2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2017 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Marti Moore

The Connection

More than 70 people stoodtheir ground on gun vio-lence Nov. 14 and remindedthe National Rifle Associa-

tion of the need for tougher laws in thewake of another mass shooting two weeksago in Texas — where 26 churchgoers wereslain and 20 wounded in the sanctuary ofthe First Baptist Church in SutherlandSprings.

Northern Virginia residents held protestsigns for motorists driving past the power-ful lobby’s national headquarters at 11250Waples Mill Road in Fairfax.

Participants in these protests said theyhave seen cars speed past them in the turnlane during previous protests, and watchedsome drivers make other ill-mannered ges-tures.

“There are people coming into the NRAwho don’t like us,” says Kris Gregory of theConcerned Citizens Against Gun Violence.Although she believes association employ-ees are respectful, Gregory understands theNRA is open to the general public. She isaware visitors of the National FirearmsMuseum and firing range may not appreci-ate the sight of protesters.

GREGORY NOTES some motorists re-spond favorably to their public awarenesscampaign by shouting words of encourage-ment, beeping their car horns or giving athumbs-up gesture in approval.

The presence of local law enforcement islow-key, she believes, “Because we arepeaceful and nonviolent.” Fairfax CountyPolice keeps a watchful eye as cruisers pa-trol Waples Mill Road. Only joint-actionprotests, Gregory states, warrant a largepolice presence — such as the CodePink“die-in” demonstration held Tuesday, June21, 2016.

Gregory says her grassroots organizationin Falls Church formed after the Dec. 14,2012 massacre in Newtown, Conn. —where 20 school children and six adultswere fatally shot inside the Sandy HookElementary School. The 20-year-old gun-man first shot and killed his 52-year-oldmother, a gun enthusiast, at home. Onlinereports say among the firearms used by thegunman was the Bushmaster AR-15 mili-tary-style assault rifle.

The soft-spoken volunteer activist statesConcerned Citizens Against Gun Violenceand other advocacy groups in Northern Vir-ginia meet in front of the NRA on the 14thof every month in memory of the lives lostin the Newtown slaying and to “raise aware-ness of gun violence and the toll it takes onall of us,” Gregory says.

She points out “So many people here areunaware the NRA headquarters is in ourbackyard.” Gregory believes the lobby hasdone a very good job of confusing peoplewith claims that gun safety laws underminethe Second Amendment rights of citizens

bly to introduce a statewide universal back-ground check bill to remove loopholes inthe purchase of guns.

Plum — the longest-serving member ofthe Virginia House of Delegates — is en-couraged by recent winners of the Nov. 7General Election, led by executive branchteam Gov.-elect Ralph S. Northam, Lt. Gov.-elect Justin E. Fairfax and the re-electedAttorney General Mark R. Herring. Plumstates in his recent written opinion a moreevenly split partisan composition in the leg-islative branch has worked out in the pastto help state lawmakers focus on problemsolving versus “simply getting credit.”

NEXT MONTH’S PROTEST at the NRAheadquarters marks five years since the kill-ing spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School.An interfaith prayer vigil, led by the Uni-tarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax,is planned for Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to noonby the Concerned Citizens Against Gun Vio-lence, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence,the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Vio-lence and Moms Demand Action for GunSense in America.

“We have been here without fail since Jan.14, 2013,” Gregory said, “for all victims andsurvivors of gun violence.”

Protesting Gun Violence Universal background checkstops the list for NRA protesters.

Activists against gun violence line the sidewalk Nov. 14 in front of theheadquarters of the National Rifle Association at 11250 Waples MillRoad in Fairfax, where they hold protest signs for passing motorists aspart of their awareness campaign. This regular gathering is an open-action protest and signs are provided to those who want to participateon the 14th of each month.

Kris Gregory of theConcerned CitizensAgainst Gun Violencein Falls Churchstands on the side-walk Nov. 14 at11250 Waples MillRoad, and remem-bers victims of lastweek’s mass shoot-ing in the sanctuaryof the First BaptistChurch in SutherlandSprings, Texas.

Photos by

Marti Moore

The Connection

under the U.S. Constitution.For example, most Americans understand

people who purchase firearms are screenedby the National Instant Criminal Back-ground Check System, run by the FBI since1998. Gregory claims the process is volun-tary in Virginia, and retailers and privatedealers aren’t required to conduct back-ground checks. She adds local gun safetyadvocates are calling for “universal back-ground checks at the federal and state lev-els for all sales and transfers of firearms.”

Gregory isn’t opposed to the lawful own-ership of weapons under the Bill of Rights.“A convicted felon or domestic abusershould not have the same gun rights as law-abiding citizens,” she maintains.

Gregory points out state legislator Del.Kenneth “Ken” R. Plum (D-36) of Reston isthe lawmaker who has stood consistentlywith gun safety advocates each month, sincetheir first protest Jan. 14, 2013.

“I find these mass shootings to be so of-fensive,” said Plum. The retired schoolteacher hasn’t forgotten about the souls lostat Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook.

“And the list grows longer and still noth-ing is done,” he explains Nov. 20.

The theme of the regular vigil at the NRA— “we are never going to forget the needfor sensible gun laws” — is what propelsPlum to attend as often as he can. He andother participants of the protest feel theurgency to keep reminding folks the kill-ings are still going on. The state lawmakeremphasizes “We need to take action.

“Nobody is proposing taking awayeveryone’s guns,” Plum maintains, “but wecan take action on enacting sensible gunsafety measures.” In January, the delegatewill make his fourth try at General Assem-


News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

Northwest Federal Credit Union(NWFCU) headquartered inHerndon, marked its 70thanniversary. The organization

celebrated with a cake cutting by their ex-ecutive team and board on Monday, Nov.20, at its national headquarters located at200 Spring St., Herndon.

NWFCU is centered on a culture of ser-vice and philanthropy, wherein it supportsand participates in local events to benefitthe communities they serve. This cultureinspired an all-year giving initiative named“The 70 Acts of We,” in honor of its 70thAnniversary. The 70 acts benefited not onlythe community where NWFCU is headquar-tered but occurred in cities and towns acrossthe United States.

In the words of NWFCU, its employees,board, and their families performed its “70Acts of We” as a celebration to the creditunion’s members who have made North-west Federal a great place to bank for thepast 70 years.

At the cake cutting, NWFCU’s Presidentand Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Bentley said,“Our anniversary comes during a time of theyear where we are reminded of all we haveto be thankful for and the many ways wecan share our blessings with the community.”

Bentley’s comment referenced NWFCU’sACT number 62 of their 70 Acts of We andthe credit union’s recent participation andpartnering with Project Giveback to provideThanksgiving meals to 500 local families.“Partnering with Project GiveBack was ameaningful and rewarding way to celebratea milestone anniversary in NorthwestFederal’s journey, ” Bentley said.

Among NWFCU’s other 69 “Acts of We”were: Act 61 – loan payoff for a member inneed; Act 54 – donation to the HumaneSociety of the United States with an autolending program; Act 53 – NWFCUFoundation’s Night of Magic with INOVAChildren’s Hospital; Act 33 – Herndon Fes-tival sponsorship; Act 15 – Autism Societyof Greater Orlando space walk and familyfun night; and Act 8 – hats and glove dona-tion for hypothermia prevention program.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 29-30,NWFCU Foundation has coordinated for itsemployees to volunteer at Embry RuckerShelter in Reston, and on Friday, Dec. 1,NWFCU Foundation will be kicking off its“Help Our Kids in Crisis” drive, as the orga-nization collects plush animals, toys, and70 children’s blankets to provide to localfirst responders.

According to its webpage, “Northwest Fed-eral Credit Union is a full-service financialinstitution ranking among the largest creditunions in Virginia and the top 60 creditunions in the nation. Established in 1947and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia,Northwest Federal’s ‘Why’ is to serve andinspire to transform lives. The Credit Unioncurrently serves more than 250,000 mem-bers and has assets in excess of $3.3 billion...It’s all about what we can do together.”

Culture of serviceinspires an all-yeargiving program.

Northwest Federal Credit UnionCelebrates 70th Anniversary

Jeff Bentley, president and CEONWFCU and Victoria Gillespie,Senior Vice President EnterpriseOutreach NWFCU cut the cake atthe 70th Anniversary Celebrationheld Monday, Nov. 20, in Herndon.

Members of Northwest Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors andExecutive Team (from left): Erin Krause, Joe Hasto, Victoria Gillespie,Mary Corrado, Jeanne Tisinger, Jeff Bentley, Phyllis Ziakas, Chuck Molinaand Mike Kapfer, gather together at the credit union’s 70th AnniversaryCelebration held Monday, Nov. 20, in Herndon.

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News

Send school notes [email protected] noon on Friday.

Sarah Blanton, of Herndon, astudent at Fairleigh DickinsonUniversity’s Florham Campus, lo-cated in Madison, N.J., hasgraduated with a B.A. in film andanimation.

Herndon High School studentElsa Arita is one of five studentsin the Washington, D.C., metro-politan area recognized at theChildren’s Defense Fund 2017 Beatthe Odds celebration. The event isdesigned to highlight the achieve-ments of local students who haveovercome extraordinary adversityto excel academically and giveback to their communities.

Arita, who has a 3.3 grade pointaverage at Herndon, was born intopoverty to a single mother. At anearly age, she learned the impor-tance of education and themeaning of hard work as shewatched her mother finish sixthgrade at the age of 32. She dedi-cated herself to studying, unsure ifher family’s financial situationwould require her to get a job andsideline her education. Today, shestudies and works six days a weekand aspires to become an attorney.

Students recognized will receivea $10,000 college scholarship, alaptop computer, and will becomepart of the CDF’s youth leadershipand development program.

A recognition ceremony wasscheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, inthe Annenberg Theater at theNewseum in Washington, D.C.

School Notes

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

The HerndonWoman’s Clubheld their 59thAnnual Fall Fashion

Show and luncheon on Saturday,Nov. 11 at the Hyatt RegencyDulles in Herndon. Proceedsfrom this year’s event benefittedLuke’s Wings, a nonprofit orga-nization that unites WoundedWarriors, Veterans, and Heroeswith their loved ones when theyneed them the most.

Lisa Lombardozzi is presi-dent of the Herndon Woman’sClub. Lombardozzi reportedthe club sold approximately280 tickets for the event.She explained HerndonWoman’s Club chose Luke’sWings as its beneficiary thisyear since the fashion showhappened on Veterans Day. “Itseemed fitting that [the benefi-ciary] should be a military or-ganization,” Lombardozzi said.

According to their website,Luke’s Wings provides familieswith the means to visit their lovedones during the service member’s

By purchasing travel agencyservices and tickets, Luke’sWings provides an immediateand invaluable service to thefamilies and encourages andmotivates the service member’srecovery.

Bev Davis, a long-timeWoman’s Club member, said, “We are thrilled to be supportingLuke’s Wings... and continuingthe tradition of supporting areacharities and organizations.”

As in previous years, rafflesand door prizes rounded outthe fashion show that featuredthe “Lovely Ladies of theHerndon Woman’s Club” asmodels, including LindaCrawford, Joanne Emswiler,Kathy Herbert, Peggy Lanier,Wanda Mitchell, GabrielaO’Bryan and Barbara Torry.

For more information aboutHerndon Woman’s Club andtheir community programs –including their upcoming par-ticipation in Wreaths AcrossAmerica as they coordinate theChestnut Grove ceremony and

wreath laying event for the fourthyear or sponsor a wreath – visitwww.herndonwomansclub.org.

Herndon Woman’s Club Members Strut the Catwalk

Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection

From left: runway models Elma Mankin, Barbara Torrey,Wanda Mitchell, Peggy Lanier, Joanne Emswiler, KathyHerbert, Gabriele O’Bryan, and Linda Crawford take a bow atthe end of the Herndon Woman’s Club Fashion Show 2017.Proceeds from the show benefitted Luke’s Wings.

hospitalization and rehabilitation.Many people are unaware that thegovernment only offers three

flights when service members arewounded. That is where Luke’sWings steps in.


News

As Christmas approaches, children ev-erywhere will be watching the skies forSanta Claus. Here in Fairfax County somevery special children won’t have to waituntil Christmas Eve. Since 1988, Santaand his elves have been rumbling downthe streets of Fairfax County on motor-cycles picking up and delivering toys tochildren in local hospitals.

Once again this year, Santa will tem-porarily trade in his sleigh and reindeerfor a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and

police escort. The Fairfax County PoliceMotor Squad, along with with the FairfaxCounty Sheriff ’s Office, Virginia State Po-lice, Fairfax City Police, the Town of ViennaPolice, and the Herndon Police will escortSanta on his annual “Ride for Children” –according to FCPD Media Relations Bu-reau.

During the second week of December,Santa and his elves will collect donated toysfrom local police stations, other governmentfacilities, and eight Fairfax County Schools.

On Dec. 13 and 14 Santa and his helperswill deliver toys to children at INOVAChildren’s Hospital Child - Life ServicesCenter and the Georgetown HospitalLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.Some of the toys that are not handed outon the day of Santa’s visit are left with theChild Life programs at each hospital. Thosetoys are used throughout the year to pro-vide the children something to keep theirmind off being in the hospital. Toys will alsogo to various local charities including Life

with Cancer and the Herndon-RestonF.I.S.H. (Friendly Instant SympatheticHelp).

Anyone wishing to make a donationcan bring a new, unwrapped toy, game,book, or other gift to any Fairfax CountyPolice Station, Fairfax County PublicSafety Headquarters, Fairfax CountyPrint Shop at the Government Center, orthe lobbies of the Pennino and HerrityOffice Buildings. All donations should bemade before 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11.

Santa, Motors, and Gifts for Kids in Hospitals

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

LINK, an all-volunteer pantry serviing Herndon, Sterling, andAshburn hosted their annualThanksgiving Holiday Program on

Saturday, Nov. 18. Lisa Lombardozzi, LINKPresident reported more than 900 familiessigned up to receive food assistance thisyear, the largest number of people since theprogram began in 1985.

Asked to comment on the factors thatcontributed to the record-breaking numberof requests, Lombardozzi reported opera-tional changes in several other local orga-nizations were responsible.

For LINK’s Thanksgiving Food Program,clients were assigned to either Trinity Pres-byterian Church in Herndon or Christ theRedeemer Church in Sterling. At both loca-tions, beneficiaries received a grocery giftcard and three days worth of food for theirfamilies – items donated by local businesses,

churches, schools, individuals, and throughdrives such as “Scouting for Food.”

LINK invited beneficiaries to visit the Ster-ling United Methodist Church to select gen-tly used coats and winter clothing. In all,LINK distributed more than 25,000 poundsof food, $25,000 worth of grocery gift cards,and 3,000 coats and other pieces of essen-tial clothing.

Among the hundreds of volunteers whoprovided the workforce for the day weremembers of the Sigma Mu Mu Chapter ofOmega PSI Phi Fraternity, Incorporated lo-cated in Loudoun County. According toReginald Parker, Chairman of Sigma Mu MuSocial Action Committee, all the Brothersvalue community service. “We are commit-ted to actively demonstrating an ongoingcommitment to serving our local commu-nity with a strong statement that, “We arehere to help,” he wrote when reached forcomment.

Lombardozzi said she was very apprecia-tive and enthusiastic about all the volun-

teers and organizations that stepped for-ward for the Thanksgiving Holiday Pro-gram. “The community has been very sup-portive of the LINK holiday program. Everytime we ask for volunteers, food, coats, ortoys, we are blessed with a generous re-sponse,” she said.

Lombardozzi stated LINK would repeat asimilar process at their Saturday, Dec. 16,Christmas Holiday Program. Instead ofcoats though, new toys would be offered tothe 2,083 registered children. More than4,100 new toys are needed to support re-quests for children ages newborn to 16 yearsof age.

Lombardozzi added that LINK’s food sup-plies are very low and must be replenishedfor the record number of people who signedup for help. “We need schools, churches, andbusinesses to host food drives,” she said.

Lombardozzi asked for help in getting theword out to any group willing to host a foodor toy drive and requested those interestedcontact [email protected] orvisit www.linkagainsthunger.org for moreinformation.

“With your help, we can make the holi-days a little better for these families in ourcommunity,” Lombardozzi said.

Food and toys needed to support LINK’sDecember Holiday Program.

LINK Fulfills Record-Breaking Number of Requests for Food

From lef: members of the Sigma Mu Mu Chapter of Omega PSI Phi Fra-ternity, Incorporated, Drew Gerald, Jerome Smith, Paul Forbes, DuaneKey, Eric Martin, Derrick Clarke, Leroy Ross, Larry Massey, FrankSimmons, Marcus Fisher, and Derrick Pough help distribute food duringLINK’s Thanksgiving Holiday Program held Saturday, Nov. 18.

Photos courtesy of LINK

Members of the Sigma Mu Mu Chapter of Omega PSI Phi Fraternity,Incorporated, Reginald Parker, Marc Byer (hidden), Eric Martin, and PaulForbes unload groceries for LINK’s Thanksgiving Holiday Program.

LINK offered more than 3,000gently used coats and other essen-tial pieces of clothing during itsThanksgiving Holiday Programheld on Nov. 18.


News

As the holiday season begins, officers with the Herndon PoliceDepartment have already beengiving back to the community in

which they work, enriching the quality oflife for many Town of Herndon citizens bothyoung and old.

In mid-November, officers participated inthe Project Hope Coat Distribution held atHutchison Elementary School in Herndon.On Nov. 20, officers distributed turkeys atPaisano’s 2nd Annual Community TurkeyDonation. Visiting schools and talking withchildren one on one is a good way to get toknow the younger set, especially if food isinvolved as it was at Herndon ElementaryAnnual Thanksgiving Feast.

Reflecting on the value of service and itsimpact on the community, Herndon PoliceChief Maggie DeBoard said, “Involvementin our community and community policingis extremely important to our department.

A Holiday Snapshot of theHerndon Police DepartmentOfficers serve inmany ways.

Fostering a positive relationship with ourcommunity lets our residents know that weare here to help them in any situation.”

DeBoard added, “It’s a natural fit for usto work with great community partners likelocal businesses and our schools. Our goalis for all of Herndon’s residents to know thatthey can count on HPD to support them andkeep them safe.”

— Mercia Hobson

Photos courtesy of Herndon Police Department

Crime Prevention Specialist SPO Denise Randles poses with students atHerndon Elementary School’s Thanksgiving Feast.

Herndon Police Department partnered with Paisano’s Pizza located at1141 Elden St., # 105, Herndon, on Nov. 20 to distribute turkey dinnersto families in need. Pictured is Captain Brad Anzengruber and SergeantSaa at Paisano’s 2nd Annual Community Turkey Donation.

Herndon Police Department’sSchool Resource Officer, SPO MikeMurn helps children try on coatsduring the Project Hope CoatDistribution held at HutchisonElementary School in Herndon.


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

ONGOINGCotton Collective Art. Through Dec.

2 at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 CenterSt., Herndon. Exhibit called “TheFabric of Families Center StreetCotton Collective.” Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

Reston Farm Market, Saturdays,through Dec. 9, 8 a.m. - Noon, LakeAnne Village Center, 11401 NorthShore Drive, SNAP accepted, bonusdollar program. (CLOSED forMulticultural Festival Sept. 23)

Jazz in the City Exhibit. Varioustimes at ArtSpace Herndon, 750Center St., Herndon. Kristine Kellerand Robert Gilbert paint with aninterest in New York. Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

All-comers’ Group Fun Run atPotomac River Running.Tuesdays and Thursdays. RestonTown Center, 11900 Market St.,Reston. For beginners or competitiverunners, come out for a fun, low-keyrun that is safe and social. Call 703-689-0999 potomacriverrunning.com.

Over-40 Softball League. A Fairfax-based league is looking for enoughplayers to form another team. Playersmust be at last 40 years of age to beeligible. All games are doubleheaders- played on Sundays at Bready Parkin Herndon between 11 a.m. and 6p.m. If interested, [email protected] for more.

Art Exhibit through Jan. 8 at Artsights,Reston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. “Drag, Disney, Art Insights andArt Outsiders: The Art of TennesseeLoveless,” see the new collection byTennessee Loveless including hisretrospective book 10x10x10 andimages from his projects. Call 703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com.

THROUGH NOV. 30Sweats for Vets Drive. Not Your

Average Joe’s is partnering with theNorthwest Federal Credit UnionFoundation in Reston to raise moneyto help area veterans. Mention the“Sweats for Vets,” drive while beingserved lunch or dinner in therestaurant and NYAJ’s is donating 15percent of the cost of your meal toour Sweats for Vets veteransprogram. Visit nwfcufoundation.org.

NOV. 24-JAN. 4Gingerbread Village. Various times

at at the Hyatt Regency Reston,Reston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. See the annual display in thehotel lobby. Call 703-709-1234 orvisit reston.hyatt.com.

THURSDAY/NOV. 30Meet the Author. 7 p.m. at Scrawl

Books, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. Poet Alan King will readfrom and sign his new book “PointBlank.” Visit www.scrawlbooks.com.

FRIDAY/DEC. 1Open Mic Poetry Night. 7-9 p.m. at

ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Featured members of thePoetry Society of Virginia will bepresent to share their poetry. Anopen mic will follow, allowing foranyone attending to have a momenton stage. This event is free and opento the public. Call 703-956-9560 orvisit www.artspaceherndon.com.

SATURDAY/DEC. 2Jingle on Lake Anne. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at

Lake Anne, Reston. The free holidayevent hosted by Lake AnneMerchants, will include a visit fromSanta arriving on a lake barge,music, merchant specials, children’scrafts, cookie and ornamentdecorating, holiday arts and craftsmarket. [email protected].

Museum Open House. 10 a.m.-noonat Lake Anne, Reston. Browseexhibitions, find Reston-inspiredgifts, hot chocolate and cookies whilethey last. Author Watt Hamlett andillustrator Jill Ollison Vinson willhave a book signing of “Reston A toZ.” Visit [email protected].

Pop Up Art Show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. atArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Join us at ArtSpace duringthe Homes Tour for a Pop-up ArtShow featuring local artists likeSandi Volpe & Andrew Black. Comein to browse some handmade pieceswhile having a snack and warmingup from the cold. Call 703-956-9560or visit www.artspaceherndon.com.

Meet the Christmas Author. 11 a.m.at Scrawl Books, Reston TownCenter, 11862 Market St. Sue Fliesswill be doing a storytime reading andbook signing with her new Christmasbook “We Wish for a MonsterChristmas.” Visitwww.scrawlbooks.com.

Gifts from the Heart. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery and 3DGallery, Reston Community Center,Lake Anne at 1609-A WashingtonPlaza, Reston. Artist entry fees and10 percent of all sales will bedonated to Cornerstones. Exhibititems will remain on display throughFeb. 21. Call 703-390-6187.

Children’s Crafts at Santa’sWorkshop. 12:30-4 p.m. atArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900Market St. $5 per person; children 5and under ride free with adult.Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com.

Meet the Author. 8 p.m. at ScrawlBooks, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. Terry Tempest Williamswill talk about her book “The Hour ofLand.” Visit www.scrawlbooks.com.

DEC. 2-18Willy Wonka on Stage. Various times

at NextStop Theatre, 269 Sunset ParkDrive, Herndon. NextStop’sprofessional company on stage forCharlie Bucket’s visit to WillyWonka’s mysterious chocolatefactory. $25; family (4+) and group(10+) discounts available. Call 866-811-4111 or visitwww.nextstoptheatre.org.

SUNDAY/DEC. 3Run with Santa 5K. 8:30 a.m. at

Reston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. Jump into the season’s spirit andwear the favorite holiday gear orcostume. Free kids fun-run withfinisher medals.Call 703-689-0999 orvisit prraces.com/runwithsanta.

Herndon’s 39th Annual HolidayArts and Craft Show. 10 a.m.-4p.m. at the Herndon CommunityCenter, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon.Over 80 artisans and crafts willexhibit and sell their handmade workat this annual arts and crafts showsponsored by the Herndon Parks andRecreation Department. Call 703-435-6800, ext. 2109 or [email protected].

SUNDAY/DEC. 3Holidays on the Farm. 10-11:30 a.m.

or 1:30-3 p.m. at Frying Pan FarmPark’s Visitor Center, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Take a wagon ridewith Santa and write him a letterwith all your Christmas wishes.Decorate cookies, play games andmake a seasonal craft. $8. Call 703-437-9101 or visit fairfaxcounty.gov.

Mini-Train Rides. noon-4 p.m. atReston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com.

Holiday Crafts Day. Various times atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West OxRoad, Herndon. Enjoy Christmas atthe Farm, write letters to Santa,decorate cookies, take a wagon ridewith Santa, and enjoy seasonal craftprojects. Call 703 -437-9101.

TUESDAY/DEC. 5Computer Coding Class. 6:30 p.m. at

the Reston Regional Library, 11925Bowman Towne Drive. Learn thebasic concepts of coding in thisnational computer science initiative.Call 703-689-2700.

THURSDAY/DEC. 7Meet the Author. 7 p.m. at Scrawl

Books, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. Suzanne Scurlock-Duranawill be doing a guided meditation/reading/ book signing of her book“Reclaiming Your Body: Healing fromTrauma and Awakening Your Body’sWisdom.” Visitwww.scrawlbooks.com.

DEC. 8-9Christmas Store Help Needed.

Friday night for set up and Saturdayto escort shoppers at ViennaPresbyterian Church, 124 Park St.,NE. Call 703-938-7213.

SATURDAY/DEC. 9Winter Festival. 10 a.m.-noon at The

Goddard School - Herndon, 2400Dulles Town Blvd. Breakfast withSanta, Face painting, dancing with aprincess, cookie decorating, raffleprize, festive crafts, and games. [email protected] orcall 703-653-0337.

Meet the Author. 11 a.m. at ScrawlBooks, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. Dar Williams will be at thestore to sing and sign copies of herbook “What I Found in 1000 Towns:A Traveling Musician’s Guide toRebuilding America’s Communities— One Coffee Shop, Dog Run, andOpen-Mic Night at a Time.” Visitwww.scrawlbooks.com.

Gray Goose Studios Class. 2-4 p.m.at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Children and teens cancreate art in the medium of theirchoice with assistance from theinstructor as needed. Drawing,painting, collage, mosaic, andsculpture supplies provided. Artistscan choose one medium or work inmixed media. $25. Call 703-956-9560 or visitwww.artspaceherndon.com.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides. 4-9p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900

Market St. $5 per person; children 5and under ride free with adult.Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com.

SUNDAY/DEC. 10Holidays on the Farm. 10-11:30 a.m.

or 1:30-3 p.m. at Frying Pan FarmPark’s Visitor Center, 2739 West OxRoad, Herndon. Take a wagon ridewith Santa and write him a letterwith Christmas wishes. Decoratecookies, play games and make aseasonal craft. $8. Call 703-437-9101or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Mini-Train Rides. noon-4 p.m. atReston Town Center, 11900 MarketSt. Proceeds go to local charities. Call703-709-6720 or visitrestontowncenter.com.

Kids Yarn Workshop. 2-4 p.m. atArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.,Herndon. Pakistani-American fineartist and sculptor Asma Chaudharywill present an interactive yarnwrapping experience withparticipants to use embroidery yarn,bells, and pipe cleaners and attachthem to various repurposed andrecycled objects often found aroundin homes such as baskets,kitchenware, furniture, and birdcages. $15. Call 703-956-9560 orvisit www.artspaceherndon.com.

Holiday Crafts Day. Various times atFrying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West OxRoad, Herndon. Enjoy Christmas atthe Farm, write letters to Santa,decorate cookies, take a wagon ridewith Santa, and enjoy seasonal craftprojects. Call 703-437-9101.

Meet the Author. 2 p.m. at ScrawlBooks, Reston Town Center, 11862Market St. Alan Tom will belaunching his new book “TheDisgusting Adventures of Bugabooand Buzz Buzz: Into the Toilet ofDoom.” Visit www.scrawlbooks.com.

Children’s Christmas Shop. 2-5p.m. at the United Christian Parish,11508 North Shore Drive, Reston.Gifts for mom and dad, grandparents,siblings and even the favorite pet areavailable for children to buy. All giftsare affordable (most are under $5).Email [email protected] orcall 703-620-3065.

TUESDAY/DEC. 12Read to the Dog. 7 p.m. at the Reston

Regional Library, 11925 BowmanTowne Drive. Read aloud to a trainedtherapy dog. Call 703-689-2700.

Folk Music. 7:15 p.m. at AmphoraDeluxe Diner, 1151 Elden St.,Herndon. Abbie Gardner presentedby The Folk Club of Reston-Herndon.$11 ($10 members) Call 703-925-0900 or visitwww.amphoragroup.com.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 13Gingerbread Friends. 7 p.m. at the

Reston Regional Library, 11925Bowman Towne Drive. Family storiesof sparkle and spice and Christmasdelight. Call 703-689-2700.

THURSDAY/DEC. 14Toddler Yoga. 10:30 a.m. at the

Reston Regional Library, 11925Bowman Towne Drive. Yoga throughstories and songs. Wear comfyclothes. Cosponsored by the Friendsof Reston Library. Age 18-24 monthswith adult. Call 703-689-2700.

FRIDAY/DEC. 15Games with the Author. 6 p.m. at

Scrawl Books, Reston Town Center,11862 Market St. Challenge 5 youngadult authors are coming to the storefor a game night. They will beplaying Mad Libs, Pictionary etc withthem.Visit www.scrawlbooks.com.

Entertainment

Art ExhibitWall hanging is part of a

cotton collective art show onexhibit through Dec. 2 atArtSpace Herndon, 750 Cen-ter St., Herndon. Exhibitcalled “The Fabric of FamiliesCenter Street Cotton Collec-tive.” Call 703-956-9560 orvisit artspaceherndon.comfor more.

By Lynn Purple


News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

The Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Reston, lo-cated at 585 Grove St., in Herndon, litup the night as they presented a charitygala based on ABC’s number one enter-

tainment show, Dancing with Stars. The event washeld at the Hyatt Regency Dulles in Herndon on Vet-erans Day, Saturday, Nov.11, 5:45-11:30 p.m. Tick-ets for the event sold out weeks before the date leav-ing the ballroom with a capacity crowd.

The night included a silent and live auction, ce-lebrity guest judges, and dinner with wine service.Professional performances, complete with gorgeouscostumes and a playlist of hot tracks, as well as theevening’s exceptional Dancing with the ServicesShow and Awards Presentation completed theevening.

Judges for the evening-long benefit gala featuredlocal celebrities Lacy Schwimmer of Dancing withthe Stars, Fox 5’s Emmy award-winning Chief Me-teorologist Tucker Barnes, and John Booty, formerNFL defensive back and winner of Dancing with theStars D.C. The three critiqued the dance moves ofthe Service “Stars” competing for the first placeMirrorball Trophy.

Ten active local service members from the Army,Navy, Air Force, Town of Herndon Police Department,Fairfax Police Department, DC National Guard andeven the Vice Mayor of Herndon volunteered to danceas competitors.

“I was so excited and honored to be asked to par-ticipate in this... event. It’s everything I could haveimagined and more,” wrote Jennifer Baker, ViceMayor of Herndon on the Fred Astaire Dance Stu-dio-Reston website.

The 10 Dancing with the Services “Stars” included:Denise Randles, Herndon Police Department; Jenni-fer Baker, Vice Mayor of Herndon; Stephen Thomp-son, Herndon Police Department; Arthur Bruck,Firefighter and United States Army; Arrington Level,United States Air Force; Jordan Cornelius, UnitedStates Air Force; Ryan Daily, United States Navy;

Dawn Devaney, M.D.; and Tammy Russell, FairfaxPolice Department.

According to Susannah Moss, executive directorof Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Reston, competitors hadbeen paired with a certified Fred Astaire dance in-structor. Each pair learned a choreographed danceroutine for the judges to score. The competitors spentweeks practicing their steps.

“I feel so blessed and fortunate to be able to puton this exciting event, and uniquely adding the twistof promoting who our community celebrities shouldreally be, all those men and women in uniform asthey are today’s real stars,” wrote Susannah Moss,Studio Director Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Reston.

One hundred percent of all proceeds from auctionitems, white donation envelopes, and funds raisedby the competitors benefited three local service or-ganizations – the Police Unity Tour Chapter IV, ThePINK FUND, and the Fraternal Order of Police GreaterHerndon Lodge # 64.

At the end of the evening, although it was a chal-lenging call, the judges awarded the Mirrorball Tro-phy to Dawn Devaney, M.D., and Sevrin Shapiachanowner of Fred Astaire Dance Studio Reston/Herndon.

Thousands raised forlocal charities duringbenefit gala.

Community Service ‘Stars’Battle it Out on the Dance Floor

Tammy Russell, Fairfax Police Department,and Nathan Texler, Fred Astaire Danceinstructor, sizzle as they take to the dancefloor wowing the audience and judgeswith their timing and technical skills.

Jordan Cornelius, Air-man 1st Class the United

States Air Force andSusannah Moss, director/

instructor Fred AstaireDance Studio, perform a

high lift during thecompetition phase of the

inaugural Dancing withthe Services benefit gala

held on Veterans Day,Nov. 11 at the Hyatt

Regency in Herndon.

Photos courtesy of

Brathw8 Studios Photography


The Westfield Bulldogshosted the 6A Regionfinal against SouthLakes on Nov. 25. The

Bulldogs advanced to the final bydefeating Battlefield, and Patriot.South Lakes defeated Yorktownand Madison to advance.

Westfield scored first whenBizzett Woodley caught the first ofhis two touchdown receptions with8:09 to play in the first quarter.Gavin Kiley put Westfield up 14-0with 10:26 to play in the secondquarter. Later in the second quar-ter South Lakes scored when Jo-seph Dagbe caught a pass from QBDevin Miles and lunged into theend zone. In the third quarter,Bizzett Woodley caught his second TD pass fromNoah Kim and the Bulldogs were up 21-7 with 4:45remaining in the quarter. In the fourth quarter, Kimran in from 5 yards out. A missed extra point wouldleave the score at 27-7.

For the game, Kim completed 10 of his 20 passesfor 114 yards and three TDs. Eugene Asante wouldrun for 139 yards on 19 carries and Woodley caught

four passes for 60 yards and 2 TDs. South Lakes wasled by Miles who completed 12 of 22 passes for 92yards and a TD.

With the 27-7 win, the Westfield Bulldogs (13-0)will host the Woodbridge Vikings (12-1) who de-feated Hylton 28-14 in the VHSL semifinal game.South Lakes (11-2) season ends for the third con-secutive year to Westfield.

Battling for 6A Region Championship

Spencer Alston #21 carries the ball for South Lakes.

Albert Mensah #24carries the ball forSouth Lakes whileWestfield’s AaronDishun #9 pursues.

South Lakes QBDevin Miles # 3

hands the ball toSouth Lakes RB,

Albert Mensah #24.

Photos by

Will Palenscar

Sports


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

THURSDAY/NOV. 30-SUNDAY/DEC. 3Commemoration Weekend events will take

place at Northern Virginia HebrewCongregation, 1441 Wiehle Ave., Reston. Call703-437-7733 or visit nvhcreston.org.

❖ Thursday/Nov. 30, 8 p.m. – Petr Papousek,president of the Federation of JewishCommunities in the Czech Republic will speakon Czech Jewry today.

❖ Friday/Dec. 1 (evening) – A special reading fromthe Czech scroll, along with a sample of CzechJewish music from Kol Shirah and other musichonoring the victims of the Holocaust. At thisservice, we will be chanting from this scroll aspart of our service, and for the Aliyah would liketo invite up anyone who is a Holocaust survivoror related to a survivor. Please be in touch withCantor Caro directly if you would like to becalled up for this honor.

❖ Saturday/Dec. 2 (during services) – The b’naimitzvah will read from the scroll. Followingservices, Shabbat lunch and conversations withtwo experts on both the experience of beingdeported and coming to grips with theaftermath. Michlean Amir will speak on theexperiences of Czech Jews before, during, andimmediately after the war. Mark Talisman willspeak on the fate of the Czech Jews’ possessions,both with respect to the Czech Torahs that wereobtained by the Memorial Scrolls Trust inLondon and distributed worldwide and the othergoods processed by the Czech Jewish Museum.To join for lunch, [email protected].

❖ Sunday/Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – Fifth, sixth, andseventh grade students, their families, andanyone else who may be interested, are invitedto attend a presentation by Czech Holocaustsurvivor Marty Weiss, followed by a brief Q&Asession.

FRIDAY/DEC. 1Health and Senior Services Fair. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

at Tall Oaks Assisted Living, 12052 North ShoreDrive, Reston. Mammography experts, ear,blood pressure and more. Call 703-834-9800 formore.

THROUGH DEC. 3Coat and Blanket Drive. Nova Relief Center is

holding a blanket and coat drive for Syrian andIraqi refugees who have fled their homestoescape the violence from the civil war in Syria.Paxton Van Lines and Maersk are donating theirservices this year. Donated blankets and coatsshould be new or gently worn, and may bedropped off at any designated drop-off locationbelow. To make a tax-deductible donation, visitNOVA Relief Center’s website atwww.NOVAReliefCenter.org

❖ Oak Hill Elementary School, 3210 Kinross Circle,Herndon

❖ Town of Herndon – Town Hall, 777 Lynn St.,Herndon

❖ The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 3301Hidden Meadow Drive, Herndon

❖ Congregation Beth Emeth, 12523 Lawyers Road,Herndon

❖ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2727Centerville Road, Herndon

❖ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1515Poplar Grove Drive, Reston

❖ Office of Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, NorthCounty Governmental Center, 1801 CameronGlen Drive, Reston

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 6Supervisor Hudgins Holiday Open House.

4:30-6:30 p.m. at the North CountyGovernmental Center Community Room, 1801Cameron Glen Drive. [email protected] for more.

SATURDAY/DEC. 16Application Deadline. The Reston Planning and

Zoning (P&Z) Committee is seeking volunteersto serve on the committee. All residents ofReston, over 18 years of age are eligible toserve. The committee consists of fifteen (15)members with five (5) positions expiring eachyear, and three (3) associate members that serveone year terms. To apply, visit rpz.myreston.org.

Bulletin

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Four hours up north with moderate hasslefirst thing Thanksgiving-Thursday morning.Dinner and all the fixings with family andfriends upon arrival, after a midday break.Conversations and such with young, mediumand old (with yours truly being the oldest ofour generation) until 1:15 a.m., (a recent timerecord for many). Up at 7:30 a.m. for break-fast with more casual talk and noshing. Outthe door at 9:15-ish heading back for animmediate day-after return trip home sched-uled to make an early Friday afternoon che-motherapy infusion. Infusion completed andon the final way home, a stop at the super-market at 4 p.m. – since we had noThanksgiving leftovers (turkey sandwiches inparticular) to satiate the deprived. Dinner assoon as possible since we were both hungryand tired after our up-and-back. Turkeybreast, mashed potatoes and peas for our ownleftovers, off-and-on television and nappingand then we both called it at 9:15 p.m. or so.

Twelve hours later, we were both awake.What a sleep! What a 24 hours! What a won-derful holiday! I wouldn’t characterize it as anordeal. However, it was a bit of an undertak-ing given my Friday afternoon commitment;my first-ever, post-holiday, having-to-rush-back-from-out-of-town excursion. Though inprevious years, we may have occasionallytravelled up and back in the same day, whenour route was two-hours to Pennsylvaniawhere the in-laws lived, we are older and pre-sumably wiser now and somewhat less ableand inclined to travel with as little margin andrest.

Compounded of course with Kenny-with-cancer being mostly behind the wheel, a per-manent designated driver since I don’t drinkand still see pretty well at night. Still, I’mhardly the driver I used to be and the affect ofthe holiday festivities on my fellow drivers isalways cause for concern.

But all’s well that ends well, except for thepiles of Thanksgiving day-afters left where welast saw them, miles away. Nevertheless, weare happy to have made the effort, despite theless-than-ideal timing. As difficult as this kindof schedule was/had to be, I can’t let, as muchas possible anyway, my cancer stuff: infusions,24-hour urine collection, pre-chemotherapylab work, quarterly scans and yearly MRIs andquarterly appointments with my oncologistimpact my semi-normal life. In fact, myoncologist has been a major proponent of my“quality of life,” an advisory he has regularlyencouraged.

I’ve always felt, from the beginning of mydiagnosis/prognosis, that I was not going tolive my life any differently than I had previousto 2/27/09. As challenging as that proved tobe on many occasions, my goal has been totry and integrate my life around my chemo-therapy – and vice versa, and to not let toomany chips fall along the wayside. Moreover,my philosophy has been not to bucket a listeither, but rather to simply live my usual andcustomary life and not be affected by my “13-month to two-year prognosis.” If I was doingbucket list-type things, things that I wouldordinarily not be doing, I felt that would bereinforcing a negative: that I was going to dieprematurely, rather than encouraging a posi-tive: that I am going to live.

For me, maintaining the status quo andcontinuing to do the little things that charac-terize who I am and what I value seemedmore appropriate and more Kenny-like. Notsharing Thanksgiving dinner with relatives withwhom I’ve shared a table going on nearly 40years wouldn’t have helped at all. Not now, orever.

Finding balance – and sanity in the midstof a battle royal – vs a “terminal” diagnosis,stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, is all it’scracked up to be. A little fun, make that a lotof fun, never hurt anyone, especially those ofus fighting for our lives.

Giving Thanksfor the GoingBusiness Directory

To Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER GUTTER

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING

TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE

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Good is not good, where

better is expected.

-Thomas Fuller


www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@HerndonConnect

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Fallon ForbushReporter

[email protected]

Mercia HobsonContributing Writer

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerReporter

[email protected]

Mike SalmonEditorial Assistant

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales

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David GriffinMarketing Assistant

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Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne Theismann

[email protected]@TheismannMedia

[email protected]

Oak Hill & HerndonOpinion

When the Virginia House of Rep-resentatives adjourned from its2017 session, Republicans con-trolled the house by 66 to 34.

The exact count following elections earlier inNovember is still unclear, but one party or theother could have a 51-49 majority, or even facea 50-50 split.

I don’t recall anyone predict-ing this level of change.

Three very close races arelikely headed for recount, in-

cluding one in Fairfax County, and since this isthe first time all voters have used paper bal-lots, it’s hard to predict how that will go. Butone way or the other, Northern Virginia locali-ties are likely to have more influence.

Fairfax County, along with Arlington andAlexandria, prepare a state legislative wish listeach year, made all the more urgent becauselocalities in Virginia have only the powers spe-cifically given to them by the General Assem-bly. If there is any reasonable doubt whether apower has been conferred on a local govern-ment, then the locality does not have thatpower.

That has meant, for example, localities canonly raise revenue from limited sources, can’trestrict where people carry guns, can’t set theirown minimum wage, and can’t fully controlland use within their boundaries. Some haven’tbeen able to ban discrimination on the basis

Next Week: More Local GivingNext week, we will publish our lists of local nonprofits for holiday giving. If you know

of an organization that should be included or whose listing needs updating, please [email protected].

Deadline Extended: Children’s EditionSubmissions of student art and writing are due by Friday, Dec. 8, an extended deadline.

You can see last year’s editions by visiting www.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/ andscroll down to Children’s Edition. Email submissions to the following editors:

❖ For Burke, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Great Falls, Herndon, Lorton, McLean,Reston, or Springfield, email to Kemal Kurspahic at [email protected].

❖ For Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Chantilly, Mount Vernon, or Potomac, Md.,email to Steven Mauren at [email protected].

Careful What To Wish ForCould changes in General Assembly mean some legislativerequests from Northern Virginia might not be dead on arrival?

Editorial

of sexual orientation and gender identity.Not all of these restrictions are based on

party affiliation.Aside from more local authority, the top wish

is for more funding.Fairfax County’s draft on funding schools:

“Public education funding in the Common-wealth is enshrined in the Virginia Constitu-tion as a joint responsibility of both state andlocal governments, so it is essential that thestate fully meet its Constitutional responsibil-ity to adequately fund K-12 education. Unfor-tunately, the Commonwealth continues to al-low critical gaps to persist between state fund-

ing and the actual costs of providing a high-quality education, placing more of the fiscalburden on localities while substantially limit-ing local revenue sources, creating a discrep-ancy that has become increasingly untenable.”

The one action that could produce signifi-cant funding and services with very low costto state coffers: expanding Medicaid in Virginiaunder the Affordable Care Act. Virginia hasturned away billions of dollars, plus the jobsand healthier citizenry that come with that.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Letters

Time to Think ofPrioritiesTo the Editor:

Congress will be voting on the budget at thebeginning of December. Now is a good time tothink about our spending priorities and howto most efficiently spend our tax dollars. TheHouse budget approved in October will in-crease military spending by between $35-50billion to nearly $700 billion at a time whenthe State Department funding is being cut by30 percent and key State Department positionsare going unfilled.

Increasing the military budget while guttingthe State Department is counterproductive atbest and dangerous in the long run. As Secre-tary of Defense Mattis said at his confirmationhearings, “If you don’t fund the State Depart-ment fully, than ultimately I need to buy moreammunition.” (Washington Post, 2/27/17 “Re-tired Generals cite past comments from Mattiswhile opposing Trump’s proposed foreign aidcuts”).

Pentagon spending should not be increasedat the expense of diplomacy, development andvital human needs program providing food,housing and health care assistance domestically.

Mary BrandonHerndon

By Rabbi Leibel

Fajnland

Director of Chabad

of Reston-Herndon

The Chanukahstory hap-pened so long

ago – yet carries atimely message for us,even today.

Science has given usthe greatest technolo-gies and conveniences, yet it has not freed usfrom the moral and social challenges of ourday. From gun violence and simmering racialtension, to corruption and perversion in thehalls and sanctums of power, we now witnessthat material pursuits and successes alone, donot necessarily lead to a happy and meaning-ful life.

Our children need a better diet than thevalue-system fed to them by Hollywood, theInternet and mass media. They need, nay, theywant, inspiration, a noble cause to live for, amoral purpose that frames their pursuits andinterests with meaning and direction.

Judaism teaches that every human being iscreated in the image of the Divine, charged

Add a Little LightCOMMUNITY CHANUKAH EVENTS❖ Menorah Magic at Home DepotCraft your very own take home Menorah,Sunday, Dec. 3, 3:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.❖ Chanukah Lighting at the Lake Anne

WaterfrontThe Menorahs warm glow on a cold winter

night...come on there’s nothing better, Thursday,Dec. 14, 6 -7 p.m.

❖ Chanukah Bowl @ Bowl AmericaJoin us Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. for a special evening

of bowling, grand chocolate gelt drop from highabove in the bucket of a Sterling fire truck. Tons ofChanukah fun for the entire family.

Visit www.chabadrh.org for information or to reserve.For more information on the above events, call Rabbi

Leibel Fajnland at 703-476-1829, visitwww.chabadrh.org , or write [email protected].

with the duty to illuminate his or her surround-ings, to make our universe a better place, abrighter place, a holier place.

A wise sage once said, “Don’t chase awaydarkness with a broom; simply light a candle.”Darkness has no reality of its own – it’s merelythe absence of light. Let’s teach our youth thatthey are the Menorah, and in a world of moraldarkness, their one small act of goodness andkindness can, and will, cast a light of epic pro-portions – just like the tiny flask of oil thatmiraculously burned for eight days in theMenorah of old.

Photo contributed

service ‘stars’ battle it out on the dance...

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