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Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper May 16, 2019 Race for County’s Top Spot Heats Up

the private sector, able to under- ‘Vote like your life stand the needs of that sphere and how to bring a partnership of gov- depends on it.’ ernment, nonprofits and business to the table to create solutions to By Andrea Worker the region’s challenges, Plerhoples The Gazette leaning on her legal background, and Chapman as a real estate de- n a rare shake-up of the veloper. county’s Board of Supervi- While the tone of the debate re- sors, at least five of the 10 mained civil and the format did

I Photo by Andrea Worker/The Gazette seats – four magisterial dis- not allow for rebuttal comments, trict representatives and the chair- both Chapman and Plerhoples man – will change hands as cur- made it clear that they see the rent Chair Sharon Bulova retires present leadership by the Fairfax at the end of this term, and Su- County Board of Supervisors as pervisors Cathy Hudgins (Hunter “followers, not leaders,” in Mill), John Cook (Braddock), and Plerhoples words, and having Linda Smyth (Providence) have all failed on too many of the issues declined to seek re-election. Vot- and taken too long to address oth- ers will choose likely successors on ers like affordable housing, ac- Primary Election Day, Tuesday, cording to Chapman. June 11. Adding one person and $5 mil- Lee District Supervisor Jeff lion to the county’s FY2020 Bud- McKay, who has served on the get isn’t really tackling the prob- board since 2007, will vacate his The Democratic candidates for the chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, lem of a lack of affordable hous- seat to seek the chairmanship. heading for the June 11 Primary election, debate at a live, televised event, hosted by ing in Chapman’s opinion. Both Supervisor Penny Gross (D- the Fairfax Healthy Communities Coalition. Moderator Pastor Sarah Scherschligt is “We need speed and agility … Mason) and Supervisor Pat Herrity flanked by candidates Tim Chapman and Alicia Plerhoples on the left, and Jeff McKay, the board has been more focused (R-Springfield) face challengers in Lee District Supervisor, and Ryan McElveen, At-Large member of the FC Public Schools on large developments” rather the fall. Incumbent Supervisors Board on the right. than on the affordable develop- Kathy Smith (D-Sully), John Foust ments needed by working families, (D-Dranesville), and Daniel Storck participated in a televised debate terms, citing them as one key fac- key driver of the county’s economy county personnel and other vul- (D-Mt. Vernon) are running unop- at the studios of the Fairfax County tor separating him from his oppo- and an attraction for current resi- nerable citizens. Chapman says it’s posed. Public Access Television station, nents. dents and those considering relo- an issue that should have been Democratic candidates will be hosted by Fairfax Healthy Commu- “This is not the time to take the cation of residence and/or busi- addressed “more boldly years on the Primary ballot for other nities Coalition and moderated by chance on people who don’t have nesses — and on the fact that he ago.” seats on the Board of Supervisors Pastor Sarah Scherschligt of Peace the experience to run, to govern,” is “the only one running who has Like Chapman, Plerhoples re- — and there are a lot of them. Five Lutheran Church. Scherschligt is said McKay, insisting that those represented the entire county,” counts that “housing instability” for the Providence District, five for also a board member of the non- relationships and his working elected to the School Board at was something she, too, experi- Hunter Mill, four in Lee and two profit Faith Alliance for Climate knowledge of the complexities of Large. He also touted his interna- enced growing up, and she agrees in Braddock. Solutions. Her Faith Alliance col- running a diverse county of more tional ties through his “day job” that more needs to be done and Incumbent Commonwealth’s leagues Scott Peterson and Meg than a million residents are vital with the Brookings Institute and with immediacy. “This is an issue Attorney Ray Murrogh faces a Mall were in attendance at the live to our continued growth and suc- other avenues, as ways in which that has reached crisis level.” Democratic challenger in the pri- event to act as timekeepers for the cess. he can expand the solutions pool On the subject of transportation mary, Steve Descano. debaters. In addition to representing the and bring additional energy to the in the area, all agreed that more Jeff McKay is currently a Board The candidates were each given Lee District on the board, McKay county’s affairs. needs to be done. McKay has been Member, representing the con- a few minutes for opening and also chairs the Budget and Legis- McElveen numerated climate involved in all of the county’s ef- stituents of the Lee District. Even closing statements, which lative Committees and has held change initiatives he has spear- forts to improve roadways, expand with his years of immediate expe- bookended 50 minutes of ques- leadership roles with a number of headed at school facilities from safe biking lanes, and support rience with the workings of Fairfax tions posed by Scherschligt on top- the region’s committees and task installation of solar panels, to Metro rail and bus transit and de- County government, McKay is be- ics ranging from their proposed forces on transportation, revital- championing school gardens and velopment around transit hubs to ing given a run for his money by actions to reduce greenhouse ization and health planning, salad and other healthy items on give more people the ability to Ryan McElveen, the At-Large gases in the county, to how to ad- among others. McKay admits the school lunch menus. “live, work, and play” without a Member of the Fairfax County dress the affordable housing short- county has problems – “Big ones Plerhoples and Chapman both School Board since 2012, Reston- age, and from how to ensure that we need to solve quickly and emphasized resumes as players in See Candidates, Page 10 based businessman Tim Chapman, implementation of the county’s for our future” – but he remains

and Georgetown law professor One Fairfax equity directive to so- proud of Fairfax County and the

and founder of a public interest lutions for multi-modal transpor- accomplishments that its resi- 5/17/19

law center, Alicia Plerhoples. tation improvements in the region. dents, businesses, nonprofits and home in Requested material.

The debates, forums and meet- Throughout the event, McKay, a government have created. He cites Time-sensitive and-greets featuring the four are life-long resident of the county, the many areas in which the area Postmaster:

coming fast as the Primary date emphasized not only his experi- sets the example for the state and Attention

Permit #482 Permit

approaches. ence, but the relationships that he the country. VA Alexandria,

PAID has built locally, regionally and in McElveen emphasized his back- Postage U.S.

ON MONDAY, MAY 13, they Richmond and beyond during his ground on the School Board — a STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Meet Candidates for County Board Chairman Four to contend in June 11 Democratic Primary to seek to replace retiring Sharon Bulova.

By Andrea Worker as the county’s top elected official. With ❖ Ryan McElveen, at-large member, the Mount Vernon Gazette, sent out identi- The Gazette multiple candidates, election rules call for Fairfax County Public Schools board since cal questionnaires to all four, asking each a Primary Election to decide a winner who 2012. to provide voters with some basic informa- s chair of the Fairfax County will go on to the Nov. 5 ballot, when all of ❖ Tim Chapman, Reston-based real es- tion about themselves, and then to explain Board of Supervisors Sharon the Board member seats will be up for grabs. tate developer and businessmen why they are running, what they see as the Bulova prepares to retire at the Vying for the position are: ❖ Alicia Plerhoples, tenured law profes- top issues facing the county, and in what A ❖ end of the year, four Democrats Current Lee District Supervisor Jeff C. sor at Georgetown Law. key ways they differ from their opponents. have come forward, looking to fill her spot McKay, who has served on the board since 2007. Connection Newspapers, which includes Here are their responses: Jeffrey C. McKay Ryan McElveen Alicia Plerhoples Tim Chapman Age: 43 Age: 33 Age: Age: Education: James Education: Columbia Education: Harvard Education: Emerson Madison University University, Master of In- College (B.A.); Yale Law High School (1996), Sorensen Insti- ternational Affairs in School (J.D.); Princeton Family: Wife, tute for Political Leader- Human Rights (2011); University, Woodrow Julianna, 5 children ship (1998) Univ. of Virginia, B.A. Wilson School (M.P.A) Native of: Maryland Family: Wife, Crystal, Anthropology and East Family: Daughters Moved to Your Dis- children Leann and Asian Studies (2008); Native of: trict: 2005 Aidan, retired racing George C. Marshall greyhound Pascal. High School (2004) Moved to Your Dis- Prior and current pro- Native of: Fairfax County Family: Wife Xuan, daughter Sierra trict: fessional, political and civic experiences, Moved to Your District: Lifelong Lee Dis- Native of: Raised in the Vienna-Tysons Prior and current professional, political community involvement, etc.: trict resident area and civic experiences, community involve- ❖ Real Estate developer Prior and current professional, political Moved to Your District: Lifelong resident ment, etc.: ❖ Appointee to Virginia Housing Devel- and civic experiences, community involve- of Fairfax County ❖ Tenured law professor, Georgetown opment Authority (VHDA) by Gov. ment, etc.: Prior and current professional, political Law McAuliffe ❖ Fairfax County Board of Supervisors – and civic experiences, community involve- ❖ Founder of a public interest law cen- ❖ Elected Chair of VHDA. During my ten- Lee District ment, etc.: ter, advising small businesses, social enter- ure at the VHDA, I helped invest billions of ❖ Chairman, Budget Committee, Board ❖ At-large Member, Fairfax County School prises, startups and nonprofits dollars into affordable housing projects, and of Supervisors Board 2012-Present ❖ Formerly a corporate finance attorney helped thousands of families buy their first ❖ Chairman, Legislative Committee ❖ Assoc. Director, John L. Thornton China at Cooley LLP homes. ❖ Co-Chair, Revitalization Committee Center, the Brookings Institution, 2013 - ❖ Formerly a real estate finance attorney ❖ Board member homeless shelter in ❖ Member, Successful Children and Youth Present at DLA Piper LLP Washington, D.C. Policy Team ❖ International Operations and Policy, the ❖ Recipient of the American Bar ❖ Veteran United States Army Presiden- ❖ Member, Northern Virginia Regional Boeing Company Association’s 2017 Outstanding Nonprofit tial Guard Commission ❖ Co-Chair, Revitalization Committee, FC Lawyer Award ❖ Member, Virginia Railway Express Board of Supervisors. ❖ Elected member of the Governing Q: Why are you running? Board ❖ Communications, Clinton Foundation Board of the McLean Community Center A: I am running for Chair of the Fairfax ❖ First VP, Virginia Assoc. of Counties and Clinton Global Initiative ❖ PTA president at daughters’ public County Board of Supervisors because I want Board of Directors ❖ Researcher, Permanent Subcommittee school to extend the opportunities for success I’ve ❖ Two-time former Chair, current Mem- on Investigations, U.S. Senate ❖ Member, FCPS Board’s Human Re- had to all of our Fairfax County neighbors. ber, Northern Virginia Transportation Com- ❖ Asst. Director, Univ. of Virginia Center sources Advisory Committee I love living in Fairfax County, but our com- mission in Shanghai, China munity, like the bottom side of a pancake, ❖ Coach, Woodlawn Little League, Pio- Q: Why are you running? is not perfect. We are one of the wealthiest neer Baseball League, Mount Vernon Sports Q: Why are you running? A: I am running to improve the quality of counties in the United States, but deep- Club A: After spending the better part of my life for every Fairfax County resident. I see rooted inequality remains. time on the School Board as witness to other municipalities passing us by, whether These inequalities are rooted in a closed Q: Why are you running? chronically underfunded school system bud- on environmental action, public transit, liv- political system that for decades has served A: I am a lifelong Fairfax County resident, gets, I decided to run for Chairman when I ing wages, affordable housing, or educa- only the wealthy and well-connected … sti- proudly born and raised along the Route realized that there was no one else in the tional investment. fling competition from outsiders and has One Corridor. From an early age, my grand- race who would be as strong an advocate relegated the Board of Supervisors to a land mother instilled in me the importance of for our schools and children as I would be. Q: What are the top issues in your use and zoning review board. We can do helping others, especially those less fortu- Since January, I have been saying that we district and what solutions do you better. nate than ourselves. Those teachings, com- are two Fairfaxes. The development pat- propose: I want to give a voice to the working class bined with my own experiences … are the terns that have been promoted by past ❖ To foster liveable, affordable commu- families and underserved communities in reasons why I ultimately sought public of- Boards of Supervisors have led to the stark nities where people who work here can af- Fairfax County, and to address problems fice. divides between the “haves” and “have nots” ford to live here that affect everyone. Together, we can cre- I am running for Chairman this year to in Fairfax County. … ❖ To develop a vibrant economy that cre- ate a more equitable prosperity in Fairfax build on the successes we’ve had and to We need to turn our attention to the ar- ates quality jobs and restores a clean, sus- County. push us forward … I’m proud of Fairfax eas and populations that will benefit from tainable environment County and the community we’ve built to- neither Amazon and a growing tech sector ❖ To ensure our high quality public Q: Key ways you differ from your gether. Now, more than ever, those values nor higher property values. All of our resi- schools meet the needs of students in every opponents? we’ve instilled and the work we’ve done are dents need to have a voice. I will purpose- part of the county, no matter one’s zip code. A: at risk. We need to fight for all residents fully work to narrow that gap and provide ❖ Background in business, development and communities throughout our county. more seats at the table, making sure that Q: Key ways you differ from your and managing large enterprises Q: What are the top issues in your our diverse community is better represented opponents? ❖ I’m no stranger to hard work. My

See McKay, Page 10 See McElveen, Page 10See Plerhoples, Page 10 See Chapman, Page 10 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 3 News New Hope Housing’s Michell Named Lady Fairfax ew Hope Housing Executive less families and Michell was named a 2005 Washingto- Director Pamela L. Michell individuals shel- nian of the Year, received the Center for Nwas named Lady Fairfax by ter, housing, and Nonprofit Advancement’s 2009 Gelman Fairfax County Board of Su- tools to build a Rosenberg Freedman EXCEL Award for ex- pervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, in a cer- better life. She has cellence in nonprofit leadership, and was emony at the Fairfax County Government led New Hope named the Leadership Fairfax Nonprofit Center on Tuesday, May 14. Lord Fairfax will Housing with a Leader of the Year in 2013. be Randy Sayles, a retired Denver police philosophy of dig- Michell is an advocate on behalf of home- officer who has volunteered in numerous nity and respect less adults and families in the community, roles for the Fairfax County Police Depart- for every person serving on the boards of a variety of ment. and a place that grassroots advocacy organizations and on The Lord and Lady Fairfax Awards Pro- Michell welcomes all. a variety of work groups and task forces gram was first instituted in 1984 and yearly Under her lead- dealing with homelessness, housing, other Photo Contributed honors two volunteer and civic leaders from ership, New Hope Housing has grown from human services, and equity issues. each magisterial district and two at-large a program of three shelters in southeastern Randy Sayles is a retired Denver uniform chosen by the chair. The honorees are se- Fairfax County serving approximately 100 police officer, detective and federal agent, lected for outstanding service to their home people a day, to a continuum of services that deputy assistant administrator, U.S. Drug districts or to Fairfax County. includes six shelters, nine permanent sup- Enforcement Administration, with over 35 “I’m thankful to Sharon Bulova for select- portive housing programs, rapid rehousing years of experience in use-of-force incidents. ing me and for recognizing the important services, and a number of support services His firsthand experience has been valuable Board of Supervisors Chairman work of New Hope Housing, our staff, and providing hope and hospitality to as many in his service to Fairfax County, including Sharon Bulova and Pam Michell our volunteers,” said Michell. “I’m humbled as 450 people a day in Fairfax County, Falls as a member of the Ad Hoc Police Practices with her daughter Gillian Penn. to be in a group that has included so many Church, Alexandria, and Arlington County. Review Commission, serving on the Use of community heroes and kind souls like New Hope Housing has received many Force Subcommittee, the informal imple- single adults in Fairfax County, City of Al- Barney Barnwell and our founder, Eleanor awards including Best Housing Organiza- mentation group, the internal use-of-force exandria, Arlington County, and City of Falls Kennedy.” tion 2004 at the Virginia Governor’s Hous- committee at the Police Department and as Church. New Hope Housing is committed Michell joined New Hope Housing as ex- ing Conference, was selected as one of five an original member of the Civilian Review to finding creative and lasting solutions to ecutive director in November 1990 after finalist organizations in The Washington Panel. end the cycle of homelessness by offering answering an ad in The Washington Post. Post 2009 Excellence in Nonprofit Manage- New Hope Housing is a nonprofit agency homeless men, women and children the In this position she is responsible for the ment Award program, and the Virginia Coa- providing shelter, transitional and perma- services they need to change their lives and operation of an $8,000,000 non-profit, com- lition to End Homelessness Housing First nent supportive housing, outreach and sup- succeed. For more information, visit munity-based agency that provides home- Award in 2015. port services for homeless families and www.newhopehousing.org. Pulling Shopping Carts, Trash Out of Creek

his past weekend, state Sen. Scott Surovell (D36) and Del. Paul Krizek

T Photos from www.facebook.com/Surovell (D-44) hosted an annual Little Hunting Creek Cleanup near U.S. 1 in Lee District. Dubbed “Fairfax County’s Trashiest Stream” in 2007 by Fairfax County govern- ment, the stream runs through the Lee Dis- trict area of Fairfax County in the U.S. 1 Corridor before it crosses U.S. 1 and passes George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate on its way to the Potomac River. In coordination with the Friends of Little Hunting Creek, Surovell and Krizek hosted three cleanup sites in the Hybla Valley area at Janna Lee Avenue Bridge, Audubon Mo- bile Home Park and at the Mount Vernon Shopping Plaza behind the Shoppers Food State Sen. Scott Surovell and members of the More than 35 volunteers turned out to collect over Warehouse. community gathered toi collect trash during an- 3,000 pounds of trash in 100 bags. More than 35 volunteers turned out to nual Little Hunting Creek Cleanup last weekend. collect more than 3,000 pounds of trash in 100 bags. More than 15,000 pounds of trash ❖ One guard rail Wal-Mart went through the effort of install- that gave up their Saturday to help clean have been collected since cleanup of this ❖ A grill. ing a cart control system. Unfortunately, the up their community,” Surovell said. “Little area started eight years ago. Volunteers included students from West recovered carts were not equipped to func- Hunting Creek is still full of trash, but if we Volunteers collected primarily plastic bev- Potomac and Mt. Vernon High Schools and tion with their control system,” Surovell can remove a ton of trash one weekend, erage containers, discarded food contain- Carl Sandburg Middle School. Volunteers said. “One of the carts was outfitted with that’s a ton of trash that does not make it ers, and plastic bags. Other items included: also came from Arlington and Prince Will- Aldi’s theft deterrent system which clearly to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. ❖ Four shopping carts iam counties. did not work. I also warned Costco about U.S. 1’s retailers continue to show a lack of ❖ 10 bicycles and one tricycle With the annual assistance of Robert this problem before they built their store interest in controlling shopping cart re- ❖ Three tires O’Hanlon’s Tree Service, cleanup volunteers and asked them to install an electronic cart moval, minimizing plastic bag consumption, ❖ Two children’s vehicles were also able to extract four grocery carts, control system after Fairfax County refused or disposable containers in the corridor. We ❖ One snow shovel bringing the overall total to 220 shopping to mandate it through a proffer and they are also continuing to raise awareness about ❖ One katana (sword) carts pulled from the creek bed in the past refused, insisting that they had different the Lee District trash and litter problem in ❖ One baby stroller eight years. customers than Wal-Mart. This makes Hybla Valley. If we continue to push this ❖ A baby pool “The shopping carts are especially disap- nearly 10 Costco carts we have removed message, I hope we eventually see a reduc- ❖ One flatscreen television pointing given that I have repeatedly since they opened.” tion in plastic bottle, bag and overall waste ❖ Three computer monitors brought this issue to retailer’s attention and “I am grateful for the many volunteers in our streams.” 4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Alex/Riverside Estates $594,900 1-4 8318 Cherry Valley Lane Popular updated “B” model Colonial with OPEN

Photo by Charlotte Hicks 4BRs, 2.5BAs, 2 gas FPLs and a single car garage, all on a beautifully landscaped lot. SUNDAY Numerous updates: refinished hardwood floors on main and upper levels, freshly painted interior, double pane windows and a delightful screened porch overlooking a beautiful backyard. Family rm on main level with a gas FPL and a 2nd gas FPL in the finished basement. 10 mins to Ft. Belvoir- 30 mins to Natl’ Airport. This market is hot so come on over and take a look. Alex/Riverside Estates $579,850 3012 Battersea Lane Riverside’s popular “Yorkshire: colonial UNDER featuring 3 finished lvls, 4 spacious BRs, Ten bicycles left St. Augustine, Fla. on April 20 cycling the 2.5 updated Baths & a large 2 car garage, Bike the US for MS CONTRACT all on a beautiful corner lot. Numerous East coast and planning on finishing May 26 in Bar Harbor, updates include the roof, replacement Mass. Their purpose is to raise awareness and funding for multiple sclerosis research double pane windows, HVAC system, hot and volunteer for patients. The group consists of three women and seven men from as water heater, refinished hdwds on the main lvl w/Travertine flooring in the family rm. Additional finished space in the far away as British Columbia, Canada, California, Idaho, Texas, Florida, Virginia, and basement w/a rec rm & utility rm. Great location: 7 mins to Ft. Belvoir, 15 mins to Pennsylvania coming together to cycle an average of 60- 80 miles a day. Messiah Old Town, Alex, & 28 mins to Natl Airport. All this for less than $580,000. Lutheran Church, at 6510 Fort Hunt Road, had the opportunity to host the cyclists this Alex/Sulgrave Manor $530,000 week. They spend nights at campsites, churches or other organizations that will host 4002 Old Mill Road them on their journey. To support their efforts, residents can sponsor a rider on Beautiful 3 lvl brick split on a large, UNDER lovely .5 acre lot w/lots of trees & Facebook. The members of the group are Richard Ellis, Kelly Wolf, Duncan Moore, Al privacy. Spacious kitchen w/eating area Francis, Gayle Fothengil, Neil McKellum, Sean McKellum, Stormi Turnbull, Joe Turnbull, CONTRACT that looks out to a beautiful screened Harrison Mak and Joe Fenney. To learn more about Bike US for MS, visit porch & brick patio-perfect for grilling & entertaining. 3 spacious BRs & 2 biketheusforms@biketheusforms. full updated baths on the upper lvl. The lower level offers a 4th BR, Family room w/walk-out utility room & 3rd full bath. 5 minutes to Ft. Belvoir, 15 minutes to STEM in the Schoolyard Old Town & 30 mins to National airport. Great price on this Stunning Home!! Approximately 100 Whitman Middle students Alex/ Riverside Estates $659,000 participated in STEM in the Schoolyard, an 8332 Wagon Wheel Road interactive event that provided students with $100,000 + of outstanding renovations in Riverside UNDER Estates popular “B” model Colonial w/garage. the opportunity to create, explore, and experi- New roof, deck, front door & A/C in ’18. Kitchen ment with how science, technology, engineer- CONTRACT & baths in ’17. Kitchen totally gutted & opens to ing, and math are used in everyday life. Stu- Living & Dining rms, inludes: quartz tile counters, six burner gas range by Miele, new hdwd floor, SS dents took part in demonstrations centered appliances & beautiful stained cabinets. All 3.5 baths are gorgeous. MBR combined w/another on disaster-proofing buildings, flying a drone, bedrm to offer a beautiful suite including a huge walk-in closet to die for. Beautifully finished creating lip balms using chemistry (at left), lower lvl offers a 4th bedrm & 3rd full BA along w/an inviting Rec rm – perfect for a Nanny or Au Pair. DBL pane windows & 6 panel doors ….of course!!! Totally turnkey, enjoy!!! LED light painting, andbuilding robots. Alex/Riverside Estates $699,900 8334 Blowing Rock Road Start with Riverside Estate’s Popular “B” Model Colonial, add a 2 car garage, above that large SOLD garage add a huge addition consisting of 2BRs, & a 3rd full bath; not done yet, throw in a large in-ground swimming pool & separate hot tub, both updated in 2016, last but not least build a beautiful 12’x9’ covered screened porch looking out at the pool & hot tub. Also, freshly painted interior, refinished hdwd flrs on main & upper lvls. Furnace & A/C replaced in 2016. Updated kitchen & baths. What you have…a once in a lifetime home which is expanded to offer a wonderful in-law/Nanny’s suite, & lastly on a wonderful, quiet cul-de-sac!! Ft. Hunt/Hollin Hall $570,000 7923 Jackson Road Gorgeous home offers 1 lvl living w/contemporary open floor plan in sought after Ft. Hunt community SOLD zoned for Waynewood Ele. This beautiful home has been completely remodeled & has stunning architec- tural features including an addition which has a Great rm w/high vaulted ceiling, a stone FPL, 2 skylights w/remote controlled shades, & a 2nd full bath, master bedrm, & enclosed washer/dryer area. Kitchen has SS appliances & silestone counters & shaker style maple cabinetry. Both baths renovat- ed. New French doors off of Great rm open to beautiful 2 year old deck made w/low maintenance composite material, overlooks private, fenced bkdy. This home is a GEM and is in a great location! Alex/Riverside Estates $548,000 8525 Wagon Wheel Road Looking for primarily one level living? You’ve Found It!! This lovely 2 level Rambler has been SOLD beautifully updated: roof, windows, kitchen, baths, HVAC, painted interior, & stunning refinished hdwd floors. The main lvl offers the kitchen, dining & living rms, along w/a family rm, 3 bedrms & 2 beautiful baths. The lower lvl has a rec rm, large den, utility rm & has a walkout to a large fenced bkyd, complete w/a lovely slate patio & detached shed. An asphalt driveway offers side by side parking plus a spacious 1 car garage. 7 mins to Ft. Belvoir, 15 mins to Old Towne, Alex & 28 mins to National Airport A beautiful & rare rambler!!

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 5 Opinion

www.MountVernonGazette.com Changing Political Landscape @MtVernonGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered themselves as progressive. There are of course to homes and businesses. Don’t miss vote June 11 degrees of progressive. You’ll have to tease out Upcoming Elections Published by or before to have a say for yourself what matters to you. Is the county June 11, 2019 Democratic Party Primary Local Media Connection LLC on the right track in the things that matter? If Election Information 1606 King Street you think the county has done enough in af- On Election Day Vote at Your Usual Polling Alexandria, Virginia 22314 in the biggest political fordable housing, is on the right path in terms Place, Open From 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Free digital edition delivered to of criminal justice reform and racial and eco- To confirm that you are eligible to vote in your email box. Go to change in years. nomic equity, then voting for the few longtime this election, visit the Virginia State Board of connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe incumbents might be right for you. Elections website at https:// n June 11, 2019 a revolution is If your vision of a progressive county is a bit vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.. NEWS DEPARTMENT: scheduled. There will be no beyond the status quo, then you have other GENERAL INFORMATION [email protected] choices. ❖ Now:: Absentee Voting is underway at Oblood. Change, massive change, Steven Mauren is inevitable, but its effects won’t Every Democratic primary voter in Fairfax the Office of Elections, 12000 Government Editor, 703-778-9415 be fully in place for months. County will choose candidates for two critical Center Pkwy., Conference Rooms 2/3, Fairfax, [email protected] Many of the powers that be in Fairfax County county wide positions, Chairman of the Fairfax VA Jean Card will step down at the end of the year, taking County Board of Supervisors and Fairfax ❖ May 20: Voter Registration Deadline to Production Editor with them decades of historic County Commonwealth’s Attorney. vote on June 11. In-person: 5 pm, online: 11:59 [email protected] Editorial understanding and institutional Early voting has begun already, but the cut- p.m. Andrea Worker knowledge. Voters will choose off to register to vote is in less than a week, ❖ June 4: Deadline to request an absentee Contributing Writer their replacements, for the most May 20. You have to register (at your current ballot by mail, 5 p.m. [email protected] ❖ part, on June 11. address) and actually vote to have a say in June 8: Final day to vote absentee in- Jeanne Theismann It’s a huge opportunity for voters in Virginia choices that could define the direction of the person, 5 p.m. [email protected] to enact the change they want to see. county for the foreseeable future. With four or ❖ June 11: Primary Election Day. Polling @TheismannMedia First any Virginia voter can participate in the five candidates vying for quite a few seats, a Places open 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Deadline to Democratic primary because voters in Virginia small number of votes could decide. return ballots to the Office of Elections, 7 p.m. ADVERTISING: For advertising information do not register by party. Don’t miss out. See www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/up- [email protected] Second almost every candidate is describing — Mary Kimm coming for more and to find your sample bal- 703-778-9431 lot for Tuesday, June 11. Debbie Funk Display Advertising/National Sales Letters to the Editor 703-778-9444 [email protected] Unacceptable while he was being beaten to whether we as a society are doing an organization such as ours, that Julie Ferrill death, knowing he had no hope of as much as we could be doing to wants nothing more than to have Real Estate, 703-927-1364 [email protected] Status Quo anyone rescuing him from such protect children from the parents our special needs population to unjust torture? whose duty it is, ironically, to be have connection within the com- Helen Walutes To the Editor: Simultaneously, I was seeing protectors of their offspring. The munity where they live. The next Display Advertising, 703-778-9410 [email protected] During April, I received a mass several news stories about the status quo is completely unaccept- time you choose to “shop local” e-mail from my Virginia state sena- measles outbreaks occurring in able, albeit easy to ignore if it’s not take note of all where all of the David Griffin tor, Dick Saslaw, reminding me discrete U.S. communities. Ac- taking place in one’s own home. vendors at the county sponsored Marketing Assistant that it was National Child Abuse 703-778-9431 cording to the CDC website, more markets come from. You will see [email protected] Prevention Month. I was shocked than 700 cases were reported in Rob Blizard that room is made for vendors upon reading further in his e-mail the first four months of 2019. Springfield from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Classified & Employment about the prevalence of child Advertising The comparison of numbers localities further away in the state 703-778-9431 abuse in our area. made me think. If 11,500 children of Virginia, but few from right in According to Saslaw, “SCAN were mistreated in just our region Support our own community. You might Publisher (Stop Child Abuse Now) reports in one year, then how many expe- want to consider supporting inde- Jerry Vernon that in 2017, more than 11,500 rience such terrible anti-parenting Local Venues pendent farm stands where local 703-549-0004 [email protected] children were involved in reported across the country? We would be To the Editor: churches such as St. Luke’s Epis- cases of child abuse and neglect talking about hundreds of thou- I’m the executive director of copal Church have provided sup- Editor & Publisher in our region.” And these are just sands of children nationwide. Why Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, a port and an opportunity for our Mary Kimm the reported cases. We can all [email protected] is this not more of an epidemic or local nonprofit in the Fort Hunt/ organization to sell our treats in @MaryKimm imagine that there are many more emergency along the lines of Mount Vernon Community. Our the community where our work- such cases that never go reported measles? Why are our elected nonprofit provides job training ers and volunteers work and live. Editor in Chief and in which children live sad, Steven Mauren leaders not focusing on this more and meaningful work to young Art/Design: desperate, terrorized lives. in an effort to help suffering kids? adults with disabilities. Our team Anne Tuccillo Laurence Foong, John Heinly, Also last month, national stories “Unfortunately, this issue can of differently-abled young adults Alexandria Ali Khaligh coming out of Illinois were detail- Production Manager: often fall under the radar in the support daily operations of mak- Geovani Flores ing the beating death of five-year- Northern Virginia region,” ing all natural ginger dog treats. Remedy for old Andrew “AJ” Freund of Crys- Saslaw’s email says. Why? If the Recently we applied to become CIRCULATION tal Lake. Indicted on 41 criminal magnitude of child abuse is as a vendor at the Fairfax County Circulation Manager: counts, as reported by the Chicago Supremacist Ann Oliver great as SCAN reports — and sponsored farmer’s market at the [email protected] Tribune, the parents’ charges there’s every reason to believe the Sherwood Hall library. Despite the stated that “the murder was ac- Thinking? scope is, in fact, even broader — lack of encouragement from the A Connection Newspaper companied by exceptionally bru- then stopping child abuse should office that facilitates the applica- To the Editor: tal or heinous behavior indicative be a top priority. Yet, I don’t know tion process, I went ahead and In the May 6 Mount Vernon Ga- of wanton cruelty.” What this poor that I’ve ever heard it discussed in submitted and application. Our zette publication, Capital News soul must have endured; he de- a political debate. application was denied, and we Service writer Saffeya Ahmed re- served so much better. I don’t know the answer to were offered a slot at the Oakton ported her investigation of hate Imagine the complete and total proactively solving child abuse, Farmer’s Market, approximately crimes and quoted Professor David living hell experienced by a child other than encouraging people to 20 miles away from where our Webber (VCU, emergency pre- experiencing such horrific abuse. report it if they suspect it. young people reside. I am per- paredness) to inform responsible See Letters, Page 9 What was this little boy thinking Lately, I’ve been questioning plexed at the lack of support for 6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 7 QUALITY AND Opinion COMPASSIONATE DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY Progress through County Budget By Dan Storck With the third quarter budget adjustments and leagues on the board joined me in unanimous Supervisor, Mount Vernon District new funding in the FY 2020 Budget, we have support and county staff has moved forward Fairfax County Board of Supervisors made great strides, but still must do more. We expeditiously. The budget now includes fund- are suffering the consequences of a regional ing for a new Office of Environmental and lack of supportive housing and a decrease of Energy Coordination and two new positions Dr. Jung H. Park is a local was pleased to support the FY 2020 Bud- Alexandrian with Iget Plan which allows us to address many affordable housing in surrounding jurisdictions, to support development of a Community-wide 12 years of private practice of the board’s priorities from One Fairfax which has hurt current Mount Vernon District Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP). experience in Northern to affordable housing, new environmental ini- residents by causing rents and home prices to Last here, but first on my priorities, we are Virginia providing excellent tiatives to fully funding our schools, all with- increase. As our corridor redevelops, I am com- fully funding our schools for a second year in patient care in a friendly and out increasing the real estate tax rate. This is mitted to ensuring that no one gets left behind. a row. We have funded needed teacher pay comfortable atmosphere. a great accomplishment and indicative of the While this includes the neediest among us, it increases and additional support for our stu- • General Dentistry strength of our current economy, business de- also includes our teachers, first responders, dents. Needs-based staffing makes a big dif- • Periodontal Therapy velopment and development in general. Even recent graduates and young families. If you live ference with our lowest income students and • Root Canal Therapy as things are going strong, the budget provides or work in our community now, you should those not excelling as quickly as they can. This • Crown, Bridge & for additional growth and revitalization oppor- have an opportunity to continue to live here, funding is critical for keeping Mount Vernon Dentures tunities, including on the Richmond Highway or to move here. District students and schools competitive. • Implant Prosthesis Corridor and in the Lorton area. We all, the county, private sector and I, must While I worked hard for this year’s budget • Cosmetic Dentistry One important addition to this budget was be working closely together every single day outcomes, we still need to work with our state • Oral Surgery raising the county employees minimum wage to retain our quality existing housing and build legislators to change the state funding formu- • Pediatric Dentistry to $15/hour and increasing the proposed new housing along our highways. las and return more of the tax dollars gener- • Teeth Bleaching county employee Market Rate Adjustment As the grandson of an undocumented immi- ated in Fairfax County to Fairfax County. Cur- • Invisalign IGO (MRA) to 2.1 percent. These elements are criti- grant, I supported the pilot funding for legal rently, the county only receives 2.3 percent of cal to attracting and retaining talent, while services for Fairfax County immigrant residents. its funding from the state, with the state re- ensuring that those who live, work and play I have heard from many constituents both for turning to us only 23 percent of what Fairfax in our county can continue to do so. An added and against this pilot funding which helps some County residents contribute in state taxes. piece of this puzzle is the funding of a new immigrants who are facing deportation receive (These taxes are principally contributed Workforce Attraction Program through the legal services. We face an unprecedented chal- through the fairest and most progressive form 7900 Andrus Road, Suite 1 Economic Development Authority (EDA). We lenge of children and families in our commu- — income taxes.) Even just returning a few Alexandria, VA 22306 have many unfulfilled job opportunities, which nity that need and should receive due legal percentages more of our income tax dollars 703-679-8959 if not addressed, will dampen our vitality and process and proper representation. could significantly lower our real estate tax reduce future job growth. Attracting the tal- One of my proudest moments on this board rate. In addition, if the county had the same www.parksmilecare.com ent to fill these positions is critical to our re- came in February when I brought forward my taxation options as the nearby cities of Alex- development and continued economic growth. Fairfax Green Initiatives Board Matter to more andria, Falls Church or Fairfax, we could also Housing, frankly, is our Achilles heel and the quickly, broadly and systematically address our lower our real estate tax rate by diversifying lost (adj): 1. unable to find county has been slow to respond to this need. growing environmental challenges. My col- our funding options. the way. 2. not appreciated or understood. 3. no longer owned or known Alternatives During Station Closures By Paul Krizek Also, they are doing their best to keep you ments. Here is a link to the bus timetables for State Delegate (D-44) informed, including personal outreach at Hun- the enhanced Metrobus service: https:// tington Station six times between now and www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/up- Adopt n case you’ve been too wrapped up in the when the shutdown starts, along with station coming-changes/index.cfm?state=VA. Ifinal Game of Thrones season or wonder specific brochures that are being handed out Free shuttle buses will replace Metro service ing when the rain will finally go away for to customers. In addition, the WMATA commu- throughout the shutdown. The Blue Line Donate more than just a couple of days, you might be nications teams will be present at all of the af- Shuttle will operate between the Franconia- unaware of the impending Metro station clo- fected stations during the first two weeks of Springfield, Van Dorn St, King St-Old Town, Volunteer sures and the significant impact this will have the shutdown period to answer any questions and National Airport stations. This Blue Line on the commutes of residents in the 44th dis- and provide direction to commuters. WMATA Shuttle will not stop at the Braddock Road sta- trict whom I represent. Well, here’s an impor- bus staff will also be available throughout the tion. The Yellow Line Shuttle will operate be- Volunteers needed for tant reminder. In just two weeks, from May entire shutdown period to assist commuters. tween the Huntington, Eisenhower Ave, King adoption events, 25, the Saturday before Memorial Day, through First, it is important to note that regular ser- St-Old Town, Braddock Road, and Crystal City Sept. 8, six Blue and Yellow Line Metro sta- vice will continue throughout the rest of the stations. The Yellow Line Shuttle will not stop fostering, tions south of the Ronald Reagan National Air- system from National Airport north with near- at National Airport. Free express shuttle buses transportation, port will be closed in order to complete Phase normal service during this summer. Parking at will also be available that run directly from 1 of what Metro is calling the “Platform Im- the Huntington, Franconia, and Van Dorn sta- the Franconia-Springfield Station to the Pen- adoption center provement Project.” This includes Huntington tions will be free all summer, and there will be tagon Station, and from the Huntington Sta- caretaking and more. Station which many of us use on a daily basis a number of free shuttles providing travel al- tion to the Pentagon Station. Additionally, an to commute to work, go to events and sightsee ternatives. The best bet for commuters will be express shuttle will run from the Landmark in DC, generally avoid traffic, and do our part to jump on the free non-stop shuttle from Hun- Mall to the Pentagon Station. These shuttle for the environment by lessening the number tington Station to the Pentagon Station, about buses will run every five minutes during rush of cars on the road. a 30-to 35 minute ride. For those going to a hours and every 10 minutes midday and eve- Much of this work is desperately needed due Nationals or DC United game, it may be best nings, except the Blue Line Shuttle (every 12 to poor construction and maintenance from as to drive across the Woodrow Wilson bridge and minutes during midday) and Landmark-Pen- far back as 35 years ago as is the case of hop on the Green Line at Branch Avenue, only tagon Express (weekdays only). The shuttles Braddock Station. Complete closure of these six stops from the stadium. And, for local traf- will operate during all hours the rail system is stations, as opposed to limited service such as fic, you are encouraged to take the free local open, seven days a week, except the Landmark- single-tracking, will expedite the project, save shuttles stopping at each closed metro station, Pentagon Express, which will only operate on money, and reduce expected completion time acting almost as a surrogate train for local use. weekdays. All shuttle buses will meet the first by up to 94 percent. In trying to make lemon- And, the popular 11Y bus service will be ex- and last trains at their terminal stations. ade from these lemons, the good news is that, panded during construction to include midday For more resources and ways to stay informed on though we will be without service for 107 days, service plus more of the regular peak period Fairfax County travel alternatives, visit www.fair faxcounty.gov/transportation/travel-alerts/metro-plat- Metro is working very hard to give travelers service. If more buses are needed, WMATA will forms. For information on the WMATA Platform lostdogandcatrescue.org alternatives which I want to share with you. be monitoring the service and making adjust- Improvement Project, visit www.wmata.com/platforms. 8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Letters

From Page 6 human condition through qualita- questions by quoting Raha Batts, would want them to equally do to healthy cultural habits of safe pre- citizens in The Commonwealth of tive interviews of various cultural imam of Masjid Ash-Shura in Nor- you?” Dr. Martin Luther King dictable interaction? Virginia. Are Gazette readers con- supremacists to analyze and vali- folk, who claims that we can co- called citizens to expand our circle I am thankful every hour of the cerned that faculty at VCU encour- date her theoretical framework exist with such groups, because of love and understand those who day for the millions of men and aged the student to conduct an and unbiased findings? Did her “we all have the same goals in provoke disagreement and retali- women from all ethnic back- ethnographic study of suprema- research include visiting and dis- mind.” Did Mr. Batts consider dis- ation. Citizens are responsible for grounds and religions who have cists? cussing perspectives with the chil- tinctively different goals such as a discerning subtle agendas by given their lives through the mili- What is the remedy to dren and grandparents of these citizen’s duty under oath to defend groups who plan to occupy, re- tary and other public service to supremacist’s toxic thinking of criminals and their victims? Did our United States Constitution place, and undermine civil rights protect American citizens and our deceptive self-interest that threat- she become familiar with su- against all threats foreign and do- laws. To what extent is it practical U.S. Constitution from all threats ens all nations? Would Gazette premacist cultural anthropology mestic? Do Batts and Ahmed rec- for communities to accommodate both foreign and domestic. readers find such hateful suprema- by offering food, clothes, shelter, oncile their claim to coexist with a movement that consumes ben- cists in Africa, China, Mexico, jobs, and transportation if they the traditional norm to “love your efits from an established infra- David Harrison South America, Middle East, Far need a hospital? My professors neighbor and do to them as you structure and yet refuses to adopt Alexandria East, Europe, or Australia? I have required students “to demonstrate never met or spoken to a suprema- academic integrity” by conducting cist. The Rule of Law in America a systematic review to consider has protected people who have anticipating, monitoring, mediat- migrated to the United States from ing, and mitigating risk. all over the world. The tolerant Did she investigate the cultural American society has enabled le- distrust, fear, and anger that mo- gal immigrants to become produc- tivates a supremacist’s method of tive citizens able to thrive within operating in society? She does not the American dream of liberty and define or diagnose a remedy to justice for all. supremacist’s toxic thinking of Did the writer conduct her so- deceptive self-interest that threat- cial science investigation of the ens all nations. She brings forward Bulletin Board

TUESDAY/MAY 23 more.rsday/May 30 UCM Toastmasters Open House. 7- THURSDAY/MAY 30 9 p.m. at South County Building, 8350 Richmond Highway, 2nd floor. Interfaith Ramadan Dinner. 7:30 Toastmasters International, an p.m. (registration); 8 p.m. (program organization devoted to helping starts) at Fairfax County Government individuals develop/improve Center – Cafeteria, 12000 leadership and communication skills. Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Refreshements will be served. Free. Call to prayer and dinner are at 8:30 Visit ucm.toastmastersclubs.org/ for p.m. Register at bit.ly/fxcounty2019.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 9 News Candidates for Board Chairman in Televised Debate

From Page 1 area that could, in turn, further exacerbate Plerhoples says a “radical shift” is needed steps, and more than what many other ju- the affordable housing shortage. and is skeptical of the county’s commitment risdictions have taken. By adopting the plan painful commute. Along with more multi-jurisdictional when there is only “one person on county and working to add accountability and Again, Plerhoples and Chapman argued planning and fighting for the state and fed- staff dedicated to One Fairfax. Every depart- measurable results, McKay sees Fairfax that the county is behind on the issue and eral funds needed, McElveen sees the need ment should have an equity officer” or the County as leading the way for others, while that regional partnerships need to be em- to expand the reach of the current Metro like to bring the initiative to life. acknowledging that “our work is still un- ployed to tackle the situation more rapidly. rail system as part of the solution. The attorney noted her own experience finished.” As chairman, McKay wants to “We’re imprisoned in our cars … we need running a public interest law center. continue that work so that “all county resi- to look at other jurisdictions” to help solve SCHERSCHLIGHT QUESTIONED how McElveen applauds the One Fairfax dec- dents share in the equal opportunity of One this problem, said Chapman. each candidate would see that the One laration but noted that in the schools, de- Fairfax.” Plerhoples wants “more creative thinking Fairfax initiative for equity is implemented, spite the wealth of the area, there are still The candidates will meet again on May on transportation.” She does not think that and how “good intentions turned into ac- many children in poverty and families that 24, hosted by the Fairfax County Democratic enough attention is being paid to solving tions” in projects like the Route 1 corridor struggle. Fairfax County is also home to one- Committee as they work to express their “that first mile and the last” that keep com- Embark amendment to the Comprehensive third of the state’s English-as-a-Second Lan- views to the voters and to differentiate muters from using public transportation. Plan. guage students, reported McElveen, and the themselves from each other. She also cautions that the “transit develop- “One Fairfax has no teeth,” was intentions of One Fairfax don’t always trans- With so much change at hand, and so much ment model” where major development Chapman’s response. “The chair needs to late into meeting their needs. at stake, as Scherschligt urged at the conclu- takes place around transit hubs has to be work with developers” to ensure the prin- As one of the architects of One Fairfax, sion of the televised debate, get informed and monitored to avoid “gentrification” of an ciples of One Fairfax are put into place. McKay defends the doctrine as the first “vote like your life depends on it.” McKay From Page 3 nities in all areas of the county education, job growth, human services, and that can help our county become a model quality of life, while also ensuring we’re for international business development and district and what solutions do you Q: Key ways you differ from your protecting our environment and fighting for investment. Perhaps most importantly, I am propose? opponents. affordable housing. an outsider to the Board of Supervisors. A: A: Having served on the Board of Super- I have the knowledge, experience, and My roles as a FCPS graduate, a Fairfax ❖ Creating a Fairfax County that works visors for the past 11 years, I am the only relationships it takes to be a successful parent, a School Board member, a global for all (One Fairfax) candidate with Board experience and who chairman, and I am excited for the oppor- thinker and candidate for Chair have one ❖ Investing in people by supporting the has been a state, regional and countywide tunity before us. thread: a dedication to the county that I environment, affordable housing, transpor- leader. I’ve balanced budgets and created love. I want to make sure everyone who tation infrastructure, and education countywide legislative agendas that have calls this place home is able to give back to ❖ Creating jobs and economic opportu- made us a progressive national leader in it as I have sought to do and achieve the McElveen American Dream. From Page 3 by our leadership. Plerhoples Q: What are the top issues in your From Page 3 district and what solutions do you propose? A: I am the only candidate committed to A: The three most important issues and putting voters first by refusing to accept opportunities that Fairfax needs to address political contributions from real estate de- are in the areas of education, innovation velopers. That is a conflict of interest. and opportunity. I am the only lawyer, experienced in ❖ Education: We need to fully fund our bringing private sector, small business to the schools and implement universal pre-Kin- table. dergarten so that our students enter school ready to succeed. ❖ Innovation: We need to connect all resi- dents to the internet; create transportation Chapman networks that accommodate expanded pub- From Page 3 lic transit and electric and autonomous ve- hicles; and preserve green space while in- mother and I were homeless for a portion vesting in a green infrastructure that pushes of my childhood. You don’t go from youth Fairfax toward a carbon-neutral future. homelessness to managing a $13 billion ❖ Opportunity: We need to prepare our agency overnight. I have spent my life build- community members for the jobs of the fu- ing things, solving problems, and serving ture by creating apprenticeships and build- my community. ing innovation labs in schools; develop ❖ I have the real world experience that it small-business incubators in vacant office will take to help Fairfax County move for- space; and build affordable housing ward, and I am prepared to take my service throughout our community. to a new level as Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Q: Key ways you differ from your ❖ I have spent my career building afford- opponents. able housing … with the VHDA we made it A: I am the only candidate in this race possible for thousands of moderate income who has experience as an elected official Virginians to buy a home. These experiences representing all Fairfax residents and over- uniquely position me to lead Fairfax County seeing 53 percent of the county budget as a towards a brighter future. School Board member. I am also the only candidate who, through years of working Note: Tim Chapman’s responses to the questionnaire were not received by press time. The in international business and think tank information above is taken from his campaign environments, has built global networks website at chapmanforchair.com.

10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Choosing Swimming Lessons What can parents do if child is afraid of the water.

Photo courtesy of Goldf By Marilyn Campbell

he start of summer just Taround the corner and for some, warm weather is synonymous with trips to a pool or beach. swimming lessons are one the minds of many parents.

May is National Water Safety ish Swim School Month, an effort designed to pre- vent illness, injury and death as a result of contact with the water. Part of a parent’s role in ensuring safety for their children is know- Learn About Adver sing ing the factors to consider when looking for swimming lessons. in the Connec on “People are starting get out and enjoy the water,” said Aleatha Ezra, of The World’s Largest Swim- and Digital Op ons! ming Lesson, an event on June 20 designed to raise awareness of the An instructor at Goldfish Swim School teaches young AAdverdver singsing iinn tthehe CConneconnec onon importance of knowing how to children how to swim. Lessons can help ensure water swim. “We want to emphasis the safety. aandnd uupcomingpcoming sspecialpecial ssecec ons:ons: importance to learning to swim, finding lessons and taking them seriously.” nation but rather contamination,” said Shannon cconnectionnewspapers.com/advertisingonnectionnewspapers.com/advertising When looking for lessons, parents should inquire McKeon, Environmental Health Specialist. “Ask to see about the training of those who will be in charge of water quality reports that should be posted at every teaching their children. “We require all of our swim public pool.” or call 703.778.9431 instructors to pass a certified lifeguard course,” said There are times when a child has an extreme fear Tommy Hamilton, Regional Manager at Goldfish of water, but safety experts advise continuing the Swim School of Reston, Falls Church and Alexandria. lessons with an instructor who is able to assist par- “In addition to this course all of our instructors also ents in helping a child overcome that fear. go through at least 40 hours of hands on training on “To cope with swimming fears, we should first re- our proprietary curriculum.” lax with slow, deep, nose In order for lessons to be ef- breathing,” said Jerome fective, the student teacher ra- Short, Ph.D. Licensed Clini- tio should be as low as possible, “We want to emphasis cal Psychologist and Associ- advises Hamilton. “We believe ate Professor of Psychology at that this gives them suitable the importance to George Mason University. time in the water practicing “We can close our eyes briefly their skills as well as enough learning to swim, and go to a quiet, comfort- rest in between each skill,” he finding lessons and able place. After we are re- said. “The small class sizes also laxed, we should watch oth- allow us to maintain a high taking them ers who enjoy swimming and standard for safety.” imagine doing it ourselves The swim school should as- seriously.” successfully. Then move for- sess a child’s ability and have a — Aleatha Ezra, of The World’s ward in small steps to shal- curriculum with a clearly de- low water, slowly submerge fined plan that allows a child Largest Swimming Lesson the body, and practice float- to advance as they gain skills. ing with someone close by to “For example, we have a pro- support you. Take a break if gressive curriculum. Our beginner swim classes start there is discomfort but try again soon to make more with basics like teaching kids to put their face in the progress.” water,” said Jamel Wright, a swimming instructor for Read story books on children who were afraid to SafeSplash Swim School in Bethesda. “It moves swim but were successful, advises Carol Barnaby, through [phases] like stroke development and ad- LCSW l. “Scared children are already tackling emo- vances through competition level as the children are tional burdens and don’t need to see, hear, or feel assessed and their swimming skills improve.” their parents frustration, she said. “Take your child’s Parents should be allowed to observe their child’s fear seriously and acknowledge it. Let them know lessons, said Hamilton. “We love when parents get that you understand that they are scared. Start swim involved in the progress of their children,” he said. lessons out of the water so that there can be trust “We believe this to be crucial to their growth. We established this will make them feel safe and ready keep our pool deck at a warm 90 degrees so we have to learn.” large glass windows in our lobby so parents can be Barnaby continued, “Let your child know that you comfortable and watch the entire lesson.” believe in them and that you have confidence they Another factor to consider is whether or not there will succeed at their goal. Praise all efforts and offer is a lifeguard on duty who can watch those in the physical reassurance when they leave the water. Chil- water at all times. Water quality should be another dren who receive positive reinforcement will try harder concern. “Smell to make sure there are no strong even when they are scared. Give your child frequent chemical smells, which is not a sign of proper chlori- reassurance that they are safe and help is there.” www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 11 Entertainment Meet Chef Alam Méndez Florián at Urbano 116

By Shirley Ruhe try to keep seeds and not lose they ready everything for the day. Photos by Shirley Ruhe them. GMO is less productive and “We make everything fresh here hef Alam Méndez more expensive so farmers don’t ourselves.” Florián carries a 40- like to grow that way.” Méndez has prepared a mari- C kilo whole lamb in Méndez pushes the corn down nade of red chilies, onion, garlic, from the refrigera- a funnel into a large grinder, pour- cumin, oregano, cloves, salt and tion room. He takes a hefty, care- ing from a pitcher of water to keep pepper. “Just to show you.” He rubs fully placed whack with his cleaver the mixture moving. A steady nearly a quart of the marinade into at the hind leg joint. In 20 min- stream of cónico falls into the con- several pieces of lamb and adds a utes he finishes with the ribs and tainer below. “You have to watch little bit of water to steam it in the has butchered the entire lamb. your fingers or they will grind up oven. Méndez will cook the pieces of with the corn.” He says, “We don’t Urbano 116 has been open on lamb in its own juices for 12 hours add salt; we just pat this into tor- King Street only a few months. at 120 degrees Celsius with a mari- tillas. The 8 kilos of corn will make Méndez says, “This isn’t the same nade. about 600 tortillas. We go through as what Americans call Tex-Mex “We prefer to cook it with the more than that in a day.” but most of them like it.” He says bones because it tastes better.” The tortillas are stacked high it is very different in Alexandria Méndez remembers when he was and, just before serving, the torti- and Mexico, which is the food Cónico corn has been growing up in Mexico that lamb lla will be cooked on a hot grill capital of the world and people soaked and is ground to was special for weekends when for 45 seconds. “The tortilla has a come from all over to eat there. make masa for tortillas. they would go have a “strong thin side and a thicker side, and “They know the flavors of the dif- Four steps to cónico breakfast” and the lamb broth was we put the filling on the thin side.” ferent corn in their tortillas.” But each other on the plate. Each is tortillas. good for hangovers “or so they told The kitchen is bustling as 11 he does find in Alexandria that filled with a generous portion of me.” Méndez buys his lambs from workers rub shoulders passing people who have been in Mexico shredded lamb and topped with him to Spain, Guatemala, Den- Maryland, at least two a week. through the maze between work want to experience that food again shredded cabbage. A drizzle of mark, Chile and back and forth to Méndez has boiled (blue) cónico areas and stovetop. One pours cus- and others are willing to give it a avocado sauce, a drizzle of morita Mexico City. His restaurant in corn and then cooked it for 25 tard into small glass bowls; an- try. Customers’ favorites are the sauce (a little hot) and a bit of Mexico City received the award for minutes at 92 degrees before let- other marinates pork and another varieties of tacos and ceviches on parsley for garnish. the best restaurant in Mexico. “My ting it soak overnight in limestone chops cucumbers and tomatoes. the dinner menu. Méndez received his culinary idea with my culinary knowledge water. He brings this corn from Méndez says the prep time early He likes to combine local degree in 2012 and since then his is to bring the Mexican flavors and Oaxaca in Mexico as well as the in the morning is the busiest as Oaxacan ingredients with what he culinary adventures have taken the culture here.” bolita and the belatove. He says can find here, and he creates daily other kinds of corn are different or weekly specials. “I learned to than cónico and some soak less cook from my mom. Her almond and take less limestone water. mole, her black and yellow mole This corn will translate into — half of the menu items are my masa for tortillas. The corn he uses mom’s recipes.” is 100 percent GMO free but he For the final touch Mendez ar- says in Mexico few pay for the cer- ranges a purple and a white taco tificate that states it is organic. “We with edges wedged up against

Chef Alam Méndez Florián butchers a whole lamb for Tacos stacked high ready the lamb tacos, a customer Rubbing the lamb with mari- for filling. favorite. nade to cook overnight. Lamb tacos with drizzle of morito and avocado sauce.

Calendar Submit entertainment announcements at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encouraged. made in heaven, ideal as an Creative Aging Festival. Through June 2, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.- Art Exhibit: “Re-Connecting ONGOING anniversary gift, engagement May 31, in locations around Fairfax 7 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Artists @ Threads.” Through June 2, at VCA Juried Show: “East Meets West.” congratulations or to commemorate County. The Creative Aging Festival Mosaic Gallery, 2905 District Avenue, Alexandria, 2660 Duke St. Gallery Through May 19, gallery hours at the hoopla of getting hitched. supports Fairfax County’s 50+ #105, Fairfax. Featured work by Without Walls celebrates fiber in a Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, Torpedo Capture a moment in clay, recall a Community Action Plan’s Arts juried artists from the Torpedo re-visit to last November’s Factory Art Center, Studio 29, 105 scene with ceramics and upgrade Initiative to promote arts Factory Art Center represent a variety “Connecting Threads” gallery exhibit. North Union St. Ikat weaving, Batik, important goings-on with Scope programming for and by older adults. of media including painting, “Re-Connecting Threads” features Sashiko embroidery, Shibori dyeing, Gallery. Call 703-548-6288 or visit Core objectives include encouraging printmaking, photography and 3-D traditional and non-traditional fiber- hand stamping, and other Eastern www.scopegallery.org for more. older adult participation in the mediums explore the theme of related art by Del Ray Artisans techniques and clothing styles are Kathryn Coneway Exhibit. Through community’s many public and private transcendence. A reception is members while highlighting integrated with Western designs and May 31, at Huntley Meadows arts program; promoting public planned for Thursday, May 9, 6-9 narratives that trigger nostalgia or techniques. Themed work will be Visitor’s Center, 3701 Lockheed understanding of the benefits of p.m. Visit comfort, and in doing so eligible for recognition by the jurors. Blvd., Alexandria. Coneway’s mixed- older adult participation in the arts; www.torpedofactoryartists.com for communicate meaning that goes Non-themed work will also be media art combines collage and and providing awareness to the more. beyond the literal definition of the exhibited. Free admission. Call 703- photographic transfers, and it broader community about the Art Exhibit: “Sacred Feminine.” materials. Visit DelRayArtisans.org/ 548-0935 or visit expresses her observations of nature. existing arts services for older adults Through June 2, gallery hours at Del exhibits/gww/. www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com She uses mulberry paper to create a in Fairfax County. This year’s Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Art Exhibit: Lyrical Flight. Through for more. ground of color and texture. A Creative Aging Festival is presented Vernon Ave. This show explores June 2, at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince The “Weekends” Kiln Club Show. reception will be held Sunday, March by Fairfax county Neighborhood and female energy, the power of life and St. Barbara Januszkiewicz’s luminous Through May 26, gallery hours at 10 from 2-4 p.m. Students from Community Services in collaboration birth; it connects that energy to and elegant paintings evolved out of Scope Gallery, 105 North Union St., Kathryn Coneway’s winter class at with ARTSFAIRFAX. Visit the ideas, expressions, dreams, life and her early work in watercolor, a ground floor Studio 19 of the Huntley Meadows will also display Creative Aging Festival site at bit.ly/ all of existence. Tap in to your Sacred progression evident in the almost Torpedo Factory Art Center. Artisan work. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ FairfaxCreativeAgingFestival. Feminine and channel the goddess. liquid flow of colors across her large creations are as unique as that match parks/huntley-meadows. Art Exhibit: “Transcend.” Through Visit DelRayArtisans.org/exhibits. compositions. On June 2, Small 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment Glass Harp Concert Arriving on DVD By Gerald A. Fill

his year, veteran Glass Harp Musician Jamey TTurner is completing 35 years performing classical music — including Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart — using glassware and water to cre- ate a unique musical sound. This summer he will be making available to the public a DVD of a concert he performed at the Wash- ington National Cathedral. When Turner is not performing a concert he is frequently found performing his classical musical compositions at the front entrance Jamey Turner and his wife Mary in front of the to Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory Torpedo Factory. Photos by Gerald A. Fill/Gazette Packet Art Center. When asked why he does this, rather than, for example, playing his favored woodwind musical instrument, the clarinet, he responded by saying that the glass harp sound is the most “beautiful, unique, and elegant sound,” and he enjoys the re- sponse he receives from his audi- ences According to Turner, this in- cludes a prison where the inmates spontaneously stood and ap- plauded after his performance of playing Mozart. In the past he has performed on national television programs, and at the Smithsonian institution, among other venues, Jamey Turner performs in front of visitors in front of the large and small. Torpedo Factory. Calendar

Creatures Dance Project will perform Visions.” Through June 15, gallery of the photographer. Whether it’s the Light Exists, a piece choreographed hours at Multiple Exposures Gallery, darkest tones that convey a sense of in response to Januszkiewicz’s Lyrical Torpedo Factory Art Center #312, mystery, the brightest tones that Flight exhibit. The performance is 105 N. Union St. Featuring work by attract attention, or the mid-tones free and will occur at 1 p.m., prior to Alan Sislen. The highly graphic, black that provide the connecting tissue, it the gallery talk at 2 p.m. Visit and white architectural images in this is this range of tonalities that shapes nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035. exhibit explore the range and beauty the lines, curves, volumes and objects Photography Exhibit: “Tonal of tones that might or might not have to give the structures life, beauty and existed, but were visible in the mind meaning. This exhibit is an exploration of tonalities. Visit www.MultipleExposuresGallery.com or call 703-683-2205. Living Legends of Alexandria: African American Activists. Through July, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Living Legends of Alexandria: African American Activists highlights the work of African American men and women who have made important contributions to the growth and productivity of the City of Alexandria. Call 703-746-4356 for more. Mount Vernon Farmers Market. Wednesdays (through Dec. 18), 8 a.m.-noon at Sherwood Hall Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. 1959 Mercedes The McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market opened May 1 with an array of farm-fresh produce and local foods, plus some new features Old Town Festival of Speed & Style (fresh brewed coffee!). 17 local The single-day free event will be span across three blocks on lower King Street farmers and producers will sell fresh, and will feature approximately 60 rare and unusual supercars from around the locally grown vegetables and fruits; world such as Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin and Cobra for meats; Chesapeake Bay seafood; up close viewing enjoyment. A fashion exhibition (noon-1 p.m.) will feature spring breads and pastries; honey, jams and jellies; milk, cheese and eggs; herbs looks from Old Town Boutique District stores that pair with the themed cars on and plants; and more. Visit display. The event will also feature live music, street vendors, and provide festival www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ goers an opportunity to explore Old Town shops and restaurants. Sunday, May 19, farmersmarkets. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on King Street near Old Town Waterfront. Free admission. Visit www.festivalspeedstylealex.com for more. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 13 Entertainment Jeyifous Named as 2020 Artist in Waterfront Public Art Series

lalekan Jeyifous will be the Cultural Activities. “The public reception to next artist to create a public Mirror Mirror has been so positive and we’re Meet the Artist Oart installation in Waterfront thankful to Michael and SOFTlab for help- WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 7 P.M. Park in Spring 2020. ing build a strong foundation. We can’t wait Blackwall Hitch, 5 Cameron St., Alexandria Waterfront Park currently host the inter- to bring Olalekan to Alexandria for this next active installation Mirror Mirror, created by chapter.” SOFTlab, a design studio led by Michael Based in Brooklyn, Jeyifous has spent will visit Alexandria and meet residents, Szivos. Jeyifous will create the second work more than a decade creating large-scale gathering inspiration for a design to come for the park as part of “Site See: New Views artwork for public spaces. He was recently in Fall 2019. The public is invited to meet in Old Town.” Selected by a task force and commissioned, along with Amanda Will- the artist and learn about his creative pro- approved by the Alexandria Commission for iams, to create the forthcoming monument cess on Wednesday, May 22, 7-9 p.m. at the the Arts, he’s been commissioned to create for Shirley Chisholm in Brooklyn. He previ- Crow’s Nest at Blackwall Hitch on 5 a new and original site-specific work in- Olalekan Jeyifous ously created public art at the 2017 Cameron St. in Alexandria. The event is spired by Alexandria. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in free, but RSVPs are requested. “Through the Site See series, we’re bring- Diane Ruggiero, director of the Alexandria California, Cleveland’s Public Square, and More information is available at ing engaging contemporary art to Office of the Arts and deputy director for Starbucks’ flagship store in Chicago. alexandriava.gov/publicart and Alexandria’s burgeoning waterfront,” said the Department of Recreation, Parks and As the first part of the process, Jeyifous siteseealx.com. Calendar

for its most popular event of the year. a.m. at Durant Arts Center, 1605 required. Tours are weather growth with a name change, MONDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 13-19 Celebrate the history of wine in Cameron St. Award winning artist, dependent. Visit www.fortward.org, coinciding with a move to National Public Gardens Week. Virginia with exclusive evening tours Valerie Leonhart Smalkin, or call 703-746-4848. Convergence for its larger rehearsal Come by Green Spring Gardens and of the mansion and cellar and ventriloquist, musician, composer, Canine Cruise. 11 a.m. Departs from and performance space. Visit celebrate National Public Gardens appearances by George and Martha and performer. Her Parents’ Choice the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron www.alexandriakinderchoir.org for Week with tours, displays, programs Washington. Bring a blanket, relax award-winning songs and her St. Calling all dog owners or dog more. and annual Spring Garden Day plant on the east lawn overlooking the Maryland State Arts Council award- lovers, with or without a four-legged Hope UCC Luau. 4-9 p.m. at Hope sale highlighting some of the scenic Potomac River and sample winning solo performance are friend, join this 45-minute cruise of UCC Luau, 6130 Old Telegraph Road. interesting and exciting plant and wines made in Virginia. The event guaranteed to delight tots, tweens, Alexandria’s seaport — a favorite Hawaiian dancing, authentic history projects that Green Spring has takes place rain or shine and all sales and teens...and the timeworn, as spring activity for locals. Dogs are Polynesian food and crafts for sale, to enjoy. Visit are final. Admission: Friday, $48; well. $6 per person. To buy online, free, but must be on a six-foot non- bar and kid’s activities: lawn games, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green- Saturday, $52; and Sunday, $42. visit alexandriava.gov/Arts click on retractable leash. Admission: $24.99 face painting and a bounce house. spring or call 703-642-5173. Visit www.mountvernon.org/ Durant Arts Center. adults (ages 12+); $15.75 children $15-$30 (under 2, free). Tickets at springwine or call 703-780-2000. Pillars to Pavers. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ages 2-11; free for children under 2 hopeucc.org/store. at Lee-Fendall House Museum & and dogs. Call 703-684-0580 or visit Bharatanatyam: Classical Indian TUESDAY-SATURDAY/MAY 14-18 Garden, 614 Oronoco St. This www.potomacriverboatco.com. Dance Program. 7 p.m.at Beatley Sailing on String. Tuesday-Friday, THROUGH MAY 18 walking tour will explore the streets If Trouble Don’t Kill Me. 2 p.m. at Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Join 10:30 a.m.; Saturday, 10 and 11:30 “The Savannah Disputation.” of Alexandria with stops to highlight Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Sangeetha Agarwal, director of a.m. at The Lab at Convergence, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m. at The how buildings have been preserved Commonwealth Ave. Virginia author HastaSwara Performing Arts, and 1819 N. Quaker Lane. Arts on the Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 and reused for future generations to Ralph Berrier will present on his learn about Bharatanatyam. Horizon produces original work Wolfe St. The subject is damnation, enjoy. $35. Call 703-548-1789 or book, If Trouble Don’t Kill Me, which Bharatanatyam is a form of Indian exclusively for children ages 0-6 and but “The Savannah Disputation” is as visit www.leefendallhouse.org. follows the lives on Berrier’s family classical dance originating in the their families. Follow two curious light and sweet as the iced tea served Fort Tours in Honor of Armed from the mountains of Virginia to the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Visit explorers on a voyage into a world by the odd-couple sisters in their Forces Day. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Grand Ole Opry. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- made of string. This gentle, engaging proper southern home. But the sisters Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703- 746-1702. performance features object quickly lose their southern charm 301 West Braddock Road. Dressed in 746-1705. An Infinite Universe. 7:30-9:30 p.m. transformation, movement, live when a young door-to-door Union uniform, Museum curator The Alexandria Kinderchoir at Convergence Arts Initative, 1801 string music, and captivating design. evangelist comes knocking to save Brian Briones will present an Spring Concert. 3:30 p.m. at N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria. Best for children ages 0-2 and their their souls. Tickets from $21. Visit orientation to the Defenses of Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker Lane. Alexandria Choral Society presents families. $7. Visit www.thelittletheatre.com or call 703- Washington and a guided tour of The Alexandria Kinderchoir, founded An Infinite Universe, a concert www.ArtsOnTheHorizon.org or call 683-5778. historic Fort Ward, one of the largest in 2015 as The Del Ray Kinderchoir, celebrating space and exploration. 571-549-1270. of the forts that guarded the Federal is Alexandria’s only children’s Featuring new commissioned works capital during the Civil War. The community choir, with choristers “That’s one small step” by Tawnie SATURDAY/MAY 18 tours are free, and begin in the now heralding from across the city. Olson and “Partial Lunar Eclipse” by FRIDAY/MAY 17 Green Spring Garden Day and Big Museum. No reservations are The non-profit is celebrating its Lori Laitman. $20 adult, $15 senior/ Bike to Work Day 2019. Pit stop Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Green times vary, all over the region. Join Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring more than 20,000 area commuters Road. The Master Gardeners of for a free celebration of bicycling as a Northern Virginia (MGNV) and the fun, healthy and environmentally- Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia friendly way to get to work. There Native Plant Society will be joining are 115 Bike to Work Day pit stops to over 40 vendors selling plants at choose from.The first 20,000 to Green Spring Gardens. There will be register and attend will receive a free a bake sale and food trucks. This Bike to Work Day T-shirt, enjoy event is hosted by Friends of Greens refreshments and chances to win Spring Gardens (FROGS) and prizes. Visit proceeds help purchase plants for the www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. gardens and support educational History by the Glass. 7-9 p.m. at efforts at Green Spring. Free. Visit Historic Congressional Cemetery, www.friendsofgreenspring.org/ 1801 E St., SE, Washington, D.C. programs-a-events/spring-garden- Enjoy an evening of history and day-2019 or call FROGS at 703-642- cocktails on the 175th anniversary of 5173. John Gadsby’s interment at his final Becoming American. 10 a.m.-noon resting place, tour the newly restored Alexandria’s History Museum at the Gadsby vault, learn more about this Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. historic cemetery, and sip inspired Carefully curated, Becoming cocktails. $25 per person, includes American is a selection of one drink ticket and light hors documentaries representing a d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased selection of diverse immigration through alexandriava.gov/Shop or by experiences drawn from both the past calling the Museum at 703-746-4242. and present. Each of the sessions is moderated followed by discussion after the viewing. Light refreshments Alexandria Choral Society Performs New Commissions FRIDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 17-19 will be available. This program is Alexandria Choral Society (ACS), led by artistic director Brian J. Isaac, will present its final concert of its 2018-19 sea- Spring Wine Festival & Sunset designed for adults, high school son, An Infinite Universe, at Convergence Arts Initiative. The concert will also feature a performance from a student group Tour. 6-9 p.m. at George students may attend with an adult. selected as the recipient of ACS’s Sing-Off Grant Program. The selected group will also perform with ACS for two works at Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Free, pre-registration is required at the conclusion of the concert. Saturday, May 18, 7:30 p.m. at Convergence Arts Initiative. Tickets are available online at Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., shop.alexandriava.gov. www.alexandriachoralsociety.org/boxoffice and are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, members of the military, and students. Mount Vernon. Join Mount Vernon Silly Goose and Val. 10 and 11:15 Children 13 and under are admitted free. (Tickets are also available at the door for an additional $5 from the online price.) 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment

military/student, 13 and under free. Tickets $5 more at the door. Call 703-951-7849 or visit www.alexandriachoralsociety.org. Campagna To Host Annual Bright Futures Benefit Country-Western Dance. 7-9:30 p.m. at Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 North Chambliss By Shirley Ruhe St. The Northern Virginia Country-Western Bahamas. Dance Association will hold a dance with Gazette Packet Catering by Seasons will provide the food lessons, 6-7 p.m. and open dancing, 7-9:30 p.m. with wine from VA imports. You won’t be A DJ provides music. Couples and singles of all ages welcome. Admission for members $10; eel the breezes of the Potomac out- able to take your ears off the Campagna Kids non-members $12; children under 18 side on the patio at United Way who will perform a selection of songs from Photo Contributed accompanied by a paying adult $5. Smoke-free, F Worldwide for the Campagna Cen- their spring musical, “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” alcohol-free. BYO refreshments. Visit www.nvcwda.org for more. ter Bright Futures Benefit on Friday, June 7 Campagna Center equips children and at 6:30 p.m. families with a comprehensive set of tools SUNDAY/MAY 19 The auction includes something for ev- they need to thrive. Old Town Festival of Speed & Style. 10 a.m.- eryone including a private charter plane The Campagna Center provides high qual- 3 p.m. on King Street near Old Town ride, a pair of diamond stud earrings, a ity early learning experiences, health and Waterfront. The single-day free event will be round of golf at the Kinloch Golf Club and nutrition awareness, before-and after- Katelin Moomau, Brittany Pat- span across three blocks on lower King Street and will feature approximately 60 rare and a week in New Orleans. The $20 raffle tick- school programs, enrichment learning and terson-Hill, and Suzanne Carlough unusual supercars from around the world such ets can win you a three-day trip to Atlantis guidance through high school and classes at Bright Futures Benefit 2018. as Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston- Martin and Cobra for up close viewing enjoyment. A fashion exhibition (noon-1 p.m.) introduce some basic bonsai techniques, and MAY 21-JUNE 23 gardener docents. $32. Call 703-941-7987, TTY will feature spring looks from Old Town dispel some common myths. Visit 703-324-3988. Juried Show: “Environmental Elements.” Boutique District stores that pair with the www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1702. Simpson Garden Family Night. 6-8 p.m. at themed cars on display. The event will also Gallery hours at Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, Simpson Park Gardens, 420 E. Monroe St. Enjoy feature live music, street vendors, and provide Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 29, 105 a bee- and butterfly-friendly seed planting for festival goers an opportunity to explore Old TUESDAY/MAY 21 North Union St. Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery kids. Take home a kit to create a Butterfly Town shops and restaurants. Free admission. Researching German Ancestors. 1-3 p.m. at announces the opening of its juried show Puddler in the yard, and plenty of plant ideas for Visit www.festivalspeedstylealex.com for more. Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah “Environmental Elements.” Our artists and their pollinator gardens, herb gardens, and container Women Authors Bookreading. 2-3:30 p.m. at Road. “Finding a German Heimat (Hometown or creations are influenced by environmental gardening. Come learn why planting native Ivy Hill Cemetery, 2823 King St. Authors H.L. Village).” Genealogist James M. Beidler will elements such as air quality, noise, climate, fish plants are the best choices for the home garden. Brooks, and Dea Schofield, will conduct speak about researching German ancestors and wildlife migration routes, and unique Extension Master Gardeners will be there to readings and a book signing: The Red August online. Free, open to the public. animal species – the list goes on and on. answer your questions. A fun evening for all Series, and The Vitaortus Series, in the cemetery Twilight & Tipple Tours. 6-9 p.m. at Pope- Themed work will be eligible for recognition by ages! Free. Questions? Telephone 703-228-6414 vault. Not recommended for children. Free. Call Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Highway. the jurors. Non-themed work may also be or email [email protected]. 703-549-7413, ext. 1112, or visit Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey exhibited. Visit Why Old Places Matter. 7 p.m. at Alexandria www.ivyhillcemetery.net. House by twilight. This tour series is a rare www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com or call 703- History Museum at The Lyceum, 201 S. chance to see one of Wright’s houses illuminated 548-0935. Washington St. Tom Mayes, Vice President and MONDAY/MAY 20 against a night sky. Grab a drink, included in the Senior Counsel at the National Trust for Historic price of the tour ticket, and walk through the THURSDAY/MAY 23 Preservation, discusses his new book Why Old Intro to the Bonsai Tree. 7 p.m.at Beatley house on a leisurely, open house style tour with Places Matter. Although people often feel very Garden Tour & Tea. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. The president of plenty of time to take stunning photos. $35. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society will share Visit www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/ for more. Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. (Adult) Tour an overview of the ancient art of bonsai, the demonstration gardens with master See Entertainment, Page 18

VARIETY STORE Est. 1958

Experience the Nostalgia of an old-time Five & Dime Store “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Hollin Hall Shopping Center 7902 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308 703-765-4110 [email protected] www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 15 News

Photos Contributed

Grand Opening Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay joined Dunkin’ franchisee network Dunkin’ mascot Cuppy participated in the grand opening celebration at Dekk Group for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 10. The new the company’s newest store at 7710 Telegraph Road. The 1,600 square- restaurant will be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. foot location employs approximately 20 crew members and features a To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com. drive-thru and free Wi-Fi . Make Boat Safety a Habit National Safe Boating Week is May 18-24. “ he most important thing people Tcan do to help save their own life and the lives of family and friends

while boating is to have everyone wear life Photo by Lt. Dan Sw jackets,” said Jeff Burt, Flotilla Commander of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary Flo- tilla 25-08. “This should be a habit like wearing a seat belt while driving, not just a Safe Boating Week resolution.” Though wearing life jackets is recom-

mended, in states where no children’s life eeney, U.S. Coast Guard jacket law is in place a USCG interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats to wear a USCG-approved life jacket that fits. Virginia, Maryland and District of Co- lumbia regulations follow the USCG interim rule. The Coast Guard’s most recent Recre- ational Boating Statistics found: “Where cause of death was known 76 percent of Youngster wears a USCG-ap- fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of proved life jacket. those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 84.5 percent were not wear- of its free Vessel Safety Checks for power Mary Barnett, greenhouse organizer, shows some of the plants ing a life jacket.” boats, sail boats, jet skis and paddle craft, cared for by volunteers. Besides promoting life jacket use, the and to enroll in a one-day Boating Safety Auxiliary invites boaters to take advantage class if they have not already done so. Church’s Spring Plant Sale Underway Bulletin Board or garden plants and flowers, try plants. A full range of herbs and old-fash- the spring plant sale at the Mt. ioned flowers not commonly sold in gar- Submit civic/community announcements at at www.eventbrite.com/e/community- F ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and conversation-addressing-irritablity-stress- Vernon Unitarian Church Old den shops, such as nigella, rose campion, artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at fussiness-in-todays-youth-tickets-60314231490. Decco Greenhouse which is ongoing four o’clock, and tassel flower are avail- least two weeks before event. through mid-June every weekend Satur- able. Also sold are native plants includ- SATURDAY/MAY 18 day and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ing coneflower, rudbeckia, and milk- FRIDAY/MAY 17 Boating Safety Classes. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the 1909 Windmill Lane, 22307. weed, which attracts Monarch butter- NEXUS 2019: Fussy Minds Forum. 1-3:30 p.m. Washington Farm United Methodist Church, The greenhouse has 40 different heir- flies. at Fairfax County Public Schools Virginia Hills 3921 Old Mill Road. Prepare for boating season by taking one of the Boating Safety classes loom and hybrid tomato plants, 20 vari- The plants are grown from seed and Center, 6520 Diana Lane, Alexandria. Today more than ever, stress wears people out. offered by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla eties of sweet and hot pepper plants, and cuttings are tended by volunteers. Plant Stressed-out youngsters, tweens and teens may 25-08. Virginia, Maryland, and the District of seven eggplant varieties. There are sale income goes into maintaining the seek harmful ways to relieve stress. During this Columbia have varying requirements for boaters before they may legally operate certain Cherokee purple and sungold tomatoes, historic 1930 Lord and Burnham green- forum, participants discuss the effects of stress on the brain-ways of the young and how to build motorized vessels on their respective waterways. shishito peppers, and japanese style egg- house. the resilience needed for successful learning into Register with Jeff Burt at [email protected] or adulthood and beyond. Space is limited; register 703-307-6482.

16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 ❖ 17 The Weak Of Entertainment

From Page 15

deeply about the old places of their lives, they By KENNETH B. LOURIE often don’t have the words to express why. $10. Register at shop.alexandriava.gov. Concerning the three ‘weaks’ during which Ten Ways to Research Your House. 7 p.m. at this arc will publish: last week’s “The Weak Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. The Before,” this week’s “The Weak Of” and next Local History/Special Collections Branch has a week’s “The Weak After,” this week’s “The Weak wide range of resources to help investigate the Of” when I actually lie down for my bi-monthly history of a home. Find information about past owners, property values, alterations and CT scan (and as it coincides occasionally, my improvements, and, sometimes a photograph. semiannual brain MRI), is the easiest. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746- The worry of its occurrence is over, since I’m 1704. on site and “gowned up” waiting to hear my Concerts at St. Luke’s. 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s name called. And the worry of the results has Episcopal Church, 8009 Ft. Hunt Road. The Marywood Univ. Chamber Singers, a 24-voice not yet seeped in because the scanning process ensemble based in Scranton, PA, is featured on has barely begun and nothing will happen and/ an annual PBS broadcast and is presently on or be expected to be communicated in the next tour throughout the mid-Atlantic States. few days anyway. Offering a free concert. A reception will follow. Next week – when I know the results are Free. Call 703-765-4342 or visit www.saintlukeschurch.net/events somewhere and I’ve not received any feedback MYVTT`VUJVSVNPZ[^P[OPUÄ]LKH`ZVYZV¶PZ when I’ll begin to stress for all the reasons with FRIDAY/MAY 24 which you regular readers are familiar. Symphony of Frogs. 7:45-9:15 p.m. at Huntley What this “The Weak Of” means to me is Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Join a naturalist for an indoor discussion and a guided progress. And even though that ‘progress’ could walk to listen for serenading frogs and toads. mean disappointing news, it could also mean Learn the calls of a bullfrog, southern leopard that my status is quo. frog, green frog, tree frog, American toad and (UKHZKPMÄJ\S[HZOLHYPUN[OH[[OL*;ZJHU more. The weather and time of season will affect showed growth and/or the brain MRI showed what frogs will be calling. Ages 6-adult. $8. Call 703-768-2525 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ something more, at least we’d gain some knowl- parks/huntley-meadows. edge that we didn’t have previously, and that new knowledge will be crucial as new treatment SATURDAY/MAY 25 options are considered. However, it’s not as if I feel I’m in the dark Pillars to Pavers. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Lee- Fendall House Museum & Garden, 614 Oronoco during the intervals between scans. Hardly. It’s St. This walking tour will explore the streets of more that I’m in a situation where knowledge is Alexandria with stops to highlight how buildings a powerful tool and the more of it my doctors, have been preserved and reused for future particularly my oncologist, have about me, the generations to enjoy. $35. Call 703-548-1789 or better. visit www.leefendallhouse.org. Scotch Irish and German Westward The only problem? The frequency of these Migration Through Virginia. 3 p.m. at recurring diagnostic scans means nearly every Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth week, bi-weekly immunotherapy infusions not- Ave. Virginian author, and Virginia Tech withstanding, I’m in some kind of ‘weak.’ professor, Dan Thorp discusses his research into As you all know, I can compartmentalize but, the Scotch-Irish and German family migration through Virginia during the 19th century. Learn 0»THMYHPK[OLJVTWHY[TLU[ZHYLZ[HY[PUN[VÄSS more about the broader Virginian family during up. Ten-plus years of surviving cancer will do this year’s All Alexandria Reads. Visit that. www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1705. The CT scan and MRI appointments, in Tips for Selecting Native Plants. 10:30 a.m.- HUKVM[OLTZLS]LZHYLUV[JVTWHY[TLU[ÄSSPUN noon at the Beatley Library Reading Garden, 5005 Duke St. Find out which plants are easiest though. Having had over 50 of them by now, I’m to grow, because they already call this area unaffected. Moreover I drive the same route to home. Learn how to select appropriate plants the same facility and are tended to by the same that will thrive best in the conditions. Discuss technicians; my good luck charms, as I tell them. some best practices for planting and They always greet me by name, smile and ask maintenance and some tips and techniques to help attract birds, butterflies and pollinators to a how I’m doing. I likewise reply in a positive way garden. Free. Call 703-228-6414 or email and thank them for the many good results I’ve [email protected]. Reserve a spot at had and encourage them to keep up the good mgnv.org/public-education-events/vce- work (I realize they have nothing to do with horticulture-programs-registration/. the actual results, good or bad, but I still like to prime the pump, so to speak). SUNDAY/MAY 26 And when the process is complete, I’ll leave The Crown-Fact or Fiction? 1-3 p.m. at Green feeling more upbeat than when I arrived. A Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. feeling which continues until the next week, ‘the (Adults) The lavish British monarchy series, The weak after.’ That’s when I’ll feel the same kind of Crown, portrays the public and private life of Queen Elizabeth II and her family in emotional jitters I experienced during ‘the weak astonishingly intimate detail, but how much is before.’ fact and how much is dramatic license? So, as I begin ‘the weak of,’ I begin it with Programs are by reservation only. $32 (program hope and humor, my stock-in-trade. Hope for all + tea); $12 (program only), Call 703-941-7987, the obvious reasons and humor because what- TTY 703-324-3988. Take a Step Back 400 Years. 2-4 p.m. at ever happens, I’ll likely make some joke about it Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. and try to lighten the weight of it all with as light How did the Powhatan Native Americans use the a touch as I can muster. plants and animals you see every day for their But for the time/’weak’ being, I will enjoy medicine, groceries, clothing and fun? Grind the not-knowing the results and bask in the corn, make a clay pot, master corn darts and go on a guided tour to see the park from the presumptive naivete. Because, if and when there perspective of a Virginia Indian. For participants PZJVUÄYTH[PVU[OH[T`ZOPWOHZZHPSLKVY[OH[P[»Z age 4-adult. $12 per person. Call 703-768-2525 beginning to take on water, there might not be or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley- too much funny that I can say or do at that point meadows. to turn the tide. Nevertheless, I’d like to think I’ll be up to TUESDAY/MAY 28 the challenge. One never knows. These three Halving the Bones - Diverse Documentaries. ‘weaks’ I can manage. We’ll see about the next 7 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. one. Author Ruth Ozeki (A Tale for the Time Being) directs this autobiographical documentary about Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for her family and growing up half Japanese and The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. half American. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1703. 18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ May 16-22, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR YOUR TOYOTA

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