opinion, page 5 ‘the royale’ mesmerizes at 1st stage

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com February 5-11, 2020

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Focus on Social JusticeNews, Page 3

Greek Cooking Served In a Classy SettingDining, Page 9

‘The Royale’Mesmerizes At 1st Stage

Entertainment, Page 4

Lolita Marie and Jaysen Wright in ‘The Royale’ by Marco Ramirez, Directed

by Paige Hernandez at 1st Stage in Tysons.

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ February 05-11, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McLean Connection ❖ February 05-11, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

The First Baptist Church of Vienna hostedits 4th annual Justice and Legislative Sun-day, Feb. 2, 2020. The congregationopened its doors and invited legislators

and members of grassroots organizations to join themfor worship services. Afterward, everyone convenedin the church’s fellowship hall for the “Justice & Leg-islative Fair,” one of the church’s signature social jus-tice events. The forum provided the opportunity forthe congregation and guests to engage in one-on-one dialogues.

Before the 10 a.m. service started, Frank Bowersof Chantilly and Jim Biggs of Manassas helped setup the fellowship hall and considered what theywanted to ask the legislators. Bower said he plannedto ask, “What are you going to do differently in 2020,than the other year of service, 2016, when youdropped the ball, and America got a king to rule overthem.”

Biggs considered his question. “My beef is I wantto know what they are going to do to curb the incar-ceration rate for minorities. The district attorneysare more interested in closing cases rather than giv-ing individuals fair trails,” he said.

Upstairs In the sanctuary, two deacons waited forthe legislators to arrive. They, too, considered whatthey would ask. Deacon Thomas E Twyman, Sr. said,“Health care is the number one issue. And afford-able housing.”

“I’d like the political atmosphere to turn back as itwas when we had Obama, when people tried to worktogether to solve problems. Now it seems the newpresident brings out the worst in some. We need tokeep our democracy. That means everybody gives insome for the greater good,” said Anthony Weaver ofOak Hill.

Shortly before the service began, the legislativeguests arrived. They represented all levels of gov-ernment. Among them, U.S. Senator Mike Warner(D), who provided remarks during the service.

SEN. WARNER recounted the words Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. frequently said to remind listenersof the long road ahead of them when committed toprogressive politics. “The arc of the moral universeis long, but it bends toward justice,” Sen. Warnersaid. He told the congregation to take these wordsto heart when they thought about some things inthe news. The senator noted that it had been fifty-two years since Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wasmurdered.” So many things that Dr. King spoke about,we still need. There is still way too much of a racialwealth gap. There is still too much of a criminal jus-tice system where my daughter is treated differentlythan your sons and daughters when they interact withthe police,” he said.

Sen. Warner added that Dr. King said he hopedthere would be a day in America when his childrenand grandchildren would be judged by the contentof their character and not the color of their skin. “And,if there is ever a time when in our nation, we needto be judging our leaders by the content of their char-acter, it is now. The church teaches us to respect eachother, to be truthful, to treat people, even if we dis-agree, with respect. I hope and pray that sometimesthe individual who currently lives at 1600 Pennsyl-vania Avenue might take those words to heart as well.These are challenging times in our nation. I want tothank our Lieutenant Governor and legislators. Eventhough we may be struggling in Washington, we aremoving many things forward in Richmond,” said Sen.Warner.

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Justin Fairfax (D),Delegate Mark Keam (D-35), Fairfax County Com-monwealth Attorney Stephen Descano (D), Supervi-sor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), Fairfax CountySchool Board At-Large member Rachna SizemoreHeizer and many more attended Justice and Legisla-tive Sunday with Sen. Warner. They listened to thesenator and Pastor Dr. Vernon C. Walton, who saidin his sermon that in a country that had so much, itwas possible for so many to have so little.

“It’s hard to believe in a nation where so muchfood is wasted daily, it would be possible particu-larly children to go to bed hungry at night and have

Legislators Reflect onSocial Justice Initiatives

The First Baptist Church of Vienna hosts itsfourth annual Justice and Legislative Sunday.

Focus on Social Justice

See Justice, Page 10

From left: FairfaxCounty PublicSchool Boardmember At-LargeRachna SizemoreHeizer talks withattendees at theJustice & Legisla-tive Fair held atthe First BaptistChurch of Vienna.

Photos by

Mercia Hobson/

The Connection

Supervisor Walter Alcorn(D-Hunter Mill), right:Working on some economicdevelopment initiatives, notjust to get economic develop-ment in places where we’regetting a lot of economicdevelopment, but on anequity basis, to start bringingit to places in Fairfax Countythat have not seen it. So let’sstart bringing emergingtechnology companies, doingsome of those more innovative, creative things in placeswhere we haven’t had economic development as we should inFairfax County.

Virginia Senator JenniferBoysko (D-33): I’ve workedtirelessly for the past fiveyears on expanding who canhave a driver’s license inVirginia as well as in-statetuition for our dreamers. Iwas a sponsor of the paidfamily medical leave bill thatwill allow people to deal withtheir crisis without losingtheir jobs. Tomorrow I will bepresenting the CollectiveBargaining for public employees, which will give all of them aseat at the table... I’m going to be working to make sure ourjudges look like the people in Virginia.

Supervisor John Foust(D-Dranesville): There willbe an additional 5,000 unitsto serve people earning 30 to60 percent of the area medianincome, AMI. It’s a 15-yearplan. We are hoping to domore, but that is the baseminimum promise to accom-plish. To do that, we areadding $25 million more tothe budget this year foraffordable housing... I’ve readdozens of Economic Development Plans from across the coun-try, and ours is the only one that I’ve ever read that has as oneof its major goals to include Gaining Economic and SocialEquity. In terms of social justice, I’m out there walking thepicket lines and attending the rallies and speaking at the ralliesfor our bus transit workers. They deserve a better deal thanthey’ve been getting.

Stephen Descano, FairfaxCounty CommonwealthAttorney: The questionalways comes back; how canwe build a more justworld...My mandate, as theleader of our criminal justicesystem is to do justice…That’s why minute one of myadministration I directed myprosecutors to no longerprosecute simple possession ofmarijuana, because we knowthat is way to disproportionately get young African Americanmen and women through the front door of the criminal justicesystem. And that’s not justice.

See Social Justice Initiatives, Page 10

— Mercia Hobson


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Entertainment

By David Siegel

The Connection

Adding to its luster, 1st

Stage has produced astunningly forcefuldrama, “The Royale.”

It is a heart-tugging productionwith a social justice theme; thejourney of a trail-blazing blackman who takes on society’shostility to do something un-heard of in the segregated early20th century America; fighting awhite man for the heavy-weightboxing championship.

With a penetrating script byMarco Ramirez, stylishly di-rected and choreographed byPaige Hernandez, “The Royale”provides a fictionalized portrayalof real life black boxer, JackJohnson (1878-1946) with anemotionally burning, persuasiveperformance by Jaysen Wright.

Surrounding Jay “The Sport”Jackson are his white promoterMax (played by Chris Genebach,as a hustler walking on a razor’sedge) grudgingly taking on thepowerful; Wynton often as anarrator as “The Sport’s” full-of-wisdom, older mentor-trainerwho as a black man has ahorrific backstory (James J.Johnson who delivers a superla-tive verbally rich scene about hissurvival as a young black manfighting blind-folded for loosechange).

The small ensemble alsoincludes a compelling ClaytonPelhman, Jr. as Fish, an impa-tient novice black boxer who

‘The Royale’ Mesmerizes at 1st Stagebecomes ”The Sport’s” sparringpartner.

In the central character ofNina, “The Sport’s” sister, LolitaMarie delivers sharp, intensequestions with her deep worriesabout what winning a boxingchampionship can mean. Mariedelivers potent dialogue thatcomes across as verbal bodyblows. The verbal assaultsreadily connecting to her brotheras she demands a response towhat likely will happen if hebeats the white champion. Whowill bear the expected destruc-tive consequences of his win-ning?

Debra Kim Sivigny has a keeneye with her striking woodenboxing ring scenic design andperiod costumes. Kenny Neal’saural soundscape is full ofsounds of boxing including bodystrikes. Projections by KellyColburn add visual layers alongwith the shadowy lighting bySarah Tundermann.

Cliff Williams III’s fight chore-ography is critical to “TheRoyale’s” strength. The boxing isin abstraction with a percussiverhythm. No physical strikes arelanded. Yet, powerful forces areheard as the boxers face theaudience, reacting to oneanother jabs.

“The Royale” is concentratedfury. It will stick to an audi-ence. It is a vigorous movingproduction that does not shyaway from raw themes andreal demons. Take in 1st Stages“The Royale;” see for yourself.

Where and When1st stage presents “The Royale” at

1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons.Performances to Feb 23, 2020.Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. andSundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $42(adults), $39 (seniors) and $15(students and military). Call 703-854-1856 or visit www.1stStageTysons.orgNote: Regional Premiere coproductionwith Olney Theatre Center. Maturelanguage.

Photo by Teresa Castracane/Courtesy 1st Stage

From left — Jaysen Wright and Chris Genebach in ‘TheRoyale’ by Marco Ramirez, Directed by Paige Hernandezat 1st Stage in Tysons.

Photo by Teresa Castracane/Courtesy 1st Stage

From left: Jaysen Wright and Clayton Pelham, Jr. in ‘TheRoyale’ by Marco Ramirez, Directed by Paige Hernandezat 1st Stage in Tysons.


Opinion

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

Dazzling is the onlyword I could think ofto describe the amaz-ing work that is go-

ing on in the Virginia General As-sembly this legislative session. Theannual meeting of the legislatureis just approaching half-time of itsannual session, but already signifi-cant policy changes are being debated andadopted. There is little new to the policies thatare being adopted; many are in place in otherstates already. But in Richmond they seemrevolutionary!

I have already written about the ratificationof the Equal Rights Amendment in the earlydays of the session. The movement to ratifythe ERA began in the early 1970s but was notsuccessful in Virginia until nearly 50 yearslater! Since two ratification deadlines have al-ready passed, the fate of the amendment withVirginia being the needed 38th state to ratify isuncertain. Virginia Attorney General MarkHerring is among the leaders seeking a judi-cial decision to validate the amendment’s rati-

fication. Although the NineteenthAmendment granting women theright to vote was ratified in 1920and added to the Constitution, Vir-ginia did not add its support toratification until 1952!

While legislation must be passedby both houses of the legislatureand signed by the governor to be-

come law, here is a run-down on what has beenapproved so far by at least one house. By thetime the legislature adjourns in early Marchthis legislation is expected to be approved byboth houses and sent to the governor. Numer-ous bills have been passed to ban discrimina-tion against persons because of their sex; billsto protect LGBTQ+ persons would not havemade it out of committee last year. Bills to bandiscrimination in housing, public accommoda-tions, employment and credit applications havepassed as has a bill to ban conversion therapy.

Likewise, bills to protect public safety fromthe misuse of guns that would never have madeit out of committee previously have passed inboth houses of the Assembly. My bill to require

universal background checks has passed as wellas bills granting localities the right to ban gunsin public spaces, increasing the penalties forleaving guns unsecured around children, andrequiring people to report lost or stolen gunswithin 24 hours. A “red flag” law that allowsauthorities to remove guns from individualswho have shown themselves to be a danger tothemselves and to others has passed.

This week action is expected on bills that willopen up the state to more solar and wind powerand that will establish standards for the in-creased use of renewables in generating elec-tricity. Plastic bags may be eliminated or taxedto reduce plastic pollution. I am sponsoring theGovernor’s bill to advance the clean-up of theChesapeake Bay that is getting some push-backfrom the farming community that would beaffected by regulations to clean up stream run-off. Numerous bills have already passed tomake it easier to register to vote and to voteon election day, including no-excuse absenteevoting.

There is more to come. Tune in next weekor follow the sessions on live-streaming athttps://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/chamber/chamberstream.php for more daz-zling action!

Dazzling Pace of Change in RichmondCommentary

Not a ‘Siege’To the Editor:

This letter is in response to Del-egate Ken Plum’s OpEd in the Jan.22-28 issue of the Connection,titled “Siege of the Capital.”

After reading this letter, all I cansay is “Wow!” Delegate Plum cer-tainly has very poor opinion ofVirginia gun owners. Stating thata peaceful and lawful demonstra-tion by a large number of SecondAmendment supporters is a“Siege” is incredible. Clearly Del-egate Plum knows nothing aboutthe people he appears to fear. Heshould get out of his liberal bubbleand learn about the people whofeel strongly about having theirconstitutional rights oppressed.They are non-violent and are lawabiding.

Delegate Plum should readVirginia’s constitution. He states“A well regulated militia made upof state and local police will pro-tect the Capitol building and its oc-cupant legislators from those whowould deny freedom to othersthrough their misuse of firearms.”

Article 1, Section 13 of Virginia’sconstitution states:

“That a well regulated militia,composed of the body of thepeople, trained to arms, is theproper, natural, and safe defenseof a free state, therefore, the rightof the people to keep and beararms shall not be infringed; thatstanding armies, in time of peace,should be avoided as dangerous toliberty; and that in all cases the

military should be under strict sub-ordination to, and governed by,the civil power.”

Note that our constitution spe-cifically states that the “militia” ismade up of the body of the people,meaning you and me. It is notmade up of police officers. Itsounds to me like Delegate Plumreally wants to establish a stand-ing army to protect him and hisilk from the people.

Our constitution cautionsthat such a thing is “dangerousto liberty”.

Michael KirchnerClifton

Don’t AbolishThe DeathPenaltyTo the Editor:

It’s become quite clear that themovement to abolish the deathpenalty has reached Virginia.Death penalty opponents havesuggested replacing it with lifewithout parole (LWOP). They ad-vocate for it as a more humanealternative to execution. That it’s“punishment enough.” Except youshouldn’t believe that death pen-alty opponents will keep LWOP.

Recent legislation in Massachu-setts, Pennsylvania, and Vermontis seeking to end LWOP, using theexact same arguments that havebeen used against the death pen-alty. “Few civilized countries have

LWOP, it’s too harsh,” et cetera.The movement to abolish thedeath penalty has become a mov-ing of goalposts, as opponents(who have suggested LWOP) as analternative, are using the verysame arguments they used againstthe death penalty, to advocate forthe removal of the very same al-ternative punishment that theysuggested in the first place! VoxNews and The Sentencing Projectare now promoting the abolitionof LWOP, so you shouldn’t think it’sme fearmongering. The death pen-alty should stay in Virginia, notjust because some crimes are justtoo heinous to be punished by lifewithout parole, but because it alsoprevents the abolition of life with-out parole. If the death penalty isabolished on a Monday, the move-ment to abolish life without parolewill begin the following day. Andbefore you know it, murderers willbe back on the streets.

Daniel GarciaMcLean

Becoming aMore Equaland InclusiveCommunityTo the Editor:

I am an American, but my ori-gins lie in a country where youcannot exercise your rights as ahuman being, let alone as a

Letters to the Editor

woman. Women are forced intomarriage at a young age, girls needpermission from their fathers orbrothers to leave their homes, andembracing your sexuality is un-fathomable — and illegal at times.

It is for this reason that I writeto you.

As a local newspaper serving thepeople of Northern Virginia, I askthat you write an article on theJan. 15 ratification of the EqualRights Amendment in Virginia. Itis crucial that we shed light on thisrecent event in Virginia that, whilelong overdue, must be celebrated.

On Jan, 15, 2020, Virginia votedon a resolution to ratify the ERA,making it the 38th state to pass thisresolution. For decades feministshave been fighting to add a simpleyet monumental phrase to the U.S.Constitution: “equality of rightsunder the law shall not be deniedor abridged by the United Statesor by any State on account of sex.”

Shedding light on this century-long issue will give our daughters,mothers, and sisters not only therecognition they deserve, but itwill pave the way for other statesand even nations to recognize andembrace equal rights as well. Ifwe—as residents of the state ofVirginia—are one step closer tobecoming a more equal and inclu-sive community, then we musthold a responsibility to report onthese views and enlighten othersalong the way.

Rudan BalaySpringfield

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McLean


CalendarSubmit entertainment announcements at

www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encour-aged.

ONGOINGThe Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a

senior women’s softball league, is looking forplayers. Any woman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome.They play on Wednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. For more information,visit the web site www.goldengirls.org

Beginners Mah Jongg Class. Tuesdays thruFeb. 18. 12:30-2:30 p.m. At Great Falls Library,9830 VA-193, Great Falls. Learn to play the fun,fast-paced game of Mah Jongg. Registration isnow open for an Adult Beginners Mah Jonggclass. The class will run for six weeks onTuesday afternoons from 12:30-2:30 p.m.beginning January 14 through February 18.Attendees should plan to attend all six sessions.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

”The Royal.” Now thru Feb. 23. At 1st Stage inTysons, 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner.“The Royale” by Marco Ramirez, Directed byPaige Hernandez. Jay “The Sport” Jacksondreams of being the undisputed heavyweightchampion of the world, but in the raciallysegregated world of boxing in 1905, the oddsare stacked against him. When a crooked boxingpromoter hatches a plan for “the fight of thecentury,” “The Sport” might land a place in thering with the reigning white heavyweightchampion. Show times are Thursdays at 7:30p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $42 generaladmission, $39 seniors (65+), $15 students andmilitary. Purchase online at www.1ststage.org or703-854-1856.

WEDNESDAYS/FEB. 5, 12, 19Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Havefun with your child and build early literacyfoundations for reading success. Age 3-5 withadult.

THURSDAY/FEB. 6Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gainleadership experience and discuss what thelibrary can do for you. Grades 7-12.

Meme Fest. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Game focused onidentifying and determining appropriate use ofmemes. Teens.

FRIDAY/FEB. 7, 14, 21Karate for Kids. 5 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Join the Karate togain powerful tools for self-defense, inner-strength and a strong, healthy body. Ages 4 andup.

FRIDAY/FEB. 7Waterfowl Hike. 9-11 a.m. At Riverbend Park,

8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Somewater birds stick around all winter and othersmerely pass through our region. Go on a WinterWaterfowl Hike at Riverbend Park and see whatbirds you can find. Bird lovers age 14 to adultare invited to hike with a naturalist to search forwinter waterfowl along the Upper PotomacRiver. Participants should bring binoculars andspotting scopes. Cost is $8 per person. Call 703-759-9018 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Bilingual Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.Bilingual Storytime in English and Hindi. Enjoystories, songs and activities. Birth-5 with adult.

Catholic Charities Ball. 7 p.m. At the Ritz-Carlton, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean. The eventis the largest annual fundraiser for CatholicCharities, providing a significant portion of theresources needed to support 21 programsserving those in need throughout the 21counties and seven cities of the Diocese. Thisyear’s theme is “With Love and Charity.” Ticketsfor both events can be purchased atwww.ccda.net.

SATURDAY/FEB. 8Make Pinecone Birdfeeders. 10-11 a.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Help feed your feathered friends thiswinter with the “Make Your Own PineconeBirdfeeders!” program at Riverbend Park. Find See Calendar, Page 7

out what birds stick around through the winterand make and take home a pinecone bird feederto help them get through the cold. Learn aboutthe common birds that may visit your feeder.Cost is $10 per person. Sessions are designed forparticipants age 4 to adult. Call 703-759-9018or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Star Trek to Astronomy Festival. 5:30-7:30p.m. At Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Road,Great Falls. There will be guided stargazing andopportunities to get a close-up look at the starsthrough a telescope at the roll-top observatory.Join in games and warm yourself by thecampfire as you listen to ancient stories aboutthe constellations. Hot chocolate and snacks willbe available for purchase. This event is designedfor stargazers age 3 to adult. Cost is $10 perperson. The festival will be canceled if it israining or snowing. Call 703-324-8618 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.

SUNDAY/FEB. 9New Dominion Women’s Club Fundraiser.

3-5 p.m. At Chain Bridge Cellars, 1351 ChainBridge Road, McLean. This is a greatopportunity to stock up on wines and bubbly

Fiery FlamencoThe Alden is presenting New YorkCity-based dance company Fla-menco Vivo Carlota Santana for asingle performance on Saturday,Feb. 8 in McLean.

SATURDAY/FEB. 8Fiery Flamenco Dance. 7 p.m. At The Alden

Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. TheAlden is presenting New York City-based dancecompany Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana for asingle performance. The acclaimed company,hailed as “America’s premier Spanish dancecompany,” promotes the art form by producingquality dance works that foster culturalconnections. Tickets are $40 for the generalpublic, $35 for seniors and $30 for residents ofDranesville Small District 1A. Visit:www.aldentheatre.org or call 703-790-0123,TTY: 711.

Lilt in ConcertLilt is Tina Eck on wooden fluteand whistle and Keith Carr on 10string bouzouki, mandolin, tenorbanjo and vocals.

SUNDAY/FEB. 9Celtic Music Featuring Lilt. 5 p.m. and 7:15

p.m. At The Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C WalkerRoad, Great Falls. The Old Brogue Irish Pub andBarnaby Productions, Inc. present the 31stseason of family friendly, Winter TraditionalCeltic Concerts. Featuring internationallyrecognized Celtic musicians, the concerts areperformed in a listening room by the fireside.Tickets must be purchased in advance; $20general admission/$15 children under 12.Season ticket: $108. Visit www.oldbrogue.comor call the Old Brogue at 703-759-3309.


Calendar

prior to Valentine’s Day and the startof spring. Host Doug House willdonate 15 percent of purchases fromthat day to the NDWC. Can’t make itto the event? Stop in anytime thatday, mention “NWDC” and Doug willapply the donation. Tickets $20. Visitthe website: ndwc.org/wine-and-cheese-party.html

SUNDAY/FEB. 9 AND 23, MARCH 1Maple Syrup Boil-Down. Noon to 2

p.m. At Colvin Run Mill, 10017Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. Howdoes maple syrup get from the tree toyour breakfast table? See the old-fashioned process from beginning toend at the “Maple Syrup Boil-Downat Colvin Run Mill.” When the sapstarts to rise, the maple trees aretapped at Colvin Run and the drip,drip, drip begins. Now, it’s sugaringtime! Bundle up, watch and learn assap is boiled down into sweet syrupover an outdoor, open fire. Samplethe delicious maple syrup served overcornbread that’s made from ColvinRun Mill’s own cornmeal. Cost is $8per person. No reservations arerequired. Call 703-759-2771 or visithttps://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

MONDAY/FEB. 10AARP Luncheon Event. 11:30 a.m. to

2 p.m. At Mylo’s Grille, 6238 OldDominion Drive, McLean. Join AARPat Mylo’s Grill to enjoy lunchtogether with other AARP andMcLeanCVA members and theirguests. Enjoy a 15% discount on theentire check. There will be noseminar, and no products will bepromoted or sold—just casual funand socializing with other memberslike you in McLean. Learn how AARPand McLeanCVA are making adifference in Northern Virginia. Visitthe website: https://aarp.cvent.com/McLeanLunchFeb2020

English on the Go. Registration 6:30-8 p.m. At James Lee CommunityCenter, 2855 Annandale Road, FallsChurch. Do you need to learn Englishbut can’t find the time? The LiteracyCouncil of Northern Virginia has theright course for you. Cell-Ed Englishon the Go combines a limited numberof classes with an easy-to-followhome learning program. Learn onyour phone by texting, no Wi-Fi isrequired. The class is offered at $85per semester. Go to lcnv.org/learn orcall 703-237-0866.

MONDAYS/FEB. 10, 24Baby Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Have fun with baby whilebuilding early literacy foundationsfor reading success. Birth -18 monthswith adults.

TUESDAYS/FEB. 11, 18Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Have fun with your childand build early literacy foundationsfor reading success. Age 18 months-3years with adults.

TUESDAY/FEB. 11McLean Historical Society. 7:30-10

p.m. At McLean Community Center,1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Theprogram will feature threeMcLeanites (Dr. Allen Horne, AnnaBlue Porter, and Palmer Robeson)who will discuss “Growing up inRural McLean.” The program is freeand open to all. Contact CaroleHerrick at 703-356-8223.

SATURDAY/FEB. 15Wilderness Fun. Noon to 1 p.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills

From Page 6

KAPO ConcertKAPO: Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts will perform atthe Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls.

SUNDAY/FEB. 16KAPO Concert. 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. At the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker

Road, Great Falls. Featuring KAPO: the music of Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts.The Old Brogue Irish Pub of Great Falls, and Barnaby Productions, Inc. presentthe 31st season of family friendly, Winter Traditional Celtic Concerts. Featuringinternationally recognized Celtic musicians, the concerts are performed in alistening room by the fireside. Tickets must be purchased in advance atoldbrogue.com: $20 general admission/$15 children under 12.

Street, Great Falls. At RiverbendPark, learn the science and art ofbuilding a fire and test your skill withprimitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques. Reward yourselfwith fire-roasted s’mores. “To Build aFire” is designed for participants age4 to adult. The cost is $8 per person,and children must be accompaniedby a registered adult. Later in the dayat Riverbend Park, prepare a wintermeal with your family around thecampfire using colonial andindigenous cooking techniques. Foodand drink are provided. The“Klondike Campfire Cookout” isdesigned for family members age 5 toadult. It runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m.,and the cost is $15 per person. Call703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Singer-songwriter Rorie. 8 p.m. AtJammin Java, 227 Maple Ave., E,Vienna. She will debut her full-lengthalbum ‘Valley in the Mirror’ releasedon Jan. 31.

SUNDAY/FEB. 16Cooperstown String Quartet. 4 p.m.

At Saint Francis Episcopal Church,9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Uniting faculty from the PeabodyConservatory in Baltimore and EastCarolina University, this quartet hasplayed on several continents and atthe most prestigious venues in theworld. Their illuminating andpenetrating understanding ofBeethoven bring you from his earlytribute to Haydn (op. 18 no. 1) to hisfully-formed, almost radical laterstyle (op. 130). Students 17 andunder and active military areadmitted free of charge. A pre-concert lecture by Music Director A.Scott Wood will begin at 3:15 pm, 45minutes prior to the start of theconcert. A reception will follow theconcert, at which attendees may

meet and chat with the performersand fellow music lovers. Tickets are$40 and may be purchased at thedoor, online at http://www.amadeusconcerts.com or viatelephone at 703-759-5334.

TUESDAY/FEB. 18History Comes Alive. 11 a.m. and 2

p.m. At River Bend, 375 WalkerRoad, Great Falls. Great Falls SeniorCenter (GFSC) is welcoming backMary Ann Jung’s interactive shows.This award-winning actress andSmithsonian scholar has beenrecreating history’s most fascinatingwomen for more than 35 years with astyle like no other. Jung researchesand writes her own scripts andperforms in authentic costumes,accents and attitudes for hercharacter’s eras. This year, learn thestory of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, whowas an abolitionist, human rightsactivist and one of the first leadersof the woman’s rights movement.Reservations are required; emailPolly Fitzgerald [email protected] or call 703-759-4345. Membership dues ( $25per person) and applications for2020 will be available at theHospitality Table or visitgfseniors.org and pay online.

WEDNESDAY/FEB. 19Holy Happy Hour. 6:15 p.m. At

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church,1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.Featuring Music of African Americancomposers with Artist AmyYurkewitch, clarinet, accompanied byJohn Nothaft, organ/piano. Eachconcert begins at 6:15 p.m. andconcludes half an hour later with abrief period to enjoy wine and cheeseand meet the artists. There is no

See Calendar, Page 8


Learn About Adver� sing in the Connec� on

and Digital Op� ons!Adver� sing in the Connec� onAdver� sing in the Connec� on

and upcoming special sec� ons: and upcoming special sec� ons:

connectionnewspapers.com/advertisingconnectionnewspapers.com/advertising

or call 703.778.9431

495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Study (NEXT)

I-495 (Capital Beltway) in the vicinity of the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George

Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge

Fairfax County Location & Design Public Hearing

Thursday, March 12, 2020, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presentation starts at 7 p.m.

Langley High School

6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101

Inclement Weather Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Learn about the Virginia Department of Transportation’s environmental

study regarding plans to extend the 495 Express Lanes by approximately

three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington

Memorial Parkway in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge to reduce

congestion, improve safety and travel reliability, and provide additional travel

choices.

In compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy

Act (NEPA) and 23 CFR Part 771, an environmental study in the form of an

Environmental Assessment (EA), which includes a Preliminary Noise Analy-

sis, was approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for public

review and comment. Pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act,

the proposed improvements on historic properties is also included in the EA.

This project will involve a change in limited access control.

Stop by between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to learn more about the project

at 7 p.m.

Review study information on the project website

(495northernextension.org), at the meeting, or during business hours at

22030. Please call ahead at 703-691-6715 or TTY/TDD 711 to ensure appro-

priate personnel are available to answer your questions.

Give your written comments at the meeting or submit them by

March 30, 2020 to Abi Lerner, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation,

4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, or email [email protected]. Please reference

“495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Study” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and

activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of

1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited

NHPP-495-5(095), State: 0495-029-419, P101, UPC: 113414

charge for the musical program or the refreshments. Visithttps://www.lewinsville.org/concerts/ or call 703-356-7200.

Volunteer for the Environment. 6:30-8:30 p.m. AtProvidence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax.Join in working to combat climate change and globalwarming. Activities include campaigning on massive datacenters and fighting oil and gas pipelines in Virginia. Comebe part of the solutions. Free. Email [email protected].

THURSDAY/FEB. 20Brain and Breathing. 10-11 a.m. At Vienna Community

Center, 120 Cherry Street, Vienna. In this course, you willlearn breathing exercises designed to help support brainfunction. Instructor: Dr. Charles Masarsky of ViennaChiropractic. Free. Call 701-255-7801.

Adventures in Learning. 10 a.m. At Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.“Let it Go-Dealing With the Emotional Connection to Items”- Terri Blanchette. Cost is $45 per semester. To Register/Questions: Call 703-281-0538. View the schedule of classesand registration form at http://www.scov.org/ail-open-house.

Acoustic Autumn Live Music. 6:30-9 p.m. At Blend 111,111 Church Street, NW, Vienna. Laissez Foure is anacoustic swing quartet playing classics from the ‘30s and‘40s. The group consists of acoustic bass, swing rhythmguitar, saxophone/clarinet, and trumpet. In the tradition ofNew Orleans jazz, the quartet emphasizes an acousticsound when feasible and plays charts by Armstrong,Ellington, Count Basie and others from the era.

The ABCs of CBD and Medical Marijuana. 7:30-9 p.m.At Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave., E, Vienna.Thediscussion will provide medical information about CBD/THC, the differences between CBD and medical marijuana,and how people can legally obtain medical marijuana inVirginia. Free. Visit the website: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5843108

SATURDAY/FEB. 22Boolean Girl Clubhouse. 1-4 p.m. Campus of Virginia Tech

Falls Church, Think a Bit Lab, 7054 Haycock Road, FallsChurch. Join Arlington-based nonprofit Boolean Girl at theclubhouse. Hosted in partnership with Virginia Tech, girlsand non-binary individuals will learn to code and buildelectronics in a fun, collaborative setting. Scholarshipsavailable for families in need by registering for the BooleanGirl Clubhouse Scholarship. All experience levels arewelcome. Cost is $5-$65. [email protected]. Visit the website:booleangirl.org/clubs

Winter Wine & Beer Tasting. 7-10 p.m. At The Great FallsGrange, 9818 VA-193, Great Falls. The 2020 Winter Wineand Beer Tasting (chaired by Missy Perkins) turns the GreatFalls Grange into a WINEter Wonderland with Frosty Beerserved on the lower level. Sample a variety of red wines,white wines and locally crafted beers featuring winesselected by Rich Ashton of Classic Wines in Great Falls andbeers of the Lost Rhino Brewery in Ashburn. This year’sbeer selections include Papa’s Pilsner, which is made fromthe hops that are grown locally in Chef Jacques’ garden atL’Auberge Chez Francois. Tickets are $50 per person and onsale through 2/20/20 (or until sold out).

Washington Sinfonietta. 7:30 p.m. At The Falls ChurchEpiscopal, 166 E. Broad Street, Falls Church. Conducted byMusic Director Joel Lazar, the program will feature three ofBeethoven’s masterworks: Musik zu einem Ritterballet,Symphony No. 4 in B-Flat Major, and the Triple Concerto.Distinguished artists Aaron Berofsky, violin, Tobias Werner,cello, and Catalin Dima, piano, join the Sinfonietta assoloists in the Triple Concerto. Advance tickets for theperformance, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students,plus a small service fee, are available atwashingtonsinfonietta.org. Tickets at the door are $20 foradults and $15 for seniors and students. Children under 18are always admitted at no charge.

SUNDAY/FEB. 23Relay-Palooza. 1-4 p.m. At Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave., E,

Vienna. Join Relay For Life of Northern Virginia for theannual Relay-Palooza Battle of the Bands kickoffcelebration benefiting the American Cancer Society. Localacts may register to perform on the Jammin Java stage andthen they need your vote to choose a winner. The winner ofRelay-Palooza will get the chance to headline the 2020Relay For Life event. This is a family-friendly event.Donations benefit the live-saving mission and programs ofthe American Cancer Society. Ticket purchase:eventbrite.com/e/89780709519. Contact: AnushaNallapat at [email protected]. Visit the website:relayforlife.org/northernvirginia

Capitol Steps Performance. 7 p.m. At Langley HighSchool Auditorium, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean. TheCapitol Steps will perform with new material for the 2020election. Tickets cost $37. This is a one-time event and themain fundraiser for the Langley High School Class of 2020All-Night Grad Party (ANGP). Buy online at

https://form.jotform.com/LangleyPTSA/angp2020.

From Page 7

Calendar

Valentine Senior Social EventJody Marshall will perform on the ham-mered dulcimer.

TUESDAY/FEB. 11Valentine Senior Social Event. 12-2 p.m. At Vienna

Community Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna. TheShepherd’s Center serving Oakton-Vienna-Reston-Herndon and Vienna Parks and Recreation will present itsValentine Senior Social event. Held throughout the year,The Shepherd’s Center Senior Socials afford guests theopportunity to socialize and stay connected in thecommunity. These Senior Social events help to addressthe Vision Statement of The Shepherd’s Center: A WorldWithout Loneliness. Entertainment will be provided byJody Marshall on hammered dulcimer and Jim Queen onfiddle. Tickets are $18 per person. To register, call 703-281-0601 by Feb. 3, 2020. Registration is required. Norefunds. No walk-ins.

Nora Jane Struthers ConcertNashville-based singer/songwriter NoraJane Struthers with Sarah Borges andthe Broken Singles.

FRIDAY/FEB. 21Nora Jane Struthers Concert. 8 p.m. At Jammin Java,

227 Maple Ave., E, Vienna. Nashville-based singer/songwriter Nora Jane Struthers is a rootsy artist with abent toward mixing traditional country andcontemporary rock stylings into her passionateAmericana sound. Also on stage, Sarah Borges and theBroken Singles. Tickets $15-$25. Visitwww.jamminjava.com


By Alexandra Greeley

The Connection

Although the Nostos Greek restaurant hasoperated in the Tysons Corner area for awhile, it remains a steady go-to destination for every sort of patron, from ladies

chatting over lunch to businessmen and couples.Patrons have learned that for outstanding Greekcooking served in a classy contemporary setting,Nostos is an ideal restaurant.

Because the menu offers a number of temptingdishes, your best bet is to enjoy a meal with severalfriends—that way you can sample several dishes sothat you get a real idea of what the kitchen puts out.And with friends along, you can choose at least twoappetizers: the tzatziki, Greek yogurt with garlic andcucumbers, and the melitzanosalata, roasted eggplantwhipped with olive oil and garlic, both of which comewith heated wedges of pita bread. Add to that anorder of the tyrokafteri, a peppery hot spread of fetacheese and hot peppers… this is an ideal dippingtreat for the wedges of pita bread, especially for thosewho like a spicy kick. For an extra treat as an appe-tizer, add on the entrée Taverna salad with a toss-upof romaine lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, feta cheese,and kalamata olives.

Do check the specials menu before you order the

rest of the lunch (or dinner) items—recently theyummy lamb chops were on offer that day, a pared-down version of the standard menu offering that in-cludes grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes. Re-gardless, the lamb is sensational, and although ratherpricey on the regular menu, lamb lovers would likelyhead to that as their entrée selection.

Other lunch entrées include swordfish kabobs,which a fellow patron loved, plus other seafood ka-bobs (including grilled octopus); and meat kabobs,including chicken, meatballs, or a meat sampler withskewered chicken, beefsteak, and lamb. Vegetarianentrées of beans, or zucchini, or beets; of cheesechoices that include grilled Cypriot sheep and goatcheese, or feta cheese with kalamata olives, plusmore.

Scanning down the menu, patrons come across thesection with fish entrées, including a whole Medi-terranean bass or the kakavia, a seafood stew withtomatoes, potatoes, shrimp, and kalamaria withcrusty bread. And traditional entrées include the re-nowned spanakopita, a favorite choice for Greek foodlovers who relish the layered phyllo dough stuffedwith spinach, feta, and scallion; and the equally re-nowned mousaka, layered eggplant slices that en-close potatoes and ground beef.

When it is time for dessert, scan through the des-sert wines, brandies and cognac, and liqueurschoices…or just order a cup of coffee to pair with aselection of the famed baklava (three different op-tions); the rice pudding; the airy galaktoboureko; or

Restaurant Review:Nostos Restaurant

Greek Cooking Served in a Classy SettingDining

See Dining, Page 11


News

no food...(through) weekend be-cause school is closed... It’s hardto believe that we live amid suchgreat wealth and in a county withsuch great housing stock, thatthere would be individuals wholiterally cannot afford to liveamong us, even after working 40plus hours a week... It’s hard tobelieve that we live in a nationwhere elementary and highschool education is free and avail-able to all, but the quality of thateducation and the quality of thephysical building will largely bedetermined by the zip code ofthose facilities,” Pastor Waltonsaid.

He spoke about school-agedchildren and those who gather inplaces of worship but must con-sider the serious risk and poten-tial of some disturbed individualswho do not respect the laws northe lives of others. “They cause sig-nificant damage to families andeven significant damage to entirecommunities.” Before the Justiceand Legislative Service began, se-curity guards stood inside the en-trance of his church.

PASTOR WALTON added thatmany individuals were onlymoved to action when it impactedtheir lives. However, doing so, theymiss the meaning of justice; jus-tice is for all, not for the individual.He said that some individuals wereso blessed; so “comfortable” theylost their sensitivity to the personsand individuals who found them-selves in the margins.

“If we are not careful enough,…we can forget we are so blessed.We lose our sensitivity to the indi-viduals that need us the most….Today it is them. But there is thepossibility it could be our day andour time tomorrow. Tomorrow, Iwould want someone to reachdown and help pick me up… It’sthe poor, the marginalized, thosethat are struggling without healthcare, those that have no voice tospeak for themselves.

After service, all gathered in thefellowship hall where members ofthe congregation and legislatorsmingled, asked questions andshared thoughts. As the eventwound down, each legislator andschool board member stepped tothe microphone and gave a snap-shot of proposed laws and actionsin their purview.

Legislators Reflect onSocial Justice Initiatives

Del. Marcus Simon (D-53): We are looking at wordsin our codes; code stillmatters a lot. We, just thisyear in 2020 on Friday, tookthe language out of a codethat allowed buses to besegregated....Something I’vebeen working on personally,what can we do about theseracial covenants that still existin our land records.

Del. Ibraheem Samirah (D- 86), right: I had a couple ofbills I’ve been working on, (and others) we will be working onthroughout this year... One is to allow accessory dwelling unitsin your home. What that means is, if you have a cottage, abasement or an attic, you should be able to utilize that to housea family or an individual for anywhere between $400 to $800a month ...Another way is to allow you to use your home fortwo families as it is; what we call up-zoning for two familyunits... These are easy solutions for the affordable housingcrisis. They cost $0 on the state; gives you more money foryour pocket; allows your grandchildren, your children andanyone you want to live around you (to do so).

Vienna Town CouncilMember Pasha Majdi: I’mon the council in Vienna,which I don’t talk a lot abouthere on Sundays. It’s relevantthis year because... I’mrunning for mayor. Theelection is May 5. It’s a local,independent election. NoRepublicans,; no Democrats.It’s just your neighborsrunning for office.

Del. Mark Keam (D-35): In a differenttime in Virginia, meaning before last Novem-ber, the words “justice and legislative” didn’tgo together very often... Many times, yourlegislative agenda at the state level andsometimes at the county level, did notnecessarily reflect the justice aspirations ofthat term…Thanks to the many of you whohave worked so hard to bring us a fewfriends to put Delegates Simon and Samirah,Senator Jennifer Boysko and myself in the majority party in theCommonwealth of Virginia. What that means, is whether you’retalking about Racial Justice, Gender Justice, Workplace Justice,Workers Rights, Environmental Justice, Social Justice, MedicalHealthcare, and even Justice at the federal level, ImpeachmentJustice, we can now finally do the legislation because that’s theway your views are expressed in the democratic process.

From Page 3

Justice andLegislativeSunday

— Mercia Hobson


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

From cancer to toilet paper. Is that ‘off’ enough? My reason for writing this column might be because I need a diversion (see last week’s column), and because, as is so happened recently, I needed to replenish our toilet paper supply. (It had nothing to do with a winter advisory in the forecast.) As the consumer in the house, I am keen and motivated to spend our money wisely. I look for sales, I use paper coupons, I use digital coupons and of course, I peruse the advertising circulars, in print and online (if necessary) regularly. In addition, I have a number of plastic bonus cards hanging on my keychain. In short, I am prepared and ready for any retail or wholesale opportunity that might present itself.

With respect to toilet paper, I believe us regular users have been victimized by the

-cally to the increase in the size of the actual roll itself; from single to double to triple to jumbo to mega and now super mega. Since the manufacturers can’t exactly increase de-mand, they’ve devised a strategy to increase supply - in our homes. And though using myself as an example is hardly empirical evidence, I will nonetheless continue to do so in an effort to justify my accusation.

If you’re like me, you probably like to have an ample supply of toilet paper in the house, just in case (it happened once in college; not good). And to that end, the toilet paper manufacturers have offered up multipacks equivalent to as high as 96 rolls, if I’m not mistaken, to address this potential shortage. However, my beef is not with the number of rolls in these multipacks, my beef, as I’ve said, is with the size of the rolls. In these cases, size does matter.

For years, we’ve been buying 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 24-, 36- and even 48-roll multipacks, some single and some double to stock the bathroom linen closets, so we’re used to

inventory. Now the rolls are double or even triple the size we had grown accustomed to having as back-ups. But we’re still, in spite

super mega rolls, wanting to have the same number of rolls in the closet as we’ve always had (I do, anyway). Sort of a comfort level, you might say. The problem is that having the same number of super mega rolls in inventory as previously one had as single or double rolls gives one way more toilet paper in the house than you ever had. In effect, we have over-purchased. The toilet paper manufacturers have used our predispositions against us in order to take a greater share of our household budget previously allocated for toilet paper.

I don’t need six super mega rolls in our bathroom. But I do want to see at least six rolls in reserve (aid and comfort you might say). If the six rolls in reserve were single or doubles, their size would be irrelevant. The number of rolls was more important - in my head. And now, because of the toilet paper manufacturer’s insistence that size matters, I am forced to buy these spare-tire, donut-sized rolls that I can’t possibly use no matter what “snowmageddon” might hit us. But I can’t stock my shelves with reason-ably-sized rolls because their unit cost is prohibitive compared to the big roll multi-packs. As the consumer I am, I am loathe to overpay for such household necessities. So I buy in bulk, stuff my shelves with ply and go about my business. I just wish I had more than a hand in their decision-making.

Off Topic,Way Off

Submit civic/community announcements atConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos andartwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon,at least two weeks before event.

FRIDAY/FEB. 7Preschool Transition to Kindergarten for

Students with Disabilities. 10 a.m. to noon.At Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334Gallows Road, Dunn Loring. The transition tokindergarten is a big one for kids and can beeven more so for children with disabilities. Learnhow parents can collaborate with FCPS toensure their students have a smooth transitionto Kindergarten.

TUESDAY/FEB. 11Valentine’s Day Luncheon. 12 to 2 p.m. At

Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street,SE, Vienna. Cost is $18/person. Hosted by SCOVand The Vienna Community Center. Registrationrequired by Feb. 3. Call 703-281-0538. Youmust be registered to attend. No walk-insplease.

NARFE Chapter Meeting. 2 p.m. At ViennaCommunity Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE,Vienna. NARFE (National Active and RetiredFederal Employees Association) ChapterMeeting. Guest speaker – Marge Van Lierde -“The Road Ahead” - Transitioning into aretirement community. Refreshments will beserved. Free. Members and guests. Call 703-205-9041.

Mayor at Your Service. 7:30 p.m. At Town Hall,127 Center Street, S, Vienna. Town of ViennaMayor Laurie DiRocco will host three healthprofessionals at the next Mayor @ Your Serviceevent — Shirley Clark, former executive directorof the Women’s Center; Susan Garvey, executivedirector of Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna;and Darlene Williamson, founder and executivedirector of Stroke Comeback Center. This eventis free and open to the public

THURSDAY/FEB. 13Fostering Protective Factors in Children. 10

a.m. to noon. At Dunn Loring Center for ParentServices. 2334 Gallows Road, Entrance 1, Room100, Dunn Loring. Every adult can fosterprotective factors and build resiliency inchildren and adolescents. Presented by RyanDickerson, FCPS School Psychologist and JennSpears, FCPS Mental Wellness Specialist. Topicsinclude: What does the Fairfax County YouthSurvey data show us? Identifying ProtectiveFactors and Assets (Three to Succeed);Strategies for building protective factors andassets; Understanding resilience and how toincrease your child’s ability to respond tochallenges.

MONDAY/FEB. 24Possible Arts Center at Clemyjontri Park. 7

p.m. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)and the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) willhost a public open house to discuss the potentialfor development of an arts and education centerat Clemyjontri Park. The meeting will take placein MPA’s Emerson Gallery at the McLean

Community Center, located at 1234 InglesideAvenue in McLean.

Bulletin Board

From Page 9

the cheesecake. That day the kitchenhad spread on the cheesecake top adazzling fruity layer of bergamot jam.Delish!!! Note that that particularspread may not be the standard top-ping but rejoice if it shows up on yourcheesecake slice. Or two.

(Note: best to make reservations!!At a recent lunch, it looked like all thetables were filled, and the affiliatedparking lot was packed.)

Nostos, 8100 Boone Blvd., Vienna, Va.703-760-0690. Hours: Lunch Tues.-Fri.,11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner, Mon.-Sat.,5 p.m. to 10 p.m. https://nostosrestaurant.com

Dining

opinion, page 5 ‘the royale’ mesmerizes at 1st stage

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