Holiday Gift Guide Page, 10 Wellbeing Page, 11 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper December 7, 2017 Major changes: Transforming Woodlawn Current and proposed.

By Michael K. Bohn tensive engagement with local The Gazette stakeholders, the National Trust developed a concept designed to rivers headed north bring new life to Cooper-Molera: down the hill from a ‘shared use’ model for the prop- Fort Belvoir on the erty that includes an active pro- D gram of historic interpretation by new Route 1 roadway have seen a change in activity on the National Trust centered in the the grounds of the National Trust’s Cooper and Diaz Adobes, along Woodlawn. The expanded fruit with compatible commercial uses and vegetable production in the appropriate to the historic setting.” former Woodlawn Stables pasture The Trust is pursuing three goals that Arcadia Farm began in the Photo by Michael K. Bohn at the Monterey site: Create dis- spring of 2016, however, is only tinct businesses, enable the com- the tip of the iceberg lettuce when mercial and nonprofit entities to it comes to new initiatives at manage the site collaboratively Woodlawn. and apply new revenue streams to The National Trust for Historic support preservation activities. Preservation, which has operated At Woodlawn, the Trust will Woodlawn since 1951, has devel- mimic the Cooper-Molera develop- oped a proposal to transform parts ment process by employing the of the 126-acre Woodlawn prop- former Woodlawn Stables barns erty into a “shared-use” facility. The Woodlawn barn complex in its current configuration. At right is the historic Otis and the relocated historic Otis Key to this is the fusion of historic Mason House, which the Federal Highway Administration moved from its nearby origi- Mason house. The Federal High- preservation activities and build- nal site. At the far left is the historic “bank barn,” so named because of its location on way Administration moved the ings with compatible commercial the sloping bank of the hill. That allows simple access to both the upper and lower house from its original site during activities. levels. The smaller structure in the middle is the corn crib, with the dairy between it the realignment of Route 1 “We want to further engage the and the house. The new Route 1 bypass is in the background. through the property. This cluster public regarding the history of the of buildings will serve as the cen- Woodlawn area and find a way to ter of the shared-use program and serve the surrounding commu- their history goes back to the mid- nity,” said Katherine Malone- 1800s. France, the Trust’s vice president Two Quaker families from New for historic sites. “And the way we Jersey, Troth and Gillingham, think we can best do that is by bought Woodlawn Mansion and using an operating model in which 2,030 acres of land in 1846, there is a combination of nonprofit largely for the timber. As lumber uses that are paired with mission- merchants, they supplied materi- oriented, income-generating Fairfax County Image als to Philadelphia shipyards for uses.” new ship construction. In 1850, John and Rachel Mason — not SHARED USE related to George Mason of The National Trust is in the pro- Gunston Hall — bought the prop- cess of preparing an application erty from the remaining owners, for a Fairfax County special excep- the Troths. After the Civil War, the tion permit that will authorize Masons sold about 63 acres to one additional activity on the This 2013 aerial imagery shows the barn complex before the rerouting of Route 1. The of their sons, Otis T. Mason, a sci- Woodlawn grounds. large indoor riding facility/stable was razed during the highway relocation. The former entist at the U.S. National Museum At the core of the proposal is the Woodlawn Baptist Church is now the Pillar Church of Woodlawn. The former site of the (later Smithsonian) in the District. designation of a cultural center, Otis Mason House is also noted. The driveway between the complex and the former According to historian Susan one with initiatives to support a Route 1 segment is a remnant of a 350-year-old overland route once called the Potomac Hellman, a former acting director sustainable program of public en- Path. The U.S. Army paved part of it with concrete during World War I. of Woodlawn and the current man- gagement. Using the site’s unique ager of Alexandria’s Carlyle history, the center would provide pointed to a National Trust prop- Construction is ongoing to The National Trust’s website for House, evidence points to a post- the community with a nexus of erty in Monterey, Calif., that the adaptively reuse several of the his- Cooper-Molera describes the ori- 1873 date for the Mason house history, culture, food, “agri-tour- Trust is using as a model for the toric structures as a restaurant, a gin of the undertaking. “After ex- See Major Changes, Page 4 ism” and sustainable agriculture. Woodlawn project. The historic café/bakery and an event center However, in the words of Malone- Cooper-Molera site in the city’s Old that will host weddings and con-

France, “Woodlawn will remain a Monterey sector consists of old certs. The buildings are connected 12/8/17

barns, two adobe homes built by by gardens and public spaces, and home in Requested

public historic site. But it will em- material.

brace its complex history while the Cooper and Diaz families, a new small commercial kitchens Time-sensitive

museum, corner store, warehouse are under construction. The mu- Postmaster: representing best practices in his- Attention

and other buildings. The houses seum in the oldest adobe residence

toric preservation and public in- #482 Permit

date to the 1827, with other struc- will be refurbished and be inte- VA Alexandria,

terpretation.” PAID

tures added through the early 20th grated with the commercial activi- Postage U.S. Since many details have yet to STD PRSRT be finalized, Malone-France century. ties. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Police To Add Body Cameras In other business, board hires new county executive and updates environmental priorities.

By Ken Moore Stormwater Service District rate by one- The Gazette quarter penny, from a rate of 3 cents per $100 assessed real estate value to 3.25 cents airfax County police officers from per $100. the Mount Vernon and Mason dis- “As you know, there is an endless backlog Ftrict stations will soon wear body of infrastructure that needs replacements,” cameras in a three-month pilot she said. “We’re making great progress and program designed to determine if all Fairfax it’s slow and steady, but we definitely need County police officers will wear the cam- more funding.” eras in the future. “I use this as a model for how we can track “We see this as a really wonderful oppor- major issues,” said Bulova, praising the tunity to better connect our officers on the structure and quality of the EQAC report. ground and our folks on the street and make Bryan Hill, new Stella Koch Col. Edwin C. John Cook, “When you open the annual report, the sure that everybody has an opportunity to county executive Roessler Jr., Braddock first thing [you see] is the recommenda- work together and see how that work goes,” Chief of Police Supervisor tions. We think that is important, it is what said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan law enforcement action, subject stop, traf- this annual report basically drives us to- Storck. fic stop, search or police service,” accord- Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity ward,” said Koch. The Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Com- ing to the police department. had concerns how to measure the efforts Other priorities include funding of mission recommended in 2015 that offic- Police and a variety of civic groups or define success. $263,000 required for the Fairfax County ers be equipped with the cameras, and the worked together on a proposed pilot body- “From the very beginning of this policy Park Authority’s natural resource mapping Board of Supervisors approved the pilot worn camera policy to address personal discussion, I’ve asked several simple ques- efforts and additional technology. program at its board meeting on Nov. 21. It privacy rights, transparency and account- tions that I haven’t been able to receive an The public will have an opportunity to will take another few months to get the ability in police-community member con- answer for,” Herrity said. “I support every give both EQAC and the Board of Supervi- three-to-six month pilot program up and tacts. The policy can be modified as needed one of our residents having equal opportu- sors feedback in a public hearing scheduled running. based on the pilot. nities to succeed and I believe our county for Jan. 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax Braddock District Supervisor John Cook, Read the draft policy at and staff are committed to that as am I. But County Government Center, 12000 Govern- chairman of the board’s public safety com- www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/board- I can’t support a new government bureau- ment Center Parkway. mittee, expressed concerns about upcom- committees/meetings/2017/oct10-public- cracy for a problem that no one can quan- To read the report, see ing constraints on the public safety budget. safety-body-worn-cameras-draft-policy.pdf tify and for which there are too few defini- www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/eqac/re- “We are going to have some tough decisions tions or measures of success or impact.” port2017/. in public safety and we need good data,” TWO BOARDS, ONE FAIRFAX Read the resolution at said Cook. The Board of Supervisors and School www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2016/one- THE $250,000 MAN Fairfax County Police Department will Board adopted a joint social and racial eq- fairfax-resolution.pdf. Bryan Hill will be Fairfax County’s next partner with American University to initiate uity policy called One Fairfax. county executive, effective Jan. 2, 2018. an academic study, which could be extended The Board of Supervisors joined the ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES “Selecting a county executive is the most from 90 days to six months. School Board by adopting the policy on While addressing deer management and important hire the Board of Supervisors “Community advocates will be at the table Tuesday, Nov. 21, one day after the School a lack of predators in Fairfax County, Stella undertakes,” said Penny Gross, vice chair- to help us monitor the deployment of the Board. Koch said, “They’ve changed the ecology in man and Mason District supervisor. “Mr. Hill cameras and how the policy is working,” “I dare say we’ve spent thousands of hours Yellowstone [National Park], but I don’t brings impressive leadership, management, said Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Chief of Po- on this policy and I think it’s reached a point think that it is an option here.” communications and budget experience to lice. when it is time to approve it,” said Lee Dis- The Environment Quality Advisory Coun- Fairfax County.” “The pilot body worn program is designed trict Supervisor Jeff McKay, adding that he cil advocates for a full-time wildlife special- “I believe this is the fifth county execu- to provide the department with the oppor- judges this his most important action in the ist position in Fairfax County to support the tive for me and the fourth search,” said tunity to review police-community member 10 years he has served on the board. deer management program as well as the Gross. encounters as they occur, as well as pro- “This goes across all that we do,” said Canada Geese Management Program. Hill, currently the James City County, Va. vide an additional degree of safety for our Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy “That position has been needed for a long administrator and clerk to its Board of Su- officers as they patrol the streets,” accord- Hudgins. time,” said Koch. “We have one person do- pervisors, will replace Fairfax County Ex- ing to the Fairfax County Police Department. The policy identifies 17 areas of focus ing a significant amount of yeoman’s work.” ecutive Edward L. Long, who retired in Sep- The cost of the pilot program is $684,000. including housing, education, community On Nov. 21, Koch presented the environ- tember. Storck asked if all officers from the Mount and economic development, environment mental quality annual report, highlighting “While [James City County] is a smaller Vernon station could use the cameras. and transportation. major priorities for 2018, including the need jurisdiction, many of the issues are the “When it comes to evaluating the impacts “What we are doing here is not guaran- to conduct a countywide survey on the same,” said Bulova. “We are very, very ex- of body worn cameras, we are still, as a teeing that everybody is going to be suc- public’s view of the “cultural carrying ca- cited to welcome Bryan Hill to Team field, in the early days,” said Brad cessful because that really goes to the indi- pacity, how people are thinking about deer Fairfax.” Bartholomew, professor at American Uni- vidual, but what we can do is ensure that in this county.” Hill will earn $250,000 per year. versity. this board and Fairfax County ensure … that The advisory council also says the Board Hill has been the James City County ad- For studies to be effective, “we must en- everybody in Fairfax County has an oppor- of Supervisors needs to update its 2003 ministrator since 2014, and previously sure that a group of officers receives the tunity to succeed,” said Chairman Sharon Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and needs to served seven years as the deputy county camera and another group does not,” he Bulova. implement a lighting work group. “Since administrator with Beaufort County, S.C. said. “The more you can control, the more “I believe philosophically at our core, we 2003 there have been a lot of changes in Previously, he was the vice chancellor for you can model, the more believable your believe in equity and our community re- technology and also an increase in density Finance and Operations at the University results may be.” flects that, and our community wants that,” in this county,” said Koch. of South Carolina’s Beaufort/Bluffton Cam- The study analysis is expected to cover said McKay. “The increasing density of development pus and was director of finance for the Uni- statistics and community member feedback “Far too often, I have found that some in Fairfax County will invariably lead to versity of Maryland’s Office of Information to assess the impacts prior to, during and people in my community aren’t at the table, more instances of ‘light trespass,’ where and Technology. following the pilot program. but they rely on us to be there at the table lights on one property affect another prop- He earned his master’s degree in public “Officers will be expected to activate the for them. And they rely on us to make sure erty,” according to the environmental re- administration from the University of South camera during any law enforcement-pub- their county government represents them port. lic encounter related to a call for service, as individuals.” Koch also advocated for increasing the See County News, Page 9 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 3 News Major Changes at Woodlawn: Current and Proposed From Page 1 construction, not the 1854 date that others have suggested for the first section of the home. The house used to stand immediately south of the Woodlawn Stables compound. The stables complex dates to 1913 when a previous Woodlawn owner, Elizabeth Sharpe, built the historic “bank barn,” dairy shed, corncrib, stables and associated struc- tures. Woodlawn Stables used the buildings, along with newer structures, until the re- routing of Route 1 forced the business to relocate to Jeffersonton, Va. [See the accom- panying images of the complex before and after the highway changes.] “We want to engage the local population by creating a place that local people want to visit,” Malone-France said recently. “We want to meet the community’s needs by Some of the crops during 2017 at the Dogue Run Farm providing fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, included cilantro, near center, with dill in the rear. it will be a great place to eat and enjoy the Arcadia Farm part-time worker Sophie Spriggs, right, Green onions are on the left, with salad mix far left. bounty of Virginia’s agriculture and learn and volunteer Chantal Zen Broeder harvested chard Arcadia staff and volunteers used drip irrigation on about the property’s rich agricultural his- on the “lower” or Dogue Run Farm in October. Okra is the vegetables. tory. The project will not only be connected in the background. with the history of this place, but also pre- serve Woodlawn’s open space in a densely sion or the Pope-Leighey House. bundle in a plastic bin. The three women ers – part time worker Sophie Spriggs of developed corridor.” worked steadily in the shadow of adjacent Alexandria and volunteer Chantal Zen Malone-France also said that commercial ARCADIA FARM UPDATE rows of seven-feet-tall okra stalks that par- Broeder from Arlington. Collins and Spriggs partners have yet to be identified, but ac- On a pleasant, early-October morning, tially blocked the morning sun, with each work for Arcadia Farm, a non-profit orga tivities will be similar to the Cooper-Molera three farmworkers bent to the task of har- worker seemingly unfazed by the roar of site — restaurants, fresh-food market and vesting chard by hand. They plucked the traffic on nearby Route 1. See Transforming, Page 18 gathering places. There will be no change purple stalks, tied four or five together, Production farm manager Katherine to the operations of the Woodlawn man- neatly trimmed the ends and placed the Collins occasionally spoke with the two oth-

Katherine Collins, manager of Arcadia’s Dogue Run farm, helped with Part of the “upper,” or Hilltop farm. the chard harvest.

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Clarke: New Planning Commissioner ount Vernon District thoughtful personality and strong sense of commu- MSupervisor Dan nity to the Commission.” Storck has appointed Current Planning Commissioner Earl Flanagan has Walter C. Clarke to the Fairfax agreed to work closely with Clarke over the coming County Planning Commission ef- months to ensure a smooth transition of upcoming Alex/Deer Run Crossing $354,900 fective April 1, 2018. Clarke’s matters and continued support as needed. 6810 Deer Run Drive NEW Spectacular & totally updated 3BR, background in business develop- The Fairfax County Planning Commission is a 12- 2.5BA Townhouse w/beautiful ment and financial services, com- member board, with nine district appointees and LISTING yard backing to woods-Brand new kitchen w/ceramic tile floor-gran- bined with chambers of com- Clarke three at-large appointees. The Planning Commission ite, SS appliances & beautiful new merce leadership, president of advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters re- cabinets. 2.5 updated baths w/new the non-profit Southeast Fairfax Development Cor- lated to the growth and development of Fairfax vanities & ceramic tile floors-New roof, siding & double pane replace- poration (SFDC) and co-chairman of the EMBARK County, including applications for rezoning, special ment windows-Newly painted interior and exterior- Quick access to I-95 & Richmond Highway Advisory Group, qualified him exceptions, conceptual/final development plans, I-495-Beautiful home for an affordable price- This is a 10! for the position. proffered condition amendments, and all associated Mt. Vernon Grove $574,900 1-4 “Mr. Clarke’s professional experiences in business amendments to such applications, as well as any 9336 Heather Glen Drive development and financial services, combined with amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan. Beautiful 4 BR, 2 1/2 BA colonial OPEN w/2 car garage on the Potomac Riv- his commitment to serving our community make him The planning commissioner receives a $23,000 per er side of Mount Vernon. .34 Acre. an excellent candidate for planning commissioner,” year stipend. “My level of experience and the knowl- SUNDAY Library on main level. Family Room Storck said. “As a current co-chairman of the EM- edge gained through working with County Staff, cur- w/fireplace off of the kitchen w/ French doors to backyard. Dress- BARK Richmond Highway Advisory Group, he has rent Commissioner Earl Flanagan, other members of ing room & walk-in closet adjoin the played a substantive role in the revisions to our Com- the community, and community leaders positions me spacious Master suite. Separate Din- prehensive Plan that are essential to funding mass to be of great value when it comes to land develop- ing and Living Rooms. Unfinished basement w/walk-up steps. transit improvements and redevelopment. The se- ment decisions that will have an impact our commu- Alex/Berkshire East $449,000 lection of Mr. Clarke as the next commissioner is a nity,” said Clarke. 1-4 5956 Berkshire Court natural next step in his service to the Mount Vernon Clarke is a vice president at Burke & Herbert Bank Lovely three level townhouse, 3 OPEN bedrooms, 3 1/2 Baths in walking District. I am certain Mr. Clarke will bring excellent and has lived in the Mount Vernon community with distance to Huntington Metro! leadership and knowledge, combined with a calm, his wife and two children for more than 15 years. SUNDAY Freshly painted, new carpeting, beautiful kitchen. Spacious floor Bulletin Board plan, recessed lighting, hardwood floors. Updated bathrooms. Wood Submit civic/community announce- Capital Caring’s Alexandria THURSDAY/DEC. 7 burning fireplace in lower level ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/ Neighborhood is offering grief Family Room with walkout door to Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Holiday Grief Workshop. 2 p.m. at workshops during the holiday season. backyard patio. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two Spring Hills Mount Vernon, 3709 These workshops will include tips on Shannons Green Way, Alexandria. Alex/Yacht Haven $649,900 weeks before event. See Bulletin, Page 7 9417 Forest Haven Drive Stunning immaculate 2 level Rambler on a large spectacular landscaped half acre lot. Updated: Kitchen w/corian, SS appliances & cherry cabinets, 3 updated baths, 2 wood burning Fpls. Beautiful new/refinished hdwd floors-Large finished basement w/family rm, den/ BR, 3rd bath & could be used as an in-law suite. Tons of storage available plus a 2 car garage- Great location in prestigious Yacht Haven Estates w/water front properties & an amazing Marina, Pool and Club House.

Alex/Riverside Estates $2,875 8314 Bound Brook Lane Beautiful 3 level colonial w/1 car RENTAL gar. Meticulously maintained. Lovely landscaping. Renovated kitchen, SS appliances, granite, breakfast bar. Re- fin Hdwd floors. Gorgeous screened porch off Din Rm. Beautiful finished lower level. Minutes to Ft. Belvoir (S) & 15 minutes to Old Town, Alex (N).

Alex/Potomac Valley $554,900 8807 Vernon View Drive Lovely 4BR, 2BA, 4 lvl, Split on a lg, beautiful .3 acre lot w/a fenced bkyd. COMING SOON Freshly painted interior & beautiful re- finished hdwds. Main lvl has a spacious & cozy Family rm w/gas FPL, 4th BR, & 2nd full bath. Upper level #1 offers an open kitchen plus Living & Dining Rm. Upper level #2 has a full bath & 3BRs. The lower level has a lg partially fin- ished Rec rm. Good price on a super lot & very nice home that you can add some personal touches to. CS 3% on the house-Call Rex for an early visit 703-409-4784 Alex/Riverside Estates $548,000 1-4 8608 Cherry Valley Lane Charming 4BR, 3.5BA Colonial w/3 finished levels. OPEN Kitchen has been updated w/granite counters, break- fast bar & porcelain flooring. All Baths have been up- SUNDAY dated w/new tile, vanities, & fixtures to include double sinks in the master and main bathrooms. Family rm on main level has gas fireplace. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Lower level Rec Rm & extra Den/5th BR. 2 car garage has work area (work bench conveys). Walk-in attic access on upper level for lots of storage. Cozy brick patio w/ screened gazebo (conveys). New roof in 2016. Walk to elementary & high schools. 5 minutes to Ft. Belvoir (S) & 15 minutes to Old Town, Alex (N). Best Value in Riverside Ests! Call Rex for showing. CS3%

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 5 Opinion

www.MountVernonGazette.com Give Locally in Fairfax County @MtVernonGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered tering evidence of the needy families among may not be sure that they will have a meal to homes and businesses. Holidays are for giving; us. between the meals they get in school. Published by many choices to help. In Fairfax County, more than 52,000 (28 School holidays can bring uncertainty and Local Media Connection LLC percent) of FCPS students are are poor enough hunger — a far cry from the celebrations, gifts 1606 King Street to receive free or subsidized meals. and plenty that we associate with the holidays. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 he holidays are about giving, and giv- The median family income in Fairfax County Hundreds of homeless students attend the ing thanks. The holidays are about rose to $129,800. But among families with public schools, and their needs are greater. Free digital edition delivered to T your email box. Go to children and family. The holidays are children, 6 percent have income below the Many nonprofits in the county need your connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe about sharing, about joy. The holidays are poverty level. That’s $20,420 for a family of help to provide a holiday meal for Christmas, about being thankful and about faith and ap- three. That’s about $1,700 a month. Median to provide children with gifts. NEWS DEPARTMENT: preciation. The holidays are about alleviating rent in Fairfax County is $1,747, meaning the There are literally hundreds, probably thou- [email protected] suffering for others. cost for half the rentals is more than that. sands, of ways to give locally this season. Here Steven Mauren Editorial Northern Virginia is among These are children living in families who may are a few ideas. Editor, 703-778-9415 the wealthiest areas in the be on the brink of homelessness, families who [email protected] country. Many if not most of us go through our must choose between medical bills, car repair, — Mary Kimm [email protected] Mike Salmon daily and seasonal routines without encoun- heat and food. Some of these are children who Assistant Editor [email protected] Give Locally Andrea Worker ❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, (formerly Alternative House) provides shelter and are needed for these events as well. Register online Reporter Reston, serving Reston and Herndon. 571-323-9555, services for homeless, runaway or abused teenagers, at lortonaction.org or call 703-339-5161, ext. 140 or [email protected] www.cornerstonesva.org. Nonprofit providing unaccompanied youth, and young mothers and their email [email protected]. Mailing address: support and advocacy for those in need of food, children. Requests for food and clothing are up LCAC, P.O. Box 154, Lorton, VA 22199-0154. Jeanne Theismann shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and more than 50 percent. ❖ Assistance League of Northern Virginia is an [email protected] other human services. Programs and services ❖ Shepherd’s Center of Oakton Vienna providing all-volunteer nonprofit organization that feeds, @TheismannMedia include the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, services, personal enrichment, volunteer clothes and educates children in need. Assistance Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia Prevention opportunities for adults 50 and over. Currently League’s philanthropic programs touch the lives of Program, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Gifts for Kids serving 3,000+ mature adults in the region. 703- thousands of children at 11 Title I schools in ADVERTISING: and annual Coat Drive. Gifts will be collected at 281-0538, www.scov.org. Northern Virginia, serving children most in need at For advertising information Cornerstones main office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, ❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a nonprofit selected schools in Fairfax and Prince William [email protected] Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190 on Thursday, Dec. 7 organization whose mission is to educate children to counties and the City of Alexandria. To learn more 703-778-9431 and Friday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. have giving hearts. www.touchingheart.com, 703- about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, 9, 9 a.m. – noon. Contact Nate King, Donations and 901-7355. email [email protected] or visit Debbie Funk Drives Coordinator, at 571-323-9569. ❖ Western Fairfax Christian Ministries — food www.northernvirginia.assistanceleague.org. Display Advertising/National Sales ❖ Share of McLean operates a food pantry; provides pantry at 13981 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly. For ❖ Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services 703-778-9444 assistance to families to avoid eviction, keep utilities more information or to sponsor a family, call 703- (CAUSE) ensures that recuperating service members [email protected] on and meet other needs in a crisis. Share of 988-9656, ext. 105. To mail gift cards or send have opportunities for recreation and social McLean will provide holiday assistance to more than donations by check, add a note saying “food basket interaction and receive concrete signs of Julie Ferrill 250 needy families (630-plus people) this year. Help program” and send them to: WFCM, P.O. Box appreciation for all that they have done. 1100 N Real Estate, 703-927-1364 neighbors in need by donating money, fulfilling a 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153. Glebe Road, Suite 373, Arlington, VA 22201.703- [email protected] wish or donating Walmart, Target, Giant, or ❖ HomeAid builds and renovates facilities that house 591-4968, cause-usa.org. Safeway gift cards. Share’s Furniture Program is in the homeless, and partners with many local ❖ Shelter House provides crisis intervention, safe Helen Walutes major need of drivers and helpers. Visit the organizations to do so. 3684 Centerview Drive, housing and supportive services to promote self- Display Advertising, 703-778-9410 Furniture Program page. The Food Pantry is in Suite 110B, Chantilly, VA 20151. sufficiency for homeless families and victims of [email protected] major need of supplies; visit the Food Pantry page www.homeaidnova.org. domestic violence in Fairfax County. and check Facebook to see how to help the Food ❖ FACETS helps parents, their children and www.shelterhouse.org/ David Griffin Pantry. Visit www.shareofmclean.org for more info individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in the ❖ Mount Vernon At Home, 703-303-4060, Marketing Assistant about Share. Fairfax area, a partner in efforts to end www.mountvernonathome.org. From practical help 703-778-9431 ❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant homelessness in Fairfax County. FACETS is always to social, wellness, educational and cultural [email protected] Sympathetic Help), 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, in need of volunteers, and offers a variety of one- activities, Mount Vernon At Home membership 703-391-0105, herndonrestonfish.org. Herndon- time and ongoing opportunities. 703-865-4251, helps connect senior members of the community. Reston FISH has assisted local residents in short- [email protected] or www.facetscares.org. Neighbors helping neighbors with volunteer support Publisher term crises by since 1969. FISH provides Friendly 10640 Page Ave., Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22030. is the power of Mount Vernon At Home. Mount Jerry Vernon Instant Sympathetic Help by responding to ❖ Britepaths will have 3,000 individuals and families Vernon At Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 703-549-0004 emergency requests for rent, transportation, in need of holiday assistance list this fall. Sponsor a organization working hard to meet the needs of [email protected] utilities, medical prescriptions and other needs. family or donate to provide a family with a older members. They fundraise all year to make this FISH operates The Bargain Loft, a thrift store, which Thanksgiving meal, December holiday meal and/or possible and count on the generosity of the Editor & Publisher needs donations of good quality saleable items, gifts for their children. britepaths.org. community. Mary Kimm accepting and selling art, furniture, jewelry, ❖ Fairfax City Area FISH (For Immediate ❖ United Community Ministries, Mount Vernon, [email protected] household linens, dishes, pots and pans, books, Sympathetic Help) helps local people who are in 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306, 703- @MaryKimm women’s designer clothing (clean and on hangers), temporary need of life’s basic necessities such as 768-7106, www.ucmagency.org, assists low-income puzzles, games, collectibles, small electronics and food, clothing, and financial assistance for rent, families and individuals living along the Route 1 Editor in Chief more. If you have store questions, call 703-437- mortgage payments, utilities, and medical Corridor, UCM provides four different housing Steven Mauren 0600. Herndon-Reston FISH also provides Holiday treatments. FISH also provides limited programs as well as a Workforce Development Art/Design: Food & Gift Baskets during the November and transportation for doctor appointments and food Center to help prepare people for moving forward Laurence Foong, John Heinly, December season. delivery. 703-222-0880, fairfaxfish.org. with their jobs. For the holidays, donations of nearly Ali Khaligh ❖ LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly, Loudoun and ❖ Lamb Center, day center for homeless, Fairfax. 10,000 toys, books, games, clothing, and other gifts Production Manager: more. Every year the goal is to provide each family 703-691-3178, www.thelambcenter.org. ensured a joy-filled holiday for more than 1,200 Geovani Flores with a week’s worth of non-perishable food in ❖ Food for Others provides a safety net for people children in 600 families. Donations of cash/checks November and again in December. When funds who suddenly face unforeseen emergencies such as and gift cards are also welcome. allow, grocery gift cards are also included. In a family illness or the loss of a job or a spouse. ❖ National Capital Food Bank, 6833 Hill Park CIRCULATION November, clients also receive a voucher for coats Located at 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA 22031, Drive, Lorton, serving all of Northern Virginia. 703- Circulation Manager: and warm clothing. In December, children 16 and 703-207-9173, [email protected] or 541-3063, www.capitalareafoodbank.org. Ann Oliver under receive gifts. [email protected]. www.foodforothers.org. Hours: Monday-Friday, ❖ Homestretch is the largest provider of transitional [email protected] 703-437-1776 www.linkagainsthunger.org. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. housing in Fairfax County and offers a services to ❖ Committee for Helping Others (CHO), Vienna, ❖ Ecumenical Community Helping Others help the homeless better their lives through organized in 1969 by a group of churches and (ECHO). 703-569-9160, www.foodforothers.org. education. Email [email protected]; A Connection Newspaper individuals in the Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Oakton, Open to receive donations at 7205 Old Keene Mill 703-237-2035 x125; homestretchva.org/. Vienna community to provide simple, loving charity Road, Springfield. Provides food and financial ❖ Pathway Homes focuses on providing housing and to those in need. Last year 450 children had a assistance to those in short-term emergencies, and support services to individuals with serious mental special Christmas through the annual Christmas provides clothing and household goods to low illnesses, with the mission to help these individuals Store. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com income families, helping more than 5,000 people reach their full potential and lead stable lives. They ❖ Northern Virginia Family Service. 571-748- last year. offer both in-home programs, semi-independent 2500, www.nvfs.org, Employment and job training, ❖ Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) will houses and assisted living facilities. 10201 Fairfax healthcare, housing, mental health, foster care and provide Thanksgiving and Holiday assistance to Boulevard, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. 703-876- Healthy Families.10455 White Granite, Drive, Suite more than 450 families this year. Thanksgiving and 0390, [email protected], 100, Oakton, VA 22124. Christmas food baskets along with fulfilling gift www.pathwayhomes.org, www.pathwayhomes.org/ ❖ Second Story — Abused and Homeless Children’s wishes for more than 1,000 children and teens will support-pathway/. Refuge, 2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182. help low-income families More information at 703-506-9191, second-story.org. Second Story lortonaction.org/seasonal-assistance/. Volunteers See Give Locally, Page 19

6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com The Fort Hunt High School alumni club gathered on the morning of Saturday, Dec. Viewpoints 2 in the staging area on Royal Street to take part in the 2017 Scottish Walk Parade.

How has Old Town changed since you were at Fort Hunt High School?

“It keeps getting better, valuing “It’s a continued love of Old Town, “Chic.” — Ruth Ryder, Class of ’75 “Modernization but still keeping the history.” — Heidi Christal, a tradition.” — LeeAnn Feltman, the charm, there’s nothing like Old Class of ’77 Class of ’76 Town.” — Kendra Allman, Class of ’83

“The jacket still fits.” — Bobby Suggs, Class of ’77

Photos by Mike Salmon The Gazette

“I remember the abandoned ware- “My hat is an original, it’s my houses on the waterfront.” — Joe dad’s hat, he was the announcer at Gililland, Class of ’73 the football games.” — Gwen Neigh Stanton, Class of ’70

Bulletin Board From Page 5 Economy’s Reliance on Metro how to cope with grief during the holiday season, reflection about how to care for ourselves and a closing ritual of remembrance. The workshops By Paul Krizek Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provide the Passenger Rail Investment and Im- are open to the community, free of charge. State Delegate over $600 million per year to the Common- provement Act, and maintain the cur- Contact Chesley Simpson at 703-333-6954 or (D-44) [email protected]. Visit wealth in sales and income tax revenues, rent capital allocation formula to ensure capitalcaring.org. according to the Northern Virginia Trans- that Virginia’s financial commitments are t is no surprise portation Commission (NVTC) briefing to consistent with our ridership, stations SATURDAY/DEC. 9 that Northern elected officials on Monday. and population. I Office Hours. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Virginia’s eco- It’s not news to any of us that WMATA is There are also some reforms that I and Dan Storck will host Saturday office hours. nomic growth is di- in trouble. It needs $15.5 billion over the the NVTC believe could boost WMATA’s Email [email protected]. ❖ 9-11:30 a.m. at Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond rectly tied to our next 10 years for capital improvements. success. Highway, Lorton. region’s transit net- Metrorail is a $40 billion asset and suffer- First we need to have a WMATA Board ❖ 12:30-3 p.m. at the Mount Vernon district office, work. It is our transit system that pro- ing from years of delayed and deferred that represents the local funding juris- 2511 Parkers Lane, Mount Vernon. vides the critical links between busi- maintenance. dictions and includes a range of elected nesses and their employees, customers, Metro is the backbone of Northern and non-elected officials. I also urge VOLUNTEERS NEEDED suppliers and investors. Sixty percent of Virginia’s transportation network and a fail- WMATA to make continuous reviews of RSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking service opportunities in and around Fairfax jobs are within a ure to invest in WMATA threatens the eco- its policies regarding conflict of interests County, Arlington County and the City of Commentary quarter mile of a nomic vitality of both Northern Virginia and and fiduciary responsibility in its deci- Alexandria, offers a wide array of opportunities Metro station, rail the entire Commonwealth. sion making. Finally, we should elimi- for volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free accident and station or bus stop, Our legislature needs to make a serious nate the jurisdictional veto, so long as liability insurance while serving, optional and one third of Metro riders live within effort to create a multi-year, stable and there is a Project Labor Agreement in mileage and meal reimbursement and are a half mile of a station. bondable revenue source to allow WMATA place to provide Metro workers in every invited to volunteer group projects and social gatherings. To sign up for an upcoming Our transit system is moving approxi- to address critical safety and repair projects region a collective bargaining agree- orientation, email Carly Hubicki at mately 550,000 people on an average and ensure our Commonwealth continues ment. [email protected] or call RSVP at weekday in Northern Virginia, saving the to support its local jurisdictions’ share of This will be a top priority in transpor- 703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visit www.rsvpnova.org. region 35.5 million hours of congestion- WMATA capital and operating costs using tation policy for the entire General As- Volunteer Fairfax makes it easy for individuals related traffic delays annually. Most sig- the funds that provide finance flexibility. sembly in the 2018 Session and I look and families, youth and seniors, corporate nificantly, the Washington Metro Area Virginia also needs to continue matching forward to working with my colleagues groups and civic clubs to volunteer. Fulfill hours, give back, or pay it forward through a variety Transit Authority (WMATA) and and the any federal funding for WMATA, through to keep Metro working for all Virginians. service options. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org or call 703-246-3460. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 7 12 2017 Special VIP Offer for your Toyota

1/31/18. 1/31/18.

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ALEXANDRIA TOYOTA

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Police To Add Body Cameras

From Page 3 to McCullough. The Stempson House gets its historic sig- ern California and his bachelor’s in public nificance from its association with the administration from Alfred University. Occoquan Workhouse and Reformatory and Bulova thanked Kirk Kincannon, who was the Women’s Suffrage movement of the the acting county executive since Long’s early 1900s, according to Resident Curator retirement in September. Program documents. The United States purchased the land in COUNTY’S FIRST TENANT 1910 to construct the prison. “In 1937, RESIDENT CURATOR amongst the Lorton Reformatory orchard The county extended its first lease trees, prisoners constructed a residence for through the Resident Curator program to a a prison officer. It is likely that prisoners Coast Guard officer. constructed the house, under the direction The county’s Resident Curator Program of prison engineers, using bricks manufac- is designed to preserve historic properties tured at the prison brick kiln. Ultimately, by offering long-term leases to qualified the residence was converted for use by the tenants who will rehabilitate and maintain prison security office.” the historic houses. A curator can be a pri- The 1,500 square-foot-house is described vate citizen, a nonprofit entity, or a for-profit as a “vernacular style residence with Colo- entity, according to county documents. nial Revival style elements.” “It is really a wonderful opportunity and Other applications are pending for the a great pleasure to be the first of what I Turner Farm House, 10609 Georgetown think will be a number of properties in Pike, in Great Falls and the Ellmore Farm- Fairfax County ...” said Storck, “to bring house on West Ox Road in Herndon. The back to life housing which is old and his- county intends to continue its programs at toric and meaningful to all of us.” the Ash Grove in Tysons, Lahey Lost Valley The Board of Supervisors approved the in Vienna, and Hannah P. Clark (Enyedi) lease of the historic Stempson House at House in Lorton. 7520 Furnace Road in Lorton to Steven J. See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/press/ McCullough for eight years and eight html/ir141-16.htm months to renovate the historic home. Learn more about the Resident Curator “This is the first time we are doing this, program and other properties at you are our first tenant,” said Bulova said www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rcp.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 9 ★ Mount Vernon Antique Center ★ Gift Guide Sleighing the Holidays A survival guide for local gifts.

By Jeanne Theismann

8101 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria Follow ou’ve made your list and us on checked it twice. Even if 703-619-5100 Dealers Facebook & you aren’t already one of www.mtvantiques.com Y Twitter the 57 percent of shop- Browse for great antique & vintage items, and get your pers who have started their hunt computer fixed, watch repaired and artwork framed. for holiday gifts, you can relax. Local businesses offer last-minute shoppers a selection of gift ideas sure to please even the Grinch on your naughty or nice list. With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, shoppers actually get an Photo by Jeanne Theismann extra weekend to shop for family The Shops at Mount Vernon are a good source for holiday and friends. And while it may gifts ranging from books to jewelry, gourmet food and seem counterintuitive to wait un- home décor. til then, stores are actually less crowded and many begin marking down merchandise that evening in anticipation of the Dec. 26 sales. Old Town and Del Ray feature many shops with handmade and Alexandria-centric items. In Old Town, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted gifts can be found at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, including tex- tile gifts like colorful scarves, wraps, sweaters and capes. Unique pottery and images of local scenes are also available in a variety of mediums. You can pick up some hand-painted note cards or give a You Can Make a Difference gift certificate for a family or pet portrait. Photo by Jeanne Theismann The Old Town Shop on South Photo by Jeanne Theismann Gifts, books, clothing and Union Street carries a variety of Educational gifts that tell food items specially de- items designed to highlight Alex- the story of slave life at signed for Alexandria are andria and its history as a port city. Mount Vernon are available available at Valerie Ianeri’s Gift items range from clothing to at The Shops at Mount The Old Town Shop on Cats benefit from being in a foster home. We need historic maps and food items from Vernon. South Union Street. long- and short-term fosters for cats of all ages, the Old Town Farmers Market. mothers with litters and kittens on their own. In Del Ray, the Del Ray Artisans Fine Art and Fine Local spirits can be purchased at Port City Brew- Crafts Holiday Market features works from local ar- ing or pick up some gourmet cupcakes at Alexandria tisans including handmade pottery by Stephen Lally. Cupcake. While you are walking along King Street, Remaining weekends for the Market are Dec. 8-10 stop in at Goldworks, where David Martin creates Consider Fostering and Dec. 17-19. Visit www.delrayartisans.org for de- custom designed jewelry for both men and women. visit our website, click on Participate tails. Gift certificates for dance or acting classes are avail- An often overlooked source of holiday gifts is The able at The Little Theatre of Alexandria or purchase Adopt/Donate/Volunteer at www.lostdogrescue.org Shops at Mount Vernon. Combine a shopping trip a season subscription to one of Alexandria’s many with a visit to George Washington’s Estate and lunch performing arts organizations like The Alexandria at The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Symphony Orchestra or MetroStage. For something different, check out the gift shops With 18 shopping days left until Christmas, there lost (adj): 1. unable to find the way. in Alexandria’s local museums. And school bookstores is plenty of time to get your holiday shopping done often have interesting gifts for students along with while checking out the many local shops and restau- 2. not appreciated or understood. logo-ware for your favorite alum. rants. 3. no longer owned or known

Helping Animals Find Their Way Since 2001 Photo contributed Photo by Jeanne Theismann Colorful handcrafted bags The Christmas Attic is Photo by Stephen Lally are available at the Del Ray Adopt/Donate/Volunteer ground zero for shoppers Handcrafted pottery by Artisans Fine Art and Fine during the holiday season, artisan Stephen Lally is Crafts Holiday Market. where nutcrackers are available through the Del Remaining dates are Dec. www.lostdogandcatrescue.org always popular. Ray Artisans Gallery. 8-10 and Dec. 15-17. 10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Wellbeing Season of Giving, Healing Acts of kindness can boost wellbeing. By Marilyn Campbell

s Terrance Puller surveys Aboxes wrapped in holiday paper and filled with tubes of toothpaste, sticks of deodorant and other self-care toiletries, he says he can feel his heart well up with gratitude. The packages were Photo courtesy of Interfaith Works part of a donation drive to benefit Charitable activities, such as this toy drive by Interfaith So Others Might Eat (SOME), a Works, can improve one’s overall well-being. local nonprofit organization with a mission to provide services to the Even for those who haven’t ex- ceived, Sampson says she found a poor and homeless. Puller, who is perienced levels of need such as job. Now she volunteers her time now both a SOME employee and Puller’s, acts of altruism can have to helping others at Interfaith volunteer, reminisces about a pe- a positive effect on one’s mood. An Works and has even become a riod in his life when he was a re- example is Jennifer Carter, a se- member of the organization’s cipient of such generosity. nior at Marymount University in board of directors. Five years ago, Puller says he Arlington, who spent last weekend “The experience of being home- was alone, homeless and deep in in the center of a crowded audito- less and now helping other women an alcohol and crack cocaine-in- rium on the university’s campus definitely made me stronger,” said duced haze. He would later recall frantically tying strips of fleece Sampson. “Sometimes even a spo- that he was so staggeringly intoxi- cloth. Along with nearly 300 other ken word can be said to help some- cated one holiday season that he volunteers, she was making blan- one to a better place. I have em- would miss an opportunity to say kets for newborn babies for an or- pathy because I have been there.” goodbye to his dying mother. What ganization called HOPE, a nonde- he did receive that year however, nominational crisis pregnancy cen- was life changing. ter in Fairfax County. “I was able to come into the shel- “When these new mothers leave ter and get treatment, food and the hospitals it’s usually with a thin eventually a job,” said Puller. “I cotton blanket,” she said. “A lot of volunteer my time because … be- times, the things that they’re miss- ing here reminds me of my story ing are warm blankets for the ba- and makes me grateful. It keeps bies. It feels good to be able to give me uplifted, less depressed and these mothers something that clean and sober.” many people take for granted. It Mounting research validates makes you realize how fortunate Puller’s assertion. “Giving of our you are.” talents and time is an important Short points to a 2016 study way to improve our well-being,” from the University of California said Carolyn Lorente, professor of at Riverside which shows that psychology at Northern Virginia volunteerism can lead to gratitude Community College. “What many and happiness. “Grateful people of my colleagues are looking into pay more attention to the cost, ef- is the connection between fort, and value of helping acts than volunteerism and sense of self. It the average person does,” he said. turns out that when we give to “They are better at coping with life others, it not only helps those we stress because they trust others to are assisting but also boosts our help them and then reach out and sense of agency, gives us a sense accept help.” of purpose and belonging and in- Christabel Sampson experienced forms our sense of identity.” this metamorphosis first hand During the holidays, which are when she relocated to the Wash- often emotionally charged, a focus ington, D.C. area and was unable on helping others can lead to feel- to find a job. She had mounting ings of gratitude and happiness, bills, but no income. Her financial says psychologist Jerome Short, outlook spiraled further down- Ph.D. In fact, he points to a 2010 ward and she became homeless. study published in the journal She moved into a shelter run by Clinical Psychology Review, which Interfaith Works, a nonprofit or- shows a link between benevolence ganization in Montgomery County and contentment. Maryland that works to meet the “Kind acts increase personal needs of the poor. Through the happiness because we naturally organization’s job training pro- empathize with others and take gram, she was able to gain skills pride in our ability to make others training, clothing and shelter. As smile and feel good,” he said. a result of the services she re- www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 11 Holiday Fun & Entertainment

THROUGH DEC. 10 Sheehy Cares Toy Collection. Various times at Sheehy Honda of Alexandria, 2434 Richmond Highway. Sheehy is working with the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to collect new, unwrapped toys during the holidays each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Visit www.sheehy.com or call 703-802-3480.

THROUGH DEC. 15 39th Annual Weichert Toy Drive. Various times at Weichert Realty, 121 N. Pitt St. Members of the community are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the company’s sales offices which will be delivered throughout the holidays in conjunction with local charities that assist financially and physically disadvantaged children. Call 703-549-8700.

THROUGH DEC. 16 Snow Day on Stage. Various times at The Lab at Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. This nonverbal production features live music and lots of wintertime fun, just in time for the holiday season. $9. Visit artsonthehorizon.org. A Christmas Carol. Various times at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. $17. Call 703-683-0496 or visit www.thelittletheatre.com.

THROUGH DEC. 23 4th Annual Holiday Market Festival. Various times in the Carlyle District, 300 John Carlyle St. Art and craft items, enjoy sweets, mulled wine and live entertainment from local musicians. Visit www.alexandriaholidaymarket.com.

THURSDAY/DEC. 7 File photo by J. Clifford Happy Hour Toy Drive. 5-8 p.m. at Del Ray First Night Pizza, 1401 Belle Haven Road. Hosted by the The 23rd Annual First Night Alexandria, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, takes over Old Town Alexan- Care and Share Committee of the Hollin Meadows Elementary School PTA. Aside from dria on Sunday, Dec. 31 with more than 150 performances at 24 indoor venues in Old Town and one in Del collecting toys there will be raffle prizes from Ray, with live music, dancing and children’s activities. Dancing in the street starts at the east end of King local stores, small businesses and restaurants. Street at 10 p.m. First Night’s fireworks finale returns with a display over the Potomac River at midnight. Call 703-765-5300. Holiday Open House. 6-8 p.m. at the Mount Afternoon activities are from 2-5 p.m. Performances are from 7 p.m.-midnight. Children under 12 and active Vernon District Office, 2511 Parkers Lane. An military are free. 703-746-3299, FirstNightAlexandria.org. #ALXFirstNight evening of refreshments, get to know the staff and tour the office. Artwork from Bryant High presents “On This Shining Night,” featuring new www.stjamesmv.org. Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount School students will be on display. Call 703-780- settings of familiar works, modern compositions Concerts at Saint Luke’s. 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s Vernon Memorial Highway. Alice’s Kids is 7518 or email [email protected]. to evoke the season, and traditional seasonal Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road. A holding it’s 5th annual gift wrapping fundraiser. carols. $20 adult, $15 senior/military/student. candlelight concert presented by Words&Music, Call 703-304-0958 or visit www.aliceskids.org. Visit www.alexandriachoralsociety.org. who play holiday music of the Advent season. FRIDAY-SATURDAY/DEC. 8-9 Words&Music is a vocal quartet with piano from Holiday Pops Concert. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Alexandria area. $20 Adult; $15 Senior; free SUNDAY/DEC. 17 Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. DEC. 8-10 to students 18 and under. Call 703-765-4342 or The Mount Vernon Flutes. 2 p.m. at The “Reflections!” show weaves pop arrangements of Del Ray Artisans’ Holiday Market. Fridays: 6- visit www.saintlukeschurch.net. Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. This small ensemble holiday classics with new tunes. Collecting 9 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at A Cappella Holiday. 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, from the Mount Vernon Concert Band will donations and wrapped gifts for the Alexandria the Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. 201 Prince St. The Capital Hearings, perform holiday songs in the gallery. Free. Visit Community Shelter adult residents at all Free to browse. Call 703-838-4827 or visit Washington, D.C.’s most versatile a cappella www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035. performances. $20/under 5 years old free. Email www.delrayartisans.org. ensemble, will entertain with their anchor Holiday Handbell Concert. 4-5:30 p.m. at [email protected]. Artfête Weekend. Various times at The Art holiday concert that includes the premiere of “It George Washington Masonic National Memorial, League’s Madison Annex, 305 Madison St. Open Sifts from Leaden Sieves,” composed by Rachel 101 Callahan Drive. Hear from Jingle Bells and house and holiday party, holiday ceramics sale, DeVore Fogarty, the winner of the 2017 Capital White Christmas to the Game of Thrones Theme SATURDAY/DEC. 9 and more. Visit www.theartleague.org. Hearings Young Composers Competition. Visit and Wizards in Winter. $10. Visit Mount Vernon High School Holiday Market. www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035. www.vabronze.org. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Mount Vernon High School, Cookies with Santa. 4-5:30 p.m. at the Union 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. Shop indoors SATURDAY/DEC. 9 Street Public House, 121 South Union St. Meet from over 50 vendors. Email Ivy Hill Cemetery Presents: The History and TUESDAY/DEC. 12 with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit [email protected]. Mystery of Christmas . 7 p.m. at Ivy Hill Twelve Beers of Christmas. 5-midnight at the www.unionstreetpublichouse.com. Kwanzaa Workshop. 11 a.m and 1 p.m. at Cemetery, 2823 King St. Historians Terry Gish Union Street Public House, 121 S. Union St. Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe and Wayne Kehoe host an informational event. Choice of 14 Christmas beers on tap - 12, plus St. $2. Call 703-746-4356 or visit $10. Not for children under 10. Call 301-395- two bonus beers to simply celebrate the season SUNDAY/DEC. 24 alexandriava.gov/blackhistory. 9541 or 703-549-7413. of giving. Visit unionstreetpublichouse.com. Waterskiing Santa. 1 p.m. at the waterfront Civil War Christmas in Camp. noon-4 p.m. at between King and Oronoco streets. Free. Visit Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. www.waterskiingsanta.com. Braddock Road. $2 suggested donation per SUNDAY/DEC 10 DEC. 15-16 person; $5 per family. Call 703-746-4356 or visit Christmas Celebration. 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon. alexandriava.gov/blackhistory. Saint James United Methodist Church, 5200 5:30-9 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount SUNDAY/DEC. 31 Recycled Wrapping. 3 p.m. at the Barrett Branch Fillmore Ave. Celebrate the Christmas season Vernon Estate, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial New Years Noon. 10 a.m.-noon at the Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. Wrap gifts with reused with music, activities for the family, and food. Highway. $34 adult/$24 youth with mansion Branch Library, 717 Queen St. The fourth newspaper that will spare the Earth. The library Free. Visit sjumc.net. tour; $30 adult/$20 youth without mansion annual bash includes performances by “Oh will have stamps, paints, ribbons and bobbles to Colonial Handbell Ringers Concert. 2 and 4 tour. Visit www.mountvernon.org/illuminations. Susannah” and “The Great Zucchini” and an add a special touch. Visit p.m. at 201 S. Washington St. Free. Call 703- 11:55 a.m. for a countdown to “Noon Year” with www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1704. 746-4994 or visit www.colonialringers.com. music and a balloon drop. All ages invited, but Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl. 4 p.m. at Cookies with Santa. 4-5:30 p.m. at the Union DEC. 15-17 especially appropriate for children ages 2 and Mount Vernon Ave.,Del Ray. Free. Call 703-683- Street Public House, 121 South Union St. Meet Del Ray Artisans’ Holiday Market. Fridays: 6- up. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- 2570 or visit www.visitdelray.com. with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit 9 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 746-1704. Caroling. 5-8 p.m. at the St. Mary Catholic www.unionstreetpublichouse.com. the Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. First Night Alexandria. 2 p.m. to midnight at Church, 310 S. Royal St. Carolers will sing all of Free Holiday Concert and Sing-Along. 4:30 Free to browse. Call 703-838-4827 or visit venues throughout Old Town. Activities include the traditional Christmas songs. Call 703-841- p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 5614 Old www.delrayartisans.org. the Ninth Annual Fun Hunt, musical 2517. Mill Road. A Holiday Concert by the students of entertainment, food, drink and midnight Alexandria Choral Society Concert. 7:30-9:30 Kevin Diana. Selections from Handel’s Messiah fireworks over the Potomac River. Visit p.m. at George Washington Masonic Memorial, and other sacred and secular favorites will be SATURDAY/DEC. 16 www.firstnightalexandria.org or call 703-746- 101 Callahan Drive. Alexandria Choral Society performed. Call 703-780-3081 or visit Gift Wrapping Fundraiser. Noon- 4 p.m. at 3299. 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment

Photos by Mike Salm

on Cooking Up Traditional Ethiopian

By Hope Nelson fect location for us,” Solomon said.

ucked into a space in a West End THE MENU ITSELF is abundant with Tshopping center, the new restau- many Ethiopian favorites. And while rant cooking up tradi-tional Ethio- Mengistu is a fan of everything on the menu, pian food is easy to miss at first. But look a couple of items do stand out personally again and you’ll see a new resident of the with him. Van Dorn Plaza, its sign unassuming, its “While I like everything, I have two fa- food anything but. vorite dishes: I like the vegetarian combi- You’ve found Makeda — named after nation, which is one of my favorites, and Queen Makeda of Ethiopia. Let your stom- the doro wot, which is our signature dish. ach be your guide and pop in for a meal. It is served in Ethiopia when it’s a holiday. Makeda opened several months ago as the It’s like a holiday treat,” he said. kid sister to chef and owner Philipos The vegetarian combination offers up a Mengistu’s longstanding Queen of Sheba buffet of vegetable-based options for din- restaurant in New York City, a pioneer bring- ers, ranging from shiro to gomen wot. The ing the restaurant’s food to the D.C. area. doro wot, on the other hand, is a chicken Mengistu says the expansion makes sense. dish cooked in a stew flavored with onions “Our menu is getting and Ethiopian spices. It is in fact Ethiopia’s Appetite strongly popular in this area,” national chicken dish, and Makeda offers it he said. Much of the menu in- daily — no holidays required. spiration from Queen of Though Makeda hews closely to the roots Sheba, “so we catered that for the neigh- of Mengistu’s original Queen of Sheba, there borhood around here too.” are some differences in this sibling restau- The Alexandria outpost was the brain- rant. For starters: gluten-free options, rang- child of two lifelong friends: Mengistu and ing from gluten-free injera to rice and other Daniel Solomon. companions to the Friends since kinder- main course. And garten in Ethiopia, Makeda then there’s the ad- they joined forces for dition of a kids’ 516A S. Van Dorn St. Makeda. After years Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. menu — almost a in the United States, Top seller: “So far we’re selling a lot of the requirement in the Solomon went back vegetarian [combination] dish, and a lot of West End neighbor- Makeda tibs, which is a ribeye meat,” salted with to his homeland, and onion, garlic and peppers, owner and Chef hood bustling with when he returned, Philipos Mengistu says. families. he revisited “Here we put the Mengistu’s Queen of Sheba in New York and kids’ menu because saw the menu in a new light. we want kids to be comfortable and the “When I came back and had lunch at families to be comfortable,” Mengistu said. Queen of Sheba, I felt as if I was at home. “They can have injera, the kids can have So I said you know what, how about bring- their spaghetti, they can share an Ethiopian ing that taste to Alexandria?” Solomon said. dish with the kids — we have rice chicken, While scouting for a location, the chosen we have chicken nuggets, which is not region was equally important, Solomon Ethiopian but we have to accommodate.” said. With hundreds of thousands of Ethio- Makeda is now offering a weekend pian residents in the greater D.C. area, the brunch menu, as well — with an Ethiopian key was finding a spot that would accom- twist, of course. modate as many people as possible. The menu is an egg-based brunch menu, “Most of the Ethiopian community lives “but we do it Ethiopian style. We have around Springfield and the Franconia area. cracked wheat; we have fit-fit, which is typi- Not only that, but this place is growing … cal Ethiopian breakfast; we have egg with not only for the Ethiopian community, but meat — we do it Ethiopian style,” Mengistu non-Ethiopians as well. And this was a per- said.

Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchenrecessionista.com. Email her any time at [email protected]. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 13 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 15 Entertainment

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

ONGOING Celebrates Holiday Toy Drive. Through Dec. 8, The Old Bull and Bush various times at Quander Road will be at MetroStage, School, 6400 Quander Road. Donate 1201 North Royal St. new/slightly used unwrapped toys for toddlers to 12 years old (puzzles, through Dec. 24. An dolls, board games, action figures effort to reopen the and more). Call 703-718-2400, Ext. famous Hampstead 2431. Toy Collection. Through Dec. 10, England pub on stage Sheehy Honda of Alexandria, 2434 to celebrate the holi- Richmond Highway, Alexandria will days with food, song, collect new and unwrapped toys as part of the company’s annual Sheehy jokes, dance and a Cares Toy Collection to benefit the sing-along. Call 703- U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for 548- 9044 or visit Tots Program, which will distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less www.metrostage.org. fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Mount Vernon Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesdays, through Dec. 14. Fresh local food, artisan crafts. Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ new tunes. Collecting donations and farmersmarkets/mtvernonmkt.htm. THURSDAY/DEC. 7 wrapped gifts for the Alexandria 39th Annual Weichert Toy Drive. Worldly Collection for Auction. 10 Community Shelter adult residents at Through Dec. 15, various times at a.m. at the Potomack Company, 1120 all performances. $20/under 5 years Weichert Realty, 121 N. Pitt St. N. Fairfax St. Featuring the Ron old free. Email Members of the community are Krannich Collection from Burma, [email protected]. invited to drop off new, unwrapped Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New toys at the company’s sales offices Guinea and Democratic Republic of which will be delivered throughout Congo. Call 703-684-4550 or visit DEC. 8-10 the holidays in conjunction with local www.potomackcompany.com. Artfête Weekend. Various times at charities that assist financially and Happy Hour Toy Drive. 5-8 p.m. at The Art League’s Madison Annex, physically disadvantaged children. Del Ray Pizza, 1401 Belle Haven 305 Madison St. Open house and Call 703-549-8700. Road. Hosted by the Care and Share holiday party, holiday ceramics sale, Snow Day on Stage. Through Dec. Committee of the Hollin Meadows and more. Visit 16, various times at The Lab at Elementary School PTA. Aside from www.theartleague.org. Convergence, 1819 N. Quaker Lane. collecting toys there will be raffle This nonverbal production features prizes from local stores, small live music and lots of wintertime fun, businesses and restaurants. Call 703- SATURDAY/DEC. 9 just in time for the holiday season. 765-5300. Holiday Market. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at $9. Visit www.artsonthehorizon.org. Shops of Del Ray’s Ladies’ Night Mount Vernon High School, 8515 “A Christmas Carol.” Through Dec. Out. 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Mount Old Mount Vernon Road. Shop 16, various times at The Little Vernon Ave., Del Ray. Shop local and indoors from over 50 vendors. Email Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. enjoy special promotions while [email protected]. $17. Call 703-683-0496 or visit sipping Virginia wine. Call 703-683- Civil War Christmas in Camp. www.thelittletheatre.com. 2570 or visit www.visitdelray.com. noon-4 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum & Del Ray Artisans’ Holiday Market. Holiday Open House. 6-8 p.m. at the Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Through Dec. 17, weekend hours Mount Vernon District Office, 2511 Road. $2 suggested donation per only, Fridays: 6-9 p.m., Saturdays & Parkers Lane. An evening of person; $5 per family. Call 703-746- Sundays: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Del refreshments, get to know the staff 4356 or visit alexandriava.gov/ Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon and tour the office. Artwork from blackhistory. Ave. Free to browse. Call 703-838- Bryant High School students will be Recycled Wrapping. 3 p.m. at the 4827 or visit www.delrayartisans.org. on display. Call 703-780-7518 or Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Watercolor Exhibit. Through Dec. 19, email us at St. Wrap gifts with reused newspaper various times at Green Spring [email protected]. that will spare the Earth. The library Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Neighborhood Health 20th will have stamps, paints, ribbons and See “Nature from Three Points of Anniversary Gala. 6-9:30 p.m. at bobbles to add a special touch. Visit View”, the work of Jan Burns, the Hilton Mark Center, 5000 www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- Madeleine Chen, and Shari Seminary Road. Join the gala 746-1704. MacFarlane, at the Horticulture “Celebrating Our Partnerships” to Historic Alexandria Candlelight Center. Sunday, Oct. 29 is the Artists support Neighborhood Health’s Tours. 4-9 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Reception. Visit mission of serving thousands of Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Tour stops www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ uninsured patients in the community. at several locations around Old greenspring or call 703-642-5173. Email Town. $25 adults; $20 seniors (65 The Old Bull and Bush. Through [email protected] years and older) and active military; Dec. 24, various times at MetroStage, or phone 571-438-7715. $5 children (ages 6-17). Call 703- 1201 North Royal St. An effort to An Introduction to French Comics. 746-4242. reopen the famous Hampstead 7-9 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl. 4 England pub on stage to celebrate Washington St. Arlington resident p.m. at Mount Vernon Ave., Del Ray. the holidays with food, song, jokes, RM Rhodes leads this lecture about Free. Call 703-683-2570 or visit dance and a sing-along. Call 703- comics. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/ www.visitdelray.com. 548- 9044 or visit Lyceum or call 703-838-4994. Caroling. 5-8 p.m. at the St. Mary www.metrostage.org. Meet the Author. 7 p.m. at The Catholic Church, 310 S. Royal St. 4th Annual Holiday Market Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. “A Civil Carolers will sing all of the Festival. Through Dec. 23, various Life in an Uncivil Time: Julia Wilbur’s traditional Christmas songs. Call 703- times in the Carlyle District, 300 Struggle for Purpose” by Paula 841-2517 or email John Carlyle St. Art and craft items, Tarnapol Whitacre. $15. Visit [email protected]. enjoy sweets, mulled wine and live www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035. Ivy Hill Cemetery Presents: The entertainment from local musicians. Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. History and Mystery of Visit 7:30 p.m. at the Minnie Howard Christmas . 7 p.m. at Ivy Hill www.alexandriaholidaymarket.com. School, 3801 W. Braddock Road. Cemetery, 2823 King St. Historians Potomac Fiber Art Show. Through Alexandria GOP Committee volunteer Terry Gish and Wayne Kehoe host an Jan. 7, various times at the Torpedo appreciation dinner and December informational event. $10. Not for Factory, 105 North Union St., Studio meeting. $5. Call 571-281-7042. children under 10. Call 301-395- 29. The show will be supplemented 9541 or 703-549- 7413. with juried items on Dec. 5.The Alexandria Choral Society concert. Torpedo Factory has new hours, FRIDAY-SATURDAY/DEC. 8-9 7:30-9:30 p.m. at George 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and Holiday Pops Concert. 7:30-9:30 Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 weekends, and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. p.m. at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Callahan Drive. Alexandria Choral on the second Thursday of each Lane. “Reflections!” show weaves pop Society month. Visit torpedofactory.org. arrangements of holiday classics with See Calendar, Page 22 16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment PUBLIC NOTICE Please be advised that there will be two 15-minute fireworks displays that will take place on: Friday, December 15 and Celebrating Saturday, December 16, 2017 At Mount between 8:45pm and 9:15pm as part of the public evening event, Christmas Illuminations, here on the property. Vernon The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association thanks you for your Trees inside tolerance and apologizes for any disruption. To receive Mount George Vernon fireworks notifications via e-mail, write to: Washington’s [email protected]. Mount Vernon visitors’ center are covered with ornaments and historical trivia.

File photo by Tim Peterson

Calendar presents “On This Shining Night,” Road. Mystery writers Lane Stone www.nvfaa.org or call 703-505-5998. featuring new settings of familiar and Sherry Harris will be on hand to works, modern compositions to evoke sign copies of “Murder in the the season, and traditional seasonal Afternoon.” Visit SUNDAY/DEC. 24 carols. $20 adult, $15 senior/ www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- Waterskiing Santa. 1 p.m. at the military/student. Visit 746-1704. waterfront between King and www.alexandriachoralsociety.org. Twelve Beers of Christmas. 5 p.m.- Oronoco streets. Free. Visit midnight at the Union Street Public www.waterskiingsanta.com. House, 121 S. Union St. Choice of 14 SUNDAY/DEC. 10 Christmas beers on tap - 12, plus two Apothecary Museum Geek Tour bonus beers to simply celebrate the THURSDAY/DEC. 28 Series. noon-1 p.m. at Stabler- season of giving. Visit Piff The Magic Dragon Magician. Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105 www.unionstreetpublichouse.com. 7:30 p.m. at The Birchmere, 3701 S. Fairfax St. $15. Call 703-746- Mt. Vernon Ave. A former participant 3852. on America’s Got Talent. Visit Christmas Celebration. 12:30-2:30 WEDNESDAY/DEC. 13 www.birchmere.com. p.m. at the Saint James United AARP Virginia Dinner Group. 4-8 Methodist Church, 5200 Fillmore p.m. at FireFlies, 1501 Mount Vernon Ave. Celebrate the Christmas season Ave. Enjoy dinner with other AARP SUNDAY/DEC. 31 with music, activities for the family, members and their guests and receive New Years Noon. 10 a.m.-noon at the and food. Free. Visit sjumc.net. a 20 percent discount on a dinner Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Colonial Handbell Ringers entree. Call 703-548-7200. St. The fourth annual bash includes Concert. 2 and 4 p.m. at 201 S. performances by “Oh Susannah” and Washington St. Free. Call 703-746- “The Great Zucchini” and an 11:55 4994 or visit THURSDAY/DEC. 14 a.m. for a countdown to “Noon Year” www.colonialringers.com. Local Author Thursday. 5-7 p.m. at with music and a balloon drop. All Cookies with Santa. 4-5:30 p.m. at The Old Town Shop, 105 South ages invited, but especially the Union Street Public House, 121 Union St. Featured author Garrett appropriate for children ages 2 and South Union St. Meet with Santa and Peck is a historian and tour guide in up. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or Mrs. Claus. Visit the nation’s capital. Call 703-599- call 703-746-1704. www.unionstreetpublichouse.com. 6307. First Night Alexandria. 2 p.m. to Concerts at Saint Luke’s. 5 p.m. at midnight at venues throughout Old St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8009 Town. Activities include the Ninth Fort Hunt Road. A candlelight DEC. 15-16 Annual Fun Hunt, musical concert presented by Words&Music, Christmas Illuminations at Mount entertainment, food, drink and who play holiday music of the Advent Vernon. 5:30-9 p.m. at George midnight fireworks over the Potomac season. Words&Music is a vocal Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, River. Visit quartet with piano from the 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial www.firstnightalexandria.org or call Alexandria area. $20 Adult; $15 Highway. $34 adult/$24 youth with 703-746-3299. Senior; free to students 18 and mansion tour; $30 adult/$20 youth under. Call 703-765-4342 or visit without mansion tour. Visit www.saintlukeschurch.net. www.mountvernon.org. JAN.9-FEB. 4 A Cappella Holiday. 7 p.m. at The “Déjà Vu,” Art Exhibit. Various times Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. The at at the Torpedo Factory, 105 North Capital Hearings, Washington, D.C.’s SUNDAY/DEC. 17 Union St., Studio 29. Potomac Fiber most versatile a cappella ensemble, The Mount Vernon Flutes. 2 p.m. at Arts Gallery show “Déjà Vu,” will entertain with their anchor The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. This highlights the work of artists holiday concert that includes the small ensemble from the Mount Elizabeth Davison, Elise Miller, and premiere of “It Sifts from Leaden Vernon Concert Band will perform Dianne Harris Thomas. Visit Sieves,” composed by Rachel DeVore holiday songs in the gallery. Free. torpedofactory.org. Fogarty, the winner of the 2017 Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548- Capital Hearings Young Composers 0035. Competition. Visit www.nvfaa.org or Cookies with Santa. 4-5:30 p.m. at SATURDAY/JAN. 13 call 703-548-0035. the Union Street Public House, 121 Watercolor Workshop: Painting South Union St. Meet with Santa and on Yupo. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Mrs. Claus. Visit Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green TUESDAY/DEC. 12 www.unionstreetpublichouse.com. Spring Road. Paint on slick plastic Homeschool Programs with Celtic Christmas with Iona. 7 p.m. called yupo with in–structor Marni Historic Alexandria . Each class at the George Washington Masonic Maree. $90. Visit offers two sessions, 10-11:30 a.m. or Memorial 101 Callahan Drive. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ 1-2:30 p.m. Class is “Ship Science” at Sponsored by FocusMusic. $15/18 at parktakes or call 703-642-5173. the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, door. Email [email protected] or 105 N. Union St., #327. Use call 703-380-3151. dendrochronology and other THURSDAY/JAN. 18 scientific methods to uncover the Air Force Band Concert. 8 p.m. at mystery behind Alexandria’s 18th- MONDAY/DEC. 18 Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall century ship discovered along the Ballroom Dance Classes. 7 p.m. at 4915 East Campus Drive. Special waterfront. Visit The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Led appearance by tubist Patrick shop.alexandriava.gov. by Gary Stephans on Fox Trot, Waltz, Sheridan. Visit www.nvcc.edu/ Meet the Mystery Author. 7 p.m. at Tango, Swing, Salsa, Merengue, schlesingercenter/. Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rumba, Cha-Cha and Samba. Visit Exp. 12/31/17 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 17 News Transforming Woodlawn

From Page 4 “farm-stands-on-wheels that distribute local, nization created by Washington, D.C. restaurateur sustainably produced food to underserved commu- Michael Babin in 2010. A year later, Arcadia began nities in the Washington, D.C. area.” A converted, a small educational and sustainable farming opera- lime-green school bus regularly visits low-income and tion next to the Woodlawn mansion called the Hill- “food-insecure” neighborhoods to sell high quality, top Farm. The size of Arcadia’s operation increased affordably priced farm products. Included are not only dramatically in late 2015 when the National Trust produce from the Woodlawn operation, but also leased the former Woodlawn Stables acreage to goods from other area farms — grass-fed and pas- Arcadia. The organization broke ground on what tured beef, pork, organic milk, cheese, handmade Collins calls the “lower” or Dogue Run Farm in March bread and honey. Arcadia reasonably prices the pro- 2016. duce and accepts food stamps. During this year’s sea- The crop production and educational uses at the son, the Mobile Market regularly has visited 13 loca- 2.3-acre Dogue Run operation resulted in a banner tions in the District and one in Falls Church, Va. The year for Arcadia in 2016. Collins and her volunteer program has delivered 75 percent of Arcadia’s 2017 crew of 67 harvested nearly 21,000 pounds of pro- production to those communities. duce from 23 crops and 56 varieties. Three thou- Also, as reported in the Gazette last June, Arcadia sand pounds of watermelon boosted the total, but trains military veterans in the science and business 3,800 pounds of tomatoes, 2,500 pounds of sum- of farming. Two programs are available: salaried fel- mer squash, and 2,600 pounds of cucumbers formed lowships for on-site, hands-on learning; and a “re- a sizeable harvest. Other vegetables included basil, serve” option in which enrollees work on the farm green beans, scallions and turnips. once a month. Arcadia’s hope is to help replenish the Last year Arcadia donated some of the produce to nation’s decline of people working on small farms. United Community Ministries and other good-works Arcadia is planning for an onsite farm stand next organizations, sold some to restaurants, and, most season to be overseen by LaRon Murrell, the Hilltop importantly, produced 82,000 servings of fresh and farm manager and a U.S. Army veteran, further bind- healthy food for underserved neighborhoods. Addi- ing Arcadia to the neighborhood. tionally, the two farms hosted field trips for 1,450 Arcadia Farm, Woodlawn and the National Trust students from 24 schools, and farm staff and volun- have created an agricultural environment that has teers visited 10 schools and talked to 1,000 children. parallels to that of dozens of Quaker families who All in all, Collins and her helpers quadrupled moved to the area after the Troth-Gillingham pur- Arcadias’ annual production from 2015 to 2016. chase of Woodlawn in 1846. The Friends were intent During the 2017 season, Arcadia harvested 27,000 on creating an agricultural society that wasn’t based pounds of produce, up 6,000 from 2016. The in- on slave labor. They started myriad small farms, crease came from the efforts of more than 100 vol- opened and staffed schools, started businesses, op- unteers who contributed over 2,000 hours of labor erated a shipyard at the mouth of Accotink Creek and at Dogue Run Farm. Pam Hess, Arcadia’s executive founded the Woodlawn Horse Company to protect director, said the 2017 effort translates to 113,000 residents from horse thieves. The success of the servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. Friends revitalized southeast Fairfax County, and A facet of Arcadia’s program is the Mobile Mar- Arcadia and the National Trust are bringing those kets initiative, which Arcadia’s website describes as accomplishments back to life at Woodlawn.

Obituary James Edward Martin ames Edward Martin, 93, of during World politan Police until his retirement, JAlexandria, died on Friday, War II. He be- after which he was an administra- Nov. 24, 2017. He was the gan his police tive assistant with Fairfax County beloved husband of the late Betty career on the Schools. Martin; father of Donna Breeding, Alexandria Po- In lieu of flowers, memorial con- Sandy Brown and Edward “Marty” lice Force sub- tributions may be made to The Martin; grandfather of five and sequently Leukemia and Lymphoma Society great-grandfather of five. serving with of Alexandria. Visit www.lls.org/ Mr. Martin served in the Navy the DC Metro- national-capital-area.

18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Business Directory Context of WWW.CONNECTIONNEWSPAPERS.COM Having Written From Page 6 To Advertise Your Business, Call Karen at 703-778-9422

❖ Good Shepherd Housing and Family ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL LANDSCAPING By KENNETH B. LOURIE Services, 8305-17B Richmond Highway, PO Good is not Box 15096, Alexandria, VA, 22309. 703-768- I don’t want to self-indulge too much 9419, www.goodhousing.org/. The mission of good, where about last week’s column but, sometimes in Good Shepherd Housing (GSH) is to reduce better is my unexpressed desire to fulfill my writing homelessness, increase community support, and expected. obligation/not let me cancer/cancer treatment promote self-sufficiency. GSH housing manages affect my schedule, I write my column under more than 70 housing units. -Thomas Fuller less-than-ideal circumstances. ❖ Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Post chemotherapy/(last week) – the imme- Washington Fairfax Area operates clubs in diate week after, is about as challenging as it two of the neediest areas of the county, Culmore LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING gets for me. I’m a bit irritable. I’m a bit out of and Mount Vernon/ Route 1 corridor, focusing on character and academic success. sync/unable to focus. I’m somewhat impa- www.bgcgw.org/fairfax. tient. My hands are shaky. My eyes are ❖ Christian Relief Services, 8301 RIchmond GUTTER GUTTER “squinty.” I’m hungry yet I can’t eat. My self- Highway, Suite 900, Alexandria, VA 22309, 703- editing skills are below average – more than 317-9086, 703-317-9690, christianrelief.org/ usual. And finally, my reading comprehension ❖ Friends of Guest House Northern Virginia is mostly lost in the toxic haze. Still, I’m deter- offers structure, supervision, support and mined to make my deadline. assistance to female ex-offenders who want to Not that any of the preceding paragraph is improve their lives and break the cycle of an excuse. It’s more of an explanation as to incarceration. Friends of Guest House offers the why a column written with the best of inten- only program for women of its kind in Northern tions may have missed the mark in tone and Virginia. One East Luray Ave., Alexandria, VA substance. Though I’ve not received any feed- 22301-2025, 703-549-8072, back as yet confirming my sense of what I had [email protected], friendsofguesthouse.org/ written last week; nevertheless, my feeling ❖ Wright to Read 703-299-9854, upon submitting it to editorial was that I had www.wrighttoread.org. Provides volunteer- IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS wavered a bit. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the based, one-to-one tutoring and mentoring to balance emotionally or the ability physically to City of Alexandria public elementary school assess its content. I apologize in arrears for children in need. Funds are needed to provide attempting to maintain its regularity. field trips and enrichment activities, books and LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING And to that point, specifically to that word, other resources. For more information about that’s what my attitude as a cancer patient has Wright to Read and becoming a “Tutor/Mentor” been about: regularity. Doing the things that I see website. ❖ regularly/normally/typically do without deviat- Habitat for Humanity of Northern ing from my norm. Because for me, deviating Virginia transforms the lives of lower-income from my norm, living/doing outside of my box families in need by providing affordable homeownership opportunities in Alexandria, – within reason, would be – to me anyway, Arlington, Fairfax and Falls Church. Learn more reinforcing the negative that is most definitely at www.habitatnova.org. a cancer diagnosis. A diagnosis with which I ❖ Alice’s Kids (@alicewillhelp), aliceskids.org, have long ago made my peace, made my P.O. Box 60, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. When a choices and moreover, made my it goal to child is raised in poverty they suffer both face the present/future with a positive attitude publicly and privately. When there is no food in infused with as much self-effacing good the refrigerator, no electricity nor heat, these are TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE humor as possible. It’s nothing I really did hardships that they can keep hidden from their intentionally, it is simply who I am: my father’s peers. But, when that same child can’t afford to son, with inherited sensibilities to live my life pay for the band field trip, a pair of glasses, a thinking the glass is half full, until it’s not. chorus outfit or a new pair of shoes, these are And so far, nearly nine years into a “13 indignities that are evident to their classmates. Alice’s Kids pays for these relatively inexpensive month to two-year” prognosis, I’m living proof items in the hopes of preserving the dignity of that either whatever I’m doing is working (and the child. Alice’s Kids helps children from all there’s a bit more to the story) or I’m an over the Mount Vernon area through small acts incredibly lucky act of kindness for which of kindness. there’s no quantifiable explanation. ❖ The Community Foundation of Northern Regardless, I’m not the least bit inclined to Virginia has launched its Permanent Fund look a gift horse in the mouth and/or deny the campaign, a community endowment which is a possibility that my tumors are necrotic (dead). forever source to provide critical support for I’m very happy to accept the inexplicable fact those in need in the Northern Virginia region; that, statistically speaking, I’m an official Consider leaving a legacy through a current or anomaly: a stage IV, non-small cell lung can- planned gift to the Permanent Fund at the cer survivor. Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. www.cfnova.org/permanentfund. However, since I’m not one to presume ❖ The Historic Pohick Church Foundation, facts not yet in evidence, I’m still infused 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079, every six weeks, scanned quarterly and seen 703-339-6572. The Historic Pohick Church, by my oncologist every three months. I don’t listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for a second believe that somehow, after has played a central role in the history of our being diagnosed with a “terminal disease” in country, founded by George Washington, George late February 2009, that life goes merrily along Mason, and others. The Historic Pohick Church without consequences. Not that I’m a fatalist – Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable corporation Rebecca, I’m merely evaluat- that was established in 1983 for the ing/introspecting/compartmentalizing and allo- maintenance, upkeep, and preservation of the cating precious emotional resources so I can historic colonial-era Pohick Church building and live my life as I’m accustomed to doing. the surrounding churchyard. ❖ Rising Hope, 8220 Russell Road, Alexandria, And what I’m most accustomed to doing, VA 22309, risinghopeumc.org. Supports poor especially dating back to December 1997, is and homeless people along the Route 1 writing a weekly column for Connection Corridor. To volunteer, donate in-kind Newspapers. Though the columns published contributions or partner with Rising Hope in previous to June ‘09 were not “cancer” col- other ways, contact Kat Roman at umns, as we call them, they were nonetheless [email protected] or 703-360-1976. written with the same passion and nonsensical ❖ The Literacy Council of Northern TILE / MARBLE TILE / MARBLE prose as my “cancer” columns are. So, gener- Virginia, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, ally speaking, I am able, as my brother Virginia 22042, 703-237-0866, lcnv.org, teaches Richard says, “to churn out the dribble.” adults to speak, read, write and understand Still, writing is not like reading. Though a English at the most basic level. The organization similar commitment is needed, writing has been around for 55 years, and serves Fairfax and Arlington Counties and the cities of Falls requires a bit more effort. And it’s been an Church and Alexandria. Most of the students are effort I’ve sustained before, after and during immigrants, and they are mostly women, and my lung cancer diagnosis. Some weeks are low income. harder than others. Last week was difficult. ❖ Neighborhood Health Clinics, This week not so much. www.neighborhoodhealthva.org, Improving Perhaps you agree? health and advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax by providing access to Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. high quality care regardless of ability to pay. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 ❖ 19 20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ December 7-13, 2017 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com