Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper November 29, 2012 Fee Could Make Impact Should Fairfax County create

Photos by new transportation impact fee?

By Michael Lee Pope oped,” said Jim Davis, co-chair- The Gazette man of the Mount Vernon Council Louise Krafft of Citizens Associations. “It is im- owhere is the idea of a perative that we do have a more Ntransportation impact balanced system to spur growth fee more popular than and have a way to mitigate things the clogged Route 1 corridor, that can degrade the quality of life /The Gazette where the Wal-Mart at Kings here.” Crossing has added to the gridlock The idea has yet to receive for- that has long plagued the region. mal consideration, although Because the developer did not ask people have been talking about it for increased density or other vari- informally since last spring. The Finn Higgins looks over the Christmas tree that his parents Kathy and Mark ances, no rezoning was needed. Southeast Fairfax Development selected. With the Higgins are volunteers Sylvain and Caroline Richard. And because Corporation the project was has not yet developed “by- “It is imperative that formally con- Signs of the Season right,” county sidered the olunteers gathered at Saint Aidan’s last week awaiting officials were we do have a more idea, and so the arrival of Fraser fir trees from North Carolina. The not able to use balanced system to the organiza- Vtrees and wreaths will be on sale weekends through Dec. the proffer sys- tion does not 9. Six local schools — Riverside, Hollin Meadows, tem to ask de- spur growth and have a posi- Waynewood, Fort Hunt, Stratford and Hybla Valley — are partici- veloper J.B.G. tion. But presi- pating in a giveback program. Ten percent of the purchase price will Rosenfeld for have a way to dent David be donated to the respective PTA. Coupons are available in the main the money Versel says the office of each of the schools. Saint Aidan’s is located at 8531 River- needed to ex- mitigate things that idea is likely to side Road. tend the turn generate a va- lane into the can degrade the riety of re- Caroline Richard adjusts a popular retail sponses. decoration on one of the mega-store. quality of life here.” “If you are wreaths for sale at the church. Enter the im- — Jim Davis, co-chairman, talking to pact fee. Mount Vernon Council of somebody If Fairfax Citizens Associations. who owns a County created property who a new trans- wants to do portation impact fee, county offi- something by-right, then I would cials could charge the developer have to believe they would not for the cost of the turn lane — re- support paying an impact fee they gardless of whether a rezoning currently don’t have to pay,” said was needed or not. It’s an idea Versel. “But maybe there’s another that’s gaining popularity in Mount business that wants to see traffic Vernon, where the gridlock at improved, and they would support Kings Crossing has created a lin- it. gering distaste for the shortcom- ings of the proffer system. SINCE 1989, the county has had “I think it’s a fair way of dealing the authority to levy impact fees. with by-right development, and I But the Fairfax County Board of certainly don’t think that it would Supervisors never took advantage

keep a project from being devel- See Fee Could, Page 5

11/30/12

Requested in home in Requested

material.

Time-sensitive

Postmaster:

Attention

Permit #482 Permit

Alexandria, VA Alexandria,

Volunteers Bill and Kyle White, Charles and Caleb Sims and Caroline Richard. PAID

U.S. Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Backstage at the Ballet

inal dress rehearsals are underway the performance. Students from the follow- for this weekend’s performances of ing Fairfax County public schools are rep- F“The Nutcracker.” West Potomac resented in the production: Belle View, Fort Academy and Alexandria Commu- Hunt, Hollin Meadows, Stratford Landing, nity Dance are teaming up to present their Washington Mill, and Waynewood elemen- fourth annual joint performance of “The tary schools; Sandburg Middle School, and Nutcracker,” the traditional holiday story West Potomac High School. Performers with a modern twist, on Nov. 29, 30, and range in age from four years old to adult. Dec. 1, at West Potomac High School. Alexandria Community Dance has a Four shows will be performed: Thursday, business partnership with West Potomac Nov. 29, at 5 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 Academy. p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2:30 and Groups are welcome to attend the per- 6:30 p.m. formances. For the first time, residents from West Potomac Academy’s Dance students Paul Spring Retirement Community will will participate in the entire production, attend a performance, followed by a meet- both on stage and behind the scenes, and and-greet with the performers. Advanced Dance students will have featured Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for performances. The performance will include adults in advance, or $12 for students and $15 ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and for adults at the door. For more information hip-hop dance and gymnastics. and tickets, visit www.alexandriadance.com. More than 100 dancers from the Alexan- dria area of Fairfax County auditioned for Photos by Louise Krafft/The Gazette

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 3 4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Photos by Louise Krafft/The Gazette

Kyle Hayden carries a tree selected by the Karlisch family to the trimming station. Kiwanis Holds Annual Holiday Tree Sale he trucks pulled into the parking lot at Tthe Belle View Shopping center early Sat- urday morning, Nov. 24, laden with Fraser firs, wreaths and garlands. Mount Vernon Kiwanis members spent the morning sorting trees by size and setting up for the annual tree sale. All pro- Chair of the annual Mount Vernon ceeds of the sales support local charities and Kiwanis Christmas Tree sale Paul Mehler schools in the Mount Vernon area. watches as Dick Peterson trims the base of an 8-foot Frasier fir tree. Fee Could Make Impact From Page 1 of that power. When board members considered whether or not to adopt such a system several years ago, the elected officials determined that they wanted to stay with the current proffer system rather than trying to create a hybrid system with both. “I think if we tried to do both, we would end up with a classic battle with our development commu- nity,” said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland in an interview last year. “We came to the conclusion many years ago that we would get more out of a proffer system, which is why we decided to go that route.” Now the gridlock created at Kings Crossing has reopened the Board of Supervisors’ long-standing decision against seeking impact fees. Last year, the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations passed a resolution urging the Board of Supervisors to im- post impact fees on any development needing a build- Photo by ing permit. Once a fee system had been created, the resolution suggested, county officials could use the revenue to pay for “building reasonable transporta- Louise Krafft tion infrastructure to benefit the development.” Hyland’s office responded with a memorandum out- lining concerns about redeveloping the Route 1 cor- ridor. “Staff is concerned that an impact fee program would apply to all redevelopment in the corridor,” /The Gazette the memo reported. “Impact fees may discourage redevelopment in this area and undermine the county’s goal to foster redevelopment in this desig- nated commercial revitalization area.” Back-ups on the left-turn lane at the MANY MOUNT VERNON residents say the impact Kings Crossing Wal-Mart have added to fee is a desperately needed tool that should be used existing gridlock on Route 1. when developers do not need to rezone. Without it, they say, residents are stuck with gridlock and tax- “If by-right development does not improve trans- payers are eventually handed a bill to fix the prob- portation infrastructure, it should not be built,” wrote lem. Those who are pushing for the creation of an Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Association Trans- impact fee say concerns about redevelopment should portation Committee Chairwoman Catherine take a backseat to concerns about quality of life. Voorhees. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 5 Focus on Immigration Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits Immersion, ESOL programs aim to “We highly value the diversity of our take advantage of area cultures. population, because it’s advantageous for our students to grow up here, By Alex McVeigh THE PROGRAM AT COLIN The Gazette POWELL was designed to as global citizens.” take advantage of the s Fairfax County has ex- area’s large Korean — Teddi Predaris, director of the county’s Office perienced massive population. The Ko- of Language Acquisition Agrowth in its interna- rean students who tional population, its ef- are in the pro- fects have spread to its educational gram all could institutions. Forty-four percent of speak a little the Fairfax County Public Schools English students come from homes that speak a language other than En- glish, which includes 160 differ- ent languages. 38,760 Fairfax In 2006, the county came up County elementary with the goal to eventually have school students (44 all graduates be able to commu- percent) speak a nicate in two languages. The language other than county currently offers 11 English at home. different languages. “We highly value the diversity of our popu- lation, because it’s advantageous for our students to grow up here, as global citizens,” said Teddi Predaris, director of the county’s Office of Language Ac- quisition. “We believe it’s a huge asset for our students in their fu- ture endeavors.” Approximately 28 percent of the county’s current population are foreign born, with Spanish, Ko- rean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Urdu “The program is a and Chinese/Mandarin being the niche that fits very well most common languages spoken in our community. For in the homes of elementary school the native English speak- students. ers, it helps them under- The county’s kindergarten two- stand more about the culture way immersion program is one of the people they share the method used by schools to take community with every day. It gives advantage of increasing diversity. everyone more understanding of The program consists of half En- the people that walk through our glish speakers and half who speak doors every day,” said Principal recess allow the the immersion language. Linda Clifford. “Walking into a Spanish speakers to “In this program, the teachers classroom the other day, I was talk among themselves, and students are language mod- amazed at how many non-Korean which helps open them els for each other, and they spend students were able to understand up. Children learn most of half the day working at each lan- Korean very well.” their language from each guage,” Predaris said. “Our crite- Clifford said she hopes in future other, so having native ria for adding these programs is years that the school can expand speakers of both lan- having a large enough population the program beyond kindergarten, guages helps both groups of the non-English speaking group eventually to every grade at the immensely. Each group of na- to make a 50-50 mix possible. This school. The school also offers an tive speakers gets to be the lan- is one of the models we hope to after school program to all stu- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL guage role model for half a day, ATTENDANCE AREAS expand in coming years.” dents who are interested in learn- Students who speak a language with the other students learning The county has five Spanish ing Korean, and they even have a other than English at home from them. It really boosts their kindergarten two-way immersion pre-school program to teach im- math and science in of English skills, de- confidence.” programs, at Bailey’s, Braddock, migrant families about school pro- their native language. As a mag- pending on where they come Lake Anne, London Towne and grams and other information they net school, students from across from,” said Assistant Principal COUNTY SCHOOLS also feature Rose Hill Elementary Schools. might not otherwise be familiar the county can apply, which the Rachel Charlton. “Some come immersion programs in Japanese, New this year is a Korean two- with before their children start school uses mainly to fill its En- from very rural areas where they German and French at elementary way immersion school at Colin school. glish-speaking requirement. have little to no schooling. There’s and middle schools. Powell Elementary School in Students in the program at “The native Spanish speakers always a silent period in the be- Another area of growth has been Centreville. Bailey’s Elementary take health, come to Bailey’s with a wide range ginning, but periods like lunch and the county’s English for Speakers

6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com “Marshall has an international student body from of Other Languages program, George C. all walks of life, which started 35 years ago with Marshall 300 students. Since then it has High School from the four seen a steady increase, with has a student 15,000 in fiscal year 2001 and population corners of the 31,000 this year. representing Janet Funk, principal of Gunston more than 90 world … We are Elementary School in Lorton, nations. where approximately 300 students the face of what come from a home where another Fairfax County is language is spoken, says everyday interaction with new cultures is an in 2012.” important part of early education. — George C. Marshall High “Interesting conversations can Photo by be heard in the lunchroom, espe- Donna Manz/ School Principal Jay cially when students from other The Gazette Pearson countries bring their food from home. Children are very interested in bringing their favorite foods, which naturally flows to a discus- Marshall High Is the Face of Fairfax County sion of traditions and celebra- tions,” she said. “With these infor- Viewpoints mal discussions, the students learn Ninety-plus countries represented the importance of accepting class- by student population. mates for who they are. This sup- What was your biggest concern or fear ports our goal of cultural accep- tance an collaborative interaction By Donna Manz lected group of students said in when moving to U.S. schools? among our school community.” The Gazette the recent discussion with —Donna Manz But with such diversity comes Pearson and an interviewer. In the Kasthury challenges, especially when it he schools that feed into U.S., the students said, you have Paramiswaran, comes to Standards of Learning TGeorge C. Marshall High extracurricular programs that en- senior, tests. School are the academic hance the total person. What the Malaysia “Classroom teachers and ESOL home to children from all over the U.S. does not have, however, that “I had a close teachers work diligently to help world. It’s not surprising, then, international schools stress, is an group of friends Jia Loh, the students learn the English lan- that Marshall is an international emphasis on foreign language flu- there and I didn’t senior, guage. Many of our students from community, a Tysons Corner ency. know anybody Malaysia other countries are still learning United Nations, so to speak. Many English is a compulsory curricu- here,” on leaving Malaysia when “My English and are reading below of the students come for the pres- lum in many school systems the she had made friends in her biggest fear grade level expectations,” Funk tigious I.B. (International Bacca- world over. Some students, such native high school. “I still work was finding said. “These students receive read- laureate), but most are in the as Kasthury Paramiswaran, a very hard in my [I.B.] classes.” friends. Still ing instruction in the classroom Marshall district, which embraces Marshall senior from Malaysia, find it hard setting and the ESOL classroom. students from Tysons to the far- speak multiple languages, fluent to join cliques. Most of my They are receiving a ‘double’ dose reaches of Vienna. From Italian to in each. Kasthury’s family moved Dalila Ferrara, friends are international of reading on a regularly sched- Swahili, there is a myriad of lan- around the world as part of her junior, Italy students. I’m still working uled basis. However, when it guages native to Marshall’s stu- father’s job, and Kasthury mas- “Actually, I was on that part of the transi- comes time to take the SOL tests, dents, who represent more than tered four languages in her jour- really happy to tion. My dream is to find a they are required to take the test 90 nations. neys. She said she still works very move here. My high-paying job I like, on grade level in a language in “Marshall has an international hard in her I.B. subjects, getting only fear was accounting or law.” which they are not proficient.” student body from all walks of “A”s in every one of her classes. that I wouldn’t be In Virginia, SOL tests must be life, from the four corners of the She is applying to colleges in the accepted. That taken in English, but in Texas, for world,” said principal Jay United Kingdom and the Nether- didn’t happen. My biggest dream Amber example, standardized tests can be Pearson. “Our kids cross so many lands. is to get an MBA from Harvard.” Holder, taken in Spanish. boundaries. We don’t refer to it Jia Loh, a Malaysian native who senior, as ‘diversity,’” Pearson said. “For has been in the U.S. for two years, Panama CHANGES to the state’s licensure our students, this is the norm. said the transition to schools here Millan Mbise, “My requirements this year have also These kids are very accustomed was “hard,” even though the aca- senior, biggest fear caused some difficulties. This year, to moving between groups of stu- demic environment is less intense Tanzania was that I the state required teachers in el- dents from everywhere, so, there than in Malaysia. “The cultural wouldn’t ementary school programs to not aren’t ‘cliques.’ “I had to adjust to different cul- aspect. For have the same friends only be licensed in their language, “We are the face of what Fairfax tures. It was hard to find friends example, in throughout my academic but also for elementary education. County is in 2012.” who share my culture.” Tanzania there is career. My dream is to “We’ve struggled this year due Dalila Ferrara’s family moved little interaction establish a music education to the new requirement,” Charlton FIVE INVITED STUDENTS around Italy; her father is in the with teachers. The teachers are system that would produce said. “We’ve had to use some long- gathered in a roundtable discus- military there. In the early 1990s, strict, classes are very intense. It’s more diverse, well-rounded term subs until as recently as two sion at Marshall recently. What he was assigned to a U.S. base in not like that here. I played varsity musicians, not just musi- or three weeks ago before we had they agreed on is that American Texas and his experience there was soccer last year and that helped cians who are skilled in just enough full time teachers that met schools are less-intense academi- not a good one. “He warned me me a lot with the transition to one instrument.” qualifications. Now I think the uni- cally, less-academically pressuring not to tell people I’m Italian,” Dalila Marshall. versities are aware of the change, than schools outside the U.S. In said. “He told me not to be proud- “I figured out what I wanted to so it might be better in future other countries, it is academics- do with my life when I moved years, but it can definitely make it only that define your future, a se- See Curriculum, Page 21 here. I want to be a pharmacist.” difficult to find people.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 7 Opinion

www.MountVernonGazette.com Learning in a Global Community @MtVernonGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages. to homes and businesses. Middle School cafeteria. Published by Fairfax County Public Schools Superinten- Local Media Connection LLC

his week our ongoing series about own languages and some with limited previ- dent Jack Dale will be retiring in June of 2013. 1606 King Street immigration in Fairfax County ous education in any language. The parents of The School Board has hired a search firm, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 takes a look at county schools and these students are similarly varied. Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, which T Free digital edition delivered to some of the joys and challenges of Meanwhile, representation of Latino and will be gathering community input. Many of your email box. Go to having a diverse student body that speaks as African American students in Fairfax County’s the challenges facing the new superintendent connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe many as 160 different languages at home. top instructional centers for gifted students lags will revolve around growing diversity, and a

Find the series compiled online at http:// dramatically. track record of open communication and NEWS DEPARTMENT: www.connectionnewspapers.com/ FCPS is conducting two critical sets achievement in this will be key to success. To discuss ideas and concerns, news/Immigration/ of public meetings this week and next. Call: 703-778-9410 Editorial e-mail: For the director of language acquisi- The call for public input is not specifi- SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH [email protected] tion in Fairfax County Public Schools, cally about growing diversity in the COMMUNITY MEETINGS the 44 percent of students who speak a for- schools, but related challenges make both the ❖ Dec. 3 - 7 p.m., cafeteria, South County HS, 8501 Steven Mauren Silverbrook Road, Lorton, VA 22079 Editor, 703-778-9415 eign language at home present an opportunity possible expansion of centers for the county’s ❖ Dec. 4 - 7 p.m., cafeteria, Langley HS, 6520 [email protected] to create language immersion classes where most talented students and the selection of a Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101 half a kindergarten is learning Spanish or Ko- new superintendent of schools that much more ❖ Dec. 5 - 7 p.m., cafeteria, Robinson SS, 5035 Michael Lee Pope Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22032 Reporter, 703-615-0960 rean while the other half is learning English. important. ❖ Dec. 6 - 10 a.m. Gatehouse Administration Center, [email protected] For principals of some elementary schools A fast moving proposal to expand the num- 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 @MichaelLeePope where more than half of their students are not ber of centers to provide “advanced academic” Room 1600 ❖ Dec. 6 - 7 p.m., cafeteria, Annandale HS, 4700 Jeanne Theismann proficient in English, the need to have students services is the topic of meetings this week. The Medford Drive, Annandale, VA 22003 703-778-9436 meet benchmarks in a variety of subjects is a meetings will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, ❖ Dec. 6 - 7 p.m., cafeteria, Groveton Elementary [email protected] relentless process. In addition to limited En- Nov. 27, in the Westfield High School cafete- School, 6900 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306 @TheismannMedia ❖ Dec. 7 - 1 p.m., Gatehouse Administration Center, glish, immigrant students come from varied ria; Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the Lee High School 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 Jon Roetman backgrounds, some with good basics in their cafeteria; Thursday, Nov. 29, in the Kilmer Room 1600 Sports Editor, 703-224-3015 [email protected] Letters to the Editor @jonroetman

tionally most beneficial way to buy and con- Louise Krafft Praise for Offering Some sume food.” My position is that consumers may Photographer Cub Pack 1504 Healthy Corrections want to consider buying some foods known, [email protected] when grown conventionally, to contain signifi- To the Editor: To the Editor: cant pesticides. See the Dirty Dozen and Clean ADVERTISING: I commend Cub Scout Pack 1504 for their I was pleased to see the Mount Vernon Ga- 15 from the Environmental Working Group: For advertising information compassion and dedication in conducting an zette cover the recent American Association of e-mail: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/. [email protected] annual food drive to serve our neighbors in University Women (AAUW) showing of the However, I don’t believe it’s necessary at this need. Last year over one ton of food was col- movie “Food, Inc.” with a panel discussion in point to buy all so-called organic foods to eat Julie Ferrill lected from giving neighbors and given to which I took part (“Taste Trumps Nutrition,” Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 healthfully. [email protected] UCM. Nov. 23), however, several corrections to the ❖ I provided several statistics about diabe- To all members of Cub Scout Pack 1504, keep article are in order. tes which were cited incorrectly. The follow- Helen Walutes up the exemplary service to our neighbors in ❖ The title insinuates nutritious, unproc- Display Advertising, 703-224-3028 ing are correct: Nearly 80 million Americans [email protected] need. Your service to them and our communi- essed healthy foods and meals can’t be healthy. have prediabetes. About 50 percent of Ameri- ties are invaluable. Thanks again. Reality is they can. With a bit of effort people cans over 65 years of age have prediabetes. Andrea Smith don’t have to choose between taste and nutri- Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 [email protected] Frank Medico tion. Mount Vernon ❖ I did not make the statement that organi- See Letters, Page 9 Debbie Funk cally grown foods are the “safest and nutri- National Sales 703-778-9444 Fox Trot [email protected]

Publisher Jerry Vernon [email protected]

Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm 703-778-9433 [email protected] Photos by @MaryKimm

Editor in Chief Steven Mauren Art/Design: Tracy Hutchison Laurence Foong, John Heinly Production Manager: Jean Card Geovani Flores

CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 Circulation Manager: Ann Oliver More than 500 people — and dogs — gathered on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Fort Hunt Park for Fort Hunt Elementary [email protected] School’s 11th Annual One Mile Thanksgiving Fox Trot. The after-school running club, the Fleet Foxes, their fami- lies and friends from neighboring schools gathered for the one mile race. At left, Jackson Culver and Cory Culver cross the finish line. At right, Fort Hunt Elementary School third grade teacher Barbara Bonnet crosses the finish A Connection Newspaper line with her dog.

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

From Page 8

Children born after the year 2000 have a 1 in 3 chance of develop- ing type 2 diabetes and minority children (African American, His- panic Americans, etc.) have a 1 in 2 chance. The source for these sta- tistics and many others about dia- betes is the CDC’s National Diabe- tes Fact Sheet, 2011 http:// www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ ndfs_2011.pdf Thanks to the Gazette for cov- Put Us to erage of this important topic. The Test Hope Warshaw, MMSc, ❦ RD, CDE Selection Alexandria ❦ Service ❦ Write Price The Gazette welcomes views on any public issue. The deadline for all material is Come Taste the Difference noon Friday. Letters must be signed. Include home address Two Convenient Alexandria Locations and home and business numbers. Send to: Open 7 days a week

Letters to the Editor Bradlee Belle View The Gazette 3690J King Street 1600A Belle View Blvd. 1606 King St. Alexandria VA 22314 703.820.8600 571.384.6880 Call 703-917-6444 Email [email protected] www.unwinedva.com

Be a Part of CHILDREN’S (& TEENS’) Funeral & Cremation GAZETTE Every year Services between Christ- mas and New Year’s, The Mount Vernon Gazette turns its pages over to the contri- butions of local students. We are seeking artwork, photography, poetry, opinions, short stories and reflections. We welcome contribu- tions from public schools, private Jefferson Funeral Chapel schools and stu- 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315 dents who are home schooled. E-mail to: 703-971-7400 gazette@con nectionnews • Local Family OwnedOperated. papers.com, or mail (.jpg and text • Convenient to Neighborhoods. files on disc only) • New Facility/ Full Service Funeral Home by Dec. 5, to 1606 King St., with Traditional Chapel and Large Alexandria, VA Visitation Rooms. 22314. Please be sure to include the • Substantial Savings without Sacrificing the student’s name, Quality of Caring Service. age, grade, school and town of resi- • Courtliest and Professional Caring Staff. dence along with each submission. For information, Please call for your free brochure call 703-778-9410. at no obligation to you.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 9 8718 Linton Lane, Alexandria, VA 22308 News Poetry $540,000 Best Value in Mount Vernon! She Remembers Remodeled center hall colonial the Splendor on treed lot with over 2,600 She remembers the splendor, sq ft. Finished, hardwood when we reminisce floors on two levels, walk out Of moments so tender and Rec room and cozy family innocent trysts room off country kitchen. And when she, relenting, permitted a kiss But nothing more intimate Steve Deleyiannis rendered than this Cell: 703-966-6062 The other contenders she gently dismissed Owned and operated by NRT, LLC The endless temptations she learned to resist ‘Til sprays of carnations affixed to her wrist Conveyed approbation of imminent bliss

The clergyman’s sermon on love in our midst Her splendid attendants and Photo by Diana Hill friends she would miss Stop Hunger Now Her twittering sisters all fit to assist On Sunday Nov. 4, Messiah Lutheran Church hosted a Should anything, Heaven “Stop Hunger Now” food packing event. More than 50 forbid, go amiss volunteers helped create 10,000 dehydrated packaged meals. In assembly line style, they packaged the ingredi- The ways that we’ve wended, ents, weighed the meals, sealed them, counted them for each bend and each twist boxing and sealed the boxes which were then put in the And blessings unending too truck to await delivery to hungry people around the many to list world. Members of Messiah church, its pastor, Robert Lewis, and members of the community participated in — John J. Finerty, Jr. this event as well as contributing donations.

10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 11 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 13 Holiday Entertainment Scottish Walk Weekend Events

he 42nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend kicks off the holiday T Photos by season Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 as more than 30,000 participants and families de- scend on Old Town for a weekend of fes-

tivities that is consistently ranked by the Jeanne Theismann Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events in the South. With the exception of the Del Ray Arti- sans Holiday Market, parade, tour of homes and Holiday Boat Parade, all listed events take place at the George Washington Ma-

/The Gazette sonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alex- andria.

FRIDAY/NOV. 30 Christmas Marketplace — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Heather and Greens sale — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will wrap up Deck the Halls With Santa, A Children’s Party Saturday’s festivities. — 1-3 p.m. Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market — reception 6-9 p.m., 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Drum major Taste of Scotland — 7 p.m. for Patrons Pub, 8 Brian Brendel p.m. general reception. salutes visit- ing dignitar- SATURDAY/DEC. 1 ies as the Holiday Homes Tours — 11 a.m.-4.p.m. Northern (various locations) Heather and Greens sale — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virginia Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market — 10 a.m. Firefighters to 4 p.m., 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Emerald Scottish Walk Parade — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Under the direction of drum major J.J. Massed Band finale — 1:30 p.m. at Market Society Pipe Square Band passes Powers, the City of Alexandria Pipes and Holiday Parade of Lights along the waterfront the reviewing Drums kick off last year's Scottish Walk — 5:15 p.m. stand. Parade in Old Town. SUNDAY/DEC. 2 Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market — noon to 4 p.m., 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.

Find more information on these and other holiday events at www.visitalexandriava.com.

Courtesy of Campagn

Megan Murchie-Beyma performs with the Thistle Dancers to begin

a Center the Mass Bands finale of the 2011 Scottish Walk Parade in front of Market Square.

14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment

E-mail announcements to gazette@ free concert is offered as a public connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and service. Call The United States Air Kwanzaa Celebration artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Force Band’s Concert Line at 202- The Alexandria Black History Museum and Culture King- Thursday at noon. 767-5658 or visit www.usafband.af.mil. dom Kids will host a Kwanzaa Celebration program on Book Signing. 6:30 p.m. Hooray for Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mu- THURSDAY/NOV. 29 Books is sponsoring a book signing at seum. The cost of admission for this event is $5. Torpedo Factory Art Center their store at 1555 King St. Author/ The museum’s annual program explores the history and Holiday Open House. 6-9 p.m. archaeologist Jordan Jacobs will be significance of Kwanzaa. Learn about the principles of Free. Join the Torpedo Factory Art signing copies of his book, Kwanzaa, a seven-day cultural celebration that begins Dec. Center’s artists for the annual “Samantha Sutton and the Labyrinth 26 and ends Jan. 1, and find out how to incorporate it into Holiday Open House. Shop for one- of Lies.” Hooray for Books is located your holiday season. The program will be produced by Cul- of-a-kind gifts while enjoying sweets at 1555 King Street. Visit ture Kingdom Kids. Jessica Smith, Director of Culture and savories from Bread & Chocolate. www.hooray4books.com or call 703- Kingdom Kids and a Kwanzaa expert, will lead participants Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. 548-4092. in learning fun ways to celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa Union St. Call 703-838-4565 or visit through a variety of creative games, interactive songs, dances www.torpedofactory.org. THROUGH NOV. 30 and hands-on crafts. Culture Kingdom Kids is an educational arts company that Art Exhibition. The Gallery at produces children’s programs celebrating African-American THURSDAY-FRIDAY/NOV. 29-30 Convergence presents “pitture e parole” (“Paintings and Words”), a cultures. Since 2010, Culture Kingdom Kids has promoted Will Downing. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: cultural pride and heritage awareness through fun and in- $69.50. Visit www.willdowning.com. solo exhibition from artist, Lynne Elizabeth Heiser. A portion of all teractive performances and workshops at schools, festivals, The Birchmere Music Hall is located community centers and museums. In 2011, Culture Kingdom at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Visit sales benefit Convergence programs Kids founder and owner Jessica Smith received the Africa www.birchmere.com or call 703-549- including Artist’s Way, Convergence 7500. Shared Artists Studios, and the Lab Showcase Award for Excellence in Children’s Cultural Pro- All Ages. Opening reception on Oct. 6 grams. In 2012, Smith was recognized as one of the Forty from 7-9 p.m. Email UNDER 40 by the Prince George’s County Social Innovation THURSDAY-SATURDAY/NOV. 29-DEC. 1 [email protected] or call Fund for her exceptional contributions in education through The Nutcracker. West Potomac 703-915-0917 to RSVP. Call 703-998- Culture Kingdom Kids. Visit www.culturekingdomkids.com. Academy and Alexandria Community 6260 or visit The Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Dance present their fourth annual www.convergenceccf.net. Wythe Street in Alexandria’s Parker-Gray Historic District joint performance of The Nutcracker, and is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 at West Potomac High School at FRIDAY-SATURDAY/NOV. 30-DEC. 1 p.m. Patrons needing special accommodation must notify the 6500 Quander Road. Thursday, Nov. museum two weeks prior to the event. The Museum is within 29, at 5 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 30, at Alexandria Harmonizers Holiday walking distance of the Braddock Road Metro on the Yellow 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 1, at Dinner Theater. Friday, 7:30 p.m.; and Blue Lines. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org. 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Featuring seasonal favorites in for students and $12 for adults in Alexandria, 2932 King St. Call 571- are among the items for sale. advance, or $12 for students and $15 caroling and choral masterpiece sets; FRIDAY-SUNDAY/NOV. 30-DEC. 2 a light hearted musical play starring 969-1377 or visit Heritage Presbyterian Church is for adults at the door. Visit www.harmonizers.org. located at 8503 Fort Hunt Road. One Del Ray Artisans’ 17th annual www.Alexandriadance.com. the one and only “Jack In The Box”; plus a delicious dinner served by Craft Sale. Heritage Presbyterian hundred percent of the proceeds go Holiday Market. Handmade work your singing Harmonizer waiters. Church will hold a “Made By The to support Heritage Presbyterian from local artists plus bake sale. FRIDAY/NOV. 30 Reserved table seating. Adults $30, Bell” Christmas Boutique on Nov. 30, Women’s outreach programs for Reception is on Friday, from 6-9 p.m. children $15, seniors $25. Purchase from 3-7 p.m. and on Dec. 1, from 9 children and women. Call 703-360- The hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Free Concert. 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening a.m. to 3 p.m. Handmade Christmas 9546. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on of music for Clarinet at The Lyceum tickets at www.harmonizers.org. Venue: First Baptist Church of décor, ornaments, hand knitted See Calendar, Page 16 located at 201 S. Washington St. This items, baked goods, and unique gifts

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 15 Calendar

Five of the small works from Target Gallery’s 5x5(x5) show. 5x5(x5) exhibition Target Gallery hosts 5x5(x5), which examines artwork on a very intimate scale, with all work being no larger than 5 inches in any direction. This all-media, juried exhibition includes 112 works by 68 artists and runs Dec. 8-30. Target Galler will host a reception Thursday, Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m.;, and a juror talk with Stefanie Fedor at 7 p.m. Target Gallery is located in the Tor- pedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street. Visit www.torpedofactory.org/target.

From Page 15 “Barbara Ann.” All are welcome. At of Nine Lessons and Carols is a Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 worship service celebrating the birth Sunday. Visit TheDelRayArtisans.org/ Sherwood Hall Lane. Call 703-765- of Jesus that is traditionally followed HolidayMarket. 4779 or email at Christmas. Contact Jason Abel at Artfête Weekend. Open house and [email protected]. [email protected] or 703-549-1450 holiday party celebrate expansion of Holiday Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ext. 104. Christ Church is located at Madison Annex. Exhibits of instructor Alexandria Unit 24, The American 118 N. Washington St. artwork, artist demos, a wearable art Legion Auxiliary, is having a holiday Photos with Santa Claus. 10 a.m.-3 runway show. Food and drinks are craft fair in Gadsby’s Tavern located p.m. Join Alexandria Firefighters & provided by Chadwick’s and at 400 Cameron St., featuring 20 Paramedics for photos with Santa Lavender Moon Cupcakery. Live crafters of wide variety and Claus at Firehouse 201 at 317 Prince music by Orquesta Tropikiimba. homemade baked goods. St. A $10 donation includes Ceramic and jewelry sales continue Christmas Walk. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll photograph with Santa in front of the throughout the weekend. Artfête through lovely properties in the historic 1863 “Champion” Steam holiday party is on Friday, Nov. 30, historic district of Alexandria dressed Engine in one of Alexandria’s oldest 6-9 p.m. Ceramic sale is noon-9 p.m. up for the holidays by acclaimed operating firehouses’ as well as a on Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on interior designers and local florists. credit for one medium resolution Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. on Part of the 42nd Annual Scottish digital image or one 4x6 print. All Sunday. Jewelry sale is noon-9 p.m. Christmas Walk Weekend, the images taken are available to view on Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on proceeds from the tour go directly online and reprints are affordably Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. on toward the programs of The priced starting at $2.99 for a 4x6. Sunday. At The Art League’s Madison Campagna Center. Purchase tickets at Proceeds benefit the Helping Hands Annex, 305 Madison St. Visit St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Relief Fund and the Alexandria Fire www.theartleague.org or call 703- Pitt St. Department Children’s Holiday Toy 683-2323. Concert. 7:30 p.m. Chris Smither will Drive. Visit http:// bring his new album Hundred Dollar local2141.smugmug.com. Valentine to The Birchmere at 3701 Annual Toys for Tots. 1-5 p.m. The NOV. 30 THROUGH DEC. 16 Mount Vernon Ave. Tickets are $25. City’s 38th annual Toys for Tots The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s Call 703-549-7500 or visit Benefit Square Dance will be held at “A Christmas Carol.” 8 p.m. Ring www.birchmere.com. Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 in the holiday season with a return of Jefferson St. This year’s theme is the classic by Charles Dickens. “Feelin’ Great at Thirty-Eight” and Ebenezer Scrooge. Complete with SATURDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 features a special 3 p.m. performance special effects, Victorian carols, and Historic Candlelight Tours. 5-8 p.m. by Capital Squares Demonstration Tiny Tim, “A Christmas Carol” is a Join “Mrs. Washington” as she hosts Team. The annual square and round must for the entire family. Little an evening of candlelight tours, dance benefits the United States Theatre of Alexandria is located at fireside caroling, and hot cider and Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots 600 Wolfe St. Call 703-683-0496 or ginger cookies. Tours include merry Drive. Recommended donation for visit www.thelittletheatre.com for music, and characters from the each couple is a new, unopened toy showtimes or to purchase tickets. $15 Washingtons’ world guiding visitors or a $10 minimum contribution (does not include service fees). through the first and second floors of (singles $5). All toys and proceeds the home, adding ambiance and from this dance will remain in the authenticity to a traditional Washington metropolitan area. To SATURDAY/DEC. 1 Christmas evening at Mount Vernon. donate a toy, drop off donation until Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Tickets may be purchased at the Ford 3 p.m. at the Lee Center. Call 703- Parade of Lights. Alexandria’s Orientation Center (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 746-5592 or 703-746-4343. Historic Waterfront at the foot of daily), or through MountVernon.org. Cameron Street. At sundown, Admission is $22 for adults and $15 Alexandria’s harbor lights up when for children under 12. Call 703-780- THROUGH DEC. 2 more than 50 illuminated boats 2000 or 703-799-8697 or visit Free Art Exhibition. This juried cruise the Potomac River at the www.MountVernon.org. photography exhibition — open to all historic waterfront, led by artists nationally and Alexandria’s fireboat Vigilant and internationally—explores the theme Washington, D.C.’s fireboat John DEC. 1-25 of upheaval in our personal lives and Glenn. Call 703-746-3301 or visit The Christmas Attic’s Holiday throughout the world. A reception on www.visitalexandriava.com. Advent Calendar. Each day at Nov. 8, from 6-8 p.m. occurs during An Advent Quiet Day Workshop. sundown, the store will reveal 2nd Thursday Art Night and features 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. With David Vryhof, “advent art” featuring a variety of a talk by juror Brie Castell at 7 p.m. SSJE of The Society of Saint John the local holiday creations. All art will be Target Gallery (Studio 2), 105 North Evangelist. Pause to consider the placed either in the windows or on Union St. Call 703-838-4565, x4 or nature of gratitude, the expression of the brick of the building on the front visit www.torpedofactory.org/target. gratitude, and the lens of gratitude side facing Union Street. Visitors can through which we can see the world picture the entire building being and all its creatures. In McMurray transformed into an advent calendar. MONDAY/DEC. 3 Commons. Registration begins at 9 There will be holiday entertainment Fabricated: An Exhibition of a.m. The $35 fee covers breakfast and activities inside the store for Wearable Art. (Deadline for entry and a light lunch, as well as tea and shoppers to enjoy on a variety of is on Dec. 3. (Exhibition will be from coffee. Contact Phil Lyons at nights. At the closing of the Advent Feb. 2 through Mar. 3, 2013. [email protected] or 703-960- Calendar event, the canvases of Fabricated is an all-media exhibition 6468. advent art will be available for featuring “wearable art.” While the Barbershop Harmony Concert. 1 auction at a post-event celebration making of any article of clothing or p.m. Free. Celebrate the holiday (to be scheduled). Proceeds from the other wearable object typically season with the Harmony Heritage auction will go to the Make-A-Wish involves aesthetic considerations, the Singers at Sherwood Regional Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. At term wearable art implies that the Library. In classic barbershop style, The Christmas Attic, 125 S. Union St. work is intended to be accepted as a the 40-member Harmony Heritage Call 703-548-2829 or visit serious and unique artistic creation Singers perform traditional Christmas www.christmasattic.com. or statement. It is open to all artists songs such as “It’s Beginning to Look nationally and internationally. Visit Like Christmas” and “Angels We www.targetgallery.com. Have Heard on High” spiced with a SUNDAY/DEC. 2 few chorus favorites like “Delta Christ Church’s Nine Lessons and Dawn” and the Beach Boys hit, Carols service. 5 p.m. The Festival See Calendar, Page 17 16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Calendar

From Page 16 tree. Even Santa attends. This joyous experienced skaters, as well as celebration is followed by an evening beginners of all ages will perform stroll down the Avenue, which is together. Mount Vernon RECenter is THROUGH DEC. 3 illuminated by thousands of candles, located at 2017 Belle View Blvd. Free Photography Exhibition. called “luminarias.” Del Ray Farmer’s Contact Carl Kirtley, at 703-768-3224 Andrew Zimmermann: Cold River. Market at Mount Vernon Ave. and E. or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov. This solo exhibition of large-format Oxford Ave. Call 703-746-3301 or Civil War Christmas in Camp. black and white photographs visit www.visitalexandriava.com. noon-4 p.m. Learn how Christmas captures the “character of blankness.” 1964 The Tribute. 7:30 p.m. 1964 was observed during the Civil War by The opening reception takes place on The Tribute is cheered worldwide by attending Fort Ward Museum’s Nov. 8 from 6:30-8 p.m., during 2nd recreating a Beatles concert annual “Christmas in Camp” Open Thursday Art Night. The Art League performed live, with exact detailed House. Suggested donation is $2 for Gallery, 105 North Union St. Call reproduction of the songs, voices, adults and $1 for children. Fort Ward 703-683-1780 or visit instruments, suits, haircuts and even Museum & Historic Site is located at www.theartleague.org. the iconic “Beatle Boots” made 4301 West Braddock Road. Call 703- famous by the Fab Four. Now it will 746-4848, or visit www.fortward.org. appear at The Birchmere Music Hall TUESDAY/DEC. 4 located at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Author Series with Nathan Leslie. Tickets are priced at $35 available at SATURDAY-SUNDAY/DEC.8-9 7-8:30 p.m. Leslie will discuss his www.ticketmaster.com. Historic Alexandria Candlelight book, The Tail of Tommy Twice at Tours. Tour Gadsby’s Tavern the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall Duke St. Free. Visit FRIDAY-SATURDAY/DEC. 7-8 House and the historic Bank of www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- Sweeney Todd at TJ. 7 p.m. For a Alexandria building by candlelight. 746-1702. bloody good time, attend Stephen Special this year – a holiday taste of Free Concert. 7:30 p.m. Guest Sondheim’s classic tale of “Sweeney historic chocolate, co-sponsored by violinists Jonathan Carney and Benny Todd - the Demon Barber of Fleet the Historic Division of Mars, Inc. Kim join the National Chamber Street” about a vengeful London Saturday from 6-9 p.m.; Sunday from Players, a chamber ensemble made barber and his landlady’s 3 to 6 p.m. At Gadsby’s Tavern up of members of the National scrumptious but mysterious meat pies Museum, Carlyle House, Lee-Fendall Symphony Orchestra, in a as performed by the Thomas House. Call 703-746-4242 or visit performance of Corelli’s Christmas Jefferson High School for Science www.historicalexandria.org. Concerto and Vivaldi’s The Four and Technology’s student choir along Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for Seasons. The concert is free and open with the TJ faculty, parent and seniors and $5 for children. to the public. At Pendleton Hall, alumni choirs. Tickets are $10 at the Episcopal High School, 3900 W door on performance days at the Braddock Road. Visit Thomas Jefferson High School for SUNDAY/DEC. 9 www.episcopalhighschool.org, or Science and Technology at 6560 Christmas Music. 9:45 a.m. The email [email protected], Braddock Road in Alexandria. Visit Plymouth Haven Baptist Church or call 703-933-4135. www.tjchoir.org. Children’s Choir will present their Researching George Washington’s Christmas music presentation in the Religious Convictions. 6-8 p.m. Fellowship Hall, 8600 Plymouth Dr. Free. Mary Thompson, research FRIDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 7-9 Open to the public. historian at Washington’s Mount Del Ray Artisans’ 17th annual Holiday Evening with Raul Malo. Vernon Estate, will discuss George Holiday Market. Handmade work 7:30 p.m. $29.50. The Birchmere Washington’s religious values from local artists plus bake sale. Music Hall is located at 3701 Mount through research using the assembled Reception is on Friday, from 6 to 9 Vernon Ave. Call 703-549-7500 or primary documents at Mount Vernon p.m. The hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.on visit www.birchmere.com. Estate. At Morrison House located at Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Bell Ringing. 2-3 p.m. Alexandria’s 116 South Alfred St. Call 703-838- Sunday. Visit TheDelRayArtisans.org/ Browne Academy musicians will 8000 or visit morrisonhouse.com. HolidayMarket. deliver their Handbells performance at the Charles E. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Refreshments WEDNESDAY/DEC. 5 SATURDAY/DEC. 8 will be served. Open to the Public. Author Series. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Christmas Open House. 12-4 p.m. Call 703-746-1702 or visit Elizabeth Schuch will discuss her Join a Civil War-era Santa at this www.alexandria.lib.va.us. The Best in Family Dining personal memoir, “More Than family-fun holiday event that Concert. 4 p.m. New Dominion Bipolar: A Memoir of Acceptance and explores how Christmas was Chorale, conducted by Artistic Hope,” at the Beatley Central Library, observed during the Civil War. At Director Thomas Beveridge, will 5005 Duke St. Visit Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, present J.S. Bach’s Christmas www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- 4301 W. Braddock Rd. Admission is Oratorio at the Rachel M. Schlesinger 746-1702. $2 for adults, $1 for children. Call Concert Hall and Arts Center on the 703-746-4848 or visit Alexandria Campus of Northern www.historicalexandria.org. Virginia Community College, 3001 THURSDAY/DEC. 6 Breakfast with Santa. 9 a.m. The North Beauregard St. Tickets $5- A Peter White Christmas. With Peter elves will begin seating at 9 a.m. to $30.Tickets at the door or online. White, Mindi Abair and special guest await Santa’s arrival. There will be Parking is free. Call 703-442-9404 or at the Birchmere. $49.50. Visit plently of time to sit on Santa’s lap visit www.newdominion.org. www.peterwhite.com. The Birchmere and share lists with him. A full Holiday Market – Women, Art and Music Hall is located at 3701 Mount breakfast buffet will be available. At Shopping. 1-5 p.m., Charles Vernon Ave. Call 703-549-7500 or Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Houston Recreation Center, 905 visit www.birchmere.com. Call 703-548-8899 or visit Wythe St. Free. More than 25 local, Art Focus Group. 7:30-9 p.m. Clay in www.thecarlyleclub.com. Admission female artisans will display their the Classroom: Sculpture, Sensory is $28.95 for adults; $15.95 for kids wares during an afternoon of fun, art Exploration and Community age 4-12; free for age 3 and under. and friends. Proceeds will benefit the Food Building. Learn about the many Holiday Gifts Jewerly Workshop. Alexandria Domestic Violence and benefits of good clean play with mud 2-3 p.m. Free. Make four unique Sexual Assault Programs. This event fit for a king in the classroom. Classes are $25 holiday gifts, stamp tags, and make is also a collection site for new toys on a family budget each or $200 for the 10 class series. your own gift boxes. Limited to 12 and gifts for children of the clients of A school or group of teachers can participants. At the Beatley Central the Alexandria Battered Women’s share the registration for the full Library, 5005 Duke St. Visit Shelter. Call 703-746-3123 or visit An Alexandria community fixture for more than series. At 2804 Sherwood Hall Ln. www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- www.alexwomen.com. 100 years, the Royal Restaurant offers the best Call 703-201-1250. 746-1702. Free Concert. 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Artisans Holiday Marketplace. 3-6 in Greek, Italian and American cuisine. Enjoy 2013 Living Legends of Alexandria p.m. At Durant Center, 1605 THROUGH DEC. 9 nominees will be introduced with a Cameron St. Entrepreneurs Class Old Town Boutique District’s burgers, steaks, prime rib, chicken, seafood, musical tribute, featuring music by 2012, Fall Semester Showcase of Window Wonderland. Come out the NOVA Community Chorus, the Graduates’ Micro-Businesses to Old Town Alexandria and view the pasta and full salad bar complete with special NOVA Jazz Ensemble and the NOVA Graduation Ceremony Artisans festive Window Wonderland of children’s menu items. Alexandria Band in the Rachel M. Holiday Marketplace. Complimentary holiday lights and decorations on Schlesinger Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard homemade appetizers and art display at our local boutiques. St. The nominees of 2013 Living desserts. Proceeds benefit EWI and Throughout Old Town Alexandria. Legends of Alexandria are introduced our local artists and creative Visit oldtownboutiquedistrict.com. to the community at 6:30-7:15 p.m. entrepreneurs. Holiday selection Free, parking in the Beauregard include one-of-a-kind jewelry, Parking Garage is $6. Contact Nina scarves, designer aprons, skin and MONDAY/DEC. 10 Tisara at [email protected] or beauty products, fine art, note cards, A John Waters Christmas Lisa Eckstein at [email protected]. holiday ornaments and more. Free, ‘Command Performance’ at the but RSVP required. Visit ewint.org. Birchmere. $49.50. John will be Free Ice Skating Show. 11:30 a.m.- signing copies of books purchased at 734 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 FRIDAY/DEC. 7 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to the show. The Birchmere Music Hall • www.theroyalrestaurant.com Holiday on the Avenue. 6-9 p.m. The watch figure skaters show off their is located at 3701 Mount Vernon 703-548-1616 entire community comes together to moves at Mount Vernon RECenter’s Ave. Visit www.birchmere.com or call Award-winning wine menu • Major credit cards accepted light the neighborhood Christmas Holiday Ice Show, where most 703-549-7500. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 17 People Dancers To Perform in ‘Billy Elliot,’ ‘Nutcracker’ ancers from Just with the cast when it stops at The dents of Tierney’s, Emma Feddo, been dancing for three years. She has 25 years of teaching Dance Studio in Al- Hippodrome Kailey O’Farrell, Elena Pipkin and Tierney opened her school in experience, is an American Ballet D exandria will make Theatre in Baltimore, Md. Dec. Sydney Webster, will perform in 2003 for girls ages 3 through 12 Theatre certified teacher and their dance debut at 18-30. Natalie has been studying Ballet West’s “Nutcracker” at The for instruction in classical ballet, member of the Cecchetti Council The Kennedy Center and Hippo- dance for eight years under Sally Kennedy Center in Washington, Broadway tap, Broadway jazz, of America and Dance Masters. drome Theatre in Baltimore this Tierney, owner and director of Just D.C., Dec. 5-9. Emma, 11, has Cecchetti and pointe. month. Dance in the Fairfax County part been dancing for six years; Kailey, Natalie Edwards, 11, of Alexan- of Alexandria, in the Belle View 13, has been dancing for nine dria, who joined the U.S. touring Shopping Center off Fort Hunt years, including six with Tierney; production of “Billy Elliot the Mu- Road. Elena, 12, has been dancing for sical” in September, will perform Other students and former stu- nine years; and Sydney, 10, has

From left: Elena Pipkin, owner and director Sally Tierney, Sydney Webster, Kailey O’Farrell and Emma Feddo at the Just Dance Studio.

Visit These Houses of Worship Join a Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons…

Christ the Saviour Anglican Church “To Love & Serve the Lord with Gladness & Singleness of Heart” Location – Washington Mill E.S. b 9100 Cherrytree Drive b Worship Service – 10 a.m. Inter-generational Sunday School – after service

www.christthesaviouranglican.org 703-953-2854

Good Shepherd b Catholic Church b Mass Schedule Saturday Evening Weekdays 5:00 pm; 6:30 pm (en Español) (Mass or Communion Service) 9:00 am (followed by Rosary) Sunday Children’s Liturgy of the Word 7:30; 9:00; 10:30 am; 12:00 Noon Sundays (Sept.-July) during 9:00 am 2:00 pm (en Español) Mass (English) 6:30 pm Mass (from Sept. 9 Sign Language Interpreter until mid June) Sunday at 9:00 am Mass 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309 Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org b Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves b To Advertise Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468

18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 703-917-6400 Employment Zone 3: • Alexandria Classified Zone 3 Ad Deadline: • Mount Vernon Tuesday Noon

BUSINESS OPP BUSINESS OPP 21 Announcements 26 Antiques 12 Commercial Lease 102 Instruction 101 Computers 101 Computers ABC License TELEPHONE TELEPHONE We pay top $ for antique THE ASHER, A great opportunity to A great opportunity to MWB DEVELOPMENT 1, LLC Looking to start the trading as World of Beer, furniture and mid-century Alexandria school year strong? COMPUTER SOLUTIONS WORK AT HOME! WORK AT HOME! 901 N. Gleve Road, #105, Danish/modern Tutoring is available in the HDI Arlington, Virginia 22203- JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995 NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTER NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTER teak furniture, STERLING, Up to 5,400 SF Retail/ Northern Virginia area! No sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits! No sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits! 1853. The above Dean’s List College Graduate ➣ Speed up Slow Computers establishment is apply- MEN'S WATCHES, jewelry Restaurant space with 7 years of Experience. 301-333-1900 301-333-1900 ing to the VIRGINIA DEPART- available. Accounting/Finance Degree. ➣ Troubleshooting Weekdays 9-4 Weekdays 9-4 and costume jewelry, ☎☎ ☎☎ ☎☎ ☎☎ MENT OF ALCOHOLIC Pendleton & Fayette All grade levels, specializing ➣ Virus Removal BEVERAGE CONTROL for paintings/art glass/clocks. in Math, English, Spanish. Wine & Beer On & Off Streets. Can be split. Call Hal @ (703)864-6616. ➣ Computer Setup Premises & Keg License to Schefer Antiques @ Tutoring rate is $50/hr. TELEMARKETERS sell or manufacture alcoholic 703-241-0790. Call Melissa Webb, Mention this ad and receive (571) 265-2038 ❖ [email protected] beverages. Evan Matz, 571-382-1227. 20% off your first session! Our company is seeking telemarketers for Managing Member. Email:[email protected] l part time positions. Hours are flexible be- NOTE: Objections to the issu- ance of this license must be 21 Announcements 21 Announcements tween 12:00pm - 8pm. Experience strongly submitted to ABC no later than 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements preferred but not necessary. Must have good 30 days from the publishing OBITUARY speaking voice. Clean, fun work environ- date of the first two required Robert D. Martini newspaper legal notices. “Bob” ment with excellent commission packages & Objections should be contests. Located in Fairfax off Rt. 66. registered at Robert D. Martini “Bob”, 78, of Alexandria and Arrington, died www.abc.virginia.gov Friday, November 23, 2012 at his home in Arrington. Born Call Keith at 703-383-0400 or 800-552-3200 June 6, 1934, he was a son of the late Thomas Martini, Sr. and Geneva Zehring Martini. Robert had been a self-employed meat broker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his be- loved wife, Bertha M. Martini; a son, Robert Martini, II and a P/T FRONT DESK daughter, Lisa Martini. Employers: A graveside memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, RECEPTIONIST November 28, 2012 in Mount Comfort Cemetery by Pastor Dan High rise condo in west end of Alex. Lee. Seeking mature, prof. adult to work Sat, Are your Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every other week- 21 Announcements 21 Announcements end and fill in occasionally. Exc. custom- recruiting ads er service skills, ability to multi-task, OBITUARY prof. appearance. Fax resume to not working in Hansel "Hank" Mundy 703-823-1717, email: On November 25, 2012 in Alexandria, VA. Hank served in the [email protected] other papers? 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements U.S. MarineCorps in the Pacific during World War II and later retired from theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He spent the rest of his career as aConstruction Estimator in the Philadel- phia area. In 1995 he moved to Alexandria, VA. He was pre- Try a better ceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Ann Pietro Mundy. Hank is survived by his daughter, Alicia Mundy; and Freelance Reporter way to fill sister Jackie Mundy. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 3 PM at Everly-Wheatley Funer- To cover news plus events features your al Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302. Inter- ment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Ceme- in Mount Vernon. Rewarding, tery. Flowers and a guest register may be found at flexible work, pay is nominal. employment www.everlyfuneralhomes.com Email letter, resume plus clips to openings [email protected] 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

North Potomac Rockville OBITUARY 5

Potomac Chevy Great Bethesda Falls Chase Herndon HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO Dulles Reston Airport 1 McLean Vienna Oakton 6 Arlington Washington, 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements Chantilly 4 D.C. Centreville Newspapers & Online Fairfax North Clifton Historic Burke CLASSIFIED Clifton Fairfax Springfield Station 3 DEADLINES 2 Zones 1, 5, 6...... Mon @ noon Laurel Zones 2, 3, 4...... Tues @ noon Hill E-mail ad with zone choices to: [email protected] Target your best job or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 • Joyce Diane Helmus, 64, of Rineyville, died Monday, candidates where November 19, 2012 at Hardin Memorial Hospital. EMPLOYMENT She was a native of Earle, AR. She served in the U. S. Army DEADLINES for eight years and retired after 30 years from Civil Service in they live. Alexandria, VA with Human Resources Command As a Zones 5, 6...... Tues @ 11:00 member of the Screen Actors Guild, she portrayed a Soldier Zones 1, 3...... Tues @ 4:00 • Reach readers in in the 1981 movie "Stripes". She was preceded in death by her brother, Howard Hodo Zone 2...... Wed @ 11:00 addition to those She is survived by her husband, Mark Helmus; a daughter, Zone 4...... Wed @ 1:00 Shelley L. Hermann of DE; a son, Bart Allen Helmus of VA; E-mail ad with zone choices to: who are currently mother, Virginia Bowen of W. Memphis, AR; father, Jesse Hodo of Huntingdon, TN; a step-brother, Dwayne Hodo of [email protected] looking for a job. Huntingdon, TN; a step-sister, Laura Hodo of Huntingdon, or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements TN; and two grandchildren, Kati A. Hermann and Gavin C. Proven readership. Helmus. ZONES • The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at Brown Funeral Home Zone 1: The Reston Connection with Rev. Chris Thorson officiating. Burial will follow in The Oak Hill/Herndon Connection • Proven results. Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff. Zone 2: The Springfield Connection Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The Burke Connection In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form The Fairfax Connection of donations to Brown Cancer Center. The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ Condolences may be expressed online at Lorton Connection www.brownfuneral.com. Zone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet The Mount Vernon Gazette 703-917-6464 Zone 4: Centre View North classified@connection Centre View South newspapers.com Zone 5: The Potomac Almanac Zone 6: The Arlington Connection The Vienna/Oakton Connection Great Papers • Great Readers The McLean Connection Great Results! The Great Falls Connection www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 19 Bulletin Board Home & Garden 703-917-6400 Zone 3: • Alexandria Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Email announcements to gazette@connection • Mount Vernon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Tuesday Noon newspapers.com. Deadline is the Thursday at noon. THURSDAY/NOV. 29 CLEANING CLEANING LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING FIREWOOD PAINTING Public Information Meeting. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fairfax County Park Authority staff members A&S ANGEL’S and wetlands design professionals from LAWN MOWING FIREWOOD PATRIOT A CLEANING SERVICE LANDSCAPING Mixed Seasoned Hardwood Wetlands Studies and Solutions, Inc. will Since 1985/Ins & Bonded Planting • Mulching • Sodding Leaf & $130 half cord PAINTING present a wetlands restoration plan for Huntley Patios • Decks • Driveway Sealing, $220 full cord www.PatriotPainting.net Meadows Park, a 50-plus acre freshwater Quality Service at a Fair Price Asphalt • Retaining Walls Tree Removal Call Joe at Wallpaper Removal, wetland. The public information meeting is in Satisfaction Guaranteed- Erosion Control • Drainage Solutions 703-863-1086 301-856-4436 Carpentry, the park Visitor’s Center located at 3701 Angies List 2011-Super Service Award! 703-582-3709 Lockheed Blvd. Working closely with the public, 703-863-7465 240-603-6182 301-602-9528 Cell Power Washing. Comm/Res. MD VA DC Int/Ext Painting wetland experts and design professionals, park staff and volunteers gathered data, developed acleaningserviceinc.com IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS HAULING Free Est. • Satisfaction Guar.! project goals and worked through several Lic./Ins. Int./Ext. 703-892-8648 designs over the years. The final design will be AL’S HAULING presented. Junk & Rubbish 703-502-7840 Concrete, furn.,office, Cell ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL yard, construction debris 571-283-4883 SUNDAYS/DEC. 2, 9, 16 AND 23 Low Rates NOVA 703-360-4364 Advent Celtic Evening Eucharist Services. 703-304-4798 cell TREE SERVICE 5:30 p.m. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church will be offering a 4-week series of Advent Celtic 7 DAYS A WEEK ANGEL’S TREE REMOVAL Evening Eucharist Services. Candlelight, silence, Brush & Yard Debris prayers and music from the Celtic tradition will Trimming & Topping set the tone for this Sunday evening worship ANGEL’S HAULING Gutters & Hauling and communion service. All are welcome. St. Angeltreeslandscaping-hauling.com Aidan’s Episcopal Church is located in the Fort Junk Trash Removal, 703-863-1086 Hunt neighborhood, 8531 Riverside Road. Call R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC. 703-582-3709 John Baker at 703-360-4221, Susan Hartzell at Yard/Construction 240-603-6182 Remodeling Homes, Flooring, Debris, Garage/ Base- 703-309-9103 or visit staidansepiscopal.com. Kitchen & Bath, Windows, ment Clean Out, Siding, Roofing, Additions & Furniture & Appl. I am easily MONDAY/DEC. 3 satisfied with GUTTER GUTTER Patios, Custom Deck, Painting 703-863-1086 Stress, Grief and Coping with Change We Accept All Major Credit Cards 703-582-3709 the very best. during the Holidays. 11 a.m. Capital Caring Licensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic 240-603-6182 -Winston Churchill presents “Stress, Grief, and Coping with Change GUTTER CLEANING Phone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-830-3849 during the Holidays” with bereavement Gutters and Downspouts Cleaned E-mail: rncontractorsinc@gmail counselor Wendy Maiwurm. At Hollin Hall Small Repairs • Gutter Guards MASONRY MASONRY Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. To reserve a seat, call 703-765-4573. PINNACLE SERVICES A&S Landscaping lic/ins 703-802-0483 free est. WEDNESDAY/DEC. 5 email [email protected] • All Concrete work Potomac Masonry web: lawnsandgutters.com • Retaining Walls • Patios Mount Vernon At Home. Virginia’s Village will Friendly Service with a Friendly Price! • Decks • Porches (incl. be hosting an information session for seniors 703-498-8526 who want to age in place in the Mount Vernon screened) • Erosion & New Installations & Repairs Community. Membership and volunteer Grading Solutions opportunities available. In the Sherwood HANDYMAN HANDYMAN • French Drains • Sump Pumps Stone - Flagstone - Brick - Concrete Meeting Room, Sherwood Regional Library. Call • Driveway Asphalt Sealing 703-303-4060 or email FREE ESTIMATES!! [email protected]. Hand and Hand Lic. & Ins 703-863-7465 potomac-masonry.com Handyman LICENSED THURSDAY/DEC. 6 General Remodeling Serving All of N. Virginia Business Lunch. 11:30 a.m. Former U.S. Rep. 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HOA Maintenance, Granite Counter Tops Patios, Walkways, Stoops, Steps, Driveways Realtors Work and Much More MULCHING & TRIM HEDGES Friendly Service for a Friendly Price THROUGH DEC. 7 Licensed and Insured Serving Northern Virginia Repairs & New Installs•All Work Guranteed Fruit Sale. The Mount Vernon Lions Clubs are 703-296-6409 selling navel oranges and grapefruit. They can 703-802-0483703-802-0483 ROOFING ROOFING be purchased by the case for $38 or half case for $20. Prepaid orders can be made to Andrea IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS Corsillo 703-960-4973 or Tom Wilson 703-585- Landscaping Falcon Roofing 6327 by Dec. 7. Delivery date is Dec. 15. 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UCM will pick up HANDYMAN Charles Jenkins furniture, as well as other larger donations, or The Drainage Problems they can be dropped off at the back of the store A DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION TREE SERVICE Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. BATHROOM REMODELING, DRYWALL, •Patios • Walkways To arrange for pick-ups, call 703-768-7106, ext. PAINTING, CERAMIC TILE, CARPENTRY, •Retaining Walls Seasoned Firewood 320. Located at the Mt. Vernon Crossroads POWER WASHING & MUCH MORE Topping, trimming, Stump Grinding Shopping Center at 7838 Richmond Hwy. You have tried the rest - NOW CALL THE BEST!! •Landscape Makeovers Dance for Parkinson’s Disease. Thursdays, Proudly serving Northern VA - 46 yrs. exp. 1:30-2:30 p.m. At Heritage Presbyterian Church, Call: 703-912-6886 Lic. & Ins! 8503 Fort Hunt Rd. Those with Parkinson’s and Licensed We Accept VISA/MC Free Estimates Insured 703-441-8811 540-829-9917 or 540-422-9721 caregivers are welcome. No dance experience necessary.

20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Focus on Immigration We Are the World, at Garfield Teachers discuss challenges of teaching English as ‘Hidden Curriculum’ a Second Language. From Page 6 up their native language. “Studies show that bilingual stu- By Michelle Kain of being Italian.” Dalila carried dents do better academically.” The Gazette that warning with her when she Bloom said the school helps entered Marshall. The dire warn- newly-immigrated students to arfield Elementary ing turned out to have no basis at transition by embracing the fami- School in Spring- her new school. “When I tell lies as they enter the school. Rela-

Photos by Gfield, like all of people here I’m Italian, they say, tionship-building is how he refers Fairfax County, has ‘oh, I love Italy’ and then, I’m so to the partnership. “When you es- a population that reflects a relieved. Yes, I am proud to say I’m tablish that relationship with new

wide range of backgrounds. Kain Michelle Italian here.” families from other countries, you With 33 languages spoken, the In Italy, it was always school and get rid of a lot of hurdles. When school’s ESOL (English for studying through late evening, you do that, the families feel val- Speakers of Other Languages) Dalila said. She had no social life ued and a part of the Freedom Hill program has had to expand. there. family. We have students learning

The school has a first grade /The Gazette “When I came here, it was such from one another simply from class of 60 students, 58 of a relief,” she said. “I was so happy their exposure to each other.” whom are ESOL students rang- I finally had time for myself.” The children of Freedom Hill ing from levels one through Millan Mbise, from Tanzania, Elementary School are so accus- four. was pleasantly surprised by the tomed to establishing relation- Jane Cofie-Raczko, who has degree of interaction between stu- ships within the classroom, they Jane Cofie-Raczko gives her first grade class the been a teacher for the past 13 dents and teachers. Teachers are don’t recognize barriers, Bloom details regarding their upcoming test. years, teaches one of three first less approachable than in the U.S. said. “It’s a representation of the grade classes in which all 20 of the students have at Garfield,” said Rozi Khakpour, an ESOL teacher Millan, whose native language is world.” English as a second language. at Garfield Elementary. Swahili, grew up speaking English, Bloom refers to the school’s di- The majority of these students are from Hispanic Students who have attended Garfield from the or Middle Eastern backgrounds and common lan- start get the opportunity to develop oral language “There’s so much value in having a guages include Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Ko- at an early age through programs such as Lunch rean, Chinese and Vietnamese. The challenges and Bunch in which kindergartners with English school where children from all over involved with teaching these students depend on as a second language meet twice a week to have their proficiency with the English language. lunch and practice this important skill. the world can come together.” “For students who speak almost no English, it The program, along with others, have proven — Scott Bloom, Freedom Hill principal can be difficult to communicate to the students to be successful as “students who have been at that you want them to succeed and that you are Garfield since kindergarten often exceed in high as well. English is compulsory in versity as a “hidden curriculum.” there to help them. It can also be difficult to get school and earn positions on the honor roll,” the schools, and, Millan calls it the “There’s so much value in hav- the students to ask for help, mostly due to their Khakpour said. “unofficial” language of Tanzania. ing a school where children from lack of confidence in their speaking ability. For “Another thing that has proven to be helpful,” Millan is bused from Marshall all over the world can come to- students with a better knowledge of the social lan- said Kirsten Howard, another first grade teacher, daily to Falls Church High School gether,” Bloom said. “You set the guage, it can be tough to give them a similarly “is Garfield’s social curriculum.” This social cur- for a class in “pharmacy technol- stage for the children to share their strong academic language. Add the already diffi- riculum, which concentrates on teaching students ogy.” He learned what he wanted history, backgrounds, culture, and cult material to learning English for the first time cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, to do with his life while living here experiences. “There’s so much and it can be very challenging,” said Cofie-Raczko. and self-control, has given students a greater and attending an American school. power in bringing all these differ- “The success of the students with the curricu- awareness outside themselves and has helped He wants to be a pharmacist some ent cultures together that I think lum and their preparedness for middle and high them in middle in high school as demonstrated day. it’s justified to call it a hidden cur- school depends on the schooling they received in by their willingness to take on leadership posi- riculum. their home country as well as when they enrolled tions. FREEDOM HILL ELEMEN- “The kids don’t even know TARY SCHOOL feeds into the they’re learning from this diver- Marshall pyramid. Like Marshall, sity.” Freedom Hill is the world in mi- Marshall’s roundtable students crocosm. There are more than 42 eager to discuss their new lives all languages spoken in the students’ said that school life is more pres- homes and the children of Free- sured in their native countries with dom Hill represent more than 53 little opportunities within the countries. Some Freedom Hill stu- school system to learn nonaca- dents are from diplomatic families, demic things. Schools do not pro- already bilingual or multilingual mote extracurricular activities as with English exposure. Others are they do here. Mariana Del Cid- Anmul Jan, Michael Opuni, Akah, new to English. The school, “Students are pushed by their Quintanilla, Spanish, Pashtu, Born Parents from Ghana through its many ESOL levels, parents to excel academically in Parents from El Salvador in Pakistan (Michael born in US) works with these students to help Malaysia,” Kasthury said. “Many of them adapt to English. these kids commit suicide. They’re “Within the realm of school, the told, ‘if you’re not the best, you’ll kids are held accountable to com- never succeed.’” municate in the English language,” Amber Holder has found a mul- said first-year Freedom Hill prin- titude of extracurricular activities cipal Scott Bloom. As the kids in- to engage in. In Panama, there was teract with their peers, they pick only a single option. Here, she up English. said, she’s involved with the “I like to think we also recognize marching band, the literary maga- the importance of kids having that zine and other programs. “In Yusuf Ouanina, Tracy Huynh, Viet- Mohammed (Jafar) dual-language skill,” Bloom said. Panama, you have to find one Arabic, Morocco namese, Vietnam Abdulridna, Arabic, Iraq “We want them to learn English, place to fit in. But, here, you can but, we don’t want them to give fit in in many places.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 21 Sports MV Edges West Potomac Majors beat Wolverines for first time since 2009.

By Jon Roetman The Gazette

econd-year Mount Vernon head boys’ basket- ball coach John Wiley stood outside the visit- S Photo by ing locker room at West Potomac High School on Tuesday night and said it takes three years to build a successful program.

Last season, Wiley’s first with Mount Vernon after Craig Sterbutzel coaching at Bowie High School in Maryland, the Majors lost nearly twice as many games as they won. “I’m in my second year. This year is going to be better than last year,” Wiley said. “By my third year, I want to contend with the top teams in the area.”

Whether Mount Vernon once again becomes one /The Gazette of the top teams in Northern Virginia will be deter- mined in time. Meanwhile, Wiley’s quest for improve- ment took a step in the right direction. Mount Vernon defeated West Potomac, 63-59, in both teams’ season opener on Nov. 27, giving the Mount Vernon senior Robert Decardi- Majors their first win against the Wolverines since Nelson (5) scored nine points and 2009. West Potomac point guard Brandon Pressley grabbed 10 rebounds on Nov. 27. buried a runner with 3.1 seconds remaining, cutting Mount Vernon’s lead to 61-59, but the Majors were “Those are my two captains: Robert Decardi-Nelson able to run out the clock and junior forward Shawny and Kwadwuo,” Wiley said. “[They have] a lot of Lovitt put the finishing touch on the victory with a heart, a lot of hustle [and] a lot of passion.” layup at the buzzer. Bryce Washington led Mount Vernon with 13 points “It feels great,” Mount Vernon senior Robert off the bench. The junior forward knocked down a Decardi-Nelson said after the win. “Finally beat West pair of 3-pointers, the second giving the Majors a Potomac.” 48-44 lead early in the fourth quarter. Mount Vernon trailed, 20-9, at the end of the first “It takes courage and knowing you can shoot the quarter, but battled back to tie the halftime score at shot,” Washington said about hitting perimeter shots 28-28. West Potomac held a 44-43 lead late in the in a low-scoring game. “I just have to knock it down.” third quarter when Mount Vernon junior guard Lovitt scored 10 points for Mount Vernon. Lucas Kwadwuo Diawuo came up with a steal, drove to and senior guard Patrick Bender each added nine. the basket and scored on a tough layup, giving the Bender knocked down a trio of 3-pointers. Majors a 45-44 lead they would not relinquish. Williams, a senior, led West Potomac with 17 points A bucket by senior forward Don Smith gave Mount in his first varsity game. Pressley scored 16 points Vernon its largest lead of the night at 53-45 with less for the Wolverines and Kwame Camon added 11. than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Six-foot-2 senior post Javon Trice scored 10 points West Potomac pulled to within one when Caleb Wil- and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Wolverines. liams’ three-point play cut the Majors’ lead to 57-56 “I thought he played tremendous,” West Potomac with 1:29 remaining, but the Wolverines couldn’t head coach David Houston III said about Trice. “[It complete the comeback. was the] best I’ve seen him ever play.” Decardi-Nelson, a 6-foot post player, scored nine West Potomac was without junior guard Demornay points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Majors. Pierson-El, who was injured. Houston III said he ex- “[I] work hard in the paint,” Decardi-Nelson said. pects Pierson-El to return soon. “I treat it like it’s my house; I just protect it.” Mount Vernon will host Oakton at 7:30 p.m. on Diawuo scored eight points and played energized Tuesday, Dec. 4. West Potomac will travel to face defense for the Majors. Herndon at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30.

22 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Sports Mount Vernon Girls’ Basketball Smothers West Po in Opener

Photos by throw by junior forward Erica Irving made Six Majors score the score 79-26. in double figures. Mount Vernon finished with 30 steals, including 10 by Loftus. By Jon Roetman Craig Sterbutzel “It gives us confidence,” Loftus said of the The Gazette team’s pressure defense. “Turnover after turnover, we get layups off of it.” fter Tuesday’s season-opener, Irving grabbed 10 rebounds for Mount West Potomac girls’ basketball Vernon and Porter finished with six. coach David Sawczuk made an West Potomac sophomore forward Maddy

A /The Gazette effort to track down Mount Zdebski scored a team-high 13 points and Vernon head coach Courtney Coffer. grabbed seven rebounds. Senior forward Sawczuk thanked Coffer for Mount Vernon’s Blossom Pierre scored 11 points and senior intense effort and hoped the experience guard Asia Mills-Burch added eight. would help West Potomac down the road. Sawczuk returns for his second season as One of the teams in the Route 1 rivalry head coach. Last year, he was the Wolver- Mount Vernon junior guard Chanel will be competing for a Northern Region ines’ third head coach in as many seasons. Shannon scored 14 points against championship this year. The other is look- Sawczuk is trying to institute “a lot more West Potomac on Nov. 27. ing to build on last year’s two-win season. Mount Vernon senior guard Kelly accountability and responsibility for [the It wasn’t hard to figure out which was Loftus scored a game-high 17 Coffer said. “She’s the X-factor for us. When players],” he said. “Until now, they’ve never which. points against West Potomac on she has it going, this basketball team has a been held accountable because it’s been a The Mount Vernon Majors defeated the Nov. 27. whole extra dimension that makes us that different coach every year. So now it’s ac- West Potomac Wolverines, 82-39, on Nov. now. Hopefully, we can continue to get bet- much better.” countable for being on time, working every 27 at West Potomac High School. Mount ter and better.” Mount Vernon built a 29-5 first-quarter day, showing up and doing what you’re Vernon, which fell one win shy of the state Senior guard Kelly Loftus led the Majors lead by forcing 16 turnovers in the opening asked to do — the basics. But also for us, tournament last season, used full-court with 17 points. Senior guard Taylor Dun- eight minutes. West Potomac struggled it’s accelerating the pace of the game.” pressure early to build a commanding lead ham and junior guard Chanel Shannon each against the Majors’ full-court press and Mount Vernon will travel to face Oakton before cruising to victory. The Majors forced had 14, and senior guard Tiffany Webster, didn’t reach double digits on the scoreboard at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Oakton was 40 turnovers and had had six players score junior forward Samantha Porter and fresh- until a free throw by Tayla Dawson made the only team to defeat the Majors last sea- in double figures. man guard Erin Irving each had 10. the score 32-10 with 6:04 remaining in the son, beating Mount Vernon twice. “Most importantly, the team defense was Shannon knocked down a trio of 3-point- second quarter. The Majors held a 50-14 West Potomac will face Falls Church in a the thing I was proud of the most,” Coffer ers. halftime advantage and led by as many as tournament at Stuart at 5:45 p.m. on Thurs- said. “They’re playing good basketball right “Chanel Shannon was incredible tonight,” 53 points in the second half, when a free day, Nov. 29.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 ❖ 23 Nancy Dunning was my friend. Thirty years ago, she envisioned Del Ray as a community full of active citizens, thriving businesses and excellent schools. Not only did she work tirelessly over the years to help create this community, but she inspired many of us to join in her effort. For those of you who did not know Nancy, read this beautiful tribute written by her daughter, Elizabeth. For those of you who did, join me in remembering her contribution to Del Ray and Alexandria. —Jack Taylor, Alexandria Toyota

Nancy Dunning The Best Mom In The World A Eulogy for Nancy Dunning written and read by her daughter, Liz A lot of people, I think, have moments when they imagine that they have the best mom in the world. I was lucky enough, however, to be absolutely certain – for a long time – that I actually did. My mom was my best friend. We talked just about every day. And, anyone who knows her, knows a couple of things about my mom, one of which was that she was more or less always right. When I was a teenager, that pissed me off sometimes. I mean, seriously, when you’re sixteen and supposed to be going through that phase where you know everything, it puts a crimp in it to live with someone who actually does. But, another thing that you must know if you met my mom was that she wasn’t smug about her omnipotence. Like any good superhero, my mom used her powers for good, not evil. To make other people – not just herself – feel good and be better. She taught my brother and I how to do that, too. I hope we were paying attention. I’m pretty sure we were. My mom also taught me just about everything I know about optimism and joy. Those were things at which she excelled. It started, when my brother and I were kids, with crazy names for things. I bet that you thought that playground on Old Dominion was just the Beverly Hills Co-op. Nope. It was the Super Deluxe Playground. And, back when the Mt. Vernon school playground was that log-thing which is probably now illegal in most states, a trip to the Super Deluxe Playground was an adventure indeed. Every day was an adventure. Whether we were sneaking food into movies when I was younger, or she was sing- ing hilariously bad opera while she made breakfast, my mom made clear that every day had something good in it, something to be happy about. Even if it was just that they’d just started selling Christmas Blend at Starbucks. These small events and details weren’t small – they were big. They warranted a phone call. So did a great song on the radio. So did anything that made her smile. These were great calls to receive. Random, sometimes, but great. I mean, who doesn’t want to know that she busted the person next to her at the last traffic light picking their nose in the car? Who didn’t want to hear her joyful voice, her laugh? She loved to laugh and there isn’t a better feeling than making my mom laugh. Because, if you really got her going – and there are lots of ways to do this – she’d just get to that level where she’s crying because she’s laughing so hard. That’s when you know that you’ve really won. Bonus points are given if you do that while one of you is driving. Her gift with joy, with optimism, gave her part of her gift with people. She had, what I jokingly called, her secret decoder ring. That was our short-hand – and there is always short-hand – for her ability to listen, really listen, to people when they talk. And, more than that, to understand what they’re really saying and, who they are and where they’re coming from. That’s why she wasn’t just people’s neighbor, or real estate agent, or neighborhood activist, or columnist, she was their friend. It didn’t take much to be my mom’s friend. She didn’t make you jump a lot of hoops. Or wear overalls and a baseball cap with the same aplomb that she did. (And thank god, because really? Who can pull off overalls and a baseball cap like my Mom? Nobody.) She wanted to learn more about people and know more people. So she lit people up when she talked to them. And, as a consequence, people mostly did what my Mom wanted them to do, or what she asked of them. Because her ideas were smart. They were filled with the energy and the joy that she carried with her all the time. And they reflected an understanding and awareness of the thoughts and values of everyone involved. So, if you did what she wanted you to do, you were also doing the right thing. But, mostly, she wasn’t a superhero – complete with secret decoder ring – to me. She was my Mom. She was better at that than anything else. She told my brother, and me, and my Dad that she loved us at the end of every phone conversation. That’s what our family does. And so, individually, knowing that the last words we said to each other were, “I love you,” helps. There wasn’t a day of my life – and there won’t be one – when I wasn’t sure that my mom loved me, that she believed in me, that she was proud of me. And with or without a secret decoder ring, a cape, or a phone booth to change in, it truly takes a superhero to, in this crazy messed up world, love people so well and so much. So perfectly. It takes all that to be what I have – the best mom in the world.

On December 5, 2003, Nancy Dunning was murdered in her home in Alexandria, VA. Nancy’s family, friends and co-workers have not forgotten her and celebrate her life daily. We will not give up and believe that the person who murdered her will be caught and prosecuted. A $100,000 reward available for the individual who comes forth with information leading to the arrest and conviction of this murderer. If you have any information, we urge you to please call the Alexandria Criminal Investigations Section at 703-838-4711 or e-mail them at http://alexandriava.gov/dunning.

24 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ November 29 - December 5, 2012 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com