HomeLifeStyle - Ellington...

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com December 12-18, 2018

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Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material.

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HomeLifeStyle1

Celebrating Adoption,Foster Care Program News, Page 3

Learning about Virginia Cooperative ExtensionNews, Page 12

Sharing Holiday JoyHoliday Gifts, Page 12

Alex Carr chooses a bird treat at Wild Birds Unlimited from a table of animals that can hang

on the birds’ Christmas tree in the backyard.

2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least twoweeks before event.

SOBER-RIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYSFree Sober Rides. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. daily,

Dec. 14-Jan. 1. Area residents, 21and older, may download Lyft totheir phones, then enter a code in theapp’s “Promo” section to receive a nocost (up to $15) safe ride home(limited quantities available).WRAP’s Holiday SoberRide promocode will be posted atwww.SoberRide.com.

HOLIDAY DONATIONSPet Food Bank. AWLA is establishing a

Pet Food Bank to serve qualifyingresidents of Arlington County and theCity of Falls Church. In considerationof the effect financial obstacles haveon a pet owner’s ability to afford petcare, the AWLA Pet Food Bankprogram’s goal is to keep family petsout of shelters. If you are anArlington County or City of FallsChurch resident and are in need ofassistance in feeding your pet, followthis link and fill out a pre-registrationform. Visit goo.gl/forms/s2FuFdaYWdZm4tPw2

Toy Drive. Each year from October toDecember, OAR hosts a Toy Drive tocollect new, donated toys and gifts

for children of parents incarcerated,ages newborn to 18 years, as a partof OAR’s Project Christmas Angel inDecember. OAR does this in an effortto bridge the gap between thoseinvolved in the criminal justicesystem and their children. Donationboxes set up at businesses andorganizations throughout the D.C.metro area. To find the list of alldonation sites and for more detailsabout OAR’s Annual Toy Drive andhow to get involved, visitwww.oaronline.org/archives/6591.

Fill the Cruiser. Help make theholidays bright for Arlington Countychildren in need by donating to thefourth annual Fill the Cruiser HolidayToy Drive. The Arlington County

Police Department is askingcommunity members to donate new,unwrapped toys to bring holidaycheer to children ages newborn-17.Drop off donations at PoliceHeadquarters, 1425 N. CourthouseRoad, until Friday, Dec. 14.

Toy Drive. Through Friday, Dec. 14 atlocal Weichert, Realtors offices.Members of the community areinvited to drop off new, unwrappedtoys at the company’s sales offices.The toys will be delivered throughoutthe holidays in conjunction with localcharities that assist financially andphysically disadvantaged children. Tofind a local office, go towww.weichert.com/offices/.

Secret Santa. Through Dec. 21, donate

gift cards to the Department ofHuman Services’ Secret SantaProgram and help some of Arlington’smost vulnerable residents. Visitpublicassistance.arlingtonva.us/secret-santa for more.

Food Drive. Through Jan. 6, all 10County Fire Stations are collectingfood for the Arlington County FoodAssistance Center (AFAC). Learnwhat’s most in need and drop offdetails at fire.arlingtonva.us/2018/11/acfd-collecting-food-for-afac/.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 12Narcan Training Sessions. 6-7 p.m.

at Phoenix House, 46 S. Glebe Road,3rd Floor, Arlington. Naloxone(Narcan) can save the life ofsomeone who is overdosing, if givenin time. Obtain it for free byattending a REVIVE! training.Contact Emily Siqveland at 703-228-0913 or [email protected] visit health.arlingtonva.us/opioid-awareness/ for available trainingsessions. Registration is not requiredbut it is recommended. Visitwww.chrisatwoodfoundation.org/naloxone to register.

School Board Work Session. 7 p.m.at Syphax Education Center, 2nd FLSchool Board Room, 2110Washington Blvd. Topic is AcademicPerformance Data. Work sessions areopen to the public but no publiccomments are accepted. Visitwww.apsva.us/about-the-school-board/ for more.

THURSDAY/DEC. 13From Layoff to Launching a

Business. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CarrWorkplaces Rosslyn, LincolnBoardroom, 1001 19th St. North,Suite 1200. Join the SpiggleProfessional Luncheon & WorkshopSeries to discuss how to leave acorporate gig, voluntarily or not, andstart a dream business. The event isfree and open to the public, butlimited seating is available. RSVP atwww.spiggle law.com/event/how-to-go-from-layoff-to-launching-your-own-business or visitwww.spigglelaw.com for more.

Governor’s Latino CommunityForum. 6-8 p.m. at Faith LutheranChurch, 3313 Arlington Blvd.Governor’s Latino Community Forumabout Medicaid Expansion: What itMeans for LatinX Communities,hosted by Virginia Latino AdvisoryBoard. Includes dinner. Pre-registerhere. Event in English and Spanish.Visit www.vlab.virginia.gov for more.

James B. Hunter AwardsCeremony. 7-9 p.m. in the CountyBoard Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd.20th annual James B. Hunter AwardsCeremony, hosted by ArlingtonCounty Human Rights Commission.Visit commissions.arlingtonva.us/human-rights-commission-hrc/james-b-hunter-award/ for more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 16Christmas Pageant. During the 10

a.m. service, St. John’s EpiscopalChurch, 415 S. Lexington St. St.John’s will have a Christmas pageanton Sunday. Participants will act outthe Christmas story and sing carols.Children 5 and up who want toparticipate in the pageant can call thechurch at 703-671-6834 or [email protected].

MONDAY/DEC. 17Placement Exams for ESL Classes.

9 a.m. or 6 p.m. at Syphax EducationCenter, 2110 Washington Blvd.#106, Arlington. English as a SecondLanguage for Adults, Arlington PublicSchools’ REEP Program is givingplacement exams for the Jan. 7-March 29 session. Classes to be heldat Syphax Education Center.Afternoon and evening classesavailable. Tuition is $285 or $200 forpeople who live or work in Arlington;$470 or $350 for people who do not.Exams free. Visit www.apsva.us/reep.

Bulletin Board

Arlington Connection ❖ December 12-18, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Arlington Connection Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

News

See Nutritious, Page 14

See Celebrating, Page 14

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

The challenge,” according toCaryn Wagner, “is to do holi-day treats that are healthy and

nutritious. The two (treats and healthy)don’t always go together but they can.”She is giving a demonstration on Holi-day Sweets and Treats along with NancyBroff and Cyndi Gadhia. Both Wagnerand Broff are Master Food Volunteerswith Virginia Cooperative Extension, andGadhia is a volunteer assisting with thedemonstration Dec. 4 at Langston Senior

Center.“Today we’re going to make spiced nuts

with just a pinch of cayenne,” Wagner says.A little spicy. And a simple trifle, with yo-gurt instead of custard, some fruit,gingersnaps and optional candied ginger orpinch of lemon curd.”

Broff shakes the pecans into an electricskillet. They decide to halve the recipe forthe small group of seniors in attendance attoday’s demonstration. “You’ll begin to smellit in a few minutes. You have to keep a closeeye on the nuts because they can burnquickly.” She says, “We have a nice mix ofspices here — cinnamon, cumin, smokedpaprika, kosher salt, optional orange peel,cayenne pepper.” But she adds the cayenne

is too spicy for her taste so she substituteschili powder. “And you can substitute allkinds of spices and use any kind of nuts.”

The spices cook until fragrant and thentwo tablespoons of butter melt and mix withthe nuts. “Then we let the nuts bloom.”

Broff adds some brown sugar and waterto caramelize the nuts.

Gadhia stirs the nuts continuously with alarge wooden spoon.

Broff says, “You need to keep it movingpretty fast.” Then the nuts are dumped outonto aluminum foil to cool. “You wouldn’twant to eat them now.” Broff says theywould be good for munching before a holi

Healthy and Nutritious, But Delicious Just the SameA trifle in a bowl.

Nancy Groff, Master FoodVolunteer, tosses pecans in anelectric skillet for the spicypecan holiday recipe.

“

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

Twila Mack is heading for the foodline while her two adopted sons,10-year-old Ben and 7-year-oldDavid, are making Christmas

surprises for her at one of the craft tables.

The DHS Adoption/ Foster Care HolidayParty celebrated its 16-plus years on Satur-day, Dec. 8.

Kimberly Bonham says, “We have 71 fos-ter families in the program, one of the high-est we’ve ever had; we’re really proud ofit.” She adds, “If you count the youth cen-ter 18-21 year olds, we have 84.”

But Lisa Friedman, bureau chief for ChildWelfare, says, “We could have 60 kids and80 homes so it seems like enough. But ifyou need a Spanish speaking home or thechild is allergic to pets, and children haveother specific needs so you narrow the field

of options.” She says the biggest need isfoster homes for teenagers.

Mack explains this is the first time shehas adopted children. “I learned about thegreat need for foster care so what happenedwas I saw a child mistreated and that’s whatmade my decision.” She said, “My youngerson is delightful. His parents just wanted abetter life for him.

“When I got the placement for my olderson he had already been in a number offoster homes. I couldn’t stand the thoughtof him going into another one that couldmake him or break him so I adopted him.”

Are there issues? “Oh yeah. He is a ‘specialed’ kid for behavior problems. But I felt likeit was now or never. If he had been rejectedone more time, he would have just givenup. Knock on wood.”

Rebecca and Mark Goodheart currentlyhave an 18-year-old foster son. RebeccaGoodheart says, “We’ve had 15 other fosterchildren over the last 8 years. We love it.We’ll keep doing it until we get to 100, likethe woman standing by the door.” MarkGoodheart says, “I don’t know that there

Jennifer Campbell of Nestlé’s CommunityAffairs Department said their employeesspent all day Friday baking 500 cookiesfor the holiday event. Nestlé was thesponsor of the holiday party.

Elias Marique, a DHS employee, an-nounces the latest winner of a gift basketat the Adoption/Foster Care party.

Twila Mack and her two adopted sons, Ben and David, areattending the annual Arlington County Department ofHuman Services Adoption/ Foster Care Holiday party atKenmore Middle, School Dec. 8.

Members of the Yorktown High School Choir entertain thegroup with traditional holiday songs.

Celebrating Adoption/Foster Care ProgramYorktown HighSchool choir addsto the festivities.

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ArlingtonThe

Connection

The holidays are about giving, andgiving thanks. The holidays areabout children and family. The holi-days are about sharing, about joy.

The holidays are about being thankful andabout faith and appreciation. The holi-days are about alleviating suffering forothers.

Northern Virginia is among thewealthiest areas in the country. Many if notmost of us go through our daily and seasonalroutines without encountering evidence of theneedy families among us.

Almost 8,000 of Arlington’s 27,300 students,or 29.25 percent, are poor enough to qualifyfor subsidized meals. More than 9 percent ofchildren in Arlington live below the poverty line.

Many are children living in families who maybe on the brink of homelessness, fami-lies who must choose between medi-cal bills, car repair, heat and food. Someof these are children who may not be

sure that they will have a meal between themeals they get in school.

School holidays can bring uncertainty andhunger, a far cry from the celebrations, gifts

and plenty that we associate with Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas.

Hundreds of homeless students attend thepublic schools, and their needs are greater.

Many nonprofits in the county need yourhelp to provide a holiday meal for Thanksgiv-ing or Christmas, to provide children with gifts.

There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season. Hereare a few ideas. Please let us know what wehave missed.

— Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

For tens of thousands of families in our area, uncertainty andneed are distant from the celebrations and plenty that so manyof us associate with this holiday period.

Give Locally in Arlington

Give Locally in Arlington❖ Arlington Free Clinic provides free, high-qual-

ity health care to low-income, uninsured ArlingtonCounty adults through the generosity of donors andvolunteers. www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org 2921 11th St.South, Arlington, VA 22204, 703-979-1425

❖ Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for theHomeless, 703-525-7177, www.aachhomeless.org

❖ A-SPAN provides services for Arlington’s streethomeless. Its mission is to secure permanent housingfor one of Arlington’s most vulnerable populations.P.O. Box 100731 Arlington, VA 22210, 703-820-4357,www.a-span.org/ and www.facebook.com/aspan.org/

❖ Arlington Thrive provides one-time, same-dayemergency financial assistance to Arlington residentsfacing a financial crisis, and also has programs to helpprevent homelessness. 703-558-0035,www.arlingtonthrive.org

❖ Doorways for Women and Families pro-vides services to help women out of domestic violenceand homelessness toward safe and stable lives, Arling-ton, www.doorwaysva.org, 703-504-9400.

❖ The Arlington Food Assistance Center pro-vides supplemental food assistance to ArlingtonCounty residents, distributes groceries to over 2,300families every week. More than 35 percent are chil-dren. 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, VA 22206,www.afac.org/, 703-845-8486.

❖ Habitat for Humanity of Northern Vir-ginia, Arlington, 703-521-9890.

❖ Arlington Partnership for AffordableHousing, collecting toys and gifts for children agesnewborn-18 who call an APAH community home.These gifts will make up a holiday gift shop whereparents can choose a gift for each of their children. Adonation will ensure children receive a gift during theholiday season. apah.org

❖ Shirlington Employment and EducationCenter (SEEC) an employment and education cen-ter in Arlington. In addition to facilitating employmentfor workers, SEEC offers vocational, English and job-related courses to build the skillsets of the worker pool.The center consists of two facilities; employers are ableto visit either to find a worker for jobs to be performed.

The center has staff at both sites, ready and willingto coordinate the pairing of workers and employers.Main Office: 2706 South Nelson Street, Arlington, VA22006 Daily 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Pavilion (corner ofShirlington Road and 27th Street) Daily 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.Phone: 703-933-1101 Email: [email protected];http://www.seecjobs.org/

❖ AHC Inc.’s mission is to produce and preserveaffordable housing for low- and moderate-incomefamilies and to build strong futures for our residentsthrough onsite educational programs. Supporting thework of AHC means providing award-winning educa-tional programs and services to neighbors who needhelp most. AHC Inc., 2230 North Fairfax Drive, Suite100, Arlington, VA 22201 703-486-0626www.ahcinc.org

❖ Culpepper Garden, Affordable Senior Living.A gift to Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation,nonprofit owner of Culpepper Garden, helps achieveits mission of providing and advocating for high-qual-ity, affordable housing, services and programs thatallow lower-income older persons to thrive. No as-sisted living resident has ever had to leave their homehere due to inability to pay. Volunteers of all ages pro-vide activities, programs and entertainment that buildcommunity and encourage wellness. 4435 NorthPershing Drive

Arlington VA 22203, 703-528-0162culpeppergarden.org

❖ Northern Virginia Family Services, 571-748-2500, www.nvfs.org, Employment and jobtraining, healthcare, housing, mental health, fostercare and Healthy Families.

❖ OAR rebuilds lives and breaks the cycle of crimewith opportunities, alternatives, and resources for of-fenders and their families to create a safer community.10640 Page Ave., Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22030, 703-246-3033. OAR needs volunteers and financialdonations. oarnova.org/christmas

❖ Second Story — Abused and Homeless Children’sRefuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182. 703-506-9191, second-story.org. Second Story (formerlyAlternative House) provides shelter and services forhomeless, runaway or abused teenagers, unaccompa-nied youth, and young mothers and their children.

❖ Comfort for America’s Uniformed Ser-vices (CAUSE) ensures that recuperating servicemembers have opportunities for recreation and socialinteraction and receive concrete signs of appreciationfor all that they have done. Mailing address: 4201Wilson Blvd., #110-284, Arlington, VA 22203, CFC#33011, Phone 703-591-4965, cause-usa.org

❖ Neighborhood Health Clinicswww.neighborhoodhealthva.org, Improving healthand advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington,and Fairfax by providing access to high quality careregardless of ability to pay.

❖ Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, 703-237-0866,www.lcnv.org, Teaches adults the basicskills of reading, writing, speaking and understandingEnglish.

❖ The Community Foundation of NorthernVirginia works to respond to critical need and seedinnovation in our region. Consider a 2018 year-end giftto its Community Investment Fund to support its sig-nature grant cycle responding to critical need in theregion. www.cfnova.org/for-donors/donate-now

❖ Friends of Guest House Northern Virginiaoffers structure, supervision, support and assistance tofemale ex-offenders who want to improve their livesand break the cycle of incarceration. Friends of GuestHouse offers the only program for women of its kindin Northern Virginia. One East Luray Ave., Alexandria,VA 22301-2025, 703-549-8072,i n f o @ f r i e n d s o f g u e s t h o u s e . o r g ,friendsofguesthouse.org/

❖ Shelter House provides crisis intervention, safehousing and supportive services to promote self-suffi-ciency for homeless families and victims of domesticviolence in Fairfax County. Its mission is to get fami-lies back into stable housing to provide them theopportunity to continue their journey to self-suffi-ciency. www.shelterhouse.org

❖ NAMI Northern Virginia (National Alliance onMental Illness) works to raise awareness and provideeducation, advocacy, and support programs for peopleliving with mental illness, families, students, educa-tors, law enforcement, and the public throughout ourneighborhoods. Many excellent programs. NAMINorthern Virginia serves Fairfax, Falls Church, Arling-ton, Alexandria, and Loudounwww.nami-northernvirginia.org/ HelpLine: 571-458.7310, Email: [email protected]

❖ PRS, Inc. exists so that individuals living withmental illness, substance use disorders, mild intellec-tual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, andanyone who faces life crises can achieve safety, per-sonal wellness, recovery and community integration.PRS also provides crisis counseling and CRISISLINK,24/7 hotline service. Call 800-273-TALK [8255]. Text“CONNECT” to 85511

❖ New Hope Housing, founded in 1977, is a non-profit agency in Northern Virginia committed to findingcreative and lasting solutions to end the cycle ofhomelessness by offering homeless men, women andchildren the services they need to change their lives andsucceed. 8407E Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309www.newhopehousing.org/how-to-help/donate/

❖ Potomac Riverkeeper Network works to pro-tect the public’s right to clean water in rivers andstreams; to stop pollution to promote safe drinkingwater; to protect healthy river habitats; and to enhancepublic use and enjoyment. 3070 M Street, NW, Wash-ington, DC 20007. 202-888-2037www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org

❖ Potomac River Conservancy, 8403 ColesvilleRoad, Suite 805, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-608-1188 potomac.org, seeks to improve the PotomacRiver’s water quality by building an impassioned baseof river advocates to impart change at the local level.

Editorial

Write The Connection welcomes views onany public issue. The deadline for all material is

noon Friday. Letters must be signed. Includehome address and home and business numbers.Letters are routinely edited for libel, grammar,

good taste and factual errors. Send to:Letters to the Editor

The Connection1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314

Call: 703-917-6444.By e-mail:

[email protected]


News

See Holiday Scams, Page 15

Talk about Handwriting on the Wall ...Following demolition of Lubber Run Community Center, 300 North Park Drive, thismonth, excavation for the building foundation, and pouring of concrete will begin.The County Board approved a $37 million contract in July 2017 to build the centerand park. The new building will provide programs for youth, adults and seniorsincluding a pre-school, senior center, gymnasium, and fitness center and multi-purpose rooms for recreation programming and community use. It also will houseabout 70 Department of Parks and Recreation employees and provide one level ofstructured parking.

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Arlington County Police areseeking the public’s assis-tance identifying a mali-

cious wounding suspect capturedon surveillance image.

At approximately 6:47 p.m. onDec. 8, police were dispatched tothe 1600 block of Fort Myer Drivefor the report of an assault. Uponarrival, it was determined the fe-male victim was walking in thearea when she was approached byan unknown male suspect. Thesuspect brandished a knife andstabbed the victim before fleeingthe scene on foot. The victim wastransported to an area hospital instable condition.

The suspect is described as ablack male, approximately 5’10”and weighing 160 pounds. He waswearing a long black trench coatand a white hat at the time of theincident.

Anyone with information re-lated to this incident is asked tocontact Detective G. Seibert of theHomicide/Robbery Unit at 703-228-4199 [email protected]. Informa-tion may also be provided anony-mously through the ArlingtonCounty Crime Solvers Hotline at1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Suspect in Dec. 8 malicious wounding.

Help Identify SuspectSuspect capturedon surveillanceimage.

The Arlington County Po-lice Department is urgingresidents to remain alert

for scams this holiday season.Scammers may use various tech-niques to fool potential victims.Avoid becoming a victim by fol-lowing these practices:

❖ Be suspicious of any unsolic-ited phone calls, emails or in-per-son solicitations which requestfunds or claim that you owemoney.

❖ Avoid providing your personalinformation to organizations youare unfamiliar with.

❖ Stop and think before you pro-vide personal banking informationor hand anybody cash.

❖ Take your time. If you are re-quested to act quickly or there is astated emergency, it may be ascam. Scammers create a sense ofurgency to get you to act impul-sively.

❖ If it looks too good to be true,

Beware ofHoliday Scams


See Farm Closes, Page 7

To the Editor:With only days left, I am writing to

urge you and your readers to help saveThe Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Tur-key Run in McLean. The National ParkService intends to “terminate” (theirword) the Farm on Dec. 21, 2018. Forover 40 years, this special place has beena very important part of my life and somany others. Its loss would be huge forthe community at large.

While it began as a National Park, the

Farm was turned over to the Friends ofClaude Moore Colonial Farm in 1981 andhas been a successful, private endeavor eversince.

The Farm portrays the life of a lower-class,homesteading Virginia family during thelate Colonial period. It offers a unique his-torical perspective and opportunities toengage in colonial living experiences.

As a Fairfax County Public School teacher,for years I took my fourth grade classes tothe Farm to live three days and two nights

in the year 1771. It truly was “living his-tory.” This program continues to this dayas schools from Virginia, Maryland and D.C.bring students to participate in colonialencampments.

As a mom, I was one of many who tooktheir children there to learn about coloniallife at Market Fairs and through many otherfarm events.

To date, more than 12,480 people havesigned the Save the Farm petition. Informa-tion on how to help can be found on the

Farm’s website— http://1771.org/savethefarm While legislation has movedto the floor in the House of Representa-tives, no legislation has even been intro-duced in the Senate by the Virginia Sena-tors. Legislation must pass the Senate byDec. 14. Time is running out.

The historical learning experiences of-fered by the Farm are so worth saving.

May OhmanArlington

Time Is Running Out To Save the FarmLetter to the Editor

By Michael

McMorrow

The Connection

Northern Virginiais awash withthe plantationsand magnificent

homes of upper-classcolonials, such as MountVernon. However, only onelocation reconstructs thelifestyle of the common yeo-man farmers who were push-ing back the edges of an un-settled frontier. A visitor canfind a humble home, sheltersfor living animals, the animalsthemselves, a tobacco dryingshed and gardens and fieldswith crops common in thoselong-ago days. Costumed do-cents transport the guests tothe days before the AmericanRevolution began. The placeis referred to simply as“Claude Moore” or “TheFarm.”

Sitting on 69 acres of landowned by the Federal govern-ment, off Route 193 inMcLean, administrative over-sight is provided by the Na-tional Park Service, Depart-ment of the Interior (NPS). Af-ter several early years run byNPS, reduced funding threatened the futureviability of The Farm. Local communitymembers offered to operate it as a non-profit cooperative. In 1981, The Farm wasentrusted to Friends of Turkey Run Farm,Inc.

The expiration date stated in the formalmanagement agreement, as amended, be-tween NPS and The Farm is Dec. 21, 2018.

Under that agreement, organization hasbeen responsible for funding, maintaining,improving, staffing and operating The Farm.A recent annual operating budget exceeded$400,000. Over the life of the agreement,more than $8 million in private funds havegone into operations and another $2 mil-lion spent on capital improvements. TheFarm has welcomed more than 2 millionvisitors to view life as lived in the late 1700s

before the nation became a nation.A year or so ago, NPS anticipated the

scheduled end of the NPS-Claude Mooreagreement, and noted that the language ofits terms and conditions was out of step withstandardized language common with itsother public-private relationships. NPS in-sisted on revising its agreement with TheFarm to bring it into conformity with thoseother agreements and requirements.

NPS offered a 10-years extension coupledto conditions, such as: approval of goodssold in the gift shop; more financial reports;writing annual work plans; drafting guide-lines for operation of the on-site pavilion;and compliance with federal concessionlaws, workplace safety standards financialaudits and other requirements.

The leaders of the nonprofit found the

proposed restructuring of theagreement would be undulyburdensome and expensiveand would contribute not at allto continuation and expansionof educational programs andfacilities at The Farm. The ab-sence of any suggestion of im-propriety by the corporation it-self or any of the volunteersconducting operations formore than 37 years was under-scored.

After numerous exchanges ofviews, NPS would not changeits position and began point-ing to the coming expirationdate of the entire managementagreement. The nonprofitturned for help to its federallegislators. The Farm is situ-ated in the district of U.S. Rep.Barbara Comstock (R-10). Sheintroduced a bill transferringtitle to the property to the non-profit organization, subject toFederal government reversionif use as an 18th century farmever ceases. With ownership inthe private corporation, nu-merous NPS policies and regu-lations and requirements forgovernment contracts wouldbe applicable no longer. Coststo NPS would be reduced toless than negligible. The non-

profit was confident that transfer of titlewould allow it to operate and make capitalimprovements in the most efficient mannerthat guarantees the stable, long-term futureof a local and national treasure.

Comstock’s bill was favorably reportedout of committee last September, with TheFarm described as having “a uniquely inde-pendent status in the National ParkSystem“and “a model of a successful pub-lic-private partnership.” However, the pro-posal never reached the entire House ofRepresentatives for a vote.

Multiple recent contacts were made toComstock’s office to learn whether any last-minute legislative efforts would be madeto save The Farm. No response was received.

Colonial educationalfarm is victim to inaction.‘Claude Moore’ To Die Dec. 21

News

Visitors speak with docents at Claude Moore ColonialFarm in McLean.

Permanent residents at the park.

Karen Harris, who began volun-teering in 1985, is now assisted byson Alexander.

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Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We need long- and short-termfosters for cats of all ages, mothers with litters and kittens on their own.

Adopt/Donate/Volunteer at www.lostdogrescue.org

Consider Fostering

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News

From Page 6

Farm Closes Dec. 21

Corey Carbaugh,with son

Nathan, mansthe hot cider

pot.

Even less success was had withVirginia’s U.S. Senators, MarkWarner and Timothy Kaine.

Neither senator introduced alegislative solution to The Farm’simminent demise. The final wordsfrom Warner’s office were that hehad spoken to both the acting di-rector and the current nominee fordirector of NPS to encourage bothsides to agree on an extension ofthe management agreement: “[A]tthis juncture, a mutual agreementis the best productive path for-ward.”

At this time, nine days remain

Photos by Michael

McMorrow/The

Connection

until the NPS-Claude Moore man-agement agreement expires. Ab-sent a last-minute reprieve — ashort extension of the manage-ment agreement to permit re-in-troduction of bills in the new Con-gress — The Farm will be closedand NPS will allow a reasonableperiod for the nonprofit to removeall structures and other propertyfrom the premises.

NPS will then dispose of anyitems abandoned and the land willrevert to the barren field andfringe forest of the landfill exist-ing in the 1970s. NPS has givenno hint of possible future uses forthe acreage.


Holiday Entertainment

‘My Father’s Dragon’Dragons are real and imaginations soar in this wordless Family Theater Production directed and choreographed by Com-

pany Member Tori Bertocci. Adapted by Company Member Ryan Sellers, “My Father’s Dragon” is based on the book of thesame name by Ruth Stiles Gannett. The story follows the adventures of Elmer Elevator as he stows away with a new cat com-panion to Wild Island in an attempt to rescue a captive baby dragon. Through Jan. 6, at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St.,Arlington. This production is a part of Synetic’s Family Theater series and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $20and can be purchased online at www.synetictheater.org or via phone at 866-811-4111.

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Gift ManiaStudents (ages 4-6 and 7-10) will cre-

ate a handmade gift for a loved one tobe kept secret until a big reveal duringthe holidays. Parents, gifts will bewrapped, so no peeking. Saturday, Dec.15, 12:30-3 p.m. at Arlington Arts Cen-ter, 3550 Wilson Blvd. $50. Visitwww.arlingtonartscenter.org.

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

ONGOINGFall SOLOS 2018 Art Exhibit.

Through Dec. 15 at the ArlingtonArts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd.,Arlington. Dawn Whitmore: A houseis like a mind that holds everything isa 5-channel immersive soundinstallation that delves into therelationship between the mind andthe house as metaphorical dwellings.In a constructed room that reads as asimple domestic residence, the artist’svoice, reading from various classicaltexts, emanates from multiple pointsin the room, becoming almostunintelligible at times as therecordings are layered on top of oneanother. Visitwww.arlingtonartscenter.org.

Red Cross Fundraiser. ThroughSaturday, Dec. 15 at Crafthouse, 901N. Glebe Road, Arlington. All threeCrafthouse locations in NorthernVirginia are donating 10 percent ofall bottled beer purchases to theAmerican Red Cross – CaliforniaWildfires Fund to assist thoseaffected by the wildfires inCalifornia. Call 571-483-0421 or visitwww.crafthouseusa.com.

Adult Dance Technique. ThroughDec. 22, 9:30-11 a.m., Saturdays, atArlington Cultural Affairs Bldg., 3700S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington.Improve balance, range of motion,strength, coordination and interactwith friendly people. Drop-in for aclass or enroll for a series. Join at anytime. The class instructors are JaneFranklin Dance company members,all experienced professionaleducators. Tuition: $110 for six classcard/$60 for three class card/$25single class. Enroll atwww.janefranklin.com/adult-danceor call 703-933-1111.

“Billy Elliot The Musical.” ThroughJan. 6 at Signature Theatre, At 4200Campbell Ave., Arlington. All 11-year-old Billy wants to do is dance.While the 1984 miners’ strikesqueezes his family and splits histown, Billy’s passion for ballet firstdivides, then ultimately unites, thecommunity – and changes his life inextraordinary ways. Tickets are $40-$102. Visit www.sigtheatre.org.

“My Father’s Dragon.” Through Jan.6, at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. BellSt., Arlington. Dragons are real andimaginations soar in this wordlessFamily Theater Production directedand choreographed by CompanyMember Tori Bertocci. Adapted byCompany Member Ryan Sellers, “MyFather’s Dragon” is based on thebook of the same name by Ruth Stiles

Gannett. The story follows theadventures of Elmer Elevator as hestows away to Wild Island in anattempt to rescue a captive babydragon. This production is a part ofSynetic’s Family Theater series and isrecommended for ages 5 and up.Tickets are $20 and can be purchasedonline at www.synetictheater.org orvia phone at 866-811-4111.

Arlington’s Holiday Kitchens.Through January 2019, at ArlingtonHistorical Museum, 1805 S. ArlingtonRidge Road, Arlington. Nothing saysholiday celebration more than food,so the Arlington Historical Museum israiding the kitchen. In this newholiday exhibit, see all the toolsgrandma used and those used by herforebears long before electricity.Some artifacts will be like whattoday’s kitchens have while othersyou may ponder what they wouldhave been used for. Visitarlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 12Arlington Neighborhood Village

Talk. 10 a.m. At Walter ReedCommunity Center, 2909 South 16thSt., Arlington. Cindi Shore, fromShoreFit in-home personal trainingspecializing in working with seniorsand rehab clients, will give us somefitness tips. Call 703-509-8057.

Sip & Jingle Holiday Party. 5-7 p.m.at the Ballston BID Office, 4600 N.Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington.This festive twist on Ballston’sfavorite happy hour will featureholiday-themed music, games, treatsand more. Guests will enjoy specialtycocktails by Belle Isle Moonshine,beer and wine, and beats by DJTouch Basis. Enter the ugly sweatercontest by wearing your best take onthe ugly sweater trend. Register earlyat tinyurl.com/y7uz9oel.

Friends of Urban Agriculture. 6:30-8:30 p.m. At Arlington CentralLibrary, 1015 N. Quincy Street,Arlington. “Celebrate ArlingtonUrban Ag – Look how far we’vecome.” Learn about theaccomplishments of the past five

years since the County’s Urban AgTask Force Report was issued andhonor outstanding achievements inurban ag in the community.

Equal Rights Discussion. 7 p.m. AtPhelan Hall, Marymount University,2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington. Partof the November Program - ArlingtonCommittee of 100. The Equal RightsAmendment was passed by Congressin the 1970s and now needs only onemore state for passage. CouldVirginia be the state that ratifies it asan amendment to the Constitution?Speakers Julie Tanner, ERAAdvocate, and Sen. Barbara Favola,Virginia State Senate, will discusswhat passing the ERA would meanand the obstacles it faces inRichmond. Visitwww.arlingtoncommitteeof100.org/get-involved/make-a-reservation/.

Winter Concert. 7:30 p.m. AtKenmore Middle School, 200 S.Carlin Springs Road, Arlington (BlackBox Theatre). Presented by ArlingtonCommunity Chorus; directed byMelodie Henderson and accompaniedby Laura Lindsay, the group willperform a wintery mix of songs,including “Winter Wonderland” and“Sleigh Ride.” There also will be anaudience sing-along of some holidayfavorites. Admission is free, and theprogram is suitable for the entirefamily. Visit www.apsva.us/adultedor call 703-228-7200.

WEDNESDAY-TUESDAY/DEC. 12-18Lions Citrus Fundraiser. At the

Overlee Pool (Bath House - LowerLevel), 6030 Lee Highway, Arlington,(lower entrance off John MarshallDrive). Fresh Citrus, Pecans, andMaple Syrup for sale: Wednesday,4:30-8 p.m.; Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.;Friday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.;Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.;Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,Monday, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; andTuesday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-528-1130.

THURSDAY/DEC. 13Turtle Lunch. 10:30-11:30 a.m. At

Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road, Arlington. Helpmake lunch for the nature center’sturtles. Kids can prepare the food forrecovering hospital turtles and watchthem eat, then give them worms fordessert. Ages 3-6. Free; registrationrequired. Register online usingactivity code 622919-Y at atparks.arlingtonva.us.

Made In Arlington. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. AtPlaza Branch Library, 2100Clarendon Blvd., Arlington. Made inArlington returns just in time for theholiday season. A pop-up retailmarket dedicated to unique thingsbeautiful, wearable and edible frominnovators and artisans in Arlington.

Deep Dive: Wintertime Economics.8-9 p.m. At Gulf Branch NatureCenter, 3608 Military Road,Arlington. Adults. Take a Deep Diveinto a natural history topic thatscratches more than just the surface.What are the trade-offs to wintersurvival strategies? How much does atiny chickadee need to eat to survivethe cold winter nights? What are theadvantages for cold-blooded animalsthat spend winter underwater?There’s more to surviving winter thanjust eating or sleeping a lot. Call 703-228-3403. Cost $5. Register onlineusing activity code 622849-D atparks.arlingtonva.us.

FRIDAY/DEC. 14Parents Night Out. 6-10 p.m. At

Walter Reed Community Center,2909 16th St. S., Arlington. MonthlyParents Night Out event, sponsoredby The Teens Making a DifferenceClub (T-MAD). Youth participantswill enjoy an evening of games, art,and fun. $25 per person. Ages 4-11.Register online using activity code720119-C at parks.arlingtonva.us.

Harpsichordist Performs. 8-9:30p.m. At St. George’s EpiscopalChurch, 915 North Oakland St.,Arlington. Renowned Harpsichordist,Elisabeth Wright joins the VivaldiProject in a performance titled “LesGouts Reunis,” a celebration of theFrench and Italian Union of Styles.

$20, $10 students. The followingmorning, Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10a.m., Elisabeth Wright will present amasterclass at St George’s EpiscopalChurch. Admission is free.

SATURDAY/DEC. 15Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas

Bird Count is a long-standingprogram of the National AudubonSociety, with over 100 years ofcommunity science involvement. It isan early-winter bird census, wherethousands of volunteers across theU.S., Canada, and many countries inthe Western Hemisphere go out overa 24-hour period on one calendar dayto count birds. Participants must joinan existing CBC circle by contactingthe compiler in advance of the countday. Visit www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count.

Nauck Holiday CommunityFellowship. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. AtDrew Model School and CommunityCenter, 3500 S. 23rd St., Arlington.Breakfast with Santa Fellowship andSanta Secret Shop. Invitationrequired for families in need. Call703-486-0058 or [email protected].

Families Unplugged: GingerbreadHouses. 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m.At Arlington Mill Community Center,909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington.Participants will get creative whilethey build and decorate agingerbread house as a family. Allmaterials are provided. This programis open to all ages, but recommendedfor ages 3 and older. Children mustregister with an adult. $8 person/non-resident $9.20. Register onlineusing activity code 730019-G atparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/arlington-mill-community-center/.

Children’s Makers Fair. 11 a.m.-1p.m. At Arlington Central Library,1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington. Comesee what the kids have made, takepart in hands-on activities, and take afree Lego-Robotics class, hosted bySilver Knights. There will bedemonstrations, as well as items forsale, all made by the children. Opento the public. Presented by theArlington County Montessori PTA.

Gift Mania. 12:30-3 p.m. at ArlingtonArts Center, 3550 Wilson Blvd.Students (ages 4-6 and 7-10) willcreate a handmade gift for a lovedone to be kept secret until a bigreveal during the holidays. Parents,gifts will be wrapped, so no peeking.$50. Visitwww.arlingtonartscenter.org.

Holiday Drop and Shop. 5-9 p.m. atBarcroft Sport & Fitness Center, 4200S. Four Mile Run Drive. Drop offchildren for an evening of activities(obstacle courses, tumble tramp,foam pit, games and more) atBarcroft Sport & Fitness Center whilefinishing holiday preparations. Pizzaand drink will be provided. $40 perchild. Ages 4-6. Register usingactivity code 110510 atparks.arlingtonva.us/events/holiday-drop-and-shop/.

Holiday Concert. 7-9 p.m. At St.Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4250 N.Glebe Road, Arlington. Celebrate theholiday season with the WorldChildren’s Choir 29th Annual HolidayConcert. The family-friendly programincludes beautiful carols, Hanukkah,secular, and new year songs fromaround the world. The concertincludes an audience sing-along. Costis family (parents and children)/$30;adults/$20; seniors and students(12+)/$15. Contact Sondra [email protected] www.worldchildrenschoir.org/tickets.html.

Family Game Night. 7-9 p.m. At St.John’s Episcopal Church, 415 S.Lexington St., Arlington. Join in the



Holiday ConcertCelebrate the season with The World Children’s Choir 29th Annual Holiday Concert. The family-friendly program includes

carols, Hanukkah, secular, and new year songs from around the world. The concert includes an audience sing-along. Satur-day, Dec. 15, 7-9 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4250 N. Glebe Road, Arlington. Cost is family (parents and children)/$30; adults/$20; seniors and students (12+)/$15. Contact Sondra Harnes at [email protected] or visitwww.worldchildrenschoir.org/tickets.html.

fun at St. John’s family game night.Games will be available, butparticipants are welcome to bring afavorite too. Bring a non-perishablefood item (can or box of food) todonate to AFAC, the Arlington FoodAssistance Center. Visitwww.stjohnsarlingtonva.org.

“Holiday Time Warp” Concert.7:30 p.m. At Unitarian UniversalistChurch, 4444 Arlington Blvd,Arlington. National ChamberEnsemble (NCE) presents classicalmasterpieces, seasonal favorites, aperformance by area string studentsand the winner of NCE’s OutstandingYoung Artist Achievement Award.The evening concludes with a CarolsSing-Along, led by tenor Patrick D.McCoy. Tickets are $36 for adultsand $18 for students. Groupdiscounts for 10 at 703-685-7590.Tickets are available online atwww.nationalchamberensemble.org/tickets.htm.

SUNDAY/DEC. 16R.I.P. – Remove Invasive Plants. 2-

4 p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Restorehabitat and increase species diversityright here in Arlington. The monthlywork parties are making a realdifference, with the return of fernsand wildflowers, and the animalsthat depend on them, in areas oncecovered in destructive invasiveplants. Ages 8+. Free. No registrationrequired. Call 703-228-6535 or [email protected].

Celebrate Christmas. 10:30 a.m. AtWalker Chapel United MethodistChurch, 4102 N. Glebe Road,Arlington. The Walker Chapel Choir,an ensemble from the Falls ChurchConcert Band, other instrumentalmusicians, and readers will lead thiscelebration of the season with aprogram of music and readings.Everyone is invited to attend theannual tradition of Lessons andCarols. That evening at 5 p.m., withthe help of Boy Scout Troop 641,Walker Chapel will host a Yule Log.Join in caroling and refreshments onthe front steps. Call 703-538-5200 orvisit www.walkerchapel.org.

MONDAY/DEC. 17Meet the Speaker: Benito Perri. 3-

4:30 p.m. at Arlington CountyCentral Library, 1015 N. Quincy St.Ben Perri will lead a guidedmeditation and discuss severalimportant aspects of Buddhism. He is

an ordained Catholic priest whostudied with Buddhist scholars and isnearing completion of an intensivetwo-year program to become certifiedas a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher.In addition, Encore Leaninginstructor Dwight Rodgers willdescribe the Mindfulness Clubavailable to Encore Learningmembers. The public is invited. CallEncore Learning at 703-228-2144.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 19Talk on Home Care Services. 10

a.m. At Walter Reed CommunityCenter, 2909 South 16th St.,Arlington. Alexandra Johnson,Director of Marketing andCommunity Outreach for OldDominion Home Care, will describehow a wide range of “home careservices” can help with daily living.

FRIDAY/DEC. 21Solstice Hike & Campfire. 7-8 p.m.

at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608N. Military Road. Celebrate thelongest night of the year with candlemaking and roasting marshmallowsfor s’mores at Gulf Branch NatureCenter. Then take a night hike underthe full moon. $5 per person. Ages 3and older. Register using activitycode 622859–H at 703-228-4747 orregistration.arlingtonva.us.

SATURDAY/DEC. 22Last Chance Holiday Bazaar. 10

a.m.-4 p.m. At Lyon VillageCommunity House, 1920 N. HighlandSt., Arlington. Skip the crowds at themall and support area artisans andentrepreneurs, including handmadesoaps and lotions, jewelry, framedwatercolors, gel candles, handdecorated glassware, hats and silkscarves, spice mixes, fair tradeimported textiles and accessories,alpaca wool socks, stocking stuffersand more. Pick up some sweets andpet gifts from the bake sale tablesupporting Homeward Trails AnimalRescue, and have a slice of pizza forlunch to support the Washington andLee Winter Guard.

Yoga at Long Branch. 10-10:45 a.m.at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road. Start with a funshort walk, return to the naturecenter to practice poses representingthe plants and animals found, thenend with a short relaxation. No priorexperience needed, bring a yoga matif possible, but not required. Ages 7-

10. $5. Register atregistration.arlingtonva.us using#622929-A.

Tree ID Hike. 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road. The leaves aregone but trees still share clues toidentify what tree it is. Learn toidentify the trees of Arlington bytheir bark and shape. Wear weatherappropriate clothes, group will beoutside the whole time. Ages 14+. $5per person. Register atregistration.arlingtonva.us using#622949.

Gifts for Wildlife. 2:30 - 4 p.m. AtLong Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road, Arlington.Families ages 4 and up. Registerchildren and adults; children must beaccompanied by a registered adult.This time of year is the giving season.With food being scarce the local birdsand wildlife could use some kindnesstoo. Make edible garlands andornaments to hang on trees outside.Make an ornament to take home forthe wildlife in the backyard. Call703-228-6535.

Flying Squirrel Lore & More. 5-6p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Flyingsquirrels are found throughout thewooded neighborhoods of Arlington,although they are seldom seen. Learnabout these engaging nocturnalacrobats. After an indoorpresentation, tiptoe outside to seethese little pixies glide in for anevening meal. Ages 4+. Registerchildren and adults; children must beaccompanied by a registered adult.$5 per person. Register using#622959-A atregistration.arlingtonva.us.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 26Holiday Concert. 6-7:30 at The John

F. Kennedy Center for the PerformingArts, 2700 F St., NW, Washington,D.C. Featuring local Encore Choralegroups from Alexandria, Arlington,Fairfax, and Reston. EncoreCreativity for Older Adults, thenation’s largest choral program forsingers 55+, will present thecombined talents of more than 250Encore Chorales and Encore ROCKSsingers in concert. Free, the public isinvited and no tickets are required.Call 301-261-5747 or visitwww.encorecreativity.org.

THURSDAY/DEC. 27Flying Squirrel Lore & More. 5-6



Elisabeth Wright performing with The Vivaldi Project inDurham NC. The Vivaldi Project is a period instrumentensemble consisting of Elizabeth Field (violin) andAllison Nyquist (violin) and Stephanie Vial (cello). In thisperformance, The Vivaldi Project was joined by cellistLisa Like-Doorandish.

Vivaldi Project PerformsRenowned Harpsichordist, Elisabeth Wright joins the Vivaldi Project in a perfor-

mance titled “Les Gouts Reunis,” a celebration of the French and Italian Union ofStyles. Friday, Dec. 14, 8-9:30 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 915 NorthOakland St., Arlington. $20; $10 students. The following morning, Saturday, Dec.15 at 10 a.m., Elisabeth Wright will present a masterclass at St George’s EpiscopalChurch. Admission is free.

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p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center, 625S. Carlin Springs Road. Flyingsquirrels are found throughout thewooded neighborhoods of Arlington,although they are seldom seen. Learnabout these engaging nocturnalacrobats. After an indoorpresentation, tiptoe outside to seethese little pixies glide in for anevening meal. Ages 4+. Registerchildren and adults; children must beaccompanied by a registered adult.$5 per person. Register atregistration.arlingtonva.us using#622959-B.

FRIDAY/DEC. 28Free Play Day. 10-11:30 a.m. at Gulf

Branch Nature Center, 3608 N.Military Road. Give childrenunstructured time with a chance toexplore the woods, make snow forts,throw rocks in the creek and just befree. Dress to get wet and dirty, andwear closed-toe shoes. Free. Ages 5-9. Register using #622829 atregistration.arlingtonva.us.

Sneak a Peek. 1-2 p.m. at Gulf BranchNature Center, 3608 Military Road,Arlington. Ages 6 to 10. Curiousabout what’s behind the scenes? Soare scientists. Try out some waysnaturalists spy into the secrets of thenatural world – from spotting scopesto observation hives. And exploresome of the nature center’s secretspaces too. Call 703-228-3403.

SATURDAY, DEC. 29Animal Tracks. 2-3:30 p.m. At Long

Branch Nature Center 625 S. CarlinSprings Road, Arlington. Familiesages 5 and up. Register children andadults; children must beaccompanied by a registered adult.

Winter is a great time to see animaltracks in the snow or mud. Makeplaster animal (or people) feet andwhile they set, hike the forest lookingfor tracks. Call 703-228-6535.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 2Northern Virginia Bird Club Walk.

8:30-11 a.m. At Long Branch NatureCenter’s Parking Lot, 625 S. CarlinSprings Road, Arlington. Free. Joinmembers of the Northern VirginiaBird Club for one or all of theseinformal walks through Long Branchand Glencarlyn Park in search ofresident and migratory birds.Experienced and beginning birderswelcomed. Bring binoculars and fieldguides if available. Call 703-228-6535.

SATURDAY/JAN. 5Fort C.F. Smith Park Walking

Tour. 9-10 a.m. At Fort C.F. SmithPark, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington.Fort C.F. Smith was one of the lastUnion forts built to protectWashington during the Civil War.Learn about the park’s history, therole of the fort and the soldiersstationed there in the Civil War.Dress for the weather. Terrain will beuneven and possibly muddy. Call703-228-4775.

Summer Camp Open House. 10a.m.-12 p.m. At Encore Stage &Studio, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington.Encore Stage & Studio invitesfamilies in the community to its first-ever Summer Camp Open House.Students will experience a 30-minutesample class of Encore’s varioussummer camps. Camps are availablefor ages 3 through 18, with optionsof one, two and three week sessions.

This is a free event, families mustregister online to reserve their spacefor the open house classes atwww.encorestage.org or by callingthe office at 703-548-1154.

Civil War Discoveries: InfantryDrills. 11 a.m.-noon at Fort C.F.Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St.,Arlington. Ages 7-11. Drill like Unionsoldiers by practicing marches and

turns, as well as how to “load in ninetimes” with replica wood rifles. Call703-228-4775.

Civil War Discoveries: ArtilleryDrills. 1-2 p.m. At Fort C.F. SmithPark, 2411 N. 24th Street, Arlington.Ages 7-11. Work as a team practicingthe steps to load and aim a replicaCivil War cannon. Talk aboutdifferent types of artillery and testnew skills. Call 703-228-4775.

Winter Secrets Revealed. 2-3 p.m.At Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608Military Road, Arlington. Familiesages 5 and up. Register children andadults; children must beaccompanied by a registered adult.With leaves off the trees and theforest plants dormant, many of thesecrets of the forest are revealed.Take a hike in search of bird andsquirrel nests, fox dens, insect homes,snow fleas and other forest secretsone can only glimpse during thewinter. Call 703-228-3403.

Fort Ethan Allen Park WalkingTour. 4-4:45 p.m. At Fort EthanAllen, 3829 N. Stafford St.,Arlington. Fort Ethan Allen was builtby the Union Army in September1861 to command the approach toChain Bridge and has the mostextensive remaining features of anyCivil War fort in Arlington. Explorethe earthworks and discuss how andwhy the fort was built. Dress for theweather. Terrain will be uneven andpossibly muddy. Call 703-228-4775.

Keeping Warm Campfire. 6-7 p.m.At Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608Military Road, Arlington. Cost $5.Spend a chilly evening by the warmthof our campfire while makingS’mores. Learn how animals haveadaptations to stay warm and survivewinter outdoors. Call 703-228-3403.


By Marilyn Campbell

Amid the tree-trimming, wreath hangingand stocking stuffing in an effort to deckthe halls in anticipation of holiday guests,there’s one space that can be forgotten:

the humble bathroom. While not as festive as hang-ing garland, a few simple tweaks can transform abathroom from glum to guest ready.

“Hands-down, the easiest way to spruce up a bath-room with little or no expense is to de-clutter,” saidAnne M. Walker of Anne Walker Design. “You’ll beamazed how beautiful your bathroom looks if youclear away all of the items sitting on the countertopand around the room.”

To help with that effort, Walker suggests investingorganizational items such as Lucite or bamboo traysand drawer inserts so that personal items can be keptout of sight.

For those with a budget and time to allow for it,Walker suggests a fresh coat of paint or new wallpa-per. “That can make a huge visual impact in a bath-room,” she said. “Since the space is so small, and it’sa room where you don’t spend long periods of time,you can have fun with interesting colors and pat-terns.”

Also think about painting just one wall as an ac-cent or the ceiling,” said Todd Martz of Home onCameron in Alexandria. “[Add a new] mirror, suchas a decorative or colorfully framed mirror or onethat runs from floor to ceiling, for a fresh look.”

He also suggests updating a bathroom’s lightingto make the space feel bright and airy.

Another practical tip that Walker offers is a good,old-fashioned scrub-down. “Clean like you’ve nevercleaned before, she said. “Use a surface cleaner withbleach, like Krud Kutter, which is my personal favor-ite, a strong brush, and your elbow grease to removedust, grime and dirt from tile grout, caulk, and cor-

ners of the room.”Among the more mundane tasks is to visually in-

spect the bathroom’s grout to check for cracks andstubborn, unsightly mold. Re-grouting might be nec-essary, says Chuck Khiel, vice president of Fred HomeImprovement. “When making a repair, it is very im-portant to remove all of the cracked grout in the jointso that the full edge of the tile is exposed,” he said.“The new grout can then bond to the full thicknessof the tile edge. Simply smearing a thin layer of newgrout over old grout will not work.”

Once the room is sparkling clean and totallydecluttered, Walker suggests adding display on acountertop or in a shower niche. “A vase full of bam-boo, pretty soaps in a rattan basket or a Lucite trayfilled with beautiful guest towels are just a few sug-gestions for fresh objects that will lend an air of tran-quility to your bathroom.”

For guests who might cringe at the thought ofshared guests towels, Martz suggests adding a trayof disposable hand towels. He also encourages en-gaging one’s sense of smell by, “adding some scentedcandles like those by Rigaud’s Cypres and Cythere.”

Another simple fix is to buy fresh new bath linens,says Walker. “No matter how hard you try, towelsand shower curtains get dingy over time,” she said.“There are so many places to buy lovely linens, andmany of them are very low cost.”

With the right accessories, even the most modestspaces can be made to feel like a spa, suggests Walker,recalling a bathroom in which she added added aTurkish towel, striped shower curtain which becametransformative. “Even though the bathroom, itself,is modest, the beautiful shower curtain makes it feellike a resort,” she said. “By adding just a couple ofcolorful accessories on the countertop, it pulls thewhole room together.

Installing new fixtures such as a shower head canquickly transform a bathroom from outdated to up-dated. “There are many types of shower heads onthe market these days,” said “Some offer a variety ofwater streams and different features, [and] mostmanufacturers make it so that changing a showerhead is fairly simply.”

Sprucing-up a bathroomwithout a renovation.

Preparing for Holiday Guests

HomeLifeStyle

Photo courtesy of Anne Walker

Potomac designer Anne Walker usedThibaut wallpaper to make the room a“fabulous, joyful place to visit,” she said.

Todd Martz of Home on Cameron in OldTown Alexandria suggests adding a decora-tive mirrors for a quick bathroom update.

Photo by Home on Cameron


The Virginia Cooperative Exten-sion (VCE) Arlington and Alex-andria branches held their an-

nual 2018 Showcase on Friday, Dec. 7

at the Fairlington Community Center. Thevalue of extension volunteer hours in Ar-lington County and the City of Alexandriais $1,173,148.

For every $1 invested, Arlington and Alex-andria VCE return $11.67.

Arlington County Board Chair KatieCristol told the group it’s clear how muchthe government values their efforts: “Youare a force multiplier.”

— Shirley Ruhe

The Master Food volunteershave prepared a healthybrunch for the crowd attend-ing the 2018 Extension Show-case. A selection of crustlessspinach feta crustless quicheswith apple bread and cran-berry-walnut pumpkin breadwith gluten-free crackers withsmall slices of brie with adollop of quince jam assurethat all tastes are satisfied.

John McGuiness, Master Finance Volunteer, says theirMoney Smart Buy program teaches basic financialskills like how to create a budget, how to start somesavings, cash flow, paying your bills on time. TeresaGermann, another Master Finance Volunteer, says sheis starting a new program in January aimed at seniorson how to live well in this area on a fixed income.

Becky Halbe, a Master Gardener volunteer, hands outradishes and spinach seeds perfect for growing insideas microgreens. “They are popular right now and fullof nutrition and vitamins. Here we have a balconydisplay. Many neighbors are urban dwellers and theyneed something they can do.”

Learning about Virginia Cooperative ExtensionShowcase describes programs.

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

Put a smile on your dogs, cats andbirds by filling their Christmasstockings with a special surprise.Regan Chinn, area manager for

Kriser’s Natural Pet located in the LeeHarrison Shopping Center, said their prod-ucts are 100 percent natural alternatives foranimals. Select from the chew tower, a largeor small chewy in salmon, pork or venisonthat is made with all rice flour, dipped inprotein then rolled and baked. Your cat canmunch small crunchy bites of Vital Cat inahi tuna, chicken giblet or chicken breast.“Minnow is very popular.”

Christmas toys are displayed inside thefront door — stuffed elves, reindeer andpenguins or a large red Naughty dog bonefor tossing and retrieving. And as you leaveyou can donate food or a toy to be sharedwith Lucky Dog Shelter.

Just down the way in the same shoppingcenter at Wild Birds Unlimited 4-and-a-half-year-old Alex Carr examines the birdseedowl from a tableful of choices that wouldattract the backyard chickadees, wrens, andnuthatches. If you want to please yourwoodpeckers, get a couple of cranberry,PB&J or BugNuts suet cakes.

Mark Rohlf, a store employee, points outthey sell large 5.2 pound bird seed cakesthat “are harder for the birds to get at soyou can get to see the birds longer.” Andwhile you are watching, you can work the

1,000 piece bird puzzle, “a real bargain at$19.99.”

Make it easy while you are shopping foryourself at Trader Joe’s, stop by the pet aisleand pick up a box of gingerbread flavoreddog treats and a package of chicken andcranberry recipe dog treats.

Toys and foodfor animal friends.

Holiday Gifts

Make Everyone Happy for the Holidays

Regan Chinn, area manager forKriser’s Natural Pet, points outsome of the favorite Vital Cat cans.“Minnow is very popular.”

Make birdshappier forlonger with a5.2 poundcake of hotpepper orsafflowerseeds andchoose a suetcake from 10differentflavors in-cludingPB&J, cran-berry andBugNuts.

Head for the pet aisle atTrader Joe’s for sometraditional gingerbreadand cranberry flavoredtreats for your dog.

Head for the chew tower and make every sizeand breed of dog happy. “They really smelland the stronger, the better for most dogs.”

Photos by

Shirley Ruhe

The Connection


Business

A team of bipartisan leaders fromacross the region has formedDMV Strategic Advisors LLC, “toassist the private sector, non-

profits, and local governments advanceprojects and policies aligned with theoverarching goals of our region, goals thatwe helped define and advance over decadesof service to the region,” according to itspress release.

Roger Berliner of Montgomery Countyand Jay Fisette of Arlington County lead thefirm. Berliner and Fisette were bothawarded with the region’s highest honor for“outstanding regional leadership.” Berlinerserved as president of the MontgomeryCounty Council. Fisette served as chair ofthe Arlington County Board. They are joined

by a team of advisors, all of whom have atrack record of serving the region, includ-ing:

❖ Susan Bell, former director ofArlington’s Department of Community Plan-ning, Housing and Development;

❖ Caroline Cunningham, former found-ing president of the Trust for the NationalMall and vice president for Partnership,Greater Washington Board of Trade;

❖ David Harrington, former state sena-tor and Prince George’s Countycouncilmember, and current Prince George’sCounty Chamber of Commerce president;

❖ Thomas Himler, former deputy chiefadministrative officer for Prince George’sCounty;

❖ Mary Hynes, former Arlington County

Board member;❖ Tom Rust, former Virginia delegate and

mayor of Herndon;❖ Bob Sweeney, founder and president

of the DC 2024 Olympic bid and the GreaterWashington Sports Alliance;

❖ Harry Wingo, former senior policycounsel for Google and former presidentand CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce.

According to Berliner and Fisette: “Whatsets our firm apart is that we know this re-gion and we know how to get things done.We know how to successfully engage themultiple levers required to make positivechange happen. And we are committed todoing so for our extraordinary region.”

The firm also offers services to its clientsthrough its Strategic Partners, two national

Fisette Berliner Bell Cunningham Hynes Harrington Rust Himler

Wingo Wingo

Regional Leaders Launch Firm Devoted to RegionFisette, Berliner lead DMV Strategic Advisors LLC.

firms with expertise in the areas of trans-formative leadership and affordable hous-ing: Healthy Companies and EnterpriseCommunity Partners, Inc.

See www://dmvstrategicadvisors.com.


News

Nutritious and DeliciousFrom Page 3

Cyndi Gadhia layers a glass withgingersnap crumbs, yogurt, pears andcrystallized ginger to make a healthy andnutritious but delicious holiday trifle. Sheis assisting Master Food Volunteers CarynWagner and Nancy Broff with the demon-stration at Langston Community Center.

day dinner or if chopped up would make a goodtopping for the trifle.

Next as the nuts cool they turn to the trifle whichis British and very decadent but has come to meananything you can put in layers. Wagner says, “We’regoing to use two flavors that go well together —ginger and lemon.” She explains that trifles are tra-ditionally made in a glass container so that you cansee the layers. “I like to do individual ones so todaywe’ll make a trifle in a large bowl and one in anindividual glass so you can see what it looks like.”

Broff puts some gingersnaps in a plastic bag andfirmly closes the bag, then begins crushing them bypounding with a metal bowl. “Whack, whack, nofancy tools needed. And if you’re stressed, go to it.”

At the other end of the table Gadhia is cuttingcanned pears into bite-sized pieces. “They are inextra light syrup.” She sprinkles some crushedgingersnap crumbs into a glass and then adds a layerof yogurt with a dash of lemon curd, another layerof gingersnaps, then a layer of pears. A bit of crys-tallized ginger, some Cool Whip if you have it andGadhia decides to finish it off with a spiced nut. “Wehave the recipe for the crystallized ginger if you wantto make it yourself.”

The large bowl of trifle is complete, and Wagnerholds it up so the audience can see the layers.

Broff says you could also use holiday colors.“Sometimes I use pistachios and fresh raspberrieswould be very nice.” In addition, if you don’t likethe strong taste of gingersnaps you can substitutevanilla wafers or graham crackers. “I make home-made granola and always have it around,” Broff says,“so sometimes I substitute it for the gingersnaps.”

Then the best part. The audience each receives asmall plastic dish of spiced nuts. Appreciative com-ments filter around the room. Then a taste of trifle.“Hmmmmm; this is really good.”

Virginia Cooperative Extension builds local rela-

tionships and collaborative partnerships helpingpeople put scientific knowledge to work through theCommonwealth’s land-grant universities.

These demonstrations are part of the series offeredby the Arlington County Parks and Recreation in-cluded in their Over 55 Program offerings.

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From Page 3

Celebrating Adoption/Foster Carewas any specific thing that made our decision to startbecoming foster parents.” Rebecca Goodheart says,“We were talking about it one day and went to aninformation session.”

Rebecca Goodheart adds, “Some are definitelyeasier than others. But even when they are drivingyou crazy, it’s hard to let them go. But the goal ofthe program is to return them home or to a rela-tive.”

Elias Marique, a DHS employee, blasts out fromthe microphone on the stage. “And the next winnerof our gift basket is Noelle. What an appropriatename for the season.”

Today’s event was sponsored by Nestlé whoseemployees had helped set up at Kenmore MiddleSchool, provided the food from the company’s ca-terer, and decorated the stage with blow-upsnowmen and menorahs. Jennifer Campbell ofNestlé’s Community Affairs Department said their

employees had made the wreaths decorating thetables on Thursday and had spent all day Friday bak-ing 500 chocolate chip, oatmeal and sugar cookiesand assembling them in decorative boxes as takehome gifts. “We collected 422 toys and gift cards,and we have 30 employees here today volunteering.“

Campbell said when Nestlé moved their home of-fice from California to Arlington, they were lookingfor a community connection. “I am in the process ofbecoming a foster parent and when they talked aboutwhat they do for the holidays, Nestlé decided it wasa good connection for us.”

Friedman says, “The county has a new policy pro-hibiting the Department of Human Resources fromsoliciting donations anymore so when Nestle cameto us to offer this, it was a great benefit.”

The room quiets as the Yorktown High School choirfiles in to the front of the room. “This is an event welike to do each year.”

“We sing songs of cheer. Christmas is here. Ding,dong. Ding, dong.”

See Flourishing, Page 15

“Flourishing After 55” from ArlingtonOffice of Senior Adult Programs for Dec.26-29.

Senior centers: Lee, 5722 LeeHwy.; Langston-Brown Senior Center,2121 N. Culpeper St.; Walter Reed,

2909 S. 16th St.; Arlington Mill, 909 S.Dinwiddie St.; Aurora Hills, 735 S. 18thSt. Senior centers will be closed Mon-day, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25.

Senior trips: Potomac Mills outletmall, Woodbridge, Thursday, Dec. 27,$8; Horseshoe Baltimore Casino, Balti-

more, Friday, Dec. 28, $7; Arena Stage,matinee performance of “Indecent,” Sat-urday, Dec. 29, $72. Call ArlingtonCounty 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748. Reg-istration required.

“Flourishing After 55”


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

As a follow up to last week’s column: “Scared to …,” let me provide a bit more context for the fear and anxiety I wrote about; as well as some history for you readers to appreciate the emotional challenges some of us cancer patients experience.

It all began with the initial Team Lourie meet-ing on Feb. 27, 2009 when we met my oncologist

After exchanging pleasantries, such as they could be, I was examined by my oncologist in an adjacent room. After he completed his exam, we

the results of my most recent medical history

at the Emergency Room complaining of shortness of breath.

Subsequently, there were two sets of X-Rays, one CT scan, one P.E.T. scan and then a surgical

nearly eight weeks to the day that I learned my di-agnosis: non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV. And so my oncologist began to talk. I’m semi-quoting, but clearly remembering the substance:

I can treat you, but I can’t cure you. Your prog-nosis is 13 months to two years. The percentage of patients who live beyond two years is 2 percent. Could you be the one who lives beyond two years? Absolutely. This is extremely serious. You should begin chemotherapy as soon as possible. Next week if possible.

Then our questions began – after we gathered our composure that is. I mean, hearing these words directed at you is as surreal as it gets, and with limited knowledge on the subject and the

-versation.

This is as much as I remember hearing that day. Could there have been more? I’m sure. Unfortu-nately, we were ill-prepared for the occasion.

Though there were three of us: my wife, Dina, my brother, Richard, and myself – collectively, what went in all of our ears went out in different directions.

What was said, what was heard, what was understood, what was remembered, was all a jumble. No one thought to take notes or bring in a recording device, two suggestions which have been subsequently made and that I now pass on to you.

My oncologist answered our questions about surgery, radiation, treatment, drugs, side effects,

He then attempted to describe what my life would be like going forward, offering no guaran-tees of anything particularly hopeful, which now explains the reasons for these two columns: death and progression from dying/symptoms getting worse. He used a staircase as an example.

My health would steadily decline, as if walking

symptoms manifested (down a couple of steps), he could stabilize me there by trying new treatment. But he could never bring my health back to its previous place. Then after a while the new treat-ment would become unsuccessful (down a few more steps), and again, he could stabilize me but he couldn’t bring me back. And on and on until … . I think I can remember another visual he offered: playing with a yo-yo as I descended the stairs; down, down, down.

Amazingly, this has not happened to me de-

ago. HOWEVER, per my understanding of my

condition (I wasn’t diagnosed as “terminal” for nothing), I anticipate stepping down at some point. And any time – every time – I experience symptoms uncharacteristic of my semi-normal ex-istence, I ALWAYS wonder if this is the beginning of my end.

And as much as I want to stay one step ahead, it’s hard for me (practically impossible) to not think that when new symptoms occur, cancer is stepping up its attack.

Still Scared to …

News

From Page 5

Beware offHoliday Scamsit probably is.

When approached by a charitable solici-tor, whether by phone, online, or in-person,follow these practices:

❖ Research the cause and organizationyou are considering donating to.

❖ Ask questions of the solicitor such as:❖ Whether they are from a telemarketing

company or work directly for the charity❖ What programs are conducted by the

charity❖ How much of your donation will be

used for a charitable program❖ How much the solicitor guarantees to

the charity❖ See it in writing. Ask the solicitor for

additional information about the charity,including its annual report or a brochureoutlining its accomplishments.

❖ Never use a phone number or websiteaddress provided to you from the solicitorto verify their credibility.

❖ Check an organization’s reliability bycalling the Consumer Protection Hotline –Handled by the Office of the Attorney Gen-eral, VA toll free at 800-552-9963 or at 804-786-2042.

To find out more about the charitable or-ganization and how much your contribu-tion will be used for charitable purposes,call the Office of Charitable and RegulatoryPrograms (OCRP) within the Virginia De-partment of Agriculture and Consumer Ser-vices at 804-786-1343.

Secure your Personal Information.If you find that you were a target of vic-

tim of a scam, file an online police reportat https://police.arlingtonva.us/online-po-lice-reporting-system/

From Page 14

“Flourishing After 55”

NEW PROGRAMS:Senior ice skating, MedStar Capitals Iceplex,

Ballston Mall, level 8, Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m.Details, 703-228-4771.

Drop-in badminton, Wednesdays and Thurs-days, 10:15 a.m., Walter Reed. Details,703-228-0955.

The Rocking Chairs, grown up rock ‘n rollband, Wednesdays, noon, Lee. Details, 703-228-0555.

Drop-in volleyball, experienced and newcom-ers, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1:30 p.m.,Langston-Brown. Details, 703-228-6300.

Arlington Walking Club for seniors will visitWar Memorials, D.C., Wednesday, Dec. 26, 9 :30a.m., $4. Register, 703-228-4771.

DHS rep discusses services available,Thursday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m., Walter Reed. Register,703-228-0955.

Woodcarvers group meets Thursdays, 1 p.m.,Lee. Loaner tools and wood available. Details, 703-228-0555.

Senior Trekkers from Arlington Mill walkalong the W&OD Trail, Thursdays, 9 a.m. Details,703-228-7369.

New Year’s resolution exercise using vi-sion boards, Friday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m., ArlingtonMill. Register, 703-228-7369.

Lee Walkers will walk along Alexandria UrbanTrail, Friday, Dec.28, 10 a.m., $4. Register, 703-228-0555.

Fast-paced walking group to meet at AuroraHills, Friday, Dec. 28, 9 a.m. Details, 703-228-5722.


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