Page 13 Sports, Page 12 Langley Principal Leaves for South...

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 17-23, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Get to KnowCraig Parisot

News, Page 4

Clemyjontri ParkCelebrates

RenewalNews, Page 8

Langley High School Principal Matt Ragone in front of thetrophy case. After more than six years as Langley principal,he became the principal of South County High School.

Langley PrincipalLeaves for

South County


South County


South CountyNews, Page 3

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 17-23, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ December 17-23, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Reena Singh

The Connection

For six years, he was the glue thatbrought Langley High School(LHS) together.

LHS Principal Matthew Ragonehas left the school to boost South CountyHigh School’s academics as its new princi-pal.

“South County has spent a long time look-ing for a qualified principal,” said Ragone.“I think I have the right fit to help a schoollike South County with qualities that havebeen dormant at Langley.”

Ragone has spent his entire 22 year edu-cation career at Fairfax County Schools.Even further back, he graduated high schoolfrom South Lakes High School in Reston.

“I always loved history,” he said. “I re-member going to Monticello and downtownD.C., and I would finish our tour guide’ssentences and it would tick everyone off.”

While studying at the University of MaryWashington, he taught swimming over thesummers while on break. He said he wasamazed that instructions could lead to ac-tion. He knew then that he wanted to be-come a teacher.

After years of being a social studiesteacher, however, he realized he wantedmore.

“I always thought I was going to be ateacher my entire life,” he said. “I alwaysfound it rewarding.”

However, he wanted to reach more thanthe 150 students who would come throughhis classroom every week.

“Also, there were things you complainabout as a teacher, and I didn’t want to com-plain anymore,” he said.

AFTER BEING AT FOUR OTHERSCHOOLS, he landed at Langley High.Former Parent Teacher Association Presi-dent and current Family Network Commit-tee co-Chair Betsy Shomaker worked closelywith him for many years, saying he createdunity where there was little before.

“I think Matt’s legacy will be his work andeffort to change and improve school spiritand school culture,” she said.

Previous to his principalship there, theschool celebrated Color Day where differ-ent school teams would wear different col-ors - a practice of rivalry within the school.

Ragone decided to change the day to UnityDay, instead, asking students to all wearschool colors and stand together.

“He created the school idea of SaxonCountry,” said Shomaker. “No matter whoyou are, we are one.”

Ragone said he was especially proud tohave reached out to the students he calledthe “middle kids,” the students who wereneither the disadvantaged nor overachiev-ers.

Although student mental health is widelydiscussed topic within Fairfax County Pub-lic Schools and around the nation,Shomaker said he may have been one ofthe first people who talked about it fiveyears ago.

She remembered a speech where he said,

“Students can’t sacrifice current happinessfor future happiness.”

“He was also a rock to the communityduring some dark times last year,” she said.

Last winter, two Langley students killedthemselves during the same week - one onMonday and the other Tuesday - shakingthe school system to the core and prompt-ing changes like the addition of Crisis Textand later high school start times.

“He really binded the community to-gether,” said Langley senior and FCPSSchool Board student representative Har-ris LaTeef.

LaTeef said he was sad when he foundout that Ragone - who he called a rolemodel - was leaving in the middle of theyear.

“I was looking forward to crossing thestage at graduation and shaking his hand,”he said.

Ragone’s first day at South County HighSchool was on the Dec. 15. Former SouthLakes principal Bruce Butler will replacehim as LHS’s interim principal.

RAGONE is excited for the fresh start andfeels he is leaving Langley a better placethan how he found it. He knows that hewill face different challenges like lower testscores, a more diverse population and agreater percentage of students who arequalified for free or reduced lunch.

“South County is one of those really greatplaces to be,” he said. “You walk in and seethat people have so much school spirit. Ithink that their academics could match theirspirit and enthusiasm at the school.”

Matthew Ragone created “Saxon Country,” says school family network committee co-chair.

Langley Principal Leaves for South County

Photo by Reena Singh/The Connection

Langley High School Principal Matt Ragone in front of the trophy case.

Great Falls Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

White House Ornaments Available in Great FallsThis year’s White House Ornament represents a set of trains inhonor of President Warren Harding who was very fond of trains.The ornaments can be purchased at Great Dogs, and The Studio,both retailers located in Great Falls. The cost per ornament is $25,all proceeds benefiting Artemis House, a local Fairfax County shel-ter providing emergency assistance for women and children fleeingdomestic violence. Store locations: Great Dogs: 9859 GeorgetownPike, Great Falls, 703-759-3601; The Studio: 10123 Colvin Run Road,Great Falls, 703-757-2330.

Fairfax County is offering a free Telephone Sup-port Group for Family Caregivers of Older Adults. Joinus for this open discussion. This telephone supportgroup may be just what you need! Share your experi-ences, gain support and get important informationwithout having to travel. The one-hour free sessionsare scheduled for the second Tuesday of each monthbeginning at7 p.m. Find out more and register atwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ andclick on Caregiver Telephone Support Group.

Fairfax County needs volunteers to drive olderadults to medical appointments and wellness pro-grams Reston area. For these and other volunteeropportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click onVolunteer Solutions.

Volunteers, fluent in American Sign Lan-guage, are needed in Reston, Herndon andVienna. For these and other volunteer opportuni-ties, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click onVolunteer Solutions.

Meals on Wheels needs drivers in Chantilly,McLean, Mt. Vernon, and Clifton on Monday,Wednesday and Friday. For these and other volun-teer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and clickon Volunteer Solutions.

The Lewinsville Senior Center in McLeanneeds instructors for the following classes: Certi-

fied Arthritis Exercise, Ballroom Dance, SquareDance,Knitting/Crocheting, Bridge and AmericanMah Jongg. For these and other volunteer oppor-tunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click onVolunteer Solutions.

The Northern Virginia Long-Term CareOmbudsman Program needs volunteer advo-cates for residents in assisted living and nursingfacilities. Training is provided in March. Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or [email protected]. Find more infor-mation on the program at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ltc .

The Annandale Adult Day Health CareCenter in Annandale needs alicensed hair stylistto wash, cut and style hair for participants once ortwice a month and Spanish-speaking social com-panions Monday-Friday. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

The Wakefield Senior Center in Annandaleneeds a Chair Exercise Instructor and BilingualEnglish/Spanish Activity Leaders. They also needcertified instructors for classes in Ballroom Danceand Pilates. Volunteer instructor positions couldlead to part-time employment. For these and othervolunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Volunteer Opportunities


What are your top three accomplish-ments?

Craig Parisot: The number one is I am sofortunate to have a magnificent wife andthings just keep getting better every day. Ihave such an adorable, healthy child.

My second is my service as an officer in theUnited States Air Force.

The third is really growing and operating asuccessful business where we had nearly 300employees at one point. And we never misseda payroll. That was really special.

What would be your top three priori-ties as delegate?

Parisot: Growing and diversifying theCommonwealth’s economy. Transportation.Education. They all go hand in hand. They’reall key investments.

Why should our readers vote for you?Parisot: I’m very deliberate about the

decisions that I make. I’m deeply committedto this community, deeply committed to beingthe best delegate that I could possibly be. I’veabsolutely got the best background for this. Ithink it translates for the needs and prioritiesfor the 34th district, and I am not a careerpolitician.

How would you show off Northern

Virginia to out of town friends?Parisot: First of all, we’d have to use a

car, so hopefully the roads are clear and wedon’t come across much congestion. I wouldstart by taking them out to our farm in GreatFalls, just to show them the raw beauty. I’dthen show them all my favorite spots here inMcLean.If we get a little more daylight, wemight go out to Great Falls National Park,take a little hike, because it’s just so gor-geous.

What would people find surprisingabout you?

Parisot: I can juggle - apparently not oddsized objects - but cylindrical objects that inparticular. I think the other thing is that myentrepreneurial roots run really deep. I wasthat typical kid that had the lemonade standon the side of the road on a hot sunny day tomake a little bit of money, because I do comefrom a single family home.

How do you relax off the campaigntrail?

Parisot: Well, when you do get time, it’sreally about spending time with my family,making every opportunity to spend thosemoments with my wife and my son. Espe-cially now, I’m watching him grow up anddiscover life.

Q&A: Get to Know Craig Parisot

By Reena Singh

The Connection

Craig Parisot can juggle.

Whether that means candycanes or work-life balance, hecatches everything that comes

his way.With a growing new family, a growing list

of leadership roles in the community andan active campaign as the Republican can-didate for delegate for the 34th District, thisis a job that requires both hands.

“If there is one thing I want people toknow about me, it’s that I’m not looking forpurpose by running,” he said, sitting in thetight quarters of his McLean “Parisot forDelegate” office. “I’m running with pur-pose.”

Although his son Jackson is only 12 weeksold, Parisot has just weeks to knock on doorsand pound pavement to win voters over. Heloves having the opportunity, however, totalk to the diverse group of locals that makeup McLean, Great Falls and parts ofLoudoun County, an opportunity he said hewould almost never have without runningfor office.

“It inspires me to do right by all people,”he said.

He said his parents divorced when he wasa young boy in South Carolina. His motherraised him, and at one point, the family hadto go on food assistance while she put her-self through school to become a nurse.

“I always paid attention,” he said. “I askedwhy my mom was a Republican - what doesit mean to be a Republican?”

Working in the House of Representatives,his eyes were opened to how the legislativeprocess worked. His interest in politicsfound its spark.

“It’s about being conservative,” he saidabout what it means to be Republican. “TheRepublican Party I know and love welcomeseverybody.”

HE MOVED to the area 13 years ago afterserving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Sang Yi, a Navy reserve officer who metParisot through community activities, saysthat service in the military gives him an edgeto run for office.

“I think when people serve in the mili-tary, they learn leadership skills that are notreadily available at other jobs,” he said.

Also, with a child under 3 months, Yi isimpressed that Parisot decided to run in adrastically shortened race.

“He’s probably not getting a lot of sleepright now,” he said. “He’s a remarkable guy.”

His wife, Kristen, and he lived in Wash-ington, D.C. while they worked for manyyears, then moved to McLean three yearsago.

says his opponents misread about his inten-tions.

“I knew I wasn’t going to win,” he said.“But I learned a lot of things. It really helpedme to learn about my communities veryquickly.”

What he is learning from local communi-ties this time around are the issues he plansto take to office if he wins: boosting thestate’s economy, promoting education andimproving transportation. He believes thatall three of those requests are connected.

“Listen, listen, listen,” said Parisot. “Youwill learn so much, and your actions willbe so much better by listening.”

Fran Fisher, of Vienna, met Parisot whenthey were campaigning over the summerfor Barbara Comstock’s run for U.S. Con-gress. Fisher said she briefly contemplatedrunning for her open delegate seat, but isexcited that Parisot decided to.

“He’s got his priorities straight,” she said.“He’s level-headed. He’s got a good graspof the issues of the district.”

She also noted that his business back-ground gives him an edge.

“As a business person, he understands abudget and how to live within a budget,”she said.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE he is facingis just letting voters know there is an elec-tion in January even though there was justan election in November. Between those twoelections are some of the biggest holidaysto nearly every denomination - but he doesnot want to compete with them. Rather, heis collecting canned goods while on the cam-paign trail to donate to a food pantry.

Ryan Rauner, who met Parisot through theFinance Committee on the Fairfax CountyRepublican Committee, said Parisot’s suc-cess in business will make him a successfuldelegate. He described his colleague as pas-sionate, dedicated and business-minded - asmart person who understands the issues.

“He doesn’t need to become delegate,” hesaid. “I know he’s doing it because publicservice is a service. It’s not a career for him,it’s a passion.

Jim Tragakis serves on the VolunteerFairfax board that Parisot leads. He said hewas excited when he found out Parisot wasrunning for delegate.

“He’s very strategic in his thinking andfocuses on getting things done,” saidTragakis. “I can see him working his wayinto leadership positions like committeechairman and other positions like that.”

Parisot continues to knock on doors andgo to community meetings where he canlisten in and hopefully take those concernsto the General Assembly one day.

“When people talk to me, they know whatthey’re getting,” Parisot said.

Bio:Current Position: CEO of Aperio InternationalResidence: McLeanSpouse: KristenChildren: Jackson, 12 weeks oldEducation: University of South Carolina BA

English, California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona MBA

Current and previous organizations:President of Volunteer Fairfax, Board of WorldPolice and Fire Games, Northern VirginiaTechnology Council, McLean CitizensAssociation, Great Falls Citizens Association.

News

Colleagues say delegatecandidate Craig Parisot’s‘got his priorities straight.’

Running with Purpose

Photos contributed by Sean McCort

Kristen Parisot, Don Landefeld - Godfather - and Jill - Godmother - looktowards the priest as Craig Parisot holds his son, Jackson, during hischristening.

They finally bought a house in McLeantwo years ago. They also have a family farmin Great Falls where Kristen can ride horses.

Two years ago, he also sold his companyAperio International, that once had nearly300 employees. He said the benefits and fairwages the company provided made themcompetitive in the field.

“NOVABizPAC, the Fairfax County Cham-ber of Commerce’s political action commit-tee, is pleased to endorse and support CraigParisot for Delegate,” said NOVABizPACChair Scott McGeary in a press release an-nouncing their endorsement. “It is our hope

that Mr. Parisot will take his pro-businessand pro-jobs policy positions to Richmondto ensure Virginia remains a top state forbusiness.”

Serving in the military gave him drive toserve in other ways once he retired. He hastaken leadership roles in local nonprofitboards and goes to McLean Citizen Asso-ciation and Great Falls Citizen Associationmeetings to listen to the issues that impactthe area the most.

In pursuit of a way to serve during theshort time he lived in Chevy Chase, Md., hedecided to run for mayor - something he


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Faith Notes are for announce-ments and events in the faithcommunity. Send to [email protected]. Dead-line is Friday.

“Once Upon A Holy Night”on Dec. 21 at 10:45 a.m. at Char-ity Baptist Church 1328 SpringHill Road McLean. Join in for theannual Christmas concert. It willbe a morning filled with joyouscelebration, music, and worship.This year the choir performs aninspiring musical story of God’spromise fulfilled. The programfeatures Classical Christmas fa-vorites as well as blues and jazzarrangements that beautifully tellthe story of Christ’s birth. A per-formance that is sure to igniteand kindle your Christmas spirit.Admissions is free. No tickets re-quired.

“Blue Christmas” Wor-ship Service for thosestruggling with loss or sadnessthis holiday season. 6 p.m. Sun-day, Dec. 21. EmmanuelLutheran Church 2589 ChainBridge Road, Vienna. Everyonewelcome. 703-938-2119 orwww.elcvienna.org.

A Festival of Lessons andCarols. 9 and 11:15 a.m. onSunday, Dec. 21 at St. John’sEpiscopal Church, 6715Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Once Upon a Holy Night,10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 at

Faith Notes

See Faith, Page 7

The McLean Community Founda-tion (MCF) has announced thefollowing grants recently awarded toorganizations benefiting the citizensof McLean:

❖ Share of McLean received adonation that will help fund the pur-chase of a new truck to supportShare’s services for families in need.

❖ A grant to SPARC will fund thepurchase of specially-adapted pho-tography equipment and art suppliesfor its programs benefiting adultswith disabilities.

❖ McLean Orchestra will re-

ceive funds to replace out-of-datecomputer equipment.

❖ Longfellow PTA received agrant to support Longfellow’s partici-pation in the National WildlifeFederation’s Green Flag Award pro-gram promoting the cultivation ofsustainable school grounds, the re-duction of waste and promotesenergy savings.

❖ Redeemer Renaissance Af-ter-School Program was awardeda challenge grant toward the pur-chase of a bus to transport studentsfrom area elementary schools.

McLean Community FoundationAnnounces Grants Recipients,New Grants Cycle

News

Carole Herrick was recently selected toserve as chairman of the Fairfax CountyHistory Commission. The commission helpsto identify, document, record and preservethe county’s historic past. It also sponsorsevents about local history. The commissionmeets at 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday ofeach month in the Conference Room at theCity of Fairfax Regional Library. The publicis always welcome.

Photo contributed

Carole Herrick

Herrick NamedChairman ofHistory Commission


By Pamela L. Michell

Executive Director

New Hope Housing

The weather has turned colderand the holidays are in full swing,which means it’s the time of yearwhen people ask “what can we dofor the homeless now that it’s socold?” Or “how can we help thehomeless have a good Christmas?”For those of us working with men,women, and children who are ex-periencing homelessness, the greatcommunity interest in Decemberin those we serve can be heart-warming — and overwhelming.Overwhelming because we are in-undated by your extraordinarygenerosity during this time. But

heartwarming, because you arethinking about the persons in ourprogram as individuals; as peoplewith their own holiday dreams.

In my 30-plus years in homelessservices, one of my pet peeves isthe phrase “the homeless.” Whenwe use that phrase we unknow-ingly dehumanize the people wedescribe. We are also inaccuratelylumping together a diverse groupof people under one label asthough they are all the same withthe same needs. Nothing could befurther from the truth. They areindividuals, each with a uniquestory. They are children. They aremothers and fathers. They are vet-erans. They are people from allwalks of life. The one thing they

have in common is not having apermanent address.

At New Hope Housing, we don’thelp the Homeless, we don’t housethe Homeless, we don’t serve theHomeless, we don’t work for theHomeless, because here, we don’tbelieve the Homeless exist. Weserve people. And sometimespeople experience homelessness.We believe homelessness is some-thing that happens to you. Our jobat New Hope Housing — and thejob of our nonprofit partners — isto prevent that experience fromhappening, or if it does happen,making it as short as possible byhelping get people back into ap-propriate permanent housing.

We at New Hope Housing, andour partners, as well as the fami-lies and single adults in our pro-

Helping People without Homes grams, are truly grateful for yoursupport in filling a holiday wishlist, providing a meal, volunteer-ing at one of the many hypother-mia sites, or donating money tohelp our agencies end thehomelessness of each person whowalks through our doors. We willstill need you on Dec. 26 and Feb.5 and during the summer. Untileach person is home, we’ve all gotwork to do.

Thank you for making this per-son-to-person connection this holi-day season. Thank you for seeingthat those who seek our assistanceare not “the homeless,” but men,women, and children with hopesand dreams, just like each of uswho are blessed with a place to callhome. Because there is no placelike home — anytime of the year.

In no particular order:❖ Our Daily Bread’s Holiday Program helps

those in need with food for the holidays and giftsfor their children. Donations are still needed, go towww.odbfairfax.com/holiday

❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210,Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org. Programs and servicesinclude the Embry Rucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia PreventionProgram and the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

❖ FACETS helps parents, their children andindividuals who suffer the effects of poverty in theFairfax area. FACETS is always in need ofvolunteers, and offers a variety of one-time andongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251 [email protected]. www.facetscares.org.10640 Page Avenue, Suite 300, Fairfax VA 22030

❖ HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, formerlythe Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic, provides medical,dental and behavioral health care to anyone inneed, regardless of age or ability to pay. Herndonlocation, 1141 Elden St. Third Floor, Herndon, VA20170, 703-481-8160 http://hwnova.org/

❖ Alternative House — Abused and HomelessChildren’s Refuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA22182, 703-506-9191. www.thealternativehouse.org

❖ SHARE of McLean seeks donations of grocery giftcards and more. Checks and gift cards can be sentto: Holiday Celebration, Share, Inc. PO Box 210,McLean, VA 22101. 703-284-2179.www.SHAREofMcLean.org

❖ Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna,organized in 1969 by a group of concerned churchesand individuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield,Oakton, Vienna community to provide simple,loving charity to those in need. 703-281-7614 http://www.cho-va.com

❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (For ImmediateSympathetic Help), 336 Victory Drive, Herndon,703-391-0105 Also operates thrift store, TheBargain Loft, 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, 20170,703-437-0600 http://herndonrestonfish.org

❖ Northern Virginia Family Service, providinggift cards and toys for 1,700 of Northern Virginia’sneediest families this season. 10455 White GraniteDrive Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124 703-385-3267http://www.nvfs.org/

❖ Office to End and Prevent Homelessness hasa strategic road map to prevent and endhomelessness, created by the Planning Committee toEnd Homelessness, in partnership with the cities ofFairfax and Falls Church, government agencies,

Where to Give Locallynonprofits, faith communities and businesses. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/

❖ 12 Ways of Giving: Fairfax County Office ofPublic Private Partnerships’ “12 Ways of Giving”campaign is an annual event that showcases manyways for meaningful, local giving during the holidayseason, highlighting nonprofits in Fairfax County.www.fairfaxcountypartnerships.org

❖ Assistance League of Northern Virginia is anall-volunteer organization that clothes, feeds,educates and nurtures those in need focusing five ofthe neediest elementary schools. Volunteers anddonors are always needed. [email protected] or seewww.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org

❖ Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — foodpantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (nearBackyard Grill and Bar). For more information or tosponsor a family, call 703-988-9656, ext. 105. Tomail gift cards or send donations by check, add anote saying “food basket program” and send themto: WFCM, P.O. Box 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153.703-988-9656. http://www.wfcmva.org/

❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofitorganization whose mission is to educate children tohave giving hearts. http://www.touchingheart.com,703-901-7355

Opinion

The holidays are for giving.

Christmas and Hanukkah areabout children and family, aboutsharing, about joy, about being

thankful and about faith and appreciation.Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see

few signs of families in need as we goabout our daily lives and holiday shop-ping. Our neighborhoods are largelysegregated economically; we mostlysee the people who are most like our-selves economically.

But in Fairfax County, about 65,000 peoplelive below the poverty line, about 6 percent.In Arlington and Alexandria, more than 8 per-cent of the population lives in poverty, about18,000 people in Arlington and more than12,000 people in Alexandria.

To be clear, the poverty line is $19,780 for afamily of three; it’s $11,670 for a single per-son household. Imagine for a minute how far$20,000 a year would go in your family. Tolive in Northern Virginia, a family needs to earnabout twice the rate of poverty to get by. The

median household income in FairfaxCounty and Arlington is well over$100,000.

In Fairfax County Public Schools,more than 52,000 students, or more

than 28 percent, are poor enough to receivefree or subsidized meals, a significant measureof poverty.

In Arlington more than 32 percent of the stu-dents are poor enough to receive free or subsi-dized meals; that’s 7,452 students at last count.

In Alexandria, more than 8,500 students are

poor enough to receive free or subsidizedmeals. That’s 60 percent of the 14,222 studentsenrolled.

These are children who may not be sure thatthey will have a meal between the meals theyget in school. School holidays can bring un-certainty and hunger, a far cry from the cel-ebrations, gifts and plenty that we associatewith Christmas, Hanukkah and winter holidayvacations.

Many of these are children are living in fami-lies who must choose between medical bills,car repair, heat and food. Almost all are fami-lies where at least one adult is employed fulltime, but still many are one unexpected ex-pense away from disaster. Many of these fami-lies live on the brink of homelessness.

There are literally hundreds, probably thou-sands, of ways to give locally this season. Alsomark your calendar to help again in a monthor two. The needs don’t go away after the holi-days. Here are a few ideas.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping,remember tens of thousands of local children areshort of food as well as presents.

Holidays Are for Giving

Editorial

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Great Falls


Charity Baptist Church, 1328 Spring Hill Road,McLean. Celebrating music and drama.

Great Falls United Methodist Church,10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, will host aLive Nativity on Sunday, Dec. 21. There will bethree showings: 5, 5:20 and 5:40 p.m. Live ani-mals, refreshments and singing!

703-759-3705.

Christmas Eve Service. 4, 7 and 10 p.m. onDec. 24 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Oakton Church of the Brethren welcomesthe community to a Christmas Eve service withlighting of candles and Holy Communion onWednesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. The theme of themessage will be “The Response to the Knock” andthere will be congregational singing, soloists andinstrumentalists. The church is located at 10025Courthouse Rd. in Vienna, Va., at the intersectionof Route 123 and Courthouse Rd. near Oakton. Formore information, call 703 281-4411 or gotowww.oaktonbrethren.org.

Christmas Day Service. 10 a.m. on Dec. 25at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715 GeorgetownPike, McLean.

St. Francis Episcopal Church , 9220Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, offers musical,educational, outreach and fellowship ministries inaddition to worship services, including a 7:45 a.m.worship service without music; 9 a.m. worship ser-vice, children’s chapel and children’s choirs; 10a.m. Sunday school and adult forum; and 11 a.m.worship service with adult choir. 703-759-2082.

The Antioch Christian Church offers a timeof Prayer and Healing on Wednesday evenings at6:30 p.m. for anyone wanting encouragement andhealing through prayers. People are available to

pray with you or for you. Antioch Christian Churchis located at 1860 Beulah Road in Vienna.www.antiochdoc.org

The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA)offers a wide variety of support groups for thosewith emotional, social, and physical challenges.www.jssa.org/growth-learning.

HAVEN of Northern Virginia offers a vari-ety of free bereavement support groups, meetingon a weekly basis. 703-941-7000 orwww.havenofnova.org.

McLean Bible Church Fitness Class at Body &Soul Fitness. Gain balance, energy and strength at9:45 a.m. Mondays and Fridays. Free childcare forregistered students. [email protected].

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 1830Kirby Road in McLean, holds a third Sunday ser-vice every month at 10:15 a.m. which allowschildren to play active roles in the music and asgreeters and ushers. Traditional services are everySunday at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m.

Vienna Christian Healing Rooms are open,every Saturday, 1-5 p.m., at 8200 Bell Lane. A teamof Christians is available to anyone requestingprayer. Free and open to the public. 703-698-9779or www.viennachristianhealingrooms.com.

Chesterbrook United Methodist Church isat 1711 Kirby Road, McLean. Worship service is at11 a.m. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. for adultsand children. 703-356-7100 orwww.ChesterbrookUMC.org.

Centering Prayer Group meets Fridays, 9:30a.m. at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church,1301 Trap Road, Vienna. The hour includes a briefreading related to Centering Prayer, followed by a20-minute prayer period. E-mail Martha Thomas [email protected] or call the church at703-759-3509.

From Page 5

Faith

Adeler Jewelers ..................................... 703-759-4076AdGen Telecom.....................................703-757-6757Allstate Insurance/Doug White................703-759-7700Aquarian LLC.........................................703-438-8838Artists on the Green................................703-609-3092Capitol Realty Services .......................... 703-759-4900Dent Asset Management........................703-286-7555Dr. C. Ayers ............................................703-757-6445Executive Suites at Great Falls................703-865-2500Falls Salon, The ...................................... 703-759-4758First Line Financial, Inc. ..........................703-757-7393Georgetown Learning Centers ...............703-759-3624Great Falls Creamery. ............................703-272-7609Great Falls Family & Cosmetic Dentistry..703-759-4707H2O Pools .............................................. 703-250-5585Jinny Beyer Studio..................................703-759-0250Katie’s Coffee House..............................703-759-2759Knowlera Media.....................................703-757-5444Lauren Liess Interiors .............................. 571-926-7825Loebig Chiropractic...............................703-757-5817New Paradigm Capital Mgmt.................703-757-4802Old Brogue Irish Pub...............................703-759-3309Peking Delight Chinese Restaurant.........703-759-5040Pilates Place, LLC...................................703-405-3371Pio Pio Restaurant .................................. 703-865-7700Robert Mobley, AIA Architect..................703-759-1927School of Theatrical Dance....................703-759-5652Spectrum Property Management ...........703-307-2965Teel Construction ................................... 703-759-4754Village Centre Mgmt Office ................... 703-759-2485Village Retreat/Massage Therapy...........703-638-4852Wells Fargo Bank....................................703-757-1040

www.gfvcca.com

The Great Falls Village Centre776 Walker Road • Great Falls, VA703-759-2485 • [email protected]

Shop Great Falls

~ At The Great Falls Village Centre ~

Great Falls Village CentreGreat Falls Village Centre

Proud Location of the Following Events:“Egg Hunt” “4th of July Parade” “Concerts

on the Green” “Halloween Spooktacular”“Celebration of Lights”

“Cars and Coffee”“Farmers Market”

The Great Falls Village Centre would like to welcome

Thanks to all who participated in “Celebration of Lights”

For a free digi-tal subscriptionto one or allof the 15ConnectionNewspapers,go towww.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

Be the first toknow – get yourpaper before ithits the press.

Complete digitalreplica of theprint edition,including photosand ads, deliv-ered weeklyto your e-mailbox.

Questions?E-mail:[email protected]

8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ December 17-23, 2014 Great Falls Connection ❖ December 17-23, 2014 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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News

By Nikki Cheshire

The Connection

After spending nearly $1 million onrenovations to repair ClemyjontriPark’s worn-out surfacing, thepark is ready to fully reopen. The

Fairfax County Park Authority celebrated therenewal this past weekend at the park, host-ing a holiday-themed event that included

pictures with Santa, a craft table for mak-ing ornaments, collections for the Toys forTots program, and a visit by several farmanimals from Frying Pan Farm Park.

Clemyjontri Park was built when McLeanresident Adele Lebowitz donated her landto the county, with the vision that it wouldbecome a fully accessible playground whereevery child, regardless of ability, could playwith one another. With an estimated

200,000 unique visitors to the park everyyear since opening in 2006, Clemyjontri wasdue for a renovation.

“Clemy is a very special place,” said RipSullivan, Dranesville District Representativeof the Fairfax County Park Authority Board.“With all due respects to the many and nu-merous wonderful parks in the FairfaxCounty Park System, I have long referred toClemy as the crown jewel.”

Clemyjontri Park Celebrates RenewalCommunity honors Adele Lebowitz who died earlier this month. Lebowitz, who passed away quietly ear-

lier this month at the age of 98, was hon-ored at the renewal ceremony for the joyher vision and generosity continues to bringto the community.

“Clemy is more than just a playground,it’s really a community treasure,” saidSullivan. “And it has always taken the sup-port of the community to make this such avery special place.” Sullivan praised theFriends of Clemyjontri group, who work to“maintain, expand, and protect” the park.

The Toys for Tots program joined the ceremony,collecting gifts for children in need. (From left)David Bowden, Director of the Planning and Devel-opment Division for the Fairfax County Park Au-thority; Harry Glasgow, Member of the Board ofDirectors for the Fairfax County Park Foundation;Kathleen Helein, President of Friends ofClemyjontri Park; Rip Sullivan, Dranesville DistrictRepresentative; Clemyjontri Park employee BobLynch as Santa Claus; Grace Wolf, newly appointedDranesville District Representative; BobbiLongworth, Executive Director of the FairfaxCounty Park Foundation; and Rachel Georgelas,Board Member of the Friends of Clemyjontri, allhold up gifts donated to the Toys for Tots programduring the ceremony.

Students in the McLeanHigh School ArmoniaChoir perform classicChristmas carols duringthe ceremony. (Fromleft) Kun Xing, MargaretOrrell, Alanna Milstein,Kendall Cobington,Rachel Weatherby andGigi Iyob.

President of the Friendsof Clemyjontri ParkKathleen Helein joins theaudience in applaudingGrace Wolf after theannouncement that shewill be taking over forRip Sullivan as the newDranesville DistrictRepresentative on theFairfax County ParkAuthority Board.

Kathleen Helein, the president of theFriends of Clemyjontri, says the park “re-ally is a much loved and magical place.”Helein also mentioned that the Concert inthe Park, a black tie fundraiser forClemyjontri, will be taking place this springon April 25.

Also at the ceremony, Sullivan announcedthat due to his commitment as an electedmember of the Virginia General Assembly,he will be stepping down from the Park Au-thority Board and be replaced by Grace Wolf.

Photos by Nikki Cheshire/

The Connection

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St. John’s Episcopal ChurchChristmas Services and Special Events

Sunday, December 21• 9:30 AM – A service of Advent Lessons and Carols, with Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve• 4:00 PM - Family Service of Holy Eucharist, with Children’s Sermon, and

Christmas Organ Voluntaries• 9:30 PM – Christmas Carols by the St. John’s Choir• 10:00 PM – Service of Holy Eucharist

Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day• 9:30 AM – Service of Holy Eucharist

Calendar

THROUGH SUNDAY/DEC. 28Holiday Model Train Display. 11

a.m. - 4 p.m. Colvin Run Mill, 10017Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. EverySaturday and Sunday. Fun for allages. Watch G-gauge trains wendtheir way through a miniaturewestern town in the Colvin Run Barn.Free.

THROUGH WEDNESDAY/DEC. 24Santa HQ at Tysons Corner

Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road,Tysons Corner. Visit Santa’s MagicalWorkshop & Observatory, presentedby HGTV - for photos and familyactivities, located in Fashion Courton level one between Nordstrom andBloomingdale’s - beginningNovember 14th. Reserve your spaceonline to see Santa. Ongoing event.

THROUGH SUNDAY/JAN. 4, 2015Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of

Lights. 5:30 p.m. MeadowlarkBotanical Garden, 9750 MeadowlarkGardens Court, Vienna. A winterwonderland, including a flowingstream of softly glowing lights, a twostory animated fountain and aGingerbread Village. Admission: $13adults, $8 children ages 3-12;children under 3 are free.

THROUGH WEDNESDAY/MARCH 11, 2015Ice Skating at Tysons Corner

Center. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. -9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.TysonsCorner Outdoor Center, 1961 ChainBridge Road, Tysons. Adults,$10;Child/Senior/Military, $9; SkateRental, $6; Group of 10+, $12 andincludes skates

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 17Pokémon League. 4:30 p.m. Great

Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Come play Pokémon withyour friends! Ages 5-15.

Storytime With Furry PuppetFriends. 10:30a.m. Dolley MadisonLibrary, 1244 Oak Ridge Avenue,McLean. Ages 2-5 with caregiver.Join puppets and games guides on ajourney through the life of amammal. Real mamal fur and skullshelp you learn about how theyadapted and survived. Call and makearrangements for sign languageinterpreters, listening systems or real-time captioning.

Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Short stories for you andyour child. Ages 13-23 months withadult.Newborn Storytime - Rock-A-Bye Baby. 11:30. Patrick HenryLibrary, 101 Maple Avenue East,Vienna. Newborn to 12-months-olds

with caregiver enjoy an early literacystorytime enhanced by songs andrhythms. Sign up for waiting list.

Artist Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m.Havana Vintage, 1137 Walker Road,Great Falls. Artist Cecilia Aquino willbe exhibiting her artwork at HavanaVintage, a boutique in Great Falls. Itis a consignment shop with veryinteresting finds.

THURSDAY/DEC. 18Winter Concert. 7 p.m. Oakton High

School, 2900 Sutton Road, Vienna.The Oakton High School Orchestrawill be performing a winter concert.Free.

Oakton Book Discussion Group. 7p.m. Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Come andjoin Oakton’s book discussion group.We will discuss Corelli’s Mandolin byLouis De Bernieres. Adults.

FRIDAY/DEC. 19Art & Acoustic Bluegrass. 7-9 p.m.

Vienna Art Center, 115 Pleasant St.NW, Vienna. Bring your acousticstringed instrument, your voice, yourlove of original art and join with thejam. Plenty of parking, chairs and awooden floor to carry the sound.Free. Playdate Café. 10 a.m. GreatFalls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,

Great Falls Toys and play forchildren. Coffee and Conversation forgrown-ups.Drop-in Chess & Backgammon.3:30 p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Allskill levels welcome.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 19-21“A Kodachrome Christmas.” 2 & 8

p.m. The Alden, 1234 InglesideAvenue, McLean. From the creator of“The Wonder Bread Years” and awriter for “Seinfeld” comes a one-woman, cable-access holiday special.Enter the colorful world of EarleneHoople as she entertains withparticipatory bell ringing, cookiebaking, a family slide show, someoutrageous advice for surviving theholidays with relatives… and a wholelot more.

SUNDAY/DEC. 21Living Nativity. 5 p.m. Great Falls

United Methodist Church, 10100Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. A LiveNativity outside. There will also be aBlue Christmas Worship at 7 p.m. inthe sanctuary. 703-759-3705 [email protected].

Glorious Sounds of Christmas. 4and 7 p.m. Vienna PresbyterianChurch, 124 Park Street, NE, Vienna.

Send announcements to [email protected]. Deadline is Fridayfor the following week’s paper. Photos/artwork encouraged.

Photo by Kenneth Gall/Courtesy of Pat Hazell

“A Kodachrome Christmas” with Jay Byrd as EarleneHoople comes to the Alden Theatre in McLean, Dec. 19-21.

See Calendar, Page 11

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

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visit our website,cl ick on Participate


45591 Dulles Eastern Plaza • Suite 138 • Sterling, VA 20166

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Visit These Houses of WorshipTo Highlight Your Faith Community,

call Karen at 703-917-6468

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II 5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

Nursery care provided at 10:00 a.m. service

The Rev. James Papile, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran, Assoc. Rector

703-437-6530www.stannes-reston.org

1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston

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Kyle Knight Ins Agcy IncKyle Knight, Agent11736 Bowman Green DriveReston, VA 20190

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From

Calendar

Free concert with performances.

MONDAY/DEC. 22Spanish Conversation Group. 1

p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830Georgetown Pike, Great Falls PracticeSpanish as a foreign language in thiscasual conversation group.Evening ESL ConversationGroup. 7 p.m. Great Falls Library,9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Practice speaking English in thisinformal conversation group.

TUESDAY/DEC. 30Winter Science Workshop for

Kids. 3:30 p.m. Great Falls Library,9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Children will learn hands-on in thisiSchool workshop. Registrationrequired for this event. Ages 8-12.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 31New Year’s Eve in Entyse Wine

Bar & Lounge. 9 p.m. to Midnight.The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner,1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean.Celebrate the New Year with livemusical entertainment provided byThe Christopher Linman JazzEnsemble and culinary delights. Asthe clock strikes midnight, welcome2015 with a complimentarychampagne toast. $100 minimumfood & beverage purchase perperson.

First Night Vienna. 7 p.m. - midnight.Town of Vienna, Church Street. Afamily-friendly New Year’s EveCelebration. Featuring music, food,kids entertainment, and more. Fourfree music venues, a dance party,glitter tattoos, face painting, arts &crafts, balloon twisting, fire pits, cornhole, s’mores, popcorn popping, hotchocolate, hot apple cider, party hats,and much much more.

Jammin’ Java’s Good Vibes NewYear’s Party FeaturingMelodime. p.m. Jammin’ Java, 227Maple East Avenue, Vienna.MELODIME, a rock band that blendshaunting bittersweet melodies withemotionally rich vocals atop a bed ofSouthern-flavored alt rock, is not likemost bands. Tickets: $25-$35. https//jamminjava.com

THURSDAY/JAN. 8, 2015Dobet Gnahoré. 8 p.m. The Barns

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.Discover delicate ballads andsensuous African grooves from thisGrammy-winning vocalist,percussionist, and dancer praised asone of contemporary African music’smost charismatic talents. $25-30.703-255-1900. http://www.wolftrap.org/Barns.aspx.

FRIDAY/JAN. 9, 2015The Ying Quartet. 8 p.m. The Barns

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.Ying Quartet occupies a position ofunique prominence in the classicalmusic world, combining brilliantlycommunicative performances with afearlessly imaginative view ofchamber music in today’s world. $35.703-255-1900. http://www.wolftrap.org/Barns.aspx.

THURSDAY/JAN. 15, 2015Kevin Griffin. 8 p.m. The Barns

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Arare solo show by the frontman andsongwriting mastermind of alt-rockband Better Than Ezra, who haswritten for Train, Sugarland, JamesBlunt, Howie Day, Missy Higgins,Blondie, and more. $25-27. 703-255-1900. http://www.wolftrap.org/Barns.aspx.

SHILLELAGHS TRAVEL CLUB100 East Street SE, Suite 202 • Vienna, Virginia 22180

703-242-2204 1-800-556-8646Please visit our Web site at: www.shillelaghtravelclub.com

for a listing of all our upcoming trips and socials.

Celebratingour 50th

Anniversary

SOUTH DAKOTA, July 14-20,.............................................................................$2119Includes air from Washington 6-Nights Hotel in Rapid City, So. Dakota, DailyBreakfast, 3 Dinners, Sightseeing Transfers, Porterage, Taxes.

MOTORCOACH DAY TRIP TO ALLENBERRY PLAYHOUSE Sat., June 20 to see “Damn Yankees”, ..... $99Includes Motorcoach from Vienna or Rockville, Buffet Luncheon, Performance, Taxes& Gratuities.

CUBA, April 5-13, ................................................................................................$4949Includes Air from Washington, 8-Nights Hotel, All meals but one, Transfers,Sightseeing, VISA Fee, Porterage, Health Insurance.


Oakton Girls’Basketball BeatsYorktown

The Oakton girls’ basketball teamdefeated Yorktown 64-39 on Dec. 9,improving its record to 4-1.

The Cougars faced Lake Braddock onTuesday, after The Connection’s dead-line. Oakton will travel to face Staffordat7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Marshall Boys’Basketball to HostMadison

The Madison boys’ basketball teamwill travel to face Marshall at 7:30p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19.

Madison won its season openeragainst Oakton before dropping threestraight. The Warhawks faced JohnChampeon Monday.

Marshall also dropped three of itsfirst four, beating Centreville and los-ing to Annandale, Woodgrove andSouth Lakes.

The Statesmen faced Falls Churchon Tuesday.

Basketball Roundups

Sports

The Langley girls’ and boys’basketball teams swept rivalMcLean in a doubleheaderon Friday, Dec. 12 at McLean

High School.The Langley girls opened with a 46-33

victory, improving their record to 3-0. TheSaxons opened the seasons with wins overOsbourn and Herndon.

McLean dropped to 1-3. The Highland-ers lost to Wakefield and Robinson and de-feated Woodson.

Langley faced Fairfax on Tuesday, afterThe Connection’s deadline. The Saxons willhost Chantilly at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec.19. McLean faced Stone Bridge on Tuesday.The Highlanders will host Westfield at 5:45p.m. on Friday.

After the girls’ victory, the Langley boysbeat McLean 41-38 for their first win of theseason. The Saxons faced Fairfax on Tues-day and will travel to face Chantilly at 7:30p.m. on Friday.

The Highlanders faced Stone Bridge onTuesday and will host Westfield at 7:30 p.m.on Friday.

Langley Basketball Sweeps Rival McLean

Nate Shafer and the Langley boys’ basketball teambeat McLean on Friday.

Jackie Litschewski and the Langley girls’ basketballteam defeated McLean on Friday.

Freshman point guard Jordyn Callaghan and theLangley girls’ basketball team started the 2014-15season with three consecutive victories.

Langley junior guard Blake Mintz shoots a jumperagainst McLean on Friday.

Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

Great Papers • Great Connections Great Readers!

INTENSELY INTERESTING

COMMUNITY INVOLVED

COMMITTEDTO EXCELLENCE

to your community

• Alexandria Gazette Packet• Arlington Connection• Burke Connection• Centre View• Chantilly Connection• Fairfax Connection• Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton

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By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

While many areknee-deep inwrapping paperand eggnog,

some students are holed up withcomputer keyboards and books ofquotations. In addition to drivingto the mall for holiday shopping,some parents are throwing rapid-fire questions at their children tomake sure they are fast on theirfeet.

For students and parents whohope for slots at the area’s top in-dependent schools next year, ’tisadmissions season.

“As a school we want to knowwhat the relationship will be be-tween what a student brings to thetable and what we will need tobring to the table,” said TimSimpson, assistant head of schooland director of admission and fi-nancial aid at Bullis School inPotomac, Md.

Interviews are opportunities foradmissions teams to get to knowapplicants and their parents, andshare information about their

schools.“We try to encourage students

to view the interview as a conver-sation,” said Julie Jameson, direc-tor of admissions at St. Andrew’sEpiscopal School in Potomac.“They should feel comfortable …be themselves … and feel free toask any questions they mighthave.”

In fact, the interview is really atwo-way street, says Ann

Richardson Miller, director of ad-mission and financial aid at TheMadeira School in McLean. “Thegirl and her parents should be ask-ing as many questions of me as Iam asking of her,” she said. “Afterall, this will be her school for thenext four years, and fit is critical,both for us, but also for the girland her parents.”

“Learn as much as you can aboutthe school before your visit and be

Some schools even require theadmission essay to be completedin person.

“We want to see a student’s true,natural writing ability, and we areinterested in assessing their abil-ity to develop and present a cohe-sive, thoughtful essay on the spot,”said Michael Cresson, director ofadmissions, Bishop O’ConnellHigh School in Arlington. “A pol-ished essay prepared at home withlots of edits really doesn’t tell uswhat we want to know to bestevaluate an applicant.”

No matter where the essay iswritten however, the same basicwriting advice applies.

“We are looking for students toexpress themselves and give us aninsight into what kind of personhe or she is,” Cresson said. “Mysuggestions for students … wouldbe … to proofread their essay, al-low for enough time, do some re-search on the school and includethat in the essay. “These are simplesuggestions, but it is disappoint-ing as a director to read throughessays and find simple mistakesand see that it was rushed.”

Local educators offer advice on acing independentschool admission essays and interviews.

An Essay To Rememberprepared to ask questions,” saidScott Conklin, director of admis-sions, Episcopal High School inAlexandria. “This is also an oppor-tunity to brag about your interests,talents and accomplishments. ...Be humble, but make sure you letus know all about you.”

That doesn’t mean you shouldignore your flaws, however. “Welook for genuine conversationsthat convey the student’s real in-terests and passions,” saidSimpson. “We also want studentsand parents to be open to talkingabout strengths and weaknesses.”

THE ADMISSION ESSAY is an-other opportunity for students toreveal facets of their personalitiesthat might not be obvious throughtest scores, transcripts and evenletters of recommendation, saidPatricia Harden, director of admis-sions and financial aid at ConnellySchool of the Holy Child inPotomac. “It should be a well-written snapshot of how an appli-cant thinks and how she under-stands some aspect of her world,”Harden said.

Photo courtesy of Audra Wrisley

Students at Episcopal High School in Alexandria collabo-rate on a school project. Essays and interviews helpadmissions teams determine how an applicant would fitinto the school community.


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This is not a home improvement refer-ence, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column. And though friends,family and all the medical professionalsat The Infusion Center, and of course theOncology staff, have been wonderfullysupportive and encouraging throughoutmy nearly-six-year ordeal, at the end ofthe day – heck, at the beginning of theday, every day – the patient has to figurea way to navigate through thischaracterized-as-terminal minefield.More often than not, this has been mygreatest challenge: keeping my spirits upand my attitude positive when there areonly three people present and accountedfor: me, myself and I.

Dealing with unexpected results –both good and especially bad, from labwork, diagnostic scans and/or in-personappointments/physical examinations/assessments – and the effect all of it hason the patient’s presumptive life expec-tancy, are emotional hurdles I regularlyendure. Moreover, interpreting any ofthese results, better left for the profes-sionals, rarely prevents us amateurs(patients) from wishfully-thinking, deny-ing or freaking out entirely. After all, yourlife is at stake and since there are noguarantees or 100-percent predictableoutcomes in the treatment of stage IV,non-small cell lung cancer – other thanit’s not curable, according to my oncolo-gist – anticipating the worst while prayingfor the best becomes your 24/7 reality.

This reality is never more apparent tome, since I’m relatively asymptomatic,than when I complete my every-three-week, pre-chemotherapy lab work.That’s when (other than my quarterly CTScan), the tale of my tape, so to speak, isupdated. If certain measurements are toohigh: creatinine, bilirubin, potassium –then no chemo for me. If certain othermeasurements are too low: white andred blood cells counts, oxygen, alsopotassium; then again, no chemo for me.The real anxiety, new anxiety – for me, iswhat levels show up on the inevitableretest (the first order of business is toconfirm the abnormality with additionallab work). Typically, at least historically,my retests, taken a week later (some-times even a day later), have alwaysreturned to normal, and accordingly,chemotherapy has proceeded as usual.This week, however, something differenthas occurred. This is the first time thatmy creatinine levels were too high onconsecutive three-week intervals. If mynext retest does not return to level (as theprevious one did), and chemotherapy isput off an additional week again, that toowill be a first and cause – in my headanyway, for new concern. This would bea complication/result that in the previoussix years has never happened.

Should I be worried? And whether ornot I should be, can I even control myfeelings and somehow patiently (no punintended) wait for new results from theretest without coming apart at the seams?If I could, I would; but given this col-umn’s subject, apparently I can’t. Wishme luck; hopefully, I won’t need it.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

A Level That’sAnything But

The biggestthings arealways the

easiest to dobecause there isno competition.

-William Van Horne

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/

Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet

The Mount Vernon GazetteZone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/Oakton ConnectionThe McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

An expert is someone who knows some of the worst

mistakes that can be made in hissubject and how to avoid them.

-Werner Heisenberg


Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-778-9411

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/OaktonClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

Falls Church AntiqueS

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Falls Church Antique Co.250W. Broad St. Falls Church, Va • 703-2419642

Unique collection of antiques and collectibles,including furniture, jewelry, glassware, pottery,

sterling silver, paintings, prints and more!Fun home and gift ideas!

26 Antiques 26 Antiques

HDI COMPUTER SOLUTIONSJENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995

➣ Speed up Slow Computers➣ Troubleshooting➣ Virus Removal➣ Computer Setup

(571) [email protected]

101 Computers 101 Computers

102 Instruction 102 Instruction

17 Housesitting

HOUSESITTINGFully employed and reliable mid-career non-smoker can

ensure your home is not vacant while you are away long-term. I am saving to

buy a condo here in North-ern Virginia and also I am

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We pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

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

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6 ....................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ....................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINES

Zones 1, 5, 6 ....................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ....................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet

The Mount Vernon Gazette

Zone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/OaktonConnection

The McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls

Connection

An expert is someone who knowssome of the

worst mistakesthat can bemade in his

subject and howto avoid them.

-WernerHeisenberg

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By Lucas Strigel

Tuscarora High School

Plays can transport one to new places,perhaps a magical land, a pivotalpoint in history, or perhaps the small

town of Grover’s Corners. While it mightsound stale, “Our Town,” produced byJames Madison High School, is a phenom-enal play that always pulled me into thelives of these small town people.

“Our Town” was written in 1938 by noneother than Thornton Wilder. The play is setin the small American town of Grover’sCorners, New Hampshire, during the early20th century. The “Stage Manager” acts asa narrator throughout the production,showing the everyday lives of the peoplewho reside in the small town. Wilder de-cided to try something new, he decided touse minimal set pieces and props, relyingon the use of pantomime. His logic behindthis was “I know it’s a play, you know it’s aplay, the only thing that’s real in a play isemotion,” so that’s all he focused on. A dif-ficult task, but given in the right hands, “OurTown” grew into a huge success, winningthe Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938.

Surprisingly enough, James Madison dida great job of painting the image of theirtown with minimal and simple tech. ChadRobertson did a superb job on sound cues,they were always on point but not over-whelming whatsoever. Josh Laney, whoworked on the lights, used different light-ing cues for the different times of day, acloudy moon, and even the stained glasswindows of a church! The tech never over-powered the actors, but always provided

ominous sounds and lights the fit the scene.Actor chemistry is the binding force of

dramatic interpretation, and “Our Town”would be nothing without it. All of the ac-tors in James Madison’s “Our Town” hadeffective emotional bindings and feelings forone another. I felt as if they knew each otherfor all of their life, which immersed theaudience. Another thing that added into theimmersion was the use of effective panto-mime. The various actors performed theirdaily tasks as if it was second nature, a goodamount of work went into the pantomim-ing. One of the best moments of the showwas when the two main children (MatthewLandsdell and Caroline Campbell) wereconversing from their windows. They wereacross the street from each other, but I couldfeel the bond between them. What sealedthis bond was the faint church choirs sing-ing in the background, one could actuallyfeel a part of their town.

In order to create a town with no setpieces, you have to have someone describeit to you, and that’s where the Stage Man-ager (Mitch Coomer) came in. Coomer hada voice of gold, every little thing that cameout of his mouth was perfectly enunciatedwith appropriate diction. Given into thewrong hands, the Stage Manager wouldn’tbe the interesting narrator that he was inthis show.

The audience was always looking forwardto hearing what he had to say, Coomer wasan excellent casting choice.

The emotional binds brought everyonetogether, and pulled the audience in. JamesMadison may have thought they put on aplay, but it was much more than that. “OurTown” hit the audience on an emotionallevel that they won’t forget soon. This showreally made one think about life and thepurpose behind it. Although Grover’s Cor-ners is a fictional town, it will be real to theviewers forever.

Cappies Reviews

Fictional Town, Real for ViewersMadison High’sproduction of“Our Town.”

To have community events listed in the Connec-tion, send to [email protected]. Thedeadline for submissions is the Friday prior to pub-lication.

WEDNESDAY/DEC. 17Morning Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Great Falls

Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Callbranch for book title.ESL Conversation Group. 2 p.m. Great FallsLibrary, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Practice English in this casual conversationgroup.

English Conversation Group for Adults. 1p.m. Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak RidgeAvenue, McLean. Come practice conversationalEnglish in a group setting.

THURSDAY/DEC. 18New Voting Equipment Demonstration. 4

p.m. Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Staff from the Fairfax County Officeof Elections will provide an opportunity to seeand try out the brand new voting machines aswell as provide an opportunity for photo IDprocessing and voter registration.Reading Buddies. 4:30 p.m. Great FallsLibrary, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.Beginning readers and teens practice readingtogether.Evening Book Group. 7:30 p.m. Great FallsLibrary, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Callbranch for Title.

English Conversation One-on One. 1:30 p.m.Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. English practice for a non-nativespeaker with a library volunteer. Call forappointment. Adults.Patrick Henry Book Club For Adults. 1p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple AvenueEast, Vienna. What’s Next by Ann Patchett.

Homework Help 1st-8th Grade. 6 p.m. LortonLibrary, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton. Dropin for homework help.

“Not Just For Teens” Book Club For Adults.7 p.m. Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple AvenueEast, Vienna. Join us for desserts and adelightful discussion of Let It Snow by JohnGreen, Lauren Myracle and Maureen Johnson.

FRIDAY/DEC. 19New Voting Equipment Demonstration.

11a.m. Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak RidgeAvenue, McLean. Do not miss this opportunityand come see for yourself! Fairfax County Officeof Elections staff will process your photo ID andvoter registration through the brand-new votingmachine.

English Conversation for Adults. 10 a.m.Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Avenue East,Vienna. Practise your English skills in a groupsetting.

Pokemon League. 3 p.m. Patrick Henry Library,101 Maple Avenue East, Vienna. Age 5-18 learnand play Pokemon.

Bulletin Board


www.GreatFallsGreatHomes.com

Jan & Dan LaythamDianne Van Volkenburg

Office: 703-757-3222Susan Canis

Associate RealtorAnne Erickson

Associate Realtor

Great Falls $1,250,000

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