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chitectural Review, they have failed to see Some residents what’s going on. People don’t come here for breakfast at the Charthouse, they come here continue to harbor for the history, and it’s not just Old Town that’s under fire. People from all across the resentment. city are taking the council on in this.” By Vernon Miles Over those 30 years in Old Town, Van Gazette Packet Fleet says the biggest change he’s seen is the new developments that have become lexandria’s Old Town, with the commonplace in the neighborhood. Van shops along King Street and the Fleet notes that he’s not opposed to devel- historic Waterfront, is the most opment, just development that doesn’t fit A in with the historic character of the neigh- iconic neighborhood in the city. However, as the city moves forward with borhoods. His own home in Harborside, a development plans that will reshape the Photo by Laura Mae Sudder community on the waterfront, is not his- waterfront, the last year in Old Town has toric, but Van Fleet says that the buildings been defined largely by a deep conflict be- in the community are designed to look con- tween many resi- sistent with the historic presence around Neighborhood dents of the historic them. district and local gov- This issue has been the core of Van Fleet Outlook ernment. and other Old Town residents’ fight against According to EYA’s Robinson Terminal South Develop- Stephanie Landrum, president and CEO of ment and other new additions to the area. the Alexandria Economic Development Part- The fight even led to a battle at Virginia’s nership, Old Town’s primary industry is in According to Stephanie Landrum, president and CEO of the Alexandria Supreme Court over Carr Hospitality’s its tourism. Economic Development Partnership, Old Town’s primary industry is in planned hotel at 220 South Union St. But “King Street and the Waterfront are our its tourism. so far, it’s a fight Van Fleet is losing. The established downtown,” said Landrum. Supreme Court sided with city, which ap- “The interesting dynamic here is that it’s ize on the appeal of its waterfront neigh- ther by running for City Council. “Van Fleet proved the development, and the first stages where most of the tourists visit. Three mil- borhood. for Council” signs are already visible at a of construction are currently underway. This lion people walk up and down these streets. Townsend “Van” Van Fleet moved to Al- few spots around town and, even when it’s year saw a series of battles at the Board of That is certainly a differentiating factor for exandria 30 years ago, and since has be- not mentioned, it’s apparent in the way Van Architectural Review, the Planning Commis- this market. We tend to see a lot more income the leading spokesperson for residents Fleet talks. sion, and City Council over various aspects dependent stores and restaurants than we of Old Town. Van Fleet is president of the “The Waterfront is changing immeasur- of the Robinson Terminal South Develop- find in the West End.” Old Town Civic Association and is a regular ably in ways that don’t fit in with the his- ment, mostly fought between city govern- Over the past three years, the city has at the City Council public hearings. This fall, toric district,” said Van Fleet. “This council, ment and local citizens. been taking steps to transform and capital- he plans to take that activism one step fur- the Planning Commission, the Board of Ar- See Varying Reactions, Page 3 Alexandria Seeks Cycling Spokespersons

hope to fix these and other local conflicting, views on the future of Transportation problems surrounding the trans- bicycles in Alexandria. portation middle child: bicycles. A “Our goal is a recommendation Master Plan call has been put out requesting of proposed bicycle network pri- public input in an update to the orities,” said Steve Sindiong, prin- could shift gears Pedestrian and Bicycle elements cipal planner with the City of Al- elements of the City’s Transporta- exandria. “We’re identifying 10 for cycling tion Master Plan. The local cycling pedestrian projects and strategies. community has already begun ex- We’re looking at how we can do community. pressing strong, and sometimes See Alexandria, Page 3

By Vernon Miles

Gazette Packet 22314 VA Alexandria, To: 1604 King St., King 1604 To:

ted Address Service Reques Service Address o cyclists in Alexandria material.

ride in the road or on the Time-sensitive Postmaster: D Attention sidewalk? How do cy-

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Photo by Vernon Miles / Alexandria Gazette Miles / Alexandria by Vernon Photo pass through Alexandria? With an VA Alexandria, PAID

Steve Sindiong, principal planner with the City of update to Alexandria’s Transpor- Postage U.S. Alexandria. tation Master Plan, city officials STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Editor Steven Mauren News 703-778-9415 or [email protected] Varying Reactions to Changes in Neighborhoods From Page 1 wanted to see continued mixed use devel- cafe or an exotic plant and comic book store, “Economics overcame rationale,” said Van opment,” said Soapes. “They want to see is a local “mom and pop” store. And yet, Fleet, and then repeats a phrase he and oth- more residential, but also want to open Del Ray doesn’t receive nearly the tourist ers have repeated at City Council: “They’re some parts of the area being used as small density of Old Town. In many ways, the killing the goose that laid the golden egg.” local businesses. Nobody wants any big box residents of Del Ray believe the area is stores with huge amounts of traffic, but Alexandria’s best kept secret. NORTH OLD TOWN business and residential developments that “This is the stuff you just can’t find at big The conflict between new development blend in with the community are desirable.” box shopping centers,” said Jay Nestlerode, and old residences isn’t isolated to the King In fact, Soapes said that the mix of retail president of the Del Ray Citizens Associa- Street area of Old Town. Tom Soapes, presi- and residential has been one of the best tion. “And we don’t have a lot of high build- dent of the North Old Town Independent aspects of the neighborhood for newcom- ings, so it still gives you that low storefront Citizens’ Association, said that redevelop- ers. appeal.” Photo by Laura Mae Sudder ment is the biggest issue facing his neigh- “There’s a lot here for meeting your daily Landrum noted that Del Ray has a small borhood as well. Soapes isn’t opposed to needs, like groceries or pharmacies,” said town, family-friendly atmosphere consid- new retail and new housing, not to the de- Soapes. ered very desirable for Alexandrians hop- gree that southern Old Town is often char- “The neighborhood residents use these ing to stay in the city but escape the higher acterized as, but says the local residents still quite a lot.” density of other neighborhoods. Its main have concerns about how the Old Town Van Fleet’s favorite thing about Old Town street, Landrum noted, is characterized by North area will be developed. Many of these is its walkability, which Van Fleet insists is its walkability and its complete lack of na- issues will be decided in the Old Town North an Old Town experience that can’t be re- tional chains. Small Area Plan, which will be drafted over placed by driving or even bicycling around “There are no chain stores, everything the next year and a half, but Soapes said the neighborhood. The walkability is actu- here is one of a kind,” said Rod Kuckro, a Changes along the waterfront residents are also looking at what is devel- ally one of the pieces of the Waterfront De- past president of the Del Ray Citizen’s As- worry some residential neighbors. oped in the recently closed Giant, the now- velopment Plan that Van Fleet likes. The sociation. “In our zoning, we didn’t allow empty GenOn Plant, and the city’s reactions new plan will include an uninterrupted enough size for national chains to come in. away from criminal activity. to the Best Western Old Colony Inn as signs walking path along the entirety of the Wa- It’s not just a residential community, it’s also Life in Del Ray isn’t cheap though. Kuckro of North Old Town’s future. The expansion terfront. Van Fleet’s advice for new residents a destination for people outside of Del Ray said that the price of having a small town plans for the Old Colony Inn faced outcry to Old Town is to get out of their homes to enjoy the ambiance. Two years ago, lifestyle unlike anything else in Arlington from local citizens and were rejected at the and take long walks around the neighbor- people didn’t come to Del Ray. Now people or Alexandria is a more expensive real es- June 17 Board of Architectural Review hood to get to know the local history. can’t find parking.” tate market. (BAR) meeting, but will return to the BAR, When Kuckro first moved to Del Ray 30 “It’s a great area if you can get in here, the Planning Commission, and the City DEL RAY: The Town inside the City years ago, he said the neighborhood used but it’s like anywhere else, the extra goods Council in the fall. Wedged between the concrete canyons of to be notorious for its crime issues. How- and services come at a premium,” acknowl- So far, Soapes said local residents are sat- Arlington and the tourist-heavy Old Town ever, over time the criminal elements of Del edged Nestlerode. “Being closer to the isfied with the current residential/commer- Alexandria, Del Ray may come as the big- Ray seem to have faded away. Kuckro cred- metro or restaurants is more expensive, but cial mix. gest surprise in Alexandria to those unfa- its the heightened presence and sophistica- it pays off in the long term. It’s tough, “We took a survey last year of North Old miliar with the city. Nearly every store along tion of Parent Teacher Associations in the though, if you’re just coming here short Town residents and a strong majority Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, be it a local schools for helping to keep local youths See With Progress, Page 5 Alexandria Seeks Cycling Spokespersons

From Page 1 difficult as the area street parking. Holmes Run trail that runs from Eisenhower better for education and outreach … par- gets denser and fills Sindoing said the Avenue to Lake Barcroft. ticularly to elderly and non-English speak- with drivers. Moore city could implement Both Meyers and Moore spoke fondly of ing residents. [We’re emphasizing] more said a north-south bi- a “road diet” plan, the capital bike share program in Alexan- education on rules of the road.” cycle connection which would reduce dria. Though both expressed initial reser- Christian Meyers, founder of Velocity bi- through Old Town the number of lanes vations concerning the program, they said cycles in Del Ray, said education would be would be ideal. At the to leave on-street that the overall impact had been an in- a good first step for creating a more bicycle- farmer’s market in parking intact and creased number of local residents interested friendly culture in Alexandria. front of City Hall on include an indepen- in biking, which in turn led to a surprising “There needs to be more education for Aug. 22, Sindiong dent bike lane. uptick in business. Meyers said additional cyclists and drivers on sharing the road,” and other members Sindoing said they bicycle-themed events through the city said Meyers, noting that many drivers are of city staff set up a were also looking at could help encourage understanding be- unaware of the state law requiring a three- booth with a map of adding “traffic-calm- tween cyclists and non-cyclists. Alexandria foot distance between them and a cyclist. the city and stickers ing” measures along does host events where free bells and lights “Alexandria is pretty good about available where citi- South Royal, like are distributed, but Moore says often these sharrows,” said Meyers. Sharrows are zens could mark pre- speed humps and events target the wrong ridership. shared-lane roads marked by a symbol of a ferred bike trails or more traffic signs. At “The city gives bicycle equipment like bicycle and arrow points.”But there’s still a express concern over the end of the route, lights out on trails to visitors,” said Moore, lot of people in Alexandria who don’t ride others. Most of the the path could con- “but the people who really need it are the bikes and don’t understand bike culture or green stickers were nect with the Mount people working in restaurants during the needs.” But others say the current sharrows north-south trails Derick Lawson from Velocity Vernon Trail through day or the local homeless people, many of are insufficient. running through Old Bikes fixes a bike at the Alexan- the current GenOn whom don’t have bells or lights.” “The [shared] bike lanes aren’t respected Town. Sindoing said dria farmers market. site in the north and Sindiong said the current plan is to have by cars and there’s not enough space for city staff will be rec- Jones Point Park in a draft plan put through Alexandria Engage [dedicated] bike lanes,” said Bennett ommending Royal Street as a key route the south. in early January, 2016, for City Council en- Moore, founder of Big Wheel Cycles in Old through Old Town, rather than some of the In the West End, Sindiong said the up- dorsement in April of 2016. The city is host- Town. “[The city needs] designated bicycle citizens’ recommendation of Union Street. dates to the Pedestrian and Bicycle section ing a Community Meeting concerning the trails ... and there’s no designated bike trail Sindoing said the objective of the new route focus around improvements to Van Dorn update on September 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Waterfront.” is to connect the Mount Vernon trail through street, including a potential bike path along at the Durant Center on 1605 Cameron But Moore noted that adding in bicycle Alexandria. However, Sindoing said the staff the main road. Moore noted that there are Street. Sindiong said this meeting will be a trails through Old Town will only get more wasn’t looking at taking away from on- some great paths in the West End, like the key opportunity for public input on the plan. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 3 News From Foster Care to Founding Nonprofit ‘Acts of Random Kindness’ anger dictate her choices, her path would project the confidence that the world Fundraiser to benefit be no different from the paths of her sees. This is why Cranshaw believes so parents. She decided that education was firmly that young girls need to be sup- iCan program. her ticket to gaining control over her life ported and encouraged, they need to By Joan and to ensuring the future she was start- see successful young women, they need Brady ing to visualize for herself. to know they are not alone. They need That determination meant going to to know that someone who believes in t’s unusual to each of her teachers to apologize for be- them. It was clear that the seminar had day for a 22- ing disrespectful and for often not show- hit its mark. One of the young girls I ing up for class. It meant not just prom- jumped in to handle the closing year-old to have a Master’s ising to change her behavior, but actu- remarks,“[When I grow up], I want to degree and to ally changing. It meant committing her- be tall and smart with self esteem [just have founded a self to the goals. And, it meant finding like you].” non-profit. It’s positive people to surround herself with This fall, ARK’s new program, iCan, th downright amaz- to support her where her parents could will launch for 8 grade boys who are rd ing if that young not. reading at or below a 3 grade level at person spent Cordelia But turning around things at school, Kelly Miller Middle School in D.C.’s much of her child- Cranshaw didn’t mean that her challenges were Ward 7. Cranshaw will meet with the hood homeless over. Placement with her boyfriend’s boys twice a week, with goals of ex- and hungry before spending her high school mother, created additional pressures and Photos by Joan Br panding their world view by introduc- years in foster care in the city of Alexan- when that disrupted, she was placed in ing them to new experiences ranging dria. a group home and finally in an indepen- from nature walks to meeting adults But, then again, Cordelia Cranshaw is no dent living apartment in her senior year with interesting jobs and even getting ordinary young woman. Petite with a ten- of high school. But she kept her eyes on a tour of the Pentagon. tative smile, her inner strength is palpable her goals and graduated knowing that The curriculum will include manners, she would attend George Mason Univer- team building and anger/frustration as she tells her story. ady She speaks with the confidence of some- sity in the fall. management. In addition, each will be one who fully understands that the things College brought new stresses. Not only Cordelia Cranshaw leads a discussion matched with a mentor who has had to she has survived don’t define her, rather did Cranshaw have to worry about keep- on goal-setting. overcome similar challenges of neigh- they have helped her to become who she is ing her head above water financially and borhood and poverty. today. To talk to her, you would never know passing her classes, but she also had to Several weeks ago, ARK hosted a self-es- Aug. 27 is ARK-DC’s first major fundraiser, that she ever has doubts about herself, her worry about things others might take for teem-building seminar for 12-13-year-old co-hosted by Sunni and the City/WPGC accomplishments or her future. granted, like where would she spend col- girls in Northeast D.C. Cranshaw brought 95.5. There will be music, small plates, give- Cranshaw’s years prior to entering the lege breaks. three of her 20-something girlfriends to aways and the ability to learn more about th foster care system were chaotic, colored by Freshman year, without options, she show the younger girls that they have are iCan in the park at 920 14 St. NW in the drug and alcohol use of the adults stayed with her biological father. Living with options outside of what they see in their D.C.Cranshaw hopes to raise $20,000 to around her who were in and out of jail and him proved to be no less difficult than when neighborhood. fully fund iCan for the next year. punctuated by periods of homelessness and she had been a child. As a foster care The program included a discussion of Cranshaw’s commitment to helping hunger. alumni, she was able to get independent media’s influence on self-esteem and how youths who are at risk go beyond her non- And then, when she was 13, her mother living housing to cover summer breaks. And, the girls handle bullies. One of the girls told profit. Last spring she graduated from the was sentenced to 10 years in prison. For the fortunately, starting her sophomore year, the circle of girls and young women that University of Maryland, Baltimore with a next several years, Cranshaw moved among her college allowed her to stay in the dorms her classmates tell her she is “ugly,” throw- Master’s in social work and she will start a family members until there were none left during school year breaks. Without that, she ing wood chips at her as a way of making new job as a social worker for D.C.’s Child to take her in. would not have had a safe place to live when fun of her teeth. “I’m sensitive,” She told and Family Services in the next few weeks Entering foster care at 15, there was no school was not in session. the group. “So I cry when they do it.” Cranshaw says that being put in foster happy ending with foster parents who be- Watching “Bruce Almighty,” Cranshaw She wanted to fight the bullies and told a care was the best thing that could have hap- lieved in her and were committed to help was inspired when God asks, “How do we friend. “Don’t you fight those bullies,” the pened to her because those years in care her to achieve success. Cranshaw was not change the world?” and Bruce responds, friend advised. “Go home. Lock yourself in helped her to find her purpose. Her biggest thriving, she was surviving. And some days “One act of random kindness at a time.” In the bathroom and look in the mirror. Re- accomplishment thus far, she says, has been she was barely doing that. Alternating be- 2014, she founded a nonprofit, Acts of Ran- mind yourself that you are a good person. to take positive out of the negative. She tween sadness and frustration at her circum- dom Kindness (ARK-DC.org). Her goal, to You care about other people. And you are hopes that in her new job as a social worker, stances, she was not functioning well at pay it forward for the people who have been smart. Don’t let those people decide who she can encourage youths to do the same. school — acting out and often missing class. kind and supportive of her by providing you are.” “I knew that I wanted a different path The turning point for Cranshaw came programs, services and resources to at-risk Later, Cranshaw said that the friend’s ad- than my parents had chosen. I didn’t want when, at 15, she realized that if she didn’t children with an eye toward building stron- vice really resonated with her. She says she to always be searching for something to eat stop letting her sadness, frustration and ger communities. has to pump herself up 150 percent to at night,” she said. Crime Reports

The following incidents were reported by the tial report, they were notified that a 53- money was stolen. block of Colonial Avenue for the report Alexandria Police Department. year-old man arrived at a local hospital with ❖ The police is investigating an attempted of a breaking and entering. Police found a gunshot wound to his hand. The victim robbery on Aug. 20 in the 4600 block of several other area residences had also Police Investigate had driven himself to the hospital. The in- Raleigh Avenue. A gun was implied but not been entered. Patrol Officers arrested a vestigation is ongoing. seen. There was no injury and no theft. 29-year-old man from Washington D.C. Shooting Anyone with information about this in- at the scene. vestigation is asked to contact Det. He was charged with burglary and The Alexandria Police Department is Bikeramjit Gill at 703-746-6751. Police Arrest possession of burglarious tools. More investigating a shooting that occurred in charges may be pending as the investi- the 4200 block of Duke Street on Tues- In other incidents: Suspect for gation continues. day, Aug. 18. At approximately 8:26 ❖ The Alexandria Police Department is Anyone with information about this p.m., officers responded to a report of investigating a robbery on Aug. 22 in the Burglary burglary is asked to call Det. Michael shots heard in the 4200 block of Duke 4600 block of Duke Street. Around 8:49 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, Rodriguez of the Criminal Investigations Street. As officers investigated the ini- The victim was hit with beer bottle and police responded to a residence in the 1100 Section at 703-746-6165.

4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News 50% Off most items!* Bathtubs (Freestanding) Shower enclosures Vanities • Pedestals With Progress, Some Wariness Art sinks, vessels & StoreSStoretore pedestals • Toilets • Body From Page 3 Fairfax and Arlington.” sprays • Bath & Kitchen term.” Lynn Bostain, president of the Seminary West Civic Closing!CClosing!losing! faucets • Magnifying But the secret is out on Del Ray. Kuckro and Association and the West End Business Association, mirrors • Mirrors Nestlerode expressed concerns that Del Ray’s days said the impending arrival of the TSA headquarters Ceiling Medallions as a small town within the big city may be numbered. is going to be a boon for the West End but isn’t a **VISITVISIT THTHEE SSTORETORE FOR DETAILS Chandeliers • Sconces “The biggest challenge is not becoming another reflection of the future of the area. Special Sale Hours: Clarendon and Ballston,” said Nestlerode. “With the “The TSA headquarters is going to be great, we’re M-F: 8-6 PM • Saturday: 10-5 PM • Sunday: Closed Don’t delay! Act now. closeness to D.C., the developers are chopping at the delighted it’s going in because that building has been bits to bring in the most dense products they can empty for 10 years,” said Bostain, “but I think the 8621 Lee Hwy. Fairfax VA 22031 (one mile from Merrifield Town Center) and that’s not always what’s best for the neighbor- strength in the West End is in small businesses rather hood.” than large. There’s not a lot of land left over here to plumbingandbathplus.com • 703-961-9500 “Today, we’re face pressure from developers who build on.” would like to see more infill development and larger Bostain has lived in the neighborhood since 1976, structures on Mount Vernon avenue, particularly in and says the single largest change in that time has the historic district,” said Kuckro. “Del Ray is in its been the increase in traffic. The Van Dorn Street golden age, but we have to have a constant vigilance metro station straddles the Alexandria and Fairfax Local Nursery Closing After 42 Years ~ Going Out of Business Sale about that.” border, but Bostain said that she was always hopeful for another metro station located somewhere in the 80% OFF! FINAL WEEKS! NEW LIFE IN THE WEST END West End. Bostain believes a station near where the While Old Town and Del Ray struggle against new TSA headquarters is moving into would have been Pond Plants 80% OFF Cacti, Succulents 80% OFF ‘Blue Atlas’ Cedar 80% OFF Hostas 80% OFF Bagged, Shredded Hardwood development, the West End desperately craves it. very beneficial to the area. Concrete Fountains, 80% OFF Trees & Shrubs Mulch $ (3 cu. ft. bags) “There is a lack of transportation options in the 3.49 According to Landrum, retailers and personal ser- Benches, Statuary, Bricks & Stones 80% OFF Pots, Bird Baths 80% OFF! Select Bagged Mulches 25% OFF! vices industries are beginning to flock towards the West End,” said Bostain. “There’s no quick way for Stock Garden Chemicals West End because of the residential density that isn’t people to move around, and that’s a big problem.” Citrus Plants 80% OFF! 80% OFF! Tropicals & Houseplants 80% OFF Leaf Mulch Fill permitted in Old Town or Del Ray. With plans to re- On Sept. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m., candidates for City Small Evergreens Giftware Now 80% OFF! 1 Gallon Pot 80% OFF $ 99 cu. yd. develop Landmark Mall and the recent announce- Council will face off at the William Ramsay Elemen- 19. Dirt FREE ment that the Transportation Security Agency will tary School. Alongside questions regarding the Store Fixtures, Vehicles, 9023 Arlington Blvd., Shelves, Lumber, Etc. FOR SALE schools and the Beauregard Small Area Plan, Bostain Fairfax, Virginia be moving into the area, many are hopeful that the 2 miles west of I-495 on Rt. 50. West End could see a revival. said she believes transportation will be the biggest 80%80% OFFOFF ALLALL 1 mile from I-66 (Vienna Metro) “The West End has highest population and the most issue discussed. With City Council and most other Pottery!Pottery! 703-573-5025 disposable income,” said Landrum. “There are op- government functions taking place in the City Hall Pottery!Pottery! Open 7 days a week Still A Great portunities like Landmark Mall where business can in Old Town, Bostain said many residents of the West Selection! ➠See our Website for more sales: www.cravensnursery.com capture residents not only from the West End, but See With Progress, Page 18

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 5 People It’s All About the Milk By Shirley Ruhe Gazette Packet

t was dark on the farm as Kinsley Coulter got up at 2 Ia.m. to load his truck and Photos by Shirley Ruhe/Gazette Packet drive the 150 miles from Juniata County, Pa. to the Al- exandria Farmer’s market on Sat- urday. “We’ve been doing this every week for six years,” he said, and they also come on Tuesday and Thursday to the Crystal City and Ballston Farmer’s Markets. Bicycles ride up to the corner of the market, mothers push baby carriages, custom- People ers squeeze past At Work each other, and a couple of friends Photo by Laura Mae Sudder Chris Upton and Chrissie Felkins choose a two-pound whoop and hug at grass-fed London broil at the Alexandria Farmer’s market the surprise of seeing each other to take to friends for a Saturday night barbecue. Kinsley at the market. A crowd gathers Coulter of Coulter Farms sells beef and pork as well as around Coulter’s containers lined cheeses and eggs. side by side with small cheese cubes with toothpicks handy for sampling. well as pork. His farm has 20 pigs and also 150 lambs. “We make 16 kinds of cheese, all from our organic Coulter has removed a two-pound piece of London milk,” Coulter said. Squares of plastic-wrapped broil from an ice chest which Chris Upton and Chrissy emmenthal sit next to small curls of curd cheese, Felkins contemplate for a barbecue with friends to- two of the favorites. On down the line are Gouda, night. Upton volunteers in less than a year that Back-to-School Supply Drive pepper jack, muffaletta and homemade butter. Chrissy’s last name will be Upton, too. “I can’t wait,” The local chapter of the National Forum of Black “Which one did you like?” he asks a frequent cus- he said. They pick up a bottle of chocolate milk to Public Administrators (NFBPA) participates yearly tomer. “It’s easy to make good cheese if you start complete their purchase. Another customer selects a with Alexandria City Public Schools in collecting with good milk.” Coulter has 35 dairy cows that are package of beef sizzlers plus a carton of brown eggs. items for an annual back-to-school supply drive. milked by his sons. Today two of his four daughters, At the end of the table, festively decorated jars full James Hunt is the president of the Alexandria Metro Eunice and Shawna, dressed in white caps and long of honey are lined up in neat rows. Cartons of brown Chapter of NFBPA. bright dresses, are waiting on customers and keep- eggs sit on wooden crates nearby. Coulter says they ing the table full of cheeses and milk. “We also make started last year with 53 bee hives but lost some over our own yogurt. Dairy is the centerpiece of our busi- the winter. ness,” he said. The honey is raw and unfiltered and contains Coulter walks over to a white freezer and opens “whatever is bloomin’ on the farm.” He explains that the lid. “We have vanilla, chocolate and coffee ice half of the people buy it because it is raw so heating cream in here made with just cream, eggs and or- doesn’t destroy the enzymes and it is also unfiltered ganic sugar — the old-fashioned way.” But he points so it contains pollen from all different plants. Coulter out that people don’t come to a farmer’s market look- disappears behind the stand and hauls out bags of ing for ice cream. Still sales have doubled since last ice to shake around the milk. Photos Contributed year but it isn’t an explosive growth item. He runs When the market closes, he will drive the 150 miles the business with his family including his wife and back to Coulter Farms, arriving about 4:30 p.m. and seven children and four hired girls from church. “We unload the truck. Then he’ll think about going to bed enjoy our work.” to get ready for church at Shade Mountain Christian A blackboard advertises beef 100% grass-fed as Fellowship on Sunday: “It’s a big day for us.”

James K. Polk Elementary School kindergarten Francis C. Hammond teacher Heidi Vargo and Middle School sixth-grade School Nutrition team teacher Linsey Taylor helps member Olga Barker help a student practice her kindergarteners pick up locker combination. their lunches. Early Start lexandria City Public of school. The program introduces A Schools kicked off its new students to their prospective week-long Kindergarten teachers and allows them to find Kinsley Coulter makes chocolate, vanilla Two of Chris Upton’s four daughters, Prep (K-Prep) program and two- their way around the school. In and coffee ice cream the old fashioned Eunice and Shawna, are serving customers day Middle School Prep programs many cases, new kindergarten stu- way with just cream, eggs and organic and keeping the table stocked with the last week with the aim of having dents get to meet and work with sugar. He says most people don’t come to homemade yogurt, milk and cheeses. every child acclimated to their new their new teachers and this can the market to buy ice cream but his sales “Dairy is our centerpiece,” said Kinsley environment and routines and give teachers a jump-start on assess- have doubled since last year. Coulter. ready for learning on the first day ing a child’s learning style. 6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com People

Photo Contributed

Members of Alexandria Aerie 871 of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles participate in a recent Bubba Merker Heart Walk. More than $34,000 was raised by the organization for local charities in the last year. Local F.O.E. 871 ‘The Eagles’ continues to soar. By Jeanne Theismann Locally, Aerie 871 boasts more than 800 members Gazette Packet and raises funds for organizations like Wounded Warriors, Fisher House and Special Olympics. The he sign outside simply reads “F.O.E.” It is easy Auxiliary just completed its yearly school supplies Tto miss when traveling along Cameron Street drive for local children in need. in the middle of Old Town. But for 110 years, “We’re able to raise a lot of money for charity and members of Aerie 871 of the Fraternal Order of the have a wonderful time doing it,” said McDermott, Eagles have gathered here in friendship, fellowship who has been a member for more than 24 years. “It’s and to reach out to those in need in the community. a great way to meet so many new people and do “We have everyone from all some good for the community at walks of life here,” said Dave the same time.” McDermott, F.O.E. chaplain and While membership has ex- former president of the local Ae- “I’m really proud of panded in the last 5-6 years, rie. “Policeman, lawyers, mechan- what we’ve done McDermott said it can still be a ics — it’s what makes us unique.” challenge to get people to appre- Founded in 1898, the national here. We gave more ciate the value of volunteering. organization has more than 1,600 “It’s harder in the D.C. area since locations throughout the U.S. and than $34,000 to everyone is so busy,” McDermott Canada and raises $10 million said. “I wish someone could tell annually for various charities. In local charities just the young people especially how 2014, a $25 million pledge to the important it is to give back. That’s University of Iowa to fund the Fra- last year.” what makes this town so special ternal Order of Eagles Diabetes — Dave McDermott, — the bonds and feeling of respon- Research Center was completed. chaplain and former presi- sibility for one another.” In Alexandria, Aerie 871 raises dent of FOE Aerie 871 Potential new members must be tens of thousands of dollars each sponsored by two existing mem- year for local charities through special events and bers of the Aerie. McDermott said its legendary bi-monthly steak nights. an Open House for those interested in membership “I’m really proud of what we’ve done here,” is planned for early next year. McDermott said. “We gave more than $34,000 to “We offer a lot of opportunities for anyone looking local charities just last year.” to meet new people and do some good at the same Since its inception, the F.O.E. has played a key role time,” McDermott said. “We really are a family here in the creation of Mother’s Day, Social Security and and if a member or someone in the community needs Medicare with a membership that has included seven help, we step forward.” former U.S. presidents. For more information, visit www.FOE871.com. Bulletin Board

Email announcements to Poetry Contest Deadline. 5 p.m. [email protected]. In- Students who will be in grades 7-9 in WEDNESDAYS/SEPT. 4-30 clude date, time, location, description and fall 2015 are eligible to submit Senior Academy. 10 a.m.-noon at contact for event: phone, email and/or entries to any Alexandria library or various locations in Alexandria. website. Photos and artwork welcome. online. The theme is “Surviving Classes inform seniors about Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two (Safety, Privacy, and Security) and government functions, organizations, weeks before event. Thriving in Today’s World.” For programs and the happenings of the questions, email city. For ages 60 and older. Free. [email protected], call 703- Visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or MONDAY/AUG. 31 746-1753 or visit See Bulletin Board, Page 9 ‘For Love of Country’ Essay and www.alexandria.lib.va.us. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 7 Alexandria Opinion Gazette Packet

www.AlexandriaGazette.com Volunteer Literacy Tutors Still Needed @AlexGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered to homes and businesses. Alexandria that recruit vol- Steve Rideout, retired Published by For 89 Alexandria unteer tutors for the school chief judge of the Alexandria Local Media Connection LLC year to work closely with Juvenile and Domestic Rela- 1606 King Street kindergarteners and students who need more tions District Court, one of Alexandria, Virginia 22314 one-on-one attention. the founders of the Alexan- Free digital edition delivered to your email box. Go to first graders. One Alexandria nonprofit dria Tutoring Consortium in connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe that places volunteer tutors 1997 and a former ATC tu- By Sami Smyth NEWS DEPARTMENT: in the city’s elementary tor, noted that “More often [email protected] Volunteer Alexandria schools is the Alexandria than not, tutors benefit as Steven Mauren

Tutoring Consortium (ATC). Photo Contributed much from this work as do Editor, 703-778-9415 hink about your favorite book as a ATC’s mission is to provide the students.” He advocates [email protected] the foundation for future for Alexandrians to “Change Vernon Miles child. Go ahead, close your eyes, Reporter, 703-615-0960 Tand remember all of the feelings learning success by helping two lives! Be a tutor!” [email protected] and memories that it evokes. Do to ensure children in the Al- Anyone can volunteer. Vol- Jeanne Theismann 703-778-9436 you feel proud because it was the first book exandria City Public Schools unteer tutors are vital for [email protected] you read on your own? Was it the first time can read at or above grade those students that need ex- @TheismannMedia that you felt connected to someone? Did it level by the end of third tra help learning to read. Jon Roetman Sports Editor, 703-752-4013 make you laugh or giggle? My favorite book grade. Steve Rideout, retired For ATC’s program, it takes [email protected] as a child was ”Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon. ATC and Volunteer Alexan- chief judge of the Alexan- one hour a week (two 30- @jonroetman It was the first time I felt dria are working together to dria Juvenile and Domes- minute sessions) to make a Steve Artley Cartoonist Commentary transported to another recruit enough volunteers to tic Relations District Court difference for a child in [email protected] world, and ever since then, spend one hour a week tu- and one of the founders of need. Choose an elementary I’ve been hooked. toring in-need Alexandria the Alexandria Tutoring school that is convenient to ADVERTISING: For advertising information Sadly, many Alexandria children have not kindergarteners and first Consortium. your work and use your [email protected] had that defining moment with a book. Re- graders. ATC volunteers lunch break to volunteer. If 703-778-9431 search has shown that if a child does not learn choose the ACPS school at which they would you are at home during the day, use it as your Debbie Funk Disply Advertising/National Sales to read by third grade, he or she will have a like to tutor and are paired with a kindergar- reason to get out of the house. 703-778-9444 hard time reading to learn in fourth grade and ten or first-grade student who does not have To sign up to volunteer, please visit [email protected] beyond and will be on the drop-out track, ac- the literacy skills needed to learn to read at www.VolunteerAlexandria.org and enter “Tu- Julie Ferrill Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 cording to the Casey Foundation’s 2010 Kid’s grade level. Through individualized lesson tor” in the search engine. [email protected] Count Report. Reading and books are an im- plans, materials, and guidance, volunteers If you have any questions about volunteer- Tara Lloyd portant part of a child’s development. There work with their student during the school day, ing, please contact Volunteer Alexandria at Display Advertising, 703-778-9447 [email protected] are a number of literacy focused nonprofits in from October through May. 703-836-2176. Andrea Smith Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 Letters to the Editor [email protected] David Griffin to be implemented, removing the tion moving in soon, why would velopment. On top of this, our city Marketing Assistant 703-778-9431 Appreciates eye sores of empty warehouses anyone want to change the direc- leaders have invested in needed [email protected] and run down buildings, the vari- tion of our city? infrastructure, led us through the Progress Publisher ous positive ratings the city has And all of this on top of Carlisle, recession and sequester while not Jerry Vernon To the Editor: gotten lately as a safe city, top for PTO, and what appears to be fi- only keeping our bond rating but [email protected] I’ve lived in Alexandria for 20 women’s entrepreneurs, rising nally a breakthrough on Landmark seeing it raised. Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm years, and there has been wonder- SOL scores for our schools, and Mall. Our city leaders have guided In my opinion the vice mayor and [email protected] ful progress during this time. Now with the TSA moving to Liberty us through choices and we have the Republican candidates with @MaryKimm with the Waterfront Plan starting Center, National Science Founda- benefitted with the best of all de- their message of change must Editor in Chief Steven Mauren mean the city should go back- Photography: John Bordner, Deb Cobb, wards. I certainly hope that Mayor Louise Krafft, Craig Sterbutzel Euille chooses to run a write-in: Art/Design: Laurence Foong, John Heinly we need his continued leadership. Production Manager: I will certainly proudly vote for the Geovani Flores incumbent candidates running for Editor Emeritus: Mary Anne Weber council, and for Mayor Euille if he chooses to run. CIRCULATION: 703-778-9426 Circulation Manager: Regina Chapman Ann Oliver Alexandria [email protected]

A Connection Newspaper Prudent The Alexandria Gazette Packet is distributed weekly to selected homes in the City of Alexandria. Investments Any owners or occupants of premises that do not wish to receive the paper can notify the publisher by telephone at 703-778-9426 To the Editor: or by email to I would like to add some [email protected], and the distributor will be notified to thoughts to the ongoing discus- discontinue service.

Steve Artley/Gazette Packet sions about the city’s debt. First, the City of Alexandria did much less borrowing in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s and, as a result, they barely built anything. As of the year 2000, Alexandria hadn’t built a new school in 30 years and hadn’t built a new fire station in over 40 years. Alexandria didn’t See Letters, Page 10 8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com People Celebrating Their Golden Anniversary

eborah Dodge, then 17, Dwedded James W. Blackburn, Jr., then 18, on Aug. 27, 50 years ago at Christ Church in Rockville, Md., offici- ated by the Rev. Raymond P. Black. They went to Ocean City, Md. for a brief honeymoon before they relocated for James to attend the University of Richmond.

They are longtime natives of Al- Photos Contributed exandria, currently residing in Old Town as well as King George, Va., Deborah and James W. south on the Potomac River. They Blackburn, Jr. have two children: Emily Marga- ret, 37, Denver, Colo., and James William III, 41, Bozeman, Mont. All dressed up for 50th.

Bulletin Board

From Page 7 DDS, 700 N Fairfax St., #230. TUESDAY/SEPT. 8 Veterans and current military call 703-836-4414. Marketing Grant Application members that make an appointment Deadline. Apply to receive funding will receive free dental care as a part THROUGH MONDAY/SEPT. 7 for creative marketing programs from of Freedom Day USA. Call 703-548- the Alexandria Marketing Fund. For 8584 or visit Splash with DASH. Weekdays 9:30 details, contact Andrea Blackford at www.kathleenmullaneydds.com. a.m.-3:30 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.-7 703-746-3959 or Business Breakfast. 8-9:30 a.m. at p.m. The AT10 route will provide [email protected] or Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort transport to the Old Town Pool visit alexandriava.gov/ Hunt Road. The Mount Vernon Lee between Potomac Yard and the King MarketingFund. Chamber of Commerce September Street Metro, serving the Arlandria, Business Breakfast will discuss Warwick Village, Del Ray and upcoming economic development in Rosemont neighborhoods. Free. Visit THURSDAY/SEPT. 10 Alexandria City. Tickets are $25 per www.dashbus.org for details. Free Dental Services for Military. 8 person. Visit www.MtVernon- a.m.-5 p.m. at Kathleen Mullaney LeeChamber.org.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 9 People Volunteering All Letters From Page 8 Summer Long invest much in libraries, recreational centers, transportation improvements or sewers. Alexandria faced a huge infrastructure deficit that the city has been working to overcome ever since. That has required increased borrowing but, Erika Danty (left) as Councilman Wilson’s recent letter pointed out, and Sandra Alexandria’s debt is still less than that of our Greenberg with neighbors and within our conservative borrowing Spike. guidelines. Just like at the federal and state levels, local government investment in needed infrastructure is one of the wisest investments those governments can make, and borrowing is a necessary and appropri- enior Services Dreamdog F ate way to help pay for that investment. As the vices volunteers deliver Meals on Center on Budget and Policy Priorities stated ear- volunteers have oundation and Senior Ser- S Wheels. lier this year: “There are sound reasons that states . been delivering Meals on Wheels, gro- and localities borrow to pay for infrastructure, SSA volunteers deliver on the rather than use annual tax collections and other Fourth of July ceries through the “Groceries to Go” pro- revenues. Public buildings, roads and bridges are gram and visiting se- used for decades but entail large upfront costs; bor- niors as part of the rowing enables them to spread out those costs. As Friendly Visitor Pro- a result, taxpayers who will use the infrastructure gram throughout the in the future help pay for it, which promotes summer. intergenerational equity.” It is totally reasonable to ask future residents of Alexandria to help pay for these investments. There

Photos Contributed are many examples of governments taking borrowing too far and burdening future generations too much. But we are far from that point in Alexan- dria. Instead, we are embarked on a prudent capital investment program that is reducing our infrastructure deficit and improving the quality of life for both current and future residents of Alexan- dria. St. Coletta of Greater Washington volun- Members of the Alexandria Rotary Club Timothy Lovain teers with Meals on Wheels. and families. Member of the Alexandria City Council

10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 11 Entertainment Jones Makes Biscuits With Own Personalities Eatery mixes tradition with “Not So Classic.” By Shirley Ruhe Gazette Packet

wo women stood with noses pressed to the window at TStomping Ground on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. “Oh, no,” one of them said. “I didn’t know it was closed on Monday. I’ve eaten here three times since they opened in May. I love their salads; they are so fresh.” Disappointed, they head down the street looking for a second choice. Nicole Jones, chef at Stomping Ground, said, “the Farmer’s salad is different every day made with what’s fresh at the market.” Nicole Jones has cut out the biscuits with an aluminum form, In the The front window advertises a placing them side by side on the baking sheet,careful not to turn Kitchen crab cake sammie (their nick- the form and ruin the flaky layers she has created by laminating name for sandwich) on a house the dough. potato roll with homemade tater chips and pickles. But the mainstay of called laminating the dough, and Jones spends a lot of time educating. “I the menu is biscuits — with homemade the last thing you want to do is take that really seriously.” But she said, “I peach jelly or plum jam, with sorghum but- pinch the dough by turning the cut- walk a line between the excited, living and ter, pimento cheese or nutella, all made by ter. “We’re always fighting the breathing food to something that doesn’t the house–or “The Favorite” made with or- Nicole Jones brushes buttermilk on top tough.” land well with the public.” For instance, she ganic eggs, Benton bacon from Tennessee of the biscuits and will cook them for 12 Jones said making biscuits can be tried sorghum butter with the biscuits. Sor- and Hooks cheese from Wisconsin. She said minutes at 400 degrees, then 5-8 minutes different every day. If it feels on the ghum is a Southern substitute for molasses by using the best ingredients they can fo- at 350 degrees to brown them on top. tacky side you add more flour; if and goes back to the slave trade, as do many cus on the basics and don’t need a lot of it’s humid outside, you add less but- Southern foods. Cassie Meddis, the man- special sauces. On the other hand, her own termilk. It can depend on the thick- ager, said, “They freaked out (in a good favorite is the “Not So Classic” which has breaks down it into pea size pieces. Jones ness of the buttermilk, the weather, the way) about the sorghum butter honestly. I fried chicken with za’Atar spices, honey, hot said, “I like to feel it. With a pastry blender amount of patting you do. She said this can love the South. I miss it.” But they have tried sauce, red onion and benne seed tahini. you can’t. The only way to describe it is to be difficult for restaurants that are in the to transplant Southern hospitality to Del Jones measures flour into a large alumi- smudge it — I guess I just invented a new consistency business. In the beginning the Ray. num bowl. “I use white Lily cake flour. cooking term.” Next Jones makes a well in menu was more extensive, but then Jones Peach jam cooks all day on a burner next Southern grandmothers won’t use anything the flour mixture and mixes in the butter- realized she was just coming up with novel to the biscuit counter. “It’s been all about else.” She says she spent her formative years milk with a wooden spoon. “The wooden ideas for the sake of making dishes. Now peach this year because the peaches have in Georgia. She uses equal parts butter and spoon is important. I don’t know why. This she is focusing on her original goal: good been so good.” On an average day the cook Crisco. The secret is to have it really cold. is a critical juncture where the liquid hits food and good service. She says she encour- makes 400-600 biscuits in small batches so “The colder it is, the higher they rise.” Jones the gluten; the clock starts ticking.” Then ages the wait staff to sample everything so they can be served fresh and warm. Jones uses both baking powder and baking soda. she turns the dough twice and forms it into they can translate it to the customers. She says everyone’s biscuits look different but “One mistake people make is to put in too a rectangle about 1-1/2" thick. Carefully said, “Good food can’t save bad service.” “we’re very comfortable with them if they much baking powder to help it rise. But then pushing down an aluminum form, she cuts The menu has now expanded to dinner and look unique.” Her grandmother in it has a weird metallic aftertaste.” out the biscuits side by side. “This is an- includes one-dish community dinners on Lithuania, who made Jones fall in love with One fat goes in first and her hands other place people screw up; they turn the Thursdays and Fridays, fun things like a food used to say, “You can learn a lot about squeeze it between her fingers until it cutter. You have these nice flaky layers, low-country boil. a person from their biscuits.” Calendar

Email announcements to gazette@ 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. View artwork www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com or hands-on activities provide a deeper www.theartleague.org. connectionnewspapers.com. Include date, made in the “Au Naturel” or call 717-359-7724. experience into the social and Exhibit: “Taking Shape.” Through time, location, description and contact for minimalist style. Admission is free. Cool Yoga. Wednesdays through Sept. political life of Alexandria in the 18th Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Art event: phone, email and/or website. Pho- Visit www.TheDelrayArtisans.org. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at 1900 Mt. and 19th centuries. Tickets are $5 for League Gallery, 105 N. Union St. This tos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Leigh Merrill: “Cloud Seeding.” Vernon Ave. Participate in group adults ($4 with AAA card), $3 exhibit features three-dimensional Thursday at noon, at least two weeks be- Through Sept. 7, during gallery yoga sessions taught by Prasada children ages 5-12, and children ages works by Art League member artists. fore event. hours at Torpedo Factory Art Center, Yoga’s Maureen Clyne and enjoy 4 and under as well as Alexandria Free. Visit www.theartleague.org. 105 N. Union St. Texas-based artist refreshments provided by St. Elmo’s Public School and Blue Star families Water Taxi to the National Mall. Leigh Merrill shows photography and Coffee Pub and other local eateries. receive free admission. Coupons Through Nov. 1, at various times at ONGOING video in her solo exhibition Cloud Suitable for all levels. Bring mat, accepted. Call 703-746-4242 or visit Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St. Paintings by Stanley Agbontaen. Seeding. Merrill’s work examines the towel and water. Free. Call 703-671- www.gadsbystavern.org. Cruise from Old Town to D.C. on the 2000. Art Exhibit: Sultry Colors. Through Miss Sophie, while stopping view Through Aug. 28 at The Rachel M. construction of desire, fiction and “Fields.” Through Sept. 6, during Sept. 7, 10 a.m- 6 p.m. at Torpedo some of the area’s most popular Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts beauty in urban landscapes by gallery hours at The Athenaeum Factory Arts Center, 105 N. Union St. attractions. Tickets are $28 roundtrip Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive. The digitally compositing thousands of Gallery, 201 Prince St. Abstract The Enamelists at The Torpedo and $14 one-way for adults. For Maryland-based international artist’s images and videos into imaginary Artists David Carlson and Pat Goslee Factory collaborate for an exhibit children under 12, tickets are $16 depictions of scenes are painted on spaces. Admission is free. Visit make art based on their interests in filled with sultry colors and patterns. roundtrip and $8 one-way. Visit oil canvas. Free. Visit www.nvcc.edu/ www.torpedofactory.org. Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery Juried spiritual exploration and energy Visit www.torpedofactory.org/event/ www.potomacriverboatco.com/. schlesingercenter. Show. fields. Free. Visit www.nvfaa.org for sultry-colors/ or call 703-838-4565. Mount Vernon in 3-D: Then & “Au Naturel” Exhibit. Through Aug. Through Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-5 more. Exhibit: “Scapes.” Through Sept. 7, Now. Through Nov. 20 during 30, first Thursdays, 12-9 p.m., p.m., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on the second Special Family Museum Tours. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Art League regular operating hours at George Thursdays, 12-6 p.m., Fridays and Thursday of each month. Torpedo Saturdays through Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-1 Gallery, 105 N. Union St. View the Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Saturdays, 12-9 p.m., Sundays, 12-6 Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, annual August landscape exhibit p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Studio 18. View parade-themed artwork. Admission is free. Visit 134 N. Royal St. Flexible tours and juried by Elizabeth Peak. Free. Visit See Entertainment, Page 14 12 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment A hectic and hilarious look at a ragtag troupe of actors and their backstage mischief as they attempt to stage three repertory productions. Hamlet, Charley’s 5 Top Spots to Watch Aunt, and Dracula have never been performed like this! SHOW DATES: College, NFL Football September 5-26, 2015 A prime viewing location isn’t hard to find in this city. By Hope Nelson Little Theatre of Alexandria Gazette Packet 600 Wolfe Street • 703-683-0496 www.thelittletheatre.com he days are getting slightly shorter, the air Thas a familiar crispness to it, and the dog days of summer have a little less bite. All of this can mean only one thing: The college and NFL football seasons are on the way. From beers to Good Shepherd burgers, from wings to Greek delicacies, here Catholic Church Mass Schedule are some great places The Monday (en Español); 6:30 pm to watch the game all Mediterannean 6:30 pm Mass (Español) Weekday & Saturday Saturday Evening Mornings: 9:00 am Mass, over town. on Pita is a 5:00 pm Vigil Mass preceded by Rosary (on First 6:30 pm Vigil Mass (en Español) Friday, Mass followed by hidden gem at Sunday Eucharistic Adoration) Ramparts Tavern the Reynolds 7:30 am; 9:00 am (with Sign Thursday & First Language Interpreter & Friday of the Month: and Grill, 1700 Street Bar and Children’s Liturgy of the Word); 7:30 pm Mass (Español) Fern St. 10:30 am; 12:00 Noon; 2:00 pm preceded by 7:00 pm Grill. Eucharistic Adoration The atmosphere 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309 you’ll find in Ramparts plenty of TVs, Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org all depends on the door friendly waitstaff Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves you choose. If you and bartenders, con- come in via the en- genial diners, and To Advertise Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468 trance on the corner, good food. The where Kenwood Av- menu has plenty of enue meets Fern Street, the game-watching you’ll find a quiet, re- From open to close, Southside 815 on South foods you’d expect laxed dining room Washington Street draws a crowd on game day. — wings, pizza, where you burgers, and the like Le Refuge was rated #1 in Alexandria Appetite can feast — but be sure to give on TripAdvisor. Thank you for your with your the Greek items a try, friends and family to your heart’s content. If you enter too: The spanakopita and pita wraps are hearty hall- continued support. the second door, however — the one labeled “Ram- marks of Greek cuisine. parts Tavern” — you’ll find yourself amid a sports fan’s paradise. Televisions dot the walls — behind Southside 815, 815 S. Washington St. the bar, on the sides of the pub, and behind you — Let’s get one thing straight: You’ll always find a and they’re tuned at any given time to half a dozen crowd awaiting you at Southside. But in general, it’s games. Pull up a chair, ask for a local brew (Port a friendly crowd, and there’s always one bar stool City’s always on tap), and when you get hungry, or- available just for you. From the time the restaurant der some chili nachos, wings, or their trademark “hot opens at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays until closing time, peas” — flash-fried black-eyed peas that are a fin- the sports bar draws a crowd, and the multiple tele- ger-food staple. visions are turned to all the major games. If you’re Restaurant looking for an appetizer to share, you can’t go wrong Bugsy’s Pizza, 111 King St. with the Boardinghouse Breadbasket — an array of Summer Specials To be perfectly honest, no self-respecting list of cornbreads, biscuits, and more — or the Southside college-football viewing spots can leave out Bugsy’s, nachos, which will surely feed a crowd. If you’re look- • Stuffed Avocado a pizza mainstay on lower King Street in Old Town. ing for hearty meal for one, the sausage biscuits and with Crabmeat While the downstairs dining room offers great ser- gravy are offered during brunch on the weekends vice and great pizza, the upstairs is where you’ll want (perfect for the noon game), and the jambalaya pasta • Cold Salmon Platter to go to catch the big (or little) game. The sports bar will carry you through in the evening. • Soft Shell Crabs is cozy but welcoming; you needn’t feel like you have to be a regular to sit back and watch your favorite Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar, • Cold Soup Trio team play. Order one of the restaurant’s specialty 1800 Diagonal Road • Beef Wellington pizzas — you can’t go wrong with the Farmer’s Mar- Of course, no football-viewing list is complete with- ket or Taco pies — and a pitcher of beer with some out Theismann’s, founded nearly four decades ago • Bouillabaisse friends and you’ll be in excellent shape. The by Washington football team quarterback Joe • Dover Sole restaurant’s pasta and calzone options are great Theismann. The bar is a great place to watch the • Coq au Vin choices, too. game with no interruptions; the dining room offers a more relaxed viewing experience. (And on nice Reynolds Street Bar and Grill, days, if the game is going poorly you can abandon it 34 Reynolds St. entirely and sit outside.) The restaurant offers Situated just off of Duke Street in the West End of brunch, lunch, and dinner on the weekends; you’d 127 N. Washington St., Alexandria • 703-548-4661 Alexandria, Reynolds Street Bar and Grill has plenty do well to order the CAB salad if you’re feeling virtu- of character – and, during games, plenty of charac- ous, and the crab cakes if you’re not. Smoke-Free Restaurant ters, too. This eatery is far and away one of Hope Nelson owns and operates the Kitchen Recessionista www.lerefugealexandria.com Alexandria’s quintessential sports bars, sporting blog, www.kitchenrecessionista.com. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 13 Entertainment

From Page 12 children. Visit 299-9810 or visit www.metamorphosisaec.com to www.latascausa.com. THROUGH SEPT. 18 register. French Movie Night. Every Thursday, International Guild of Realism Tim Cretella Performance. 5 p.m. at 7 p.m. in the back room of Fontaine 10th Annual International Blackwall Hitch-Alexandria, 5 Caffe & Creperie, 119 S. Royal St. Juried Exhibition. During gallery Cameron St. Singer-songwriter, Tim View a French film in the company of hours at Principle Gallery, 208 King Cretella, will be performing. Free. friends or a date. Free to attend. No St. The International Guild of Visit www.theblackwallhitch.com. RSVP necessary. Call 703-535-8151 Realism is dedicated to the Movie Screening. 6 p.m. at Martha or visit www.fontainecaffe.com/ advancement of realism in fine art. Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt reviews.html. Admission to the gallery is free. Visit Road. Watch “Selma” and engage in Journey to Be Free: Alexandria www.principlegallery.com. a discussion about women’s roles in Freedmen’s Cemetery. Tuesday- the Civil Rights Movement. Free. Visit Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Alexandria www.nwhm.ticketleap.com/movie- Black History Museum, 902 Wythe FRIDAY-SUNDAY/AUG. 21-30 night-selma/. St. A new exhibit tracing the 150- Alexandria Summer Restaurant year history of the long-forgotten Freedmen’s Cemetery, its rediscovery Week. Neighborhood restaurants FRIDAY/AUG. 28 offer specials and deals for and how the new Contrabands and customers. Prices and times vary. FACE It You Can Paint: Paint Your Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial was Visit www.Alexandria Own Flower Garden. 3:30-5 p.m. created at the site. Call 703-746- RestaurantWeek.com. at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker 4356. Lane. Learn simple brush techniques Their Fates Intertwined: The Lees to create garden paintings. $45 for 1 of Alexandria in the War of AUG. 26-NOV. 20 adult/1 child and $15 for additional 1812. Wednesday- Saturday, 10 Young at Art Juried Art Show. children. Visit a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Lee- www.metamorphosisaec.com to Fendall House and Gardens, 614 Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m. at Durant Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam Tour will make a stop at Arts Center, 1605 Cameron St. Artists register. Oronoco St. A new exhibit on the 55 and older can contribute their Red Wine Diaries Performance. 7 the Birchmere Music Hall on Thursday, Sept. 17 at experiences of the Lee family in artwork for the exhibition. On p.m. at Blackwall Hitch-Alexandria, 5 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $55. Visit www.birchmere.com Alexandria during the War of 1812 Cameron St. Acoustic band, Red examines the contributions of Thursday, Aug. 20, artists can bring for more. their work to the Durant Center from Wine Diaries, will be performing. Alexandria’s citizens during the 10 a.m.-noon to be registered and Free. Visit conflict that led to the writing of our displayed. Artists must fill out a Entry theblackwallhitch.com. national anthem through the lives of and Artist/Lender Agreement and Mount Vernon Highway. Visitors will this iconic Virginia family. Visit Performance. Thursdays through pay an entry fee of $20 for up to have the chance to travel back in www.leefendallhouse.org or call 703- SATURDAY/AUG. 29 Dec. 31, 7:30-10 p.m. at St. Elmo’s three works of art, $5 for any time, and in 3-D, to see how the 548-1789. Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Ave. additional pieces. Entry forms can be The Washington School of Ballet estate appeared more than 100 years Dinner for the Washingtons. 12 Not So Modern Jazz Music plays found at www.seniorservicesalex.org. Open Auditions. 9:30 a.m. ago through a special photography p.m. at George Washington’s Mount registration and 10-11 a.m. auditions exhibition. The exhibition is included music from the glory days of Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon for 4-5 year olds; 10:30 a.m. in the regular admission fee of $17 traditional jazz, including tunes from Memorial Highway. A walking tour THURSDAY/AUG. 27 registration and 11:15 a.m.-12:15 for adults, $16 for seniors, $9 for traditional Dixieland and the Swing that goes behind the scenes to find FACE It You Can Paint: Paint Your p.m. auditions for 6-7-year olds; 12 youth and free for childre younger era. Free. Visit out how food was prepared and Own Flower Garden. 10-11:30 p.m. registration and 12:30-2 p.m. than 5. To view the historic www.stelmoscoffeepub.co. served before the era of microwaves Flamenco Show. a.m. at Convergence, 1801 N. Quaker auditions for 8-10 years at The stereoview images as well as the Wednesdays and and TV dinners. $5 in addition to Lane. Learn simple brush techniques Washington School of Ballet, 3515 modern 3-D anaglyphs, visit Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at La estate admission. Visit to create garden paintings. $45 for 1 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington D.C. www.mountvernon.org/3D. Tasca, 607 King St. Watch dancers www.mountvernon.org for more. adult/1 child and $15 for additional This fall, the Washington School of “Not-So-Modern” Jazz Quartet and guitarists perform traditional Ballet will be offering Pre-ballet flamenco. Free to attend. Call 703-

Exp. 9/30/15

14 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment Bathroom Remodel Special $6,850 Celebrating 15 Years in Business! through Level 1A classes at the Exhibition. During gallery hours at Athenaeum. There is no audition fee. the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. Works Select your Visit www.washingtonballet.org. inspired by the song “Don’t Fence Me The General’s Tour. 1 p.m. at the In,” by Cole Porter, will be on TWO POOR TEACHERS products from Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. display. Free. Visit nvfaa.org. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling our Mobile Take a guided walking tour of Lee Showroom family homes in Alexandria’s Historic Old Town. Locations and stories THURSDAY/SEPT. 10 and Design associated with the Confederate Second Thursday Live: Rhythm Center general’s life in Alexandria, his and Roots Experience. 7 p.m. at Fully Insured & hometown from the age of 5 and the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. This Class A Licensed residence of his “earliest and oldest performance will feature West friends” will be highlighted on the African music. Admission is $15. Visit Est. 1999 tour. Admission is free for museum nvfaa.org. members, $10 in advance, and $15 at the door. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org for more. FRIDAY/SEPT. 11 Free Estimates SPARK Health and Fitness Festival. 4-8 p.m. at John Carlyle 703-999-2928 Visit our website: www.twopoorteachers.com AUG. 31-OCT. 18 Park, 300 John Carlyle St. Hosted by Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery Juried SPARK Physiotherapy, LLC., fun and Show: “What I Did On My safe games, competitions, Summer Vacation.” 10-5 p.m., entertainment, raffles and giveaways. 10-9 p.m. on the second Thursday of Free.Visit www.sparkphysio.com/ each month. Torpedo Factory Art home/make-your-health-happen- Center, 105 N. Union St., Studio 18. health-and-fitness-festival/ or email View summer vacation-themed [email protected]. artwork. Admission is free. Visit Four Mile Summer Movie Festival. www.Potomacfiberartsgallery.com. Movies start at dusk and are shown at the Four Mile Conservatory Building, 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave. TUESDAY/SEPT. 1 National Community Church’s Tuesday Morning Stroll. 11 a.m.-12 Inaugural summer movie festival is p.m. at the Simpson Park Gardens, co-sponsored by the City of 420 E. Monroe St. Residents are Alexandria. Film is “Cool Runnings.” invited to visit the garden, receive Bring a blanket or chair. Free. Visit free seed packets and have their www.theaterchurch.com for more. gardening questions answered by experts. Free. Contact [email protected] for more. SATURDAY/SEPT. 12 Civil War Walking Tour. 10 a.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. FRIDAY/SEPT. 4 Discover locations and stories Big Chalk Draw 2015. 8-10 a.m. at St associated with soldiers, citizens, and Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 the enslaved, including Robert E. Riverside Road. School supply Lee’s departure from his hometown, donations are welcome at this chalk the occupation of Alexandria, and art community event. Free. Call 703- emancipation. Admission is free for 360-4220 or visit museum members, $12 in advance, www.staidansepiscopal.com. and $15 on the day of the event. Visit www.leefendallhouse.org for more. Canine Cruise. 11 a.m. at Alexandria SATURDAY/SEPT. 5 City Marina, 1 Cameron St. The Jonathan Edwards. 7:30 p.m. at the family dog is welcome to join in on Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. an hour-long cruise through the Folk artist who has collaborated with Alexandria Seaport. Tickets are $16 Emmylou Harris and Darrell Scott for adults and $10 for children. Dogs will make a stop on a tour ride free. Visit celebrating the release of this new www.potomacriverboatco.com. album, “Tomorrow’s Child.” Tickets Music Festival. 12-4 p.m. Four Mile are $39.95. Visit Run Park Community Building, 4109 www.birchmere.com for more. Mt. Vernon Ave. There will be live entertainment, local performers, children’s interactive games and SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 5-6 crafts, food, face painting and various Labor at Lee-Fendall Tours. 11 a.m. vendors. Free. Call 703-746-5465. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. on Book Signing & Reception. 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Lee-Fendall House, at the Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. 614 Oronoco St. Learn more about Braddock Road. Joseph and Sharon the life and times of the number free Scopin will be on hand to discuss and enslaved laborers who inhabited their book “As I Remember.” The the grounds. Admission is free for book is about local Civil War veteran museum members and $7 in advance Lewis Cass White, whose story and for others. Visit memorabilia was discovered in the www.leefendallhouse.org for more. authors’ basement. Free to attend. The book will be available to purchase for $35. Only cash or check TUESDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 8-OCT. 18 will be accepted. Visit Photography Exhibit. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.fortward.org for more. daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Collective Delusion. 9:30 p.m. at The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 John Strongbow’s Tavern, 710 King N. Union St. View the work of St. Local band will perform rock photographer Karen Keating, who songs from the 1970s to the present. combines both words and images in Free. Visit her photos to project her voice. Free. www.collectivedelusion.net. Visit www.multiple exposuresgallery.com. SUNDAY/SEPT. 13 Grandparents Day Celebration. 12- THURSDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 10-OCT. 18 2 p.m. at Paul Spring Retirement “Angel Soldier Dance Sublime.” 10 Community, 7115 Fort Hunt Road. a.m.-6 p.m. at the Target Gallery, Celebrate Grandparents Day with Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. family and friends with family- Union St. View work exploring oriented activities including pony femininity and masculinity by female rides, a moon bounce and a magician artists from Maine’s Blue Hill accompanied by a traditional picnic Peninsula. Free. Visit lunch and live music from the Mt. torpedofactory.org. Vernon Community Band. A raffle will be held by the resident council. Free. Visit www.rui.net/paul-spring/ THURSDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 10-OCT. 25 events-activities Athenaeum Invitational www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 15 Alexandria Gazette Packet Sports Editor Jon Roetman Sports 703-752-4031 or [email protected]

Photos by Jon Roetm

an/Gazette Packet

Rising junior Sarah Leckman is the T.C. Williams goalkeeper. T.C. Williams rising senior Alex Milliken prepares to insert a penalty corner during the Under the Lights tournament on Aug. 25 at Lee High School. TC Field Hockey Dominates at Under the Lights Tournament And with that, the Titans’ promising sea- Titans motivated by son was over. Rising senior “Regardless of how you perform on the captain 2014 season-ending field,” Heresniak said Tuesday, “if there’s Philomena ever a breakdown, where a team gets a shot Fitzgerald and loss to Woodson. or a corner, a zip-zip game can flip directly the T.C. Will- iams field By Jon Roetman to a 1-0 game and that’s it, and it changes hockey team Gazette Packet the whole momentum no matter how great you were playing beforehand.” went 4-0 during the he T.C. Williams field hockey The loss has served as motivation for those Titans who were varsity players last Under the team once again dominated the Lights tourna- competition at the Under the season. T “It definitely kind of put us down because ment at Lee Lights tournament Monday and High School. Tuesday at Lee High School, but it’s a loss we had a really, really good team last year that ended last season that might be a more and we thought we were going to get pretty valuable teaching point for head coach Wil- far,” rising senior captain Philomena Claire Bilodeau, rising sophomore tions, it was impressive,” Heresniak said. liam Heresniak. Fitzgerald said Tuesday. “I think it’s push- midfielder Sophie Johnson and rising “… [I’m] very proud of the outcome.” The Titans went 3-0-1 during last year’s ing us to work harder this year.” sophomore forward Neha Dewakar each Rising junior goalkeeper Sarah Leckman tournament, outscoring opponents 10-0, T.C. Williams opened the 2015 season scored three goals. Fitzgerald, rising senior was rarely tested, saying she touched the and ended up holding the opposition score- with an undefeated showing at the Under forward Tatiana Gold, rising senior defender ball in only one game. less for the first nine games of the season. the Lights tournament Aug. 24-25, winning Caroline Carver, rising senior forward Josie “I’m bored,” she said of her teammates’ T.C. Williams finished the 2014 regular sea- all four of its games by a combined score of Brocato, rising senior forward Allie Church, performance during the tournament, “but son with a 12-3-1 record, including a 4-2 16-0. rising senior forward Celia Holubar and ris- they’re good.” Fitzgerald, Carver and mark against Conference 7 opponents, and On the first day, the Titans opened with a ing senior midfielder Alex Milliken each Brocato are team captains. earned a home game against Woodson in 2-0 win over North Stafford, followed by a scored one. Leckman and Fitzgerald said two of the the opening round of the conference tour- 6-0 victory against Hayfield. On day two, Fitzgerald had four assists, and Bilodeau Titans’ goals are to win the conference and nament. TC played well in some aspects of the Titans beat Hylton 6-0 and Osbourn and Gold each had one. advance past the first round of the 6A North the game, but at the end of the night it was Park 2-0. “Early-season success without having our region tournament. Woodson that found the back of the cage Ten different Titans scored at least one full squad and having other players fill in T.C. Williams (4-0) will travel to face and won 1-0. goal during the event. Rising senior forward in different spots and play different posi- Herndon at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27. School Notes

Email announcements to Institute (Worcester, Mass.). Hastings Jr. The following students have gradu- College (Staunton, Va.). [email protected]. ated from Clemson University Deadline is Thursday at noon. Photos are Andrea Macato and Dixy Ortiz Thomas E. O’Connell received a (Clemson, S.C.): Emilia Winston, received a Doctor welcome. Osorio of T.C. Williams High School Bachelor of Arts degree in modern lan- Melissa Christine Beaty gradu- of Osteopathic Medicine degree from have been named incoming Honors Pro- guages and cultures from Virginia ated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk Ryan Land was named to the gram Scholars for the start of Northern Military Institute (Lexington, Va.).His in political science. John Alfred College of Osteopathic Medicine chancellor’s list at Troy University (Troy, Virginia Community College’s 2015- honors include Army Commission and Butchko graduated with a Bachelor of (Harrogate, Tenn.). Ala.) for the spring semester. 2016 academic year. “With Distinction.” O’Connell’s parents Science in computer science. Shannon are Dr. and Mrs. Patrick M. O’Connell. Kay Frydenlund graduated Summa Brian Gerard Robbett was named Christopher Hull was named to Ali L. Globus received a Bachelor of Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in to the dean’s list at Greensboro College the provost’s list at Troy University Arts degree in psychology from Virginia Elizabeth Freeman has received elementary education. Franklin Floyd (Greensboro, N.C.) for the spring semes- (Troy, Ala.) for the spring semester. Military Institute (Lexington, Va.). Glo- dean’s list recognition at Southwestern Hyre graduated with a Bachelor of Arts ter. bus’ parents are Mr. and Mrs. Timothy College (Winfield, Kan.). in political science. Nathan Edward Avery Gray has graduated from St. Robert Globus. Parker graduated with a Master of Ar- Alexandria City Public Schools profes- Anselm’s Abbey School. Gray will attend George Alberts has graduated from chitecture in architecture. Elizabeth sional learning developer Ashley The College of William & Mary Alexandra L. Hastings received a St. Lawrence University (Canton, N.Y.). Anne Patalita graduated with a Bach- Dann was chosen to be a member of the (Williamsburg, Va.). Bachelor of Arts degree in modern lan- Alberts is a member of the Class of 2015 elor of Science in marketing. ASCD 2015 Emerging Leader Class. guages and cultures from Virginia and majored in psychology and religious Joseph St. Pierre has graduated Military Institute (Lexington, Va.) with studies. He is a graduate of T.C. Will- Yohana Asfaha, Alexandria Rasheika Gregory was named to from St. Anselm’s Abbey School. St. Army Commission honors. Hastings’ iams High School. Ballard, Carla Benitez and Damba the honors list for the spring semester at Pierre will attend Worcester Polytechnic parents are Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Koroma graduated from Mary Baldwin Louisburg College (Louisburg, N.C.). 16 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 703-778-9411 Zone 3: • Alexandria Home & Garden Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Classified • Mount Vernon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Tuesday Noon

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PAVING PAVING GOLDY BRICK CONSTRUCTION Walkways, Patios, Driveways, Flagstone, Concrete FREE ESTIMATES Licensed, Insured, Bonded 703-250-6231 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 17 News 703-778-9411 Zone 3: • Alexandria Classified Zone 3 Ad Deadline: Employment • Mount Vernon Tuesday Noon With Progress 26 Antiques 26 Antiques 21 Announcements 21 Announcements • Bus Driver From Page 5 We pay top $ for STERLING, OBITUARY • Learning Specialist MEN'S WATCHES, End feel underrepresented in city decisions. JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, • Volleyball Coach Bostain acknowledges that the West End FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS. http://www.oakcrest.org/ is a very different type of neighborhood than Schefer Antiques about-oakcrest/employment- Old Town or Del Ray and faces very differ- 703-241-0790 opportunities/index.aspx [email protected] ent issues. “There’s a lot of nature over on this end of town, and you don’t really have that in a 117 Adoption 117 Adoption An independent school for girls grades 6–12 guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church lot of other areas of the city,” said Bostain, noting Holmes Run park as particularly ADOPTION GEOFF BALD popular. “We also have a really diverse ADOPTING A NEWBORN IS OUR Passed away July 22, 2015 He was 44. Geoff was a gradu- population in the West End, but it puts a DREAM! Let us provide your baby with a ate of WSH, VA Tech and UVA Law School. A memorial Childcare Staff wonderful life filled with endless opportunities, service will be held Aug. 15 in NJ. He is survived by his pa- huge burden on the schools, which are over- rents, Jim and Nancy, his brothers, Michael and Kevin, and Full and part-time employment education, close extended family and LOVE. daughters Madeline, Caroline and Jackie. Donations in his available. Seeking mature professional crowded already.” Expenses paid Maria/Rob memory can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. individuals for positions as lead But Bostain also says the diversity of the 1-800-586-4121 or teachers, teacher assistants and after- West End is one of the area’s greatest OurWish2Adopt.com 21 Announcements 21 Announcements noon aides. Lead teacher must have at strengths. least an Associate’s Degree/ CDA. For “There’s a rapidly increasing number of full time we pay all federal holidays. ethnic restaurants, and people here want 21 Announcements 21 Announcements Benefits include earned leave, health and dental insurance. 401K and annual to see more,” said Bostain. “There’s a huge PUBLIC NOTICE training provided. Competitive salary. potential for ethnic populations here. Most Please be advised that a brief fireworks display will take place EOE. Please email resume to are Ethiopians or Hispanics from Central as part of a private event at George Washington’s Mount [email protected] or fax to America.” Vernon on the following date: 703.765.7801. To new residents of the West End, Bostain Thursday, September 3, between 9:30p.m. and 9:55 p.m. (5 minutes) advised them to meet their neighbors and get involved in the local political scene. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association thanks you for your tolerance and apologizes for any disruption. To receive Mount School Age / Camp Director “Learn how the city’s politics work,” said Vernon fireworks notifications via e-mail, write to Bostain. “Involve yourself as much as you [email protected]. Florence E. Sacra School age program seeking mature can. City politics can be very daunting be- Florence E. Sacra, 92, of Fredericksburg passed away Thurs- experienced Program/Camp director. 101 Computers 101 Computers day, August 20, 2015 at Carriage Hill Health & Rehab Center. Must have supervisory experience in cause people don’t know how it works. That’s one aspect of Alexandria that could Mrs. Sacra was a member of Franconia Baptist Church. She child care field. Position requires CDL or was the widow of Robert E. L. Sacra. willingness to obtain CDL immediately. really be improved, especially when there’s HDI Survivors include her son, Richard Lee Sacra of Fredericks- Applicant must be an effective a language barrier, as there is for many West COMPUTER SOLUTIONS burg; daughter Arlene Sacra George (Dale) of Woodbridge; six End residents.” grandchildren Eddie Sacra, Holly Martinski (Doug), Tony Sacra communicator. Children’s activity JENNIFER SMITH ❖ Serving the Area Since 1995 (Jennifer), Dana Verburg (Steve), Gloria “Susie” Sacra (Saul) planning required. This is a year round ➣ Speed Up Slow and Marsha Jackson (Frank); 12 great grandchildren; and 16 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son, position full time Mon - Fri. Excellent Neighborhoods Computers Robert Earl Sacra and her mother, Lula Grimsley. benefits, all fed holidays paid and off, ➣ Virus Removal The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August earned annual leave, health and dental 23 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. ➣ Computer Setup insurance, 401K. Taylor Run A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 24 at the fu- IMMEDIATE OPENING. ➣ Help with Windows 8 neral home chapel. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at The Washington Balalaika Society presented Mount Comfort Cemetery, Alexandria. Please send resume to Peter Omelchenko in an interesting concert at the 571-265-2038 [email protected] or fax resume to [email protected] Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com. Lyceum. He plays the domra, an instrument that 703.765.7801. EOE sounds rather like the ukulele. A member of the Moscow Osipov Balalaika Orchestra, he began the HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements program with classical works by Bach and Kruglov, playing clear through to modern American Jazz, which he obviously loves. Newspapers & Online As a matter of fact, his presentation of “Tiger Rag” was so exciting I had a terrible time not join- CLASSIFIED ing in. His accompanist, Jonathan Laird, got so DEADLINES Zones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noon interested in “Tiger Rag” that I distinctly heard him Zones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noon saying “Hold that tiger!” in the background. The E-mail ad with zone choices to: artist also played one number, the “Bulgarian Fan- classified@connection newspapers.com tasy,” of which he was the composer. The audience or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 was particularly struck with the “Legend of Misirlou” as arranged by Omelchenko. “Carnival of EMPLOYMENT Venice” by Paganini was an exciting number, as DEADLINES Zones 1, 5, 6.....Mon @ noon was “Flight of the Bumblebee” by Rimsky- Zones 2, 3, 4.....Tues @ noon Korsakov, during which the artist pretended to E-mail ad with zone choices to: catch the bee in his fingers. At another point, classified@connection newspapers.com Omelchenko joked to the audience, asking, “Who or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411 do you think is the best known Russian composer?” ZONES 21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements When the audience said “Tchaikovsky,” he an- Zone 1: The Reston Connection swered, “Darn it, he always wins!” The Oak Hill/ The last number, “Opus 1” by Sy Oliver and Herndon Connection Tommy Dorsey, seemed to take us to New York’s Zone 2: The Springfield Connection nd The Burke Connection numerous night clubs on 42 St. in the 1940s. The Fairfax Connection Omelchenko taught at the National Association The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ Lorton Connection of the Balalaika and Domra Society of America, and Zone 3: The Alexandria has been the guest conductor of the Washington Gazette Packet Balalaika Society. Laird is the director of music at The Mount Vernon Gazette St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, and is accom- Zone 4: Centre View North Centre View South panist for the Manassas Chorale. Zone 5: The Potomac Almanac The event was well attended by members of the Zone 6: The Arlington Connection Washington Balalaika Society. The Vienna/Oakton Connection The McLean Connection — Lois Kelso Hunt The Great Falls Connection

18 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com POTOMAC RIVER 37503750 JeffersonJefferson DavisDavis Hwy.Hwy. Alexandria,Alexandria, VAVA 2230522305

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www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 ❖ 19 20 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ August 27 - September 2, 2015 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria GazetteGazette PacketPacket

Victor Lee, of Alexan- dria, stopped to show his daughter Emma all the life in the pond below. Turtles, ducks, and fish call the pond at Ben Brenman Park home. Egrets have been spotted there, as well.

NewcomersNewcomers && CommunityCommunity GuideGuide 2015-20162015-2016

Photo by Renée Ruggles/The Gazette Packet www.ConnectionNewspapers.comLocal Media Connection LLC Alexandria Gazette online Packet at ❖www.connectionnewspapers.com Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 1 Newcomers & Community Guide About the Alexandria Gazette Packet

s your local, weekly newspaper, about personal milestones and community the Alexandria Gazette Packet’s events, including births, engagements, wed- Keep in Touch mission is to deliver the local dings, anniversaries, awards and obituar- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Email to A [email protected] or news you need, to try to make ies. submit online athttp:// sense of what is happening in your com- We are also interested in events at your www.connectionnewspapers.com/ munity, to gather information about the best church, mosque, synagogue, community contact/letter/ things in and around your community, to center, pool, school, club, etc. Email us a In addition to our weekly coverage, we have advocate for community good, to provide a note about the event, being sure to include monthly special focus pages on Wellbeing; Edu- forum for dialogue on local concerns, and when and where the photo was taken and cation, Learning, Fun; and HomeLifeStyle, plus to celebrate and record achievements, mile- the names of all the people who are in a other seasonal specials including Real Estate, stones and events in the community and photo. We also publish notes about news Senior Living, Fall Fun, Food and Entertainment people’s lives. and events from local businesses. Notes (also Winter, Spring and Summer), a twice an- Here in our Newcomers and Community about openings, new employees and anni- nual Pet Connection, and others. If you have story Guide, we’ve included an expanded and versaries are welcome. It is especially im- ideas for these, email updated version of our award-winning portant to us to let people know about [email protected]; if are in- Insider’s Guide to the Parks, plus informa- events ahead of time in our calendar of terested in marketing, email tion on local government, nonprofits and events. We appreciate getting notice at least [email protected]. business organizations, plus tips and tidbits two weeks ahead of the event, and we en- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Email to from the community. courage photos. [email protected] or submit We invite newcomers and long-time resi- The Gazette Packet is one of 15 papers online at www.connectionnewspapers.com/con- dents alike to let us know how we’re doing published by the independent, locally tact/letter/ and let us know what is going on in your owned Local Media Connection LLC, serv- CONTACT: part of the community. If you have ques- ing the suburbs of Metropolitan Washing- Email both the Alexandria Gazette Packet and tions or ideas, send us an e-mail or call us, ton in Northern Virginia and Potomac, Md. the Mount Vernon Gazette at contact us on Facebook or send us a tweet. Our flagship paper, the Alexandria Ga- [email protected] We invite you to send letters to the editor zette Packet is one of the oldest continu- For advertising and marketing, email or to send an email with feedback about ously publishing papers in the country, be- [email protected] or call 703- our coverage. ginning publication in 1784. 778-9431. We want to know if someone in your fam- The Connection Newspapers have won FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS ily or your community published a book, hundreds of press awards in just the past Be the first to read your hometown news, and started a business, became an Eagle Scout, few years, including the Virginia Press As- go green. Sign up to get the Connection deliv- raised money for a good cause, accom- sociation Award for Journalistic Integrity ered to your email box every week. The elec- plished some feat like running a marathon, and Community Service, Best in Show for tronic version of the paper will arrive in your supporting a cause or having art included our Insiders Guide to the Parks, first place email box before the paper even hits the press, in an art show. We publish photos and notes for our community guides, plus awards in literally, and is a digital replica of the print pa-

news, art, business, special projects, sports, per. Photo by Laura Mae Sudder entertainment, design, photography and Sign up at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/ much more. subscribe, or email your name, your snail-mail Alexandria We have staff and contributors here at the address, email address and the paper or papers Gazette Packet Connection Newspapers with remarkable you would like to receive to talent and experience, far greater than one [email protected]. (We might expect. We continue to publish 15 will not share your personal information.) Newcomers distinct papers every week that serve their Friend Us On Facebook: www.facebook.com/ & Community Guide communities in distinct ways. ConnectionNewspapers We welcome contributing writers, with Follow Us on Twitter— is produced by the caveat that our freelance pay is nomi- Connection Newspapers: www.twitter.com/ Connection Newspapers nal; if you are interested in covering news FollowFairfax; @FollowFairfax www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Friendship Firehouse or events in your community, email Alexandria Gazette Packet: www.twitter.com/ Local Media Connection LLC The Friendship Fire Company [email protected]. We AlexGazette; @AlexGazette was established in 1774. Some offer summer and year-round educational of the fire company’s stories For more information, — Mary Kimm internships with information at and equipment are preserved call 703-778-9431 or email [email protected] www.connectionnewspapers.com/intern- in the Friendship Firehouse [email protected] @marykim ships. Museum at 107 S. Alfred St.

SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDAR Advertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted. SEPTEMBER Democrat for Alexandria City Council Labor Day is Sept. 7 9/9/2015...... HomeLifeStyle Pullout – Real Estate & New Homes DURING HIS 1st TERM, JOHN: 9/16/2015...A+ Camps & Schools Back to School, Open Houses • Worked to modernize city budget process • Pushed for increased housing goals in the city Affordable Housing Plan 9/23/2015...... Fall Fun, Food, Arts & Entertainment • Led the approval of the city’s Youth Master Plan Visit: 9/30/2015...... Professional Profiles & Your Business • Supported increased investment in the city’s aging infrastructure www.chapman in the Community • Fought for increased affordable housing within The Beauregard 4council.com E-mail [email protected] for more information. Small Area Plan • Supported neighborhood recreation & aquatic opportunities @chapman4council “John Chapman has focused his service on the Council on making sure everybody Award- in the city has a chance to get ahead. From his work on housing, education and Winning Newspapers & Online pre-k, I know he is committed to keeping Alexandria a family-friendly community.” www.facebook.com/ 703-778-9431 – Delegate Rob Krupicka Chapman4Council www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

2 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide

Photo by John Bordner

Photo Contributed

The Alexandria waterfront abounds with recreational and entertainment facilities. Easy Local theaters like MetroStage, above, The access to National Harbor is available through Art on the Avenue in Del Ray is one of the Little Theatre of Alexandria and Port City Play- the Potomac Riverboat Company’s water taxi premier events in the city. This year’s 20th house offer a wide array of award-winning service. anniversary celebration takes place Oct. 3. entertainment. There’s No Place Like Home Alexandria: From the waterfront to the West End. Photo by Jeanne Theism By Jeanne Theismann Gazette Packet

Photo by Jeanne Theism

ost visitors to Alexandria know the city as the home- Mtown of such notables as

George Washington and ann Robert E. Lee. With cobblestone streets and a lively waterfront, the city attracts more Astronaut Buzz Aldrin studies the names on the than three million visitors every year. Gallery of Icons at the National Inventors Hall of

ann But beneath the obvious attractions like Fame. Located on the campus of the U.S. Patent and the Torpedo Factory Art Center or the Trademark Office, the Hall of Fame museum is free Glass harp musician Jamey Turner is a popular attrac- George Washington Masonic Memorial are and open to the public. the Doggy Happy Hours or the Hard Times tion along the Alexandria waterfront. horse that give the city a character all its own. ter and Interstate 395. harp at the waterfront. dren and adults at LTA’s home on Wolfe At 15.4 square miles and with a popula- While there are volumes written about Turner’s talent led him to the “Tonight Street, where actor Dermot Mulroney and tion of just over 150,000, Alexandria hosts Alexandria’s historic past, there is an edgier Show” where Johnny Carson remarked, Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden nationally recognized events such as the side of the city that attracts artisans and “Have you ever heard anything like that in honed their craft. Scottish Walk and Del Ray’s Art on the Av- even inspired musician Dave Grohl of Foo your life? That is wonderful.” Last but certainly not least, Alexandria is enue. But off the beaten path of King Street Fighters fame to write “Arlandria” in hom- For more traditional entertainment, do as a community of service to others. Organi- are attractions such as the Tomb of the Un- age to his hometown neighborhood. the locals and head to the Birchmere, take zations like the Rotary Club, Senior Services known Revolutionary War Soldier and the Rock legend Jim Morrison, Willard Scott, in a concert by the Alexandria Symphony of Alexandria or Carpenter’s Shelter provide National Inventors Hall of Fame. “Nashville” star Chip Esten and “Saturday Orchestra or see a show at MetroStage, The a helping hand to some of the city’s most In the West End are the Fort Ward Mu- Night Live” alum Casey Wilson also hail Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) or Port vulnerable citizens. seum and Historic Site and the Winkler from Alexandria, but you can’t consider City Playhouse. So whether you spend a few years or stay Botanic Reserve, a tranquil nature sanctu- yourself a local until you’ve listened to If you’re looking to perform yourself, a for a lifetime, there really is no place like ary tucked in the shadows of the BRAC cen- Jamey Turner play “Ode to Joy” on his glass wide variety of classes are available for chil- Alexandria to call home.

Photo by John Bordner

Tourism attracts more than three million visitors annually to the streets of Alexandria. The Alexan- dria Visitors Center, located at the The Hard Times horse has been corner of King and Fairfax streets, greeting diners at the original The water fountain at Market Square is a popular destination for relax- is thought to be the oldest building Hard Times Chili Café since 1980. ing, people watching and the Saturday morning Farmers Market. in the city dating back to 1724. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 3 TrattoriaTrattoria dada FrancoFranco Newcomers Guide Authentic Roman Cuisine in a traditional Italian setting Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Welcome Home • Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs…3-Course Dinner w/Wine $39.95 DAILY By William D. Euille • Mondays…Italian Class PATIO United Mayor • Tuesdays…Flamenco show with Carlo of Andalusia LUNCH SEATING States • Fridays…Daryl Ott on the Piano w/Franco SPECIAL AVAILABLE Patent elcome to Alexandria! and • Saturdays…David Redskin on the Piano w/Franco $9.95 WOn behalf of my col- Trade- 305 S. Washington Street leagues on City Coun- mark Of- Live Opera… cil, I’d like to extend a warm wel- fice. In Old Town Alexandria come and thank you for choosing 2017, we 703.548.9338 Every Month this historic community as your will wel- Trattoria-Dafranco.com Next Opera Night is August 30th new home. come the During its 266-year history, Al- National exandria was a tobacco trading Science Foundation and the Trans- post; one of the 10 busiest ports portation Security Administration in America; a part of the District to their new headquarters in Al- of Columbia; home to both the exandria. It is truly an exciting nation’s largest slave trading firm time to be here! and a large community of freed In Alexandria, we have a strong blacks; a Civil War supply center tradition of community, govern- for Union troops; and a street-car ment, and organizations working suburb for federal workers. Today, together to help shape our city’s Alexandria is a growing, urban future and reach out to our most community with an unparalleled vulnerable residents. We hope you quality of life. We’re a vibrant, di- will consider the many options verse city of nearly 150,000 people available: serving on a board or with a small-town feel, but just commission, attending City Coun- minutes from the bustle of our cil meetings, mentoring children, nation’s capital. or taking advantage of other vol- There is so much to see and do. unteer opportunities through the Our parks and green spaces are a city or through its many nonprofit haven for nature lovers, walkers and charitable organizations. and bicyclists, and we’re a transit- Please visit alexandriava.gov/ oriented community, offering Boards or alexandriava.gov/Vol- many options for getting around unteer for more information. town and beyond. We’re a desti- Finally, as you settle into your nation for foodies, a haven for new home, there are bound to be shoppers, and a place where the questions. If you need any infor- arts thrive. Alexandria is an Eco- mation about Alexandria’s govern- City, committed to protecting and ment or services, please contact sustaining our natural resources. our customer information service, We’re a great place for young Call.Click.Connect., at 703-746- people and a caring community. HELP (4357) during normal busi- Alexandria is also a hub of in- ness hours. Call.Click.Connect. novation, home to national, re- may also be accessed 24 hours a gional, and local businesses, tech day, seven days a week, through startups, creative firms, trade as- the City’s web site at sociations and nonprofits, and the alexandriava.gov. Business Organizations

Alexandria Chamber of Chamber of Commerce. Commerce The Alexandria-based organization 801 North Fairfax St, Suite 402. Of- provides resources to black-owned busi- fers a variety of programs and services nesses in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, to assist member firms in promoting and Loudoun, and Prince William counties. expanding their business base. Call 703- Visit www.northernvirginiabcc.org 549-100 or visit www.alexchamber.com. Pakistan American Business Association Inc. (PABA) Alexandria Convention & 9302 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite B, Visitors Association Burke. PABA is a non-profit, bilateral With more than 300 members, the trade association that promotes business Alexandria Convention & Visitors Asso- opportunities between Pakistan and the ciation has strong ties to the Alexandria United States of America, and nurtures business and tourism communities. Visit leadership skills within the Pakistani www.visitalexandriava.com. American business community. Call 703-627-1500 or visit Armed Forces Communica- www.pabausa.org. tion and Electronic Associa- Hispanic Chamber of Com- tion of Northern Virginia merce of Northern Virginia 400 North Washington St., Suite 300. Located in Herndon, the organization Based in Alexandria, the organization serves businesses lead by and those that seeks to promote communication be- work with the Hispanic community in tween private businesses in the region the area. Visit www.hccnva.org. and government agencies. Call 703-778- 4645 or visit www.afceanova.org. Asian American Chamber of Northern Virginia Black See Business, Page 5

4 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide ‘Our Promise — That Every Student Succeeds’

By Dr. Alvin L. Crawley tary School, Cora Kelly School for Math, Superintendent of Schools Science and Technology, George Mason El- ementary School, and Matthew Maury El- lexandria City ementary School. As a community, we will APublic Schools also need to find creative solutions to ad- is quite liter- dress secondary school capacity challenges ally on the move! Our given enrollment trends and available land students are showing space. clear growth based on Through the awesome commitment of our latest Standards of community members and staff, our School Learning (SOL) test Board adopted ACPS 2020, a new strategic data. The largest in- plan that will guide the school division for creases were seen in the next five years. This plan reflects the

Photo Contributed English and math, which were targeted fo- essential components of a high-performing cus areas during the past year. I applaud school division by focusing on six goal ar- the extraordinary work of our teachers and eas: academic excellence/educational eq- principals who kept their focus on student uity; family and community engagement; success and in doing so, were champions exemplary staff; facilities and learning en- for every child. While these results are com- vironment; health and wellness; and effec- mendable, our relentless focus on the whole tive and efficient operations. This fall, the child will be the hallmark of an ACPS edu- Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, superintendent of schools, plays with students. plan will come alive throughout the school cation as we work to ensure excellent division as we transform words to actions. schools where every student is happy, capacity and enrollment is projected to con- their recommended 75-year life span and Central to our strategic plan is our prom- healthy and well-educated. tinue its upward trend over the next decade. 14 of our 17 school buildings are more than ise to our families and community that ev- Enrollment is growing by an average of 4 Redistricting is a challenging task, but we 45 years old. Due to rising enrollment, some ery student succeeds. As we begin another percent yearly. As a consequence, our school pledge to engage every part of our commu- of these schools no longer have music exciting school year, we invite Alexandrians division will begin the process of redistrict- nity in the process. rooms, art rooms, teacher work rooms or to become part of our success story by get- ing with the goal of implementing new Our aging facilities will be undergoing science labs. Included in the 10-year Capi- ting involved in volunteering at a school or school attendance boundaries for the school modernization, as we know that learning tal Improvement Program budget are plans mentoring a child. We welcome the oppor- year 2016-17. Redistricting is needed be- environments have a direct impact on in- to build a new Patrick Henry PreK-8 school tunity for you to join us in our pursuit of cause all but two elementary schools are at struction. Four ACPS schools have reached and modernize Douglas MacArthur Elemen- excellence.

Honoring Living Legends Re-elect Councilwoman Since its founding in 1749, Al- complishments to capture the of- exandria has been home to Living ten unrecognized contributions Del Pepper Legends the likes of George Wash- they have made to the betterment ington and his compatriots, war of Alexandria. Experience, leadership, vision, heroes, community leaders, good As a nonprofit organization, the 2015/2016 SEASON and the courage to make tough, neighbors and the “Now Genera- existence of Living Legends of Al- tion.” Until 2007, few of exandria depends on the support balanced policy decisions. Alexandria’s contemporary Leg- of community businesses and resi- Vote Democratic ends were recognized, but then dents. It holds an annual “unveil- SEP. 5 – 26, 2015 ▲ came Living Legends of Alexandria ing” reception of each year’s Leg- November 3 project. ends and publishes a catalog of Allison Silberberg for Mayor Each year since, a select group their photos and biographies. The For Council: Pepper – Bailey – of Alexandrians are recognized for catalog is collected by the Alexan- Chapman – Lovain – Smedberg – Wilson their vision, commitment and per- dria Library, the Library of Virginia OCT. 24 – NOV. 14, 2015 ▲ severance towards making Alexan- in Richmond and is registered at www.delpepper.com dria a better place to live, work the U.S. Library of Congress. Paid for by Pepper for Council • Authorized by Redella S. “Del” Pepper and do business. Few have sought The portraits of the 2015 Living DEC. 4 – 20, 2015 ▲ recognition, but Living Legends of Legends of Alexandria are dis- Alexandria has found them, pho- played in the Market Square Lobby tographed them and written biog- of City Hall or at JAN. 16 – FEB. 6, 2016 ▲ raphies about them and their ac- www.AlexandriaLegends.org. Business Organizations

From Page 4 Afghan American Chamber FEB. 27 – MAR. 19, 2016 ▲ of Commerce (AACC) Commerce 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 103, 8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 450. Located McLean. AACC provides resources to in Tysons, it offers programs to Asian members through business advice, con- and Pacific business communities in the ferences, seminars, networking events, region. Call 703-752-6292 or visit publications and other avenues to ★ ★ www.asian-americanchamber.org. stimulate U.S.-Afghanistan business and Mount Vernon Antique Center investment; also, sector-based Working APR. 23 – MAY 14, 2016 ▲ U.S. Lebanese Chamber of Groups seek to reduce impediments to 8101 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria Follow Commerce business and market progress for mem- us on A privately held business association bers. AACC also serves as a link between 703-619-5100 Dealers Facebook & JUN. 4 – 25, 2016 ▲ founded in 2010 offering networking the private sector and government to www.mtvantiques.com Twitter and resources to Lebanese Americans. encourage economic policies that result Call 703-761-4949. in increased business and investment. Discover the secret source of many collectors, dealers, 703-442-5005 or www.a-acc.org/. decorators and shoppers with “good eyes” and great taste. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 5 Newcomers & Community Guide

Current City Current School Board District A Council Leadership William E. Campbell Mayor William D. Euille (D) Karen A. Graf (Chairman) Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg (D) Stephanie A. Kapsis Councilman John T. Chapman (D) District B Councilman Timothy B. Lovain (D) Kelly C. Booz Councilwoman Redella S. “Del” Pepper (D) Justin P. Keating Councilman Paul C. Smedberg (D) Marc Williams Councilman Justin Wilson (D) District C Ronnie Campbell Patricia Ann Hennig Christopher J. Lewis (Vice Chairman) Candidates for November 2015 General Election Senate of Virginia, 30th District Alexandria School Board, District A Adam P. Ebbin (D), incumbent William E. “Bill” Campbell, incumbent James R. Fisher (IG) Henry E. “Hal” Cardwell Senate of Virginia, 35th District Karen A. Graf, incumbent Richard L. “Dick” Saslaw (D), incumbent Joseph R. Murray (R) Alexandria School Board, District B Virginia House of Delegates, 45th District C. M. “Cindy” Anderson Mark H. Levine (D) Kelly Carmichael Booz, incumbent Virginia House of Delegates, 46th District Mimi L. Goff Charniele L. Herring (D), incumbent Margaret Lorber Sean T. Lenehan (R) Veronica R. Nolan Andrew G. “Andy” Bakker (L) Alexandria Mayor Alexandria School Board, District C Allison Silberberg (D) Ronnie M. Campbell, incumbent

Alexandria City Council Daria S. Dillard Photo by Laura Mae Sudder Willie F. Bailey Sr. (D) Ramee A. Gentry John Taylor Chapman (D), incumbent Patricia-Ann “Pat” Hennig, incumbent Timothy B. Lovain (D), incumbent Christopher J. Lewis, incumbent Redella S. “Del” Pepper (D), incumbent Paul C. Smedberg (D), incumbent Justin M. Wilson (D), incumbent Monique A. Miles (R) Fernando M. Torrez (R) The American Townsend A. Van Fleet (R) John R. “Bob” Wood (R) flag billows D. Phil Cefaratti (I) from City Hall.

6 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Photos by Renée Ruggles Map by Laurence Foong Parks A sampling of Alexandria Parks Design by Jean Card

Ben Brenman Park covers nearly 60 acres and offers sports fields, trails, a fenced- in playground, and a large pond. It was named to honor community activist, the late Col. Ben Brenman, who played a role in acquiring the land. The park sits on the site of the former U.S. Army Base at Cameron Station.

Brothers Zachary (older) and Logan, enjoy the equipment at their neighborhood park. The playground is enclosed, by fencing, and features a soft rubber surface. It’s designed for children ages 2-5.

1 Armistead Boothe Park and a planning process is currently trails, open play area, playground, Historical/Destination 23 Oronoco Bay Park 520 Cameron Station Blvd. underway for the additional land), walking/biking trails, and sitting Size: 0.43 acres. 100 Madison St. Citywide Park Features: Athletic fields, basket- area. Historical/Destination Size: 10.81 acres, Features: Athletic ball, biking/jogging/walking trail, 12 Witter Recreational Field 19 King Street Park Size: 5.08 acres, Features: Event fields, basketball court, playground, bird and river watching, fishing, 2700 Witter Drive 1 King St. space, parking, picnic areas, and picnic pavilion, restrooms, tennis playground, picnic benches, and Citywide Park Historical/Destination walking/biking/jogging trails courts, and walking/biking trails. seating. Size: 13.7 acres, Features: Athletic Size: 0.38 Acres, Features architectural fields (two synthetic turf rectangu- design, farmers market, flower 24 Point Lumley 2 Ben Brenman Park 7 Holmes Run Scenic Easement lar), cemetery, park shelters, beds, plantings, and sitting areas 1 Duke St. 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Holmes Run Parkway parking, and restrooms Historical/Destination Citywide Park Citywide Park 13 All Veterans Park 20 King Street Gardens Park Size: 0.38 acres, Features: Riverfront Size: 59.3 acres, Features: ADA Size: 8.02 acres, Features: Natural 4725 Duke St. 1806 King St. sitting area accessible picnic benches and wooded area, walking and biking Citywide Park Historical/Destination pathways, Amphitheatre, athletic paths. Size: 37.78 acres, Features: Dog Size: 0.80 acres, Features open play 25 Roberdeau Park fields, dog park, parking, picnic exercise area, trail, observation area, playground, park shelter, and 1 Wolfe St. pavilion with grill, playground, 8 Joseph Hensley Park deck to view Bicentennial Tree. sitting area Historical/Destination pond, restrooms, and walking/ 4200 Eisenhower Ave. Size: 0.23 acres, Features: Riverfront bicycle trails. Citywide Park 14 Eugene Simpson Stadium 21 Market Square sitting area Size: 21.66 acres, Features: Softball Park 300 King Street 3 Brookvalley Park fields, soccer field, restrooms, on- 426 E. Monroe Ave. Historical/Destination 26 Shipyard/Harborside Park 5599 Holmes Run Parkway site parking, picnic area, park Citywide Park Size: 1.11 acres, Features: Event 1 Wilkes St. Citywide Park shelter with grill. Size: 9.94 acres, Features: Baseball space, farmers market, open plaza Historical/Destination Size: 22.03 acres, Features: Garden fields, basketball court, dog with fountain and planting beds Size: 1.52 acres, Features: Trail and plots, natural area, playground, 9 Potomac Greens Park exercise area, garden, playground riverside seating picnic areas, walking/bicycle trail, 700 Carpenter Road and tennis. 22 Old Town Pool home to Bicentennial Tree. Citywide Park 1609 Cameron St. 27 Waterfront Park Size: 18.47 acres, Features: Play- 15 Armory Tot Lot Historical/Destination 1A Prince St. 4 Cameron Station Linear Park ground, seating area, wooded area 208 S. Royal St. Size: 2.71 acres (0.48 acres Facility Historical/Destination 5131 Brawner Place with trails Historical/Destination Area), Features: Basketball court, Size: 1.37 acres, Features: Boat Citywide Park Size: 0.18 acres, Features: Play- parking, picnic area, and swimming docking, open lawn space, Size: 7.56 acres, Features: Biking/ 10 Potomac Yard Park ground/tot-lot, sitting area. pool with handicap accessible riverfront seating, and walking walking/jogging trail 2501 Potomac Ave. wading pool trails Citywide Park 16 Fort Ward Park 1

43 5 Chinquapin Park/Forest Park Size: 23.4 acres, Features: ADA 4301 W. Braddock Road 50 7 49 39 3210 King St. accessible picnic tables and Historical/Destination 402 45 35

64 37 61 7 9 Citywide Park pathways, special events area with Size: 43.46 acres, Features: Amphi- 395 47 1 75 16 6 33 55 10 Size: 52.89 acres (Chinquapin: 32.08 outdoor stage, athletic fields, theater, dog exercise area, 62 68 67 acres; Forest Park: 20.81), Athletic basketball courts, tennis courts, museum, park shelter, parking, 38 420 71 73 402 fields, basketball courts, garden volleyball courts, picnic area, picnic areas, playground, and 1 14 5 63 420 plots, picnic area with grill, interactive fountain, ADA play- restrooms. 7 3 80

402 parking, playground, tennis courts, ground, stormwater management 70 395 401 7 57 52 17 Founders Park 236 recreation center with an indoor ponds, and walking/bicycle trails, 58 56 65 420 42 78 613 13 7 18 34 swimming pool, and wooded area. passive seating areas and historical 351 N. Union St. 23 30 236 46 48 236 41 54 interpretation. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Historical/Destination 74 28 76 79 27 11 72 53 22 17 51 236 241 6 Four Mile Run Park 2 Size: 4.67 acres, Features: Dog 7 12 20 401 19 32 1 4 60 21 11 Tarleton Park 1 44 15 3700 Commonwealth Ave. and exercise area, volleyball court, 36 8 95 495 24 40 25 4131 Mount Vernon Ave. 4420A Vermont Ave. benches, walking paths. 95 495 95 26 31 495 66 29 495 241 Citywide Park Citywide Park 77 613 95 69 Size: 46.75 acres (an additional 1.47 Size: 6.14 acres, Features: Dog 18 Freedmen’s Cemetary 495 59 495 See the Map, next page 95 acres has recently been acquired exercise area, nature area with 638 North Alfred Street 495 1 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 7 Parks

395

43 50 7

49 39 402 45 35

64 37 61 7 9 395 47 The Versusios, of Alexandria, came to Ben Brenman 1 75 Park for a family bike ride. The park offers trails 16 6 33 throughout and access to the Holmes Run Trail. 55 10 62 68 28 West’s Point Park 67 1 Oronoco St. 38 420 Historical/Destination Size: 0.07 acres, Features: Riverfront sitting area and 71 73 402 observation deck

29 Windmill Hill Park 501 South Union St. Historical/Destination 1 Size: 3.43 acres, Features: Basketball court, playground, 14 5 riverfront seating, and sand volleyball 63 420 7 30 Wythe Street Plaza 3 80 705 North Fairfax St. Historical/Destination 402 Size: 0.44 acres, Features: Seating area and flower beds 70 401 31 Harborside/Shipyard Park 395 7 57 52 1 Wilkes St. 236 Historical/Destination Size: 1.52 acres, Features: Trail and riverside seating 58 65 56 420 32 Clermont Natural Park 42 78 4551 Eisenhower Ave. 613 13 7 18 Natural Area 34 30 23 Size: 5.95 acres, Features: Wooded area 236 46 48 236 41 33 Dora Kelley Nature Park 54 5750 Sanger Ave. 28 Natural Area 76 74 Size: 46.61 acres, Features: Environmental programs, 79 27 11 72 sitting areas, walking/biking trail, Nature Center, and 53 22 17 wooded natural area. 51 236 241 2 7 34 Fort Williams Park 12 20 401 19 501 Fort Williams Parkway 32 1 Natural Area 4 60 21 Size: 8.3 acres, Features: Wooded nature area with a 1 44 15 walking path. 36 8 35 Monticello Park 95 495 24 40 320 Beverley Drive 25 Natural Area 95 495 Size: 6.24 acres, Features: Bird watching, dog area, stream, 95 26 31 walking trail 495 66 29 495 241 36 Old Cameron Run Channel Park 2551 Mill Road 77 Natural Area 613 95 69 Size: 2.83 acres, Features: A nature area with stream 495

37 Robert Leider Park 3002 Valley Drive 59 495 Natural Area 95 Size: 1.3 acres, Features: Nature area with trail 495

38 Rynex Nature Park 1 1500 North Chambliss St. Natural Area Size: 9.32 acres, Features: Heavily wooded nature area

39 3550 Commonwealth Avenue 3550 Commonwealth Ave. Neighborhood Park Size: 0.53 acres, Features: Adopt-a-Garden

8 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 9 Parks

Shared Use Size: 1.39 acres, Features small ballfield and playground

67 Minnie Howard Field 3701 W. Braddock Road Shared Use Size: 5.38 acres, Features: Lighted athletic field with synthetic turf, lighted tennis courts, parking, and rest rooms

68 Mount Vernon Field & Recreation Center 2600 Mount Vernon Ave. Shared Use Size: 1.58 acres, Features: Athletic fields and tennis court

69 Nannie J. Lee Center 1108 Jefferson St. Shared Use Size: 14.6 acres, Features: Athletic Victor Lee, of Alexandria, fields, basketball court, playground, stopped to show his daugh- recreation center, tennis courts, and volleyball court ter Emma all the life in the pond below. 70 Patrick Henry Field 4643 Taney Ave. Gon Jekodu (right), prepares to throw the soccer ball to his dad, as his brother Fevuea Shared Use watches. The Alexandria family came to the park to practice their soccer game. Size: 1.47 acres, Features: Basketball Size: 11.56 acres, Features: Athletic court, playground, and tennis fields, tennis courts, wooded area court 71 William Ramsay Field 58 Taney Avenue Park 5700 Sanger Ave. 4149 Taney Ave. Shared Use Neighborhood Park Size: 10.94 acres, Features: Athletic Size: 2.57 acres, Features: Open play fields, basketball court, playground, area, sitting areas, picnic area, and and tennis courts recreation center wooded nature area. with a full basketball court, and adjacent activity/game room. 59 Jones Point Park 1 Jones Point Drive 72 Jefferson Houston Elemen- National Park tary School Park Features: Playground, athletic fields, 1501 Cameron St. trails, fishing piers Shared Use Size: 8.44 acres, Features: Basketball 60 Cameron Run Regional Park court, playground, open field. Anita H., of Alexandria, brought her dogs A large pond, complete with bridges. 4001 Eisenhower Ave. Bailey (left) and Anna, for a good walk fountains, and a gazebo, is the center- Regional 73 Hammond Upper and Lower Fields and some fun in the dog park. piece of the park. Features: Great Waves Waterpark, miniature golf, batting cages, 4646 Seminary Road picnic shelter and a special events Shared Use 40 African American Heritage Size: 8.16 acres, Features: Parking, Neighborhood Park pavillion Size: 18.91 acres, Features: Athletic Memorial Park tennis courts, wooded nature area Size: 3.31 acres, Features: athletic fields, running track, asphalt track 500 Holland Lane with a walking trail fields 61 Daingerfield Island and soccer field, lit roller blade Neighborhood Park 1 Marina Drive hockey rink Features: One-acre 19th century 46 Ewald Park 52 President Gerald R. Ford National Park African American Cemetery, 4452 Duke St. Park Size: 106 acres, Features: sailing, 74 Buchanan Park memorial sculptures, park design Neighborhood Park 1426 and 1422 Janneys Lane sailing classes, fishing, field sports 1501 Cameron St. includes part of the original Size: 3.88 acres, Features: Basketball Neighborhood Park and a restaurant Size: 0.3 acres, Features: Basketball landscape of the cemetery and a court, open space/field, parking, Size: 1.13 acres, Features: Open lawn court and playground. wetland. playground, swimming pool and and seating areas 62 George Mason Park bathhouse 2601 Cameron Mills Road 75 Fort Ward Athletic Facility 41 Angel Park 53 Schuyler Hamilton Jones Shared Use 4421 W. Braddock Road 201 W. Taylor Run Parkway 47 Goat Hill Park Skateboard Park Size: 5.36 acres (9.40 acres with Size: 5 acres, Features: Synthetic Turf Neighborhood Park 33 Kennedy St. 3540 Wheeler Ave. school), Athletic fields, basketball Athletic Field, Tennis Courts and Size: 10.34 acres, Features: Athletic Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park courts, tennis courts, parking, Parking. fields, basketball court, play- Size: 2.47 acres, Features: Playground Size: 0.99 acres, Features: Skateboard playground, and sitting area ground, and shelter with grill. equipment, sitting areas, natural ramps 76 Metro Linear Park wooded area. 63 James K. Polk Field 300 Buchanan Street 42 Beach Park 54 Stevenson Park 5000 Polk Ave. Size: 3.83 acres, Features: A pathway 201 Rucker Place 48 Hooffs Run Park and 300 Stultz Road Shared Use connects the Buchanan Street Neighborhood Park Greenway Neighborhood Park Size: 8.44 acres, Features: Located on neighborhood community to the Size: 1.42 acres, Features: open lawn 18A E. Linden St. Size: 8.49 acres, Features: Athletic Polk School grounds, athletic Metro Stations at Braddock Road area with seating, playground. Neighborhood Park fields, basketball court, park fields, basketball courts, and and King Street. Size: 4.53 acres, Features: Basketball shelter with grill, playground, and playgrounds 43 Beverley Park half court, dog exercise area, seating 77 Pomander Park 620 N. Overlook Dr. garden, tennis court, and play- 64 John Adams Park 600 S. Union St. Neighborhood Park ground. 55 Timberland Park 5651 Rayburn Ave. Size: 0.84 acres, Features: Riverfront Size: 1.74 acres, Features: Hard court 66A Kennedy St. Shared Use sitting area play area, playground with a park 49 Hume Springs Park Neighborhood Park Size: 1.54 acres, Features: Athletic shelter and picnic tables, sitting 100 Dale St. Size: 0.53 acres, Features: Passive fields, basketball court, and 78 Rivergate City Park areas, and wooded nature area. Neighborhood Park park area playground. 2 Montgomery St. Size: 0.53 acres, Features: Playground Size: 2.84 acres, Features: Riverfront 44 Carlyle Dog Park and Tennis and sitting areas. 56 Montgomery Park 65 Lenny Harris Memorial sitting, picnic areas, and volleyball Courts 901 N. Royal St. Fields at Braddock Park 450 Andrews Lane 50 James Mulligan Park Neighborhood Park 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. 79 Taylor Run Park Neighborhood Park 3300 28th St. Size: 2.01 Acres, Features: Fenced dog Shared Use Taylor Run Parkway East Size: 2.96 acres, Features: Fenced dog Neighborhood Park run, tennis courts, tennis practice Size: 7.09 acres - Braddock Field / Size: 3.34 acres, Features: Wooded exercise area, tennis courts, Size: 3.55 acres, Features: Natural board, picnic tables, playground, 2.61 George Washington Fields, area parking wooded area, picnic area, and shelter, and water fountain Features athletic fields playground. 57 Powhatan Park 80 Timberbranch Parkway 45 Chambliss Park 1010 Douglas St. 66 Lyles-Crouch School Timberbranch Parkway 2505 N. Chambliss St. 51 Luckett Field Neighborhood Park 530 S. Saint Asaph St. Size: 6.19 acres, Features: Dog Neighborhood Park 3540 Wheeler Ave. exercise area, and wooded area 10 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide

Business, civic and service organizations provide a way to meet people and give back to the community. Here, members of the West Alexandria Rotary Club gather to help spruce up John Ewald Park.

Photo Contributed

JACKI SORENSEN'S FITNESS CLASSESJACKI SORENSEN'S FITNESS CLASSES Jacki Sorensen's Aerobic Dance Classes at Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street 22314 Connect and Contribute Session Starts Sept. 21 Alexandria Chamber of Commerce •Monday/Wednesday/Friday Business, service and civic 801 N. Fairfax St. # 207 Alexandria, Va. 22314 9:30 am groups lead community www.alexchamber.com •Wednesday 6:30 pm Del Ray Business Association Register online at engagement. 2308 Mount Vernon Avenue, #727 Alexandria, Va. 22301 alexandriava.gov › Recreation www.visitdelray.com t was Martin Luther King Jr. who said “Every- For information, body can be great because anybody can serve.” West End Business Association Call: 202-657-1150

I 3213 Duke Street, Box #128 Whether you have five minutes or five hours, Email: [email protected] Alexandria, Va. 22314 SORENSEN'S FITNESS CLASSES JACKI CLASSES FITNESS SORENSEN'S JACKI consider joining one of the many organizations in www.alexandriaweba.com Alexandria that help solve problems, improve lives, connect citizens and strengthen the community. Old Town Business and Professional Association P.O. Box 1294 Alexandria Rotary Club Alexandria, Va. 22313 P. O. Box 320666 www.otbpa.com Alexandria, Va. 22320 North Old Town Citizens Association www.alexandriarotary.org P.O. Box 25571 Alexandria West Rotary Club Alexandria, Va. 22313 www.awrotary.org www.notice-alexandria.org

Kiwanis, Kiwanis of Del Ray Old Town Civic Association www.alexandriakiwanis.org P.O. Box 1213 Alexandria, Va. 22313 Jaycees www.oldtowncivic.org P.O. Box 1836 Del Ray Citizens Association Alexandria, Va. 22313 www.alexjaycees.org P.O. Box 2233 Alexandria, Va. 22301 Volunteer Alexandria www.delraycitizens.org 123 N. Alfred St. Eisenhower Partnership Alexandria, Va. 22314 www.volunteeralexandria.org 2121 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 200 Alexandria, Va. 22314 eisenhowerpartnership.org — Jeanne Theismann

High Holy Days Services with Rabbi Gilah Langner We are a welcoming, participatory, family-friendly and diverse community meeting in Arlington. We Celebrate our Jewish souls accept donations; we don’t Expand our Jewish minds sell tickets. Reconstruct our Jewish hearts KolAmiNVRC.org • 571-271-8387 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 11 A Sampling of Annual Entertainment Community Events

September 2015 ONGOING Wine in the Water Park. Every Friday in September, beginning Sept. 4. 6-10 p.m. Crystal City Water Park, 1750 Crystal Drive. Combines sips and sounds to create an outdoor George Washington’s event featuring interesting wine varietals and music in the neighborhood’s signature Crystal City Mount Vernon Water Park. Visit crystalcity.org for A popular tourist destination, more. George Washington's former estate- turned-museum, Mount Vernon FRIDAY/SEPT. 4 regularly hosts special tours, dinners, and other educational events. Big Chalk Draw 2015. 8-10 a.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Throughout the year guests may Riverside Road. School supplies find a Colonial Fair and Market, donations are welcome at this chalk Wine Festival, Christmas celebra- art community event. Free. Call 703- tions, a naturalization ceremony 360-4220 or visit celebrating new U.S. citizens, and www.staidansepiscopal.com. more. The estate is open for regular tours 365 days a year, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission tickets are $17 SATURDAY/SEPT. 12 for adults, $16 for seniors (aged 62 25th Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival. and over), $9 for youth (aged 6-11), 1-7 p.m. Gateway Park, 1300 Lee and free for children (younger than Highway, Arlington. Artists to 5). Visit www.mountvernon.org to headline the festival include The learn more. Funk Ark, Sonny Knight and the

Lakers, Debo Band and The Dirty Peterson by Tim Photo Dozen Brass Band. Check www.rosslynva.org/culture#events for updates. and more. Admission varies based on Scottish Highlander Festival. 10 nearby farm, entertainment provided Run Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave. Run Memorial 5K. 6 p.m. in Crystal City, event. Visit www.nvso.us. a.m.-2:15 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. by a guest guitarist and two local or walk to promote traffic safety. Arlington. Honors the victims, on Sunday at Carlyle House Historic pianists. For children, there will be a $20-35 per person, depending on firefighters, and public safety who Park, 121 N Fairfax St. Attend a moonbounce, face-painting and when you register. Visit responded on Sept. 11, 2001. $35, SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 19-20 fashion show, highland dance games. Visit www.theartofdriving.org/ART_5K!/. $40 entry fee. Colonial Market And Fair. performance, or Celtic concert on www.saintlukeschurch.net or call Art on the Ave. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. along www.www.arlington911race.com/. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Saturday or an Outlander Tea and 703-765-4342 for more. Mt. Vernon Avenue, Del Ray. Multi- Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Tour on Sunday. Prices vary based on 74th Annual Historic Alexandria cultural arts festival featuring music, SEPT. 12-25 Highway. Visit the 18th century at activity. Visit www.carlylehouse.org Homes Tour. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Old art, and food. Rain or shine. Free. 33rd Annual Senior Olympics. this colonial celebration featuring for more. Town Alexandria. For the 74th Visit www.artontheavenue.org. annual Historic Alexandria Homes Various times at various locations. crafting demonstrations, puppet Participants over 50 years old will shows, military drills, and traditional Tour, the public may visit six historic SATURDAY/SEPT. 26 homes and gardens in Old Town FRIDAY/OCT. 16 participate in track and field, food and music. Tickets are $9-17. St. Luke’s Annual Craft Fair. 9 a.m.- Alexandria, all within walking Art on Tap 2015. 7-10:30 p.m. at The swimming, diving, tennis, table Children age 5 and under are free. 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, distance of one another. Proceeds Art League Gallery, 105 N Union St. tennis, golf, miniature golf, ten pin Visit www.mountvernon.org. King Street Art Festival. 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Mount Vernon. benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital. Craft brews from local breweries get bowling, Wii bowling, scrabble, Saturday, Connect with old friends and Tickets are $35 through Sept. 25 and paired with a work of art by an Art duplicate bridge, cribbage, Mexican 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 th year, the neighbors. Cold drinks and luncheon may be purchased online. Thereafter, League instructor, and local train dominoes, pickleball, p.m., 480 King St. In its 13 festival features art displays, art items from the St. Luke’s grill will be tickets are $40 and may be purchased restaurants choose a brew/artwork racquetball, handball, volleyball, giveaways and sales and live music. available, along with a bake sale at The Twig’s Thrift Shop, 106 N coupling to serve as their muse for an badminton, bocce, eight ball pool, Free. Visit featuring cakes, pies, cookies and Columbus St. Visit www.thetwig.org/ appetizer. Guests vote on their cycling, horseshoes, yo-yo tricks, www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com/artfest. brownies. Also fresh produce from a homes-tour for more. favorite trifecta. Tickets are $35-45. American style Mah Jongg, 5K run 3rd Annual Community Visit www.theartleague.org. Celebration and Business Expo. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parkers Lane. FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 16-18 Learn more about the community Freedomwalk Festival. The U.S. and local businesses. Take part in the FreedomWalk Festival is a weekend chili cook-off, cute baby contest, ugly long, non-competitive, social walking dog contest and scavenger hunt. Free challenge bringing participants of all to attend. Visit www.mtvernon- ages and abilities together for fun, leechamber.org. fitness, and international friendship.Different trails will be offered each day, and a variety of SUNDAY-THURSDAY/SEPT. 27-OCT. 3 distances ranging from 3-27 miles. Fall for the Book Festival at GMU. Visit www.www.usfreedomwalk.org/. Times vary. Select locations throughout Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland. This week long FRIDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 23-24 regional celebration of literature and Halloween Pumpkin Hunt. 5:30 the arts, connects readers and p.m. on Friday and 1:30 p.m.; 3:30 authors at all levels. Offering p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday at Lee- bookworms the chance to meet their Fendall House Museum, 614 Oronoco favorite writers. Free and open to the St. Elementary school-aged children public. Visit www.fallforthebook.org. and younger may participate in the hunt and will receive a toy pumpkin. The event will also feature October 2015 Halloween crafts, food and drink,

Photo by Renee Ruggl ghost stories and a costume parade. FRIDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 2-4 Tickets are $5 for adults and $12 for children participating in the hunt. Wine Festival and Sunset Tour. 6-9 Visit www.leefendallhouse.org or p.m. at George Washington’s Mount contact John Christiansen at 703- Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon 548-1789 or Memorial Highway. Learn about the [email protected]. successes and failures of George Washington’s wine endeavors, listen to live music and tour where SATURDAY/OCT. 24 Washington stored his wine. Tickets VolunteerFest. A region-wide day of

es are $36-$46. Visit community service helps nonprofits www.mountvernon.org/calendar. accomplish tasks they would not Young Kaelin concentrated on her work at a past Big Chalk Draw. It takes place have time or resources to do on their each year at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. The church accepts donations of school SATURDAY/OCT. 3 own. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org/ supplies for the upcoming school year. Charity 5k. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Cameron individuals/volunteerfest.php for more.

12 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com A Sampling of Annual Entertainment Community Events

year, the festival brought more than the ceremony in which the City Tree 60 films and 50 filmmakers to is lit and visited by Santa, the Town SATURDAY-SUNDAY/OCT. 24-25 Alexandria from as far as Sri Lanka Crier, and other city officials. Free. Fall Harvest Family Days. 9 a.m-5 and Uruguay. All ticketed events will Visit www.alexandriava.gov for p.m. at Pioneer Farm in George be held at the AMC Hoffman Theater more. Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 22, with Beatley Central Library Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. offering free programs to the public. Celebrate the beginning of autumn Visit www.alexandriafilm.org for NOV. 28-JAN. 6 with the family at Mount Vernon more. Christmas at Mount Vernon. 3200 with activities including wagon rides, Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, apple-roasting and a straw bale Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon decks maze. The event is included with WEDNESDAY/NOV. 11 the halls with themed Christmas trees purchase of admission to Mount Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans. 9 on the estate and festive greenery in Vernon; tickets are $17 for adults, $9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington’s Mount the Mansion. Visit for children, $16 for seniors and free Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon www.mountvernon.org/christmas. for children 5 years and younger. Memorial Highway. Honored guests Visit www.mountvernon.org for (veterans) are invited to place a more. flower at Washington’s tomb, enjoy a December 2015 concert by the Harmony Heritage Singers and the United States Air FRIDAY-SUNDAY/DEC. 4-6 November 2015 Force String Orchestra. Free for Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday veterans and active duty military Market 2015. Colasanto Park, TUESDAY/NOV. 3 members, $9-17 for everyone else. 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. The market See www.mountvernon.org for more. Election Day. General election. Visit offers handmade fine arts and fine Arlington National Cemetery www.sbe.virginia.gov/ and crafts from local artists (including Veterans Day Ceremony. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/ pottery/ceramics, photography, Arlington National Cemetery, upcoming.htm. jewelry, cloth, paper crafts, and Arlington. About 5,000 visitors glass). Free. Visit attend the annual remembrance www.thedelrayartisans.org. FRIDAY-SATURDAY/NOV. 6-8 ceremonies in the Memorial Alexandria Film Festival. AMC Amphitheater. Visit Hoffman Center 22, 206 Swamp Fox www.arlingtoncemetery.mil. SATURDAY/DEC. 5 Road and Beatley Central Library, 45th Annual Campagna Center 5005 Duke St. The Alexandria Film Scottish Walk Parade. 11 a.m. Festival brings together short and FRIDAY/NOV. 27 Old Town Alexandria, the parade feature length films of all genres begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe Tree Lighting Ceremony. from emerging and established, local 6 p.m. at Streets. More than 100 Scottish and international filmmakers. Last Market Square, 301 King St. Attend Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march through the streets of Old Town. Visit Photo by Louise Krafft www.campagnacenter.org/ scottishwalkweekend/parade.

THURSDAY/DEC. 31 First Night Alexandria. Events take place throughout the day at numerous venues around the City of Alexandria. Visit www.firstnightalexandria.org for more. Thousands of residents and guests watch the firework display from Oronoco Bay Park at the conclusion of the February 2016 annual Alexandria Birthday Celebration.

MID-FEBRUARY lawn chairs and blankets. Food, such Community Tax Assistance Day. as barbeque, fried chicken, hot dogs, Fairfax SkillSource Center, 7611 April 2016 hamburgers, snow cones and funnel cakes are available for purchase, but Little River Turnpike, Suite 300 West, APRIL - JUNE Annandale. The IRS Volunteer everyone is welcome to pack a picnic Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Relay for Life. Fundraisers participate lunch. Pets should be left at home. program offers free assistance with in all-night-long events to help those Admission is free. Visit 2015 Federal and state tax returns affected by cancer through the www.alexandriava.gov/Recreation for households with a total income of American Cancer Society. Visit for more. $52,000 or less. Visit www.relayforlife.org for specific www.volunteerfairfax.org/ events and details. individuals/vita.php. July 2016 SATURDAY-SUNDAY/APRIL 16-17 SECOND SATURDAY IN JULY 4th Annual Arlington Festival of USA and Alexandria Birthday March 2016 the Arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Highland Celebration. Oronoco Bay Park, Street in the Clarendon District, Persian New Year Celebration. 100 Madison Street, Alexandria. The Arlington. More than 100 artists will Nowruz Festival celebrating the Celebrate Alexandria’s 265th showcase their work including birthday along the Potomac Persian New Year will include paintings, jewelry, pottery, glass, and entertainment from musicians, waterfront with fireworks, cake and much more. Visit artfestival.com for live music. Visit dancers, artists, costumed characters, more. and traditional players. About 55 www.visitalexandriava.com/events/ street vendors will be offering USA-Alexandria-Birthday- traditional and exotic foods, as well Celebration/6607.

Photo Contributed SATURDAY/APRIL 23-30 as jewelry, crafts, and other Historic Garden Week. This eight- traditional Persian products. Visit day statewide event provides visitors www.nowruzfestival.org for more. August 2016 an opportunity to see gardens, as SECOND TUESDAY IN MARCH well as houses with more than 2,000 Summer Restaurant Week. Mid- flower arrangements created by August, in neighborhoods throughout Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade. Garden Club of Virginia members. Alexandria, including Old Town, Del Annual parade to celebrating Fat Visit www.vagardenweek.org. Ray, Carlyle and West End. Menu Tuesday. Visit www.clarendon.org/ options vary by location. Visit mardi-gras. www.AlexandriaRestaurantWeek.com May 2016 or call 703-746-3301 for more. Celebrate The Persian New Year FRIDAY/MARCH 20-SUNDAY/APRIL 17 Ice Cream Making. Saturdays in MONDAY/MAY 23 August. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Nowruz Festival, a colorful celebration of the Persian New Year, vis- National Cherry Blossom Festival. 3200 Mt. Vernon Highway, Mount its Alexandria each year in March. Hundreds gather to partake in traditional Enjoy world-class entertainment from Memorial Day Jazz Concert. 1-6 Vernon. Cool down with 18th century Iranian food, art, music, and performances. Admission to the festival is usu- the U.S. and Japan as they welcome p.m. at Waterfront Park, Alexandria. ice cream making demonstrations. ally free, and well-attended by vendors offering food, crafts, books, and more. springtime and celebrate the A variety of jazz performances take Admission: Adults, $18; Children, $9; Visit www.nowruzfestival.org. anniversary of the gift of trees from place throughout the concert. Under 5, free. Visit Tokyo to Washington, D.C. Visit Waterfront Park features lawn www.mountvernon.org/ for more. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. seating and the attendees may bring www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 13 Newcomers & Community Guide

Photo by Laura Mae Sudder

Carlyle House Historic Park Brogan and owners David and Sarah Janette are seated at the corner of the Carlyle House. On the National Register of Historic Places, the building is the only stone 18th- century mansion in Alexandria. Daily tours of the house, exhibits and lectures reveal the life and times of John Carlyle in pre-Revolutionary Alexandria. Community Organizations

❖ ACT for Alexandria is a community foundation that ❖ As the largest homeless shelter in Northern Virginia, serves as a catalyst for increasing charitable investment and Carpenter’s Shelter serves over 1,000 homeless and for- community engagement locally. Their mission is “to raise the merly homeless children and adults each year. Carpenter’s level and effectiveness of giving and engagement in Alexan- Shelter offers continuous services, aiding the chronically dria.” Located at 421 Prince St., Suite 220. Call 703-739-7778 homeless and shelter residents through their transition back or visit www.actforalexandria.org. into independent living. Ninety percent of those who complete ❖ Alexandrians Involved Ecumenically (ALIVE) is the Carpenter’s Shelter program never return to homelessness a nonprofit organization of volunteers from over 40 religious again. Carpenter’s Shelter is located at 930 North Henry St. congregations and the community working together to help Call 703 548-7500 or visit www.carpentersshelter.org. those in need. ALIVE provides emergency food assistance, ❖ The Campagna Center operates programs that sup- emergency financial assistance, shelter, year-round preschool, port children in Alexandria by providing services that allow furniture and housewares. ALIVE offices are located at 2723 them to arrive at school ready to learn and ensure they are King St. Call 703-837-9300 or visit www.alive-inc.org. academically successful at each grade level. Programs include ❖ The Alexandria Community Services Board Alexandria Head Start, Early Head Start, full-day preschool (CSB) is a group of 16 volunteers appointed by Alexandria The Campagna Early Learning Center, extended-day pre- City Council, which oversees the use of public funds to pro- schools program Afternoon Adventures, before- and after- vide mental health, intellectual disability and substance abuse school tutoring/child care Campagna Kids, tutoring and services through the Department of Community and Human mentoring with Building Better Futures and education pro- Services. The office is located at 720 North Asaph St. Call 703- grams for immigrants and refugee families with the New 746-3499 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/mhmrsa. Neighbors program. The Campagna Center is located at 418 ❖ Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) South Washington St. Call 703-549-0111 or visit provides pet adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education www.campagnacenter.org. and community service and outreach. AWLA is located at ❖ Center for Alexandria’s Children (CAC) is a pub- 4101 Eisenhower Ave. Call 703-746-4774 or visit lic-private partnership based on the Children’s Advocacy www.alexandriaanimals.org. Center Model, which has been shown to improve outcomes ❖ New and current residents are invited to join the for families and victims of abuse. The center provides services Ballyshaners. The Ballyshaners (Gaelic for “Old Towners”) for victims and their families and coordinates the response be- organize and host Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and tween victims and nonprofits aiming to serve them. The the Annual Irish Festival each August. The festival is a Center is located at 1900 North Beauregard St. Call 703-838- fundraiser for the parade. An independent organization whose 4381 or visit www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org. mission is to preserve and promote Irish heritage, The ❖ Child and Family Network Centers provides free Ballyshaners meet once a month from April through Decem- and fully accredited preschool education for children living ber at restaurants throughout the city, then weekly from in poverty in Northern Virginia, including free family support, January until the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Fundraisers are literacy, job training, and health programs to the parents of held in January and February. Visit www.ballyshaners.org. students. Currently, Child and Family Network Centers serve ❖ Bridges to Independence (b2i) offers shelter to nearly 200 children and their families each year at six program homeless people and works in coordination with public agen- sites throughout Alexandria and Arlington. The home office cies, businesses and community groups to give homeless is located at 3700 Wheeler Ave. Call 703-836-0214 or visit people the support, shelter, counseling, and employment www.cfnc-online.org. training needed to regain self-sufficiency. The office can be ❖ Community Lodgings’ mission is to lift families from found at 3103 9th Road N, Arlington. Call 703-525-7177 or homelessness and instability to independence and self-suffi- visit www.bridges2.org. ciency through transition-in-place housing, affordable housing ❖ At Home Alexandria is part of a national “village and youth education programs. The main office is located at movement” of small nonprofit groups. At Home Alexandria’s 3912 Elbert Ave., Suite 108. Call 703-549-4407 or visit (AHA) mission is to help residents ages 55+ in Alexandria live www.communitylodgings.org. independently and in their homes for as long as they can. AHA ❖ Computer C.O.R.E. helps low-income adults acquire provides an array of services like transportation, light home the technological and life skills they need to pursue their ca- maintenance, errand running, gardening, technical support, reer aspirations; tuition is free, and accordingly, donations are snow shoveling, and light housekeeping. It also organizes a needed. The main office is at 5881 Leesburg Pike, Falls variety of social and educational events. The offices are lo- Church. Call 703-931-7346 or visit computercore.org cated at 3139 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 703-231-0824 or visit www.athomeinalexandria.org. See Community Organizations, Page 15 14 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Newcomers & Community Guide

Community Organizations

From Page 14 program and DOT transportation reser- vations for the city, and presents ❖ The mission of Hopkins House is educational programs through monthly to provide quality educational programs events, a speaker series and a monthly and opportunities to children, youths cable show called Senior Living in Alex- and their families, regardless of income, andria. SSA also operates the AniMeals to help them achieve their full intellec- on Wheels program with the Animal tual, economic and social potential. The Welfare League of Alexandria, which office is located at 5904 Richmond provides food for pets for low-income Highway, Suite 525. Call 703-549-8072 seniors. SSA’s Friendly Visitors Program or visit www.hopkinshouse.org. matches volunteers with isolated seniors ❖ Literacy Council of Northern for weekly visits, while the Grocery to Virginia teaches adults the basic skills Go program delivers groceries to seniors of reading, writing, speaking and under- who have difficulty shopping.Contact standing English. Offers one-to-one SSA at www.seniorservicesalex.org or Photos by Laura Mae Sudder tutoring programs for adult learners as 703-836-4414. well as beginning-level ESOL and Fam- ❖ Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) ily Learning adult programs. Offices are of Northern Virginia provides parent located at 2855 Annandale Road, Falls education, public education-re: child Church. Call 703-237-0866 or visit abuse and court advocacy for abused www.lcnv.org. and neglected children. Visit the SCAN ❖ Northern Virginia Family Ser- offices at 205 South Whiting St., Suite vices offers employments and job 205. Call 703-820-9001 or visit training, health care, housing, mental www.scanva.org. health, foster care and home visitations ❖ Volunteer Alexandria aims to to new parents. Northern Virginia Fam- offer comprehensive human services to ily Services is headquartered at 1455 the entire Alexandria community; ser- White Granite Drive, Suite 100 in vices include volunteer recruitment and Oakton with centers and thrift shops placement, court-referred community throughout the region. Call 703-385- service placement, community aware- Streetscapes Along Princess (left) and Prince streets. 3267 or visit www.nvfs.org. ness events and volunteer management ❖ Rebuilding Together Alexan- training. Visit the main office at 123 dria offers home repair and North Alfred St. Call 703-836-2176 or maintenance for vulnerable veterans, visit www.volunteeralexandria.org. at 1 East Luray Ave. Clients may call housing units. Contact info@ most needy in Northern Virginia. The elderly, disabled and families with chil- ❖ Friends of Guest House offers 703-549-8072 24/7 for support. Visit christianrelief.org, visit www.christian schools involved include Dogwood El- dren. Rebuilding Together’s office is structure, supervision, support and as- www.friendsofguesthouse.org. relief.org, or call 703-317-9086. ementary in Reston, Lynbrook located at 700 Princess St., Suite 206. sistance to female ex-offenders who ❖ Incorporated in 1985, in Virginia, ❖ Assistance League of North- Elementary and Garfield Elementary in Call 703-836-1021 or Visit sincerely want to improve their lives and through partnership with 14 agencies, ern Virginia, is an all-volunteer Springfield, Cora Kelly Elementary in www.RebuildingTogetherAlex.org. break the cycle of incarceration. Friends Christian Relief Services (CRS) organization that clothes, feeds, edu- Alexandria and Pine Spring Elementary ❖ Senior Services of Alexandria of Guest House offers the only program offers up to 24 months of transitional cates and nurtures those in need. in Falls Church. Volunteers and donors provides support services for elders, for women of its kind in Northern Vir- housing, case management and support- Working through six elementary schools always needed. Email ALNorthernVA@ helping them to age with dignity. SSA ginia, and receives countless inquiries ive services for homeless people. Around and Inova Fairfax Hospital, Assistance yahoo.com or visit www.northern operates the Meals on Wheels delivery every year. The Guest House is located the country CRS operates affordable League touches the lives of some of the virginia.assistance league.org.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Catholic Church but were Afraid to Ask!

• Catholic? Need to update your Faith? • Non-Catholic? Interested in learning more? Our RCIA Classes are OFFER EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30TH just what you’re looking for! Don’t wait another year! Classes meet Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm [email protected] starting September 9th or call 703-786-6583 *OFFER EXPIRES 9/30/15 Orientation: September 2nd SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. ASK US FOR DETAILS. For more info: CRUSH UP TO 800 CALORIES IN 60 Susan Doyle 703-998-6100, x12 MINUTES WITH OUR NEW CLASSES… or [email protected] Blessed Sacrament Church 1427 W. Braddock Road • Alexandria, VA www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 ❖ 15 Newcomers & Community Guide Getting to Know Alexandria’s High School Sports T.C. Williams St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School: T.C. Williams High School

Mascot: Titans Photo by Louise Krafft/Gazette Packet School Colors: Red, white and blue Girls’ lacrosse, Athletic Director: Steve Colantuoni, 703-824-6860 field hockey won Photo by Mark Stephens Football Coach: Marc Matthie (first year) Matthie takes over a program that ISL AA titles. broke a 22-year playoff drought in 2013 but finished 2-8 in 2014. The Titans won School: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes their opener against Dunbar 28-19 last School season, but lost their next five games. Mascot: Saints TC defeated Lee 40-38 for its other vic- School Colors: Red, white, green tory. and gold. Athletic Director: Stephanie Boys’ Basketball Coach: Bryan Koroma (girls), 703-212-2776; Andrew Ellie Carson, left, and the Hill Taibl (boys) 703-212-2775 2015 St. Stephen’s & St. Girls’ Basketball Coach: Kesha Football Coach: Bernard Joseph Walton (fifth year) Agnes girls’ lacrosse team Boys’ Soccer Coach: Martin Colson Jenkins (6), seen during the 2014 season, and the The Saints finished the 2014 season finished ranked No. 5 in Nickley with a 4-6 record, beating St. Albans 28- the Nike/Lacrosse Maga- Baseball Coach: Chris Metz T.C. Williams football program will be led by first-year 9 in the regular-season finale. SSSAS zine High School Girls’ Rival School: West Potomac head coach Marc Matthie. lost to Alexandria foes Bishop Ireton and Episcopal. National Top 25 poll. 1 during the regular season, but upset Annandale in the open- Boys’ indoor track team ing round of the conference tournament to earn a regional Field Hockey Coach: Dionna Jor- Georgetown Visitation, and lost to Nor- berth. dan folk Academy in the VISAA state were 2015 state champs. Boys’ Soccer Coach: Bo Amato. semifinals. The boys’ basketball team Notable: The T.C. Williams football program, made fa- Boys’ Basketball Coach: Ron lost to rival Episcopal in the IAC semifi- What happened last year: The boys’ indoor track team mous nationally by the 2000 Disney movie “Remember the Ginyard nals, and lost to Trinity Episcopal in the won the 6A state championship. Noah Lyles won indoor state Titans,” starring Denzel Washington, won state champion- Girls’ Basketball Coach: Calvin VISAA state quarterfinals. The boys’ soc- titles in the 55m and the 300m (repeat), and Josephus Lyles ships in 1971, 1984 and 1987. Despite success that spanned Crenshaw cer team lost to rival Episcopal in the captured the 500m championship. The boys’ 1600m relay into 1990, T.C. Williams experienced a 22-year postseason Boys’ Lacrosse Coach: Andrew IAC championship match. team repeated as state champion. During outdoor track sea- drought that ended in 2013, when the Titans went 7-3 in the Taibl son, Noah Lyles repeated as 100m and 200m state champion, regular season and qualified for the playoffs. Girls’ Lacrosse Coach: Kathy Notable: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes and Josephus Lyles repeated as 400m state champ. Iye Jenkins girls’ lacrosse coach Kathy Jenkins sur- Massaquoi won the girls’ discus state championship. The boys’ Quotable: “We battled all year long. We played everybody Rival School: Episcopal passed 600 career victories in 2012 and cross country team qualified for regionals. Then-senior har- tight all year long. We’re trying to change a culture and this is approaching 700. Former Saints field rier Anteneh Girma placed second at the 6A North region cross is part of it — playing teams like this and getting as far as we What happened last year: The hockey coach Marsha Way reached 500 country meet and sixth at the state meet. The field hockey can get. No one expected T.C. Williams to be where we’re at girls’ lacrosse team went 28-1 and won career wins in 2013. team went 12-3-1 in the regular season, but lost to Woodson today at the beginning of the year. Some other high school is the ISL AA tournament title with a 13- in the opening round of the Conference 7 tournament. The supposed to be playing today, not us.” — T.C. Williams base- 12 victory over Georgetown Visitation. Quotable: “I thought we did really, boys’ basketball team earned the No. 2 seed in the conference ball coach Chris Metz after the Titans lost to eventual state The Saints won 28 consecutive games really well with this team this year. They tournament, but lost to eventual conference champion South champion Madison in the opening round of the regional tour- before losing to Bishop Ireton in the exceeded our expectations the whole County in the opening round. The baseball team went 6-13- nament. VISAA state championship game for the season. We had close games and we second year in a row. SSSAS was ranked came back and this one we just didn’t Members of the No. 5 in the final Nike/Lacrosse Maga- finish.” — Girls’ lacrosse coach Kathy Bishop Ireton zine High School Girls’ National Top 25 Jenkins after her team lost to Bishop poll. The field hockey team went 20-3- Ireton 12-10 in the VISAA state champi- girls’ lacrosse 1, won the ISL AA tournament onship game, snapping a 28-game win team celebrate championship with a 1-0 victory over streak. beating St.

Stephen’s & St. Photo by Mark Stephens Agnes to win Episcopal Softball, boys’ their second School: Episcopal High School. consecutive Mascot: Maroon. soccer, VISAA state School Colors: Maroon and black. championship. Athletic Director: Jim Fitzpatrick (boys), 703-933-4034; Jen Fitzpatrick basketball won (girls), 703-933-4036. Football Coach: Panos Voulgaris league titles. (fourth year). The Maroon finished the 2014 season Notable: U.S. Senator and former with a 7-2 record, winning six of their Republican presidential candidate John Bishop Ireton Girls’ lacrosse repeated final seven games. McCain graduated from Episcopal in 1954. McCain played football, tennis School: Bishop Ireton High School Boys’ Soccer Coach: Rick Wilcox. and wrestled while at the school, hold- Mascot: Cardinals as VISAA champion. Boys’ Basketball Coach: Jim ing for two years the record for “fastest School colors: Burgundy and gold Fitzpatrick. pin,” according to the school’s Web site. Athletic director: Bill Simmons, 703-212-5169 Girls’ Basketball Coach: Katrina NFL running back Tim Hightower at- Football coach: Tony Verducci (ninth year) WCAC semifinals. Reed. tended Episcopal for two years, The Cardinals won five of their first six games and finished Baseball Coach: Chris Warren. graduating in 2004. He rushed for 2,010 the 2014 season with an 8-4 record, including a 26-0 playoff Notable : The Bishop Ireton girls’ lacrosse program expe- Boys’ Lacrosse Coach: Scott yards and 22 touchdowns in 14 games victory over Saint John Paul the Great. rienced a season of firsts in 2014. The Cardinals captured their Conklin. with the Maroon. Hightower played col- first WCAC title, beating Good Counsel in the championship Girls’ Lacrosse Coach: Ashley lege football at the University of Boys’ basketball coach: Neil Berkman game. Less than a week later, Ireton defeated St. Stephen’s McDowell. Richmond and was drafted by the Ari- Girls’ basketball coach: Jason Harris & St. Agnes in the VISAA state championship game. It was the Rival School: St. Stephen’s & St. zona Cardinals in the fifth round of the Boys’ lacrosse coach: Brandon Rose first time the Cardinals had ever beaten the Saints, who are Agnes. 2008 NFL Draft, No. 149 overall. Ari- Girls’ lacrosse coach: Rick Sofield annually ranked among the nation’s best. zona advanced to Super Bowl XLIII Baseball coach: Rex Thomas What happened last year: The during Hightower’s rookie season, los- Rival school: Bishop O’Connell Quotable: “Our word the past two weeks has been re- boys’ soccer team beat rival St. ing to Pittsburgh. He played three demption. Redemption is if you fall short or you make a Stephen’s & St. Agnes 2-0 to win the IAC seasons with the Cardinals and one with What happened last year: The girls’ lacrosse team fin- mistake, you make good on it. We fell short of what we were championship. The boys’ basketball the Washington Redskins, totaling ished 20-3, repeated as VISAA Division I state champion and capable of and in this game we redeemed ourselves and we team won the IAC title, defeating three- 2,054 yards and 24 touchdowns. As of was ranked No. 4 in the final Nike/Lacrosse Magazine High made good on it.” — Then-senior Charlotte Sofield, after the time defending champion Bullis in the mid-August, Hightower was attempting School Girls’ National Top 25 poll. The girls’ basketball team Bishop Ireton girls’ lacrosse team repeated as VISAA cham- tournament final. The softball team de- a comeback with the New Orleans reached the VISAA Division I state semifinals, losing to even- pion. The Cardinals lost in the WCAC tournament semifinals feated Stone Ridge to win the ISL A Saints after three years away from the tual champion Paul VI. The boys’ soccer team reached the nine days earlier. championship. NFL. 16 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ Newconers & Community Guide 2015-16 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com