Toy Trains Displayed At Colvin Run...

Great Falls Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2014 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

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Toy TrainsDisplayed AtColvin Run Mill


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Wolf to Retire After 34Years in Congress

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2013: Banner Year inMcLean and Great Falls

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Wolf to Retire After 34Years in Congress

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2013: Banner Year inMcLean and Great Falls

Real Estate, Page 13

During the last weeks of Decem-ber, the interior of Colvin RunMill park’s barn was filled with250 feet of train track as nine toytrains were on public display.

During the last weeks of Decem-ber, the interior of Colvin RunMill park’s barn was filled with250 feet of train track as nine toytrains were on public display.

2 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2014 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Great Falls Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2014 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsMcLean Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Ethan McLeod

The Connection

After 34 years of representing con-stituents in Virginia’s 10th Con-gressional District, U.S. Rep.Frank Wolf (R-10) announced

Dec. 17 that he would not seek reelectionto the House of Representatives seat he hasoccupied for 17 terms. Wolf expressed hisappreciation toward his family, staff and allof his constituents who supported his ef-forts in office.

“It has been an honor to serve the peopleof Northern Virginia and the ShenandoahValley,” said Wolf in a statement issued byhis office. “I thank my constituents for giv-ing me the privilege of representing themin Congress for 34 years.”

Wolf, 74, has established himself in hiscongressional tenure as an advocate for re-ligious freedom, repeatedly drawing atten-tion to helping oppressed minorities aroundthe world. First elected in 1980, Wolfworked to combat genocide in Darfur andadvocated for increased security and pro-tection of human rights for victimizedgroups in Sudan. Most recently, in Septem-ber 2013, the House passed a bill co-spon-sored by Wolf and U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo(D-Calif.) aimed to create a State Depart-ment envoy charged with protecting reli-gious minorities in South Central Asia andthe Middle East.

LOCALLY, WOLF was instrumental inbringing the Silver Line currently being builtto Northern Virginia, and begun workingto secure federal funding for the rail projectas early as 1999. He also prioritized improv-ing major roadways such as I-66 and Rt. 50

to ease traveling for Northern Virginia’scommuters.

Though his final term as representativefor Virginia’s 10th Congressional Districtwill end in November, Wolf plans to con-tinue with human rights advocacy throughhis Christian faith. “I plan to focus my fu-ture work on human rights and religiousfreedom — both domestic and international— as well as matters of the culture and theAmerican family,” Wolf said in his officialstatement.

On Dec. 10, one week prior to Wolf’s an-nouncement, Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) announced that he would seekthe Democratic nomination for the 10thdistrict representative seat in 2014. Foustis currently a supervisor for the Dranesvilledistrict, which encompasses McLean, GreatFalls, Herndon and portions of Vienna, andhas served on the Fairfax County Board ofSupervisors since he was elected 2007.

Foust cites the current Congress’s dysfunc-tion and the 16-day shutdown of the fed-eral government in October 2013 as some

key reasons he will run for office in 2014.“My job is to work with everyone, respectall opinions, hold public meetings and gen-erally try to find a consensus that works inthe best interest of the community, and Ithink that’s missing in Congress,” said Foustin an interview. Foust pointed to the board’sapprovals of major building projects suchas renovations to the Spring Hill recreationcenter and the recently completed Wolf Trapfire station in McLean, as evidence of hisability to work across party lines. He alsonoted the board’s success in moving FairfaxCounty through the 2008 fiscal crisis as akey accomplishment of his time in office.

Additional candidates for the Democraticnomination include Fairfax attorney Rich-ard Bolger and Leesburg architect SamKubba.

Wolf has faced little formidable opposi-tion from Democratic candidates in pastyears, and since 2008 has won each elec-tion by at least 58 percent. There is specu-lation about potential Republican candi-dates who will seek the Republican nomi-nation for Wolf’s seat, including state del-egates Tim Hugo and Barbara Comstock.The Republican Party of Virginia was con-tacted for comment, but did not respondby deadline. It remains to be seen whetherthe party will nominate its candidate for the

House seat through a convention attendedby Virginia Republican Party members orthrough a primary in which individual can-didates will campaign for the nomination.

WORDS OF PRAISE and appreciationpoured out from Virginia officeholders inthe days following Wolf’s announcement.U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), who servedalongside Wolf for 23 years in Congress, andU.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), both ex-pressed gratitude for Wolf ’s many yearsspent representing constituents in NorthernVirginia, according to statements releasedby their offices.

“His career in Congress is a testament towhat leaders can achieve when they putpartisanship aside and find common groundon the issues that matter to the people theyserve,” said governor elect Terry McAulliffein an issued statement.

Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) worked asa senior aide for Wolf’s congressional stafffrom 1991-1995, and commended Wolf asa person of high integrity and great charac-ter. “I look forward to the many contribu-tions that I know Frank Wolf will continueto make to the causes of religious freedomand human rights and I look forward toworking with him on those issues for yearsto come.”

Wolf to Retire After 34 Years in CongressU.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf greets village residents on a visit to South Sudanin February 2012.

U.S Rep. Frank R. Wolf speaks at the Herndon Police Department aboutgang violence in 2007. Wolf led efforts to secure funds for the NorthernVirginia Regional Gang Task Force created in 2003.

U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) speaksat a forum on human trafficking atthe McLean Community CenterFriday, May 3, 2013.

Photos courtesy of the House of Representatives/Office of Rep. Frank R. Wolf

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Supervisor John Foust running forDemocratic nomination,Republican nominee still up in the air.

WOLF’S TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES❖ When the need for mass transit to Dulles airport became clear, Congressman Wolf secured federal

funding for the Commonwealth to move ahead. Phase 1, from East Falls Church through Tysons Cornerto Wiehle Avenue in Reston, is expected to be operational in 2014. Congressman Wolf also was a keyplayer in the construction of the original Metrorail system.

❖ When it became clear an additional westbound lane on I-66 inside the Beltway was needed,Congressman Wolf led the effort to convince the Commonwealth and surrounding localities to moveforward with the project. The first of three spot improvements opened in December. He also pushed forthe now completed feasibility study for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the I-66 corridor. BRT isessentially a rail car on wheels that uses dedicated lanes, platform loading and enhanced fare collection.

❖ When HOV-4 didn’t work on I-66 inside the Beltway, Congressman Wolf helped change the rule to HOV-3. When HOV-3 wasn’t working, he helped change the rule to HOV-2.

❖ When funding was needed to jump start improvements to the I-66 / Route 29 interchange in Gainesville,Congressman Wolf worked with former Congressman Tom Davis to secure more than $30 million infederal funding. Work on the interchange is ongoing.

❖ When morning traffic delays on the George Washington Parkway at Spout Run were part of the dailyroutine, Congressman Wolf worked to get a dedicated lane built to improve traffic flow and easecongestion.

❖ When traffic bottlenecks on the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge created gridlock into and out of the nation’scapital, Congressman Wolf convinced the District of Columbia to install a reversible lane on the bridge.


News

By Ryan Dunn

The Connection

During the last weeks ofDecember, the interiorof Colvin Run Millparks barn was filled

with 250 feet of train track, ninetrains and more than 500 minia-ture imitation trees for the 24thannual train display created byJim and his wife Jo AnneStapleton. “This is the only hobbyI’ve ever had,” said Jim Stapleton,a resident of Purcellville inLoudoun County.

On Saturdays, Dec. 21 and 28and Sundays, Dec. 22 and 29 themodel trains were on display atColvin Run Mill barn. No reserva-tions were required to see the freeevent, which lasted from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. “It is a wonderful tradi-tion as it brings families withyoung children and introducesfamilies to the park. It also bringspeople to visit during what maybe a more quiet time of the year,”said Ann Korzeniewski, employeeat Colvin Run Mill park.

“My son is really into trains, soit is fun for him,” said ChrisKeating, resident of Reston. “I triedto purchase an electric train set for

the holidays but was unable to. Itis good a wholesome event.”Amongst the train decorations wasa small sign that read, “Growingold is mandatory, growing up isoptional.” “This is my first yearseeing this show at Colvin RunMill,” said Paul Russell, a residentof Alexandria. “It is a beautifulexhibit and it makes good use ofthe space for the holiday time. Myson was interested in the Thomasthe Tank Engine.” Jim Stapletonand his wife Jo Anne were assistedby some volunteers to put togetherthe train display. “It is pretty muchthe same as last year,” said Mrs.Stapleton. “I think it has been agood show.” Over a thousand visi-tors came to see the train displayduring the four days it was on dis-play. The first train exhibit at

Colvin Run Mill was in 1990. “TheStapletons are really great people,there are not many people like thatin the world,” said JerryBohlander, a resident of Marylandand member of The Washington,Virginia & Maryland Garden Rail-way Society. Located near VirginiaState Route 7, Colvin Run Mill inGreat Falls is the sole surviving op-erational 19th-century water-pow-ered mill in the Washington, D.C.metropolitan area. Throughoutthe year, the mill hosts events forchildren, adults and families, frommusic to historical perspectives. InFebruary, the mill will presentmaple syrup boil-downs to public.To learn more about Colvin RunMill, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvinrunmill/ or call 703-759-2771.

Families and children enjoyed seeing the annual December train display at Colvin RunMill Park in Great Falls.

Toy Trains Displayed At Colvin Run MillFamilies enjoy annual train display.

Paul Russell,resident ofAlexandria,

took theopportunity to

bring his sonto see the

train displayat Colvin RunMill in Great

Falls.

Jim Stapletonand a group ofvolunteershelped makethe train dis-play at ColvinRun Mill Parkin Great Fallspossible for 24years.

Jim and his wife Jo Anne Stapleton successfullyorganized another train display at Colvin Run Mill inGreat Falls.

The train display at Colvin Run Mill park entertainedchildren of all ages. Over a thousand visitors came to seethe train display during the four days it was on display.

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OPEN HOUSEFriday, January 10, 2014

9:30-11:00AM

Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-34) was namedChairwoman of the House Science and TechnologyCommittee by Speaker Bill Howell (R-28).

Howell said, “Barbara Comstock is one of thebrightest and most energetic lawmakers in the Gen-eral Assembly. She has worked tirelessly on issuesimportant to Northern Virginia and the entire Com-monwealth. For years she has been a leader on is-sues related to economic development and technol-ogy. This experience and knowledge will make her agreat Chairwoman.”

Bobbie Kilberg, President and CEO of the North-ern Virginia Technology Council said, “We applaudthe selection of Delegate Barbara Comstock as chairof the House Science and Technology Committee.Barbara has distinguished herself in the General As-sembly as a strong champion for important technol-ogy business policies and investments. As commit-tee chair, we know she will have a big impact in en-suring Virginia remains a top destination for tech-nology and innovation.”

“I appreciate the privilege of chairing this com-mittee which focuses on our Science and Technol-ogy community which is so vital for growing the in-novative jobs of the 21st century. I look forward tocontinuing my work with the talented technologycommunity throughout the Commonwealth to ad-vance, strengthen and diversify Virginia’s technol-ogy economy,” Comstock said.

Del. Comstock was first elected in 2009 and rep-

resents parts of McLean, Great Falls, Vienna andLoudoun County in the Virginia House of Delegatesand also currently serves on the House Commerceand Labor and Transportation Committees.

Comstock to ChairHouse Science AndTechnology Committee

News

File photo

Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34)


Opinion

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Great Falls

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

Last month the disAbilityLaw Center (dLCV) issued a report on the con-dition of mental health

services in Virginia. It is an eye-opening report: Broken Promises,

the Failure ofMental HealthServices in Vir-ginia. Its find-

ings are direct: “Despite the prom-ises of reform to the mental healthservice system in the last decade,Virginia’s mental health servicessystem fails to serve many of thosein need of its services.”

According to dLCV, there aremore than 40,000 Virginians liv-ing with serious mental illness andthousands more with less seriousemotional disorders that requiretreatment including an estimated130,658 children between theages of nine and eighteen whoneed treatment. The dLCV which

advocates for allpeople with disabili-ties to be free fromabuse, neglect, anddiscrimination consid-ers the problem inpart to be a misalloca-tion of resources. Asits report points out,on any given monthabout ten percent ofresidents of state hos-pitals continue to behospitalized even though theirtreating professionals have foundthat they no longer need to behospitalized. Thirty-one of the 133individuals in such hospital place-ments in November, 2013, hadbeen waiting for discharge formore than a year. The problem isthat there are inadequate or non-existent facilities or programs inthe community to continue ser-vices to these persons. At the sametime, there were an estimated26,990 inmates confined in localand regional jails of whom nearly

25 percent wereknown or suspectedto be mentally ill.More than 3,500 per-sons in jails were di-agnosed with a seri-ous mental illness.

The dLCV main-tains that funding ismisdirected towardsunnecessary hospital-ization when fundingis needed desperatelyfor community-based

crisis response services and hous-ing options for people with men-tal health needs. Their position isnot without controversy. Othersmaintain that both more hospitalspaces and more community-based facilities are needed.

The tragic event surrounding thefamily of Senator Creigh Deeds hasbrought the need to the public’sattention.

Outgoing Governor BobMcDonnell has proposed a morethan $50 million increase in the

budget for mental health servicesand has established a commissionto develop a plan for mental healthservices in the Commonwealth.There is bipartisan support to ad-dress the issue in terms of addi-tional funding as well as to amendexisting statutes to permit personswho are a danger to themselvesand to others to be held for alonger period of time until appro-priate treatment is available tothem.

We are past the time when weshould have met the promises forreform to persons with mentalhealth problems and their families.The 2014 session of the GeneralAssembly must respond. You canview my interview with ColleenMiller, Executive Director ofdisAbility Law Center of Virginiaand another interview withGeorge Braunstein, Director of theFairfax-Falls Church CommunityServices Board, both on the topicof mental health reform at http://vimeo.com/album/1650266.

Broken PromisesVirginia’s mental health servicessystem fails to serve many of thosein need of its services.

Commentary

SHARE, Inc., localcommunity reliefo rgan iza t ion ,

hosted its annual Holi-day Celebration on Sat-urday, Dec. 7, in theMcLean Baptist ChurchFellowship Hall.

More than 150 Shareclient families, sup-ported by about 50Share volunteers, par-ticipated in this festivecelebration. Clientssnacked on homemadebaked goods and sand-wiches served by Sharestaff while listening tolive holiday music byBob Rosenberg. Mr. andMrs. Santa Claus madetheir appearance againthis year, providingphoto opportunities forchildren and their families as theyposed with the white-beardedspirit of Christmas. Smiling, happyfaces of youngsters and adultsalike confirmed everyone enjoyedthe festivities and warm fellowshipof the season with friends, familyand volunteers.

Share clients who registered forthis event during October com-pleted a “Wish List” of an item thatthey needed and would enhancetheir celebrations of holiday sea-son.

Donors from the local commu-nity fulfilled one wish for eachperson and each family received agrocery gift card.

Each family also had the oppor-tunity to select one gift from anassortment of brand-new linensand hand-knitted blankets, smallhousehold appliances, holidaydécor items, clothing and accesso-ries and some toys. Babies and tod-dlers received diapers, wipes anda pair of pajamas, and every childunder the age of 10 received a

Santa toy. Clients were also pro-vided a reusable grocery bag witha jug of laundry detergent andpersonal care items.

By the end of December, SHAREprovided gifts and grocery cardsto over 220 client families. Everygift, gift card and item given to thecommunity’s neighbors in need isdonated to SHARE by the peoplefrom the McLean, Great Falls andPimmit Hills area. It is their gen-erosity that makes this holiday re-lief possible.

SHARE Celebrates Holiday

More than 150 Share client families, supported by about 50 Sharevolunteers, participated in the festive celebration.

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Grateful to theCommunity

To the Editor:To the McLean, Vienna and

Great Falls communities: TheWoman’s Club of McLean wouldlike to express its gratitude forsupporting the club’s 47th annualHoliday Homes Tour andMarketPlace. Preliminary estimatesshow that the two events success-fully met our goals of providing es-sential support to local charities andnonprofits. The proceeds will be es-pecially meaningful in this time ofgeneral need, which is felt moststrongly in the holiday season.

Thank you again for your gener-ous support. Best wishes to all forthe holidays and a fulfilling newyear.

Mildred Thompson, PresidentWoman’s Club of McLean

Letters

What anInspiration!

To the Editor:I just finished reading the McLean

Connection, Children’sConnection 2013.I am so impressed by the children,

what an inspiration they are!Thank you and the children for this

special gift.Doris Pennington

McLean


• Christening Gowns to Cherish• Precious Hand-Smocked Dresses• Accessories to Make you Smile• Infants toSize Two

• BeautifulBabyQuilts

Baby BoutiqueHeirloom Children’s Apparel

Visit an Open Houseat Landon this fall!

January 9 - 9 a.m.

Military AppreciationMonday to Honor NavySEAL Foundation

On Monday, Jan. 13, monthly Military Apprecia-tion Monday dinner will be in support of The NavySEAL Foundation. Make your reservation for eitherthe 5:30 or 7:30 seating at the Old Brogue by calling703-759-3309. Visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org to learn more aboutthis organization and the help it provides to injuredcombat veterans and their families.

If not familiar with the MAM events, simply comeenjoy a dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls. Thecosponsors, the Brogue and Bob Nelson of KellerWilliams Realty each make a ten percent donationbased on how much you spend on dinner.

The Navy SEAL Foundation stands behind all U.S.Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crew-men, Naval Special Warfare support personnel, andtheir spouses and children. The Foundation coordi-nates closely with NSW commands to support criti-cal needs of active-duty operators while also provid-ing resources for NSW veterans. Their work is fo-cused on three key areas: family services and com-mand support, educational programs, and legacyactivities.

The Foundation was formed in 2000 and under-went a name change in January 2011 when the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Navy SEALWarrior Fund combined their organizations. Themerger makes it easier for families to receive assis-tance and support from one organization, while en-abling the Foundation to respond rapidly to theirneeds.

Upcoming dinners will support:

❖March 10 — CIA Officers Memorial Foundation;❖ April 14 — Our Military Kids;❖ May 12 — Operation Renewed Hope Founda-

tion.

Lift Me Up!To Host EventsHonoring Secretariat

Lift Me Up! is kicking off the new year, the Chi-nese “Year of the Horse” by celebrating the “Horse ofthe Century,” Secretariat with two events.

On Jan. 31, Lift Me Up! is hosting a showing of theDisney film Secretariat at the Great Falls Library from1-3 p.m. for ages 8 and up (free). Penny Chenery,Secretariat’s owner, is portrayed by Diane Lane.Penny’s daughter, Kate Tweedy served as a consult-ant on the film and is featured in the film.

On Feb. 8, Lift Me Up! is hosting a book signingand reception for Penny’s daughter Kate Tweedy whoco-authored the book Secretariat’s Meadow: TheLand, The Family, The Legend at the Fairfax HuntClub in Reston, Virginia from 5-8 p.m. Tweedy willalso discuss the book and her family’s connectionsto Madeira and the military community. Tickets are$50, books are $35 and proceeds benefit Lift Me Up’sFence Fund and BITS (Back in the Saddle) programfor injured veterans. For tickets, email:[email protected]. While Lift Me Up! has been inGreat Falls since 1975, Secretariat’s ties to the areago back to 1939. Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenerygraduated from the Madeira School that year andshe served as captain of the school’s riding team. KateTweedy and co-author Leeanne Ladin will also visitthe Madeira School, Lift Me Up!, The Saddlery, andThe Old Brogue.

Week in Great Falls

8 ❖ Great Falls Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2014 Great Falls Connection ❖ January 8-14, 2014 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

ATTENTION All Boys Ages 5-14Have you ever wanted to trythe fastest game on two feet?

Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and theGreat Falls Lacrosse Association is happy to announce two freebeginner clinics for boys to try lacrosse at our home field –Nike 4.

A few things that you need to know:• NO STICK REQUIRED! We will have brand new STX sticks

for use during the clinic. The boys will need to wear cleatsor sneakers and dress warmly. Thin gloves and a hat are agood idea.

• Cost of the clinics: FREE.• Dates: Sunday, January 12, 1-3 & Sunday, January 19, 12-2• Location: Nike 4 Field, Utterback Store Rd., Great Falls, VA• Please register at www.greatfallslacrosse.com. Space/

sticks are limited to 60 boys. Boys can attend both clinics.Please arrive at the field 15 minutes before the scheduledstart time.

• We can only accommodate boys who fall under theLangley and McLean HS school pyramids.

• IMPORTANT – This clinic is for new players only.• Weather Policy: Please check the Great Falls Lacrosse site

to check for any scheduling changes.

GREAT FALLS

LACROSSEBy David Siegel

The Connection

In such a Shakespeare-richarea, “no one does it likethe American Shakespeare

Center...Shakespeare is so alivein their hands,” said Sarah N.Schallern, Performing Arts Di-rector, the Alden at the McLeanCommunity Center. “They havequite a fan base, and to be ableto host them in our beautiful,intimate Alden Theatre is a joyand an honor.”

The Virginia-based AmericanShakespeare Center (ASC) willbe performing twoShakespearean works on oneSaturday; the comedy “TheMerry Wives of Windsor” andthe tragedy “Othello.”

Schallern indicated that therewill also be a free “Brush Up onYour Shakespeare” several

nights before the ASC perfor-mances. At the “Brush Up” eventShakespeare experts from theFolger Library, the ShakespeareTheatre and others will discuss thehistory, performances practices andmeanings of the Bard’s texts in aninteractive format. “This is an eventthat has received great interestwhen we have done it previously,”

said Schallern.“Touring has always been at

the heart of what we do,” saysASC Artistic Director Jim War-ren. “Part of our mission is toshow how accessible, meaning-ful, and fun Shakespeare canbe.” This is ASC’s 25th yeartouring.

The ASC traveling tour iscalled the “World’s Mine Oyster”tour. The phrase comes from aline in the “Merry Wives ofWindsor”: “Why then, theworld’s mine oyster, which Iwith sword will open.”

“We want to bring people theplays they know and those thatthey may be less familiar withor more rarely done,” saidGlenn Schukel, ASC TourTroupe Manager. He noted thatASC does performances in aunique manner; with the audi-ence not sitting in the dark.“Shakespeare’s actors could seetheir audience; ASC actors cansee you. When actors can see anaudience, they can engage withan audience.”

“The Merry Wives of Windsor”is a comedy about jealousy, dis-guises, love and ridiculous situ-ations. “Othello” is the well-known tale about an intenseoutsider who is doomed by hisown jealousy. “O, beware, mylord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey’d monster, which doth mockthe meat it feeds on.”

“More than makingShakespeare accessible, wewant to provide a strong senseof what his words mean, his in-tentions and objectives,” saidSchukel. “Have a good time,don’t be scared of the languageeven if at first some words seemunknown. You will quickly bewithin the moment of the play.”

Desdemona and Othello: Stephanie Holladay Earl as Desdemona and FernandoLamberty as Othello.

Shakespeare Comes to AldenAmerican Shakespeare Center per-forms a double-bill of the Bard cel-ebrating his 450th birthday.

Rick Blunt as Iago and Fernando Lamberty as Othello.

Where and When“Brush Up on Your Shakespeare”

event and American Shakespeare Centerperformances are at Alden Theatre,McLean Community Center, 1234Ingleside Ave, McLean.

❖”Brush Up on Your Shakespeare”event is Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m.Free.

❖American Shakespeare Center twin-bill performances are “The Merry Wivesof Windsor,” Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m.and “Othello,” Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8p.m. Tickets: $20 MCC District residentsand $30 for non MCC District residents.Visit: www.aldentheatre.org or call 703-790-0123.

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Send announcements [email protected] is Friday for the followingweek’s paper. Photos/artwork encour-aged. For additional listings, visit http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2013/sep/26/fairfax-county-cal-endar/.

FRIDAY, JAN. 10Atlantic Brass Quintet The

Discovery Series. 8 p.m. WolfTrap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.Tickets: 35. wolftrap.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 12The Gizmo Guys. 2 p.m. The Alden in

McLean, 1234 Ingleside Avenue,McLean. A comedy-juggling duoentertaining all ages. Tickets are $15,$10 for McLean tax district residents.www.mcleancenter.org

SATURDAY/JAN. 11The Teas of Nepal. 1-3 p.m. Colvin

Run Mill, 10017 Colvin Run Road,Great Falls. Nepal produces someexquisite hand crafted, limitedproduction teas: whites, greens,oolongs, as well as distinctive blacks.An opportunity to experience thesegems, along with some tea infusedtreats. Advance reservations andpayment ($30 each) required throughthe Mill at 703-759-2771.

THURSDAY/JAN. 16International Guitar Night. 8 p.m.

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.THE INTERNATIONAL GUITARNIGHT (IGN) is the world’s premiertouring guitar festival, each showbringing together the most interestingand innovative acoustic guitarists toexchange musical ideas in a publicconcert setting. Tickets: $25-27.

FRIDAY/JAN. 17International Guitar Night. 8 p.m.

Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.THE INTERNATIONAL GUITARNIGHT (IGN) is the world’s premiertouring guitar festival, each showbringing together the most interestingand innovative acoustic guitarists toexchange musical ideas in a publicconcert setting. Tickets: $25-27.

SATURDAY/ JAN. 18Ballroom Dance. 8-9 p.m. Quick-Step

lesson, 9-11:30 p.m. dance. ColvinRun Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. DJ music fromCraig Bukowski playing favorite dancetunes from the 1930s to today. Attireis ballroom casual, no partner orexperience is needed. $15 for theevening. 703-759-2685 orwww.colvinrun.org.

SUNDAY/JAN. 19Breakfast Buffet. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 330

Center Street, N., Vienna. Adults $8,children $3. 703-938-1379.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY/JAN. 24 & 25THIS. 8 p.m. Vienna Community Center,

120 Cherry Street, SE, Vienna. THIS isa bright, tart, and melancholy comedythat captures the uncertain steps of acircle of friends entering the choppywaters of middle age. http://www.viennatheatrecompany.org/

SATURDAY/JAN. 25Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show. 10:30

a.m. Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E ,Vienna.

Groovy Gustafer Yellowgold is a small,yellow, cone-headed fellow, whocame to Earth from the Sun and has aknack for finding himself neck-deep inabsurd situations as he explores his

new life in the Minnesota woods.ºEqual parts pop rock concert andanimated storybook, GustaferYellowgold concerts are a trulydifferent multimedia experience thatentrances children and adults alike.Tickets: $10. https://jamminjava.com/events/gustafer-yellowgold

SUNDAY/JAN. 26McLean Chocolate Festival. 11 a.m.

– 5 p.m. McLean Community Center.Wide variety of chocolate vendors.Plenty of parking. Children’s gameroom with chocolate-themed games.Admission fee is $2, with $1 goingtoward the purchase of chocolate.Kids under 6 get in free. McLeanRotary uses proceeds to fund localcharitable organizations.www.mcleanchocolatefestival.org.

Music from Oberlin at Oakton. 7:30p.m. Unitarian UniversalistCongregation of Fairfax, 2709 HunterMill Road, Oakton. Music fromOberlin at Oakton hosts currentOberlin Conservatory students threetimes a year to provide top-notchmusic to the local community. ºIn its14th season, this program will featuretwo pianists, a percussionist, and asoprano. (703) 281-4230

FRIDAY/JAN. 31THIS. 8 p.m. Vienna Community Center,


SATURDAY/FEB. 1Ballroom Dance. 8-9 p.m. Samba

lesson, 9-11:30 p.m. dance. ColvinRun Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin RunRoad, Great Falls. Live music fromMike Surratt & the ECB playingfavorite dance tunes from the 1930sto today. Attire is ballroom casual, nopartner or experience is needed. $20for the evening. 703-759-2685 orwww.colvinrun.org.

Arts for Autism Gala. 6:30 p.m.Tower Club, 8000 Towers CrescentDrive, #1700, Vienna. An eveningthat brings together the arts, fashionand autism communities to benefitindividuals and families affected byAutism. Festivities include areception, dinner and silent auction.www.arts-for-autism.org

SATURDAY/FEB. 1, 7, 8THIS. 8 p.m. Vienna Community Center,


Entertainment

The GizmoGuys, a com-edy-juggling

duo, willperform at the

Alden inMcLean on

Jan. 12.

Visitors enjoy a chocolate fountain from Capitol ChocolateFountains at the 2012 McLean Chocolate Festival. Thisyear’s festival will be Sunday, Jan. 26 at McLean Commu-nity Center.


Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

Address .................................. BR FB HB ... Postal City ... Sold Price .... Type ....... Lot AC PostalCode .......... Subdivision ............ Date Sold

1 634 CHAIN BRIDGE RD ......... 10 . 8 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $9,500,000 .... Detached .... 6.52 ...... 22101 ............. CHAIN BRIDGE ............ 10/11/13

2 1288 BALLANTRAE FARM DR . 12 10 . 3 ...... MCLEAN ..... $9,300,000 .... Detached .... 6.27 ...... 22101 ......... BALLANTRAE FARMS ........ 03/05/13

3 576 INNSBRUCK AVE ............. 6 .. 7 .. 2 ... GREAT FALLS .. $7,400,000 .... Detached .... 5.00 ...... 22066 ........ GUNNELLS RUN FARM....... 09/04/13

4 1015 BASIL RD ...................... 6 .. 7 .. 4 ...... MCLEAN ..... $5,677,777 .... Detached .... 2.40 ...... 22101 .............. EAGLECREST ............. 05/30/13

5 633 RIVER BEND RD .............. 7 .. 7 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS .. $5,634,180 .... Detached .... 5.00 ...... 22066 ....... GREAT FALLS HEIGHTS ...... 03/29/13

6 1001 DOGUE HILL LN ............ 5 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MC LEAN .... $5,570,000 .... Detached .... 0.89 ...... 22101 .. LANE ON GEORGETOWN PIKE . 09/12/13

7 626 CHAIN BRIDGE RD .......... 5 .. 7 .. 3 ...... MCLEAN ..... $5,175,000 .... Detached .... 1.00 ...... 22101 ............. CHAIN BRIDGE ............ 03/21/13

8 1036 AZIZA CT ...................... 5 .. 5 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS .. $5,115,693 .... Detached .... 0.84 ...... 22066 ...... PUTNAM FARM ESTATES ..... 01/04/13

9 710 BULLS NECK RD .............. 6 .. 6 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $5,000,000 .... Detached .... 5.00 ...... 22102 ....... BULLS NECK HUNDRED ...... 01/16/13

10 8900 GALLANT GREEN DR ..... 6 .. 6 .. 3 ...... MC LEAN .... $5,000,000 .... Detached .... 4.13 ...... 22102 ......... WOODSIDE ESTATES ........ 10/07/13

Copyright 2013 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of December 13, 2013.

2013 Top Sales in Great Falls and McLeanLocal REAL ESTATE

© Google Map data

1

6

9

5

7

28

4

310

2 1288 Ballantrae Farm Drive, McLean — $9,300,000 4 1015 Basil Road, McLean — $5,677,777

5 633 River Bend Road, Great Falls —$5,634,180

7 626 Chain Bridge Road,McLean — $5,175,000

10 8900 Gallant Green Drive,McLean — $5,000,000


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Home LifeStyle

By John W. Byrd

Eric and Tina Park, bothphysicians, were alreadyquite busy 10 years agowhen they purchased a

3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.

Among other responsibilities,Eric Park is medical director of alocal hospital; Tina Park has a bus-tling private practice. On occasionprofessional duties could stretchinto the wee hours.

But blessed events have a wayof changing basic assumptions forthe better. In 2007, the couple’sfirst daughter was born; a seconddaughter followed fours yearslater.

Suddenly, active lives becamestill more fullfilling... and evenbusier.

“Our plan all along was to cre-ate a family home,” Tina Park said.“We saw the lower level eventu-ally playing a part in our dailylives, but we were only using it forstorage. It wasn’t until my motherbegan regularly helping us withthe girls that we started lookingat the house more closely.”

Kay, Tina Park’s mother, still livesmostly in Alabama with Park’s fa-ther, Kon, also a physician. But in

recent years the couple now intheir mid-60s has been evaluatingretirement options.

“Mom started coming for ex-tended visits when our seconddaughter was born in 2009,” Parksaid. “At first she would stay in theguest room, but gradually we allstarted looking at ways to increaseavailable privacy.”

It was in this phase that thoughtsof a more accommodating familyhome turned again to the nearly2,000-square-foot, unfinishedlower level. Among other factors,the space boasts a ground-levelcourse of windows and privaterear entrance. Beyond these as-sets, however, the Parks consid-ered the basement’s suitability formainstream living a little unclear.

“It’s mostly below-grade,” Parksaid. “We weren’t sure about aircirculation or possible moisturebuild up. Using the lower leveloccasionally is entirely differentmatter from setting up a mastersuite for your parents, so we hada lot of concerns.”

It is at this point that Sun De-sign Remodeling enters the story.

“We had visited one of their re-modeled homes, even attended aseminar,” Park said. “The questionfor us was to what extent a roomthat is partly below-grade couldsatisfy the whole family’s require-ments.”

Sun Design’s interior designerLiz Lee said, “A basement conver-sion is challenging — especiallywhen it’s going to bemainstreamed with the rest of thehouse. In this case, we had tospecify an appropriately-sized de-humidifier, and find a suitable lo-cation for a return air grill. Com-fort and air quality are always criti-cal to a successful lower level so-lution.”

With several performance con-

cerns resolved, attention nextturned to configuring the space.

For Kay, the top priority was asuite with all the features of inde-pendent living, including:

❖ A comfortable master bed-room suite with large closets.

❖ A dedicated master bath withtextured finishes and a spaciouswalk-in shower.

❖ A fully functional kitchenettewith a dining counter suitable forfour.

❖ A private entrance.❖ A dining alcove with a table

for four where Kay could also hostbridge games with friends.

TO KEEP THE FAMILY fit, theParks envisioned a 195-square-foot gym with a treadmill en-sconced behind a pair of frostedglass doors.

A family gathering area at thefoot of the stairs would be subdi-vided by a counter and “built-ins”custom-designed for children’stoys.

Nearby: a family entertainmentzone equipped with flat screen TV,

surround sound and a karaokemachine.

Not coincidentally, all activityareas are just a few strides fromthe well-equipped kitchenette.

To gain uncluttered sightlines,Sun Design executed a few struc-tural changes. The L-shaped stair-way entrance was widened whilepreserving a necessary I-beam.Plumbing and ducting were re-routed.

“We didn’t want the space to feellike a basement in any sense,” Parksaid. “Fortunately, Liz Lee reallyunderstood our vision.”

Describing the desired décor as“modern Asian contemporary,”Park stressed simple lines, softtones and visual continuum.

“My mother had very specificideas that even included elementsof Feng Shui,” Park said. “She andLiz collaborated directly on mostof the finish work details.”

Along these lines, Kay’s Korean-styled headboard faces southeast— towards a set of sliding Shojiscreens that conceal closet space

Lower Level Offers Multi-generational SolutionRemodeling adark basementgives familyspaces for grand-parents on ex-tended visits andplay room foreveryone.

With its private entrance, kitchenette and table for four,the new lower level allows Tina Park’s mother, Kay, tohost bridge parties for friends independent of any otherhousehold activities.

The master bathroom is finished with espresso-coloredmaple wood cabinet facings, a floor-to-ceiling glass-facings linen closet and a vanity with granite surfaces.The spacious walk-in shower features a “rain”showerhead, a handheld sprayer and built-in cubbies.

DetailsSun Design Remodeling frequently

sponsors tours of recently remodeledhomes as well as workshops on homeremodeling topics. Headquartered inBurke, the firm recently opened a sec-ond office in McLean. Call703-425-5588 or visitwww.SunDesignInc.com

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See Remodeling, Page 15


By Andrew Miner

For The Connection

The South County Stallions beat the LangleySaxons in day-two action of the MountVernon Holiday Basketball Tournament 59-

52 in the consolation bracket play on Dec. 27.Stallion coach Travis Hess wished South County

played any other school than the one he formerlycoached.

“It was the one team I didn’t want to play” Hesssaid afterwards. “At least not so soon, after a toughloss the following night, it was easy to game planbut I still know most of the kids on that team as wellas coach [Scott] Newman.”

Newman, on the other hand, said, “[coach Hessand I] shared some funny texts back and forth andwhile we preferred not to play them it was just an-other game and we gave them all we had.”

Hess, less than a year removed from being the headcoach at Langley, squared off against first-year headcoach Newman of the Saxons. Newman had beenHess’ assistant at Langley for the last four years andthere were still players on the Saxons who Hess hadpersonally coached.

After the first quarter, the score was knotted at 12.Then the Stallions outscored the Saxons 17-7 in thesecond quarter.

“We gave better effort today than yesterday,”Newman said. “South County is a good team and weare still young.”

In the second half, South County jumped all overthe Saxons. The Stallions extended their lead to 16by outscoring the Saxons 15-9 and led 44-28 enter-ing the fourth quarter. Langley, however, scratchedand clawed back into the game by doing what it doesbest: draining 3-pointers. They hit three that quar-ter and by using a diamond press were able to cutthe Stallion lead to four with 1:25 remaining. SouthCounty then hit six of its next eight foul shots tocement the victory in the final 73 seconds.

Through snow days and a prolonged football sea-son, Hess admitted, “it’s on the coaching staff” andthat “we haven’t had enough practices” when askedhow South County can better learn how to closegames. Both tournament games the Stallions havelet their opponents back into the game. They blew anine-point fourth quarter lead before losing toOakton the night before. Hess was excited to get backto practice, however, in order to “work on every-thing.” Missed free throws, turnovers, and inexperi-ence doomed the Saxons yet again against yet an-other lengthy, athletic team whose offense fed offthe press. The Stallions took advantage, especiallysenior Nathaniel Barrigan who scored a career high31 points. Senior Christopher Antwi had 11 pointsfor South County.

Seniors Ross Callaghan, who had his wisdom teethtaken out earlier this week, and Austin Denham had18 and 10 points respectively for the Saxons.

Langley finished the tournament with a 92-58 lossto Capital Christian on Dec. 28, dropping the Sax-ons’ record to 2-7.

First-year Langley boys’ basketball head coach Scott Newman talks to the Saxonsduring a game against McLean on Dec. 13.

Former Langley Coach Hess Beats SaxonsLangley boys’basketball goes 0-3at holiday tournament.

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Heavily DepletedLangley IceHockey TeamFalls to Oakton

The Langley Saxon Icers fell forthe first time this season to Oaktonin the late game on Jan. 3 atSkatequest.

Although Friday was part ofLangley’s holiday break and the

Saxons were missing all threegoalies and several skaters, theleague refused to reschedule thegame. Oakton was able to dresstheir full squad and goalie.

Chris Lane stepped up to thechallenge for Langley, donned thegoalie gear and admirably stoodbetween the pipes. Langleynotched the first three goals of thegame with tallies from DrewSchneider, Kal Fernlund andMichael Cox, but a late penalty inthe period allowed Oakton to capi-

talize and they added two moreto close the opening frame tied at3.

Each team potted two goals inthe second with Lane stopping 10of the shots he faced in the periodand Oakton’s goalie stoppingnone. Langley’s grinder players:Charlie Eisner, HannahHanuschak, Sam Leighton andOwen Westerheim saw significantice time and were key to keepingLangley in the game as they skatedinto the third.

After giving up a goal to fall be-hind in the third period, FaisalAlsaif completed his hat trick totie the game and Schneider scoredhis second to put Langley aheadwhere they remained until the 4-minute mark. The Saxons ran outof steam and allowed a flurry oflate goals much to the joy of theOakton Hecklers Gallery, who re-peatedly chanted “Conor, Conor,Conor” to the amusement of theentire Langley squad. Apparentlythe heckler gallery mistakenlythought Conor Maddry was be-tween the pipes even though hehas been out with an injury allseason.The Saxons will faceWestfield/Heritage on Jan. 10 atSkatequest at 7:55 p.m.

Langley, McLeanIce Hockey Skateto Six-All Tie.

The Langley Saxons remained

unbeaten with a 6-6 tie against ri-val McLean on Dec. 6.

Although the Saxons outshotMcLean 25-15 and scored in thefirst 20 seconds, they were unableto hold onto a slim lead in thethird.

McLean went ahead after twoquick goals, but Langley knottedthe game at 6 where it remainedfor the final 5 minutes of the tilt.

The game got physical earlywith big hits by assistant captainWill Clemson and Shane Clayton.Saxon captain Drew Schneidercontinued his strong perfor-mance with another hat-trick fol-lowed by two goals from Lafuriaand a single from Guidi.

The first place Saxons kepttheir bench tight due to the close-ness of the score, but Coach Littleensured ice time to all the skat-ers.

First year icers Hanuschak,Westerheim, Eisner and Leightoncontinued to show their mettle forthe team.

The Oakton girls’ basket-ball team went unde-feated during the 2013

portion of its schedule, cappedby winning the Cassel’s CougarClassic.

On Jan. 4, Oakton’s winningways carried into the New Year.

Oakton defeated Yorktown85-41 to improve to 11-0. TheCougars have won each gameby at least 13 points and de-feated seven opponents by atleast 39.

“The biggest key to our starthas been the team mentality,”Oakton head coach FredPriester wrote in an email. “Wehave a great group of playersand they have worked hard toimprove their skills and they arecommitted to playing to-gether— sharing the ball – andmaking any contribution thatthey can for the success of theteam.” Oakton’s most experi-enced players are: junior guardKarlie Cronin (“[she] does ev-erything on the floor and cre-ates great energy and excite-ment,” Priester wrote), seniorguard Jazmine Carter (“[she]works her heart out on defensewherever she is asked to play”),junior guard Lindsey Abed(“[she] plays with great under-standing”) and sophomoreguard Alex Marquis (“[she] isdirecting our offense and attack-ing the basket”). FreshmanAlisha Sheppard “is providingoffensive pop as she increasesher understanding of the game.”

During the Cougar Classic,Oakton defeated Stone Ridge

(Maryland) 79-26, Gar-Field72-29 and Loudoun County 87-41.

“We played very well in theholiday tournament,” Priesterwrote. “… Conference playlooms ahead with tightergames and greater competitionso we must continue to workon execution in order to be suc-cessful. I know that our effortlevel will remain high. That isa given. These kids play hard.”

Cronin, Marquis andSheppard made the all-tourna-ment team. Each is averagingdouble figures in scoring andCronin leads the team in stealsand assists. Abed is averaging9.3 points per game.

Oakton had its streak of eightconsecutive district champion-ships snapped last year byCentreville. The Cougars fin-ished district runner-up beforelosing to South Lakes in theregion semifinals, falling onewin shy of the state tourna-ment. Oakton will open confer-ence play on Jan. 10 atWestfield.

“Centreville is the defendingchamp of the Concorde andreturns everyone and so [it] isdefinitely the favorite andChantilly, Westfield andRobinson all have strongsquads,” Priester wrote. “Wewill need to continue to workhard in order to be successfulin the second half of the sea-son. I have confidence in ourteam’s work ethic and effort –so I am hopeful that we canbuild on our strong start.”

Oakton Girls’Basketball Starts 11-0

Sports Briefs


FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VIENNA

450 ORCHARD STREET, NWVIENNA, VA 22180

[email protected]

www.fbcv.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP, 7:45 AM & 11:00 AMCHURCH SCHOOL 9:30AM-10:30AMMIDWEEK SERVICES, WED. 7:00 PM

Visit These Houses of WorshipTo Highlight Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468

Assembly of GodVienna Assembly of God

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Baha’i Faith forNorthern Virginia... 703-821-3345

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... 703-560-8462Bethel Primitive Baptist Church

... 703-757-8134Cartersville Baptist Church

... 703-255-7075Fellowship Baptist Church

... 703-385-8516First Baptist Church

... 703-938-8525The Light Mission Church ...

703-757-0877Vienna Baptist Church

... 703-281-4400New Union Baptist Church...

703-281-2556Church of the Brethern

Oakton Church of the Brethern... 703-281-4411

CatholicOur Lady of Good Counsel ...

703-938-2828St. Athanasius Catholic Church

... 703-759-4555St. Mark’s Catholic Church

... 703-281-9100Charismatic

New Song Church... 703-698-9777Church of Christ

Berea Church of Christ... 703-893-7040

Disciples of ChristAntioch Christian Church

... 703-938-6753Episcopal

Church of the Holy Comforter... 703-938-6521

Church of the Holy Cross... 703-698-6991

St. Francis Episcopal... 703-759-2082

Jehovah’s WitnessJehovah’s Witnesses

... 703-759-1579Lutheran

Emmanuel Lutheran Church... 703-938-2119

Christ The King Lutheran Church... 703-759-6068

St. Athanasius Lutheran Church... 703-455-4003

MethodistAndrew Chapel United Methodist

... 703-759-3509Church of the Good Shepherd

... 703-281-3987The Vine Methodist Church

... 703-573-5336Ephiphany United Methodist

... 703-938-3494Great Falls United Methodist

... 703-759-3705Oakton United Methodist

... 703-938-1233Vale United Methodist

... 703-620-2594

Smith Chapel United Methodist... 571-434-9680

Wesley United Methodist... 703-938-8700

Non-DenominationalCelebration Center for Spiritual Living

... 703-560-2030Presbyterian

Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church...703-560-6336

Korean Central Presbyterian... 703-698-5577

Vienna Presbyterian... 703-938-9050

QuakerLangley Hills Friends

... 703-442-8394Seventh-Day Adventist

Northern VirginiaChristian Fellowship

... 703-242-9001Vienna Seventh Day Adventists

... 703-938-8383Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of Fairfax... 703-281-4230

United Church of ChristEmmaus UnitedChurch of Christ…703-938-1555

UnityUnity of Fairfax... 703-281-1767

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7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday school: preschool - grade 2Music: grades 3 - 7

10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 12Music 4 years to 2nd grade

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service

Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service

The Rev. James Papile, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran

703-437-6530www.stannes-reston.org

1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston

ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston

Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive

Real Estate

By Karen Briscoe

The total number ofhome sales in McLeanand Great Falls is upin 2013 over 2012.

Further every market segment isup year over year except for thatin the under $750,000 category.The reason I believe that this seg-ment fell short in terms of num-ber of sales is due to lack of sup-ply.Current inventory level is less thanone month for homes to purchasefor under $750,000 in McLean/Great Falls, which includes con-dos.Economists and other experts thatanalyze the real estate markettypically consider a balanced mar-ket to be a 6-month supply, thusthe current lower price market inMcLean and Great Falls is in aseller’s market cycle. This is in linewith market conditions experi-enced throughout 2013.

The move-up market segment ofMcLean and Great Falls is the$750,000 to $1.25 million. Yearover year there was a 16.6 percentincrease in number of homes soldin this market.

The reason for this I believe isthat many buyers who might havetried to purchase in the under$750,000 segment moved up theirpurchase criteria in order to beable to buy a home.

This is a strong indicator that themarket has recovered and that wecould possibly experience price ap-preciation for some areas goingforward. Currently there existsabout 1.5 month supply of prop-erties available to purchase. Withsupply running at generally one-quarter of last year’s demand, inmany cases good homes pricedcorrectly for the market will sellquickly for a strong price and

terms.The largest gain in number of

sales year over year was found inthe upper bracket market segmentof properties that sold for greaterthan $1.25 million, with a total of18.6 percent increase. The reasonfor this is along the same lines as

that mentioned above.The distinction though is that in

the upper brackets there is cur-rently an over 7 month supply ofinventory, more in each categoryrelative to supply as the price ofthe home increases. There are ob-viously less potential buyers for

McLean & Great FallsMarket Analysis of Homes SalesALL 2012 COMPARED TO ALL 2013

(Based on Final Closed Price)$750k~

>$3 Mil. $2-3 Mil. $1.25-2 Mil. $1.25 Mil. <$750k

ALL 201222101 10 20 105 150 16722102 7 16 38 91 18122066 6 10 46 95 45Total 23 46 189 336 393Combined Total 258 729

ALL SALES ALL 2012: 987

ALL 201322101 11 27 105 206 9322102 7 21 50 65 17722066 8 11 66 121 34Total 26 59 221 392 304Combined Total 241 553

ALL SALES ALL 2013: 1,002

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2013: Banner Year in McLean and Great Fallshomes over $1.25 million, so insome segments of the upper brack-ets the conditions are border linebalanced to buyer’s market.

The peak of the real estate mar-ket in Northern Virginia was in2005-2006.

The market usually follows a 7-year cycle from peak to peak. Myongoing prediction that valueswould return to market peak forthis area in some segments begin-ning in 2012 was right on track.The good news is that 2013 con-firmed that trend. Thus 2013proved to be a banner year for theMcLean and Great Falls real estatemarket.

My prediction for 2014 is thatgood houses priced correctly forthe market and in good conditionwill sell for strong prices andterms. As long as supply and de-mand stay at current levels andnot exceed balanced market con-ditions, 2014 too should prove tobe a very good year for real estatein McLean and Great Falls.

Karen Briscoe is Principal of the HBCRealty Group-Keller Williams. Contacther at: www.HBCRealtyGroup.com,7 0 3 - 7 3 4 - 0 1 9 2 ,[email protected].

Karen Briscoe

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ntributed

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Zone 6 Ad Deadline:

Monday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 6: • Arlington • Great Falls

• McLean • Vienna/OaktonClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

LEGAL NOTICEHyjek & Fix, Inc. entered dissolution on December 18, 2013. Any claim that you may have against Hyjek & Fix, Inc., includ-ing the amount and basis thereof, must be transmitted to Rees Broome, PC, Attn: SDC, 1900 Gallows Rd., Suite 700, Vienna, VA 22182. A claim against Hyjek & Fix, Inc. will be barred un-less a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced prior to the earlier of the expiration of any applicable statute of limita-tions or three years after the date of publication of this notice.

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

LEGAL NOTICEInova Medical Group welcomes

The Neurology & Headache Treatment Center.To make an appointment or

To request medical records please contact:(703) 212-0700

8201 Greensboro DriveSuite 1003

McLean, Virginia 22102To move your records to a provider

Outside our network, customary fees apply




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21 AnnouncementsABC LICENSE

Tavana Co. trading as Saffron Grill, 1025 Seneca Rd, suite A, Great Falls, VA 22066. The above establishment is apply-ing to the VIRGINIA DEPART-MENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEV-ERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a wine and beer on premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Kambiz Hooshangi owner and director. NOTE: Objections to the issu-ance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Ob-jections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

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EmploymentEmployment

Do you Care with aCommitment to Quality?Spring Hills Home Care Services Virginia

is NOW HIRING Personal Care Aides.For Immediate Consideration pleasecall 703-799-0022 or send an email

to [email protected]

BUSINESS OPP

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Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learnmany aspects of the newspa-per business. Internshipsavailable in reporting, pho-tography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students,and for adults consideringchange of career. Unpaid.E-mail [email protected]

CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected]

or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 5, 6 ..............................Tues @ 11:00Zones 1, 3 ................................Tues @ 4:00Zone 2 ....................................Wed @ 11:00Zone 4......................................Wed @ 1:00

E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411

ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/

Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet

The Mount Vernon GazetteZone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection

The Vienna/Oakton ConnectionThe McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection

Newspapers & Online

HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO

On multiple occasions throughout mynearly five years of being treated for stageIV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologisthas given me opportunities to stop and/ortake a break from my treatment, or to con-sider alternatives to the normal protocols –for the expressed (literally) purpose of sus-taining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experi-enced during my nearly non-stop, everythree-week chemotherapy infusions whichbegan in early March, 2009. The goal beingto enable me to enjoy my life and not besubjected to/beaten down by the ravagingand debilitating effects of chemotherapy.

As many of you probably know, chemo-therapy is hardly a cure for what cancer ailsyou; in many cases, it is the last line of a fal-tering defense against the indefensible: aterminal prognosis. When your oncologistcharacterizes you as “terminal,” and givesyou “13 months to two years” to live, thepresumptions, the logic, the understandingis that whatever treatment you endure is notlikely to save your life. Stage IV means inop-erable, incurable (though “treatable”);words which are not used indiscriminately.They are used, as is the “stage,” to define aset of medical conditions that are extremelyserious and based on the most current andbest-known medical knowledge available atthe time, and are not likely to result in ahappy ending. As I’ve said previously,“being called ‘terminal’ is all it’s cracked upto be.”

In spite of everything – all the discourag-ing words, all the chemotherapy, all thevarying lab work (good and bad) and mis-cellaneous results from CT Scans, MRIs andthe occasional bone scan and X-Ray – Ihave managed to outlive the original prog-nosis offered by my oncologist. My body hasheld up to the rigors of chemotherapy (I’venever been a candidate for radiation as mytumors are too numerous and too spreadout for the targeting strategy to benefit me,if I understand the process clearly) amaz-ingly well. Still, there are limits of effective-ness. Your body can only take so muchbefore it begins to work against you.

Nevertheless, when offered a respitefrom treatment and given an opportunity tolive life to the fullest and enjoy what time Ihave remaining – not hooked up to an I.V. –I have always opted to continue treatment.Regardless of the oncologist’s motivation insuggesting these breaks (though they are dis-cussions we have together; it’s hardly unilat-eral, one way or the other), it’s always felt tome as if I were giving up and/or giving in.Diagnosis-to-date/treatment-to-date, it’snever appealed to me. In retrospect, I imag-ine I was being naive to think that my over-all very manageable quality of life as a lungcancer patient/survivor would/will continue,so why stop now when the worst-case sce-nario seems to be have been/is a bit over-stated? I don’t know if that’s hubris on mypart, stupidity or wishful thinking (certainlythat), but my feeling is that if I think I’mgoing to die, I probably will (sooner ratherthan later is what I mean). And not that thiswhole strategy of mine has been about try-ing to out-think cancer by being positiveand optimistic; hardly. But I will admit this:given my current alive-and-reasonably-wellstatus, I wouldn’t say it’s worked against me.

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

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

Living WithMy Decisions


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and other personal effects. The masterbathroom is finished in espresso-coloredmaple wood cabinet facings, a floor-to-ceil-ing glass-facing linen closet and a vanitywith granite surface.

While the 150-square-foot kitchenetteand dining counter provides everythingneeded for food preparation and clean-up,it blends with other elements in an open,yet cleverly-zoned great room.

Walnut cabinet facings, marble surfacesand a tile backsplash present a pleasing con-

Home LifeStyle

From Page 11

BEFORE: For nearlya decade, the

Park’s 2,000 squarefoot basement has

mainly served asstorage. Tina Park

describes it as“dungeon-like,” a

perception rein-forced by the

narrow L-shapedaccess stairway.

Remodelingtrast to the eggshell white walls and ran-dom-width pine flooring. Ceiling level bulk-heads and tapered columns define key ac-tivity zones.

Recessed lights and three dangling pen-dant lamps provide regulated illuminationand appropriate aesthetic accents. To elimi-nate cooking aromas, the kitchenette is evenequipped with concealed ventilation fans.

“It’s really the nicest place in the housenow,” Park said. “And it satisfies so manydifferent needs that it’s become our maingathering place.”

Photo by

Bryan Burris Photography

To have community events listed in the Con-nection, send [email protected]. Thedeadline for submissions is the Friday prior topublication.

WEDNESDAY/JAN. 8Vienna Photographic Society Meeting.

7:30-9:30 p.m. Oakton Elementary School,3000 Chain Bridge Road, Oakton. Corey Hilzwill speak at this meeting. He is aprofessional photographer specializing innature and travel photography. He finds thatthe diversity in nature and cultures aroundthe world offer boundless opportunities fornew images. www.vpsva.org

SUNDAY/JAN. 12Introduction to Healing Touch - Get and

Give a Healing! 2-4 p.m. Unity of Fairfax,2854 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton. A gentle,complementary energy-based approach tohealth and healing. The goal is to restoreharmony and balance to the human energysystem through a heart-centered caringrelationship and the use of contact/non-contact touch. This can greatly assist thebody and mind in its natural ability to hear.http://www.unityoffairfax.org/introduction-healing-touch-1

TUESDAY/JAN. 14NARFE(National Association of Active

and Retired FederalEmployees)ºChapter 1116 Meeting.

1:30 p.m. Vienna Community Center 120Cherry Street, Vienna. The guest speaker isVirginia Imglese, Founder, Therapist, TotalHealth Concepts, Vienna, VA Seniorwellness. Start out the new year with somegood advice about proper Nutrition forhealthy living. Free. 703-938-9757.

THURSDAY/JAN. 16Chapter 227, Vietnam Veterans of

America Inc., invites all veterans, friends,and the general public to attend the chaptermeeting at Neighbor’s Restaurant, 262DCedar Lane, Cedar Lane Shopping Center,Vienna, at 7:30 p.m. Robert Tecklenburg,Vietnam veteran, will discuss his new book,“The Boys Next Door: A Marine Returns toVietnam,” on his Vietnam War experience,his return to Vietnam after the war, andVietnam War history. Admission is free. Forinformation, call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353 or visit www.vva227.org.

Great Falls Writer’s Group. 1:30 p.m. GreatFalls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Come to discuss the joys andchallenges of writing. Writers will share theirwork. All skills levels are welcome. Noregistration needed; no charge.

THURSDAY/JAN. 23Great Falls Writer’s Group. 1:30 p.m. Great

Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls. Come to discuss the joys andchallenges of writing. Writers will share theirwork. All skills levels are welcome. Noregistration needed; no charge.

Bulletin Board


www.GreatFallsGreatHomes.com

703-757-3222 OfficeHelen Chung VasiliadisSusan Canis

Jan & Dan LaythamDianne Van Volkenburg

Great Falls $2,495,000 Great Falls $4,499,999

Great Falls $2,495,000




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McLean $2,199,000

Reston $259,900

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