Flamingo Club Cocktail Hour - The Connection Newspapers
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Flamingo Club
Cocktail Hour
News, Page 3
ArPets: Is He
Peeing!?!?
ArPets, Page 2
Opinion, Page 4
Photo by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection
Sklar sits with Elvis and his red wagon
ready to pour out shots for the members
of the neighborhood Flamingo Club.
Opera NOVA Upcoming Page,
7
Entertainment, Page 5
February 17-23, 2021 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
ArPets:
Route 1 Multimodal Improvements
Feasibility Study
Arlington County
Virtual Public Information Meeting
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 6:30-8 p.m.
www.virginiadot.org/route1multimodalstudy Sweet Hank Any position will do.
Inclement weather date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) invites you
to join a public information meeting for the Route 1 Multimodal
“Is He
Improvements Study. This virtual meeting will provide an opportunity
for the public to: Peeing?”
• Learn about feasibility study updates and progress By Joan Brady
Photos by Joan Brady
• Provide input on proposed design elements along the corridor Arlington Connection
• Ask questions and address concerns with the study team
“
I
s he peeing?” The tone was
The purpose of this feasibility study is to identify enhanced multimodal matter-of-fact, the implication
connectivity and accommodations along Route 1 (between 12th Street horrifying. I’m staying with
to 23rd Streets South) to meet the changing transportation needs of my in-laws for a bit, helping out as
they recover from non-COVID ill-
the Crystal City and Pentagon City communities.
nesses. It’d been a few weeks and
The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting. things were going quite smoothly. The scene of the most recent crime.
We have a great relationship and
Information for participating in the virtual meeting is available
while they aren’t necessarily dog people, my in-laws
at www.virginiadot.org/route1multimodalstudy. The study are Hank people for sure. So having our 18-year-old
team will make a short presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. beagle around had not been an issue.
followed by a question and answer period. But peeing on the good rug? This would surely put
their love of four-legged Hank to the test. And there
Review study information and meeting details on the was no pretending it hadn’t happened, since he was
webpage above or during business hours at VDOT’s still leg-lifted when I raced in from the kitchen. Yup,
Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, a full pee on the dining room rug. The now fully re-
VA 22030. Please call ahead at 703-259-2599 or TTY/TDD lieved Hank quietly returned to his bed, completely
711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel. unaware that he might have signed his own kennel
check-in paperwork.
Give your comments during the meeting, or by March Hank has Cushing’s syndrome, which, among other
15, 2021 via the comment form on the study website, things, can cause uncontrollable peeing. If you have
by mail to Mr. Dan Reinhard, P.E., Virginia Department of ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), I think it’s
Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or kind of like that -- an urgency that simply cannot go
by email to route1multimodalstudy@VDOT.virginia.gov. unanswered. For Hank, the Cushing’s symptoms have
been pretty well controlled through medication. I si-
VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment lently begged for this to be an anomaly, rather than an
in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI indication that the disease was progressing.
and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need Red faced, I quietly finished sopping up the still-
warm urine and happily there was no further mention
more information or special assistance for persons with
of the incident.
disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Having Hank around during this stressful time has
Civil Rights at 703-259-1775. been great for the entire household. Hank is in a fairly Hank sleeping in his favorite dog bed.
constant state of relaxation. His bed moves to what-
UPC: 115882 But since the, ahem, incident, I’ve been on high
ever room we are in and he rotates from his dog bed
alert. Fearful that at any time, I would again hear that
to the couch to the floor. Watching him resting peace-
cringeworthy question, “Is he peeing?” It had been
fully, laughing at the disruption of his loud snoring
a few days and I was just starting to think we were
and, when he is awake, succumbing to his relentless
in the clear. And when I let my guard down, Hank
begging for table scraps, has had a wonderful effect
jumped up on the couch where I have been sleeping
on everyone.
at night and lifted his leg, releasing more urine than
anyone should have to clean up after a long day.
If you are interested in adding a cat, dog or Think positive thoughts for us, my mother-in-law
small animal pet to your household, here are a few will be learning of the most recent puddle when she
local rescue organizations who might be able to reads this. I’m hopeful that when her glance turns
help you find your perfect match: from her computer to the sweetly sleeping Hank, her
Animal Welfare heart melts at the very joy of him, and she will forgive
League of Alexandria him his most recent transgression.
Animal Welfare
League of Arlington ArPets is a weekly feature for highlighting the well-loved
Homeward Trails pets of Arlington as well as animals who are available for
Lost Dog and adoption. If you or your dog, cat, iguana, bunny, rat or any
Cat Rescue Foundation other pet, has an interesting pet story to tell, send email to:
joan@joanbradyphotography.com.
PetConnect Rescue Joan is an award-winning Connection Newspapers col-
Wolf Trap Animal Rescue umnist and local photographer specializing in pets, chil-
dren and families and contemporary business portraits.
2 v Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Do Flamingos Drink Bourbon? ..or it is just my imagination?
Photos by Shirley Ruhe/The Connection
Photos by Joan Brady
Scott Sklar (from right to left) with Jake McGuire and George McGlue in the afternoon outdoor Fla-
mingo Club cocktail hour on Ivy Street.
then COVID came, and they had to
stop meeting. His house came with
a concrete flamingo in 1921, and
things just took off from there. “Ev-
eryone started giving me flamingos
from all around the United States.”
Then he paid two neighbor girls
to name the flamingos.
Sklar sits with Elvis and his red wagon ready to pour out shots for
In his other life Sklar is Presi-
the members of the neighborhood Flamingo Club.
dent of the Alcova Heights Civic
Association. He owns a 20-year-
By Shirley Ruhe bor donated the chairs that he was
old global renewal energy busi-
Arlington Connection giving away.
ness and teaches three courses
“Hey, here comes Jake from Ken-
S
at George Mason University. His
cott Sklar, wearing his cow- more Street who has been coming
house is powered by solar panels
boy hat, sits on the curb since day one.
and a geothermal heat pump, and
amid the flamingos in his He brings his own wine.” Jake
his two-story office in back is pow-
front yard. He is drinking McGuire comments he lives in an
ered by solar, wind and hydrogen
a Blade & Bow bourbon out of a old house, drives an old car and
Flamingo Club sign lays out times for the cocktail hour, and 50 fuel cells.
small plastic cup. Sklar points drinks old wine. McGuire is sport-
named flamingos from all over the states decorate Scott Sklar’s A sign in the front yard an-
to George McGlue sitting on the ing a kaleidoscope of modern art
front yard. nounces the cocktail hours adjust-
bench six feet away. “We’re finish- which he says comes from Les
ed to 4:30-6:00 p.m. during short
ing the bottle today.” Sklar explains Halles in Paris like most of his oth-
on in back for those who are “off her scooter “but she doesn’t drink daylight hours.
that McGlue is part of the morning er scarves. “I tell people I’m no lon-
the wagon.” Skylar explains Pat- of course.” The chairs are filling up as the
Starbucks group at Lyons Village. ger a 22-year-old stud muffin so I
rick was a member of the original Sklar says the idea of the Fla- sun goes down. But not to worry, “I
He adds, “Our Flamingo Club need plumage.”
neighborhood Bourbon Club. mingo Club grew out of a neigh- have solar lights on the trees if we
attracts a very different group— McGuire pulls out his bottle of
Lucy flies by in her red dress on borhood bourbon tasting club. But need them.”
some are neighbors and some Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc and a
are young people walking by. I’m copy of his latest book, “How My
a professor at George Mason so Heavenly Mother Saved Me From
some come from there.” And Sklar
adds that his 16-year-old dog Elvis,
the Hellish Nuns!” (available on
Amazon).
Rotary Club Launches Drive for Thrive
sitting between his legs, doesn’t Joe Salee shows up, “I don’t
drink, but some of the dogs do. drink much. I just come for the Give to the Rotary Club clients weather the continued Covid storm. Arling-
ton Thrive provides crisis-solving cash to individu-
“They really lap up the Jack Dan- company.”
iels apple bourbon.” “Hey Beatrice.” Beatrice heads by Feb. 28 to double als in Arlington who are in danger of being evicted
from their homes, and will help pay other crucial
Sklar has been hosting the Fla- toward Elvis. “Where’s my baby?” bills. Many pay the money back when they can.
mingo Club about five days a week “Beatrice drinks plenty,” Sklar your impact. From now until Feb. 28, an anonymous do-
since March “unless it’s snowing, explains, “but not until she has nor has offered to match contributions of up to
raining or windy.” walked the dog.” By Eden Brown $10,000, dollar-for-dollar to the Arlington Rota-
He says, “I live alone so when Beatrice picks up the dog and Arlington Connection ry Club which will grant the funds to Arlington
COVID hit I needed some social walks down the street. Thrive. All contributions are tax-deductible and
I
interaction.” He has hand sanitizer Patrick, in shorts and sandals, f there was ever a time Arlington Thrive was can be made on the Arlington Rotary Club’s do-
and has placed the chairs six feet ambles by and accepts a cup of crucial in the lives of Arlington residents, it is nation page at https://www.arlingtonrotaryclub.
apart so he could meet people in rye from the little red wagon filled now, in the 12th month of the Covid-19 crisis. org/page/donate or checks to the Arlington Rotary
a safe way. “I pour the drinks my- with Basil Hayden’s bourbon, Tin The Arlington Rotary Club will offer a matching Club can be mailed to P.O. Box 100038 Arlington
self.” He says they used to sit on Cup Rye and single malt scotch. challenge campaign so Arlington Thrive can help See Rotary Club, Page 6
plastic paint cans until the neigh- Sklar says he has a bigger red wag-
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 v 3
Opinion Arlington
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Connection
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Virginia’s Budget Focuses on Recovery @ArlConnection
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ast year was my first on the done to our students’ term projects to reduce during their formative years. The
influential Senate Finance ability to learn, bolsters barriers to ownership Senate budget moves to address 1606 King Street
and Appropriations Com- our education system, and renting of afford- those concerns in order to get kids Alexandria, Virginia 22314
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the economic outlook was strong, growing vaccination efforts as well inception. hard-working educators, and also NEWS DEPARTMENT:
and we reported an incredibly as directing aid to at-risk medical That was simply not enough, allocated significant dollars in or- arlington@connectionnewspapers.com
bold, progressive budget. Within a patients. and I am glad the Senate budget der to add three additional sup- Shirley Ruhe
month of its adoption it was clear In healthcare, we made pru- takes the issue seriously by allocat- port staff (including mental health Contributing Photographer and Writer
many of our lofty funding goals dent decisions to increase feder- ing $110 million to the Trust over counselors and nurses) per 1,000 slrbc@aol.com
would need to be put on hold due al matching dollars for children’s the biennium. We also allocated students statewide. We also in-
to the Covid-19 pandemic. Compa- healthcare and foster care, and significant federal relief dollars creased per-pupil funding for the Joan Brady
rably, Virginia has weathered the Contributing Photographer and Writer
secured a large amount of feder- for rent and mortgage relief. As Virginia Preschool Initiative to
joan@joanbradyphotography.com
economic storm well, and we were al funding to support a statewide this year has proved, access to the level the playing field, so that dis-
able to restore some of these fund- vaccination program. Since my last Internet is not a commodity, but advantaged early learners have a Eden Brown
ing priorities this year, as well as column, Virginia has become one rather a necessity. To address this better shot at success. Contributing Writer
take important new steps to begin of the most successful states in vac- reality the Senate included nearly Despite economic struggles, I arlington@connectionnewspapers.com
the process of rebuilding our econ- cine distribution, and this funding $50 million for broadband infra- am glad that the Senate did not
omy. Ken Moore
will help us further advance that structure grants. We also included adhere to austerity economics as
Contributing Writer
Last week the Senate and House mission while saving nearly $100 expansive tax breaks and small was done during the 2008 finan- kmoore@connectionnewspapers.com
reported our respective amend- million for other priorities. We business loans to protect and bring cial crisis. This legislative session
ments to the second-year appro- also appropriated dollars to add back small businesses and jobs in has been one to address needs, not
priations of Virginia’s biennial slots for Developmental Disability the coming year -- a major priority wants, and I am glad to support a ADVERTISING:
For advertising information
budget. The differences between Waivers to support those vulner- for members of the Senate Finance budget that addressed those needs sales@connectionnewspapers.com
these versions will be reconciled able residents most impacted by Committee. aggressively and responsibly. With 703-778-9431
in the coming weeks by the joint COVID-19. Everyone has suffered during the funds allocated in this year’s
budget conferees. The Senate bud- Virginia’s Affordable Hous- this pandemic, but especially of budget, Virginia will recover. Debbie Funk
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Virginia Launching Statewide Pre-Registration System
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launching a Statewide Everyone who already pre-reg- Distribution Update have been administered, accord- 703-778-9431
dgriffin@connectionnewspapers.com
Vaccine Pre-Registration istered on Arlington County’s sys- As of Feb. 13, the Arlington ing to the Vaccine Summary Dash-
System to provide a unified and tem will be automatically import- County Public Health Division board. As of Feb. 11, Virginia ranks Classified & Employment
comprehensive process for people ed into the new statewide system; (ACPHD) has used 88.1 percent of 7th among all states for percent of Advertising
in Virginia to pre-register for the you do not need to preregister the first doses it has received. the population that has received 703-778-9431
COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, again. 13,375 first doses of COVID-19 at least one dose, and 9th among
Arlington County’s preregistration Your original preregistration vaccine received all states for percent of available
Editor & Publisher
links and webpage will be replaced date will be included and you will 11,782 doses administered doses administered. https://www. Mary Kimm
with a link to the new statewide be able to search to confirm that To date in Virginia, 1,734,400 vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ mkimm@connectionnewspapers.com
system at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. you are in the new system. vaccine doses have been received, covid-19-vaccine-summary/ @MaryKimm
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Submit civic/community announce- Food in Troubled Times. 10:00 – ment. Visit the website: https:// 703-549-0004
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Calendar. Photos and artwork wel-
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Master Gardeners Tricia Rodgers
and Anne Wilson for an overview
event-details/
Let Us Know Art/Design:
at least two weeks before the event. of home food production from
World War I victory gardens to the
ARLINGTON OPENS Your View Laurence Foong, John Heinly,
Ali Khaligh
EXPRESS LIBRARY SERVICE Connection Newspapers welcomes
present. They will introduce you Production Manager:
NOW THRU MARCH 31 Effective March 9, 2021, Arlington views on any public issue.
to some Geovani Flores
Honey and Royal Tangerines (former- Public Library is reopening two Letters must be signed. Include home address
of the heirloom crops that contem-
ly “Temples”) and Valencias are library branches, Shirlington and and home and business numbers;
porary gardeners can grow in
joining the Honeybells, Cara Caras, Westover, for a 15-minute Express we will only print your name and town name.
their gardens today. Free. RSVP CIRCULATION
Red Grapefruit, and Mandarins Library Service. Express Library Letters are routinely edited for length, libel, grammar,
at https://mgnv.org/events/ to circulation@connectionnewspapers.com
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receive link to participate. good taste, civility and factual errors.
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At Shirlington and Westover Express
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Service locations, library patrons
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4 v Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
News
Photo Contributed
Simone Brown, soprano and Sandy Lewanika, soprano and pianist.
Opera NOVA Continues
Concert Series
O
pera NOVA will hold its Lewanika, soprano and pianist and
third 30-minute virtu- Jose Sacin, Opera NOVA Executive
al concert on Feb. 25. It Director, and guitarist.
will be available on their YouTube The program includes Summer-
channel at 7 p.m. After months of time, Take my Mother Home, Give
a dark stage due to COVID, Opera Me Jesus, Do You Know Him, Over
NOVA was able to resume perfor- My Head, I’m Here, You Can Tell
mances virtually in the World.
Preview December with their Opera NOVA was established
Holiday Concert. in 1992 as a volunteer-based,
This concert fea- non-profit charitable organiza-
tures an African American program tion to bring the joy of opera to
to celebrate Black History month. residents in the Northern Virginia
The program will be presented area.
by Simone Brown, soprano; Elise
Christina Jenkins, soprano; Sandy
— Shirley Ruhe
Same Company, Same Employees,
Same Great Value - Now Celebrating 20 Years!
TWO POOR TEACHERS
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Photo Contributed
Neighbors protest planned destruction of 40-year-old Willow Oak
on Utah Street.
One More Tree
Due for Destruction
By Shirley Ruhe save that healthy Willow Oak by • Electrical (ELE) Fully Insured & Class A Licensed
• Gas Fitting (GFC)
Arlington Connection tweaking the plan a little. In this
case Cherry Hill Custom Homes
Since 1999
10% down
• Heating Ventilation and Air nothing until the job
N
eighbors along with Ar- has slated the tree for destruction
lington Tree Action Group along with half a dozen additional Conditioning (HVA) is complete for the
(ATAG) volunteers gath- trees next door. • Plumbing (PLB) past 17 years
ered Feb. 8 to protest “the unnec- A letter sent to ATAG by a neigh- • Residential Building (RBC)
essary destruction of a Willow Oak bor on Utah Street states that this
in the corner of a lot at 2437 N.
Utah Street.”
tree has a huge canopy that pro-
vides a lot of cooling shade to their
Free Estimates 703-999-2928
Kit Norland, Urban Forestry property during the summers, and Check if your contractor is licensed at the state level
Commission, said a developer told that this hilly neighborhood al- http://www.DPOR.virginia.gov
ATAG that in a similar situation ready suffers from severe flooding
nearby the developer was able to See One More, Page 6
Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 v 5
Classified News
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To Advertise in This Paper, Call by Monday 11:00 am 703-778-9411
Rotary Club
Announcements Announcements Announcements Announcements Launches Drive
For Thrive
From Page 3
VA 22210.
“We are proud to be a partner
of the Arlington Rotary Club. The
pandemic has caused immense suf-
fering to individuals and families,
many of whom are teetering on the
edge of homelessness. The match-
ing challenge donations will help
Arlington Thrive meet skyrocket-
ing needs and alleviate the crisis
so many people face and that has
been made worse by the pandem-
ic. This support is even more vital
than ever in the past,” said Arling-
Announcements Announcements Announcements Announcements ton Thrive Executive Director An-
drew Schneider.
“We want to have a positive im-
pact on people’s lives so that they
can go on and have that extra foot
up that maybe for whatever reason
in their past they haven’t been able
to have up until this point,” said
Chelsi Dildine, president of the Ar-
lington Rotary Club.
The Club has been donating to
Arlington Thrive for the past two
years, but Dildine says this may be
the organization’s biggest dona-
tion yet.
Rotary Club members are dedi-
cated people who share a passion
for community service, network-
Announcements Announcements ing and fellowship. The Arlington
Rotary Club was founded in 1929
and is driven by the motto “Service
Above Self” in its efforts to provide
assistance and support to those in
need in Arlington County. For more
information on joining the Arling-
ton Rotary Club, scholarships,
grant and community service proj-
ects, visit https://www.arlington-
rotaryclub.org/page/our-projects
Founded in 1975, Arlington
Thrive provides rapid, emergency
financial assistance to County res-
idents who experience a sudden
financial crisis.
To get involved with Arlington
Thrive, see https://arlington-
thrive.org
One More Tree
From Page 5
which the tree helps absorb.
ATAG also points out the pres-
ence of mature trees can increase
the Arlington property values up to
10 percent. The tree also supports
a population of song birds, hawks
and owls that depend on mature
trees to nest in.
Despite these efforts to get the
developer to reconsider the plans
for the new home, the bulldoz-
ers have begun their work and
An expert is someone who knows some
the back of the house has been
of the worst mistakes that can be made
removed and the roof mostly tak-
in his subject and how to avoid them.
-Werner Heisenberg
en down. Neighbors indicate the
trees are to be cut this week.
6 v Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
If Michael
b Leveling the Playing Field in School
Business Corleone Had
Lung Cancer
Drive Advocating for children with Directory By KENNETH B. LOURIE
“Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me
special needs or learning disabilities. WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM back in.” And just when I thought I had a month
off from cancer-related appointments, infusions,
By Marilyn Campbell that accommodations or IEPs are being ad-
Call 703-549-0004 scans and lab work, et cetera, I experienced a
for advertising information new symptom the other day which warranted an
The Connection ministered might make noticing whether a unexpected brain MRI. Though I delayed a few
e a partner child’s academic needs are being met more days in sharing my new symptom, on Thursday I
W
Club. The hen Lisa Lightner’s son Kevin challenging. “We also have seen firsthand emailed my oncologist. Within the day (not near-
mmense suf- over the last year how unprecedented cir- ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL
was two-years-old, she dis- ly soon enough for my wife, Dina), I received a
nd families, call from my doctor. After a brief conversation
covered that he would need cumstances like a pandemic have impact- during which I described my symptoms in more
ering on the special learning support in ed delivery of instruction for students with detail, a diagnostic scan was scheduled for the
The match-school. She has spent more than 12 years disabilities,” said Regan. “The delivery of next day (fortunately an appointment opened
s will helpworking to make sure he received the nec- services for students with disabilities had to up while we were talking. Otherwise, it might
skyrocket-essary assistance in the classroom. Now she be revamped by school districts across the not have occurred so soon). According to my
e the crisisis helping other parents avoid the frustrating nation and now we are seeing the impact of oncologist, what I was experiencing is called
“disequilibrium.” I couldn’t walk a straight line.
nd that hasand difficult process that she endured. Light- school closures on student achievement and Had a police officer been present, I would have
he pandem-ner is now a special education advocate, social-emotional learning.” been cited for walking while intoxicated.
more vitalblogger and host of the podcast “Don’t IEP A diagnostic test will help identify and Amazingly I received the results from the MRI
said Arling-Alone,” a title that references an Individual- confirm a learning disability. “Parents who LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING within a few hours of my appointment. The re-
irector An-ized Education Plan (IEP). She uses her plat- feel that their student may have a disability port from the radiologist was extremely thorough
since I had been given “contrast,” an infusion
forms to raise awareness and share infor- should contact both their family doctor and
which provides better detail for the radiologist.
positive im-mation and resources to help other parents the school to request initial meetings to dis- (Given my pre-existing kidney issue, there are
o that theynavigate the complicated and overwhelming cuss their concerns,” said Hauth. certain products which I cannot tolerate, ones
t extra footpath to securing the best education for spe- Such tests could provide information to which are filtered through the kidney, specifi-
ever reasoncial needs guide the creation of an IEP that outlines cally “contrast.”) But this time, my oncologist
t been able “Working to get help for Kevin was a chal- the accommodations that will meet a child’s wanted the clearest picture/assessment possible.
point,” saidlenge. It’s really an overwhelming process,” learning needs. Examples of these accom- Summer Cleanup... (Infusing “contrast” results in a kind of clarity,
like the difference between viewing color and
t of the Ar-said Lightner, whose son is now 14. “I’m col- modations include additional time to take black and white.) So receiving an “unremark-
lege educated and I had so much trouble fig- tests and complete homework and assign- able” (no metastasis, “no infarct, no hemorrhage,
donating touring it out.” changes that remove barriers ments or having tests administered on a no intracranial abnormality,’’ no amything) report
e past twoand provide your child with equal access to one-on-one basis. Even with an IEP in place was particularly encouraging. Now I can breathe
this may belearning. though, some children might not get the re- again, except for another side effect caused by
gest dona- Recognizing that a child has and a learn- sources they need. “Research tells us that
the lenvima (my thyroid cancer medicine), but
that symptom is more par for the course I’ve
ing disability, such as dyslexia or Atten- many novice special education teachers and been on for the last four months or so. “Disequi-
s are dedi-tion-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), even veteran teachers feel overwhelmed by librium” not so much.
e a passionand determining the type of accommoda- their workloads and managing these work- Going forward, I am experiencing less
, network-tions and adjustments in school to ensure loads can be challenging,” said Regan. “To balance/dizziness issues. But I’m also no longer
e Arlingtonthat they have equal access to learning, is meet the needs of students, teachers need - for the moment, taking my thyroid medicine,
ed in 1929an arduous process. Though the Americans which I can’t imagine is a good thing. How-
adequate resources and materials, and they
tto “Servicewith Disabilities Act (ADA) gives children
s to providethe right to have IEP that includes a learning
need devoted time to collaboratively design
meaningful instruction for students. Limited
Patios & Drainage ever, I’m not going to worry about that in the
short term. In the long term, not taking the best
possible prescribed treatment for the treatment
to those inplan tailored fit their learning differences, Your neighborhood company since 1987
resources and time may be one explanation of papillary thyroid cancer is hardly reassuring
y. For morethey don’t always receive it.
the Arling- “The special education climate has real-
as to why children with learning disabilities 703-772-0500 to my presumptive life expectancy. Nevertheless,
may not be receiving what they need.” if I’ve learned anything in my nearly 12 years
as a cancer patient, it is that nothing (drugs,
holarships,ly changed in recent years,” said Lightner. In an ideal learning environment, a gen-
ervice proj-“Schools are doing more with less. Teach-
w.arlington-ers have larger class sizes, fewer resources.
eral education teacher collaborates with a
special education teacher and they design
J.E.S. Services side effects, miscellaneous treatment/protocols)
lasts forever. Heck, sometimes treatment and
all doesn’t even last a month. It’s best to sit tight
r-projects It’s very easy for a child to fall through the Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured
specialized instruction that allows the stu- and try to be patient. Getting ahead of one’s
Arlingtoncracks if you don’t stay on top of their prog- dent to succeed with the general education • Planting & Landscaping Design immediate circumstances is unhelpful and could
• Drainage & Water Problems
emergencyress.” curriculum. “If … the needs outlined on the • Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New
be much ado about nothing (at least that’s been
my modus).
County res- Learning disabilities can often go unno- child’s IEP are not being met for the child, a • Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid
That being clear to me, anytime I can get a
a suddenticed, but red flags that a child might have parent should advocate.” • Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose
month where I have no scheduled lab work,
• Retaining walls of all types
a learning disability include low grades Almost everything is more challenging infusion, injection, diagnostic scan or appoint-
All work Guaranteed
h Arlingtonand difficulty keeping up with their peers within a virtual learning environment, moni- ments is to be acknowledged and celebrated al-
/arlington-academically. “Parents are often the first to toring a child’s academic performance is still most. Presently, I am, or rather was in the middle
of just such an interval until this “disequilibrium”
recognize that their child may be struggling essential, says Lightner. “Engage in the IEP
manifested. It’s sort of like being called in to
with certain learning endeavors, for exam- process, all of it, all year round,” she said. work on your off day. Mentally, it really upsets
ple reading, math, or writing,” said Clara “You have to stay engaged and in contact the apple cart, and more specifically your peace
Hauth, PhD Associate Professor, Special Ed- with your team and your child’s progress. of mind. And any time a cancer patient can get
ucation Marymount University . “The terms Understanding the evaluations and progress some piece of mind, it’s extremely valuable. It’s
sorb. for these learning disabilities are dyslexia, made is essential.” mind over something that’s the matter.
With a month off from cancer-related activi-
t the pres-dyscalculia and dysgraphia.” “A more ob- Sometimes, the needs of the child with
ties, one can almost (‘almost,’ not quite though)
an increasevious telltale is when the child shares with learning disabilities changes. In such cases live a cancer-free, normal-type life. It’s not as
values up toyou an ongoing pattern of frustration about advocacy is necessary, advises Regan. “When if you forget your circumstances however, but
so supportsschoolwork or shows a lack of engagement the individualized program is not providing it allows a certain mental break which believe
rds, hawksin school,” added Kelley Regan, Ph.D. Pro- the supports that previously sufficed, a par- me, all us cancer patients need. Without all the
on maturefessor and academic program coordinator ent may need to and should advocate,” she constant reminders, one can almost back-burner
the whole cancer existence. Unfortunately, this
for special education at George Mason Uni- said. “For example, a parent may observe
kind of existence is also characteristic of the ups
to get theversity. “Also, if work completion is taking an that his or her child appears very disorga- and downs and all-arounds that cancer patients
r the plansunusual amount of time or the child shows nized with his or her school materials, is experience. Granted, it’s not ideal, but it’s still a
he bulldoz-little independence or a lack of understand- turning in assignments late or not at all and living, thank God!
work anding of assignment or there is an avoidance needs an effective strategy in place for an
e has beenof schoolwork; these could be signs that the observed problem. Likewise, there may be a
mostly tak-child’s needs may or may not be met.” need for adjusting the intensity or frequency
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for
ndicate the The current virtual learning environment of instruction. Instruction should be appro- The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
week. and the resulting restructuring of the way priate for the child.”
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 v 7
8 v Arlington Connection v February 17-23, 2021 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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