Winter Fun Page, 12

Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper January 25, 2018 Promoting Safe Bicycling Cycling advocacy group hosts county law enforcement reps at monthly meeting.

By Andrea Worker Ayers, and PFC Christina Gaizick The Gazette and began the conversation by asking them to comment on the t its first monthly meeting “state of traffic safety” in Fairfax of the New Year, the County. A Safety of all county residents is Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) got right to work, a priority, according to Ayers, be inviting two Fairfax County Traf- they drivers, cyclists or pedestri- fic Safety Police Officers to attend ans, but the officer added that she and expand the dialogue between and her colleague were particu- law enforcement and cyclists in larly pleased to be invited to the the county. FABB meeting to gain a better un- FABB member Charlie Bobbish derstanding of the concerns of the introduced Officers PFC Sheila See Promoting, Page 4

Photo by Rob Shenk

Photo by Andrea Worker

Winter Fun George Washington welcomes visitors at an earlier Presidents Day. This year’s Washington’s Birthday Celebration will be Feb. 17-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Feb. 22, 9 From left: PFC Christina Gaizick and PFC Sheila Ayers of a.m.-4 p.m., at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. On Feb.17-18, wish the General Traffic Safety Services, Fairfax County Police Depart- a happy birthday while enjoying hoecakes made over the open fire, ment, were the guests at the January meeting of Fairfax #PoseLikeThePrez in the Education Center Lobby and observe wreathlayings at Alliance for Better Bicycling, held at the Patrick Henry Washington’s Tomb. Across the estate, listen to members of the Washington family Public Library in Vienna. recount stories about the General, visit with George and Martha Washington at the

Interpretive Center and watch dancing demonstrations on the bowling green. On 1/26/18 Requested in home in Requested

Feb. 19, enjoy free admission to Mount Vernon, witness a presidential tribute material.

featuring honored guests, a wreathlaying at Washington’s tomb, watch Continental Time-sensitive

Postmaster:

soldiers conduct a marching drill, and enjoy character performances around the Attention

estate. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. greet author Jeff Finegan who will sign books from his #482 Permit

Alexandria, VA Alexandria,

series, “I Knew George Washington.” Visit www.mountvernon.org/birthday. For PAID

U.S. Postage U.S. more Winter Fun activities, see pages 12-15. STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette Editor Steven Mauren News 703-778-9415 or [email protected]

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra inspiring next Inspiring Performance generation of music makers and music lovers. By David Siegel The Gazette

he Fairfax Symphony Orchestra

(FSO) will be saluting the next Photo courtesy of Fairf Tgeneration of classical musi- cians with a special performance by the 22-year-old Korean string virtuoso, In Mo Yang and the premiere of the 2018 Fairfax County All-Stars Youth Orchestra. The Youth Orchestra features outstanding high school student musicians from across Fairfax County selected through a competi- tive audition process. ax Symphony Orchestra Maestro Christopher Zimmerman “We are thrilled to build on the success conducting the Fairfax Symphony of last year’s pilot program and showcase Orchestra. the 2018 All-Stars,” said Jonathan Kerr, Executive Director, Fairfax Symphony. “The Where & When FSO is unique in the orchestra field by pro- Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in performance gramming such a significant education ini- with special guest In Mo Yang and the Fairfax tiative on our main series. Inspiring the next County All-Stars Youth Orchestra at George Mason University, Center for Arts, 4400 University Drive, generation of classical musicians is vital to Fairfax. Performance: Feb. 3, 2018 at 8 p.m. Tick- the FSO’s mission, and this program is in- Fairfax County All Stars (2017) performing with Fairfax Sym- ets: $39, $53 and $65. Call 703-993-8888 or visit valuable to maintain the artistic excellence phony Orchestra. www.cfa.gmu.edu of the next generation of orchestral musi- cians.” FSO mentor Patti Reid said, “I love the “Joachim-Ma” Stradivari of 1714, the vio- Zhen and Yilun Zhou. The Fairfax County All-Stars Youth Or- idea of sharing with the young musicians lin used by Joseph Joachim for the premiere Impacts of the musical mentoring pro- chestra is composed of nearly 20 musicians. so that they can experience what it’s like to performance of the Brahms Concerto gram can be found in this comment from Under the musical direction of FSO’s Chris- be in the symphony. through the generosity of the New England 2017 All Star, Courtny Tern, “playing mu- topher Zimmerman, the young musicians Knowing that the students are being af- Conservatory. sic with so many accomplished adults…I will perform excerpts from Prokofiev’s fected by this is fabulous.” Students in the 2018 Fairfax County All- want to play as well as they do.” “Romeo and Juliet” side-by-side with the For Dean Woods, another FSO mentor, Stars Youth Orchestra include: Benjamin “I can’t wait to hear these talented, stu- professional musicians of the FSO. “The All “Working with the students is such an im- Ascoli, Soni Bae, Huay Din Angel Estrada, dent musicians from across Fairfax County Stars reflect Fairfax County’s diverse, artis- portant part of development as a musician Andrew Gantzer, Colin Hill, Liam in this rare opportunity to perform with the tic achievements and cultural leadership and as a person.” Johansson, Michael Lee, Stephanie Man- Fairfax Symphony,” said Sharon Bulova, and is an indication of its vibrant future,” In Mo Yang will perform Tchaikovsky’s ning, Anna Paek, Irene Paek, George Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Super- said Zimmerman. Violin Concerto, playing the unique Pekarsky, Daniel Shen, Katherine Yang, Alan visors. Naked Truth About Strip Searches at Traffic Stops Northern Virginia Democrat advocates for strip searches to combat opioid crisis. By Michael Lee Pope arrested for possession of marijuana in Ar- The Gazette lington than white people, even though usage rates for both populations are the olice officers across Virginia will be- same, about 13 percent.” Pable to strip search drivers at traffic stops under a bill proposed from Del. RECENT YEARS have seen the opioid cri- Patrick Hope (D-47). Hope says he intro- sis spiral out of control in Virginia. The num- duced the bill as a reaction to the opioid ber of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in- crisis after being approached by sheriffs creased by more than 30 percent last year, across the commonwealth who are con- according to a recent report from the Vir- cerned inmates might smuggle drugs into ginia Department of Health. Fentanyl is an jails. Hope says sheriffs did not ask for strip opioid pain medication that’s 100 times searches at traffic stops, although he adds more potent than heroin. It’s often used to the two issues are linked in the code. treat pain after major surgeries, and it’s fre- “The existing statute allows for strip quently traded on the black market. A dose searches for weapons at traffic stops and the size of a grain of sand can be lethal, going into jail, and that’s there for a reason creating a potential problem at jails. — because you don’t want to put someone “Google the words ‘jail’ and ‘overdose,’ in your squad car who might have a A spokesman for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office says there are no and you’ll come up with a number of hits weapon,” said Hope. “And so the question numbers that show smuggled opioids are a problem at the Fairfax of people who are sneaking in drugs like is whether opioids today are lethal enough County Adult Detention Center fentanyl and heroin and other opioid type where you need that same protection at a drugs and people are overdosing on it,” said traffic stop where you are going to put ten be based on nothing more than a hunch. minorities. Hope. “It’s a very serious concern of the jails somebody in your car.” And although courts have upheld the abil- “This proposal will fall more heavily on and the sheriffs asked me to carry the bill.” Advocates for civil liberties are concerned ity of sheriff’s deputies to conduct strip people of color because of disparate polic- A Google search of “jail overdose” comes that strip searches would be based on noth- searches at jails, they say allowing strip ing,” said Claire Gastanaga, executive di- up with 8.7 million hits with horror stories ing more than an arresting officer’s “rea- searches at minor traffic infractions would rector of the American Civil Liberties Union from across the country. Four inmates over- sonable cause to believe” that a suspect has violate the dignity of the accused — a bur- of Virginia. “Keep in mind that people who dosed in two days last year in Ohio. Two drugs. They worry that suspicion may of- den that would disproportionately fall on are black are eight times more likely to be See Traffic Stops, Page 4 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 3 News

Promoting Safe Bicycling Traffic Stops From Page 3 From Page 1 Gaizick both stressed that the first thing to pedal-powered citizenry and to have an do was “get out of the way and be safe.” inmates were found dead last year opportunity to discuss safe cycling practices Even when the incident is not deemed “re- Photo by Andrea Worker after overdosing in a D.C. jail. In Mi- and education. portable,” the officers still encouraged the ami, prosecutors are considering mur- According to Ayers, statistics show a de- riders to “be the best witness you can be der charges after two inmates were crease in cycling-related incidents, with only and call it in.” Calling in and providing as found dead after opioid overdoses. one fatality recently reported in 2015. Early much detail about the alleged offender is None of the stories seem to be from figures for 2017 indicate 72 reportable bi- still helpful, and could cause the police to Virginia, though, which worries crit- cycle incidents, although the fact that there issue a “look out” for the vehicle. ics of the bill. are no clearly defined categories for bicycle In addition to the presentation and con- “My concern is that I’m not sure how accidents in the statewide reporting system versation with Ayers and Gaizick, a report common that is — how frequently that TREDS (Traffic Records Electronic Data by Sally Smallwood, Safe Routes to School happens — that drugs are being Sally Smallwood is the Safe Routes System) and that “reportable” incidents coordinator for Fairfax County Public smuggled in,” said Cindy to School coordinator for the must meet a $1,500 damage or a report- Schools was on the agenda. Smallwood Cunningham, founder of a progressive Fairfax County Public Schools. able injury threshold in order to be included brought the members up to speed on edu- group known as VA Plan. “A lot of Smallwood brought the FABB in the TREDS data, left some attendees cational events scheduled for Fairfax County people are concerned about police in members up to speed on school- somewhat in doubt as to the accuracy or schools, a significant donation that would general and I think at this point this is related bicycling events and activi- usefulness of the information. allow for a number of shareable bicycles to sort of encouraging civil rights viola- ties and encouraged people to Jeff Anderson, president of FABB, Steve be purchased for several elementary and tions.” nominate a School Crossing Guard Ward, the organization’s secretary, and middle schools, and preparation for this Requests for data on opioid smug- of the Year by the Jan. 26 deadline. board member Bruce Wright all indicated year’s “Bike to School Day” scheduled for gling into the Arlington jail and the that advocating for more specific reporting May 18. Routes to School. Alexandria jail received no response tools might be on the FABB work menu in Smallwood also wanted to spread the at press time. And spokesman for the the future. word that nominations for Outstanding FAAB encourages all cycling enthusiasts of Fairfax County Sheriff said no data Crossing Guard of the Year for 2017 were all levels of ability and cycling usage to join existed to prove opioid smuggling was SEVERAL QUESTIONS were posed to the still wanted, with the deadline being Jan. their organization to stay informed, to be a problem. officers regarding how to stay safe as a cy- 26 for the Feb. 14 announcement of the better educated on cycling safety, and to “There are no numbers that show clist on the road, and what to do when wit- honorees on Crossing Guard Appreciation participate in social rides and other FABB that smuggled opioids are a problem nessing or experiencing interaction with Day. Anyone can nominate a crossing guard activities. FABB is on the web at www.fabb- at the Fairfax County Adult Detention aggressive drivers. by going to the Virginia Department of bikes.org and has a Facebook page, as well. Although the answers did not provide the Transportation website at Its next meeting is Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at See Truth About, Page 5 cyclists with many solutions, Ayers and www.virginiadot.org and searching Safe the Patrick Henry Public Library in Vienna.

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Chief Releases Video of Shooting Fairfax County Police Chief Ed Roessler released what happened,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said in a in-car video on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from a Fairfax press release. “I support our Police Chief’s decision County vehicle, which was at the scene of the Nov. to release the video. I also extend my greatest sym- 17, 2017 U.S. Park Police shooting in the Mount pathies to the Ghaisar family during this tragic and Vernon District. difficult time.” Alex/Potomac Valley $562,000 1-4 Fairfax County Police officers did not fire their The shooting is currently under investigation by 8807 Vernon View Drive Lovely 4BR, 2BA, 4 lvl, Split on a lg, weapons and are considered witnesses to this shoot- the FBI. OPEN beautiful .3 acre lot w/a fenced bkyd. ing. The U.S. Park Police shooting resulted in the The video can be seen at Freshly painted interior & beautiful re- death of Bijan C. Ghaisar, a Fairfax County resident. https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/ SUNDAY finished hdwds. Main lvl has a spacious & cozy Family rm w/gas FPL, 4th BR, “The family and friends of Bijan Ghaisar, as well chief-roessler-releases-video-of-november-u-s-park- & 2nd full bath. Upper level #1 offers as the residents of Fairfax County, deserve to know police-shooting-in-fairfax-county/ an open kitchen plus Living & Dining Rm. Upper level #2 has a full bath & 3BRs. The lower level has a lg partially fin- ished Rec rm. Good price on a super lot & very nice home that you can add some personal touches to. CS 3% on the house-Call Rex for an early visit 703-409-4784 Alex/Riverside Estates $548,000 Driver Dies in Single-Car Crash 8608 Cherry Valley Lane Charming 4BR, 2.5BA Colonial w/3 finished levels. A 23-year-old man from Fredericksburg died Sun- was the only occupant of the Honda. Kitchen has been updated w/granite counters, break- day morning, Jan. 21, after losing control of his car Detectives from the Crash Reconstruction Unit are fast bar & porcelain flooring. All Baths have been and striking a tree, according to Fairfax County Po- investigating the crash to determine if excessive updated w/new tile, vanities, & fixtures to include double sinks in the master & main bathrooms. Family lice. speed may have led to the crash. According to po- rm on main lvl has gas fireplace. Beautiful hdwd floors Officers responded to the area of 6700 Telegraph lice, it appeared that the Honda was traveling south- throughout. Lower lvl Rec Rm & extra Den/5th BR. 2 Road in Alexandria around 1 a.m. for the report of a bound on Telegraph Road just prior to S. Kings High- car garage has work area (work bench conveys). Walk-in attic access on upper lvl for lots of storage. Cozy brick patio w/screened gazebo (conveys). New roof in 2016. Walk to elementary & high schools. 5 minutes to Ft. single-car crash. Once on scene, they located a Honda way when he lost control of the car and went off the Belvoir (S) & 15 minutes to Old Town, Alex (N). Best Value in Riverside Estates! Call Rex for showing. CS3% Civic. road to the right into a tree. Valladarez was pro- The driver, 23-year-old, Walther Rubio Valladarez, nounced dead on the scene. Alex/Riverside Estates $2,775 8314 Bound Brook Lane Beautiful 3 level colonial w/1 car Crime Report RENTAL gar. Meticulously maintained. Lovely landscaping. Renovated kitchen, SS appliances, granite, breakfast bar. Re- The following incidents were re- rest warrants were obtained. tives were assigned to investigate. The fin hdwd floors. Gorgeous screened ported by the Mount Vernon District COMMERCIAL ARMED ROB- investigation led to the suspect and he porch off Din Rm. Beautiful finished Police Station. BERY: 8792 Sacramento Drive (Super was arrested the following evening in lower level. Minutes to Ft. Belvoir (S) ROBBERY: 3200 block of Lockheed Mini Mart), Jan. 12 around 8:40 a.m. A the 11200 block of Fairfax Boulevard. & 15 minutes to Old Town, Alex (N). Boulevard, Jan. 19 around 1 p.m. A man suspect described as a black man, ap- He was charged with threatening to asked a stranger if he could use his proximately 5’2” to 5’6” and 20 to 25 bomb or damage a means of transpor- Alex/Berkshire East $449,000 phone. The stranger told him he did not years of old entered the store and de- tation. 5956 Berkshire Court have a phone and continued walking manded money from the cash register. Lovely three level townhouse, with his friend. The man approached the The suspect displayed a weapon during JAN. 22 UNDER 3BRs, 3.5BAs in walking distance to men a second time and demanded one the robbery, however, there were no LARCENIES Huntington Metro! Freshly painted, of their cell phones. When they said no, injuries. Cash was taken from the busi- 6300 block of Columbia Pike, docu- CONTRACT new carpeting, beautiful kitch- he assaulted one of them and a struggle ness. ments from residence en. Spacious floor plan, recessed ensued. A passerby intervened and sepa- COMMERCIAL ARMED ROB- 7100 block of Mint Place, license lighting, hardwood floors. Updated rated the parties. The suspect was not BERY: 8226 Russell Road (7-11), Jan. plate from vehicle bathrooms. Wood burning fire- able to get the victim’s cellphone, but he 13 around 7:20 p.m.The suspect is de- 8200 block of Richmond Highway, place in lower level. Family Room stole his debit card. The two victims had scribed as a black man in his mid 20’s cell phone from business w/walkout door to bkyd patio. minor injuries. The suspect was not lo- and armed with a hand gun. He entered 9100 block of Richmond Highway, Minutes to Old Town, Alexandria. cated. Detectives are investigating. the store and demanded money from property from business Alex/Yacht Haven $649,900 the cash register. The suspect then ran JAN. 19 9417 Forest Haven Drive STOLEN VEHICLE WITH APPRE- away from the business with an undis- LARCENIES Stunning immaculate 2 level Rambler HENSION: 8400 block of Richmond closed amount of cash. There were no 6800 block of Vantage Drive, wallet UNDER on a large spectacular landscaped half Highway, Jan. 18, around 4:40 p.m. A injuries reported. from vehicle acre lot. Updated: Kitchen w/corian, SS stolen vehicle was located by officers BOMB THREAT: A 46-year-old man JAN. 18 CONTRACT appliances & cherry cabinets, 3 updated and a short vehicle chase ensued. The is facing charges for threatening to STOLEN VEHICLES baths, 2 wood burning Fpls. Beautiful 16-year-old juvenile driver eventually bomb and shoot a police car. An inves- 4700 block of Hanrahan Place, 2002 new/refinished hdwd floors-Large jumped out of the moving vehicle and tigation determined that shortly after 5 Ford F350 finished basement w/family rm, den/ fled on foot but was located a short time a.m. on Jan. 2, The suspect called the JAN. 17 BR, 3rd bath & could be used as an in-law later. There were no injuries reported. Mount Vernon District Station and LARCENIES suite. Tons of storage available plus a 2 car garage- Great location in prestigious Yacht Further investigation determined there spoke to an officer. The officer tried to 2900 block of Arlington Drive, mer- Haven Estates w/water front properties & an amazing Marina, Pool and Club House. was another juvenile accomplice to the communicate with him, but he was not chandise from business Alex/Riverside Estates $605,000 vehicle theft. being responsive. As a result, the call 2500 block of Parkers Lane, wallets 8331 Blowing Rock Road TRAFFIC PURSUIT: 2200 block of was transferred to the Department of from vehicle Beautiful Mt. Vernon Colonial w/stunning renovations! Langport Drive, Jan. 18, around 10:30 Public Safety Communications (DPSC), 6700 block of Richmond Highway, SOLD 4BRs, 3.5BAs, 3 lvls, garage & deck. Gorgeous addition p.m. Officers responding to a domestic or 9-1-1 call center, because the officer merchandise from business w/exquisite remodeling expands the kit & family rm. dispute observed one involved person thought the man needed assistance. 7700 block of Tauxemont Road, wal- The quality & design are exceptional. Stunning kit w/all driving away from the address at a high When the call was received by the 9-1- let from vehicle the bells & whistles (skylight, tile & bamboo flooring, rate of speed and disregarding traffic 1 call center, the man began to make 7400 block of Mount Vernon Square SS appliances, silestone counters, high-end cabinetry, laws. The officers chased the vehicle but statements about shooting and blowing Center, merchandise from business double wall oven, gas cooktop) & a casual eating area eventually lost sight if it. The identity of up a police car with an officer inside. 6500 block of Tower Drive, license overlooking bkyd. Spectacular family rm w/gas FPL & sliding glass doors to the deck. Abundant windows provide the driver was later determined and ar- DPSC reported the incident and detec- plates from vehicle natural lighting. 4BRs on the upper lvl. Lower lvl has a full bath, lg finished rec rm, & an additional rm that can be easily configured as a 5th BR. Roof replaced in “15. Wood FPL in living rm & lower lvl. This is a winner! Alex/Riverside Estates $599,900 8400 Cherry Valley Riverside’s largest & most popular split Truth About Strip Searches SOLD foyer model w/2800 sq ft under roof, plus spacious 2 car garage- Meticulous- ly renovated & maintained - Updates From Page 4 committee hearing followed by a hearing in the include: kitchen, baths, roof, triple pane full committee. And then, if he’s lucky, a vote on windows, furnace, A/C, exterior siding Center,” wrote Jamel Perkins, public information the House floor. Considering the heart of his bill plus in-ground sprinkler system & garage doors controlled by cell phone - The list goes on… Large deck overlooks a officer for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office in a allows for strip searches at jails rather than traffic beautiful fenced backyard. 5 minutes to Ft. Belvoir (S), 15 mins to Alex (N) – Walk response to written questions. stops, he says, that part may end up being stripped to schools. This is turnkey! Hope acknowledges that his bill may end up out before it’s considered by member of the House changing significantly as it makes its way through of Delegates. the legislative sausage-making factory in Rich- “If law enforcement feels like that’s not neces- mond, a process that starts this week with a sub- sary, we’ll take it out,” said Hope. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 5 Opinion

www.MountVernonGazette.com What’s Wrong with This Picture? @MtVernonGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. Male, 60 percent; female 40 percent; less than 2 percent poor; Published by less than 2 percent African American; less than 2 percent Latino. Local Media Connection LLC 1606 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 f these are the demographics to some- and geography to change the admissions dy- graphics have been trending in this direction Free digital edition delivered to thing, you know it needs to be fixed, no namics at Jefferson. for more than a decade. your email box. Go to Imatter what “it” is. Especially something Summary: Fairfax County Public Schools has a single connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe paid for with public dollars. “Requires any academic school Governor’s elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ

Male, 60 percent; female 40 percent. School that has a focus on math, science, and is frequently referred to as the top high school NEWS DEPARTMENT: Less than 2 percent poor. technology and that has an overall enrollment in the country. Dramatic disparity in the [email protected] Less than 2 percent African American. of over 1,000 students to accept for enrollment makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of Steven Mauren Less than 2 percent Latino. (i) a sufficient number of students eligible to disparity in early identification of students as Editor, 703-778-9415 These are the demographics of this year’s receive free or reduced price meals such that gifted and talented, of access to advanced [email protected] freshman class at our Governor’s school, Tho- the total of such students is at least 50 percent classes and enrichment, and in the basic edu- Mike Salmon mas Jefferson High School for Science and of the weighted average of the participating cation that the Fairfax County Public school Assistant Editor Technology, known as TJ. divisions’ percentage of such students in the system offers to all of its students. [email protected] We also know that there are previous school year and (ii) at least five stu- School leadership can’t continue to act like Editorial Andrea Worker geographic disparities (some dents but no more than 15 students from each there are things they can’t do anything about. Reporter middle schools have many middle school in each school division eligible Surovell deserves credit for giving an incen- [email protected] more students admitted than others; some to matriculate students to such Governor’s tive to get started. Jeanne Theismann have none). school who have completed at least two full Learn about the referral and screening and [email protected] State Sen. Scott Surovell represents a part years at such middle school.” selection process for full-time (Level IV) and @TheismannMedia of the county that tends to be under repre- The school divisions currently participating school-based (Levels II-III) Advanced Academic sented at Thomas Jefferson, and he is kicking in TJHSST are: Arlington County, Fairfax Programs at www.fcps.edu/registration/ad- ADVERTISING: off what no doubt will be a lively discussion County (includes City of Fairfax), Falls Church vanced-academics-identification-and-placement. For advertising information by introducing SB787, Governor’s Schools; City, Loudoun County, Prince William County. — Mary Kimm [email protected] enrollment, which would use both economics We’ve said this before, because these demo- [email protected] 703-778-9431 Debbie Funk Display Advertising/National Sales 703-778-9444 [email protected] Resolve to Get Involved in 2018 Julie Ferrill Real Estate, 703-927-1364 [email protected] By Dan Storck Annual Town Mount Vernon Helen Walutes District Supervisor Display Advertising, 703-778-9410 Meeting [email protected] 31st Annual Mount Vernon District ommunity engagement is Town Meeting David Griffin vital to building and Marketing Assistant C SATURDAY, FEB. 3, 2018 703-778-9431 maintaining strong com- 7:45 a.m. – Exhibit Hall Open [email protected] munities and passionate individu- 9:30 a.m. – Speakers, Audience Q&A’s and Virtual Tour als. As stated by Coretta Scott Publisher King, “The greatness of a commu- MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL Jerry Vernon nity is most accurately measured 8515 Old Mt Vernon Road, Alexandria 703-549-0004 by the compassionate actions of its [email protected] members.” I believe that statement County.” Speakers include Board Editor & Publisher to be true, especially here in the of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Mary Kimm [email protected] Mount Vernon District. We have Bulova, new County Executive @MaryKimm many strong community leaders Bryan Hill, Mount Vernon District who are driving issues from in- School Board Member Karen Editor in Chief Steven Mauren creased economic development Corbett Sanders, new Superinten- Art/Design: and transportation improvements dent of Schools Scott Brabrand Laurence Foong, John Heinly, along the Richmond Highway Cor- and other community leaders. Ali Khaligh Production Manager: ridor, to the protection of our natu- Audience members will have the Geovani Flores ral resources such as Dyke Marsh opportunity to have their ques- and Mason Neck State Park. How- tions answered directly by these CIRCULATION ever, we always need more voices leaders. The highlight of the morn- Circulation Manager: and helping hands. ing will be taking a “virtual flying Ann Oliver I invite you to join us on Satur- Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck tour” of the changes in our district [email protected] day, Feb. 3, 2018, for our 31st An- in this past year, with me as your nual Town Meeting at Mount United Community Ministries or vice and the Literacy Council of pilot. A Connection Newspaper Vernon High School to learn more GrandInvolve. Northern Virginia. Come out and join us. Learn and about our District and how you can ❖ Learn about Connector Bus At 9:30 a.m. the program will get involved. The more residents be engaged in 2018. The morning service or the Fairfax County Ar- begin with musical performances engage and participate in our dis- will start at 7:45 a.m. with the chaeological Research Team. and my personal welcome ad- trict, the more we will all be en- opening of the Exhibit Hall, where ❖ Join the Mount Vernon Coun- dressing our major accomplish- riched and fulfilled in our day-to- you can meet over 75 community cil of Citizens’ Associations, the ments in 2017 and our main fo- day interactions within our com- groups and County agencies. Here South County Federation or the cuses for 2018. Throughout the munity. Working together, we all are just a few opportunities you Friends of Huntley Meadows Park. morning you will hear from sev- have a hand in our future and in will find in the Exhibit Hall: ❖ Explore educational opportu- eral distinguished speakers about improving the quality of life for all ❖ Sign up to volunteer with the nities with the National Park Ser- the “State of the District and the Mount Vernon residents.

6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 7 Opinion Much To Do — with Many New Faces By Paul Krizek passed out of subcom- women than men, matching the growing as a new delegate and I am eager to help State Delegate (D-44) mittee successfully. diversity of our General Assembly where 12 my colleagues in any way possible navigate Many of these bills women were elected to the House last fall. the law making process. As I mentioned, he first two full weeks of the Gen- started as ideas from my He also emphasized the need for biparti- there are more opportunities for the public Teral Assembly 2018 Legislative Ses- constituents. One such sanship partnership in steering our new Vir- to follow the legislature in real-time this sion are in the books and what a bill is HB9, requiring ginia economy and for both parties to work year than ever before. Video streams of busy and exciting start. It began with Gov- uniform seat belt usage together for the good of the Common- meetings of House Full Committees can be ernor McAuliffe’s final address to the joint throughout the vehicle. wealth. accessed online. You can also follow my leg- assembly and then our new Governor I am especially proud of That theme was echoed by Speaker Cox, islation online at Northam’s first address to the joint assem- West Potomac High the Republican leader who maintained his www.virginiageneralassembly.gov or use bly including the Supreme Court members, School senior Jonathan Tucker who came party’s control of the body by the slimmest the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access the SCC, both houses down on Tuesday for a 7 am subcommittee of margins via the drawing of lots due to a Project website vpap.org for more in depth Commentary and the entire new cabi- hearing to testify on behalf of his seat belt tie vote (don’t let anyone ever tell you that information and breaking developments of net. It ended with a bill which would get rid of the back seat your vote doesn’t count). I am hopeful and the General Assembly session. weekend of successful exemption for adults. Most compelling was encouraged that we will work together for Thank you to everyone who took the time town meetings back here in Mount Vernon Jonathan’s point that when we exempt the good of all of the people of Virginia, out of their last Saturday schedule to par- and Lee. We unanimously elected a new adults from wearing their seat belts in the already finding common ground on more ticipate in our town meetings at Walt Speaker of the House, Kirk Cox of Colonial back seat it sends a message that it is not transparency with recorded votes and live Whitman Middle School and Hayfield El- Heights, and 19 new delegates were sworn unsafe, which is certainly not the case, to video streaming in committees, and most ementary. in. No doubt that there has been a dramatic other passengers or the adult not wearing importantly we must find a way in which The audience came prepared with many change in our composition since last year. a seatbelt. Unfortunately, the bill died on a to expand Medicaid to 400,000 more Vir- good questions and I enjoyed sharing the And, personally, I am newly assigned to the party line vote. ginians desperate for health care coverage. stage with my colleagues, and I really ap- important Appropriations Committee, one I was honored to attend the inauguration Even though I am just in my second term, preciate your feedback and involvement in of only four Appropriators from Northern of Gov. Ralph Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin already I am serving as a mentor to new our representative democracy. It is my plea- Virginia, and I remain on the historic Coun- Fairfax, and Attorney General Mark Herring Del. Cheryl Turpin of Virginia Beach, who sure and honor to serve you in Richmond. ties, Cities and Towns Committee, in con- last Saturday. Dr. Northam’s speech was by happy circumstance is also a graduate Please consider a visit to my office in Rich- tinual existence since 1866. So far, one of both inspiring and poignant. He highlighted of Groveton High School (now West mond. You can email me at DelPKrizek@ two, from the 22 bills I introduced, have the diversity of his cabinet, which has more Potomac). Certainly, there is much to learn house.virginia.gov or call 804-698-1044.

Resolve to Get Involved in 2018! 31st Annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting Join Supervisor Storck for the 31st Annual Town Meeting! As part of the town meeting, Supervisor Storck will [HRLN\LZ[ZVUH¸]PY[\HSÅ`PUN[V\Y¹ of the changes in the Mount Vernon +PZ[YPJ[V]LY[OLWHZ[`LHY

Speakers: Board of Supervisors *OHPYTHU:OHYVU)\SV]H5L^*V\U[` ,_LJ\[P]L)Y`HU/PSS4V\U[=LYUVU District School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders, New Superintendent of Schools Scott Brabrand and other JVTT\UP[`SLHKLYZ Saturday, February 3, 2018 7:45 a.m. Exhibit Hall Open | 9:30 a.m. Speakers, Q&A’s and Virtual Tour Mount Vernon High School 8515 Old Mt Vernon Road, Alexandria, VA 22309 Meet your community leaders and learn how to engage in making Mount Vernon the best community in NOVA!

-VYTVYLPUMVYTH[PVUJHSS[OL4V\U[=LYUVU+PZ[YPJ[6ɉJLH[   ;;@]PZP[[OLVɉJLH[7HYRLYZ3HUL VYZLUK`V\YX\LZ[PVUZJVTTLU[Z[VT[]LYUVU'MHPYMH_JV\U[`NV] ;VYLX\LZ[YLHZVUHISL(+(HJJVTTVKH[PVUZVYSHUN\HNL[YHUZSH[PVUZLY]PJLZ JHSS[OL4V\U[=LYUVU+PZ[YPJ[6ɉJL  VY;;@VUVYILMVYL   [email protected] WWW.FAIRFAXCOUNTY.GOV/MOUNTVERNON

8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 9 Opinion Progress on Transportation Safety By Scott Surovell Virginia’s assisted conception State Senator (D-36) laws to account for same-sex couples, a bill to clarify au- he General Assembly acted on several of my thority to withhold spousal Tbills last week, the first full week of the ses- support from paychecks and sion. Two of my bills passed this week. First, another to establish conse- my bill to expand the types of abuse proceedings in quences to government offi- which children can testify by video connection passed cials who violate the Free- unanimously. Also, the Senate passed my legislation dom of Information Act. raising Virginia’s threshold between misdemeanors Importantly, my bipartisan and felonies to $500 after it was combined with other legislation to provide tempo- members’ bills. Virginia’s felony threshold is the low- rary driving permits to individuals who cannot es- est in the United States, has not changed since 1980, tablish immigration status but who pay Virginia taxes wastes taxpayer dollars and unnecessarily turns many will be heard on Wednesday. Numerous studies have into felons. Only two senators voted against the bill found that the 15 states that have adopted this policy and it now heads to the House of Delegates. have fewer accidents and hit and run cases and have Two more of my bills are headed to the full Senate increased tax revenue. My bill to close loopholes for a vote this week. One bill requires all sex educa- abused by car title and payday lenders is also up for tion programs to include the dangers of “sexting.” a hearing on Monday. Second, on a 9 to 4 vote, the Senate Transportation I have also reintroduced my legislation to prohibit Committee approved my legislation that prohibits schools from using online textbooks without provid- people from operating a motor vehicle with a phone ing children with computers. I have also introduced in the driver’s hand. Similar legislation has failed to separate legislation to prohibit systems like Fairfax pass out of committee the last four years, so I am County Public Schools from charging “tuition” or fees hoping that the unprecedented increase in traffic to low income students for online classes — FCPS deaths is finally causing legislators to take note. Dis- currently charges up to $350 per class for classes tracted driving is a massive and growing problem. like “online PE” or financial literacy to children re- The last two sessions, I have carried legislation ceiving free and reduced meals and do not even pro- requested by The Education Fund to Stop Gun Vio- vide them with computers. Public education should lence that would require background checks on all be equally accessible to all and free — especially if firearm purchases. Unfortunately, the bill was de- your parents do not have resources. feated on a party-line vote along with a dozen other On Saturday, nearly 100 people attended our firearm violence prevention bills. I am pleased that Mount Vernon town hall meeting and another 50 Sen. Adam Ebbin’s legislation prohibiting bump stock each in Lee District and Woodbridge. purchases was reported out of committee. Please complete my constituent survey at This session, I introduced 61 bills and over 50 are www.scottsurovell.org/survey and you can always still in committee so it will be a busy week. Senate provide me feedback at [email protected]. committees will soon consider my bill modernizing It is an honor to serve as your state senator. Long View on Legislative Proposals

By Adam P. Ebbin forward. State Senator (D-30) I serve on three commit- tees, where I play a part in he second week of the 2018 General Assem- deciding which legislative Tbly session wrapped up last Friday and it proposals will advance to the feels like we’re finally hitting our stride. As- Senate floor — a key step on we cautiously celebrate the doors reopening at fed- legislation’s journey to the eral agencies in Washington and settle into a semi- Governor’s desk. In the Sen- regular rhythm, the hours are filled reviewing bills, ate Agriculture, Conserva- discussing policy, hearing testimony, and sneaking tion and Natural Resources in a quick lunch on the 100-year-old desks of the Committee I’ve learned more Senate floor. In between, I have had the pleasure of than I ever thought I’d know about fox penning, fe- receiving many visits from constituents and am ral cats, and yogurt manufacturing. We also work to humbled by the dedication of those who drove over rejuvenate our oyster population, protect animal 100 miles to voice their perspective on upcoming welfare and preserve Virginia’s natural beauty. legislation. Ensuring a fair and efficient voting process is one It’s been a difficult start for those of us advocating of my highest priorities and, as a member of the Sen- for gun violence prevention. The Senate Courts of ate Privileges and Elections Committee, I’ve intro- Justice Committee voted down my bill that would duced eight bills to do just that. have addressed loopholes that allow people prohib- Governor Northam’s first official action was to sign ited from purchasing firearms from a licensed dealer Executive Order 1, which forbids discrimination to obtain firearms from a “private seller.” A glimmer based on sexual orientation, gender identity, status of bipartisan progress emerged, however, as my leg- as a veteran, and other protected classes in public islation to ban bump stocks and other devices that employment — a policy that has been put forth by make semi-automatics fire like machine guns (SB1) four of the past five governors. However, if we’re advanced for further consideration to the Senate Fi- going to continue to attract forward-thinking com- nance Committee. Machine gun possession is already panies to the Commonwealth, we need a permanent heavily regulated at the federal and state level, and policy. SB 202 represents my continuing effort to it makes sense to treat deadly firearm attachments, permanently codify these protections. As a member which turn semi-automatic weapons into de facto of the Senate General Laws and Technology Com machine guns, with the same scrutiny. Five Senate Republicans joined all six Democrats to move the bill See Long View, Page 18 10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com #1 Real Estate Brand Online* | Unmatched Property Exposure on 900+ Websites | 110-Year Legacy

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*NRT is ranked #1 in both closed residential buyer and/or seller transaction sides and sales volume (calculated by multiplying number of buyer and/or seller transaction sides by the sales price) from 1996-2016 in the U.S. One unit equals one side of a transaction (buyer or seller). Data obtained by REAL Trends Survey, 1996-2017. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. 147913MA-7/17 *comScore, Jan.-Dec. 2015.. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10713MA_A6/16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 11 Winter Fun & Entertainment

Submit entertainment announcements Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Recreation. The “DASHing Words in at www.connectionnewspapers.com/Cal- Road. Live music. Tickets are $4. Call Motion” poetry contest, topics edge endar/. The deadline is noon on Friday. 703-765-4573. on transportation, ideas might stem Photos/artwork encouraged. Life Drawing. Del Ray Artisans offers a from The Alexandria Transit range of open life drawing sessions Photo by K. Summer Company’s DASH buses motto is for anyone to develop life-drawing “Keep Alexandria Moving.” Call 703- ONGOING skills further. Drop-in for the session 746-5565 or email “Interlude: Unfinished Works.” and bring supplies to draw or paint [email protected]. Various times, through Jan. 21, at live models. Fee ranges from $8-$12. Blues Night with Meigs Hodge. 7 Target Gallery at the Torpedo All skill levels are welcome. Del Ray p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Factory, 105 North Union St., Studio Artisans is located at 2704 Mount St. Meigs Hodge explores Delta and 2. Target Gallery, the contemporary Vernon Ave. Visit Chicago styles through the music of exhibition space of the Torpedo www.TheDelRayArtisans.org for a Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Factory, spotlights the artistic process schedule. er/Visit Alexandria others; as well as contemporary in Interlude: Unfinished Works. Art The Harmony Heritage Singers standards and original compositions. has been left unfinished, both (Mount Vernon Chapter of $10. Visit www.nvfaa.org or call 703- intentionally and unintentionally, Barbershop Harmony Society), a 548-0035. and creates a dialogue on what it daytime, a cappella, Chorus, rehearses on the 2nd and 4th means for art to be “finished.” The FEB. 2-MARCH 10 exhibition features 21 artists from Tuesdays, monthly, at Sherwood Hall across the globe, including nine Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Art Exhibit. Various times at The artists from the region. Visit Hall Lane, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Newcomers Gallery @ Convergence, 1801 N. torpedofactory.org/partners/target- welcome for fun or to book for a Port City bar food Quaker Lane. The All City High gallery. performance. Visit School Art Exhibition hosted by the “Déjà Vu,” Art Exhibit. Through Feb. www.HHSingers.org, or call Bruce at Convergence Arts Initiative returns 4, various times at at the Torpedo 703-352-5271. Winter Restaurant Week for its third and most exciting year so Factory, 105 North Union St., Studio far. This year’s expanded event More than 60 Alexandria restaurants offer a $35 three-course dinner for features over 90 Alexandria high 29. Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery show SATURDAY/JAN. 27 “Déjà Vu,” highlights the work of one or a $35 dinner for two during Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week, school students and will welcome artists Elizabeth Davison, Elise Miller, Keck Collection Auction. 10 a.m. at Friday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 4. More than 30 restaurants will also offer lunch two additional schools to its juried and Dianne Harris Thomas. Visit The Potomack Company, 1120 North menus at $10, $15 or $20 per person in addition to the dinner offerings. New exhibition; Commonwealth Academy torpedofactory.org. Fairfax St. More than 150 lots from to Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week are Hank’s Pasta Bar, Sunday in and The Howard Gardner School. “POUR.” Various times through Feb. 19 the Keck collection and other special Saigon, Cedar Knoll, Café 44, La Trattoria and Nectar Coffee & Wine Bistro. Visit www.ourconvergence.org. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, TAG pieces will be offered, including an Returning participants include Restaurant Eve, Sonoma Cellar, Magnolia’s 18th century Italian painting, a pair Gallery, 105 N Union St. #311. On King, Vermilion, Evening Star Cafe, Virtue Feed & Grain, Mason Social, SATURDAY/FEB. 3 Featuring Jennifer Brewer Stone and of 19th century paintings after Jean- Cheesetique, Columbia Firehouse and Del Ray Café. View the menu flip-book Whitney Staiger. Brewer will be Honoré Fragonard and an important and make reservations at www.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com. Alexandria Warehouse Sale. 9 a.m.- showing mixed media pieces with painting by Montague Dawson. 4 p.m. at The Westin Alexandria, 400 resin, texture paste, various paints Online auction follows on Tuesday, Courthouse Square. The “Super Bowl and gold leaf. Staiger is a jeweler and Jan. 30. Visit of Shopping Event” (always occurring will be showcasing how to cast into www.potomackcompany.com or call the Saturday of Super Bowl cuttlefish bones, one of the oldest 703-684-4550. weekend), the 13th Annual ways of casting metal. Visit U.S. Navy Band Concert. 7:30 p.m. Alexandria Warehouse Sale will take torpedofactory.org. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert place at the Westin Hotel located in “Form and Void.” Various times Hall, 4915 East Campus Drive. the Carlyle District of Old Town through Feb. 25 at the Athenaeum, Concert will feature a wide variety of Alexandria. Free to enter. Visit 201 Prince St. Ellyn Weiss’s work is wind ensemble pieces including Short www.AlexandriaWarehouseSale.com. guided by a commitment to Ride in a Fast Machine, Symphonic Watercolor Workshop: Paint a environmental sustainability and Metamorphosis, and Stubernic Winter Scene. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. scientific truth, and her sheer delight Fantasy where 3 percussionists at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green in working with materials to make maneuver around a marimba. Free, Spring Road. Learn to paint a winter art. Using tar, wire, liquid plastic, no tickets required. Visit Cedar Knoll landscape in wa–tercolor with the printing on acrylic, and large-scale www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter/ or oysters help of artist Erik Hottenstein, who drawing, Weiss’s creations are a www.navyband.navy.mil. demonstrates techniques for reflection on survival and translating photographs into winter scenes and provides guidance for regeneration. Visit www.nvfaa.org or FRIDAY/JAN. 26 call 703-548-0035. your individual piece. $90. Visit “Winter Respite.” Through Feb. 25, Open House. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Metropolitan School of the Arts, 5775 parktakes or call 703-642-5173. Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/ Gather ideas, taste free samples, fill at Green Spring Historic House, 4603 Barclay Road, Suite 4. Metropolitan Fighting for Freedpeople. 11 a.m. at School of the Arts (MSA) Performing earthday or call 703-861-8705. gift bags and enter to win many Alexandria Black History Museum, Green Spring Road. NOVA Plein Air exciting prizes. $10. Visit Artists debuts its exhibit “Winter Arts Academy of Alexandria, is 902 Wythe St. Learn how two hosting an open house with an thecarlyleclub.com/weddings.html. women, one black and one white, Respite.” NOVA Plein Air Artists is a FRIDAY/JAN. 26-SUNDAY/FEB. 4 Art of the Book - Calligraphy. 1-2 group of Northern Virginia artists opportunity for prospective students helped improve conditions while to meet and greet with MSA staff as Alexandria Winter Restaurant p.m. at Historic Huntley, 6918 carving out new roles for themselves who regularly paint together in Week. In neighborhoods throughout Harrison Lane. Historic Huntley is outdoor settings; in local public and well as refreshments. Visit in 19th century America. Paula www.metropolitanarts.org. Alexandria, Virginia, including Old offering three classes this winter that Whitacre’s recently published book, private gardens, parks, farms, Town, Del Ray and the West End, delve into different aspects of book wineries, and at other local sites. Scottish Celebration Burns “A Civil Life in an Uncivil Time,” is a Dinner. 6-9 p.m. at Sheraton Suites participating restaurants will off a making. Register for any of the biography of Julia Wilbur and tells This show features their recent oil $35 three-course dinner for one or series. Call 703-768-2525 or visit paintings showcasing floral still lifes, Old Town, 801 N. St. Asaph St. Join the story of how Wilbur and Jacobs in a celebration of Scottish culture $35 dinner for two; select locations www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ became effective advocates for free landscapes and florals, painted en offering lunch from $10-20 per historic-huntley. plein air. and support the film, “Why They people’s rights. Whitacre will be Left: A Scottish Migration.” Buffet person. Visit Pinewood Derby Workshop. 3-6 available to sign copies of her book. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ www.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com p.m. at Ace Hardware, 809 S. green-spring. dinner including chicken and haggis. Call 703-746-4356. Cash bar, professional portraits, or call 703-838-5005. Washington St. Old Town Ace A 1760s Celebration. Noon-4 p.m. at New Project Studio. Through Feb. Hardware is hosting a series of 28, various times at the Torpedo video of the film project, short talk Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. on the story told in the film, t-shirts, pinewood derby workshops for local Fairfax St. Join in to wish a very Factory, 105 North Union St., Studio JAN. 27-MARCH 4 Cub Scouts. During select Sundays in 8. Over the course of three months, Scottish magazines. Visit happy birthday to Alexandria town scottishmigration-film.com. “Passages.” Various times at Target January, the store will provide wood founder, Col. John Carlyle. Festivities Korean painter and sculptor Suh Gallery at the Torpedo Factory, 105 cuts, sandpaper, and work stations Yongsun will transform the New The James Brown Experience. 8 will include 18th-century dancing, p.m. at the Carlyle Club, 2050 North Union St., Studio 2. Target for scouts to prep their derby cars. live music, and a birthday treat. Project Studio into a workshop and Gallery’s next exhibition, Passages, The store asks that participating community space for discussions and Ballenger Ave. Led by former James Admission is free, donations are Brown drummer Robert “Mousey” explores the lasting effects migration Scouts trace their car designs on their welcome. Visit www.novaparks.com creativity. He will explore public, has on cultural identity from the woodblocks prior to arriving at the social, and political issues in present- Thompson, The James Brown or call 703-549-2997. Experience is all-star ensemble that perspective of immigrants and workshops. The store kindly requests Freedom House Museum Tours. 1- day Korea while developing a visual immigrant families from across the a $1 donation per woodcut to benefit discourse of his time creating in faithfully performs the most popular 5 p.m. at Freedom House Museum, songs by one of the greatest music global diaspora. The juror for this Boy Scouts of America and Children’s 1315 Duke St. The Freedom House Alexandria. Visit torpedofactory.org. exhibition was Adriana Ospina, National, our local Children’s Miracle “Terracotta Warriors” in Market legends of our time. $30-$35. Visit Museum was once the headquarters thecarlyleclub.com. curator of the Permanent Collection Network Hospital. Complimentary and holding pen for the largest Square. Through March 11, all day and Education at the Art Museum of popcorn will be served during the in Market Square, 301 King St. Two Earth Day Artwork Student domestic slave trading firm in the Competition Deadline. The Americas. Visit torpedofactory.org/ event. Email United States, Franklin and Armfield. replicas of the famous “Terracotta partners/target-gallery. [email protected] or call Warriors.” Each replica stands six theme of Earth Day 2018 is Local The building is currently owned by Action, Global Impact. Students are the store (Monday-Saturday, 8-8; the Northern Virginia Urban League feet tall and weighs about 500 Sunday, 10-6) at 703-566-7040. pounds, and will be on display encouraged to create an artistic SUNDAY/JAN. 28 and together with the Office of design of the role they play in Historic Alexandria, the public is through March 2018. Visit Winter Wedding Showcase. 11 a.m. www.alexandriava.gov for more protecting the Earth. The selected THURSDAY/FEB. 1 invited to visit the museum in this artwork will be printed on Earth Day at the Carlyle Club, 2050 Ballenger historic reminder of slavery. t-shirts, reusable shopping bags, Ave. Experience live music, talk with Alexandria Poetry Contest Entry Admission is $5 per person. Space is CAMPS, CLASSES & WORKSHOPS posters, fliers, and advertising to award winning professionals in the Deadline. 5 p.m. at the City of limited and reservations are donors, as well as posted on the areas of floral design, cake design Alexandria, The Office of the Arts, a recommended. Tickets can be Community Dance. 7:30-9:30 p.m. travel, event planning, and more. division of the Department of every third Friday at Hollin Hall Alexandria Earth Day website. Visit purchased online, or by cash or check

12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Winter Fun & Entertainment

Photos by Ellen Hamilton McQueen gravestone, a relative of Ellen Hamilton, buried in South Carolina.

Thread factory in Paisley, Scotland. Scottish Dinner To Support Film A Scottish-themed “Robbie Burns” dinner is and the neighboring town, Port Glasgow, are part of planned to raise funds for the historical documen- the story in the film. It was the place where many tary film, “Why They Left: A Scottish Migration,” Scots climbed aboard a ship, and embarked on that written by Alexandria-based graphic designer Ellen long journey. The time frame that Hamilton writes Hamilton. Hamilton hopes to finish the film and have about, late 1700s, was also a time of major transi- a screening in Alexandria this time next year. She tions for Scotland. The cotton revolution was restruc- has help with equipment and advice from veteran turing the landscape with new towns, the use of filmmaker and reporter Margaret Kennedy of Old money by many for the first time, and the loss of Town Productions. most people’s rural homesteads. Roads were being Hamilton travels to the area near Glasgow, built between towns for the first time, and Scotland’s Scotland’s largest and most industrial city, with her inclusion in the country of Great Britain meant new husband who is from that region. Being urban and wealth and new problems for its people. busy, this Lowland area tends to be overlooked by To get the word out about the film and raise some American tourists. She was given a book on the his- money for promotion, production and permissions, tory of the area written by Scottish archaeologist she and her team of helpers are hosting a Scottish Derek Alexander. Hamilton became interested in her themed “Robbie Burns” dinner where Hamilton will own ancestor’s roots and decided to tell the story of speak about the story told in the film. She designed the place that most Scots emigrated from. She found t-shirts for the event and will have Steven Halperson that most people are not aware of their own family’s of Tisara Photography on hand for professional por- stories and how they came to leave Scotland and traits. Guests are encouraged to wear their best tar- take the trip of seven or more weeks on a sailing tan outfits for their portrait. The dinner will take vessel. Many people died on that journey. People were place at the Sheraton Suites Old Town. Dinner will quarantined once they got to Alexandria, because of include haggis and roast chicken, and the classic Brit- the threat of disease outbreaks. Hamilton features ish dessert, trifle, which is berries, cake, cream and William Gregory who bought and expanded the custard in layers. The dinner will be held Friday, Jan. building at 329 North Washington St. in Alexandria. 26, 6-9 p.m., at Sheraton Suites Old Town, 801 N. Gregory came from Kilmarnock, Scotland where his Saint Asaph St. family ran a rug weaving factory. Hamilton’s website for the film is scottishmigration- Hamilton has interviewed local historians Lance film.com. She has opened her first online store called Mallamo and Michael Lee Pope for the project. Yellow Dot Shop, where she is selling tickets to the In Scotland, arranged for an on-camera interview dinner and other items; see yellow-dot- of Alexander in a 700 year old, castle on the banks shop.myshopify.com. To contribute to the film, people of the Clyde river. The land that the castle sits on can visit at gofundme.com/Scots-Doc.

Southern Immersion Cuisine • Craft Cocktails • Private Events RESTAURANT WEEK OFFERINGS $35 Three Course Prix-Fixe Dinner $20 Saturday and Sunday Brunch 703 KING ST, ALEXANDRIA (703) 838-9090 MAGNOLIASONKING.COM www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 13 Winter Fun & Entertainment

George Washington’s Birthday 2018 Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at His Home, Mount Vernon. Four days of events, with free admission on Monday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 22. Visit www.mountvernon.org/birthday or call 703-780-2000.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/FEB. 17-18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) George Washington’s Favorite Breakfast – 9 a.m.-noon – Join “General Washington” for a sample of hoecakes prepared by Mount Vernon staff (while supplies last). Mingle with Costumed Characters from George Washington’s World – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 18th-century Dancing Demonstration with costumed characters. Wreathlaying Ceremonies at the tomb of George Washington throughout Night Comes, Ellyn Weiss, 52" x 12', oil bar, charcoal, and acrylic, 2017. the day.

‘Form and Void’ MONDAY/FEB.19 Ellyn Weiss’s work is guided by a commitment to environmental sustainability and scientific truth, and her sheer delight in (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Free admission. working with materials to make art. Using tar, wire, liquid plastic, printing on acrylic, and large-scale drawing, Weiss’s cre- Visit George Washington’s home and burial site. The traditional ations are a reflection on survival and regeneration. Through Feb. 25, various times at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Visit wreathlaying ceremony at Washington’s Tomb takes place at 10 a.m. www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035. followed by Mount Vernon’s official celebration on the east lawn including a keynote speaker and 21-gun salute to the first president. Special military demonstrations and patriotic music will take place on the Bowling Green at 11:15 a.m. “General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and at the door. Visit THURSDAY/FEB. 8 SATURDAY/FEB. 10 receive birthday wishes all day. www.visitalexandriava.com/listings/ Special musical tribute – 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m. freedom-house/4676/. Artists Reception. 6-8:30 p.m. at Fancy Nancy Author Visit. 11:30 Share selected stories with “George Washington” – 2 p.m. Torpedo Factory Art Center, TAG a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Hooray for Wreathlaying at the tomb of George Washington – 3 p.m. Gallery, 105 N Union St. #311. With Books!, 1555 King St. Visitors should SUNDAY/FEB. 4 Visit the Washington Library for the rare opportunity to tour the reading a demonstration by Jennifer Brewer dress in their fanciest ensemble room and examine replica documents. Walk with Washington Tour. 2 p.m. Stone and Whitney Staiger. Brewer (that’s fancy for “outfit”) as Hooray at the Alexandria Visitor Center will be showing mixed media pieces for Books! welcome back Jane (Ramsay House), 221 King St. with resin, texture paste, various O’Connor. She will present and sign THURSDAY/FEB. 22 Focuses on some of the most paints and gold leaf. Staiger is a her final Fancy Nancy picture book, (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) Free admission important Old Towne sites associated jeweler and will be showcasing how Oodles of Kittens. To secure a spot in George Washington’s 286th Birthday – Visit Mount Vernon on George with George Washington. 60-90 min. to cast into cuttlefish bones, one of the signing line, stop in, call 703- Washington’s actual birthday for wreathlaying ceremonies throughout the Free. Recommended for ages 10 and the oldest ways of casting metal. 548-4092, or email day. Enjoy a patriotic concert and observe a moving ceremony honoring older. Call 703-746-3301. RSVP on Facebook at http:// [email protected] to new citizens. Join “General Washington” for a slice of birthday cake (while jennifersartgallery.cmail19.com/t/r-l- purchase a copy of supplies last). jrdhjudt-jytjiuthly-m/. Oodles of Kittens. Recommended for MONDAY/FEB. 5 Be Washington: It’s Your Turn to Lead – Mount Vernon has opened a Artist Reception: Passages. 6-8 children ages 3 and up. Free new first-person interactive experience titled Be Washington: It’s Your Microgreens. 7-8 p.m. at Barrett p.m. Various times at at Torpedo admission. Visit Turn to Lead in its Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. Branch Library, 717 Queen St. Factory Art Center, Target Gallery, www.hooray4books.com. New Objects on View in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Microgreens: What Are They, Why 105 N Union St. The newest Seed Swap Day. 12:30-4 p.m. at Center. A new installation will highlight objects related to one of the Be They Are So Fabulous, and How to exhibition in Target Gallery, the Green Spring Gardens, , 4603 Green Washington’s scenarios: the Newburgh conspiracy. Grow Them. Join us to learn their contemporary exhibition space for Spring Road. Washington Gardnener New Revolutionary War 4-D Theater – The new 17-minute film focuses many benefits, and some simple ways the Torpedo Factory Art Center, magazine is hosting the 13th annual on Washington’s leadership and the pivotal campaigns that secured to grow these delicious, nutritious explores the lasting effects migration Washington Gardener Seed Exchange American independence. This experience is included in admission. and inexpensive baby plants and has on cultural identity. Passages at Green Spring Gardens. These seed sprouts at home. Come prepared to gives an intimate look in to artists’ swaps are in-person and face-to-face. The City of Alexandria celebrates George Washington’s Birthday with more get a bit dirty while planting one’s individual experiences and how they Bring extra seeds and swap them than a dozen events throughout February. Visit www.washingtonbirthday.net own microgreen garden in class. shaped who they are today. Visit with other gardneners. Participants or call 703-829-6640. Free. Advance registration requested torpedofactory.org. can learn, network and prepare for George Washington Birthday Parade – Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m., Old Town at mgnv.org. Questions, telephone next year’s seed collecting. Alexandria. 703-228-6414 or Registration is strongly Cherry Challenge – Jan. 28-Feb. 11, at various restaurants throughout [email protected]. FRIDAY/FEB. 9 recommended as space is limited. Alexandria. Walking with Washington Tours – Sundays in February Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Blessed Register online at 2018, 2 p.m. at the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St. Sacrament Catholic Church, 1427 W. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/ Washington’s Birthday Celebration – Feb. 17-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Feb. WEDNESDAY/FEB. 7 Braddock Road. Director of Music 3210698. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Visit Swing Dance. 9-11 p.m. at Nick’s John McCrary will conduct the Freedom House Museum Tours. 1- www.mountvernon.org/birthday or call 703-780-2000. Nightclub, 642 South Pickett St. The Blessed Sacrament Festival Chorus 5 p.m. at Freedom House Museum, George Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball – Saturday, Feb. 17, Cutaways, with Dave Kitchen, and Orchestra with soprano Michelle 1315 Duke St. The Freedom House 5:30-11 p.m. (9 p.m. if attending the ball only), at Gadsby’s Tavern promise a great time for swing Kunz, alto Sally Monson, tenor Phil Museum was once the headquarters Museum. Reservations required. Visit Alexandriava.gov/Shop or call 703- dancers. An accomplished singer/ Pickens, bass Joshua Hong in a and holding pen for the largest 746-4242. songwriter active in the roots rock concert of works including Bach’s domestic slave trading firm in the Historic Alexandria Open Houses – Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., various scene for over 15 years, since 1995 Ascension Oratorio and the Litaniae United States, Franklin and Armfield. museums throughout Old Town Alexandria. In honor of George Dave has been nominated for a dozen de venerabili altaris sacramento, The building is currently owned by Washington’s birthday, admission is free at these historic Alexandria sites: or so of the Washington Area KV143. Donations are encouraged. the Northern Virginia Urban League Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Stabler- Musician’s Association’s WAMMIE Email [email protected] and together with the Office of Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Awards and has won twice. $10. Visit or call 703-998-6100, ext. 103. Historic Alexandria, the public is Museum. nicksnightclub.com/. invited to visit the museum in this historic reminder of slavery.

14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Winter Fun & Entertainment

Admission is $5 per person. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. Tickets can be After Four Decades, La Cuisine Says Sweet Goodbye purchased online, or by cash or check at the door. Visit By Hope Nelson about cooking and how much they loved the be a good time to close things down on a high www.visitalexandriava.com/listings/ freedom-house/4676/. store. It was kind of like a little community of note. Champagne and Chocolates ventually, every meal must end — even people who had been coming to our shop for “I was ready to retire,” she said. And as her Fundraiser. 4-7 p.m. at Gunston a feast that has kept going for 47 years. a long time,” Pollard said. “It was all very posi- family continued to expand, including two Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton. E Champagne, small plate hors And for La Cuisine, the longtime cook- tive, even though it was like 19 degrees. And grandsons, “I really wanted to spend more time d’oeuvres, desserts, mansion tours by ery shop in Old Town’s grand finale was sweet of course we never saw any of this because we with them.” costumed historical interpreters, indeed. couldn’t see beyond the sea of people in our As for what’s next for the Cameron Street raffle and live auction to benefit educational programs for George “What we thought would be a month-long 700-square-foot (space).” space, Pollard says there’s no news to report at Mason’s Gunston Hall. Music by process … lasted three days,” said owner Over the years, La Cuisine developed a fol- the moment. Perhaps she will open its doors Robinson High School String Quartet. Nancy Pollard. “We did not expect it.” lowing for being one of the top choices for for a pop-up store here and there, or donate Cocktail attire. $50 per person. RSVP by Feb. 3 at bit.ly/ Nor did Pollard and her team home cooks who were looking for high-qual- the space to a group for political-campaign pur- champagneandchocolates2018. Call Appetite of “Cuisinettes” — devoted La ity materials at a fair price. From cast iron to poses. Regardless, she and her husband will 703-550-9220. Cuisine employees — expect the cookbooks, copper pots to new knives, the shop continue to live right above what was her life- Salon at the Statehouse III. 7 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. gaggle of longtime customers was small but mighty, a tour de force for any- blood for so many years. Ashley and George Wilson will who waited outside 323 Cameron Street for one looking to restock their kitchen — or treat “We’re staying,” Pollard said, “except when I welcome 50 guests to their recently their turn to enter the shop to reminisce, say themselves. visit my grandsons.” renovated, historical home, where dinner will be served. $100. Visit goodbye — and pick up some deals. “I’m still answering letters from people who “From what I understand, there was a line wrote really, really lovely things,” Pollard said. Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen www.nvfaa.org or call 703-548-0035. Recessionista blog, located at www.kitchen ASO Presents: Debussy & Sibelius. out the door and it was freezing — and the With the shop in good shape financially and recessionista.com. Email her any time at 8-10 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger [email protected]. Concert Hall & Arts Center, 4815 E people apparently … were all trading stories all her ducks in a row, Pollard knew it would Campus Drive. Join the ASO and Maestro José-Luis Novo for a concert three classes this winter that delve Walk with Washington Tour. 2 p.m. Petite Suite. Dropping by Italy for a with nationalist themes. The ASO into different aspects of book at the Alexandria Visitor Center little opera, Maestro Novo will FEB. 15-MARCH 3 presents Debussy’s Petite Suite, the making. Register for any of the (Ramsay House), 221 King St. Focuses conduct the Overture to Verdi’s epic U-Street the musical. Various times Overture to Verdi’s epic Nabucco and series. Call 703-768-2525 or visit on some of the most important Old Nabucco. Commissioned by Polish at the Richard Kauffman Auditorium LutosBawski’s MaBa Suita. Written www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ Towne sites associated with George radio and complete with a polka (Lee Center), 1108 Jefferson St. U- on the heels of his acclaimed historic-huntley. Washington. 60-90 min. Free. movement, the program continues Street, the musical is an exploration Finlandia, the concert ends with Chocolate and Wine Tasting. 1-3 Recommended for ages 10 and older. with LutosBawski’s MaBa Suita. of homelessness in America brought Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. $20-$80 p.m. at The Italian Place, 621 Wythe Call 703-746-3301. Admittedly a “confession of the soulÓ to life with 12 musical numbers, and adult, $5 youth, $10 student. Call St. Join The Italian Place of Old Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 3 and written on the heels of his a 30-member cast from around the 703-548-0885 or visit alexsym.org. Town for a complimentary wine and p.m. at George Washington Masonic acclaimed Finlandia, the concert ends D.C. metro area. The production is chocolate tasting before Valentine’s Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Enjoy a with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, also a fundraiser to support programs day. Meet local chocolatier, Sarah world tour exploring themes of proclaiming the grandeur of his for low-income youth in Alexandria. SUNDAY/FEB. 11 Dwyer from Chouquette in Maryland nationalism, led by Maestro José-Luis homeland and the struggle for $20. Call 703-640-4980 or visit Art of the Book - Paper. noon-1 p.m. who will offer a variety of chocolate Novo. A delicate collection of French Finland’s independence. $5-$80. Visit www.momentumcinc.org. at Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison samples. Free. Call 571-777-8981 or dances originally written for two www.alexsym.org. Lane. Historic Huntley is offering visit theitalianplaceofoldtown.com. pianos, the ASO presents Debussy’s

A Community Favorite Since 1904

Since 1904, The Royal has been Old Town’s Favorite neighborhood restaurant. Award-winning menu includes prime rib, fresh seafood, roast chicken best burgers hand-carved roast turkey and salad bar. Serving Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner Full Buffet with Save 50% Omelette Station On second dinner entree Saturday and of equal or lesser value Sunday Brunch when you mention this ad. 7am-2pm Offer expires 2/28/18. 734 North St. Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-1616

ALEXANDRIA’S NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT • SINCE 1904 RoyalRestaurantVA.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 15 History Under the Same Roof Photo by Vernon Miles /The Gazette New Lee-Fendall tour examines the life of slaves and servants throughout the home’s history

By Vernon Miles Amanda Roper leads a tour outside of The Gazette the Lee-Fendall House

he Lee-Fendall House opened as a mu like other abolitionist Virginians supported a plan to seum to celebrate the bicentennial, but send former slaves back to Africa to the newly Tin the 40 years since it was purchased by founded nation of Liberia. Documents from the home the Virginia Trust for Historic Preserva- show that one man from the house, Henry Tate, did tion, there’s a half of the building’s history that hasn’t make the journey to Liberia to seek a better life. Roper been told. Much of the building’s history has focused says the museum was confused at first, because the on the home’s owners, like the Lee Family or the la- document looked like a bill of sale to another family bor figure John Lewis. But for the first time, the Lee- member, but a handwritten note on the back notes Fendall House is working to tell the story of the slaves that Tate “has made his journey across the sea to and servants who build the house and labored un- freedom.” der generations of families. By 1850, 10 percent of Alexandria’s population The home was built in 1785, and when the Lee were freed black citizens. One of them, Malvina Har- family moved in they came with 51 men, women ris, was biracial and hired to look after two of the and children enslaved to the family. Unlike many family daughters as a nurse. Harris couldn’t read or prominent homes of the day, the Lee home had its write, so Roper said opportunities for work were kitchens, cleaning and slave quarters all in the same scarce. By 1850, the slave trade had been outlawed building. With a dozen slaves working in the home, but the fugitive slave law was in effect, so slave catch- African-Americans living in the home far outnum- ers regularly kidnapped freed black men and women bered the white family that owned it. and sold them into slavery. Roper said a freed woman But according to Amanda Roper, assistant manager like Harris attaching herself to a prominent local for the Lee-Fendall House, finding records discuss- home was one means of protection. ing the slaves and their lives has been a challenge. After the Civil War, Alexandria was still the scene The museum works from a combination of tax of outbursts of racial violence against the local black records and context clues from other pieces of local community, which had swelled during the war as history. It isn’t stated where the slaves were from, escaped slaves from across the south fled north. and, when the family fell into more dire financial However, by the time the Lees returned to the home straits in 1805, it isn’t known where the 15 slaves in 1870, many of the Reconstruction programs de- sold from the household went. Roper says the mu- signed to revive the economy and give newly freed seum is still trying to find the records of sale, but black citizens a chance at starting a new life had dis- that it was very likely many of them were separated appeared. Many were forced to return to work for from their family and children, with some probably the same families that had owned them. Roper said sent to work on plantations in the deep south. there were very little records of employment in the The history of the house is a exhibit to the evolv- home. ing national views of abolition and race. A later ho- In 1903, the home was sold to Robert Downham, meowner, Phillip Fendall, was an abolitionist and a a liquor dealer and eventually mayor, who made member of the American Colonization Society. Fendall didn’t believe in racial equality, however, and See New Tour, Page 18

16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Donating for Toys for Tots Kindergarten students from Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Alexandria donated four boxes of gifts to benefit Toys for Tots, a gift drive run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Students delivered the toys on Dec. 15 to the offices of Tom & Cindy and Asso- ciates at Long & Foster. The donations were distributed to children in need in the com- munity in time for the holidays. Bulletin Board

Submit civic/community announce- multimodal future for Richmond www.volunteerfairfax.org or call ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/ Highway Corridor where residents, Kristen Moore at Volunteer Fairfax at Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. workers, and visitors can walk, bike, 703-246-3531. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two or drive to the places they want to Comment Period Closes. The public weeks before event. go. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ is invited to share their perspectives planning-zoning/embark-richmond- on the proposals with the Park highway. Authority Board either at the FY 2019 SCHOOLS BUDGET meeting, via correspondence or by email. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ FCPS Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand FRIDAY/JAN. 26 presented the 2018-19 school parks/feemeeting for more. year (FY 2019) Proposed Nomination Deadline. Nominations Registration Opens: Two-way and Budget at the School Board meeting are being accepted by the Virginia Immersion Programs. Fairfax on Thursday, Jan. 11. The School Department of Transportation for County Public Schools’ (FCPS) online Board plans to hold a public hearing Virginia’s 2017 Outstanding Crossing registration for the county-wide on the Proposed Budget on Jan. 29, Guard of the Year. Parents, students, lottery. Current prekindergarten with additional hearings on Jan. 30 and teachers are welcome to submit a students may apply for the and Jan. 31, if needed. Get more nomination and photo online. Visit kindergarten immersion program and information on the FCPS budget at www.fcps.edu/news/nominations- current kindergarten students may www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/budget/ open-2017-virginia-outstanding- apply for the first grade immersion fy2019. crossing-guard for more. programs for the 2018-19 school year. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, for THURSDAY/JAN. 25 THURSDAY/FEB. 1 the first grade immersion program Planning Commission Embark Award Nomination Deadline. 5 and by 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, Public Hearing. 7:30 p.m. at p.m. The Fairfax County Volunteer for the kindergarten immersion Fairfax County Government Center, Service Awards is a community-wide program. Visit www.fcps.edu/ 12000 Government Center Parkway, celebration of volunteerism. For a registration/world-language- Fairfax. Embark Richmond Highway complete list of categories and immersion-programs-registration. is an initiative focused on creating a guidelines, visit

Photo by Laura Mann

Students line up at the Metropolitan School of the Arts Performing Arts Academy. Open House at Performing Arts Academy Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) Perform- emerging young artists, grades 7-12, who are dedi- ing Arts Academy of Alexandria is hosting its open cated to high-caliber academics and pre-professional house on Friday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. performing arts education. with an opportunity to meet MSA staff. The open Founder and executive director, Melissa Dobbs, was house is located at 5775 Barclay Road, Suite 4, in classically trained at Duke Ellington School of the Alexandria. Visit www.metropolitanarts.org. Arts in Washington, D.C., George Mason University The Academy at Metropolitan School of the Arts is and the Royal Academy of Dance in London, where a college preparatory performing arts program for she became a registered teacher. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 17 Lost in Opinion Space

By KENNETH B. LOURIE Long View Not a reference to the iconic television series of my youth, but there was “danger,” From Page 10 Ken Lourie, and it wasn’t caused by Dr. Zachary Smith nor by “robot,” (Robbie) either. And it wasn’t a conspiracy. It was simply a mittee, I was happy to see my fellow com- confluence of absenteeism by my health care mittee members advance the bill on a deci- providers. Both my oncologist and internal sive 12-3 vote. medicine doctor were absent with leave and A flurry of orange cards has appeared on yours truly was caught in the crossfire, so to speak. Let me provide some context to help my desk this week, giving notice that this you appreciate my dilemma. or that bill will soon be considered in com- I have chemotherapy every six weeks. mittee. Some proposals have been appear- Accordingly, I have lab work the Wednesday ing on that desk, in one form or another, before the Friday to check for anomalies – for several years. Fourteen years in the Gen- anomalies which over the years have occa- sionally delayed my infusion by up to two eral Assembly have granted me some weeks waiting for my body to settle. In the longer-term perspective, however, and early days of treatment, my white blood cell while I have seen many of my proposals count was crucial; too low and no treatment; become law, others require persistent effort too high, it was never too high. No treatment and the cancer was left unchecked. An each year. Once again, I have introduced incredibly stressful occurrence when your legislation to decriminalize marijuana, treatment is stopped. Whether or not a week which has steadily gained more allies, in- or two delay ultimately mattered in checking cluding several Republicans this year. My the cancer, it certainly mattered – emotionally, to the patient. You feel adrift, sort of, which is bill would make people who possess small exactly how I felt during the first two weeks of amounts of marijuana subject to an esca- January. lating fine, from $50 to $250 per violation, Typically, what my current lab work pre- rather than a criminal record. sents is my creatinine level and the associated glomular filtration rate, measuring kidney Over three town hall meetings this past function/efficiency. After nearly nine years of weekend, I was able to hear a multitude of infused toxicity, I have suffered some collateral questions and concerns on pending legisla- damage to a major organ. My oncologist and tion. Your valuable input on issues ranging internal medicine doctor are incredibly sensi- from disability waivers and education, to tive and concerned about this damage. Per these results, every medical decision made Metro and non-partisan redistricting, was concerning me; from prescriptions approved informative and engaging. On Saturday, I to “normal” internal medicine stuff to whether will be in Alexandria and Arlington for two I get “contrast” when I have my scans and more town hall meetings. I hope that you MRIs to what chemotherapy drug I infuse and how frequently its infused, is decided with my will join us. kidneys in mind. Nothing happens medically Alexandria until my kidneys sign off on it, if you know Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Mount what I mean? Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth As it happened, my creatinine level for my Ave., with Del. Mark Levine. Jan. 12 infusion was higher than usual. When Arlington this measure occurs, I know to call the Saturday, Jan. 27, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th Street S., with Del.e Infusion Center and ask the head nurse if I Alfonso Lopez. should come in for treatment. She will contact my oncologist and with his direction, will Please consider following me on Twitter advise me what to do, except for this week. @AdamEbbin, liking my facebook page at My oncologist was away and though another facebook.com/ebbincampaign, emailing oncologist – whom I’ve never met – was cov- your views to me at ering, I’m not really sure she knows enough about my situation. Specifically that I’m a bit [email protected], and taking of a special case, per my oncologist’s own my survey at www.AdamEbbin.com/Survey. characterization of me, and I’ve never gone It is my continued honor to serve the seven weeks, let alone eight weeks without people of the 30th District. treatment. Delaying my infusion would break a multi-year precedent. In fact, around the holidays when I asked my oncologist if I could extend my infusion interval from six to seven New Tour weeks (to accommodate life), he emphatically said “No.” Moreover (to complicate a cover- From Page 16 ing physician’s decision), my oncologist has notes at the time of having difficulties em- also told me that if I were a new patient with ploying servants to staff the large home. creatinine levels as chronically high as mine, he wouldn’t/couldn’t treat me until those lev- Roper said at the time, new generations of els reduced. black youth had begun to push for job op- So not only was I in the middle of an portunities beyond housework, leading to unprecedented one to possibly two-week what Downham and others called “the ser- delay in my infusion, but I also needed an oncologist – who I don’t know and who does- vant problem.” Life outside the Lee-Fendall n’t know me – to decide/make an excep- House was beginning to change as well. The tion/maybe risk her medical license (if some- first sit-in occurred at the Queen Street Li- thing were to happen to me), to authorize brary, setting the stage for future civil rights treatment for a patient whose creatinine levels fall outside of protocol, and me not having action. By 1937, Downham was forced to either of my two primary-care physicians sell the home, this time to labor leader John available for consultation. And other than the Lewis. default emails advising that both were out of Lewis’ ownership of the home was the end town, I had nowhere to go and no one to turn of its servant days. John Lewis was assisted to. Heck, I might as well have been on by a chauffeur and bodyguard named James another planet, given the limited choices I Lewis, who became a trusted friend of John had. Lewis and his right-hand man. The “Under the Same Roof” tour will be Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative for hosted on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets in ad- The Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers. vance are $8 or $12 at the door. 18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 12 2017 Special VIP Offer for your Toyota

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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 ❖ 19 20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 25-31, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com