opinion, page 4 supervisor presents vienna, hunter mill...

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WellbeingPage 7

Student Peace Awards PresentedNews, Page 3

Vienna Police HighlightsNews, Page 2

Supervisor Presents Vienna, Hunter Mill Priorities

News, Page 12

Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill) holds his first Vienna Town Hall Meeting, ‘with many more to come.’

2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ March 4-10, 2020 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

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The following summary con-tains various incidents of generalinterest as well as vehicularcrashes handled by the Town ofVienna Police Department fromFeb. 21 – Feb. 27, 2020.

INCIDENTSSuspicious Event — 600 Block

Tazewell Road, NW Feb. 18, 4 p.m.A resident reported an encounterwith a neighbor that made her feeluncomfortable. The neighbor wasadvised by the police that the resi-dent requested he has no furthercontact with her.

Police Service — 200 Block ParkTerrace Court, SE Feb. 21, 3:23a.m. Officers responded, at therequest of the resident, to assist inremoving his friend, a woman,from the apartment. The womanwas very cooperative and left theapartment with the officers. Theresident, who showed signs ofimpairment, then began yelling atthe officers. The officers remainedin the parking lot with the womanuntil an Uber arrived for her.

Stolen Vehicle — 600 Block JohnMarshall Drive, NW Between Feb.

20 at 9 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 6 a.m.A resident reported that her un-locked vehicle was stolen from herdriveway.

Fraud — 900 Block Plum Street,SW Between Feb. 13 at 12 p.m.and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. A residentreported that a few months ago,an unknown person unsuccessfullyattempted to use his wife’s per-sonal information to obtain moneyfrom their bank account. Recently,an unknown person has used hispersonal information to obtainmoney from the account.

Fraud — 300 Block JohnsonStreet, SW Feb. 20, 12 p.m. A resi-dent reported that he received anemail stating he had won a largesum of money from Reader’s Di-gest. The resident was instructedto send a certified check to ensurethe collection of his winnings. Af-ter the resident sent the check, hedetermined the email was fraudu-lent.

Vandalism — Vienna Elemen-tary School 128 Center Street,South Between Feb. 21 at 5:30p.m. and Feb. 24 at 6:20 a.m. Anunknown person vandalized twoschool buses in the parking lot.

Domestic Dispute — GlyndonLane, SE Feb. 21, 8:04 p.m. A resi-dent reported a verbal dispute be-tween him and his wife.

Arrest – Driving While Intoxi-cated — Maple Avenue near FollinLane, NE Feb. 22, 2:59 a.m. Sgt.Ruddy observed a vehicle beingdriven with a flat tire and initiateda traffic stop. Upon the officer’sinteraction with the driver, shedetected signs of impairment. Theissue with the tire appeared to bethe result of an accident. Thedriver reported that she had beeninvolved in an accident in FairfaxCounty. After the driver failed tocomplete a series of field sobrietytests, Sgt. Ruddy arrested the 22-year-old woman from LeehighDrive in Fairfax. She was trans-ported to the Fairfax County AdultDetention Center, where a sampleof her blood was drawn for analy-sis and she was charged with Driv-ing While Intoxicated. FairfaxCounty Police were advised of thearrest for their accident investiga-tion.

Open Door — 600 BlockTazewell Road, NW Feb. 22, 8:20p.m. Officers responded to the re-port of a suspicious woman in thedriveway of a vacant house that isunder construction. The womanwas gone when officers arrived.The officers checked the house andfound the front door was unse-cured. The officers checked theinterior of the home and foundthat nothing appeared to havebeen disturbed.

Suspicious Event — 1000 BlockMountfort Court, SW Feb. 22, 8:50p.m. A resident believed someonewas in her home after she heard adoor open and the sound of foot-steps inside the residence. Offic-ers searched the home but foundno sign of an intruder.

Domestic Dispute — HillcrestDrive, SW Feb. 23, 10:13 a.m. Of-ficers responded to a 911 hang up.The resident reported that her ju-venile daughter called 911 afterbecoming upset with her when shetook her cell phone. The juvenilewas counseled on the proper useof the 911 system.

Vienna Police Highlights

Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ March 4-10, 2020 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News Vienna/Oakton Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Mercia HobsonThe Connection

The 2020 Student Peace Awards of FairfaxCounty, held Sunday, March 1, recognizedhigh school junior and senior students at24 public and two private high schoolsin the county who made a positive contribution totheir school or wider community by promoting mu-tual understanding and respect for all people. Heldat the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center inFairfax, sponsors, family and friends celebrated theaccomplishments of the recipients at a public recep-tion.

Last fall, organizers asked the schools’ principalsto nominate one outstanding student or studentgroup for the award, proactively seeking a likelynominee. This year’s recipients worked as peacemak-ers in a variety of settings according to emcee, Mar-garet Fisher, who during her remarks at Sunday’sreception gave a brief overview of each student’s ac-complishment.

According to Fisher, in Vienna at Cedar LaneHigh School, Senior Sage Quick and Junior WillLaWalt volunteered to serve as peers in a Personal

Development class that taught social skills, decision-making, and coping strategies for difficult or con-fusing situations. “Peers model communication skillsas they listen to students talk about their interestsand concerns. They then help the students in the classremain calm and focused,” Fisher said.

Sarah Gu is a Senior at McLean HighSchool. When she visited her family in China therethe last five summers, she offered the children freelessons in English and current affairs. According toFisher, Gu eventually grew her program into an or-ganization called “The Windows,” which served over600 children.

At Oakton High School, Fisher said thatRoudah Chaker put in hundreds of volunteer hourspacking meals, participating in back-to-school drivesfor orphanages, distributing needed items to thehomeless, and raising $3000 for Syrian refugees. “Sheis also active politically, working to correct policiesthat directly harm those who want to come to theU.S. for its promise of peace,” said Fisher.

Senior and junior high school students honored.

Student Peace Awards Presented

See Peace Awards, Page 6

From left: Vice-Chair of theFairfax County Board ofSupervisors Penny Gross(D-Mason District), Chair ofthe Fairfax County SchoolBoard Karen Corbett Sand-ers (Mount Vernon), U.S.Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11),Fairfax County SchoolBoard Members KarenKeys-Gamarra (At-Large)and Melanie Meren (HunterMill District).

Family, friendsand loved onespack the com-munity centerat the 2020Student PeaceAwards ofFairfax County.

What Do Award Recipients Say?

Viewpoints

Samantha (Sage) Quick,Senior, Cedar Lane HighSchool: I have the privilege ofassisting in a personal develop-ment classroom, and they arethe true peacemakers. Thestudents I work with teach methe empathy and love I hadunlearned through the traumaslife bares. They repair my heart.William (Will) LaWalt, Jr.,Cedar Lane HighSchool:The peace awardmeans a lot to me; it shows methat my work at Cedar Lane washelpful and appreciated.

Daphne May, Senior, Madi-son High School: One of themost wonderful parts of advo-cacy and peace work is beingpart of a community of suchdedicated, compassionatepeople that inspire and supporteach other.

Zamir Ticknor, Junior,George C. Marshall HighSchool: When I was nomi-nated, the word “peace” reallystuck with me, because itemphasizes the values I hold:encompassing inclusion, envi-ronmental protection, humanrights, tolerance, and intercul-tural understanding. All of theseconcepts are what I value in thispeace award…I sincerelybelieve that by helping others,encouraging tolerance, andmutual understanding shapesociety into a more welcomingenvironment that acceptseveryone of all backgrounds.These are some of the elementsthat encourage peace.

Sarah Gu, Senior, McLeanHigh School

Roudah Chaka, Senior,Oakton High School

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection


Opinion

By Kenneth R. “Ken” PlumState Delegate (D-36)

The General Assembly isin the final week of itsscheduled 60-day annual session—sched-uled to adjourn sine die on March7. The session has already madehistory with the actions that havebeen taken, and that history willbe added to in its last week. Resolution of re-maining issues will determine just how historic

the session will be and howstrong the forces of “wehave always done it thisway” are.

A majority of both the House and the Senatemembers agree that the minimum wage shouldbe increased—actually should have been in-creased years ago. The current minimum of$7.25 is an embarrassment. But discussionscontinue to be held on how much the increaseshould be. Should there be incremental in-creases over time? Should increases be state-wide or regional? What jobs should the in-crease cover?

Almost every member ran for office with a

promise to clean up the environ-ment. How should we get to acleaner economy in the state?What should be the timeline onenvironmental legislation as ex-perts advise us on the impendingclimate change crisis? Are con-sumers willing to pay more to getcleaner electricity?

How strict should backgroundchecks be for firearm transfers? A

slim majority support my bill to require a back-ground check on all firearm transfers. Othersare vehement about having background checksfor only firearm purchases. Should compro-mises be made on gun safety measures de-signed to reduce gun-related violence?

Should public employees be allowed to bar-gain with local governments on the conditionsand compensation for employment? Or shouldthey only be able to meet and discuss theirwages and conditions with local governmentswith no power to bargain? Should all employ-ees be required to pay dues to unions that arerepresenting their interests?

How often should vehicles have a safety in-spection? For many years the requirement wastwice annually. Most recently it has been once

annually. Most states have dropped the require-ment. Would every other year be adequate?

With gasoline tax revenues declining as au-tomobiles get more mileage per gallon, shouldthe gas tax be increased to make up for theloss? Or should cars be taxed on the distancethey travel in a year? And what about electricvehicles that do not burn any gas? Should webe making a greater investment in our trans-portation infrastructure?

Should a constitutional amendment be ap-proved setting up an independent redistrict-ing commission or is there another way to trymake sure districts can be drawn fairly with-out incumbents alone picking their voters?

I have made my views public on these andother issues over the years. In a legislative ses-sion all views must be considered: urban, sub-urban, rural; Democratic, Republican, Social-ist (there is one); conservative, moderate, lib-eral; etc. In most instances a compromise canbe reached in conference committees such asthose that are now meeting. Other issues willbe put off for another year. Regardless of whathappens with remaining issues, the 2020 ses-sion will go down in history as truly a remark-able one with the many tough issues that havealready been resolved.

Work Is Not Yet Done

Letters to the Editor

Commentary

Dear Parents and Staff,

FCPS is working closely with theFairfax County Health Departmentto monitor the latest updatesabout the coronavirus (COVID-19). We are reinforcing the im-portance of ensuring students arefollowing proper handwashingprocedures before eating and af-ter sneezing, coughing, or usingthe bathroom. We realize that timeis a valuable commodity duringthe school day, and in today’s en-vironment, hand washing shouldbe a priority, so we are encourag-ing staff to provide ample time for

students to wash their hands. Weare reinforcing with our custodialteams the importance of followingour standard cleaning protocols byusing hospital-grade disinfectantson frequently-touched surfacessuch as doorknobs, faucet handles,and handrails. Hand sanitizer isavailable in all schools and if a stu-dent is showing signs of a cold orthe flu, they should stay home.

As indicated in my message toyou last week, FCPS is in the pro-cess of reviewing and updating itsexisting pandemic influenza re-sponse plan. The plan addressesthe specific activities necessary to

Coronavirus Update - Message from the Superintendent - March 2keep schools open and operatingwhile providing a clean and safeenvironment during an outbreakand the essential functions thatmust be performed by FCPS ifschools are closed. FCPS will con-tinue to work closely with healthofficials to prepare for various sce-narios that could develop.

Our overall goal would be to doall we can to maintain continuityof operations while minimizingstudent and staff exposure.

As of today, there are no con-firmed COVID-19 cases in FairfaxCounty or the D.C. region. Up-dated information is being posted

to this webpage: FCPS coronavirus-update and additional informationis available from the Fairfax CountyHealth Department .

To date, FCPS has cancelled in-ternational field trips and short-term visitations to and from somecountries, based on CDC guide-lines.

We will continue to provide youregular updates as this situationcontinues to rapidly evolve.

Sincerely,

Scott BrabrandSuperintendent, Fairfax

County Public Schools

To the Editor:We don’t have time to waste in

the face of the climate crisis. A re-cent climate report from the Na-tional Audubon Society revealedthat two-thirds of North Americanbird species are vulnerable to ex-tinction from climate change, in-cluding nearly 70 species found inVirginia.

From the coasts of the Chesa-peake Bay to the forests of the BlueRidge Mountains, birds like theField Sparrow and Cerulean War-bler may lose nearly all of theirseasonal habitat range. We needpractical, ambitious climate solu-tions to protect our state’s birds.

The Virginia Clean Economy Act

(HB 1526 / SB 851) can help byleading our state on a path toachieve a 100 percent carbon-freeeconomy that will help our birds,our environment, and our commu-nities thrive.

This bill is not the only step Vir-ginia should take to address cli-mate change—but it’s a great firststep. I urge Senator Barker and the

General Assembly to make cut-ting carbon emissions a top prior-ity. We must act now to make Vir-ginia a climate leader and preventanother year of inaction.

Nikka De MesaNational Audubon Society

Springfield

The Connection welcomes views on any public issue.The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must besigned. Include home address and home and business num-bers. Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar,

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Vienna & Oakton


News

Oakcrest School earned a spotin the Virginia Science Olympiadhigh school state tournament byfinishing in fifth place at the re-gional competition held at theUniversity of Mary Washington onSaturday, Feb. 8.

Oakcrest was the only all-girlsschool among the eleven in thehigh school competition, whichincluded Thomas Jefferson HighSchool for Science and Technology,Fairfax High School and McLeanHigh School. With two teams in thehigh school division, Oakcrest tookfirst place among the eleven highschools in the Anatomy and Physi-ology competition, and fourth inthe coding-intensive DetectorBuilding category.

Oakcrest was also the only all-girls school among the thirteenmiddle schools that competed inthe regional tournament. With oneteam in the middle school division,Oakcrest placed tenth out oftwenty teams.

Notable high school studentachievements included:

❖ Mackenzie M. (‘20): Firstplace, Anatomy & Physiology

❖ Rachel F. (‘22) and Faven K.(‘23): Second place, Gravity Ve-hicle

❖ Sofia J. (‘21) and Hannah L.(‘21): Fourth place, DetectorBuilding

❖ Rachel F. (‘22) and Grace C.(‘22): Sixth place, Fossils

Notable middle school studentachievements included:

❖ Vivian K. (‘25) and AshleighY. (‘25): Fourth place, Heredity

❖ Megan B. (‘25) and MaddieM. (‘26): Sixth place, Density Lab

“It was a wonderful team effortacross the board. The girls repre-sented Oakcrest very well!” saidScience Olympiad coach andOakcrest science teacher Dr. KatHussmann.

This will be the second year in arow that Oakcrest sends studentsto the Virginia Science OlympiadState Tournament. In 2019,Oakcrest was the first ever all-girlsteam to compete in the state tour-nament and Dr. Hussmann re-ceived the Virginia Science Olym-piad Coach of the Year award.States will take place on March 28at the University of Virginia.

Oakcrest Advances to States in theVirginia Science Olympiad

Photo contributedOakcrest’s entire Science Olympiad team.

Several months ago, readerslearned about the opening ofa sparkling new restaurant inVienna, Blend 111. With itsnew chef, Joshua Dixon, theclassy eatery has tweaked itsstandard menu to add a fewwintery offerings: for ex-ample, the seasonal arepasvenezolanas (a Latino sand-wich on cornmeal flatbread)is now tainted pink by sea-

sonal beets, making a charm-ing treat; the once-specialbouillabaisse is now on thestandard menu and is an idealseafood-centric offering; andthe French omelette with itsmelted cheese filling is aperfect lunch/brunch dish forcold (or hot) weather.

Blend 111, 111 Church St.,Vienna, 571-363-3613

New at Blend 111


South Lakes High School inReston is where LindseyHirshfeld goes to school and isa senior. “Hirshfeld feels empathyfor classmates who are strugglingto overcome a variety of issues thatmake them feel isolated. Shehelped raise money for childrenwith brain tumors, organized cul-tural festivals to showcase diver-sity, and helped stage a school-wide silent protest against gun vio-lence,” said Fisher.

At South County HighSchool in Lorton, SiedeenAhmed, Senior founded SouthCounty’s Interfaith Club to providea safe space for student-led discus-sions. “She is also the President ofStallions with Refugees. Her goalis to spread the message that allstudents, including immigrantsand refugees, are welcome andvalued,” said Fisher.

One after another, Fisher readprofiles of youth who made a dif-ference, some locally likeCatherine Soto, Senior at LeeHigh School in Springfield.

“Soto helped create the Best Bud-dies chapter at Lee High School.Soto and her fellow Best Buddiesleaders were responsible for re-cruiting general education stu-dents who wished to build a rela-tionship with the special needs stu-dents who might not otherwisehave had the opportunity to en-gage with the student community,”said Fisher.

Others made differences toworld neighbors, like BetsabePardo, Senior at MountainView High School inCentreville. Pardo raised moneyto bring safe drinking water tocommunities around the world.

Dignitaries acknowledged theachievements of the recipients.U.S. Rep. Gerry Connelly (D-11)said, “I congratulate this year’s re-cipients of the Student PeaceAwards. Their leadership and com-mitment to being peacemakersand fostering mutual respect forour differences are bringing posi-tive change and inclusivity to ourcommunity.”

Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Ma-son District) shared a letter from

From Page 3

NewsPeace Awards Presented

Chair of the Fairfax County Boardof Supervisors, Jeffery McKay. Sheread: “I am always proud to seethe level of commitment our stu-dents in Fairfax County put towardimproving our community. It is thisinspiring energy and action, com-bined with Fairfax County resi-dents’ diverse experiences that al-low us to consistently strive to-

ward creating a better communityfor all.”

In her remarks , Gues tSpeaker Kendyl Crawford, Di-rector of Virginia InterfaithPower & Light addressed theeffect of climate change onpeace. Crawford said she wasamazed at the students’ effortsto care not only for their neigh-

bors but to repair relationshipswith Mother Earth.

The awardees received $250,plus another $100 to be given toany nonprofit organization oftheir choice that operated in thespirit of the Peace Awards. Thestudents also received the book,Sweet Fruit from a Bitter Tree byMark Andreas.

Margaret Fisher emcees the 2020 StudentPeace Awards of Fairfax County held at theStacy C. Sherwood Community Center,Fairfax, on Sunday, March 1.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) offershis congratulations to the recipients ofthe 2020 Student Peace Awards ofFairfax County.

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The Connection


Wellbeing

By Marilyn CampbellThe Connection

March is self-injury prevention month,a time when mental health profes-sionals work to raise awareness ofthe condition, recognize the signs and work toremove the stigma. Known by clinicians as non-suicidal self-injury, the behavior is described asintentionally harming oneself without intend-ing to end one’s life. The population most likelyto engage in self-harm behaviors range frommiddle school through college, according to theAmerican Psychological Association.

“When teens begin engaging in cutting be-havior it is typically because they are feelingoverwhelmed by intense feelings or emotionsand don’t have the coping skills to manage orrespond to how they feel, said therapist CarolBarnaby, MSW, LCSW.

“Adolescents might self-injure to distractthemselves from intense negative emotions ofsadness or anger, or emotional numbness,added Jerome Short, Ph.D., Associate Profes-

self-harming releases the body’s natural opiates andendorphins that help them manage their feelings,”said Joanne Bagshaw, Ph.D., Professor of Psychol-ogy at Montgomery College. “On the flip side, a teenwho is shut down or who feels numb might self-harmto feel their feelings. Alternatively, self-harm may befor the teen to communicate that they need help.”

Several factors might trigger self-inflicted injuries.“Childhood abuse and conflicted parental relation-ships may trigger self-injury,” said Short. “Self-injurymay be a sign of depression, anxiety, substance use,or post-traumatic stress disorders.”

Parents who suspect that their child might be en-gaging in intentional self-injury should avoid criti-cism and seek mental health treatment. “Parentsshould not ignore the problem,” said Short. “If chil-dren engage in life threatening behavior, they shouldtake them to a hospital.”

Noticing those marks, however,could require careful attention.“Teens who self-injure often hidethe marks that self-injury mightcause,” said Child PsychologistStacie Isenberg, Psy. D. “For ex-ample, they may wear a long-sleeved shirt in hot weather ifthere are marks on their arms ormultiple bracelets if there aremarks on their wrists.”

“If parents feel that their teen is engaging in self-harm behaviors they should show compassion fortheir child and get help, added Barnaby. “Self-harmbehavior is very treatable with early intervention.“

Inflicting Pain to Gain ReliefSelf Injury Awareness Month is a timeto learn about the condition and erase the stigma.

“Self-injury may be a sign ofdepression, anxiety, substanceuse, or post-traumatic stressdisorders.”

— Jerome Short, Ph.D., Associate Professorof Psychology at George Mason University

sor of Psychology at George Mason University.“They may also want to punish themselves orexpress a need for help.”

Cuts and burns on the wrists or thighs areamong the most common signs of self-injury.“Parents may notice their children have unex-plained cuts, burns, or bruises,” said Short.“Adolescents may wear clothing or bracelets tocover themselves even in very warm settings.Parents may find knives or razors in theirchildren’s rooms or notice they are missing fromthe home.”

“Other signs that your child may be cuttinginclude marks on the skin from scratching, us-ing a paper clip or skin picking, advises Barnaby.“Multiple similar marks on the skin in closeproximity for which your child has no explana-tion,’ said Barnaby.

While cutting and burningoneself causes pain initially,that pain can evolve into re-lief. “Sometimes cutting canbe habit-forming or becomecompulsive, said Barnaby.“This in simple terms, meansthat the more the personcuts the more they feel theneed to do it and their brainassociates cutting with re-lief.”

Teens might turn to self-injury as a way ofregulating their emotions. “For teens who arefeeling a lot of strong and intense emotions,

StacieIsenberg

“Self-harm behavioris very treatablewith earlyintervention.”

— Carol Barnaby, LCSW

JeromeShort


See Calendar, Page 10

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/.The deadline is noon on Friday.Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOINGHogwart’s Vacation Bible School

Registration. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. Thecamp dates are June 22–26, 2020 for morningor afternoon sessions. Children 5 through 11years old are invited to participate in thispopular and unique summer camp experiencewhich explores the Christian themes and lessonsin the Harry Potter stories. Holy ComforterEpiscopal Church in Vienna is magicallyconverted into Hogwarts School where childrenattend “classes” taught by favorite professorsincluding Professors McGonagall, Snape, Hooch,and Binns. Teenage prefects lead age levelgroups to their activities and all students share aclosing snack in the Great Hall. This year’stheme will be based on book 2, Harry Potter andthe Chamber of Secrets. Registration forms willbe in the Church Office and online. Moreinformation: http://www.holycomforter.com/Children/Vacation_Bible_School/

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, asenior women’s softball league, is looking forplayers. Any woman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome.They play on Wednesday evenings and Saturdaymornings in Vienna. For more information, visitthe web site www.goldengirls.org

ReelAbilities Film Festival. Now thru March 1.The 8th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival:Northern Virginia, powered by the Pozez JewishCommunity Center of Northern Virginia, willpresent a lineup of 17 films in select venuesacross Northern Virginia, Maryland, and theDistrict from Feb. 20–March 1. The festival iscomprised of contemporary international filmsand post-film programs as well as a fine artsexhibit, all selected to be engaging,empowering, and championing the lives, stories,and artistic expressions of people with differentabilities. Visit the website https://www.thej.org/reel-abilities/reelabilities-film-festival-northern-virginia/

FEB. 26 TO APRIL 1221st Lenten Devotional. At The Church of the

Good Shepherd (United Methodist), 2351Hunter Mill Road, Vienna. The church ispublishing its 21st annual Devotions for Lent.The publication will be available on the church’swebsite at www.GoodShepherdVA.com,beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, throughEaster on April 12. The church also will posteach day’s devotion on its Facebook page atwww.Facebook.com/goodshepherdvienna.Printed copies will be mailed to neighborhoodssurrounding the church, and a limited numberof copies will be available at the church.Additionally, the church plans to hold weeklygatherings in members’ homes to discuss thedevotionals. Free. Visit the website:www.GoodShepherdVA.com

SUNDAYS: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5Discover Who You Are with LifeKeys. 12:30-

2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter Episcopal Church,543 Beulah Road, NE, Vienna. LifeKeys is aprogram designed to assist you in exploring thegifts God has given you—life gifts, spiritual gifts,personality, values, and passions. Different toolsilluminate the ways in which you are unique andwonderfully made, encouraging you to godeeper as you seek to discover what God may becalling you to do. All can benefit from thisjourney of exploration. Register by February 23.The materials fee is $30. Light snacks provided.Bring a bag lunch. For more information and toregister, email [email protected] www.HolyComforter.com.

MONDAY’S 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6Centering Prayer with the Rev. Jon Strand.

1:30-2:30 p.m. At Holy Comforter EpiscopalChurch, 543 Beulah Rd, NE, Vienna in the newContemplative Prayer room on the third floor.Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer inwhich one may experience God’s presencewithin us, closer than breathing, closer thanthinking, closer than consciousness itself. Thismethod of prayer is both a personal relationshipand a discipline to deeper foster one’srelationship with God. Visitwww.HolyComforter.com.

selection is “Bogleheads’ Guide to the Three-Fund Portfolio: How a simple portfolio of threetotal market index funds outperforms mostinvestors with less risk” by Larimore Taylor.Adults.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 11Mystery Book Club. 1 p.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Join in themonthly unraveling of a whodunit or thriller.The March selection is The Janus Stone by EllyGriffiths. Adults.

THURSDAY/MARCH 12Dungeons and Dragons. 5 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Playthe Dungeons and Dragons game. Beginnerswelcome! Age: 12-17.

SATURDAY/MARCH 14Craft Show. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At Park View High

School, 400 W. Laurel Ave., Sterling. The showincludes 75 vendors in the school’s gym with avariety of jewelry, accessories, soaps, candles,wreaths, pet treats, and more. There issomething for everyone. Proceeds from vendorfees benefit Park View’s Project Graduation.Free. Email:[email protected] the website: https://www.facebook.com/ParkViewCraftShow/

SATURDAY/MARCH 14Read to the Dog. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gain readingconfidence by reading to one of our therapydogs. Age 5-11.

SATURDAY/MARCH 14The ABC’s of CBD and Medical Marijuana. 2

p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Learn from a medical expert about thebenefits of medical marijuana, how to obtain itlegally and whether it can help you or someoneyou know. Adults. No registration required.

MONDAY/MARCH 16Handcraft Club Open House. 7 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Drop-in anytime and bring your favorite project orstart a new one. Beginners welcome. Learn fromother handcrafters about skills like crochet,knitting, weaving, and jewelry making. Teens-adults.

TUESDAY/MARCH 17Job Club. 4 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have questions aboutfinding or excelling in a job? Receive one-on-onehelp from a specialist. Presented by ServiceSource. Age 16-Adult.

THURSDAY/MARCH 19Oakton Book Discussion Group. 7 p.m. At

Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. The March selection is “The Overstory”,a novel by Richard Powers. Everyone is welcometo join! Adults.

FRIDAY/MARCH 20Free Bird-Watching Class. 8-10 a.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Birding is a hobby that can last alifetime, and Riverbend Park is a great place toget some of the basics down as you start youradventure. The park is offering a free class thatcovers information a beginning birder shouldknow. Pick up tips on how to use binoculars forbird watching. Learn the importance of having afield guide and discover other ways to identifydifferent types of birds. The class is designed forparticipants age 14 to adult. Be an early birdand head to the park. The program runs from 8to 10 a.m. Call 703-759-9018 or visit RiverbendPark.

MARCH 25-28Oakton Friends Book Sale. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Members Pre-Book Sale—March 25 at 2-5:30 p.m.; BookSale—March 26 at 1-8 p.m.; March 27 at 10a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and March 28 at 10 .a.m-3 p.m.

SATURDAY/MARCH 28Free Black History Concert. 3 p.m. At Historic

Pleasant Grove Church, 8641 Lewinsville Road,McLean. Featuring the Washington RevelsJubilee Voices in a free concert celebratingAfrican American musical traditions. This event

TUESDAY/MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 31Toddler Tales. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Have fun withyour child and build early literacy foundationsfor reading success. Age 18 months-3 years withan adult.

TUESDAY/MARCH 3, 10, 17 AND 31Canasta Group. 12:30 p.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Enjoysocializing while you play Canasta. Beginnerswelcome. Adults.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 4, 11 AND 18Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Havefun with your child and build early literacyfoundations for reading success. Age 3-5 withadult.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 4Chair Yoga. 3 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Learn relaxation andexercise techniques through Chair Yoga. Adults.

Best Spring Brunch. 7-10 p.m. At McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave.,McLean. Enjoy timeless brunch classics,including eggs, sausage, home fries, fruit saladand coffee cake. Instructor: Chef John Bauhs.Cost is 1 lesson @ 3 hrs, $80/$65 MCC districtresidents.

THURSDAY/MARCH 5Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Gainleadership experience and discuss what thelibrary can do for you. Grades 7-12.

FRIDAY/MARCH 6Free Bird-Watching Class. 8-10 a.m. At

Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street,Great Falls. Birding is a hobby that can last alifetime, and Riverbend Park is a great place toget some of the basics down as you start youradventure. The park is offering a free class thatcovers information a beginning birder shouldknow. Pick up tips on how to use binoculars forbird watching. Learn the importance of having afield guide and discover other ways to identifydifferent types of birds. The class is designed forparticipants age 14 to adult. Be an early birdand head to the park. The program runs from 8to 10 a.m. Call 703-759-9018 or visit RiverbendPark.

Bilingual Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At OaktonLibrary, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton.Bilingual Storytime in English and Hindi. Enjoystories, songs and activities. Birth-5 with adult.

Singer Gina Chavez. 7 p.m. At Jammin’ Java,227 Maple Ave., East, Vienna. VisitGinaChavez.com.

MARCH 6-8Tysons Library Book Sale. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At

Tysons Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 LeesburgPike, Falls Church. Hours are Friday, March 6,

2020, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, March 7,2020, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, March 8 , 2020,1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Half Price / $10 per Bag Sale.Large selection of books and media for all agesand interests. Email:[email protected], or call 703-790-4031 or 703-338-3307.

SATURDAY/MARCH 7Family Storytime. 10:30 a.m. At Oakton Library,

10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Stories andsongs for the whole family. All ages.

Norooz. 1 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Celebrate the PersianNew Year and day of the vernal equinox,marking the beginning of spring, symbolizingrebirth and renewal. Please join us to enjoymusic, crafts and delicious sweets! Local authorArsia Rozegar will be reading an excerpt of hischildren’s book series, “Shahnameh for Kids”.For all the family.

Explore the Night Sky. 6-8 p.m. At TurnerFarm, 925 Springvale Road, Great Falls.Observatory Park at Turner Farm will be hostingan “Astronomy Festival.” Enjoy activities such asguided star gazing, looking through a telescope,and listening to ancient stories about theconstellations as you warm up around acampfire. There will be activities and gamesthroughout the evening. Hot chocolate andsnacks will be available for purchase. The cost is$10 per person, and the event is designed forparticipants age 3 to adult. This festival will becanceled in the event of rain or snow. Call 703-324-8618 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/turner-farm.

SUNDAY/MARCH 8Women’s Choral Festival. 4-6 p.m. At

Community of Faith United Methodist Church,13224 Franklin Farm Road, Herndon. Join in anafternoon celebrating International Women’sDay featuring the voices of Capital Harmoniaand Freedom High School Bella Voce.Premiering local composer Lee Larson’s “AWinter Dawn. Free. Visit the websiteCapitalharmonia.org.

MONDAY/MARCH 9Legos in the Library. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton

Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Buildanything with Duplos and Legos! Age 2-12.

TUESDAY/MARCH 10 AND 17Code Club. 6:30 p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304

Lynnhaven Place, Oakton. Learn Scratchprogramming with our team of experts! Ages 9-11.

TUESDAY/MARCH 10Money Matters Financial Book Discussion. 7

p.m. At Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Place,Oakton. Monthly group discussion focuses onpersonal finance and investing. The March

Calendar

Reston ChoraleReston Chorale presents Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” on Sunday, March 8 atSt. Luke Catholic Church in McLean.

SUNDAY/MARCH 8Reston Chorale. 4-6 p.m. At St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean. The Reston

Chorale presents Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” featuring Baritone James Martin and Organ Virtuoso AdamBrakel. Cost: $0-$30. Tickets/information at restonchorale.org.


Sports

T he MadisonWa r h a w k sgirls tooktheir unde-feated record on to take onthe Marshall Statesmen onFeb. 28. The Warhawksdefeated the Statesmen onDec. 18, 64-43.

The 1st quarter startedmuch of the way the firstgame went,with Madisontaking an early 10-0 ad-vantage before Marshallwould score on a 3 pointerby Caroline Catterton inthe closing seconds of thequarter. The quarter endedwith Madison up 10-3.

In the 2nd quarterMarshall would slice thelead down to 3 points byquarter’s end 18-15,Marshall was led by Zoe

Both teams qualify for State Tournament.

Marshall Beats Madison,Wins Regional Championship

Grace Arnolie #21 totaled 11points for Madison.

Zoe Soule #3 led Marshall andall scorers with 17 points.

Soule who totalled 5 points in the quarter.The 3rd quarter saw Madison’s Tedi Makrigiorgos

score 8 of her team’s 11 points including two 3 pointbaskets points, increasing Madison’s lead to 29-25with a quarter to play.

In the 4th quarter Marshall would score 12 pointsincluding 5 points from the charity stripe. Soule’stwo free throws would give the Statesmen the leadfor good 37-35 and a desperation shot by AmaliaMakrigiorgos was off and the Statesmen were Re-gional 6D Champions. Soule would finish the gamewith a game high 17 points.

Marshall was led by Soule with 17 points, andChristina Trvisonno’s 6 points. Madison was led byTedi Makrigiorgos with 12 points. and Grace Arnolie’s11. Both teams will compete in the VHSL State Tour-nament . Madison will take on West Springfield onFriday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at Robinson HS. Edisonwill take on Marshall at 6 p.m. at Westfield.

—Will PalenscarKiera Kohler #25 of Madison blocks theshot of Marshall’s Christina Trivisonno #21.

The MarshallStatesmenare the 6DNorthernRegionBasketballTournamentChampionsafter defeat-ing Madison37-35.

Photos byWill Palenscar/The Connection


From Page 8

Calendar

will take place in a quaint 1895church setting, now an historic site.For information, seewww.HistoricPleasantGrove.org.

SATURDAY/APRIL 1832nd Annual Potomac River

Watershed Cleanup. 9 a.m. to 12p.m. Hosted by the Alice FergusonFoundation, 2001 Bryan Point Rd,Accokeek. The Annual Potomac RiverWatershed Cleanup has become acatalyst for progress that ignitespeople’s interest and passion for theenvironment and community action.The largest regional event of its kind,the Cleanup provides a transformingexperience that engages residentsand community leaders andgenerates momentum for change.ThePotomac River Watershed Cleanuphas grown from a small shorelinecleanup at Piscataway National Parkto a watershed wide network. Whatstarted as a few cleanup events alongthe Potomac River is now a regionalevent spanning Maryland, Virginia,the District of Columbia, WestVirginia, and Pennsylvania. If youcan’t make this date or location checkout PotomacCleanup.org to findanother cleanup near you.

SATURDAY/APRIL 25Order Spring Native Plants. 8 a.m.

to 11 a.m. At Riverbend Park, 8700Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls. Dosomething good for yourself and theenvironment. Put your shopping listtogether for the annual Native PlantSale sponsored by the Friends ofRiverbend Park (FORB). Choose fromnative plants, ferns and shrubs thatare suited for the climate in Fairfax

County and benefit local wildlife.Proceeds from the sale benefitRiverbend Park, too. You can pre-order online through March 21,2020, and the plants will be availablefor pickup at the park’s OutdoorClassroom on Friday, April 24, theday before the sale for the generalpublic. Go to FORB’s website (http://www.forb.wildapricot.org/Native-Plant-Sale) for all the details. Thepublic sale takes place on Saturday,April 25 from 8 to 11 a.m. Call 703-759-9018.

ONGOINGDrop-in Mah Jongg. Wednesdays,

9:30 a.m.-noon at McLeanCommunity Center, 1234 InglesideAve., McLean. Players should have abasic understanding of the rules andshould bring their current AmericanMJ League card. For McLean Districtresidents. [email protected] for more.

Camp Grow Registration Open.Camp Grow at Meadowlark BotanicalGardens, in Vienna, invites childrento explore nature through hands-onactivities, gardening, discoverywalks, crafts, music, storytelling, andanimal programs. Camp Grow isdesigned to engage, challenge,educate and encourage a sense ofcommunity. Camp Grow values andencourages inclusion of all campersin every activity. Visitwww.novaparks.com/things-to-do/camps/ for more.

The Golden Girls of NorthernVirginia, a senior women’s softballleague, is looking for players. Anywoman over the age of 40 isencouraged to join. All skill levels arewelcome. Games are on Wednesdayevenings and Saturday mornings inVienna, April-October. Other

activities during the year. Visitwww.goldengirls.org.

Free Tai Chi. Through Oct. 26,Saturdays, 7:55-9 a.m., meet on theoutdoor basketball court locateddirectly behind the Dolley MadisonPublic Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave.,McLean Central Park, McLean.Introduction and beginners’ practice.All are welcome. Moves indoors forfall and winter. Call 703-759-9141 orvisit www.FreeTaiChi.org for more.

Trivia Night. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at LostDog Cafe - McLean, 1690 AndersonRoad, McLean. Trivia featuringmultiple winners and fun door prizes.Free to play. Visitwww.facebook.com/EarthTriviaDc/for more.

The Freeman Store & MuseumWednesday through Sunday noon-4p.m. 131 Church St. NE, Vienna. TheFreeman Store & Museum isdedicated to Preserving andpromoting Vienna’s heritage throughthe identification, preservation, andinterpretation of history significantplaces, events, and persons.Historicviennainc.org

Bingo Night. Sundays. 4 p.m. FlameRoom, Vienna Volunteer FireDepartment, 400 Center St. S,Vienna. $10. www.vvfd.org/bingo.html.

Gentle Yoga. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.Emmaus United Church of Christ, 900E Maple Ave. E., Vienna. Saturdays,9:30 a.m. Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax, 2709 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Gentle KundaliniYoga, one free introductory session,senior discounts. Increase flexibility,improve breathing and health, reducestress. Ravi Kaur has 15 yearsexperience teaching yoga. $15 persession. Visitwww.edimprovement.org or call 571-213-3192.


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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

this previously written article from July 2019:

Presumably, most of you readers are aware that many supermarkets have a rack located somewhere near the rear of the store that is stocked with off-price merchandise: discontin-ued items, items with damaged packaging, out of season products, etc. Over the years, I have been a regular checker of this rack looking for such bargains. I have purchased breakfast cereal, soup, cookies, candy, and miscellaneous other non-perishables. I’ve even purchased two bags of Kingsford charcoal. In addition, I’ve seen household products, health and beauty, school supplies; and everything else you can imagine, running the gamut from “A” to “Z,” for sale. Recently however, in this rack I saw a product I’m not sure I even thought was available to the general public, and if it was, would not have thought buying it from the discontinued mer-chandise rack at the supermarket would not have been the way to go. But what do I know? As has been proven many times: not much.

The item? A DNA Paternity Test Kit. I guess I thought, if this test was necessary, it would involve a physician or at least be administered by a health care professional and/or involve witnesses/legal representation (at least a notary). Going to the supermarket or even the drug store? And then testing yourself without necessarily knowing the precautions and proper procedures appropriate for the task at hand? There seems as if there’s a bit more at stake here than an at-home pregnancy test, a test with which many of us are familiar. But DNA testing at home? What is this, the Maury Povich Show?

Having not traveled down this particular road myself, perhaps I’m unaware of the realities. All I know is what I’ve seen on television or read about in the papers. I guess I just assumed (generally a bad thing), that the steps one takes

were a bit more involved than a visit to the supermarket. Apparently, this subject is just another where I know very little about, like tools and how to use them, automobile repair, home maintenance, lawn and garden, cooking, and on and on and on. But enough about me.

What about those wanting answers to extraor-dinarily important questions: Who’s the father? And is that my child? Looks can be deceiving so a professional, or so I thought, incorrectly, is brought in to oversee the process. Nope. No professional need apply. Just go to your local “chemist,” as they say in England. No need to visit “the surgery,” as they also say over there.

go back to your home/work and swab, stick, pin-prick or whatever and the results will be known soon enough if you or someone else is whomever they claim to be or not to be. That is the question which begs an answer. Shakespeare notwithstanding

It seems only fair that one’s birthright should be gotten wrong. And not that home-testing can’t be trusted. Just the opposite. Nevertheless, some things, like circumcisions, though they can be performed at home (see “Shaky the mohel” from a long ago Seinfeld episode). I would have thought, a DNA Paternity test, given the need/

possibly impact multiple individuals/families over generations, be similarly performed in the most careful of conditions. This kind of test has no margin for error - or humor. “Bought the kit in the discount rack at my local supermarket.” Is that the answer you want to give when all eyes are on you? And saying how much you saved over regular price is unlikely to endear you to any and all of the interested parties on hand. After all, money really isn’t the issue.

Money For What, Exactly?

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

SATURDAY/MARCH 7Recycling Day. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Town of

Vienna’s first 2020 Quarterly Recycling Daytakes place at the Northside Property Yard, 600Mill Street NE, Vienna. Load up electronics, usedmotor oil, antifreeze, and discarded carbatteries. Televisions and hazardous wasteproducts, such as insecticides, paint, and otherchemicals, are not accepted. As a reminder, toensure that glass products get recycled, the bestoption is to dispose of clean jars and bottles inone of Fairfax County’s new, large, purple glassrecycling dumpsters; one is located in the Townof Vienna on Mill Street NE next to CapitolBuilding Supply. Fairfax County picks up theglass weekly and recycles it for use as asubstitute for stone in county projects.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL COMPLETEA new traffic signal aimed at improving safety for

drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians is complete atWestpark Drive and Westbranch Drive inTysons, according to the Virginia Department ofTransportation. The project’s other safetyimprovements include:

❖ Four Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) crossings(expected to be active in the coming weeks);

❖ Bicycle detection;❖ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant

curb ramp upgrades;❖ Pavement markings;❖ Signage.

DEMENTIA CONSULTATIONSCaring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or

other dementia is a life-encompassingexperience that spans generations. Everyone hasa role: spouses, siblings, children of all ages, andfriends each play a part on the care team. Itrequires thought, strategy and, mostimportantly, a plan. Care consultations with theAlzheimer’s Association are a free Chapterservice that offers in-depth, personalized careplanning, education and support. A consultationis more than just a meeting with a dementiaexpert. Highly trained staff help to develop aroad map to navigate through the thoughts,emotions and questions that family members,care partners and the diagnosed person mayhave, including:

❖ Assessment of the functional status of the personwith dementia;

❖ Navigating difficult caregiving decisions and rolechanges in the family;

❖ Information and resources to assist with legal andfinancial matters;

❖ Available community resources;❖ Partnering with the physician and/or health care

provider;❖ Safety concerns.To schedule a consultation, call the Alzheimer’s

Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

TUESDAY/MARCH 31GFES Kindergarten Orientation. 9:15 to 10:15

a.m. At Great Falls Elementary School, 701Walker Road, Great Falls. Children who are fiveby September 30, 2020 are eligible to enterkindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Toconfirm Great Falls Elementary School servesyour particular address, please visit the FCPSwebsite, click on the boundary link, and type inyour address. Parents and eligible children areinvited to an overview of the Great FallsElementary School kindergarten program. Risingkindergarten students will meet ourkindergarten teachers in the classroom for aspecial welcome and activities. Parents will meetin the cafeteria to receive an overview of thekindergarten program, including curriculum andthe daily schedule. This is an excellentopportunity for parents unsure of whether ornot their child is ready for kindergarten to come,listen, and make an informed decision.Registration packets are available onlinewww.fcps.edu

SUPPORT GROUPSHaven of Northern Virginia Support Group.

703-941-7000, www.havenofnova.org [email protected].

Bulletin


News

By Mercia HobsonThe Connection

Hunter Mill District SupervisorWalter Alcorn (D) held hisfirst Town Hall meeting inVienna on Feb. 26. As themeeting was about to begin, residentsshared topics of interest and concern. BethGlicket of Vienna said, “I’m curious on whathappens at Town Hall meetings,” As forwhat she might ask Supervisor Alcorn,Glicket said, “What are your parameters;what do supervisors oversee. There’s a lot.”Michael Kowal of Reston said he wanted tohear Supervisor Alcorn’s plans for roads, es-pecially for the James Madison High Schoolparking areas. “Inadequate,” he said.

Supervisor Alcorn kicked off the meeting,discussing his priorities for Vienna and theHunter Mill District. Alcorn said he pre-sented his first board matter at the Jan. 14Supervisors meeting, initiating a process toReview and Amend Reston’s ComprehensivePlan. Alcorn said he would be putting to-gether a balanced task force, engaging thepublic to participate in the process, one thatwould likely include several people in theroom. “The task force, at my direction, willbe run on an open process,” he said. Heestimated the Plan Review and communityengagement would be every other week forabout a year and cover topics he laid out inthe motion on Jan. 14.

ONE THING TO REVIEW Alcorn said washow the County dealt with affordable hous-ing. While there was some “good language”in the Comprehensive Plan for Reston, therewasn’t much language that talked about thepreservation of affordable housing, accord-ing to Alcorn. “If you don’t get out in frontof that, if you don’t actually have somepolicy approaches, then (gentrification)becomes inevitable,” he said.

Another area on the Plan that would ben-efit from additional study to ensure afford-able housing was land use. “Not sure howmuch more we’re going to be able to get interms of new affordable housing from newdevelopment, but that is definitely some-thing that’s on the agenda,” said Alcorn.

The next thing they’d look at, setting asidedensity and affordable housing, was howto get new development done. “The lan-guage in the Comprehensive Plan, needs tobe reviewed and probably be addressed, butthis is part of the community discussion,”he said.

According to Alcorn, one of the first thingsin a Plan Review was to look at propertiesthat have been “resolved” to the new Com-prehensive Plan. That was important be-cause there were two significant steps inthe land development approval process.One was comprehensive - that’s what they’d

thing more than getting the density,that was the time to get them on theopportunity - parks, street, intersec-tion with nearby neighborhoods, set-backs.

THE SECOND KEY PRIORITYAlcorn addressed related to transpor-tation on a personal basis - pedestrianand bicycle safety, including cross-walks that warn drivers pedestriansare coming into them. Educationplayed a vital part for pedestrians,cyclists, and those who drive as well,however, the problem correlated withurban design. “We have to really stopdesigning, all of our transportationfacilities for cars, particularly in oururbanized areas around their transitstations. Those have got to be asfriendly for people and bicyclists, asthey are for autos. That’s a hugechange for all of us, but it’s also a hugechange for regulators for the VirginiaDepartment of Transportation,”Alcorn said.

Alcorn proposed new ways to gen-erate affordable housing saying thatin Fairfax County, there were oldunderutilized offices, surrounded byparking lots with no nearby residen-tial neighbors who would be upsetabout the change to the site. Therewere commercial shopping centers,long strips of highway no longer eco-nomically robust. “These are the typesof properties that we can all agree,fantastic opportunities for real, afford-able housing for mixed-income com-munities... Convert those properties tomore productive uses.

Alcorn reviewed County-wide en-ergy and climate action plans - solarpanels on schools, energy efficiencyand weatherization programs, movingbus fleets from diesel to electric.

Highlights of concerns from the pub-lic cited limited parking at JamesMadison High School, tree fall liabil-ity causing potential property andbodily injuries, especially to elderlyand children, and inaccurate housing/school population numbers.

be looking at again. The second was zon-ing. Alcorn said, “So typically, what hap-pens is a developer will come in and attemptto rezone a property to the new Compre-hensive Plan. That’s how Reston got these52 properties resolved during the last fiveyears. And the important thing to knowabout rezoning, particularly in Virginia, is

that it is a one-way street. Once the prop-erty is resolved, undoing that zoning onlyhappens if it is the property owner.” It wasa tremendous challenge to manage thatgrowth, to make sure the infrastructure wasin place to support it.

However, when the property landownerscome back through the process to do some-

Supervisor Alcornholds his first ViennaTown Hall meeting.

Vienna and Hunter Mill Priorities Discussed

Approximately 35-40 people attend the Town Hall Meeting.

Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill) holds his first ViennaTown Hall Meeting, “with manymore to come.”

Photos by Mercia Hobson/The ConnectionMichael Kowal of Vienna sharesconcerns with Supervisor Alcorn.

“Not sure how muchmore we’re going to beable to get in terms ofnew affordable housingfrom new development,but that is definitelysomething that’s onthe agenda,”

—Supervisor Walter Alcorn(D-Hunter Mill)

opinion, page 4 supervisor presents vienna, hunter mill...

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