Local Traditions To Honor Veterans - Connection Newspapers
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The casket flag of
Lynda V. Buckley,
U.S. Army, is raised
by veteran Dave
Twigg, left, and
Tom Finan.
Entertainment, Page 9 v Classifieds, Page 10
Local
Traditions Scouts Collect 70,000
Pounds of Food
Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
To Honor News, Page 3
Veterans
News, Pages 4 and 5
Private School
Admissions
Oh My, Page 2
Planet Fitness Opens
Again, Page 12
November 17-23, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
Culture Shock of Private
School Competition
Those unaccustomed to hyper-competitive education
feel intimidated by the admissions process.
By Marilyn Campbell
The Connection
S
chool tours, applications,
teacher recommenda-
tions, test prep tutors and
on campus visits. These
are some of the topics of conver-
sation in families who are in the
midst of the independent school
admissions process. For Sandy
Adams, it conjures up memories
of the time when her children
had to adjust to a new academic
environment. She and her family
moved three times in six years,
each time experiencing the shock
of adapting to a new private A private school graduation from before the pandemic.
school admissions process.
“During my children’s elementary, middle, and high making in your children,” he said. “Yes, the path to
school, I moved my three children into three private admission into such exclusive schools is tougher, but it
international schools in Europe and Asia,” said the Po- is worth it in the long haul. Staying the course always
tomac mother of three adult children. “My top advice pays dividends. Study after study shows that students
for parents is: Be open minded and flexible.” coming out of private schools get admitted into more
Those who are new to the Washington region can prestigious universities and ultimately are earning
be caught off guard by the hyper-competitive inde- higher salaries.”
pendent school admissions process here. Families who Self-acceptance is necessary when navigating an
were accustomed to a laid-back environment where unfamiliar and daunting process. “You have to be
school choices are plentiful and acceptance rates are comfortable with your child going to school where
high can experience culture shock. There are strate- other students may be wealthier, more socially con-
gies for navigating the process and snagging a seat in nected, or have celebrity parents,” said Great Falls
the private school of your choice, say local education education consultant Chris Perry. “If you are not com-
consultants. fortable, your child won’t be comfortable. If you are
Perseverance and expec- intimidated, your child will
tation management are the be intimidated. If you feel
top coping mechanisms that
education consultant Alex
“Yes, the path to inferior, your child will feel
inferior.”
Ross believes will make the
process less intimidating.
admission into such Taking time to attend open
house events or take a tour of
“For parents unaccus-
tomed to the rigors and ul-
exclusive schools is a school can put families at
ease, continued Perry. “Put-
tra-competitive environment
of certain private schools,
tougher, but it is worth ting a positive spin on a big
change can set your family
their knee jerk reaction when
they’re being thrown into
it in the long haul. up for success by making it
an adventure, rather than
such an environment is to
shut down,” said Ross, an
Staying the course al- just a stressful, arduous
move across the country or to
education consultant who ways pays dividends.” a hyper-competitive school,”
serves clients in Alexandria
— Alex Ross he said.
and Arlington. “They see For those who experience
nothing but the obstacles and financial roadblocks, Ross
throw up their hands, thinking their children will just says, “Don’t be shortsighted. Even though many peo-
have to settle for public school.” ple will tell you that you’re too late to the game to
To be truthful, though, the toughest school to get get in, there are always side doors. You never know
into in the region is a public school, Thomas Jefferson. where a well-timed donation, political favor, or act of
And the social environment and whiff of celebrity in volunteering might catapult your son or daughter into
other public schools in Fairfax County, Arlington and the admissions line.”
Montgomery County can match many private schools. When selecting a school, the most important factors
The list of super talented and now famous people who are finding an environment that is a good fit socially
graduated from the public schools in those areas, or and academically, says Perry.
the Alexandria City High School, is daunting. “The thing to ask yourself is, are you in love with
Still Ross believes that dedication and determina- the education your child will get at this school? If you
tion can increase the chances of being accepted to the are not, then you shouldn’t go,” And if you are truly in
school of your choice. “My best advice would be to stay love with it, then nothing else, not money, not social
the course and acknowledge the investment you’re status, not celebrity, should matter.”
2 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
From left, Chantilly seniors Luis Martin
Paul Ehrhardt and son Leo, a Westfield Unloading a truck are (from left) Dave Weisz of Centre Ridge and Boy Scout Yap and Conor Keane carry a heavy box
High senior, with some donated cereal. Ricky Manzolina. of canned goods to a pallet.
‘We Thank Each and Every Family Who Donated’
O
n Saturday, Nov. 13, Sully Photos By Bonnie Hobbs/The Connection
District Boy Scouts collected
67,093 pounds of food – val-
ued at $120,096 – for Western
Fairfax Christian Ministries’ food pantry in
Chantilly. “We thank each and every family
who chose to donate to WFCM through the
food drive,” said WFCM Executive Director
Harmonie Taddeo. “The food and toiletries
collected will be distributed directly to fami-
lies in need in our community.”
“We appreciate the Scouts and key orga-
nizer, Michael Adere, as well as all the vol-
unteers who worked at the sorting site and/ Lending a hand are (from left) sisters
or in WFCM’s warehouse and pantry, sort- Aiko Conaway, Centreville High soph-
ing and stocking the donations. It’s through omore, and Mai Conaway, Union Mill
events like this, when we come together as Elementary sixth-grader; their mom,
a community, that we have the biggest im- Noemy Conaway, and Chantilly junior
pact.” Tara Sankner.
In addition, the Scouts collected nearly
3,000 pounds of food for the St. Vincent
de Paul food pantry at St. Timothy Catholic
Church in Chantilly – for a grand total of al-
most 70,000 pounds.
From left, Chantilly High students Alanis and Enya Tiea, Micaela Bravo and Alexis
Huff hold some of the donated items.
Photo Courtesy of Harmonie Taddeo
Volunteers from Centreville Presbyterian WFCM staff in their warehouse; (from
Unloading soup cans from a shopping Church, (from left) Janet Merritt, Jean left) are Tom Needham, Harmonie Tad- Photo Courtesy of Harmonie Taddeo
cart are (from left) Chantilly students Sai Hartman and Nancy Anthony, unload a deo, Pamela Montesinos, Debbie Culbert- Michael Adere inside a truck full of food
Shriya Seenuthoju and Sameera Pasham. box full of pasta together. son and Kristine Hurt. for WFCM.
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 v 3
News
Photo by Mercia Hobson/Connection Newspapers
Sgt. Wayne M. Kidwell, U.S. Army, of Herndon, was the 19-year-old for whom Post
Ve
Photo contributed 184 was renamed. Veterans from Post 184 gather at his gravesite to honor and
As dusk approaches, Mayor Sheila Olem of the Town of Herndon joins others in fold- remember him. Kidwell was an American Gold Star casualty who died on March 8,
ing the coffin flags into triangles and storing them in their clear plastic cases until 1968, due to hostile action and small weapons fire in South Vietnam’s Thua Thien Curtiss
Memorial Day 2022, when the Avenue of Flags will be raised once more. province while serving in the Vietnam War. a ret
States
officer
Veterans Day Ceremonies of Honor and Remembrance the Me
during
War.
The Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 of Herndon-Reston hosts two activities for Veterans Day, the first being the Avenue of Flags, that w
consisting of sixty-six coffin flags that fly from dawn to dark. It is a patriotic symbol used to remember and honor interred veterans. In collabo- veteran
ration with the Town of Herndon, the Post hosts a Veterans Day Observance at 11 a.m. gratitu
freedo
By Mercia Hobson Fairfax County is home to almost 80,000 speaker Major General George Francis Close ed Sta
The Connection veterans and their families. There are over Jr. of McLean. Andy Wilson, president of the dear, f
700,000 living veterans in Virginia, or 8 foundation, introduced Close, a retired se- of spee
O
n Veterans Day 2021, Thursday, percent of the population, while the United nior U.S. Army officer currently acting as a of the
Nov. 11, communities across States has about 19 million living veterans, senior corporate executive. that ou
Fairfax County, like the Town or 6 percent of the population. In his remarks, Close said that veterans on the
of Herndon and the village of The Friends of the Great Falls Freedom were “in the midst of it,” whether in peace- protect
Great Falls, held ceremonies, as did commu- Memorial Foundation presented the Veter- time or war. He spoke of veterans’ various But
nities across the United States. ans Day ceremony with featured keynote roles in the country, their professionalism, Photo contributederans D
and how they were selected for promotions, A name stake marks a casket flag. ed, th
schooling, and assignments based on their impres
performance and potential, a true meritoc- 184 of Herndon-Reston and the Town ofcolors,
racy. Herndon, David Womack, post commander,ing the
A similar event co-occurred five miles welcomed guest speaker Harvey “Barney”choral
away in the Town of Herndon. Held by The anthem
Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post See Veterans Day, Page 5Speake
erans
ever-pr
Acco
has ov
or forw
mately
the ef
war on
to our
enemie
countr
tremen
on to
“there
of Ame
Mercia Hobson/Connection Newspapers Mercia Hobson/Connection Newspapers Whil
The casket flag of Lynda V. Buckley, U.S. After raising one of the 66 casket flags tion, th
Army, is raised by veteran Dave Twigg, that will fly on Veterans Day 2021, Ben one-da
left, and Tom Finan. Durham, 15, of Herndon, and a student the vet
“We are here to pay tribute to the vet- at Virginia Academy, pauses as his father, includi
erans who have hung up their uniforms in Scott Durham, salutes. to our
one way or another.” “These veterans sacrificed their lives and what th
— Dave Twigg, member of The Wayne M. deserve to be honored and have their flags
Mercia Hobson/Connection Newspapers Photo contributedsion, a
Kidwell American Legion Post 184 of flown.” Shortly after daybreak, one side of the A stream of cars drives through the Ave- others
Herndon-Reston — Scott Durham, U.S. Army veteran Avenue of Flags nears completion. nue of Flags. Acco
4 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News Your hometown
home & auto team
When you go with State Farm®,
you get neighborly service and a
local agent — all for a surprisingly
great rate.
Give me a call and get a quote
today.
Kyle Knight Ins Agcy Inc
Kyle Knight, Agent Like a good neighbor,
State Farm is there.®
11736 Bowman Green Drive
Reston, VA 20190 Individual premiums will vary by customer.
All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements.
ACROSS FROM RESTON TOWN CTR
WWW.KYLEKNIGHT.ORG
703-435-2300
Photo contributed Photo contributed
(First row, fifth from left) Former Herndon Town Cadets in the Herndon High School Navy Junior
Councilmember and veteran Richard Downer of Reserve Officers Training Corp program present
Herndon waits for the ceremony to begin. the colors.
Veterans Day Ceremonies
s Compton Road Shared-Use Path
From Page 4 Fairfax County
Curtiss Barnum Jr., Virtual Public Information Meeting
a retired United
States Marine Corps Thursday, December 9, 2021, 7 p.m.
officer who received
the Medal of Honor
https://www.virginiadot.org/ComptonRoad
during the Vietnam
War. Barnum said Find out about plans to construct a ten-foot-wide shared-use path along
that we owe our northbound Compton Road (Route 658) from the Bull Run Special Events
veterans a “debt of Center Access Road to just south of the I-66 bridge, and from just north of
gratitude” for the the I-66 bridge to a connection with the existing Cub Run Trail. The project
freedoms the Unit- also includes widening the Compton Road bridge over Cub Run to
ed States holds so accommodate the new shared-use path. The portion of the shared-use
dear, from freedom path under the I-66 bridge is being constructed separately as part of the
of speech to freedom Photo contributed Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project.
of the press. He said David Womack, post commander of Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184
that our veterans are of Herndon-Reston speaks, with members of The Reston Chorale to his right. The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting. Information for
on the front lines, accessing and participating in the virtual meeting is available at
protecting us. https://www.virginiadot.org/ComptonRoad. The project team will make
But no matter which of the Vet- a short presentation beginning at 7 p.m. and answer questions for about
erans Day ceremonies one attend- an hour after the presentation.
ed, there were similarities: the
Review project information and meeting details on the webpage above or
impressive postings of the nation’s
during business hours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office,
colors, veterans and guests recit-
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please call ahead at
ing the pledge of allegiance, and
703-259-2907 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate
choral groups singing the national
personnel.
anthem and other patriotic songs.
Speakers acknowledged the vet-
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23
erans who stood between us and
CFR 771, a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) is being prepared
ever-present danger.
under an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration. Pursuant to
According to Close, the Army Photo contributed
the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR 800,
has over 100,000 troops deployed A World War I helmet rests
information concerning the potential effects of the proposed improvements
or forward stationed in approxi- against the Veterans Memorial
on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of
mately 80 nations. “The scope of in the Town of Herndon at 11
Historic Places will be included in the PCE.
the effort to support the global a.m., Nov. 11, 2021. It reminds
war on terrorism, provides support Photo contributed people that the Allied powers Give your comments during the meeting, or by December 20, 2021 via
to our allies, and keeps our other Keynote speaker, Colonel Har- signed a ceasefire agreement the comment form on the project website, by mail to Ms. Hong Ha, P.E.,
enemies contained as part of our vey Curtiss Barnum Jr., retired with Germany at Compiégne, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA
country’s engagement strategy is United States Marine Corps officer France, bringing the war to a 22030 or by email to meetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov. Please
tremendous,” he said. Close went who received the Medal of Honor close on the 11th hour of the
reference “Compton Road Shared-Use Path” in the subject line.
on to say that without veterans, during the Vietnam War. 11th day of the 11th month in
“there would be no United States the year 1918. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and
of America.” activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
While the local ceremonies of honor and recogni- opment Authority, representatives from 66 companies If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or
tion, the kind words of thanks by residents, and the interviewed job-seekers one week before Veterans Day limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.
one-day freebie at local restaurants are appreciated by at the Veteran and Military Career Fair at Fort Belvoir
the veterans, they are not enough. Questions remain, on Nov. 4, 2021. State Project: 0658-029-461, B652, C501, P101, R201
including how the county is helping to repay the “debt “We believe that Fairfax County can be a proving UPC: 115604
to our veterans,” about what veterans say is needed, ground for how we get our nation’s veterans working Federal: CMAQ-5B01 (106)
what the Virginia legislature might do in the next ses- in the private sector,” said Jeffrey C. McKay, chairman
sion, and how veterans want to be remembered by of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. In case an alternate date is needed, the meeting will be held
others after their casket flag is handed to a loved one. Monday, January 10, 2022 at the same time.
According to the Fairfax County Economic Devel- More Veterans Day, Page 7
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 v 5
Opinion
Children’s & Teens’ Connection 2021
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
@RestonConnect
An independent, locally owned weekly
newspaper delivered
Please send all submissions via email by mal or food or toy? Describe a good friend. De-
scribe one of the best gifts you’ve ever given or
to homes and businesses.
Published by
Friday, Dec. 3. This edition publishes Dec 15. received. Discuss a hobby or sport that you are Local Media Connection LLC
involved in. Your opinion about any topic. 1606 King Street
Poetry or other creative writing.
D
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
uring December of each year, this can be sent through email. Writing should be To be published, we must have the full first
newspaper devotes its pages to the submitted in .docx format or in google doc. If and last name of the student artist or writer. Free digital edition delivered to
creativity of local students and chil- you are sharing a google doc with us, please Identify each piece of writing or art, includ- your email box. Go to
connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe
dren. The results are always remark- turn on link sharing so that anyone with the ing the student’s full name, age, grade and town
able. It is a keepsake edition for many families. link can edit the document and share with of residence, plus the name of the school, name
We welcome contributions from public and kimm.mary@gmail.com. Artwork should be of teacher and town of school location. NEWS DEPARTMENT:
private schools, art classes, families, individuals photographed or scanned and provided in jpeg Home schoolers’ contributions are welcomed. reston@connectionnewspapers.com
and homeschoolers. We publish every kind of format. Please send all submissions via email by Fri-
artwork that can be submitted to us as a jpeg, Some suggestions, but different ideas are day, Dec. 3, 2021. The Children’s & Teens’ edi- Kemal Kurspahic
Editor ❖ 703-778-9414
poetry, essays, creative writing, opinion pieces, welcome: tions will publish on Dec. 15, 2021. kemal@connectionnewspapers.com
short stories, photography, photos of sculpture Drawings or paintings or photographs of your You can see the 2019 editions (pre-pandem-
or gardens or other creative efforts. family, friends, pets or some favorite activity. ic) by visiting www.connectionnewspapers. Mercia Hobson
Pandemic planning has made for a short These should be photographed or scanned and com/PDFs/ and scrolling down to Children’s Community Reporter
deadline, and, like everything else, the 2021 submitted in jpeg format. Photos of sculpture Edition. You may also see the 2020 editions at mhobson@connectionnewspapers.com
Children’s Connections will be different than in or larger art projects are also welcome. Holiday the bottom of this email.
Bonnie Hobbs
the past. themes are also encouraged. Email submissions for the Children’s Editions
Community Reporter, 703-778-9415
For 2021, please send a curated collection of Short answers, 100-200 words on: If you to kimm.mary@gmail.com. bhobbs@connectionnewspapers.com
art from your class. We will do our best, but we could give your parents, family or friends any For advertising, please email Debbie Funk at
are unlikely to be able to print every item sub- gift that didn’t cost money what would that gift debfunk@connectionnewspapers.com. Ken Moore
mitted. Please include the first and last name of be? What are you most looking forward to in Contributing Writer
the student with each submission. the upcoming year? What do you want to be Mary Kimm kmoore@connectionnewspapers.com
We ask that all submissions be digital so they when you grow up? What is your favorite ani- Editor and Publish
ADVERTISING:
Reform Not Revenge
For advertising information
sales@connectionnewspapers.com
703-778-9431
Debbie Funk
Display Advertising/National Sales
It appears that in the House of Delegates the Commonwealth there years. Hopefully the new governor 703-778-9444
debfunk@connectionnewspapers.com
have been many fits and the new House leadership will
Republicans will have a 53 to 47 majority. and starts that delay not throw out all that work and David Griffin
needed legislative ac- start over. We can build on those Marketing Assistant
tion. things for which there are areas of 703-778-9431
By Del. Kenneth R. With the change in Of course, the winning party agreement. dgriffin@connectionnewspapers.com
“Ken” Plum partisan control of the always wants to assert its power. I will be pleading with the new
Classified & Employment
House of Delegates, I understand that “to the victors administration that we view the Advertising
W
hen the final members will find them- go the spoils.” But much of what next several months as time to look 703-778-9431
recount of selves having different the legislature does should not be at reforms in the process on which
votes in the roles. The Democratic partisan. Virginians showed again we can agree. We need not spend
two districts that were Speaker of the House in this election cycle that they are time on seeking revenge on those Editor & Publisher
Mary Kimm
within a percentage and the first woman not clearly blue or red. No Demo- who have been in office in the past. mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com
point difference be- and first Jewish person crat celebrated more than I did the The winners in such an approach @MaryKimm
tween the candidates to be speaker will lose transformative actions taken by will be the people of Virginia and
are finally certified, it her position to a new the legislature over the past two not a single political party. Executive Vice President
appears that in the House of Del- speaker elected by the majority Jerry Vernon
703-549-0004
egates the Republicans will have a Republican caucus. At the time of
jvernon@connectionnewspapers.com
53 to 47 majority. Such a shift in writing this column the rumor is
partisan control is often referred that Delegate Todd Gilbert who
Let Us Know Your View Managing Editor
Connection Newspapers welcomes views on any public issue.
to as “flipping the House” or “turn- represents a part of the Shenando- Kemal Kurspahic
Letters must be signed. Include home address and home and business numbers;
ing the House from blue to red.” ah Valley will be the new speaker. Art/Design:
we will only print your name and town name. Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Democrats who took control of The Speaker of the House has total Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar, Ali Khaligh
the House in 2019 were not able control over appointing members good taste, civility and factual errors. Production Manager:
to withstand the shifting winds as to committees. Too often including Send letters Geovani Flores
the string of Democratic governors in the recent past the practice has Online www.connectionnewspapers.com/contact/letter/
was broken when former Governor been to take members of the mi- By email: editors@connectionnewspapers.com
Terry McAuliffe who had been out nority party off the key committees CIRCULATION
of office for a term as required by on which they may have had the By mail to: Letters to the Editor The Connection circulation@connectionnewspapers.com
the State Constitution was not able most influence. The shuffling of
1606 King St., Alexandria VA 22314
to win a second term. Some have members on committees has been You can comment on our Facebook page or find us on Twitter
observed that the Virginia gover- a way for the majority to solidify www.facebook.com/connectionnewspapers
norship election that is held the its power. https://twitter.com/alexgazette
year after the presidential election The way in which the transition https://twitter.com/mtvernongazette
is most often won by the candidate of power has been handled in the https://twitter.com/followfairfax
of the party opposite that of the past by both parties has led to many
president. The Youngkin win to be inefficiencies in the legislative pro-
governor after the Biden win fol- cess. Rather than a continuous pro-
Never miss an issue, get a free digital subscription,
lowed that pattern. cess responding to the needs of the http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe/
6 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Centreville Man Killed in
Motorcycle Crash
A 21-year-old Centreville man at the scene. The Enclave driver sus-
was killed Friday, Nov. 5, when the tained minor injuries, but the juve-
motorcycle he was driving crashed nile was uninjured. After crashing,
into a car in Fairfax Station. Fairfax the motorcycle became engulfed in
County police say Andrew Paulucci flames, but arriving fire and rescue
was pronounced dead at the scene. personnel extinguished the fire.
The crash occurred around 7:07 Police say “speed may have been
p.m. According to police, a 2020 a factor for the motorcycle,” and de-
Buick Enclave was traveling north- tectives from the Crash Reconstruc-
bound on Ox Road when its driver tion Unit are continuing to investi-
tried to turn left onto westbound gate. Details of their findings will be
Henderson Road on a flashing yel- presented to the Commonwealth’s
low signal. Attorney’s Office for review.
At the same time, Paulucci was Meanwhile, anyone with infor-
traveling southbound on Ox Road on mation about this crash is asked to
a 2021 Kawasaki motorcycle. Police contact the Crash Reconstruction
say he “proceeded through the inter- Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips may
section on a green signal and struck also be submitted anonymously
the Enclave.” The impact caused him through Crime Solvers by calling
to be thrown from the motorcycle. 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).
The driver of the Enclave, along
with a juvenile passenger, remained — Bonnie Hobbs
Viewpoint Photos by Mercia Hobson/
Connection Newspapers
Remembering Deceased Veterans
The veterans of The Wayne M. Kidwell Post 184 Herndon-Reston
raised 66 casket flags that families of interred veterans donated for the
Avenue of Flags erected on Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year.
Seeing the veterans and volunteers working in teams of two to erect each
casket flag, and after they raised it skyward, giving it a long salute to
remember the service member and say thank you.
Q: Veterans of Post 184 Herndon-Reston were asked: How do
you want to be remembered as a veteran [when your casket flag is
raised and flies as part of the Avenue of Flags]?
Same Company, Same Employees,
Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years!
TWO POOR TEACHERS
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
“I want my son [Ben] to re- “I want others to know that
member when he puts my casket I appreciate my country. I was
flag up to fly that I was an honor- young when I enlisted and [later
able man, and I showed it every stationed] inside communist East
day in my actions. My other son, Germany, in West Berlin, I got
Alex, is serving in the U.S. Army, to see what Communism was
101st Airborne Division.” about. I came home and realized
— Scott Durham, freedom is sacred.”
U.S. Army veteran — Chris Cutler,
U.S. Army veteran
• Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed
• Gas Fitting (GFC) Since 1999
10% down
• Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job
Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the
I was in Istanbul with the
• Plumbing (PLB) past 17 years
Turkish NATO Army, and we
were with nuclear artillery. When • Residential Building (RBC)
you are from northern Maine
and end up in Turkey, it opens
you up historically to the world.
I’m going to be buried right up That I did the best that I could
Free Estimates 703-999-2928
Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level
the hill there, with my wife and with what I had.
http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov
my mother-in-law. – Thomas Finan,
– David Lacombe, veteran U.S. Airforce, C.M.S., (ret) Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 v 7
Arts
Photos by Mercia Hobson/Connection Newspapers
During her solo exhibition, “Good Juju,” Julia Tova Malakoff takes a few of her works Julia Tova Malakoff, a mixed media artist, creates works to spread ‘good juju’ as she
outside onto the walkway in front of the Lake Anne Gallery & Studio. struggles with COVID-19 smell and taste loss.
Artist Reimagines Smell and Taste Lost to COVID
“Good Juju,” a sense-sational exhibition.
By Mercia Hobson COVID who lost sense of smell recover smell
The Connection function within six months.
Malakoff is one of the 20 percent whose
R
eston Art Gallery and Studios fea- impaired senses have yet to return.
tured the solo exhibition “Good Malakoff said that before COVID, she re-
Juju” by local artist Julia Malakoff. lied on her five senses to interpret obser-
Juju is the energy, the positive or vations, which she translated into artwork.
negative vibe, which surrounds us. Held Now, forced to deal with the practical and
in October 2021, Malakoff is one of many psychological effects of losing her sense of
people infected with COVID-19 who expe- smell and taste, Malakoff took her frustra-
rienced the loss of her senses of smell and tions into the art studio.
taste as a result. “I imagine what food tastes like as I play
Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, as with my paints, mixing up a variety of colors Julie Tova Malakoff assists with the installation of one of her works for the exhibition
this symptom can be called, is a key symp- to whet my visual appetite. I want to dive “Good Juju.”
tom of the infection. into a delicious paint palette and paint sweet
A study published in Mayo Clinic Pro- flavors to distract myself from my own de- smell and taste is invisible, a hidden disabili- In an interview at the art studio last
ceedings looked at data from over 8,000 bilitated, dysfunctional palate,” she wrote in ty. It breaks people’s links to places and emo- month, Malakoff said that the mixed-media
people with a confirmed case of COVID-19 her artist statement. tional experiences, leaving them without the works for “Good Juju” began from a positive
and found about 41 percent lost their sense The loss of one or more of our senses can memories smells evoke. People may also place. She took a Crayola crayon after gesso-
of smell. Losing the sense of smell impacts have an impact on how we interact with the lose interest in cooking or socializing while ing her wood panels. Malakoff said, “I write
taste. About 38 percent reported loss of world and engage in the environment. Their eating out. Taste disturbance or loss can also HOME SWEET HOME in large capital letters
taste. A second study, published on Sept. 21, loss can have a negative impact on mental have a negative impact on nutrition. Final- because I want to make sure that my art
2021, by the Virginia Commonwealth Uni- health and quality of life, resulting in feel- ly, there is the loss of a hazard perspective, is coming from a positive place.” Malakoff
versity School of Medicine, discovered that ings of loneliness, fear, and depression. Un- such as the smell of gas, smoke and foods added that she takes the graphics and paints
roughly 80 percent of people infected with like the loss of sight and hearing, the loss of that have gone bad. them in to make a palette, which she uses to
fill the background of her wooden panels. “I
then begin working on my collage.”
Hannah Barco appointed Associate Curator & Festival Director Malakoff’s mixed media collages are flow-
ers, evocative of healing gardens. They are
of Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art to be moving to the
DC metropolitan area
textured, with layers of hand-painted papers
mixed in with markers and crayons. Stems
Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art artists in manifesting their vision, and I and will be bringing and leaves are cut into whimsical shapes in-
(Tephra ICA) announced the appointment am thrilled to be joining Tephra ICA, an with me this incredi- spired by Matisse cutouts, her own photog-
of Hannah Barco as the Institute’s new institution that so clearly takes great care ble network of creative raphy, and inorganic objects.
Associate Curator & Festival Director. The in supporting artists and creating oppor- practitioners and my Malakoff hopes that by reflecting on the
appointment comes at an important time tunities for audiences to meaningfully en- commitment to social magic around us and creating “good juju,”
in the institution’s nearly five decades, gage with contemporary art.” Hannah Barco justice and equity in she will be able to heal herself, at least in
almost one year into rebranding from its Barco received a BFA from the School of the arts.” spirit, as well as other people who are deal-
former name, Greater Reston Arts Center, the Museum of Fine Arts at Boston and Tufts Barco will lead creative direction in ing with their adversities.
as it continues to shape its identity as a University and an MFA from the School of the planning and implementation of the In- For an appointment to view the works,
prominent contemporary arts institution Art Institute of Chicago. She is the former Di- stitute’s largest fundraiser, the Tephra email juliatova@gmail.com, or contact the
in the DC metropolitan region. rector of Exhibitions and Associate Curator at Fine Arts Festival, formerly the Northern gallery by visiting RestonArtGallery.com.
“Artists are vital to our society because the School of Art Institute of Chicago. Virginia Fine Arts Festival. Reston Art Gallery and Studios is a privately
of their capacity to engage and absorb “I have learned so much from the extraor- Tephra ICA is a non-profit, non-col- owned cooperative gallery located at 11400
the world, in all of its complexities, and dinary artists and colleagues I have worked lecting institution committed to promot- Washington Plaza West at Lake Anne Village
through their creative practices make with in Chicago over the last ten years, espe- ing innovative contemporary art. Tephra Center near the lake’s fountain. All artwork
things that can provoke and inspire art- cially in addressing the exclusionary history ICA is supported in part by ArtsFairfax, displayed is marked for sale by the individ-
works that can change how others see of the white box gallery and creating wel- Reston Community Center, Virginia Com- ual artist. The gallery advertises November’s
the world,” says Barco.” I’ve always been coming experiences for diverse audiences mission for the Arts, and the National En- artist as Marthe McGrath, Title: “Abstract.” It
passionate about the work of supporting to come together around art. I am excited dowment for the Arts. is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays
and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
8 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Entertainment
NOW THRU NOV. 21 NOV. 19-20
”Fully Committed.” At NextStop within the Northern Virginia and JAM Christmas Show. 8-10 p.m. At
Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Greater Washington, DC area. Fredgren Studio Theatre at Ballet
Herndon. This funny show follows NPAA is primarily a plein air group Nova, 3443 Carlin Springs Road,
a day in the life of Samantha, an but members also engage in paint- Falls Church. Created by cho-
out-of-work actress who works the ing other subjects including still reographer Jeremy A. McShan,
red-hot reservation line at Man- life, genre, and portraiture. JAM 12 Days of Christmas, is a
hattan’s number-one restaurant. crowd-thrilling Christmas musical
Coercion, threats, bribes, histri- NOW THRU JAN. 2, 2022 spectacular that mixes favorite
onics—a cast of desperate callers LuminoCity Festival. 6-9 p.m. At Roer’s Christmas carols along with favor-
will stop at nothing in their zeal Zoofari, 1228 Hunter Mill Road, ite pop songs of all time. These
to land a prime reservation or the Vienna. The LuminoCity Festival, dance-floor favorites are sure to
right table. a one-of-a-kind, immersive light leave audiences dancing in their
display experience, will be a festive seats as we count down the days
NOW THRU NOV. 28 experience for guests of all ages. ‘til the arrival of good ole St. Nick.
Artworks by David Alexander. At Be ready to enter a world straight Cost is $25. Visit the website:
the Jo Ann Rose Gallery, 1609-A out of your wildest imaginations as https://jam12days.bpt.me/
Washington Plaza N, Reston. “In you step into an unforgettably spec-
Between: Phantom Algorithms tacular night of lights. The festival SATURDAY/NOV. 20
Joining Worlds” artworks by David includes African, Asian, Arid, and The Dancing Light. 8 p.m. At Reston
Alexander use the totem motif to Ancient-themed exhibits of spectac- The women of the March Family: Meg (Kirsten Knight), Beth (Keira Community Theater’s CenterStage.
bridge the digital, physical and ularly lit art displays set up in the Celebrating the Warmth of Winter;
spiritual worlds. Nov. 1 through zoo’s walk-through area. Visit the Murphy), Amy (Franny Hemsley), Jo ((Kylee Majkowski), and Marmee Akua Allrich and The Tribe. Come
28 2021. Call 703-476-4500. Visit website: www.roerszoofari.com. (Kirsten Tierney), at McLean High School Nov. 18-20, Nov. 20-21. share an evening filled with music
https://enoarts.com/press from around the world celebrating
NOV. 18-DEC. 12 NOV. 18-20, NOV. 20-21 $15 for general admission and are the wonder of the season and joy
NOW THRU NOV. 30 ”Secret Things.” Thursdays at 7:30 ”Little Women, the Broadway Mu- available at SterlingPlaymakers.org of living. Cost is $15 Reston/$20
”The Artist’s Palette.” At Great Falls p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays sical.” Nov. 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m.; or can be purchased at the door. Non-Reston. Visit www.restoncom-
Studios Gallery, 756 Walker Road, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays Nov. 20, 21 at 2 p.m. At McLean munitycenter.com.
Great Falls. “The Artist’s Palette” at 2 p.m. At 1st Stage, 1524 High School, 1633 Davidson Road, FRIDAY/NOV. 19
features the work of members of Spring Hill Road in Tysons. “Secret McLean. Tickets: www.Theatre- Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6-8 SATURDAY/NOV. 20
NOVA Plein Air Artists. Founded Things,” a deep and heartfelt story McLean.org or https://tinyurl. p.m. At Tysons Corner Center, Vendor Fair and Marketplace. 9 a.m.
in 2016, NOVA Plein Air Artists of truth, discovery, and romance com/7cxa8jjn McLean, in the Plaza. Tysons Cor- to 1 p.m. At Christ Church, 7600
(NPAA) was initiated due to a imbued both with gorgeous mag- ner Center will kick off the 2021 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. The
shared desire to explore the idea ical realism and fascinating true NOV. 19-21 Holiday Season with its annual tree Clifton Community Women’s Club
of painting outdoors. Since then, history of Sephardic Judaism in ”Catch Me If You Can.” Nov. 19-20 lighting ceremony. The ceremony will be hosting a Vendor Fair and
NPAA has evolved into a creative, the American Southwest. General at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. will include a special appearance Marketplace. The fair will feature
educational and social network of admission tickets are $50. Senior At Seneca Ridge Middle School from Santa, community perfor- 20 local vendors including the
local artists committed to painting (65+) tickets are $47. Student, Theatre, 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, mances, live music complimentary Fairfax Station Railway which will
weekly at organized “paint-outs.” educator, and military tickets are Sterling. Based on the hit film and s’mores, hot chocolate station, kids be selling trains. Additional ven-
Plein air locations are chosen for $15. Tickets can be purchased the true story, “Catch Me If You crafts, outdoor specialty pop-up dors will feature products related
their diversity, varying from state online at www.1ststage.org or by Can” is the high-flying musical market featuring mall retailers, to beauty, fashion, toys, antiques,
and county parks to rustic farms, calling the 1st Stage box office at comedy about chasing your dreams holiday sips from Barrel + Bushel,
vineyards, and urban settings 703-854-1856. and not getting caught. Tickets are giveaways, and more. See Calendar, Page 11
ibition
A G AY LO R D H OT E L S ® O R I G I N A L E X P E R I E N C E
AN
IMMERSIVE
POP-UP
EXPERIENCE
This holiday season, see five iconic holiday films come to life through 13 fully immersive scenes in I Love
Christmas Movies™, only at Gaylord National. Enjoy days of Christmas activities, fully renovated guest
rooms, and proximity to National Harbor attractions. It’s all part of So. Much. Christmas.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS AND NOV. 26 - DEC. 31
OVERNIGHT PACKAGES TODAY. ChristmasAtGaylordNational.com
ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. NATIONAL
LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, THE POLAR EXPRESS, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s21)
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 v 9
Classified
WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM
To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411 colle
trav
Wom
Obituary Obituary Employment supp
the
loca
William “Bill” Russell Lawson, of Reston, Virginia, passed don
away at Fairfax Hospital On Thursday, October 14, 2021 with his Transaction Network Services, Inc.has
openings in Reston, VA for the following othe
family by his side.
positions: Applications Development
Bill was born in 1943 in Washington, D.C., the youngest of three Engineer II (REQ #R166). Implement/ SUNDA
children, to LaMont Harris Lawson Sr. and Charlotte Hughes Law- improve deployment automation tools/ Traditio
son. processes. Req’s BS/foreign equiv in At T
CS/rltd & 2 yrs exp. Software Engineer Roa
In the 1960’s Bill was on the Reston Zoning and Planning Com- (REQ #R202). Design/develop software and
mission. He worked closely with Reston’s Founder, Robert E. vacc
systems. Req’s MS in CS/CE/rltd. Oth-
Simon, and was integral in the design and the continued develop- serie
ment of Reston’s garden city planning concept. er req’s apply. May work remotely. Mail
CV/CL to TNS Inc, S Carver, 10740 or a
Parkridge Blvd, Ste 100, Reston, VA ets m
Bill was preceded in death by his Father LaMont Harris Sr., his Mother Charlotte, his
20191. Must reference title/Req #. oldb
Sister Brenda Lawson Brown, his Brother LaMont Harris Jr., and his beloved Wife
Carol Kay.
SUNDA
Employment Holiday
He is survived by his two children, Son Derrick Mark Lawson and Daughter Leslye
Michelle Lawson, his Daughter-In-Law Karen Beth Tatters Lawson, his Grand-Niece- 830
In-Law Reiley Skye Tatters, and his faithful black labrador retriever Murdock. Join
GNRSystems, Inc. in Herndon, VA and
Brother-In-Law of Louise “Tweedle” Lawrence, Uncle of Dawn Bailey, Great-Uncle of is seek’g 1) Business Consultants favo
Storm Crook (LaMont Harris Jr.); Uncle of Courtney and Leigh Brown (Brenda Lawson); be p
to Drive process optimizat’n for all
Brother-In-Law of David H. Cloud Jr., Uncle of Jeff and David Cloud III (Carol Kay). https://
IT dvlpmnt projs. 2) Software En-
gineers (VM/Windows Administra- raise
Funeral Services will be held at the Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, Virginia,
on Saturday, November 20th at 10AM, with a viewing at the funeral home on Friday, tor) to rsrch, dsgn/ dvlp & test OP
November 19th from 6-8PM. In lieu of flowers, plants may be sent to Money & King sys-lvl SW, compilers & ntwrk dist SUNDA
Funeral Home or memorial gift donations may be made to the ASPCA. Winter
sftwr. 3) Oracle Application Data- Cap
For the guest book and obituary please go to www.moneyandking.com. base Administrators to adminis- ingt
ter, test & implmnt comp DB’s. No them
Obituary Obituary trvl; No Telecomm. Job duties are inclu
proj-based & performed on long- suite
term asgmnts @ various unantic- Nutc
Geraldine (“Gerry”) Mazziotta died peacefully on October 25 at “Rus
Tall Oaks Assisted Living facility in Reston, VA. Born in January of ipated sites w/in the U.S. which
Ome
1928 in Pittsburgh, PA, Gerry was 93 years old. may req relo @ the end of each Elin
Gerry grew up in Allison Park, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh and grad- proj. Applicants email resume www
uated from Hampton High School after which she enrolled at the to gnrhumanresources@gnrsys-
University of Pittsburgh. It was during her college years that she tems.com & ref. specific job. NOV. 1
met and then married the love of her life, the late Natale (“Nat”)
Ice & Li
Mazziotta. She “tied the knot” with Nat in Pittsburgh on May 28,
1949; they were married for 65 years. Employment 400
nigh
Immediately after their honeymoon, Gerry moved with Nat to his 27,
hometown of Nutley, NJ where she spent the majority of her life. Amazon Web Services Inc. seeks Sun
After raising her two sons, Gerry began a lifelong career as a grammar school teacher candidates for the following (multiple Feat
commencing in the early 1960s. Among a number of Catholic schools in which she positions available) in Herndon, VA: ligh
taught, was Holy Family in Nutley, her home parish. Over the course of her career it is
estimated that “Mrs. Mazz”, as she was affectionately known, passed on her kindness,
reta
grace and “no such word as can’t” attitude to over 1,000 students.
Professional Services II (Job Code $9 f
150.6662.11). Collaborate with ex- villa
Gerry is survived by her sons, Peter and Paul, of Reston, VA and New Windsor, NY ternal customers and partners on key
respectively, and their wives Jamie and Patti. Gerry had four grandchildren and two engagements to develop and deliver
great grandchildren. proof-of-concept projects, technical
workshops, and support implementa-
Grandchildren include Jamie (“Christina”) Mazziotta, daughter of Peter and Jamie;
tion projects that focus on customer
Nicholas, son of Paul and Patti, and his wife Christine Mazziotta; Jenna Jonza, daugh-
solutions, such as Machine Learning,
ter of Paul and Patti, and her husband Ted; and Stephen Mazziotta, son of Paul. Great
Data and Analytics, and HPC that sup-
grandchildren include Aidan and Nathan, sons of Stephen Mazziotta, and Nicholas and
port and enhance data processing ca-
Christine Mazziotta respectively. Gerry’s extended family consists of many nephews
pabilities to allow customers and part-
and nieces and their families residing both within and outside the United States.
ners leverage data to develop business
Funeral and burial arrangements are in progress. In lieu of flowers, donations may be insights. Domestic travel required 50%
made in her memory to the VITAS Community Connection. Checks should be made of the time to Amazon offices and client
out to VCC at the following address: sites. Telecommuting benefits available.
VITAS Health Care
3251 Old Lee Highway Mail CV to: Amazon, PO Box 81226,
Suite # 200 Seattle, Washington 98108, referencing
Fairfax, VA 22030 job code.
Attention: Jennifer Lindsay
Through their understanding, compassion and guidance, the VITAS of Virginia organi-
Legals
zation was instrumental in helping our mom and our family get through the final weeks
of her life.
ABC LICENSE
SE Catering LLC trading as Simply Elegant,
11600 Sunrise Valley Dr Reston, VA 20191
The above establishment is applying to the
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a On
Premise Caterer, Mixed Beverage license
to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
David Barrett, Owner. NOTE: Objections
to the issuance of this license must be
submitted to ABC no later than 30 days
from the publishing date of the first of two
required newspaper legal notices. Objec-
tions should be registered at www.abc.
virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
An expert is someone who knows
some of the worst mistakes that
can be made in his subject and
how to avoid them.
-Werner Heisenberg
10 v Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.comCalendar “One-Hundred
From Page 9
collectibles, food stuff, health, wellness,
uary 8, $14 for ice skating; free ages 2 and
under. Visit novaparks.com/events/ice-lights
Business Seventy-Three
Minutes”
travel and finance. The Clifton Community
Women’s Club is a service organization that
supports a multitude of community needs and
the Charitable Trust distributions support four
SUNDAY/NOV. 21
Children’s Holiday Shop. 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. At
Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland
Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE
That’s exactly how long the pre-recorded,
local scholarships to colleges and universities, Street, Falls Church. Children ages 2-13 shop WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM artificially-computerized voice said I would have
donations to local food pantries, and various for holiday gifts, Sundays, November 21, 8:30 to wait on the phone if I wanted to speak with
nc.has
lowing other charities. a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the website: http://tem- Call 703-549-0004 an actual person. For those of you arithmetically
pment plerodefshalom.org for advertising information challenged, 173 minutes is almost three hours.
ement/ SUNDAY/NOV. 21 Seeing no point in holding that long, I hung up
tools/ Traditional Celtic Music. 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. NOV. 27 TO DEC. 19. the phone.. EZ-Pass of Maryland is not as easy as
quiv in At The Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Holiday Lights on the Farm. Fridays thru Sundays I had hoped. Sure the transponder on my car has
Road, Great Falls. Featuring Charlie Zahm 5:30 to 8 p.m. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL changed the way I toll around. I only wish I had
gineer
ftware and Tad Marks. All patrons must present a West Ox Road, Herndon. What is “Holiday been earlier to the party. But I waited until the
d. Oth- vaccination certificate with at least the first Lights on the Farm”? It’s where you tour Fry- monthly fees were eliminated before I joined.
y. Mail series completed for a minimum of 2 weeks, ing Pan Farm Park in the safety and warmth Had I been more on the ball, I would have been
10740 or a negative covid test within 48 hours. Tick- of your car and see an amazing display of sailing through toll plazas up-and-down the east
on, VA ets must be purchased in advance at www. holiday decorations lighting up the 135-acre coast years ago. Nevertheless, I’m in the game
#. oldbrogue.com - $20 general admission. park. The cost is $20 per private vehicle. Or now (last few years) and enjoying modern tech-
you can take the tour on a tractor-drawn wag- nology as it simplifies and eases the occasionally
SUNDAY/NOV. 21 on ride with up to 20 of your family or friends arduous task of driving through tolls - yours truly
Holiday Cooking Tips. 5-6:30 p.m. Virtual. At for $150 per group. Last year this event sold now being for whom the bell now calculates.
8300 Greensboro Drive, Ste. L1, McLean. out, so get your tickets early at https://bit.ly/ However, I needed to contact the EZ-Pass of-
Join Seasons 52 Executive Chef for some tips FPLights. fices to question a $25 “replenishment”/charge/
on, VA and tricks on how to improve some of your LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING debit to my EZ-Pass account. My car/transponder
ltants favorite holiday dishes. Cost $35. Tickets can SATURDAY/NOV. 27 had been sitting in my driveway for most of the
for all be purchased here. Irish Dance Streaming. 11 a.m. Via Zoom. Enjoy last week, undriven by anyone anywhere near
e En- https://members.jlnv.org/?nd=ticket_list&fund- your Thanksgiving leftovers while watching a a toll. Yet there it was in my email: a courtesy
nistra- raiser_id=52 “Best of Foley Academy of Irish Dance 2021” email advising of the $25 charge/debit to my
compilation video via Zoom. It features
st OP performances from the Reston Founder’s Day
account. I was curious; having been told recently
k dist SUNDAY/NOV. 21 event, the Foley
by my wife, Dina, of an EZ-Pass audit which
Winter Dreams. 3 p.m. At Capital One Hall, 7750 showed phantom-charges (charges for roads not
Data- Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons. The Wash- Academy Spring Recital, Ballyshaner’s Irish driven). As a result, I thought I would pursue the
minis-
’s. No
ington Balalaika Society Orchestra concert’s Festival in Old Town Alexandria and the
Reston Multicultural Festival. Register at:
Summer Cleanup... questionable debit to my account with a real
theme is “Winter Dreams.” The program will person. I googled the EZ-Pass phone number and
es are include three pieces from Georgy Sviridov’s https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/
naively called it thinking I might get some satis-
long- suite “The Snowstorm,” excerpts from “The event/8506729
faction/resolution. Neither of which I did, but I
antic- Nutcracker”, and a perennial WBS favorite, did get a subject for this week’s column.
which “Russian Winter.” The soloists will be Peter SUNDAY/NOV. 28 To be fair-ish, the message does refer the
Omelchenko, domra, and special guest artist, Celtic Music. 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. At The
each Elina Karokhina, balalaika. Visit https:// Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760-C Walker Road,
caller to the EZ-Pass website, but that requires
sume www.capitalonehall.com/ Great Falls. Featuring IONA. Tickets must be
the caller to know their account number and
nrsys- purchased in advance at www.oldbrogue.com
password, which of course, I don’t. As the mes-
. - $20 general admission. sage continued however, it spoke to this very cir-
NOV. 19 TO JAN. 2 cumstance and advised that if one didn’t know
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run,
their account number/password, press #2 I think
4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Open SUNDAY/NOV. 28 it was, and then hang on to speak with someone.
nightly 5 to 10 p.m.; January 8 to February ”The Elf on the Shelf.” 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. At
That’s when I heard the 173-minute warning
27, 2022 (ice skating only), open Saturdays, Capital One Hall, 7740 Capital One Tower
Sundays and holidays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Road, Tysons. This touring stage production shot fired across my brow. That’s when whatever
Landscape Drainage Landscape Drainage hope I had of a reasonable reconciliation ended.
ultiple Featuring an ice rink, multiple new holiday is a thrilling spectacle of music and dance
A: light displays perfect for Instagramming, a that transports audiences to the North Pole I couldn’t justify/tolerate the time it would take
retail area, food, music and more. Admission: to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout to possibly reconcile/credit my account the $25.
Code $9 for general admission to Village; $22 for Elves. Tickets start at $32.95 with VIP packag- I figured my time was more valuable than that
h ex- village admission and skating; beginning Jan- es available for $87.95 at CapitalOneHall.com. so I hung up. Alas, poor Yurik. It was not to be
on key or be at all. I can’t think of a more efficient way
deliver to solve a dispute in your favor: making callers
chnical Holiday Calendar wait three hours on hold just to talk to a person
menta-
stomer who might credit back an unnecessary debit into
arning,
NOV. 27 TO DEC. 19. hot chocolate station, kids crafts, outdoor spe- their account. Hardly a guarantee. More likely a
t sup- Holiday Lights on the Farm. Fridays thru Sundays cialty pop-up market featuring mall retailers, definite maybe.
ng ca- 5:30 to 8 p.m. At Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 holiday sips, giveaways, and more. In effect: there’s no dispute. There’s no discus-
d part- West Ox Road, Herndon. What is “Holiday sion and there’s no reconciliation. The money’s
siness Lights on the Farm”? It’s where you tour Frying SATURDAY/NOV. 20 gone and I have absolutely no way/recourse
d 50% Pan Farm Park in the safety and warmth of City of Alexandria Tree Lighting. 6 to 7 p.m. At to “replenish” my bank account. Sure, I could
client your car and see an amazing display of holiday Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria. Join call back when the message advises due “to
ailable. decorations lighting up the 135-acre park. The Mayor Justin Wilson and a host of friends for extremely high call volume,” but when would
cost is $20 per private vehicle. Or you can take the lighting of the city’s 40-foot Holiday Tree that be? Midnight probably, on a weekend. But
81226, the tour on a tractor-drawn wagon ride with at City Hall. Santa arrives at Market Square
encing guess what? There’s nobody home at that time.
up to 20 of your family or friends for $150 per via the King Street Trolley to help light the
group. Last year this event sold out, so get Apparently, the only time to get through to
tree, then will circle the block, waving at visi- someone is when there’s nobody around to be
your tickets early at https://bit.ly/FPLights. tors as he passes on his way back to the North
gotten through to. Granted, it’s only $25, but I’m
Pole. Enjoy a welcome from the Town Crier
entitled/deserving of an explanation. If I thought
NOV. 19 TO JAN. 2 and a bit of live music to set the festive mood.
of it, I could certainly get paranoid about com-
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, Visit alexandriava.gov
4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. Open puters having access to my bank account and/
nightly 5 to 10 p.m.; January 8 to February or credit card information. I realize it’s the way
legant, SATURDAY/NOV. 20 of the world to provide this information to total
20191 27, 2022 (ice skating only), open Saturdays, “Snow Globe Series” Concert. 8 p.m. At Carlyle
g to the strangers/computer programmers, but if I have
HOLIC
Sundays and holidays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. House, 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria. The
a On Featuring an ice rink, multiple new holiday Alexandria Choral Society announces its re-
no real way to settle a dispute of a charge/debit,
cense light displays perfect for Instagramming, a turn to live performances with a series of free, it makes me rather nervous. Dollars could very
erages. retail area, food, music and more. Admission: outdoor holiday pop-up concerts throughout well disappear in the interests of whomever has
ctions $9 for general admission to Village; $22 for access to the account. If I can’t talk to a human
st be the city of Alexandria, beginning with a kick-
days village admission and skating; beginning Jan- off outdoor performance. Accompanied by pi- being - in less than three hours, then in point
of two uary 8, $14 for ice skating; free ages 2 and anist Wei-Han Wu, ACS will perform a flurry of fact, I have no recourse. And no recourse is
Objec- under. Visit novaparks.com/events/ice-lights of seasonal favorites from around the world, hardly the stuff from which dreams are made. It’s
.abc.
like ‘Daa Naa Se (Oh, Give Thanks)’, ‘S’Vivon’, the complete opposite, actually. It’s a nightmare,
FRIDAY/NOV. 19 ‘Silent Night’, ‘Ose Shalom’, ‘Riu, riu, chiu,’ and one from which we might never wake up.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6-8 p.m. At and ‘Christus Natus Est.’ Additional pop-up
nows Tysons Corner Center, McLean, in the Plaza. performances will take place on November
s that Tysons Corner Center will kick off the 2021 23 at John Carlyle Square Park, November 30
and Holiday Season with its annual tree lighting at Casa Chirilagua/Four Mile Run Plaza and
ceremony. The ceremony will include a spe- December 7 at Lee-Fendall House Museum Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for
cial appearance from Santa, community per- & Garden. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. Visit The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
formances, live music complimentary s’mores, alexandriachoralsociety.org
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Oak Hill/Herndon / Reston / Chantilly Connection / Centre View v November 17-23, 2021 v 11You can also read
