, and eachprogram has close to 60 students. It is a two-yearprogram open to juniors and seniors in FairfaxCounty.

The three or four students per team for the culi-

nary competition were selected either by interest, orby a cook-off. For the competition, each team wasrequired to make a presentation about their dish,the ingredients, nutritional data, and their inspira-tion to an audience of more than eighty attendees. Apanel of volunteer judges moved around the FallsChurch High School cafeteria tasting each of thedishes, talking with the students about their tech-niques, and listening to some of the challenges theteams encountered.

After much deliberation, the judges emerged topresent the first place award to the Chantilly HighSchool team for their Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with veg-etables. “We liked this idea because it incorporatedsome things like mashed potatoes, that school-agedkids are familiar with, and lentils, which they mightnot have tried before,” said team member andRobinson senior, Iulian Fortu. “We tested out therecipe several times, tweaked the ingredientamounts, and thought this tasted just right.” Appar-ently the judges agreed.

“I love the program,” said Joseph Comfort, Execu-tive Chef for the Lebanese Taverna group, and oneof the event judges. “It’s great to get the kids togetherin head-to-head competition. It’s like the real world.It’s great to see them working within the budget formand the dietary form. I hope the school board is pay-ing attention.”

Students from McLean,Robinson, and WoodsonHigh Schools compete inculinary competition.

Local Students Spice it Up

Members of the Chantilly Culinary Team,Aubree Hunter (Woodson High School),Gabriel Concordia (Robinson HighSchool), Iulian Fortu (Robinson HighSchool), and Dahuu Hyun (Chantilly HighSchool). The team, based out of ChantillyHigh School, won the annual competitionfor the second time.

Marshall Culinary Academyteam members, ChadVincent, Lilian Mejia, andMariel White share samplesof their vegetarian ragu.

Photos by Lori Baker/The Connection


News

On Feb. 24, Churchill Road Elemen-tary crowned a new champion inthe school’s sixth annual Spelling

Bee. Sixth grader Brandon Torng won thechampionship after 13 rounds by correctlyspelling the word “glockenspiel.” Of hisspelling bee experience, Brandon said: “Itwas really exciting to win and it was a greatexperience. It was hard work (studying forthe bee), but it was worth it.” Brandon willbe representing Churchill Road at the

county Spelling Bee later in March. Con-gratulations also to the first runner up, fifthgrader Eliana Schoenberg, and second run-ner up, fourth grader Nia Brockelman. Thewinner of the Fairfax County Bee will ad-vance to the Scripps National Bee in Wash-ington, D.C. The school is thankful to par-ent Shivu John and the many parent vol-unteers for organizing this event and to sec-ond grade teacher Cindy Zemke for servingas the Bee’s pronouncer.

Front row, from left: Churchill Road Spelling Bee winners NiaBrockelman (2rd runner up), Brandon Torng, (first place) and ElianaSchoenberg (1st runner up). Second row, from left: Churchill RoadSpelling Bee finalists: Isabella Zhu, Jasmine Wang, Rupa Siva, AnyaPatel, Oliver Tu, Ethan Hsaio, Daniel Cao, Riya Dev, Laney Moy, AustinShi, Ethan Schoenberg, Pratyush Jaishanker, Reevu Adakroy, Justin Chenand James Lee. Not pictured: Sahana Ramesh and Areej Khatri.

Spelling Bee ChampionshipHeld at Churchill Road

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By Victoria Ross

The Connection

The field of GOP contenders vy-ing for retiring U.S. Rep. FrankR. Wolf’s seat is still crowded,but the Democratic pool of po-

litical hopefuls dwindled to one on Mon-day: Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust(D-Dranesville).

The Tenth Congressional District Demo-cratic Committee (10th CDDC) announcedMonday, March 17, it had cancelled its April26 convention after Foust became the onlycandidate to file to seek the Democraticnomination for Congress.

“To win this race in November we neededto avoid a costly primary and coalescearound a nominee as soon as possible,” saidCommittee Chairman Charlie Jackson in astatement regarding the decision. “We’vedone that and we couldn’t be happier thatJohn Foust will become our nominee andhave the ability to hit the ground runningright away as our standard bearer.”

“I am very grateful for the support I’mreceiving across the district,” Foust saidTuesday morning. “I believe we’re unifiedbecause we represent the concerns and pri-orities of the residents of the 10th district,and I look forward to continuing the cam-paign through November and having a dis-cussion on the issues with whomever theRepublican nominee is.”

Jackson said the move on Monday willgive Democrats an edge in building wide-spread district support for Foust before aRepublican nominee is named in a“firehouse primary,” also called a party can-vass, slated for April 26.

Democrats had anticipated McLean attor-ney Richard Bolger would continue his bidfor the nomination, but Bolger announcedhe was suspending his campaign late lastweek.

In a news release, Bolger said it becameclear to him that “John Foust is our stron-gest choice with the best chance of helpingour party win this seat and change the di-rection of Congress,”

ON MONDAY, Jackson praised Bolger andhis campaign.

“Richard Bolger has been a class act fromday one,” Jackson said. “He put together atop-notch team and demonstrated an abil-ity to raise hundreds of thousands of dol-lars. That’s no small achievement.”

“John Foust is the only problem solver inthis race,” said State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37), a longtime Foust friend and supporter.“His most well-known potential opponentsare tea party types. Even Frank Wolf can’tbe happy about the Republicans in this race.He has little use for this wing of the partyand has publicly said so.”

When Foust entered the Democratic pri-mary for the 10th Congressional District inDecember, he seized on the public’s nega-tive perception of Congress often stuck inpartisan gridlock, citing both parties’ “reck-less brinksmanship.” Foust’s campaign fo-cused on bringing a fresh face to Washing-ton.

Foust quickly racked up a slew of endorse-ments from more than 50 former and cur-rent elected officials, including Lt. Gover-nor Ralph Northam and Congressman JimMoran (D-8), who later announced hewould not seek reelection.

Foust’s momentum had a rainmaking im-pact on donors. In late January, Foust re-ported raising more than $217,000, withnearly that amount -$210,000 – reportedas cash on hand.

“This is another clear sign that our mes-sage of bringing problem solving, biparti-san leadership back to Congress is resonat-ing with Northern Virginia residents,” Foustsaid in a statement about his successfulfundraising. The two-term supervisor alsotouted his current service on the NorthernVirginia Transportation Commission and hispast service on the Northern Virginia Re-gional Commission.

WITH MONDAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT,Foust now has more than a month head startcampaigning against an unknown Republi-can challenger.

“We expect he will take advantage,” Jack-son said Monday.

According to the 10th Congressional Dis-trict Republican Committee, six candidateswill compete for the Republican nomination,Del. Barbara Comstock, StephenHollingshead, Howie Lind, Del. Bob Marshall,Marc Savitt and Rob Wasinger. The Republi-can nominee will be decided in a Party Can-vass on Saturday, April 26 at 10 different lo-cations around the District. For more infor-mation on the candidates and the Party Can-vass contact [email protected] or visitthe 10th District website at vagop10.org.

News

10th District DemocratsNominate John FoustDemocrats cancel convention uniting forDranesville Supervisor for Congress.

About John FoustJohn Foust was re-elected to

the Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors in 2011, winningevery precinct and more than60 percent of the vote. Heserves as Chairman of theBoard’s Audit Committee,Vice-Chairman of the BudgetCommittee and Chairman ofthe County’s Economic Advi-sory Commission. He cites his leadership inexpanding full day kindergarten to the entirecounty and funding the widening of Route 7 to easecongestion for commuters as successes. He lives inMclean, and has been married to Dr. MarilynJerome for 30 years. They have two sons, Matthewand Patrick.

For more information about John Foust’s cam-paign for Congress, visit www.foustforvirginia.com.

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Fatal Crash inthe MerrifieldArea

Around 7 a.m., on Wednes-day, March 12, a pedestrianwas attempting to cross fromthe west-side of Gallows Roadto the east-side at BelleforestDrive when he was struck by2010 Toyota Corolla in theroadway. The driver of theCorolla remained at the scene.The pedestrian, 64-year-oldLeroy Jewell of Falls Church,was transported to a localhospital where he died.

The crash remains underinvestigation but – accordingto police — speed and alco-hol do not appear to be fac-tors.

Spring Clean-Up at theClaude MooreColonial Farm

The Claude Moore ColonialFarm, 6310 Georgetown Pike,McLean, will hold the SpringClean-Up on Saturday, March22, and Sunday, March 23, 10a.m. - 3 p.m.

The event is an opportunityto spend time outdoors, meetother volunteers and help theliving history museum andworking Farm prepare for the2014 season. The participantswill be raking leaves, clearingand mulching paths, haulingbrush and firewood, movingrail fences, waterproofing out-buildings, whitewashing thefarmhouse, splitting firewood,filling garden pots and more.Jobs for every age and skilllevel. Families and groupswelcome.

Picnic hot dog lunch. Bringwork gloves and dress forweather. RSVP to:[email protected]

Week in McLean

To have community events listed in theConnection, send [email protected]. Thedeadline for submissions is the Fridayprior to publication.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 19Vienna Photographic Society

Meeting. 7:30 p.m. OaktonElementary School, 3000 ChainBridge Rd., Oakton. Karen Messicskwill judge the March 19 competitionof the Vienna Photographic Society(“VPS”), which focuses on close-ups.The competition is open to anyonewho is a paid member of VPS on theevening of the judging .www.vpsva.org

THURSDAY/MARCH 20Great Falls Writer’s Group. Noon to

1:30 pm. Great Falls Public Library,9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.The Great Falls Writer’s Group willhost William Bird, curator of theDivision of Political History at theNational Museum of AmericanHistory at the Smithsonian, for alight luncheon and forum. The notedhistorian, curator and best-sellingauthor will discuss his most recentbook and explore the joys andintricacies of historical writing.Reservations are not necessary, butearly arrival is recommended becauseseating will be first come-first serve.For more information, call the libraryat 703-757-8560.

Moms Demand Action for SensibleGun Reform in AmericaInformational Meeting. 7 - 9p.m. Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax, 2709 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Meet other momsconcerned about gun violence andlearn how you can help pass commonsense gun reform. Moms DemandAction is a grassroots organizationformed in the wake of the devastatingmass shooting at Sandy HookElementary in Newtown, CT. PleaseRSVP [email protected].

Vietnam Veterans of America Inc.Meeting. 7:30 p.m. Neighbor’sRestaurant, 262D Cedar Lane, CedarLane Shopping Center, Vienna.Joseph Powell, Vietnam War veteran,will discuss his life of service to our

Country from his army careerincluding participating in PresidentJohn F. Kennedy’s funeral to hisCapitol Hill police security detail toCongressman Thomas S. Foley. HisVietnam Tour of Duty involved theearly days as a military The generalpublic and all veterans are invited.Admission is free. For information,call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353or visit www.vva227.org.

MONDAY/MARCH 24McLean & Great Falls Celebrate

Virginia will meet at 5:30 p.m. atthe McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave., McLean. The groupwill be discussing plans for their Aug.24, 2014 event commemorating the

bicentennial of the burning of thenation’s Capitol during the War of1812. If interested in taking part inthe organization and its upcomingevent please contact Carole Herrickat 703-356-8223.

THURSDAY/APRIL 17Vietnam Veterans of America

Chapter Meeting. Neighbor’sRestaurant, 262D Cedar Lane, CedarLane Shopping Center, Vienna.Edward D. Connor, WW II Army AirCorps veteran, will discuss the Battleof the Bismarck Sea of March 2-4,1943. Admission is free. Forinformation, call Len Ignatowski at703-255-0353 or visitwww.vva227.org.

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McLeanOpinion

Northern Virginia is a place ofwonder and plenty. So says theNew York Times this past weekin, “Income Gap Meet the Lon-

gevity Gap,” (March 15, 2014).Fairfax County is cited as place whose resi-

dents “are among the longest-lived in the coun-try,” and compared to McDowell County, W.Va.,where residents have one of the shortest lifeexpectancies. In Fairfax, “men have an aver-age life expectancy of 82 years and women,85, about the same as in Sweden. In McDowell,the averages are 64 and 73, about the same asin Iraq.”

If you are reading this, chances are that theConnection was delivered to your single fam-ily home in an affluent neighborhood. In fact,many of us do live in the Northern Virginiadescribed in the New York Times. All it takesis money.

“In Fairfax, there are ample doctors, hospi-

tals, recreation centers, shops, restaurants,grocery stores, nursing homes and day carecenters, with public and private entities pro-viding cradle-to-grave services to prosperouscommunities.”

But here is where the crack in the wall ap-pears: “The jobs tend to be good jobs, provid-ing health insurance and pensions, even if thereis a growing low-wage work force of healthaides, janitors, fast-food workers and the like.”

In Fairfax County Public Schools, more than49,000 of the 185,000 students are poorenough to qualify for subsidized or free meals.In Fairfax County, more than 100,000 peoplelack health insurance, including 35,000 whocould be covered now at no cost to themselvesor the state if they lived in West Virginia be-cause West Virginia has embraced the expan-sion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act,so its poorest residents do have access to healthcare. Not so in Virginia.

In Northern Virginia, we have our own in-come gap, and likely our own longevity gap.In Northern Virginia, we have a health carecrisis. In Northern Virginia, we do have an af-fordable housing crisis.

Tens of thousands of working poor peoplein Northern Virginia, families with at least onefull time job, cannot afford to rent an apart-ment. Earnings of at least $1,100 a week wouldbe required to afford market rate rent in FairfaxCounty according to the Northern Virginia Af-fordable Housing Alliance. But the county’s50,000 retail workers, for example, averageabout $635 a week according to the VirginiaEmployment Commission. The county’s40,000-plus food service workers average $415a week. Even the county’s 38,000 local gov-ernment employees average $950 weekly, astretch in this area.

To read the story in the New York Times, goto www.NYTimes.com and search “incomegap.”

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Income Gap Alive and WellStatistics make life in the area sound idyllic,but many families are left out in the land of plenty.

A ReasonableDecision onOakcrest SchoolTo the Editor:

Your article on the recent SEAapproval for Oakcrest School [“Su-pervisors Clear the Way forOakcrest School Relocation,” Con-nection, March 5-11, 2014] regret-tably repeats disinformation fromSteve Hull and the Hunter MillDefense League (HMDL). Contraryto their claim, I did not “agree” tothe conditions imposed by theBoard of Supervisors in their origi-nal approval. SupportingOakcrest’s right to build on theirown property was certainly nottantamount to agreeing to anyconditions that might be imposedon someone else’s property. I wasnot a party to the negotiations re-sulting in the final conditions,dated the day of the hearing, norwere they even made available tome until a week after the approval.

The fact is, none of the four dif-ferent owners at the intersectionof Hunter Mill and Crowell roadsever supported conditioningOakcrest’s approval on the con-struction of a roundabout. Such aroundabout would have unneces-sarily harmed the adjacenthomeowners. It would have beenunsafe for the elementary schoolstudents in the existing FairfaxChristian School building locatednext to that intersection. It wouldhave necessitated the removal ofall the trees along Hunter Mill

Road in front of the elementaryschool building and would haveinterfered with the area used byschool buses to drop off and pickup children. And, because of theelevation difference, it would haverequired a retaining wall with abarrier on top directly in front ofthe building.

Neither the existing school northe homeowners (including mymother) who actually live at thisintersection were consulted by theformer Supervisor prior to impos-ing the condition on Oakcrest re-quiring a roundabout that wouldtake their property. The HMDL,which incessantly lobbied for thecondition requiring a roundabout,can claim to represent the “com-munity,” but their clamor for theuse of eminent domain againstthese homeowners shows a com-plete lack of regard for the com-munity that actually lives at thisintersection.

Oakcrest’s property fronts onCrowell Road and the Dulles TollRoad, not on Hunter Mill. Giventhat Crowell Road is a minor arte-rial and a major commuter routebetween Reston and Tysons, itwould have been unreasonable todeny Oakcrest’s SEA request for aCrowell Road entrance, particu-larly given VDOT’s opposition tofull access movements at a HunterMill entrance.

The Hunter Mill interchange ofthe Dulles Toll Road is the easterngateway into Reston. As a HunterMill Road resident myself, I knowfirst hand that every toll increaseon the Dulles Toll Road increases

the traffic level on Hunter Mill andCrowell as more commuters avoidthe higher tolls. Originally 75cents, Hunter Mill to the Beltwaytolls are now $3.50 to drive justover five miles. Hunter Mill toCrowell or Route 7 are the onlyalternative east west travel optionsbetween Reston and Tysons.

Despite far higher tolls, funds setaside to improve the Hunter Millinterchange were diverted forDulles Rail studies, and the Met-ropolitan Washington AirportsAuthority has failed to build theHunter Mill interchange improve-ments promised in 2006 as part ofits Dulles Rail construction pro-posal. In the near term, the roadimprovements to be built byOakcrest, which include right andleft turn lanes from Hunter Mill toCrowell, will go far beyond miti-gating their own impact and willprovide a daily benefit to thou-sands of commuters.

Supervisor Hudgins should beapplauded for her leadership inlistening to all sides and then mak-ing a fair and reasonable decisionthat respects the rights of all par-ties involved and allows OakcrestSchool to move forward.

John ThoburnVienna

IncorrectAssertionTo the Editor:

In a letter [“A Manufactured Cri-sis,” Connection, March 12, 2014]

Jack Kenny states that theObamaCare Medical Devices taxapplies to fishing poles and tires,and that “the Department ofHealth and Human Services hasasked retailers to not show the taxon your sales receipt.”

I found this rather hard to be-lieve and, as I do with many emailsI receive regarding supposedlyoutrageous governmental actions,I did an Internet search. Sureenough, according to many fact—checking websites, this incorrectassertion has been making therounds for over a year. Briefly sum-marizing, the Affordable Care Actimposes a 2.3 percent tax onmanufacturers and importers ofcertain medical devices, but it doesnot apply to fishing poles or tires.It appears this misunderstandingoriginated due to a mistake in soft-ware used by Cabela’s, a seller ofhunting, fishing and outdoor gear.According to the Star-Herald, aNebraska newspaper (Cabela’sheadquarters are in Nebraska), onJan. 1, 2013, “A companywideglitch in Cabela’s cash register sys-tem that added a 2.3 percent‘Medical Excise Tax’ to customers’purchases — everything fromboots to bullets — was an errorand will be refunded, a companyspokesman said Monday.”

http://www.starherald.com/news/ loca l_news/cabe la - s -blames-glitch-for-jan-tax-error-p r o m i s e s - r e f u n d s /article_9ba2f422-5a0d-11e2-b22a-0019bb2963f4.html

Letters to the Editor

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Unfortunately, a copy of one ofthe receipts showing the tax wasposted on the Internet and the funbegan.

I should note there are manu-facturers taxes on a variety ofitems, including fishing poles andtires (IRS Publication 510;www.irs.gov/publications/p510/ch05.html), but they are not re-lated to the Affordable Care Act.

Fred SiskindMcLean

CommendingElection OfficialsDuring SunshineWeekTo the Editor:

During this year’s SunshineWeek, the League of Women Vot-ers of the Fairfax Area salutes theFairfax County Electoral Board,General Registrar and employeesof the Fairfax County Office ofElections for their transparencyand willingness to share informa-tion with the public in the follow-up to the 2013 general election.

Their handling of the electionreporting, canvass, provisionalballot determinations and re-counts in the races for VirginiaAttorney General and 33rd DistrictSenate seats exemplified the bestprinciples of open government.The Office of Elections frequentlypublished updates on election re-porting problems and the ex-tended provisional ballot determi-nation process, later on providingdetails about the progress of therecounts, all the while describingthe safeguards in place to protectthe integrity of the ballot.

That integrity is essential for oursystem of government to work.

This is why during SunshineWeek we commend the FairfaxCounty Office of Elections for shar-ing important voting results andinformation with the residents ofFairfax County, detailing exactlyhow their votes in these importantelections were counted and pro-tected.

Jones and Helen Kelly,Co-Presidents

League of Women Voters of theFairfax Area

Not Cute at AllTo the Editor:

There you go again, Mary, spot-ting that “free” federal money[“Voting against Virginia?” – Con-nection, March 12-18, 2014].Don’t you realize that many, if not

most, of your readers see throughyour flowery attempts to sell animaginary utopia? I mean, it usedto be cute to read your “pie in thesky” collectivist fantasies whenone could assume that your “in-tentions were good.” But thatsame old intellectually deficient,emotional appeal doesn’t manageto pass the sniff test anymore. Itisn’t cute at all, but rather sad; forthose that unknowingly read yourpredictable, shortsighted andpoorly vetted “opinion” with thehope that there is a feasible, sus-tainable solution to be found inthere somewhere. But also ratherinsulting; that you do not realizethat most of your readers are notso gullible. At least the Connec-tion is “free;” even if federalmoney isn’t.

Brent EmoryVienna

10 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ March 19-25, 2014 McLean Connection ❖ March 19-25, 2014 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Send announcements [email protected] is Friday for the followingweek’s paper. Photos/artwork encour-aged.

TUESDAY/MARCH 18-SATURDAY/MARCH 29Great Escapes. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues.-

Sat. Vienna Art Center, 115 PleasantSt., NW, Vienna. Dozens of originalartworks by artists throughout theregion inspired by travel at home andabroad. Free. 703-319-3971.www.ViennaArtsSociety.org

THURSDAY/MARCH 20William Bird at the Great Falls

Library. Noon to 1:30 p.m., GreatFalls Public Library, 9830 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls.The Great FallsWriter’s Group will host William Bird,curator of the Division of PoliticalHistory at the National Museum ofAmerican History at the Smithsonian,for a light luncheon and forum. 703-757-8560.

Tom Principato Band. 8 p.m., TheBarns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road,Vienna. The Tom Principato Bandfeatures everything from harmonica-heavy rock to reggae and funk infusedtracks, as well as a locally inspiredinstrumental song, “22042 FallsChurch, Virginia.” $25.1.877.WOLFTRAP or wolftrap.org.

SATURDAY/MARCH 22Celebrate the Cherry Blossom

Festival. 1-3 p.m. Colvin Run Mill,10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls.Taste the many styles beyond what isused in the Japanese tea ceremony inthis fascinating tasting. Shade grown,roasted, twig style, are just a fewexamples. Experience Japanese teas

and tea treats beyond the traditionaland take home tea samples includinga Cherry Blossom Blend. Advancereservations and payment ($30 each)required through the Mill at 703-759-2771.

Superman 2050. 8 p.m. The Alden,1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean. Thestory is set in a fictional 2050

metropolis (with a remarkableresemblance to Chicago). The show’simaginative, resourceful castmembers, using only their bodies andvoices, create every prop, scene,sound effect and character in a battlebetween Superman and Lex Luthorfor the future of the Midwest’sbeloved high-speed rail network.

Purchase tickets atwww.aldentheatre.org.

SUNDAY/MARCH 23Jump for Joy! 2-4 p.m. Providence

Baptist Church, 8980 Brook Road,McLean. A community event forelementary age children. Pre-schoolchildren accompanied by parents are

also welcome. The event will involvegiant inflatables, the ProvidenceHouse of Bounce, inside their gym.

Music from Oberlin at Oakton. 7:30p.m. 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Music from Oberlin at Oakton hostscurrent Oberlin Conservatory studentsthree times a year to provide top-notch music to the local community.In its 14th season, this program willfeature two pianists, a violinist,clarinetist, and a bassoonist. Freeadmission. 703-281-4230.

MONDAY/MARCH 24It’s a Jungle Out There. 1 p.m.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church on 2589Chain Bridge Road, Vienna. Free andopen to the public. Ayr Hill GardenClub will feature “Boka Joe” on howto grow a tropical garden in a non-tropical climate. Joe Seamone, amanagement consultant andhorticultural with McFall & BerryLandscape Management, will detailhow to create, grow and over-winteryour own piece of paradise. He willreveal which plants are best and mostdramatic, and show pictures of someamazing gardens in the Washington,D.C. area. If interested, contact CherieLejeune at [email protected] sothe Club can adjust refreshments andseating.

TUESDAY/MARCH 25Annual Children’s Printmaking

Workshop. 4-5 p.m. Patrick HenryLibrary, 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna. Adozen members of the Vienna ArtsSociety will assist children ages 7 - 12as they create original prints, toinclude printing a fish, making reliefprints and mono-prints, etc. Free.Registration required by contactingthe Children’s Librarian at 703-938-

0405.

FRIDAY/MARCH 28- SUNDAY/APRIL 20“The Cripple of Inishmaan” Fridays

at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7p.m. 1st Stage in Tysons, 1524 SpringHill Road, Tysons Corner. Excitementripples through the sleepy Irishcommunity of Inishmaan abuzz withthe news that a Hollywood filmmakerplans to shoot a movie on aneighboring island. When youngCripple Billy lands a screen test, theoddball citizens of Inishmaan mount aheartbreakingly hilarious campaignbursting with dark humor andtouching devotion. Generaladmission: $27. Seniors $22. Studentsand Military $15. Purchase online atwww.1ststagetysons.org or 703-854-1856.

SATURDAY/MARCH 29Great Falls the World Hub of

Innovation & Invention. 1-3 p.m.Great Falls Library, 9830 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls. Students, hobbyists,and academics from around the worldare competing and collaborating indevelopment small robotic aircraft tohelp protect endangered speciesincluding rhinos, elephants, and snowleopards. Using computer aideddesign, 3D printing and simplearduino-based robotics kits, the teamsare able to create unmanned aerialvehicles that are optimized for themission, exceeding the performanceof aircraft that cost thousands oftimes more.

SUNDAY/MARCH 30“Capitol Steps” at James Madison

High School. 4 p.m., James

Madison High School, 2500 JamesMadison Dr, Vienna. Capitol Steps,the quick witted multi-facetedcongressional staffers, will beperforming their popular fast-pacedmusical political satire live. [email protected].

ONGOINGStraight Ahead Jazz. 8 p.m., at the

Maplewood Grill, 132 Branch Road,Vienna. Every Monday drummer KarlAnthony hosts a night of straightahead jazz featuring guest musiciansand open to sit-in musicians.www.maplewoodgrill.com.

Personalized ebook/e-ReaderInstruction. Dolley MadisonLibrary, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.,McLean. Learn about your e-readerand downloading eBooks; eventcontinues through March 31.

Calendar

Catch your favorite superhero in action at McLean’s Alden Theatre on March 22, Super-man 2050.

View “Birches nearKiev,” an oil paintingby Viktoriya Maslova

and more greatescapes at the Vienna

Art Center. The ex-hibit runs through

March 29.

For a free digital subscription toone or all of the 15 ConnectionNewspapers, go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first to know – get yourpaper before it hits the press.

Complete digital replica of the printedition, including photos and ads,delivered weekly to youre-mail box.

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By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Brightly colored self-portraits, land-scapes dotted with spring flowersand hand-carved sculptures fill agallery at the McLean Project for

the Arts in McLean. All of the art was cre-ated by local school children. Meanwhile,in Alexandria, parents and tots dip their fin-gers in glue, clay and paint to create col-lages, sculptures and paintings.

“It is a true delight to see parents and

children making things together in the stu-dio. Joy is found in the stuff they make —the collages, paintings, drawings and sculp-tures — as well as the more intangiblethings we build: relationships, confidence,creativity, persistence and the many wayswe make meaning through art,” saidKathryn Horn Coneway of Art at the Cen-ter in Mount Vernon.

These are just some of the local art ac-

tivities for children. In fact, Youth Art Monthis an annual observance held each Marchto emphasize the value of art and art edu-cation. This year’s theme is “Start With Art,Learn for Life,” which was chosen by theCouncil for Art Education, a sponsor ofYouth Art Month.

Local art educators are using the monthas an opportunity to emphasize the impor-tance of art education and raise awareness

about the important life skills it can build.“We believe art is important to study for

its inherent value, but art also promotes lifeskills, including creativity, problem solving,determination, concentration, collaborationand confidence,” said Samantha Marques-Mordkofsky, education and outreach man-ager for the Arlington Arts Center in Arling-ton. “Regardless of what field a child pur-sues later in life, these skills will translateand he or she will be better rounded be-

Experts say art can teach valuable life skills.

Local Art Educators, Galleries Celebrate Youth Art Month

A student at TheMadeira Schoolin McLean enjoysart in theschool’s artroom. StacieSteinke, chair ofthe Arts Depart-ment, says theschool’s ap-proach to artdraws on astudent’s naturalcuriosity, abilityto perceive art indifferent formsand ability tothink spatially.

Visitors look atart created bystudents fromFairfax CountyPublic Schools inthe McLean areaas part of theMcLean Projectfor the Arts’youth art show.

See Youth Art, Page 13

Photo courtesy of The Madeira School Photo courtesy of the McLean Project for the Arts

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Georgetown MBA Evening ProgramExpands to Tysons Corner

Those looking to earn an MBA outside the Beltway now have anotheroption: Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business will offerits MBA Evening Program in Tysons Corner beginning this fall. School offi-cials say one of the goals of the expansion is to make the Georgetown MBAaccessible to a new population of working professionals in the Washington,D.C., region.

“As business continues to grow in Virginia and Maryland, employers areseeking a highly skilled workforce,” said David A. Thomas, dean ofGeorgetown’s McDonough School of Business. “By expanding our geographicreach, we extend access to our MBA curriculum, which prepares principled,globally-minded leaders to serve business and society.”

Georgetown’s MBA Evening Program was ranked number 11 by U.S. News& World Report in 2013 and is the region’s highest ranked part-time MBAprogram.

Students who attend the Tysons-based cohort will have some of the sametechnological amenities as their main campus counterparts.

Officials at Georgetown said they selected Tysons Corner for its MBAEvening Program expansion because of its proximity to the region’s strongbusiness community, which includes local, regional and national headquar-ters for many major employers. Additionally, the arrival of Metro’s Silver Linelater this year is also accelerating job and population growth in the regionand will make commuting to the Georgetown program easier for studentsarriving from full-time jobs.

— Marilyn Campbell

cause of … art. We also offer multidisciplinary classeslike Book Illustration, Amazing Architects & Engi-neers, and Murals: Big Art, Big Ideas where studentshave the opportunity to master technical skills in artwhile simultaneously learning about other subjects.”

“What our art educators have known for manyyears research is now confirming,” said Benita Cathey,director of admissions at Grace Episcopal School inAlexandria. “Art helps develop critical thinking andreading skills. Art education is vital because it buildsconcentration, motivation and confidence.”

Jorge Luis Somarriba, art teacher and artist-in-resi-dence at Norwood School in Bethesda, Md., says theschool is a community of artists. “We believe in aprocess-oriented and child-centered philosophy,” hesaid. “Art nurtures self-confidence through self-dis-covery and personal visual expression. Art educationis instrumental in the holistic development of a hu-man being: spiritual, mental, emotional and physi-cal. Art making develops the right brain, empower-ing individuals to become creative, problem-solverswho may think ‘outside the box.’”

Experts said art education also develops self-expres-sion and an appreciation for the work of others. “El-ementary school students create art with such un-bridled enthusiasm for painting, drawing and creat-ing things,” said Dabney Cortina, communications di-rector for the McLean Project for the Arts. “I think it’sbecause they haven’t been told that there is anythingwrong with how they create art. Currently going on is

our youth art show featuring Fairfax County PublicSchools in the McLean area. It is incredible to look at.You see the talent they have. It is totally amazing.”

Eileen Lyons, chair of the Fine Arts Departmentat Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac,Md., said that the arts are a vital part of the school’scurriculum. “Arts education helps students learnhow to solve problems in unique ways and it deep-ens their overall learning experience,” she said.“Through collaboration and cross-curricularprojects, teachers at Holy Child work closely to-gether to engage students in the arts on many dif-ferent levels. Art teachers collaborate with language,social studies, English and geometry teachers tobring deeper meaning to learning.”

For example, said Lyons, on a recent trip to thePhillips Collection in Washington, D.C., art andFrench teachers worked together to bring the VanGogh Exhibition to life in both English and French.

Stacie Steinke, chair of the Arts Department at TheMadeira School in McLean suggests art educationmight not be taken as seriously as other disciplines.“Schools in general have been responding to trendsthat you need more science and math education andhave been teaching to tests. Not at Madeira, but atsome other schools, art education has diminished,”she said. “We look at arts as a process. Our studentslearn to work effectively with others. Our approachdraws on a student’s natural curiosity, ability to per-ceive art in different forms and ability to think spa-tially. They develop cognitive growth, so they learnto see how parts relate to a whole.”

From

Youth Art Month CelebratedThe McLeanProject for theArts’ youth artshow featuresthe work ofstudents fromFairfax CountyPublic Schoolsin the McLeanarea.


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Keynote speaker Erica Grow, second from left, discusses STEM opportunities withthree AAUW McLean Area Branch members, from left, Juanita Cullen, Barbara Sipe,and Betsy Schroeder. Barbara and Betsy served as STEMtastics volunteers, whileJuanita’s granddaughter was a student participant.

Mary Lou Melley,left, AAUW McLeanArea Branch mem-ber and volunteer,compares noteswith parent JaniceHarris. Mary Lou’sdaughter, Dr. SusanMolinaro, was aSTEMtastics pre-senter, whileJanice’s daughterAsia attended tolearn more aboutscience-basedcareers.

STEMtastics: Inspiring Middle SchoolGirls to Pursue STEM Careers

Fifty McLean students from Longfellow andCooper Middle Schools joined studentsfrom 35 other schools on March 8 at

STEMtastics, a career day event designed to edu-cate and inspire the students to consider careersin STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, andMath). Attendance at STEMtastics was “standingroom only” when almost 300 middle school girlsand 200 parents from Fairfax County listened tokeynote speaker Erica Grow meteorologist forWUSA-TV, Channel 9, provide advice and motiva-tion as she discussed her career. Following open-ing ceremonies, twenty female presenters fromacross STEM fields ran interactive breakout work-shops for the students, while parents attended in-

formational workshops on curriculum, resources,and financing options. The event was held at theAnnandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Com-munity College and was sponsored by the FairfaxCity, McLean Area, and Reston-Herndon branchesof the American Association of University Women(AAUW), in conjunction with Fairfax County Pub-lic Schools and SySTEMic Solutions. AAUW hasbeen a leader in sponsoring STEM education pro-grams and introducing girls to female role mod-els. For more information on STEMtastics or tosign up for information on next year’s program,visit the AAUW McLean Area website at http://mclean-va.aauw.net/stemtastics/ or send an emailto [email protected].

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ntributedThe Longfellow team placed first in a field of 16 middle

school teams, winning a $750 prize to support scienceprograms at the school.

Longfellow Middle, TJHSSTWin Regional Science Bowls

News

Science Bowl teams fromLongfellow Middle Schooland Thomas Jefferson High

School for Science and Technology(TJHSST) won first place in theregional Science Bowl held inNewport News, sponsored by theU.S. Department of Energy. TheLongfellow team placed first in afield of 16 middle school teams,winning a $750 prize to supportscience programs at the school.Team members are NicholasBegotka, Aditya Sarkar, FranklynWang, Wenbo Wu, and FredZhang. Longfellow science teacherJim Bradford coaches the team.

The team from TJHSST com-peted against 22 other highschools in the regional competi-tion to win the $750 prize. Teammembers are Matthew Barbano,Ross Dempsey, Janice Ong,Victoria Xia, and Tiger Zhang.

Both teams will compete in theNational Science Bowl in Washing-ton, D.C., April 24-28.

Science Bowl is an academiccompetition for middle and highschool students that tests theirknowledge, via a question andanswer format, in biology, chem-istry, Earth science, physics, en-ergy, and math.

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Kindergartenstudents atSpring HillElementarydidn’t letMonday’s SnowDay get in theway of celebrat-ing Dr. Seuss/Read AcrossAmerica Day.They simplyheld the eventon Wednesday,March 5.

Spring Hill ElementaryCelebrates Dr. Seuss Day

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News

By Reena Singh

The Connection

March 14 means two importantthings to both students andmath geeks: a time to recite the

digits of pi and eat even more pie.For Kira Becker, junior at Thomas

Jefferson High School for Science and Tech-nology, however, it was a chance to helpher class raise money for a graduationvenue and hawk the annual Pi Miler 5k.

The 16-year-old McLean resident createdseven minute video shown on a giant out-door screen at the Mosaic Shopping DistrictFriday about why students and teacherslove Pi Day.

“My mom is in charge of the (ParentTeacher Student Association), and she askedme to do a slideshow for a fundraiser,” saidKira. Because of her love for creating filmshorts, Kira decided to upgrade her mom’srequest and make a movie. While she is notcurrently taking movie-making courses atTJHSST, she learned many of her skills frommiddle school classes. Her passion and com-mitment for the project helped to garner$500 at Friday’s fundraiser.

“I took movie-making classes in seventhgrade and absolutely loved it,” she said. “It’smostly something I do for fun.”

The video covered all aspects of pi andpie — it even had “American Pie,” popular

song by Don McLean, playing from start tofinish.

She learned a lot about people during thefilmmaking process, she said, and not justthat it is possible to memorize 300 digits ofpi. Some of her classmates, she found out,were apprehensive about being filmed forher movie.

“A lot of people actually said no,” she said.“It was really surprising.”

She also found out that filmmaking some-times requires a quiet space for sound qual-ity. “I spent five lunch periods runningaround videotaping people,” she said. “Ifilmed them outside in the hallway, so Ispent a lot more time than I thought I wouldto align the sound, so the film can be higherquality.”

Junior class president Anant Das was notamong the students who refused to befilmed. In the movie, he is shown advertis-ing the Pi Miler race that took place at 9a.m. Saturday at Burke Lake Park.

“Pi Day is something really special at ourschool where we can bring out our nerdyside and good food,” he said. “It was crazyto be in the movie, because I’m not used tobeing broadcasted like that, but it was ex-citing.”

Kira’s video on Youtube already had 562views by Sunday night. To watch her video,visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJvUM6pwAY.

Loving Pi and PieThe 16-year-old McLean resident KiraBecker created a video about whystudents and teachers love Pi Day.

Kira Becker’s video covered all aspects of pi and pie.

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The Great Falls Goonies (9-2), the top seeded team in theleague met the third seed teamfrom Vienna (8-3) for the divi-sion 1 fifth grade girls basket-ball FCYBL Select tournamentchampionship. Vienna hadbeaten the Goonies in their onlymatchup during the regularseason. This was a battle of thesmallest versus the tallest teamsin the league. To get to the fi-nals, the Goonies beat ForthHunt 36-18 and SYA 25-16.

The Goonies started the gameby hitting their first shot, butVienna scored the next 6 pointsto take a 4 point lead. TheGoonies went on a 17-2 run totake a 19-8 lead but Vienna fin-

ished the half strong by scoringthe final 3 points to make it 19-11 in favor of the Goonies.Vienna also started strong in thesecond half by outscoring theGoonies 10-2 to tie the game at21. From there, the two teamsexchanged the lead severaltimes before the Goonies pulledahead for good with 6 minutesto go and won by a final scoreof 45-40 in a well played gameby both teams, finishing theyear with a 12-2 record. OmaMere from the Goonies wasnamed tournament Most Valu-able Player. The Goonies alsoplaced two players on the AllLeague team, Megan Baxterand Isabella Perkins.

Photo contributed

Playing to Stop Hunger NowGreat Falls and Colvin Run elementary schools par-ticipated in a sixth-grade charity basketball gamethat raised more than $800 for Stop Hunger Now.Colvin Run won 57-52 in overtime. Colvin Run ros-ter: Colin O’Connor; Lucas Gauthier; LukeAddington; Jacob Rose; John Kelly; Rex Kerrigan;Sam Sachtleben; Will Rissing; William Bean; ZacharyCrumes; Zack Baskin; Coach Jim Rose; and CoachRich Gauthier. Great Falls Roster: Andrew Walker;Bradley Carvajal; Cameron Dhillon; Carson Volanth;Cole Walmsley; Ian Walker; Jack Fitzgerald; NateMazich; Pierson White; Sam Maruca; Simon Medina;Tre Vasiliadis; Coach John Fitzgerald; Coach DougWhite; and Coach Todd Walmsley.

Great Falls Girls Win D1 Tournament

Photo contributed

Shown holding their first place regular season andtournament championship trophies, first row: AllieWakeman, Caitlyn Shumadine, Megan Baxter,Isabella Perkins, Lynley Birchard, AnnabethHolsinger. Second row: Devran Johnson, FionaBarber, Oma Mere, Dani Grieco. Third row: assistantcoach Mark Baxter and head coach Phil McConnell.

By Jon Roetman

The Connection

The return of all-state center fielder ChristiGeisler and a group of talented under-classmen have the McLean softball teamthinking state tournament in 2014.

Last season, Geisler helped the Highlanders win20 games and finish Liberty District runner-up.McLean fell one victory shy of advancing to the statetournament. Geisler, who batted over.500 en route to first-team all-district,first-team all-region and second-teamall-state honors, returns for her seniorseason and will be key element inMcLean’s efforts to get to states.

“Christi Geisler, our center fielder,was all-everything last year,” McLeanhead coach Maurice Tawil said. “…I’m expecting that and then some [this season].”

While Geisler provides varsity experience, McLeanwill also receive significant contributions from sometalented younger athletes. Sophomore catcher BellaNorton, who is committed to Indiana University, isone of the team’s best players and will be looked tofor leadership despite being an underclassman.

“She’s just growing. She’s learning a lot,” Tawilsaid. “We’re putting a lot of responsibility on her right

now and she’s handling it very well.”McLean has four freshmen on the roster, including

starting first baseman Zoe Dobson, who hit an over-the-fence home run during a recent scrimmage. KateCovington will see time in the outfield, NicoleWoolridge will see time at first base and catcher, andAbby Prather will see time at first base and in theoutfield.

“Our four freshmen that came in are incredible,”Norton said. “I’m really excited to play everybody.We’re going to be really good this year.”

Can it be tough for a talented freshman to com-pete with older teammates for playing time at thevarsity level?

“There’s definitely something to that if you’re com-ing in as a pretty dominant player[and] have a name,” Norton said.“There’s definitely going to be sometension. [As a freshman], I just kindof went out there and did my thing,just played my own game.”

McLean’s ace pitcher will be juniorleft-hander Maddy Witchey, who sawsome time in the circle last season.

McLean will open the season on the road againstrival Langley at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21. TheHighlanders’ first home game is March 28 againstMarshall.

“We have a nice little team,” Tawil said. “We ex-pect to compete for a conference championship …and we hope to go to the state tournament, as well.”

McLean won the AAA state championship in 2010.

Senior Geisler, sophomoreNorton lead Highlanders.

McLean Softball BlendsExperience, Youth, Talent

Junior left-hander MaddyWitchey enters2014 asMcLean’s No. 1pitcher.

Sports

McLean fresh-man firstbaseman ZoeDobson figuresto be a keycontributorthis season.

“We have a nicelittle team.”

— McLean softballcoach Maurice Tawil

Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection


News

By Ryan Dunn

The Connection

In the metro D.C. area, jobclubs and networking eventshave been long used as toolsfor persons on the job hunt.

One weekly job event that hasgrown over the years is the CareerNetwork Ministry, hosted atMcLean Bible Church at 8925Leesburg Pike, Vienna. “I hate tosee our ranks grow, because itmeans so many are unemployed,”said Mallard Owen, “yet I alsothink it is a shame that there arenot more of these groups acrossthe country.” A resident ofAshburn, Owen does not attendMcLean Bible Church, yet hashelped with operations at the Ca-reer Network Ministry (CNM) forapproximately five years.

Bob Korzeniewski, a former ex-ecutive of leading technology com-panies, devotes an extraordinaryamount of time to leading CNM.“I was lucky to retire at the end of2007, and I really felt compelledto work in the nonprofit area,” saidKorzeniewski, a resident of GreatFalls and member of McLean BibleChurch. “After I retired, I was go-ing to a men’s Bible Study and Isaw a sign for the CNM, and I sawthere was a small classroom and

fifteen or so people in the class.”The career ministry had need of anew leader, and persons runningthe session thought Korzeniewskiwas an excellent candidate.

SINCE THEN Korzeniewski anda team of volunteers have devel-oped the career ministry into anoutreach for entire community.Volunteers help counsel the unem-ployed in the new skill sets neededto land a job in the competitive jobmarket. Approximately 150 to 200people drive in throughout theD.C. metro area to attend everyTuesday night. A 6:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. resource hour offers careersupport at tables manned by alum-nae and members covering vari-ous dimensions of the job search.

“The more gratifying part iswhen people share stories of howthey have found love in the envi-ronment, that we care about them,in times when they are goingthough very challenging transi-tions periods. We got some amaz-ing volunteers who really care,”said Korzeniewski. The careerministry is at least 20 years old,but has developed into an out-reach for the community. “The

way I discovered the Career Net-work Ministry was I was undergo-ing a job transition and I attendedCNM and popped in a couple oftimes,” said Owen.

CNM draws from local and na-tionally known speakers to hostworkshops on Tuesday eveningsand main forum talks at 8 p.m.Workshops and presentations pro-vide practical and inspiring con-tent, from resume writing and in-terviewing skills to franchising, fi-nance, wellness and life planning.Dozens of volunteers provide in-formal advice on many topics nowincluding software training hostedby volunteers in collaboration witharea Microsoft stores. Word of theCNM ministry’s success won praisefrom former Secretary of LaborHilda Solis. “This community hasits act together,” said SecretarySolis at a 2011 Tuesday meetingat the Career Network Ministry atMcLean Bible Church. In Januaryof 2014, Owen and associatesfrom CNM met with Secretary ofLabor Thomas Perez. They sharedtheir stories about struggling tomake ends meet while being outof work for extended periods oftime. In addition to providing net-

Hundreds ofpeople from

the Washing-ton, D.C. metro

area come tothe Tuesdayevening ses-sions of theCareer Net-

work Ministryoffered at

McLean BibleChurch in

Vienna.

The Career Network Ministry at McLean Bible Church inVienna has a 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. resource hour with tablesmanned by alumnae and members covering variousdimensions of the job search, including resume review.

Robert Donnelly and Connie Bash, two volunteers for theCareer Network Ministry based in McLean Bible Church inVienna.

Photo of Mallard Owen was presented with leis by attend-ees of the Career Network Ministry after returning from atrip.

Career Ministry Serves CommunityPeople findsupport andencouragementat Career Net-work Ministryat McLean BibleChurch inVienna.

working support, training in thelatest social media tools such asLinkedIn, the ministry providesemotional and spiritual counselingthat is available to all members ofthe community. “It is such a car-ing group, it is really about hav-ing a support group that under-

stands what you are goingthrough,” said Owen. “We are notpsychologists, but we provide afeeling of welcoming and care.”

TO LEARN MORE about thenext CNM event, visitwww.meetup.com/mbc-cnm/

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101 Computers 101 Computers

21 AnnouncementsABC LICENSE

Mateen Enterprise, LLC trad-ing as Zamarod Afghan Cui-sine, 10123 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. The above establishment is apply-ing to the VIRGINIA DEPART-MENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEV-ERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer on Premises and Mixed Beverages Restau-rant license to sell or manufac-ture alcoholic beverages. Dor Niaz MemberNOTE: Objections to the is-suace of this license must be submitted to ABC no later that 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. ob-jections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

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

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

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

EmploymentEmployment

MUST LOVE CATSVolunteers needed for cat caretaker shifts with

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation at 7 Corners/Falls Church, Tysons Corner, Reston or Leesburg PetSmart locations. Morning, mid-day or evening shifts available, need varies by location. Shifts are generally 60-90 minutes,

training provided. Great opportunity for student service hours. Also opportunities for

transport volunteers and fostering. Email [email protected] with questions

or interest.

P/T Customer ServiceSelf Storage Plus in Arlington seeks

part-time Assistant Manager to work Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9a-6p. Prior customer service, sales or admin office exp preferred. Must have vehicle. No job hoppers, please. Salary $11/hr plus

incentives. E-mail resume to [email protected]

Sr. Software Architect (Master’s with 3 yrs exp or Bachelor’s with 5 yrs exp;

Major: CS, Engg, Math or equiv.; other suitable qualifications acceptable) – Great Falls, VA. Job entails working with and re-quires experience including: Java, Oracle,

Weblogic, Web Services, XML Beans, JMS, Apache, Java Security API, Perl,

GWT, EJB, Open Adaptor, Spring MVC, Axis, Workflows and Callflows. Must have designing and developing experience. Re-location and travel to unanticipated loca-tions within USA possible. Send resumes

to Great Falls Software Solutions Inc., Attn: HR, 1000 Evonshire Lane,

Great Falls, Virginia 22066.

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

BUSINESS OPP

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

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Employers:Are yourrecruiting adsnot working inother papers?

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The Vienna/OaktonConnection

The McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls

Connection

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Complete digital rep-lica of the print edition,including photos andads, delivered weeklyto your e-mail box.

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easiest to dobecause there isno competition.

-William Van Horne


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/Oakton

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANINGGutters and Downspouts Cleaned

Small Repairs • Gutter Guards

PINNACLE SERVICESlic/ins 703-802-0483 free est.email [email protected]: lawnsandgutters.comFriendly Service with a Friendly Price!

GUTTER GUTTER

General RemodelingResidential & Commercial

Specializing in:Kitchen/Bathroom/Basement RemodelingPlumbing • Electrical • Custom Carpentry

Doors Windows • Hardwood FloorsCrown Molding • House Cleaning

Interior/Exterior Painting • Brick/Stone WorkCeramic Tile • Decks, Fences, Patios

HOA Maintenance, Granite Counter TopsRealtors Work and Much More

Hand and HandHandyman

Licensed and Insured Serving Northern Virginia

703-296-6409

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

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We Accept VISA/MC

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You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.

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IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

A&S Landscaping

703-863-7465LICENSED

Serving All of N. Virginia

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R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic

Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849E-mail: [email protected]

www.rncontractors.com

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✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing

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shrubbery trimming, mulching, leafremoval, planting, hauling, gutter cleaning,

retaining walls, drainage problems, etc.

24 Hour Emergency Tree Service

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HAULING

AL’S HAULINGJunk & Rubbish

Concrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debris

Low Rates NOVA703-360-4364

703-304-4798 cell

7 DAYS A WEEK

ANGEL’S HAULING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Junk Trash Removal, Yard/Construction

Debris, Garage/ Base- ment Clean Out,

Furniture & Appl.

LANDSCAPING

703-863-7465

A&SLANDSCAPING

Planting • Mulching • SoddingPatios • Decks • Driveway Sealing,

Asphalt • Retaining WallsErosion Control • Drainage Solutions

TREE SERVICE

ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL

Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com

Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping

Gutters & Hauling

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

I felt a bit of a dope this week when,after reading last week’s column,“Whew!”, multiple friends called toinquire specifically as to the “Tony-the-Tiger Great” news I wrote that I receivedfrom my oncologist, and I couldn’tanswer them in any detail: shrinkage,less fluid, “partial stable remission”?Nothing. And though I tried to get myoncologist to explain to me exactly whatwas so encouraging about this mostrecent CT Scan – compared to the one Itook three months ago (as opposed tothe one I had nine months ago whichwas mistakenly compared to this mostrecent scan and resulted in the “Somebetter, some worse. I’ll explain more onFriday” e-mail I received from my doctorand talked about in “Whew!”) – I wasrebuffed. Rebuffed in the best possibleway: being told instead how great I wasdoing, how great my lab results were (forthis most recent pre-chemotherapy) andhow I could live a long time like this(presumably continuing to be infusedwith Alimta) – it was almost disconcert-ing; especially when you consider theoriginal e-mail assessment we receivedand our less-than-positive interpretationof it. Moreover, the oncologist’s exuber-ance and smiling countenance, alongwith his offer of a congratulatory hand-shake led me away from the missingfacts and immediately into these new-found feelings.

There’s and old advisory among sales-people: “Don’t be afraid to take a ‘Yes.’”Well, I took a yes (figuratively speaking),and didn’t feel compelled to press mydoctor to further explain the reasons forhis excitement. I became very happy tak-ing the good news, and extremely fortu-nate that what Tuesday’s inaccurate e-mail suggested: trouble, was turnedcompletely on its figurative ear Fridaywhen in person, my oncologist explainedthe semi-miscommunication. Believeme, when your oncologist gives younews with which you can live – punintended, your reaction, at least mine, isnot to question his judgment too muchfurther in pursuit of some heretoforeuntold truth that could ruin what super-amazing-positive words you just heard.Call me naïve, “Simple Simon,” what-ever, but since I am still alive five yearspost-diagnosis, you can call me anythingyou want.

A week later, a few of these phonecalls have given me pause for reflection.And though I’ve tried to answer theirqueries in a sort of intelligent way, I’msure I’ve failed. But I’m moving on. I willenjoy relative peace over the three-month interval until my next CT Scan onMay 28th and follow-up appointmentwith my oncologist to discuss the results– in person. Then, we’ll do this all overagain. For the time being, I’m very luckyto have received such good news, how-ever incomplete it originally may haveseemed. Nevertheless, I can certainlyappreciate the message even if I wasconfused by the delivery.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

No Know.No Problem.

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