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Ramp Closure Proves Hot TopickPeople, Page 3

Legalizing Short-Term RentalsNews, Page 6

Raising a Roof, Building a Home

News, 0

HomeLifeStylePage 7

Rotary Great Falls Inter-act Habitat teen volunteers preparing house foundation drainage while taking part in third annual Habitat for Hu-manity service project.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ August 8-14, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ August 8-14, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

See VDOT, Page 9

News

Andrea Worker

The Connection

The Virginia Department of Transportation listened when citizensin McLean complained that commuters passing through their

neighborhoods to connect to the CapitalBeltway via the northbound entrance rampfrom Georgetown Pike were causing trafficcongestion. Residents are sometimestrapped in their own driveways.

Catherine Lorenze of McLean says it cantake her an hour or more to travel the 2.1miles from her home to Langley HighSchool, where two of her children gradu-ated, and a third is an incoming freshman.

“It affects their schoolwork, their partici-pation in afterschool events and activities.I know parents who no longer let their kidsget involved in some after school programs,just because it can be impossible to get thereand back in a reasonable amount of time.”

Lorenze wants to see a survey among lo-cal parents about traffic effects on schoolactivities, and hopes the test program willgather more information.

VDOT’s chief engineer, Garrett Moore,visited the area to get a first hand look atwhat the complainants were experiencing.

“It was unbelievable,” said Moore. “I wit-nessed some of the most aggressive anddangerous driving I think I have seen any-where in the United States.”

VDOT immediately got to work, studyingthe problem, holding public meetings inSeptember of 2017 and May of this yearand forming a regional advisory group rep-resenting affected stakeholders.

Short and intermediate term improve-ments were put in place. Temporary trafficmonitoring cameras were installed, alongwith additional regulatory signage and theintersection was painted to discourage driv-ers from stopping “in the box” when mak-ing the turn onto the ramp and causing fur-ther congestion. VDOT even widened the

shoulder on the north side of GeorgetownPike at Balls Hill Road to allow police tosafely enforce traffic violations.

DESPITE THESE EFFORTS, the prob-lems persist.

Following additional study and the per-formance of some scenario modelling, at apublic meeting at McLean High School onAug. 2, Moore outlined a possible next step– a four-month pilot program testing theclosure of the northbound I-495 ramp atGeorgetown Pike. The VDOT study suggests

closing the ramp on weekdays, from 1-7p.m.

Local resident Graham Jones questionedthe lengthy shutdown period. It’s recom-mended because “drivers adjust to the newconditions,” said Moore. Drivers changetheir drive times as much as they can, leav-ing earlier or later than normal and thencausing different traffic choke points, ac-cording to VDOT studies.

“It’s unique. It’s a radical approach,” ad-mitted Moore, who said that the plan wouldnot go forward without “strong support

from the community.”Since the models show that there could

be improvement, with relief to traffic in thesurrounding neighborhoods, Moore saidthey felt compelled to bring the proposal tothe public for discussion.

Several hundred area residents – and afew from other parts of the county – at-tended the meeting to hear the full scopeand rationalization of the proposal and tohave their feedback delivered in person toofficials like Moore, and VDOT’s Transpor-tation & Land Use Director for NorthernVirginia, Allison Richter.

As a testament to just how hot a topiclocal traffic issues can be, the meeting alsodrew elected officials, as well, includingU.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10), StateSen. Barbara Favola (D-31), and DranesvilleSupervisor John Foust.

Having their say: Several hundred attended the public meeting to dis-cuss the VDOT proposal to test closures on the Georgetown Pike ramp toI-495. Many came prepared to make comments and lined up to do so.

VDOT chief engineer Garrett Moore presents the proposal to limit accessto the northbound Capital Beltway from the Georgetown Pike ramp toalleviate traffic congestion in the area.

Hundreds area residents turn out for Aug. 2 public meeting on closing access to 495.

Ramp Closure Proves Hot Topic

Bill Canis of Great Falls talks about the VDOT proposed pilot plan toState Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) before the public meeting. Canis, thepresident of the Great Falls Citizens Association, says the group sees thevalue in reducing traffic on local roads, but knows that locals use theroute to reach schools and jobs in Maryland.

Catherine Lorenze was one of thefew who spoke in support of thepilot program. Not sure if it’s theanswer, the McLean residentwhose 2.1 mile trip from home toLangley High School can take overan hour, says “doing nothing is notacceptable.”

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]


Opinion

Adapted from a 2016 editorial ...

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Editorial

Paying Tribute toJoyce (Joy)TrickettTo the Editor:

We lost a true life force in com-munity service recently whenJoyce (Joy) Trickett succumbed toa brief illness. She was the con-summate volunteer, and we wouldbe remiss to allow her to passthrough our lives without ac-knowledging her contributions.

A Great Falls native who stayedin her birthplace all of her 75years, Joy was born into a homeof deep faith and inherited the loveof community service and passionfor good works from herparents.From those roots, she be-gan a life of caring about theneedy, the lonely and the aban-doned.

After a long career with the fed-eral government, she put her or-ganization, strategy and manage-ment skills to work for the com-munity and the less fortunate. Herbeloved Dranesville Church of theBrethren, where she was a deaconand chair of the leadership team,

was a springboard to long-timeaffiliations that include LinkAgainst Hunger; Good ShepherdAlliance where she was a formerboard chair; and the Great FallsArea Ministries (formerly GreatFalls Ecumenical Council). Overthe years, she received volunteerawards.

I met Joy when a small group ofus was just getting the Great FallsSenior Center off the ground. Sheunderstood what the Center couldmean to our community and howit could positively affect the socialand intellectual lives of our ma-ture residents. My memories andthoughts begin with the workingrelationship we would share at theCenter.

Lip service was not part of Joy’smakeup. She was action personi-fied and knew how to get thingsdone with laser beam focus. Iknew her to always keep her eyeon the prize and to never seek thespotlight. The work wasn’t abouther; it was about the end goal —meeting the needs.

As one of the Senior Center’sfounding members and its firstcommunications officer, I was ableto witness it take shape from a

Letters to the Editor

seed and evolve into the viableentity it is today. That success isproduct of many volunteers whohave served at all levels, from lead-ership to committee member. Joy’sleadership and team player traitswere evident during those forma-tive and growth periods: respect-ful of others’ opinions and ideas,straightforward and solid, relent-less in pursuit of the goal, creativeproblem solver, capable of com-promise, and totally committed.And she was a unifier who couldbring diverse personalities andperspectives closer to a consensus.At her death, she was the Center’spresident.

I’m hopeful these memoriescarry a high degree of objectivity.I believe that those who’ve col-laborated with Joy on behalf of or-ganizations she touched will findtheir own sentiments among thesewords.

Joy’s gifts to our community areher legacy from a life well lived.Those who knew her can nurtureand grow that legacy by celebrat-ing her work. And, by extension,she would want us to celebrate herfellow volunteers for they oftenare unsung heroes.

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While she’s gone now, I takecomfort from knowing and work-ing with a human being of suchhigh calibre and big heart.

Linda FernaldGreat Falls

Taxes Are NotThieveryTo the Editor:

In regards to Mr. Decker’s let-ter (“Tax Cut Good for FamiliesLike Mine, Connection, July 25-31,2018), as voters we should de-mand our taxes be used in a wiseand accountable manner. And, tothat end, we have the right to holdour elected officials to that task.However, taxes are not thieveryfrom citizens’ pockets, but insteadinsurance for society. Taxes pay forteachers, first responders, snowremoval, and roadway mainte-nance to name just a few impor-tant uses. Cutting taxes constrictsthe availability of funds for vitalcommunity needs. I hope Mr.Decker intends on using his pock

See Letters, Page 5


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eted cash for buying educationalinstruction for his children, ahome defense program, and asnow shovel to clear his street af-ter the next storm because thoseare the coffers from which themoney to line his pockets will betaken. I for one would rather paysome for excellent community ser-vices rather than rely all on myown bank account. So, I will bevoting for State Senator JenniferWexton to replace the fiscally ir-responsible Rep. BarbaraComstock.

Margaret WoldinGreat Falls

News

Letters

From Page 4

To the Editor:While many folks and media

outlets across our Commonwealthmonitored the returns of the re-cent primaries while making par-tisan political predictions, Con-gresswoman Barbara Comstockwas doing something far more im-portant.

She was on the floor of theUnited States House of Represen-tatives presenting bipartisan legis-lation to help combat the opioidcrisis.

The scourge of opioid addictionis afflicting our country and com-munity at an alarming rate. Every-one acknowledges more must be

done. Comstock is leading thecharge. Her legislation passed withbipartisan support as part of amajor package of opioid-relatedlegislation advancing throughCongress.

This is just one of Comstock’sseveral bipartisan accomplish-ments. On human trafficking, gangviolence, and human rights,Comstock has proven herself ca-pable of working across the aisle.

In Washington these days, thatis an accomplishment in and of it-self – worthy of praise.

Gary LennonGreat Falls

Comstock’s BipartisanAccomplishments Worthy of Praise

Shriya Iyer, a Cadette Girl Scoutin Troop 2784 in Great Falls,earned her Girl Scout Silver Awardon Sunday, July 22 by holding atechnology fair for the residents ofBrightview Senior Living facility inGreat Falls. Her team worked withresidents to answer their questionsabout their smartphones, personalcomputers, and iPads. Residentsprovided questions ahead of timeas well as on the day of the event.While some of the questions hadeasy answers, some of them reallychallenged the girls on how bestto explain in easy-to-understandterms. The team also sang songsand entertained the residents inthe memory care facility. Both theresidents and the scouts learned alot from each other.

The Girl Scout Silver Award isthe highest recognition a Cadette(grade 6-8) can earn and must bea minimum 50-hour communityservice project which includesplanning and execution.

Great Falls CadetteGirl Scout EarnsSilver Award

Team members working with a resident and her iPhone.

Shriya Iyer (third from the right) and her team entertain-ing the memory care residents at Brightview.

Photos contributed


Possible listings through short-term rental sites, including McLeanand Tysons.

By Ken Moore

The Connection

Providence District SupervisorLinda Q. Smyth experienced ashort-term rental operating illegally in her neighborhood. “I

have the distinction, perhaps dubious, ofbeing the board member with an Airbnbsituation a half block from my house,” saidSmyth.

“So I’ve seen the operation of it, It hasnot been a happy situation, it’s been a dis-ruption for the neighbors, and it’s been dif-ficult,” she said.

Smyth was one of three supervisors tovote against the short-term lodging regula-tions that passed the board on Tuesday, July31, to go into effect on Oct. 1.

“If we had required that the host bepresent during the short-term lodging con-tract period, I think I could have gone alongwith it, because the host is the neighbor andthat’s the person the neighbors wouldknow,” she said. “But because we are notdoing that I really still have major reserva-tions because of experience.”

“I cannot support it,” Smyth said.Despite the estimated 1,500 short-term

rentals operating in the county to date, thecounty has only received 80 complaintsabout short-term lodgings, according tocounty documents.

“I do believe that owner operators, wherethey are not present during the rental,where the home isn’t the owner’s residence,are really operating a business in our neigh-borhoods,” said Springfield District Super-visor Pat Herrity. “And it does change theresidential character of our neighborhoods,and I’ve alway supported protecting thoseneighborhoods,” he said, during the board’smeeting Tuesday.

“But I am concerned, on the other side,that we lose tourism benefits, that this re-ally is like Uber and Lyft, part of the neweconomy. It is something done across thecountry,” Herrity said.

Herrity, who represented the second voteagainst the the short-term lodging plan,asked the board on July 31 to take moretime to study the “complexity of the issues.”

“I think there’s good reason that the Gen-eral Assembly took two years to address it,”he said.

Braddock District Supervisor John C.Cook was the final vote against the plan.

“I share some of Supervisor Smyth’s over-all concern with the concept, but I also rec-ognize that we have to be responsive to achanging economy,” Cook said.

“To me, the way to address the impactson the surrounding community are to en-force existing law,” he said. “We have a zon-ing ordinance and we have it for a reason.”

“Occupancy limits are designed to makesure our homes don’t overwhelm the area,”said Cook.

FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, county plan-ning commissioners, planning staff andBoard of Supervisors have been interactingwith county residents about regulating rent-

following requirements:❖ Owners or renters must be permanent

residents of the property they offer for short-term lodging

❖ Properties may be rented for no morethan 60 days per calendar year.

❖ Lodgers will be limited to six adults,all be associated with the same rental con-tract

❖ Only one contract per night is allowed❖ Operators must identify an authorized

agent, not including themselves, who willbe available in to address problems thatarise while a property is being rented.

❖ There must be one designated parkingspace available for lodgers.

❖ Postings must include the short-termlodging permit number

❖ Postings must identify the location ofthe required parking space

❖ Properties may not be rented for eventsor commercial purposes like parties, wed-dings or fundraisers.

❖ Properties must be made available forinspection by county code enforcement in-spectors upon request, and comply withstate building safety rules

❖ Two-year permit will cost $200❖ Operators must pay transient occu-

pancy taxes❖ Homeowners associations and commu-

nity associations can still prohibit short-termlodgings within their subdivision or devel-opment

MOUNT VERNON District SupervisorDaniel Storck identified short-term rentalsas entrepreneurism.

“This is the new economy, this isentrepreneurism, this is exactly what it is.You’re always kind of skating near theedges of what’s legal or not legal, what therules are or not the rules, because that’spart of what creates change in society,” saidStorck.

“We’re here, and now we have to addressit. As an entrepreneur I don’t want to shutit down but at the same time, I have a lot ofconcerns,” he said.

Chairman Sharon Bulova said the board’sdecision “was not an easy one.”

“Short-term lodging, while people havebeen doing that sort of thing over the years,it hasn’t really had a name and hasn’t beensomething that’s been recognized in ourzoning ordinance. But it’s becoming some-thing that is popular and that people aredoing,” Bulova said during the meeting.“Without any kind of regulation or oversightI feel that we could be interfering with thequiet enjoyment of people’s neighborhoodsand homes.

“There were many factors to consider andvarious ways the county could go aboutregulating or restricting. Through today’sdecision, the Board of Supervisors aimedto strike the right balance between allow-ing short-term rentals to operate in FairfaxCounty under certain circumstances, whileprotecting the character and quiet enjoy-ment of residential neighborhoods in FairfaxCounty,” she said.

als such as those advertised on Airbnb,VRBO and FlipKey.

Interest has been high.More than 7,500 people took part in an

online survey. Hundreds of people attendeddozens of public meetings. More than 45people signed up to speak at the Board ofSupervisors public hearing on the topic onJuly 10, 2018, cumulatively speaking forhours.The public hearing before the Plan-ning Commission in May lasted more thanfour hours.

“I am fortunate that the McLean CitizensAssociation, they represent 60,000 residentsin my district, took this very seriously,” saidDranesville District Supervisor John W.Foust.

“And they recognize that this is going tobe a balancing act, they identified the ad-vantages, additional income for thehomeowners, making homes more afford-able, providing a cheaper alternative tohotels, and providing an opportunity tomeet people from other states and coun-tries,” said Foust.

“They warn that there are concerns thatthey wanted raised. And one was the im-pact on the character of the neighborhood,very legitimate, introduction of commercialuses in a residential area, parking and traf-fic on local streets, safety and security, noiseand trash, impact on homeowner associa-tion and condo agreements, and enforce-ability,” he said.

Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith, aschairman of Development Process Commit-tee, spearheaded the board’s efforts to fi-nalize regulations to be passed.

“We’ve been at this for a long time. TheGeneral Assembly took a couple of years tocome up with the code allowing us to dothis,” said Smith.

“In reflecting, we’re really here becausepeople change how they do things, we’vedeveloped a sharing economy, we haveshared rides, we have this with the hous-ing,” said Smith. “And sometimes local gov-ernment is a little bit behind the changes.”

SURVEY RESPONSES revealed that 82

percent of respondents thought short-termrentals should be allowed in single familyhomes; 74 percent answered that theyshould be allowed in townhouses; 76 per-cent answered they should be allowed incondominiums. Fully 40 percent of respon-dents said they had first-hand experiencewith short-term rentals.

“While it would be nice to wait, I don’tthink waiting is going to yield us any newinformation that we don’t already have to-day,” said Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay.

“You’re going to have people who don’tunderstand it, you’re going to have peoplewho love it and want no regulations, andyou’re going to have people who don’t wantthese anywhere in the county,” he said.

The county will examine how the regula-tions are working after 18 months.

“I do think it is an issue that we need toset rules of engagement, put them in theordinance, test them, see what’s happen-ing, allow people who are doing these in away that doesn’t impact the rest of the com-munity, a legal means by which to do that,”said McKay.

NEW RULES go into effect Oct. 1, 2018,allowing homes to be rented out as short-term lodgings with restrictions.

“I think the enforcement issue is going tobe a big deal,” said Foust. “I do remindpeople that this is currently illegal, andwe’ve got thousands of people doing it. Sowe’re going to make it legal, let’s hope thatthey respect that it will now be legal andthey live within the confines of the law.”

These rentals will generate an estimated$428,268 in new transient occupancy taxesa year based upon the estimated 1,500 ac-tive listings, according to the county. Of thisamount, $249,823 would go to the county’sbudget fund and the remaining amountwould be used to support tourism and re-gional transportation as required by statelaw.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS will be allowedin single-family homes, townhouses, con-dos, mobile homes and apartments with the

Legalizing Short-Term Rentals

News

New regulations will permit homeownersto rent out homes up to 60 days a year.

Possible listings through short-term rental sites, including McLean and Great Falls.


HomeLifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

The sight of store shelves overflowingwith school glue sticks and crayons sig-nals that the beginning of school is justaround the corner. While squeezing in

one last vacation, the thought of turning an eye togetting one’s home in order before the school bellrings might be met with dread.

“It can feel like a daunting task to organize whenartwork overflows from school or small trinkets comehome from birthday parties, the end of summer is agreat time to purge a lot of unnecessary items to makeway for new school year ahead,” said Allie Mann,designer-senior interiors specialist, Case Design/Re-modeling. “And it’s always a great time to donategently used items as well.”

“Especially now as families are preparing to getback to school, it’s so important to get organized,”added Anne M. Walker, Esq., Allied ASID, Owner +Principal Anne Walker Design LLC. “Nothing is morestressful than searching for something when you’realready five minutes late, it’s pouring down rain, it’spicture day at school, and you have a big work meet-ing in 45 minutes.”

Now that organization is often considered a partof interior design, the tools and hacks available aremore stylish and innovative than ever, say local de-signers. “In a kitchen in Old Town, Alexandria I in-stalled four shallow drawers underneath thecountertop at the island — one for each family mem-ber,” said Sarah Glenn, interior designer and projectmanager, Braswell Design+Build, Alexandria. “I de-signed the drawers to be just large enough to storeschool papers and a laptop so that each family mem-ber would have a dedicated temporary storage spacewithout creating four individual junk drawers.”

A Potomac, Md. family recently enlisted Walker’shelp in redesigning and reorganizing their home fromtop to bottom with an eye toward all things chic andstylish. She began in the bedrooms of the family’steenage daughter, creating custom closets.

“After the new closet was installed, I spent the bet-ter part of two days helping this teen fill the closetwith all of her belongings, putting things where theywere visible and readily accessible,” she said. “Orga-nization is important primarily because of the timeit saves. If you can find what you need to get out thedoor right away, you can sleep 20 minutes later.”

A similar closet was created for the family’s middleschool aged son. “Amazing how even young childrencan keep their rooms tidy as long as there’s a systemin place that they can understand and is practicalenough for them to use,” said Walker. “If you knowexactly where all of your clothes are, and exactlywhere to put them back after laundering them, itwill seem like you just won the lottery. You won’tbelieve how many things you have, many of whichhave been long forgotten, stuffed in the back of somedrawer or under the bed.”

One of the most important tasks on Walker’sagenda was organizing a large basement space withabundant shelving to create a home office. “In anoffice this size, children could easily use it for home-work while the parent was working there, also,” shesaid. “Sometimes it’s calming and comforting just tobe in the same space, even if you aren’t actually help-ing the child with their work.”

A home’s mudroom is supposed to serve as a gate-way into the main house, creating order and keep-ing clutter from overflowing into the home’s inte-rior, but often that isn’t the case as clutter overtakesthe space. In a recent mudroom project, Mann in-corporated elements into the design that addressedthe family’s lifestyle. “Cubbies and bench storage forsports and after-school activities for older childrenare a must,” she said. “If space allows, allocating adesignated cubbie for each child is best to keep thingsseparated and from getting lost.”

“With organization, you are constantly trying tostrike a balance between carving out enough spacefor a specific function without over-organizing to thepoint that you lose flexibility to change what youstore as your life evolves,” added Glenn.

Home organizing savesspace and time.

Preparing for New School Year

Hooks for backpacks and jackets, like thisone by Allie Mann of Case Design/Remod-eling, are a must for an organized mud-room.

Pho

to

by Stacy Z

arin

G

oldberg

Photo courtesy of Nicely Done Kitchens and Baths

This kitchen by Nicely Done Kitchens andBaths features custom cabinets of paintedMaplewood and quartz countertops. Anabundance of drawer space helps withorganization.

Photo courtesy of Anne Walker

Interior designer Anne Walker installed acustom closet by Capitol Closet Design inthe bedroom of this Potomac. Md. home tocreate an organized space in time forschool.


Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcementsat www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal-endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGArt Exhibit: “Too Much of Too

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Sprinklers. 1 p.m. on the lawn ofthe Freeman Store, 131 Church St.NE, Vienna. Young children andfamilies are invited to listen to astory, tune into some favorite songs,then have a little casual fun withwater sprinklers at 1 p.m. Free andappropriate for all ages. Visitwww.viennava.gov.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/AUG. 8-9Studio Ghibli: Spirited Away.

Wednesday, 7 p.m. (Japanese withEnglish subtitles); Thursday, 11 a.m.(English dubbed) at Angelika FilmCenter – Mosaic, 2911 District Ave.,Fairfax. The Angelika Mosaic willfeature animated films from thecelebrated Studio Ghibli praised fortheir originality, stunning animation,and ambitious storytelling. All ticketsare regular admission. Visitwww.AngleikaFilmCenter.com.

THURSDAY/AUG. 9Nottoway Nights. 7:30-8:30 p.m. at

Nottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Featuring CathyPonton King (Blues/Soul). Bringblankets and chairs and enjoy musicfrom around the world everyThursday evening at Nottoway Park.Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/nottoway-nights.

FRIDAY/AUG. 10Three Classical Comedies. 3 p.m. at

The Madeira School ChapelAuditorium, McLean. After weeks oflearning classical theatre, practicingmovement and vocalizing, androasting s’mores over the fire,Traveling Players’ youth ensembleswill present a festival of threeclassical plays. The schedule for thefull day is: 3-4 p.m. – BourgeoisGentleman (Middle SchoolEnsemble); 4:15-5:45 Love’s Labor’sLost – (High School Ensemble); 5:45-6:30 – Dinner (picnic on the lawn);6:30-8 – Sleeping Beauty (CommediaTroupe); 8-8:30 – Campfire castparty/strike. $10 tickets available atthe door. For directions, visitwww.madeira.org/about-madeira/contact-us/.

River Fishing by Boat. 5:30-7:30p.m. at Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills St., Great Falls. Fishfor smallmouth bass and sunfish froma canoe or boat with an introductoryclass on boating and fishing basics.No previous experience paddling or

rowing is required. Boats andpersonal flotation devices (PFDs),fishing rods and bait are provided.Designed for participants age 5 toadult. Maximum of three participantsper boat, one of whom must be 16 orolder. $16 per person, and eachparticipant must register. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

Summer on the Green: RichardWalton Group. 6:30 p.m. arearesidents can catch a new and diversemusical act at the Town Green or atChillin’ on Church. Bring blanketsand chairs, but please leave Fido andany other pets at home. The concertsare free and open to the public. Visitwww.viennava.gov.

13th: The Movie. 7:30 p.m. at Unityof Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road,Oakton. Mystical Movie Night—13th:Join Unity of Fairfax for a screeningand discussion of “13th,” an Emmy-Award-winning look at the 13thAmendment and the history of racialinequality in the U.S. prison system.Free. Visit www.unityoffairfax.org/events.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 10-12Beauty and the Beast. Friday-

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30p.m. at the Vienna CommunityCenter, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna.Vienna Youth Players’ premieres WaltDisney’s Beauty and the Beast. Thecast and crew features more than 30aspiring student-artists, ages 8-18.This production will be a swan songas it is director Barbara ‘Babs’ Dyer’sfinal show with the company afterhelming the director’s chair 26 years.Tickets are $15 each generaladmission, at viennava.gov/webtracor at the community center.

SATURDAY/AUG. 11Author Event and Book Signing. 1-

3 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library, 101Maple Avenue, E., Vienna. What wasit like to live in early 20th centuryrural Vienna? George Atkisson, 95, alifelong resident of Vienna and aWorld War II veteran, will sign copiesof his new Vienna-inspired novel“The Chalice and the Stirrup Cup”and answer questions about the bookor his life in Northern Virginia duringthe Great Depression. Copies will beavailable for purchase on site, or buya copy before the event at theFreeman Store or online. All ages.Visit historicviennainc.org or call703-938-5187.

Bands for Bikes. 1-4 p.m. at OldFirehouse Teen Center, 1440 ChainBridge Road, McLean. Rising collegefreshmen Jack Lichtenstein andMorgan Poirier, will host their 5thannual “Bands for Bikes” concert tobenefit Wheels to Africa (a youth-ledall volunteer 501c(3) that collectsused bikes for needy children).Joining the boys as an organizer thisyear will be Langley risingsophomore and musician, ClaireFulton. Area student musicians andbands will be performing on theoutdoor stage. Bike donationswelcome (but not required) and canbe dropped off 10 a.m.-4 p.m. thatday.

Live Music: Dan Navarro. 8 p.m. atJammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. With a career spanningdecades and a dozen albums withLowen & Navarro, Dan Navarro hasjust released his first true studio-recorded solo album, “Shed MySkin.” $20-25. Visitwww.jamminjava.com.

SUNDAY/AUG. 12Alden Summer Concerts: Morgan

Taylor’s “Music of GustaferYellowgold” (Family Friendly).5 p.m. in McLean Central Park, 1468Dolley Madison Blvd. Free parking at

Dolley Madison Library, 1244 OakRidge Ave. The Alden’s 2018 SummerSunday Concerts in the Park expandthis year to include a “welcome,summer” concert on Sunday, June 3,and then seven concerts from July 1through Aug. 12. Visitwww.aldentheatre.org.

Concerts on the Green: RewSmith. 6-8 p.m. on the Great FallsVillage Centre Green. Sundaysthroughout the summer, bring apicnic and chairs for an evening offree, live music. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

MONDAY/AUG. 13Dining with Dorothy. 12:30 p.m. at

Ledo Pizza, 141 Park St., Vienna. Aprogram of the Shepherd’s Center ofOakton-Vienna. Join with friends ormake new ones. Newcomers arealways welcome. To reserve space,contact event chair, Dorothy Flood [email protected].

Donation Deadline. During bankhours at Sonabank, 6830 OldDominion Drive, # A, McLean.Sonabank is collecting schoolsupplies at all branches. Visitwww.sonabank.com.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, AUG. 13-17Mini-Miller Camp. 9 a.m.-noon at

Colvin Run Mill, 10017 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. The mini-millercamp gives children ages 6-12 anopportunity to work a 200-year-oldoperating grist mill. They’ll learn theskills the miller needed as well asthose of a blacksmith, and have achance to make their own butter.Cost for the full week of camp is$197. Call 703-759-2771 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

TUESDAY/AUG. 14Live Music: Cory Wong. 8 p.m. at

Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E.,Vienna. Known for his guitarwork inthe midwestern ensemble Vulfpeck,Cory Wong steps out on his own forthe 2nd time with “The Optimist,”

due out Aug. 17. $15-25. Visitwww.jamminjava.com.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY/AUG. 15-16Studio Ghibli: Howl’s Moving

Castle. Wednesday, 7 p.m.(Japanese with English subtitles);Thursday, 11 a.m. (English dubbed)at Angelika Film Center – Mosaic,2911 District Ave., Fairfax. TheAngelika Mosaic will featureanimated films from the celebratedStudio Ghibli praised for theiroriginality, stunning animation, andambitious storytelling. All tickets areregular admission. Visitwww.AngleikaFilmCenter.com.

THURSDAY/AUG. 16Nottoway Nights. 7:30-8:30 p.m. at

Nottoway Park, 9537 CourthouseRoad, Vienna. Featuring SeldomScene (Bluegrass). Bring blanketsand chairs and enjoy music fromaround the world every Thursdayevening at Nottoway Park. Free. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/nottoway-nights.

FRIDAY/AUG. 17Chillin’ on Church with Fat

Chance. 6:30 p.m. area residentscan catch a new and diverse musicalact every Friday at the Town Greenor at Chillin’ on Church. Bringblankets and chairs, but please leaveFido and any other pets at home. Theconcerts are free and open to thepublic. Visit www.viennava.gov.

SATURDAY/AUG. 18Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. 10 a.m.

at Safeway – Chesterbrook, 6244 OldDominion Drive, McLean. Safewaywill unveil renovations to itsChesterbrook store. Local dignitariesare expected to join Safeway officialsfor the ceremony, with live musicpresented by McLean High Schoolband students.

Paddle the Potomac. 5:30-7:30 p.m.at Riverbend Park, 8700 PotomacHills St., Great Falls. Watch for deer

foraging on the islands and ospreyand bald eagles searching for fish asyou paddle a kayak through awildlife-rich section of the PotomacRiver. This is not a whitewater tour,and no previous experience isrequired. Kayaks will be provided –one person per kayak. Forparticipants age 14 to adult runs.Download the waiver at go.usa.gov/xnFNc and bring the completed formto the tour. $40 per person. Call 703-759-9018 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend.

SUNDAY/AUG. 19Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m.-noon at

Vienna American Legion Post 180,330 Center St., N. Vienna. Getomelets, scrambled eggs, blueberrypancakes, bacon, sausage, biscuitsand gravy and more. Adults $10,children 12 and under $4. Call 703-938-6580.

Concerts on the Green: VinylInvention. 6-8 p.m. on the GreatFalls Village Centre Green. Sundaysthroughout the summer, bring apicnic and chairs for an evening offree, live music. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org.

MONDAY/AUG. 20Ann Wilson & Jeff Beck. 8 p.m. at

Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1551 TrapRoad, Vienna. Ann Wilson of Heart isgearing up for a busy summer thatwill see her performing on the “StarsAlign Tour” with Jeff Beck and PaulRodgers and prepping the release ofher new solo album, IMMORTAL, dueout Sept. 14. $35-$75. Visitwww.wolftrap.org for tickets.

Mary Jane Cogan exhibitsat Great Falls Library.

Art ExhibitAs a young piano student, Mary Jane

Cogan studied the three Bs of music:Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Now asan artist, she has selected three popularBs of art – Blossoms, Birds, and Butter-flies – for her art show at the Great FallsLibrary. The theme is presented in a va-riety of media: watercolor and acrylicpaintings, alcohol inks, and photogra-phy. The exhibit can be viewed throughAug. 30. Great Falls library is located at9830 Georgetown Pike.

Photo by Greg Hotsenpiller

From left: Eric Stein, organizer Jack Lichtenstein andBryan Bedell of The Unexpected have played Bands forBikes for the last four years.

Bands for BikesRising college freshmen Jack Lichtenstein and Morgan Poirier, will host their 5th

annual “Bands for Bikes” concert to benefit Wheels to Africa (a youth-led all vol-unteer 501c(3) that collects used bikes for needy children). Joining the boys as anorganizer this year will be Langley rising sophomore and musician, Claire Fulton.Area student musicians and bands will be performing on the outdoor stage. Satur-day, Aug. 11, 1-4 p.m. at Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road,McLean. Bike donations welcome (but not required) and can be


From Page 3

News

Before and after the meeting Comstock,Favola and Foust were surrounded by con-stituents, wanting to make their opinionsknown. Foust, for one, is not convinced theproposal is the answer, but in a phone in-terview earlier in the day, he said he wouldconsider the recommendations and listento what his constituents wanted.

Those constituents lined up quickly tovoice their views during the public commen-tary period.

“Nothing they can say will make me be-lieve this a viable option,” was JoanneTheon’s reaction to the proposal. A fifty-yearresident of the area, Theon says the closureswould cause great inconvenience to localresidents.

“Why didn’t VDOT listen to us before?”she asked, when residents complained that“dumping the HOT lanes right here” wouldonly add to the traffic pileup before andafter the Georgetown Pike ramp.

Michael Mahoney of Langley Oaks is an-other opponent of the plan. Mahoney has alist of other ideas that should be considered“long before taking this drastic step.”Mahoney says that officials “aren’t usingwhat’s already available to us,” like roadshoulder usage with green and red arrowssimilar to what has been used on I-66, orwidening the ramp, or utilizing other roadservices - what he called the “zipper roads”- such as the road under the Route 123bridge.

Several of the attendees expressed theconcern that while the plan might improvethe Beltway traffic flow – although Moorerepeatedly used the term “a wash” whendescribing the potential change in Beltwaytraffic movement as a result of the rampclosure – it would simply send the bottle-neck further down the line, toward the al-ready congested interchange with the DullesToll Road, and further down I-495 to Tysonsand beyond.

“And what about other neighborhoods,like those along Route 7, Lewinsville Roadand around Tysons?” asked several of thecommenters. As much as the McLean resi-dents want a solution to their traffic woes,most did not wish to achieve that goal atthe expense of others.

VDOT Presents Radical Solution to Traffic Woessus the inconvenience caused to those whochose private schools in Maryland or theDistrict. In the public school system, par-ents “don’t have that choice of where tosend their kids.”

Lorenze wants VDOT to survey parentsin conjunction with area schools to see justhow increased traffic in the last two yearshas affected their children and participa-tion in sports, after-school activities, andother school events.

“Have the courage to move forward withthis pilot VDOT,” Lorenze urged in the com-ments she emailed after the meeting. Whilethe plan may not work, she feels it is anopportunity to gather data, and Lorenzesays doing nothing is “simply not accept-able.”

Great Falls resident Joe Yoon also thinksthe pilot program should be given a try. “Weneed the data to make the right choice.” Asfor affecting traffic further south along theBeltway, Yoon says “those are roads that can

still be changed, adjusted, unlikeGeorgetown Pike.”

Yoon, in agreement with thecomments of several of the at-tendees, said that the ultimatesolutions are vast improvementsto the American Legion Bridgeand a new bridge over thePotomac. Since Yoon thinks “wewill have flying cars before a newbridge,” he is willing to supportthe four-month pilot program.“Let’s see what we get and gofrom there.”

INFORMATION about theproposed plan is available onthe VDOT websitewww.virginiadot.org and at theNorthern Virginia District Of-fice at 4975 Alliance Drive,Fairfax. VDOT is asking thepublic to submit their com-ments and suggest ions via

email to Al l ison Richter [email protected], in-cluding “McLean Area Traffic Analysis”in the subject line. VDOT will be updat-ing the site with a summary of commentsreceived and any actions take. Anotherpublic meeting will be held in the Fall.

IN RESPONSE to those con-cerns, Moore said that VDOTwould “stress test” other areasthat appear to be adversely af-fected by the ramp closures.

Jeffrey Parnes was one of thosewho pointed out that “there ismore going on here” and any pro-posed solution cannot be so mi-croscopically focused in his esti-mation. The Oak Hill residentcommented that Fairfax Countyand the Commonwealth of Vir-ginia have “spent millions … toencourage economic develop-ment by the relocation of indus-try, commercial and residentialuses to our county” but that in-frastructure has not kept pace tosupport the growth “not just inthe Tysons area, but the wholeDulles Corridor, including Reston,Herndon and Vienna.”

Without solving the real issue, Parnessaid, “you are removing my ability to trans-verse state and interstate roads to solve apurely local problem.”

While possibly not in the majority, therewere those who expressed approval – evenif sometimes with reservations – for the pro-

posal.Lorenze, the local resident who experi-

ences the “ridiculous” journey from hometo Langley High School, is willing to give ita shot. She defends the plight of publicschool parents fighting to get to LangleyHigh School or Cooper Middle School, ver-

Michael Mahoney of Langley Oaks is opposed to theramp proposal. “There are other options thathaven’t been explored and need to be before takingthis drastic step.”

A 50-year resident of McLean,Joanne Theon says the plan is aninconceivable inconvenience tolocal residents. “It just doesn’tmake sense. It’s not a solution.”

“Give it a try,” said Joe Yoon ofGreat Falls, who thinks the realanswer is in a new bridge overthe Potomac, but “since we willhave flying cars before a newbridge,” Yoon thinks it’s worthtesting the plan.

Photos by Andrea Worker/The Connection

On Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 4:48 p.m.,personnel from stations 12 (Great Falls),18 (Jefferson), 39 (North Point), and 42(Wolf Trap) responded with other sup-porting companies to a report of a dogtrapped on the rocks in Difficult Run nearGeorgetown Pike in the Great Falls areaof Fairfax County. The dog was stuck ona rock in the middle of the waterway andunable to return to shore. Swift waterpersonnel were able to return the dog

safely to its owner without injury — accord-ing to Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Depart-ment.

With potential rain still in the forecast forthe near future, everyone should remem-ber to exercise caution while near any wa-terway as conditions can turn unexpectedlyhazardous quickly. In this case, bystandersdid the correct thing by staying out of thewater, contacting 9-1-1, and helping iden-tify the exact site of the emergency.

Dog Rescued from Water in Great Falls

Swift water person-nel were able toreturn the dogsafely to its ownerwithout injury.

Photo courtesy of Fire &

Rescue Department


News

The Great Falls Rotary Interact Club wentfrom digging and filling drainage ditchesto helping raise a roof at the group’s thirdHabitat for Humanity service project in

Lynchburg, Va. The 17 club members, ranging from16-18 years old, traveled to the central Virginia siteSunday, July 22 and returned home July 25.

While there, the teenagers learned from andworked with the seasoned Greater Lynchburg Habi-tat construction teams on a house built in memoryof longtime Habitat volunteer/builder Ann MarieMyers. Ms. Myers was a special part of the “Women’sBuild” group.

THE INTERACT CLUB MEMBERS also workedalongside the soon-to-be homeowner, AkiraSaunders. “They have been working so hard,”Saunders said as she worked with the team on site,“This warms my heart that they would do this.” Inaddition to receiving interest-free loans from Habi-tat, homeowners like Saunders must volunteer atleast 200 hours helping build Habitat homes as aprecondition to purchasing.

Executive Director of Greater Lynchburg Habitatfor Humanity Donna Vincent said the Great FallsInteractors bring help that is vital to their organiza-tion. “With cheerful demeanor and without a singlecomplaint, they dug in some of the hardest groundon the planet in order to place drain tile in it. Theywaterproofed a foundation. They lifted roof trussesinto place,” said Vincent. “They had really thought-ful questions, clearly aimed to gain a deeper under-standing of the Habitat for Humanity mission. Wewill look forward to some of them returning nextyear for the fourth Great Falls Interact Youth dayshere at Greater Lynchburg Habitat.”

Twelve of this year’s Interact group graduated fromhigh school this year. Five of them — Ashley Baradari,Chloe Bennett, Thompson Brownlee, Jared Tewodrosand Declan Thinnes — have volunteered at everyHabitat service trip.

“The Habitat trip was such a special experience,”said Ashley Baradari. “It was so great to see every-one working together to put the roof up and I couldn’tbe more proud of such an amazing group. I’m so gladI got to go on this trip one last time with everyone.”

THE FIVE NEWER MEMBERS said they learnedso much from this first build. “It was a great experi-ence to help others and see what goes into actuallybuilding a house,” said Juliana Wilhelmy, one of nextyear’s Interact co-presidents. “I learned skills likeusing a power drill, and it was all thanks to the kindand patient volunteers who took the time to teachall of us. It was also awesome to see the Lynchburgcommunity come together to support Habitat throughmeals from the church groups. I’m so happy that Ihad the opportunity to go and meet all of the won-derful people working with Habitat and help a fam-ily build a home.”

Interact clubs are sponsored by Rotary Interna-tional, a global service organization that operatesthrough a local club, the Rotary Club of Great Falls.Interact is for 13-19 year-old teens. The Interact Clubengages in many charitable activities throughout theyear, such as canned food drives for local food banks,and fundraisers like car washes and bake sales toraise money for service projects such as the Habitatfor Humanity project. The Interact Club holds bi-

Raising a Roof, Building a HomeGreat Falls Rotary Interact Club teens take part inthird annual Habitat for Humanity service project.

monthly meetings near the Great Falls village cen-ter.

For more information on Interact or Rotary visitgreatfallsinteract.com/ or email:[email protected]

Photos contributed

Rotary Great Falls Interact Habitat Volun-teers pictured at the project site.

Members of Rotary Great Falls InteractNew Leadership Team.

Great Falls Interacters sheeting theroof trusses.


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

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDAARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to

expand its team of volunteers for the upcomingtax season. Tax-Aide, now in its 51st year, offersfree in-person preparation and assistance toanyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’tafford a tax preparation service. Volunteersmake a difference in their communities byassisting many older, lower-income taxpayers,and their families, who might otherwise miss outon the tax credits and deductions they’veearned. To learn about volunteer opportunities,visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESThe Fairfax-Falls Church Community

Services Board’s Merrifield Center offers anew stand-up information kiosk. Part of a pilotproject, the new feature aims to improve thecustomer service experience and decrease waittimes for individuals who are seeking mental(behavioral) health services. To check in,individuals respond to five simple questions,then the CSB’s Patient Track software alertsstaff. Based on clinicians’ schedules andavailability, as well as the needs of the client,individuals are triaged and seen by the nextavailable staff member. For more information onavailable services, call the CSB at 703-383-8500(Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). In anemergency 24/7, call CSB Emergency Services at703-573-5679 or the Fairfax Detox Center at703-502-7000 (TTY 703-322-9080).

SUNDAY/AUG. 12Spiritual Prosperity Workshop. 1:30-4 p.m. at

Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road,Oakton. Learn how to make changes in life usingspiritual laws of abundance in this workshopwith nationally-known author and speakerEdwene Gaines. Workshop is offered on a loveoffering (donation) basis. Call 703-281-1767 orvisit www.unityoffairfax.org/four-spiritual-laws-prosperity-workshop-s for more.

THURSDAY/AUG. 16Caregivers Support Group. 10-11:30 a.m. at

UUCF Unitarian Universalist Congregation ofFairfax - Program Building, 2709 Hunter MillRoad, Oakton. For caregivers to adult familymembers with dementia. First and thirdThursdays of every month. Hosted by Shepherd’sCenter of Oakton-Vienna, scov.org. Contactfacilitator Jack Tarr at 703-821-6838 [email protected].

After Work Networking Mixer. 5:30-7:30 p.m.at 8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 150, McLean.Wine Tasting and Networking Event, hosted byDr. Nicole Van, DDS, PC. Wine tasting will beserved by Vienna Vintner and appetizers will becatered by Purple Onion Catering. Visittysonschamber.org to register.

SATURDAY/AUG. 18Write Away Stress. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Unity

of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton.Learn how in a writing workshop featuring theall-new Write It Away method of stressmanagement. Facilitator is Sue McCollum, LPC,therapeutic writing coach and co-author of asoon-to-be-published book on how to usewriting to tame the tension in your life. $30.Email [email protected].

AUG. 26-SEPT. 9Pool Closure: Providence RECenter. Four

Fairfax County Park Authority RECenter poolswill be closing for regular, periodic cleaning andmaintenance next month. Consider trying outanother county pool during the temporaryshutdown. RECenter passes are valid at all ninePark Authority RECenters. Dates are subject tochange. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/recenter for more.

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