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Wreaths Across America News, Page 3

Senators: From Amazon To ShutdownNews, Page 5

Preparing for ChristmasNews, Page 2

Camille Jones, 6 years old, has a long conversa-tion with Santa Claus at Drew Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 15.

2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ December 19-25, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

Raindrops don’t stop Santa Clauswho arrived promptly at 11 a.m.at Drew Community Center onSaturday, Dec. 15 for the Nauck

Community Holiday Fellowship Event.The kitchen had closed from the break-

fast that started at 9:30 a.m. Discarded car-tons of breakfast crumbs and sausages saton tables alongside Christmas wrappingswith children coloring and making crafts.

A long line of excited children curvedacross the gym floor waiting for a chance

to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper in his earabout their secret wish for Christmas. Of-ficers from the Arlington County Police De-partment Community Outreach Divisionhanded each child a toy before they reachedSanta’s lap and a peppermint candy cane

Darius Hawkins, a Christmas baby,will be one-year-old on Dec. 28.

Eleven-month-old Lindsey ElizabethWalker takes a few steps, plopsdown and pops up to take a fewmore steps at the Nauck Commu-nity Holiday Fellowship event.

Children line up at the wrappingtable clutching a gift to bewrapped by a volunteer for a lovedone. One of the volunteers wrapsan Elsa Activity book. “We’ve had alot of these today.”

Santa Dashes through Rain to Nauck Holiday Partyafter their visit with Santa. Red goodie bagsfilled with red and green wrapped choco-late candies sat on a table for grabbing onthe way out the door.

— Shirley Ruhe

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Portia Clark, Nauck Civic Associa-tion president

Arlington Connection ❖ December 19-25, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsArlington Connection Editor Steven Mauren

703-778-9415 or [email protected]

The Founder and CEO of DMI, JaySunny Bajaj, and nearly twodozen employees, gathered to

place wreaths on the grave markers offallen soldiers at Arlington National Cem-etery on Saturday marking WreathsAcross America Day. DMI’s participationin the national event is an annual tradi-tion for the Bethesda-based global mo-bility services and digital transformationfirm.

“During the holidays and throughoutthe year, DMI staff believe it is critical toremember fallen heroes and teach ourchildren about the sacrifices made byAmerica’s veterans and their families,”said Bajaj. “This event is our employees’way of saying thank you to generationsof American servicemen and women for

their important contributions in preservingthis country’s freedoms.”

DMI’s defense clients include the U.SArmy, U.S Air Force, Navy, DISA, CoastGuard, and the U.S. Department of Defense,as well as Fortune 500 customers. Accord-ing to John Epperly, DMI’s executive vicepresident of Defense and National Security,who is also an officer in the Virginia ArmyNational Guard, this year’s ceremony wasespecially poignant.

“America marked the 100th anniversaryof the armistice that ended World War I lastmonth. More than 100,000 Americans losttheir lives and citizens must never forget,”said Epperly. “I truly appreciate how DMIactively supports those employees, likemyself, who choose to serve our nation inthe armed forces.”

Firm’s Employees Join in Wreath-laying

DMI employees honor fallen soldiers at Wreaths Across America.

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By Jeanne Theismann

The Connection

Despite a steady rain, nearly57,000 volunteers gathered Dec. 15 for the 27th

annual Wreaths Across Americatribute to fallen veterans at Arlington Na-tional Cemetery.

“There’s a story behind every stone,” saidWreaths Across America board chair WayneHanson, who asked volunteers to say aloudthe name on each headstone where theyplace a wreath. “There’s a saying: ‘you dietwice. Once when your heart stops beatingand you take that last breath. But you die afinal time when your name is spoken forthe very last time.’”

ACROSS THE REGION, 267,000 wreathswere laid, including more than 253,000 atArlington National Cemetery. In all, 1.8 mil-lion graves received wreaths at 1,640 loca-tions across the country.

Wreaths Across America was founded byMorrill Worcester of Columbia Falls, Maine,who hopes to see the event grow worldwide.

“The ultimate goal that we have is to placea wreath on every single American veteran’sgrave in the world,” Worcester said. “Andthere are many overseas. It’s a tall order.We know that.”

A few dozen overseas locations partici-pated in Wreaths Across America in 2018,the first year permission was granted toplace wreaths at Normandy to honor thosewho died during World War II’s D-Day in-vasion.

President Donald Trump made an un-scheduled visit to Arlington National Cem-etery later in the day to pay his respectsand thank the volunteers who had bravedthe rain to participate in the tribute toAmerica’s fallen veterans.

See www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Thousands gather to paytribute to fallen veteransWreaths Across America

More than 253,000 wreaths mark the headstones atArlington National Cemetery Dec. 15 as part of theannual Wreaths Across America tribute to fallenveterans.

Volunteers wait in the rain for the unloading ofwreaths during the annual Wreaths Across Americaevent Dec. 15 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Remem-brancesmark thehead-stone ofSSGKenneth“Wade”BennettduringtheWreathsAcrossAmericatribute to fallen veterans Dec. 15at Arlington National Cemetery.Bennett was 26 years old whenhe was killed Nov. 10, 2012,during his third tour in Afghani-stan.

U.S. Rep. Scott Taylor of Virginia’s Second Districtspeaks to a gathering of Team Bear at the annualWreaths Across America Dec. 15 at ArlingtonNational Cemetery.

A volunteer places awreath at a headstoneas part of the annualWreaths AcrossAmerica day Dec. 15 atArlington NationalCemetery.

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An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

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Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

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NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Steven MaurenEditor

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Jean CardProduction Editor

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Eden BrownContributing Writers

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Shirley RuheContributing Photographer

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ArlingtonThe

Connection

Opinion

The pages of the Connection News-papers (including the AlexandriaGazette Packet, the Mount VernonGazette, the Potomac Almanac and

the Centre View) have been full of holidayspirit, beginning before Thanksgiving. Groupand individual efforts to help the needy, holi-day parades, Santa arriving by boat, Santa ar-riving by horse-drawn carriage, Santa arrivingby tractor-pulled hayride, Santa arriving at the

Malls, tree lightings, Menorahlightings, stories of giving, secu-lar celebrations, religious cel-ebrations. Shopping locally.

Giving locally.Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ.

Whether you believe the Christmas story liter-ally or in spirit, you know it is the story of joy,hope and love, with the promise of redemp-tion.

It is also about embracing the teachings ofJesus: to love thy neighbor as thyself; to helpthe needy; to feed the hungry and clothe thepoor; to care for those who are sick; to inviteand welcome strangers; to treat others as youwould have them treat you.

Matthew 7:12:“So in everything, do to others what you

would have them do to you, for this sums upthe Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 25:35-40:“For I was hungry and you gave me some-

thing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave mesomething to drink, I was a stranger and youinvited me in, I needed clothes and you clothedme, I was sick and you looked after me, I wasin prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord,when did we see you hungry and feed you, orthirsty and give you something to drink? When

did we see you a stranger and invite you in, orneeding clothes and clothe you? When did wesee you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for oneof the least of these brothers and sisters ofmine, you did for me.’”

SO LET US SHARE the verse relating thebirth of Jesus from the Bible, Luke 2: 4-19:

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, outof the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto thecity of David, which is called Bethlehem; (be-cause he was of the house and lineage ofDavid.) To be taxed with Mary his espousedwife, being great with child. And so it was, that,while they were there, the days were accom-plished that she should be delivered. And shebrought forth her firstborn son, and wrappedhim in swaddling clothes, and laid him in amanger; because there was no room for themin the inn.

“And there were in the same country, shep-herds abiding in the field, keeping watch overtheir flock by night. And, lo, the angel of theLord came upon them, and the glory of theLord shone round about them: and they were

sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fearnot: for, behold, I bring you good tidings ofgreat joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city ofDavid a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Andthis shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find thebabe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in amanger.

“And suddenly there was with the angel amultitude of the heavenly host praising God,and saying, Glory to God in the highest, andon earth peace, good will toward men.

“And it came to pass, as the angels were goneaway from them into heaven, the shepherdssaid one to another, Let us now go even untoBethlehem, and see this thing which is cometo pass, which the Lord hath made known untous. And they came with haste, and found Mary,and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.And when they had seen it, they made knownabroad the saying which was told them con-cerning this child. And all they that heard itwondered at those things which were told themby the shepherds.”

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Merry Christmas“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the leastof these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Editorial

Editor’s Note About the Rest of 2018This is our last regular edition of 2018. Next

week, after Christmas, we will publish our an-nual Children’s Issue, devoted entirely to theartwork and writing of local students. You’llbe able to find this online at http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/PDFs/ Scrolldown to Children’s.

Our next regular edition will publish Jan. 2-3, 2019, with deadline for content and adver-tising of Dec. 28 (late ads accepted).

In the meantime you can email the editorsat [email protected]. You

can reach sales/marketing/advertising [email protected].

Digital replica editions of the most recentweek’s papers are available atwww.ConnectionNewspapers.com/PDFs

Past issues of the Connection back to 2008are available at connectionarchives.com/PDF/

Advertising information, Special Section de-tails here www.connectionnewspapers.com/advertising

Sign up for a free digital subscription atwww.ConnectionNewspapers.com/subscribe

See Letters, Page 11

Letters to the Editor

AffectsGenerationsTo the Editor:

My entire family is devastatedat the potential change of our his-tory. My family, both immediateand extended, from my two great-uncles to my daughter have at-tended Washington-Lee HighSchool. My daughter who is cur-rently a student at WLHS is justas devastated as the rest of us. Shewould be a graduate of Washing-ton-Lee High School next year,class of 2020. Both my daughterand I are still holding out hopethat the name change debacle willbe stopped by the court system.

When we found out about thepotential of a name change to ourhigh school we attended the

School Board meeting and imme-diately saw by the behavior of theSchool Board that the decision hadalready been made regardless ofwhat anyone else thought orwanted. That meeting ended withmy daughter in tears. You see wemoved from our townhouse inChantilly, Va. back to Arlingtonsolely so that my daughter couldattend and graduate from thesame high school that almost allof her maternal extended familyhad attended and graduated from.My daughter would be the 5thgeneration of our family to gradu-ate from Washington-Lee.

Writing this absolutely breaksmy heart as this could possibly betaken away from us. Being a singlemother, moving from Chantilly toArlington was no small feat how-ever it meant that much to her and

I that myself and my parents madeit happen. She sacrificed leavingall of her friends in Chantilly andstarting fresh in a new school,where she would know no one tocontinue the tradition of our fam-ily. I believe, along with many oth-ers that this change came togetherfraudulently, with no communityinput and no care to what even thestudents wanted. This is evidentby the lawsuit that is being pur-sued by some of the students ofWashington-Lee High School. Thatshould be very telling, that thesestudents are so upset by the actsof the School Board that they aretaking legal action against them.If I had the money I would be pur-suing my own lawsuit against theSchool Board. It has been provenover and over again that the ma-jority of Arlington County does not

want the name changed, the ma-jority of WLHS students do notwant the name changed. Themoney it will take and the upset itwill bring to so many, it is notworth it.

Jennifer LamAlong with Frank Zier, David Zier,

John Lam, Lowell Lam, Marjorie(Sauerwein) Lam, Larry Denny, Pat

Denny, Kathy Denny, Karen (Denny)Lam, Kimberly Denny, Lawrence Lam,

Richard Lam, Gary Lam, Brian Lam,Stephen Lam, Katherine Lam, and

Mikaela Beverly Figueroa Lam

CultureAnd HistoryTo the Editor:

In response to the ArlingtonSchool Board’s proposed name


News

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

I’ve been wrong before, so whoknows? But I don’t think we willsee a government shutdown overthis budget and the border wall.”

That was U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine’s opinionat a roundtable discussion with his col-league U.,S. Sen. Mark Warner. The eventwas hosted by the Northern Virginia Cham-ber of Commerce, held at the Arlington cam-pus of George Mason University, and mod-erated by NBC4 News Northern VirginiaBureau Chief, Julie Carey.

The question of a possible governmentshutdown with its disproportionate effecton Northern Virginia was one that the au-dience of area businesses, nonprofits andlocal government representatives were anx-ious to hear.

“There are two bipartisan options on thetable for the President to choose from,”added Kaine, and if neither is to his liking,Kaine said that Congress could still moveforward and “kick the can” with one or moreContinuing Resolutions. “We can write thechecks two months at a time.”

Warner agrees, while noting the situationis somewhat better than it has been duringpast similar circumstances.

“There are seven appropriation bills readyfor signing,” he said. “Seventy-five percentof the needs are already funded through theregular rules of order.”

Border security is the last piece, with thepresident threatening the shutdown if Con-gress doesn’t provide him with the $5 bil-lion he’s asking to build the border wall.“We’re still waiting for that check fromMexico [that Trump keeps promising],”Warner joked.

Warner is not opposed to spending onborder security. He just doesn’t see the valuein massive spending on a wall or fence thatwould also require maintenance and man-ning. Spending on drones and other proventechnologies would garner his support, “andwould be more effective and cost a lot lessnow and in the future.”

The same applies when it comes to de-fense spending, which the senators say thatthe President wants to increase. “Virginiawould certainly benefit from more defensespending,” said Kaine, but he doesn’t thinkit’s really a good idea or the right answer.

WARNER WORRIES that this administra-tion is going all in “to buy the best of 20th

century stuff” instead of focusing on what’sneeded to fight the “real battles of today.”

Both men see that fight as cyber wars andattacks of misinformation — “taking placedaily” declared Warner — and the surpass-ing of the United States in technology andtrade by China, Russia and others. None ofthese “real, modern threats” will be won bythe addition of another battleship or evenmore troops.

Calling the government’s lack of pre-paredness and outdated networks and de-vices “stupid on steroids,” Warner gave ex-amples of continuing purchases of devices

without even the most basic of safeguards.“We are literally adding to our own vulner-ability.”

Warner will be pushing for a cohesive“cyber strategy” going forward and thinksthat Virginia could become the Cyber Capi-tal, since no one else has yet laid claimedto that title and role.

WHAT ABOUT the addition of Amazon inthe senator’s own backyard?

“It’s a game-changer for the region,” inWarner’s view, praising Gov. Ralph Northamand the many others who worked on thedeal to make it possible. Warner also seesthe Amazon addition as another buildingblock to the growth of a local economy thathe says has continued to experience “realweakness” and a “level of vulnerability”post-sequestration. He also hopes that Ama-zon and the support services that will fol-low in its wake will help stem the declineof millennials in the region.

Risking what he said might be considereda “little bit of heresy to say with an Arling-ton crowd,” Warner has his fingers crossed,and will do what he can to encourage some“down-state” job benefits from those sup-port services.

Kaine noted that the Amazon move, whilefairly well accepted throughout the Com-monwealth, received a resounding 90 per-cent approval rating from Virginians in theAppalachians.

“They see the connection with our sharedsuccesses.”

Both Kaine and Warner agree that thearrival of Amazon poses challenges, butprovides the best opportunity to add impe-tus to working on two of the region’s big-gest problems: affordable housing andworkforce development.

Kaine sees Amazon’s choice of Virginia asone of their new headquarters as an affir-mation of the workforce quality that thestate can offer, but warns that it is criticalto work toward producing that workforce,rather than allowing local companies tomerely “cannibalize each others’ best work-ers.”

Work has already begun to update andre-write the “Higher Education Act” andVirginia is the chair of that taskforce. Kaine

says there is plenty that can be done at thefederal level to encourage employers to“treat their employees like the assets theysay they are” with tax incentives, changesto accounting rules, re-do’s of laws thathinder continuing education, and moreemphasis on all forms of education, not justfour-year college schooling.

On the subject of affordable housing, bothmen have ideas that they will support.

Kaine believes that Congress can assist byexpanding the Low-income Housing TaxCredit. “It’s already a good program” and isa good place to start, rather than trying to“recreate the wheel,” but admits that todate, it’s been a tough sell.

Warner called for a regional housing au-thority to tackle the issue. The state alreadyhas a housing development division and willsoon have millions to develop housing ini-tiatives as part of the Amazon deal, but todeal with the problem locally requires lo-cal thinking and collaboration in his view.

QUESTIONS ABOUT METRO, transpor-tation and infrastructure were also on thetable.

Working together, Virginia, Maryland andthe District helped the rail service gain itsfirst dedicated revenue stream this year, butthe additional federal $150 million per yearis not guaranteed year over year. Kaine and

Warner are hopeful, with a Democrat-con-trolled House to be seated in January, butit’s still but something to count on, “but ifwe can get the $150 million again, we’ll takethe money and run,” said Warner.

The two senators lamented the fact thatthe anticipated “Infrastructure Bill” is no-where in sight, with Warner going to so faras to label the Trump Plan “a scamextraordinaire, a shell game … stealingmoney from the highways departments andprojects” and leaving them unable to repairthe country’s crumbling infrastructure. Witha “builder President in the White House,”Warner thought that infrastructure workwould have been easy for both sides of theaisle and all levels of the government toconnect, but sees nothing of consequencetaking place.

And the last question that Carey posed tothe senators? After the midterm elections,would they now categorize Virginia as a“Blue State?”

Warner wouldn’t say specifically, but hedoes think that the Northern Virginia del-egation to the General Assembly being allDemocrats will be a benefit.

Kaine still sees Virginia as “battlegroundtrending Blue,” but if the GOP “keeps put-ting up cultural warriors and ideologues astheir candidates, if that’s the match up —we’re Blue!”

Kaine and Warner comment on thetopics of the day at Northern VirginiaChamber of Commerce roundtable.From Amazon to Shutdown

“

U.S. Senators Mark Warner andTim Kaine and NBC4 News VirginiaBureau Chief Julie Carey tradequestions and answers at a discus-sion hosted by the Northern Vir-ginia Chamber of Commerce.

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Holiday Entertainment

Rebecca Weiss listens attentively as Kelsey Rohr retells astrange interaction with the new neighbor.

‘Beauty and the Beat’Developed by Jane Franklin, inspired by true events and from Tom Waits “What’s

He Building in There?” Mister Rogers quotes from a remixed version by John D.Boswell for PBS Digital Studios. Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 20at 4 p.m. at Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington. Tickets$22. Visit www.janefranklin.com/performances/tickets or 703-933-1111.zs

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

ONGOING“Billy Elliot The Musical.” Through

Jan. 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 StilesGannett. 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 formore.

Rachel Schmidt / Distort Displace.Through March 30 at Arlington ArtsCenter, 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.Distort Displace reflects RachelSchmidt’s ongoing exploration offuture landscapes, climate change,and artificial habitats, as well as herinterest in the response to the drasticchanges human activity has broughtabout in the natural environment.Every year, massive ice shelves breakapart and reform at the poles, adramatic and violent, naturallyoccurring process that is acceleratingand shifting due to climate change.Distort Displace introduces thecracking forms of an ice shelf ontothe grounds of AAC, promptingviewers to ponder the dissolution andinstability of the very ground beneaththeir feet. Visitwww.arlingtonartscenter.org.

Arlington Historical Museum.Wednesdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m.;Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.Arlington Historical Museum, ownedand operated by the ArlingtonHistorical Society, is located at 1805S. Arlington Ridge Road. The two-story brick structure was built in1891 as the Hume School, named forFrank Hume who gave some of theproperty for the school. It is theoldest school building in ArlingtonCounty. Now a museum, it housespermanent and temporary localhistory exhibits ranging from pre-1607 to Sept. 11, 2001. Visitarlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Civil War Artifact Display.Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-2p.m. at Fort C.F. Smith Park VisitorCenter, 2411 24th St. N. The NewFort C.F. Smith Park Visitor Centerfeatures displays about Unionsoldiers and the Defenses ofWashington between 1861 and 1865.

Artifacts from archaeological studiesfrom Forts Ethan Allen and C.F.Smith are on display. Kids can try onreplica Civil War uniforms and learnabout camp life. Visitparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/fort-cf-smith-park/.

Arlington Farmer’s Market. EverySaturday, 8 a.m.-noon at the cornerof N. 14th Street and N. CourthouseRoad. A weekly celebration of localfood including fresh produce, meats,dairy, cheese, baked goods, freerange eggs, specialty items, cutflowers, plants and herbs. [email protected] or call 917-733-6402.

FRESHFARM Market. 3-7 p.m. onTuesdays at 1900 Crystal Drive. Shopfrom local farmers and producerswith seasonal fruits and vegetables,fresh-cut flowers, container plantsand herbs, farm-raised eggs, all-natural meats, artisan baked goods,and specialty foods. Visitwww.crystalcity.org for more.

Mobile Bike Repair. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. onThursdays at 1900 Crystal Drive.Drop off your bike on Thursdaymorning and have it tuned up andready to ride before heading home.Email [email protected], or phone855-VELO-FIX for more.

Food Truck Thursdays. 11 a.m.-2p.m. at 1900 Crystal Drive and 20112th St. Actual truck schedules aresubject to change so be sure to followyour favorites. Visitwww.crystalcity.org for more.

Healthy Lifestyle Runs. Saturdays, 9a.m. at Roosevelt Island, GeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway.American Cancer Society partnerswith parkrun USA to promote fitnessin the fight against cancer. Free. Visitwww.parkrun.us/rooseveltislanddc/for more.

Friday Night Live. 8 p.m. Fridays atthe Church at Clarendon, 1210 N.Highland St., Suite A. Localmusicians perform. Free. Visit1bc.org for more.

Arlington’s Historical MuseumOpen on First Wednesdays. The

Arlington Historical Museum is opento the public on the first Wednesdayof every month from 12:30-3:30 p.m.The museum consists of exhibitschronicling Arlington County’shistory from Native Americansettlements up to the present day.The museum will continue to be openon Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4p.m. Admission is free. The museumis located in the former 1891 HumeSchool building at 1805 S. ArlingtonRidge Road. Contact Garrett Peck at571-243-1113 or at [email protected].

Open Mic Comedy. Wednesdays 8-10p.m. at Ri Ra Irish Pub, 2915 WilsonBlvd. Doors open at 7 p.m. Age 21and up only. Free show, $25 cashprize for best joke. Call 703-248-9888 or Visit www.RiRa.com/Arlington for more.

Karaoke. 8 p.m. on the first Sundayevery month at Galaxy Hut, 2711Wilson Blvd. Visitwww.galaxyhut.com or call 703-525-8646.

Pub Quiz. 8 p.m. every Sunday atWhitlow’s on Wilson, 2854 WilsonBlvd. Prizes for first place. Free. Visitwww.whitlows.com or call 703-276-9693.

Storytime. Wednesdays and Fridays,10:30-11 a.m. at Kinder Haus Toys,1220 N. Fillmore St. Storytime withMs. Laura. Call 703-527-5929.

Lego Club. Monthly on the firstWednesday. 4-5 p.m. GlencarlynBranch Library, 300 S. Kensington St.The library provides tubs of legos anda special challenge and after theprogram the creations are displayedfor everyone to see. No registrationrequired. Call 703-228-6548 formore.

Crystal City Sparket. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.on Wednesdays at 1900 CrystalDrive. Sparket — A Creative Marketis an extension of DC’s EasternMarket with arts, crafts, andhandmade goods. Free to attend.Visit www.crystalcity.org.

Art for Life. Third Thursday of eachmonth. The Hyatt Regency Crystal

City’s “Art for Life” Partnership withNational Kidney Foundation brings anew artist each month to The Hyattfor a reception. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org.

Brunch at Freddie’s. Third Saturdayof every month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. atFreddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. TheArlington Gay and Lesbian Alliancegathers for an all-you-can-eatbreakfast buffet ($9.99). All arewelcome. No reservation is required.Visit www.facebook.com/events/700174390103305.

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 describewhat a wide range of “home careservices” can do to help with dailyliving.

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. 5-6

p.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 atregistration.arlingtonva.us using#622959-A.

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

p.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 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 they can call theirown with a chance to explore thewoods, make snow forts, throw rocksin the creek and just be free. Dress toget wet and dirty, and wear closed-toe shoes. Free. Ages 5-9. Register atregistration.arlingtonva.us using#622829.

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 of


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Holiday Entertainment

‘My Father’s Dragon’Dragons are real and imaginations soar in this wordless Family Theater Produc-

tion directed and choreographed by Company Member Tori Bertocci. Adapted byCompany 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 El-evator as he stows away with a new cat companion to Wild Island in an attempt torescue 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 rec-ommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online atwww.synetictheater.org or via phone at 866-811-4111.

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resident and migratory birds.Experienced and beginning birderswelcomed. Bring binoculars and fieldguides if available. Call 703-228-6535.

FRIDAY/JAN. 4Everyone’s Birthday Pajama Party.

6-8 p.m. At Arlington MillCommunity Center, 909 S. DinwiddieSt., Arlington. Celebrate all 2018birthdays and the new year together.Play fun birthday party games, createa party hat piñata, complete birthdayscavenger hunt to win prizes, andmore. Pajamas are optional, butencouraged. Family Nights are free,drop-in events for all ages. Youthparticipants must be accompanied byan adult. Visit parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/arlington-mill-community-center/.

Family Fun Night for Individualswith Disabilities. 6:30-8 p.m. AtLangston-Brown Community Center,2121 N. Culpeper St., Arlington.Families of children with disabilitiesages 4-17 can drop by Langston-Brown Community Center and beimmersed into the monthly themefeaturing various therapeutic activitystations including gross motor,sensory, art, large games, a quietroom and more. $2 per person. Ages4-17. Visit parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/langston-brown-community-center-park/.

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 andturns, as well as how to “load in ninetimes” with replica wood rifles. Call

703-228-4775.Civil War Discoveries: Artillery

Drills. 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 putnew skills to the test. 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 as terrain will be unevenand possibly 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.

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS/JAN. 5-FEB 24T.E.A.M. Training – Fun is Serious

Business. Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1-4 p.m. AtArlington Mill Community Center,909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington. Funis serious business and this eight-session program will teach teens howto run it in this. Learn aspects ofoperating a small amusement rentalbusiness. Participants receive hands-on training. Upon completion,participants are eligible foremployment, helping to run thebusiness with the Department ofRecreation. Visitparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/arlington-mill-community-center/.

SUNDAY/JAN. 6Virginia Wildlife Symbols:

Reptiles. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. At LongBranch Nature Center, 625 S. CarlinSprings Road, Arlington. The EasternGarter Snake officially becameVirginia’s State Snake in 2016. Learnabout this snake as well as other

local species and meet a live LongBranch resident snake. Call 703-228-3535.

TUESDAY/JAN. 8Delaware Bay Birding Trip. 7 a.m.-5

p.m. Meet at Barcroft Sports &Fitness Center Parking Lot, 4200 S.Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington. Cost$50. Bird the beaches of theDelaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean insearch of diving ducks, loons andother winter specialties. This tripmay include walking over uneventerrain and gentle slopes. Participantsshould dress for the weather andbring binoculars, a bag lunch, a drinkand snacks for the day. Call 703-228-3403.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 9Civil War Lectures: Arlington Goes

to War. 7-8 p.m. Meet at C.F. SmithPark Visitor Center, 2411 N. 24th St.,Arlington. At the beginning of theAmerican Civil War, ArlingtonCounty found itself trapped betweentwo opposing forces. Residents chose

sides while armies looked forweaknesses. Join us for this freelecture on the early history of theCivil War in Arlington County. Call703-228-4775.

THURSDAY/JAN. 10Deep Dive: Moon Lore. 8-9 p.m. At

Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608Military Road, Arlington. Cost $5.Take a Deep Dive into a naturalhistory topic that scratches more thanjust the surface. Human history andlanguage is peppered with words andreferences to the moon, both positiveand negative. Explore moon lore andits role in our culture from ancienttimes to the present. Call 703-228-3403.

FRIDAY/JAN. 11Parents Night Out. 6-10 p.m., At

Walter Reed Community Center,2909 15th St., S., Arlington. TheTeens Making a Difference Club (T-MAD) is offering parents a night outwhile your child enjoys an evening ofgames, art, and fun. $25 per person.

Ages 4-11. Visit parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/walter-reed-community-center-park/.

SATURDAY/JAN. 12R.I.P. - Remove Invasive Plants.

9:30-11:30 a.m. At Gulf BranchNature Center, 3608 Military Road,Arlington. Want to restore habitatand increase species diversity righthere in Arlington? Work parties areheld every month are making a realdifference, with the return of fernsand wildflowers, and the animalsthat depend on them, in areas oncecovered in destructive invasiveplants. Help make it happen. Noregistration required. Call 703-228-3403.

Family Bird Walk. 10-11:30 a.m. AtLong Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road, Arlington.Which birds are around in thewinter? Some are familiar, year-round friends but others are winter-only visitors such as Winter Wrensand Brown Creepers. Beginnerswelcome, loaner binoculars available.Call 703-228-6535.

Paint, Build, Create. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.At Fairlington Community Center,3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington.Thisannual event is free and open to thepublic and will feature stem-basedprojects for all ages, including bubblepainting, mirror boxes,kaleidoscopes, kinetic sand, cup andstring telephones, simple levers,slime and more. Visitparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/fairlington-community-center-park/.

Fire Building for Women. 1-3 p.m.At Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608Military Road, Arlington. Getcomfortable with campfires. Safelystart, feed, stoke and put out fires atthis program for women only. Get thepractice you need to create acrackling, cozy fire without stress.Dress for the weather. Hot chocolateis provided. Teens age 14 and up arewelcomed, but must be accompaniedby a registered adult. Call 703-228-3403.

The Science of Staying Warm. 3-4:30 p.m. At Long Branch NatureCenter, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road,Arlington. Ages 6-10. Ever wonderwhy mammals don’t freeze and howbirds’ feet can withstand the cold orwhere the frogs go in winter? Learnfrom hands-on activities how animalskeep warm in winter. Call 703-228-6535.

Flying Squirrel Lore & More. 5:30-6:30 p.m. At Long Branch NatureCenter, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road,Arlington. Learn about theseengaging nocturnal acrobats. After anindoor presentation, ttiptoe outsideto see these little pixies glide in foran evening meal. These creatures aretruly one of the natural wonders ofthe Arlington. Call 703-228-6535.


News

A new area plan is in placeto guide the future ofArlington’s Four Mile Run

Valley, home to some of the lastland in the county zoned for in-dustrial use. The plan adopts a “re-tention and adaptive reuse” ap-proach that aims to preserve andenhance the area’s natural re-sources and open spaces whilesupporting future developmentthat is consistent with the area’sindustrial character and culturalheritage, according to an Arling-ton County news release.

Policy directives and designguidelines outlined in the plan aimto achieve a number of goals:

❖ Create better public access toFour Mile Run;

❖ Foster the arts and create anofficial arts district;

❖ Reflect industrial/warehousecharacter;

❖ Address parking: serve exist-ing businesses, Jennie Dean Parkand facilitate future vision/

growth;❖ Increase transportation circu-

lation and safety (pedestrians,bikes);

❖ Maintain space for industrialbusinesses and County uses nearI-395;

❖ Make improvements to build-ing aesthetics (such as by paint-ing);

❖ Enhance natural areas,The County Board adopted the

plan on Nov. 17 after more thantwo years of work by county staff,a citizen-led working group andthe nearby community.

The 95-acre Four Mile Run Val-ley is located between the NauckRevitalization District, where newmixed-use development is plannedaround a town square, andShirlington Village, which hasgrown from a neighborhood shop-ping strip to a mixed-use hub withhousing, office, retail, arts andcivic uses, as well as a Bus TransitCenter. 4MRV Planning Area Map

New Plan Will Guide Four Mile Run Valley’s Future

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By Teresa Carandang

The Connection

Holiday displays withtheir twinklinglights and elaboratedesigns are part of

the joyful holiday season. Thisyear, Arlington lights up dark win-ter nights with a different kind ofexhibit: Impulse, a playful inter-active installation at The Groundsof Crystal City.

This presentation has 15 glow-ing seesaws that each produce itsown set of tones. Unlike other dis-plays, viewers are invited to bepart of the exhibit and to createtheir own music and lights. TheLED lights attached to the alumi-num seesaws emit varying degreesof brightness with the change ofspeed and rhythm of the up anddown motions. This makes eachexperience unique for its audience,allowing them to view the con-stantly changing installation andto also create their own music and

display when they go on the see-saws. Without the lights andsounds, the seesaws in variouslengths, accommodating as muchas four people, remains a fun wayto play for children and adultsalike.

Impulse was first presented inMontreal at the Quartier des Spec-tacles in 2015. This multi-awardedwork has delighted audiences incities such as Aberdeen, Boston,Brussels, Chicago, London,Lugano, and Scottsdale. The archi-tect and co-designer, Toronto’sLateral Office described its goal forthis unusual installation on its

website, “the Impulse project ex-plores how architecture can visu-alize sound.” This vision was real-ized by the rest of the team thatdesigned this innovative project,these are the Montreal firm CSDesign (Lighting Design and Co-Designer), EGP Group (Engineer-ing), Mitchell Akiyama (sounddesign), Generique Design (Me-chanical design and fabrication),

and Robocut Studio (Electronicdesign and fabrication).

The Grounds is a recently cre-ated art and public space that usedto be a parking lot. Located be-tween Pentagon City and CrystalCity, The Grounds is sponsored bythe Crystal City Business Improve-ment District and LCOR with thehope that this new space will en-gage the many residents and work-

Impulse at The Grounds of Crystal City.Light Up the Holidays

Welcome to The Groundswhere 15 glowing seesawseach produce its own set oftones.

DetailsWhat: ImpulseWhere: The Grounds (12thSt South and S. Eads St. di-agonally across WholeFoods)When: Sunday to Thursday11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday andSaturdays 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.Cost: Free

ers in the neighborhood and pro-vide them with enjoyment. Asidefrom Impulse, the DC-based NoKing’s Collective created “Let’sPlay,” a 10,000 square groundmural occupying the lot that re-flects the goal of the space to be afun and creative environment forthe community, especially with thearrival of the Amazon Headquar-ters nearby.


By Marilyn Campbell

Many high school seniors will spendtheir holiday break working on college applications or making visits toperspective university campuses. As

the excitement builds over the new collegiate expe-rience that lies ahead, local pro-fessors offer advice on the thingsthey wish they could share withnew college students.

Avoid seeing college as simplya means to end or a pathway toa career and instead take advan-tage of the multitude of learningexperiences available to stu-dents.

From football games and artexhibitions to student debatesand faculty recitals, there are op-portunities gain a vast amount ofknowledge in four years.

Use that time to discover one’sinterests, says Vincent Intondi,Ph.D., professor of history at Montgomery College.“Do not come to college simply for financial gain,”he said. “Study what you are most passionate about.Study what you love. The jobs will be there.”

In an effort to encourage students to move out-side of their comfort zone, Linda Gulyn suggests thatthey, “Learn, have new experiences, but do well aca-demically,” she said. “Socialize and engage in activi-ties across your major or regular crowd.”

“Read and always do your homework,” said DavidS. Torain II, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and sta-tistics at Montgomery College.

“If you read slowly, don’t sweat it, just read,” hesaid. “If you get bored, break your reading in to shortsessions, but come back to it. If you can’t make senseof it all, make sense of as much of it as you can, thentalk to a classmate and ask a question in class.”

Use college as an opportunity to build skills thatwill be necessary after college, says Jerome Short,Ph. D. “Students should choose courses and experi-ences to build their oral and written communicationskills to better express themselves persuasively andconcisely,” he said.

Practice self-care and recog-nize stress and anxiety that a newcollege experience might bring.When those feelings arise, avoidnegative coping mechanisms andinstead focus on those which arehealthy, advises Short.

“College is a time to dramati-cally grow your brain,” he said.“Scientific research shows thatexercise grows brain cells, learn-ing connects cells, and sleep con-solidates memories in cells. Doplenty of each of them everyday.”

For some professors, one of thebest parts of their job is getting

to know and share knowledge with their studentseven on subjects that are not related to the course,says Joanne Bagshaw, PhD, professor of psychologyat Montgomery College.

“Get to know your professors, and make sure theyget to know you,” she said. “Visit your professorsduring office hours and use the time to ask ques-tions about the course and even chat about topicsinteresting to you.”

Sharing things they wishthey could tell theirprospective students.

Advice from ProfessorsAsking questions in class is advice that David S. Torain II, Ph.D., professor of mathemat-ics and statistics at Montgomery College would offer new students.

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“Do not come tocollege simply forfinancial gain. Studywhat you are mostpassionate about.Study what you love.”

— Vincent Intondi, Ph.D.,professor of history,

Montgomery College.

“College is a time to dramatically grow your brain.Scientific research shows that exercise grows brain cells,learning connects cells, and sleep consolidates memoriesin cells. Do plenty of each of them every day.”

— Jerome Short, Ph. D.


News

The Arlington Chamber ofCommerce held its 94thAnnual Meeting, which

celebrated the chamber’s 2018 ac-complishments and provided apreview of plans for 2019. Morethan 200 business leaders at-tended the Dec. 7 event at theSheraton Pentagon City Hotel.

2018 Chair Lindsey Rheaume ofEagleBank began the meeting byhighlighting some of thechamber’s top achievements thisyear, including its business advo-cacy efforts, increase in member-ship, and successful execution ofnumerous event updates. Incom-ing 2019 Chair Greg Hamilton ofArlington Magazine then spokeabout continuing the chamber’sgrowth and successes in the newyear, and also introduced the 2019board of directors. Hamilton also announced thatScott Ritter of United Bank will serve as the 2020chair of the board of directors. The meeting also in-cluded the presentation of the 2018 Chair’s Awardto the Virginia Hospital Center, the 2018 President’sAward to Greg Hamilton of Arlington Magazine, andthe 2018 Committee of the Year Award to the Gov-ernment Affairs & Economic Development Commit-

tee, co-chaired by Brian Gordon of Apartment andOffice Building Association and Tad Lunger ofMcGuireWoods LLP. Assistant General Manager &Director of Legal Affairs at the Washington CapitalsDon Fishman delivered the keynote speech, whichfocused on the 2018 Stanley Cup champions, howit’s such an exciting time to be in Arlington and whythey love calling Arlington their home.

“Flourishing After 55” from the Arling-ton Office of Senior Adult Programs forJan. 1-5.

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 Tuesday,Jan. 1, 2019

Senior trips: National GeographicMuseum, Titanic exhibit, D.C., Tuesday,Jan. 1, $17; Normandie Farm Tea,Potomac, Md., Wednesday, Jan. 2, $37;A Longwood Christmas, Kennett Square,Pa., Friday, Jan. 4, $55; All-you-can-eatbrunch, Fratelli’s, Alexandria, Saturday,Jan. 5, $5 (transportation only). CallArlington County 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748. Registration required.

NEW PROGRAMS:How to keep New Year’s resolu-

tions, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 1 p.m.,Walter Reed. Details 703-228-0955.

Local history group to discuss area’scanal system, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 12:30p.m., Lee. Register, 703-228-0555.

Senior ice skating, MedStar Capi-tals Iceplex, Ballston Mall, level 8,Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Details,703-228-4771.

The Rocking Chairs, grown-uprock ‘n roll band, Wednesdays, noon,Lee. Details, 703-228-0555.

Open art studios Wednesdays, water-colors, 10 a.m.- noon; Fridays, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m., mixed media, Arlington Mill.Details, 703-228-7369.

Arlington Walking Club for se-niors will walk along the CherrywoodUrban Trail, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 9:30a.m., $4. Register, 703-228-4771.

Woodcarvers group meets Thurs-days, 1 p.m., Lee. Loaner tools andwood available. Details, 703-228-0555.

Senior Trekkers from ArlingtonMill walk along the W&OD Trail, Thurs-days, 9 a.m. Details, 703-228-7369.

Learn about 55+ fitness pro-grams at senior centers, Friday, Jan. 4,2 p.m., Walter Reed. Register, 703-228-0955.

Ballroom Dance, Friday, Jan. 4, 1-3 p.m., Lee. Details, 703-228-0555.

Lee Walkers will walk inGeorgetown, Friday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m., $4.Register, 703-228-0555.

One-on-one computer, tabletand smartphone instruction, Fri-days, 10-11 a.m., Lee. Register,703-228-0555.

Weekly sing-alongs, Fridays, 10a.m.-noon, Lee. Popular songs from the20s through 70s. Details, 703-228-0555.

AdrianStanton andBetsy Frantzof VirginiaHospitalCenter acceptthe 2018Chair’s Awardfrom LindseyRheaume andKate Bates.

Chamber Celebrates Its Accomplishments

From left: Don Fishman, Kate Bates and 2018 ChairLindsey Rheaume.

“Flourishing After 55”


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Not so bad, even though it’s been nearly 10 years on the cancer trail – and two columns, recently, courting my imminent demise.

The appointment with the otolaryngologist to assess the presumptive damage/my decline was instead wonderfully uplifting: “nothing worrisome in the throat.” What symptoms I was experiencing (basically seasonal-type cold and

hoarse voice) had nothing to do with cancer and more so to do with the time of the year.

Meaning I wasn’t going to die as a result; just sneeze, cough and so forth like everyone else, which as I’ve been told, repeatedly, I’m not.

doubt or delay like the rest of you. Time may not be of the essence, but one never knows. Cancer cells sort of have a mind/process of their own.

It’s not so much a lesson learned as it has been a lesson reminded.

My oncologist has frequently advised me that should a new symptom appear and persist for two to three weeks, I should email him and alert him to my status/situation. I might have been a week or so late this time, but fortunately not too many dollars short.

My oncologist responded immediately as did my primary care physician. Each doctor making arrangements for me within a matter of hours: a face-to-face appointment with my internal medicine doctor – which led to the referral for the otolaryngologist (who called to schedule an appointment before I even got a chance to); and a referral as well by my oncologist for a CT scan of my neck.

Having now been examined and results interpreted, I am glad to report that as scared as I have been for the past two columns, my symptoms were not indicative of my lung cancer progressing. Rather it was more indicative of a cancer patient being stupid and stubborn.

Not wanting to ever believe that my life hangs in the balance and could be severely endangered by my neglect, I tend to go about my health-related business as I would guess the rest of you who are healthy and not cancer-diag-nosed: I wait out the symptoms and try not to go negative.

As has been said recently – to me, nothing could be less appropriate given my stage IV, lung cancer. Being negative might actually save my life.

The reality is: I am compromised and subject to risks and complications many of you are not. My immune system has likely been weakened by this most recent every-three-week infusion interval recommended to shrink a relatively new tumor – and in so treating, hopefully will not have allowed any existing cancer cells to trigger and mutate and cause even more trouble.

After all, cancer is likely in control here and giving them an inch, so to speak, has never been part of our plan.

Even though my cancer had already metas-tasized in 2009, its movement seems to have

learned anything with this most recent scare, it is that I can’t turn a blind eye or a deaf ear, metaphorically writing, to common sense or doctor’s orders.

I’m not supposed to wait for the ambulance, if you know what I mean? I’m supposed to be smarter than that and act like my life matters: making arrangements much sooner rather than way later. Denying, pretending and hoping that new symptoms are benign because many other people experience them is, for a cancer patient, as foolish as it gets.

The last, and I mean the absolute last thing a cancer patient should think is that they are like everybody else. They are not. We are not. I am not.

You get it, Kenny?

Stepping Back From

the PrecipiceFrom Page 4

Letters

change of Washington-Lee High School, Iwould like to disagree with the process inwhich the decision has been made. It ap-pears that the decision was based solelybased on the board’s own desire to followits own agenda and not listen to thecommunity’s or alumni groups’ desires tokeep the name as is.

History can not be changed and we shouldnot compare the current culture to the cul-ture of the 1800s. General Lee was an hon-orable man and had strong beliefs in de-fending his home and his countrymen’s wayof life. Of course he was torn in his deci-sion to lead the Confederate States, but histies to Virginia and the southern states ledhim down the path he took.

There has not been an outcry from thecommunity to change the name of theschool and the change is not supported.Washington-Lee High School has its ownlegacy and the name should not be obliter-ated and forgotten.

I am an alumnus of Washington-Lee andam proud of the name and the men behindit.

Ed Keens

DifferentLeesTo the Editor:

Two brothers from Virginia, RichardHenry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, signedthe Declaration of Independence. The onlybrothers to do so. And neither is honoredwith a school name in Virginia. Naming theschool after these patriots of the Revolu-tion would be a great thing to do.

Keep the iconic name Washington-Leeand name it after these three Virginians.

Jim Lynch, W-L ’59King George, Va.

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

SOBER-RIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYSFree Sober Rides. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. daily, Dec. 14-

Jan. 1. Area residents, 21 and older, maydownload Lyft to their phones, then enter a codein the app’s “Promo” section to receive a no cost(up to $15) safe ride home (limited quantitiesavailable). WRAP’s Holiday SoberRide promocode will be posted at www.SoberRide.com.

HOLIDAY DONATIONSPet Food Bank. AWLA is establishing a Pet Food

Bank to serve qualifying residents of ArlingtonCounty and the City of Falls Church. Inconsideration of the effect financial obstacleshave on a pet owner’s ability to afford pet care,the AWLA Pet Food Bank program’s goal is tokeep family pets out of shelters. If you are anArlington County or City of Falls Churchresident and are in need of assistance in feedingyour pet, follow this link and fill out a pre-registration form. Visit goo.gl/forms/s2FuFdaYWdZm4tPw2

Secret Santa. Through Dec. 21, donate gift cardsto the Department of Human Services’ SecretSanta Program and help some of Arlington’smost vulnerable residents. Visitpublicassistance.arlingtonva.us/secret-santa formore.

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