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Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2011 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Fairfax Station ❖ Clifton ❖ Lorton

December 15-21, 2011

Fairfax Station ❖ Clifton ❖ Lorton

Clifton toNew YorkNews, Page 10

Fairfax toRichmond:

Do Us No HarmNews, Page 3

Enjoy ChristmasIn Historic Style

News, Page 4

Clifton native TessReichlen enjoys thechoreography of Coffeein The Nutcracker.

Page 14

2 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2011 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

THURSDAY/DEC. 15“A Christmas Carol.” Lazy

Susan Dinner Theatre, 10712Richmond Hwy, Lorton. Doorsopen 6 p.m., performance at 8p.m. 703-550-7384 orwww.lazysusan.com.

FRIDAY/DEC. 16 “A Christmas Carol.” Lazy


SATURDAY/DEC. 17Breakfast With Santa. 8-11

a.m. Workhouse Art Center,Bldg. W-3, 9601 Ox Road,Lorton. Gingerbread pancakes,hot chocolate, coffee andjuices. Includes a performanceof Studio 3’s “SchoolhouseRock Live!” $17-$24.Reservations recommended.www.WorkhouseArts.org.

“A Christmas Carol.” LazySusan Dinner Theatre, 10712Richmond Hwy, Lorton. Doorsopen 6 p.m., performance at8:30 p.m. 703-550-7384 orwww.lazysusan.com.

Christmas in Cape Breton. 8p.m. George MasonUniversity’s Center for the ArtsConcert Hall, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Cape Bretonfiddler Natalie MacMasterperforms traditional andcontemporary Celtic melodiesand Christmas carols. $25-$50. www.gmu.edu.

Holiday Concert. 4 p.m.Kenmore Middle SchoolConcert Hall, 200 South CarlinSprings Road, Arlington.Featuring Encore Chorale, achoral program for olderadults; soprano ElizabethKluegel and the JubilationRingers of Messiah MethodistChurch, Springfield. Directedby Robert Rudolph. http://encorecreativity.org.

United States Army ChorusHoliday Concert. 5 p.m.Westwood Baptist Church,8200 Old Keene Mill Road,Springfield. Free. 703-451-5120.

SUNDAY/DEC. 18Christmas Cantata. 8:45 a.m.

and 11 a.m. Jubilee ChristianCenter, 4650 Shirley GateRoad, Fairfax. The MusicDepartment will perform theChristmas Cantata, “Joy to theWorld.” 703- 383-1170 orwww.jccag.org.

“A Christmas Carol.” 1 p.m.Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre,10712 Richmond Hwy, Lorton.703-550-7384 orwww.lazysusan.com.

MONDAY/DEC. 19Santa at the Alexandria

Gazette. 2-4 p.m. ConnectionNewspapers, 1610 King St.,Alexandria. Children of allages are invited to visit withSanta on the front porch of theAlexandria Gazette. Camerasand pets [email protected].

TUESDAY/DEC. 20“A Christmas Carol.” Lazy


Holiday Calendar

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

From Christmas lists to piles of pre-sents under the tree, the last thingon a child’s mind during the holidayseason might be expressing apprecia-

tion. In fact, mental health experts say, it isone of the hardest concepts to teach children.

Dr. Todd Kashdan, Ph.D., professor of psy-chology at George Mason University, has stud-ied the link between gratitude and happinessand says that people who are grateful tend tobe less depressed and anxious.

“When people are mindfully recognizing andappreciating the benefits they receive fromother people, positive events linger longer,[and] it is enhancing and strengthening thoserelationships. There is a strong link betweenbeing a grateful person and having the experi-ence of gratitude and having more happinessin your life,” said Kashdan, who is also theauthor of “Designing Positive Psychology” (Ox-ford University Press) and “Curious? Discoverthe Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life.”

During the season of giving, Kashdan andother mental health professionals offer tips forparents for teaching gratitude to children.

Children often hand their parents lengthyChristmas lists. Experts say it is difficult forchildren to feel grateful when their every wishis granted.

“Allow them to [identify] certain things onthe list that might be most important to them,”said Annette Kielkopf, a marriage and familytherapist based in McLean. “[Say to them] ‘IfSanta isn’t able to bring you everything on thelist, what would that be like for you?’ And talkwith them about how to cope and allow themto appreciate the smaller things. What you’retrying to do is teach coping skills. You’re teach-ing them how to accept a disappointment andfind a diamond in the rough.”

RAISING GRATEFUL CHILDREN requiresthat parents model the behavior.

“As parents, talk about things that you’regrateful for and not strictly material things.That sets a good example so children don’t onlyhear you complaining or nagging them. Kidsreally do notice what their parents and the sig-nificant people in their lives talk about,” saidKaren Prince, MSW, LCSW-C, a Kensington-based clinical social worker who specializes intreating children with anxiety and depression.

Kashdan says parents should encourage chil-dren to elaborate on why they like a particulargift.

“Spelling out what makes [a gift] a goodthing for them gets them to bookmark andunderline it in their brain,” he said. “You wantthem to elaborate on it and what they are go-ing to do with it. Having them say thank youwithout an elaboration is just one more thingthat [their] parents are telling them to do.”

This strategy works even when children re-ceive gifts that they don’t like.

“Sometimes it is difficult [for children] toreceive a present that they don’t like,” saidKielkopf. “Take the gift and notice and recog-nize the good things about it. Maybe it is yourchild’s favorite color. It is good to have discus-sions about gift-giving so that it doesn’t be-come about the gift; it becomes about the ges-ture.”

“I’m forever hearing kids in my office sayingto their parents, ‘But everybody in my class hasan iPad.’ And these are kids who are like 8, 9and 10. The grass always looks greener on theother side. So the idea is to focus on what you

The Art of AppreciationTeaching children to have an attitude of gratitude during the holidays.

Dr. Todd Kashdan, Ph.D. professor of psychology at George Mason Uni-versity has studied the link between gratitude and happiness and saysthat people who are grateful tend to be less depressed and anxious.

Giving a child everything on their Christmas list could make it difficultfor them to feel grateful. McLean-based therapist Annette Kielkopf saysrather than granting a child’s every gift wish, parents could ask childrento identify the items on the list that are most important.

have and what you need. It is a good lessonfor kids to learn early on,” said Prince.

KASHDAN BELIEVES that one of the thingsthat makes children grateful is taking inven-tory of their day.

“One of the things that we do at my houseis, at the end of the day, we ask our 4-year-oldtwins, ‘What was the high point of your day?What was the best thing that happened to youtoday?’ You can make sure that the positivethings that happened to them as a result ofother people stick out more,” said Kashdan.

Holiday Guide

Photos contributed


News

See County, Page 13

By Victoria Ross

The Connection

The message Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors delivered to legislators at itsannual 2012 session was summed up infour words: Do us no harm.

“Our theme is basically ‘Leave us alone,’” said Su-pervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee), chairman of the board’slegislative committee. “We recognize it’s difficult thisyear, and we’re begging our legislators not to makeit worse for Fairfax County. It doesn’t sound collabo-rative, but we know we lose in all the funding for-mulas, so we’re saying don’t make it any worse.”

The 2012 General Assembly Legislative Work Ses-sion, held at the McConnell Public Safety Transpor-tation and Operations Center on Wednesday, Dec. 7,followed the Boards’ unanimous decision to supportthe 2012 legislative agenda at its regular meetingon Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The county’s legislative program outlines four pri-orities: education funding; transportation funding;restoring the decimated level of state funding; andenhancing local authority, giving the county the flex-ibility to “modernize” its local tax structure, particu-larly in areas such as taxation and land use.

“I know we’re speaking to the choir here,” Chair-man Sharon Bulova (D-At-large) said to the mostlyDemocratic state legislators in the room. “But nowis the time for the state to begin the process of re-building the funding partnership with local govern-ment, by providing adequate funding for core ser-vices and avoiding shifting additional state costs andresponsibilities to localities.”

THE CONCEPT OF DEVOLUTION, or shiftingresponsibilities from the state to the county, was aheated topic during the three-hour session.

“Basically, devolution means we don’t have enoughmoney to go around,” said Del. Ken Plum (D-36) “sowe end up pushing it down to counties. We’re notliving up to our end of the bargain.”

During the session, Fairfax County executives saidtwo facts merge to make FY 2012 a difficult year

financially: funding shortfalls exacerbated by dimin-ishing federal stimulus dollars and the state’s declin-ing revenue sources.

“The pie has shrunk. The money the state has beenable to send us has dropped … some of that decreasedid not feel as bad because of the stimulus,” saidJames J. Regimbal Jr., a consultant from FiscalAnalytics who presented a fiscal forecast of state aidto Fairfax County during the session.

Regimbal said state revenues are not reboundingfast enough after the recession, which impacts coreservices such as education, transportation and hu-man services. He predicted that Medicaid and Vir-ginia Retirement System demands will continue tooutstrip the state’s general fund revenue, puttingpressure on state funding for other core programs.

“Without new revenues and expecting modest eco-nomic growth, the state will continue to reduce fund

Fairfax to Richmond:Do Us No HarmTransportation fundingdominates discussion.

School Board member Ted Velkoff (D-At-large), Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville), state Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) and Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Provi-dence) at the meeting.

State senators GeorgeBarker (D-39) and Richard

Saslaw (D-35) and Del.Barbara Comstock (R-34)listen as state Sen. Chap

Petersen (D-34) addresseslocal officials during the

meeting of the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervi-

sors and the Fairfax Countydelegation to the General

Assembly on Wed. Dec. 7 atthe McConnell Public SafetyTransportation and Opera-

tions Center.

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Students from Congregation Adat Reyim’s confirma-tion and post-confirmation classes helpedGeorgetown Cupcake package and prepare to ship10,000 cupcakes to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Lia Meinstein, with otherstudents from CongregationAdat Reyim’s confirmationand post-confirmation classes,helped Georgetown Cupcakepackage and prepare to ship10,000 cupcakes to troops inAfghanistan and Iraq.

CongregationAdat Reyim’sConfirmationClass takes partin a good deed.

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By Andrea E. Feigenbaum

On Sunday, Dec. 12, 17students from Con-gregation Adat

Reyim’s confirmation and post-confirmation classes took partin a mitzvah (good deed). Ledby Rabbi Bruce Aft and accom-panied by three parent volun-teers, the students were part ofa team that helped GeorgetownCupcake package and prepareto ship 10,000 cupcakes toAmerican troops in Afghanistanand Iraq. This is the second yearthat Georgetown Cupcake hasdone Operation Cupcake.

It was a life-changing experi-ence for many of the studentsas they worked as a team in anassembly line to get thesetreats ready to maketheir trek to Andrews AirForce Base and thenoverseas. KatherineKallinis, one of the sisterswho co-foundedGeorgetown Cupcake,took time away from herbaking for an inspira-tional talk with the stu-dents. She told them thatit is hard for us to under-stand just how importanta taste from home is tothe soldiers.

Rabbi Aft first metKatherine when she waspreparing to convert toJudaism prior to her re-cent marriage. At thetime he served on theRabbinic Court that wel-comed her to the Jewishfaith. He asked her howher business would be

impacted by her being Jewish.She responded by telling himabout the many acts oftzedakah (act of charity) thather company did. When learn-ing of Operation Cupcake,Rabbi Aft immediately asked ifthere would be an opportunityfor his confirmation class stu-dents to help with this.

The students participated in amulti-step assembly line processthat included everything frombuilding the boxes to packagingthe cupcakes. The studentsworked so efficiently that theywere asked to slow down asthere wasn’t any more room forthe boxes. It was a win-win asGeorgetown Cupcake got somehelp and the students got somuch more out of it.

The students got to meet asuccessful female entrepreneur,learn about corporate giving andparticipate in community ser-vice, and help the troops whileforming a deeper bond witheach other. The special cupcakethey each got for helping…thatwas just icing on the cake.


Donate aCoat/Jacket forour ECHO CoatDrive & receivean additional 10%off your purchase.

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News

Enjoy Christmas in Historic StyleGunston Hall providesa Plantation Christmas.

George Mason would have ap-proved. On a cool, crisp nightwith a full moon on thePotomac River, Gunston Hall,

the ancestral home of one of the nation’sfounding fathers, welcomed approximately500 visitors for the annual Plantation Christ-mas celebration.

The event included horse-drawn carriagerides, a sing-along around a roaring bon-fire, hearth cooks preparing venison, maca-roni and cheese and a frothy syllabub, an

18th century dessert of cream whipped withbrandy.

George Mason’s mansion came alive withperiod vignettes, as reenactors portrayedfamily members and visitors celebrating theseason.

Throughout the holiday season, modernvisitors to the plantation will find rooms stillset for in the style of an authentic 18th-centure holiday party.

“Christmas celebrations during that timeperiod were not as elaborate as the oneswe have today, with all of the decorationsand sparkle but they were quietly beauti-ful,” said Susan Blankenship, developmentcoordinator at Gunston Hall.

She said guided tours of the mansion pro-vide insight into George Mason’s contribu-tions to the founding of our country, inter-pret the many Mason objects displayed inthe rooms, and give a glimpse of what thefamily may have experienced during thewinter months. The grounds feature vistasof open fields and the Potomac.

“Guests are welcome to explore thegrounds at their leisure, which feature 550acres of woodland and marked walkingpaths, some leading to stunning river over-looks,” Blankenship said.

In addition to the home, the Gunston HallMuseum Shop features tasteful gifts appro-priate for all ages, including Byer collect-Byer collectibles are featured in

Gunston Hall’s gift shop.

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ible figures and accessories, such as carol-ers, sleighs, lamps and snowy trees.

“New this season is a commissioned ByerGeorge Mason collectible, which featuresGeorge holding a copy of his Virginia Dec-

laration of Rights. Gunston Hall ornaments,realistic stuffed animals, cards, and seasonaljewelry are also popular items,”Blankenship said.

—Victoria Ross

Gunston Hall, George Mason’s estatein Mason Neck, offers visitors aglimpse of Christmas in the 1700s.

Gunston Hall Hoursand Admission

Guided tours are offered daily everyhalf-hour between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christ-mas, and New Year’s Day. Groundsclose at 6 p.m.

❖ Adults – $9❖ Seniors (60 and above) – $8❖ Children 6 – 18 – $5❖ Children under 6 – Free❖ Friends of Gunston Hall – FreeFor more information on tours at

Gunston Hall, visit www.gunstonhall.org

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Teeth Whitening…What You Should Know.

Dr. Pamela MarzbanExperience how subtle changes can transform

your health, your confidence, and your life

With the holidays around the corner, everyone seems to be com-ing in to whiten their teeth for their picture perfect moments. Sobefore you start using whitening products that you may be com-pletely unfamiliar with, you may want to read this article.

If you want to whiten your teeth, the best place to start is with ahealthy mouth. Tooth decay, sensitive or cracked teeth, infectionsor periodontal (gum) problems should be diagnosed and treatedbefore any teeth whitening procedure. Otherwise, you couldexperience discomfort. If using the right products, the whiteningprocess is safe; however, it can aggravate existing problems.

Rather than heading to the local cosmetic counter or shoppingmall in search of teeth whiteners, start with a dental check up.This way, we can diagnose the cause of discoloration—injury,stains from food or tobacco, antibiotic treatment and so on.Whitening products only work on natural tooth enamel, not on

crowns, veneers, bonding materials or tooth colored fillings. Does this mean if you have any of the above men-tioned conditions you are stuck with yellow teeth? Absolutely not! The diagnosis is important; from there, wecan determine whether whitening will work for you and which product will suit you best; otherwise you couldbe wasting time and money!

Studies have shown the first thing a person notices when they meet you is your smile. Being a cosmetic den-tist, I am aware of how desirable it is to have white, bright teeth and how it impacts your confidence, wellbeing, and your entire life. By seeing a trained cosmetic dentist, you can achieve not only a whiter, more attrac-tive smile, but one that is healthy and contributes to your overall health. For more information about whiten-ing and to check out our holiday whitening gift ideas and specials, I encourage you to visit our website or setup a complimentary whitening consultation with our well trained and knowledgeable team. Happy Holidays!


On his 3rd tour in Iraq in 2008, Spc. Josh Schictl wasdriving a Humvee which was hit by two IED’s. He sufferedlife-threatening injuries to his face and head. Despite thequick work of medics, Spc. Schictl lost his right eye andnine teeth. Nearly all of the bones in his face were brokenbut were stabilized before transport to Walter Reed MedicalCenter. He also suffered a TBI.

Wounded warriors and their families struggle for yearsto recover physically, emotionally and financially fromthe sacrifices they make in wartime. Operation Homefrontseeks to walk with them on their journey and ease thehardships they face. The DC Metro Chapter assistedJosh and Emily with transitional housing, householdfurnishings, holiday gifts and grocery gift cards duringthese difficult times.

There are many ways you can work with the DC MetroChapter to assist local military families like Josh and Emily.

People ask us everyday how they can show their apprecia-tion and gratitude for the sacrifices made by military families.One way you can do this is to let the DC Metro Chapter fill thegap for military families as they adjust to the ‘new normal’after being deployed or wounded in combat. Send your taxdeductible donation before Dec. 31st to help us meet nextyear’s needs.

Send your donations to:Operation Homefront DC Metro

PO Box 650220Sterling, VA 20165703-421-9033301-722-2440

or visit us online to donate atwww.operationhomefront.net/dcmetro

or tag your donations withthe catchphrase “support our troops”

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Tour of South County Middle SchoolOn Nov. 15, members of Girl Scout troop 3393 received a tour of the newly

constructed South County Middle School thanks to Katie Dudash of Sigal Construc-tion. The facility requires a few finishing touches but the school and plannedamenities are impressive.

Members of Troop 3393 and Sigal Construction employeeare, from left: Claire Quigley, Mary Cheney, Katie Dudash,Samantha Dilbeck, Alyson Heinlein and Sarah Weyrich.

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Scouts Sing Christmas CarolsMembers of Cub Scout Pack 1860 of Union Mill Elemen-tary sing Christmas Carols, last Thursday, Dec. 8, duringa meeting of the Clifton Lions Club at the Fairfax StationRailroad Museum. More than 25 Cub Scouts participated.Cubmasters Martin Muradaz and Drew Conard oversawthe Scouts at the event. The Clifton Lions Club sponsorsthis Cub Scout pack.


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The ‘Burke’ of Christmas PastBurke Historical Societyhosts annual holiday party.

Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors, with hus-band, Lou DeFalaise, at the annual BurkeHistorical Society Christmas party onSunday, Dec. 10. They are standing in frontof the historic Ice House, which serves asa gift shop for the Burke Historical Society.

News

Andrew and Cindy Bennett attended theannual Burke Historical Society Christmasparty on Sunday, Dec. 10 dressed asJoshua and Huldah Coffer, relatives of Lt.Col. Silas Burke.

By Victoria Ross

The Connection

Dressed in their holiday finest, Lt. Col.Silas Burke and his wife, Hilda CofferBurke, opened the doors to their ante-bellum estate on Sunday, Dec. 10 for an

old-fashioned Christmas party, complete with carol-ers, mistletoe, homemade egg nog and tours of theirexpansive home.

“This is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays,and enjoy a taste of what it was like when Silas Burkelived in this historic home,” said Suzi Fowler Neal, presi-dent of the Burke Historic Society, who greeted guestsin period costume.

The Silas Burke House, built on a hill overlookingthe valley of Pohick Creek in 1824, has been in FowlerNeal’s family since the 1920s. She opens the homethroughout the year for historical society meetings andspecial events.

Although the home is just off Burke Center Parkway,it’s situated at the top of a steep hill and surrounded byacres of undeveloped property.

“When you stand here, you can just imagine what itwas like to look out over this hill and see practicallyinto D.C.,” said Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors, who attended the partywith her husband, Lou DeFalaise. “I’m a huge believer

in preserving history; it’s the story of what we used tobe and where we’re going.”

Bulova joined more than 150 guests at the annualgathering, which also served as a fundraiser for the soci-ety. Guests donated gifts food and toys for underprivi-leged children in the community of Woodstock, Va.

THE BURKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, originallyfounded in 1978, was inactive for several years beforeFowler Neal reorganized the non-profit group two yearsago. The mission of the organization is to create inter-est in the history of Burke, and to research, collect andpreserve material and sites which are a part of Burkecommunity’s history.

The society is currently selling 2012 calendars fea-turing the watercolors of Robert Merchant, whose workwas showcased throughout “Memories of BeautifulBurke” by local historians Nan Netherton and RuthPreston Rose. The book is out-of-print, and Fowler Nealsaid the money received from the calendars will go to-wards republishing the book.

“We are privileged and excited to have been grantedpermission by Robert Merchant Jr. to use his father’swork for this project,” she said. “This is the firstfundraiser dedicated to raising money to republish thebook.”

The calendar can be purchased at the Ice House GiftShop, which also sells jams and Christmas ornaments.Located next to the Silas Burke House, the Ice Housewill be open on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to2:30 p.m. For multiple copies of the calendar, contactFowler Neal at [email protected].

Build YourCommunity

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HUMANE SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTYHours: Monday-Friday 10-4 and Saturday 10-3 • www.hsfc.org4057 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 • 703-385-7387

THIS IS “ELSA”Elsa’s a total sweetheart. She’s abeautiful black Lab mix with whitefeet, chest and neck. She’s house-broken and great with other dogs.Her best friend is Barney, so makesure you say hello to him, too,when you come to visit Elsa. She’sonly a year old, very well-behavedand loves to give and get lots ofloving! Make your appointmenttoday to meet a real sweetie andadd the merry to Christmas.Attributes: SuperSweet Missy!


Opinion

Five Suggestions for the New School BoardHalf of the School Boardmembers are new.

Editorial

On Monday, Dec. 19, the newlyelected members of the FairfaxCounty School Board will besworn in, marking the largest

number of new members at one time inmemory.

The change on the board comes from openseats with previous members deciding not torun. Fully half of the board will be new mem-bers, although most are also familiar faces.

But it was apparent from the election thatvoters were motivated by the school boardraces, turning out to have their say. It’s a mis-take to view the election as a vote of approvalfor all current policies or as a repudiation ofparticular policies. The level of interest andcontroversy indicates that it’s a great momentfor the new board to engage the public.

The fact that 70 percent of voters supportedthe school bond for county schools shows thatcounty residents understand the importanceof quality schools.

The school board consists of three at largemembers who represent the entire county, plusnine district members. Each voter had the op-

portunity to vote for four, three at large andone for their district.

Iryong Moon is the one incumbent remain-ing at large; Ryan McElveen and Ted Velkoffwill join the board at large. District membersare: Megan McLaughlin, Braddock; JanieStrauss, Dranesville; Pat Hynes, Hunter Mill;

Tammy Kaufax, Lee; SandyEvans, Mason; Dan Storck,Mount Vernon; Patty Reed,Providence; Elizabeth Schultz,

Springfield, and Kathy Smith, Sully. Moon,Strauss, Evans, Storck, Reed and Smith arereturning members.

It’s important to respect the dedication andmotivation of school board members. It’s hardto understand why anyone would want thesejobs. The hours are never ending. The pay issymbolic. Few decisions will come without ac-rimony from some quarters. These are peoplewho really are dedicated to service.

That said, we offer a few suggestions, somevery general, some very specific, for the newboard as it steps up to serve.

1) On with campaign. Begin with a listeningtour. Hold some full-board listening sessionsaround the county. Hold some regional listen-ing sessions in schools and parents’ livingrooms. Listen in small groups and individually.

Invite teachers and administrators to come outon tour with you. Don’t forget to listen to teach-ers as well as students, parents, administra-tors and more.

2) Fix large classes. You don’t have to re-duce the “average” class size. But do somethingabout every class of 30 students or more. It’sthe exceptionally large classes where studentsdon’t even fit in the room that drive parentswild. It doesn’t matter if it’s a classroom of poorstudents or wealthy students or something inbetween, really large classes are not appropri-ate.

3) Are surveillance cameras really the bestuse of scarce dollars? No matter what the cur-rent board decides to do later this week (likelyvote on Dec. 15 after Connection deadline),set the decision aside until after the listeningtour.

4) Don’t wait for a state law. Instruct admin-istrators to call parents to be present if theyplan to question a student about behavior thatcould result in serious disciplinary measuresor legal action.

5) Celebrate the specific and varied successesin Fairfax County Public Schools.

- Mary Kimm,

[email protected]

Letters to the Editor

Burke CentreAmtrak SignsNeededTo the Editor:

On Oct. 1, 2009, the AmtrakLynchburg Train became the firstintercity passenger train to stopat Burke in 42 years. For twoyears, Amtrak has refused to ad-vertise this fact in and around thestation. In June, Fairfax Countyagreed to request VDOT to erectfree Amtrak signs along nearbyroads. However, seven monthslater, VDOT has failed to erecteven a single sign. Fairfax Countyneeds to push VDOT to beginposting signs for the followingreasons:

1. Burke Centre is a great loca-tion, centrally located in awealthy county and having ampleparking and great nearby roads.

2. Travelers flying into D.C.’sthree airports from other statesand countries can easily connectto this train via Metro bus or rail.

3. The station allows countyresidents to travel the NortheastCorridor but avoid the nation’sworst traffic.

4. Even without signs, Amtrak’snewest Virginia station (January2010), has become Virginia’s fast-est growing station over the pastnine months.

5. In November, Amtrak addedfree Wi-Fi for riders going northto Philadelphia, New York, or Bos-

ton or going south toCharlottesville and Lynchburgand to Roanoke and Blacksburg/VA Tech via the Smart WayAmtrak Connector Bus (July2011).

6. The signs will encourage resi-dents to switch to the train, re-ducing traffic on area and inter-city roads.

7. The local business commu-nity will start posting Amtrak in-formation on their websites, en-couraging travelers to stay in thecounty when visiting the D.C.area, thus boosting the localeconomy.

In short, pushing Amtrak topost the signs sooner will intro-duce thousands of residents andvisitors to the benefits of Amtrakfaster.

Daniel PeacockMember Virginia Association of

Railway PatronsManassas

Cruelty IssueIn Deer ControlTo the Editor:

Forty years ago, “the deer popu-lation was a small fraction of whatit is today” as Michael Valentinewrote (Letter: Deer Hunting -Hunter’s View, The Connection,Dec. 7). Eighty years ago it was athrill just to catch sight of a deer.The number of deer has grown to

its present proportions, thanks tostate game agencies’ responses tohunters’ demands for more deer tokill. Bear in mind that before “sci-entific game management” wasadopted by game agencies strivingfor the “maximum sustainedyield” of this resilient species,there were a lot fewer deer. Witha relatively sparse Indian popula-tion killing only as many as theythought they needed, deer popu-lations maintained a good balancewith the habitat available to themuntil European immigrants killedso many that deer were in dangerof extinction.

The deer’s natural response tothis stress was to produce moreyoung just as humans did afterWorld War II. Remember the “babyboomers”? Bear in mind that kill-ing bucks enables more does tosurvive winter conditions and givebirth in the spring. In addition,the stress of being hunted in-creases the number of twins, andeven triplets, born in the spring.By taking advantage of this situa-tion, game management attemptsto fulfill hunters’ demands with-out imposing too heavily on theinterests of farmers, orchardists,gardeners and the even more nu-merous automobile drivers.

Also, donating carcasses as foodfor underprivileged people maynot be doing them a favor becauselead bullets fragment into almostundetectable particles which aremore likely to have a harmful ef-

fect on undernourished people.There is also the matter of cru-

elty to be considered. Slightly overhalf the number of deer struck byarrows are never recovered. Theyescape their killers to hide awayand die or recover enough to existfor some time with arrows stick-ing out of their flanks or heads.It’s uncomfortable to imagine whatit must be like to pass throughthick growth prying at the arrow.

I don’t have the perfect answerto correct what we have donewrong, but wanted to let yourreaders know that there is morethan just a hunter’s way of view-ing the problem.

Bina RobinsonSwain, NY

Keep Defense,Reduce CostsTo the Editor:

This country needs a defensethat can protect you and me. If wecut too much, we risk not havingthe capability to keep us safe. Let’swork to cut old systems we nolonger need. Keep some of theolder systems that still work inproduction at greatly reducedcycle costs.

John NicklasLt. Col. USAF, Retired

Burke

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News

Convicted Of Conspiracy, Tax CrimesFair Oaks resident secretlyrepresented Pakistan.

By Bonnie Hobbs

The Connection

A Fair Oaks man is facing a possible eightyears behind bars after pleading guilty lastweek in federal court to secretly conspir-ing to act as an agent of the Pakistani gov-

ernment in the U.S., without telling federal authori-ties about this affiliation, as the law requires. He isSyed Ghulam Nabi Fai, 62, a U.S. citizen and resi-dent of the Penderbrook community.

He also pleaded guilty to tax violations in connec-tion with a decades-long scheme to conceal the trans-fer of at least $3.5 million from the government ofPakistan to fund his lobbying efforts in America re-lated to Kashmir.

Fai served as the director of the Kashmiri Ameri-can Council (KAC), a non-governmental organiza-tion in Washington, D.C., that purported to be runby Kashmiris, financed by Americans and dedi-cated to raising the level of knowledge in the U.S.about the struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination. But according to court documents,the Kashmiri American Council was secretlyfunded by officials employed by the governmentof Pakistan, including the Inter-Services Intelli-gence Directorate (ISI).

“For the last 20 years, Mr. Fai secretly took mil-lions of dollars from Pakistani intelligence and liedabout it to the U.S. government,” said U.S. Attor-ney Neil MacBride. “As a paid operative of ISI, hedid the bidding of his handlers in Pakistan whilehe met with U.S. elected officials, funded high-profile conferences and promoted the Kashmiricause to decision-makers in Washington.”

“Mr. Fai purposefully hid financial transactionsfrom the U.S. government, with intentions that hisscheme to fund lobbying efforts by a foreign govern-ment would go unnoticed,” said FBI Assistant Direc-tor in Charge James McJunkin. “[But] the FBI willdetect and defeat those who attempt to surrepti-tiously exert foreign influence on our governmentby using agents who conceal their foreign affiliation.”

ARRESTED JULY 19, Fai appeared last Wednes-day, Dec. 7, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria andentered his guilty pleas before Judge Liam O’Grady.He could now receive as much as five years in prisonfor the conspiracy offense, plus a possible three yearsincarceration for the tax violation, when he’s sen-tenced on March 9, 2012. As part of his plea agree-ment, Fai will forfeit $142,851.32 seized from himby the government in July.

“The Tax Division is committed to prosecuting any

individual who illegally uses the tax-exempt statusof charitable entities to promote or conceal federalcrimes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant AttorneyGeneral John DiCiccio.

Doing so, added IRS Special Agent in ChargeJeannine Hammett, “harms all Americans, as weall have to pay our fair share for the governmentservices and protections that we enjoy.”

Fai admitted in court that, from 1990 until aboutJuly 18 of this year, he lied to and defrauded theU.S. government. And according to court docu-ments, Fai told FBI agents in March 2007 that he’dnever met anyone who identified himself as beingaffiliated with the Inter-Services Intelligence Di-rectorate. Then in May 2009, he falsely denied tothe IRS on a tax return for the Kashmiri AmericanCouncil that the council had received any money fromforeign sources in 2008.

FURTHERMORE, court documents state that, inApril 2010, Fai sent a letter to the Justice Depart-ment claiming that the Pakistani governmentdidn’t fund the Kashmiri American Council. Healso told the IRS that the council hadn’t receivedany money from foreign sources in 2009. Again,in July 2011, Fai lied to the FBI that neither henor the Kashmiri American Council receivedmoney from the Inter-Services Intelligence Direc-torate or from Pakistan.

But in fact, U.S. authorities say he repeatedlysubmitted annual council strategy reports andbudgetary requirements to Pakistani governmentofficials for approval. In 2009, they say, thesedocuments included his plans to “secure U.S. con-gressional support for U.S. action in support ofKashmiri self-determination.”

Fai also admitted not telling the IRS that, from1990 until July 18, he arranged for at least $3.5million to be transferred to the Kashmiri Ameri-can Council from Inter-Services Intelligence Di-rectorate and Pakistani government employees.Court documents explain that he did so via hisco-defendant Zaheer Ahmad, 63, — a U.S. citi-zen living in Pakistan — plus middlemen (strawdonors), whom Ahmad reimbursed with Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate and Pakistani-government funds for their alleged charitable —and therefore tax-deductible — “donations” to theKashmiri American Council.

Conducting the investigation into this case werethe Washington field offices of the FBI and theIRS criminal-investigation division. Prosecutingit are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon Krombergand Daniel Grooms; trial attorney John Gibbs ofthe Counterterrorism Section of the JusticeDepartment’s National Security Division; and Spe-cial Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Ickovic from theJustice Department’s Tax Division.

Single VehicleFatal Crash

A Newington-area womanwas involved in a single-vehicle,fatal crash on Saturday, Dec. 10at approximately 2:30 p.m.,Casey Noriega, 29, of 7708Haynes Point Way, was drivinga 2001 Toyota Camry. She was

driving southbound on BeulahStreet approaching the intersec-tion of Windsor Avenue, when forunknown reasons she drove off theroad and struck a pole. She wastransported to a local hospitalwhere she was pronounced dead.

Neither speed nor alcohol ap-pears to be contributing factors ofthe crash. The investigation con-

tinues.Anyone with information is

asked to contact Crime Solversby phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text“TIP187” plus your message toCRIMES/274637 or call FairfaxCounty Police at 703-691-2131.

Area Roundups

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10 ❖ Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2011 Fairfax Station/Clifton/Lorton Connection ❖ December 15-21, 2011 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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THURSDAY/DEC. 15Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes

Music. 7 p.m. George MasonUniversity Patriot Center, 4500Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Elmo, AbbyCadabby, Big Bird and more take tothe stage to share their love of music.Tickets $15-$75, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or703-573-SEAT.

“A Christmas Carol.” Lazy SusanDinner Theatre, 10712 RichmondHwy, Lorton. Doors open 6 p.m.,performance at 8 p.m. 703-550-7384or www.lazysusan.com.

Korpiklaani. 6 p.m. Jaxx Nightclub,6355 Rolling Road, Springfield.Finnish folk metal music. 703-471-7612.

English Conversation Group. 7 p.m.Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds OakRoad, Burke. Practice English andimprove English-speaking skills.Adults. 703-249-1520.

Book Discussion Group. 7:15 p.m.John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose HillDrive, Alexandria. Call for title.Adults. 703-971-0010.

Learning English. 7 p.m. KingstowneLibrary, 6500 Landsdowne Centre,Alexandria. Conversation group foradults learning English. Adults. 703-339-4610.

Lorton Library Book Club. 7 p.m.Lorton Library, 9520 RichmondHighway, Lorton. Miss New India byBharati Mukherjee. Adults. 703-339-7385.

Springfield Writers’ Group. 7 p.m.Richard Byrd Library, 7250Commerce St., Springfield. Share yourwork, give and receive feedback in asupportive setting. Adults. 703-451-8055.

FRIDAY/DEC. 16Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes

Music. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. GeorgeMason University Patriot Center, 4500Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Elmo, AbbyCadabby, Big Bird and more take tothe stage to share their love of music.Tickets $15-$75, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or703-573-SEAT.


Toot & Puddle’s Friendship. 11 a.m.Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds OakRoad, Burke. Holly Hobby’s storiesabout two little piglets who are bestfriends. Ages 3-5 years with adult.703-249-1520.

Holiday Fun. 11 a.m. John MarshallLibrary, 6209 Rose Hill Drive,Alexandria. Stories and activitiesabout the holidays. Ages 3-5 withadult. 703-971-0010.

SATURDAY/DEC. 17Ballroom Social Dance. 8 p.m.

Workhouse Art Center, WorkhouseGallery, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton.Ballroom mini-lesson at 7:30 p.m. Allskill levels welcome. $8-$15.www.WorkhouseArts.org.

Date Night: Chef’s Table. 8 p.m.Workhouse Art Center, VulcanGallery, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton. Easybut impressive cooking techniques.$30 per person, $60 couple.Reservations required atwww.WorkhouseArts.org.

Sesame Street Live: Elmo MakesMusic. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. GeorgeMason University Patriot Center, 4500Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Elmo, AbbyCadabby, Big Bird and more take tothe stage to share their love of music.Tickets $15-$75, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or703-573-SEAT.

Oldies but Goodies Cocker SpanielRescue Adoption Event. 11 a.m.-1p.m. Hybla Valley Petsmart, 7690Richmond Highway, Alexandria.Adoption show and fundraiser. Petpictures with Santa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.www.cockerspanielrescue.com.

“A Christmas Carol.” Lazy SusanDinner Theatre, 10712 RichmondHwy, Lorton. Doors open 6 p.m.,performance at 8:30 p.m. 703-550-7384 or www.lazysusan.com.

Christmas in Cape Breton. 8 p.m.George Mason University’s Center forthe Arts Concert Hall, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Cape Breton fiddlerNatalie MacMaster performstraditional and contemporary Celticmelodies and Christmas carols. $25-$50. www.gmu.edu.

Santa’s Workshop. 10 a.m. FranconiaUnited Methodist Church, 6037Franconia Road, Alexandria. “Present-making” crafts for age 3-4th grade. $5.Supplies, snack and lunch included.Register at 703-971-5151 orwww.franconiaumc.org.

United States Army ChorusHoliday Concert. 5 p.m. WestwoodBaptist Church, 8200 Old Keene MillRoad, Springfield. Free. 703-451-5120.

Bob Brown Puppets. 2 p.m. LortonLibrary, 9520 Richmond Highway,Lorton. The Snow Show. All ages.Register at 703-339-7385.

SUNDAY/DEC. 18Franconia Winds Christmas

Concert. 11 a.m. Franconia UnitedMethodist Church, 6037 FranconiaRoad, Alexandria. 703-971-5151 orwww.franconiaumc.org.

Sesame Street Live: Elmo MakesMusic. 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. GeorgeMason University Patriot Center, 4500Patriot Circle, Fairfax. Elmo, AbbyCadabby, Big Bird and more take tothe stage to share their love of music.Tickets $15-$75, available atwww.ticketmaster.com or703-573-SEAT.

“A Christmas Carol.” 1 p.m. LazySusan Dinner Theatre, 10712Richmond Hwy, Lorton. 703-550-7384 or www.lazysusan.com.

Mariachi Los Camperos de NatiCano: Fiesta Navidad. 4 p.m.George Mason University’s Center forthe Arts Concert Hall, 4400 UniversityDrive, Fairfax. Fiesta Navidad mixestraditional Mexican and Americanholiday songs with dancing,authentic, costumes and an audiencesing-along. $23-$46. www.gmu.edu.

MONDAY/DEC. 19All About Me! 10:30 a.m. Kingstowne

Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre,Alexandria. Stories and songs thatcelebrate being special. Age 12-23months with adult. 703-339-4610.

Hidden Pond Monday: AnimalTracker. 2:30 p.m. Richard ByrdLibrary, 7250 Commerce St.,Springfield. Discover different ways tostudy local animal species by learninghow to track them through theevidence they leave behind. 703-451-8055.

TUESDAY/DEC. 20Classics Book Club. 7 p.m. Richard

Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St.,Springfield. The Book of Job (TheBible). Adults. 703-451-8055.

English Conversation Group. 7 p.m.Richard Byrd Library, 7250Commerce St., Springfield. Practiceand improve your English. Adults.703-451-8055.


Calendar

By Jennifer Fedor

The Connection

Local fans of GeorgeBalanchine’s The Nut-cracker will bethrilled to see Virginia

native Teresa (Tess) Reichlenperform with the New York CityBallet in the principal role ofCoffee, when the holiday clas-sic is broadcast live to localmovie theaters on Dec. 13 andon television on Dec. 14. TheNutcracker premiered in 1954and has been performed by NewYork City Ballet more than 2,000times for more than 100,000people annually. This year’sshow features a glowing one-tonChristmas tree that grows andelaborate costumes such as the85-pound attire of “Mother Gin-ger.”

BORN IN CLIFTON, Reichlenbegan dancing at age 3. “My dadalways says I had really, reallystrong legs as a baby,” she said,so it seemed natural to enrollher in dance lessons, includingballet, tap, jazz, and modern, asa young girl. She was especiallyattracted to ballet because it wasthe dance form in which she feltmost comfortable; she appreci-ates its classicism and the chal-lenge it affords her as a dancer.

“When I was younger I’d goto the Kennedy Center a lot and

George Mason. My parents wouldbring me to any performancesthey could there,” she said. Shesaid she was enthralled by every-thing she saw on stage, especiallythe ballets.

At age 10 she began studying atthe Russell School of Ballet inChantilly. Each summer she at-tended programs at ballet compa-nies around the country to acquireadditional training. When she was15, she spent a summer at theSchool of American Ballet, the of-ficial school of the New York CityBallet. After auditioning, she wasoffered a full-time slot at the schoolfor the fall.

“It was scary moving away fromhome three years earlier than thetypical teenager does, but I lovedit,” Reichlen said. Feeling differentfrom her peers at Centreville Highbecause of the time and energy shededicated to dancing, she was ex-hilarated to meet other dancerswith the same level of passion forballet.

“The School of American Balletis the best. They have high schoolsthey’re associated with and a dor-mitory. It was a good fit,” Reichlensaid. She went on to become anapprentice with the New York CityBallet when the company soughtyoung dancers to perform in TheNutcracker. She was one of fivegirls in her class chosen by NYCBBallet Master in Chief Peter Mar-tins. A year later she was offered a

spot as a member in the corps deballet.

In January 2005, Reichlen waspromoted to the rank of soloist.She was chosen as a Janice LevinDancer honoree for 2004-2005, inrecognition of her dancing apti-tude. Reichlen advanced to therank of a principal dancer in Octo-ber 2009, having proven herself asa seasoned, established artist.

NYCB dancers work 38 weeksout of the year, according toReichlen, with fall, winter, andspring performance seasons. Dur-ing the summer the company toursdomestically or internationally toEurope or Asia. The typical work-day includes a company class from10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and six hoursslated for rehearsals, which varydepending on a performer’s currentroles. Dancers have a two-hourbreak before evening perfor-mances.

IN HER PRINCIPAL ROLE as“Coffee” for the live Nutcrackerbroadcasts, Reichlen enjoys theblend of humor and seduction inBalanchine’s choreography. “It’s areally fun part to do,” she said,describing her revealing costume,which includes bells and cymbals.“I can’t quote directly but I believeBalanchine said this is made for allthe fathers in the audience.”

She has also portrayed the leadSugar Plum Fairy for other perfor-mances of the ballet but favors the

role of Dewdrop. “That’s one ofmy favorite roles to perform inthe repertoire,” Reichlen di-vulges. “Dewdrop just comes inand out at different times and it’skind of ‘go for broke’ each time,just giving it all you’ve got forone-minute spurts” throughoutthe lengthy Waltz of the Flowersinterlude. Aside from The Nut-cracker, Reichlen has performedin countless ballets with NYCB,naming Swan Lake andTschaikovsky Piano Concerto #2as some of her favorites.

Reichlen studies biology part-time at Barnard College. “Iwould love it if I were still danc-ing in 10 years,” she said buttakes it one day at a time andpursues other passions as well.Her parents, who still live in Vir-ginia, “always kept megrounded. They made sure thatthis wasn’t all I had.” School washer top priority when she wasyounger and they encouragedother endeavors, such as soccer.

Reichlen has advice for aspir-ing ballerinas. “Make sure youlove it because it’s grueling. Youhave to work so hard but therewards are pretty amazing.”She cautions young girls againstsuccumbing to unhealthy eatingor distorted body image to avoidhurting their bodies. “Take careof your body. Our bodies aredelicate things. We need themfor the long run.”

Clifton to New York Clifton native performs in NewYork City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

Clifton native Tess Reichlen will dance as Coffee in thelive broadcasts of The Nutcracker.

From a young age, Tess Reichlen has appreciated thechallenge and classicism of ballet and continues to feelat home with the New York City Ballet.

Pho

to

s By Paul K

olnik

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By Rich Sanders

The Connection

South County’s dramatic turnaroundfootball season came to a frustrat-ing end last Saturday afternoon inCharlottesville. The Stallions, par-

ticipating in their first-ever state title con-test, played an uncharacteristically mistake-prone game against perennial state powerPhoebus High of Hampton and lost 20-10.The state AAA Div. 5 championship gametook place on a brilliant late fall day on thenatural turf field at the University ofVirginia’s Scott Stadium.

Perhaps the toughest aspect of the defeatfor South County, which entering the con-test had won 11 straight games followingan 0-3 start to the season, was that the Stal-lions, despite five turnovers, were still inposition of upsetting a Phoebus programgoing for its fourth consecutive state crown.

In the end, Phoebus, from the EasternRegion, staved off a South County secondhalf threat and built on its established dy-nasty of success. But the Stallions, despitefalling just short in the final game, madetheir adoring fans and veteran head coachGerry Pannoni proud.

“You start the season 0-3 and come backall the way to the [state] championshipgame, that’s quite an achievement,” saidPannoni, the first year Stallions coach who,over a long head coaching career in theNorthern Region, has also led programs atRobert E. Lee, W.T. Woodson, andCentreville High Schools. “They certainlyearned being here and can certainly holdtheir heads high.”

A WEEK EARLIER, South County playeda near perfect game in a 38-22 state semifi-nals home win over Hanover High (CentralRegion). That game, in which the Stallionscommitted no turnovers, was perhaps thepeak of efficiency for a sizzling hot squadwhich, following that win, was averaging a23-point margin of victory over its fourpostseason opponents.

But that did not continue against thePhantoms, who took advantage of four firsthalf turnovers in taking a 10-0 lead. Pannonisaid his team was not overwhelmed by themagnitude of the championship game.

“I think we were prepared for the atmo-sphere,” he said. “Today we just turned theball over.”

Twice over the final six minutes of thesecond quarter, South County, trailing 10-0, turned the ball over fairly deep inPhoebus territory — the first at the Phan-toms’ 20 yard line and the second at its op-ponents’ 19.

Even so, South County kept putting thepressure on Phoebus. On its last possessionof the first half, the Stallions, starting fromthe Phoebus 46 yard line following a Phan-tom punt, moved the ball all the way down

to the eight yard line over eight plays.The drive stalled on the ninth play when

the Stallions could not convert a third-and-two running play. Nevertheless, SouthCounty got onto the scoreboard when se-nior kicker Michael Ferguson, who a weekearlier had caught three touchdown passesfrom his wide receiver position, connectedon a 28-yard field goal to get South Countywithin 10-3 with 1 minute, 12 seconds re-maining in the half.

“We were fortunate to be down just sevenat halftime,” said Pannoni, relieved the Stal-lions were within striking range despite theturnovers. “We could have been down a lot.”

WITH SOME MOMENTUM following thelate first half field goal, South County wasa renewed team to start the second half.

Phoebus was forced to punt after threeplays to begin the third quarter and SouthCounty began its first possession of the halfat its own 37. From there, the Stallions puttogether their finest drive of the game —63-yards over 11 plays — with the touch-down coming on a two-yard run off the leftside by Peter Basnight (game-high 110 yardson 16 carries), who burst through the linebefore lunging forward and falling into theend zone. Ferguson, with quarterbackShane Foley holding, converted the extrapoint kick and the game was tied at 10 with6:34 left in the quarter.

“We were confident in our defense andthat if we could get stops, we could turnthe game around,” said South County run-ning back Andrew Rector (18 carries, 74yards).

South County’s defense, up to that point,was outstanding. Phoebus’ 10 points, allcoming in the first quarter, had come onshort drives (starting on the 17 and 25 yardlines) following South County turnovers.The Phantoms managed just 77 total yardsand four first downs in the first half.

“Our defense is great,” said South Countysenior linebacker Timmy Hunt, a Stallionteam captain who recovered a second quar-ter fumble. “We all gang tackled and wereputting hits on their running back and quar-terback.”

Pannoni has been proud of South County’sdefensive play throughout the season andcredited defensive coordinator Adam Neffwith guiding that part of the team.

“He’s done an amazing job of putting kidsin the right spots this season,” said Pannoni,of his assistant.

THE PHOEBUS OFFENSE, which aver-aged 32 points per game during the regu-lar season, was bound to break througheventually. And after South County tied thegame at 10-10, the Phantoms answered onthe fourth play of their following posses-sion with perhaps the game’s biggest play.On a first down play from midfield, Phoebusquarterback Eric Enderson (8 of 16, 177yards) dropped back and threw the balldownfield. Romond Deloatch, Phoebus’ 6-foot-4-inch playmaker senior receiver whowas running a post pattern down the middleof the field, went up and, with a defenderright on him, caught the ball at the 17-yardline. He broke a tackle just as he was mak-ing the catch and ran into the end zone.The extra point kick made it 17-10 Phoebuswith 4:39 left in the third quarter.

So, moments after South County had got-ten back into the game, Phoebus had bro-ken the tie with the big scoring play. ThePhantoms would never lose the lead there-after.

“No. 84 [Deloatch] was the difference inthe game,” said Pannoni. “When you’re 6-4or 6-5 and can go up and get the ball, youhave the advantage.”

Later, in the fourth quarter, Phoebus, stillahead 17-10, drove from its own 29 to theSouth County 25. But the Stallions’ defense

came up with a big play when a hard de-fensive hit popped the ball out of runningback Tony Pittman’s hands. South Countyjunior linebacker Oren Burks recovered forthe Stallions, ending the Phoebus threat.

Moments later, Basnight, South County’shard-running back, broke free off the leftside for a 42 yard gain to the Phoebus 31yard line. However, the Stallions’ drivestalled from there and they had to punt.

Phoebus would then put together a con-troversial scoring drive (see related storyat www.connectionnewspapers.com andsearch Stallions) which would result in afield goal and effectively put the game away.

It was a stinging loss and all kinds ofemotions were released by the SouthCounty players in the game’s final secondsas well as in the aftermath during postgameceremonies. But the sharp pain of the titlegame setback could hardly diminish whatSouth County, which finished with an over-all 11-4 record, accomplished this seasonsimply by getting to the state championshipgame after beginning the season 0-3 incoach Pannoni’s first season at the helm.

“In our first three games, things were kindof tough,” said South County senior DevinVandyke, a team captain and all-around stel-lar player for the Stallions this season. “Allwe wanted to do [after three straight losses]was to win a game. As the season pro-gressed, we really felt we could be a statechampionship team. I had a great feelingwe could get to UVA stadium [for the statefinals] if we believed in ourselves.”

Rector, the team’s star running back,summed up the feelings of teammates,coaches, and Stallion fans best.

“Our team has big heart and I’m proud ofwhat we did this year,” he said.

Stallions’ Remarkable Season Ends With Loss to PhoebusSouth County football, in state title game, gives powerful Phantomsall they can handle.

Phoebus receiver RomondDeloatch makes a great catch onthis touchdown play despite goodcoverage defense by SouthCounty’s Marcus Thomas.

Peter Basnight broke free for a 42-yard run in the fourth quarter.

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From Page 3

News

ing for locally-administered, but requiredprograms in the 2012-14 budget. The Gov-ernor is going to have to balance the bud-get. Think about what he might do,”Regimbal said.

County Executive Anthony Griffin saidFairfax County’s budgetary shortfall is ex-pected to be about $114 million in FiscalYear 2013, and the county is taking severalsteps — including looking at fee increasesand analyzing agency cuts of up to 5 per-cent — to bridge the financial gap.

“Quite frankly, we’re running out of placesto make reductions. This is a struggle now,and it’s going to continue to be a strugglefor my successor,” Griffin said, alluding tohis retirement in April 2012.

Griffin said there was some good news.Job growth in Northern Virginia has con-tinued to grow each month since April 2010,and Fairfax County’s unemployment rateremains stable at 4.6 percent (which isabout 28,000 unemployed residents), com-pared to 6.4 percent across the state and 9percent in the nation.

ALTHOUGH GOVERNOR RobertMcDonnell (R) has not yet proposed spe-cific road devolution legislation, House Re-publicans have been looking at ways to shiftspiraling road-maintenance responsibilitiesback to localities for several years.

Fairfax County leaders have been un-equivocal in their opposition to any pros-pect of road devolution, saying it’s tanta-mount to an unfunded mandate thatwould force the County to increase prop-erty taxes.

“It’s a major concern for anyone whocares about transportation, but franklyanyone who cares about anything else lo-calities have to keep up because all thoseelements would be affected,” said McKay.“My greatest fear is that [with road devolu-tion] we would be pitting roads againstschools and public safety.”

Tom Biesiadny, director of FairfaxCounty’s Department of Transportation,estimated that Fairfax County would haveto make a one-time investment of up to$208 million to take local control of localroads, which would mean a property taxincrease of about $479 for the averagehousehold.

He said that localities that maintain theirown roads typically spend about 25 percentmore than what the state allocates. For ex-ample, he noted that in Fiscal Year 2010,Arlington spent $18 million, while the statespent $15 million.

“Counties in Northern Virginia alreadyspend millions of dollars a year to mitigatethe effects of state underfunding of roadconstruction, which has created some of theworst traffic in the nation,” Biesiadny said.

Bulova added that if counties are requiredto maintain their secondary roads, the re-sulting disparity in road conditions will af-fect Virginia’s ability to attract business.

During the roundtable discussion, Del.Mark Sickles (D-43) agreed the county’sroads are in terrible shape.

“At some point we have to act,” he said,suggesting a referendum asking voters todecide whether to increase certain taxes,similar to a 2002 failed referendum on thesales tax, in order to pay for transportationcosts.

State Sen. Richard Saslaw (D-35) told theelected officials not to “punt the damn ball.”

“I can tell you this: It ain’t gonna happenwith my vote … I will not ever, ever, ever, ifI have anything to say about it, allow taxesto be put to a referendum. That’s what thevoters elected you to do. If they don’t likewhat you did, they will show you the doorthe next election. We have no business put-ting revenue-raising measures to a referen-dum. Plain and simple.”

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) saidhe thought road devolution was viable ifdone correctly.

“It’s not going to be pain-free, but thereare ways to do it,” Cook said. “If we’re goingto have the responsibility, we ought to ownthe streets. And if we’re going to own them… we ought to have the mechanisms to raisethe money we need to raise,” Cook said.

“Would you be supportive of raising taxesto do it?” Bulova asked. Cook did not re-spond.

ON THURSDAY, DEC. 8, the Governoroutlined his transportation policy and fund-ing plans for the upcoming 2012 GeneralAssembly session. Speaking to more than700 industry and transportation agencyprofessionals during the 2011 Governor’sTransportation Conference in Norfolk,McDonnell called for changes in laws gov-erning the allocation of future surpluses totransportation, dedicating portions of rev-enue growth attributable to transportationinfrastructure projects to transportation andincreasing the portion of sales tax dedicatedto transportation.

Several legislators, including state Sena-tors Chap Petersen (D-34), Dave Marsden(D-37), Janet Howell (D-32) and Del. KenPlum said they will hold GovernorMcDonnell to his promise of a dedicatedsource of revenue for a transportation bondpackage passed last session.

“There’s a fundamental disconnect,”Marsden said. “Any transportation solu-tion is not acceptable if it doesn’t comewith money … What we were promisedwas a funding stream and not the trans-fer of responsibility to localities. I thinkwe need to let the governor know this isnot acceptable.”

County Sends ‘Hands Off’ Message to General Assembly

Now! Complete Print EditionsOnline!

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By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

Each year, parents who opt out oftheir neighborhood public schoolin favor of an independent schoolmust sift through the long list of

the Washington area’s independent schoolsto find one that meets the needs of theirchild.

They must then navigate the lengthy ap-plication required by most schools, andhope that their efforts are deft enough togain acceptance in a competitive environ-ment. Some schools report receiving asmany as nine applications for each avail-able slot.

Even for prospective pre-kindergarten stu-dents, the independent school admissionsprocess often includes a written application,admissions tests, parent statements, studentinterviews, parent interviews, playdates,school visits, transcripts and teacher recom-mendations.

“What we’re trying to do is get a wholepicture of a child and look at informationfrom a variety of different sources,” saidChristina Tait, director of admission and fi-nancial aid at The Langley School inMcLean.

THE APPLICATION PACKETS provideinsight for both the school and the appli-cants. “We have a fairly detailed process sothat we get to know the girls and they getto know us,” said Pilar Cabeza de Vaca, headof the Madeira School in McLean. “Our goalis to find girls who are the right fit for ourschool and for whom our school is the rightfit.”

The role of each component of the appli-cation varies depending on the age of theapplicant. “The admission [process] foryoung children is especially com-plex and difficult because we haveto use both explicit and intuitivemeasures because we have lessdata,” said Diane Dunning, direc-tor of admission and financial aidat St. Stephen’s & St. AgnesSchool in Alexandria. “If you werelooking at a ninth grade [admis-sions] folder, you would haveeight years of report cards andmaybe four years of standardizedtesting. You are also able to inter-view [older applicants] in a dif-ferent way than when you are in-teracting with the young chil-dren.”

Why is so much probing neces-sary?

“Schools are looking for consis-

tency in grades, attitude, testing and rec-ommendations,” said Lindsay White,educational consultant with the SchoolCounseling Group in Washington, D.C.“[For example] If there is a huge differ-ence between a [teacher] recommenda-tion and what they are seeing on thegrades, that is going to be a red flag.”

Most schools want prospective applicantsto spend time on campus. “The [school] visitis important to us. It gives the boy and hisfamily a chance to experience the Heightsfirst hand,” said Richard Moss, director ofadmission at the Heights School in Potomac,Md. “On the flip side, it gives us a chanceto really get to know the boy. How is heinteracting with his peers? Is he friendly?Is he courteous? Does he have a good, firmhandshake? Does he look the teachers inthe eye when he greets them in the morn-ing?”

Most applications ask parents to answerquestions describing their children. Here aretwo questions from the Langley School’sapplication: What do you believe is yourrole as a parent in your child’s education?What qualities do you consider to be most

important for your child’s education?Consultants say schools look at the way

parents answer questions. “There are a lotof parents who regurgitate the school’s mis-sion statement and all the language that isused on the school’s website. Schools cansee right through that,” said educationalconsultant Clare Anderson, of Chevy Chase,Md. “They want to know that the family isin line with how [the school] works withstudents and [their] approach to educa-tion.”

Schools also pay attention to a parent’sevaluation of their child. “Red flags go upwhen everything is just perfect and they’venever encountered a setback or difficulty,”said Anderson. “[Schools] are looking forhonest, candid responses. Obviously parentsare going to frame it in a positive light, asthey should.”

Most schools require admissionstests. Depending on the age andgrade of the child, these tests in-clude the Wechsler Preschool andPrimary Scale of Intelligence(WPPSI-III), Wechsler IntelligenceScale for Children (WISC) and theSecondary School Admission Testfor (SSAT).

“Testing often creates the mostanxiety,” said Dunning, of St.Stephen’s & St. Agnes.

THE TESTS are used differentlydepending on the age of the ap-plicant. “Tests for [young chil-dren] are used as standardizedtools to give an overall picture ofa child’s learning profile. Theseare not predictors for academic

success. They give broad overviews of howa child learns,” said Anderson. Tests givento middle and high school applicants aremore meaningful. “Those tests measurehow well your child has done with the in-formation he or she has learned in school.If they see an eighth grader who has onlyaverage grades, but remarkable SSATs, theyare going to ask, ‘Is this an underachiever?Why is this child not excelling in the class-room?’ ”

Should children prepare for tests? Whenit comes to young children, most consult-ants say no. “It is unethical and makes yourtest scores invalid,” said Anderson. “You aregoing to shoot yourself in the foot [if youprep your young child]. Your child will bethe first to announce it either in the tester’soffice or at the school on the playdate. Thenthe scores are invalid.”

The scenario is different for those apply-ing for slots in middle and upper school.“I’ve had students who’ve taken [admissionstests] without prep, and then I worked withthem and their scores [went] up consider-ably,” said Christa Abbott, an Arlington-based independent test prep tutor.

Anderson agrees. “Just like you preheatyour oven, you’ve got to get your child readyfor the test. Just knowing the format of thetest can really help,” said Anderson. “But Icaution parents about [taking expensive testprep classes]. There has to be a primaryconcern that something is going to get inthe way of your child being able to showwhat he or she knows.”

Some parents hire educational consult-ants like White or Anderson, hoping to geta competitive advantage. Consultants saytheir role is to guide families through theprocess. “The number one mistake that Ithink parents make is thinking that hiringan educational consultant is going to givethem an advantage at a very competitiveschool,” said Mark Sklarow, executive di-rector of the Independent Educational Con-sultants Association in Fairfax. “That is justnot the way the system works. Consultantsdon’t have a secret handshake that they canuse with an admissions director to help geta student in. The reason you hire an educa-tional consultant is to find a good fit be-tween a student’s needs and a school’sstrengths. A consultant’s role is to [iden-tify] a school where a child is going tothrive.”

So what can parents do to make sure theirchild’s application shines in a pool overflow-ing with many attractive applicants?

“It is always nice to think about what isspecial about your child,” said White. “Whatis the one special strength or talent yourchild might have, whether it be academicsor an extracurricular interest? What is thepotential for your child to contribute to theschool?”

Anderson says she encourages parents toview admissions procedures as multi-pronged. “My hope is to help parents un-derstand the process and see that there re-ally is a method and [schools] are lookingto get the best from your child.”

Getting into ‘Right Fit’ Private SchoolExperts explain how tonavigate admissionsprocess for area’s mostelite schools.

The Madeira volleyball teamrecently won the IndependentStudent League title.

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“Our goal is to find girlswho are the right fit for ourschool and for whom ourschool is the right fit.”

— Pilar Cabeza de Vaca, head of theMadeira School in McLean

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School studentsIsabella Norton, Leah Joseph, and Ulises Giacomanwith Upper School Science Teacher Julie Krane.


News

The artists of BuildingW-5 present the exhi-bition “Shelter” fromJan. 11 – Feb. 5, 2012.

Building W- 5 is a haven for artis-tic discovery for 12 artists. In thisgroup show, their expression of“Shelter” is conveyed on canvas orpaper. The public is invited to jointhe community of artists by con-tributing hats, gloves and break-fast cereal to benefit neighborsserved through Lorton CommunityAction Center: offerings may bebrought to Building W-5 duringthe “Shelter” exhibit.

BUILDING W-6 featured artist,Marilyn Harrington presents theshow, “Layers - an exploration ofthe interactions of weaving anddyeing.”

“For me, art is about exploration.Not only exploration of new fibers,new ways of combining yarns intocloth, or new ways of combiningcolors, but exploration of myselfand my connection to color andtexture. I’ve never been happy con-fining myself to one technique or

media, but rather prefer to movefrom one to another,” Harringtonsays in her artist’s statement.

Building W-7 presents workscreated by all the artists through-out the month. Building W-8 Stu-dio Exhibition: Ceramics ResidentArtists — a recurring exhibit offunctional and sculptural works byCeramic Resident Artists can beseen in Ceramics Building W-8throughout the month.

THE NEWEST ADDITION tobuilding W-9, Sarah Sertic startedout in the arts at an early age. Shestarted attending classes at theCorcoran College of Art and De-sign at age 13 in their summer artsprogram for middle school andhigh school students.

She developed her skills in thefundamentals of art, but foundthat she was enthralled with thephotographic process from herfirst film camera class at theCorcoran at the age of 14. She didnot learn about eco-friendly pho-tography techniques until shestarted to attend school once more

in 2010.At the Art Institute of Washing-

ton then subsequently NorthernVirginia Community College shecultivated her love for all thingsphotographic. She found thatthrough different printing prac-tices especially eco-friendly print-ing she could attain those goalsshe first sought after in highschool.

Sertic now strives to be able totake that dedication to the envi-ronment and apply it to everydaybusiness practices. She has createda paper free office that digitallyservices all customers in all aspectsof her photographic business.

She uses only Hahnemeule FineArts Prints made from Bamboo, asustainable paper pulp source withhighly renewable properties.

At this present show for Jan. 14,Sertic will be displaying art fromher American City Ruins. Thetheme of these works revolvesaround the beauty of America inits reclaiming of buildings back tonature.

American City Ruins will high-

light such places as Eastern StatePenitentiary, Belle Isle in Rich-mond, Va. and the Workhouse.Sertic hopes to display the beautyof this natural reclamation ofmanmade objects.

Sertic is available for mentoringin photographic technique, print-ing and editing processes by ap-pointment. Call 703-380-5905 oremail [email protected] scheduling various types ofphotographic projects.

Building W-10 presents MultipleMedia, artworks by all the artistsin Building W-10, from Jan. 11 toFeb 4, 2012.

KAREN HUTCHISON AND

MIKE MINNERY are the Fea-tured Associate Artists for themonth of January. Their work canbe viewed in the Vulcan Gallery,located in Gallery W-16. Hutchisonpresents the exhibition “WintryInterlude” during the month ofJanuary.

Minnery was born and raised inNorthern Virginia. He currentlylives in Stafford with his wife andtwo little girls. He has been creat-ing art for his friends and familyfor years, but only began makingit available to the public last year.He works exclusively in metal,usually aluminum or stainlesssteel. He takes pride in creating artthat is as durable as it is beautiful.

Celebrating Arts in JanuaryWhat’s on exhibit at Workhouse Arts Center?

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By Victoria Ross

The Connection

More than a year ago, Robert Rudolph,music director of Messiah UnitedMethodist Church in Springfield, be-gan the search for a custom-built or-

gan that would reinvigorate the music program atthe 2,500-member church.

Built in 1965, the church had a solid but datedmusic program when Rudolph became the music di-rector two years ago.

“The physical instruments had aged,” Rudolph said,“and we needed to make the music relevant to thisdiverse congregation. More than two-thirds of ourcongregation could not hear our old organ, whichdoesn’t encourage singing during our services.”

Passionate about music, Rudolph had doubled thesize of the music ministry, from 200 to 400 people,by encouraging “anyone and everyone to participate,”and including a vast array of Christian music, fromtraditional hymns to Christian rock. He currentlyoversees 15 active choirs for parishioners of all ages– from the Messiah Orchestra Project to Joyful Noiseand the Cherub Choir for three and four-year-olds.

“We wanted to make the music ministry relevantfor older folks, young families, teens and children.Once that happened, and we got people involved,we realized we didn’t have the instrument for thesanctuary,” he said.

AFTER TOURING several companies in the UnitedStates, Rudolph visited The Johannus Company inAmsterdam, and found exactly what he was lookingfor. Located in a soaring neo-classical building,Johannus employs a team of designers, musiciansand audio-technical specialists who create custom-designed organs that can be found in churches, ca-thedrals and concert halls all over the world.

Although the price was steep – about $425,000 –church members wanted something that would sup-port the thriving music ministry and last for years.The 5,000-pound organ is the largest Monarke inNorth America, Rudolph said.

“Our new organ is an important investment in ourmusic ministry both to enhance our worship and asthe foundation instrument for our vocal and instru-mental choirs,” said Rev. Ralph Rowley, Messiah’ssenior pastor. “Messiah has long had a reputationfor excellence in our music ministry as evidenced byour recent presentation of Handel’s Messiah, whichfeatured four soloists from the Washington NationalOpera, a professional orchestra, and a festival choirof 100 voices drawn from our church and the greaterSpringfield community.”

“It’s amazing to hear the sound now,” said parish-ioner Steve Severt. “The sound is so full and robustcompared to what it used to be. There’s an incred-ible energy in here now when everyone is singing.”

The new organ can provide accompaniment for asoloist or a choir of 100, and the variety of soundsinclude such instruments as flute, gospel organ, tubaand trumpet.

“It’s also capable of meditative music or a large,brassy heralding sound which announces the resur-rection of Jesus on Easter morning,” Rudolph said.“The singing of this instrument radiates throughoutthe entire sanctuary. It doesn’t matter where you sitnow, you will hear it,” Rudolph said. “This is waybeyond our expectations. It’s a tremendous joy forus.”

The organ has 78 channels that play through the225 speakers located all over the sanctuary. In theoverhead cases above the altar are the great, swell,orchestral and pedal divisions. In the faux pipe casework beside the pulpit is the choir division. In thecupola, high in the ceiling, is the ethereal division.In the back of the room are two faux pipe cases thatare the solo division.

“In the pit, located to the right of the pulpit, livethe brains of the organ and two 850-watt sub-woof-ers that you will most certainly feel, especially whenwe play the Cathedral music.”

“I am definitely looking forward to weddings,”Rudolph said, smiling.

MESSIAH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH islocated at 6215 Rolling Road in Springfield. For moreinformation on upcoming concerts and services atthe church, go to www.messiahumc.org. To donateto the organ fund, which is funded entirely throughprivate contributions, contact Rudolph at703.569.9862 or email him [email protected].

Making Beautiful MusicMessiah United Methodisthome to largest digitalorgan in North America.

Robert Rudolph, Messiah Methodist’s music director,conducts the Messiah Orchestra at Messiah United Meth-odist Church in Springfield.

Workers from The Johannus Company in Amsterdaminstall the 5,000-pound Monarke organ last summer atMessiah United Methodist Church in Springfield.

Members of the MessiahProject, a multi-facetedmusic program for vocal-ists, instrumentalists,dancers and stage crews.Directed by RobertRudolph, they will leadthe 7 p.m. Christmas Eveservice.

The custom-designed5,000-pound Monarkeorgan features 96 pipevoices and 112 “stops”that create varioussounds from a flute toharpsichord and piano.

Robert Rudolph,Messiah

Methodist’smusic director,

conducts theMessiah Orches-

tra during oneof the church’s

recent concerts.The orchestraplays hymns,

solo orchestralworks and

accompanieschoir anthems.

Faith

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Photos

Contributed


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BethesdaChevyChase

NorthPotomac

Washington,D.C.

Herndon

Reston

Chantilly

GreatFalls

ViennaOakton

Arlington

McLean1

4

HistoricClifton

Fairfax

FairfaxStation

Burke

Springfield

2

6

5

3

NorthClifton

Centreville

LaurelHill

DullesAirport

Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn many aspects ofthe newspaper business. Internships available inreporting, photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and for adults consid-ering change of career. Unpaid. [email protected]

ClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements

ABC LICENSEPizzarolli, Inc trading as

Angelicos La Pizzeria, 10869 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA

22030. The above establishment is applying to

the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

CONTROL for a Wine and Beer on/off Premises license

to sell or manufacture alcohol-ic beverages. Damla Mehtap

Kamis, owner - president NOTE: Objections to the issu-ance 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. Ob-jections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or

800-552-3200.

ABC LICENSESnookah, LLC trading as Snookah, 7104 Brookfield Pla-za, Springfield, VA 22150. The above establishment is apply-ing to the VIRGINIA DEPART-MENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEV-ERAGE CONTROL for a Wine and Beer on Premises, Mixed Beverage on Premise license to sell or manufacture alcohol-ic beverages. Qamar U. Za-man PresidentNOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be submitted to the Board no later than 30 days from the date of the first of two required news-paper publications. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

26 Antiques

We pay top $ for antique furniture and mid-century

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

and costume jewelry,paintings/art glass/clocks.

Schefer Antiques @703-241-0790.

Email:[email protected]

34 Pets

Kittens/Cats all vetted adorable adoption fee 1-703-608-2605 Save us Please!

116 Childcare Avail.

BURKE Childcare avail in my home,OFC Lic, FT & PT, days,

evenings, Back-up care & special needs children

welcome. Large yard for lots of fun! 703-569-8056

Results! Why,man, I havegotten a lot of results.

I know severalthousand thingsthat won't work.

-Thomas A. Edison


Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • Springfield

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com

LICENSED INSURED

Residential & Commercial10% Senior Citizen Discount

CARE _ MORECLEANING SOLUTIONS

703-862-5904or

703-780-6749caremorecleaning.com

CLEANING CLEANING

ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

GUTTER CLEANING & REPAIRSTownhouses $65

Houses $125Ext. Painting • Power-Washing

LIC 703-323-4671 INS

MR. GUTTERGUTTER GUTTER

RCL HOME REPAIRSHandyman Services

Springfld • Burke • KingstowneLight Electrical • Plumbing •

Bathroom Renovation • Ceramic Tile • Drywall Repair

703-922-4190LIC. www.rclhomerepairs.com INS.

SPRINGFIELD HANDYMAN

��Small Home Repairs

��Good Rates

��Experienced

703-971-2164

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

LicensedInsured

We Accept VISA/MC

703-441-8811

You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!!Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp.

The HANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION

BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL,PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY,POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE

www.oakhillbuilding.com703-591-1200

Member Nari/NVBIA/HBAVLead Safe &

Certified Green Builder

Since 1978Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Specializing in:• Additions• Kitchens• Baths• Basements

Pre-holiday Sale$500.00 off Remodeling

Design, Ends 2011.

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

Rotten Wood, Wind Damage, Trims,Windows, Doors, Deck, Stairs, Vanity,

Basement Framing, Garbage Disposal,Painting, Power Wash, Siding Repairs.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

703-266-1233

M. C. LynchHome Improvement

Family Owned & Opererated

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A LicPhone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849

E-mail: rncontractorsinc@gmail

R&N Carpentry

✦BASEMENTS ✦BATHS ✦KITCHENSForeclosure specialist/Power washing

✦Exterior Wood Rot More!Deck & Fence repair, Screen Porches

No jobs too large or smallFree est. 37 yrs exp. Licensed, Insured

703-987-5096

•Patios •Walkways•Retaining Walls

•Drainage Problems•Landscape MakeoversCall: 703-912-6886

Free Estimates

J.E.S ServicesLANDSCAPE & CONSTRUCTION

LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE

Plumbing & Drain

Call Dean • 703-638-9417

New Work • RepairRemodel • Drain CleaningNo Extra Charge for Weekends

FreeEstimates

$20OFF

With this ad!

PLUMBING PLUMBING

GUTTER

AFFORDABLEQUALITYGUTTERSRepair, Replace,Clean & Screen.

1000s of local Refs.

703-794-8513

HAULING

ANGEL’STRASH REMOVAL

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

•Junk & Rubbish •Furn.,Yard, Construction

Debris • Mulch & Spring Clean Up

AL’S HAULINGJunk & Rubbish

Concrete, furn.,office,yard, construction debris

Low Rates NOVA703-360-4364

703-304-4798 cell

7 DAYS A WEEK

LANDSCAPING

•Trimming •Leaf & Snow •Removal •Yard Clearing •Hauling •Tree Work

ANGEL’SLAWN MOWING

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

PAINTING

PATRIOTPAINTINGwww.PatriotPainting.net

Wallpaper Removal,Carpentry,

Power Washing.Int/Ext Painting

Free Est. • Satisfaction Guar.!Lic./Ins. Int./Ext.

703-502-7840Cell

571-283-4883

ROOFING

Falcon RoofingRoofing &

Siding(All Types)

703-975-2375falconroofinginc.com

Soffit & Fascia WrappingNew Gutters

Chimney CrownsLeaks Repaired

No job too small

TREE SERVICE

ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL

Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com

Brush & Yard Debris Trimming & Topping

Gutters & Hauling

703-863-1086703-582-3709240-603-6182

Now! CompletePrint EditionsOnline!

The full print editions of all 18

Connection Newspapers are now

available on our Web Site in PDF format,

page by page, identical to our weekly

newsprint editions, including print

advertising. Go to


and click on “Print Editions.”

MPRINT EDITIONS

When spiderwebs unite, theycan tie up a lion.-Ethiopian Proverb

Don’t MissOur SpecialEditions.Be a part of our newWellbeing pages, thefirst week of everymonth.

Delight in ourHomeLifeStylesections, the secondweek of every month.Peek at the top realestate sales, glimpseover-the-top remodel-ing projects, get prac-tical suggestions foryour home.

Celebrate students,camps, schools,enrichmentprograms, collegesand more inour A-plus:Education,Learning, Fun pages,the third week ofevery month.

Questions? [email protected]? [email protected]


JUDY SEMLER703-503-1885

[email protected]

Sheila Adams703-503-1895

BUZZ & COURTNEYJORDANYour Local Father/Daughter Team!

703-503-1866 or [email protected]

BARBARA NOWAK& GERRY STAUDTE“My Virginia Home Team”703-473-1803, 703-309-8948

[email protected] www.MyVirginiaHomeTeam.com

Life Member, NVAR Multi–MillionDollar Sales ClubLife Member,NVAR TOP PRODUCERS

DIANE SUNDT703-615-4626

BETTY BARTHLE703-425-4466

OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCEe-mail: [email protected] • website: www.bettybarthle.com

Access the Realtors Multiple Listing Service: Go to http://searchvirginia.listingbook.com

Visit my Website atDianeSundt.LNF.com

Springfield$474,900

Private cul-de-saclocation backing towoods * Hardwoodfloors on mainlevel, stairs & hall,master bedroom *Updated kitchenwith granitecounters and cus-

tom cabinetry * Family room features fireplace & opens to largedeck * 4 bedrms & 2.5 baths * Finished walk out basement withhuge recreation room & den * Utility/storage room * 2 car garage

Call Judy at 703-503-1885.

FairfaxStation$849,900

Custom home onserene 5 acrewooded lot * Walkto Burke Lake* Impeccablearchitectural

details throughout * Fabulous 2009 gourmet eat-in kitchen* Wood floors * 3 full & 2 half baths * 3 fireplaces * Masterw/fireplace & dressing room * Family room w/wet bar * Libraryw/fireplace * Living room w/fireplace & view of the natural sur-roundings * Large patio * Visit www.KilkennyLane.com

Call Judy at 703-503-1885.

TIME:

TO REGISTER:Please contact Mary Ann Plonka at 703-503-1898

or [email protected]

LOCATION:

Long & Foster’s Northern

Virginia Training Center

3069 Nutley St.

Fairfax, VA 22031

From the Beltway (495), take Rte. 66 West to theNutley St. South Exit (exit 62) towards Fairfax.Go through the intersection of Lee Highway andNutley Street. The training center is located inthe Pan Am Shopping Center on the left.

Save A Date To AttendLong & Foster’s FREE

Real Estate Career SeminarDATES IN 2012:

January 4

February 1

7:00-9:00 PM

Centreville/Virginia RunRental: $2,800

Short term – 7 monthsBeautifully renovated 3 finishedlevel colonial home. Gourmetkitchen with “Wolf” appliances.Luxury master bath. Lower levelmedia area/rec rm/guest rm andfull bath. Rear decking overlooksopen common area. 4/5 bedrooms,4 1/2 baths, 2 car garage.

David [email protected]

Celebrating 10 years with Long & FosterThe Attention and Experience You Deserve

Woodridge $349,000BACK TO WOODS

4 BR, 2 1/2 BA Single Family Home with remodeledkitchen & baths. Granite Ctrs, Maple Cabs & SSAppliances. Located on 1/4 acre wooded lot.

# 1 in Virginia703-425-8000

Attention Credit Union Members!!You can save thousands of dollars by workingwith me for the purchase or sale of your home.CALL ME at 703-470-6987 to learn how.

North Stafford$265,000

Priced BelowMarket! Wonderful6yr young 4 Bed 2.5Bath Colonial with2 story foyer and 2sliding glass doors.New Energy StarSS Kitchen appli-ances. Deck off

Family Room with Walk Out Basement roughed inand ready to be finished. Master bath has double van-ity, whirlpool jet soaking tub, and separate shower.Gas FP in large Family Room off Kitchen. Gatedcommunity w/ all lawn maintenance & Pool included.

VINCE RODGERS703-470-6987

VinceRodgers.com

ARE YOU THINKING OF:• Buying a home this Spring• Listing your home this Spring• Renting your home this Spring

then call SHEILA ADAMSLet me prepare you early for

all the Do’s & Don’t’s ofthe Real Estate Market!

Call Sheila Adams 703-503-1895

Countertops and Updated Appliances. RecentlyPainted and Newer Carpeting. Kitchen Walks Out ToFenced Backyard and Large Deck. FinishedBasement Must See.

Arlington$2,000/monthFOR RENT

Gorgeous 1Bedroom CondoIn The Heart ofBallston InModern High RiseLuxury Building.8th floor Unit Has

Stainless Appliances and Granite Countertops,Hardwood Floors, Enclosed Sun Room, Plus WasherDryer. Building Has Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center,and Concierge. Parking Space Incl. Close To Metro &Ballston Shops.

Kingstowne$469,900

Beautiful andWell Maintained3 BR 3 1/2 BaBrickTownhousewith 1 CarGarage,Updated Kitw/Corian

Fairfax $983,500GREAT

HOME/PRIMELOCATION

Lg 5BR/3.5BA*Within 1 mileto ViennaMetro*.5acre*Great Rm*

Cozy Fam Rm*eat-in Kit*Slate /Hrdwds/Carpetingfloors*Partially fin basement with Bedroom/fullbath/walkout to patio/2 rec rms*3 car garage* Byappointment only

Buzz-703-850-4501

Springfield $349,900This T/H has over 1500 sq ft on 3 finished levels.Amazing Walk-in Closet and storage space. Hardwood onmain and deck overlooks trees. LL has Fam Rm, StorageRm, Office w/exterior entrance.

Call Diane at 703-615-4626.

AMAZ

ING

VALU

E

UNDER

CONTR

ACT

UNDER

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FairfaxStation

$1,090,000Gorgeousinside & out!Sited on pri-vate cul-de-sac w/ 5wooded acres,

this spacious home offers gourmet Kit, Huge fam-ily rm, sun room, finished walk-out Bsmt w/ fullBA, & 4 car garage! Go to www.hermandorfer.comto see detailed pictures!

UNDER

CONTR

ACT

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