Center News

MCC Contracts with Purifi, LLC, for Biopurification Services

As the area enters flu season, and as the e orts to contain COVID-19 progress, the McLean Community Center (MCC) is contracting with Purifi, LLC, a McLean-based bio-purification company, to receive a service that e ectively reduces the risk of viral and bacterial transmission and infection. MCC received the first treatment in October. The treatment is administered through spraying a very fine mist that is safe for humans and animals and kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces for 30-60 days. The spray does not leave a residue and is safe to the touch within 20 minutes of the application. This coating application provides enhanced protection by the sustained killing of 99.9% of viruses, including coronaviruses on surfaces. The coating is highly durable and remains e ective and active on high-touch surfaces such as door handles, tables, chairs, countertops, and desks, even after frequent cleanings. According to the company, this bio-purification service provides persistent control and protection from the risk of community, workforce, vendor and patron infection from surfaces and HVAC systems. “We are taking these additional steps to limit the risk of virus transmission from contact surfaces in our facility as a protective measure to our sta and our patrons entering our facility,” says MCC Executive Director George Sachs. “In addition, the McLean Community Center is continuing its enhanced daily cleaning protocols in order to protect our patrons and employees.” These protocols are in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Fairfax County Health Department and include asking all who enter the facility to wear masks, practice social distancing, to wash and sanitize their hands and to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to MCC. Purifi takes weekly readings, which are publicly available on their website, www.purifiservices.com. For more information, contact the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.

Purifi, LLC, treating the MCC lobby.

FY2022 Budget Proposal Goes to Fairfax County

The McLean Community Center’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2022 (which runs July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022), was approved by the MCC Governing Board at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The tax rate to support the Center was maintained at 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed real estate value. Now, the County Board of Supervisors will consider the Center’s budget, with a projected final approval happening in April. You can view highlights of the FY 2022 budget online at www.mcleancenter.org.

Fill Us In at Our Public Hearing on Programs

The McLean Community Center Governing Board wants to hear from you. The board is holding a Public Hearing on MCC Programs at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, at the center. The Governing Board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting will follow the public hearing. Residents of Small District 1A-Dranesville, the Center’s tax district, are encouraged to attend the hearing to voice their opinions on current o erings at the Center and to make suggestions for future programs. The hearing is the first step in planning for the FY 2023 budget cycle, which begins July 1, 2022. The Center is home to the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and includes the Old Firehouse Teen Center. Residents who would like to have their names placed on the speakers’ list for the hearing may call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711. Residents also may make comments at the meeting without prior notice and may submit written comments in person or by mail, or e-mail (george.sachs@fairfaxcounty.gov) Not able to attend the meeting? Plan to join us our Go to Meeting web conference! Details on how to dial in will be forthcoming. For more information, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit: www.mcleancenter.org.

Help Wanted: MCC Governing Board Election Begins in January

Are you a tax district resident who appreciates the excellent quality of life that this community o ers? The Governing Board of the McLean Community Center (MCC) is looking for individuals who can contribute their creativity and leadership skills to help shape the ongoing vision of the Center. If you enjoy meaningful and thoughtful civic participation, please consider serving on MCC’s Volunteer Governing Board. The board election process for 2021-2022 will begin in January. The 11–member volunteer board is comprised of nine adults and two teens (ages 15–17) who live in Small District 1A-Dranesville. Monthly meetings are held on weekday evenings from June through May. Three adult seats are open (to serve for a three-year term); two youth seats are open (to serve for a one-year term). Youth members represent the student populations of the McLean High School and Langley High School districts, as well as private school students who reside in these districts. Whether you are a newcomer to McLean or have lived in the area for years—your perspective is important. Contributing your skills on MCC’s Governing Board will prove rewarding. Interested? Candidate Packets will be available for pick-up at the Center beginning in January. For more detailed information, visit: www.mcleancenter.org or call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.

An MCC Sta er in the Spotlight Sarah Schallern Tre Performing Arts Director

When thinking of qualities that describe a great employee, being invested is one that comes to mind. That is exactly what Performing Arts Director Sarah Schallern Tre takes pride in as she finds herself in her 13th year with MCC and The Alden Theatre. “I’m in it for the long haul,” she said. But for Schallern Tre , it’s about more than just longevity: it’s about the work she does and the people she does it for. “I love our patrons. McLean residents are so intelligent, curious and discerning, and being part of a community center means that we get to develop personal relationships with them.” Schallern Tre oversees The Alden’s sta and the budget for the performing arts department. She also books acts for adult audiences, liaises with community art groups that utilize The Alden, and assists in the theater’s marketing e ort. “Something that’s exciting to me about my job is the variety,” says Schallern Tre . “Not just in my job duties, but in the variety of artistic disciplines we present.” Schallern Tre holds a Bachelor of Music degree from DePaul University and a Master of Music in Opera Stage Directing from The Florida State University. She originally came to the area for apprenticeships with Wolf Trap Opera but stayed after her second summer to work in the development department of a national opera association. She led the music department at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington for several years before coming to MCC. In between, she directed a show for MCC’s “sister” agency, Reston Community Center’s theater camp. “We really are like a family [at MCC],” noted Schallern Tre . “We learn from each other, and more than anything, we have fun. I think that’s what makes us successful professionally—enjoyment in what we do and in each other.” A trained performing artist, Schallern Tre also enjoys the visual arts. You can find her unwinding with a little painting in her free time. “I haven’t painted since I was a kid,” she admits. “There’s something very relaxing about it. I’m no Bob Ross, but I enjoy it.” Additionally, she and her family—husband Terje, and stepdaughter, Lili—can often be found indulging in their “mild obsession” with their cat, Popo. You can contact Schallern Tre at 703-744-9343 or sarah.schallerntre @fairfaxcounty.gov.

McLean Community Center MISSION OUR CORE PURPOSE

The mission of the McLean Community Center is to provide a sense of community by undertaking programs; assisting community organizations; and furnishing facilities for civic, cultural, educational, recreational and social activities apportioned fairly to all residents of Small District 1A-Dranesville.

VISION

The McLean Community Center is a “hub” for McLean’s Community!

LIVING OUR VALUES

STEWARDSHIP: We recognize the role entrusted to us to be good stewards of MCC’s funds, resources and assets. ACCOUNTABILITY: We are accountable to create services of value to our tax district residents. RESOURCEFULNESS: We make good use of all available resources. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: We constantly seek out new ways to do things faster, better or more economically. RESPECT: We show respect to each other and to the residents we serve. TEAMWORK: We work together as one team to accomplish our goals. QUALITY: We strive to provide high-quality services in a courteous and friendly manner. TRANSPARENCY: We give residents clear and understandable reports on MCC’s financial and programmatic a airs.