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he first day of school can Tbe as anxiety-filled as it is a time of excitement and anticipation. The scales, however, tend to tip towards the negative when you are a student living not in your own home, but in a family shelter instead. The baggage you bring with you to the classroom is a lot more than a backpack filled with school supplies and you of- ten haven’t had the pleasure and privilege of loading up on new

Photos by Gerald A. Fill/The Gazette clothing and paraphernalia to bol- Nirvana and her sheriff ster your confidence as you walk shopping buddy Deputy through those school front doors. Martha Heyward bonded For the last 27 years, the Fairfax during their shopping County Sheriff’s Department has spree. “She’s the best,” hosted its annual “Shopping with proclaimed Nirvana. the Sheriff” at Target to give those children the basics — and a few easier.” extras, too — to alleviate some of those anxieties and help get them THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE part- off to a great start for the school ners each year with Target and year. other sponsors, and solicits dona- “This is one of the highlights of tions to provide each child with what we get to do,” said Fairfax $250 in gift cards to purchase County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “It’s clothing, undergarments, shoes, Family Night Picnic a joyful part of our summer.” accessories, and school supplies. “Col. Tobias Lear” (right) and Kincaid praised the county’s ef- This year’s shopping extrava- “George Washington Parke Custis” forts to end and prevent ganza took place on Aug. 14, with are official greeters at the annual homelessness, but says that until about 40 children from the family night picnic on the grounds all children are living in safe and Katherine K. Hanley, Patrick Henry of President and Mrs. Washington permanent housing, the “Sheriff’s and Next Steps family shelters on Sunday, Aug. 19. Approximately Office will continue to do its best participating. 2,000 area residents attended the to make their lives a little bit See Sheri's Office, Page 3

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Vernon. Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren News 703-778-9415 or [email protected] Sheriff’s Office Partners with Children Living in Shelters From Page 1 “Some of the kids were so excited, they didn’t really sleep last night,” said Joe Meyer, executive director and CEO of Reston-based Shelter House, the nonprofit that operates both the Hanley and the Henry shelters. Meyer said that the result of Shop- ping with the Sheriff was more than just the children “getting some new things. It’s also about helping maintain their dignity and their pride.” Before starting their shop- ping spree, the children, aged 5 and up, were treated to a Paisano’s pizza party at the Fairfax County court house where they engaged in some fun activities that helped them get acquainted with the deputy or the Lt. Ricardo R.A. Evans helps his partner Jamaury find support staff member who would be their just the right cap. “The Star Wars ones are the best,” shopping partner. Lunch and introductions insisted the 8 year-old. Evans obviously enjoyed the over, it was time to shop. Escorted by offi- shopping outing. Evans took some good-natured cial vehicles, some flashing lights, and a ribbing from his colleagues when their cart-filled with quick sound of a horn, or two, the yellow new shoes, underwear, shirts, school supplies – and PFC Kanli is all smiles as she offers a selection to school bus carrying the young shoppers ar- that Star Wars cap – rang up just a tad over the $250 Kayden, the youngster she was partnered with. “This rived at Target in Burke, where more allowance. Not to worry. Everything Jamaury chose is just the best. What a way to show these kids we Sheriff’s Office staff, Target representatives, still went home with him. care.” and some VIPs were waiting to welcome them. Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) was on hopes that spending this time together will deputies crawling about looking for size 6 hand, as was Braddock District Supervisor encourage the youngsters to “see us as be- jeans in that color and helping to choose John Cook. ing here to help them, as people they can which pencil case best matched a glittery A few welcoming speeches and instruc- turn to.” “They have things to say, things binder, the carts rolled to the checkout tions later, and well-organized chaos ensued to share,” said Deputy Martha Heyward, points and the tallying began. There was as the shopping teams grabbed carts and who was with 6-year-old Nirvana, clutch- some jovial ribbing among the deputies began making their selections. ing her cart, already holding some new aimed at those who had exceed the $250 The law enforcement personnel who ac- sneakers, “socks with pom-poms!” and other budget, like Lt. Ricardo Evans who was cept Shop with the Sheriff duties all volun- essentials. The sight of dozens of deputies shopping with 8-year-old Jamaury – “Hey, teer their time, but Kincaid said it’s not too wandering the aisles took a few of the Tar- he needed all this stuff!” – but the little ex- difficult to get willing participants from get patrons by surprise. “This has got to be tras were kept, even the Barbie Doll that among her officers and staff. “I am so glad the safest place to be right now in the whole Miss Nirvana couldn’t help but show to one to do this,” said PFC Kanli who was helping county,” laughed Carole Miller of Fairfax. and all. Target still had one more surprise Sometimes the electronic gadgetry 9 year-old Kayden choose his new duds. Once the activity was explained to her, for the young shoppers before they headed is almost as fun as shopping for “These kids deserve our help to make things Miller seemed a bit emotional. “That’s just off with their bundles; each child also re- new stuff. Jayron took his time just a little bit better for them.” the nicest thing I have heard or seen in I ceived a backpack filled with a variety of scanning every item in his cart, Kincaid also sees this event as an oppor- don’t know how long. Bless them all.” school supplies. while his shopping buddy, 2nd Lt. tunity to build relationships with these chil- For more information about the Shop with Chris Atkins tracked their spend- dren, some of whom may have had previ- AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR of shoe-sizing, The Sheriff program, Sheriff Kincaid invites ing. “We’re doing great!” said ous interactions with law enforcement dur- holding up pants to check for fit, serious interested persons to email the Sheriff’s Atkins, “let’s keep going, my ing difficult circumstances. The Sheriff deliberations about the right cap to buy, Office at [email protected]. friend!”

Photos by Andrea Worker

Lt. Col. Sites with his pal Dante during the Shop with All done. Time to say “Thanks” to everyone who helped make the Shop with a Sheriff the Sheriff event. “Which way to the jeans?” was event a wonderful experience. Dante’s only navigational instructions. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 3 Opinion

www.MountVernonGazette.com

Celebrating Women’s Equality @MtVernonGazette

By Judy Helein and Anu Sahai that Congress by resolution designated this day The LWVFA is a non-partisan organization. An independent, locally owned weekly Co-Presidents newspaper delivered as “Women’s Equality Day.” It provides voter services such as voter regis- to homes and businesses. League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters was founded tration for first time voters, updating registra- Published by of the Fairfax Area in 1920 by Carrie Chapman Catt, president of tion for people who have moved or had name Local Media Connection LLC

the National American Woman Suffrage Asso- changes and citizen education. LWVFA also 1606 King Street n Aug. 26, our nation celebrates ciation, during its convention which was held advocates and takes action at the state and Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Women’s Equality Day. This day rec- six months before the ratification. She was a local levels for particular policies that are in O th Free digital edition delivered to ognizes the ratification of the 19 women’s rights activist and a suffragist, who the public interest such as Election Reform, your email box. Go to Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving stated correctly that the vote was the “emblem Voting Rights, Redistricting Reform, Firearms connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe women the right to vote. of equality” for all citizens, women and men. Safety, Transportation and Behavioral Health. Many fearless and dedicated women suffered The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax To learn more about the League of Women NEWS DEPARTMENT: jail time, physical assaults by the police and Area (LWVFA) celebrates the fact that in 2018 Voters of the Fairfax Area, please go to its [email protected]

spectators (at demonstra- there are 38 female legislators in the General website, www.lwv-fairfax.org. Steven Mauren Commentary tions), as well as insults, Assembly as compared to 24 in 2015, an in- Editor, 703-778-9415 The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area is a [email protected] during the struggle for vot- crease of 14. Although the LWVFA does not non-partisan political organization that encourages in- ing rights. This struggle spanned more than endorse any candidates, we recognize this his- formed and active participation in government, works to Jean Card seven decades. However, it was not until 1973 torical achievement. increase understanding of major public policy issues. Production Editor [email protected]

Letters Andrea Worker Contributing Writer [email protected]

Work Against Observing Jeanne Theismann [email protected] Aircraft Noise Birds @TheismannMedia To the Editor: Larry ADVERTISING: In 2015 the FAA implemented Cartwright, For advertising information “NextGen,” a new air traffic con- breeding bird [email protected] trol system that concentrated all survey coordi- 703-778-9431 south flow departing flights from nator, during Debbie Funk DCA into a single “superhighway”, a recent Display Advertising/National Sales causing intense and relentless Friends of 703-778-9444 [email protected] noise pollution over the neighbor- Dyke Marsh hoods beneath this new flight walking tour. Julie Ferrill path. Real Estate, 703-927-1364 [email protected] In early 2017 several residents of affected neighborhoods, with Helen Walutes the support of Supervisor Dan Display Advertising, 703-778-9410 [email protected] Storck and Del. Paul Krizek, formed the South Flow Alliance David Griffin (https://www.facebook.com/ Marketing Assistant 703-778-9431 southflowalliance) with the goal [email protected] of informing and mobilizing the community and making our voices Classified & Employment Photo by Advertising heard at the FAA. Our group now 703-778-9431 includes representatives from sev- Gerald A. Fill The Gazette eral neighborhoods including Publisher Hollin Hills, Villamay, Gum Jerry Vernon Springs and Wellington, and we 703-549-0004 [email protected] meet regularly with a member of the DCA Community Noise Work- and a consensus was reached by vironmental review with public your phone. Editor & Publisher ing Group, which identifies com- the MWAA WG following an FAA presentations and outreach as part ❖ Call or write to members of Mary Kimm [email protected] munity concerns and makes rec- presentation in April 2018. This of the process. The earliest any Congress, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, @MaryKimm ommendations to the FAA. put the option of a true solution potential changes could be imple- U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, and U.S. In July 2017, the MWAA DCA on the table. That is the good mented is in 2020. It’s a frustrat- Rep. Don Beyer, asking them to Editor in Chief Steven Mauren Community Noise Working Group news. ingly slow and complicated pro- support the MWAA WG recom- Art/Design: (http://www.flyreagan.com/dca/ The not so good news is that the cess with many components, but mendations. Laurence Foong, John Heinly, dca-reagan-national-community- final OK to initiate the departure it is important to be persistent and Ali Khaligh Production Manager: working-group) approved and procedure implementation process keep submitting noise complaints Friederike Ahrens Geovani Flores submitted a proposal (Recommen- has now been delayed due to a and contacting our elected offi- Alexandria dation #8) to the FAA that, among lawsuit brought by the of State of cials. Noise complaints filed online CIRCULATION other things, would revise the DCA Maryland against the FAA. The get no immediate response, but Circulation Manager: FAA has discontinued conversation they are being collected and tal- Keep Housing Ann Oliver runway 19 departure procedure [email protected] and have departing airplanes cen- with MWAAA WG until further lied, and they help our cause. Keep notice, citing pending litigation. those earplugs in for now but don’t Affordable tered over the Potomac River to A Connection Newspaper approximately 10 miles south of The MWAA WG is working hard give up! To the Editor: the airport and climbing to 5,000 to re-engage the FAA on items re- On July 25, the Northern Vir- ft. before making a south west turn lating to south flow procedures, as HOW YOU CAN HELP ginia Affordable Housing Alliance to a point south of Fort Belvoir at these are not involved in the liti- ❖ Submit a Reagan National air- and the Coalition for Smarter 7,000 ft. and then intercepting a gation, and our hope is that the craft noise complaint: https:// Growth sponsored a well-attended flight path south, south west or FAA will return to the table soon. viewpoint.bksv.com/dca3 or community forum on the preser- west depending on the destina- When the MWAA WG proposal download the free Bruel & Kjaer vation of market-affordable hous tion. is approved by the FAA, they will Viewpoint App that allows you to The FAA presented its response begin an 18-month safety and en- file complaints in seconds from See Letters, Page 5 4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Viewpoints

What is your favorite part of living in Mount Vernon? Rex Reiley A Leader in Mount Vernon Real Estate

RE/MAX Allegiance 703-409-4784

Year after “Proximity to the bike trail and “River Bend Bistro.” “The Parkway, it’s just beautiful.” river.” — Caroline Ross, chef-owner, — Elizabeth Crawn, 21, year, Rex — Barb Haley, salesperson at lived in Mount Vernon since Hollin Halls resident Ranks as a Spokes Bike Store, 29-year 1965 resident of Mount Vernon top local Realtor.

Compiled by Mike Salmon Integrity, Experience, Results… The Gazette Rex is one of Re/Max’s top producers in Virginia and the Central Atlantic Region, and he can use his vast “I love the sense of community, small “Proximity to good restaurants, DC, the town feel in a big city atmosphere.” parks, the sense of community.” experience and extensive networking — Drusti Naik with Albert her — Erika Kronstedt, manager, in the Mt.Vernon/Alexandria Maltese, 12-year resident of Alexandria Music area to help you buy or sell a home. Mount Vernon Rex and his team are available to assist you Letters to the Editor in your home purchase and sale. Rex’s business is built on referrals, From Page 4 Housing workforce cannot afford to live in Advisory Group to address this the communities where they work and repeatedly his clients pay their ing along the Richmond High- issue. This group has begun to and are forced into longer com- highest compliment by sending friends way corridor. We organized the meet and their challenges will be mutes, increasing traffic conges- and family to him when they are forum to call attention to the risk considerable. tion. Housing that is affordable of losing the affordability of exist- Many owners of apartment com- provides a platform for families in the market to buy or sell a home. ing, privately-owned apartments plexes along the corridor may al- and individuals to become more as a consequence of Fairfax ready be raising rents and some self-sufficient, and children expe- Mt. Vernon is Rex’s hometown. He moved County’s recent adoption of the expect that the value of their prop- rience less stress and have better EMBARK Richmond Highway cor- erties will increase based on the educational outcomes when they here in l960 when his father, an Air Force ridor plan. reality that the Embark Richmond have a secure place to live. pilot, was stationed at the Pentagon. This is an exciting plan that will Highway plan, with transit im- There exists a wide range of Rex also became a pilot, graduating from the bring modern bus rapid transit, provements and mixed-use higher preservation tools and best prac- Air Force Academy and flying for 20 years mixed-use development, improved density development will bring tices for the Richmond Highway bike and pedestrian access, new new investment to the area. The corridor, and we encourage both with the Air Force and Eastern Airlines. parks and plazas, and opportuni- higher sales prices sought by these the advisory group and county . ties to attract new businesses and owners makes it more difficult for staff to identify and adopt the ap- Rex returned to his roots in Mt. Vernon residents. affordable housing developers to propriate strategies. EMBARK Richmond Highway purchase older apartment com- As a start, the county has agreed where he and his wife, Doris, raised creates a vision for an area of the plexes and convert them to long- to develop an inventory of both their four children, and where Rex county that has long suffered from term committed affordable units. committed affordable housing and embarked on a second career underinvestment. However, with- Higher purchase prices simply do older, properties with private-sec- in Real Estate. out robust strategies to preserve not allow these affordable hous- tor rents that remain affordable in the private sector housing that is ing deals to work financially. the corridor. Priority should be affordable, hundreds of low in- Throughout Northern Virginia, given to those buildings most at come households could be dis- we have lost tens of thousands of risk of conversion to higher rents placed due to rising rents or rede- units of housing that would be af- and the greatest potential for re- www.RexReiley.com velopment of their properties. fordable to a family of four earn- development. 1300 Lafayette Dr. #200 We are disappointed that strong ing 60 percent or less of area me- The county should consider preservation measures were not dian income or approximately planning and zoning tools that Alexandria, VA 22308 incorporated into the EMBARK $66,000 annually. Given these provide for increased development (next to the Hollin Hall shopping center) plan as we called for, but we thank losses, our goal should be no net potential in return for preserving Supervisors Dan Storck and Jeff loss of affordable housing. Cur- existing affordable units. Also, fi 703-768-7730 McKay for creating an EMBARK rently, major sectors of our See Letters, Page 11 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 5 News

Photos by Steve Hibbard/The Gazette

Todd Bolick of Boy Scouts of America, Colonial District, with Rebecca Byrd of the Fort Belvoir Pack, represented the Boy Scouts. Back-to-School Brigade Operation Homefront gives backpacks and school supplies to military families. peration Homefront held its annual Back- Oto-School Brigade on Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Springfield Hilton Hotel. Some 500 military families from mostly Fort Belvoir, but also Quantico, Andrews Air Force Base, Fort Meade, and Baltimore, could take home free backpacks and school supplies like spiral notebooks, binders, cray- ons, rulers, and pens and pencils. “Our mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families because we really want them to thrive in the communities they work so hard to pro- tect. And not just struggle to get by. So, one of the ways we are doing that today by helping defray the cost of returning children to school,” said Vivian Dietrich, senior director, Operation Homefront. She said it costs as much as $500 to buy school supplies for just one child. In addition to the back-to-school freebies, there were Superheroes for photo ops, face painting, and Nikita the Therapy Dog. This year, Operation Homefront partnered with the Dollar Tree store, which gave donations and offered their customers to donate school supplies. Dietrich said since the program began in 2008, Operation Homefront has distributed over 4,000 backpacks locally, and 37,000 backpacks nationally, serving a total of 300,000 children. For more infor- mation, visit OperationHomefront.org. Mikki Steddum, 8, of Alexandria pets — Steve Hibbard Nikita the Therapy Dog.

Members of the military and their families select back-to- school supplies. Jessica Donaldson and her son Eamon, 6, of Fort Belvoir color a thank-you card during Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade. 6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 7 Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal- endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged.

ONGOING Life Under the Sea. Through Aug. 26 at Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, in Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 29, 105 North Union St., Alexandria. Real or imagined, the world beneath the waves calls to the artists for this show: Enchanted mermaids, coral, shells, sunken ships, fish, and glorious colors. Free. Visit www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com or call 703-548-0935. Art Exhibit: “Off the Grid.” Through Aug. 31, gallery hours at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. “Off the Grid” is an exhibit of artwork by Fairfax County and City of Alexandria inmates. The inmates vary in age, background and artistic experience, with most having never drawn before their lessons with volunteer art instructor Kelli Schollard-Sincock. Visit torpedofactory.org. Fine Art Photography Exhibit. Through Sept. 2 at Multiple Exposures Gallery, located in Studio 312 at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria. Show features Eschoir is a Welsh male choir based in London. 30 images juried by Mark L. Power. Exhibition hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except Thursdays, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Visit Eschoir www.multipleexposuresgallery.com. Eschoir is a Welsh male choir based in London, formed in 2009 at the Borough Welsh Chapel near London Bridge with the aim of encouraging the male choir tradi- Art Exhibit: “A Murder in Bruges: tion among younger men, as well as creating a home-from-home in the busy city. They have sung for the British Prime Minister at 10 Downing St, at the British Embassy A Cast of Characters.” Through in Tbilisi, Georgia, and for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s retirement reception at Lambeth Palace. Saturday, Sept. 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Center, Sept. 2, gallery hours at The Art 4915 E. Campus Drive, Alexandria. $10-$50. Visit thewnaa.org/single-event—will-call-tickets.html for more. League Gallery, 105 North Union St., Studio 21. Artist Ito Briones’s whodunit pays homage to the great (ages 5 -12): $3. After his service in 703-780-4696. www.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com; mystery writers, from Sir Arthur the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Row by Row Junior. Through Oct. CLASSES & WORKSHOPS call 703-838-5005. Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie. This went home to contribute to his 31, local quilt shops like Artistic Community Dance. 7:30-9:30 p.m. interactive exhibit, inspired by classic community and nation. As part of the Artifacts (4750 Eisenhower Ave.) are every third Friday at Hollin Hall murder mysteries, presents viewers World War I 100th Commemoration, welcoming children participating in Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah THURSDAY/AUG. 23 with a trail of clues that lead to a learn how returning veterans served Row by Row Junior to their shops. Road. Live music. $4. Call 703-765- Westlaw Training. 3-4 p.m. at suspect hidden in plain sight; the Alexandria, including American It’s the junior version of the 4573. Alexandria Law Library, 520 King St., murderer’s portrait is among the Legion Post #24, which restored summertime travel event for quilt Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers a Suite LL34, Alexandria. Designed for twenty five characters on display. Gadsby’s Tavern in honor of WWI making fans known as Row by Row range of open life drawing sessions those researchers who have some Opening reception Thursday, Aug. 9, veterans. See how the museum Experience. Kids visit shops in for anyone to develop life-drawing experience with Westlaw, this 6:30-8 p.m. Visit looked under their care and hear person, collect a free sewing pattern, skills further. Drop-in for the session seminar reviews basic legal research www.theartleague.org or call 703- about the contributions veterans still and find inspiration in colorful, and bring supplies to draw or paint techniques and then builds on terms 683-1780. make to the City of Alexandria today. creative world of sewing. At home, live models. Fee ranges from $8-$12. and connectors advanced searching, Art Exhibit: Art, Light, and Visit www.gadsbystavern.org. families can find free tutorial support All skill levels are welcome. Del Ray West Topics and Key Numbers, using Metaphor. Through Sept. 2 at “Dredging The Lethe.” On view and activities online by visiting Artisans is located at 2704 Mount filters, Copy with Reference, and Target Gallery in the Torpedo Factory through Sept. 14 at The Torpedo www.rowbyrowexperience.com or Vernon Ave. visit explores features within KeyCite. Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. www.artisticartifacts.com. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for a Free. Email [email protected]. Alexandria. New exhibition explores Free admission. Visit Mount Vernon Farmers Market. schedule. Fall/Winter Vegetable Gardening. the connections between art, light, www.torpedofactory.org. Wrapped Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-noon at The Harmony Heritage Singers 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ellen Coolidge and metaphor. The opening reception around the interior wall of a Sherwood Hall Regional Library, (Mount Vernon Chapter of Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary will be the cornerstone of the smokestack of the former munitions 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Barbershop Harmony Society), a Road, Alexandria. Fall is a delightful Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Late factory, Kara Hammond’s mural, Alexandria. Every Wednesday daytime, a cappella, Chorus, time to garden, with cool autumn Shift: Bright Lights on Friday, July “Dredging the Lethe,” uses recycled (through Dec. 19), 15 local farmers rehearses on the 2nd and 4th days and waning pest populations. 20, 7-9 pm. A Gallery Talk with book-pages, collage, charcoal, gesso and producers will sell fresh produce Tuesdays, monthly, at Sherwood Hall Learn inexpensive techniques to select artist comments will take place and ink to create large-scale and fruits; meats; breads and Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood extend the harvest and even how to at 8 p.m. There will also be a special drawings of Greek goddesses amid pastries; honey, jams and jellies; Hall Lane, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Newcomers enjoy crops in the dead of winter. Illuminate pop-up exhibition in the contemporary human events. Free dairy products and eggs; herbs; and welcome for fun or to book for a Free. Call 703-228-6414 or Visit Grand Hall. Learn more at admission. Visit more. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ performance. visit mgnv.org. torpedofactory.org/target. www.torpedofactory.org. parks/farmersmarkets. www.HHSingers.org, or call Bruce at Ceramics Combust. Through Sept. 2 Art Exhibit: Makers in the Open for Tours. Through December. 703-352-5271. at Scope Gallery, 105 North Union Mansion. Through Oct. 22 at At 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria. FRIDAY/AUG. 24 St., Studio 19, Torpedo Factory Art Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Children’s Art Workshop. 1:30-3 Center, Alexandria. Featuring Historic Site, 9000 Richmond Pope-Leighey House is open for tours THROUGH AUG. 26 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince “Brilliance: An Exploration of Heat Highway. Six installations of work by Friday through Monday, from 11 Summer Restaurant Week. Spans St., Alexandria. Join artists on the and Light.” Hours are Monday local African American makers hosted a.m. until 4 p.m. (last tour at 3 p.m.) for 10 Days. In neighborhoods Athenaeum staff for a hands-on art through Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., in an 1805 mansion owned by Nelly Not open to the public Tuesday, throughout Alexandria, including Old workshop. Explore techniques in with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. Call Parke Custis and Lawrence Lewis, Wednesday or Thursday. To learn Town, Del Ray and the West End. creating mixed-media collages and Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288, visit once a prominent plantation home. more about National Trust Sites, visit Featuring 50 restaurants offering a then create your own masterpiece. www.scopegallery.org, Stories of a transformed African savingplaces.org/historic-sites. $35 three-course dinner or a $35 Recommended for children ages 5- www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/ American community through the Tours of the Freedom House dinner for two; and select locations 12, children must be accompanied by scope. artisan eye. RSVP to Museum. Saturdays and Sundays, offering lunch from $15 or $22 per an adult. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org. Ancestry Art Exhibit. Through Sept. [email protected]. 1-5 p.m. at Freedom House Museum, person lunch and brunch specials. Teen Comic Book Club. 4-5 p.m. at 2, at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount WFUMC Farmers Market. Tuesdays 1315 Duke St. The Freedom House New restaurants include: Mia’s James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, Vernon Ave., Alexandria. The through Oct. 23, 4-7 p.m. at Museum was once the headquarters Italian Kitchen and Café 44. 2501 Commonwealth Ave., “Ancestry” exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Washington Farm United Methodist and holding pen for the largest Returning participants include: Alexandria. Teens will discuss great showcases how the diverse, vibrant Church, 3921 Old Mill Road. Orchard domestic slave trading firm in the Hank’s Pasta Bar, Evening Star Café, comic books and graphic novels. cultures of our members come Country Produce, from Gardners, Pa., United States, Franklin and Armfield. BRABO, Vermilion, Hummingbird, Snacks provided. Free. Visit together to form one strong will operate a Farmer’s Market from The building is currently owned by Del Ray Café and Virtue Feed & alexlibraryva.org. community. Visit the west parking lot of WFUMC. They the Northern Virginia Urban League Grain. Restaurants with lunch Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. at www.DelRayArtisans.org/event/ also operate from the St. Luke’s and together with the Office of offerings include: The Majestic, Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon ancestry/. parking lot on Fort Hunt Road on Historic Alexandria. Visit the Vola’s Dockside Grill, Bastille Memorial Highway. This series of Honoring Our Veterans Exhibit. Saturday mornings. They have a very museum in this historic reminder of Brasserie & Bar, Blackwall Hitch and free, public concerts features a Through Labor Day, at Gadsby’s wide offering ranging from fresh slavery. Admission is $5 per person. Society Fair. Restaurants with brunch variety of musical performances Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., vegetables to meat and desserts. Tickets can be purchased at the door. specials include Chadwicks, reflecting Fairfax County’s diversity, Alexandria. Included in museum Admission is free. Visit Visit www.alexandriava.gov/ Cheesetique, Cedar Knoll, The Wharf culture and community spirit. Bring a admission - Adults: $5, Children www.washingtonfarmumc.org or call Museums. and Vermilion. Visit picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy 8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment 4 Restaurants Offer a Football Feast By Hope Nelson for a larger group, pick a smorgasbord of options that can easily be divided – a variety of fried rice, here’s just a touch of autumnal crispness to pad Thai noodles, spring rolls or panang, red and Tthe air now, which can mean only one thing: green curries with a choice of protein. Football is coming, and it’s coming fast. And with those matchups come parties with enough food Hard Times Café, 1404 King St. to feed an army. Here are some restaurants that can What’s a fall football party without some chili and help your main course along with a quick phone call wings? Hard Times has you covered with its U-Cater or a push of a button. menu. A bridge between the standard carryout op- tions and a full-on catering job, the U-Cater offers Faccia Luna, 823 S. Washington St. up all the chili-slinger’s best dishes in party-sized The venerable Italian eatery on Old Town’s Wash- quantities without the hassle of a proper catering ington Street can be easily overlooked for its pizza- gig. A $25 half-gallon of chili will serve eight; $48.99 takeout capabilities, but doing so would be a mis- will get you a gallon that serves 16. Fifty wings will take. Faccia Luna has a baker’s dozen set you back $50, and don’t skimp on the sides, such pizzas to peruse and select; come in any as spaghetti noodles, diced onions, jalapenos and Appetite night of the week to pick them up and more. Leave your slow cooker in the cabinet and dial you’ll see you’re not the only one with up Hard Times for easy service. the carry-out idea. For a party-pleaser, the formaggio – a sauce-and-cheese selection – doesn’t disappoint. Taqueria Poblano, Or branch out a bit and go with the Florentine, teem- 2400-B Mount Vernon Ave. ing with spinach and ricotta cheese, or the name- Why not set up a taco bar for your guests, com- sake Faccia Luna, with sausage, roasted red pepper plete with chips, salsa, guacamole and more? and mushroom. Having a big gathering? Order them Taqueria Poblano’s catering menu is un-intimidating all and watch the slices disappear. and straight to the point, offering diners a wide ar- ray of Mexican favorites. For the biggest bang for Galae Thai, 215 Swamp Fox Road the buck, you could do worse than the taqueria’s Who says football parties are limited to pizza and crispy or soft taco platter, offering 25 or 50 tacos wings? Strike out in a different direction with an with a filling of your choice. Thirsty? Taqueria online order from Galae Thai. Situated adjacent to Poblano also offers its margarita mix in party-sized the AMC Hoffman movie theater, the Asian restau- amounts. Get a carton of rice or beans on the side rant offers more than just its namesake Thai; it also and you’ll have a fiesta for the ages. whips up a multitude of sushi dishes and bento boxes. For a small gathering, have guests order their pref- Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista erence, ranging from such signature dishes as pine- blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any apple fried rice to massaman curry with chicken. Or, time at [email protected]. A Community Favorite Calendar Since 1904 one of Fairfax County’s special summer traditions. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ performances/mt-vernon-nights. ‘RGB’ Movie At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme SATURDAY/AUG. 25 Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mount Vernon Flea Market. 8 a.m.- has developed a lengthy legal 1 p.m. at 8717 Fort Hunt Road, legacy while becoming an unex- Alexandria. Flea Market will take pected pop culture icon. But the place every fourth Saturday of the unique personal journey of her rise month through September. Vendors to the nation’s highest court has will sell items such as: homemade been largely unknown, even to goods, lavender sachets, jewelry, some of her biggest fans – until soap, antique and vintage items; now. From Betsy West and Julie books, CD’s and DVDs, comic books Cohen, and co-produced by and more. Refreshments will also be Storyville Films and CNN Films. on sale. Hosted by the Mount Vernon Wednesday, Aug. 29, 7:55 p.m. at Masonic Lodge No. 219. Rain or John Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Since 1904, The Royal has been Old Town’s Favorite neighborhood shine. Visit www.facebook.com/ Carlyle St., Alexandria. Visit mountvernonfleamarket/. www.AlexandriaVA.gov/ restaurant. Award-winning menu includes prime rib, fresh seafood, roast Summer Kayak Cleanups. 9 a.m.- CarlyleFun for more. noon at the Conservatory Center at chicken best burgers hand-carved roast turkey and salad bar. Four Mile Run Park, 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. The Four Mile Run Serving Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner Conservatory Foundation will deploy its fleet of kayaks to collect litter and made history. Consider the ideas associated with the War of 1812 and along the streambank of Four Mile debated in the rooms where it the British occupation of Alexandria Full Buffet with Run. Volunteers will have access to a happened… for some, but not for all. in 1814. $10/advance; $15/door. Save 50% water refill station, snacks, gloves, $12. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org. trash grabbers and bags, and a Yappy Hour. 10 a.m.-noon at James Cool Off with Hand-Cranked Ice Omelette Station limited number of kayaks with life- M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Cream. 11 a.m.-noon at Historic On second dinner entree vests, but are asked to bring their Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. Huntley, 6918 Harrison Lane, Saturday and own reusable water bottle, Light refreshments for people and Alexandria. Make and taste hand- of equal or lesser value sunscreen, bug spray, and water dogs, and give away of free cranked ice cream as Huntley’s Harris Sunday Brunch when you mention this ad. shoes. A limited number of boats may Alexandria Library frisbees for kids family may once have done. Discover be reserved. Participants can use and dogs. Alexandria Animal Welfare how the histories of ice cream and 7am-2pm Offer expires 9/30/18. their own as well. Visit League will join in with some of their Huntley followed a similar path from www.fourmilerun.org/. adoptable animals. Free. Visit elite luxury to family fare. A tour of Telling their Story: Museum alexlibraryva.org. the ice well and the Historic Huntley 734 North St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Specialty Tours. 10 a.m. at War of 1812 Walking Tour. 10 a.m.- House are included in the program. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. noon at Lee-Fendall House Museum $8 per person. Call 703-768-2525 or Royal St., Alexandria. Tour the halls & Garden, 614 Oronoco St., visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ 703-548-1616 where Washington, Lafayette, Alexandria. A guided walking tour of historic-huntley. RoyalRestaurantVA.com Jefferson, Madison and Burr partied people and places in Old Town Alexandria Irish Festival. 11 a.m.-7 ALEXANDRIA’S NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT • SINCE 1904 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 9 Entertainment

p.m. at Waterfront Park, 1-A Prince Alexandria West Rotary. $10 Street in Old Town Alexandria. There suggested donation. Contact will be vendors, crafts, food, Madeline Muravchik at beverages, pipe bands, Irish Dance [email protected] or call Schools and Irish entertainment. The 202-262-0184. Visit Festival is a fundraiser to support secure.metavivor.org/page/ Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. contribute/swimforengie. The Ballyshaners have organized and Yoga for Healthy Backs. 11 a.m.- hosted the Parade for over 35 years. 12:30 p.m. at 532Yoga, 532 North This year, they will be celebrating Pat Washington St., Alexandria. Maintain Troy, the organization’s founder. a strong and healthy back. Take Without Pat, there would be no charge of back pain. Improve posture Ballyshaners. Without the and related health. $25 drop-in. Visit Ballyshaners, there would be no www.532yoga.com. parade. Visit www.ballyshaners.org. Meet the Junior Docents. 2-5 p.m. Container Workshop: Geometric at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 Garden Terrarium. 1-2:30 p.m. at North Royal St., Alexandria.These Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green young historians, grades 4 and older, Spring Road, Alexandria. Enjoy the will be on hand to share highlights of outdoors inside by creating a the tavern and answer questions as beautiful, hanging, geometric guests journey through the museum. terrarium. Begonia enthusiast Great for families as children connect Johanna Zinn provides information with the building through their peer on this versatile genus and teaches tour guides as well as for adults you techniques for creating the looking for some inspiration. perfect terrarium. Modern, metal Included in regular admission: $5 terrarium, plants, soil and care adults ($4 with AAA), $3 children instructions provided. Ages 16-adult. ages 5-12, and 4 and under are free. Register for program ($38, code 290 Call 703-746-4242 or visit 384 7001) and supply fee ($25, code www.gadsbystavern.org. 290 384 7002). Register online at Andes to Romances. 2 p.m. at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Alexandria Historical Society, 201 parktakes or call 703-642-5173. Prince St., Alexandria. Join in an afternoon of authentic Andean melodies from the Latin-American SATURDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 25-26 repertoire and international song 33rd Annual Begonia Show and book of Juan Cyrampoma and Ernest Sale. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Bravo, performing as Andes to and Sunday noon-3:30 p.m. at Green Romances. Using an array of Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring traditional Andean and contemporary Participants in Partners in Art meet to share share their goals and get feedback on their Road, Alexandria. Sponsored by the instruments, they perform music that artwork. Potomac branch of the American embodies the soul of the Andes while Begonia Society. Be tempted with paying homage to love, hope, splashes of color and shape for romance and their native land. Visit homes and greenhouses that last long www.nvfaa.org. Partners in Art after frosts have put outdoor gardens Concert. 3-5 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 Join a collegial group of artists to share goals and get feedback on artwork. Monthly meetings include discussions on ex- to bed. The sale offers a wide variety S. Washington St., Alexandria. The hibit opportunities, the creative process and the local art scene. Artist can bring 1-3 works – complete or in progress – for of begonias, including subtropical Washington Metropolitan feedback. All skill levels and media welcome. Donations ($1-3) appreciated. Monday, Sept. 10, 2-4 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. species. Free admission. Visit Philharmonic Association presents its www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green- weekly free summer chamber concert 25, 7-9 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans gallery, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/partners-in-art for more. spring/begonia-show-and-sale/ series. This week’s concert features 082518. violinist Benjamin Scott and pianist other interpretations of undulation the month this summer. Fun with Children’s story time in the Watson Brad Clark playing the music of will be solicited from fiber artists for friends and family, a picnic dinner, Reading Room (located next door to Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, and Bartok. this themed show. Themed work will and a blanket or chair. Free. Visit the museum). Join in cultural stories SUNDAY/AUG. 26 Free. Visit www.wmpamusic.org. be eligible for recognition by the www.fourmilemovieseries.com. and creative craft activities. Explore Swim for Engie. 8 a.m. at jurors. Non-themed work may also be Mount Vernon Nights. 7:30 p.m. at the museum exhibits afterwards to Waynewood Pool, 1027 Dalebrook exhibited. Visit Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mt. Vernon learn about local Black History. All Drive, Alexandria. Lap-swimmers of TUESDAY/AUG. 28 www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com. Memorial Highway. This series of ages welcome, but most suitable for all ages welcome to participate in Undulations. At Potomac Fiber Arts free, public concerts features a children 3-6 years old. $3 admission variety of musical performances ages 3-plus. Visit alexandriava.gov. swimathon in honor of Engie Gallery at Torpedo Factory Art WEDNESDAY/AUG. 29 Mokhtar to raise money for breast Center. Studio 29, 105 North Union reflecting Fairfax County’s diversity, The Spider Weaver: A Legend of cancer research. Sponsored by St., Alexandria. Work exhibiting Cool Yoga 2018. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at culture and community spirit. Bring a Kente Cloth. 11 a.m. at The Black Alexandria Masters Swimming and movement, swaying rhythms, or Del Ray Psych & Wellness Lot, 1900 picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Mt. Vernon Ave. Maureen Clyne one of Fairfax County’s special Alexandria. By Margaret Musgrove teaches Cool Yoga – Del Ray’s free summer traditions. Visit and Julia Cairns. Visit summer outdoor yoga, Wednesdays www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ alexandriava.gov/Historic. through Aug. 29. Chill out after class performances/mt-vernon-nights. Welsh Choir. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Rachel with the Cool Yoga After-Party Twilight Hilltop Tour. 8-9 p.m. at M. Schlesinger Center, 4915 E. featuring refreshments courtesy of Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison Campus Drive, Alexandria. Eschoir is Bon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market. Lane, Alexandria. This historic site a Welsh male choir based in London, Email [email protected]. sits high upon a hill overlooking formed in 2009 at the Borough Welsh “RBG Movie.” 7:55 p.m. at John Hybla Valley and Huntley Meadows Chapel near London Bridge. $10-$50. Carlyle Square Park, 300 John Park. It’s a dramatic setting made all Visit thewnaa.org/single-event—will- Carlyle St., Alexandria. At the age of the more stunning by the setting sun. call-tickets.html. 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Join this after-hours tour to see the Bader Ginsburg has developed a house in a different light. Light lengthy legal legacy while becoming refreshments will be served SUNDAY/SEPT. 2 an unexpected pop culture icon. afterward. $5. Call 703-768-2525 or BBQ and Beer. 5 p.m. at Workhouse From Betsy West and Julie Cohen, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way and co-produced by Storyville Films historic-huntley. Lorton. New Orleans Funk band and CNN Films. Visit Bonerama is performing in the Rizer www.AlexandriaVA.gov/CarlyleFun Pavilion on the Workhouse Arts SATURDAY/SEPT. 1 Center’s newly remodeled center Perk Up Fall Garden. 10-11:30 a.m. Quad. There will be food trucks and AUG. 30-SEPT. 30 at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green beer/wine/soft drinks available for ”The Painted Rocks at Revolver Spring Road, Alexandria. sale. Early bird pricing: $20 per Creek” by Athol Fugard. At Horticulturist Brenda Skarphol person. Visit workhousearts.org/ MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., discusses dividing perennials, event/bbq-beer-bonerama/. Alexandria. “The Painted Rocks at planting cool-season plants and Revolver Creek” by Athol Fugard, beautifying a garden with fall season directed by MetroStage Artistic show stoppers so it looks its autumn SEPT. 4-OCT. 14 Associate Thomas W. Jones II, will best. Special emphasis placed on Photography Exhibition: Michael open the 2018-19 season at plants for pollinators and other Borek. Gallery hours at Multiple MetroStage. Visit metrostage.org. wildlife. $18. Register online at Exposures Gallery, 105 N. Union St., www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Alexandria. “Aimless Walk Reprise” Andes to Romances parktakes using code 290 484 5901 presents 22 photographs taken by Join in an uplifting afternoon of authentic Andean melodies from the Latin-Ameri- FRIDAY/AUG. 31 or call 703-642-5173. Michael Borek in his native Czech can repertoire and international song book of Juan Cyrampoma and Ernest Bravo, Four Mile Movies: Space Jam. 6:30 Story Time for Little Historians. 11 Republic. Over the last 10 years, performing as Andes to Romances. Using an array of traditional Andean and con- p.m., film begins at dusk, Four Mile a.m. at the Alexandria Black History Borek continued to return to temporary instruments, they perform music that embodies the soul of the Andes Conservatory Center 4109 Mt. Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. photograph an old blue-collar while paying homage to love, hope, romance and their native land. Sunday, Aug. Vernon Ave. A summer tradition in Featuring The Spider Weaver: A neighborhood in Prague, where he 26, 2 p.m. at Alexandria Historical Society, 201 Prince St., Alexandria. Visit Arlandria returns with a host of new Legend of Kente Cloth by Margaret grew up. Visit www.nvfaa.org. and old favorites on the last Friday of Musgrove and Julia Cairns. www.multipleexposuresgallery.com. 10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

From Page 5 nancial incentives such as tax abatements for owners who com- mit to maintain rents at an afford- able level in well-maintained com- plexes or county funding for main- tenance and improvements in re- turn for committing units to a pe- riod of affordability should be con- sidered. In either an acquisition or redevelopment scenario, the county must provide gap financ- ing to developers of affordable housing. To do this, the county will need a larger housing trust fund and should consider a substantial bond for affordable housing devel- opment. Co-locating affordable housing with public facilities — fire sta- tions, libraries, and community centers — offers an opportunity to acquire land at little or no cost. There are numerous examples of co-location across Northern Vir- ginia, including the county’s own Residences at the Government Center. Moreover, the county should work with supportive houses of worship to create hous- ing on their land, as some churches have done in Arlington and Alexandria. Maintaining and expanding affordability along the EMBARK corridor allows low-income house- holds who live there – overwhelm- ing people of color – to participate in the new neighborhoods of op- portunity that will be created there. This is at the core of the One Fairfax Pledge adopted in July 2016, directing that “a racial and social equity lens be applied in the planning and delivery of all pub- lic services.” Recognizing that “people of color are driving Fairfax County’s population growth, and their ability to participate and thrive is central to the county’s success,” recommendations for the corridor must be viewed through a lens of social and racial equity. This is the county’s promise in One Fairfax. As regional organizations who have worked on issues of multi- modal transit, mixed-use compact development and housing affordability in South County, we look forward to working with the Housing Advisory Group and the community to ensure adoption of a set of strategies that make the EMBARK corridor a thriving, di- verse and sustainable community for all who live there.

Michelle Krocker Executive Director, Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance Stewart Schwartz Executive Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 11 Business

Photos by Mike Salm

on/The Gazette

Julianne York, at the host- Bar manager Danny Nguyen out by the vegetable garden Chef Mauro Molino holds his book while manager Erin ess stand, sees familiar that provides most of the ingredients for their salads Eley looks on. faces every day. during the summer. Community Embraces DRP Pizzeria in Belle Haven Second DRP in Alexandria offers Northern Italian cuisine specialties.

By Mike Salmon in a book, “Piedmont Style: A Nguyen. The Gazette Delectable Journey Through Tater tots are a big seller at Northern Italy,” which is full DRP. “We have people that or- eing nestled in an unorthodox res- of his recipes and explanations der just the tater tots,” said York. taurant site in Belle Haven gives of the regions where the Next door is the Custard Bthe DRP Pizzeria the edge for a dishes came from. “To let Shack, an ice cream shop that is neighborhood hot spot and social people know there is also only open in the warmer venue for this part of Mount Vernon. After other food in the world,” he months. starting there as an ice cream dipper and said. The book is available at They serve cones and shakes, then moving up to hostess, Julianne York the restaurant. with tables out front that stay enjoys the camaraderie. They’ve only been at the lo- crowded in the summer eve- “Lots of my friend’s parents are here, you cation on Belle Haven Road nings. York helped open the can’t really come to work without seeing for a few years, but it is packed Custard Shack a few years ago, someone you know,” she said. any given night of the week. and moved up to host over the Manager and head bartender Danny To the insiders, this is really summer before heading off to Nguyen sees the same faces too. “We’ve built DRP2, sister to the original Duquesne University in Pitts- a strong bond with this community,” he said. DRP1 in Del Ray, but the menu burgh. She’ll be back though It helps that the restaurant has a bar and is a little different as is the cli- when classes are over. ice cream stand within walking distance of entele. The wall between the two most residences in Belle Haven, but the food Inside there are 10 tables in Buffalo chicken sandwich and tater tots. buildings was recently adorned keeps them coming back. The pizza variet- front, booths along the walls, with a mural that screams Alex- ies change to keep things interesting, and and a full bar in the back of the room, but jokes, and the ingredients are alfredo sauce, andria, courtesy of the owner’s daughter Chef Mauro Molino uses his expertise from outside there is dining Al Fresco, with tables parsley, smoked mozzarella and wild mush- Jessica Dorn. There were no real instruc- Italy to whip up authentic Northern Italian on the patio next to their vegetable garden rooms. There is a “Smokin’ Hot Chick,” tions given, but her instincts took off, so cuisine that features cheeses and cream where much of the salad fixings come from which comes in thin only, and even York, now the mural features the Masonic Temple sauces. in the warmer months. the hostess, had a pizza last year called and other sites in Alexandria. The instruc- “There are two different climates,” he said The selection of pizzas have some quirky “Julianne’s Spring Fling” that featured bar- tions were “we would like something amaz- of the southern Italian and northern Italian names that are borrowed from the staff. This becue sauce, brisket and fried Brussel chips. ing on this wall, just have a go at it,” said styles. “I use a lot of red wine,” he added. summer it’s “Zach’s a Pretty Fungi,” named “It’s fun, gets our staff incorporated into Nguyen. Sonya Richard helped paint it with He put all his Northern Italian knowledge for one of the staff in the back who cracks our dishes, we have fun with it,” said Dorn.

12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Business

Cedar Knoll Caroline Anderson serves wine to Cliff and Debbie Conway on the terrace of Cedar Knoll Inn at 9030 Lucia Lane.

Photos by Gerald A. Fill The Gazette

At Work in Mount Vernon

The Variety Store Owner Deborah Bentley and assistant Dee Village Hardware Bopkin inside the Variety Store at 7902 Larry Gray, owner of Village Hardware, Fort Hunt Road, which offers the nostalgia 7934 Fort Hunt Road, holds a home-made of an old Five and Dime Store. bird house.

Fort Hunt Massage And Spa Laszlo Balazs, co- owner of the Fort Hunt Massage and Spa, inside his 1300 Lafayette Drive busi- ness.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 13 When Did Bulletin

This Happen? Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at By KENNETH B. LOURIE least two weeks before event. I remember conversations regularly occurring between me and some other person, presum- VOTER REGISTRATION AND ID EVENTS ably older (if heard over the phone) or in person The Fairfax County Office of Elections if my sight and senses didn’t deceive me, where (12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 323, the question was asked to me: “You’re probably Fairfax) is open daily during normal business too young to remember?” concerning any num- hours to provide county residents the opportunity to register to vote or obtain a free ber of subjects. Now, I’m asking the identical voter photo ID if needed. Applicants will need to question, and I don’t think my sight or senses complete a photo voter ID application, have a are deceiving me, though they are refracted, so photo taken and sign a digital signature pad. to speak. Call 703-222-0776. The following special events Somehow, I’d like to believe that despite the will also provide opportunity to register to vote obvious passage of time, I am, to quote Bob and/or get a photo Virginia Voter card. Dylan from his song “My Back Pages,” includ- ❖ Saturday/Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sherwood ed on his “Another Side of Bob Dylan” album Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. released in 1964: “Ah, but I was so much older ❖ Saturday/Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sherwood then, I’m younger than that now.” Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, I wish. Alexandria. I may be wiser and full of perspective, but KLZWP[LÅV^LY`S`YPJZ0HTVSKLY¶Q\Z[JOLJR [OLJHSLUKHY-H[OLY[PTL^HP[ZMVYUVTHU¶VY DONATIONS NEEDED woman. As years pass, the pages turn and you UCM Needs Help. United Community Ministries simply aren’t the person you used to be (or (UCM), 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria. Inventory is low on disposable diapers especially thought you were). sizes 4, 5, 6; canned tuna and other canned Benjamin Button may have gotten younger meats like chicken; and low-sugar breakfast (aged in reverse, having been born an old man), cereals. Shop and donate with their Amazon but for the rest of us, we may feel that “youth,” Wish List at: bit.ly/ as they say, “is wasted on the young.” Neverthe- UCM_FoodPantry_AmazonWishList. Email less, none of us is getting any younger. Assistant Food Pantry Manager Von at Moreover, to quote Charles Franklin: “No [email protected] or visit at one gets out of this life alive.” (Although, I www.ucmagency.org. swear I remember my late mother attributing that quote to the legendary screen actress, Bette THURSDAY/AUG. 23 Davis.) Drinks and Deals. 5:30-7 p.m. at Cedar Knoll Life goes on is the short version, and through Restaurant, 9030 Lucia Lane. Networking with that passage of time, at some point, apparently gorgeous views of the Potomac River at Cedar you’re addressed respectively as “Mister” and Knoll Restaurant. See this renovated colonial inn “Sir,” and doors are opened/held, seats are and taste appetizers from the award winning offered and accommodations made. And when I cuisine. Free for Chamber members and their have those random conversations with strang- guests; $25 others. Visit www.mtvernon- leechamber.org/ to register. LYZ¶[VWHZZ[OH[[PTLVYL]LU^P[OWLVWSL^P[O whom you have a familiarity, more and more of [OVZLWLVWSLHYL`V\UNLY[OHU0HTHUK0ÄUK AUG. 24-SEPT. 4 myself asking/presuming if they know what past Pool Closure: Mount Vernon RECenter. Four event, historical fact, popular culture reference Fairfax County Park Authority RECenter pools or sports memory, etc., I am even referring to. will be closing for regular, periodic cleaning and And as often as not, they don’t. maintenance. Consider trying out another >OH[»ZVKK¶VYSVZ[VUTLILJH\ZL0»T county pool during the temporary shutdown. RECenter passes are valid at all nine Park loathe to admit it, is that the former “question- Authority RECenters. Dates are subject to LL¹¶`V\YZ[Y\S`¶OHZILJVTL[OLJ\YYLU[ change. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ X\LZ[PVULY¶HNHPU`V\YZ[Y\S`(ZPZILJVTPUN recenter for more. abundant clear, where I was once ascending, I am now descending. This has nothing to do with my last few WEDNESDAY/AUG. 29 cancer columns. It has to do with my birth year: Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders 1954. Meaning, as the birthday card jokes on Summit. 8-10 a.m. at Northern Virginia Community College’s Loudoun Campus in the front cover “I wouldn’t say you were old this Waddell Theater, 21200 Campus Drive, Sterling. year” to the inside-of-the-card slam: “Hell, you The event will feature elected officials from were old last year.” across the area, including Alexandria Mayor It just seems/feels that this juxtaposition of Allison Silberberg. $50 for members of the co- the “space-time continuum” (“Star Trek: Voyag- hosting chamber groups; $70 for non-members. er”) time/age relative to others has happened in Register at bit.ly/2w0FfLr. a blink (nanosecond) and that blink is a tell. And no matter what I do to counter that impression, FRIDAY/AUG. 31 I can’t stop it. It seems that tell has become a Survey Deadline. In an effort to better target tell all. opioid and other drug prevention efforts, the And since I’m telling all, dealing with one’s Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board own mortality for as long as I have been: Feb. (CSB) is seeking opinions of young adults  [OLVMÄJPHSKH[LVMT`UVUZTHSS between the ages of 18-25. The survey is cell lung cancer diagnosis, has certainly had anonymous and voluntary, and asks questions its share of wear and tear, emotionally and about use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and physically. heroin. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ -VYTL¶VYMVYHU`VM`V\YLN\SHYYLHKLYZ community-services-board/prevention. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/3Y37BBJ to take the to think that this unexpected journey has not survey. been fraught with before, during and after side LMMLJ[Z¶HUKTHPULMMLJ[Z\WHUKKV^UHUKHSS around, is unrealistic at best and delusional at THURSDAY/SEPT. 6 worst. And since I’m rarely delusional except Public Hearing. 7 p.m. in the Oaks Room at Twin when it comes to the Boston Red Sox, it must be Lakes Golf Course, 6201 Union Mill Road, unrealistic. Clifton. The Fairfax County Park Authority But maybe being unrealistic is what has (FCPA) and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) will hold a joint public taken me nine years and nearly six months past hearing on the proposed adoption of an my original diagnosis. If that’s the reason, I see amendment to Park Regulation Section 1.17, no reason to change now, age notwithstanding, Remote-Control Devices and Powered Models or or sitting, however the case may be. Toys. The full text of the proposed amendment is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for model-aircrafts-drones. Anyone wishing to The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. speak, call 703-324-8662 or email [email protected]. 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR YOUR TOYOTA

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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 ❖ 15 16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ August 23-29, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com NewcomersNewcomers && CommunityCommunity GuideGuide 2018-20192018-2019

on/The Gazette With the river on one side, there are hidden creeks and coves throughout Mount Vernon.

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Meet Your MVD TEAM!

6\YVɉJLPZOLYLMVY`V\+PK`V\RUV^`V\JHUJVU[HJ[\Z^P[OHU`*V\U[` JVUJLYUZVYPZZ\LZHUK^LJHUJVUULJ[`V\^P[O[OLHUZ^LYZ&/LYLHYLQ\Z[H ML^^H`Z^LJHUOLSW! ࠮ *VUULJ[PUN`V\^P[O*V\U[`ZLY]PJLZ ࠮ :OHYPUNPUMVYTH[PVUHIV\[PZZ\LZPUV\Y JVTT\UP[` ࠮ *VTT\UPJH[PUNTLL[PUNZHUKL]LU[Z OHWWLUPUNULHY`V\ ࠮ (UZ^LYPUNX\LZ[PVUZHIV\[WYVWLY[`aVUPUN HUKTHPU[LUHUJL There are many ways to CONNECT WITH TEAM MVD!

Stop by:4V\U[=LYUVU.V]LYUTLU[HS*LU[LY 7HYRLYZ3HUL 4V\U[=LYUVU=( Keep informed! Sign up for the Mount Vernon Advisor and follow us on social media! Visit:O[[W!^^^MHPYMH_JV\U[`NV]TV\U[]LYUVU Call: 703-780-7518 (TTY 711) Email!T[]LYUVU'MHPYMH_JV\U[`NV]

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2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide Welcome to the Mount Vernon District

By Dan Storck Hop on a bike and ride on the nearly 18 Supervisor, Mount Vernon District miles long and fully paved Mount Vernon Trail that follows the Potomac River’s Vir- ear Mount Vernon District New ginia shoreline. You can also enjoy the comer: nearby Distillery and Gristmill. (http:// Welcome to the best place to www.mountvernon.org) D ❖ live, learn, work and play in Gunston Hall: Built for George Mason Fairfax County! My name is Dan Storck and IV, the author of the Bill of Rights, Gunston I am pleased to serve as your Mount Vernon Hall is located on Mason Neck where we District Supervisor. I hope you agree that also have a state park, a regional park and Fairfax County is one of the best places in federally protected land The mansion and the country to live — full of intellectual museum provide history and context to co- energy, great schools, diverse communities, lonial Virginia and revolutionary America varied employment opportunities, vast rec- (http://www.gunstonhall.org) reational activities, and abundant opportu- ❖ Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s nities for cultural enrichment. Mount Pope-Leighey House: The Woodlawn and Vernon is comprised of wonderful people, Pope-Leighey Houses are sites of the Na- abundant resources and a rich history. First tional Trust for Historic Preservation, lo- and foremost, I would like to invite you to cated on the same historic grounds. Visi- stop by my office to meet TEAM MVD (me tors are encouraged to explore the contrast- and my staff). We’ll be happy to talk with ing architectural and historical backgrounds you about our community, answer your Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck with his staff outside the of these two unique homes. (http:// questions and provide information about Mount Vernon Government Center at 2511 Parkers Lane. www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/home/). Fairfax County and its many opportunities. Woodlawn Estate is also home to the We are located in the Mount Vernon Gov- less, advise you of your staff contact and have many wonderful parks, recreational Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and ernmental Center at 2511 Parkers Lane with connect you with the county or community opportunities, historical sites and commu- Agriculture. Arcadia is a nonprofit organi- the Mount Vernon Police Station, next to resources you need. We are here to make a nity events to enjoy. You can start your day zation dedicated to creating a more equi- the Fire Station and the Mount Vernon Hos- difference for each and every resident and with a round of golf, horseback riding, table and sustainable local food system in pital. For more information about living in to get things done! With extended office kayaking, tennis, or a walk in a tree-lined the Washington, D.C. area. Arcadia man- Fairfax County, check out the county’s Wel- hours on Thursdays and the second Satur- park or neighborhood; enjoy brunch at our ages four distinct program areas that ad- come to Fairfax Guide: https:// day of each month at the Lorton Library and more than one hundred local eateries; boat, dress a specific need in the community, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/guides/mov- the Mount Vernon District Office, we wel- bike, or walk to one of our many heritage while collectively engaging consumers, ing-to-fairfax. come your concerns and compliments. sites and then relax at a craft brewery; to farmers, schools, and institutions. My number one priority is always you! I Walk-ins and appointments welcomed. round out your evening, you can see a lo- (www.Arcadiafood.org) strive to engage deeply and frequently with My priorities as supervisor continue to be cal play, musical or concert. The following ❖ Workhouse Arts Center: In addition to the people of Mount Vernon. TEAM MVD to increase funding and support for our are some of my favorites. over 150 of the region’s finest artists, art provides timely constituent service as we schools, accelerate Richmond Highway’s ❖ George Washington’s Mount Vernon classes, exhibits by national and interna- continue to build the ideal community in revitalization, increase jobs and economic Estate and Gardens: One of the nation’s tional artists, exciting comedy and musical which to live and thrive. We are committed opportunities, improve our roads, provide most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon performances, this nationally recognized to performance standards that ensure we more transit options, ensure our public offers an authentically interpreted 18th cen- former correctional facility played a key role are a responsive, transparent and informa- safety, and continue to strengthen our qual- tury home, lush gardens and grounds, in- in turning the tide to secure a woman’s right tive office. We will respond to your com- ity of life. triguing museum galleries, immersive pro- munications within two business days or In Mount Vernon, we are fortunate to grams, and first-rate dining and shopping. See Things To Do, Page 16 Issues Facing Mount Vernon Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan preserve the median width necessary to mount-vernon-high-school. not complete, it does seem to have Storck outined the region’s major issues: accommodate future planned Bus Rapid provided relief throughout the recent Transit (BRT) for dedicated bus-only ❖ Airplane Noise heavy rain storms for residents who have ❖ George Washington Parkway lanes. Next steps include phase one Since April 2015, Mount Vernon District experienced past flooding. When com- Study widening, as well as funding and imple- residents have been subject to continuous plete in Spring 2019, the project will The National Park Service is conducting menting the Embark vision.º For more high noise levels from aircraft flying over include a 6 – 11ft. high, 2800 ft. long a traffic study along the southern portion information, visit: https:// their communities, after the Federal earthen embankment with a 4 ft. high I- of the GW Parkway, to include evaluating www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-zoning/ Aviation Administration (FAA) imple- wall on top, a new water collection and key intersections between Belle Haven embark-richmond-highway. mented a new satellite navigation system storm water drainage system and a pump and Mount Vernon Circle. Along with “NextGen.” My office continues to work station. The walking and biking trail other regional leaders, I have been calling ❖ Original Mount Vernon High with the South Flow Alliance, the Metro- planned for the top of the embankment for safety improvements on the Parkway School (OMVHS) politan Washington Airports Authority will connect outdoor enthusiasts to other for decades. A final report is expected in Fairfax County is exploring future (MWAA) Working Group and the FAA to trails in the immediate vicinity. late 2018 or early 2019. uses for the original Mount Vernon High reduce aircraft noise pollution over our School campus and surrounding prop- communities and to educate community ❖ Opioid Disposal ❖ Richmond Highway Widening erty at 8333 Richmond Highway. The members as to how they can help. I As the opioid epidemic continues to and Embark/BRT Alexander Company is working with the encourage anyone affected by this issue to grow throughout the country, communi- Embark Richmond Highway is an initia- community to create a master develop- stay engaged in efforts to address these ties are actively looking for ways to help tive focused on creating a multimodal ment plan for the OMVHS site. The concerns. You can do so by liking “the curb abuse and misuse. In looking for future for the Richmond Highway Corri- project will develop over three distinct South Flow Alliance” on Facebook. Flying ways to protect our community, we are dor. Phase one of this project will widen phases: immediate, interim use, and too low, let them know! Report planes aggressively looking for ways to get these Richmond Highway from Jeff Todd Way long term reuse. The OMVHS reuse that are too loud or too low at http:// drugs off the streets. My office now to Napper Road from four lanes to six, as project supports our Economic Success viewpoint.bksv.com/dca3. provides free drug deactivation kits. In well as provide separate bicycle and Plan and Embark Richmond Highway. addition, Walmart has launched a first-of- pedestrian accommodations on both sides For updates, visit: https:// ❖ Huntington Levee its kind opioid disposal solution, available of the highway. The project will also www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/original- While the Huntington Levee project is at no cost, in all company pharmacies. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 3 Newcomers & Community Guide

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics How To Vote and details of voting require attention to detail. irst, be sure you are registered. absentee ballot will be sent to you in three Oct. 15 is the deadline to register, business days. If you have questions about Election Day, Fand to check your registration. your ballot, call the Office of Elections at Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 Many voters across the country 703-222-0776 (TTY 711). On Election Day, polls are open from 6 a.m.-7 have discovered that they have been unex- Absentee ballots must be returned to the p.m., Nov. 6. pectedly dropped from the voter rolls, so Office of Elections by 7 p.m. on Election Day, To determine whether eligible and registered be sure to check at elections.virginia.gov Nov. 6, 2018 in order to be counted, to vote in this election, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website at elections.virginia.gov/ or call Fairfax Elections Absentee Voting in Person Begins Virginia Voter ID office at 703-222-0776. Sept. 21 Acceptable forms of valid identification: To vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, 6 a.m.-7 Voting early if you qualify is a good Virginia driver’s license, Virginia DMV-is- p.m. (General Election) ❖ choice. sued photo ID, United States passport, Em- Register/update address by: Monday, Oct. 15. There are 20 valid reasons to vote absen- ployer-issued photo ID, Student photo ID ❖ Request absentee ballot by mail by: 5 p.m. tee in Virginia, including working and com- issued by a school, college, or university Tuesday, Oct. 30. muting to and from home for 11 or more located in Virginia, Other U.S. or Virginia ❖ Vote early, in-person absentee, by appearing hours between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Elec- government-issued photo ID, Tribal enroll- in person by 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 For more information on voting in Fairfax tion Day. Check the Virginia Department of Election Day is Nov. 6, 2018; early ment or other tribal photo ID, Virginia Voter County: Elections list to see if you are eligible: voting starts Sept. 21. Photo ID card Fairfax County Office of Elections https://www.elections.virginia.gov/cast- 12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 323 ❖ Fairfax, VA, 22035 ing-a-ballot/absentee-voting/index.htmll Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Need a Photo ID? Voter Registration: 703-222-0776, TTY 711 There are two ways to vote absentee, in- 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306 If you don’t have an ID, go to your voter Absentee Fax: 703-324-3725 person and by mail. To do either, you should ❖ North County Governmental Center, registration office to get a free Voter Photo Email: [email protected] first check your voter registration status to 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, VA ID, even on Election Day. You will be re- Election Officer Info: 703-324-4735, TTY 711 For 24-hour recorded information call 703- make sure it is up-to-date. 20190 quired to complete an photo ID application, 324-4700 If you vote absentee in-person you will ❖ Providence Community Center, 3001 have your photo taken and to sign a digital fill out the application when you arrive at Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031 signature pad. obtain a free voter photo ID if needed. 703- the in-person absentee location. ❖ Sully Governmental Center, 4900 222-0776, 12000 Government Center Park- Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA 20151 Forgot photo ID on Election Day? way Suite 323, Fairfax, VA 22035 Locations, Dates and Hours ❖ West Springfield Governmental Center, If you get to your polling place without The following special events will also pro- Scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 21, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152 acceptable photo ID, you can vote a provi- vide opportunity to register to vote and/or through Saturday, Nov. 3 at the government sional ballot. You will be given instructions get your photo Virginia Voter card. center, and Oct. 13-Nov. 3 at the satellite Absentee Voting By Mail on what to do so your vote can count. ❖ Saturday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., locations. To track the status of your absentee bal- A voter will have until noon on the Fri- Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Fairfax County Government Center, lot application and ballot, you can view your day following the election to deliver a copy Hall Lane, Alexandria, 22306 12000 Government Center Parkway, Con- Virginia Voter Record, https:// of the identification to the local electoral ❖ Tuesday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., The ference Room 2/3, Fairfax, VA, 22035 vote.elections.virginia.gov/ board or to appear in person to apply for a Woodlands Retirement Community, 4320 Sept. 21-Oct. 12 VoterInformation Virginia Voter Photo ID Card. Voters may Forest Hill Ct, Fairfax, 22030 Closed Monday, Oct. 8, Columbus Day The deadline to apply for an absentee submit a copy of their ID via fax, email, in- ❖ Monday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, ballot online, by mail, by fax, or by email is person, or through the mail or commercial Heatherwood Retirement Community. 9642 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 7 days prior to Election Day by 5 pm. delivery service. The copy of the ID must Burke Lake Road, Burke, 22015 Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can apply for your absentee ballot be delivered to the electoral board by noon ❖ Wednesday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. online, https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/ on Friday, or the provisional ballot cannot Greenspring Retirement Community, 7410 Oct. 15-Nov. 3 VoterInformation be counted. Spring Village Drive, Springfield, 22150 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or print, complete, and sign the absen- Also by noon on Friday following the elec- ❖ Tuesday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., tee ballot application (PDF), https:// tion, the voter may appear in-person in the Burke Health and Rehab Center, 9640 Burke All Satellite Locations: www.elections.virginia.gov/Files/Forms/ office of the general registrar, in the local- Lake Road, Burke, 22015 Oct. 13 - Nov. 3 VoterForms/Virginia ity in which the provisional ballot was cast, ❖ Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Weekdays: Monday thru Friday, 3 p.m. - AbsenteeBallotApplication.pdf and apply for a Virginia Voter Photo ID Card. Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace St #1, 7 p.m. Absentee ballot applications are also At the completion of the application pro- Herndon, 20170 Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. available for in-person visits at county gov- cess, the voter may request a Temporary ❖ Thursday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sundays: Closed ernmental centers as well as Fairfax County Identification Document. This document Lewinsville Retirement Residence, 1515 ❖ Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 library branches. Send in the completed can be provided to the electoral board for Great Falls Street, McLean 22101 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 application: Scan then email the applica- the identification requirement. ❖ Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., ❖ Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond High- tion to [email protected] or Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood way, Lorton, VA 22079 mail the application to the Office of Elec- Upcoming Events to Register and Hall Lane Alexandria, 22306 ❖ Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Co- tions at Box 10161, Fairfax, VA 22038 or Get Voter ID ❖ Tuesday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., lumbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 Fax the application to the Office of Elections The Office of Elections is open daily dur- Arleigh Burke Pavilion at Vinson Hall Re- ❖ McLean Governmental Center, 1437 at 703-324-3725. Once your completed ing normal business hours to provide resi- tirement Community, 1739 Kirby Road, Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 application is received and accepted, your dents the opportunity to register to vote or McLean, 22101

On The Ballot, Fairfax County, Nov. 6, 2018 Mayor UNITED STATES SENATE Lisa C. Merkel, unopposed TWO VIRGINIA CONSTITUTIONAL Corey A. Stewart (R) District 11 AMENDMENT BALLOT QUESTIONS Timothy M. Kaine (D) Jeff A. Dove Jr. (R) Town Council, vote for six, * means incumbent State Ballot Question One Matt J. Waters (L) Gerald Edward Connolly (D) Jennifer K. Baker * Question: Should a county, city, or town be Stevan M. Porter (L) Grace Wolf Cunningham * authorized to provide a partial tax exemption for HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cesar A. Del Aguila real property that is subject to recurrent flooding, District 8 Herndon, Mayor and Town Council Pradip Dhakal if flooding resiliency improvements have been Thomas S. Oh (R) If you live inside the Town of Herndon, local Signe V. Friedrichs * made on the property? Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (D) elections for mayor and Town Council are now if W. J. “Sean” Kenis Jr. Present Law November. These are nonpartisan positions. William “Bill” J. McKenna * Generally, the Constitution of Virginia provides District 10 http://www.herndon-va.gov/government/ Sheila A. Olem * that all property shall be taxed. The Constitution Barbara J. Comstock (R) mayor-town-council/town-elections Joseph T. “Joe” Plummer Jennifer T. Wexton (D) Roland Taylor See On the Ballot, Page 15 4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers Guide Visit Local Museums By Paul Krizek Mount Vernon distillery State Delegate (D-44) is a fully functional 18th century replica that pro- s the delegate duces the general’s rye for the 44th whiskey using 18th cen- ADistrict of Vir tury methods. Named as ginia cover- the official spirit of the ing much of Mount Commonwealth of Vir- Vernon and parts of Lee, ginia, George I would like to welcome all new- Washington’s Rye Whiskey. These comers to our wonderful commu- are only two of the many reasons nity. Normally, summer is a time a trip to Mount Vernon is a must. to enjoy the outdoors, but with all My cousins from England visited the rain and muggy hot tempera- last week and wish they had dedi- tures, many of us may be looking cated an entire day just to Mount for indoor activities. Thankfully, Vernon. we have the privilege of living in Gum Springs Museum is another an area teaming with fascinating museum in the 44th district with historical museums. Museums moving exhibits. At Gum Springs play a key role in education, job Museum you can learn about our creation, tourism, economic devel- region’s first freed black commu- opment, historic preservation and nity and an art exhibit by Taj environmental conservation. Be- Elmelik until August 28th. The low, I would like to highlight a few museum is open Tuesdays and museums in the 44th district you Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. simply must visit. and Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Mount Vernon is our most fa- There is no admission fee and the mous locale when it comes to his- museum is located at 8100 toric places and is well worth a trip Fordson Road, in the Gum Springs any time of year. Make sure to Community Center. Further south catch the ground-breaking major down Richmond Highway, is the exhibit, “Lives Bound Together: Federal-style house, Woodlawn. Slavery at George Washington’s Woodlawn was designed by the Mount Vernon”, and learn about first architect of the U.S. Capitol, the lives of the enslaved during the Dr. William Thornton and con- time of our first President. This structed in 1805 for George exhibit is best viewed on the En- Washington’s nephew, Major slaved People of Mount Vernon Lawrence Lewis and his wife, tour which is offered daily through Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis. The October at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Woodlawn Plantation is open Fri- Additionally, one of most interest- day to Monday from 11 a.m. to 3 ing attractions at George p.m. and is home to the Arcadia Washington’s Mount Vernon is the Center for Sustainable Food & distillery and gristmill site, located Agriculture, part of a new vision roughly three miles from the main that reflects Woodlawn’s agrarian estate. It was at this location that heritage. The Frank Lloyd Wright George Washington placed his designed Pope-Leighey House is at water-powered gristmill and his Woodlawn and well worth a visit. famous distillery. Starting in 1797, Recently, I wrote about the Na- the distillery quickly grew to be- tional Army Museum at Fort come one of the largest in the Belvoir which will be opening in young republic. In 1799 alone, it early 2020. The army is the only produced almost 11,000 gallons of branch of the military without a whiskey and other spirits. The See Museums, Page 12

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 5 Newcomers & Community Guide

The chamber welcomes four new members at the August Business Break- Chamber members network at Burtons Grill, from left, Scott Stroh fast, from left, Sonja Caison, chamber president, The Cleaning Authority; III, Gunston Hall; Stan Koussis, Andrews Federal Credit Union; Ken Jody Bordeaux, Michael & Son Restoration; Rachel Maddox, Empire Board, M & T Bank; and Candice Bennett, Good Shepherd Housing Today; Scott Stroh III, chamber chairman, Gunston Hall; and Jillian and Family Services. Mullian, Pella Windows and Doors. Transformative Changes for Richmond Highway Corridor

By Holly Hicks Dougherty tem, and has been rezoned for additional chamber is a stalwart champion of business part of Richmond Highway as the road is Executive Director commercial development. and works with our members and other widened to accommodate the bus lanes in Mount Vernon Lee The past 10 years has seen remarkable partners to build a community where busi- the center of the road. The design of Phase Chamber of Commerce re-development in the larger retail centers nesses thrive. I is planned to be completed by 2022, with and additional housing options becoming New and enhanced options in transpor- construction tentatively scheduled for ake a good look at the Richmond available. The next 10 years will transform tation, housing, education, tourism and completion by 2026. Highway corridor because it will the area. health care will make this area more attrac- While the northern section of Richmond Tchange. This dynamic commer- Mount Vernon Lee Chamber’s vision for tive for businesses to locate here. Businesses Highway will change with the BRT, the cial corridor is slated for widen- this area is a vibrant community enriched bring vitality to a southern section will be ing, adding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) sys- and supported by strong businesses. The community and widened and strength every modernized part of the local from Jeff fabric. Here are Todd Way to a few changes the Costco. coming to our The widening area. will be three Starting at lanes in each the Beltway, direction, new the area intersections, around Hun- and a median to tington Metro accommodate will see a re-development of Riv- the BRT. VDOT is erside Apartments into its own town center finishing the design for this project and will with an addition of five new mid-rise mul- begin acquiring right-of-way and moving tifamily buildings to the existing three utilities in 2019. Construction should be- apartment buildings with a pedestrian gin in 2023. friendly street grid. All this plus new trails In addition to the transportation improve- along Cameron Run and canoe/kayaking fa- ments, the National Museum of the United cilities. States Army at Fort Belvoir is under con- Also on Huntington Avenue, the Hun- struction with the opening planned for tington Walk Condos will be re-developed. 2020. The 185,000-square-foot-museum According to the plan, the developer will space will house more than 1,300 artifacts, tear down 364 condos and replace them documents and images that will be selected with more than 1,500 condos and apart- from the Army’s total collection of 630,000 ments, 65 townhomes, and retail and of- items in order to tell the stories of Ameri- fice space. The tallest buildings will be lo- can soldiers. cated near the Metro station and are Adding the Army Museum to George planned for 200 feet going down to 55 feet. Washington’s Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, Completing the plan will take about 10 Woodlawn Plantation, the Workhouse Arts years with development closest to the Center, and other smaller attractions makes Metro starting first. this area the tourism destination for all of Initial funding has been approved for Northern Virginia. Phase I of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) sys- Additional amenities will be added to tem which will start at the North Kings make the area even more attractive for visi- Highway entrance of Huntington Metro, tors like new restaurants, bike share and and follow North Kings Highway to Penn dock-less bikes, and walking and bike trails Daw where it will enter Richmond High- and important transportation improve- way and extend to Hybla Valley near Mount ments. Vernon Plaza. Phase II will continue the Mount Vernon Lee Chamber will continue system to Fort Belvoir. to work with our partners and bring changes This project will transform the northern and growth that benefits the community. 6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 7 File photos by Mark Mogle, PO TO featuring Great Falls National Park An Insider’s Guide to M A C map by Laurence Foong and design by Jean Card Parks Major Parks in the Area R IVER

National Parks LOUDOUN COUNTY RBP

GF Great Falls National Park G eo 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean rg et ow GF www.nps.gov/grfa n Great Falls Park is open daily from 7 a.m. until dark. The Visitor Center and bookstore are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, spring WOD through fall seasons. Picnic, hike along the Potomac River. To wn of L ee P Herndon sb ik Swimming and wading in the Potomac are prohibited. u e D r . Mem ulle g G.W ori s LFP GWal A P SRN P ccess & To ik ll e k R w GW George Washington Memorial Parkway o 5 ad y y MBG 9 w 4

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Wolf Trap National Park s f e t . e I-66 Rt. 50 a l for the Performing Arts l 2 o n 8 w 1551 Trap Road, Vienna t V R a www.nps.gov/wotr/ l ELP d le CITY OF FAIRFAX The only national park dedicated to y R ike presenting the performing arts. d R bia P . t. 2 lum From May through September, 36 Co 29 multiple amphitheaters in the park Rt. MDP present musicals, dance, opera, jazz, and popular and country music. Explore WFP GSG the park without the crowds from October CITY OF ALEXANDRIA Braddock Rd. - April. The Barns at Wolf Trap offer indoor 5 9 CR I- R -3 95 CH entertainment through the winter months. o I l I-4 l 95 in LAP BR g R To wn of Fa d Rd. i . ia rfa con State Park Clifton x Fran C o u FRA y n i w ty HPP ngf eld . C ri P d k lift Sp kwy R MN Mason Neck State Park o P nia P

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golf course, a nine-station l include a new exhibit room, gift shop and a batting cage, picnic shelters, and h meeting room. There are several exhibits in the

a special events pavilion. FH S t center, and with a view of Belmont Bay. Visitor LAC . center staff can answer questions and provide CH SR R information on park trails, facilities and local Carlyle House Historic E 1 IV points of interest. Pond study, bird watching, Park t. R R FORT canoe trips, nature walks and talks, and GPS 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 AC trails may BELVOIR adventures are just a few of the exciting www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park/ M be used O programs offered by park rangers. 703-549-2997 OR PB T without prior O PB The historic Carlyle House was completed in 1753 PC P arrangement. Pohick Bay by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Regional Park & G Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, member of one of the u n Pirates Cove MBG s Regional Parks most prestigious families in colonial Virginia. Meadowlark to Waterpark Their home quickly became a center of social n Botanical Gardens R 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, and political life in Alexandria and gained a d Lorton BR 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, MN . Bull Run Marina Regional Park & foothold in history when British General Vienna www.nvrpa.org/park/ Atlantis Waterpark Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in www.nvrpa.org/park/ pohick_bay/ 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville 1755. On the National Register of Historic meadowlark_botanical_gardens/ www.piratescovepohick.com www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run/ Places, Carlyle House is architecturally unique in 703-255-3631 703-339-6102 www.atlantisbullrun.com/ Alexandria as the only stone, 18th-century This 95-acre complex of large Pohick Bay is located on the 703-631-0552 Palladian-style house. Daily tours of the house, ornamental display gardens and Potomac River, 25 miles south of the Main park open all year for picnicking, hiking and programs for schoolchildren, special events, unique native plant collections is nation’s capital. The boat launch facility is family camping. Bull Run Public Shooting exhibits and lectures explore the life and times open year round and include one of only three public access points to the Center open all year. Group Camping open daily of John Carlyle in pre-Revolutionary Alexandria. walking trails, lakes, more than 20 Potomac River in northern Virginia. Pohick Bay Jan. 7 though Nov. 11. Mini and disc golf open The site may be rented in the evenings for varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an offers canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and jon April through October. Hours vary. Atlantis private functions and weddings. extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, boats for rent on the weekends, as well as family Waterpark features pools, a giant dumping gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and and group camping, hiking, picnic areas and a bucket, waterslides, and fun-filled activities for FH foliage. The Atrium’s indoor tropical garden large play area for children. The park offers one all ages. Atlantis is open from Memorial Day Fountainhead Regional Park setting is a popular meeting, reception, wedding of the largest, outdoor freeform pools on the 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station weekend through Labor Day, and is a member of and workshop location. Interpretive displays east coast. Pohick Bay Regional Park, located on www.nvrpa.org/park/fountainhead/ the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority accompany a restored 18th-century cabin. Mason Neck Pennisula is an ecologically fragile family of Waterparks. Neptune Reef snack bar 703-250-9124 land that shelters an abundance of wildlife, sells food, beverages and sweets. The observation deck of the Marina Building at OR including the bald eagle. Pirates Cove Waterpark Fountainhead commands a spectacular view of Occoquan Regional Park is located at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Visitors CR the widest point of the Occoquan Reservoir. 9751 Ox Road, Lorton can cool off under the 300-gallon dumping Cameron Run Regional Park/Great Summer activities include catfish tournaments, www.nvrpa.org/park/occoquan/ bucket, fire the water cannons and splash down Waves Waterpark children’s fishing tournament, paddleboat tours 703-690-2121 the waterslide or search for buried treasure at 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria and more. This park offers 400 acres of recreational space and Buccaneer Beach sand play area. Pirates Cove www.nvrpa.org/park/cameron_run/ a touch of the past with its historic brick kilns www.greatwaveswaterpark.com/ HO and the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial. Park 703-960-0767 Hemlock Overlook Regional Park lands, trails and associated waters are part of 13220 Yates Ford Road, Clifton Sources: National Park Service, Northern Vir- Cameron Run Regional Park offers a variety of the Fairfax Cross-County Trail. Kayak rentals. www.nvrpa.org/park/hemlock_overlook/ ginia Regional Park Authority, Virginia State recreation facilities in an urban area, including One hour Tour Boat Rides on the Occoquan 800-877-0954; 571-281-3556; Great Waves Water Park. Catch a wave in the River to Belmont Bay and back. Offered Parks and Fairfax County Park Authority. Map Hemlock Overlook Regional Park offers a variety of wave pool, twist and turn down four-story water Saturdays noon-5 p.m., Sunday 1- 8 p.m., April courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority. De- outdoor and environmental education. Programs slides, take a plunge down speed slides, play 2 through Nov. 27. $10 adults, $5 children 12 signed & compiled by Jean Card and Laurence at Hemlock Overlook are open to the public and with friends in the shallow waters of the play and under, under age 4 are free. Foong. Photos by Renée Ruggles. groups by reservation. Only the hiking and horse

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com HMP Huntley Meadows Park 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria nature center, historic structure, biking/hiking/ nature trails, observation tower, boardwalk 1444.8 acres, natural resource park

LAP Lake Accotink Park 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield basketball, volleyball, minigolf, trails, picnic 448.1 acres, multiple resource park

LFP Lake Fairfax Park 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston softball (lit), soccer/football (unlit), amphitheater, carousel,campground, tour boat, picnic shelters 479 acres, multiple resource park

FRA Lee District Park 6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia softball, soccer/football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, trails, treehouse, sprayground, accessible playground 138 acres, district park

MDP Mason District Park 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale softball (lit), soccer/football (unlit/lit), basketball (lit), tennis (lit), shuffleboard, dog park, amphitheater, biking/hiking/fitness also features picnic pavilions, a deck for sunning 121.2 acres, district park and playing, as well as plenty of shade. Arts Center Captain’s Galley snack bar features food, CJP Clemyjontri Park beverages and sweets. Pirates Cove is open from LAC Workhouse Arts Center 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean NWP Nottoway Park Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. fitness, picnic areas and playgrounds 9537 Courthouse Road, Vienna 9601 Ox Road, Lorton 18.6 acres, special purpose park baseball (lit), soccer/football (lit),basketball (lit), PB www.lortonarts.org tennis (lit), trails, picnic Pohick Bay Golf Course 703-584-2900 10301 Gunston Road, Lorton 90.9 acres, district park The Workhouse Arts Center consists of seven studio ELP Ellanor C. Lawrence Park www.nvrpa.org/park/pohick_bay_golf_course buildings, the main galleries and the recently 703-339-8585 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly opened Youth Arts Center. Visitors are RBP Riverbend Park This scenic golf course is located on the Mason baseballl, soccer/football (unlit), basketball (unlit), encouraged to interact with artists. In addition Neck Peninsula in Lorton. Pohick Bay’s practice community center, nature center, amphitheater, 8700 Potomac Hill Street, Great Falls to visual arts, the Workhouse Arts Center is facility features a driving range with practice trails nature center, historic structure, biking/equestrian/ home to performing arts, including theater, film putting and chipping greens, and lessons from 650 acres, multiple resource park hiking trails, picnic areas, craftroom institute, musical and dance performances. The PGA pros. A full-service pro shop features an 411.2 acres, multiple resource park education department supports both the visual array of name-brand golf clubs, equipment and and performing arts, offering classes and FPF Frying Pan Farm Park apparel. Other services include club making, workshops in a variety of disciplines. Future custom club fitting, regripping, reshafting and 2717 West Ox Road, Herndon SRN Scotts Run Nature Preserve plans for the Workhouse include an event tournament coordinating. historic structure, biking/equestrian/hiking trails, center, amphitheater, Workhouse Theatre, 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean open areas, playground historic structure, historic/hiking/nature trails, restaurants, apartments, music barn and 135.3 acres, multiple resource park PO garden/horticultural area. Other buildings on fishing Potomac Overlook Regional Park & 384.3 acres, natural resource park Nature Center site, yet to be renovated, may provide for other 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207 activities such as a visitors center, a blacksmith GSG Green Spring Gardens www.nvrpa.org/park/potomac_overlook/ shop, theatre scene shops and rehearsal space. 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria SRD South Run District 703-528-5406 Community Center, historic structure, biking/hiking On the Potomac Palisades in north Arlington, 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield Major Fairfax trails, open areas, gardens baseball, soccer/football, basketball, tennis, Potomac Overlook offers 70 acres of peaceful 30.9 acres, special purpose park woodland, trails, educational gardens, a small recenter, equestrian, playground, swimming picnic area and a Nature Center. The Nature County Parks 196 acres, district park Center features brand new exhibits called the HPP Hidden Pond Park “Energerium,” offering visitors a fun and BLP Burke Lake Park & Golf Course 8511 Greeley Boulevard, Springfield WFP Wakefield Park & RECenter accessible way to learn energy basics and ways tennis (lit), nature center, amphitheater, hiking/ 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale they can help create sustainable energy nature trails, playground, fishing volleyball, driving range, 18 hole, par 3, minigolf, softball, soccer/football, basketball, tennis, solutions. The Nature Center also houses live 25.6 acres, community park animals and natural history exhibits. trails, playground, campgrounds, fishing recenter, biking, fitness trail, skate park 883.4 acres, multiple resource park 292.6 acres, multiple resource park SR Sandy Run Regional Park 10450 Van Thompson Road, Fairfax Station www.nvrpa.org/park/sandy_run/ 703-690-4392 The park is open to the public for the purpose of education, training, practice, and racing for competitive and recreational sculling and rowing. Only shells and other boats authorized by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority may be launched from the docks or shoreline of Sandy Run. Sandy Run offers a facility for team training and competition for Olympic, college, high school and club canoe, kayak and crew athletes.

UH Upton Hill Regional Park & Ocean Dunes Waterpark 6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington www.nvrpa.org/park/upton_hill/ www.oceanduneswaterpark.com/ 703-534-3437 or [email protected] Upton Hill Regional Park offers visitors a wooded oasis in the heart of the most densely populated area of Northern Virginia. A large outdoor water-park complex is a sparkling attraction in this wooded, urban park, which straddles the boundary line between Arlington and Fairfax counties. The deluxe miniature golf course boasts one of the longest mini golf holes in the world; the batting cages include nine baseball and softball cages. The park is open every day for hiking, picnicking, playing on the playground and enjoying the outdoors. Located within Upton Hill Regional Park, Ocean Dunes is loaded with fun features for adults and children.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 9 File photos by Renée Ruggles A Guide to Fairfax County Parks in the Featuring Huntley Meadows Park Parks Springfield & Mount Vernon areas Map by Lawrence Foong; Design by Jean Card

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71 72 R 1 E . IV t R R FORT C Map Number Park Name A 10 Springvale Address, City BELVOIR M 6508 Spring Road, Springfield Property Class O Community Park T 1 Lorton O 11 Lake Accotink 9518 Richmond Highway, Alexandria P 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield Neighborhood Park Multiple Resource Park 12 Brookfield 2 Springfield Forest 7417 Floyd Avenue, Springfield 6400 Kalmia Street, Springfield Community Park Neighborhood Park 13 Byron Avenue 3 Franconia 6500 Byron Avenue, Springfield 6432 Bowie Drive, Springfield Community Park Community Park 14 Hooes Road School Site 4 Lee High 7336 Hooes Road, Springfield 6501 Deepford Street, Springfield Community Park Community Park 15 Kings Park 5 Monticello Woods 8717 Trafalgar Ct., Springfield 6444 Northanna Drive, Springfield Community Park Community Park 16 Flag Run 6 Trailside 7620 Elgar Street, Springfield 6000 Trailside Drive, Springfield Neighborhood Park Community Park 17 Leewood 7 Loisdale 7111 Woodland Drive, Springfield 7419 Loisdale Road, Springfield Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park 18 Deerlick 8 Lynbrook 6821 Braddock Road, Springfield 6005 Augusta Drive, Springfield Community Park Neighborhood Park 19 Edsall 9 Hooes Road 6845 Edsall Road, Springfield 7233 Hooes Road, Springfield Community Park Community Park

10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 20 North Springfield 45 Huntley Historic 54 Fort Willard Circle 63 Carl Sandburg School Site 72 Grist Mill 7025 Leesville Boulevard, Springfield 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria 6625 Fort Willard Circle, Alexandria 8428 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Neighborhood Park Natural Resource Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Alexandria, District Park

21 Royal Ridge 46 Lenclair 55 Mount Vernon District 64 Stratford Landing 73 Vernon Heights 7417 Floyd Avenue, Springfield 6625 Lenclair Street, Alexandria 2017 Belle View Boulevard, Alexandria 2301 Stirrup Lane, Alexandria 8225 Central Avenue, Alexandria Community Park Neighborhood Park Multiple Resource Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park

22 Carrleigh Parkway 47 Bucknell Manor 56 Westgrove 65 Fort Hunt 74 Bush Hill 8020 Carrleigh Prkwy, Springfield 2223 Beacon Hill Road, Alexandria 6801 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria 8822 Linton Lane, Alexandria 5417a Waycross Drive, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Community Park Community Park Community Park Neighborhood Park

23 Cardinal Forest 48 Hybla Valley 57 White Oaks 66 Muddy Hole Farm 75 Mark Twain 6121 Roxbury Avenue, Springfield 3431 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria 7100 Devonshire Road, Alexandria 7941 Kidd Street, Alexandria 5920 Larpin Lane, Alexandria Community Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Community Park

24 Hunter Village 76 Clermont School Site 7700 Jansen Drive, Springfield 4100 Franconia Road, Alexandria Community Park Community Park

25 Hidden Pond 77 Franconia Forest 8511 Greeley Boulevard, Springfield 6013 Bitternut Road, Alexandria Community Park Neighborhood Park

26 West Springfield 78 Ridgeview 6805 Caneel Street, Springfield 4111 Duvawn Street, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Community Park

27 West Springfield Village 79 Wilton Woods School Site 6910 Loudoun Lane, Springfield 3701 Franconia Road, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park

28 Rolling Forest 80 Tara Village 7019 Flax Street, Springfield 6417 Joyce Road, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park

29 Cherry Run 81 Virginia Hills School Site 7001 Cottontail Court, Springfield 6520 Diana Lane, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park

30 South Run District 82 Manchester Lakes 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield 6775 Beulah Street, Alexandria District Park Community Park

31 Huntsman 83 Greendale Golf Course 9150 Dorothy Lane, Springfield 6700 Telegraph Road, Alexandria Community Park Special Purpose Park

32 Rolling Wood School Site 84 Lee District 7511 Chancellor Way, Springfield 6601 Telegraph Road,Franconia Community Park 85 Dowden Terrace 33 Chapel Acres 5616 Bradley Boulevard, Alexandria 7900 Giles Street, Springfield Community Park Neighborhood Park 86 Glasgow 34 Saratoga 3935 Arcadia Road, Alexandria 8121 North Umberland Road, Spring- Neighborhood Park field Community Park 87 Parklawn 6454 Lincolnia Road, Alexandria 35 Loftridge Community Park 5549 Janelle Street, Alexandria Community Park 88 Glen Hills 6090 Larstan Drive, Alexandria 36 Burgundy Neighborhood Park 5516 Norton Road, Alexandria Neighborhood Park 89 Heywood Glen 6210 Larstan Drive, Alexandria 37 Heritage Hill Neighborhood Park 5744 Telegraph Road, Alexandria Neighborhood Park 90 Pinecrest Golf Course 6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria 38 Jefferson Manor 2909 Farmington Drive, Alexandria 91 Green Spring Gardens Community Park 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria

39 Huntington 92 Bren Mar 2121 Fairfax Terrace, Alexandria 6324 Edsall Road, Alexandria Community Park Community Park 49 Huntley Meadows 58 Gilbert S. McCutcheon 67 Mount Vernon Woods 40 Farrington Avenue 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria 7509 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria 4014 Fielding Street, Alexandria 93 Backlick Run 2213 Farrington Avenue, Alexandria Natural Resource Park Community Park Community Park 5590 First Statesman Lane, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Community Park 50 Hollin Meadows 59 Hollin Hall School Site 68 George Washington 41 Mt. Eagle 7603 Elba Road, Alexandria 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria 8426 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexan- 94 Beulah 5919 North Kings Highway, Alexandria Community Park Community Park dria 7119 Beulah Street, Alexandria Community Park Special Purpose Park Community Park 51 Martin Luther King Jr 60 Kirk 42 South Kings Forest 8115 Fordson Road, Alexandria 2206 Collingwood Road, Alexandria 69 Walt Whitman School Site 95 Amberleigh 4505 Lantern Place, Alexandria Community Park Neighborhood Park 8333 Richmond Highway, Alexandria 7516 Beulah Street, Alexandria Neighborhood Park Community Park Community Park 52 Stephen S. Foster 61 Williamsburg Manor 43 Stoneybrooke Intermediate School Site 2213 Collingwood Road, Alexandria 70 Mount Zephyr 96 Hayfield 3900 Stoneybrooke Drive, Alexandria 2500 Parkers Lane, Alexandria Community Park 8601 Richmond Avenue, Alexandria 7611 Hayfield Road, Alexandria Community Park Community Park Neighborhood Park Community Park 62 Collingwood 44 Groveton Heights 53 Belle Haven 8200 West Boulevard Drive, Alexandria 71 Washington Mill 97 Wickford 3429 Clayborne Avenue, Alexandria 6036 Grove Drive, Alexandria Community Park 4341 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, 7331a Wickford Drive, Alexandria Community Park Community Park Alexandria, Community Park Neighborhood Park www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 11 Guide Museums From Page 5 national museum and this one will be awe-inspiring, with over 186,000 square feet of displays with countless rare and priceless artifacts never before seen by the public. For war buffs, there will be exhibits that focus on each of our nation’s major conflicts from the Revolutionary War up to the Iraq Friday, October 19, 2018 and Afghanistan wars. The exhib- 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. its will be a great way to educate our younger generations about the US Patent & Trademark Office sacrifices made by men like my 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, Virginia father, who started out in the U.S. Army Air Corps and retired as an Air Force colonel, and the other men and women of the Army, which allow us to enjoy the free- doms we do today. Additionally, the interactive exhibits will be a great way to cultivate the next generation of those interested in serving our country. The National Museum of the United States Army will be a tremendous addition to our Commonwealth and I can’t wait to see it when it opens in 2020. Overlooking the wonderful Huntley Meadows Park (also worth a visit!) is the Historic Hunt- ley house that was built for the grandson of George Mason, Tho- mas Francis Mason. This federal period villa, built in 1825, has been used for many purposes over the years including a camp for Union troops during the Civil War. Today, you can take a tour of the stunning home from March-No- vember. Locally, museums contribute more than $21.5 billion in direct spending to local communities from tourists, returning almost $1.1 billion to the state and locali- ties in tax revenues. Governments that support the arts on average see a return of over $7 in taxes for every $1 that the government ap- propriates. I am proud to represent the 44th district here in Mount Vernon/Lee that is home to some of the best museums in the country. I encour- age you to get out and explore them as well as the many historic sites throughout our Common- wealth. Virginia has over 1,000 museums, including 300 sites on the Virginia Civil War Trail, over 1,000 acres of botanical gardens and arboreta, over 100 art muse- ums and galleries, six Smithsonian Affiliate museums and five of the 28 National Trust for Historic Pres- ervation sites more than any other state (including locally, Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House.) So, go inside and experience one of our wonderful museums today, it’s a great way to beat the heat and experience our amazing history. 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide Celebrating Fifth Anniversary Couple manages River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar.

By Gerald A. Fill The Gazette

iver Bend Bistro & Wine Bar’s Chef-owner RCaroline Ross is a native of the Fort Hunt commu- nity, having grown up in Waynewood. After learning the ways of preparing upscale dining earlier in her career, she has real- ized her goal to own a upscale res- taurant business in her own neigh- borhood. Her business partner and hus- band, Bill Ross, supports her in many ways while also serving as a riverboat captain taking customers on river cruises to sites on the Photo by Gerald A. Fill/The Gazette Potomac River. Caroline and Bill Ross will celebrate in They are celebrating their October their fifth anniversary managing restaurant’s fifth anniversary in Oc- River Bend Bistro and Wine Bar in the tober. Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Caroline Ross characterizes her restaurant at 7966 Fort Hunt Road as “casual upscale” that offers lunch, din- Smoked Salmon with various side dishes. ner, and Sunday brunch entrees. In addi- “It is a laid-back setting with great locally tion to the daily and Sunday offerings, River prepared food and a congenial and welcom- Bend Bistro offers catering out, and closed ing atmosphere,” she said. “River Bend Bis- special occasion private settings. tro customers are great customers, neigh- Asked what her most popular menu of- bors, and regulars, and our prices are very ferings are, she listed the following: Lunch reasonable for the quality of servings we — liverwurst sandwich, by far the most offer. To top off our creative offerings we popular, and cheese burger; Dinner — Sau- serve weekly wine tastings each Saturday teed lump crabcakes, pan seared striped from 2-4 p.m.” bass; Sunday Brunchº— Eggs Benedict, and See www.RiverBendBistro.com.

Photos by Gerald A. Fill/The Gazette The Westgrove Dog Park is located off of Fort Hunt Road and next to Belle View Elementary School. PACK Cares for Dog Park estgrove PACK is the sponsor of PACK is Barry Spangler and he is supported Wthe Westgrove Dog Park, a pri- by Vice Chair Mark Thomsen and seven vate/public partnership with the other board members. Fairfax County Park Authority. This park is The park is open to all residents of the the only dog park in Fairfax County that is county but the PACK has a volunteer mem- all grass as opposed to stone dust. The bership of about 150 caretakers who con- Westgrove PACK is responsible for maintain- tribute annual dues to sustain the PACK ing the turf surface and for many of the activities. improvements since the park became offi- The primary fundraiser for the PACK, a cial in 2012. Fall Festival, will be held at the park on Sept. The current chairman of the Westgrove 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 13 A sampling of the many fun and family-friendly events Fairs & Festivals taking place around Fairfax County much of the year.

12000 Government Center Parkway, August 2018 Fairfax. Musical performances, rides, games and food. Call 703-324-3247 Mount Vernon Flea Market. Fourth or visit www.celebratefairfax.com/. Saturdays, April-October, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at 8717 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Features furniture, art, SUNDAY/JUNE 14 china, glass, porcelain, pottery, Love Your Body Yoga Festival books, photographs, lighting, tools, . Yoga etc. Refreshments for sale. Free studios and wellness centers of admission. Visit Northern Virginia will be offering mountvernonfleamarket.wordpress.com. classes, services, and information on ways to care for your body, along with live entertainment and activities for children. Donations to participate September 2018 in classes benefit Cornerstones. Presented by Beloved Yoga. MONDAY/SEPT. 3 www.belovedyoga.com. Herndon Labor Day Festival. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn St., Herndon. Great July 2019 music, a craft show, food, 12 File photo by Mark Mogl Obon Festival. wineries and micro-brews and Highlighting Japanese culinary demonstrations. Visit culture at Ekoji Buddhist Temple, herndon-va.gov/recreation/special- 6500 Lakehaven Lane, Fairfax events/labor-day-festival. Station. Visit www.ekoji.org. Claude Moore Colonial Farm 1771 Market Fair. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at FRIDAY/SEPT. 7 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Sit in the shade and savor roast chicken Patriot Day Golf Classic. 11:30 a.m.- and spicy sausages, enjoy dancing 7:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Country and singing with the fiddler, test Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road. 5th your water color and writing skills Annual Patriot Day Golf Classic to

e with Mr. Andrews at the Stationer. benefit two veteran and wounded Visit 1771.org. warrior organizations. Visit Fairfax’s Independence Day www.bellehavencc.com/golf/patriot. Celebrate Fairfax! Celebration. In the Downtown Attendees enjoy live entertainment, rides, Fairfax Historic District. SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 8-9 Independence day parade, historical games and food trucks as part of the 2018 tours, games, entertainment and Burke Centre Festival. 9:30 am-5 pm Celebrate Fairfax! festival June 8-10 at the fireworks. Visit www.fairfaxva.gov/ at Burke Centre Community Festival, about-us/special-events/ 6060 Burke Centre Parkway Burke. Fairfax Government Center. The annual independence-day-celebration Festival includes an Arts & Craft Fair, festival attracts tens of thousands of Independence Fireworks. At George festival food vendors, amusement visitors each year. Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 rides, pony rides, musical Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, entertainment provided by local and Mount Vernon. Greet “General and nationally recognized performers, Great Falls Annual Charity Golf a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington’s Mount games and rides with a family fun Mrs. Washington” in the historic area nature shows, after-hours Wine Tournament. Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Hidden Creek zone. Visit www.restontaste.com. before trying a turn at bocce ball and Garden. Visit www.virginia.org/ Memorial Highway. Free for veterans Country Club. 1711 Club House 18th-century dancing Listings/Exhibits/ and active duty military members, Road, Reston. Join for a morning or demonstrations. Mount Vernon’s BurkeCentreFestival. $9-17 for everyone else. See afternoon round of golf and support JUNE-AUGUST colonial artisans will reveal how www.mountvernon.org. our three Great Falls elementary Reston Concerts on the Town. 18th-century ice cream was made in schools while you are at it. Visit SATURDAY/SEPT. 22 Fridays, 7:30-10 p.m. Reston Town the days before freezers. Enjoy a www.celebrategreatfalls.org. Center Pavilion. Bring lawn chairs or Reston Multicultural Festival. 11 performance by Yorktown Fife & April 2019 picnic blankets and enjoy live music Drum and the National Concert a.m.-6 p.m., Lake Anne Plaza, in the Pavilion Saturday nights. Free. Relay for Life. April-June. Fundraisers Band. Also enjoy a fireworks show. Reston. The Reston Multicultural Rain or shine. Presented by Reston participate in all-night-long events to June 2019 Visit www.mountvernon.org. Festival celebrates all the Town Center, Boston Properties, and help those affected by cancer through Springfield Days. South Run Park, entertainment, dress, food, and Reston Town Center Association. the American Cancer Society. Visit 7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield. cultural treasures from all over the Alcohol permitted at restaurants THURSDAY/JULY 4 www.relayforlife.org for specific Springfield Days is a community wide world that are all here in Reston. only. 11900 Market Street, Reston. events and details. celebration that includes a 5K run, An American Celebration. 8 a.m.-5 Rain or shine. Free. Visit Concert information: Mount Vernon Flea Market. Fourth “Pet Fest” and car show. Visit p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount www.restoncommunitycenter.com. www.restontowncenter.com/ Saturdays, April-October, 8 a.m.-1 www.springfielddays.com. Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount concerts. p.m., at 8717 Fort Hunt Road, Cardboard Regatta. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vernon. Watch made-for-daytime Great Falls Concerts on the Green. Alexandria. Features furniture, art, Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink fireworks shoot off over the Potomac October 2018 Sundays, 6-8 p.m. Great Falls Village china, glass, porcelain, pottery, Park Road, Springfield. Featured River. Admission is $9-20, free for Centre Green. Come out with your books, photographs, lighting, tools, during Springfield Days, witness the children 0-5. Visit WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 10-13 picnic baskets and chairs for an etc. Refreshments will also be on cardboard boat creations race along www.mountvernon.org. Fairfax’s Fall for the Book entertaining evening of free, live sale. Admission is free. Visit Lake Accotink’s shoreline at 2 p.m. Festival. music! 776 Walker Rd, Great Falls. 4400 University Drive, mountvernonfleamarket.wordpress.com. $4 vehicle fee. Call 703-569-0285 or Fairfax. Enjoy literature and hear email [email protected]. Full schedule list: JULY-AUGUST authors give readings at the Fall for Visit www.springfielddays.com. www.celebrategreatfalls.org/ Braddock Nights Concert Series. the Book Festival. Visit APRIL 27-MAY 4 Vintage Virginia Wine and Food concerts-on-the-green/. Fridays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Lake Anne Summer Film Festival. www.fallforthebook.org. Historic Garden Week. This Festival. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Bull Run Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Select Sundays, 8 p.m. Lake Anne weeklong statewide event provides Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Road, Springfield or Royal Lake Park, Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, visitors an opportunity to see Centreville. A fun-filled day with 5344 Gainsborough Drive, Fairfax. SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 20-21 Reston. Grab a date, the family or a gardens, as well as houses with more food, musical entertainment and Listen to musical performances in the Fall Harvest Family Days. group of friends, bring the lawn 9 a.m-5 than 2,000 flower arrangements more. Visit www.vintagevirginia.com. great outdoors. Visit chairs and a picnic and enjoy the free p.m. at Pioneer Farm in George created by Garden Club of Virginia Lake Anne Chalk on the Water www.fairfaxcounty.gov. flicks under the stars. Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 members. Visit Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Anne Arts in the Parks. Wednesdays & Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. www.vagardenweek.org. Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Celebrate the beginning of autumn Reston. Chalk on the Water is a two- Saturdays, 10 a.m. Performance August 2019 with the family at Mount Vernon venues include Burke Lake Park day street-painting festival where Fairfax County 4-H Fair and with activities including wagon rides, Amphitheater, E.C. Lawrence Park participants will create amazing Carnival. At Frying Pan Farm Park, apple-roasting and a straw bale May 2019 street art. Festival goers can purchase Amphitheater, Mason District Park maze. Visit www.mountvernon.org. Great Falls Artfest on the Green. Amphitheater, and Frying Pan Farm 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Enjoy a “plot” of brick space on the plaza old-fashioned family fun with On the Great Falls Village Green. and paint to their hearts delight Park Visitor Center. Entertain Great Falls Studios Spring Art Show children, teach them the importance carnival games, rides and tempting whatever flows from their foods. Stop by the 4-H Fair SATURDAY/OCT. 27 and Sale under the big tent and a few imagination. Cost for spaces are $5 of protecting our natural resources, VolunteerFest. A region-wide day of little tents, too. A plein air introduce them to live entertainment throughout the weekend as for children, $10 for adults, and $15 exhibitors display their winning community service helps nonprofits competition and quick draw. With for professional artist. Individuals in an informal kid-friendly accomplish tasks they would not prizes and a reception, Sponsored by atmosphere, and forge a connection entries and get their farm animals can register at ready to show. Try a turn at farm have time or resources to do on their Arts of Great Falls. Then, a grand www.chalkonthewater.com. Only between kids and parks. Visit own. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/ finale “Blues Explosion” to close the www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ chores, watch stage entertainment 100 spaces/plots are available for and enjoy horse and livestock individuals/volunteerfest.php. weekend and start the always this event. Participants have a chance performances/arts-in-the-parks. popular season of Concerts on the shows.Thursday and Friday – free to win cash prizes for various parking and discount tickets for Green by Celebrate Great Falls. For categories, awarded by notable complete schedule and updates visit FRIDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 7-9 unlimited rides. Admission to the 4-H November 2018 community judges. The festival will Fair and Carnival is free; $10 per car www.greatfallsart.org/artfest/ Celebrate Fairfax! Festival. Friday: also include food, a live DJ, a wine parking fee on Saturday and Sunday. 6 p.m.-midnight; Saturday: 10 a.m.- SUNDAY/NOV. 11 garden. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Taste of Reston. midnight; and Sunday: 11 a.m.-7p.m. Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans. 9 MONDAY/MAY 13 Reston Town Center, frying-pan-park/4-h-fair for details. 11900 Market St., Reston. Carnival Fairfax County Government Center, 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide

Sweet and Cool A hot summer day attracts frozen custard lovers to the Custard Shack in Belle Haven.

West Potomac graduate Mariah Whitley, 17, makes a shake at the Custard Shack.

Photos by Mike Salmon/ The Gazette

On The Ballot spouse of any veteran who has been determined by the U.S. From Page 4 Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100 percent service- connected, permanent, and total disability to continue to of Virginia also sets out specific types of property that may claim the tax exemption currently provided, even if the sur- be exempted from taxation. For example, the Constitution of viving spouse moves to a new principal place of residence that Virginia allows the General Assembly to permit localities to is owned by the surviving spouse. provide a partial exemption from real estate taxes as an in- “YES” vote will allow these surviving spouses to move to a centive for property owners to make substantial new principal place of residence that is owned by the surviv- improvements to existing structures by renovating, rehabili- ing spouse and still claim the tax exemption. tating, or replacing those structures. “NO” vote will not allow such surviving spouses to move Proposed Amendment and still claim the tax exemption. The proposed amendment would authorize the General As- sembly to allow localities to provide a partial tax exemption FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY BOND for real property that is subject to recurrent flooding, if im- TEXT: Shall Fairfax County, Virginia, contract a debt, bor- provements have been made on the property to address row money, and issue bonds in the maximum aggregate flooding. The General Assembly and participating localities principal amount of $182,000,000 to provide funds, in addi- would be allowed to place restrictions or conditions on quali- tion to funds from public safety facilities bonds previously fication for the tax exemption. authorized, to finance, including reimbursement to the “YES” vote will authorize the General Assembly to allow lo- County for temporary financing for, the costs of public safety calities to provide a partial tax exemption for real property facilities, including the construction, reconstruction, enlarge- that is subject to recurrent flooding, if improvements have ment, renovation and equipment of civil and criminal justice been made on the property to address flooding. facilities, police training and operational facilities and sta- “NO” vote will not allow such a tax exemption. tions, fire and rescue training facilities and stations, including fire and rescue stations owned by volunteer organizations, State Ballot Question Two and the acquisition of necessary land? Question: Shall the real property tax exemption for a $73 million would be earmarked for improvements to four primary residence that is currently provided to the surviving fire stations — Mount Vernon ($16 million), Fairview ($16 spouses of veterans who had a one hundred percent service- million), Gunston ($13 million), and Seven Corners ($13 connected, permanent, and total disability be amended to million) — that are all 37 years or older. An additional $15 allow the surviving spouse to move to a different primary million would be used to improve one of the eight volunteer residence and still claim the exemption? stations that is more than 40 years old. Present Law The Fairfax County Police Department would receive $59 The Constitution of Virginia currently requires the General million: $18 million to renovate and expand the Mason Dis- Assembly to exempt from taxation the principal place of resi- trict Station which was built in 1975; $18 million to renovate dence of any veteran who has been determined by the U.S. and upgrade its Criminal Justice Academy, and $18 million Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100 percent service- to renovate, expand or replace the Police Evidence Storage connected, permanent, and total disability. This tax Building used to store evidence for court cases, and also exemption is also provided to the surviving spouse of such a houses the warrant desk and the victim services section. veteran, so long as the surviving spouse continues to occupy The Adult Detention Center needs $45 million of improve- that property as the surviving spouse’s principal place of resi- ments to three wings, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, dence elevator and fire protection systems as well as security and Proposed Amendment camera equipment. $5 million would be used to improve the The proposed amendment would allow the surviving Jennings Judicial Center. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 ❖ 15 Newcomers & Community Guide Things To Do in the Area

From Page 3 Washington RECenter located across from to vote. Plan to spend a day exploring the Mount Vernon High School; two off leash history of the Workhouse, visit artist stu- dog parks, one at West Grove on Ft. Hunt dios, ask questions about their work, pur- Road and one at Grist Mill Park located on chase their wares, and even participate in Route 235; and multiple parks, golf courses, programs in which you can create your own bike and hiking trails, and boat launches. masterpiece. (www.workhousearts.org) ❖ Tour de Mount Vernon: On Oct. 27, the ❖ Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: Located Mount Vernon District will host the 3rd An- just a few miles south of Alexandria, Va., nual Tour de Mount Vernon, a community Dyke Marsh is one of the largest remaining bicycle tour of the Mount Vernon District. freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washing- Again, I welcome you to the Mount ton metropolitan area. Dyke Marsh is Vernon community and sincerely hope you viewed as a national treasure that holds enjoy living in the finest district in Fairfax extensive value not only for plants and ani- County. We are a community of the past, mals, but for its recreational, educational present, and future where you can grow, and cultural purposes. It is estimated that play, and work. We host hundreds of small the southern marsh has existed for 2,200 and large growing businesses, many re- years, and the northern marsh has existed cently renovated schools, and the Fort for 500 years. In July, U.S. Army Corps of Belvoir Army Base with more than double Engineers began restoration of Dyke Marsh. the employees of the Pentagon. Taking care Construction of a 1,500-foot breakwater is of your health can also be accomplished expected to take up to 18 months and will locally at our two major hospital centers — help protect the marsh from erosion, shield Inova Mount Vernon and the Fort Belvoir the marsh from storms and encourage the Community Hospital. accumulation of sediment, which is neces- Visit our website www.FairfaxCounty.gov/ sary for marsh regeneration. mountvernon to sign-up for our regular ❖ Vast Recreation Opportunities: Mount Mount Vernon Advisor newsletter for the Vernon is an outdoor enthusiasts play- latest happenings in your community. I look ground, with two recreation centers, the forward to meeting you out and about in Mount Vernon RECenter located near the our great community. It is an honor and Belle View Shopping Center and the George privilege to serve you!

Good Shepherd Catholic Church International Festival - Three Days of Celebration 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA 22309 Saturday, September 1 • 5K Race and 1Mile Fun Run)XQDQGÀWQHVVIRUD great cause! Sign up online today, go to: gs-cc.org • Yard Sale Early Bird Entry, 8:30 - 9:30am, $10 Regular Entry, 9:30am - 4pm, free Sunday, September 2 ‡-RLQXVIRU0DVV VHHVFKHGXOHDWJVFFRUJ Monday, September 3 Festival Day! • 11am - 5pm Food, music, games, bingo, UDIÁHHQWHUWDLQPHQW PRUH‡)UHHDGPLVVLRQ • Food and some activities require ticket purchase ‡3DUNLQJ VKXWWOHDW0W9HUQRQ+6 No pets except service animals. Win $10,000! 5DIÁH Tickets on Sale at the Festival! Net proceeds go to charities. Visit gs-cc.org for information.

16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2018-19 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com