Library Opens at Mount Vernon Estate
$106.4 million building dedicated.
The $106.4 million Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington opened in Mount Vernon last Friday, Sept. 27, with much fanfare. Fred W. Smith, chairman of The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the largest donor, gave $70 million, including a $38 million lead gift, which was the largest single donation in Mount Vernon’s history. It was seed money to create the museum, foundation and education center. Funds were also collected by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, which came from 7,000 individuals, foundations and corporations from across America — not from any federal, state or local governments. “This is a place where scholars and leaders can visit from all over the world,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell, who referred to George Washington as only having a sixth-grade education — a man of “quiet faith, humility, and civility.” And one of the best whiskey makers in America.
Commentary: Help Fight Breast Cancer
Pam Baker’s attention to detail saves lives. As a nurse and quality consultant here at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Pam diligently ensures our staff follow evidence-based guidelines and practices that promote the best outcomes for our patients. She also practices what she preaches: Pam follows guidelines from the American Cancer Society, which recommend that women over 40 get a mammogram every year. Eight years ago, her annual mammogram detected a lump in one of her breasts. “I wasn’t worried about dying of breast cancer. [The lump] was small. Because of my yearly exams, I knew it wasn’t there the year before,” Baker said. Fortunately, her mammogram flagged her breast cancer at an early stage. Baker underwent a mastectomy and hormone treatment at Inova Alexandria Hospital. Today, she’s a survivor.
Costumed Dolls Aid MetroArts
From ballerinas to Barbies.
Alexandria resident Virginia Britton has come up with a creative way to raise funds for the Metropolitan Arts Collaborate (MetroArts), a non-profit organization that she started in June 2012. The mission of MetroArts, which is currently in the process of becoming a 5019(C)(3), is to provide affordable fine arts education to local students. By taking classic Barbies and selling them as transformed, artfully-costumed custom dolls, Britton is using her own fine arts skills to raise money for the budding foundation. Currently, she sells her dolls at the gift store, A Show of Hands. She also takes requests. She will also be selling the dolls at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Masonic Temple on Dec. 7 and 8. As a ballet director, she has designed her fair share of ballet costumes, so she had plenty of doll-sized costumes for different themes.
The Arlington Players Presents ‘A Chorus Line’
Talented cast of 24 actors reveal their souls through song and dance.
Under the direction of Susan Devine, 56, of Fairfax, The Arlington Players is staging the iconic dance-musical “A Chorus Line,” through Oct. 12 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center off Glebe Road in Arlington. The complex show features a cast of 24 actors, singers and dancers on a bare stage with only a wall-length mirror during their audition for a musical. The director Zach, played by formidable real-life director and actor Blakeman Brophy, moves freely through the audience, while running the auditions and putting actors through their paces. As the play progresses, Zach gets them to reveal their souls through song (“What I Did for Love,” and “I Can Do That”) and dance. Devine wanted to convey the feeling of Zach directing from an empty auditorium — even though he was moving around the audience. She said, “I wanted to make this feel like this was as real an audition as possible.”
Week in Vienna
Town of Vienna Offices to Observe Columbus Day Town of Vienna offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. The Vienna Community Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no classes or drop-in programs will be held. Refuse collection will operate as normal on Monday, Oct. 14. Public safety services will not be impacted.
Offering Special Needs Training
Christ Presbyterian Church holds autism workshops for lay people on Oct. 18-19.
Christ Presbyterian Church is offering a free Special Needs Ministry Training Workshop Oct. 18-19, for Sunday School teachers, lay people, and volunteers who minister to children and youth with autism and other conditions. It features presentations from local ministry leaders, DVDs by experts, and training in classroom management. The workshops are at 12410 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax. “The goal is to bring awareness to the unique opportunity people have in ministering to families of special needs,” said Pastor Geoff McLean, 40. “We’re looking to build a cadre of folks to support each other in this kind of ministry.” McLean said a lot of people come to church and they find it an unwelcoming place if they have special needs. And because most folks are going through their own individual struggles, he wants to bring them together to be resources for each other. “So if they have an issue, they can talk to others and find ways to connect,” he said.
Mutts 'n' Munchkins Raises $2,800 for Pets With Disabilities
At a Mutts n Munchkins' event on Sunday Sept. 29, 48 pre-registered crafty and volunteering children from Falls Church and surrounding areas were given the platform to set up their own tables and sell their own animal-related products, baked goods, crafts or games which were then purchased by the public for low donation prices.
Focus on Food Crisis
Marshall HS sponsors My First Model UN Training Conference.
Next week 250 middle and high school students will gather at Marshall High School for the 10th annual My First Model United Nations Training Conference. The conference will run all day on Oct. 19, and will feature morning training sessions, afternoon model United Nations conference sessions, and lunch. For students who hold any interest in international relations, it is not to be missed, according to Marshall High School senior Samuel Carpenter. Carpenter is a member of Marshall’s Model UN Team, and is helping to organize the event.
McLean Racing for Wounded Warriors
More than 900 take part in the McLean 5K Run With The Warriors.
Arriving before sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 5, runners and supporters of McLean 5K Run With The Warriors met at McLean Square, 6629 Old Dominion Drive. Participants included students from Chesterbrook Elementary School and their parents, led by the school’s mascot, Chester the Chipmunk; wrestlers from McLean High School; first responders from McLean Fire Department, and employees and representatives from Vinson Hall and Century 21 New Millennium. Century 21 and the Navy Marine Coast Residence Foundation were hosts of the event. Overall there were over 900 participants in the race.
Carlyle House Hosts Historic Fashion Show
15 models highlight styles from Colonial and Federal periods, 1753 to 1760s.
Living historians modeled 18th-century clothing at an Historic Fashion Show at the Carlyle House on Saturday, Sept. 21 — clothing that would have been worn by society maverick John Carlyle and his family in Old Town Alexandria. This year’s show focused on the Colonial, Federal and Civil War-era (1753 to 1860s), as well as the mid-19th century. “Our goal was to share the history of fashion that the Carlyle family would have been wearing and encountering among their peers,” said Helen Wirka, curator and site specialist at Carlyle House. The Carlyle’s home was the center of Alexandria’s wealth and politics from 1741 to 1780, according to Wirka. John Carlyle was a town founder, surveyor, justice of the peace, and building contractor. He hosted the Bread and Butter Ball, and entertained the likes of George and Martha Washington, Gen. Edward Braddock and five governors at his mansion. He married Sara Fairfax in 1747, and the couple had seven children. After Sara died, he married Sybil West in 1761; and they had three children.
Why Churchill Road II
To the Editor: After reading Gina Manning’s letter to the editor in the Sept. 25 edition [“Why Churchill Road?”], I am prompted to express my appreciation for the Connection’s coverage of Churchill Road Elementary School and other area schools. In an era when newspapers are working with reduced staffs and resources, we are fortunate to receive a weekly newspaper that features local news including updates of our area schools.
The Issue of the Hour
Climate change is the issue of the hour and climbing. Not many people may find this connection, but as we have been discussing in my environmental security course, climate change and the associated environmental degradation problems are a risk to national security.
Intimidation at the McLean Farmers Market
To the Editor: An ugly scene disrupted the usual tranquility of the McLean Farmers Market last Friday. As market-goers know, the Republican and Democrat parties have tables where people can pick up campaign literature, bumper stickers, yard signs and information about voting and registration. Or, they can just stop and talk, if they want.
Real Estate in McLean and Great Falls: Strong for First Three Quarters 2013
In almost every market segment of McLean and Great Falls the number of residential transactions are up in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same time period in 2012. The total number of sales increased 6 percent, which is very strong given that it represents only the first three quarters of the year.
Help the Homeless Walk at Churchill Road
On Sept. 30, Churchill Road Elementary School held its 8th annual Help the Homeless Mini Walk for the benefit of Pathway Homes, a Northern Virginia non-profit that provides services to homeless families in Fairfax County and surrounding areas. With more than 50 registered walkers, the school raised more than $1,500 toward this effort. CRS Physical Education teacher Jason Mastaler spearheaded the event, and along with co-teacher Nicholas Corsi, led the group on a half-mile walk through the school grounds and surrounding neighborhood.
Presentation on Contemporary Women's Health Issues
On Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Dr. Marie Kodadek, professor in the College of Nursing and Health Science at George Mason University, will speak about "Contemporary Women's Health Issues," including how emerging technologies are being used in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Kodadek's background is in maternity and community health nursing. Her current research focuses on parenting, women's health and end of life decision making. She serves on the educational committee of the Association for Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Northern Virginia Chapter. Dr. Kodadek received her BSN in 1974 from the College of Saint Teresa, Winoa, Minn., her MSN in 1976 from the University of Colorado and her Ph.D. in 1988 from the University of Texas at Austin. The event will be held at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Drive, McLean. Need a ride to attend? Phone Barbara Sipe, 703-356-2385 or 571-439-6145, and someone will pick you up and take you home. Be sure to bring your questions. Friends and the public are welcome.
Decorating for Fall
Local designers offer suggestions for bringing the harvest into your home.
The colors of autumn are all around as pumpkins and squash fill produce stands and leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow before falling from their branches. Local designers and tastemakers are unveiling home accents that bring the warm hues of the season into the home. Whether using pillows, throws or flowers, adding the colors and textures of fall requires less effort than one might expect. “Emerald green, orange and turquoise are three of the biggest color trends we’re seeing,” said Marcus Browning of European Country Living in Old Town Alexandria. “Throws and pillows are a given, but you can also tie in traditional and modern accessories with rugs, stained glass lamps with modern or intricate designs.” Small trays provide a canvas for highlighting color and adding functionality to a room, says Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Bethesda, Md. “Color and pattern are in right now,” she said. “I just purchased the C. Wonder (http://www.cwonder.com) navy and white chevron tray for my home. It adds a punch of color and freshness to a room. Preppy is back in a big way, too, offering lots of patterns.”
Week in Great Falls
Great Falls Memory Café Meets on Oct. 17
The Great Falls Memory Cafe will meet Thursday, Oct. 17, from 2-4 p.m. at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Vienna. The memory cafe is a casual social meeting venue for those with progressive memory or cognitive impairment and their caregivers. Call Carol Blackwell 571-236-6933 for more details.
Claims vs. Facts
To the Editor: At a recent elementary school’s Back to School Night, a friend was handed materials from supporters of Barbara Comstock, the Delegate for the 34th Virginia House District. I expect that a candidate would paint him or herself in the most favorable light, and that campaign materials should be read with a certain degree of skepticism. However, a little research in the public record shows a tremendous discrepancy between the way Ms. Comstock portrays herself and the reality of how she has voted. *Claim: Comstock claims to support education and takes credit for helping to restore $120 million in cuts to Virginia schools. Fact: in 2010, Comstock voted in favor of a House Budget Bill (HB30) that cut education by $620 million.
‘Nature’s Shapes and Colors’ Photo Exhibit
“Nature’s Shapes and Colors,” an exhibit of photography capturing the variety of shapes and colors in nature by Great Falls photographer and author Dee Leggett, will be on display through Nov. 30, 2013 at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa in Great Falls. Photos display local butterflies, shapes and colors from East Coast beaches to reflections in the Yukon. The exhibit will be on display during business hours at 11415 Georgetown Pike. Leggett is a member of Great Falls Studios and has been exhibiting her photography for more than 10 years. Visit DeeLeggettPhotography.vpweb.com, email her at DeeLeggett@aol.com or call 703-430-8680.