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online at www.connectionnewspapers.com April 4-10, 2018

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SeniorLivingSeniorLivingSeniorLiving

APRIL 2018APRIL 2018

Inside

Senior Living

Parents Plea forSchool Budget ChangesNews, Page 3

Eggs, Eggs Everywhere

News, Page 3

One-year-old Max-well Simbox sits in

the sunshine on his blanket waiting for his first Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Baptist Church on

Saturday, March 31. Sporting his blue

cap, he proves that not only girls

can wear Easter “bonnets.”

2 ❖ Arlington Connection ❖ April 4-10, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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Arlington Connection ❖ April 4-10, 2018 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

The Arlington County Police Depart-ment has arrested a suspect for hisinvolvement in a bomb threat at

Marymount University. Samuel Nwalozie,18 of Washington, D.C. was arrested andcharged with communicated threats tobomb a structure. He is being held in theArlington County Detention Facility with-out bond.At approximately 8:49 a.m. onApril 1, police were dispatched to the 2800block of N. Glebe Road for the report of abomb threat posted on social media. Arriv-ing officers immediately began an investi-gation and a possible suspect descriptionwas developed based upon information con-tained in the social media post and infor-mation provided by a witness. Police at-tempted to locate the suspect on campus

and contact him unsuccessfully. The cam-pus of Marymount University was subse-quently evacuated while officers continuedto investigate. Shortly after 12 p.m. the sus-pect was taken into custody by police justoutside of campus. EOD (explosives ordi-nance detection) K9s continued to sweepcampus prior to its re-opening. The investi-gation determined there was never a physi-cal threat to the safety of the students, staffof campus.This remains an active criminalinvestigation and anyone with informationregarding this incident is asked to contactDetective J. Bamford at 703-228-4197 [email protected]. To reportinformation anonymously, contact the Ar-lington County Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).

Arrest Follows Bomb Threat

By Vernon Miles

The Connection

When Jonathan Hui first heardabout Montessori schools,he thought they were justfor rich people. The schools

had long had a reputation of associationwith trendy new-wave schooling that’s farfrom the strict public school regimen. Butlooking at his child’s classroom photo, Huirealized that the school is composed of adiverse student body. Two-thirds of hischild’s class are from low income familiesand Hui says it’shelped his child getexposed to new cul-tures. At the March 22School Board meet-ing, the last publichearing before budgetapproval, Hui wasone of several parentsto make a last ditchappeal to the SchoolBoard for more fund-ing to keepMontessori fullyfunded.

“Arlington County is the only county thatoffers public Montessori, but if that is di-minished in any way it makes less sense formy family to be in Arlington,” said Hui.“Please invest in our future. Please investin our children’s future.”

Superintendent Patrick Murphy’s pro-posed $636.7 million budget is an increase,3.8 percent over last year, but a more mod-est increase compared to the 5.4 percentincreases in the previous two years. Thismeans Arlington schools will face some belttightening, with class size increases andlower overall spending per student.

Among the reductions in the budget areseveral changes that hit the Montessori pro-gram at Drew Model School. Tuition at theschool is expected to increase four to sixpercent. Elementary classrooms will nolonger be supported with teacher assistants,eliminating 13 total positions and leaving12 classrooms without assistants that canbe critical for the Montessori teachingmethod.

The Montessori Method of Education is ateaching method devised by Dr. MariaMontessori that focuses on offering studentschoices and nurturing mutual respect. Stu-dents are offered a range of learning op-tions and free range of movement arounda classroom. The Montessori method en-courages guided learning rather than directinstruction. Part of this involves breakingstudents up into smaller groups overseenby assistant teachers.

“Our home school isJamestown, but kidsspend 57 minutes onbus to go to Drew,”said Heather Selig.“My kids that go fur-thest go to Drew.There’s other ways tocompose and com-press our budgetwithout cutting a pro-gram so meaningfuland so impactful to somany students. I’m

happy to give my ACPS-issued iPad back.”The topic of school-issued iPads came up

a few times, with a few parents and teach-ers pointing to it as an example of the schoolsystem not actually meeting the needs ofthe educators or students.

“I want to see iPads phased out,” said AnnMarie Douglass. “We have tech coordina-tors at every school. That does not reflectthe needs of [Arlington Public Schools].”

“The budget being proposed does not careabout these people,” said Leslie Stockton,vice president of the Arlington Education

Public petitions SchoolBoard for Montessoriand arts funding.

On School Budget’s Eve

See Parents, Page 19

“We’re in the stage oflistening, engaging, andreading emails. We’retrying to build the bestpossible budget.”

— Barbara Kanninen. Chair,School Board

Eliana and Leah Mejia, two-and-a-half-year old twins from Arling-ton by way of Honduras, grab their buckets and wait for thesignal to search for the purple eggs hidden behind the trees andin the tall grass.

Eggs, Eggs EverywhereEager faces listen to the instructions. “Three-year-olds hunt for thepurple eggs, 4-year-olds yellow and 5-year-olds green and the littleones 0-2 years have a special cordoned off area with multi-coloredeggs.” The Memorial Baptist Church Community Easter Egg Hunt isabout to begin. “Make a line down the field. When I say go, every-one can begin.” Little legs trip over eggs and each other as they fillup their multi-colored baskets.

Photos by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection


Opinion

See Bulletin, Page 5

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ArlingtonThe

Connection

By Bob Gardner

Executive Director, National Federation

of State High School Associations

And Billy Haun

Executive Director, Virginia High School

League

Many parents are trying to livethe dream through their sonsand daughters — the dream oflanding a college athletic scholar-

ship by specializing in a sport year-round. Unfortu-nately, most of these dreams are never realized.

The odds of a sports scholarship paying foreven a portion of a student’s college educa-tion are miniscule.

The College Board, a not-for-profit organizationcomprised of 6,000 of theworld’s leading educa-

tional institutions, reports that a moderate costfor college students who attend a public uni-versity in their state of residence is $25,290per year. The annual cost at a private collegeaverages $50,900.

Meanwhile, the most recent data from theNCAA reveals that the average Division I ath-letic scholarship is worth only $10,400. Moresignificantly, the same study shows that fewer

than two percent of all high school athletes (1in 54) ever wear the uniform of an NCAA Divi-sion I school.

Even if the dream is realized, parents likelywill spend more money for club sports than theyever regain through college athletic scholar-ships. Thanks to the costs of club fees, equip-ment, summer camps, playing in out-of-statetournaments and private coaching, youth sportshas become a $15 billion-per-year industry.

There is an option, and it’s a financially vi-able one: Encourage your sons and daughtersto play sports at their high school.

In education-based high school sports, stu-dent-athletes are taught, as the term implies,that grades come first. The real-life lessons thatstudents experientially learn offer insights intoleadership, overcoming adversity and mutual

respect that cannot be learned anywhere else.Unlike club sports, coaches in an education-based school setting are held accountable bythe guiding principles and goals of their schooldistrict. And the cost of participating in highschool sports is minimal in most cases.

While there is a belief that the only way toget noticed by college coaches is to play onnon-school travel teams year-round, many Di-vision I football and basketball coaches recentlyhave stated that they are committed to recruit-ing students who have played multiple sportswithin the high school setting.

In addition, by focusing on academics whileplaying sports within the school setting, stu-dents can earn scholarships for academics andother talents — skill sets oftentimes nurturedwhile participating in high school activities.These scholarships are more accessible andworth more money than athletic scholarships.While $3 billion per year is available for ath-letic scholarships, more than $11 billion isawarded for academic scholarships and otherfinancial assistance.

Without a doubt, your sons and daughterswill have more fun, make more friends and bebetter prepared for life beyond sport by par-ticipating in multiple sports and activities of-fered by the high school in your community.

Truth about Sports Scholarships

Gardner Haun

In RemembranceMore than 100 students from St. Thomas More Cathedral in Arlington gath-ered on March 14 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More to remember the 17victims of last month’s shooting in Parkland, Fla. With each name announced,a student lit a candle in their honor. The 8th graders organized the service.

Photo courtesy of St. Thomas More Cathedral School

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS HISTORYYorktown’s Standout Athletes, an

online high school sports historyround-up also on display in theYorktown building, went live on theyorktownalums.org website March29, 2018.

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLEThe National Active and Retired

Federal Employees Association(NARFE) Chapter 7 Arlington meetsmonthly, except August andDecember, the second Wednesday at

the Walter Reed Community Centerwith a half hour social periodbeginning at noon and the programat 12:30. Go to VANARFE.org tolearn about activities in Virginia andto NARFE.org to learn about itsnational activities, including itselectronic chapters.

VOLUNTEERS WANTEDTaste of Arlington takes place

Sunday, May 20. Arlington’s biggestblock party attracts 25,000+ visitorsand has raised $180,000 for localcharities to date. Volunteers are

needed in each section of the festivalin 3-4 hour shifts, starting Saturdayafternoon through Sunday evening.Select which non-profit to representand preferred shift during theregistration process. Volunteers forTaste of Arlington, will receive a t-shirt to wear on the day of thefestival and five free food and drinktickets. Visit www.ballstonbid.com/taste/volunteer.

THROUGH APRIL 17Tax Assistance. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-7

p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at

Arlington Central Library, 1015 N.Quincy St. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has helped low- to moderate-income individuals for more than 40years in every state and the Districtof Columbia. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in cooperation withthe IRS. No need to be a member ofAARP to receive help with completingtaxes. Some appointments available.Call 703-829-6192 for more.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 4Glebe Ladies Tennis Club. 9 a.m. at

Old Glebe Courts, 4211 North OldGlebe Road. The tennis club provideswomen living in or near Arlingtonthe opportunity to play tennis withothers of comparable ability. Theclub welcomes new members of allages and skill levels and provides avariety of tennis-related socialactivities. Annual dues are $25. Visitsites.google.com/site/glebeltc/.

Coffee and Conversation. 10-11a.m. at Arlington Mill CommunityCenter, 909 South Dinwiddie St.,room 411. Anthony Nunez willdescribe his latest invention: hispersonal assistant robot, Rudy,designed to help people age in place.Open to all – bring your own coffee,learn about aging in place withArlington Neighborhood Village. NoRSVP needed. Visit arlnvil.org/.

THURSDAY/APRIL 5The Gift of Failure. 7 p.m. at

Congressional School, 3229 SleepyHollow Road, Falls Church.Congressional School in partnershipwith Mothers of North Arlingtonwelcome author Jessica Lahey to talkabout her New York Times bestsellingbook, “The Gift of Failure: How theBest Parents Learn to Let Go So TheirChildren Can Succeed.” The event isfree and open to the community. Abook signing will take place after thepresentation, and copies of the book

Bulletin BoardSubmit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar.

Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

Commentary


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Celebrating100 Years

Eleanor W. Bune, of Arling-ton, celebrated her 100th birth-day on March 14. She has beena resident of Arlington Countysince 1956 and has seen a lotof changes in the communityover the years in terms ofgrowth and development.

Her daughter, Karen L. Bune,held a birthday party for her atClyde’s restaurant in Alexan-dria. “I can’t believe I made 100years,” Eleanor Bune said.

Her physician, Dr. LawrenceStein, who is also Chief ofMedicine at Virginia HospitalCenter in Arlington, attendedthe party. “Dr. Stein is my hero,and he and I are her careteam,” Karen Bune said.

Stein’s wife, Suzanne, made theparty favors that were featured ateach guest’s place setting. “Every-one seemed to enjoy themselves,

and I am so happy that we wereable to celebrate this milestoneand very special occasion,”Karen Bune said.

People

Photo courtesy of Karen L. Bune

Karen Bune, Eleanor Bune and Dr. Lawrence Stein

Honoring Betsy FrantzThe Kiwanis Club of Arlington honored Betsy Frantz,outgoing president & CEO of Leadership Center for Excel-lence, with the Kiwanis Community Service Award onMarch 28. The award is presented to members of theArlington Community who have performed extraordinaryservice. Frantz has served as president & CEO of Leader-ship Center for Excellence for the past 20 years. On April2, she begins her new endeavor as president of the Vir-ginia Hospital Center Health System Foundation.

From Page 4

Bulletin Board

will be available for purchase. Visitwww.congressionalschool.org/lahey.

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Scholarship Nomination Deadline.

The National Capital Region Chapterof the National Football Foundationis accepting nominations for their2018 Scholar-Athlete banquet. TheChapter awards five $1,000scholarships annually to deservinghigh school senior scholar athleteswho played high school football.

Nominees are evaluated on academicand athletic excellence, as well ascontributions to their school andcommunity. Nomination packets havebeen mailed to each high school headcoach in the National Capital Region.

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 11Coffee and Conversation. 10-11

a.m. at Arlington Mill CommunityCenter, 909 South Dinwiddie St.,room 411. Steve Yaffe,Transportation Services Manager,Arlington County will provide an

update on the County’stransportation issues including theoptions for seniors residing inArlington. Open to all – bring yourown coffee, learn about aging inplace with Arlington NeighborhoodVillage. No RSVP needed. Visit

See Bulletin, Page 19


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News

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

Stop in for a six pack of pink impa-tiens, a history of World War II anda sausage and cheese sandwich atthe annual Walker Chapel United

Methodist Church Aprilfest communityevent from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday,April 21.

A line forms early outside of FellowshipHall so that when the doors open at 9 a.m.,a book lover can be the first to find the hid-den treasure among the stacks of donatedbooks. Joyce Wright, head of the book sale,says she expects to have about 7,000 booksranging from children’s to history, travel,biography and fiction and even a sectionfor signed originals and special value books.In addition, she adds they have a larger thanever selection of DVDs, CDs and audiobooks.

Books can be donated for the sale by drop-ping them off at Walker Chapel on Sunday,April 8 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. or on Tues-day April 10 from 5-7 p.m. with a maxi-mum of three boxes. Wright says no bookscan be accepted after April 10 and they can-not accept encyclopedias, textbooks,magazines.VHS or cassette tapes or LPrecords.

Options for purchase of flowers andmulch include ordering ahead and purchas-ing online with selection of six packs, flatsof 36 pots, single pots or hanging baskets.Advance orders must be received by April15. Mulch can be picked up or delivered.

Order at www.walkerchapel.org/aprilfest.An alternative is to print out the form, makeselections and mail in with a check to thechurch office or browse through the flow-ers lined along the sidewalk that day andpick up whatever suits one’s fancy on thespot.

Pick up pots of red, white, pink or rosegeraniums for $3.50 or larger pots for$6.75. Flats of marigolds or petunias for$15.85 or 6-packs for $2.85. Hanging bas-kets of Boston Fern, New Guinea Impatiensor Purple Verbena for $15.75. A variety ofherbs, peppers and other vegetables alsowill be available at Aprilfest but can’t beordered ahead since many are grown by

At approximately 2:32 p.m. on April 1,police were dispatched to the report of anassault that just occurred in the 600 blockof N. Oxford Street.

Upon arrival, it was determined that thefemale victim was walking in the area whenshe passed an unknown male suspect. Themale suspect called out to the victim andwhen she didn’t respond, he grabbed her

from behind and attempted to pull her to-wards his vehicle. The victim was able tobreak free from the suspect and run away,however, the suspect continued to watch thevictim from his vehicle until she entered herresidence. The victim did not require medi-cal treatment. The suspect fled the areaprior to police arrival.

Arriving officers canvassed the area and

Police Seek Public’s Assistance in Identifying Suspect of Attempted Abductiona lookout was broadcast. The suspect is de-scribed as a black male, with short dreads,possibly braids, with some orange, approxi-mately 6 feet tall, wearing a black shirt, lightgray zip up hoodie and dark graysweatpants. The suspect’s vehicle is de-scribed as an older, possibly late 1990’s orearly 2000’s, model pick-up truck that wasdark blue or black in color and looked “beat-

up.” Police have increased patrols in thearea.

Anyone with information surroundingthis incident is asked to contact DetectiveG. Sloan of the Arlington County PoliceDepartment’s Special Victim’s Unit at 703-228-4198 or at [email protected]. Toreport information anonymously, contactthe Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).

Petunias, 7,000 Books, Breakfast: What Could Be Better?Aprilfest returnsApril 21.

members of Walker Chapel, and availableplants will be dependent on the vagaries ofweather.

Take a break between books and bego-nias and head for the kitchen where the menand women of the church prepare the break-fast and lunch this year. Take a respite fromshopping by picking up a muffin or browniefrom the bake sale organized by the youth.

Aprilfest started in 1995 as a neighbor-hood gathering place. Larry Danforth, amember of the congregation, says HeberWillis is in charge of the event and “justabout everyone in the Chapel joins in be-cause we like to be the neighborhood gath-ering place not just for the church but for

love and friendship.” Proceeds from theevent are used to support local organizationssuch as A-SPAN, Arlington Thrive, AFAC,Arlington Free Clinic, and Christ House.

Walker Chapel annual used book sale at Aprilfest.

Walker Chapel annual plant saleat Aprilfest.

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Arlington Connection ❖ April 4-10, 2018 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC

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SeniorLivingSeniorLivingSeniorLivingAPRIL 2018APRIL 2018


Senior Living

See Culpepper Garden, Page 14

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

Just a shovelful of dirt tossed in theair. But it will mean renovation of204 apartments at Culpepper Gar-den for low and very-low income

seniors age 62 years and older so that theycan age in place. A groundbreaking eventwill be held on Wednesday, April 11 from1:30-2:30 p.m. at Culpepper Garden locatedat 4435 N. Pershing Drive. Katie Cristol,chair of the Arlington County Board, willgive opening remarks at the brief programand ceremony.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ar-lington founded Culpepper Garden in 1971.It currently includes 340 apartments builton four acres in three phases in the heart ofArlington using three Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD) programs. In 1975,204 independent living units opened fol-lowed by 63 independent units added in1992. Finally 73 assisted living units wereadded in 2000.

Susan Philp, chair of Arlington RetirementHousing Corporation (ARHC), the non-profit owner of Culpepper Garden, says theARHC Board began working on the projectin October 2016 and it is expected to becompleted in early 2021.

Linda Kelleher, executive director ofARHC, adds that action had been ongoingwhen she arrived in October 2015 and thearchitect had already been chosen as wellas the selection of Wesley Housing Devel-opment Corporation, the nonprofit partnerwho would lead them through the process.

Apartment renovations will include the

Apartments to gainsenior-neededamenities.

Major Renovation Begins at Culpepper Garden

Life at Culpepper GardenFile Photos by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection

Photos Contributed

Present bathroom at Culpepper Garden with mockup projection ofefficiency renovation.


Senior Living

By Shirley Ruhe

The Connection

It may seem like a long time until Septemberwhen the 36th year of the Northern VirginiaSenior Olympics (NVSO) kicks off.

But not for 83-year-old Chuck Toftoy fromArlington, who often enters 20 events, and says hepractices all year long.

Opening ceremonies for this year’s events arescheduled for Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. at Thomas JeffersonCommunity Center in Arlington, and the competi-tion is scheduled to end on Sept. 26.

The NVSO began in 1982 with about 80 peoplecompeting; last year there were 752 competitorssigned up for one or more of the 70 events offered.The events ranged from tennis, baseball throw, bocce,orienteering, swimming and diving, golf, corn holetoss, volleyball, and pickleball.

Three new sports have been added to the compe-tition this year including canasta, croquet and beachball wallyball. Herb Levitan, a member of the NVSOBoard, explains beach ball wallyball is like volley-ball but played on a racquetball court with abeachball which is bigger and softer than a volley-

ball. Levitan is currently preparing for the Virginiasenior games coming up soon where he swims fourfreestyle events.

Alease Brooks, 85, has been competing for 14 yearsand participated in 13 different sports in 2017. Buther favorite is pickleball. Her children have boughther T-shirts in different colors for her games and of-ten come to watch her and cheer her on.

Toftoy says this year he plans to reduce the num-ber of sports he enters so that he can concentrate onpickleball since he plans to enter singles, doublesand mixed competition this year.

Last year, 93-year old Henry Colette from Oaktonwas one of 19 bocce competitors. But for the lastseveral years he has been guaranteed a win becausethere was no one else in his age group competing.

Last year’s oldest competitor was 101 years oldwith her sport of choice was duplicate bridge.

Seniors participate for many reasons — some be-cause they like to stay busy and fit, others becausethey are returning to a high school or college sport,some because they like the community of friends theysee every year and others because they still “like todream big.”

This year’s games are expected to be held in 29venues including community centers, parks, highschools and other locations across Northern Vir-ginia. Registration for this year’s NVSO will openJune 1. This year NVSO is hoping to bring back the5k run and looking for an event director for thatevent. Those interested in volunteering can call 703-403-5360.

New this year:canasta, croquet andbeach ball wallyball.

Preparing for Senior Olympics


Senior Living

By John Byrd

Fred and Liz Saalfeld had occupiedtheir four-bedroom 2,800-square-foot Colonial in Springfield fornearly five decades when the un-

expected caused them to reconsider basichousing needs. Without warning, LizSaalfeld suffered a heart attack. Her mobil-ity — previously hampered by arthritis —now became seriously compromised.

Looking ahead, a wheelchair-access planalso now seemed prudent to Fred Saalfeld,who increasingly relied a pair of canes toget around.

The proposed retrofit was a tall order,however. The master bedroom was on thesecond floor; the laundry room in the base-ment. There was an open carport, but noextra storage space. The master bathroomwas just too narrow for a wheelchair — as-suming there was a way to mount the stairs.

Equally relevant, the home’s surroundinglandscaping was undeveloped, with a steep

hill in the backyard. There were places tosit, but no quiet places to stretch out andrelax.

Acting decisively, Saalfeld sought freshideas from local remodelers — eventuallydeciding on Michael Nash Kitchens and

Homes who had previously remodeled hiskitchen.

Solution addresseslong-term needsarising fromspouse’s stroke.

One-Level Master Suite Enables Aging-in-Place

The shower is equipped with grabbars, a bench and hand-heldnozzles — all of which FredSaalfeld uses in his daily bathingroutine.

The Saalfelds added a wheelchair friendly master suite to the four bed-room colonial they had occupied for over 50 years. The 1,200-square-foot addition extends from the old rear elevation into a formerly hillybackyard. The new addition includes a laundry, a spacious ADA (Ameri-cans with Disabilities Act) master suite with “his” and “her” wardrobeclosets. The French doors access a flagstone patio, and newly land-scaped grounds surrounded by a privacy fence. The addition also has adedicated HVAC system

See Aging-in-Place, Page 11


Senior Living

From Page 10

“Michael Nash was very responsive to ourneeds, and really understood Aging-In-Placeconsiderations,” Saalfeld said.

Part of that responsiveness arose fromSonny Nazemian, Michael Nash’s founderand president, and a Universal Design Cer-tified Remodeler (UDCR), who commenceddrafting design ideas with the Saalfelds onthe first meeting.

“Aging-in-place (AIP) is becoming one ofthe high-demand remodeling services seg-ments,” Nazemian said. “But it’s a specialtyarea — and requires staying on top of ever-

evolving ADA (American with DisabilitiesAct) regulations, and strict building codes.”

From the first, Nazemian pictured an ad-dition extending from the rear elevation.The Saalfeld would gain expanded sleep-ing quarters and each spouse would havetheir own walk-in closet. A wheelchair-friendly bathroom replete with in-showerbench, grab bars and hand-held body spraynozzles would be specially designed. Thelaundry room would be moved to the firstfloor

At 1,200 square feet, the new master suite

The flagstone patio immediately outside the master bedroom is linked toa network of walkways that segues to a gazebo, an herb garden and anexercise area for the family Irish setter. Owner Fred Saalfeld, who walkswith the aid of two canes, says the remodeling changes have created amajor quality of life improvement that has made it much easier to enjoythe home.

Before remodeling, the home’s existing backyard ascended at a 20degree angle from the rear door. To install the concrete base needed forthe new addition, remodeling Michael Nash had to remove and re-compact approximately six tons of dirt.

Aging-in-Place

See Aging-in-Place, Page 12


From Page 11

Senior Living

addition features a 14-foot cathedral ceil-ing and double French doors that segue toa flagstone patio. To create the needed 28'x 42' footprint, Nazemian excavated downthree feet from the existing surface, re-moved six metric tons of earth and — toachieve the necessary compaction —planted a grove of Tock’s shrubbery.

To control water runoff, designers intro-duced a French drain and swell linked toan infiltration trench.

With the foundation issues resolved, at-tention turned to the new addition’s spaceplan and design. Exterior brick cladding wasmatched to the home’s original masonrycreating a seamless enlargement of the ex-isting house. Interior floors were, likewise,milled and finished to blend with the hard-wood floors in the existing structure.

“The interior style is very consistentthroughout,” Saalfeld saiud. “It’s very muchone house.”

To ensure natural light and comfort,Nazemian specified low-E, double Argon-filled glass for all windows including a pairof double French doors that lead to the pa-tio. A smaller louvered door was createdfor the family’s Irish setter who exercises ina side yard.

A new split-system HVAC unit was in-stalled to provide the new addition with

dedicated heat and air control. The solu-tion proved to be a money-saver, since itconcentrates temperature requirements inrooms where the couple spend most of theirtime.

The master bathroom (at 200 square feet)is a masterpiece of efficiency and warmth.The door from the bedroom is 32” wide with

the 90 degree swing radius required by theADA-regulations — yet the interior designis soft and earthy, porcelain tiling offset bywalnut cabinet facings and a granite-toppedvanity.

Best yet, a series of well-defined walk-ways link garden focal points with a mid-yard gazebo. Surrounded by a privacy fence,

the grounds are a nicely protected Eden,perfect for quiet enjoyment.

For more information, call 703-641-9800or visit MichaelNashKitchens.com

John Byrd has been writing about home improve-ment for 30 years. He can be reached at703-715-8006, www.HomeFrontsNews.com [email protected]. Send photos of interestingremodeling projects to: [email protected].

One-Level Master Suite Enables Aging-in-Place

With a pair of walk-in wardrobe closets on the left,and access to a first level laundry and master bed-room on the right, the access corridor from the mainhouse is spacious. The French doors open into thedining room. Michael Nash matched the originalhardwood flooring to create a seamless unity be-tween the old house and the new addition.

The louvered door on the right is for the family’sIrish setter, who exercises in the side yard. Alldoors are at least 32 inches wide and have a 90degree clearing width.


Senior Living

From Page 8

“Flourishing After 55” fromArlington Office of Senior AdultPrograms for April 9-14.

Senior centers: Lee, 5722 LeeHwy.; Langston-Brown Senior Cen-ter, 2121 N. Culpeper St.; WalterReed, 2909 S. 16th St.; ArlingtonMill, 909 S. Dinwiddie St.; AuroraHills, 735 S. 18th St.

Senior trips: Odyssey’s CherryBlossom lunch cruise, Wednesday,April 11, $90; Dutch VillageFarmerssm Market, Upper Marlboro,Md., Thursday, April 12, $6;Timbuktu Restaurant, Hanover, Md.,Friday,

April 13, $5 (transportation only);

Ford’s Theater, “The Wiz,” matinee, Sat-urday, April 14, $55. Call ArlingtonCounty 55+ Travel, 703-228-4748. Reg-istration required.

NEW PROGRAMS:Earth Day Festival, free, all ages,

Monday, April 9, 10 a.m. - noon, Ar-lington Mill. Exhibits, demonstrations,recycling games. Details, 703-228-7369.

Medicare updates, Monday, April9, 11 a.m., Langston-Brown; Thursday,April 12, 11 a.m., Arlington Mill. Regis-ter, 703-228-6300 (L-B), 703-228-7369(AM).

New group for seasoned fisher-men and women, Monday, April 9,

10 a.m., Walter Reed. Details, 703-228-0955.

Guardianship versus power ofattorney, Tuesday, April 10, 1 p.m.,Lee. Register, 703-228-0555.

Ask A Nurse program to focuson health care directives, Tuesday,April 10, 11 a.m., Langston-Brown. De-tails, 703-228-6300.

Preparing to play pickleball,avoid common injuries, Tuesday,April 10, 11:30 a.m., Arlington Mill.Register, 703-228-7369.

The impact of clothes in his-tory, Tuesday, April 10, 11:15 a.m.,Lee. Details, 703-228-0555.

Live demonstration of Netflix,Wednesday, April 11. 6:30 p.m., Arling-

ton Mill. Details, 703-228-7369.The study of words, Wednesday,

April 11, 11 a.m., Lee. Register, 703-228-0555.

Arlington Walking Club totravel to Kenwood, Md. to viewcherry blossoms, Wednesday, April11, 9:30 a.m., $4. Register, 703-228-4403.

How to attract birds and butter-flies, Thursday, Apr1l 12, 10 a.m.,Walter Reed. Register, 703-228-0955.

Aqua exercise, deep waterclasses begin Thursday, Apr1l 12, 10a.m., Wakefield pool, $36/9 sessions.Register, 703-228-4771.

Read and discuss five plays byShakespeare’s contemporaries,

Friday, April 13, 1:30 p.m., AuroraHills, Register, 703-2228-5722.

Celebrate National Jazz Ap-preciation Month with KarenLovejoy and The LovejoyGroup, Friday, April 13, 11 a.m.,Walter Reed. Details, 703-228-0955.

A Matter of Balance classesbegin Friday, April 13, 1-3 p.m.,Aurora Hills. Register, 703-228-5722.

Ballroom dance, Friday, April13, 1 p.m., Arlington Mill. Details,703-228-0555.

Tai Chi practice with experi-enced volunteer, Saturday, April14, 9:15 a.m., Langston-Brown. De-tails, 703-228-6300.

“Flourishing After 55”

installation of individualcooling and heating controlsas well as new windows,bathroom fixtures, newkitchen cabinets and fixturesand new floors as well aswalk in showers instead ofbathtubs.

Dee Bevins, president ofthe Resident Association,says one of the big positivesfor her is “having real kitchencabinets. We have two littleshelves right now that can’thold much and since mostpeople are short the shelvesare too high to reach.”

Bevins adds another posi-tive is the walk-in showers.“Even as agile as I am, I usecream rinse on my hair, andthe floor gets slick. I have afear of falling.”

Kelleher explains thatwhen the original units weredesigned years ago theydidn’t understand the needsof this age group. Ten per-cent of the apartments willbe fully handicapped acces-sible with such accommoda-tions as lower counters in the kitchen andturnaround room for wheelchairs.

In addition, there will be extensive build-ing renovations including a new roof, re-placement of major systems and substan-tially upgraded elevators. Kelleher says el-evators breaking down were a significantproblem.

Residents will be temporarily relocatedon site during the renovation with phasedrenovation on 14-16 apartments at a time.Kelleher says they estimate it will take 6-8weeks for each apartment to be completed.She said it could be completed quickly sincethey are not tearing down any walls

Bevins said, “But for me it’s no big deal.I’ll just put everything in boxes and they’llmove it for me and then move it back.”

Kelleher says one of the most importantchanges for the residents will be the abilityto control their own heating and air condi-tioning. While the second and third addi-

tions have PTAC units, the original 204 old-est units had to decide as a group every yearwhen the heat went off and the air condi-tioning was turned on.

And Bevins says, “having your own hotwater. It used to get cold from everyoneusing it. Now we’ll have an on-demand sys-tem.”

In terms of the bigger public space, onething the residents requested and they wereable to accommodate was a change in thelaundry facilities. Currently 267 apartmentsare sharing five washers and dryers. “Nowwashers and dryers will be located on eachfloor and the residents can use a table in-stead of chairs cramped in a corner.”

She adds they will also be relocating ser-vices together on the lower level includingthings like the computer room, doctorspace, meeting space for programs and aphysical therapy area. Bevins said, “Wedon’t’ really know what’s going on with the

public space but one improvement will bethe mailboxes. A lot of people are too shortto get their mail. I have to stand on tiptoes.”

Culpepper Garden is Arlington’s largestaffordable community for low-income eld-erly and the only one that offers both inde-pendent and assisted housing. There is cur-rently a year waiting list for the indepen-dent living units. Culpepper Garden in-cludes a diverse population with 48 percentCaucasian, 12 percent Hispanic and theAsian and African American populationsboth 8 percent. The oldest resident is 101years of age and the average age 77 yearsold in independent living and 87 years oldin assisted living.

Bevins says the affordability of CulpepperGarden is the big positive for her becauseshe grew up in the Midwest where living wascheaper but moved here for her daughter andgrandchildren. “And I’m just a country girl,and lots of little trees here is wonderful.”

Kelleher explains thatCulpepper is committed tocreating a community of ser-vices to reduce social isola-tion and increase wellnessamong its residents. But theyare also committed to charg-ing the lowest rents that arenecessary to fulfill their mis-sion and little is left over tosupport these programs. “Sowe rely heavily on volun-teers.” For instance they havetwo people who work withresidents on their needs suchas health, transportation orconfusion about insuranceforms.

In addition, CulpepperGarden provides a medicalsuite for doctors on site butforgives them their rent. “Abeauty shop, the samething.” She added, “we havechair exercises but no oneteaches it right now. We justhave a video. We can’t affordit.” So they work with volun-teers, faith-based communi-ties, volunteers from thebusiness community andnonprofit partners to providewhat they can.

The average income of Culpepper resi-dents is less than $18,000 a year with 89percent of the residents having income ofless than $30,440. Rent is based on thebuilding, HUD program and rental subsidy.For instance, Kelleher explains that theyhave applied to HUD to get vouchers, whichwould reduce the rent for 141 of their resi-dents. “This has been particularly difficult.We know we qualify and we know themoney is there but we can’t even get a re-sponse from this Administration.”

She says they are getting closer and closer,and ARHC has expectations that they willreceive approval of the voucher, which willmean residents will only be required to pay30 percent of their income for rent. “But ifwe do not get the voucher, the ARHC Boardhas a short term and a long term plan tosubsidize all residents. They are commit-ted to ensure that no current resident isunable to live at Culpepper Garden.”

Major Renovation Begins at Culpepper Garden

Photos Contributed

Present kitchen at Culpepper Garden with mock up projection of efficiency renovation.


ONGOING“HALO-HALO.” Through April 7, open

24/7 at Metro Micro Gallery, 3409Wilson Blvd., on the corner of KansasStreet and Wilson Boulevard. Anexhibition of new works by NicoFertakis. The exhibition’s title,“HALO-HALO,” refers to a populardessert in the Philippines and means“mix-mix” or “mixed together” in theFilipino dialect, Tagalog. Visitwww.metromicrogallery.com.

Art Exhibit: “Spring Break.”Through April 27, gallery hours atGallery Underground, in the CrystalCity Shops at 2100 Crystal Drive.“Spring Break,” a seasonally-themedand colorful member show featuresworks depicting scenes of spring andvacation locales. Also featured, alongwith new works by Gallery members,is artwork by Marsha Brown, apainter, sculptor and ceramic artist inthe local area. Visit

www.galleryunderground.org or call571-483-0652.

“John.” Through April 29, at SignatureTheatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., AnnieBaker’s “John” at the Tony-winningSignature Theatre plays for fourweeks, running April 3 through April29, 2018. Visit SigTheatre.org.

Art Exhibit: “That’s Why I’mHere.” Through May 5 at CodyGallery, 1000 North Glebe Road, 2ndFloor. Marymount University’s CodyGallery will host an openingreception for the exhibition “That’sWhy I’m Here,” which features workby Kyle Bauer, Cynthia Connolly(Curator at Arlington Arts), ElizabethHuey, Kim Llerena, and JordanRathus. Works in the exhibition aremarked by experiences drawn fromthe environment, both real andimagined. Call 703-284-1500 or visitwww.marymount.edu and search“Cody Gallery.”

Gardening Lecture. Wednesdays,

through Oct. 10, 7 p.m. at theArlington Central Library, 1015 N.Quincy St. The Arlington FoodAssistance Center and the MasterGardeners of Northern Virginia willsponsor a free series of talks anddemonstrations about gardening. Inaddition to basic gardeningtechniques, topics will includeforaging for wild edibles, pollinators,food preparation and preservation,and more. All are welcome. Visitwww.afac.org/plot-against-hunger/pah-events/.

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

FRESHFARM Market. 3-7 p.m. on

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

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

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

Healthy Lifestyle Runs. Saturdays, 9a.m. at Roosevelt Island, GeorgeWashington Memorial Parkway.American Cancer Society partners

with parkrun USA to promote fitnessin the fight against cancer. Free. Visitwww.parkrun.us/rooseveltislanddc/for more.

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

Arlington’s Historical MuseumOpen on First Wednesdays. TheArlington Historical Museum is opento the public on the first Wednesdayof every month from 12:30-3:30 p.m.The museum consists of exhibitschronicling Arlington County’shistory from Native Americansettlements up to the present day.The museum will continue to be openon Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4p.m. Admission is free. The museumis located in the former 1891 HumeSchool building at 1805 S. Arlington

By Steve Hibbard

The Connection

With a cast of 12 stu-dents in grades 8-12, Encore Stage &Studio is present-

ing the musical, “James & the Gi-ant Peach,” from April 6-15 atGunston Arts Center - TheatreTwo, located at 2700 S. Lang St.,Arlington. The show is the culmi-nation of the Encore students’year-long studies.

When James is sent by his auntsto chop down their old fruit tree,he discovers a magic potion thatresults in a tremendous peach andlaunches a journey of enormousproportions. Suddenly, Jamesfinds himself in the center of thegigantic peach — among human-sized insects with equally over-sized personalities — but, after itfalls from the tree and rolls intothe ocean, the group faces a se-ries of mishaps and adventures.Thanks to James’ quick wit andcreative thinking, the residentslearn to live and work together asa family.

“It is a musical written by BenjPasek and Justin Paul, and they did‘La La Land’ and ‘The GreatestShowman.’ It’s based on the RoaldDahl book, ‘James and the GiantPeach’,” said Kelsey Meiklejohn,director and choreographer.

“It follows the orphan James re-ally on a journey to change hisfate. He ends up with two auntswho are atrocious. He escapesthem with the help of a magicalman and riding on a giant peachwith giant insects who have turnedinto humans. Those insects be-come his true family. That’s theplot,” said Meiklejohn, who is also

the secondary education programsmanager for Encore.

As far as challenges, she said:“Musicals have always been mypassion in theater so I love watch-ing the dancing, music and actingintegrate to tell a story. More ofthe challenges of this show comefrom how much action there is onstage. And imagination. There arelots of imaginative elements.”

The show includes over 15 cus-tom-built puppets that range fromgiant rhinos with red glowing eyesto spiders with edible legs, andalso friendly grasshoppers. “Howdo you show a peach flyingthrough the sky in a theater? So,we really brought in a lot of pup-petry and inventive costumes.

They wear shark heads and carryseagull puppets so they can por-tray two different moments at thesame time. So that’s been the big-gest challenge with this show,” shesaid.

Meiklejohn said the story isabout the importance of allowingchildren’s space for their voice tobe heard and allowing them tobecome leaders. “That is what gotto me about the story and wasimportant for me to propel for-ward and guide the show. There’sa wonderful line — ‘The world canchange because you believe it can.’James changes his own fate. Indoing so, he finds his true family,and that he could do that as a childis so important.”

“I also think it’s a fun look atfamily and the people who influ-ence our lives,” she said. “It hassome really quirky songs thatrange from old-school fiddling toa little bit of musical theater toLatin-inspired styles. It’s got some-thing for everyone.”

Gabe MacPhail, 14, of Arlington,plays the title role of James.“James lost his parents when hewas young and that messed withhim a lot because they were hisonly family that he had — so hethought,” he said. “He lived in anorphanage where he wantedsomething better than that and hewas getting desperate until it wastold to him that he has two auntswho were really mean. He has to

learn to rely on himself rather thanothers,” he said.

The St. Thomas More eighth-grader said his challenge was hav-ing to do so much in one show.“He’s (James) really in the entireshow — so really having to get alot of things down, and also at thesame time playing someone whois younger than me by four years,”he said.

He added: “It’s nice being ableto show this character throughmusic, but at the same time it’schallenging because it’s very high-alto music. It’s difficult to have tosing up one octave from myrange.”

Dahlia Vicens, 15, of Arlingtonplays the Earth Worm. “The EarthWorm is non-binary; she is a boyand a girl; she gets scared easily— like every little thing scares herand she freaks out,” she said.

Her biggest challenge was try-ing to get into the character of ablind worm and pretend to be aninsect. “There’s a scene whereJames shakes her hand and shedoesn’t know what it is. She com-pletely freaks out,” she said. “Also,the hardest part was balancingmusic and school, working on linesand also doing school work at thesame time. That was really hard.”

She added: “I sing a lot in theshow but the big song I get to singis called ‘Plump and Juicy,’ andhow I prepared for it was practic-ing a lot and working with DougUllman (music director) andKelsey (director) and asking themquestions.”

Mike Sarisky, 17, of Falls Churchplays the multiple roles of Narra-tor, Bobby Cop and Porter on aCruise Ship. “For the Narrator forLadahlord, I move the story along,introduce the story in the first

See Calendar, Page 16

Encore Stage & Studio presents musical based on Roald Dahl book.

The Adventures of ‘James & the Giant Peach’Entertainment

See ‘James,’ Page 17

Child actors from Encore Stage & Studio rehearse for “James & the Giant Peach,”which runs from April 6-15, at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two.

Pho

to

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on

tributed

CalendarSubmit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.

The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.


To highlight your Faith Community, call Don at 703-778-9420

DAILY EUCHARIST:WeekdaysMonday-Friday, 8:30 AMSaturday, 8:30 AM

SUNDAY LITURGY SCHEDULE:Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PMSunday: 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 AM1:30 PM Spanish Liturgy

5312 North 10th Street,Arlington, Virginia 22205Parish Office: 703-528-6276

PARISH WEBSITE:www.stannchurch.org

All AreWelcome!

See Calendar, Page 18

From Page 15

Ridge Road. Contact Garrett Peck at571-243-1113 or at [email protected].

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

Invasive Plants Removal. Workparties are held every month to keepthe parks free of destructive invasiveplants. Teens, adults and familieswelcome. Every second Sunday of themonth 2-4:30 p.m. at Gulf BranchNature Center, 3608 Military Road;call 703-228-3403. Every thirdSunday of the month 2-5 p.m. atLong Branch Nature Center, 625 S.Carlin Springs Road; call 703-228-6535 or Visitregistration.arlingtonva.us. Free, noregistration required.

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

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

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

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

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

Art for Life. Third Thursday of eachmonth. The Hyatt Regency CrystalCity’s “Art for Life” Partnership withNational Kidney Foundation brings anew artist each month to The Hyattfor a reception. Free. Visitwww.torpedofactory.org.

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

GYMNASTICS OPEN TRYOUTSArlington Gymnastics are holding

tryouts for both girls (Aerials) andboys (Tigers) competitive teamsduring April and May. For age 4 andolder. Tryouts are free. Visitwww.arlingtonaerials.org andsites.google.com/site/arlingtontigersva.

* Aerials Level 3 Tryouts – Saturday,April 14, 5-8 p.m.

* Aerials Pre-Team Tryouts – Saturday,April 21, 5-8 p.m.

* Aerials Xcel Gold Tryouts – Saturday,May 12, 5-7 p.m.

* Tigers Pre-team & Level 4 Tryouts –Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m.-noon

WEDNESDAY/APRIL 4National Walking Day. Walking is a

great way to promote health andwellness amongst employees,tenants, and friends. Form a walkingteam with coworkers, friends, orneighbors and register for the event.Arlington Transportation Partnerswill host several pit stops aroundArlington from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Visitarlingtontransportationpartners.com/NWD for more.

Interior Design Panel. 7 p.m. atMarymount University in the BallstonCenter Auditorium, 1000 NorthGlebe Road. Marymount Universityinvites the public to “DesignConversations: An Evening withDistinguished Marymount UniversityInterior Design Alums.” Panelistsinclude Tama Duffy Day of Gensler,Eileen Vitelli from Studio3877 andHGTV’s Tyler Wisler. Free. Thoseattending are asked to reserve theirspots at marymount.edu/design-conversations.

THURSDAY/APRIL 5Book Event: “Daingerfield

Island.” 7 p.m. at One More PageBooks, 2200 N. Westmoreland St. BillNewman will read excerpts from“Daingerfield Island” by John A.Wasowicz, an attorney and formerassistant county prosecutor inArlington. “Daingerfield Island”introduces readers to Mo Katz., Esq.,a fictional Alexandria attorney. Fiftypercent of the proceeds from booksales at the reading will be donatedto the Arlington CommunityFoundation’s William T. Newman Jr.fund, which provides scholarships tohigh school graduates who attend afour-year undergraduate college. Call703-300-9746 or visitwww.onemorepagebooks.com.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 5-8Spring Book Sale. Central Library

parking garage, 1015 N. Quincy St.The Friends of the Arlington Public

Library hold a massive used book saleeach spring and fall, which includesthousands of books for all ages andinterests, magazines, DVDs, CDs andLPs, games and puzzles. Visa,MasterCard, checks and cash areaccepted. Thursday is members onlynight (Friends memberships areavailable at the door), and onSunday all merchandise is half price.Visit library.arlingtonva.us/locations/central-library/.

FRIDAY/APRIL 6Northern Virginia Bird Club Walk.

8:30-11 a.m. at Long Branch NatureCenter, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road.Join members of the NorthernVirginia Bird Club for its monthlyinformal walk through Long Branchand Glencarlyn Parks in search ofresident and migratory birds.Experienced and beginning birderswelcome. Bring binoculars and fieldguides if you have them. Noregistration is required. Visitparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/long-branch-nature-center-park/.

Opening Reception: “SpringBreak.” 6-8 p.m. at at GalleryUnderground, in the Crystal CityShops at 2100 Crystal Drive. “SpringBreak,” a seasonally-themed andcolorful member show features worksdepicting scenes of spring andvacation locales. Also featured, alongwith new works by Gallery members,is artwork by Marsha Brown, apainter, sculptor and ceramic artist inthe local area. Visitwww.galleryunderground.org or call571-483-0652.

Calendar

Marymount University student Emma Grzymkowski’swork in progress, 2018.

Opening Reception: MarymountJuried Student Exhibition

Marymount University invites the public to a free opening reception for its An-nual Juried Student Exhibition. The exhibit will feature work from studentsmajoring in fine arts, fashion design, and graphic and media design. Friday, April6, 6-8 p.m. at The Barry Gallery, located in the Reinsch Library at Marymount,2807 North Glebe Road. The exhibit runs through May 6. Visitwww.marymount.edu/barrygallery.


From Page 15

number and also give James themagic he needs to begin the ad-venture. I prod James when heneeds me to. For the most part hedoes it on his own,” said the NOVAfreshman.

As far as challenges, he said: “Itwas figuring out why the narratoris guiding the story, why he is sing-ing the opening number. It wasn’tobvious in the beginning until meand my directors decided on onekey detail — that Ladahlord isJames as an adult retelling thestory. That’s the whole reason I’msinging this song describing thisamazing adventure that we’reabout the show the audience.”

Mia Randers-Pehrson, 16, ofReston plays the role of Sponge,one of James’ aunts. “She is an evilperson who takes James in whenhis parents die. Sponge loves foodand hates everything else exceptfor her sister Spiker,” said thehome-schooled sophomore.

She added: “Sponge is this veryover-the-top character and she’salmost inhuman in that she is aloud and big character. She’s par-ticularly large and doesn’t alwaysknow what’s going on…. For me,I don’t have that much experiencesinging so I spent more time work-ing on the songs. Also, experi-menting with different ways to saythe lines because they are so over-the-top and big.”

She said the audience takeawayfrom the show is that: “Friends arewhat matter most and can be yourfamily if you choose them,” shesaid.

Hazel Feldstein, 16, of FallsChurch plays the role of Spiker,one of James’ evil aunts. “I triedto get into her physically. We dida lot of stuff with accents and Itried to develop a nasty Cockneyaccent for her,” said the Common-wealth Academy 10th-grader.

She said the takeaways are thathopefully they’ll get a good laughout of the show. “Spiker and Spongeare the comic relief to let peoplehave a good time and make themlaugh and root against them be-cause they’re the villains,” she said.

Encore Stage & Studio is present-ing “James & the Giant Peach” fromApril 6-15. Tickets are $10. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday, April6-7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 7and Sunday, April 8 at 3 p.m.; Fri-day and Saturday, April 13-14, at7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sun-day, April 14-15 at 3 p.m. The venueis the Gunston Arts Center – The-atre Two, 2700 S. Lang Street, Ar-lington. Tickets are available onlineat www.encorestage.org or by call-ing the box office at 703-548-1154.

‘James’Entertainment


Animal Pajama Party. 6:30-7:30p.m. at Long Branch Nature Center,625 S. Carlin Springs Road. Dress incozy pajamas and bring a stuffedanimal friend to the nature center tolisten to stories and learn aboutwildlife at night. Ages 2-10. $5 perperson. Registration required.Register online or call 703-228-4747,using activity code 632918-Y.

Opening Reception: MarymountJuried Student Exhibition. 6-8p.m. at The Barry Gallery, located inthe Reinsch Library at Marymount,2807 North Glebe Road. MarymountUniversity invites the public to a freeopening reception for its AnnualJuried Student Exhibition. Theexhibit will feature work fromstudents majoring in fine arts,fashion design, and graphic andmedia design. The exhibit runsthrough May 6. Visitwww.marymount.edu/barrygallery.

Family Fun Night – TherapeuticRecreation. 6:30-8 p.m. atLangston-Brown Community Center,2121 N. Culpeper St. Once a monthdrop-in program designed forfamilies of children with disabilitiesages 4-17. Each month features adifferent activity, as well as self-guided activity stations includinggross motor, sensory, art, games, aquiet room and more. This night outas a family, is an opportunity to meetother families, and to have fun. Nopre-registration required. $1.50 perperson, cash only. Visitparks.arlingtonva.us/locations/langston-brown-community-center-park.

Families Giving Back FamilyNight. 7-9 p.m. at Arlington MillCommunity Center, 909 S. DinwiddieSt. A night of fun and communityservice. Complete multiple family-friendly service projects together;families who complete three or moreprojects get the chance to bounce onthe inflatables. Free; no registrationrequired. Visit parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/arlington-mill-community-center.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 6-8“James & the Giant Peach.” Friday-

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 3 p.m. at Gunston ArtsCenter – Theatre Two, 2700 S. LangSt. When James is sent by his auntsto chop down their old fruit tree, hediscovers a magic potion that resultsin a tremendous peach. James findshimself in the center of the giganticpeach – among human-sized insects

with equally over-sized personalities– but, after it falls from the tree androlls into the ocean, the group faces aseries of mishaps and adventures.Recommended for ages 6 and older.$10. Visit www.encorestage.org orcall 703-548-1154.

SATURDAY/APRIL 7Opening Day for Trails Fun Run

5K. 9 a.m. starting at Bluemont ParkPicnic Pavilion; 5K on the W&ODTrail and the Four Mile Run Trail.Sixth annual Opening Day for Trails(Opening Day). RTC’s Opening DayFun Run 5K is a free and family-friendly way to explore two of theregion’s iconic trails while showingsupport for the Capital TrailsCoalition vision of creating a world-class regional trail network. Visitrailstotrails.org/openingday.

From Page 16

Calendar

Ball-Sellers House Season OpeningVisit the oldest house in Arlington County, a farmhouse built in the 1740s. Get

a free tour with knowledgeable docents in costume. Enjoy colonial era sweet treatsand beverages. Step back in time and find out how real colonial Virginians lived.Something for all ages. Saturday, April 7, 1-4 p.m. at Ball-Sellers House Museum,5620 3rd St., South. Free. Call 703-892-4204 or visit arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Photo couresty of AHS

Ball-Sellers House open free to the public Saturdays, 1-4p.m. April-October.

Dr. Eleanora Troja

Lecture onCollision ofNeutron Stars

Marymount University invites the pub-lic to its annual Myhill Memorial Lecture,which will be given by Dr. Eleanora Trojaof the University of Maryland and NASA’sGoddard Space Flight Center. Troja willdescribe the discovery of the first gravi-tational wave signal from the collision oftwo neutron stars in a galaxy 130 millionlight years away. Free. A dessert recep-tion will follow in the Lee ReceptionRoom. Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. inReinsch Auditorium on the MarymountUniversity’s main campus, 2807 N. GlebeRoad. Visit www.marymount.edu/Home/News-Events.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

I have not been collecting return-addresslabels for years. I have however, been receiv-ing them for years. Either as thank yous forcharitable contributions made or as induce-ments for charitable contributions yet to bemade. Regardless of the reason, I have hadan ample supply until recently. And they haveserved me well as both a reminder of what Ihave and have not done. And over time, theyhave most definitely served their purpose.Amazingly though, the pages of return-address labels in inventory has been shrinkingof late. Due to some combination of my lackof charitableness as well as a reduction in thenumbers of unsolicited charitable quid proquos (there may be a relationship there).

Let me be clear: I am under no delusionor pressure to respond to these let-ters/requests for money. Just because I receivethem doesn’t mean I must adhere to them.They’re hardly a subpoena nor are they pay-ment for services rendered. They are merelya pre-approach-type solicitation mailed to meat my home offering goods (the labels) forservices (my contribution) not yet rendered.Opening an envelope and reading its con-tents doesn’t make me a partner in their pur-suit of my dollars.

But what exactly is the protocol here?Certainly I can understand keeping and/orusing the return-address labels if I make acontribution, but what if I don’t make a con-tribution? Do I have to throw these perfectlygood return-address labels away? Don’t someof these labels, by their design/content – andultimately by their use by yours truly, indi-rectly support the original sender’s cause?Isn’t their use some kind of tacit paying-itforward-type approval/contribution on mypart? I realize money and/or in-kind contribu-tions likely help more, but is there use by anon-contributor not abuse at all? After all, I’msort of passing the word/keeping their chaingoing, aren’t I?

If all is fair in love and war, certainlythere’s a little wiggle room in the world ofmailing unsolicited inducements to unsus-pecting recipients? I mean, I’m not asking fortrouble here, am I? I’m merely asking forsome understanding and clarification. If whatwas sent to me – not at my request and notas part of a phone conversation securing acommitment, was not my doing, then whyam I responsible for it being done?

Obviously the labels are a convenience forme, and that is worth some amount of moneyand time that now I’m not having to spend.Still, it feels like an intrusion of sorts, amethod to their madness – presumably, butto me a presumption, nevertheless. Andthat’s just a few letters away from an assump-tion, and you all know what is said aboutassuming?

I suppose if you cast a wide enough netyou’re going to catch a few contributors whodon’t find anything fishy about this direct mailprocess and who feel compelled to respondfavorably – so to speak, because a good deedhas been for them. And if a good deed (or a“solid,” to quote Detective AndySipowitz/Dennis Franz from NYPD Blue)deserves another then contributions will bemade and address labels will be affixed.

But after years of receiving these return-address-labels-masquerading-as-solicitations-for-contributions – to a variety of charities,some more well known than others, I don’tfeel the least bit stuck in my decision to usethese return address labels as I see fit. In away, I am the beneficiary of their largess andin turn, they are the beneficiary of my non-cash contribution. It’s sort of a win-win. But Idon’t suppose that was their intention. I sup-pose they wanted more, not less.

Label MePresumptuous

From Page 5

From Page 3

News

arlnvil.org/.Arlington Committee of 100 Program. 7 p.m.

at Phelan Hall - Marymount University, 2807 N.Glebe Road. What will be the Impact of the2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act on Arlington? Jointhe Committee of 100 for an initial assessmentof the impact of the Act on Virginia, onArlington, and on individuals. The program isopen to the public. To purchase dinner,reservations must be made by Sunday, April 8.Reserve at www.arlingtoncommitteeof100.org/get-involved/make-a-reservation/

THURSDAY/APRIL 12YEA! Investor Panel. 6-8 p.m. at Marymount

University (Ballston Center), 2807 N. GlebeRoad. Watch as YEA! students pitch theirbusiness ideas to a panel of investors for achance to receive start-up capital to launch theirbusiness. Two investor panelist seats remain.Contact the Chamber today to participate. Visitarlingtonchamber.org.

SATURDAY/APRIL 14Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. 10 a.m.-

noon. Join ACE for the 30th Annual PotomacWatershed Cleanup. ACE is joining a multi-statenetwork of supporters working with the AliceFerguson Foundation to make the watershedcleaner and raise awareness about the problemof litter in our region. Register atarlingtonenvironment.org.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 14-15Expedition Hackathon. Starts April 14, 9 a.m.,

ends April 15, 6 p.m. at George MasonUniversity Arlington Campus - Founders Hall;3351 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington. This year’shackathon challenge will focus on creating asolution to help combat human trafficking orassist its victims. Visit expeditionhacks.com/combating-human-trafficking.

SUNDAY/APRIL 15Essay Contest Submission Deadline. The

Arlington Historical Society, in partnership withColumbia Lodge No.285, is pleased to announcetheir 2018 8th grade and high school studenthistorical writing contest. Visitwww.arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Bulletin Board

Association, gesturing into the audiencein attendance at the School Board meeting.“It is people that drive the education in Ar-lington. It is people who will judge us onour success or failure.”

Other parents and students, including asong performed by a student choral group,came out in support for maintaining fund-ing for arts programs, another area seeingbelt-tightening measures in the proposedbudget.

“I’ve lived in Arlington for 10 years butthis is my first time speaking at a SchoolBoard meeting,” said Jennifer Smith. “I’mhere to ask us to maintain, not cut, fundsfor art positions.”

The School Board chair, BarbaraKanninen, said that the School Board mem-bers were still reviewing the budget and lis-tening to public feedback on the budgetitems, and thus wouldn’t respond to indi-vidual petitions or requests. Kanninen saidthe budget will be proposed at the April 5School Board meeting.

“We’re in the stage of listening, engaging,and reading emails,” said Kanninen. “We’retrying to build the best possible budget.”

Parents


ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

FOR YOUR TOYOTA

WELCOME TO ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA’SPERSONALIZED CAR CARE EXPERIENCE

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